Catching up...

      I do realize I have alot of catching up to do. So I am going to give it an honest effort. First of all, let me say that this year has been crazy! With even more stories of trips to the E.R. for Carter, Keaton's quirky ways, and Dryden well... he is just growing too fast. I am head over heels in love with all four of my boys and couldn't be more proud of their accomplishments this year. We recently had a new family move in across the street from us. Keaton has a new best friend, her name is Kenzie. Keaton tells me one day, "Mom, Kenzie is beautiful. I love her." Well, I can't say that I blame him, she is pretty cute and very sweet. They play so well together and he calls her sweetheart and dear. We had to finally draw the line when he kissed her on the cheek. He holds her hand when they cross the street and he sits right next to her when they watch movies. Her mom has commented that she will have to put the standard works width between them when movies are on. Kenzie's mom and I have also became good friends and co-commiserate that we are widow's due to our husband's jobs. So we fill our time with craft projects together.

      Keaton was able to be a founding father on the 24th of July float this year. Carter got to wield an ax as a stripling warrior. Keaton of course wanted to be a pirate and not a founding father. Although, I do love the festivities this year we ditched the long lines and went to Kinoa's for dinner instead, great plan.
     We have planted two more fields to cotton this year in addition to the one we did last year. Thank goodness, we didn't have any more micro-burst destroy our crops or pivots this year. It was a dry year for us but we made it through. Carter has started school and was very disappointed that Mr. Gifford would be his 1st grade teacher. But he has really loved Mrs. Maldenado, it is her first year teaching she has alot of fun things planned for her class. Keaton started joy school and Dryden and Mom nap while he is gone...small miracles do occur from time to time here. I (Jen) started a short story writing class at the college. I am loving it. I get the feeling that my family is thinking that I am wasting my time and roll their eyes at me....but whatever, I love it. I can be whatever I want to be and go wherever I want to go in my daydreams. :) I do wish all the time, that I had the talent of Charlotte Bronte, because Jane Eyer is my absolute favorite. I have written two short stories, one novel, and I'm starting my second novel. My goal is to get something published.
     Jason has stopped flight instruction because he was being spread to thin. So he does aerial photography for the mine as well as work a 40 hour week there. Then after work he heads down to the farm where he truly wishes he could earn a living at. I admire his work ethic, but wish I could see him a bit more. The boys frequently go with him to the farm and I do enjoy that immensely to have time alone to do what I want with a baby in tow. In three more years when the baby is old enough to go I will send him too and be even freer.
    I have been learning to cook gluten and wheat free because I have celiac, a recent discovery. I feel much better now that I am gluten free. It is amazing what a little white flour will do to my head when it finds it's way into my food. The fog, tiredness, and migraines don't seem to plague me as often anymore as well as the tummy issues it gave me. My memory is still like a goldfish though. Baked goods seem to be my heroin, and I frequently go through withdrawals and will eat a whole plate of cookies if they are available.