A home away from home.

It's tough living a far distance from my parents.

We have such a bond with each other. A great connection.

Which in my personal opinion -- having this awesome relationship with them makes it even harder to be apart from each other.

Plenty of people live in a different state than their parents.

It still doesn't make it any easier for ME.

I call my mom daily, and FaceTime with my dad often as well. 

They tell me what their plans are for the day or the week..

Driving here, Dinner there, picking the kids (younger cousins) up from the bus, having a get together with my aunts, uncles, cousins… etc.

I get jealous. Not just a little.

A lot. 

Why are they there? I want them to be here.

With me. With Abe. Watching him grow.

Having dinner with me.

I miss them so much that my heart aches just typing this.

Then I re-read a letter my mom wrote me when I left their house a couple weeks ago..

They are there for a purpose..

Although we may not know the purpose yet, God does.

And I just have to trust that.

For now we will just enjoy every second that we DO get to spend together.

Every visit, here or there.

Every phone call.

Every single FaceTime.

I love them. And they love me.

I cannot wait to be reunited again.. this summer!!

The Ring

He said.. I wanna spend the rest of forever with you. 

Hallelu.

Newly engaged. Feels great. Everything feels new. Honestly I didn't think it would feel different, 

dating vs. engagement.

But it is.

We were already a team. (A parenting team // Bf Gf Team).

But now we have both decided to make a commitment to each other and our family.

I feel like I look at him differently. A new kind of respect. 

We're still our normal selves.. there is just something exciting in the air.

So I guess it's normal for everyone to ask "When are you getting married?" and "Am I invited"…

But really? I have no clue. Neither does Ben.

I could say next year, and of course you're invited ..

but realistically I am unsure.

I do not know when we are getting married. I do not know if you are invited. I do not have the dress picked out. Nor do I know if we are getting married here.

And that is okay. We are going to enjoy this exciting time.

This year we will focus on each other. We will focus on Abe. We will focus on our families. We will enjoy concerts together this year. We will enjoy at least one vacation together this year. And We will enjoy using the word fiancé.

{Okay.. maybe just I will.}

But the point is, we will not be focusing on planning a wedding this year.

Just us.

We were first friends.

Then lovers.

Gave ourselves the official "titles".

Made a beautiful love child.

Became best friends.

And now we are ENGAGED.

Thank you all for your well wishes and loving support.

We love and appreciate you all.