I received an email from Casey yesterday. Subject line, "What do you think of this?". No text in the body, but a jpg file attached.

I assumed it was just a picture of the latest prank he and Cameron pulled. He likes to send me pictures of his handiwork because he knows I appreciate a good prank.

I opened the picture expecting a good laugh and what did I see? I saw a picture of an engagement ring in a lil' jewelers box.

I wrote back as soon as I saw that with, "YOU NEED TO CALL ME RIGHT NOW!!". (Yes, I used capital letters. That way he'd know that I meant business!)

He did as he was told and I received a call almost immediately. I could barely contain my excitement (still can barely contain my excitement almost 24 hours later!) It was pretty much a given that they'd get married eventually, but nothing was official. This seemed so 'sudden', so I asked him what made him decide to finally take that step.

He told me that it was the heart-to-heart that he and I had on Saturday. Casey and I had some time to ourselves to just sit and talk about lots of stuff. I really like it when I have one-on-one time with my kids (all of them, including the girls!), because it's quite an honor to be asked for my thoughts and opinions. I've tried to stay out of his business in this matter, because it's a huge step- but it just felt right to talk about it on Saturday since we had 'alone' time. I wanted to know where he stood in this relationship, mainly because there's a little boy involved. I wanted to make sure that his heart was in the right place and that he was doing what was best for him, as well as Jessica and Riley.

That's a lot of responsibility for someone who is only 24 years old, but then again- Casey has always been very mature for his age (well, in the things that matter.. ha ha).

I've always known that whomever is lucky enough to marry Casey would be in for a lifetime of feeling safe and loved. Casey just has that way about him. Even though he was the child, he always took care of things that needed to be fixed around the house. I've mentioned before that he replaced the gas water heater all by himself when he was 15, because I couldn't afford to pay for a repair person. That's just how he is.

I can say the same thing about Jessica. Whomever is lucky enough to marry her is in for a lifetime of feeling safe and loved. She has this way about her that is very comforting and peaceful. Casey must have listened when I told him to marry someone smart, because Jessica is smart and knows how to use it. She has a great business sense about her and I can't wait to see what she's going to do next.

As a mother? She's tops. Seriously. Perhaps I'm prejudiced, but Riley couldn't be more perfect. Of course, I'm going to take full credit for his perfection, saying that he gets it from me.

Actually, I'm a very bad influence on him.


Wow- I've gone on and on here, haven't I? As you can see, I am so happy with the choice Casey has made.

I hope Jessica doesn't mind, but I'm going to quote from her blog this morning (no- you don't get the link!):

The most wonderful part of the evening was driving home through the part of downtown that is all lit up for the holidays. Then I asked him if he felt different. He asked what I meant. I answered that I wasn't sure something had just changed. He said yes, he felt as though nothing could ever go wrong now. And it clicked. That is exactly what I felt. Everything came into place. It's like the stars aligned and all is right with the world because I know we will always have each other. I know it sounds corny, but really everything is so perfect and magical. I just love it. I don't think I have stopped smiling yet!!!

Jessica, I can't stop smiling either. You two truly are perfect for each other.