The Gift of Time

For Christmas this year, I didn't need to search my soul too much to hear the answer to what to buy my inlaws. I heard it in their voices over the course of the last 12 months. So, in response to what my soul heard, here is the letter that I created for them to open on Christmas Eve.

Dear Nana and Pap:

When the holidays began, we made our usual list of the gifts that we wanted to give our family and friends; a video game for Parker, a pair of pj’s for Kendra, etc, etc,…….

And then, we went shopping and we bought everyone the typical “stuff”.

As we began finishing up the holiday shopping for this year, we looked over our purchases….again lotsa stuff… and yet, we felt like we were missing something for the two of you. So, we headed to the store to get you your last “big” gift from us: A Banquet Table.

We went to Kmart and BJ’s, and Ollies…..and every banquet table on the planet had been bought up. So, we gave up.

While we drove from store to store looking for that Banquet Table….something kept coming to mind.

Over the course of the year, as we spent time together, our conversations often led to “the good old days.” You would reminisce about the times that you spent with your kids and grandkids. Never once did the conversation turn to how great it was to get that doorbuster crockpot or how you wish that this year someone would buy you a banquet table. What it always came down to was that you really just wished for more time with family.

Time is the most valuable gift you can give someone.

So, that is our “BIG” gift this year: TIME.

Enclosed are 12 coupons, one for every month, good for what we believe are things that you could use throughout the year.

You can use them all in one month, you can use them once a month. Whatever you choose, they are yours to decide.

In addition to these coupons, we will be hosting SECOND SUNDAYS at our house every month. Everyone is welcome, including Grandpa, Joylene and her family, whomever wants to come. They need only to bring a Potluck dish to pass. Our house is always the meeting place and the time is always 4 pm. All you have to do is show up.

We can’t wait to share a wonderful 2010 with you both.

See you on Sunday, January 10^th. That is the date of our first 2^ND SUNDAY!

Love Always,

Jim, Stacy and Audrey

AND Here are some the coupons that we created:

Good for one Bingo Night, Good for one Dinner Drop Off, Good For one Surprise Us Day( we plan a fun day for them), Good for one House cleaning and Organization Weekend....

All things that we hope that they truly can look forward to and enjoy.

Time truly is the most valuable gift that you can give someone.

Tomorrow is not promised to us.

My grandmother was one of the most influential people in my life.

She lived across the street from me for most of my life.

I cannot remember a single Christmas or birthday present that she ever gave me.

However, I CAN tell you 22 years of stories about baking with her and yard-saling and dancing with her. I can tell you how old I was the day that they planted fruit trees in her yard. I remember the feel of her hand when it held mine and the sound that her porch swing made as it creeked beneath us.

Time may be all someone you love is looking for.

How did you get here so fast? 4 months old.

Dear audrey:

Today you are 4 months old.

We went to your 4month appt this morning.

You are 16 lbs 5 ounces and you are 26 1/4 inches long. That puts you above the 95th percentile for all of your growth.

You are beginning to sit up on your own. You can hold your toys. You are eating cereal.

You are in 6 to 9 month clothing. You notice the dog now.

How did you grow up this fast?

Christmas is just around the corner

and I feel like I have gotten a pretty good start.

Jim allowed me the free time to go and shop on Black friday, where I got some great deals.

Santa shopped on-line and got Audrey an awesome wagon for next summer and hopefully for years to come. Its her first Christmas, but at 4 months old, she is just young enough to not enjoy it. But, oh what fun we will have next Christmas and in the christmases to come.

Yesterday, we made a trip to the Picture People to get our family photo with Santa.

It was Take 2 for us, as last week didn't work out as we had hoped...screaming baby.

The pictures turned out ok. Christmas cards went out with our faces on them.

As with every Christmas, I wrote a letter to our friends.

While I was writing our letter, I was trying my hardest to reflect on our year as individuals...but that part of this year seems to be foggy for me.

I don't remember there being anything truly important that happened before Audrey was born:

Here is our letter:

Christmas 2009

JOY to the world

Dear Friends,

When we sent our 2008 Christmas letter, it was a little too soon to share the wonderful news that we were expecting a baby.

“LIFE” truly began on August 8^th at 5 pm.

After 40 weeks of anticipation, we felt incredibly blessed to hear those delightful words: “It’s a girl!”

AUDREY JOY, her name meaning Strength and Happiness, weighed 7 lbs 9 oz and measured 19 ½ inches tall.

Now, at 4 months, Audrey is an active and very vocal baby; curious about everything, a “nose-poke”.

After 9 years of working for Campus Door, my job officially ended in June. Saying goodbye to my family aka my coworkers was very sad.

But, God’s timing is perfect; losing my job came at the best time. Waking up to a toothless grin at 6 am every morning is my greatest JOY.

At the beginning of the year, Jim was sworn in as Upper Allen Fire Chief. His family and I are so proud of his dedication and success.

Jim also marked his 5 year anniversary at Equipment Depot. So many people don’t realize that Jim has a “real job” and that being Fire Chief is a volunteer position. So, if you know anyone who is looking for a forklift or aerial lift, Jim’s your guy!

We are looking forward to a fun-filled 2010, a year of so many firsts: first tooth, first steps, first words; a year of great JOY. Visit www.jimandstacysalter.blogspot.com to read our blog and check in on us during the year.

Did you know: The word JOY appears in 333 scripture? That’s almost enough JOY to fill every day of the year.

It is our hope that you find JOY every day of your life, in all things, and everywhere you look.

Love and Many Blessings,

Jim, Stacy and Audrey Salter

But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great JOY that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ^[a] the Lord.