TWENTY!!!

Photo courtesy of Duchess

November 28th we celebrated 20 years of marriage. We had a nice evening...we ate at PF Chang's and then went to Best Buy (his idea), Home Depot (my idea) and Trader Joe's (mutual idea). Isn't that what everyone does for a major wedding anniversary? Seriously though, we really had a great time.

We reminisced about the big ice storm on the day of our wedding. Being from a small town in South Dakota, there were no hotels nearby. Due to glare ice on the roads,we were forced to spend our wedding night, along with our wedding party and numerous strays, stranded at my parent's house. The King and I were the lucky ones. We were granted a private suite (my brother's bedroom---complete with a set of twin beds). Everyone else slept on any available surface of the house. The most popular being the floor.

A vision of the morning after will be etched in my mind forever. The entire main floor of the house was covered with bodies...still dressed in tuxes, gowns, and wedding attire. The King happily made everyone breakfast (for those of you who don't know my husband; he loves to have company, lots of company, for lots of hours...he especially loves to feed company...he was definitely in his glory). I never dreamed I'd have to spend my wedding night, and my first morning as Mrs. King with my parents and so many others. Oh well, it makes for a good story. Most everyone was able to leave by early afternoon, but the ice was still too bad for us to travel on to our honeymoon destination.

So, we just went home and started life. A brand new family of two. That leads us to where we are today. We are still doing life. Except life today is much more exciting. A family of nine. Wow! Who would have known?

Thank you, Lord, for these TWENTY blessed years.

My New Diamond

The King made it home from California.

I was ever so happy to have him home again.

One week without my love is just way too long.

He must have missed me too.

He brought me a diamond....

He knows I've been wanting a new diamond...in honor of our 20th wedding anniversary.

I'd always heard they do things big in Texas.

But Californians must think bigger.

This diamond is flawless...and colorless...and HUGE.

The thought was nice but I don't think I will be able to wear it.

I would have to pull my hand around in a wagon.

The best part is that he had it personalized.

Engraved on top is his name, the name of his company, and a dollar amount.

It's a shame to waste such a beautiful stone, but I think it will make a fine paperweight.

Next time I tell him I want a diamond, I'll be a little more specific.

Basement News

Don't be jealous, but look what I've got:









The Wirsbo tubing has been installed in my basement.

These two (Jouster and The King) installed it last night.

It was not easy getting to this point.

The King had to remove 1 1/2 inches of gravel/dirt before he could lay the foam. Three days of work and the dirt was gone.

He got the foam insulation laid...and taped together. Then it rained. We had water in the basement. A call to the waterproofers forced The King to pull up the foam insulation and place a layer of poly over the dirt. Back down with the foam. He was finally able to lay the tubing.

The best news is that he said we would be pouring cement THIS FRIDAY.

Nothing happens as planned. The cement guy can't make it Friday. He has to come THURSDAY instead. Yippee!! Cement more than a month before my 20th anniversary! That means only one thing. It can't be my anniversary present. Remember, I was holding out for cement as my anniversary gift. But now that the cement will be done 48 days before our big day, I am pretty sure I can squeeze something else out of The King.

Here's my plan:

1. About the first of November I will start hinting that our anniversary is coming up.

2. I will nonchalantly ask The King what kind of amazing gift he wants from me.

3. Giddily tell him I can't wait to see what surprise(s) he has in store for me.

4. Remind him that I love jewelry. If he gives me 'the look', I will add that I like kitchen appliances and vacuum cleaners just as well.

5. Convince him that since the weather is now turning cold, he would really enjoy a tropical vacation...with me, of course. If I get 'the look', I will mention that it would also be fun to get away for one night without the kids.

6. Take the check book out of my purse and leave it on the kitchen counter for him to see. If he doesn't notice it there, I will put it on the keyboard of his computer.

7. Occasionally tell him he looks likes he's been up to something.

Any other ideas? Do you think my plan will work? I'll keep you posted.