Jed's last day in AZ!

Today was beautiful! The weather was perfect. We ran late getting up but only left 40 minutes later than I had planned. Not bad for not having John to help and an extra kiddo! We got to the zoo at about 10 and one of those paid people offered to take our picture with our camera (if we let her take one with hers) Brittney and and her mom had dashed for a potty break and I for got to get a group shot with the two of them so this is what I have!

Any way, as most of you know today was the official proposal! Jed got down on one knee in front of a group of people in the middle of the monkey village!!!! I tried to video tape it but Jed was so nervous he was whispering! I haven't seen the video but I think it just has me saying "Speak up we cant hear!"

When the lady working in the monkey village realized what had happened she announced it in case any one had missed it. Every one applauded! I don't know about you guys but I thought that it was rather fitting that Jed proposed to his future wife in the Monkey Village! It's SO Jed...and now it's so Jed and Brittney!

Since we were later getting there than I had hoped we all had a little snack at the cafe and I told the others they could go and I'd stay behind with the kids and finish the zoo. I knew the kids would be sorry to see Jed go but I didn't expect the sorrow that I felt...and not just for Jed but Brittney too. We were all crying... You know...You get an awful lot of odd looks walking through the zoo with a bunch of kids with their heads hanging down silently crying. I was so glad we had the distraction of the zoo for the rest of the afternoon. Once we got to the Maned Wolf their spirits were lifted and we had a pretty decent time for the rest of the day.

It's still kind of hard to swallow that he's gone and who knows maybe Brittney will end up with some in laws that live near her. The kids (and I) all feel like they've lost a brother. Don't get me wrong we are all very happy for them but it's sad not to have him around.

Jed's Girl!!!

Okay all! This is Brittany! She's cute, she's smart, she's funny, and MOST IMPORTANT she has two thumbs up from me and John!

We've told her that even if she doesnt marry Jed, we want to adopt her!

Oh ya! For all you Slusser girls, SHE PLAYS CARDS!

How do YOU work out?

Our Marine!

As promised... a picture of the whole gang. I haven't figured out how to make it larger because I received it by email. For those of you who don't know, this handsome Marine is Private Jedidiah Williams. He is my nephew. He is a SINGLE, 20 yr old, Melchizedek priesthood holder. Applications for permission to date him will be excepted by me via email...Please send picture for initial screening!

In all honesty and seriousness though, this boy...I mean MAN... has grown up so much over the past couple of months that I can't even tell you! He has lost 90-some pounds since he decided to join the military.
Aside from that, he came back with a confidence and self esteem that he needs to succeed in life---That was something none of us family members have been able to give him! We are all so proud of him! It warms my heart to know he has finally met a goal that he has wanted to meet since he was a little boy playing "battle" in the back yard with imaginary enemies. (Oh wait, that was just last year!)

Growing up Jed was always more of a little brother than a nephew. I am only 10 yrs older than him. I have watched him grow from the annoying-brother-type to the grown-up-man-type over the past 2 years and it has been very...interesting... to watch. I love my guy and I can't wait to see him married and settled down! He'll make an excellent husband and an even better father someday!

WE LOVE YOU JED!

Abbie's Blessing

Today was a great day! Abbie was blessed by John, and Jedidiah was able to stand in the circle acting in his first ordinance as a Melchizedek priesthood holder. The blessing was beautiful. She was blessed that she would have "strength of mind and of spirit" and "bare many children"(Yay, grand kids!) She was told that she will be "strong and continue with good health" and that she would have "the desire to follow the Lord and marry in the temple"...I was crying about then.

There's a little story about the gown she is wearing...I made it yesterday. Even though I've known since before she was born that I was going to have her blessed I couldn't bring myself to spend the money on material for her gown. My MIL had given me a bunch of Nana's sheets so I just used on of them to make the gown. So all that was spent was the $$$ it took to by the trim and buttons.
I know this will probably sound a little weird but there is something kind of sentimental about the fact that this gown (kind of pioneer styled) was made from one of Abbie's Great grandmother's sheets.

I am still waiting for some more pics from Jed's camera (mine is broken) with all the kids but I wanted to get these up as soon as I could.

Thanks Nana, Grandma, Aunt Missy and Johnson Family for coming for Abbie's special day!

Look Who's 20!

The fact that I can say "I remember the day you were born..." to a 20 yr old is a little hard to swallow. The truth is that this "boy" has always been more like a brother to me than a nephew!

I know you're not able to see this right now but...

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JED!!!!

May the force be with you!