1.) Steve's major foot surgery occurred January 8, 2009 and it wasn't until the middle of August when he could wear two 'matching' shoes. Nine titanium screws and one drill bit later, his is walking upright, without a roller scooter, crutches or cane! Hurray! He walks slowly but that's because of his heart problem and lack of energy. Since then, he now has a church job as assistant ward clerk (in charge of the Sunday program) and assisting the bishop with other responsibilities.
2.) Lola completed her Church-service mission in the Church-service Missionary Department on November 8, 2009. It was 'quite a ride,' one which I will never forget. Eternal friendships and associations were made there which was the frosting on the cake! I loved the secretarial responsibilities and knowing that perhaps I helped further the Lord's work in some small way.
3.) Primarily because of the downturn of the American economy with no real estate work on the horizon (and because we need to eat), Lola threw her hat into the ring and applied for church employment despite the fact that the church has been on a 'hiring freeze' since last November 2008. Several opportunities occurred which seemed interesting and inviting, while in the meantime I worked as a "secretary on-call' for 3 different departments, including the Riverton Office Bldg. and Intellectual Properties Dept. However, 3 weeks ago, I substituted in the audiovisual department for one day at which time I became acquainted with Julie Merrill, Human Relations Director for that department. She invited me to submit my resume for an "senior secretary" position that had just become available that day; actually, she did more than this. She invited me into her office, shared with me some of the responsibilities of this position, showed me the wage chart, etc. and basically encouraged me to apply! I did so, was invited to interview the next week by herself and John Linton; two days later, I interviewed with Dan Isaac and another director. At that interview, my cell phone rang; embarrassed, I hurriedly "ended' the call without looking from whom the call came; ironically, after I left the second interview, I returned the call and it was Pat Viehweg telling me that my dad, Grandy, had just passed away (December 8, 2009). The entire week was bitter-sweet. Between this event and the third interview with David Nielson, Managing Director of the Audiovisual department, my soon-to-be boss and the funeral arrangements, 6 of our eight children arriving from out-of-town, funeral service and Dad's burial in Clifton, Idaho, the week was a whirlwind. My first day on the job was Monday, December 14, 2009 and I've complete 2 weeks. However, I was immediately advanced to "Executive Secretary" rather than Senior Secretary which will be filled by another individual. I'm overwhelmed and stunned by the confidence and encouragement of not only July Merrill, but others in the department. Let me mention, that several times Julie stated flatly, "we prayed you here." "You are just what this department needs!" I am flattered but mostly humbled by this vote of confidence, and pray that I can measure up to the new responsibilities and assignments (most of which I've never performed before). The only assets I feel I am bringing to the job are a hard work ethic, problem-solving skills, and a commitment to excellence. The Lord will need to 'take over the rest' because I feel so inadequate; however, I do have a deep desire to magnify my calling and to further His Work in any ways asked.
4.) Concerning my father's death on October 8, Heavenly Father blessed our lives in that we were able to be with him the night before his death. Monday, October 7, Louise Florence, my twin sister, flew into SLC from Houston preparatory to her major tooth surgery. Fred Goff, Wayne Jr. and Steve anointed Dad and gave him a priesthood blessing. In that blessing, Wayne Jr. blessed Dad that he would have a good night's sleep and rest peacefully and that there were angels, beloved family members and friends on the other "side" awaiting his return. Ironically, the next day he passed away. We buried him near his parents in the Clifton, Idaho, cemetery. We traveled about 4 hours to this site; Quentin Viehweg gave the graveside prayer and then the 'lights went out" (it was 5:00 PM and it immediately became dark). We quickly left for home. What a bitter-sweet week it was, but one to long remember.
5.) Currently, Steve is serving as an assistant ward clerk for the River Second Ward, Jordan River Stake and I am one of the gospel doctrine teachers and we both serve as temple preparedness teachers. How we love our ward members and teaching the gospel.
6.) Of note, Christmas eve 2009 was spent at Jen and Gordon's home enjoying a candlelight, formal dinner. Christy donated a delicious ham and I cooked funeral potatoes, chocolate pies, and prepared two salads, e.g spinach salad and "perfection salad." Our feast was followed by a reading called "My First Christmas in Heaven" (we all thought of Grandy) sent to me by Wayne Jr., the children enacting the "first nativity" and then playing Christmas songs on our homemade chimes (Christmas gift from 2008). Linda Herrington enjoyed the evening with us and spent the night. We opened gifts the next morning and all traveled to Christy and Marty's home and enjoying a Christmas morning of hot scones and ham. Sam and Jacob opened their abundance of gifts. Linda had to return home by 1:00 PM to go to work at Continental Airlines. Later that afternoon, we returned to the Watkins for a birthday dinner for Sam Jr who turned a glorious 16 years!
7.) Saturday, December 26 was spend preparing and carrying off Sammy's 16th birthday ice skating and friend party at Noah's reception center. about 50-70 of his friends attended. Steve prepared delicious chili and Christy provided all the trimmings, birthday cake, balloons, hot chocolate, dips, chips, etc. A grand time was had by all!
8.) In conclusion, I wish to express my gratitude to my Heavenly Father first and foremost for His watchful care over our family, especially Janie and Mark and children's save 45 hour road trip from the BYU Las Vegas Bowl game to their home in McKinney, TX. Truly, their lives were spared and they were blessed. Also, I am grateful for the birth, life and atonement of His beloved Son, Jesus Christ. How I love and adore Him, also. Also, I am especially grateful for my dear husband, children and grandchildren. We love them so dearly. Additionally, I am humbled to have the opportunity for the personal growth by studying the scriptures daily, especially the Book of Mormon and Doctrine and Covenants this past year. May I ever have this insatiable love for the scriptures where truth and God's Word is found. Also, I love America and am concerned about our liberties that are being eroded by divisive and evil and designing men. May we live true to God's truths and commandments and be found worth at the last day to enter His presence.
