Say it with iPods

Chris and I got engaged over the family vacation from which we just returned! We are both so happy! And now the most FAQs are

1. When's the wedding? to which I have to say, we don't know but are considering either June or September, 2009. It will be a small "GREEN" beach wedding and that's about all we've decided so far.

And

2. How did he do it? Well, we were on the first night of our little river trip to New Braunfels with the family and after settling the kids in for the night, Chris asked me if I wanted to go for a drive. He said he had been looking at the map of the area and there was meant to be some nice scenic overlooks around. We had, earlier, been at the Canyon Lake Dam and watched the sun set over the hills so I was prepped for more gorgeous scenery in the winding river roads of New Braunfels. We kept hitting dead ends and closed roads at first so I was beginning to like the idea of finding a bar and going out for a pitcher of beer but Chris was determined so I just enjoyed the drive and the company. We found a little hill with a great view of the stars and got out to have a look. Chris and I are notorious star gazers anyways so this was simply amazing.

Then Chris told me that he had a present for me and to close my eyes and hold out my hands. I did and he gave me one of the brand new iPod shuffles that's tiny with a little clip on. He had the clip of the iPod engraved with the words "Then it's Love, Yes it's Love" - lyrics from an Echo & the Bunnymen song. I was very happy with the iPod and opend it up all unsuspecting and put in the head phones. The first song playing was that Echo song - What if We Are.

The new iPod shuffle talks to you. You press a button and it tells you the name of the song. So he told me to press the button to find out the name of the song. I did and the little digital voice came back with "Melissa, I love you. Will you marry me?" So I looked at Chris like, Wait, What was that??? and he pulled out the ring and repeated the words from the iPod. I said Yes! It was so romantic and wonderful and perfect.

Not only did I get a gorgeous engagement ring, a wonderful fiance, and a nice star-gazing evening, but I also got one of the new iPod shuffles! Really, though, I couldn't be any happier.

Chelsea is a Licensed Driver

My daughter got her driver's license on Thursday. Chris has been teaching her to drive for the mental health of all involved. I'm a very nervous passenger and have an unnatural fear of falling off the road into the ditch or over a cliff edge. I have no idea why but I recognize that it is my problem and not necessarily that there is anything wrong with the driving. So when I've taught Chelsea to drive in the past, I have really freaked out and it has, on occasion, ended with both of us in tears, me scared to death and Chelsea wounded as if she couldn't do it. This is all my own fault.

So Chris took over teaching the rules of the road to Chelsea and she took her driver's test on Thursday during spring break. I must say that she is an excellent driver. Way to Go Chels!

House Hunting

Chris and I looked at a house today that I loved immediately. In terms of changes that would be necessary to the house there are only two minor things we could note - a carpet change in one upstairs room and a new fence all the way around. Otherwise, the house was absolutely perfect! It has loads of space! Three bedrooms with extra space between the kids' rooms for a game room, an upstairs office area for the computers and an extra room downstairs for a den/library which we've wanted to have for a while. There are lots of great windows and great landscaping and a nice, not-too-big back yard but with just enough space and a magnolia tree. It has a sunken tub and shower in the master bath and an ironing space in the walk in closet. The kitchen isn't the biggest attraction but it's still nice with enough counter space. The pantry is a little small but it will be fine. It's on a corner lot on a small cul-de-sac with a park on the street and walking distance to a Randall's and little strip center of shops.

We feel like we should look at at least one other house so we don't just buy the first house we see but this one really would be perfect. There is another house on the same street also for sale so we're going to look at that one as well. The location is perfect for us. It's zone to different schools though. Chelsea will have to choose what school she wants to go to - Lake where she is now and I'll sign and out-of-zone form and she'll just drive there or Brook where she was a Freshman and which we'll once again be zone to. Chris and I will be marginally closer to Houston and our jobs. We pass this neighborhood on the way there now.

I'm very excited about the move now. Before it seemed like it would be this daunting task of trying to find a suitable house that meets all of our combined needs but this one nailed it on the first try. I'm amazed.

LOVE