Updates: Church, Birthdays, Weddings, Belly, and Weather

A little update for you dear friends and family! Its been a while since I have talked about the church. Our missional community has continued to meet and rotate activities each week by either studying Exodus (which follows a discussion guide Andrew and Wes write weekly from Andrews sermons), serving, or fellowship. This past week we had our play week so we went and played outdoor games and ate since the weather was nice.

Last serve week we made care packages to keep in our car to hand out to the homeless instead of cash.

Wes and I both are involved in a few smaller studies with people as well. We are both doing the book Multiply by Frances Chan that I mentioned a few weeks ago. I think we have both enjoyed getting to know people more deeply, the study, and the encouragement through prayer the groups have provided.

Wes has been going through a biblical counseling class once a week and our friend Lonnie has been watching Leighton for a couple hours. Leighton says they look for worms in the yard. I am going to start the same course with the other missional community leaders and Wes again starting this Friday night. Another reason we need grandparents closer... Babysitting services are expensive and I hate asking people.

Wes has been playing in a softball league with some other Hallows people. So far they are undefeated which is good because the group probably wouldn't take losing very well.... Leighton and I have enjoyed having an excuse to be outside at a ballpark! And L has enjoyed Cheryl's (one of the players mom) bringing ice cream sandwiches.

Prayer request for the Backyard BBQs and a Sports Camp in partnership with BF Day Elementary School that Wes is organizing this summer in our neighborhood. Pray for the volunteers, organization to come together (the baby is due during the camp),  and especially the kids and parents who we will come into contact with. Also Dad is leading his church out here on a mission trip that week to help with the camp so prayers to be able to use them wisely is good too!

 Leighton update... she will be 2 years old at the end of the month! I can't believe another year has gone by. She has requested a Dumbo themed birthday party so that is what I am planning. We believe it is because it is the only movie she has seen (she was sick one day and it was all we could find on Neflix). It is actually a sadder movie than I remember. Leighton even gets sad and has shed a few tears when she reflects on Dumbo missing his mommy. Last year she didn't have an opinion so I did a  shabby chic theme (pictures here) with lots of lace, burlap and ribbon : ) Ill let you know how this year's goes now that L is involved.

Snuggled up with Dumbo reading the book. 

We went to one of my co-worker's daughter's 5th birthday this weekend and Leighton had a good time watching and playing with the older girls.

Exciting news! My brother and his girl friend, Katie, are now engaged! We are thrilled for them! Here they are dressed up for Derby. 

The weather has been unbelievable this past week. So we have neglected laundry and grocery shopping and have taken every opportunity before and after work to be outside. And the sun setting at 9 pm has made it seem like we have more time but that probably has equated to less sleep : ( 

Leighton at Golden Gardens throwing rocks...

 And at Lake Stevens this past weekend. Wes had to stand inbetween Leighton and the rottweiler/lab mix dog that the owner did not have on a leash around kids at a park!

Enjoying a nearby park...

 And here I am today at almost 30 weeks.... Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers out there, especially  Mom and Candy!