2008 New Years Resolutions:

My resolutions this year, believe it or not, does not include losing weight. I actually started a conditioning program the first week of December at Nicks Pro Fitness in Evergreen, and I am seeing and feeling amazing results! One of Nicks mottos is that you have to fall in love with the workout. I am starting to fall in love, and become an addict! Thanks Nick!

This year, I want to surround myself with positive people. People who influence me, and I in turn, influence. People who are supportive and encouraging. People who see me, as me.

I will make it a habit to be friendly to every person I meet, and greet them with a smile. It just might make their day better...

I want to let go of anger, and be a more forgiving person.

I want to get my 'family' into better shape. It is important to get healthy and stay healthy.

I want to make it to the final table of a larger Poker Tournament and not 'bubble out...'

And last: I am not going to yell at my children anymore. When they don't do something I ask them to do, I am just going to start taking away privileges...It is going to be a rough start. I already know that...poor, spoiled kids...LOL!

Cheryl Haggard
December 31st, 2007

(I aslo reserve the right to change or modify this list as needed...LOL)

Colorado Phone Call-CUTE!

A man decided to write a book about famous churches around the world.

So he bought a plane ticket and took a trip to Orlando, thinking that he would start by working his way across the USA from South to North. On his first day he was inside a church taking photographs when he noticed a golden telephone mounted on the wall with a sign that read $10,000 per call". The man, being intrigued, asked a Pastor who was strolling by what the telephone was used for. The Pastor replied that it was a direct line to heaven and that for $10,000 you could talk to God. The man thanked the Pastor and went along his way.

Next stop was in Atlanta. There, at a very large cathedral, he saw the same golden telephone with the same sign under it. He wondered if this was the same kind of telephone he saw in Orlando and he asked a nearby nun what its purpose was. She told him that it was a direct line to heaven and that for $10,000 he could talk to God. "OK., thank you," said the man.

He then traveled to Indianapolis, Washington DC, Philadelphia, Boston, and New York. In every church he saw the same golden Telephone with the same "$10,000 per call" sign under it. The man, upon leaving New York decided to travel out to the Midwest to see if western states had the same phone.

He arrived in Denver, Colorado, and again, in the first church he entered, there was the same golden telephone, but this time the sign under it read "40 cents per call." The man was surprised so he asked the Pastor about the sign."Reverend, I've traveled all over America and I've seen this same golden telephone in many churches. I'm told that it is a direct line to Heaven, but in the east and south the price was $10,000 per call. Why is it so cheap here? The priest smiled and answered, "You're in Colorado now, son, it's a local call".

Finding Forgiveness in 2008:

"When you hold resentment toward another, you are bound to that person or condition by an emotional link that is stronger than steel. Forgiveness is the only way to dissolve that link and get free."

Finding Forgiveness:

Have you ever had someone do or say something to you that hurt your feelings or upset you? For the small things, most of us are good at saying “no problem” or “that’s okay.” But when you are hurt deeply by someone you care about or treated unfairly by a stranger, forgiveness can be very difficult. In fact, genuine forgiveness could possibly be one of the hardest things to achieve.

WHY IS IT SO HARD TO FORGIVE? Often it feels unfair to forgive. We often don’t want to forgive. Instead of forgiving, we often secretly want to get even.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO FORGIVE? Healing cannot begin without forgiveness. As difficult as it can be, it is very important to find forgiveness in your life. Forgiveness serves to cleanse guilt and can help you to rebuild relationships with family, friends and even strangers. If you don’t forgive, it can cause you sleeplessness, consume your thoughts, or cause emotional and physical discomfort, such as stress, indigestion and anger. Often, the only person really hurt by your lack of forgiveness is you. Forgiveness is often the only way to free yourself from negative emotions. You need to forgive and to be forgiven so that you can finally feel at peace.

