Our Engagement Story

Six years ago today, Nick proposed to me.  Nick did an amazing job planning and preparing for a very detailed and special engagement process.  We got engaged back in the dark ages when Facebook was just for college students and we had a total of like 50 friends.  As I was reflecting on the amazing significance of today for Nick and me, I realized that many of you may have never heard our engagement story.  So…I’m sharing it today!  I wrote this detailed summary the day after everything happened to include in a scrap book that I made to commemorate this special day.  Here’s the story from my 25 year old, newly engaged self…

On this lovely Tuesday afternoon of my Spring Break, my mom and I were watching the movie “Prime” while Nick was at work.  Nick text messaged me to see what I was doing.  We messaged back and forth a few times and then he told me to go check my e-mail.  This didn’t seem unusual to me because he has done that before.  I got up and went into the computer room.  My mom asked where I was going and I told her that I just had to check my e-mail really quick.  Little did I know, I would not be returning to my movie.  I saw the subject line of “The movie can wait…” and my heart leapt into my throat.  I continued reading and said out loud, “Oh my gosh!”  My mom came in and was asking me all these questions.  I kept telling her to shut up because I knew that she already knew everything that was going on.  I finished the e-mail and my mom informed me that we had to wait 15 minutes until 3:45 to leave.  This allowed me some time to change out of my track suit and throw together a semi-decent outfit.  I got ready and then called my 2 sisters to tell them that the fun had begun.  Nick’s ‘Posin (proposing) Scavenger Hunt was in full swing…  My clue said “A long time ago I flicked a rubber band at you.  ‘Go get ‘em Tiger!’”  Our senior year of high school, Nick was the NHS President and I was the Vice President.  We were having our first meeting with the officers at the beginning of the school year and our sponsors asked if everyone knew each other.  Nick said, “I don’t know you,” and flicked a rubber band at me.  So, I was off to Broken Arrow to retrieve my next clue.

I was freaking out on the way to Broken Arrow.  My mind was racing and I had to keep telling myself…”This is it!  You’re getting engaged today!”  We pulled into the enormous campus of the high school and drove all through the parking lot.   They were on Spring Break too so the parking lot was pretty empty, but of the few cars there, none of them looked familiar.  I was confused about where I could find this clue on this enormous campus.  I knew that the specific time that Nick was talking about happened in the library but I really didn’t think the clue would be there because it is right in the middle of campus.  After driving around the whole parking lot, I called Nick to get some help.  He just kept telling me to use my clue so I figured I should head to the library.  I noticed a Jeep parked near the library but I didn’t think anything of it.  We got almost to the door and my favorite teacher from high school, Mrs. Hayden, stepped out of her car to give me my next clue.  I immediately started to cry because I hadn’t seen her in over 2 years and I knew when I saw her that Nick had really taken some time and thought to make everything perfect and meaningful.  We hugged and exchanged a few words before she sent me on my way with my next clue which said, “The story continues…go to the place where we had our Celebrations and never lost our Focus.”  Nick and I were very involved at the Baptist Student Union during our 4 years at TU.  Every week we had an event called Celebration on Sunday night and one called Focus on Wednesday for lunch.  So, I was off to the BSU at TU to retrieve my next clue.

I was using my time in the car to keep my sisters updated but the majority of the ride was pretty quiet.  I think I was in shock and my mom was too excited about what would happen next that she was afraid to say anything because she didn’t want to spoil any surprises.  It seemed like forever but we finally got to the BSU.  I was dying to go to the bathroom so I walked in, asked them to wait, and ran to the bathroom…it actually was a great opportunity for me to be alone and take some deep breaths to let this all sink in.  I came out and Steve and LeeAnn Lewis, our BSU directors, were there to give me my next clue.  Chris, Nick’s brother, was also there along with some other students that just happened to be hanging out between classes.  The third clue said, “K, this is clue number fee, four, fie, see, SABEY!  Let’s just say at this place, you can do no wrong, but you can only do…”  During my student teaching, there was this little 1^st grade boy named Jake who had just gotten a cochlear implant and was beginning to speak.  We were working with him on his numbers and that is how he counted.  Every time he said “Sabey!” (seven), I just thought it was the cutest thing.  Well, I came home and told Nick about it and he said that “Sabey” sounds like a pet name.  Since then, that is how we have referred to each other…Sabe, Sabey, etc.  The name stuck.  I also had another hint…”you can do no wrong, but you can only do…right (Wright Elementary—where I teach).  So, I was off to Wright to retrieve my next clue.

