Saturday, June 22nd, was our ward temple trip. Ryan and I have never been to the Billings, Montana Temple and we were excited to go.
Everyone met at the church at 7:30. I was really impressed by the number of youth attending to do baptisms. I loved, loved, loved doing baptisms before I was endowed, so I was really happy to see our youth equally excited. I would guess there were close to 20 young men/women. There wasn't nearly as large of a turn out for adults, which I was a little sad to see.
The trip takes about 4 hours. I have never been north of Casper, so I was actually looking forward to the drive. A newer member, named Jean-Claude (he is from France) sat up front with Ryan. His wife works and was unable to attend. We also had two young women travel with us and they sat in the very back. They were a blessing because they helping entertain Mr. P. Pierscen was under the weather that weekend, so I was grateful for the extra help in cheering him up.
I learned that Wyoming is actually a REALLY beautiful place. Just not so much where we live. Haha. Honestly, Casper isn't that bad. But it's also not that great. I had no idea how lush and beautiful it is farther north. Unfortunately it was rainy, so we couldn't see the Big Horn Mtns, but the landscape was still beautiful. Much more diverse than the flat expanse of the southern half of Wyoming. Buffalo and Sheridan were particularly gorgeous. Ryan and I both agreed that retiring to Sheridan would be a good option. :)
I had hoped to do a session, but when we arrived there were only 2 sessions left for the day: one that started in 15 minutes and the other that started at 2 pm. The latter would have been too late, and I wasn't prepared to do the mad dash to make the first one, especially because babysitting arrangments hadn't really been secured and as mentioned, P was pretty cranky. It didn't help that he refused to fall asleep until the last 15 minutes of the drive, so he was REALLY tired.
The bishop's wife and one other sister who had come up ahead of the group and had already done a session, volunteered to watch P and the other kids while I went and did inititories. That was a cool experience. I was the only one there to start with. By the end there were a few other sisters, but it was really neat to be in a small temple and be able to do the work for those who have gone on before us. I also thought it was interesting that of the five names I was given, only one of them had anything other than a name listed. Meaning, normally they have a birthday, year, and location. Or at least as much as possible. The last name I had listed "Illinois" as the location but that was it. None had birthdays, years, or places of birth. Crazy!
I think my favorite thing about this temple is that just beyond the front desk there is a long open skylight in the waiting area. I could have sat there for hours watching the clouds float by. It was so serene and peaceful. I also loved that right in the front doors there were two fountains/pools surrounded by gorgeous botanical plants. WAY pretty.
Like all temple grounds, it is absolutely gorgeous. It was wonderful to be able to walk around and feel the peace and calm. No where else on earth is quite like that. The moment you drive onto the temple grounds, the weight of the world drifts away.
Ryan went with the youth to the baptistry. From what I understand, he did a lot of baptizing. I am glad he was able to participate.
About twenty minutes after I came out of the temple, some crazy storms clouds came rolling in, the temperature dropped, and the wind picked up. We moved into the building designated for those who have traveled a ways and need to change or shower before going to the temple.
When the youth and other leaders finished up, we all drove to Pizza Hut for lunch. Scrumptious. :)
I tried to take some pictures of northern Wyoming, but they aren't very good. We learned as we were about to head back to Casper that there was a thunderstorm and tornado warning in effect for the Casper area. We drove through some really bad rain for a while, but by the time we got home, the storm had moved on and everything was fine again.
I am grateful for the chance we had to go the temple. Hopefully we will be able to make it more often. We always try to go the temple whenever we are in Utah. It really is amazing how easy it is to take things for granted when you are surrounded by them. I mean, I think there are at least 12 temples within the same distance we drove to get to our temple as there are Utah.
When we got back to the church, we were the first to arrive so we needed to wait around for the others so that the young women with us had a ride home. P was getting really impatient and tired, so I took him out of his seat and put him in the back row. He has never been back there and I think the novelty of being out of his car seat and roaming free in the back was pretty exciting.
The boy was a trooper. He was more than grateful to be home and to go to bed. And the miracle of it (not that anyone wants to know, but,) he had a dirty diaper when we got home. I was honestly thrilled. He hadn't pooped in a few days and I know that had to have been adding to his crankiness. So there you have it - blessings of going to the temple. ;)
It will be interesting to see if our district changes at all when the Star Valley temple is built, but our guess is that it won't. Even though it will be in Wyoming, the route to get there will likely take longer than going to Billings or Denver. We'll see.
Anyway, the church is true. For those of you who live close to the temple and don't go - what are you waiting for? Go! I was thinking about how many names are done on a daily basis around the world and part of me wonders how we haven't run out of names. But the truth is, we have been told the work will continue through the millenium. There is a LOT of work to do. There are millions waiting for the chance to hear the Good News and have their work done. Jump in. Take part.
This month's Visiting Teaching message was about the Joy in Family History. The idea of being able to find my own ancestors and do there work is really exciting, but it is also really intimidating. I don't even know where to start. But I need to stop using that as an excuse and take the first step and visit the geneology library.
