Government Grant Scam!!!

Just wanted to warn everyone about a scam that is getting around the USA this year. It seems to be one guy that does all the calling. He has a middle eastern accent, and is pretty hard to understand. He is offering government grants and tries to get your bank routing number or wants you to verify your routing number. He wants you to agree to this so he can charge you a fee, but he isn't always upfront about the fee and it is from $50-130.00. The grant amount seems to be the same, $12,500 is the amount he is offering. Whatever you do, DON"T GIVE HIM ANYTHING!!!! The better Business Burrow in FL has over 300 complains about him, so people have fell for this. I sniffed him out and when it was all said and done we told him we were rich and we didn't need the money and to give it to the victims of Hurricane Katrina!

Two big points here why this not real. Number one the government is not, for any reason just going to call you and say, "Hey, we have this extra money laying around, do you want some?" And number two, a grant is FREE, it doesn't cost anything!!! Accept for the work that goes into hunting one down, because it isn't easy to get your hands on free money! I've talked to a few people that I know in PA and they all remember getting a call like this!! If you want to lead the guy on to try to get info out of him, so we can give it to the proper authorities, fine, but DON"T GIVE HIM YOUR INFO!!!!!

Four Brothers

Got a chance to see this over Christmas weekend, on DVD, and it was good! Not what I expected as far as the story goes, but good! I'm glad I waited to see this, instead of seeing it in the theater! I probably would have been disappointed. Some bad language is in it, and guns of course, but nothing real bad. Just a good story of how family should stick together and stand up for each other! If your planning on renting a movie this should definitely be on your list!

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!!!

We hope you all have a great day, and remember we are with you always! In your hearts, prayers, and memories. We know this, for it is how we get through all the special days out here, in CA. We'll talk to you soon and enjoy Christopher's company on Monday! He gets to play "SANTA" this year!

Sending him off!!!!

Here is where we'll be driving to at 3pm pst (6pm est) to see Christopher off to PA. We hope you all enjoy the time you spend with him over the next week. I'm sure this will be trip he will always remember, as it is his first trip by himself. We love you all and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!!!

Contractor's Holiday Gifts

Over the past 2 weeks our department and floor has been flooded with gift baskets of all types! Most of them have all sorts of sweets in, and that means we get alot of repeat items! But some stand out about the rest, and this is by far the one that has been the best as far as presentation goes! I don't know if we will be tasting this one, but it sure does look good!

Certified Christmas Plan

Just in case you needed some help, here are the specs for Christmas!!!!

'Twas the Night Before Christmas

'Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone. In a one bedroom house made of plaster and stone. I had come down the chimney with presents to give, And to see just who in this home did live

I looked all about, a strange sight I did see, No tinsel, no presents, not even a tree. No Stocking by the mantle, just boots filled with sand, On the wall hung pictures of far distant lands.

With medals and badges, awards of all kinds, A sober thought came and ran through my mind. For this house was different, it was dark and dreary, I found the home of a soldier, once I could see clearly.

The soldier lay sleeping, silent, alone, Curled up on the floor in this one bedroom home. The face was so gentle, this room in disorder, Not how I pictured a United States Soldier.

Was this the hero of whom I'd just read? Curled up on a poncho, the floor for a bed? I realized the families I saw on this night Wed their lives to these soldiers who were willing to fight.

Soon 'round the world, the children would play, and grownups would celebrate a bright Christmas Day. They all enjoyed freedom each month of the year, Becasue of the soldiers, like the one laying here.

I couldn't help wonder how many lay alone, On a cold Christmas eve in a land far from home. The very thought brought a tear to my eye, I dropped to my knees and started to cry.

The soldier awakened and I heard a rough voice, "Santa, don't cry, this life is my choice. I fight for freedom, I don't ask for more My life is my God, my Country, my Corps"

The Soldier rolled over and drifted to sleep, I couldn't control it, I contiuned to weep. I kept watch for hours, so silent and still, And we both shivered from the cold night's chill.

I didn't want to leave on that cold, dark night, This Guardian of honoir, so willing to fight. Then the soldier rolled over, with a voice soft and pure, Whispered, "Carry on, Santa, it's Christmas, all is secure".

One look at my watch, and I knew he was right, "Merry Christmas, my friend, and to all, a good night."

(Ed. note- I found the following attached to one versioon of this... This poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa Japan. The following is his request. I think it is reasonable..... PLEASE. Would you do me the kind favor of sending this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. service men and women for our being able To celebrate these festivities. Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.) FOR OTHER VERSIONS CLICK HERE

The Lion, The Witch, & The Wardrobe

We were able to go see this this week for Christopher's Birthday, which made him really excited! When we got there to see it at 7pm we were in for a surprise as it was sold out until 9:45pm. So we decided to get the tickets and do the shopping we had planned to do after the movie; though we were going to do it without the kids we firgured we usually shop for them when they are with us and they never notice, so why this time too. We just had them stand somewhere else when we were checking out, so they would see things going in to bags! It worked, cause today Ant asked if we could go shopping for Christophers B-day and I told him we did it last night! He was pretty surprised! We were done and back at the theater around 9pm. The movie is done very well, but if your looking for a action packed in your face type of movie DON"T GO! This movie follows the previous ones and the books very closely. So if you've seen those, your in for a boring ride, since you know what is coming next! But, if you looking to go see it for the graphics, or for your kids, do it! Ours loved it & they all stayed awake, more then I can say for Tina! The graphics are the best I've seen by Disney yet; outside the Pirates of the Caribbean! Oh there is a great trailer of the Pirates of the Caribbean: A Dead Man's Chest before the movie as well! So, there's our advice for this movie. Hope you don't mind that I don't go all out on telling the story on our reviews, but I don't want to spoil anything for anyone!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Christopher!!!

