Thursday, July 16, 2009

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.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

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!