And if by any chance, there is someone reading this who is not a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints and is wondering what on earth I am talking about, I would be happy to answer any questions you may have to the best of my ability. Or you can visit mormon.org. What I can tell you shortly (without delving into the depths of our history and beliefs) is that I know this Church is true. I know I am a daughter of God, a literal spirit child of a loving Heavenly Father who knows me and cares for me. I know that my purpose here on earth is to learn, grow, and make correct decisions that will bring me closer to God and ultimately return to His presence. I know that through this Gospel, we can be united with our family for not just this life, but for eternity. I know we have a living Prophet who guides and directs us. I know it is easy to think that Prophets and Apostles were for olden times, but if there were ever a time when we needed that direct guidance and help, wouldn't it be now? I know that the Book of Mormon is another witness of Jesus Christ and a companion to the Bible. The truths we gain from the scriptures provide us with answers and directions to life's many challenges. This church has brought me meaning and happiness. It brings joy and fulfillment. It brings purpose and truth. I challenge any who may stubble across this to learn more. You will find the peace and direction you are seeking. Of this I bear witness, in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ, Amen.
It has begun. It is officially Suicidal Bird Season - aka - Moth Season. I kind of forgot about this lovely time of year considering I had just made it to Wyoming at the start of it last year.
Basically, the moths are out in hoards. It is insane. I am old fashioned, and cheap... okay, mostly I'm just cheap, and I like to hang my clothes out to dry on a drying horse/rack. It saves money/electricity. I still throw them in the dryer for a few minutes at the end just to soften them up. Since it has warmed up a lot, I have taken to putting the drying horse out on the back porch. There is a ton a radiant heat bouncing back from the house and it dries the clothes really fast. The other day, however, I left them out until dark and when I went to retrieve them, I started shaking them out as a matter of habit, and I shook out no less that a dozen moths that had taken to resting in the clothes. Yuck! Lesson learned. Get the clothes in before dark. Or... just don't put them outside until moth season is over.
The reason I refer to it as Suicidal Bird Season is because the birds are willing to risk life and "wing" to eat these moths. The intersections are particularly dangerous. Yesterday while I was out running errands, I nearly hit several birds as they darted in front of the car in pursuit of their meals. I don't want to cause an accident by swerving to avoid them, but I'd rather not pulverize a little hungry bird either. Thankfully I didn't hit any yesterday, but in the next little while, it will be difficult to avoid them.
I was talking to Nicia the other day about this and she groaned in rememberance. She said there was one time she sucked up 17 moths in one vacuuming session from them just flying in while people went in and out of their Cheyenne house. Just yesterday I put my hand in the mailbox and came out with a fluttering bug in my hand instead of the card I was reaching for. Creepy.
I know moths exist everywhere, but I don't recall being anywhere where they were this prevalent. I am cheering the little birds on. Eat 'em up! And don't die while trying! (I did watch a bird expertly chase one down in the street while I was walking the dog yesterday. Their agility is pretty impressive.)
Anyway, not that anyone is planning a trip out here any time soon, but just be wary of the wing-ed things - both big and small.
Dear Parents of the World,
You MUST purchase this contraption! Introducing: NoseFrida - the Snotsucker!
This amazing little device is almost painfully simple, but amazingly effective. My brother told me about it and said that he got one and loves it. The idea is simple - you put the syringe end against the child's nose. You don't shove it up there like the bulb syringes. Just enough that it forms a seal. Then you put the other end in your mouth and suck.
Okay, before you go all squeamish on me, fear not. There is no transfer of boogers from baby to parent. First of all, there is a filter at the end of the syringe to catch all said boogies. Second of all, in the times I have used it, the boogies have never reached the filter. I just rinse it out.
Now, to be fair, the idea is kind of gross. And not just the idea, but the reality is kind of nasty too. Unlike the bulb syringe, you actually see the boogies come out and into the tube. Gross. However - satisfying. You KNOW you are getting stuff out. It is totally non-invasive. I. Love. It.
P doesn't adore it so much - but what child wants anything trying to suck boogies out of their nose? Even if it is for their own good, I don't know any kid that says, "Yes, I will hold still while you try to suction out nasty gunk from my head. That sounds totally relaxing." That being said, P is getting better at it. Today in fact, he was starting to make his piggy noise where he knows there is a booger coming out. I put the NoseFrida up there and sucked really quick and whoosh! Out it came. P actually laughed and jumped back. I think the sensation threw him off, but he also noticed the booger was gone and was quite happy about it.
So there you have it. If you can stomach the fact that you actually see the boogers come out, this is a product you should have. It's amazing. Go buy one.
Yesterday, as most of you know via Facebook, was Pierscen's one year post-op mark. Can you believe that? It's already been a year! I've been debating whether I should do a post or not, but hey, this is my blog, my memories, my thoughts and my impressions. I won't say much, at least not in the way you think I might.
Of course, I could never say enough about modern medicine. I could never adequately express my love and gratitude to my Heavenly Father for providing the means to make things right. I could never say enough about much love I have for my son, and because this surgery was possible, he now has a chance for a normal life. Could I ever find the words to express even a portion of that love? And the hope and future I see in his eyes each and every day? I don't think so.
