Another Perk of Living in Utah!

One of the perks of living in Utah is being surrounded by amazing leaders & General Authorities. Last week, John went to watch his friends play in the Timpview JV region tennis tournament. We looked over and saw him talking to Elder Holland. John came back over to us and we asked him what he was saying to Elder Holland, and John said, "Jeffrey R.?!?!?!?"

We told him, yes, that was Jeffrey R. Holland he was just chatting with. He said that they had just told him congrats on winning state last week & asked him how he had managed to come back after being so far down in the match.

I made John go back and shake Elder Holland's hand and apologize for not recognizing him with his hat and sunglasses. (I also made a commitment to not let John sleep through conference anymore!) When John apologized for not recognizing him, Elder Holland responded by saying, "well, you're the famous one!" Elder Holland was really sweet and chatted with John some more.

I don't have pictures but Matthew went to a Jazz/Lakers play-off game (the one where we lost by 1 point) with his tennis friend Paul Monson. They left really early in case there was traffic and ended up in Salt Lake about 2 hours before the game. So they were trying to decide what to do, Paul's dad said, "let's go see grandpa." Well, Matthew has been to the games before with Paul and has gone to his Grandpa's house to pick up the tickets, but never to visit for a couple of hours. Anyway, they went and spent some time visiting President & Sister Monson.

After the visit Matthew, Paul, his dad and President Monson all went to the game together. Matthew had no idea that President Monson was going to go the game with them. I asked him when he got home what he said, and I got a typical Matthew response, "I tried really hard not to talk because I was worried about what might come out!" He said he was worried a "Laker's suck" or something might just slip out. But good news (and the news that made mom the happiest) was that President Monson told Matthew that he must have a good mom because he was so polite and well-mannered.

I am grateful to have leaders that even though it was a small thing, both took the time to give each of my boys a small compliment. Both of those compliments left strong impressions on John & Matthew & really meant a lot.

When we told Jordan these stories, she related a story of an investigator who referred to President Monson as "he" and was worried that wasn't respectful enough. I think sometimes we take it for granted that we are surrounded by apostles & a prophet here in Utah. So I am grateful to live here!!! And I am grateful to have leaders that would take the time to help build up my kids confidence and make them feel good about themselves.