I am beyond excited to share some wonderful news with you all – I’m engaged! On March 11th, Joel Shaffett asked me to marry him, and of course, I said yes! For those who might not know much about Joel, let me fill you in on our journey.

Joel and I have known each other since I was 14 years old. We dated when I was a freshman in high school before I moved to North Dakota my sophomore year. Life took us on different paths, but fate had other plans. Joel moved to North Dakota at the very beginning of 2023 and now works as a police officer and K9 handler with the Tioga Police Department. We both have children from previous relationships – his son will be a freshman this fall.

Here’s a bit about the actual engagement. Wyatt was up for spring break, and Joel had planned for us to have dinner at my sister Shelby’s house, which is just up the hill from where we live. Grayson’s birthday had been a few days before, so I turned what was supposed to be our engagement party into a birthday celebration for Grayson since he had been at his dad’s house on his birthday.

I was feeling a bit grumpy during dinner, and my sister Shelby suggested we chat in her room. Completely oblivious to what was going on, I followed her. She curled my hair while we talked about everything, and she even had me switch sweaters, asking me to try on a nice one she was getting rid of.

Joel then came into the room and asked to talk to me on the back porch. As I went with him, everyone else snuck around the other side of the wrap-around porch to watch. Joel got down on one knee with a ring pop. I had joked with him for months that he could propose with a ring pop for all I cared. I said yes to the ring pop, and then he stood up and took out the real ring – a beautiful pear-shaped solitary diamond. He told me the plan is for us to design the ring and wedding band together.

Our kids came around the corner and gave us a big hug. That’s when they finally told Grayson that we were engaged. They didn’t trust him not to tell me beforehand, which was probably a smart move. Over the weeks leading up to the engagement, Joel had talked to all my friends, family, and sisters about the proposal. While I knew an engagement was happening at some point, I was completely surprised when it happened and couldn’t be happier.

We’re still working on the wedding plans, but we’re considering having it in June 2025.

Stay tuned for more updates as we plan our special day. Thank you all for your love and support!

Also, Shelby was not getting rid of her sweater, and I had to return it. Thank you Shelby for capturing these images for us!

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