25 Years of Celebrating Christmas....
As we prepare to celebrate my 25th Christmas, my family took a look back....25 years is a big year and it was sweet to look back at all of my Christmas celebrations. Hope you enjoy how I have changed over the years. My family and I would like to wish you all a

VERY Merry Christmas

as you celebrate the

greatest gift of all - the gift of Jesus!!

Turning 25 at the Magic Kingdom.....

I just spent a week in Florida, celebrating my 25th Birthday. Disney sure knows how to decorate for the Christmas season! We went to "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party" and the castle was decorated with lights to look like icicles. It was beautiful. The party was a little different this year compared to past years. Great fireworks, stage shows and a parade. Our friend "Disney Colleen" was also vacationing in Florida so we went to the party together. Colleen also spent time with us at Hollywood Studios and she went to Magic Kingdom with me on my birthday!!



























On my birthday, we had a nice meal at the Crystal Palace in Magic Kingdom. Winnie the Pooh and his gang visited our table while we enjoyed my birthday meal. Dad, Piglet and Colleen posed for a picture.




I had a really good birthday - Lots of love from Colleen and my parents.



My Mom and Dad are thankful that God picked them for my family. They feel blessed that He entrusted them with such an awesome privilege. We have had a lot of good times together. They know I love Disney and they love to see me HAPPY!!!

A Day of Giving Thanks.....

Last Sunday we had a feast on my Dad's side of the family and tomorrow we will be going to my Grandma's house to feast with my Mom's side of the family.

Today was a good day. We stayed home for Thanksgiving Day and had a big Turkey dinner with my two Grandmas. I am very blessed to have two very sweet Grandmas and I am thankful that I could spend Thanksgiving Day with them. I miss both of my Grandpas. I am thankful that I was blessed with almost 25 years of love from my Grandpas.

I am thankful for my family.

Happy Thanksgiving & Blessings

to all my Friends and Family

As a community service and a very FUN outing, we placed Thanksgiving cards on each door at the Riverside Senior Apartments. Karen and Mom and I created the cards - each one unique. As you can see, we had a blast as we started the decorating....

Karen and Mom would give me a choice between 2 cards and I would choose which card to put on each door - they were amazed and pleased that I ALWAYS matched the color of the card to the decorations on the door.

They should not act so amazed because I know what I like and I obviously have an eye for color!

I also thanked Jesus for all my friends as you can see I am doing my sign for Jesus.

We did have a few cards left at the end which made a beautiful decorated tree in my school room.


I am thankful to all of you that read this BLOG and want you to know that as I celebrate Thanksgiving this year, I am thanking God for you!!!

Some Decisions are SO hard, but must be made for the betterment of ALL....
I know that I have mentioned my dog Molly on this BLOG in the past.

Here's a little history ...... Mom thought I needed a Dog and a Best Friend. So she searched for over one year to find the perfect companion for me. When we finally found her, we thought she was the cutest thing, trained her, loved her .... but she and I never became Best Friends. Molly favored Dad. Sometimes I would pull her ears and she probably wished she was an "only child". She was NEVER mean to me - she just ignored or avoided me. Mom & Dad tried to force us to acknowledge each other once in a while. Molly would play catch with me sometimes but she preferred laying on my bed pillow more than snuggling with me. Molly will be 7 years old in February and definitely became part of our little family.

Now the hard part...the decision - My Dad retired earlier this year and we have several trips planned in the future and will probably become "snowbirds" when I finish school in 2011. We have been leaving Molly a lot lately and it is hard for her to be alone - she is VERY social. We had to make a very hard decision about whether to keep her or find a new home for her.

God answered our prayers.... We found the PERFECT new home for her.
Yesterday she started living with her new family. We are all sad for us but happy for her.

The family that adopted her lives in my Grandma's neighborhood. My mom has known them all her life. They are wonderful friends. They are a young retired couple and their grandchildren live right across the street. They live in the country - a quiet road with little traffic. The grandchildren are so good with her and good for her. She warmed up to them quickly and they love her already.

