My Brown-eyed Girl

"Florida, because he can't live with his wife."

This was the response Justin gave someone who asked him where his Grandpa Hallenbeck was. Don has been at Hobe Sound Bible College doing some work for the school for a couple of weeks. It's amazing what kids think of.

Oops! A Bit Big, Don't You Think

Justin and Kayla try on some of Vonnie's Christmas presents.

A Very Merry Christmas

Christmas was good this year. We enjoyed visiting family in upstate New York. We left for New York Sunday evening after our Candlelight service. Christmas day was spent at the Hallenbecks. Hours were spent eating and throwing darts, (a family tradition when Donny and I are together). Tuesday, we went to the Quintanas. It was here we ate more food and threw more darts, played Rook and ate some more. We left Wednesday evening about 10:00.
Kayla got clothes, a tunnel playground set, 64 baby dolls, (slight exaggeration) and a variety of other toys. Justin's big toy was a double basketball hoop. One of the those indoor basketball hoops that keeps track of shots, has a timer and returns your balls to you. He loves it. Vonnie got a carpet shampooer, perfume, clothes, boots, etc. I had a Xbox Christmas. Vonnie and Laura got me a Xbox console. Don and Val got me a VGA converter, thus allowing me to connect straight into my computer. Ronnie got me an extra controller and Lonnie got me Madden Footbal 06. Now that Christmas is over, (and yew Joel it has been over in America for 12 days) I will try to update my blog as often as possible. Happy New Years to you all.

At Last

The time has come where we can finally "sit back and relax" the Christmas season. All of the "big" church activities are done. We had a successful Christmas play entitled, "That Stupid Christmas Play". Over 150 people were in attendance. Keith and Connie Forney, Eric and Jill Susan, Laura Ellison and Jonathan Gessner were the main actors this year. Penn View Choir was with us this past Sunday evening. They sounded the best that I have heard them for a while. Monday evening we were at Beavertown's Christmas play entitled, "An Unconstitutional Christmas". Yesterday we went Christmas shopping in Harrisburg, PA. We ate at Red Robin and enjoyed some excellent BBQ ribs. Wow...delicious. We hope everyone is enjoying the season!

Who's First?

As you read the news, you soon realize that we may experience a "first" this next election. As Americans, I believe that we will soon see either a black president or a woman president. The question is, who will be first? Well, since you asked, my opinion is....a black president. America is not ready for a woman president. Especially one like Hillary Clinton. My great prediction is that Hillary Clinton will never see the inside of the Oval Office as president.

Christmas Dinner '06

Our church Christmas dinner was this past Friday evening. We had over 90 people come and enjoy a wonderful evening of food and fellowship. Wesley Whitaker was there to play Christmas music on his trumpet. He did an excellent job. As you can see, our theme was candy canes. Vonnie, Gwen, Jill, and Connie did an excellent job in decorating. When it was all said and done, it was a good evening.

Yeah that's right...a girl!

The winner of our deer season this year at New Columbia God's Missionary Church was, yes, a girl. Jonetta Hazzoum shot a beautiful 14 point buck just a stone's throw away from our house. Congratulations Jonetta.

Road Rash

Last night Paul Miller and I had to go to Giesinger Hospital to pick up someone from the hospital. We were passing the Evan. Hospital when I looked into my side mirror and said to Paul, "This dude is flying." I no sooner had said this when he was nearly at our side. I watched him bump the bumper of the car next to me and the rest is history. His bike slid out from under him and he was soon sliding by me on his back. I pulled off the road and got out to help him. He got up swearing and cursing. We helped him move his bike off the road. By now the police arrived and me in my blood soaked clothes got back into my van and journeyed on tho Giesinger.

Lefty?

It looks like we may have a lefty in the Ellison family. It seems like Kayla does an awful lot with her left hand. As you can see, she writes with it as well as throws balls, etc. Time will tell. I just thought everyone would like this important piece of info.

A West Virginia Thanksgiving

It was nice to visit the wonderful state of West Virginia again for the Thanksgiving season. This was the year to spend Thanksgiving with the Ellison's. As always, dad and mom went out of their way to make things special. With ham and turkey for Thanksgiving dinner, we were all stuffed for quite a while. Friday, for some insane reason, we waded through waves of people at the mall. It was a nice time and fun was had by all.

Happy Thanksgiving

We at Newkie News wish all of you a very Happy Thanksgiving. We hope that your holiday is filled with love and laughter as you spend time with family and friends. Most of all, we hope your heart is filled with thanks to God for His many blessing, especially for His wonderful plan of Salvation. Truly God is Good!!!

Oh Christmas Tree

From beginning to end the kids were excited as I endeavored to do the daunting task of putting up our Christmas tree. I know, you may say it's a little early, but last year we got so busy and didn't get to it until late in the season, so here it is. We are leaving today for West Virginia to visit my parents for Thansgiving so at least this is one less thing to worry about when we get home.

Ohio State - 42 Michigan - 39

Michigan played a tremendous game, but you know, somebody has to lose and tonght it just happened to be Michigan...barely. They say a picture is worth a thousand words and this picture says it best. Since 8 minutes into the game Michigan was chasing Ohio State relentlously. Oh well, who knows there just may be a rematch for the National Championship. I doubt it, but there is a slim chance. You always have to wish for the best.

It's Done

We have finally accomplished one of the many things on our procrastination list...family pictures. Tuesday evening , my wife and I realized that our kids were free of bumps, bruises and other facial blemishes so we scheduled a picture appointment. After finally finding a times when the kids were free from bumps and bruises, my wife gets her picture taken with a booger hanging from her nose (not really). We were happy with them...at least as happy as you can be with family pics.

Raking Leaves

Today was a beautiful day. It was in the upper 60's. So Vonnie and I decided to clean up outside...with the kids help. We raked and burned the leaves and we put up their toys in the basement (for the spring floods to wash).

Hay Ride '06

Friday evening nearly 80 people from our church gathered at the Zimmerman's for our annual hay ride. Neal and Carrie are excellent host for the event. They bar-b-qued chicken for the meal. We had three wagons connected for a neary 45 minute hay ride through the country. What a blast it was.

We Did It!

Today we did American and Christian duties...we voted. Of course, we make no bones about declaring our support to the Republican Party. Yesterday at church we had Citizen's Day. In the evening service, Rev. Tolley and myself divided up the moral issues up for grabs during this election. We tried to give Biblical principles for why they were wrong, such as gambling, sanctitiy of life, and sexual orientaton. It is my firm belief that a truly enlightened Christian cannot vote for a politician who lends his/her vote to killing babies, same sex marriage, civil unions and gambling. These are issues/sins that are damning America and when Christians stand by and vote for the people who promote them, where does the blood of the future generations lie. Enough preaching. I understand not everyone would agree with my thoughts, but think about, it's may be closer to the truth than you realize.

Another day. Another dinner.

Here we are, once again enjoying a wonderful meal before Christmas Program practice. As you can see, one of the eaters was growing very weary of all the chatter.

Tilly

Last night, over 30 people from the New Columbia congregation journeyed to Gratz Emmanuel Wesleyan church to watch them perform, Tilly. Their youth department was partnering with Lifeline Pregnancy Care Center to promote Pro-life. They did an outstanding job. I was unable to see it performed at Youth Challenge do to the fact that we were traveling that night. They put a lot of time and effort into the play. It was well worth the time and drive.