A MENTZER CHRISTMAS POEM FOR 2018
Tis the week
before Christmas, and here on the farm,
We’re wrapping
gifts, baking goodies, and stacking firewood in the barn.
The crops have
all been harvested from the fields with care,
The farm equipment’s
been washed and checked over for repair;
The combine
and tractor are all snug in their sheds,
Spots and the
kitties are curled up in their beds;
And Nathan on his computer and I with Jeanie on my lap,
Would like nothing
more than a long winter’s nap.
All work and
all play sums up 2018,
Nathan’s
worked really hard, trying to keep up with everything.
Some days he’s
in the tractor, or doing engineering work from home,
He’s trucking
or combining while taking a conference call on the phone.
I’ve fared a
bit better, at least I get to play,
Whilst keeping
the house up and kids fed every day.
Chef,
nursemaid, housekeeper, gardener, bookkeeper too,
Scouting
fields, canning tomatoes and lots of other things to do!
From in the
boys’ room there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from my chair to
see what was the matter.
They have toy
trains, tractors, and diggers all over the floor,
I-Spy’s and
blocks and puzzles galore.
They are
growing up fast, and they’re oh so much fun,
But they definitely
keep their Mom and Dad on the run!
They’re big helpers too, yes;
they each do their part,
Reminding me
that they are big “farmer kids” at heart.
J
Now,
Elijah! Come on, Case! Oh, Jeanie, time to go!
We’ll take
daddy some lunch or run to town for parts or so.
Then dig in
the garden, or play on the swings,
Before bath time
and PJs and books and things.
Almost a 1 yr.
old, 3 yr. old, and 5 yr. old too,
And a dual
career farmer, what’s a mommy to do?
There is kindergarten
coming, and a new schedule to keep,
Potty training
and shoe tying, and endless messes to sweep.
I feel a bit
frazzled, just looking ahead,
With all of
these things spinning around in my head;
When what to
my sleep-deprived eyes should appear,
But a stable
and a baby, sleeping in a manger.
The magic of
Christmas is in the miracle of His birth,
The Son of God
making his debut on earth.
The ultimate
gift, amazing love,
Reconciling us
to God up above.
The future’s
fears melt when our trust is in him.
So we can give
thanks, and celebrate anew the birth,
Of the one who
brought peace and hope to the earth.
HAPPY NEW YEAR
from Nathan, Heather, Elijah, Case & Jeanie
PUZZLE ANSWERS:
Across: 2. AllenCountyFair, 3. Advent, 5. Wheezy, 6. Red, 9. Legos, 11. Mud, 14. YellowCatfish, 16. LeRoy, 17. Paw Patrol, 18. I-Spy, 19. Jesus
Down: 1. Pfeffernusse, 4. Three, 7. DaddysGirl, 8. Eggplant, 10. Spots, 12. Soybeans, 13. Diggers, 15. Corn, 17. ParadisePark
