Good afternoon on this beautiful sunny day. A few months back I wrote an email to many of my friends and family members asking some hard and difficult questions. I wanted to catch up on where I am today.

God is faithful and has truly blessed me with friends and family who love and care for and about me. I still struggle with depression issues but none like a few months ago. Among the dark and hard days are days filled with sunshine and joy. Depression is not fun in any way ~ like the commercial on television says "depression hurts everyone." I can honestly say that when I am depressed, it not only hurts me but causes pain for those who surround me. I think the depression I have found myself in since mid-December is finally lifting. Days are easier to get through and looking forward to new things is exciting.

As I wrote in my blog from a few days ago ~~~ I spent nine days in Boise with Brandon and his family. Got in lots of Grammy time and left feeling physically exhausted ~ who would ever guess that a one year old could wear out a 50 year old. Had a blast with Max ~ saw "Monsters vs Aliens" in 3D - try to explain to a 10 year old why you can't see 3D even with the special glasses on . What fun to be taken out to lunch by a 10 year old with his own money. All in all it was a great time and I am glad I was given the gift of visiting them to celebrate Christopher's 1st birthday. We also can report that the eating/swallowing problems that Christopher seemed to be dealing with have passed and for that we are thankful for answered prayer.

God has been faithful and steady even on the dark and dreary days ~ we had to say an early goodbye this past week to little Emerald Trulock-Workentin, Jamie & Suzanne's newest baby. Emerald was born at 19 weeks 4 days weighing 6 oz and 7" long. We were sorry to say hello and goodbye at the same time but are thankful that Suzanne is recuperating from major health issues due to complications of her pregnancy. God surrounded us (and them) with friends who showered us with encouragement and love during some difficult days. We are thankful for the doctor's and hospital staff who have and are treating Suzanne.

We celebrate God's blessings in the ongoing good health reports that we get regarding Opal. This week Ron and I had the priviledge of taking Opal in for her most recent swallow test and received the good news that she no longer needs to have thickener added to her formula, juice or water. She is swallowing correctly and no longer chokes on regular formula and juices. We are proud to say Opal now weighs over 17 lbs.

As I mentioned earlier some days are harder than others but I have come to realize that each person faces struggles and joys and I just need to learn how to accept and deal with the difficult times just as I rejoice over the celebrations and day to day joys. I thank you all for your love and support and most of all your friendship. God has richly blessed me with having each of you in my life and for that I am thankful.

I hope and pray that each of you also know the love and care of our precious Lord Jesus. He is the reason for the season!

Love, Alice

Time in Boise

I spent nine days in Boise with Brandon, Danalyn, Max and Christopher. The reason for the trip was to be with them to celebrate Christopher's 1st Birthday. It is hard to believe that he is one already.

I spent the week watching the kids during the mornings while Danalyn worked and Brandon slept after working at Fed Ex each weekday. I was reminded of how much work a little one can be...diapers to be changed, cereal to be fed to, naps to allow Grammy to rest and then time to play Boggle with Max, watch the soaps, watched Hannah Montana, Zack & Cody, Witches of Wizardly Way or something like that...played a few games on Wii - this Grammy is too old to keep up with a 10 yr old who is constantly on the move and then add into the mix a one year old who just learned how to walk and takes after big brother's love for sports...tossed balls, chased balls, and listened and played every musical toy in the house and oh yes, changing a diaper or two :).

It was fun to watch Christopher celebrate his birthday twice. The first on his birthday (3/24) we had a birthday dinner of meat loaf, mashed potatoes w/gravy and green beans and of course, birthday cake. Christopher didn't seem to know what to do with the cake. All that would change by Friday when we did the family celebration - we were joined by Danalyn's parents, sister and her family including cousins Jayden and Colton. Max and Grammy had made a basketball cake for Christopher and the room was decorated in all sorts of sport stuff. Well, Christopher enjoyed that specail birthday cake and wore it from head to toe. He scored big time by getting two basketball hoops - one was a musical one that he enjoyed as people cheered each and every time a basket was made, the second one is a two foot high hoop that will grow with him up to 5 ft. Not sure who had more fun with that one : Christopher, Daddy or Max!

The weekend ended on a much quieter note. Daddy, Mommy and Christopher went to Lewiston for three days so Grammy and Max had some special one on one time. We went to the movies and saw "Monsters vs Aliens" in 3D - hard to explain to Max how come Grammy can't see 3D but it was still a good movie. On Sunday Grammy was treated to lunch at Chuck-a-rama by Max and then we spent the afternoon watching basketball. Go UNC!!!! And then we made a sneak trip to Fred Meyers and got some yummy Reeses peanut butter cups along with chips and cheese sauce - as we say Grammy LOVES Max and we had so much fun. Monday morning was kinda chaotic as Max got ready to go to school and I was busy preparing for the trip home.

It was a wonderful time in Boise but as usual it was good to get home.

Ramblings

It's a cold but beautiful day here in Blaine. The sun is shining but it is only 27' outside, brrrr....

We are thanking the Lord for two jobs today and one job tomorrow for Ron. It has been almost 3 weeks since he last worked.

I have been recuperating from toe surgery. Saw the doctor yesterday for a follow-up visit. It looked a little inflamed so onto antibiotics I go...better safe than sorry. Now I hope to get back to work at the church and the C Shop.

