Somebody's gettin' maaarrrreeeeeddd!

And that somebody would be our beautiful youngest daughter, Mia.

Her beau of almost two years proposed this weekend. I've been waiting for the word to spread the word. Sitting on this much joy has been a real labor of love.

That's a picture of her engagement ring which he designed. The diamonds come from his grandmother's engagement ring.

She is a beautiful young woman. Intelligent. Creative. Kind and genuinely compassionate. Deeply spiritual. She went off to college at age 16, graduated with her Associate's Degree at 18 and earned her Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education and Psychology at age 20.

No high school diploma. No prom gown or pictures. But, she has an Associate's Degree and two Bachelor's degrees. Which is just fine with her. She seems to have her priorities in order. She went on to receive her master's in Early Childhood Education, and holds an international certificate as a Montessori teacher.

She is talking about going back to school to become a Certified Nurse Midwife. Which is fascinating to me. Her great grandmother, for whom she is named, was the lay midwife in our neighborhood.

(Someone cue the orchestra to play "The circle of life".)

Her fiancee is a very handsome young man. Equally intelligent and creative with a great sense of humor. An artist with a good business sense, he is gradually taking on his father's business in the creation and repair of stained glass. He is also thoughtful, kind and compassionate.

They make each other happy. I love the way they share secret whispers and giggles when they are around each other. I love the way they look at each other in those rare times when they are across the room from each other. I love they way they have respectful conversations - not always agreeing with each other, but carefully considering the other's perspective before responding.

What more could a mother want for her daughter?

Well, all that is somewhat tarnished by the truly unfortunate fact that he has, apparently, converted her to becoming a Yankees fan. I've actually seen pictures of her with a Yankee's cap on. At an actual Yankee's game. She's actually cheering. It's painful to admit that, but well, there it is. What's a mother to do?

However, that will all be mitigated by the fact that they will, one day in the not too distant future, make beautiful babies together.

No date set for the wedding, so I suppose we'll have some time to save up our pennies for the wedding. Fortunately, both of these wonderful young people do not place their priorities in material possessions.

As a Quaker, she lives simply. I imagine their wedding will be a very simple affair. No frills. The emphasis will be on their love and their joy and their future. Which is as it should be. (See above re: 'priorities in order')

I'm delirious with happiness. I just couldn't wait to tell you!

Here' - I'll the Muppets do it.