My Grandpa King passed away when I was just a little, little girl. Today he would have turned 100 years old. The picture above was taken when he was almost the same age as me. Isn't he handsome? Today is also my niece Karlie's birthday. She is turning, and she will be baptized next week. She was named for him and another Grandpa Karl. I know that they are both very proud of her and excited for her baptism.
Carl Marcus King was everyone's friend. He was a beloved husband, father, scout master, and bishop. This picture was taken at his desk while he was serving as the mayor of Burbank, CA. He and my grandmother served together as mission president and mother. When he was in the scout program, my grandpa earned the award of the Silver Beaver. He was always working hard and loving lots. My dad often talks about how he would never allow himself to be lazy, and how he always said that "having money is like burning a hole in your pocket; you've just got to spend it!" Sometimes I follow that one a little too often. ;) I was thinking that it would be fun to write down 100 memories of him to celebrate his would-be 100 years, but I'll just do a few.
Grandpa King was a carpenter. He built some beautiful homes, including the one I was born in. He would also build things for us like an amazing, huge rocking horse for me and a little carriage-type box that my mom and I would ride in to be pulled behind my dad's bike--we called it the carpet. I remember being in his garden with him (his whole backyard was an AWESOME garden). He would let me feel like I was helping him, and he'd teach me things about the plants. I loved seeing the grape vines grow up his fence and into the lattice, and I can still see the first time that he opened a pea pod to reveal several little green peas. I thought that was so cool. Grandpa always brought me M&M's when he and Grandma would come over. I remember once he came into my room and I pretended like I was sleeping. I peeked my eyes open just enough to see his hand placing a few M&M's on my night stand. I will never forget that.
About 1 1/2 years ago my Grandma King got to be reunited with Grandpa. It was something she had been wanting for the almost 20 years since he had left. She would go to sleep each night with her hand out, palm up, for him to come and take her with him. I am so grateful and so happy for them to be together again. The only thing that makes me sad is that Adam never got to meet any of my amazing grandparents. I am going to make sure that my children and grandchildren know about the wonderful people who came before and left such a great legacy for them of love, service, and faith. Happy Birthday, Grandpa! We love you!!!
Jen Brandt, a friend in our ward, came up with a really great Christmas idea. Our husbands home teach together, so she suggested that we go caroling together to the families and sisters that we all home and visit teach. Jen and I each made a couple different kinds of treats, then she and her husband Adam came over this evening so we could put together plates and then deliver them with a couple of songs. We had such a wonderful time!
On Saturday night we went with Melissa and Reid Garza, another couple in our ward, to the Festival of Trees. I have always wanted to go, and it was so great! One of the trees was sold for $27,000!!! Steven loved seeing all the lights and colors, and we really enjoyed seeing all of the tributes that people had done for their loved ones in their tree displays, along with some amazing creations in the gingerbread village. I love all the things that help to make Christmas such a magical time!!!