We had a great day over the weekend with him! From his quad ride from Uncle Jeff, that is something he won't forget anytime soon to the gift that came on Monday from Oma&Opa, we are happy to have been able to see him reach the halfway to driving mark with flying colors! Christopher's 8th birthday was a success and we were able to get him some truely great gifts! Some of the things he liked the most was the controllers & game for the 64 and his Farve figure from Ant! He likes his wristbands from MaKayla and his bike from Mamaw&Papaw, that he's had for about 4 months now! He also like the lure, and can't wait to use it! He got a chance on one of our fishing trips to use one like it that I have in my takle! He was also surprised by the stuff from PA and thought the JR PJs to be the coolest!!!!! Thank you all for helping make the memories of this day be ones for use to remember always! HAPPY BIRTHDAY CHRISTOPHER!!!!!

Hospital Interview!

Tina got a call alittle after lunch about a job she applied for over the internet at Fremont-Rideout Hospital, here in Marysville! This was the third job she put in for in as many months. When the lady was talking to her on the phone, it sounded like she was going to hire her right from the call. But, she decided to set up an interview for her this Thursday! So, thank you for keeping us in your prayors, it looks like she may be starting before Christmas! The position is for a Medical Records Admission Clerk and is from 2pm-11pm. This is something different then what Tina wanted to do, but right now she is happy to get her foot in the door with a hospital. They have a scholarship program for people who want to move up, just like LVH did!!!!!

Custom Creative Crafts

Tina came up with a brochure/order form for her craft sales. We will be at a Craft Fair tomorrow, seeing if we can gain some interest with people in the area. We would love for it to get to the point where we can be making money regularly with it, but we have to see how it goes! This is something she loves doing so it only makes sense to try it! We'll keep you updated with the interest and feed back we get. So, consider this CCC first "offical" brochure!

First NBA Game!!!!

VS.

We got a chance to go see a Sacramento Kings game on Tuesday. I won the tickets a few weeks ago in a raffle at work, so I decided to take Tina's Dad (since he had off) and the boys. Since I work in West Sac. we set it up for him to bring the boys down with him and I would meet him to go in together so we only had to pay to park one car. So, we met @ Safeway and I left the Jimmy there, hopped in his car and made or way over to Arco Arena! The game started at 7pm and we were parked by 6:15pm. As we made our way through the crowd to our seats we passed some venders, selling Kings stuff and I got the boys each a head band (Christopher picked white & Anthony picked black) and I also got a purple one for Tina, and I got 2 $2.00 pens for Tina. I was going to get a hat, but I figured I could get a better deal in the stores (they were $20+ there). The kids had a great time and so did Papaw! Some spots were boring, but they did a good job keeping the crowd into the game thoughout the commerical breaks! At the end of the game they had all the kids 15 and under come down on the court and shout a Free Throw shot! The boys loved that!!!! So it looks like we have Kings fans in the making!!!! We had a blast and Papaw said I need to win more tickets next time so we can take the ladies!

Happy Thanksgiving!!!

We made of first Thanksgiving dinner today and it was a success. When we lived in PA we had my parents that would make the meal and my brother. We were always the ones that would help in other ways. Well, we did everything this year. From making an apple pie from scratch (exept the crust) to Turkey, corn, carrots, mashed potatoes, stuffing (Stove Top), sweet pototoes, rolls, and gravy, we worked hard. Everything went great and the turkey was our only headace taking longer then expected, but it worked out well because her Dad was home in time to eat with us! Cooking was only the start of it we had the clean up to do as well, which took about 10 dish loads through out the day! Thank you Lord for the family we have, from CA to PA, our freedom, and most of all your son Jesus sent to earth to take away our sins!

Birthday String of Luck!

This weekend was pretty neat! My Birthday fell on Sat. and I had a String of luck start on Thursday! We had a funraiser event at work, that (to my surprise) had a raffle for the people that attended. I paid $1 for the raffle and donated $1 and won the big prize: 4 Sacramento Kings Tickets for Tuesday 29th, 2005! Saturday we went to a Steak & Oyster Dinner and paid $10 for raffle tickets and won a bottle of Red Wine; which we probably won't drink! But we still won something!!!!! Today I got and email from the Sacramento Bee (News paper that has raffle drawings every few weeks for all kinds of stuff) and I won Beauty & the Beast Musical Tickets (2) for this Saturday!!! And I'm in the running to win the Football Pool this week!

HP Goblet of Fire

After a stunning realization of Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban it seemed that the Harry Potter films couldn't possibly get any better. Well, the folks at Warner Bros. have done it again: bigger and badder than ever, Harry Potter is back.

Early on we take an awe-inspiring trip to the Quidditch World Cup. The scale of this set piece is jaw-dropping and, in terms of sheer scale, gives any of Mr Lucas' recent output a serious run for its money. But all is not well. Plagued by nightmares, and with his scar burning, Harry can only conclude that dark happenings are afoot. Dark indeed they are as the Quidditch camp is set ablaze heralding the return of Voldemort, and our heroes flee to the safety of Hogwarts.
Dumbledore announces the Triwizard Tournament, one of the most exciting and dangerous competitions within the wizarding community. One wizard from Dumbledore is to enter but the other two will be picked from the elegant girls of Beauxbaton Academy and from the brooding boys of Durmstrang Institute. Harry is inexplicably entered into the competition by no less than the actual Goblet of Fire. He is suspected of being a cheat and a glory hunter and is alienated by his peers, Ron included. Tensions between Harry and Ron ensue, testing their friendship with tragi-comic effect. The Triwizard Tournament involves a battle with a fire-breathing dragon, once again upping the stakes on the action factor. A (quite literally) breath taking, underwater set-piece in The Black Lake sees Harry encounter a terrifying shoal of Merpeople. The final trial of the Triwizard takes place in a creepy maze with echoes of The Shining.

