Women of Joy

From May 4-6, I went to my first Women of Joy conference in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.  Our team consisted of 9 women; most of these ladies attend Grace Church.  It was such a fun time to get to know these sweet ladies that I haven't gotten to spend a lot of time with.  Our time together at the conference consisted of three speakers - Carol Kent, Sheri Rose Shepherd and Thelma Wells, two music artists - Mandisa and Brandon Heath, one worship leader - Charles Billingsley, and one comedian - Anita Renfroe.  I thoroughly enjoyed the whole thing!  I think my favorite parts were the speakers and Brandon Heath.

One of the days we went to a restaurant called the Noisy Oyster.  I got a club sandwich and I had no idea that it was going to be this huge triple-decker!  It ended up being two meals for me. :)  I actually gave up the chance to eat at Chick-Fil-A because I wanted to finish this sandwich!

Our room had an amazing view.  This picture below was taken from our balcony!  

On Saturday, I laid out on the beach with Jean and Brea, it was so relaxing.  We also floated down our hotel's lazy river.  I am so glad I was able to get away and be refreshed by God's Word, encouraging ladies and praises to our Lord!

Curtis Turns 28

On April 18, Curtis turned 28.  We didn't really get an opportunity to celebrate on his birthday, but I think that's just a part of growing up.  So, we waited until Friday and went to Longhorn for dinner and a movie.  Here we are at the restaurant with Curtis sporting one of his new shirts (from one of his favorite shows - Arrested Development) that I got him.  Usually I give him dress shirts to wear at church, but I decided that he needed more T-shirts that he could wear casually.  I also got him an Seinfeld T-shirt (pictured later in this post) and an Office T-shirt.

Earlier in the day, I made a cake for him.  He said he wanted a chocolate ganache cake.  When I pulled out the KitchenAid mixer to get started, Lion-O climbed into the cabinet!  I guess he wanted to help.

And here it is:

It was really, really good!  The ganache icing really made it rich.

On Saturday, my parents came up to visit.  They were glad to get away for a little bit and celebrate Curtis' birthday also.

Here we see that Curtis is now sporting another one of his shirts that I got him for his birthday (another favorite show - Seinfeld).  This one has a special meaning since we actually went to The Original Soup Man restaurant in New York City last year for our anniversary.

I also got to spend some time with my mom...

...and my dad!  Curtis was preaching that Sunday and it was the first time that my parents were able to hear him.  He also was leading a Sunday School class so they got to see him teach, too!

After church, we went out to eat to celebrate Curtis' birthday with the family.  It was yummy!  My parents also bought Curtis some casual T-shirts.  Not only did he get the "More Cowbell" (from the SNL skit with Will Ferrell) pictured below, but he also got a Big Bang Theory shirt.  I think Curtis would say that had a great birthday!