Month: May 2008

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is it really over?

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Yes, unfortunately, it really is over. At least for another year! Zionfest 2008 came and went in the blink of an eye. Those who took the time off work, gathered permits, made long drives, and left little ones behind were not disappointed. At least, I hope not. This year’s theme was “Call of the Canyon” (credits go to Robert Lea). Next year, however, the ladies have decided that the themed t-shirt will center around “Oh the Life of a Canyoneer’s Wife” Clever, eh? Maybe by then Valerie really will have purchased the straight-jacket for Carter…she keeps threatening.

Even though we spent almost a week at Zion Nat’l Park, it doesn’t seem like nearly enough time. I guess with everyone moving back to Las Vegas (how did that happen?) coordinating and planning will be easier. Regardless, I would fly home from China to honor this friendship tradition. Some people can’t believe that the 10 of us (which does vary each year depending on who’s in labor) actually take a holiday weekend and spend it together as friends. But our friends are family. There is no distinction to me. I wish everyone I know could have a life like mine. Our friends, at times, have been more supportive of our adoption than some family members. Our friends get us (in all our nerdiness–I know we’ll try to bring less electronic gear next year). Our friends visit us even when we’re seven hours away. I could go on and on, but as anyone who reads this blog knows, our friends are treasured by Adam and I.

Here’s a run-down of pictures…Click on the link to see more. (Jena, you can download and or all–just have to do it one at a time.)

Behunin Almost:

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Emerald Pools:

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Das Boot:

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Random Fun Pics:

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We had a fabulous time. Thanks Zioneers for being our friends. Our group vacations never ever disappoint. Oh yeah, I got 10 scrap pages done while I was there. That is the defining measure of how successful the trip was–in my book anyway!
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how quickly time flies

38733885This is for you mom, dad, Jaimee, and Brian.

We stopped at Hunter and Austin’s graves on Monday in Orem to put some pinwheels and flags by their side. It was awesome to see that almost every grave had been visited. What a site! We were honored to visit the twins and remember their spirits. Has it really been FIVE years?

Rest well sweet nephews…

here are a few more pics:

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is it really here?

To all my fellow Zioneers–Two More Days!!! I’m sure tonight will be filled with dreams of spa treatments, scrapbooking, hiking, and great conversations. Maybe I’ll actually sleep a little too. I need the energy to be able to pack tomorrow! C ya on the South Side.

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a smashing success

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This smile says it all!!! Thursday brought food, folks, and fun to the Hirschi House! We helped Jaimee and Brian host a neighborhood block party–which they’ve been itching to do since they moved in over a year ago. Heaven knows it’s been a loooooooooong dreary season–Bear Lake was still frozen over until last week! Finally, we had a break in the weather allowing us to celebrate a belated spring and build friendships with our neighbors. It was such a blast to stand on the deck and watch all 40 or so kids playing in their selective groups:

We had trampers and teeter-totterers:

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We had sporty boys and girly girls:

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And we had the little ones, of course:

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Oh yeah, and the big kids too:

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All in all, we had just plain fun:

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Thanks for coming everyone! We had a blast….and we hope you did too. Who’s turn is it next??? :)

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rachie day, take 4

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The last two years, we’ve celebrated Rachie Day. Adam is so great on this particular day. He does whatever I want (I know, that’s most days) and he is extra-loving. This past Sunday we went on a hike to the Logan Wind Caves. It was the perfect hiking day. There weren’t too many people on the trail. The weather was overcast, but not windy or cold. And it was a good warm-up for Angel’s Landing in Zion. Since it was Rachie Day, however, we didn’t go to the top. I was done about three quarters of the way up, and my sweet husband said he would turn around with me. I told him to go ahead and I would wait at the truck, but he said, “no this is Rachie’s Day so we do what Rachie wants to do.” That was sweet music to my ears. We had an enjoyable descent.

During the rest of the day we made a pizza and had hot-fudge browning sundaes. Yeah, it was definitely a non-diet day, but I did skip dinner to make up for a few of the extra calories. We watched two or three movies in bed while surfing Colombian adoption blogs and homeschooling materials. Adam finished our Zion t-shirts for our upcoming excursion. It was perfect.

Thanks Adi for always knowing what this time of year means to me…you always handle it with perfect sensitivity and love. 

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who’s a nerd?

At first I thought my super good friend Valerie’s comment (see comments on hey, mrs. brightside post) referred to Adam and Jeremy, her hubby, as nerds, which I am used to. But then I took a closer look, and no, no, she referred to The McCracken’s (that is plural, and possesive I guess, in my universe) as nerds. This is something new and different for me. And I am not quite sure how I feel about it.

Has my smartness *British style* turned to nerdiness? Is this phenomenon a virtue of me growing into my thirties? Maybe it is because I am married to a genius? Or perhaps it is simply because I have lost my kick-ass (sorry moms) globe trekking abilities, which has severely dampened my cool factor?

I have been called many things in three decades: a brainiac, a word snob, type A, well-read, and even miss bossy pants. All of these adjectives have boosted my self-confidence. But a nerd? Come on Val, is that really what you think of me? Is that really all you’ve got? *enter witty retorts*

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love is spoken here

Adam and I would like to acknowledge our mothers this weekend. They are both shining examples of unconditional love and conviction. So without further adieu, the following spotlights two of our most favorite women.