All and all this movie is very different from the first 3 installments, for it is the beginning of Adulthood for the Trio. And along with his transition to manhood, Harry is rapidly becoming a force to be reckoned with. A must see for all ages!!

I GOT IT!!!!!

Just in time for my Birthday, one of the best gifts I could get..........I GOT THE POSITION at the City of West Sacramento!!!!! I've been working there as a temp for the past 7 months and applied for the position about 2-3 months ago! Many of you know I had a interview a month ago and I've been playing the waiting game until today!!!!! GOD is good, thank you all for you prayers, love and support!!!

MADDEN for the 360!!!!

Getting our first game for the XBOX 360 tomorrow! Traded in some other games and our old XBOX that stopped working with all the controllers for it to get money for this game. Found out the old controllers might not work with the new system, so no sense in holding on to them! I'm sure the boys & I will enjoy playing this after the 360 comes out (11/22) & Christmas. Because if you don't know this got changed from just a B-day for me to a Christmas gift for the boys & I. As this has been advertised a lot on TV and at Walmart, plus the boys said they are happy with there toys that they have right now! So if you want to contribute to this gift just pass it on to us or Mom (Esterly) and we will be sure to let the boys know who all helped get this for us! As most of you know we hope to be moving out to our trailer before the year end and we won't have cable out there, and now that the Xbox kicked the bucket we don't even have a DVD player as it played our movie too (our PS2 kicked the bucket soon after moving out here).

Good Weekend!!!

Had a fun weekend this week!!! Friday the boys and I had off for Veteran's Day, Thank you to all the Veterans out there!!!! Especially to Tina, my Dad, Chris, and my late Grandfather!!!! We wouldn't have the freedoms that we enjoy without our military and we are thankful for your service and pray every night for GOD to protect our soldiers!!! Friday we enjoyed a little target shooting, because Anthony needed to get ready for his hunting trip that Papaw wanted to take him on. We thought Anthony was big enough to handle Mamaw's shotgun (22), but it turned out to be a little to heavy for him. So, Papaw went and bought him a new Red Rider BB Gun to use! Yes, the one from the movie, The Christmas Story!!!! And no he didn't shoot his eye out, or any squirrels for that matter. They came home empty handed, but had a ton of fun and will be going again soon

I'm sure! We also celebrated MaKayla's B-day on Friday night at the house, instead of at church, because Mamaw wasn't feeling her best and we wanted to be together as a family for the party!!!! Her two favorite gifts are a Cabbages Patch Doll, named Kayla Leigh, and a Leap Frog Learning Bus. We had fun and we have photos up on the Flickr site for you all to enjoy! Click on any of the photos above to see them!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MaKayla!!!!!!

Today she is 3!!!!! Wow, it has gone fast we just are thankful to be blessed with the responsibility of raising her! We feel she has been a gift from God and we hope we are meeting his expectations. We know one day she'll be ready to go out on her own and impact this world with such a positive wave, because of how she impacts us everyday. All we ask is for God to let us continue to experience her in our lives.
We are having a church get together tomorrow and will hold her party there. Look for pictures to be posted the following week! Happy Birthday SWEETY!

First Appointment Set!!!

Earlier in the week I got a chance to call a driver from Tina's Dad's work and talk to him about the business. Dad had pre-empted the call very well and I really didn't have to say much. I just had to explain enough of what I do on my appointments for him to understand what we do and more importantly find out what he was looking for. This is just a presentation appointment so he can get to know me and see how we positively impact families. Then we will be setting a Data Collection appointment, where I'll get to actually help them in their areas of interest. I'm just excited I get a chance to sit down with someone and share the business with them again. It has been about a year since my last appointment, I feel alittle like I did on my first appointment, but know I have a heavy knowledge base behind me! It is set for Wed. 11/9/2005, so mark that date down, because I'm not looking back from here on! Nothing but work from here on out, and I won't be looking up until I reach RVP!!!!

License Is In !!!!!

A quick post, just got the news that my Life & Health License came in to the office today. A long process and I sure one that will be profitable in the not so distant future. Jerry (Tina's Dad) has got a driver from his work that wants to sit down with me and hear about the FNA! Dad said he will get the guys number for me when he gets back to work, he has off until tomorrow, so by the weekend I should have my first appointment set in California!!! I will be talking to the neighbors over the weekend too!

Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

We got a chance to rent this over the weekend and it was well worth it. A good story about the life of friends and the things that happen to them throught a summer break. Funny, sad, & great lessons for life and how to keep in contact with people even if your thousands of miles apart. The kids may not sit still for it of really get it, but if you wondering it you should buy it, it would be one to hang on to because they will get something out of it later in life. Especially the ladies! Good chick flick!

Hat Trick!!!!!

Christopher, our little hockey player, scores a "hat trick" with his teeth. The third one he lost in as many weeks. No we aren't knocking them out, he just sees it as a way to make a quick buck! The way he is going he'll be singing, "All I want for Christmas is a full set of teeth!"

