New Car

This past week we finally found a car. No it wasn't in California. It was in Sinking Springs, PA. It is a 2002 Volkswagon Jetta. It has leather interior, CD, Automatic (Tiptronic), heated seats and it is a 1.8 Turbo. I'm hooked. Volkswagon's are a great way to go!

What A Trip

Today we returned from the Senior Trip. We had a blast! This is the chalet we stayed in. It ws three stories. Very nice. Among paintballing, we also whitewater rafted, golfed, miniture golfed, played tennis and X-box on a 54 inch plasma screen. It was awesome. I felt like a kid again. ( I'm allowed. I'm not 30 yet!) It was great. The kids were a hoot. Even though we had a grand time, it is great to be home and see the kids. We sure missed them.

26

This is the number of bruises, big bruises, that I have on my body after my first paintball experience. Vonnie and I were co-sponsors for the High School seniors for their senior trip. They went to the Poconos and one of the many exciting things they did was paintball. If you are ever in Mt. Pocono you should try it. For more information go to www.skirmish.com. It is rated #1 in the country with over 700 acres of woods and courses. The last game we played was called paint to pain. Basically you were never declared dead. You could stay in as long as you could endure the pain. Al in all, it was a great experience and I can't wait for the chance to do it again.

Cruisin'

Kevin Forney stopped by the other day and while he was here, the kids went cruisin'. Justin loves it when Kevin takes him for a spin. One of these days, I'll have to use Justin as an excuse to get a bike!

Mexican Meal

We recently had our annual mexican meal that was sold at the Penn View auction. Valerie and Vonnie have done one the past two years. They do an awesome job. They fix authentic food...and lots of it. I do my part by fixing mexican fried ice cream. They vow this year was the last! But have no fear, I'm in the family so I can get it whenever:) Valerie makes the best homemade guacamole! Mmm. I'm making myself hungry. Some of the guest have been the James Plank family, Michael Mason family, Steve and Sarah Miller, Donnie and Becky Hallenbeck, the Forneys, the Beachels and the Slavens. It has been great!

"I want a jump-a-leen"

These were the words of Justin after jumping on Jamison and Jennifer's trampoline.

On the Road Again

Yesterday was an off day for Vonnie and I. Since Laura was off for spring break and wasn't working, she babysat the kids and we went spent the day out. We are currently looking for a new car. I am a big fan off internet shopping, so we went to New Jersy to look at a car. Instead of getting a car, I about got a jail sentence. The story goes like this. We are probably going to purchace a VW Jetta. (We really like the Passat, but haven't had much luck finding one...for us.) I found this VW Passat online on autotrader.com. It was actually pretty cheap fpr a Passat, so I called the guy. Oh, he ranted and raved about the car. I asked some pretty detailed questions considering the drive is nearly three hours. His answers were, the car is in excellent shape. It runs great. Everythings works like it should. Well, we show up and guess what...There was a large scratch down the side, a dent to match, the air didn't work and the moonroof was malfunctioned. To top it all, his "car lot" was a body/junk shop. There were a few broken fixtures inside the car I was pointing out when he had the nerve to ask, "What do you expect for such a low price?" My answer was simple..."I didn't expect anything different, except for the fact you told me it was in excellent shape." Considering all the heaps of junk that it was sitting around, to him, it was in excellent shape. I wanted so bad to ring his neck, but refrained and left. So the saga continues.

New Gadget

My two year contract ran out recently with Verizon. I was having trouble dropping people all the time. After 4 or 5 trips to the shop, we came to the conclusion it was a deficient phone. Well, problem solved. I got a new phone. It is a Motorola Krazer, a new version of the oh-so-popular Razor. I love it. It comes with a bluetooth ear piece. So far, so good.

Remodeling

My father-in-law, Don Hallenbeck, is doing some minor reinovations in our house. He is fixing things so that we can bring our washer and dryer out of the basement to the upstairs. They will now be located in the guest bathroom. Vonnie is thrilled. No more climbing the stairs everyday with a clothes basket full of clothes.

Kayla's Two...on Friday!

Yesteray, we celebrated Kayla's 2nd birthday since my mom and dad were in from West Virginia. We gathered at Don and Val's and had supper and then birthday cake. Gwen Tolley made a really nice cake for her. It's hard to believe two years have come and gone. She is already potty trained and is starting to put words together. Wow...I'm getting old!

Pennsylvania Hillbillies

A couple of weeks ago, our church's young married class has a Hillbilly Shindig. Pictured are the class teachers, Roy and Doris Hoffman. They do a fantastic job. Also pictured are some of the food...Pickled frog...Catlitter cake. That one actually looked a little to real.

