A Fairytale Whether in Logan or OKC

Throughout my childhood I would claim that the Logan temple was my favorite temple! I fantasized about my fairytale wedding there. But as I grew older I became realistic and knew that being married there was just a huge inconvenience to my family. So, when Ben and I became engaged we discussed where to be married and it was a no brainer . . . OKC temple. It was only 2 hours from home, small and intimate, and we both highly respected Pres. Gillespie the temple President, whom officiated at our ceremony. It was a wonderful, perfect (except for that wind!) day. But, this past summer during a trip to Utah and on our way up to Idaho to meet Zack's great-great granpa, we were able to stop off and I at least saw it in person! I was greatly disappointed that the gates were closed, but still elated to see the beauty of this old structure. Whether it is new and small or old and grand, The House of the Lord is afterall, The House of the Lord. We are blessed to have the gospel of Jesus Christ restored and the restoration of temple blessings, especially the principle of eternal families.

The Big 5! (aka 5 generations)

This summer Ben, Zack and I traveled to Utah for a family wedding, a family reunion/campout and for Zack and I to meet Ben's great-grandfather. The wedding was beautiful, the camp-out was tolerable, because I got to sleep in the family cabin rather than a tent (YAY ME!!) but the highlight of the trip was our Journey to Blackfoot, ID where I got to meet great-grandpa Durney. He is an amazing gentleman, he's 99 years old, still living independently in his own home and had the most infectious smile. He is what we would all want to be when we age. He's never let anything stop him. We had dinner with him in his home and then traveled back. In the photo we have from left to right: Ben Ipson (gen.4) Zack Ipson (gen. 5) Great-grandpa Gordan Durney (gen. 1) Grandpa Carl Durney (gen. 2) and my mother-in-law Carolyn Durney Ipson (gen.3) What a lucky boy Zack is to meet his great-great grandpa and amazingly, he looks just like him!

Survival of the Fittest!

Today, Ben and I ventured out on a date to go see "Night at the Museum" it was hilarious and a good way to relax and spend an afternoon with my handsome husband! We bravely left our Zacky in the hands of his two oldest female cousins -- Molly and Katie! This was Katie's first babysitting job outside of her siblings and I have to admit they did a wonderful job. Of course he refused to take the breast milk from a bottle and he cried, but all in all he survived quite nicely without me for a couple of hours. I missed him so much, but it was wonderful just to be Ben's sweetheart for that couple of hours. I love my husband dearly and trying to find time to just be his wife seems to be a daunting task. Anyone have suggestions? Anyway, Zack was fussing a bit when I got in, but a moment in my arms and he was back to normal.

I understand Zacky wore Katie out; I guess we know who won the "survival of the fittest" competition! I'm very proud of her for the great job she did protecting and nurturing my little guy. So, the pic you see is him shortly after we got home, sporting his new "vacation" hat. He looks like he's ready to go "Down Under" with his Pop. He looks great and this was proof of the great job they did. Thanks Molly and Katie, I needed that date!

Question of the Day . . .

Is it so terribly wrong to be this crazy in love with your baby? I can't get enough of him. He smells so sweet, he coos and laughs when I talk to him and he just all round thinks I am the best thing in the world -- or is it that he's really just after the free meals I provide?

A Survivor!

I'm not sure who is more of a survivor, me or my precious buddy. Yesterday, I took Zack for his first round of immunizations. ACK! No one told me it would be more traumatic for me than for him. The nurse held his little legs firmly between her thighs and my Mom held his arm on one side and I held his arm on the other and they gave him 3 injections. I cried right along with my boy. I was warned that he might have a seriously bad night -- fever, crying, etc. but, he did pretty good. I woke him up about 2 a.m. and gave him more tylenol and fed him a bit. But this morning, he's been napping a lot and cooing at me. The picture above was BEFORE he got his shots, poor thing didn't have a clue. Oh, he's growing! He weighed in at 10 lbs 3.5 oz. and was 23" long! I just can't believe I'm so blessed to have this little monkey as my son.

Giggles and Grins and a touch of Sorrow

This past week, I lost a very dear friend -- Tim Flanigan. Tim was an extraordinary man. He was from a family of 14 children, his mom gave birth to 3 sets of twins, Tim being a member of one of those sets. Because of some complications at birth he had a mild case of cerebral palsy. He never let this stop him. He graduated from BYU and Law school and served a clerkship with a federal judge. He had just settled down into a career with a great position as an attorney in Washington D.C. He was very generous (I know that he donated a large sum of money to my sister's trustfund after her husband passed away.) and selfless. Tim became an endearing presence in my life. Because of Tim, I became a better person. He is quite honestly one of the choicest spirits I have ever known. He was my friend, in the pre-Ben days my confidant, my mentor, my good ol' buddy. I will miss you terribly dearest of friends. I love you!

As the days wore on after Tim's passing, the Lord blessed me with witnessing my baby's first laugh. What joy filled my heart to hold that smiley, flirty little boy. He laughed and I laughed with him. I was just sitting there holding him and talking to him about whatever odd thing was in my head and he started to laugh. Ben and I were just so tickled pink to hear this celestial sound!

I swear there will be pictures, I'll post as soon as I catch him on film!

Showers of Blessings!

It seems to me that lately there has been a considerable amount of rain fall in Oklahoma. I love the rain -- the way it smells so fresh after a spring shower, the gentle pitter patter that can lull you to sleep, even the loud crashes and light displays. But, those are not the showers I'm talking about, I'm feel so blessed to be a Mom and to be married to such a wonderful man. My baby Zack is growing like a weed and sees to be a non-stop eating machine! My bathroom is finally painted and useable, our roses are blooming, I have the coolest stroller in the world and love to go for long walks and the list goes on and on. Oh yes, life is great.