skip to main |
skip to sidebar
When looking back at my short life, I can't recall ever having that overwhelming desire to be a Mom. My big sister, Becky was destined to be the mother of many children (and she is) because it was inherently a huge part of her soul. Me? I was content just being the spoiling, attentive aunt for a very long time . . . then I met, fell in love with and married my dearest husband and he changed my mind. So, we decided to start a family. After one failed pregnancy, which just broke my heart and was physically hard on me it took nearly a year to conceive my Zacky. Zacky started out a bit rough, I lost his twin and nearly lost him as well and as I look back now, I realize that it was all Heavenly Father's way of jump starting that maternal side of me.
Zackary Duane was so very welcomed into our family and indeed, into my heart. He has been that blessing that I was searching for and didn't know I needed all my mortal life. I love this boy so very much, I can't imagine my life without him now.
On Easter, we gathered to name and bless our precious blessing. Ben's parents and brother traveled to Oklahoma from Sandy, Utah and Ben's Uncle Alan and family came over from Jenks. From my side, I had my sister Becky and her 7 children, my parents, of course and unbelievably, my non-member grandparents came!!! The blessing was so sweet, it was so wonderful to hear him bestowed the name of Zackary (a name I have loved since I was a tweener.) Duane (for my dearest brother-in-law whom we lost to colon cancer . . . a truly great man!) Ipson and to hear all the promises and possibilities that will be his if he continues a righteous path. I can't wait to see all that our Heavenly Father has in store for my boy.
Zack was dressed in a beautiful hand-made blessing gown that his Great-grandma Ipson sent. (Thank you so much Grandma Durney, you are such a treasure in our lives.) In the circle stood Zack's: Daddy (my DH), Papa Pete Barnett, Great Uncle Alan Durney, Grandpa Larry Ipson, Bishop Anderson, Br. Mike McLea, Br. Bryan Dabney, Br. Randy Hill, Br. Tom O'Dell and my sweet nephew Ben Summers held the mike, so he could at least represent my brother-in-law Duane (his namesake) that had passed away during my pregnancy.
I was thinking lately about what the different components or qualities make up my America, my country, the land that I am so passionate about.
In my America. . .
you have freedom in speech and religion, but we are mindful not to abuse that freedom.
you take a stand and fight for our freedoms and are always victorious.
there are no party lines, marxists, communists, socialists, only one nation that is indivisible in the pursuit of Life, Liberty and Happiness and protecting and defending the Constitution.
we know that we need to choose the right path, not just the easy one.
What happened to that America? Too many Americans are choosing the easy path; not voicing their fears, choices and opinions; feel they are entitled to free healthcare, housing, food, education, etc. instead of rolling up their sleeves and working for those items. We are entitled to Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness, not healthcare, housing, education and cheap cars.
America, we need to stand up for our rights and our beliefs. We need to defend and protect our Constitution. We need to stand together as one Nation under God. We must remember that all that we are and all that we have is because it has been bestowed upon us by a benevolent, loving Heavenly Father.
The most beautiful discovery true friends make is that they can grow separately without growing apart. ~Elisabeth Foley
I love that quote. I had the opportunity to visit with my dearest old friend Holly this past week. She married and moved to Missouri, her family lives here and so she is able to get back a couple times a year and then, we always get together. Holly, like me is a brand new Mommy, so this time when she traveled home, I had her over for lunch and to watch our babies interact.
Her precious daughter Annabelle is only 3 months, but is the sweetest thing.
We talked, laughed, shared secrets, ate and then talked and laughed all over again. Oh how I miss my dear friend, but feel so blessed that I had that afternoon with her.
This summer, we traveled to Utah and Idaho for a variety of occasions, one of them was the Ipson Family Campout, where we spent a few days with the ENTIRE Ipson clan up on Mt. T. One of the events was a hike -- it was breathtakingly beautiful. I certainly appreciate the majesty and beauty of the mountains. Zack was a regular trooper and I think enjoyed his "front row" seat with his sweet Daddy. How blessed we were to be able to spend more time with Ben's family and to be able to spend time in my favorite place on earth -- Mt. Timpanogas. Mt. T is paradise on earth. 
That's right, I am the Ma-ma. The Ma-ma-ma-ma-ma! Zack has been uttering my name for a couple of weeks now, but I had a witness to it when Mom took Zack and I to Wal-Mart with her on Wednesday. Mom's eyes popped open wide and smiled from ear to ear . . . LOL, just like Zack at the same moment.
That's right, I AM the Ma-ma, and you? You're NOT the Ma-ma!!!
Recently, we decided that our little family needed a mini vacation, well instead of wandering off to distant cities or neighboring states, we decided to get a hotel room in our own fabulous area and toured Tulsa. One of the highlights of the staycation was our trip to the Tulsa Zoo -- it was so fun watching our own little monkey taking in their little monkeys! We even enjoyed simple things like eating pizza and watching cable tv in our hotel room. It may have seemed silly to some, but it was such a delightful adventure taking in Tulsa as a tourist. I love my family so much, from my #1 big monkey to my #1 baby monkey. I couldn't be more blessed to have those two fellas in my life.
