changes

So we have moved. It has been alot harder than I thought that it was going to be. Not just physically, but emotionally. I am a wreck. I know that all of this if for the best, but is still is hard. I have no sense of direction. I don't have a job. I have few friends in the area and the ones that I do have, work. I am lonely. Dan has to drive double the distance now, and so time is limited each day.

But the schools are great. The ward is wonderful. And I know that we are being blessed, I just have to be patient.

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Enjoy!!!

Limbo

Man, I didn't think that it was going to hit me so hard but it has. I am having such a hard time with this move. You would think moving into my parents home, a home that I grew up in, living in a ward that I grew up in, in a town that I grew up in, would be so hard. But it is. I am struggling. Maybe it is because I have to go to the library to check my email for now and the internet is such a big part of my connection to the world. Maybe it is the lack of television right now. WWIII could have started and I wouldn't know! Just a little longer and I will have my things in our home. That will help but for now the limbo is killing me!

9 years

9 years ago, Dan and I stood in one of my favorite places in the world... Oscoda Beach and were married. I was a beautiful day. A bit crazy, but beautiful. And our wonderful families helped to make it happen. I was determined that we were not going to get married in the church across the street. And the weather cooperated! I wanted to hear the water and have the sand on my feet so that every time I walked on that beach I could remember being married there. I am so lucky to have Dan in my life.

There were some things that I cared about, and things that I didn't and I am sure that I drove my mother crazy. My dress came from the same bridal shop that my mother and grandmothers dresses came from. It had to be different and it was. I wanted everyone in the bridal party to wear sandals, and we did, even the guys with their tuxes. I didn't want arranged flowers. So as the guests came to the beach, they were given a rose and when I went down the isle, I collected them and hugged everyone. I wanted to acknowledge everyone that was there prior to the ceremony. It was important to me. And my mom and my Aunt Beth made the best cheesecake in the world for our cake. It was SO good. I also wanted live music. So my friend Elliot Lui played the guitar and sang. It was so wonderful. Our pictures were the best. Dan was sick of it after about 2, but they turned out to be so perfect.
Especially the one of my grandma dancing on the beach! It is now a family favorite. People came from far and wide and it was wonderful to have them celebrate with us. There were a few hiccups in the whole thing, but don't most weddings have a few? It was a wonderful day and I am thankful for a wonderful man to spend my life with.

And 9 years later, we were able to take Daniel and Abigayle with us to the temple and be sealed for time and all eternity. It was another beautiful day. I am still thankful for a wonderful man to spend the rest of eternity with. I love you dude!

True Love Day

Today has been a special day in the lives of the Shawl family. We were sealed for time and all eternity in the Detroit, Michigan Temple. It was a beautiful day. One that I have waited 9+ years for. When Dan and I met, he was not LDS. So we couldn't be married in the temple. We had an increadible wedding on the beach in Oscoda. It was a beautiful day too. But today as I kneeled across the altar, I knew that I had made the best choice in choosing to wait for him to be ready to be there with me. The room was filled with so many friends and family and family friends. And as the kids came in the room to be with us it was overwhelming. They looked so perfect in their white clothes. Abby asked me what we were doing and I told her that it was "true love day". Dad was my true love and we were celebrating true love day. (She loves to tell us that we are true loves. ) She accepted the explaination but still was not so sure about what was going on. I am so thankful for the opportunity that my family has to be a forever family. I am so thankful for the gospel in my life so that I know that this is possible. I am so thankful for a wonderful husband that asked me to be with him forever. And I said yes.

When life gives you lemons....go to Florida

So, I went into work on Tuesday as part of my normal routine. And explained to my boss everything that I had done that day. I went on and on about everything and then she looked at me and said...I am sorry but I have to let you go. We dont have enough children participating in our program to cover payroll. I was in shock!!! I didnt cry, luckily. The bummer part is that I left my job that I LOVED for this job. The things that we do for free childcare!!!

So the next day we boarded a plane to Florida! The sun makes everything feel better. It hasnt been the warmest, but 56 degrees is better than -10! We have enjoyed not wearing coats and hats. And spending time with family always makes things better. And so does yummy food!!! We have been eating and chilling.

We went to the Roaring 20s. For those of you that remember, there used to be on in Okemos when I was a kid. We loved to go there and have pizza and listen to the organ play. The girls had a blast. They danced the night away!

Yesterday we were going to go to Busch Gardens, but Daniel was not feeling well and Jared missed his flight. So another day of chilling. So Dan and I went to the Salvador Dali museum in St. Petersburg. We had a great time! It was amazing how much different a print looks from an original painting. The detail was in amazing!!

Last night we had a Korean feast! Bulgogi, mandoo and tons of shrimp. It was wonderful!! Good food memories!

So today we are headed to Busch Gardens. It should be a good day. It is supposed to be a high of 75 today. Not bad for February!!!!

Menu Planning

So in an effort to not go to the store every day, I have decided to make a dinner menu. This week went really well. I love the website www.mealsmatter.org. I found the BEST gyro recipe!!! So Dan made them on Wednesday and we had a wonderful dinner even though Dan couldn't taste them. They tasted similar to Olga's. My brother Greg has mastered their pita recipe. I will have to get it and try. But here is the recipe for the gyros. It is so simple, and good enjoy!

Ground Beef Gyros

3/4 lb. Extra lean ground beef, cooked and drained
3/4 c. Plain low fat yogurt
1/4 c. Cucumber, finley chopped- we love to use English/Hot House Cucumbers
1/2 tsp. Dill Weed
1 TBSP Oil
1 Medium onion, sliced into rings
1 1/2 tsp. Garlic powder (Dan used fresh garlic)
1/4 tsp. Dried oregano, crushed
6 Pita bread, warmed
1 small tomato, chopped

Combine yogurt, cucumber and dill weed. Cover and refrigerate. Heat oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat, heat 2 minutes. Add onions, cook for 2 mintues, stirring occasionally. Add beef, garlic and oregano; cook 4 minutes or until heated through, stirring occasionally.

Stuff beef mixture in warmed pita breads and serve with yogurt sauce and tomatoes.

YUMMY!!!