On the bazillionth day of Christmas...

Whoa, it's time to blog. This last week has been a whirlwind of wonderfulness. If that's a word.

It all started with Christmas Eve at our house. My side of the family has always celebrated Christmas Eve together and this year was no different. Every one of my Utah siblings were here, with almost all of their kids - 34 people in all. (We missed Paige, out-of-staters, and missionaries - we love you!)

Dinner first - everyone brought such good food! Then the teens played a little xbox while us old fogers talked and laughed and ate and talked.

Then we had our white elephant gift exchange. There were piggies and makeup and mice, oh my. Yes, those are two real living and breathing baby mice. Ew. Grandpa picked them up first, but of course Colin took them on his turn. He handed me the box with the mice in it and said, "Uh, Mom, were gonna need a cage for those!" Thank you, Darci for taking them far away from me and my irrational fear of teeny mice.

Of course, we read Luke 2, sang some hymns and had a powerful reminder of what Christmas is truly about. People headed home just in time to miss the big storm.

Christmas morning was magical with the kids. Santa found our house and boy, did he do a good job! Daddy lined up the kids at the top of the stairs, youngest to oldest, and turned on all the lights and the camera. The kids came downstairs and found the loot - they were just as excited about what the others got as they were about what they got. We spent the morning surrounded by littlest pet shops, HSM dolls, tanks, potato heads, lincoln logs, and princesses. Even Mommy got hooked up (thanks, dear :) Even though the weather was frightful, Grandma and Grandpa Pulsipher popped in for fun visit! We got ready and headed over to the Heuglys for more fun. It was really fun to see everyone! We started out with a fantastic lunch that was NOT potluck - that was Sue's gift to us girls. We migrated downstairs for the gift exchange that was highlighted with cute blocks, baby cradles, ponchos, and leg-warmers. Oh yeah. And that was just the beginning. It was fun to watch the kids (and the grown-ups) enjoy the fun. We settled down to some game playing and the sister-in-laws even got a couple of games in. A Christmas miracle! :) We got home exhausted, but thrilled with a wonderful Christmas Eve and Day.

Don't worry, we're not done playing yet. But I have to hurry and post this so I can make it to my next party....

A gentle night is falling...

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:11-14

Merry Christmas everyone!!!

My Best Friend - Passing #10 Together...

Pictures say a thousand words.

Do you want to know what makes me happy?

From the first day I met Marci, I knew she was special.

She makes me a better person.

And yes, she looks good in Bear Blue and Orange.

She's a foxy woman!!! Eyes Off!!!!

I met Marci in France, while serving a mission.

I knew I after those first few dates in Europe...

that she was the one...

(that ought to get the blog-ossip going)

The natural man pretty much worries about number 1...

Not Marci, not for one day.

If you can imagine me in this room....

I was equally emotional, but I got to see a little bit of heaven.

I captured this photo of true Mother's love.

Marci has never let up.

She truly has unconditional love - the perfect love.

Camri's face says it all....

"Hold me, and tell me everthing is going to be o.k."

Many of you, like I have...

have found comfort in Marci's arms.

She will listen for meaning, cry with you, and love you.

She will give you everthing she has...

After 10 years, try competing with that...

Yes, I am actually holding Koko and Marci.
We were at Bear Lake on "uh-cation" as the kids say...
You should all have the chance to go on "uh-cation" with Marci.
She is very fun...if you know what I mean.
She's "that person" that you want to travel with.
She never complains, never wants anything,
appreciates everything you do for her.
Marci's love language is "quality time".
She never wants anything - she just wants me to hold her hand,
and tell her that I love her.
Marci, I do love you.
I want to be with you forever.

The light of Christ brings joy and happiness.
Again, if you can imagine me taking this photo...
Capturing the light of Christ...
These pictures have the greatest value to me.
That's what Marci has brought to me and my home.
It's hard to share her - really.
I hated her working professionally even 5 minutes,
I've just wanted her to realize her dreams...
She is the best wife - (really!)
She is my best friend.
She is the mother of my greatest joys.
For Koko, Emma, Colin, Camri, and Beau...
We love you. We love you. We love you.
We love you. We love you. We love you.
We love you.
If you say it seven times, you'll memorize it.

Happy Anniversary, best friend!!

Today's the day. Joe and I have been married for ten years.

I can't believe it's been that long, yet my life truly began that day. There was a big blizzard that day - all day - and the roads were a mess. I didn't care. It snowed while we took pictures in front of the temple. I didn't care. It snowed during the wedding breakfast and the reception. I didn't care. I didn't feel the cold at all because I was in heaven that day - I had just married my best friend!!

