5 years ago....(Beware: this is really long post)

     Five years ago today I did not know where my life was headed. I was dating this incredible guy, but it seemed he had commitment issues. On top of that he was living in a city 10 hours away. Where were we headed?  I thought it was the end of us. However, he decided to surprise me this day. He called me and told me he was coming down to Las Vegas to see me. I was kind of hesitant, kind of excited. I did not know what to expect.
     I went to the airport and picked him up in my little blue 2001 Pontiac Sunfire. He told me he had reservations at our favorite spot, and first date, restaurant. In the back of my mind I was thinking maybe he is, after nearly two years of dating, going to finally propose. Well, he did and here is how it happened.
     We had reservations at, I think, eight at Flemings. This is where Eric took me on our first date. It is a steakhouse, so I thought he really, really liked me to be taking me to such a nice place on our first date. We were running a little early so we decided to go to Starbucks and sit and talk. After a little bit it was time to head to the restaurant. When we were walking out I gave him the keys to drive.
     Being a gentleman that he is he unlocked my door and let me in the car. He than walked over and sat in the driver seat. Maybe a minute later he told me he could not get the key out of the ignition, so I tried. Sure enough it was stuck, tight. What were we going to do? We kept trying, but nothing. We decided to call a tow truck. Eric also called Flemings to let them know we were going to be late.
     The tow truck guy showed up. He tried to get the key out. He figured, after many tries, it was stuck. He unscrewed the steering wheel to try to get it out. It kind of worked, but he made things even worse. The key broke in half. One half being stuck in the ignition. He definitely could not get that out, so the car had to be towed to the nearest dealership. Of course, it being a Saturday night we would not be able to get a car so we had to call a taxi. Once the taxi arrived we were finally on our way to Flemings.
     We felt completely relieved when we arrived at Fleming's. We are both very hungry and cannot wait for a yummy, delicious steak. Eric was probably very nervous. We sat at our table and ordered our food. While we were waiting Eric got down on one knee and proposed. I was soooooo happy!!!! Of course I said yes. I am thinking, "Finally, after all this time he comes to his senses" :) Our food was delicious, the atmosphere was romantic, and the ring was/is gorgeous. Perfect ending to an interesting and funny night!
     Oh wait, it does not end there. Since we did not have a car we had to call a taxi to get us to where we were going. We sat in the foyer of the restaurant waiting....and waiting....and waiting. My moms house was about 2 or 3 miles away so we started walking. We thought "what are we going to do?". I thought to call my brother Jeff. It was a Saturday night, I was sure he was not in bed.
     I called him and sure enough he was on his way home. He came and picked us up on the side of the street. I showed him the ring and told him we were engaged!! Once we arrived at the place I was staying at we crashed. Thanks to Jeff for helping us out.

     Next morning I called my mom. Neither of our parents knew Eric was proposing. She was surprised and I am sure shocked. Since it was also Eric's birthday she had us over and made a delicious meal. Afterwards Eric went back up to Boise, but came back in December when we were married and started our life together. He has said that after this night he knew for sure he wanted to marry me. I asked him why and he said because when I could have really thrown a fit about the situation I instead was calm and laughed about it. What else could we have done? I was just soooo happy he was finally proposing because I would have married him months before that :)

   
     Nearly five years and three handsome boys later, we are doing well and happy! Like any marriage, we have had our ups and downs, more ups than downs. Eric is an incredible husband and father. I could not ask for anyone better. Although our courthsip was rough at times, I am so glad we got everything figured out. Eric really his my soul mate, eternal companion, and true love!!

I am sure Eric will have some comments to add after he reads this :) The only thing he has to add was he planned it that way to test me :)