I received an email (below) from a friend of a mother who is experiencing the death of her child, CJ. I would like to ask all of you to add CJ and his family to your prayers. Thank you.
Dear Cheryl and Sandy,
I just wanted to thank you for your wonderful organization. My very wonderful friend Margaret gave birth two weeks ago to the sweetest, most precious boy. She found out earlier this week that he has Trisomy 13, and he will not likely live much longer. I sent her the link to your website, and a photographer came out this morning and took pictures of her, baby CJ, and her dear husband. This is, I think, the only bright spot for her in what really feels now like an insurmountable tragedy. It is something for her to hold onto forever, and I can’t tell you how thankful I am to you for giving that to her. We will, of course, thank the photographer when I know who she is.
I’m so sorry that this organization was born out of such personal tragedy for you Cheryl. It is so kind of both of you, other volunteers, and all of the photographers to take your time to give this gift to people who feel so lost.
Here is a link to CJ’s site if you would like to see him: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/christopherjordangodhard.
Thank you again, truly.
Carolyn Crook
Friday, March 28, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Beautiful day...
Nat has a friend sleeping over tonight...They decided to play ball with Jeter. I'm still trying to figure out which one had the better time...
Natalie always has a beautiful, shining smile on her face.
Aahh, to be young and innocent again. Not a care in the world.This is what childhood is all about.
Monday, March 24, 2008
Cute Joke...
A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds. After explaining the commandment to "honor" thy Father and thy Mother, she asked, "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?" Without missing a beat one little girl (the oldest of a family) answered, "Thou shall not kill."
Sunday, March 23, 2008
Humility
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be filled. Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. (KJV, Matthew 5:5-9)
Humility or humbleness is a quality of being courteously respectful of others. It is the opposite of aggressiveness, arrogance, boastfulness, and vanity. Rather than, "Me first," humility allows us to say, "No, you first, my friend." Humility is the quality that lets us go more than halfway to meet the needs and demands of others.
Friendships and marriages are dissolved over angry words. Resentments divide families and co-workers. Prejudice separates race from race and religion from religion. Reputations are destroyed by malicious gossip. Greed puts enmity between rich and poor. Wars are fought over arrogant assertions.
Humility as a virtue is a major theme of both the Old and New Testaments. Why do qualities such as courtesy, patience and deference have such a prominent place in the Bible? It is because a demeanor of humility is exactly what is needed to live in peace and harmony with all persons. Humility dissipates anger and heals old wounds. Humility allows us to see the dignity and worth of all God's people. Humility distinguishes the wise leader from the arrogant power-seeker.
Acting with humility does not in any way deny our own self worth. Rather, it affirms the inherent worth of all persons. Some would consider humility to be a psychological malady that interferes with "success." However, wealth, power or status gained at the expense of others brings only anxiety -- never peace and love.
Humility or humbleness is a quality of being courteously respectful of others. It is the opposite of aggressiveness, arrogance, boastfulness, and vanity. Rather than, "Me first," humility allows us to say, "No, you first, my friend." Humility is the quality that lets us go more than halfway to meet the needs and demands of others.
Friendships and marriages are dissolved over angry words. Resentments divide families and co-workers. Prejudice separates race from race and religion from religion. Reputations are destroyed by malicious gossip. Greed puts enmity between rich and poor. Wars are fought over arrogant assertions.
Humility as a virtue is a major theme of both the Old and New Testaments. Why do qualities such as courtesy, patience and deference have such a prominent place in the Bible? It is because a demeanor of humility is exactly what is needed to live in peace and harmony with all persons. Humility dissipates anger and heals old wounds. Humility allows us to see the dignity and worth of all God's people. Humility distinguishes the wise leader from the arrogant power-seeker.
Acting with humility does not in any way deny our own self worth. Rather, it affirms the inherent worth of all persons. Some would consider humility to be a psychological malady that interferes with "success." However, wealth, power or status gained at the expense of others brings only anxiety -- never peace and love.
