My Grandma, Francelle Robson Decker

I know that haven't posted in a long time (two months to be exact!) but I have to begin by blogging about the passing of my wonderful Grandma...

Shortly after my sisters' Utah visit, I received the sad news that my sweet Grandma Decker had passed away back home in Mesa. She was 83 yrs old. It's safe to say that my Grandma loved being with her family more than anyone I have ever met and she was a great example of keeping those you love close.

Newlyweds Clair and Frankie Decker

My Grandpa Clair was diagnosed with Alzheimer's 15 years ago and my Grandma has taken such great care of him all these years. Truly a labor of love!

Christmas 1999- All the Decker Gals
Summer, Grandma, My Cute Mom, Me, Shanon, and Monique

It was so special to fly back for her funeral and be there with all her posterity gathered around her---just what she loved! All her children spoke at the funeral and it was fun hearing stories, both familiar and new, about my Grandma's life. My Dad asked me to sing "Be Still My Soul" in a Cousins Quartet and I was honored to do so. My cousins all have beautiful voices and I was lucky to hold up the rear amongst 3 great voices. My sister, Summer, accompanied us and it was nice to be together while we practiced the arrangement.

My Dad with all his siblings and their spouses at the Mesa, AZ Cemetery.

Grandma was buried right next to my Mom so now my sweet Mother won't be lonely! :D But seriously, I am sure my Mom was there to embrace Grandma into Heaven!

My Wonderful Family: Dad and all five of his children.
Carol did a fabulous job of displaying my Grandma's life through pictures.

(This was the entryway into the funeral...have I mentioned before that my step-mom is Martha Stewart?!?)

As sad as it was, it was also a lovely weekend, full of visiting with both my original and extended family members. I am blessed to come from such wonderful people! Rest in peace, Grandma.

Girls Weekend Time! Yeah!

With My Beautiful Sisters

(Shanon, Summer, and I)

Last week my sisters flew up from Arizona for our annual Girls Trip and we had fun fun fun!!! (Mom, you were missed yet again! Love you!) It was the first time they've seen my new home in Utah and I LOVED having them here! Our 4 days together were packed: shopping, eating (Costa Vida, Olive Garden, Sweet Tooth Fairy Bakery, and more & more), going to the movies, staying up late talking (thus becoming friends with Mr. Aspirin each morning), showing off our mad dance skills while doing Just Dance 2 on the Wii, visiting our Peterson Grandparents & our Aunt Robin, meeting Sister Ardith Kapp, and more fun stuff---what a party!

*FYI-Pictured is The Sweet Tooth Fairy Bakery's Strawberry Shortcake Cupcake...soooooo good! If you are in Utah you MUST visit one of their locations! Trust me! We also love the VaNIElla Squared Cupcake, yum!

The weather was cold with snow coming down 3 of the 4 days my sisters were here. Needless to say, all 3 of these Arizona ladies did not appreciate having to drive around while it was snowing! My sisters both decided that they like snow if they are inside a nice warm home looking at it outside! :D
As I mentioned above, we spent a wonderful afternoon at the home of our Gram & Grandpa Burke. We ate a delicious meal from "Plates & Palates" and then spent hours visiting together. It is always so uplifting to be with our amazing Grandparents! We are blessed to come from such good and kind people.

Me with Gram & Grandpa
Summer with Gram & Grandpa
Gram is holding a Family Tree that Summer made for them that shows all 100 of their descendants---quite a group!
Shanon with Gram & Grandpa
Grandpa Burke has always been a really fun grandpa that knows how to make us all laugh. Even at 87 yrs old he is still making silly faces and cracking jokes!
What a Darling Couple---Over 60 years of wedded bliss!Morning of Day 3...tired but ready for more shopping, food, & fun!
I am so blessed to have such amazing sisters! I love you both and can't wait until our next Sisters Trip! XXOO!

*And BTW, thanks to our awesome husbands, who watched all the kids so we could spend this sisters' time together!
You guys are the BEST!!!

Kids Being Kids

Our boys started Karate lessons last month and are absolutely loving it! Wearing the GIs, obeying their Sensei, learning cool moves---we have found little boy heaven!

At the end of the first lesson, the instructor taught them to say,
"Domo Arigato, Sensei." I turned to Eric saying, "he is having them quote that song, 'Mr. Roboto!'
You know,'Domo Arigato, Mr. Roboto!'"
Eric just looked at me, laughing, and said, "Are you serious? The song is quoting Martial Arts Instructors everywhere---this is where the Styx got that line!" So, how embarrassing for me, but I am glad to now know this piece of info! :D

While at 9 months old, Elle is too young to begin any sort of lessons, she is happy each day to play with her two favorite "TOYS." What are these items you ask? A spoon and a stacking cup. Yes, with tons of darling age appropriate toys all around the house, Elle continually picks these two items and they bring her the happiest smiles each day! Go figure. Here is Elle with her prized possessions. Hope you enjoy these pics! (Warning: Picture overload below. Indulging in a Proud Mommy Moment!)