The Proposal...

My birthday falls on August 6th, and continued until oh let's say August 16th this year. Now let me just explain, that in my family a birthday does indeed last one week... I just figured I was extra special this year. See, my mom was away in Cabo again (not that unusual) and since my birthday fell on a weekday I decided we would just do something later. Instead, Brandon surprised me and took me to Disneyland for my big day and I cannot even begin to explain the childish excitement I had that day...thanks again babe! But Ohhhh was I in for a much larger surprise.

See, Brandon cannot keep a secret, I think there is some genetic disorder for people like him and I am certain that my sister suffers from it as well. But this time was different, he wanted this to be special and who else to call for back up but my big sis Jen, who knows me a little too well. Mom and Sis planned for a nice birthday dinner at Castaway's in San Bernardino (my mom and dads old place) and I was just excited to eat some amazing filet mignon note: if you have not had 'the' filet I suggest making a reservation now. Brandon seemed rather nervous most of the day, I figured he just had a stomach thing and let it be. We arrived at Jen's, got ready in a flash, picked up Daniel and headed off to eat some scrumptious food and celebrate with family. About 25 people had gathered together to celebrate "ME" and when I walked outside and saw such an elaborate spread, I shed a couple tears. It felt nice to know that I have a family that loves me and wanted to do something special...thanks guys! We all sit, we eat, we drink, take pictures and everyone is just delighted to be there. The weather was nice, the drinks perfect and well you can guess it...the filet was AMAZING!

After dinner, Jay and Brandon went to the car to grab gifts and I already new Jen had gotten me a guitar because Brandon "accidentally" left his email open for me to see...nicely played you two. Everyone gathered around to sing happy birthday as my sister makes her way towards me with a cake. As I look up I notice some familiar faces...my ladies..oh my god...what a surprise - tear!

I am so excited at this point that I don't quite read the cake as it is being set in front of me. It was the sweetest thing ever and it was pretty yummy too. Once I did, I think my face said it all and this will forever be a captured moment for us to laugh about.

At that very moment, Brandon got down on his knee, looked me in the eye and spoke the most beautiful words ever: Giselle, I love you and I love your family, will you please Mary me? At first I did not have the right words let alone any words and I am almost certain I am not the only gal to drop a curse word or inquire about my parents and his for that matter. The shock was overwhelming and I finally answered him after what seemed like an eternity with a loud, tearful, cracked voice "YES". I could not hold back the tears and to make the story even more amazing, he proposed to me with the same diamond my father had given my mother when they first got engaged, but with a different setting. The ring melted me

as did the entire evening. Everyone that I love and that loves me shared this endless moment and I would not have wanted it any other way (well, it would have been nice if Kristi and Lia could have been there) otherwise, it was absolutely perfect. I have gotten to choose the man I want to share my dreams with, have children with, see the world with and best of all get old and ugly with. He is my match, he is my best friend and I know that he loves me more than life itself. I pray that we can enjoy the happy moments, laugh at the hard ones, and create new and exciting ones for many many moons to come. Thank you Mom, Thank you Sis, without the two of you I know things would not have gone so perfectly, you helped make one of the most amazing days of our lives and I know you will be there for many more. Thank you Dad for reasons only you know. Thank you Debbie, for loving us and supporting our love, we miss you like crazy. The best to everyone as we enter a new season (our favorite) and we or rather I will be posting updates on the wedding plans, etc. Love you....

The Tomas Clan