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.