80th B-Day

On Sunday 10/16 we went down to San Rafael, about 2-3 hours SW of where we are, to celibrate Great Grandpa Souza's 80th Birthday. We were there from about 12pm-4pm, just ejoying the company of our CA family and some of his Car Club friends. We had a great time and the kids had fun there to despite the limited activities and toys that were there for them to play with. we have more pictures, but they won't get posted until we have them developed.

Our DASH

We wanted to take this time to dedicate a blog for a special man. His name, Rich Jenkins (many of us called him Jenko), on earth from Apr 20, 1963 - Oct 8, 2005. Tina and I only got to know him over the past 5 1/2 years, but it seems like we've known him forever. He and his wife Denise were the kind of people that you just loved and got along with right off the bat. Infact in June of 2000, was when we first met them and they were part of a handful of people we invited to our wedding in December of that year.

Rich loved kids, he took to ours with such an interest he could have been one of their Uncles. He loved Primerica, it was not just what he did, but who he was. A crusader through and through, a true defender of his clients financial future. He wasn't just a crusader for the business he loved but also for Jesus, his Lord and Savior. Infact we are very much thankful for his work in our spiritual salvation. With the combined efferts of him, his wife Denise, close friends Mike & Denise Smith, and Pastor Rod Hawkins we were able to find salvation through Bible Baptist Church in Breinigsville, PA. He would always say in many of his speaches, "When we get to the end the biggest thing that matters is your DASH. The time from when you first open your eyes on this earth to the time you close them for the final time." I can say it for him, and many will echo it, that Rich should and can be proud for his DASH. He lived in the here and now with a strong vision of the future coupled with a positive "Christ Like" heart. There was never a time he wasn't smiling and positive about his life.

So, I end with a challange to all of you who read this, just as he would. What are you doing right now that people will remember and talk about when it is your time to have your DASH explained? If you aren't really focused on that right now that's ok, you can change it, just get moving because we are never going to know when it will be our time. We know the date we were born, but we never will know the date we call home to be with Jesus. One thing that has helped us in dealing with his passing is knowing he is there with Jesus and waiting for us to be called home. And if you don't know Jesus as your personal savior yet please click here and find out how you can be saved, and have him transform your life.

Work Continues

Here are some more pictures of the construction going on at the house. They are done with the project, so it will be soon time for us to start planting grass. We hope to also start on running the electric line so we can have power to or trailer soon after the completion of this project. All depends on $$ though, so we well just have to see. We hope you enjoyed watching the progress with us during this project, and we are glad to have it done. Keep your eyes open for updated photos of the yard as the grass grows and the other projects that will be going on before winter! Working on the driveway, our trailer, and a huge sand box with the left over sand from the Septic Project.

All I want for Christmas.....

Christopher lost his other front tooth this past week. So he'll be looking for them come Christmas. Enjoy the picture.

Into the Blue

Saturday Tina and I had a date night by going down to Sacramento and catching this movie. We felt it was a good movie, but not what we expected. This is definitely not for the kids, mainly because of a few scenes that were pretty graphic. We enjoyed the night out and it is a good movie for that. But it would also be a good one to wait on and rent. Not that great as far as a must see in the theater. The acting was good, but these actors & actresses are young and will improve. We heard Jessica Alba was tricked into believing she would be in a wet suit and was made to were a swim suit that hardly had anything to it. We heard she has in her contract that she won't do any nude scenes! Good for her, I think more ladies should stand up for themselves like that! If you're interested in the movie check out the trailer before going (to give you a better idea) by clicking on the picture.

Studying Pays Off

Just wanted to let everyone know that all the studying paid off on Friday. I had posted a few weeks ago that I scheduled my test for life & health insurance today. Well, the results are in and I'm one step closer to being fully licensed in the business. I PASSED!!!!! It is exciting to finally say that, because the last few months have been a real test of how bad do I want this. I had extra money that needed to be paid, paperwork that needed to get done, and of course class requirements that needed to be met. Will God prevails, he assisted me in staying true, keeping the faith, and just giving me patients to accomplish one thing at a time. And he was there with me when I was taking the test, keeping me positive and focused through the 150 question exam.

Big Toys!

We have a unique chance to see first hand how much work goes into the handling of sanitation. Over the next few weeks they will be working on installing a new septic system at the house. So please enjoy the pictures, as we make the best of the experience and let it be a good example for the kids, on how much work actually is

involved in simply flushing the toilet.

Photo updates!

New Photos from my brothers family in PA are up!! Thanks Mike&April, Sky, and Morgan we love you and miss you very much! Click on the picture and you will be directed to our photo site. Once there click on the photo set called "Family in PA" and you'll be able to view more photos of the girls!

HAPPY 30TH BIRTHDAY UNCLE MIKE!!!

Wanted to give you some memory recalls for your birthday as well!!! We miss you, April and the girls. I really feel moving out here was the best thing for Tina and I. I know we are far away and when I think about everyone there and we are here, it hurts; but we are getting on top of things and I know we will be called back there when it is time! Just be patient and keep in contact with us; we would love seeing pictures of you and the girls (the office you finished). You have a faster internet connection now, so if you email them I can get them at work. I feel like we can at least see each other when every we want just by a click of a button! Click on the picture above for more pictures.

I Am From

By: Anthony Esterly

I am from a place
Where there are wide open spaces,
Where it is quiet,
Where all you can here is the breeze,
And where my neighbor cuts his grass every Friday.