Hannah Montana?
Grandma and Grandpa Sooter sent Natalie a Hannah Montana wig. As you can see, Baxter likes to wear it also.
Happy, Happy Easter...
Here are some images of our day, so far...
Our eggs...
Anna, coloring easter eggs...
The Easter Bunny brought Natalie a Build a Bear Bunny...
Chase, refusing to have is picture taken...as usual.LETTER: A reminder: the True meaning of Easter By TOM ROYAL
I’d like to point out two wonderful passages from the Apostle Paul about Easter.First, from 1 Corinthians 15:3-6: “For I delivered to you first of all that which I also received: that Christ die for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that He was buried and that He rose again the third day according to the Scriptures, and that He was seen by Cephas, then by the twelve. After that He was seen by over five hundred brethren at once, of whom the greater part remain to the present, but some have fallen asleep.”
Secondly, from Philippians 2:5-11. “Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.Therefore God also has highly exalted him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in Heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
May we all have a blessed and meaningful Easter.
May we all have a blessed and meaningful Easter.
The Haggard Family
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
To those who look away...
To Those Who Look Away:
To those who look away when I grow teary-eyed walking past the baby department, look a little deeper. Surely you have some compassion in your heart. To those who change the subject when I speak my son's name, change your way of thinking. It just might change your whole life. To those who roll their eyes and say that we barely had him at all, how could we miss him so much, in my heart I have seen him live a thousand times. I have seen his first steps, first day of school, his wedding, and his children. I have him forever in my mind. To those who say to get on with my life, I have. It is a different life now, the life of a grieving mother. One with a tremendous amount to be thankful for, but also one with a lot to mourn the loss of. Do not judge the bereaved mother. I come in many forms. I am breathing, but I am dying. I may look young, but inside I have become ancient. I smile, but my heart sobs. I walk, I talk, I cook, I clean, I work, I AM , but I AM NOT, all at once. I am here, but part of me is elsewhere for eternity. Do not dismiss me! I have shaped more than just the future generation. I have released a tiny angel who is watching over you. Open your eyes to US and you just might see him.
To those who look away when I grow teary-eyed walking past the baby department, look a little deeper. Surely you have some compassion in your heart. To those who change the subject when I speak my son's name, change your way of thinking. It just might change your whole life. To those who roll their eyes and say that we barely had him at all, how could we miss him so much, in my heart I have seen him live a thousand times. I have seen his first steps, first day of school, his wedding, and his children. I have him forever in my mind. To those who say to get on with my life, I have. It is a different life now, the life of a grieving mother. One with a tremendous amount to be thankful for, but also one with a lot to mourn the loss of. Do not judge the bereaved mother. I come in many forms. I am breathing, but I am dying. I may look young, but inside I have become ancient. I smile, but my heart sobs. I walk, I talk, I cook, I clean, I work, I AM , but I AM NOT, all at once. I am here, but part of me is elsewhere for eternity. Do not dismiss me! I have shaped more than just the future generation. I have released a tiny angel who is watching over you. Open your eyes to US and you just might see him.
~~~ Author Unknown ~~~
Monday, March 17, 2008
Romans 8:28
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.
Sunday, March 16, 2008
Cause and Effect...
My daughter Anna is doing a lengthy report about Anne Frank. Today we actually found the movie, rented it and watched it with Natalie. Of course both girls asked me several times throughout the movie "Did this really happen...Is this a true story?" I paused the movie several times to answer their questions as best that I could. Tonight I walk away from this story about a young girl growing up, and her death, and I am so very very sad. How could this happen in the world? Even today, in our world, you don't have to look very far to see prejudice, intolerance and injustice. Friend against friend, brother against sister. How can I teach my children about tolerance, and justice when I have these issues within my very own family? How do I explain that to MY children? Anne Frank wrote: "Despite everything, I believe that people are really good at heart." Maybe I am wearing rose colored glasses, but I believe this too. We teach our children to know the difference between right and wrong. We teach them to do the 'right' thing. Eventually the choice is ours. But the consequence is this, we ALL have to live with OUR choices. How and what do you want your children to learn? Then ask yourself, 'What would Jesus do? Simple as that! Cause and effect. One day your children and my children will grow up and be the effect of our cause. I pray that they know right from wrong. I pray that they will have influences in their lives that teach them to make the right choices. That they will think about the effects of their cause. The reactions to their actions...As I have learned in my life, these influences do not have to be positive, for the child, to learn and know how to make the right choices. Think about that!