HOW TO FORGIVE: Forgiveness is a decision you make when you realize that you are causing damage to yourself. Once you make that decision, it takes time to release the resentment, anger and rage you have held onto. That’s why most people forgive slowly. You may find yourself taking three steps forward, then one step back.

There are several things you can do to work through the feelings that will help you find forgiveness:

1. Remember that everyone makes mistakes. Forgiveness becomes easier when you realize that no one is perfect.
2. Empathize. Empathy is an important tool to help you identify with the person who has done you wrong. Try to put yourself in his or her place. Try to understand why they did what they did. This will help you to forgive them and move on with your life.
3. Talking out the pain is part of the process of forgiving. If you feel that you are wearing your friends out, seek professional help from a counselor.
4. Let go. Understand that there are many things in life you can’t control, including the actions of others. Once you do this, you can begin to heal.

You will find that when you forgive someone, it lightens your load and frees you from negative emotions. Forgiveness is as much for you as it is for the person you forgive.

Written By Saskia B.

(To Kevin and Amber, I forgive you. It has been 9 months now, of unreturned phone calls, emails, letters and packages returned to me in the mail and the saddest of all, was involving the children, and cutting my children out of your lives and yours out of mine. Kevin, you have let this petty feud involve these innocent children. Yours and Mine Both. For your childrens birthday and Christmas presents this year, I donated to the St. Louis Childrens Hospital, in their name and honor. I knew this was a gift you could not return, and yet it will help other children in your area. I hope your children know this, and don't think that their Aunt is uncaring. For 2008, I am letting go of this pain. I am forgiving you for your actions and reactions. If God calls me home today, tomorrow or the next day. Please know that, I truly forgive you. I wish you and your family much peace for the future. ~ Your Sister, Cheryl)

Our Family Christmas Card 2007

Maybe you missed our Christmas Card, or it came back to me in the mail, or you stamped 'RETURN TO SENDER' on it ...In any case, just wanted to share our beautiful card with you, with all our of our children on it.

Front
Back

What a gift I received, from a NILMDTS photographer and friend...

Dear Cheryl,

Merry Christmas!

Each year as I receive cards I tape them on a large, long vertical cabinet to display so everyone we can see them daily and prominently. I love this time of year. In the middle of our display is the card you sent, I taped it so Maddux's photo was showing, (not that the other side was not equally gorgeous!) But I had to choose 1 side, so it was his. Surrounding Maddux's photo are several other cards with photos of babies I have worked these last two years OR their younger brothers and sisters. Because of Maddux and YOUR persistence, those families have beautiful photos of their angels which they otherwise would not have. Their babies left this world with dignity, respect and honor, they were here and they were loved and the family has photos to prove it. When I looked at the photos, it was a little overwhelming to see what this one little baby boy has accomplished in his brief life. You and Maddux have touched the lives of families literally thousands of miles away. How many adults can say the same. And this is coming from just one photographer making an observation, there are so many more, I'd be interested to know just how many families have been reached because of you and your son. I'm so proud of you and of the gift you have given others through your son. Just thought I'd share.......

Merry Christmas Cheryl!!

Heather

Vegas, baby...

Here are some of the highlights of Vegas...

Cousin Sean

Exhausted!
Cheered, and won!
Learned magic and card tricks...

Grandma and Grandpa

Made friends with the monkeys

Made friends with little green m-n-m's
took our pictures on the 'strip'
Stayed in Paris
Spent time with the family (sisterly love)

Priceless!

What happens in Vegas...

Surely can't stay in Vegas...Ok, so Chase is 14 now. And he is starting to sprout a few hairs on his chin. Also above his lip. He has been on our back to 'shave' for months. So, can you think of a better place to learn, than Las Vegas? Here is an image of Mike teaching Chase to shave his hairy upper lip...Cute, huh? My son is a man...

Cheer Central Suns Junior 5-Las Vegas

"Junior 5 ROCKS!!!"

Proud Mom and Dad...

