Savior of the World

Rusty and Chloe were in the play that our stake put on called Savior of the World. It took a lot of time and some practicing at home but well worth it for them to participate. It was so touching and beautiful. It was the story of Christ's birth and then later of his resurrection and appearances to the disciples and others. It was really beautiful. Chloe played one of Mary's cousins and an angel too. Rusty played a temple priest, an angel who moved the stone away from Jesus' tomb, and one of the apostles, James Alphaeus. As you can see, they did his hair for the times...! The part I really enjoyed, maybe because I hadn't thought too much about it, was that there was this ledge thing up above the earth, or stage, where there were always angels looking down on all the things that were going on. It was amazing to be reminded that all of heaven, including us, I think, were singing and celebrating Christ's birth! Joy, Rusty's sister, played violin in the orchestra. The orchestra did a fabulous job! It was really quite professionally done. Chloe and Rusty look pretty in their make-up, eh? I think one of Chloe's favorite things about being involved in the production, was putting on make-up!

Christmas Eve

Marsh kids on Christmas Eve, getting ready to open their 'cousin swap' gifts.

Merry Christmas!

We had such a great Christmas, and all of December. One of my favorite parts every year is hearing from family and friends through cards, letters, notes, even emails! We are so thankful for the relationships that we have with so many who have helped our lives be so much more meaningful. Rusty surprised me with an early Christmas present, tickets to a Cirque de Soleil show, Corteo. It was so facinating! We were just in awe the whole evening. The music was great and we were thouroughly entertained! We would love to see another someday! Christmas morning was nice. The kids woke up early, but followed our 'council' (don't wake us before 6!). Then we tried to ignore them till about 7, by telling them to brush their teeth and make their beds and all we could think of so we could get a few more minutes of precious sleep! When we finally got up, we teased them by saying they had to eat breakfast first, we'd just whip up some homemade french toast, eggs and bacon! Nooo, we opened presents! Kids are so fun! They really were excited about every little thing, like Chloe with her key (see photo below). She and Porter got house keys, and come to find out, that low priced gift got a pretty cool reaction! I am so thankful for these sweet children. I am also thankful for my Savior, Jesus Christ. For His exemplary life, and sacrifice for me. It has been wonderful to celebrate His birth this month!


MJ on her new bike!

Ellie and MJ with their new Baby Alive dolls that actually wet their diapers!

Ren loves to be pushed around in his little car.

Chloe was excited to get her own house key!

Porter loves games, now he adds Risk to his collection.

Thanks Ellen!

Ok. Some of you read Liz's blog about us going to the Ellen show! It is true! We had so much fun! Liz, Pati, Natalie, Joy, Rusty and I all went up to Burbank to be a part of her audience for one her 12 days of giving shows! We saw Blake Lewis from American Idol perform. I am not particularly a fan, but it was fun to jam out to his slightly strange music. And we watched Padma Lakshmi cook up some flautas, which we sampled, delicious! The prizes were great and included a kitchen aid mixer, juicer, a gift certificate for Allen Brothers Steakhouse Steaks, another for Chefs catalog, another gift card for $200 cash...yes we were so lucky! And the dancing...those of you who know me in my younger days, before kids days know I love to dance. I have to say I didn't know if I knew how anymore, but when the music started it all came back. It was fun to have a child free day with a few of my best friends! Thanks guys! Ps. Thanks to Ellen for helping to provide a great Christmas! :)

Happy Birthday, Chloe!

On November 30, Chloe turned 10! She was pretty excited to be double digits, and I was a bit sad...but happy for her. She is a sweet, wonderful daughter. She is very helpful and motherly with Ren. She is smart and confident. I seriously admire her! She gave me a piece of paper a few weeks before her birthday where she had written her birthday day's outline. It included getting her nails painted at the salon, dinner at BJ's pizza, bringing and opening presents there etc. I guess this way she knew she would get what she wanted! We pretty much stuck to her outline and she had a fun time...so did everyone else. As you can see Chloe's nails are painted...who knew black is the new pink?! And she is wearing the cute sweater that Aunt Liz gave her! And we all love BJ's! For cake, we had a pazookie, which is a big, warm cookie with ice cream on top. Yummy! We love Chloe!