I spent the entire ride to Wright trying to figure out who would be there.  I didn’t know if it would be my principal, one of the many women I work with, one of my students, or even the teacher that I did my student teaching with.  As soon as I could see the parking lot, I was delighted to see Mrs. Perkins’ car.  Mrs. Perkins is a 4^th grade teacher and her classroom is next door to mine.  I have really enjoyed getting to know her this year.  On Friday before Spring Break, Nick had come up to the school to visit and I saw him stop by Mrs. Perkins’ class to say hi.  I had a feeling that something fishy was happening but I couldn’t figure it out.  I asked her after school if she knew anything and she acted totally clueless.  As soon as she got out of the car, I said, “I knew you were up to something!”  We had a fun little chat and she gave me the next clue.  It said, “Sabe, Good Job!  You are on the home stretch.  I bet you’re thirsty.  Wanna get our favorites?  I’m payin, but you gotta go to the right one.  K, I’ll just tell you.  91^st and Memorial.  Don’t speed.”  My family is addicted to drinks from Sonic and we have sucked Nick right into that addiction.  Our favorite drink is a large diet vanilla coke.  So, I was off to Sonic to retrieve my next clue and a nice cold drink.

 I spent the entire time on the way to Sonic trying to figure out who would be there.  I was secretly hoping Nick would be there to get the drinks and take me away to propose to me in private.  I was a little overwhelmed by the idea of it happening in front of people.  We pulled up to Sonic and I was scoping out the place trying to find a familiar car.  I saw one that looked like our friends’ car, but as we got closer, I realized it wasn’t their car.  I said, “I don’t get it.”  My mom asked what I didn’t get and asked if I saw anyone familiar.  When I looked closer, I saw my sister, Shannon, sitting at one the picnic tables.  I was so excited because she had just left to go back to OSU after her Spring Break and I was really sad that she wouldn’t be here for the whole event.  I had no idea that when I was calling her with all the updates she was in Tulsa!  Shannon handed me a gift card with instructions to buy drinks for my whole family.  With this information, I started to prepare myself for this to all happen in front of our families.  I was getting really nervous!  My next clue said, “There is a treasure awaiting you.  X marks the spot.  It is where the heart is…what you may ask?  Your final destination.”  Well, home is where the heart is.  So, I was off to my house to retrieve my final clue.

There wasn’t much of a drive between Sonic and my house and I was a nervous wreck.  When we pulled up to my house, I saw the cars and knew that my family and Nick’s family were all at my house.  We pulled into the garage and Shannon directed me inside.  I immediately heard the song, “From Here to Eternity” by Michael Peterson.  I have been saying since my freshman year of high school that I wanted that song to be incorporated into my engagement.  As soon as I heard it, I started to cry.  There were rose petals and votive candles everywhere.  I was SO overwhelmed.  I didn’t get it at all…the rose petals were leading me to my mom’s antique chest where my final clue could be found.  I was more concerned about all the people watching me, all the pictures being taken, and trying to find my Nick!  I kept saying, “where is he?  I’m so scared.  I’m so nervous.”  Shannon told me to look in the chest.  I thought I was looking for my ring.  I had forgotten about the final clue!  I finally found it and had no idea that Nick was standing right behind me.  At the end it said, “I should be behind you now.  Look up.”  I said, “I’m scared!”  So Nick leaned down, put his arms around my waist, and helped me to my feet.  He said (from what I can recall), “We made it, Babe.  Today, March 21^st, is the first day of Spring.  It is a new season.  It’s been a long journey but we finally made it.”  Then he got down on one knee and asked me to marry him.  I said, “Yes!  Of course!”  I was stunned by the ring and equally excited about the light that came on in the box when he opened it!  There wasn’t a dry eye in the house…

 After everything calmed down and everyone wiped their tears away, I spent some serious time staring at my ring.  It was the exact one that I had picked out 3 years ago.  I love it!  I was showing it off to everyone!  Nick had ordered food from Zio’s so our families could share dinner together.  We spent that time discussing the whole process of planning and preparing for this event.  I was so impressed with all the thought that Nick had put into this and how symbolic everything was.  While I was enjoying the family dinner, I was dying to get away from people.  Nick mentioned that he didn’t plan anything for dessert so I immediately suggested that the two of us run to the store to get something.  That was a great chance for us to get away from the crowd, take a deep breath, and squeal about being engaged.  When Nick’s family was preparing to leave, Zal said, “Well, now it’s time to start planning a wedding!”  Sydney suggested that we go ahead and have the wedding the following week!  Just talking about the wedding took my breath away…I couldn’t believe it was finally here!