This was our first Nationals with Cheer Central Suns. We went to LAS VEGAS. We could not have asked for a better experience. This gym has got it going. Extremely organized, and everything was on track. The girls had team bonding time, and lots of practice time. Mom and dad even got a few hours of play time, too. Thank you to all the coaches for their time, and thanks to Wendy and Julie for putting this all together! Well done, and congratulations!

Junior 5 took home the National Champions Award,

the Grand Champions Award,

and a bid to Worlds Competition. And Anna received her first National Champions Jacket... Here is Anna and her friend Brandy, with their teams trophy...
Coach Aaron, Anna and her friend Taryon.

Cheer Central Suns Youth 3-Las Vegas

Dad, Nat and Mom. We are so PROUD of you, Natalie!!!

Natalie and Coach Britney.

The American Grand Championships

Natalies team (Youth 3) took home the National Champions award in Las Vegas.

Yeah, girls!!! Her team also took home the Sportsmanship award.

Here she is pictured with both trophies...

The Night Jesus Came...

THE NIGHT JESUS CAME
It was the night Jesus came

and all through the house,

not a person was praying,

not one in the house ...
The Bible was left

on the shelf without care,

for no one thought

Jesus would ever come there ...

The children were dressing

to crawl into bed,

not once ever kneeling

or bowing their head..

And Mom in her rocking chair

with babe on her lap,

was watching the Late Show

as I took a nap .

When out of the east

there rose such a clatter,

I sprang to my feet
to see what was the matter ....

Away to the window

I flew like a flash,

tore open the shutters

and lifted the sash .

When what to my wondering

eyes should appear,

but Angels proclaiming

that Jesus was here .....

The light of His face

made me cover my head...

was Jesus returning

just like He'd said?

And though I possessed

worldly wisdom and wealth,

I cried when I saw Him

in spite of myself ....

In the Book of Life

which he held in his hand,

was written the name

of every saved man ....

He spoke not a word

as he searched for my name,

when He said 'it's not here'

My head hung in shame ....

The people whose names

had been written with love,

He gathered to take

to his Father above ....

With those who were ready

He rose without sound,

while all of the others

were left standing around ....

I fell to my knees

but it was too late,

I'd waited too long

and thus sealed my fate ....

I stood and I cried

as they rose out of sight,

Oh, if only I'd known

that this was the night .....

In the words of this poem

the meaning is clear

the coming of Jesus

is now drawing near ....

There's only one life

and when comes the last call,

We'll find out that the Bible

was true after all.

B - Basic

I - Instruction

B - Before

L - Leaving

E - Earth

Dental Hygiene

For those of you concerned about my childrens dental hygiene-

Natalie-well you know about her Pulpotomy-did you also know that she has six cavaties? And that we were told that she will need orthodontics...She has alot of teeth, and a small mouth...(which I beg to differ) Some orthodontist will be able to buy his new ski in and ski out home with us...
Chase-If you know us, he has been in braces since the dawn of time...seriously. Well, there are two spots that need to be sealed, won't really call them cavaties...
Anna, perfect in every way.

How Cute are they?

Seriously, Is this just a mom thing? But how cute are my daughters in their NEW cheerleading uniforms? (fyi, could not get Natalie to pose with mom for a picture this day. nerves...)

Too cute. Here we are getting ready for the Jamfest Competition in Colorado. Which by the way, Junior 5 placed first, and took home the Grand Champion Award.

Youth 3 placed first, and did incredible!

Natalie's Pulpotomy-Friday-November 30th

Come on Natalie, I know you can open your mouth wider than that...

Say Cheeze for Mommy...

