From heartwarming stories that made us say "aw" to devastatingly beautiful in-depth photographs, here are the some of the top stories that caught our eye this week on iReport.

Christmas lights proposal a 'yes'

iReporter Brett Hinson proposed to his girlfriend earlier this month by decorating their home in Christmas lights and writing out "Marry me" in rope lights on the roof. She loves Christmas lights and the holiday season, so "there was really no other way for me to propose to her," he said. The proposal in lights worked. She said "yes." And, we got another holiday lights proposal on iReport the next day!

An Iraq War vet remembers

As the U.S. withdrew its last troops and ended its involvement in nine-year Iraq War this week, veterans shared their personal experiences from the war. One exceptional submission came from Jim Lewandowski, 48, who deployed to Iraq in early 2004 as a member of the South Dakota National Guard. He made a beautiful slideshow of images chronicling life on the highway as a gun truck commander.

All we need are smiles

We were moved by a heartwarming video of photographers organizing free portrait sessions for people in need through a project called Help-Portrait. “All I saw through out the day were smiles. And that's really what the world needs right now ... is to just to smile,” said iReporter Abdullah Raslan.

Child witches of Nigeria

Toby Binder captured haunting photographs of Nigerian children who have been condemned as witches. The freelance photographer from Munich, Germany, spent 10 days at a children's home in Eket, Nigeria, last month. "Children branded as evil are being abused, abandoned and even murdered while the preachers make money out of the fear of their parents and their communities," he said.

CNN International face tattoo

Here's a true CNN International fan – he tattooed the logo on his face! iReporter Sherbien Dacalanio was with some other iReporters in Legazpi City, Philippines, when they spotted the man, Carlos Pasahol. We were amused to hear that when the iReporters asked him who his favorite anchor was, he said he didn’t know. He just likes to watch the news on CNN.

Think you have a story to share? Check out our assignment desk for ideas, or just submit your own view of the news.