 I loved everything about the whole event but my favorite part was the day.  Nick specifically chose Tuesday, March 21^st because it was the first day of spring–the beginning of a new season of growth and renewal.  In December, Nick had gotten a new worship cd.  We were on our way somewhere and we heard this song about a new season.  We listened to it over and over because it spoke to us so clearly.  With all that we have been through, we are both so thankful for a new season when we can let the things of the past fade away and focus on the new life that is blossoming all around us.  We went out to dinner with some of our new friends, Iman and Karen, the following night and I practically gave a sermon about how much that song had ministered to me.  When Nick was trying to come up with a plan for proposing to me, he said he kept hearing that song over and over in his head for about a week.  Finally, it came to him…a new season!  That’s when he decided to propose to me on the first day of spring.  I later told Nick that that was so meaningful to me because he has provided me with a mental outlet.  Every time my mind starts to wander back to all the things that we have had to struggle through in the course of our relationship, I can remember that our relationship is now founded on the hope of a new season.  There is no reason to focus on what is behind me when there is nothing but beauty in front of me.

Here we are on our wedding day…August 5, 2006

So…there you have it.  The amazing story of our engagement.  I’m so thankful that we began that new season six years ago!  It has been a wonderful journey.

Eleven Years Ago

On this day eleven years ago, Nick and I decided to make official what everyone was suspecting and assuming…we became boyfriend and girlfriend.  On that night, sitting in the living room of his college suite in Lafortune dorm at TU, I had no idea where this path would take us.  Now, eleven years later, enjoying a wonderful marriage with two beautiful children in a comfortable home in Broken Arrow surrounded by amazing friends and family, I’m so thankful we took the leap that day.  It definitely wasn’t an easy journey…there was lots of drama along the way…but we stuck together…

and I’m so glad we did.

Celebration Sunday

Nick had this weekend off from leading worship at our church, so we had the honor of attending Celebration Sunday at my parents’ church, Liberty Church.  Liberty has Celebration Sunday once a quarter to have baby dedications, baptisms, new member recognition, among other things.  It’s a really neat time for the church family to come together and celebrate these exciting milestones with each other.  On this particular day, we got to witness the baptism of my new brother-in-law, Neal, and the dedication of my niece, Brynlee.  It was a very special time!  I’m so glad we were able to be there!

We started off our day with a family breakfast at the Broken Egg Cafe.  Reuben was EXTRA excited about a whole day with Daddy!

When you are baptized at Liberty, you can select who you would like to baptize you.  This is a really neat tradition.  In this particular baptism service, we witnessed fathers baptizing their children, the children’s pastor baptizing a child who had gotten saved at VBS, a friend baptizing a friend, and my dad baptizing his son-in-law.  Each person is also given the opportunity to share a bit of their testimony.  After each baptism, the congregation claps, cheers, and gives a standing ovation.  It’s such a WONDERFUL celebration.  (I personally enjoyed the fact that my dad was dressed in a Tulsa Basketball t-shirt while he baptized Neal.)

Through tears, Bro. Paul, the pastor of Liberty Church, took a moment to point out how special it was to be dedicating my niece Brynlee Anne.  Ten years ago this summer, my sister was diagnosed with cancer, and at that point, we weren’t sure that we would ever have the opportunity to celebrate a dedication of one of Rachel’s children.  What a special moment to stop and thank God for His healing in my sister’s body, and the wonderful miracle of Brynlee Anne.

Father’s Day 2011

We had a wonderful time celebrating the amazing fathers in our life this weekend.  On Saturday night, we got together with my side of the family for a nice dinner and hang time then spent Sunday evening with Nick’s side of the family.  I have always known that I am beyond blessed to have a trustworthy, dependable, God-honoring, sensitive, invested, supportive, and loving Dad (just to name a few of his AMAZING qualities).  I can’t imagine how my life might be different without his presence.  As I watch Nick develop as the father to our son (and daughter on the way), I am equally grateful that I can see those same qualities developing in him.  I am thankful that Father’s Day is an easy day to celebrate, and not one that brings about pain, depression, regret, etc.  I am blessed and do not take it for granted!

