Improvements

Today was another long day. I spent the morning finishing up my message for tomorrow. Them Steve Miller came over and helped do some remodeling at the church. (Actually he did the remodeling and I helped him). We moved the secretary's office into the church library, therefore giving me a little more office space. I needed more room for books, etc. but this also gives me more privacy for meetings. With the secretary office being right outside my door, conversations could easily be heard outside, even with the door shut. Now...problem solved. I will post pics soon.

Beyond My Expectations

Tonight, Vonnie and I went out by ourselves. It was my first time at Red Lobster. I was impressed. Vonnie had grilled chicken (she is allergic to fish). I had their classic fried shrimp and the Italian Shrimp Scampi. It was delicious. We will be back. Thanks Sheri and Willard for watching the kids for a couple of hours. You are great!

PA Farm Show

Recently, we spent the day at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. The kids enjoyed the activities, the animals and the horse pulls. I enjoyed the food! The kids look forward to it every year. They have already asked how long it is till the next one.

April 16, 2008

Vonnie's due date!

New Year's Eve

It has become a tradition to celebrate New Year's eve at the Hallenbeck home. We get together and play Rook, Pit, Dutch Blitz, Xbox (Halo2 and NCAA football). As you can see we were not lacking in the food department (the desert table is not shown). It was a great time to be with a lot of friends and bring in the new year realizing we are blessed to have such great friends.

New Addition

This is a great game that was put out in 1989. It must not have been a big seller because it is out of production. I have seen them on ebay at outrageous prices. It is such a great game that I finally broke down and bought one. It is used but in great shape. It will be used a lot more by the time we are done. Vonnie is already beating me two-to-one.

Movin' Up

According to our news station 1070 WKOK, Starbucks is coming to town. It is to be approved this month at meeting of officials. It will be located near Walmart.

So Far So Good

Some may remember a contest that Jim Plank, Jon Plank, Aaron McCarty and myself have going. A contest to see who is right concerning the 2008 elections. Every one, except me, said that Hilary Clinton would take the Democratic nomination. I, and only I, had, and still have, more faith in the American people than to election the "wicked witch of New York". Well, with the first caucuses over in Iowa, Clinton took third. Obama -37.36; Edwards - 29.97; Clinton - 29.45, according to drudgereport.com. Huckabee took first with a good 9 point lead over Romney and Thompson took third for the Republicans. So far; so good!

Christmas 2007

Christmas was a very busy time this year. With programs, dinners, caroling, meals, etc., it was a welcomed joy to spend time with the kids and family. We had a great Christmas and a wonderful New Year (more pics of that later). We hope that your new year is filled with joy, peace and happiness.

It's Official

We are having a BOY!

"A little bit not"

Justin's response to me after I asked if he was good in church.

VACATION!!

Well. it is finally here. After a very hectic year and going into a very hectic season, our family is going to get away for a few days. Lord willing, (something a pastor always says before vacation, because inevitably, if something is going to happen concerning church work it will happen the day of departure) we will be leaving after service tomorrow evening to head towards Hobe Sound, Florida. We are going to visit my wife aunt and uncle, Paul and Donna Peak. I probably will not blog until we return. Not that my posts have been regular recently. So long, farewell!

Finishing Touches

There are those who were greatly concerned about the little shelf on the big wall. Well, we weren't done hanging decorations because she hadn't bought them all yet. Today, we accomplished that task. Here is final result.

Newly Remodeled Kitchen

This past week during our revival, our evangelist Rev. Stephan Cassady and I had the bright idea to remodel the kitchen. So we started and I just finished moments ago. We took out some cabinets, put in some recessed lighting, and did some painting. The only other improvement we will do is put in new counter tops. The one on the bar will be wider so we can put in some bar stools. Here are the pics.

Revival

We just closed out our fall revival with Stephen & Nicole Cassady. It was a great time. God has been helping us at the New Columbia God's Missionary Church. There was a great spirit leading into the meeting and it seemed to have continued throughout the meeting. There were seekers in 4 of the services...to God be the Glory. The Cassadys were a real treat to have in our home. We had a great time. We thank God for His help and are anticipating His continued help in the future.

Chicken Crostina

Tonight I tried something I've never done before. I cooked supper. Many of you know that Olive Garden is my favorite restaurant. The last time there I had a dish very similar to this. So tonight I set out to fix it. Believe it or not, it tasted a lot like it. Rest assured, Olive Garden has nothing to fear from Chef Matte', but I must say, mine wasn't to bad. My dream is to one day visit Italy, Venice especially.

Promoted

Justin has graduated to the next Sunday school class. He tearfully said goodbye to Teacher Vonnie and his dear friends and a half cheerful and tearful hello to his new teacher Mrs. DeStefano and friends.

Happy Birthday Justin

Yesterday was Justin's fifth birthday. Man, how time flies. We have never had a "real" party for him, because he didn't quite underdatnd it all. So it has always been with just family. This year we invited the Randy & Gwen Tolley and their crew, Eric and Jill Susan and their kids and Steve and Sarah Miller, the Hallenbecks, Laura and Jon and Alica Plank. Not everyone could come but Justin had a great time. He was surprised. Yesterday, Justin asked Vonnie to help put on his socks. Vonnie said your 5 now and a big boy, you can do it. His response was, I'm not 5 yet. People haven't come to my house and I haven't eaten my cake yet. Happy Birthday Justin. We love you and wouldn't trade you for the world!

Bad Breath

While I was away, Justin and Kayla slept in our bed with Vonnie. One morning Kayla woke up and said, "Mommy, your breath sinks". Vonnie said, "It does not. What does it smell like"? Kayla's response...."Cow poop".