Merry Christmas to loved ones both near and far,
We send you our love wherever you are.
This year on our farm started off with a bang
As the Lord added another special boy to our gang.
Micah Howard was born in January this year
and now is standing up to things without fear.
We enjoyed nice long visits with Grandma Cordell and Great Grandpa Browne
And this summer Bryan, Leona, and Jordyn came to our town.
It was red headed Jordyn who changed our role
as this new Grandma and Grandpa’s hearts she stole.
Back to Tucson they left on a run
and now into the Army Bryan has gone.
Several visits by phone with Jeremy we’ve had
From Hawaii he calls to update his dad.
One thing from this year he has shared
was the successful 10K bicycle race that he dared.
Hawaii’s weather they love but the cost of living is high
so he and Christina intend to give Oregon another try.
17 year old Rebecca everyday keeps going
and now for Christmas gifts she’s been doing some sewing.
In addition to milking she’s a huge help with our littlest guys
she enables Lynn to work on other projects with the time that she buys.
Aaron and Isaac have been going to work once a week each
The pool cleaning business I’ve been trying to teach.
On the farm, after their studies, they help to care for
the goats, the chickens, the guineas and more.
Molly at eight has gotten real good at reading
So a little less help with her school books she’s needing.
She sorts all the laundry, feeds and waters the dogs,
and hundreds of bounces on our trampoline she logs.
Caleb continues to show he’s quite bright
He’s learning to read simple words by sight.
He empties wastebaskets; he feeds cats day and night,
He really thinks dressing like dad is alright.
Noah is talking and counts to fourteen
In my arms when I’m home he’s usually seen.
He can tell you the sounds of every alphabet letter
And at reciting his favorite videos he keeps getting better.
The five oldest here surprised us last night with a skit
By acting out The Christmas Story they had rehearsed quite a bit.
“Secret Service Agents” we’ve all become now,
doing the chores of others without them knowing somehow.
Three litters of kittens born: orange, tabby, and black
have yielded four good “mousers” patrolling out back.
The kids have marveled at each lump of fur
That grows into a cat they soon can chase after.
We’re up to 14 goats now with more on the way
And we’ve gotten as much as 4 gallons of milk each day.
Lynn makes goat yogurt and soft cheeses in more than one flavor
It’s the one called Texas Ranch that most of our children savor.
Isaac helps Rebecca milk and I built another milk stand,
A feed room and shelters were added as we continue to expand.
A thought occurred to me when Lynn turned forty in December
She has shared half her life with me, and what a half to remember.
Salvation through Jesus, 7 more kids, and teaching homeschool
New traditions, digital memories, Texas farming, her plate’s been full.
God keeps blessing us with awesome new life
Through it all I’ve been glad for Lynn as my wife.
Pool cleaning, bottled water delivery, taxes, and farming,
Wearing so many hats some days it’s alarming.
I’m grateful our Lord has kept me employed
For His abundant providence we are overjoyed.
We wish each one a great Christmas and Happy New Year
Full of love, happiness, adventure, and cheer.
May God richly bless “y’all”!!!
Harold, Lynn, Rebecca, Aaron, Isaac, Molly, Caleb, Noah, and Micah
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