Spend even a few minutes with Marci Gutheil and you’ll quickly learn two things: she loves her family fiercely, and she tells a story like no one else. From “love at first trip” to “Smothered and Covered Sundays,” the Gutheils bring faith, fun, and full flavor to life in River Ranch.

Marci met her husband, James, affectionately known as “Jim Dear,” while they were both working at a hospital in Lubbock, Texas. He was doing his residency, and she was touring the hospital on her first day as an event planner for a nonprofit group.

“I quite literally tripped over his huge shoes in the resident lounge,” she laughs. “I turned to see who they belonged to, and there was Jim Dear. It was love at first trip!”

Today, James is a pediatric orthopedic surgeon at Lourdes Women’s and Children’s Hospital. Marci is the owner and principal designer and florist for Revival Designs, and proudly the “CEO of the Gutheil Casa,” a role she considers her most important yet.

Marci is from Lubbock, Texas. James grew up in Columbus, Ohio. After five years of Midwest winters, returning South felt like coming home. “You don’t have to shovel sunshine in Louisiana,” she says. “You can take the girl out of the South, but honey, she’ll be back.”

The Gutheil family includes sons Taylor, who lives in Texas, Will, and daughter Micaela “Mickey.” Faith anchors their home. “We are absolutely rooted in our faith,” Marci shares. “It’s the foundation we build everything on.” 

Their faith extends beyond the walls of their home and into their community. Jim and Marci are active members at Bayou Church, where they both participate in small groups, and Jim also attends a Dad’s Bible study at STM. Marci volunteers at STM as well, helping with the wrestling and tennis teams. “I jokingly say that, like Jim Dear, I’m on call,” she says with a smile. “But I am. I take that role very seriously.” For this season, she feels called to be present for her children in a hands-on way. “There was a time when I worked full-time and loved it. But right now, this is where I’m needed. As they get older, the responsibilities grow for all of us.”

Two cross-country moves taught them what it means to lean on one another. “No matter what life throws at us, we always have our family.” Their closeness shows up intentionally. Each week they practice “One on One Wednesday” or “Thick as Thieves Thursday,” where James and Marci each take a child to dinner or run errands. “It’s so important to get to know your child as a person,” she says. “Find out who they are, what they need, and how you can be there for them.”

Will wrestles at STM and recently persevered through a season-ending concussion, a challenging time that strengthened the family’s faith and resilience. He is also a member of the National Society of High School Scholars, balancing athletics with strong academic achievement. Mickey plays tennis at STM and, at 5'9", this former volleyball player has “never met a net she couldn’t conquer.” She was honored this year with both an academic award and a leadership award at school. Taylor works in landscaping in Texas and loves camping, shooting sports, and frisbee golf.

And then there are the pets: Nicodemus, their laid-back black cat who patrols the house; Chicken, the cranky rescue terrier and chihuahua; and Daisy Mae, their joyful golden retriever who “absolutely loves people and other animals.” Car rides and pup cups from Andy’s and Jet Coffee are a family favorite.

Music fills the Gutheil house. James has played piano since he was four and is classically trained. “He is phenomenal,” Marci says. She loves listening to him play on their grand piano and to Will play guitar. 

They are a football-loving family, rooting for Ohio State, Texas Tech, LSU, the Saints, and yes, even the Kansas City Chiefs. They also love tennis and attending concerts together, from Santana and the Doobie Brothers to Brooks & Dunn. “Gimme a good honky-tonk vibe any day,” Marci says.

In the kitchen, Marci has fully embraced Louisiana life. She bought her first Magnalite as soon as they moved here and stocked up on Cajun cookbooks. Every Sunday is “Smothered and Covered,” rice and gravy, baby. Homemade gumbo, Mexican food, and creative salads round out the menu.

When they are not home enjoying poolside afternoons, they are likely headed to the beach. Mexico is a favorite, but they are just as happy road-tripping to Destin or New Orleans. Mardi Gras weekends and Christmas trips to New Orleans have become beloved Louisiana traditions.

“The first time our realtor drove us through River Ranch, we knew,” Marci says. As a designer, she is enamored with the French and Spanish architecture and the live oaks woven throughout the neighborhood. “It’s a designer’s dream.”

They love walking or taking the golf cart to restaurants and the country club, and they especially love the neighbors. “Everyone is so kind and friendly.”

For the Gutheils, River Ranch is not just a beautiful place to live. It is where faith is practiced, traditions are built, music is played, and rice and gravy are served every Sunday.

And if you hear piano keys drifting through the neighborhood or a guitar softly strumming in the background, chances are it’s coming from the Gutheil house.