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Early on Christmas morning, about 7:30 am or so, Jason and I drove over to his parents' house. Everyone was barely awake, still rubbing sleep from his or her eyes...

All of the presents -- with their neat wrapping and shiny bows -- were piled under the Christmas tree in the family room. As the entire family (all 11 of us) took a seat around the room, we began to open presents.

As we neared the last presents, Jason gave me a wrapped rectangular box. As I began opening it, I saw it was that of digital camera box. I was actually really happy about it (I love taking pictures.), and I jumped up and gave him a big hug, thanking him. I began to open the box finding, at my surprise, that there was not a camera in there at all but a box for rosemary tea bags. I took the box out and threw it at him, smiling at him as I called him a jerk. I felt so embarrassed for assuming it was a camera.

He then laughed, as did the entire family, and gave it back to me telling me to open it. So I smile, blushing, and proceed to open up this box of tea, only to find a box for a bar of LAVA soap!!!!! Even more embarrassed, and laughing my butt off, I throw it back at him and call him the same thing I had called him when I found the box of tea. Again, everyone laughed.

After that he gave it back to me and said, "This time for real. Open it." As I opened it -- the strong smell of LAVA soap was hitting my nose -- and there was a tiny black box wedged inside. I took out the box, feeling the velvet that surrounded it, and began opening it. I saw a bright diamond placed into the slit of the black velvet box. When I looked up at him, this time feeling red as a tomato with a surge of happiness, he asked me to marry him.

Of course, what else could I have said, especially on a Christmas morning, other than YES!!! I jumped up, gave him a big hug and kiss as he said, "Merry Christmas, babe." Within the entire family, the room was glowing. And with Christmas already being the highlight of the day, the engagement just added something a little more special to it. And that, by far, has been the best Christmas present I have ever had, let alone a special engagement.