Ethan and Bishop Woodward

So on Tuesday Matt and I, along with the two little ones went to see the Bishop to get our tickets for the Oquirrh Mountain Temple dedication. I would have to say that we consider the Bishop a most dear friend and he said, "Come in for a minute and let's chat." So we did. Ethan was thrilled because our Bishop has treats and let's Ethan take freely from the jar. Meanwhile we were talking just about anything and everything really, when we started talking about employment and how things have changed so much in the last twenty years with education and work. The Bishop was telling us how he doesn't have his degree, but when he will retire the one replacing him, is required to have a Master's degree. He then said, "I was so stupid to not finish my degree." Well now you know where this is going..."our" in-house sensor immediately made his way to daddy to report the infringement. He said (whispering), "Daddy will you please tell the Bishop that we don't say stupid." Well Matt trying to be polite just smiled at Ethan and kept chatting, but Ethan in his innocence could not let it go until he was acknowledged and things were made right again in his universe. So Matt, gave him a hug and thanked him for telling him and said he would take care of it. Well that really is the end of the story, but I have to say what I am most grateful for is that Ethan didn't yell out, "Bishop we don't say stupid." or insist that Matt say something until we were embarrassed. So in teaching Ethan at least we have made it clear that it isn't polite to correct people while they are talking and he can trust that when daddy says he will take care of it, he can let it go...thank goodness for that!

Now a little more about my Bishop. I just have to say that we love our Bishop! He has been our Bishop since we got married. We have been married 6 years and he has been the bishop of our ward for 7 1/2 years. His name is Mark Woodward and he is easily the most Christlike, genuine servant of the Lord I have ever known. We have loved him from our very first meeting and our love for him has grown to respect and admiration. He has taught us service, mercy, compassion, understanding, and love to all you serve. He is kind and down to earth. He loves his fishing and hunting and could easily be your child's grandpa. He is easy to talk to and approachable. While serving as Young Women's president, I couldn't believe his trust in me and my abilities and his love for the youth. The youth are always first! He loves them so much and he is as close to the Savior as anyone I have ever known. We love our Bishop! We wish he could be the Bishop forever, but knowing that someone will replace him someday we just wanted to say publicly that we are better people because of Bishop Woodward. He has taught us so much and our gratitude is overflowing for his self-less service and his dedication to our ward family. Thanks Bishop! We love you!!