OurLittleMcFamily.com

Right before leaving for Thanksgiving in Logan, we glittered new stockings for our growing family. We also put up Christmas lights, decorated the house, and did some Christmas shopping. The kids had a blast, and they definitely know what Christmas is. I knew that we would be gone until the very end of Thanksgiving weekend so I wanted to get a jump start.

We also made our way to Jaimee and Brian’s home for Thanksgiving. They hosted for the whole family this year, and it was wonderful. Jaimee out did herself on decorations and food. Brian even smoked a turkey and a brisket for us to munch on through the weekend. We did miss my brother Mike and his family. Their work schedule caused them to stay back in Yakima. We missed them very very much. Oh yeah, I made the cute little turkey name holders…thanks for letting me place them on the magnificently dressed table, Jaimee.

We ate, and ate, and ate. We visited the Lights at Temple Square. We played games. We ate some more. We went fourwheeling and walking. We opened presents. And, finally, we ate some more.

Since we wouldn’t all be together for Christmas this year, we celebrated a little early. Grandma and aunties were way too generous. The boys wore their new little suits today with pride. And the girls wore their new little fluffy dresses. Thanks, grandma. Here are a few more pics from the weekend.

I guess there is no hiding Christmas from the kids anymore. :) Apparently, they never celebrated Christmas in the orphanage, and never received gifts. It’s a bright new world for these four little munchkins. We are blessed to be a part of it. The best of it all is that they are so thankful for everything they receive–and they treasure even their “smallest” gifts. The little writing books from the $1.00 bin were the hit of the drive home, mom. Amazing!

Our children are fantastic travelers. Not much complaining, and not any fighting either. And yes, that is without any movies playing in the car. I think they know that to be Rach and Adam’s kids, they have to be good travelers. I have no qualms about driving to Washington next summer with them. We are so lucky!!!!!!!!

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:

Emerald Pools:

Das Boot:

Random Fun Pics:

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.

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.

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.

The big 30…and we’re not even together. Everyone help me give a shout-out to my beloved hubby. He left for Utah this morning, and I stayed behind to help my mom and sister with my grandpa’s stuff. We did have a chocolate cake for him last night. Well, we burnt the first attempt so instead of triple chocolate cake, he got chocolate fudge–sorry honey!!! With all the renovating around here, I’m impressed that we got the cake made. Easter dinner didn’t even happen…we had brunch instead.

I was also able to take him to Olive Garden on Saturday for his bday present. We skipped the movie since dinner was so expensive. We ended up registering at Target for the adoption shower instead. I told Adam that he could hold the gun and do the swiping, since it was his birthday. Generous, I know! (I’ll post about that experience w/ pics on the adoption blog this week) Cold Stone happened to be open until 11…so he also got a treat from there. The kid working gave us a few extra punches on the punch card for his bday. Yes, the punch card has returned. Thanks, Cold Stone! While we were on our date the rest of the family colored Easter eggs, of course. My mom made one especially for Adam–sooo cute! She hid it outside and made him search for it during the hunt yesterday. Thanks mom.

Adi, I know this is a pretty lame birthday, sorry. You are my very best friend. You are loyal and kind. You are gentle and loving. You are honorable and hard-working. You are everything I was waiting for! I would have waited another 27 years if it meant I could be with you.

As Rach mentioned, no lame blogs are allowed here. In order to fulfill my promise of pictures of the “Full” Christmas light presentation, I write this post.
Despite all of the unexpected surprises during our trip to Washington, we really enjoyed the time. The Pennings really know how to throw a Christmas party. When loading presents into the truck to return to Logan, I noted that it must have taken Santa at least two trips for this house alone!
 
 

Despite a few hiccups during Christmas week, we still managed to have a great vacation. Adam had 3-1/2 weeks off of school and we took full advantage of it. We drove up to Washington and spent our time there. We were able to help pick out the Christmas tree, put up last minute decorations, and help with mom’s last minute shopping. The above picture is mom’s idea of cooking dinner on Christmas Eve….’let’s go outback’….easy clean-up, wahoo!!! Don’t worry–Christmas Day dinner was all homemade. 

We also squeezed in a few short trips…one to Portland to celebrate Jessica’s birthday, one to Leavenworth for some winter wonderland fun, and one to Tacoma to visit grandma and grandpa Penning. We also were blessed to spend grandpa Harvey’s last week here on earth with him. Everyone was able to say their goodbyes and my mom was able to be there when he passed. I’m grateful that we were there not only to say goodbye and attend the funeral, but also to help mom and dad get through it all. A tender mercy for sure.
We wish everyone a wonderful 2008. Keep smiling!!!!!!!!!!!

A scrapbook.com friend–Cadi Walda–tagged me before Christmas. I owe this post since I wasn’t able to get to the computer much over the past month (see previous post for reasoning). I love tagging…so I still wanted to do this one even though it’s a bit out of season. :)

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?   Hot Chocolate.