'Twas the night of Wilson Christmas

and all through the house

all the creatures were stirring

but that noise had better not be a mouse

(cause that would totally be gross)

When out in the great room there arose such a clatter

when Papa posed like a cheerleader, we wondered what was the matter

when what to Jane's wondering eyes did appear?

but a funny new bike made with wood and no gears!

With my eyes all a bleary from just arising from bed

and Jane's hair crazy sticking out from her head

With Blaine in his camo; me in my new shirt

came this huge diamond necklace that made my heart hurt

When I saw this gift, I covered my nose

to wipe away tears; from my eyes they arose

(I mean, seriously - that's pretty beautiful, right?)

with Jane looking nasty, her mood turning quite quick

I knew in a moment she won't get Saint Nick

the presents may number the new fallen dew

but, people, remember - this girl is just two

So hear me exclaim as my eyes loose their sight

HAPPY Christmas to all, and to all a good-night!

SW

WEDNESDAY TOP TEN! recent scrapbook pages

and by recent, I mean most recently created. The dates of the photos are from early spring. But, I have been in a scrapbooking funk since moving. I just realized that my scrap magazines must still be sent to my old address, for I have yet to receive one here. Maybe I'll remember to do something about that after Christmas, New Years Eve, and my trip to Hawaii!

Anyhow, I just completed a few layouts last night and this morning. My scrapbook was out of chronological order (sorry Big Picture Scrapbookers, but I function better this way!), so I had to get out my new book, fill in a bunch of pages, and insert my stack of recently completed layouts.

I love looking through my scrapbooks. It takes me forever! I pour over each photo; marvel at the changes in Jane; and laugh at the great memories I've documented.

Of course, I then decided to share some of my faves.

(I think the photo will get bigger if you just click on it)

So, I just wrote this "CONTENT" page this morning... along with a few others.

Now I'm "caught - up" through May '09.

Enjoy!

Ess-Dub

Never.

"What about you? What are some of your nevers? And what do your nevers say about you, for better or for worse? Leave a comment, or blog it yourself. It's a great journaling jump start."
- Cathy Zielske on her blog



So, I'm going to list all my "never"s. I'll see how I do.



I will never be an only child.

I've never been to New York.



I've never been able to calm myself down when I get all worked up.

I never want to hurt someone.

I've never been on time.

I've never watched my dad's memorial video without crying.

I never pass up an offer to go to Starbucks. Cinnamon Dulce Latte, please.


I never understand cancer.

I will never get a tatoo, or get my ears pierced.

I thought I would never be a girl that does my hair and make up. on the same day.

I will never forget the moment I laid eyes on my daughter. On the ultrasound screen, first. Then her real face on December 19, 2007. Amazing.

I can never take back mean words that come out of my mouth.

I never stop regretting those words.

I never thought I would live in Salinas again.

I never thought I would live in Soledad!
(p.s. I got this photo online from a story about the WORST housing market in 2008. Seriously. In the nation. The worst was Soledad!)

I have never flown an airplane.

I never choose chocolate.

I never in a million years could have guessed what my life would look like by now.

I never knew 30 was so young!

I never knew running could be so fun.

I never thought I would say running is fun.

I never say never. :)

MONDAY TOP TEN: my brother's fantastic wedding

Burt & Markie Cheatham

December 5, 2009

Pretty danged adorable, if you ask me.

Also, ask me who the photographer was....

ok, it was me!

The wedding was a late afternoon ceremony, taking place on the patio of the Bayonet-Blackhorse Golf Course in Seaside. The reception was held right inside the clubhouse with panoramic views of the two golf courses and the bay.

I was so pleased to be able to photograph this wedding for many reasons, but I'll limit my comments to the TOP TEN for now.

And, as usual, in no particular order...

MONDAY TOP TEN: the Cheatham wedding.

1. These two were simply made for one another. Burt comes from a crazy and loud family, and Markie is so calm and collected: hardly ever getting her 'feathers ruffled'.

2. Burt made us all proud by offering a toast to both of their fathers. Markie's dad passed away in late 2006, and of course our dad passed away in March 2009.

3. Markie is a striking beauty. Truly.

(this is my FAVORITE photo from the day)

4. Burt & Markie have been together for over two years, and have grown closer and really helped each other through the times.

5. How adorable were these wedding favors?

6. Cousin Patty & Brother-in-Law Dean assisted in the photography. This exit from the ceremony photo is from Cousin Patty.

7. I really love the angle on these ladder shots. Blaine & I are pretty peeved that it got stolen from where he stashed it under our car.

8. I didn't even know two of the groomsmen before this day. But I was so impressed by their character and brotherly love for Burt.

9. I also didn't really know Markie that well before the wedding festivities. I only saw her when she was probably super overwhelmed by the onslaught of Cheatham sister energy. She impressed me so much throughout the day: I loved seeing her interact with her friends, love my brother unconditionally, and remain calm through some un-planned occurances. She was the opitome (sp?) of grace.

10. It was a beautiful day for a beautiful ceremony joining this beautiful couple. Welcome to the family Markie! We love you guys!