I am from a place
Where there is an album of favorite relatives,
Where Ma Maw says your eyes are bigger than your stomach,
Where I play football with my brother every Saturday,
And where I play with my dog Dakota.

I am from a place
Where there are workers working behind our trailer,
Where my dog barks at her toy,
Where my sister screams my ears off,
And where I have the best time.
I love the place where I am from.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!!!

Dad, just wanted to give you a gift of memories this year. Click on the picture and it will take you to more pictures that we put up in the different albums. We hope you enjoy them, and in our minds, we are with you in spirit. We wish you a very happy birthday, love you, Scott & Tina


Happy Birthday OPA!!! I love and miss you!!! I hope you have a great day!!! Love, Christopher


OPA, Happy Birthday!!! Hope you have a great day!!!! Love you, tell OMA we love her too!!!Love,h Anthony


Happy to you OPA!!! Love MaKayla

EXAM SCHEDULED!!!

Finally able to schedule my life test exam. Friday 9/30/2005 @ 1pm(pst)

I've been keeping busy with studying and getting involved with our church, activities with the kids, and getting to know people at my work. We need to build a warm market out here and the more things we get involved with the faster it will grow. Tina is doing most of the stuff with the kids, but I'll be going to things when I can; keeping the God, family, business order for now. This will also allow me to get fully licensed by spring next year. We also realize that when the business starts going it will be an explosion and we might be unbalanced in our priorities for a short time, but we are ready for it.

I'll be calling you all that day when I pass!!!

Congradulations!

Dan & Heather just announced there wedding date, June of 2006. We are happy to hear it and we'll be saving to make the trip to Jamaca for that week!

Hurricane Katrina Relief

Heard on GoSolo, our voicemail system, that Primerica stepped up as well. Not only have they sent $1 million to the Red Cross, but primerica reps are organizing things to send down to primerica reps. that were affected by Katrina. Here's a site to keep your eyes on to see if more areas are going to be sending things. The one here in CA is ending today! If you want to help now log on to GoSolo and find Kenny Hughes number, or go to oncueproductions. We truly have a great country, and PFS / Citigroup are the best companies in the world.

If you know family members that were affected and have a Primerica Rep. they may have been given a Financial Needs Analysis. That means they might be able to get some financial relief if they have products through any of the following companies. Make sure they contact them, or maybe you can do it for them.

In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, Primerica is committed to helping those in the affected areas. We recognize the severity of the situation and are making adjustments in response to these unusual circumstances. Clients may call the toll-free numbers listed below for help with specific products. Alternatively, you may call the main number for Primerica Financial Services: 1-770-381-1000 and ask for a specific area for assistance.

Life Insurance Clients
Policyholders may call Customer Service at 1-800-257-4725 to discuss issues such as banking interruption, change of address/telephone or payment relief due to job or home loss.

Securities Clients
Securities clients are being advised to call the Help Line at 1-800-544-5445 to request holds of their monthly PAC drafts. Please note: This automated line requests an account number. At any time, hit "0" to speak with a Customer Service rep for assistance.

$.M.A.R.T. Clients
For assistance, $.M.A.R.T. clients should call 1-800-997-8467 to reach Citicorp Trust Bank. This automated line requests an account number. Follow prompts and choose "Option 1" to speak with a Customer Service rep.

First Fish!!!

MaKayla had success on her first fishing trip. It was to Ellis Lake in the middle of Marrysville on nothing less then a perfect day for fishing. They had their annual contest for all kids under 12 years old, on Saturday Sept. 10th. The day began with the sound of Papaw banging on a pot to wake everyone up at 5AM. We all LOVED THAT, MaKayla was ready to go before she was even dressed. We got out there in time to grab free breakfast and pick a great spot. The Lake was just stocked with 1000lbs. of cat fish, so that is what we decided to go for. We didn't have any luck with the cat fish, but Tina helped out people next to us by realing a guys pole in twice. He didn't have it in a rod holder and when the fish hit the pole was gone. The first had what ended up to be the winning first on it, a 6+lb. Carp. He and his grand-daughters were very thankful. MaKayla was the only successful one of us that caught a fish, a Small Mouth Bass put a smile on her face and created a memory that will last forever!!!!

The Room...

Got this in an email! We hope this reaches more people then we could ever know!

