tenth engagement anniversary.

Last night, Randy and I went to dinner to celebrate our “Engagement Anniversary.”We got engaged 10 years ago on New Year’s Eve (2001). Every year, we mark the occasion by returning to the “scene of the crime” and having dinner at the same place we got engaged. The name of the restaurant may have changed as well as the décor; however, it’s still the “spot” and the food is still super yummy!

When Randy proposed, I was 20-years-old. I was a Junior in College. I was young and rather naïve (and probably still am). When he got down on one knee in the restaurant, I was shocked. I think I might have even laughed.

He had this adorable little bear he had made at a ‘Build-a-Bear’ store. He had recorded himself proposing to me on that bear and used the bear to “pop the question.”

Only problem: I couldn’t hear the bear. I suppose I should have known what was happening, but I was seriously in shock. Eventually, he said, “so what’s your answer?” I think I said something like, “yeah… sure.”

I didn’t cry. I didn’t freak out. I was certainly happy and elated - but seriously, I was just shocked.

Apparently, many of our friends and family knew of Randy’s plans because after dinner when we went to my parents’ condo, a good lot of them were there to mark the occasion. I sure am glad that I said ‘yes’ (it would have been awkward if I had said ‘no’)!

So even though we don’t go to dinner on the exact same day of the engagement, we still make a point of going to dinner every year at around the same time, returning to the same location just to remember the moment. Plus, it’s a great excuse to have a wonderful date-night: to spend time with just the two of us.

Last night we talked about our lives and where we are now. How things have changed. How we have grown to become parents of two wonderful children. How we couldn't see ourselves in any other way but how we are.

We are happy. We are still in love. We might have arguments. We might not always agree. But the love is still there.

Randy also took this occasion to surprise me with a rather extravagant gift as well as some beautiful flowers that were already set at our table when we arrived for dinner.

My lame gift to him was a last-minute purchase of some 'Living Social' deals for Greenhouse Grille - a local restaurant. He will enjoy them, but they certainly aren't anything to brag about. I mean really - SUPER lame. I wasn't going to get him anything, but then I saw that deal and thought he would like it.

The gift he got me is brag-worthy. He got me a pair of beautiful diamond hoop earrings (he got me diamonds because it was our 10th engagement anniversary and diamonds are the traditional gift for a 10-year anniversary, generally meaning a wedding anniversary though). Very sweet and thoughtful gift for sure. I am a lucky girl.
In sum, I love you Randy! I am tremendously happy that I said “yes” 10 years ago and that we got married a year and a half later.

I couldn't imagine my life without you.