Christmas Letter

Hello everyone,
Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year. With kids jingle belling and everyone telling you “Be of good cheer!” I’d have to say it’s the hap-happiest season of all. I think what makes it such a happy time is the reminder to all of us that there is one gift that God has given to all of us: The gift of redeeming love, even the atoning sacrifice of his son, Jesus Christ. Nichole and I are so grateful for the mercy and grace God has shown us this last year. We truly have so many blessings to be thankful for.
The last time we sent out a Christmas letter we were in Provo wondering where we might be next year. We ended up in San Antonio, Texas where I have been studying Counseling Psychology. I have learned a lot and really enjoy doing therapy. I stay pretty busy, between school and working part time helping people diagnosed with Schizophrenia. I will be graduating with my masters in December of next year.
Nichole has been working as a teacher’s assistant at a school for kids with autism. She recently got promoted to behavior technician. Although the work is challenging, she loves seeing the kids every day. She also stays busy teaching piano and helping our friend Mikey who has cerebral palsy.
We have made so many great friends here and have had some wonderful experiences this last year. These are just a few of our favorite things:
Taking our dog camping, Staying up late watching Psych, Planting a garden, Game nights with popcorn and orange Julius, Nichole visiting her twin sister in Las Vegas, Sharing the gospel with my classmates, Playing the piano, The Blair family reunion in Arkansas, Teaching a little girl how to tie her shoes, Reading my scriptures while waiting for the bus, Picking peaches, Substituting in the Primary or Nursery, Going to the beach with Nichole’s family, Singing in the Messiah, Seeing Brian Regan live, Playing basketball on Thursday nights, Reading the Hunger Games instead of doing homework, Having great conversations about life, politics, and philosophy.
We hope you all have had a great year as well and that 2011 finds you happy and healthy. Merry Christmas!
Love,The Blairs

Beautiful People.... and A Christmas Miracle

I came across the quote today and it touched me. I wanted to share it.

"The most beautiful people we have known are those who have known defeat, known suffering, known loss, and have found their way out of the depths. These persons have an appreciation, a sensitivity, and an understanding of life that fills them with compassions, gentleness, and a deep loving concern. Beautiful people do not just happen."

--- Elisabeth Kubler-Ross

I love this quote, and here are my thoughts on it... just in case you want to know them. I have come to learn that defeat, suffering and loss comes in many shades and are known by many names, and that all people are dealt these things although it may not be apparent to an outside viewer. However, I hope it is okay to say that not all people are the beautiful people that this quote describes. The key is finding your way. Whatever that means to you.

The only thing I want to perhaps add to this beautiful expression, is that you can find your way, and come to the beauty, peace and understanding of life Elisabeth discusses, even when their seems no way or even if there truly is no way out of the depths.

And now for the Christmas Miracle................

My Christmas Cactus that was a shoot taken from my Grandma's plant (who has been gone for 12 years now), which I nearly killed on our move to TX and have been trying to revive for the past 18 months....

.....is Blooming(I have never gotten it to bloom before)!!! It is a Christmas Miracle to me. The most beautiful thing it the world just may be the blooms from a Christmas Cactus. And it brings hope to my heart and a smile to my face every day as I anxiously check it's progress. Mind you, there are only buds right now, but I fully intend to capture it's beauty with our standard digital camera and novice skills when it is in full bloom, and post a picture. But for now... the stock photo at the top will have to do.