However, my thoughts have taken me a little bit of a different direction.
Anticipation: expectant waiting: the feeling of looking forward, usually excitedly or eagerly, to something that is going to happen.
Expectant waiting. I like that. Anticipation is not always excitement. But it is always expectant. Think of all the things we await expectantly. Dates, weddings, tests, work, eating, you name it. For better or worse, that anticipation hovers, gnaws at you, makes your stomach twist and your heart thump. And when the moment arrives - whether for the good or the bad - there is release.
Think about where you were a year ago. Think of the things you have experienced. The good and the bad. Do you wish you would have known? Do you wish someone could have warned you?
I'd be willing to bet that no, all in all, you wouldn't want to know. Maybe because knowing the awful things you would have to face would make the future all the more dreaded. Or, on the other hand, perhaps it would take away the sweet joy of surprise and happiness when things turn out amazing. I think there is enough expectant waiting with the limited vision of the future we are given to be sufficient.
But now looking back, isn't it amazing to see the things you thought you could never face, are over? And the things you were looking forward too were just as wonderful as you thought they were going to be? And now you have some wonderful memories! The good and the bad combine in a near seamlessly woven fabric that to me proves more than anything that our Heavenly Father is very much in charge, and very much aware of who we are and where we are at in our lives. He knows what we need, both the challenges and the rewards. And the culmination of all those experiences, all that expectant waiting is a divinely plotted course toward our Heavenly Home.
I can now say that the anticipation and the anxiety I felt leading up to Pierscen's surgery were coupled rather well with reality. I knew that the surgery would go well and I knew things would be okay. But I also knew that it would be really hard to watch my son be in pain, temporarily sightless, and confused. But the thing I dreaded almost more than anything was the recovery. I was so scared to take care of him on my own. I couldn't believe the doctors when they said that recovery wouldn't be that bad.
So many times in life we experience things that we think will either make or break us. We can't see how we are going to manage on our own. And when we come through the ordeal and realize that we are still alive, we often wonder, but will I ever be the same? How can I move forward now?
Craniosynostosis isn't a life threatening condition. It is not a terminal disorder. But it very much would have been a threat to his ability to live a healthy, functioning life. Surgery was absolutely necessary to manually correct the things that would have disfigured him physically, mentally, and emotionally.
One Month Post-Op
I think we all come to this earth with our own versions of craniosynostosis. We all have places in our hearts and minds that fused/hardened prematurely and need remodeling if we are to make it through this life. That's what this earth life is all about. Without the ups and downs, without the challenges - some mild and some horrific - our lives would be limited. We would be handicapped, unable to progress.
Two Months Post-Op
Three Month Post-Op
Four Month Post-Op
Stepping out of the settling dust from life's storms, we may be nervous to see ourselves again. We may be afraid of the scars and wounds we still bare. But one thing that I have learned from this experience with Pierscen is that often we expect this huge change. We expect to see someone that wasn't there before. But as I have been looking at these pictures of him month by month, the changes are so discrete at times they aren't even noticeable. I look at his picture from before the surgery and I look at his picture from yesterday, and they are still the same child. I count the differences in teeth, hair length, and a couple pounds and inches. He is the same boy. He is the same amazing child. He's just a bit more symmetrical now. :)
Five Month Post-Op
Six Month Post-Op
Seven Month Post-Op
When you come upon life's storms and you wonder how you are going to pull through, know that you are in the Master's hands. He is molding you. He is refining you. He is making you a bit more symmetrical. :) And he is giving you a chance at a fuller life. And when he sets you on your own two feet again and you wonder just as I did how you will do it on your own, remember, He is still there. You're never really alone. The Atonement isn't just for repentance. It is for comfort and direction. And when you think the scars are too great and that all people will see in you are the wounds, the bumps, the bruises, the screws and plates, take comfort in knowing that instead they see you (He sees you) as a whole. They will see the difference in increments - in your growth, in your smile, the light in your eyes, in the way you respond, in the things you do and say, and the way you handle the next set of life's curve balls.
Eight Month Post-Op
Nine Month Post-Op
I remember the doctors trying to convince me of how resilient children are and how quickly they heal. I may not have believed them at first, but they certainly proved their case. Within a week P was back to himself.
Ten Month Post-Op
Eleven Month Post-Op
We are blessed with the knowledge that we are literal sons and daughters of a loving Heavenly Father. He knows us. He cares for us. He wants the best for us. And sometimes that includes some reconstructive surgery. But we can be spiritually resilient. We can bounce back from the blows life deals us because we know that there is Someone in charge. We are not alone. And we have a glorious future ahead of us. What isn't worth the eternities? It doesn't mean it won't hurt. It doesn't mean you won't feel blinded or confused. And it doesn't mean you won't question. But take comfort in knowing you are in the hands of the very best. Hold your head up proudly. Remember who you are and who He is making you to be.
One Year Post-Op
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