We're Engaged!

It's the day girls dream of, and it caught me completely by surprise. It was Friday night: I came home from work, ate dinner, showered, and turned on Grey's Anatomy. Not long after that, I heard the screen door open and a sweet 7-year-old voice suspiciously calling, "Ooohhh, Staaaaa-cyyyyyyyy!"

Nick brought Ariana home? I was immediately confused. They asked me to come out to the family room, where Nick's parents were sitting with cameras in hand. Ariana dropped a Twix bar and a bouquet of pink roses into my lap and stepped back.

Nick stepped forward and asked me, "Remember the other day when you told me that you felt like we were already married?"

And for the next few moments, I must have blacked out, because I don't remember a darn thing.

The next thing I do remember is me crying, Nick crying, and a beautiful ring being slipped onto my finger. Thankfully Nick's parents were filming the whole thing, so there's videographic evidence that Nick dropped to his knees and asked me to marry him.  On camera, you see me bury my head, start crying, and nod my head 'yes'.

Wee!!! I'm a fiancee! It's been a week and a half and I am still blissfully elated. We're looking at a wedding in the spring of 2014, which gives us plenty of time to plan every detail of the wedding of our dreams. 

Nick already posted his thanks on Facebook, but I'd like to echo his thoughts: Thank you, thank you, thank you to all of our wonderful friends and family for the warm wishes! We couldn't be happier and are so thankful for the beautiful people we have in our lives. 

Stay tuned for updates!

These are a few of my favorite things!

I will admit that I've been remiss in my blogging; though I can promise that the progress I'm making in this internship is a great excuse for the absence. This post certainly isn't academic or educational, and I don't intend for it to be. In no certain order, the following are some of my most favorite things - the things that warm my heart, brighten my smile, and put my mind at ease. 

Stumped!

No, I don’t think young students should bring soda and Cheetos to school in their lunch.
Yes, I do think that schools should provide fresh, balanced, healthy meals for their students who want or need to buy lunch at school.
Yes, I think that a lot of parents should receive help in understanding the nutritional needs of their children.
Yes, I do think that childhood obesity is linked to the poor eating habits and diet quality of kids.
But no - certainly not - do I think parents should be stripped of their right to parent their kids.