Pulpotomy refers to a common endodontic procedure in which dental pulp is removed from the pulp chamber. This procedure is usually done on primary teeth (children's teeth) by a pediatric dentist.
Pulpotomy is necessary in instances where the pulp of a tooth has become infected due to deep decay or a crack within the tooth and the infected areas need to be removed. In pulpotomy, all of the coronal pulp tissue is removed from the crown (visible portion of the tooth above the gums) but the pulp tissue in the root canals remain. This is different that pulpectomy in which all of the pulp is removed from both the root canals and crown. Damage to the pulp becomes visible when a pocket of pus forms at the tip of the tooth root (abscess). If left alone, the infection in the tooth will spread and cause further damage to the bone around the tooth. This can lead to the tooth falling out.
The only alternative to pulpotomy is tooth extraction which although initially cheaper requires further implementation of a dental implant or a bridge. Extraction could also cause a shift in the surrounding teeth resulting in crooked teeth and eventually possible teeth loss.

Yeah...my thoughts exactly!
Natalie did get to play princess for the day last Friday,
and stayed home with me after her procedure.
She had a lopsided face for most of the day,
talked funny and dribbled everything she drank.

The dentist thought I was crazy with my camera.
Hey, this was a kodak (canon) moment.
Hopefully, this is a once in a lifetime ordeal...
Right?

Giving Thanks

Chase, Will, Kylee and Anna
Natalie, Kylee, Anna and Katie
Two lazy slobs after dinner not helping with the dishes
Me and my friend 'Posh'

The Haggard Family has alot to give thanks for. One was having a

wonderful Thanksgiving dinner with our

friends 'The Haralsons.' Thank you Ali,

for all your hard word in preparing a delicious dinner.

You guys ROCK!
See you Christmas Eve at our house...

Five Finger Prayer

1. Your thumb is nearest you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C. S. Lewis once said, a "sweet duty."

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who teach, instruct and heal. This includes teachers, doctors, and ministers. They need support and wisdom in pointing others in the right direction. Keep them in your prayers.

3. The next finger is the tallest finger. It reminds us of our leaders. Pray for the president, leaders in business and industry, and administrators. These people shape our nation and guide public opinion. They need God's guidance.

4. The fourth finger is our ring finger. Surprising to many is the fact that this is our weakest finger, as any piano teacher will testify. It should remind us to pray for those who are weak, in trouble or in pain. They need your prayers day and night. You cannot pray too much for them.

5. And lastly comes our little finger the smallest finger of all which is where we should place ourselves in relation to God and others. As the Bible says, "The least shall be the greatest among you." Your pinkie should remind you to pray for yourself. By the time you have prayed for the other four groups, your own needs will be put into proper perspective and you will be able to pray for yourself more effectively.

Drug Problem

I hope my kids are able to say this about Mike and I when they are older:

"The other day, someone at a store in our town read that a Meth amphetamine lab had been found in an old house in the adjoining county and he asked me a rhetorical question. Why didn't we have a drug problem when you and I were growing up?" I replied, I had a drug problem when I was young: I was drug to church on Sunday morning. I was drug to church for weddings and funerals. I was drug to my siblings sporting events and community socials no matter what the weather. I was drug by my ears when I was disrespectful to adults. I was also drug to my bedroom when I disobeyed my parents, told a lie, brought home a bad report card, did not speak with respect, spoke ill of the teacher or the preacher, or if I didn't put forth my best effort in everything that was asked of me. I was drug to the kitchen sink to have my mouth washed out with soap if I uttered a profanity. I was drug out to pull weeds and pick up dog poop in the front and back yards. I was drug to the homes of friends, and neighbors to help out some poor soul who had no one to mow the yard, or shovel the snow; and, if my mother had ever known that I took a single dime as a tip for this kindness, she would have drug me back to my bedroom. Those drugs are still in my veins and they affect my behavior in everything I do, say, or think. They are stronger than cocaine, crack, or heroin; and, if today's children had this kind of drug problem, America would be a better place. God bless the parents who drugged us."

