JC and I went down to my parents’ house in Greenwood for the Christmas break on a Saturday morning. None of my siblings were in town, and they were telling me they would not be in town for the Christmas season (which was normal depending on the year). When we arrived to Greenwood, we were greeted by my mom, my dad, and my sister’s baby, Bennett. Since Bennett was in town, I was so excited to think my sister, Kathleen, and her husband, Cage, would be joining us! They ended up surprising us and arriving Sunday afternoon. During that time, JC obviously knew what was going on. He had mentioned to me Sunday morning that he was going for a run (which I was totally convinced of). Instead, he was headed to pick up my engagement ring! He came back “winded” from his run, which actually consisted of him doing jumping jacks in the garage. He jumped in the shower so we could head to church. After church, we were hanging out at my house, waiting for my sister to arrive. When she got there, I was told that we needed to go help my sister’s best friend, Mary Key, cook food for her family Christmas. We spent the day helping Mary Key cook and get ready for “her” party while the boys spent the day “in the woods.” When we arrived back to my parents’ home, I was greeted by JC on the back porch. I suddenly realized he was dressed in a different outfit from when I left him, the fire pit was going, and he looked a little nervous. He asked me to come look at the lights my mom had put up in the backyard, so I followed him. He placed me under the arch filled with twinkle lights and asked me to marry him!! Of course, I said yes, and we could not stop giggling, smiling, and hugging all night long! It was everything I could have dreamed of and more! We spent the rest of the evening celebrating with family and friends who surprised us and eating the food I spent the day preparing for “Mary Key’s Family Christmas!” It truly was the best night ever!