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.

Val's Shower

This weekend, I hosted a baby shower for my dear friend Valerie Natale.

I found a nice venue in The Bricker House in Lemoyne, PA.

I hosted an

afternoon tea.

About 30 guests joined in the festivities.

The invitation prompted the guests to wear their best tea party hats. some guests embraced the requests. For those that "forgot" their hats, we had an array to offer them.

The tables were decorated with teapots and fresh flowers.

Instead of just a cake. I opted for individual cupcakes in tea cups and saucers. My mom decorated each cupcake as a one of a kind,

the designs were very whimsi

cal.

The fare was a cold buffet of cranberry almond

chicken salad sandwiches, bacon and spring onion wraps, fresh fruit,

scones, pumpkin bread, etc...

The guests also were invited to savor 3 unique

teas or enjoy fresh Mango Mandarin Punch.

I wanted to capture the Lady of Honor and her husband, who also

attended the shower, with all of the guests that attended the shower.

By far, my favorite photo was that of each of the guests standing in front of the venue making silly faces.

I hope that Val had an enjoyable time. We are so blessed to share this special journey with she and Jim. we cannot wait until January 17th when Baby Natale makes his or her debut.

I wonder

Dear Audrey:

Sometimes I watch you without trying to catch your eye. I do this on purpose.

If you know that I am watching, you will certainly try to oblige your mama's gaze with a smile.

You are like that. Always watching. Curious. happy.

As I stare at you, I wonder. I wonder what color your hair will finally resolve to be, or your eyes. Are they hazel or are they brown? I wonder if you will like to sing, the way that I do. Or will you love the color pink? Will you love the feel of the slippery creek rocks under your feet like I did as a little girl? Will you be a daredevil like your daddy was?

I pray that your life is filled...filled with promise...filled with rich friendships that span the course of your life, filled with only the blessings that God can provide. I wonder who you will become.

A Mother's Prayer

I pray you'll be my eyes
And watch her where she goes
And help her to be wise
Help me to let go

Every mother's prayer
Every child knows
Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she'll be safe

I pray she finds your light
And holds it in her heart
As darkness falls each night
Remind her where you are

Every mother's prayer
Every child knows
Need to find a place
Guide her with your grace
Give her faith so she'll be safe

Lead her to a place
Guide her with your grace
To a place where she'll be safe

Baking with Gram

We went to my parents this weekend. My mom scheduled Audrey for an Old Time Photoshoot that one of the local churches was sponsoring. We arrived to dress Audrey in a lace gown. The photographer added a hat and strands of pearls, some great props and TaaDaa...a cute bunch of pics.

Today, after my mom got off of work, she sliced up some apples and made apple dumplings to enjoy throughout the winter. Audrey sat in her rocking seat atop the table and helped Gram make apple dumplings.

Just Treats!

No tricks, dear Audrey.

Happy 1st Halloween!

Although, we won't be running around the neighborhood in search of candy. I am pretty sure the neighbors aren't handing out Enfamil samples...but if they were!!!!Gram bought you 3 costumes for your first Trick or Treat. I am not sure which one you liked best. I think that you definately make a cute Winnie the Pooh!

I took your picture in all 3 costumes and sent a little greeting card to our friends.

Tonight, Nana and Pap are coming to enjoy a crockpot dinner and then hand out candy with us. Your cousin Parker is coming too. Our neighborhood is the perfect place for candy grabbing and he is 9 so...

Tonight, we will be handing out an assortment of Pop's candy board items, hershey bars, a mixed collection of the junk your daddy has brought home recently and hasn't eaten, and 50 lucky treaters will be getting a coupon for a free Jr. Frosty at Wendys.

Although there isn't any candy for you, I can still fill your bag up with other treats: 1extra this little piggie on each foot, 3 more minutes in the bath-tub to splash, 1 more story, a stroller ride somewhere new since you love to nose-poke, a couple more giggles and a few more kisses. Thatsalotta loot kid!

You are my favorite treat...spit up and all!

Love,

Mommy

A morning person

Dear Audrey:

It is official: You are a morning person. I found you in your crib this morning, blinking up at the ceiling and smiling. I asked you: "What's the name of the angel you are talking to?" You just gave me a gummy grin. No matter how poorly you may have slept the night before, the sunrise wipes the slate clean.

I brought you downstairs and laid you on the couch, where you wriggled and cooed long enough for me to make coffee and eat my cornflakes.

Your eyes are like sparkling stars in the morning. It's like your pleased to meet a new person for the first time or you have missed me after a long trip. It is a gift that god offers just to me every morning, as you stretch to fit into the new day and wipe the sleepies from your eyes.

I love when it is just you and me and the morning .

mom

Week 10
Guess what? Your baby can pick out his parents' faces in a group. His eyes widen and shine and he wiggles with glee when someone familiar comes near. He's ready and willing to hone his social skills, so make him part of family activities-bring him to the table during dinner, or put him in a carrier sling while you work. He loves your company as much as you love his.

2 months old

Audrey had her 2 month check up this week.
She is 12 lbs 14 oz and 23 1/4 inches long.

She is in the 75th to 90th percentile for all her measurements. She did well with her shots.

She made the trip to my parents in the same day, but when we arrived the shot reaction began and she screamed and cried for awhile, her legs a bit swollen.

She did manage to sleep 9 hours without waking, not sure if the tylenol helped. She is getting cuter everyday.