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."