Dear Family and Friends,

As we approach the end of 2023, it's a challenge to encapsulate the myriad experiences of this tumultuous year on a single page. Nevertheless, we'll do our best to share some highlights from our journey.

At NextHome Central Real Estate, we continue to persevere despite the market's downturn. The addition of exceptional agents and the establishment of our Midtown OKC location and Shawnee branch office mark positive strides. While the market's total volume, my personal production, and our office production faced challenges, the resilience of home values remains a beacon of hope. I'm grateful for the continued support and referrals—I thrive on connections, so keep me in mind if you encounter anyone in the market.

Phido Group has faced a slowdown in the wake of the recession. Our last speculative build sold in August, prompting us to temporarily pause new projects until interest rates align with the average consumer's affordability. Ah, the joys of self-employment—where health insurance costs rise perennially. Despite the rollercoaster, we cherish the journey and the people we encounter along the way.

Natalie and Cut Loose Hair Design continue to shine. Natalie's hand-tied extension business grows, and she has expanded her services to include retail products—hats, bags, earrings, shirts, bracelets, headbands, and more. A significant addition is her permanent jewelry business, creating delicate gold and silver pieces designed to be worn permanently by being welded on.

On the home front, Gatlin embarked on half-day pre-k at Westfall Elementary, bringing an abundance of curious and energetic musings. From questioning Bobo's(Our Elf on the Shelf) books barcode(“Santa sells things?”) to building cities with Legos, magnatiles, and cars, Gatlin keeps our household in a perpetual state of construction. T-ball awaits in the spring, and, because he likely inherited my dubious athletic ability, I'll emphasize the importance of the agent who helped Ohtani get his contract. Gatlin told me yesterday that God didn’t make the dinosaurs. So those are the kinds of questions we are fielding. 

The joy of welcoming a new family member, Rhys Lucas Johnson, was bittersweet as Myka and Justin faced unexpected challenges. A leukemia diagnosis for Justin has thrown our family into a tailspin. Rhys, a healthy and chunky baby, brings both joy and a reminder of life's fragility. Your thoughts and prayers for their strength are appreciated.

As we reflect on 2023, our wish is for everyone to savor the present and not be consumed by an uncertain tomorrow. In the spirit of supporting local businesses, we'd like to spotlight Green Couch Design. Megan and Cale Lopp's architecture and design firm caught our attention, and we had the pleasure of assisting them in purchasing an investment property and Airbnb this year. Follow them on social media and explore their newsletter at greencouchdesign.net for insights into homesteading, placemaking, and thoughtful design.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday season and a joyous start to 2024.

Warmest Regards and Merry Christmas,

Jason, Natalie, and Gatlin