Funniness.

Today was Esias' Birthday! While I wait for birthday pics to upload, I will share this with you:

Tonight as Dan was putting the girls to bed, instead of reading them a book, he told them our love story. He used "the boy" and "the girl" for the characters. As Dan came to the part where we decided to "take a break" but then started missing each other, Elly got teary and said, "Oh no. Here come the waterslides."

Eleven Years Ago

July 17, 1998, I flew out to New Jersey to visit Dan, my boyfriend of six years, who was working for BASF as a summer intern. Obviously, when you've been dating for 6 years you can consider the relationship serious...but we had yet to say to each other, "Let's get married." So, you can imagine my surprise, when I arrived and just moments after we drove to a restaurant and Dan got down on one knee and asked me to marry him, right then and there. I was shocked to say the least. I mumbled "Of course!" and then felt like I wanted to throw up! I was so nervous and I wondered if he'd really thought it through! Apparently he had because ten years ago on August 14th, 1999, we said our vows and we've been living the happy ever after since. He is the most adoring husband. Yesterday I got home from a Walmart run and he was working on the computer. He had single-handedly put all the kids to bed. I said, "Hon, do you realize it's been 11 years since you proposed?" He said, "Well now that you mentioned it..." and disappeared into the back room. He emerged with a red ring box and knelt in front of me. He said, "I've had this for a few months and I can't wait til our anniversary!" Here is what I found:

It's a Past-Present-Future band- and it's perfect! He apparently had been working on this for months and enlisted the help of my mom. He also became quite proficient in concealing bonus money and his plasma check :)
Honey, I love you! Thanks for spoiling me. Your partnership in this crazy ride is better than any jewelry, but since you already went to the trouble... :) Love it. Thanks sweetie.