Jason and Family

The big event since last time was Kelsey's baptism. It was fun to have Mom, Dad, and Mindy in town and Kelsey was pretty excited to be baptized. As Mom mentioned, they were able to stay home and take care of the kids for us so Jen and I could go out together. We hadn't left the house alone together in over 6 months. We have people in our ward who have offered to help but it is really hard to trust someone else with keeping up with Parker's care. As much as we appreciate the offers of help, I'm not sure some of these people really understand what they're volunteering for. So having Mindy here with Mom and Dad made it easier for us to finally try going out. At least we knew that Mindy had a good idea what she was in for. Everything went fine. We went to dinner and spent the night at a bed & breakfast in town and then drove out to Raleigh to attend the temple. It was nice.

Everyone has been sick around here lately. It is so hard to keep everyone healthy with Kelsey at school and Connor in preschool. Little colds that might inconvenience most kids can really be bad for Parker. He's caught a couple things in the last month or so and has fought through it ok without having to go the hospital. It makes for some long nights but a long night at home is better than one at the hospital.

I'm in completely over my head at work this term. Teaching 8 courses, designing two shows, and working on my research grant. I enjoy the work but I think I need to slow down a little bit. Sometimes I forget how to say "No". I guess that's the danger of having a job that you love. I'm opening another show next week and then going straight to Savannah, Georgia for a conference where I'll be exhibiting some of my design work and some papers I've co-authored with my research partner from Wake Forest University.

We went to the Ward Halloween party last night. The kids all dressed up as Indians (Native Americans for the politically correct out there). We had a lot of fun. I won the "Hottest Chili" award and the kids got a lot of candy. Even Parker figured out what was going on and got some candy for himself!

Joe and Amy Fail

We have made some big decisions in our lives this past month. I decided to take a position in the ER at Timpanogos Hospital which is at the north end of Orem; just off the freeway. I will start after the first of the year. It is a big relief to have that decided. Everyone thinks I make too big a deal out of it. I just don't do well with change and I want to be happy. I know Mom; "Happiness is a choice". Which I intend to put into use. I think Timpanogos will be a good fit for me.

We have been house shopping and we put two offers on houses in Lehi last week. They are both short sales which means it may be a longer wait to hear back, but also a great deal in the end. We are really anxious and hope to hear back very soon!!

Joe is very excited to be about done with his Master's degree. Everytime we are in Salt Lake he just wants to stay. He's anxious to start his career.

That's about all the news for us. We hope you are all doing well!
Love,
Amy and Joe

Grandpa and Grandma Romney

Since our last blog, we spent a wonderful week with Jason’s family. We attended “Grandparents’ Day” at Conner’s preschool, Kelsey’s birthday party complete with a butterfly cake made by Jen, and of course, Kelsey’s baptism performed by her father. We also had the privilege of tending the kids overnight so Jen and Jason could enjoy some time away (with a lot of help from Mindy).

During our visit, we took Conner on an afternoon trip to the transportation museum which is actually an old Southern Pacific maintenance yard. We enjoyed touring all the old train cars and even had a ride on the turnstile. (see pictures) It was a special treat to get to know little Parker better and to see him getting stronger every day—he is such a happy little boy. We surely admire the way Jen and Jason support each other in providing the necessary care that Parker requires.

We also made a trip to Phoenix a few weeks ago to help Uncle Ron and Aunt Peggy clean out Grandpa’s house. We discovered some amazing things and brought home a few mementoes. We came away grateful for such a wonderful heritage! Uncle Ron was going to stay a couple more weeks to get some work done on the house. He hasn’t decided yet whether to try to sell it or maybe try renting it out and wait for the market to improve. We left the furniture in the home so that family can stay there in the meantime.

For a couple of old people, we surely stay busy. In addition to our travels we’ve attended some BYU football games, gone to some plays and movies and celebrated family birthdays. There’s always an endless amount of work to do inside and outside of the house and of course our church responsibilities take a great deal of time as well. (The Primary Children’s Sacrament Program went very well).

We have the front porch decorated for Halloween, but we are going to the church for a “trunk or treat” first and then we are going to Pioneer theater to see Noises Off. We’re hoping there’s not too many kids who come to the house trick or treating since we won’t be home. We’re in the process of redecorating the kitchen along with new granite counter tops. We’ve stripped the wallpaper so now we have the painting to get done. We want to have it looking great for Thanksgiving since most of the family will be coming to our house.

I forgot to mention that Sammy had surgery. He had a tumor removed from inside his ear and also the fatty tumor removed from his chest. We were afraid that at his age he might not recover but he actually acts years younger. We should have done it sooner!

We love you all so much and pray for each of you daily. Love, Mom & Dad (Grandma & Grandpa)