Friday, March 14, 2008
What my name means:
You entered: Cheryl Ann Mueller Most authorities agree that the full birth name as recorded on your birth certificate is the name that must be used for all calculations involving name. Nicknames, changed names including marriage name changes do not dilute the importance of the name given to you by your parents.
There are 16 letters in your name.Those 16 letters total to 78 There are 5 vowels and 11 consonants in your name. What your first name means:
Welsh Female Variant of Carys: Love.
German Female Feminine form of Charles.
English Female Variant of the French Cherie: dear one; darling. Rhyming variant of names like Meryl and Beryl.
Your number is: 6
The characteristics of #6 are: Responsibility, protection, nurturing, community, balance, sympathy.
The expression or destiny for #6:The number 6 Expression provides you a truly outstanding sense of responsibility, love, and balance. The 6 is helpful and ever conscientious, making you quite capable of rectifying and balancing any sort of inharmonious situation. You are a person very much inclined to give help and comfort to those in need. You have a natural penchant for working with the old, the young, the sick, or the underprivileged. Although you may have considerable creative and artistic talents, the chances are that you will devote yourself to an occupation that shows concern for the betterment of the community.
The positive side of the number 6 suggests that you are very loving, friendly, and appreciative of others. You have a depth of understanding that produces much sympathetic, kindness, and generosity. The qualities of the 6 make the finest and most concerned parent and one often deeply involved in domestic activities. Openness and honesty is apparent in your approach to all relationships.
If there is an excess of the number 6 in your makeup, you may exhibit some of the negative traits associated with this number. There may be a tendency for you to be too exacting and demanding of yourself. In this regard, you may at times sacrifice yourself (or your loved ones) for the welfare of others. In some cases, the over zealous 6 has difficulty distinguishing helping from interfering. You may have difficulty expressing your own individuality, because of involvement with responsibilities and causes. Like all with the Expression of the number 6, it's quite likely that you worry much too much.
Your Soul Urge number is: 1
A Soul Urge number of 1 means: Your Soul Urge is the number 1. With a Soul Urge number of 1, you want to lead and direct, to work independent of supervision, by yourself or with subordinates. You take pride in your abilities and want to be recognized for them. You may seek opportunities to display your strength and usefulness, wanting to create and originate. In your desire to manage the big picture and the main issues, you may often leave the details to others.
The positive 1 Soul Urge is Ambitious and determined, a leader seeking opportunities. There is a great deal of honesty and loyalty in this character. If you possess positive 1 Soul Urge qualities, you are very attainment oriented and driven to success. You are a loyal friend and strictly fair in your business dealings.
The negative side of the 1 Soul Urge must be avoided. A negative 1 is apt to dominate situations and people; the home, the spouse, the family and the business. Emotions aren't strong in this nature. If you possess an excess of 1 energy, you may, at times, be boastful and egotistic. You must avoid being too critical and impatient of trifles. The great need of the 1 Soul Urge is the development of friendliness, and a sincere interest in people.
Your Inner Dream number is: 5
An Inner Dream number of 5 means: You dream of being totally free and unrestrained by responsibility. You see yourself conversing and mingling with the natives in many nations, living for adventure and life experiences. You imagine what you might accomplished.
There are 16 letters in your name.Those 16 letters total to 78 There are 5 vowels and 11 consonants in your name. What your first name means:
Welsh Female Variant of Carys: Love.
