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.

Chase is 14...

And I am getting older...

Mike took Chase and a few friends to a haunted house tonight...Since Chase's birthday is so close to Halloween, this has been the tradition for about four years now...Natalie begged to go-I told her she would get scared and poop her pants...Her reply: I'll pack extra panties...' Needless to say, I made her stay home with me...And we finished Chase's Carrot cake...Anna wanted no part of it...Said she had to get to bed early for cheer practice in the morning...Anyway, here are some pic's of Chase and friends...

Being There

Do you know of someone who's precious child has died? Perhaps she is a neighbor or friend with whom you can confide. You assume that she is suffering, a tragedy so deep, that there is nothing you can do since all she does is weep. You feel that if you see her there is nothing you can say that would make her precious child come back or make the pain go away. And if by chance you meet her and have to face her grief, you'll do your very best to make this meeting brief. You'll talk about the weather or the lady down the lane, but you'll never mention her child, that would cause her too much pain! And when the funeral's over, and all is said and done, you'll go home to your family, and she'll be all alone. She'll go on, she'll be all right, time heals - Or so it seems. While she's left alone to pick up the pieces of her shattered life and dreams.

- OR -

You can open up your heart and find that special place where compassion and true giving are awaiting your embrace. "Today I'm thinking of you in a very special way." Or, how about " I love you." Are some loving things to say. Sometimes a very simple task like picking up the phone, can help her feel not-so-quite desperately all alone. Whatever comes from a genuine heart cannot be said in vain. For the truth is, it's these very things that lessen her great pain. And when you let her talk about her child who is now dead, you'll know this is far greater than anything you've said. So will you reach out with all your soul, and let her know you care? For in the end there's no substitute for simply BEING THERE!

~authur unknown~

Pennies from Heaven

Today I found a penny

lying on the ground.

It's not just any penny,

this little coin I've found.

Found pennies come from heaven,
that's what my Grandma told me.
She said that Angels toss them down.
Oh, how I love that story.

She said when an Angel misses you,
they toss a penny down;
Sometimes just to cheer you up,
to make a smile out of your frown.

So, don't pass by that penny
when you're feeling blue.
It might just be a penny
that your Angel's tossed to you.

Thank you Estrella (Anthony's mommy) for sending this to me...

My first NILMDTS session

Sweet Dreams, Little Joe...

I have assisted co founder Sandy Puc' earlier on several sessions for NILMDTS, and most recently have shadowed affiliated photographer Grant Oakes with his sessions. We had a call from a family earlier this week, and were unable to find a photographer in a timely manner. I was very fortunate and blessed to have been able to volunteer my services to the family of 'little Joe'. He was beautiful. As soon as I have the parents permission, I would like to share a few of his images.

I have been on the receiving end for NILMDTS. I know how these images are able to help a family in their healing. I can't describe to you what it means to me to be able to give back to this incredible organization in this way. I am humbled.

I have met, over 3000 professional photographers that volunteer for NILMDTS, and have learned from each and every one of them. I will be forever grateful. A big thanks to Art Wright for editing my images.

Heartland Poker Tour comes to Colorado

If you know my husband, you know he loves to play poker. Thought you would like to read something interesting...

Again, I have to tell my husband congratulations. It was an amazing night! What an incredible heads up poker game...and Steve...What a genuine nice guy. Good game, both of you.

http://www.pokerlistings.com/michael-haggard-wins-hpt-in-colorado-19387

http://www.heartlandpokertour.com/eventinfo.php?yid=2007&eid=31

http://www.cardplayer.com/poker-news/article/9936/colorado-sees-largest-poker-tournament-in-state-history

http://www.pokeraffiliateworld.com/forums/general-poker-affiliate-discussion/12232-amazing-night.html

October 15th, Thank you

Thank you.
To all of you who called, sent a card or an email. Thank you for thinking of Maddux on this very important day. Thank you for being a part of our lives.
Cheryl, Mike and kids

Musician-Craig Cardiff

I wanted to share this incredible man with everybody I know. Craig Cardiff. If you haven't heard of him yet, you will. He is an incredible artist, songwriter and musician. Below is a message from Craig. Please visit his website, hear this beautiful song he has allowed for our use with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.
Send him a message.
Thank you so much Craig. It is such a blessing to know people like you.

http://www.myspace.com/craigcardiff

Smallest and Wingless
http://www.craigcardiff.org/goodnightgohome/craig%20cardiff%20-%20smallest%20wingless.mp3

Hope this finds you well – here is a song I wrote and recorded after hearing about the work your organization does – I am recruiting photographers for you at each show, talking about the principles/philosophy. One student from University of Vermont just got connected recently with you. -craig

October is Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness

If you know someone who has lost a baby just before or soon after birth, please take a moment to remember for them, to say a prayer, and maybe even send them a note to let them know you are thinking of them and their precious little one on this very special day. No matter how many years have gone by, reaching out in love will uplift a heart once broken. They may not know of Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day and may be blessed to light a candle, pray, and reflect on the love they carry each and every day for their baby. Pass this message along.

Do you have a daughter? Watch this...

http://www.metacafe.com/w/849207