aMazing Month of May

The month of May 2013 has been one of the busiest months is a long time.  We end April by celebrating Adam and Luke’s birthdays and that was just the beginning of the celebrations yet to come.  

My mom, my sisters, and I hosted a bridal shower for Krissy.  We held it at my family’s favorite restaurant in Bakersfield… Rosa’s.   We had about 15 close friends and family their to honor Krissy.  Krissy was showered with some lovely gifts for her new home and some fun gifts for she and Daniel to enjoy.  Did I mention that Krissy likes “playing nurse?”

The following weekend, I was able to take out my endowments at the Los Angeles Temple.  My lovely family accompanied me and my Mom was my escort.   It was a very special day for all involved.   Thanks to Tori Hogue for watching Emma outside the temple that day for us.  From there, my parents jumped on an airplane to St. Kitts for the week. 

A few days before my parents returned, I learned that my Uncle Ray had taken a bad fall and was in the hospital in San Diego.  He had broken five ribs and punctured his lung.    I desperately wanted to go be with Farris but was stuck in Lake Isabella helping with Nicole and Kelly.  I also realized that taking a 8 month old to hang out at the hospital probably wasn’t the best idea.   The day after my parents returned, my Dad, Emma, and I drove to San Diego to see Ray.   By the time we arrived it was determined that his condition wasn’t improving and that he probably wouldn’t live another day.   We were able to visit with him and both Emma and I got kisses from him.  It was a bitter sweet  visit for us because Ray passed away the following day.  I will always cherish that visit and the memories made throughout my life with him. 

Ray was a wonderful man is so many ways.  He was extremely charitable and willing to help me when I lived in San Diego.  I stayed in their home for about 2 months while waiting for my apartment to be available.  He and Farris couldn’t have been more accommodating of me.   They taught me to play Scrabble which I think they beat me every single time.   Ray tried to teach me how to ballroom dance but like many others decided it was hopeless.  He always complimented me and said if he was younger he would have married me in a heartbeat. 

Childhood memories of Ray are plentiful.  Some of my favorites include times spent at the beach in Carpinteria.  Ray was the master chef and spent hours cooking for all of us.   He also taught me how to play bridge and progressive rummy….both games I still love.  He pitched the ball as slow as possible in hopes of making it so I could hit it when we played family softball.   He instilled in us a love for the Padres and was ever hopeful that they would make it to the world series again.  He and Farris always brought a container of Red  Vines and See’s candy for the adults.  Most Thanksgivings they came to Lake Isabella for a visit.   I can still remember the excitement as a child awaiting their arrival. 

Ray will be missed but he leaves behind a legacy of love for his family, his country and our church.  I know he is rejoicing with loved ones on the other side.     Ray’s funeral was planned for the following Saturday (the day after our next celebration…)

On Friday, May 24, 2013, Krissy married Daniel Schultz in the Fresno, California Temple.   It was a simple wedding with immediate family and friends.   We stayed Thursday night at Krissy and Daniel’s new home in Tulare and put together the flowers for the event.  Following the wedding, we had an intimate luncheon at a restaurant fifteen minutes away.  Dessert was cheesecake from the Cheesecake Factory! 

  The following day we left for San Diego at 5:30 in the morning.  We arrived at Miramar Military Cemetery in plenty of time for Ray’s interment.  Ray was a Marine during World War II and one of the few survivors of Iwo Jima .  He was honored  with a complete military service.   We then proceeded to El Cajon where we had a memorial service at the church building.   Nancy, Howard, Craig and my Dad all spoke paying tribute to an incredible man.    The members of the ward provided a lovely luncheon after the service.    Almost all of my Dad’s living cousins were in attendance.

   The month of May ended with the conclusion of the twin’s completing the third 3rd grade and joining us for the summer.  Emma was truly in heaven with them around the house. 

We also celebrated Elle and Kent’s birthdays a few days late due to all the craziness.   I made them (along with Adam and Luke) lap boards this year for their birthdays.   I think they all liked them.   We are sad that the Tucker children  will be moving to Tulare soon but happy for all the new changes to come in the years ahead.