In that place between wakefulness and dreams, I found myself in the room. There were no distinguishing features except for the one wall covered with small index card files. They were like the ones in libraries that list titles by author or subject in alphabetical order. But these files, which stretched from floor to ceiling and seemingly endless in either direction, had very different headings. As I drew near the wall of files, the first to catch my attention was one that read "Girls I have liked." I opened it and began flipping through the cards. I quickly shut it, shocked to realize that I recognized the names written on each one. And then without being told, I knew exactly where I was. This lifeless room with its small files was a crude catalog system for my life. Here were written the actions of my every moment, big and small, in a detail my memory couldn't match. A sense of wonder and curiosity, coupled with horror, stirred within me as I began randomly opening files and exploring their content. Some brought joy and sweet memories; others a sense of shame and regret so intense that I would look over my shoulder to see if anyone was watching. A file! named "Friends" was next to one marked "Friends I have betrayed." The titles ranged from the mundane to the outright weird "Books I Have Read," "Lies I Have Told," "Comfort I have Given," "Jokes I Have Laughed at." Some were almost hilarious in their exactness: "Things I've yelled at my brothers." Others I couldn't laugh at: "Things I Have Done in My Anger", "Things I Have Muttered Under My Breath at My Parents." I never ceased to be surprised by the contents. Often there were many more cards than I expected. Sometimes fewer than I hoped. I was overwhelmed by the sheer volume of the life I had lived Could it be possible that I had the time in my years to fill each of these thousands or even millions of cards? But each card confirmed this truth. Each was written in my own handwriting. Each signed with my signature When I pulled out the file marked "TV Shows I have watched", I realized the files grew to contain their contents. The cards were packed tightly, and yet after two or three yards, I hadn't found the end of the file. I shut it, shamed, not so much by the quality of shows but more by the vast time I knew that file represented. When I came to a file marked "Lustful Thoughts," I felt a chill run through my body. I pulled the file out only an inch, not willing to test its size and drew out a card. I shuddered at its detailed content. I felt sick to think that such a moment had been recorded. An almost animal rage broke on me. One thought dominated my mind: No one must ever see these cards! No one must ever see this room! I have to destroy them!" In insane frenzy I yanked the file out. Its size didn't matter now. I had to empty it and burn the cards. But as I took it at one end and began pounding it on the floor, I could not dislodge a single card. I became desperate and pulled out a card, only to find it as strong as steel when I tried to tear it. Defeated and utterly helpless, I returned the file to its slot. Leaning my forehead against the wall, I let out a long, self-pitying sigh. And then I saw it.. The title bore "People I Have Shared the Gospel With." The handle was brighter than those around it, newer, almost unused. I pulled on its handle and a small box not more than three inches long fell into my hands. I could count the cards it contained on one hand. And then the tears came. I began to weep. Sobs so deep that they hurt They started in my stomach and shook through me. I fell on my knees and cried. I cried out of shame, from the overwhelming shame of it all. The rows of file shelves swirled in my tear-filled eyes. No one must ever, ever know of this room. I must lock it up and hide the key. But then as I pushed away the tears, I saw Him. No, please not Him. Not here... Oh, anyone but Jesus. I watched helplessly as He began to open the files and read the cards. I couldn't bear to watch His response. And in the moments I could bring myself to look at His face, I saw a sorrow deeper than my own. He seemed to intuitively go to the worst boxes. Why did He have to read every one? Finally He turned and looked at me from across the room. He looked at me with pity in His eyes. But this was a pity that didn't anger me. I dropped my head, covered my face with my hands and began to cry again. He walked over and put His arm around me. He could have said so many things. But He didn't say a word. He just cried with me. Then He got up and walked back to the wall of files. Starting at one end of the room, He took out a file and, one by one, began to sign His name over mine on each card. "No!" I shouted rushing to Him. All I could find to say was "No, no," as I pulled the card from Him. His name shouldn't be on these cards. But there it was, written in red so rich, so dark, so alive. The name of Jesus covered mine. It was written with His blood. He gently took the card back. He smiled a sad smile and began to sign the cards. I don't think I'll ever understand how He did it so quickly, but the next instant it seemed I heard Him close the last file and walk back to my side... He placed His hand on my shoulder and said, "It is finished." I stood up, and He led me out of the room. There was no lock on its door. There were still cards to be written.

"I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."-Phil. 4:13 "For God so loved the world that He gave His only son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life."-John 3:16. If you feel the same way forward it to as many people as you can so the love of Jesus will touch their lives also. My "People I shared the gospel with" file just got bigger, how about yours?

IF THERE IS ONE EMAIL THAT I HAVE READ THAT NEEDS TO GO AROUND THE WORLD, IT IS THIS ONE, PLEASE PASS THIS TO EVERYONE YOU KNOW, CHRISTIAN OR NOT! "LET'S FILL OUR OWN FILE CARD" AND MAY GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

You don't have to share this with anybody, no one will know whether you did or not, but you will know and so will He.

If you don't know if you are on your way to heaven, please click here and find out how you can be saved and finially know for sure that you have a place in heaven with Jesus

Blog fever is spreading through the family!

It's amazing, my Mom has know sent up her own site. I'm sure I'll be spending quick some time with her on the phone now, explaining how to change and add things to the site; to make it reflect more of her personality. But, that's fine with me; besides why else would she have had me. I'm beginning to understand with my kids; that even though God put them in our hands to teach them the things we've learned, if we listen to them once in a while we just might pick up a thing or two. So, bring it on I'll help you in ever way possible! Click on the picture to take you there!

Hockey Is Back!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Philadelphia Flyers players, under the leadership of captain Keith Primeau, have decided to hold a charity scrimmage on Sunday evening to benefit the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Due to the overwhelming and postive response from fans, tickets to the game will go on sale Saturday morning at 9:00 am at the Flyers Skate Zone in Voorhees.

Double your efferts!!!!

If you're considering a donation to Red Cross for Katrina Relief, here'sa way to double the effect. Citigroup, with whom I'm affiliated, is matching contributions. There may be other companies doing this...I know about this one.

Go to RedCross and click on "Donate Now", then "Donate Online". On the new screen, enter the donation amount and select "Hurricane Relief 2005" (required for Citigroup's match). Scroll down to fill in personal information, and inthe box under your last name is a box for "Company Name". Simply enter [Citigroup], then complete your donation info. That's it--donationdoubled!

Please Respect Our Wishes!!!!!

I see I've been getting a lot of Anonymous comments. I am glad that people are enjoying our blog, but please leave your name so we know who you are. It seems to be that people are just using our comment section as a classified section. This blog is not for FREE Adverting and with all the links everytime someone visits that's what it looks like!!!! So, I don't want to restrict this site at all, but if it keeps going I will. Don't forget I have the power to VETO your comments as well.