German Female Feminine form of Charles.
English Female Variant of the French Cherie: dear one; darling. Rhyming variant of names like Meryl and Beryl.
Your number is: 6
The characteristics of #6 are: Responsibility, protection, nurturing, community, balance, sympathy.
The expression or destiny for #6:The number 6 Expression provides you a truly outstanding sense of responsibility, love, and balance. The 6 is helpful and ever conscientious, making you quite capable of rectifying and balancing any sort of inharmonious situation. You are a person very much inclined to give help and comfort to those in need. You have a natural penchant for working with the old, the young, the sick, or the underprivileged. Although you may have considerable creative and artistic talents, the chances are that you will devote yourself to an occupation that shows concern for the betterment of the community.
The positive side of the number 6 suggests that you are very loving, friendly, and appreciative of others. You have a depth of understanding that produces much sympathetic, kindness, and generosity. The qualities of the 6 make the finest and most concerned parent and one often deeply involved in domestic activities. Openness and honesty is apparent in your approach to all relationships.
If there is an excess of the number 6 in your makeup, you may exhibit some of the negative traits associated with this number. There may be a tendency for you to be too exacting and demanding of yourself. In this regard, you may at times sacrifice yourself (or your loved ones) for the welfare of others. In some cases, the over zealous 6 has difficulty distinguishing helping from interfering. You may have difficulty expressing your own individuality, because of involvement with responsibilities and causes. Like all with the Expression of the number 6, it's quite likely that you worry much too much.
Your Soul Urge number is: 1
A Soul Urge number of 1 means: Your Soul Urge is the number 1. With a Soul Urge number of 1, you want to lead and direct, to work independent of supervision, by yourself or with subordinates. You take pride in your abilities and want to be recognized for them. You may seek opportunities to display your strength and usefulness, wanting to create and originate. In your desire to manage the big picture and the main issues, you may often leave the details to others.
The positive 1 Soul Urge is Ambitious and determined, a leader seeking opportunities. There is a great deal of honesty and loyalty in this character. If you possess positive 1 Soul Urge qualities, you are very attainment oriented and driven to success. You are a loyal friend and strictly fair in your business dealings.
The negative side of the 1 Soul Urge must be avoided. A negative 1 is apt to dominate situations and people; the home, the spouse, the family and the business. Emotions aren't strong in this nature. If you possess an excess of 1 energy, you may, at times, be boastful and egotistic. You must avoid being too critical and impatient of trifles. The great need of the 1 Soul Urge is the development of friendliness, and a sincere interest in people.
Your Inner Dream number is: 5
An Inner Dream number of 5 means: You dream of being totally free and unrestrained by responsibility. You see yourself conversing and mingling with the natives in many nations, living for adventure and life experiences. You imagine what you might accomplished.
Gift from a stranger:
Click his name to read what it says:
I have never thought about what Maddux's name meant. Is that not odd of me? I know that Mike picked his name after baseball player Greg Maddux.
So, today in the mail I receive a beautiful gift from a stranger. A gift from her heart. This is perhaps one of the most treasured gifts I have ever received, and again, from a beautiful stranger...Here is what she has given me"
"Enclosed you will find a special gift for you and your family in honor of your son, Maddux. After having done this for some time now, I have had the opportunity to witness the divine purpose God has in the names He has given us and how well-suited they are for each person and who they are meant to be. I searched the web for the meaning of Maddux as it was surprisingly not in the resources I have on hand. I wanted to share with you what I found and hope it gives you great comfort and joy."
"His name means "Giver". One listed it as "Benefactor" which I loved. I am a word nut, so I went to dictionary.com to find other synonyms. The list couldn't be more appropriate...I'm sure you will agree."
"Helper, advocate, angel, champion, comforter, defender, preserver, sponser, supporter, sustainer, upholder, donor, contributor, Good Samaritan, humanitarian, philanthropist, promoter, protector."
