Hi!  It's me, Sparkle Diamond!  How are you?? Hope this finds you okay; I'm doing super!!

I love this time of year: Christmas.  It's the time for Santa Claus, Christmas trees or lights, pretty music, and people being kind to one another.  Seems to me that Christmas brings out the best in people!

I have been trying very hard to be good so Santa Claus doesn't leave me a lump of coal.  :)  I have been trying really hard to get along with CP and Errol (my older brothers; they're eight and ten to my seven), and my little sister, Tasha Reaundre'a (she's two).  I've been helping mama and daddy too and have been doing my physical therapy without complaining.

I have spina bifida.  This is why I use crutches, wear braces on my legs.  I was born with it; my legs are paralyzed.  I had to learn how to walk; I didn't walk until I was three, four years ago.  I've been on the go ever since; nothing can stop me! :)

When I get big, I want to be a gospel singer like Patti LaBelle or Shirley Caeser.  If I can't do that, I want to be a teacher, just like my teacher at school, Ms. Dearborn.  I just love her! 

This coming weekend is our Christmas cantata at our church.  I'm in it; I get to sing a solo.  I am singing "O Holy Night".  I have never done a solo before; I'm a bit nervous!!  I hope it goes well, and I hope I don't mess up; I'd be mad if I did!!

The weather here in Pocatello, Idaho (where I live with my family) has been co-o-o-o-ld!!  And snowy!!  I would say winter came a bit early!  :)  I love winter, but not when my legs, feet turn blue (I have poor circulation due to being paralyzed; I have to be soo careful!!).  When that happens, I get scared; I'm scared I may end up losing my legs; I don't want to go through life without my legs!

I'd sooner swim with sharks than to go without legs!!

Usually my legs turn back to their normal color when I get warmed up; if not, then I will have to go to the ER to see what's going on.  That hasn't happened yet, but it could.  With spina bifida, you have to be so careful!

I also have to be careful not to get the flu or be aorund someone who has meininggitis (I think I spelled that wrong!!).  My brain could swell, and I'd have some problems, serious problems, possibly even die.  When someone has the flu, I have to be as far away from that person so I don't get sick. 

I've been lucky.  Other than my surgeries or a few colds, I've been very healthy for one with my disability.  I am very blessed!  :)

I hope that continues!

Guess what.  I thought our dog was a boy dog, so I named him "Killa".  Turns out "Killa" is a GIRL!  She's going to have puppies!!  Hmm....Wonder what I should rename her:  "Killette"??  "Lady-Killa"??  I just don't know!  :P

"Killa" will probably have puppies in a month or so.  Don't know how long it takes for dogs to have puppies when they become pregnant.  :)

Well, it's time to go to lunch (at school now), so I will run along.  I will write again another day.  We go on Christmas break on Friday; then we're off for two glorious weeks!  I just hope that I get the new book by Kimberly Willis Holt about Piper Reed; I just LOVE that girl!  I also want to get the books about Ramona Quimby by Beverly Cleary!  In addition to the books, I want drawin' paper, crayons, pencils (colored, of course!), markers, perfrume, makeup, and purties for my hair, and a new winter coat; mine's getting a bit snug 'round the middle.  Maybe Santa will be good and bring 'em to me.  I hope so!

God bless you always, and if I don't write before, let me wish y'all a very merry Christmas!  Remember why we celebrate Christmas: not so much for the gifts we get, but the gift that God gave us in His Son, Jesus Christ!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Idaho, Sparkle Diamond Anderson, age 7 years.  :)