It was a Merry Christmas, Indeed
It was a big Christmas for our family. Christmas is something we take pretty seriously – from the decorations, to the bows on the presents (say no to stick-on), the menus and the sleet-or-shine trip to the 11pm candlelight service. I love it all, but this Christmas two surprises made it extra special.
On Christmas Eve my parents got a puppy! It’s the cutest thing I have ever seen.
They named her Noel, which means “all is well.”
(Funny that the names of their daughters were just names they liked (the name Jennifer was a booming sensation in the early 80’s and Molly is just a cute name for a little girl) and the name of their puppy actually means something.)
But all is well, Noel the pup will go by the name Ellie.
Ellie, the name which once topped my list for future daughters, has now been taken by the puppy in my life and my little niece. I have officially removed it from the list.
I was in my pajamas until 4:30 on Christmas, which in my world means that it was a pretty good day. We leisurely opened gifts and had a big Christmas brunch, the same one we have had since I can remember. Coffee cake and ham and cheese strata loaded with butter, a once a year indulgence by design. And it was snowing. The first white Christmas we’ve had in Atlanta in my lifetime.
Usually we have Christmas night dinner with the Wilsons and the Harrels, two families who have been lifelong friends with my parents. But this year things went down a little differently…
You see, my sister’s boyfriend (known herein as The Captain) had a surprise up his sleeve. He spent Christmas morning with his family in Virginia and hopped on a late afternoon flight to Atlanta, with a ring in his pocket. There is a little chapel in the woods near my parents’ house that Molly and The Captain often run to together. Pretending to drive to dinner, we took a detour to the little chapel, where The Captain was waiting. The little stone chapel was covered in white lights and freshly fallen snow. Romance. As we pulled down the path, he walked towards us. Once my sister realized what was going on, she quickly jumped out of the car and into his arms as the family drove away.
About an hour or two later the newly engaged(!) couple came back to my parents’ house for a little celebration.
Such joy.
The Simmons sisters, who are like sisters to us, were in the group that came over to celebrate. Dancing was a natural and inevitable outpouring of our joy for the littlest sister.
I couldn’t be happier for Molly and The Captain. I couldn’t imagine the man who would be lucky enough to win my sister’s heart, but she found him–or he found her. They are perfect for each other.
It was a very Merry Christmas, indeed.
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The best post yet!
Beautiful tree, precious pup and joyful Molly White! So happy for the White family!
Hello there Jennifer and John. Long time no see. Loved your blog which was included in your mom and dad’s email Christmas wish. What a fun way to hear the news of Molly’s engagement –how thrilling. Your family is growing. Hope you are doing well and that you and John are settling into your lives. If you ever venture over this direction, we would love you to come for a visit and perhaps a little golf. We have the SC Student Forum coming up on the 14th of January and we’re having the first CHristmas party of 2011 next weekend (copied from a friend’s party in San Antonio) so we are busy. Just want to drop you a quick note saying I loved your blog and to wish you and John a wonderful New Year full of all the blessings you can imagine. Blessings, Maryann and Merle. Merle might drop you a note as well when he opens the blog.
Oh my goodness- what a Christmas you will never ever forget!!! We couldn’t be happier for you all- a white Christmas, a puppy and news of a new brother in the same evening… Jennifer- this will be hard to top. Love you all so much! Aunt Beth
Not much can top a new puppy for christmas, but Lee J did! It was a “White” Christmas on many fronts. We are overjoyed for you all. Blessings for 2011! Dianne
We are over the top for Molly and Lee J. You captured it well, Jennifer. I got pretty choked up just reading about it. And a puppy! What a day- I can just imagine all that smiling, laughing and dancing. Love to all.
I love this! So happy for Molly! And about the puppy, of course. What kind is it??
it’s a cockapoo. it is the cutest dog I have ever seen!