The really cool thing about this change is that my Grandma will still see Molly and we can also go visit her. We don't want her to get confused so we will probably let her get settled before we pay her a visit.

We feel really good about our decision but our house sure is different without our little Molly. We love her and I know she loved us!!! :(( silly Mom crying over a dog!!!

Hope you enjoy the following pictures of Molly and her new family!!!

Sure missed this man!!!
My Dad was gone from home for a week for Michigan White Tail Deer Hunting. He drove a little over an hour to the southwest of our town and spent a week with a good friend. They were hunting on private property and he had a pretty successful trip. He was able to shoot two bucks and one doe. No pictures of the deer because he already took them to be processed :( He gave the meat away :) He just really enjoys the sport - the outdoors and spending a week in deer camp with true loyal friend.

We are happy that Dad could get away - since he is retired, we encouraged him to enjoy his hunting season like never before. We missed him and he gets double hugs this week to catch up - as you know he is my main guy (here on earth anyway!!)

WELCOME HOME DAD

& Glad you enjoyed your Hunt!

Some just get better with age!

Happy 81st Birthday MICKEY. I'll be at your house in 13 days to celebrate my birthday and attend your "Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party". Can't wait to see you!!

M-I-C-K-E-Y MOUSE

Born November 18, 1928

Please meet my wonderful dear friend . . .

Sister Elizabeth

Most Monday mornings are spent at a beautiful Senior Apartment complex in my town. I have made many wonderful friends over the years.

One amazing friend that I would like you to meet is "Sister Elizabeth".

She makes every attempt to track us down every Monday so that she can give us hugs. Our family also sees her around town....on Main Street and at the Loon's games.

This is a very special lady. She is little in stature but she has a big heart. She devoted her life to serving God as a Catholic Nun. She is officially retired but certainly has not stopped serving her Lord. She had a sister with special needs who has passed away...this gives her a soft heart for my friend April and I. She brightens my day and makes my community outing extra special. I love Sister Elizabeth and I look forward to seeing her each Monday morning.

I have been signing "Jesus" all week long for my Uncle Jeff......



I don't use a lot of sign language.....I basically have two hand signs that I use.

1) is my famous wave...if you know me...you know what I am referring to

2) I put my left index finger in the palm of my right hand - my sign for when I am -praying to Jesus - worshiping my Savior.


This week, my finger has been in the palm of my hand almost continually. I am praying for my Uncle Jeff. Last Monday, his wife, Aunt Bernie died unexpectedly while visiting her daughter in Florida. Her funeral is today.

Uncle Jeff: I don't know if you ever get a chance to see this blog but if you are reading this ....I want you to know that I love you and I am asking Jesus to fill the huge hole in your heart. You show me a lot of love and I want you to know that I love you too!!!

Hope you have a

and safe Halloween

Andy . . . . My . . . . Andy

My Andy is home ....... Last month, my Andy arrived home for a few months. It was SO good to see him!!!

He visits me often and even has participated in my community outings at Riverside with Karen & I.

Visiting my classroom......

Lots of snuggle time . . . .

If I hang on with both hands, maybe he won't leave :))

Thanks, again, Taylor - for sharing Andy!!!!! Also, thanks for the great pictures so that I could share Andy with my friends and family!!! Love you Both VERY MUCH.

Making Memories for a Lifetime . . .

Last night, I returned from a wonderful trip to Nevada. I flew with my parents to my Aunt and Uncle's house and had a very good vacation. It was a VERY long plane ride (took an entire day of travel to get there and another to get home plus a 3 hour time change). We had about 5 days of family fun....lots of good eating, the pumpkin patch, a girl's day out shopping (with a yummy lunch) and the highlight of the trip was an evening out to see the Lion King production at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. What a great way to spend a week!!!!

This picture was taken of my Aunt S and Uncle JJ with my cousins - G-man and KT-girl in their lovely home.