Reuben got all dressed up to celebrate Daddy on Father’s Day

Nick requested a yellow cake with chocolate icing for dessert on Father’s Day.  Well, I got in too much of a hurry and tried to get the cake out of the pan before it cooled all the way.  This was the result BUT…it tasted AMAZING.

We took a nice walk to the neighborhood park and splash pad on Sunday evening.  Reuben loves playing outside ESPECIALLY when his Daddy is there

Neal and Shannon’s Wedding

This blog is all about Neal and Shannon’s wedding from the perspective of my point and shoot camera.  The wedding was beautiful, and it was definitely a joyous occasion!

After the rehearsal on Friday evening, we headed to Zio’s for the rehearsal dinner.  At dinner, Shannon and Neal passed gifts out to their parents and the bridal party.

They made each set of parents one of these precious frames.

The bride and groom are busy handing out gifts to their LARGE bridal party.

Reuben LOVED his gift.  He got several tools for outdoor exploration.

Brynlee got her very first baby doll from Uncle Neal and Auntie Shan.

Shannon hired Liz and Ashely from Studio 2 to come to the church to do all of our hair on Saturday morning.  They did an amazing job!  The process was really fun, too…lots of girl time for Shan to start off her big day.

Some of the GORGEOUS bridesmaids.  Our gift from Shannon was the cute navy flower we all wore in our hair and our earrings for the wedding.

We all observed while Shannon got her hair done.  Liz did awesome!  Shannon’s hair looked perfect and didn’t budge the whole day!

After our hair was done, we took a break to eat a delicious lunch.

Shannon’s bridesmaids were SO GREAT.  I love this picture of them all working so hard to make sure everything is perfect for Shannon.

The three (former) McNamara girls.

Shannon and I in the lobby of the reception hall.  We were waiting for our formal introduction and entrance into the reception.

My two AMAZING sisters.

The couple’s first dance.

As a wedding gift for Neal, Shannon surprised him with a visit from Pistol Pete.  Neal FREAKED OUT when he walked in. His reaction was priceless.

The two handsome men in my life.  How can one woman be SO blessed?!?

Reuben enjoyed dancing with Uncle Chad and Auntie Ray Ray.

Gearing up for the bouquet toss!

Neal’s fishin’ for the garter.  Uncle Chris took Reuben with him to the single man line-up.

And Uncle Chris throws Reuben at the garter, but he missed.  They had to redo the toss.  Better luck next time, Reuben!

Gettin’ his groove on with Uncle Chris and Daddy.  Reuben definitely gets his dance moves from this side of the family.

I love this picture of Shannon and Neal.  Neal is pouring sweat after dancing his heart out and Shannon is having the time of her life.

Dancing with her girlfriends

The couple made quite the exit as Neal peeled out of the parking lot in his Chevelle.

All changed and ready for their honeymoon in Maui!

Now for some videos…

After asking everyone onto the dance floor for a group pic, the DJ went right into the “Cupid Shuffle.”  My brother-in-law, Chad, managed to catch a video of my 89 year old Grandpa Frank joining in on the fun.

Shannon and Neal asked the DJ to play this song especially for Reuben.  Reuben was still a bit timid at this point, but he did his thing.  (Beware:  this isn’t the clean version of the song)

Reuben really busted out of his shell when they played his favorite song, “Dynamite.”

Reuben had the honor of dancing with the bride and groom.  He loves his Auntie Shan and Uncle Neal!

My New Job

There are lots more pictures and updates coming from our exciting last couple of weeks; however, I have to take the time and share my great news.  I got a new job!  A huge promotion, in fact!  My new title is “full-time stay-at-home-mom.”  This has been the most exciting position I have ever accepted!  Having worked really hard to earn both a Bachelors and Masters degree, as well as several teaching certifications, there is a feeling of walking away from a career and years of hard work, but I’ve chosen to look at it as being highly qualified to teach my own children  Since I’ve been on a school schedule my entire life, it kind of just feels like summer break right now.  I’m really looking forward to skipping all the depression that usually comes with the beginning of a new school year.  I am SO thankful for God’s provision and my husband’s diligence that have allowed me this amazing opportunity.  I’m also excited for several months of quality time with Reuben before baby girl arrives.  I mean, who wouldn’t want to spend all day with this guy?!?

