I am so relieved to be on the other side of this surgery. Everything turned out fine, thank goodness. Some anxiety kicked in the morning before, but there were a few things that helped me to fight off that old beast. First, Scott and I said a prayer together over a video call. Then we did a little more research into the specifics of this type of surgery (laryngoscopy with dilation) so that I didn't have to wonder so much. Next, on a phone call with my ENT surgeon, Dr. Hall, he really helped me a lot by giving me more context and confidence. And lastly, I truly felt the prayers of so many people these past few days. Their love and their heavenly pleadings in my behalf were almost tangible. So thank you. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!! XOXO Some of the things that Dr. Hall helped me to understand the day before my surgery were: ~ He's the only surgeon in the entire state of Idaho who performs this type of surgery. Anyone with my same problem also comes to see him.  ~ He a...

When I flew into Idaho Falls two weeks ago, I hit the ground running. My house was chock full of people that I love - from age 53 (me) all the way down to age 11 months (Maisie). It was a special feast to be with so many family members, plus a grandchildren extravaganza! I took far more videos than I did photos, but it's too tedious to link each one here in a blog post. Instead, if you want to see ALL the action and candid moments, click here to take a peek: https://photos.app.goo.gl/4ypRvEacrHorUazW6 Maisie loves to eat, and she makes the cutest smacking noises with her lips to let you know how much she's enjoying everything. Her parents would - on occasion - set her up to eat outside on the patio.    Video of cousins running around Maisie while she quietly munched away: (9 seconds) https://photos.app.goo.gl/43ramfBLkCMCrpk59 First thing the next morning, I recruited all 3 of the older grandchildren to help me with a special job: To give "Scottie" the Scottish Elm a ...