Congratulations Debbie and Alan!

Before I post details of my lifestyle changes, I just have to say Congratulations!
to some very dear friends.....on their engagement.

Lifestyle changes

I've been busy exercising and working out a great eating plan for me and my family. A "not so good" report from the doctor gave me the incentive to make some lifestyle changes. I've now lost 40 pounds and work out twice a day. I bought size 10 pants 2 weeks ago and I've never worn that size. I want to return to my blog. I miss it! Soon, I will be outlining my plan on this blog. So many people want to know what I'm doing to lose this weight. Instead of explaining it to individuals. I think it will be simpler to tell my story here-for anyone who wants to read it. I'll get busy and post some pictures, my daily menus etc. Hope some of you will be interested in hearing about my daily plan for fitness and good health.

Me at a bachelorette party in March-40 pounds ago

TAC Tuesday evening Memorial Service

Jesus overcame the sting of death to rise and open up the Kingdom of Heaven

This Worship Service focused on the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. The names of the members who passed away this year were read aloud. Beautiful orchestra music  accompanied the sermon and remembrance.

Monday, Tuesday Worship at TAC

Here are some images from the Worship Services so far at the Texas Annual Conference of the Methodist Church. The focus is remembering the "Seasons of the Church".  Business meetings were held today and the first 2 presentations by our guest speaker were enjoyed. Tonight is the Memorial Service and Eucharist.

                                                           Christ the King is born

                                                                       Praise Music

                                             The crowd participates by singing along

                                               The Season of Advent is celebrated

                                             Our Bishop gives the opening address

                                                                    Palm Sunday

                                       Dramatic presentation of the Passion of Jesus Christ

                                              Solemn remembrance of the Crucifixion

Texas Annual Conference of the Methodist Church, Monday

For the next fews days, I will be blogging from Galveston, Texas. Mike and I are attending the Texas Annual Conference of the Methodist Church. We had a very easy, 3 hour trip into Galveston. We are staying at the beautiful San Luis Resort on the Seawall. Lunch was at the Cafe here in the hotel and we both had delicious Baja Fish Tacos. Our room is on the 7th floor with a spectacular view of the Gulf of Mexico. Tonight, we will attend the opening Worship Ceremony and the Conference will begin tomorrow morning. Check back for more pictures and details!

Coming into Galveston

                                                         Here we are at the Seawall.

                                             The view from the "hallway" at our hotel.

                                                       The view from our balcony.

Making the Groom's Cake

My son asked me to make his Groom's Cake. He wanted Paula Deen's Gooey Butter Cake and something to do with a griffin.

I bought 4 pounds of butter, 8 yellow cake mixes, 8 packages of cream cheese, 8 pounds of powdered sugar and 2 dozen eggs.

I made stacks of things to recycle.

Then I made 8 batches of Gooey Butter Cake. This took 8 hours and after I got done, the electricity went off for 4 hours!

I hand painted a Griffin with dark and white chocolate to make the cake topper. This took 4 hours.

The result was so great! The gooey butter cake was really more like a bar cookie so I cut it in squares and stacked it. I edged it in butter cream and chocolate "rocks".  My husband made the cake stand out of cedar. I think it turned out very "manly" and unique. I was so proud to do it.

We did it!

Lee and Peggi's wedding was wonderful and went so smoothly. The late evening weather was perfect. The reception was relaxing and very fun. The couple is back from the honeymoon and settled in. I would say that it was a success!