For the past three years Dad's friends, Eek and Meek, have been regular fixtures on the Cat Farm during the planting and harvest seasons. There are two gardens on the farm. One is located behind the barn and the other is located behind the house. Initially, Eek and Meek planted the back garden and we planted the front. No matter what, Eek and Meek always helped us with our garden and vice versa. Due to Meek's health, Dad switched garden plots with the duo last summer so they wouldn't have to walk as far. Despite the distance, you could still find Eek and Meek in the back garden helping Dad weed or pick veggies.

Since last summer, Meek's health has improved. Unfortunately, his brother Eek is in poor health. We pray this will change and both will be around for long time.

I didn't identify Eek or Meek in the photo above. Can you guess which is which?

is missing. Doctor Long shaved Lil' Bit's belly and sections of her front legs during her operation last month. Lil' Bit joined her older sissies, Mary and Zu, in the big girl's club when she was spayed last month following her miscarriage of two kittens. We all agree Lil' Bit is too little to carry kittens and to prevent further heartache we decided it was time.

Lil' Bit is the first female feline we've spayed whose legs have been shaved during surgery. In my opinion, she resembles a poodle which has prompted the nickname "poodle cat." In an effort to document this awkward time in her life I took this photo. I will always remember it as a time when bits of my Lil' Bit were missing.

My Dad is a fan of lawn ornaments. I am not sure where this comes from but he has a few positioned at various locations around the porch. These lawn ornaments were acquired when we lived in Lilburn where they were stood around our swimming pool. Josh and I tease these ornaments are Dad's "little friends," which I'm sure Dad does not care for but goes along with anyway.

This maiden once stood in the center of a bird bath. I have to admit, I was not a huge fan of the bird bath or the "naked" lady (Josh and I realized the maiden was clothed but teased Dad she was naked anyway) that adorned our front lawn. Over time, however, I enjoyed watching the birds roll in the dirt, only to hop in the bath water to cleanse their feathers.

I'm not sure what happened to the bird bath, but the maiden is still with us. Standing on a tree stump at the base of our steps, she is a displaced maiden, stripped of purpose, sans the bath. In a moment of spontaneity I decided to photograph her. Of all the lawn ornaments, she is my favorite. I'm not sure how long she will be with us but none of us will ever forget Dad's "naked" lady in the bath.

Precious baby boy. You joined our family six weeks ago transforming lives and hearts the moment you entered our world. Everything about you is miraculous. Since I've been home we've spent a lot of time together. I have enjoyed every second, excluding yesterday when you spit up on my crotch and then urinated on my side giving me the look and smell of a hobo who walks around wearing black sweats with a huge white patch on the crotch, leaving all who see the bizarre location of this stain questioning how and why its located "there." No worries. I don't blame you. I'll blame your Dad. :)

Everything about you is getting bigger. Your hands and feet, your smiles, your legs and arms, and much to my dismay, your poop. Luckily, I have only changed one of your poopy diapers but, let me tell you son, one is enough. Please don't ever poop on my watch again.

Apart from the dirty diapers and spit up, you are an absolute delight. Your birth was like a catalyst resulting in a resurrection of life for our family. After three years of loss and, what seems continual grief, you have given us a reason to rejoice and, for that, I will always be grateful.

I love you little man. I have enjoyed spending this past month with you, watching you grow and develop. Your parents love you dearly and absolutely want the best for you in all things. Always remember that. Your Aunt Amber is the coolest member of the family outside of your parents. Always remember that too.

Heart and Soul-

A.A.

After spending Easter weekend in West Virginia visiting family, Dad and I stopped by my Aunt Linda's house on our way home.

Ginger, Linda's daughter, lives close to her mother and dropped by so we could see Allison and Brian Parker. Allison is in pre-school and Brian Parker is nine months old. A year had passed since I had seen Allison and although she's grown, she's still the same sassy, classy girl I remembered.

We talked about everything from dinosaurs, to Disney princesses, to her three-story Barbie house (complete with an elevator), to art (which is her favorite subject in school) to future career ambitions, which currently include becoming an astronaut or vet, I think.

Last fall, Allison was a cheerleader and is very good at it. She is also a very good big sister who is surprisingly generous when it comes to sharing her toys with Parker. She also tells her brother she loves him often. Needless to say, Brian Parker is a very lucky little man.