Ron surprised me with a trip to Boise to be able to celebrate Christopher's 1st birthday. It is hard to believe that he is almost one! Heard last week that he has started to take his first steps. Watch out now people, we thought he moved fast crawling...will we be able to keep up with him now as he walks/runs. I am so looking forward to this trip to Boise. I will be there for nine days! The only prayer request is that I not get sick while there...and of course safety for travel.

I don't know much else so will close. Just wanted to write something to let everyone know we are still alive and kicking in this cold and chilly land.

Pictures from Opal's 1st Birthday

Opal playing with the alphabet drum that she got from Aunt Nancy and Cousin Oliver


Opal sitting in front of Grandma Wendy. Grammy Alice is taking the picture ~ we were playing bounce the balloon.


Opal's My Little Pony Birthday Cupcakes (what a cool idea, order a cupcake cake and then you don't need forks, plates - great idea Suzanne!) Opal sitting in her new chair and Grammy Alice giving Opal a bottle.

Isn't our little precious Opal just beautiful! We thank God for this little miracle. Opal weighed 16 lbs 11 oz on her first birthday!! No more feeding tubes or O2 tubes ~

Today, February 24, 2009!

Today is Opal's 1st birthday. Her party is this evening. I will post pictures after we get home. I have been thinking about her and the last year. She has definitely come a long way. She started out at 1 lb 15 oz and 13 1/2" long. She now weighs, I think, close to or over 15 lbs. She is no longer dependent on O2 or her feeding tube. She loves to stand and has the biggest grin. She is definitely a joy in our lives.

Celebrate Winter

"Celebrate Winter" that was the title of my devotion this morning. My first thought was to celebrate the beauty of winter: the snow, the crisp morning air, and the evergreens that stand so tall here in Washington. My thoughts couldn't be farther from what the writer of the devotion had in mind.

First I turned to the scripture that goes along with the title, Psalm 42. The first thing I noticed was a note I had written on July 16, 2004 - from Charles, so many times when I am struggling and once again today as Jamie returns to Iraq and JC's funeral. I immediately found myself back to that day. Feeling sad and anxious about Jamie going back to war. I had struggled so much in the previous months he was there, worry of would he return (he did on 3/11/05) and feelings of sadness about the loss of a dear friend and a friendship that had suffered over the previous two years (mine and Julie's, JC's daughter ~ another story in itself). I remember praying for Julie that day and my decision to stay away from the funeral out of respect for Julie. I heard later she had wondered if I would be there...

Psalm 42 is filled with questions regarding despair and hope. So many reminders that God is with me whenever, wherever and however I am doing.

...as the dear pants...so my soul pants
...my tears have been my food...men question "where is your God"
...these things I remember...how I shouted with joy and thanksgiving
...why am I downcast...put your hope in God
...deep calls to deep...when I read this I think of being overwhelmed, in so deep not even sure how to get out
...by day the Lord directs his love, at night his song is with me...
...I call unto God who is my Rock "why have you forgotten me?" and He replies "I am here my child"
...put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Savior and my God!

words of reminder that God is with me, even in my greatest despair and hardest struggles. Never forget Alice, that God loves you and will never ever leave you! Thank you Lord for this strong reminder on this chilly morning.

So now as I think of "celebrating winter" I think of celebrating the dark days of depression (not wanting to be in those days but acknowledging they are a part of me), that even though some days are so difficult for me I can remember and remind myself that God is with me every step of the way and He will never leave me. Though I stumble and fall, He will pick me up again and again. Though my mind wanders to places of major despair he replaces those thoughts with memories of my dear children and delightful grandchildren - reasons to live and celebrate each and every day.

So I close with a thank you to the Lord this morning: thank you for the reminder that you are always near, that your love will never leave me and all I have to do is call on your name and you will be beside me.

A Rainy Morning

It is a cold and wet rainy morning here in Blaine. I don't think I am complaining just commenting. Yesterday was a beautiful sunny day.

I have not posted a lot lately, not sure what to write. So thought today I would just drop in, add a couple pictures of the kiddo's, and say hello.

When we were in Las Vegas last fall after my sister's death, we were able to go to the cemetery where Royce is buried. Here is a picture of his marker. Sometimes it is hard to believe that he has been gone for over 31 years. Sometimes I wonder what he would be like had he lived but then I remember that he had many health complications and life would not have been easy for him.

In reflecting about Royce, I am reminded how blessed I am to have Jamie and Brandon here with us. Jamie is doing well. Busy working at Fred Meyer's in the electronics department and helping Suzanne in raising Opal. Opal is almost a year old. She has been the trooper and is growing stronger every day. She is now off of all the oxygen and is trying hard to walk. Here are a couple of pictures of her from earlier. I will get lots of pictures on her birthday to share.


The above picture was taken around Thanksgiving. Because I was so sick with a bad cold at Christmas time we were not able to spend any time with Jamie, Suzanne or Opal.


Here is a picture of Max and Christopher taken at Christmas time when we were in Boise. I hope to get more pictures from Danalyn & Brandon that I can share with all of you.




Well, I guess this is all for today. I will write more later. Hope everyone has a good day.