so much to post...so little time.

A quick wrap up of the last few weeks (some of this has been covered...but let's review for fun...and don't worry, I have a ton of pictures to catch up on...some day soon):

1. Witnessed Marvin and Estela get married...and wore a matching dress with Carleigh for the event (also "winged" putting together bouquets - add that to the resume?) It was a bittersweet wedding, knowing that deportation date is coming.

2. Hired a new team of commuter leaders for next year. Got a FULL team. God really blessed the work that this year's team did (a full team is a first in many moons). Got a little misty-eyed knowing there was only a few weeks left with this year's team...

3. Biked around Stanley Park with part of Wedding #2's bridal party. First time biking around Stanley Park. First time being a bridesmaid twice in one year.

4. Read some books. Wrote some papers.

5. Fun night with M and E at Castle Fun Park. Found out how good Carleigh is at shooting stuff. Made me remember she's American...and then watched Bodhi figure it out really fast. What is with boys and games?

6. Watched Canucks lose. And then lose (Lana joined us to cheer...and then joined us in our commiserating). And then lose. And then win! And then lose. I don't know if it's better to be out the first round than the last. I'm still not sure.

7. GRAD! Handed out gowns and caps...walked them in....walked them out...took back their gowns...went to the banquet...emceed with the valedictorian... embarrassed myself in front of 550 people (you know when words come out, but they're not what you meant? yeah, that happened. I inadvertently insulted the entire catering staff. Thankfully they knew the heart of what I said....or rather, meant to say.)

8. Went to see Ingrid Michaelson in concert. Wow. Okay first of all, she should be far more famous than she is because she can sing like no other. Second, I'm totally not 20 anymore. 10pm start time? Are you kidding me?

9. Bought an iphone. Oh gosh.

....

Somewhere in amidst all of that, I got to take Charlee on a date night. It was pretty great, because she actually initiated it (heart melt).

And so, I picked her up from art class, to which she dramatically announced in front of her class: I just KNEW you would come! And then we walked over to White Spot and had dinner together. We talked about school and art; we talked about Bodhi and Jane; we talked about our special friendship (and she was sure to say more than once: "Today is the first day you're picking me up from my art class, Kathleen!"). I felt pretty blessed.

And then...we also talked about this little incident, and also a little bit about our upcoming trip to Disneyland. And this is how it went. Please enjoy.

Charlee: Kathleen, I don't EVER want to get married.

Me: Really, Char, why not?

Charlee: Well, cause I don't want to have a baby. Cause I will push...and push...and it will hurt!

Me: Oh, I see.

Charlee: And, really, Charlee is NOT a mom name, Kathleen.

Me:  Really, Char? Well, what would be a mom's name?

Charlee: Um...well...Emily. Emily is a mom's name. (It should be noted that I don't believe Charlee knows any Emilys who are moms.)

Me: So, Char, what do you think about Disneyland? What are you gonna talk with the princesses about?

Charlee: Well, I'm going to say "hi" to Cinderella (cue fluttering eyelashes), and I'm going to tell her, "you are SO pretty, and I like you, and I make up songs, just like you do!"

Me: That's great Char...who else will you talk to?

Charlee: Um, let's see...well, I have a question. Is Sleeping Beauty always sleeping?

Me: (Muffling my chuckle) No, Char, she's awake. You can talk to her.

Charlee: Okay, well, you know that girl who's brown and green?

Me: (trying to imagine who the heck she's thinking of...) Um, do you mean Jasmine?

Charlee: No...the brown girl with the green...Well, anyways, I'm gonna tell her "You shouldn't kiss frogs! It's not a good idea!" (This kiddo hasn't seen the movie...)

Me: Oh, but Char, she kissed the frog and he turned into a prince! And now they're married!

Charlee: Oh, I'm not gonna do THAT! Cause then...I'll have to push and push and it's gonna hurt! And I'd have to change my name...

I do solemnly swear this story will be told at Charlee's wedding.