Deckers

The Decker family, 1997; Melvin, Lois, Cece, and Robert

My girlfriend Cece's only sibling, Robert (57), passed away Feb. 11. He had struggled for years with diabetes. He was very tall, probably 6-5, but very gentle, kind, careful, and humorous. We all grew up together in the same neighborhood in Fresno, Ca., played games, went swimming, sking, and camping often. He left behind his wife, Cheryl, and her children and grandchildren. Cece and her mom, Lois, still live together, and will scatter Robert's ashes off the coast of Pismo Beach April 2, like his father 3 years ago.

Robert, Cece and my dad in 1992.

Our family made a few visits to Cece and family through the years. One time, Robert took each of my kids up in his elevated platform that he used to do lighting for various parties and projects. Rosie having a turn (1986). Robert loved children and was very gentle and responsible with them. And they loved him.

A favorite camping spot and swimming hole in 1971. (Summerdale)

January 2011

It took a while to post January. We had some special times with all of our family during Christmas, so January is always a let down...children and grandchildren gone, back to routines, church meetings, kids back in school, cold, dark days. There was the worry about Sheila's new pain, which turned out to be gall stones, so her gall bladder was removed, and all went well. Followed by the follow-up, then the Kell-factor in her blood system, which had to be monitored once again, like her last two pregnancies. A dear friend passed away after a year-long battle with lung cancer. I played organ and accompanied a violin solo and the granchildren's song at the funeral last week. Finally, news that my young niece, Julie, had a serious reaction to a prescribed drug that landed her in the hosptial for treatment, was another worry.

Highs and lows, but always the comfort and peace that comes from knowing God lives and knows and loves us all. Lots of prayers being offered this month. He also knows how much we need grandchildren! What a joy they bring in our lives every day!

Tyler is 9!

We had a party for Tyler's birthday this weekend...family and his best friend, Skyler, gathered for pizza and pinatas.


Skyler and Tyler!

Lined up for a shot at the pinata.

David had a pinata just for Superman Tyler, which Tyler quickly beheaded!

Lexi is two!

Lexi had a birthday on January 13, so we had to decorate and have a couple days of fun to celebrate.

A visit at the Living Planet Aquarium with family and friends.

The penquins are always a favorite.

Lunch at Carl's Jr.

Birthday presents and cake!

Game Night

Between Christmas and New Years, we planned an evening with former neighbors at Rosie's house. The Stobbes and Josh Panek came for pizza and games. It was fun to catch up and play a little again.

Christmas Day 2010

"Lo, how a rose ere blooming"! Grand nephew, Tyson Buxton, handed this as a rose bud to me at the Buxton Christmas party two weeks ago. Look how beautiful on Christmas morn!

Grandson, Camron (7) greeted us at the door at his home Christmas Day.

All children and grandchildren gathered at Rosie's for gift exchanging.

The youngest this year, MaKenna, just figuring it out.

Timid Maren with surprise in her eyes!

Tyler having a go, and toothless Camron.

Kristin opening her Paper Jamz guitar.

The older kids having a go.

Grandpa loves movies.

Makenna at the "love the paper" stage.

Lexi Lou and Sheila.

Jenn and girls.

Hayden and Tanner.

Camron tearing into a gift.

Rosie, Dave, Jenn, Hayden and Tanner.

Camron, Tyler, David.

Notice the handcuffs? What a great gift!

The scene.

The divas escaping upstairs with their stash.

What it's all about with little ones.

Maren enjoying her Christmas sack before lunch!

Makenna and Lexi into the snow supply box.

The little angels...Halie, Makenna, Lexi, and Maren.

Seven out of nine not too bad...Camron wouldn't join them, and Makenna didn't make it in time.

All together again.