The ceremony was wonderful, the temple was beautiful, and we had lots of family and friends there. Joe looks gorgeous in white.

Okay, here comes the cheese. I understand love because of Joe. He is my perfect match. In honor of our ten years together, here's my top ten reasons for loving my man:

10- He spoils me. All the time.

9 - He takes his responsibility to provide for his family very seriously and does a great job at it.

8- He always has the best Halloween costumes.

7- He honors his Priesthood and brings the Spirit into our home.

6- He truly and sincerely loves his kids, and can't wait to see them every day.

5- He has a really beautiful singing voice.

4- He loves his parents and his brothers. He is very loyal to his family.

3- He is always helping someone with something. He is the perfect example of quiet service.

2- He always smells good.

1- He knows me better then anyone else does, and he still loves me :)

I love you, dear. Ten years down, eternity to go...

It's the most wonderful time of the year...

I love this time of year! What other time can you turn on the radio and hear Boys II Men and the Beach Boys singing about Christ? When do you ever see so many lights at night? When do you ever see such a spirit of giving and loving and serving?
Some may think Christmas is too commercial. Maybe. But even with all the glitter, the Spirit of Christmas is alive and well. I see Nativity scenes right next to the Santas, I see kids at the store giggling as they pick out gifts for Sub for Santa, I see piles and piles of food and toys all being donated. It's magical...no, it's spiritual. It really SHOULD be like this all year.

Merry Christmas everyone.

Hmmmmmm.....

I was watching a show with Dakota the other day - okay, it was Gilmore Girls, I'm not ashamed to admit it. Anyway, the girls on the show went to a Bangles concert. Here I am singing along with "Walk Like an Egyptian", and "Eternal Flame" and as I start to feel nostalgiac for Classic Roller Skating and mixed tapes, my daughter asks me a question:

Dakota: Mom, who is that singing?

Me: It's the Bangles.

Dakota: Are they a real group?

Me: Yep, they were popular in the '80's.

Dakota: Oh. (Pause) Are they men dressed like women?

Me: (Silence, while I look at them and notice for the first time that they DO kind of look like men dressed like women. Then I get a little worried about that explanation coming from my nine-year-old daughter)

Dakota: (completely unphased) This is a great song.

Me: Yes it is....

Ahhhh, memories.

Five reasons that I love my life...

It doesn't get any better then this!

'Tis the season...

We had a great weekend!! It started on Friday with our annual trip to the Festival of Trees. My mom joined us and we saw some really cool things. It may not be a guy thing, but us girls had a great time :)We saw a tree made out of blown glass. There were lights inside and they were synchronized with music. It was pretty cool... We saw the, the, the,.....THE GRINCH!!We saw many beautiful trees, wreaths, gingerbread houses, and decorations. We even had some of their yummy scones.. (thanks Grandma :)...But the best part was the spirit of the whole event. We know that all the proceeds go directly to Primary Children's Hospital and all the trees are decorated and donated by companies, organizations, and individuals. When the trees are sold, they come with everything surrounding the tree. We saw more then one x-box, plasma t.v., wii, standing fireplaces, kitchen tables, rocking chairs, toys, books, ... you name it. The generosity of these donors was astounding!

People were kind and a reverent Spirit of Christmas was there as we walked down row after row of trees donated in memory of a loved one or someone that has been served by Primary Children's Hospital. What a great way to say thank you.
Friday night was Mom's night out with a couple of kiddos. We have Jazz tickets and Joe usually takes the kids. This time, it was my turn. We hit a major traffic jam, but luckily I thought the game started at 7:00 (it started at 8:30), so instead of being an hour late, we were a half-hour early. After nachos, drinks, and the human slinky at half-time, we headed home. Of course, we had to get some ice cream on the way. Jazz game = ice cream. Always.
Saturday the fun continued. We went to see Bolt with Grandma and Grandpa Heugly. Since we went to the wrong theater, the kids had a chance to sing some songs and perform to an empty room :) But we got to the right theater in time to find great seats. There were 9 of us, only three chairs to spare in our row.
It was a cute show, very clever. The kids really liked it and when we got home, they immediately went to go play with Milo. It made them appreciate their dog that much more!

Saturday night was the ward Christmas party. The kids got to wear their jammies because the theme was "The Polar Express".

We had breakfast for dinner, dancers, and the whole Polar Express show performed live for our entertainment. Koko sang with a boy in our ward and it was absolutely fantastic... and when I figure out how to post the video, you can see for yourself.

We had the tickets, the conductor, the music, the story, even a huge painting of the Polar Express. No detail was forgotten, it was amazing!

Of course, Joe helped out as Santa's helper and gave out the first gift of Christmas to our dear Stake Patriarch. Santa then passed out wooden train whistles to all the kids, he was a hit!