Shannon’s Bachelorette Party

The bridesmaids threw Shannon a bachelorette party the Thursday night before her wedding.  We did a “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” theme so we asked all the attendees to wear black dresses and pearls.  We met at Red Rock Canyon Grill for a nice dinner and then headed to the home of Kelli, one of Shannon’s bridesmaids, to continue the party.  I had such a fun time planning this party with Shannon’s other bridesmaids.  She is blessed with the most wonderful friends!  We had a great time.

Some of the beautiful ladies waiting for our table at the restaurant.

Our whole group

The delicious spread at our after dinner party.

Katie, another of Shannon’s bridesmaids, made these DELICIOUS and ADORABLE cupcakes.

I asked Shannon to show me how she felt about her bachelorette party so far.  She looks like she’s having a great time!

We had so much watching Shannon open her gifts.  One of the games we played was to assign a name for each piece of lingerie as Shannon opened it.  We then placed that piece in a brown paper sack, stapled it closed, and labeled it with the name on the front.  Shannon packed her suitcase with the brown paper sacks for the honeymoon, and Neal had to choose based on the name only.  It turned out to be a really fun game!

This was one of the classier gifts of the night.

Our brown paper sacks

Our last game of the evening was very entertaining.  The challenge was to tie a hot dog on string, and around the wait of two girls.  The girls then had to maneuver the hot dog to get it into the top of a 2 liter pop bottle.  It was HILARIOUS.

Mother’s Day 2011

This post is long overdue, but I had a wonderful Mother’s Day this year so I had to share  Reuben and Nick woke me on Sunday morning with three cards (one from Nick, one from Reuben, and one from baby #2) and some beautiful flowers.  Nick had also gotten me my Silhouette machine as an early Mother’s Day gift which I’ve been enjoying very much!  My family (and the Sernas, our “framily”) came over for a cookout at our house, and we had so much fun.  After a nap, we headed over to Nick’s parents’ house for pizza and the Amazing Race finale.  It was such a great day!

 Mommy and Reuben Mac

We walked the Sernas out to their car and came back in to see my sisters having a boxing match with Reuben’s inflatable gloves.  We’re a very loving family.

They decided to hide and surprise Nick and Reuben walking in…I think the surprise was a success.

The women of our family…I’m so very blessed with two beautiful sisters, an amazing mom, and the most adorable little niece.

Shannon’s Wedding Shower

We had a wedding shower for Shannon on Sunday, May 1st.  While planning the shower, we were excited for a beautiful afternoon in May for a shower.  We had big plans to use the balcony of the beautiful home we were in, but alas, it was cold and rainy. Despite the dreary weather, we had a great time celebrating Shannon and her quickly approaching marriage to Neal!

The hostesses with the bride:  Amy, Ginger, Susan, Kelly, Shannon, Rachel, and Chris

We borrowed some decor that Shannon has made for her wedding to decorate for the shower (the S & N).  She has been super crafty!

I made this for Shannon using my Silhouette AKA my new best friend.

Some more decor borrowed from Shannon…the Mr. and Mrs. cork tiles.

The beautiful cake from Icing on the Top.

Some of our beautiful guests enjoying the shower.  Shannon gave each hostess a gift of a potted rose plant.  They are so pretty.  You can see them on the mantle.

Swagger Wagon

We’ve officially joined the “Swagger Wagon” club, and I couldn’t be happier!  Nick and I have had our eye on the Honda Odyssey minivan for a few years now.  Over Christmas, we told Nick’s aunt and uncle from Minnesota about our dream car, and that’s all it took to launch Uncle Dave into his search for the perfect van for us.  Once we found out we were pregnant with baby #2, we called Uncle Dave and Auntie Grace and shared the news with them by asking them to pick up their search because we would be needing the extra space sooner than expected.  Well, Uncle Dave took us seriously, and within a few weeks, found us a great van at a great price in Minneapolis (their hometown).  Unfortunately, this was during a really busy time at work for both Nick and me so we were unable to fly up there to see or purchase the van.  Yep, that’s right.  We bought the van without ever seeing it!  AND…my in-laws flew up to Minnesota and drove it home for us.  We are so very blessed!  We’ve had the van for almost a month, and I. LOVE. IT.  Reuben is in heaven riding in the van.  He loves being able to climb into his own seat, and have room to stretch his legs.  The DVD player is a great addition too, although we’re currently in negotiations as to how much it will be utilized while driving around town.  I’m looking forward to having it for long road trips, though!

This is a stock photo, but our van looks exactly like this