Before leaving I decided to take a few photos of the adorable duo. This photo (below) is my favorite. Joshie and I had a red Radio Flyer wagon but it wasn't as fancy as Allison's. Instead of plastic ours was comprised of wood and metal. It definitely did not have a fold-up seats that offered back supports. Modern toys are nice but I prefer eighties vintage classics.
The idea of planning a family reunion was also discussed. In the last year, three baby boys have been added to the Kidd family, i.e. Brian Parker, Alec (pretty sure that's his name), and Jett. It's nice Jett will have so many cousins, close in age, to play with at family functions. Reunion or not, I look forward to the day when Jett, Allison and Parker can play together.

This afternoon I discovered the desk I used as a child sitting in the corner of the apartment below our farmhouse. Tokens of my childhood were stored inside. An envelope addressed to myself, with the warning "Don't read until you are 18," caught my attention. I gingerly opened the envelope to find a letter I had written to myself seventeen years ago to fulfill a Personal Progress goal. Dated September 13, 1993 it reads:


Dear Amber,





I've just been looking through my Personal Progress and I chose to write a letter. You shouldn't read this unless you are eighteen. Right now I'm 15 yrs of age and I'm pretty sure my plans for the future are going to stay the same but they may change. After I graduate from high school I plan to attend BYU for my pre-med. My major will be biology and my minor will be drama. After I graduate from BYU, I plan to attend the U of Chicago to get my degree in Cardiology.


Hopefully, I will graduate with honors and then find a good paying job so I can help my husband support my family.


I want to have only 2-4 children and I've already picked one boy name and it is Coty. I love that name and it will be appropriate if we live out West.


Spiritually, I hope my testimony will grow and strengthen and that one day I'll be able to teach Young Women like my teachers teach me. I love going to church and I'm glad my brother has the chance to pass the sacrament. One day I want to be able to say that I have lived a good life and Heavenly Father would be proud of me.


Well I guess I should close. Thanks for remembering to read this letter and good luck on your journey to womanhood.





Love,


Amber



Obviously, my life has evolved into something quite different than what I planned. I did, however, graduate from BYU but not with a degree in biology. I did obtain a secondary degree but not in Cardiology. For three years I had a fantastic paying job but am not sure how much longer that will last. I have not married and do not have 2-4 children, "only."
Although, my life didn't turn out as I planned, the life I have is not a bad life. However, I wonder if my fifteen year old self would be disappointed or pleasantly surprised at the life my thirty-two year old self is living. I guess I'll never know.

For over a decade I have been searching for information regarding my cousins who are pictured in the photo above. They are my Uncle Danny's children. Unfortunately, Uncle Danny has been estranged from his ex-wife and children for over a decade and is mum when it comes to their personal information which is essential in locating them. I thought about posting these photos on Facebook to see if any of my LDS friends might recognize them but decided to try blogging first. This is the information I have, which is not much.

My Uncle Danny married Loisann Bierman in the Los Angeles Temple. Loisann was from the Los Angeles area. I have no idea how they met since Danny did not attend a church school or university and grew up in Georgia. They had six children. They are from oldest to youngest:

Kerry "Harrison" Elliott

Clairalyn Elliott

Jeremy Jason Elliott

Benjamin Elliott

Valerie Elliott

Sherilyn Elliott

It is rumored they may have changed their last names when their parents divorced. They may have adopted their mother's maiden name, Bierman, or taken the name of a step father. That remains unclear. It is also believed Loisann and the children resided in the Chattanooga, TN area during the mid-to-late 1990's. Despite my efforts I have discovered very little.

If anyone has any information regarding these individuals, my cousins, I would appreciate the opportunity to contact them and renew my relationship with them.

about seeing the Pointer Sisters in concert tonight! I am less than an hour away from hearing hits like Automatic, Fire, Jump, Slow Hand, and Neutron Dance. Hits my Mother played by the pool, in the car and especially during road trips. She loved them and I love them too. Their songs remind me of the fun we used to have and good memories we created together. I wanted to see them in concert but this is really for my Mom who didn't have the opportunity in life but who I pray will be with me in spirit.