Long weekend!!

Had some fun this weekend.

Saturday, we went shopping during the later morning and early afternoon. We got food we needed and dresses for the ladies!!!! Then we spent the day cooking and baking, I made 20+ hamburgers for the picnic we had on Mon. and to freeze, Tina made 2 lasagnas one to freeze and baked cookies, also for Mon.

Sunday we had a wedding for one of Tina's cousins to go to. It was really nice, that got married outside at a winery. Was very pricey looking, and we will have pictures that we took and from the photographer soon. The photographer took our email down and we will be getting a email with a login & password so we can view the pictures. If we can save any we will and get them posted.

Monday was really fun as well. Tina got up early and did the kennel's. Even though they were closed we still have to feed the dogs. Then we met people at the church so we could get voched on to Beal Air Force Base. That is where they hold there annual labor day picnic. Our church is 4 miles from the base so, has a lot of members come and going from the base, always a new face. We had a great day of fellowship with people and Tina and I even invited a family that just moved into a near by house down for food. They had just got here from VA. We forgot our camara, but we have a church work day coming up and we will get pictures of our new church family then!!!!

Saying Goodbye to a Legend

This man deserves a spot here, I'm glad I was able to watch him play. He's done some amazing things for football and I wish him the same success in the next chapter of his life! God bless you and Thank you, Jerry Rice.

Bungie Helps "Fight the Flood"

The Halo dev is raising cash to aid hurricane victims, and you can help.

September 2, 2005 - Xbox master development house Bungie has stepped up to offer aid to victims of Hurricane Katrina, joining a growing number of companies in the industry which are responding to the tragedy.
To help, the Halo developer is now selling "Fight the Flood" t-shirts from the Bungie.net store. Not only do the shirts feature a pun-alicious image any Master Chief fan will love, but nearly $15 of each $19.99 sale goes directly to the Red Cross -- Bungie is not keeping any of the money.In an official post describing the relief campaign, Bungie explained its strategy."Now, why did we make a T-Shirt? We used the tools we have. We have a company store that can handle the transactions. We have designers, and we were able to make T-Shirts faster than anything else. And a T-Shirt is something you can wear to show solidarity with the folks suffering there, and reminds everyone around you that it's good to donate. It's a billboard for what we're capable of doing when people need help."Be sure to click over to check out the design. If you can, buy a shirt, or three. This is a great way to make your love for a great game really count.

Lowe's and Customers Donate

MOORESVILLE, N.C., Sept. 6 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Lowe's customers have responded to calls for donations for those affected by Hurricane Katrina by contributing an unprecedented $3 million in eight days to the American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund in Lowe's stores nationwide. Including Lowe's match of up to $2 million, the company and its customers have raised more than $5 million for Red Cross disaster relief. Lowe's activated its in-store customer donation program on Monday, August 29 at all of its more than 1,125 stores nationwide, and will continue accepting donations throughout the month of September.Continued....

Donations steady as aid agencies help hurricane victims along Gulf Coast

TORONTO (CP) - Canadians are opening their wallets to help the victims of hurricane Katrina, but the support has a long way to go to rival the generosity prompted by the tsunami that flooded southeast Asia late last year, charitable organizations said Tuesday.

"I still think there's a lot of people who want to do something," said Dave Toycen, president of World Vision Canada, which is currently receiving about 400 donations a day. "But it's probably that they may not feel the pressure to do as much as, say, with the tsunami."

The organization has raised about $250,000 so far for the relief effort in Louisiana, and while Toycen said he's pleased with the sum, it's a fraction of the aid money collected in the week following last year's deadly Boxing Day tsunami.

"We probably would have raised two or three times this in the same time period at least, maybe even more."

By Jan. 11, the deadline Ottawa set for donations that would be matched with federal funds, Canada's six principal aid agencies had raised more than $154 million, just two weeks after the tsunami struck.

Some in Canada are likely questioning the need to donate at all, given the reputation of the United States as a wealthy, first-world country, Toycen noted. But with the mayor of New Orleans predicting 10,000 dead in that city alone, aid agencies agreed the crisis is very real.

As of Tuesday afternoon, the Canadian Red Cross had collected $2.8 million in donations - a substantial sum, but far from the $26 million it raised during the five days following the tsunami.

"There is a huge need for support, especially in the emergency phase," said spokeswoman Suzanne Charest.

She said the Red Cross has sent 37 Canadian volunteers to the affected area to support American relief efforts and workers have heard from many more people offering up their assistance.

"We're flooded with calls from people who want to go down and help," Charest said. "I think there are a lot of Canadians who are compelled by the images they see - albeit in Sri Lanka, Indonesia or the U.S. - these are vulnerable people."

For the many people who have travelled to the afflicted areas on vacation or business, the tragedy hits particularly close to home, she added.

"People are compelled and are compassionate and wanting to help."

The Red Cross shipped out some 20,000 cots and blankets from Montreal on Tuesday to go to hurricane refugees, although agencies are unanimously calling for cash over goods like blankets and clothes, which are costly to ship and distribute.

Often, they just end up languishing in warehouses long after the crisis is over, Toycen said. "Cash can be used in just so many ways," he said. "It allows you the flexibility depending on what's the most pressing need." Continued....

