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After careful deliberation, we bought a house in Menifee, CA and spent almost every weekend watching it being built and taking pictures of each phase. February 11, 2006 was a Saturday different than all others...

As usual, we made breakfast, read the paper, got ready and hopped in the car for our hour drive to our soon to be new home.

We arrived, toured all the rooms, and checked out every new detail. For some reason, Ron was interested in the master bedroom closet. Sitting there on the floor was an antique jewelry box. It took some convincing, but after picking it up, my world would soon change... I opened it up and saw a black and white faded picture of Ron that read, "Without you, there is no color in my life."

Ron told me to lift up the picture and look at what else was in the box... The next picture was a colored picture of Ron which read, "Will you marry me? I love you!" With that, the tears swelled and I looked to my right and saw Ron on his knee with a sparkling jewelry box....I don't quite know what happen from there, but I know I tried to say yes through the happy tears...it was the most breath taking experience of my life...but that wasn't it...

In a hurry to call everyone, I was having a hard time getting a hold of my parents, which started to make me homesick. I got a hold of my cousin Jackie, my only family member in Southern California and she was ecstatic...telling us to stop by their house for champagne to celebrate. With no plans yet, we headed over. The hour-long drive back seemed like eternity, the homesick feelings getting worse.

Ron was telling me that we could fly to Pleasanton the following weekend so that I could celebrate with my family...my wheels were spinning and I was already planning the trip, excited to see everyone in person. Arriving at Jackie's house, I could almost hear the excited scream before her front door was open. I received the biggest hug as she asked if I had heard from my parents yet.

With a lump in my throat, I started to reply with a sad no, only to turn around and see my mom and dad walking down the hall. I screamed, laughed, cried and was thrilled to see them standing before me...what another great surprise. They flew all the way to So-Cal just to share in our excitement....but that still wasn't it...

After toasting champagne, we went home to freshen up and get ready for what I thought was dinner with the four of us... only to find my dearest family and friends waiting at my favorite Italian restaurant, Maggiano"s. Even Doreen and Duane who drove over 12 hours in two days just to be there for our special event.

Each and every one who was there, and was involved in our unforgettable day, will always be in our hearts, even those who couldn't make the trip, we appreciate your love and support!