The Spirit was right and we were able to celebrate the real reason for this holiday season.

Yep, I'd say we kicked off December with a bang!!

Goodbye, fair plant...

Joe gave me the coolest plant for Mother's Day this year. I'm not sure what it is, but it is really beautiful! This plant has been back and forth from our table centerpiece to our counter centerpiece since May. It pretty much looks the same as when he gave it to me (maybe it's a little less pink, but still it's pretty hardy). I considered planting it outside, but the snow came and I wasn't sure if Planty could take the cold.

So, the sad day came when our lovely plant took a ride on the garbage can express. It has been in the background of many pictures, it has brightened our home for many months, and it has been a part of our lives since before Beau was born. But now it is time to say goodbye.

Of course, I will always keep the card that came with it: "Marci, Can't tell you enough how much I love you. You are a great Mother! I love you, Joe".

So, Happy Mother's Day to me. I wonder what he'll do for our anniversary next week.........

In memory of Lincoln David Howard

Lincoln David Howard 11/3/2008 ~ 11/26/2008

Our sweet son, Lincoln, came to us straight from Heaven to bless our lives. Lincoln accomplished many miracles while here and unexpectedly returned to his Father in Heaven on November 26, 2008. Born November 3, 2008 to parents, Natalia and Michael. Survived by parents, brothers; Dmitri, Logan, and Landon, and his sister, Destiny. Grandparents, and many other loving family members. Little buddy, we have so much to tell you, "We love and we'll miss you, but we know we'll see you again someday."- Dmitri. "Thank you to Heavenly Father for Lincoln. You are so cute and cuddly."- Logan. "No go homeI just love my Linclon."- Destiny. "You are so pure, you could have returned home immediately, but because of your and our Heavenly Father's great love, we were able to enjoy your presence a bit longer. The time we got to spend with you, we will cherish forever, it was so precious. May our Father in Heaven keep you near, until we hold you again."- Mom and Dad.

Dear Sweet Howard Family,
We love you and our prayers are with you. Lincoln is so perfect and beautiful, he looks just like your other children. Our hearts are heavy, we mourn with you, we love you so much. Thank you for letting us be a part of your lives.
Love,
Joe, Marci, Koko, Emma, Colin, Camri, and Beau

Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas!!

Thanksgiving was a great day!! After a lazy morning, we went over to Grandma and Grandpa Pulsipher's house. There were 24 of us for dinner, a small crowd by Pulsipher standards, but it there was just enough chaos to keep it interesting. The weather was nice so the kids played outside for a while. Dinner was a huge success - we had all the trimmings: turkey, ham, potatoes, gravy, yams, rolls, green beans, fruit salad, veggie trays, crackers and dip, cookies, cranberry sauce, all kinds of pie... It was wonderful!! It only took three tables to get everyone seated, and we each got our own cornacopia filled with treats (thanks Grandma!). It was so fun to see brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, cousins, and a few neighbors. We were even able to talk to some of them on the phone. We sure missed those that weren't able to come!Cheryl brought supplies to write letters to our family missionaries, Jesse and Mitch. The kids had a blast with all the fun paper, stickers, crayons, scissors and glue. The letters turned out really cute, and our Elders will know that we are thinking of them. Of course, every holiday needs a good sleeping picture. Camri dozed after sitting on daddy's lap for about a minute. Gotta love that tryptophan, it knocks the kids right out (and some of the parents). We had a great time with the Pulsiphers!! When things started to wind down, we decided to head over and say hi to the Heuglys. The boys got to play Risk and the girls got to watch the kids :) (and Errand of Angels - if you have ever wondered what it's like for a sister to serve a mission, especially in Europe, watch this show. It was eerie how similar it was to my own experience!) It was an amazing, fun-filled, tiring day! Of course, when I got home, I had to take advantage of some of the online Black Friday deals. Good stuff. We took Friday to relax and take advantage of Joe's day off. We even hit a few stores just for fun. I think we bought three things. Hey, we gotta do our part for the economy.

Saturday was the annual Heugly Christmas Party at Ethan and Amy's house. As usual, it was a hit!! The food was fantastic - yummy soups and bread bowls, salad, dessert, and the evil sweet chex mix that draws you in with its addictive powers. We did a white elephant gift exchange for the big kids and the little kids got cute gifts from Santa's Helper and his sidekick. (Joe and Koko, they looked so cute, I'll post a picture of them soon.) We played a little Murder in the Dark, Family Feud, Rook, Pirate games, Wii..... you name it.Thanks Ethan and Amy for officially kicking off the Christmas season with a bang!!