Hurricane Relief Help

-NFL: $1 million
-Houston Texans owner Bob McNair: $1 million
-Los Angeles Dodgers & community: excess of $200,000 and we're still going strong
Reds, Astros, Marlins, Pirates, Mariners, Royals, Rangers and Twins have announced that similar drives
-George Steinbrenner and the Yankees: $1 milllion
-NASCAR announced Thursday it has aligned its industry with the American Red Cross
-Golden State Warriors All-Star guard Baron Davis: $50,000
-The Charlotte Bobcats and Sting are donating $25,000
-Bulls Owner Jerry Reinsdorf has committed to a Bulls donation of $50,000
-Cleveland Cavaliers, Denver Nuggets and Orlando Magic are working with the McCormick Tribune Foundation to raise funds for hurricane afflicted areas. Funds raised, up to $1 million, will be matched at $0.50 by the McCormack Tribune Foundation
-Cheryl Ford of the Detroit Shock, who is from Louisiana, donated her entire check from the WNBA Bud Light Peak Performers Rebound Leader Award of $12,500 to the American Red Cross
-The Houston Comets will collect donations at all home playoff games and will offer free playoff tickets to Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi residents.
-Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers and Tan White, Indiana Fever delivered a $30,000 check to A.R.C. on behalf of the Pacers/Fever organization
-Proceeds from the Los Angeles Sparks’ in-arena auction on August 31 will go to the American Red Cross. The Los Angeles Lakers are making an initial donation of $10,000 to help support the devastated regions.
-Miami Heat TV analyst Tony Fiorentino volunteered to answer phones and take pledges on August 31 during a Hurricane Relief Telethon in Miami. The local NBC affiliate raised over $200,000 for relief efforts
-Milwaukee Bucks Head Coach Terry Stotts, General Manager Larry Harris and Bucks employees will participate in a locally televised American Red Cross telethon on September 1 to support hurricane relief efforts.
-The Orlando Magic has volunteered to hire 11 New Orleans Hornets employees and house them for free at the Marriott Vacation Club.

-The San Antonio Spurs will match every dollar donated to the American Red Cross by all Spurs Sports and Entertainment employees up to $5,000
-The Seattle Storm and the Sonics & Storm T.E.A.M. Foundation are joining the efforts of Storm center Janell Burse to aid the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Donations will be collected at each of the Storm’s first round home playoff games, with 100 percent of the proceeds supporting the New Orleans-based Franklin Avenue Baptist Church’s hurricane relief efforts.
-Washington Mystics President and managing partner, Sheila Johnson has donated $500,000 to the American Red Cross
-The National Basketball Players Association is launching an immediate effort, on behalf of every player in the NBA, to assist in the relief effort for victims of Hurricane Katrina. The union will be actively involved in procuring and delivering supplies, including food and clothing, to the hardest hit areas of the devastating storm that ripped through Louisiana, Mississippi and other areas. “We want to mobilize immediately and provide as much assistance as possible to the tens of thousands of people who find themselves in life threatening situations as a result of this disaster. Our goal is to collectively raise and contribute at least $1 million in aid to the victims.” said NBPA Executive Director Bill Hunter. “We are in the process of contacting every player in the league to solicit their support and ideas on how we can make a difference as quickly as possible.” added NBPA President Antonio Davis of the Chicago Bulls.

A Jordan heads to Iraq

Michael Jordan's brother heads to Iraq
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (AP) — Army Command Sgt. Maj. James R. Jordan has much in common with his younger brother, retired basketball star Michael Jordan. He loves his job, believes in helping his team and expects maximum effort from those around him.

Michael Jordan stands with U.S. Army Recruiter Karl L. Pendergrass after the national anthem is played. Jordan's brother is headed to Iraq for a yearlong deployment. By Eileen Blass, USA TODAY

And like his brother, James Jordan likes to leave on his own terms. He has asked to stay in the Army for a year beyond his mandatory retirement date so he can complete a full yearlong deployment to Iraq with about 500 other members of the 35th Signal Brigade.
"We are currently at war," Jordan said before the unit started shipping out Sunday. "We are doing things, and it requires leaders to do certain things. That's what I am, a leader."
Under normal conditions, the 47-year-old Jordan would wind down his Army career in the spring as he approached the 30-year mark, but he has no intention of getting on an airplane April 29 and coming home.
"That's not the way you want to end a 30-year career," Jordan said.
"People ask 'Why?'" said Col. Bryan Ellis, the brigade commander. "The answer is, he is completely selfless. We all want to see it go well."
Jordan is a no-nonsense noncommissioned officer with a shaved head and a wry sense of humor. He stands 5-foot-7, while his younger brother is about 6-foot-6. As the senior enlisted soldier in the brigade of 2,450 soldiers, he has kept a low profile at Fort Bragg and avoided calling attention to his family connection.
"If you don't believe in selfless service, you are not going to make it in this business," said Jordan, the oldest person in the brigade.
He was 36, wearing the stripes of a first sergeant, when he went to airborne school, where most soldiers are in their teens or early 20s. He still runs eight miles and expects soldiers to be alongside him.
Three years of Junior ROTC during high school in Wilmington helped convince Jordan that the Army was for him.
"I figured I wanted to be a soldier, plus I was the oldest of five kids," he said. "I wanted to get out of the house and do something myself."
He said some of his relatives don't really know what he does.
"They know I'm in the Army. That's about it," he said. "My immediate family and my wife, my kids, not extremely happy, but they are on the team. They say: 'Daddy, do what you've got to do.'"
"I've been doing this by myself for so long, being my own person, being my own soldier," he said. "I'm going to continue doing it the same way until the day I feel like I need to hang it up, not when they feel like I need to hang it up."