"However, this was my favorite part."
"A benefactor is someone who provides a gift. A benificiary is someone who receives it."
"God's plan is always so much bigger than what we see with our own human eyes. He had a strategic purpose for Maddux's life and for making him yours. Your love and obedience has fulfilled the very gift and purpose God had for his life, and, as a result, you are blessing the lives of many others. Hebrews 13:20-21"
Her name is Kelly Hansen, and her gift is Inspirational Arts...art with a message.
Kelly's gift will be a blessing in my life forever!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Have you ever wanted to...
sell everything, move to a third world country and do charity work? Sometimes I think about it. Seriously...look at how we live. Why? Why do we need everything we have? I have a 6 bedroom 4 bathroom house. Why? Why did I want to buy such a large house 5 years ago? That is the old Cheryl...Anna and Natalie sleep with me when Mike is away...and when he is home, they both sleep together in the guest room near our bedroom. Ha! Guestroom! Thats funny...Like we ever get guests anymore...Seriously...I question why? WHY? It just doesn't make sense anymore...
Blog
Ok, so I have changed it again. Are you interested in redoing yours? Contact Nikki with Blogs for a Cause. She charges very very little, and even donates some money back to a charity. I had her change this, and change that...I'm sure she never wants to get another email from me again...hahaha! Thank you Nikki.
Chase in Florida
Don't laugh, but these are the only pictures I have of Chase in Florida...Here is Chase, with Tori and Anna on his shoulders...
Chase, sipping his Virgin Pina Colata...
and his squirrelly friend... Chase has always been an animal lover...My dear friend, Wendy
Natalie was so excited to see 'Dendy' in Florida
And her daughter Tori...We all were...Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Sleeping Anna and Macy...
Just had to share a pix of Anna and Macy. He missed us so much while we were in Florida. He ALWAYS sleeps right next to Anna...with his little arm, or leg, wrapped around her. 
The TODAY SHOW and NILMDTS
Of course aired while I was on an airplane to Orlando with my children. I only got to watch this yesterday for the first time, and I want to share it with you, if you haven't already seen it. It is a beautiful piece that follows a photographer from MN with a family requesting NILMDTS services. I have always said, that this is what NILMDTS is all about. Not Maddux, myself or Sandy...But about the other photographers and their families.The Today Show ran an extraordinary piece on the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep Foundation on March 5, 2008. The segment journals the relationship between Olivia Lundberg and her family and NILMDTS photographer Jessica Person of the Twin Cities Area, Minnesota. This story is the perfect representation of what we do here at NILMDTS and why our mission is so important in the communities we serve. All life deserves to be honored no matter how short its time on Earth and that is exactly what all of our phenomenal volunteer photographers are doing each time they help a family in need.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
2008 UCA National All Star Cheerleading Championships
I have been soooo out of the loop lately. I am so sorry. Mike and I were in Vegas with friends, and then turned around and headed to Orlando with the family for Anna and Natalie's Cheerleading competition. Just got back home, and have to start on the school yearbook which is due Monday. Why do I put so much stress on myself...???
Anyhow, here is a quick update on the girls.
Chase, again, was fortunate to spend his vacation time in Wellington, with his best bud John. He does not want to hang with the parentals for girls cheerleading...maybe one day, when he is older...
http://www.varsity.com/vwired/08nascc.asp?page=webcast#set
Look for Cheer Central Suns Youth Level 3-Took home 6th place.
And Cheer Central Suns Junior Level 5- Took home 3rd place.
Anyhow, here is a quick update on the girls.
Chase, again, was fortunate to spend his vacation time in Wellington, with his best bud John. He does not want to hang with the parentals for girls cheerleading...maybe one day, when he is older...
http://www.varsity.com/vwired/08nascc.asp?page=webcast#set
Look for Cheer Central Suns Youth Level 3-Took home 6th place.
And Cheer Central Suns Junior Level 5- Took home 3rd place.
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