Not only is he a great father he is a terrific Grandfather. I'm sure there will be many more but I love this picture for several reasons. This picture was taken after I had tried to comfort Jett, who was only fussy because he was hungry. As soon as I picked him up Dad was insistent I hand him over so he could hold him. I have to admit I was a little surprised. It was my last evening with Jett and I assumed I would have preference. Dad is so good with him though. I can already tell Jett loves him and there is no doubt the feeling is absolutely mutual.

Although I am not thrilled about being released from my current assignment, I am looking forward to spending time with my Dad and Baby Jett. It will be so nice taking Neville for walks each day, hanging out with Mary, Zu and Little Bit, planting the garden, and feeding the catfish. I am also looking forward to hanging out with Joshie and Lauren.

Kentucky is such a beautiful state, rich in history and culture. I am fortunate to have such a beautiful home to return to. I am also grateful to have a father whose willing to welcome me home no matter what my circumstance.

I love you Dad!

Allow me to introduce you to the students in the Sunday School class I taught until yesterday. From L-R: Savannah, Natalie, Michael, William (Will), and Addie. Savannah is Natalie's friend and was just visiting for the day. Two of my students are not present in the photo. I could brag on them but I'll spare you. Simply put, I will miss them.

(Front)

Last night at Craft Club we made Mug Rugs. A Mug Rug is a smaller, quilted version of a place mat; large enough to place a mug and a snack on but, again, smaller than a place mat. The quilting style is a more contemporary form fashioned after Japanese paper placement. I'm not exactly sure what that means but it sounded good when I heard it. This quilting style is more flexible. You don't have to sew in straight lines or cut the fabric a certain size. Anything goes! For someone who has difficulty with both its a great alternative to traditional quilting.

I found the fabric at Hobby Lobby. They were arranged in fat stacks. I had to buy four fat stacks in order to get all the patterns I wanted, which means I have a lot of fabric left to make many more Mug Rugs. Unfortunately, I don't have a sewing machine to make them with. I think, however, I will add a sewing machine to my Christmas wish list for 2011 so I can practice making Mug Rugs whenever I wish.

If you are interested in making one for your home, tutorials are available through the internet. One that I found interesting is located http://www.ryanwalshquilts.com/2010/11/dresden-wedges-mug-rug-tutorial-bliss.html.

Happy sewing!

(Back)

Friday night I had dinner at Ralph Brennan's Red Fish Grill on Bourbon Street in New Orleans. As the sign boasts, Red Fish has been voted the best seafood restaurant four years in a row, and for good reason. I had the best fish I have ever eaten in my life at this restaurant on Friday night.

I ordered the signature dish, the Red Fish. It was absolute perfection. The blend of spices and flavors made every bite delightful. I used to eat pizza every time I went to NOLA but I'm afraid after Friday my heart belongs on Bourbon at the Red Fish. It's just that good.

The atmosphere was fun. The manager, Brent Applewhite, was attentive to our every need and the service was spot on. I couldn't have asked for a better experience.

So, the next time you're in the Big Easy and looking for a bite to eat. Walk on over to Bourbon Street for a dining experience that is hard to beat. If its a Saturday afternoon, you just may see me there. Bon Appetit!

The Celestial Tree stands in Gulfport near the railroad tracks, its branches stretching and reaching up and out enveloping space and sky. Declared a Mississippi Asset it is registered on the Mississippi and Louisiana state registers. The tree is rooted on a lot near the railroad tracks. According to the owner, on whose land it stands, the tree is about four hundred years old. It has survived the effects of physical and metaphysical forces; a relic of Mississippi's past. I found its beauty and fortitude inspiring. When I imagine the Tree of Life I picture a tree similar to The Celestial Tree; grand, majestic. These surprising discoveries bring an element of surprise to my days creating memories I will cherish long after I leave Mississippi.

Every Saturday morning from 10:30-11:30 I become someone else. From the moment I remove my shoes to enter the classroom I become Kauai, which means "jewel of the islands." The keiki hula class meets the hour before us and I often go early to watch them dance. I'm not the only one. Melissa comes early to watch them too. This morning we had a combined class. It was so fun! Normally, five to six keikis show up for class but this morning there were only two.
In the begining there were four in the adult class but Kayla or "Kai" dropped out. The other students in the adult class are Bretta who is standing just to the right of me and Melissa who is standing on the other side of Bretta. Both of them are really cool. Bretta just moved to New Orleans and will probably be dropping the class also. Unless other adults join the class, our class will be limited to two. Kumu Kathrine, who is sitting "Indian-style" on the floor has scheduled a recital for April 30 to coincide with the May Day holiday. Each student is supposed to do a solo. Can you imagine? I just hope I'm still around to dance for it.
Hula is so beautiful. Its the perfect combination of sign language and ballet. The dancer tells a story through hand movements. The manner in which the dancer moves their hands determines the tone of the story. I love ballet but I think hula fits my personality more; a little less formal and a lot of fun. More to come..
Aloha!

