2016 Merry Christmas Friends

I didnt do Christmas Cards this year.  To be honest, it truly wasnt due to lack of time. It was due to the fact that during the previous two years, I have only received half of what I used to get. I blame this on Social Media, of which I am a junkie...although I always hope to reform.  People are less and less inclined to connect with handwritten notes anymore and more and more likely to put themselves and ALL of their feelings out on the internet for everyone on earth to view.  I hope I can change that for myself.
In the meantime, here is our social media broadcasted Christmas Card/Letter to everyone.
This has been the fastest year of my life.
Perhaps, it is because I feel that 2016 has kept our household in a constant busy state with no time to even idle.
Audrey is in first grade.  I blinked.
She is 7 going on 19. She asked for her own phone for Christmas...umm...no!
She loves music and singing and dancing. Her body is in a constant state of motion.
She learned to ride a bike without training wheels and just recently to jump rope.
She loves school. She loves to read. She loves to write stories and draw pictures.
Most days, she drives me crazy...and most days I am simply amazed at the person she has become and is becoming.

 This year has been a busy one, like always, for Jim. He has had a building year at Equipment Depot, working hard to establish new customers.  He spent quite a few days at Susquehanna Speedway working in various roles at the track. He enjoys his time there on the dirt track.  Although I will NEVER understand why he has to wear white pants while working in dirt.
Jim celebrated his 20th year as a UAFD Member. He is about to begin his 8th year as Upper Allen Township Fire Chief. I realize that I introduce myself as Stacy Salter, the Fire Chief's Wife, Its just easier...everyone knows the Fire Chief.  I am so proud of him and I hope he knows that.
This past May, Audrey and I traveled with Jim to his training in Pensacola Florida.  It was a great training opportunity for him and a small vacation for us all. It was even an opportunity for me as a wife to be amongst other fire-wives and share and learn from them.


For me, this has been a year of a packed calendar, too many meals at the drive thru, growth, and excitement.  My photography business has had the busiest year yet. I cant believe that I am coming up on 7 years and I also cant believe how much I still have to learn.  I am so grateful for loyal customers and the occasional opportunity to feel like I am blessing someone.
It has been 21 months since my mom and I began Bring Your Own Apron Paint & Craft Events. We continue to stay busy and blessed with faithful clients and new folks each week. We partnered with Adams County Winery this year and so many fantastic fundraising groups. We are excited to see BYOA grow in 2017.
I am in year 3 at ECC! I have a great class this year, 21 wonderful kids.  I have finally found my groove in the classroom and truly feel like I have a ministry and not just a teaching job.  I love my "every day" job so very much.
I also continue to work at DeHart as a contractor with clients around our home.
Honestly, I am looking forward to a few days with nothing to do.  As I get older, I have learn to appreciate those kind of days more and more. There is something wonderful about waking up with no plans and just enjoying a quiet day.
As I round the corner to the final week of Christmas, I am taking that time to focus on the reason for the season...a king that came to earth as a baby, born in a lowly manger. How awesome is that, friends? It is that hope that carries me through this crazy life. every. single.day.
I hope that you also take the time to soak up the blessing sent down at Christmas!
Happy New Year and Much Love to each and every one of you,
Stacy, Jim, and Audrey Salter