And the stockings were hung by the Chimney with care

Garner Family Christmas Prose 2015

Lea is 11, in 6^th grade, and a Musical Magnifique.

She plays the clarinet. Her voice is stunningly unique.

She spends her time writing songs and performing them out loud.

She is Amaryllis in The Music Man, which she’ll perform in front of a big crowd.

Giles is 13, and had an amazing shot during deer season.

He’s back into yoyos. Who really knows the reason?

He practices and practices, then shows everyone his skills.

He plays Call of Duty online, and brags about his zombie kills

Maya’s a sophomore, and for school she hates to be late.

She hangs out with her friends, and this year had her first date.

She said it was the best day ever, I reminded her, the best day “yet”.

Singing with an impeccable voice, a sweet daughter, she’s the best we could get.

True is a senior, and can’t wait to leave the nest.

Every day after school is another hunting quest.

He hunts ducks, geese, and elk, but his favorite is deer.

With the 1^st Black ½ Charolais, he won Grand Champion 4-H Steer.

Cyrus spent the fall as a junior at the U of O.

Loving Moby Dick and despising Beowolf.

The day his Bob Dylan boxset came was his favorite.

With his beautiful girlfriend, McKayla, his future’s looking bright.

As a rancher, Harlen’s busy keeping everything running smooth

And if you have been around here, you know it is the truth.

He finds time to fit in some hunting in between all the kids’ games.

Then he helps them raise their steers, and enjoys watching their acclaim.

As a mom I love it, and I am not usually one to brag.

But if they gave out an award for the best kids, I’d have it in the bag.

In the summer, Cyrus and I went to a concert, Mumford & Sons.

I am back into politics. I know everything about everyone who runs.

Our family would like to wish yours, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

The reason for this season isn’t a puzzle, but perfectly clear.

It isn’t the gifts that you receive, but the ones that you can give.

It isn’t the life that you have had, so far, but the one that you can live.

There isn’t a day that goes by that Loughlin and Rhiannon aren’t in our minds.

And we are so grateful for the love and memories that will forever bind.