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Name: Catherine Ann Penning

Occupation: 1st grade teacher a.k.a angel on earth

Favorite Pasttime: Chasing dad around the kitchen island with a spatula shouting, “James, I’m gonna get you.”

I love my mother. I remember being in the seventh grade and still loving my mother. In contrast, all of my friends were at war with their moms. They ‘hated’ them and did everything they could to make their lives miserable. I never felt that way. I liked being around my mom and I always felt that she liked to spend time with me as well. She has supported me through such decisions as serving a mission, trekking the globe, moving to Las Vegas, adopting four kids from a far away place, and deciding to homeschool them. Some of these decisions were a little easier to support than others, but she has always trusted my instincts and my ablility to discern what is right for my life’s path. And for that, mother, I am forever indebted to you.

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Name: Debra McCracken

Occupation: Librarian

Favorite Pasttime: Scrapbooking, or rather purchasing scrapbook supplies and dreaming of the day she can use them without fear of little terrorists a.k.a Quinn and Zoe.

I also love my mom. She has been an example to me from my earliest memories. She has picked me up and bandaged plenty of knees and elbows. She has supported me emotionally, spiritually, and financially! Though I know she has thought I’m crazy with my hikes and canyon adventures (sorry about that Chrismas Eve mishap, Mom!), she has always encouraged me to follow my dreams and let me know that there is nothing in the world, except for the limits I place on myself, to stop me. I am proud of her for taking on the added stress of getting her Master’s degree now, after sacrificing it earlier in life to raise me and my siblings. I love you mom, and will be eternally grateful for the love you have shared with me.

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target.com, you just lost our business

Yeah, that’s right, you heard us. We have many friends and family who have generously provided us with hundreds of dollars in Target gift cards for our adoption. This has been a huge blessing for us because we live in Logan, UT where there is not currently a Target store. We are in the process of picking and purchasing a point-and-shoot digital camera for our trip to Colombia. So logically we decided to use some of our Target money to purchase the camera we were looking for.

Adam just tried purchasing the item online at target.com, but was unable to use the number of gift cards it would require. Okay, understandable. Adam then called customer service so that they could help him finish the purchase over the phone. Pretty simple, right? Not asking much. We are wanting and willing to give Target a few hundred dollars.

What was the call center’s response, you ask? “Well, maybe you could go to a Target store and combine the gift cards there.” There was a small exchange over us not having a Target, and something about how they use the exact same screen we use to order things so there is absolutely no possible way to override the system….blah blah blah! When Adam asked to speak to a superior, he was met with the “our calls are recorded for quality….”

The bottom line: we’re buying our camera from B&H, which we prefer anyway. The same camera is $50 cheaper, there is no sales tax, and shipping takes less time. Oh yeah, we love B&H and have never been dissappointed with their service. Buy all your camera stuff from them–they’re great!

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hey, mrs. brightside

Let’s shout it out together: Mamma Penning doesn’t have MS. We are still convinced there is something to this whole small brain thing though, right mom?

Seriously though, dazed and confused steeped in relief sums it up. The short of the long is that Cathy doesn’t have MS and she doesn’t have Dementia. Mom will go through a battery of tests that the neurologist has ordered. He is specifically looking at blood clotting issues that could help prevent something more serious later on. I guess I won’t share too much of my mother’s personal medical history on the world wide web. :)

Anyway, thank you all for the many inquiries of concern over the past couple of weeks. It’s a small, or maybe large, reminder to enjoy the brightsides of life everyday so that we keep a deep reserve to draw from when things get a little cloudy.

Love you mom….soon to be Abuela to four more cuties! This little episode doesn’t get you out of visiting Colombia this summer. Nice try.

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the downside of up

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How can there possibly be any downsides to finishing a 1/2 marathon? Oh that’s right, you have to keep up the hard work you put in OR ELSE! Yeah, I’ll admit it. The only thing I’ve participated in the past two weeks that comes close to exercise is a 5k (Race for the Cure) this past Saturday in Las Vegas. You’re probably thinking that is pretty amazing of me, right? WRONG! It’s the only thing I’ve done. I haven’t walked, jogged, biked, or crawled since Salt Lake. And that wouldn’t be so bad if I had continued eating the 1600 calories/day that my body was so used to. Oh noooo, I have to go on  ‘vacation’, which is just another term for driving long distances, visiting family and friends, and eating all the time. Sheesh!!! I feel super crappy right now, and I’m the only one to blame. I’m sure I’ve gained a few pounds, and I’m determined to jump back on the exercise train as soon as I get back to Logan. *much encouragement needed*

Okay, enough lamenting. We had a great time particpating in Race with all our friends. Here are a few of my favorite pics!!!

30423049305530583064307930823091We also made an after-race stop at IHOP. Jeremy ordered the healthiest of us all with an egg-white omelet and fruit. Adam entertained Carter by letting him jump off the chair onto the ground. The entire DeMarco clan joined in, making us a party of 18.

For me, the best part about moving back to Las Vegas are moments like this. Adam and I have an amazing circle of friends–they are family. We vacation together. We worship together. We support each other. We laugh and cry together. I miss my family and living near them desperately. I get very sad when thinking of leaving my sister and her family in Logan. I want so badly to someday move back to the Northwest. I would not, however, trade my life as it is right now for anything. This is our home, and we feel strongly that this is the best decision for our family. Fortunately, we have the best of friends, which makes the move so much easier.