Colorado Suns-Peak Athletics Special Needs Cheer Teams

Two incredible Cheerleading teams in Colorado, Cheer Central Suns and Peak Athletics, both have cheerleading teams for special needs children. Anna and Natalie both cheer for Cheer Central Suns, and we are very proud to be at a gym that offers this opportunity to families. We have seen both teams perform, and words alone cannot describe the feeling of seeing the children out there in front of thousands, doing what girls AND boys do best, performing!
Cheer Central, Lets Go SUNS! Well done Julie and Wendy!
Peak Athletics, the Silver Teal and Black. Straight from the Rockies, WILDCATS! Well done, Julie and Jen!

CLICK HERE to see the video from NBC NIGHTLY NEWS that aired tonight.

Dear Laurie,

Dear Laurie,

One year ago today, you and I came together. A gift was given. Not from me, but from you. I can't begin to tell you how you and our situation has changed my life. I have been given few gifts in my life, the gift of Love and Faithfulness from my husband, the gift of hearing Chase, Anna and Natalie call me Mommy for the first time, the gift of Faith and the promise of Eternity from Maddux, the gift of Remembrance from Sam, the gift of Unconditional Friendship from Wendy, and from you, the gift of Life...Not just for ourselves, but for those around us. I can't tell you how many times before 'our day' I had looked up to the sky and said "Ok God, I'm ready...Take me NOW!" [you know what I am talking about...] But, really, I'm not ready. My family is not ready...I am needed, just like you are needed. It is a beautiful feeling...We still have so much to give...
Thank you,
Much Love,
Cheryl

Dear Mr. Hallmark poem

Dear Mr. Hallmark,

I am writing to you from heaven, and though it must appear, a rather strange idea, I see everything from here. I just popped in to visit, your stores to find a card. A card of love for my mother, as I know this day for her is hard. There must be some mistake I thought, you have every card you could imagine. Except I could not find a card from a child who lives in heaven. She is still a mother too, no matter where I reside. I had to leave, she understands, but oh, the tears she's cried. I thought that if I wrote you, that you would come to know. That though I live in heaven now, I still love my mother so. She talks with me, and dreams with me; we still share laughter too. Memories are our way of speaking now, would you see what you could do? My mother carries me in her heart, her tears she hides from sight. She writes poems to honor me, sometimes far into the night. She plants flowers in my garden, there my living memory dwells. She writes to other grieving parents, trying to ease their pain as well. So you see Mr. Hallmark, though I no longer live on earth, I must find a way, to remind her of all her wondrous worth. She needs to be honored, and remembered too, just as the children of earth will do.
Thank you Mr. Hallmark, I know you'll do your best. I have done all I can do; to you I'll leave the rest. Find a way to tell her, how much she means to me, until I can do it for myself, when she joins me in eternity.

An Angel from Heaven
~author unknown~

Avalanche Open-Denver Colorado - November 11th

Nat turning 3 and her very first pair of cheer shoes
Nat stunting in her new shoes...

-Anna in 1st grade-

Wellington, Florida

Junior 5

Coach Aaron and Coach Sybill

with "their" trophy...

Anna
Anna
Anna
Nat
Nat-She has the BEST cheer faces...
Nat

WOW! What a day. This was Anna and Natalies first time ever competing with CHEER CENTRAL SUNS Natalie's team - Youth 3 took 1st place, and the divisional award. Anna's team -Junior 5 also took 1st place, received the WOW award for best performance of the day, divisional award AND, the GRAND CHAMPION award! Talk about WOW! Let me just add that all the Cheer Central Suns teams that performed, took home 1st place.
ALL the teams were incredible!