I am attending a Mardi Gras ball tomorrow evening. I have attended this ball for the past two years. The first year I wore a black halter dress accented by Birds of Paradise flowers. My hair was half-up, half-down. The second year I wore a solid navy dress with a rhinestone pendant on the bodice and ruffles on the skirt. My hair was swept up in a French Twist. This year I am wearing a Kelly green Greek-style dress. Unlike the past two years, I am having my hair done prior to the ball. Before going to my appointment tomorrow afternoon I need to decide which "do" I want to do.The first looks a little more "Greek" to me but my hair is not as long as the model's and I'm afraid the effect will not be the same should my hair fall short.

Angelina wowed Oscar crowds last year when she appeared wearing her hair swept halfway up with lose curls cascading down her back. She was absolutely stunning. I know I am NO Angelina but I'd love to see if I could pull the second "do" off.
So, I am taking a poll. I may not get any responses but I thought I'd ask, just the same. I miss getting input on little things like this from my girlfriends. In lieu of discussing it over dinner, I am posting my options here and asking my friends to comment.

was I, to see Tommy Hilfiger's new ads sporting Basset Hounds especially now that we have Neville. I'm not sure why, it just makes me feel like owning a Basset Hound is more fashionable, more En Vogue. I suppose, technically, Neville is Dad's but I'd like to think of him more as the family dog. Either way, the Basset Hounds in this advertisement are adorable. Neville would be right at home in a model's lap if he wasn't too busy trying to roll over so she could scratch his belly. I can see it now. Don't think Tommy's photographers would like that. Then again...

was Rice Krispy treats from Starbucks. I'm not a huge fan of Rice Krispy treats. Years had passed since I had eaten one. Then one day I was in Target. I was hungry. I wondered over to Starbucks to check out their snack selection and that's when I saw this light, fluffy, yet still crunchy, treat. It looked good but tasted even better. I was hooked! For weeks all I wanted was a Rice Krispy treat from Starbucks. Lucky for me, there's a Starbuck's at the intersection in front of the office. I soon discovered however, the Starbuck's on Highway 49 in Gulfport has a better selection. By the beginning of February the addiction had vanished. I'm certain it will soon be replaced. By what? Who knows? But thank you Starbucks for satisfying my cravings through my Rice Krispy treat addiction. Should it return, I now know where to go.

is the best sushi I have had since moving to the Gulf Coast. My favorite is the Miami roll. I'm sure the other rolls are tasty but the Miami is the only one I've tried. I always order the same thing too; miso soup, the Miami roll, and a Diet Coke.

Fatsumos is a wonderful alternative to the fried fare and poboys the Gulf Coast is famous for. Dining out has been a challenge for this and other reasons.

I also like the name which brings a smile to my face each time I say it.

Sushi that makes me smile. Fatsumos.

your heart makes, when you're fast asleep. In dreams you can loose your heartache. Whatever you wish for will be. Have faith in your dreams and someday. Your rainbow will come smiling through. No matter how your heart is grieving. If you keep on believing. The dreams that you wish will come true."

Yes, I know the lyrics by heart. Some of the words may be wrong but this is how I remember them. I have always loved the song Cinderella sings as she gazes longingly toward the castle from her bedroom window. Some may think its cheesy. Others may say its naive. I say its inspirational and uplifting.

Whenever I get discouraged I think of this song. Whenever I'm doing chores and feel like Cinderella I sing this song.

On February 15, 1950 Disney introduced Cinderella to the world. Although Aurora will always be my favorite I can't see Cinderella without thinking of my cousin's daughter, Rylee Grace, who loves Cinderella. With blonde hair and blue eyes, Rylee Grace is just as pretty as the Disney princess.

Happy 61st to Cinderella! May you continue to inspire the hearts of girls and women everywhere...to dream.