A couple of months ago I was asked to teach an art program to the primary school classes. We studied Louise Nevelson, a Russian-born American sculptor. They boys had so much fun at school learning and making sculptures that we made more at home. We wanted to do enough to make a whole wall of box sculptures just like Louise Nevelson did. Here are two of our masterpieces.

This spring we went to California. ( We always go to California in the spring.) The boys got to bowl with their aunt and uncle. Wade got the high score. We didn't count the guy next to us who was getting strikes every time. On the way back we went to the coast to see the redwoods. Since we took the dog we had to camp. So we camped at a little campsite near the see. We woke with frost all over. Nobody died. As we drove to Creasent City to get breakfast and wait for the Trees of Mystery park to open our van developed the hiccups. We found a mechanic with a computer and he told us our widgimadoodle was out. He checked around town, and no one had one. I called the dealership in Grant's Pass (70 treacherous miles away) and they had the part. We rented a car. I drove the family back to Trees of Mystery and then I drove to Grant's Pass. I didn't die. I got the widgimawhatsit and drove back to Trees of Mystery. Then we all went back and I put the thingamabob in the van and found a cure for hiccups. We drove home. Nobody died. Attached are some doctored up photos to make it seem like my story is true.
On an added note. We seem to have mice in the pantry. We were sure of it when we found a dead mouse at the top of the stairs. It was nice to see our cats earning their keep. I was especially impressed at the sense they showed in just killing the vermin and not eating the filthy critters. We kept the pantry door open in hopes of more carcases littering the floor come morning. A few nights later Tenar, the filthy she cat, woke me up. I tried to pet her, but she shied away. She kept staring at my head. I realized she was stalking me. Who knows what goes through cats head. Then I realized she was looking at my ear. Why would she do that? Then it hit me, she was stalking something on my pillow. A spider? I hate those spiders who bite you in the night and run away without being accidentally squished as I roll over. I tried to discern in the dark what it was. Then I notice a dark spot about the size of a quarter. That fool cat had brought me a live mouse. I jumped so high I had to wait a full minute till I hit ground again. I flipped the mouse on the floor. It sped for the corner. I grabbed the cat and through it at the mouse. The cat acted like there was nothing interesting there. I kept her there till she changed her mind. Finally she flipped it out into the middle of the room, and I grabbed it up. I hauled that mouse to the executioner (me with a 2 x 4). I didn't sleep much after that. All those dark spots in the folds of the blanket.

Peanuts

Found a peanut, found a peanut just now. Just now I found a peanut. Found a peanut just now.

I can't eat, sleep, or walk... how am I supposed to find the energy to glow?

Okay, so actually I don't really feel these things, but it was in an e-mail I received and I thought maybe some of the pregnant people out there might relate. Congratulations to all of them by the way. I do, however have sore ribs- on the right side. Very tender to the touch. After my last doctor's visit they seemed a little worried about me not gaining enough weight and "measuring small". I'm not too worried about it but am supposed to be upping my caloric intake and am scheduled for another ultrasound. I'm looking forward to that. Who wouldn't want to see her cute little self (she's supposed to be the weight of a cantaloupe about 18 inches long). Hopefully they will print some of the shots out and hopefully she is feeling photogenic and then hopefully I will share them with you.
I have decided that we will probably still be living here when she graces our presence and so am making plans to move the computer over to the room with the treadmill, doing something with my sewing machine, and stashing my keyboard somewhere because for some reason I can't get it to work. One day it just didn't turn on. If anyone has any ideas of how I can resurrect it (besides plug it in or change the batteries) I would appreciate it. I loved having a little something to make tunes on. I'm also going to move my dresser in here and refinish another dresser at mom and dad's for our room. It's no painting the nursery's walls or making curtains, but that will have to satisfy my nesting needs.
Still no definate names or cravings.
-Elisabeth and "little miss"

FHE

We had a very nice family home evening yesterday at Jonathan and Isa's (and Amaya and Enoch). All the locals were there except Michael who was away being studious at school (every night- way to go!). Ivy made it there from school too. We talked the new prophet and sang Follow the Prophet and We Thank Thee O God for a Prophet. We loved his parables and it was noted that they come from his personal experience of a lifetime of service. So, we followed his example and our activity was service based.

Yet another belly shot

32 Weeks are here- well, general conference sunday. Tonight she is busying herself drumming on my right hip. I had heard about rib punches but I never did realize just how far she could reach. Sleeping has gotten more difficult and I can appreciate a little more those who have a hard time getting up in the morning. A travel pillow in the car and a rolled up blanket between my knees when I sleep have really helped. So far I have gained 20 pounds and my back isn't appreciating it much.
The farm is full (one more dump) of baby chicks! Around the time they go to market little miss Freeman should be gracing our presence! I am so excited to hold and squish this little person I have been getting to know and I am also excited to let you get to know her too!

Wade's first Music concert went great. He had several parts. It was called "Animals in Music". Wade was in the elephant class and he danced like an elephant. He had a lovely little poem he memorized and spoke over the microphone ( monkeys swing, lions stalk, egals soar, people walk) He sang several songs, played musical instruments, danced and acted out a few songs (he was a mouses in one song). The last song was about catterpillers and I saw him grimising and plugging his ears. I latter asked him why and he said that the kids behind him were making wierd nioses and not being serious, and it frustrated him because he was being serious. On our way home he was talking about his friends Jose and Zimri. Jose is funny because he always pretends to run into the posts. Zimri tries to be funny. Wade said, "He should be a clown, but he wouldn't be a very funny clown."

Wade is full of remarks like these, full of a wisdom and observance level one wouldn't expect. He is funny, but he doesn't want to be a clown, he just likes being himself.

Missionary Mom!

Mom spends a lot of her time now as a church service/ family history missionary. I can't recall exactly how she's labeled. She has meetings and trainers and reports hours and spiritual experiences. I am so proud of her!