On another note:

I really have to give a 'shout out' to Anna's very first Cheerleading Coach, Trisha Brandine, from Wellington Florida. Here was a little girl in 1st grade, had tried dance, ballet, t-ball, and gymnastics. Saw some girls after school doing cheerleading, came home, told me that she wanted to try it...and a month or so later, was asked to be on their competitive team...(see top images) Now in 6th grade, on a Junior 5 team, I will say, the best in the state...
working on her double full...
Coach Trish, thank you for being such a positive influence on my daughter Anna.
Not to forget Natalie-remember she got her very first pair of 'cheer shoes' from you?
Hope you and your family are doing well...
Cheryl

The Kyle David Miller Foundation

I thought it was necessary to post this information for new parents. Christine Miller is also from Colorado, and I must applaud her for the awareness/difference she is making from the tragic death of her son Kyle. I too, have been guilty of installing a car seat wrong, or using it wrong. Please take the time to read this information, and read the information on installing your child's car seats. Be sure to check in your local areas for car seat check point stations. Take advantage of these services and offerings. Our children are very precious.
http://www.kyledavidmiller.org/

The goals of the Kyle David Miller Foundation are:
1. To educate the public about seatbelt failure and carseat safety.
2. To provide safe carseats to those who otherwise could not afford them.
3. To seek and promote legislation that will increase driver safety through more stringent testing standards.
4. To work with auto manufacturers toward the continued improvement of seatbelts and vehicle safety devices.

Well Care Check ups

Took the kids in for their yearly physicals...
Have to report that Natalie grew 2 and 1/2 inches and gained 5 lbs.
Chase grew 5 inches and gained 21 pounds. Yes, 21 lbs...
And our Anna, grew 1 inch, and gained 10 pounds.
Pure muscle on that girl...

NILMDTS Gala

My brother Greg, and Anna, and can't forget Bob...

My friend Laurie that attended...
Her husband Mark, and my hubby Mike

I wanted to post from our photographer Grant Oakes, a little something he put together from the Fall Gala on Saturday November 3rd. CLICK HERE to see some images

from this fabulous event. More to come later...
I want to send a big hug and thank you to my mom, and brother Greg

for taking the time to fly to Colorado for this event that

was very important to me. Your support means everything!
Thank you.
Cheryl

Cute poem

Thank you Jessica (Mark's mommy) for sharing this:

Ask my Mommy how she is....

My Mom, she tells a lot of lies,

She never did before.

But from now until she dies,

She’ll tell a whole lot more.

Ask my Mom how she is

And because she can’t explain,

She will tell a little lie

Because she can’t describe the pain.

Ask my Mom how she is,

She’ll say “I’m alright.”

If that’s the truth, then tell me,

Why does she cry each night?

Ask my Mom how she is,

She seems to cope so well.

She didn’t have a choice you see,

Nor the strength to scream and yell.

Ask my Mom how she is,

“I’m fine, I’m well, I’m coping.”

For God’s sake Mom, just tell the truth,

Just say your heart is broken.

She’ll love me all her life,

And I loved her all of mine.

But if you ask her how she is,

She’ll lie and say she’s fine.

I am in Heaven.

I cannot hug her from here.

If she lies to you don’t listen.

Just hug her and hold her near.

And on the day we meet again,

I'll smile and I’ll be bold.

I’ll say, “You’re lucky to get in here, Mom,

With all the lies you told!”

~Author Unknown

CHEER CENTRAL SUNS---GO SUNS!!!

Here are the first official images of Natalie and Anna as Cheer Central Sun Cheerleaders.

They had a "Showoff" this past Sunday for family and friends.

They were GREAT!

Go SUNS!!!

Halloween 2007

Natalie and her starlette costume.

Call her Marilyn, or Madonna-She will answer to both.
Her close up...
Ok, this one scares me. I don't know what Chase is...
but the scary part, he said he liked wearing this...

Anna started out being little Miss Muffett-all cute and innocent, then she discovered that another girl at school had the same costume, 15 hours before Halloween. She said she wasn't going to wear this anymore! AAGGHHH!!! So, we came up with the alternative. Would I call her deranged, emo... Miss Muffett...Something like that. She is cute though...

Close up of the middle schoolers...Oh, and yes, it was snowing this am.

Never fails, snow or ice on halloween...

Enjoy.