Gwen's Restoration

When Vonnie and I got married, my mom gave me a quilt, ole' Betsy, that was my great-grandmothers. I loved this quilt. It was a king-sized quilt and it was one of the real heavy ones. Thin, but heavy. Of course it was a old quilt and to say it was very, very ragged would be an understatement. I was discouraged because I thought it was time to say our tearful good-byes. But, then along came Gwen...Gwen Tolley. She took that quilt and restored it into this beautiful quilt. My nights are much more peaceful and my sleep has come so much easier now that I have it back. The tombstone came from Gwen as a reminder of ole' Betsy.

Yesterday was a very bad day for me. Mainly because it was mostly spent painting. Our bedroom now has a new look. As the pictures show, not everything is back in place, but I'm sure I'll be doing that soon. It was a lot of work, but we like it, so that makes it worth while.

I Miss Frank, Daddy

These were Justin's words this evening as we came home from town. The late Frank was our pet dog. Frank had the life span of nearly three-and-a half months. We found him strangled to death after an outside stay went bad. Apparently, life was rough for him at the Ellison homestead. Restricted areas in the house...no climbing on the furniture...a cold shoulder from the woman of the house. It was just too much. Today, he wrapped himself, by his leash, around a bush and strangled himself to death. His memory lingers still! Anyone wanting to contribute in the funeral meal may do so!

Already!?!?

Kayla has already picked up the wonderful female gift of gab. She loves to talk on the phone. Noboby understands her, but she talks a mile a minute.

Roger Bennett Dies

Roger Bennett, long time pianist for the The Cathedrals, and to-date was the pianist of Legacy Five, died today. He died to complications from his chemotherapy. He was 48 years old.

We Have Arrived

Lewisburg, PA was put on the map today. A moment we have all been waiting for happened around 8:00 am Wednesday morning. A Super-Walmart came to town. Not just any Super-Walmart, but the largest one in PA. It is huge. It is nice to have a Super-Walmart. Once you have shopped at one, on regular Walmart just isn't the same. I try and post a couple of pics later.

In Memory Of...

We received the sad news tonight that Rev. Smokey McDonald was killed in a tragic accident today. The accident involved a backhoe that flipped and threw Mr. McDonald. The backhoe then rolled and landed on Smokey. We remember Smokey from the times we were at Bible Methodist Youth Camp. He was always a lot of fun to be with. In my younger years, Smokey made a big impact on me. Smokey always made it a point to let you know he believed in you. That meant a lot as a young person. Our prayers are with the family during this very traumatic time.

Happy Birthday Vonnie!

On March 3, Vonnie turned 30. We gathered at the Hallenbeck's for her birthday bash. Gwen Tolley made her cake, Valerie made some flat-out awsome lasagna, and others gathered to give her a surprise.

Welcome, Frank

Today we welcomed a new member to the Ellison family. Frank, as Justin has named him, is a mut, part Sharpei and part lab. He's a cutie. We will keep you posted!!

Sweetheart Banquet Part 2

1) The DeStefanos and the Swinefords arrive safely. 2) Rev. Harry and Rachael Plank were among the destinguished guest there Saturday evening. (Rev. Plank was our speaker). 3) Eric and Jill are great friends. 4) Here we have the Pastoral Staff at New Columbia GMC...The Ellisons and the Tolleys.

Sweetheart Banquet

Saturday evening, the young people of our church put on their first Sweetheart Banquet. They did a fantastic job. We are proud of our young people! The pics are: 1) One of our smiling servers, Kevin Forney, 2) The cake was provided by Marlyn Kohler (Red Velvet), 3) Two more of our servers, Katie and Marie 4) If you have it, they will come...some of the croed begins to gather. More pics in a moment.

Party Time!

Friday evening we went to the gym in Mifflinburg to celebrate Eric Susan's 25th birthday. We played quite a few good games of volleyball. Afterwards we played some basketball in which I was reminded why I wasn't recruited by the NBA. Happy Birthday Eric!

Ministerial

Do you need new shoes?
Aaron preparing to dine at the salad bar.
Always fun to play basketball.
Dwight receiving "something" from Pres. Plank.

Ministerial was great this year (probably the best ever). It was blast to sit around and play guitars and such with the men. As always, basketball reminds you how out of shape you are. But the fellowship was great and needed. Bro. Donald Myers did a fantastic job at giving us practical truths dealing with "Teamwork". Can't wait till next year.