They opened up their home to us - They made us feel very welcome, good cookin', easy going, fun times - My cousin "G" even gave up his room for me! I was able to hibernate in his room and catch up from traveling and get my body ready for the Lion King show.

One hot morning, we visited their pumpkin patch (it was almost 90 degrees....a little different than the Michigan Pumpkin Patches that I have experienced). It was fun to hang out with G&K and get a few fun pictures!!

Loads of Fun.....Great Memories......

On Saturday evening, the seven of us went to the Mandalay Bay Resort and watched the Lion King. It was FANTASTIC ! ! !

It was fun getting dressed up for the production. "K" and I wore a little animal print and "G" looked as handsome as ever!!

If you are interested in seeing more pictures of our evening out, you might enjoy my Aunt S's Blog Postings .....please click here

What a great production of the Disney story of the Lion King - Bright colors, beautiful singing, lots of action - I LOVED IT.

After the show, we went for a little BBQ (well it wasn't so little!!!) but very YUMMY.

I had a wonderful trip - I was full of smiles and hugs for my extended family. The ride home was rough - starting with strong turbulance and then I had severe anxiety because of the light shining in the windows. God answered our prayers...I was able to be calm on the second leg of the trip and a nice lady at the airlines even moved us into First Class.....God is GREAT!!

It is always hard to say good-bye :( Parting is such sweet sorrow....

my favorite song from Lion King is.....

hakuna matata.....

It means no worries for the rest of your days.....it's a problem-free philosophy

hakuna matata.....

A perfect day for an Island stroll......

Our family loves to visit Mackinaw City and Mackinaw Island each summer. It is one of our favorite vacation spots. In July, we took a trip up north but the weather brought us home early before visiting the island. This past Monday, we decided to try again!!! It was worth the wait - PERFECT weather - low 70's - not a cloud in the sky when we went to the island. The lake was the most beautiful blue and the breeze was peaceful and relaxing.

The beautiful creation that God has given us in Michigan is beyond description. The man-made structures, the large freighters and luxury boats are a sight to behold.

But the best part of this place is the memories that we make each year as a family. Time spent with people that love and adore me!!!

Saying Goodbye to Grandpa.....

Aaron D. Geiling Sr., 82, of Sanford, passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday, Aug. 13, 2009. He was born in Sanford, on Oct. 6, 1926, to Florence (Hannafius) and Julius M. Geiling. Aaron graduated from Coleman High School in 1944 and proudly entered the U. S. Army in 1945, serving in Japan. He then continued 38 years of faithful service to The Dow Chemical Co. On Nov. 19, 1948, Aaron married Geraldine Methner, who was his loving wife, traveling companion, and best friend for over 60 years. Aaron and Gerry raised five children.


As a young man, Aaron enjoyed hunting, fishing and playing baseball, basketball, softball and volleyball. He took great pride in his community of Sanford, where he was a life long resident. Whether Aaron was in the stands, at the scorer’s table or on the field coaching, he was a loyal supporter of Meridian Public Schools and faithful Mustangs fan. Dad never missed a game! He also enjoyed following the Michigan Wolverines, Detroit Tigers, Red Wings, Lions and Pistons.


He is survived by Geraldine; sons, Aaron Jr. and wife Diane of Bay City, Kirk and wife Pam of Hope, Kevin and wife Connie of Midland, and one daughter, Peggy (Bacome) and husband David of Mount Pleasant. He is also survived by grandchildren, Bart, Lance, Heather, Abbie, Lindsey, Amanda, DJ., Olivia, Rachel and Tim. Aaron was predeceased by his son, Darrell Geiling; grandson, Billy Geiling; also by his brother, Alonzo Geiling; and sisters, Gleanis Johndro and Josephine Sepos.


A 7 p.m. memorial service will be held on Saturday, Aug. 15, 2009, at the Coleman Community of Christ Church, 407 E. Adams Street in Coleman. Visitation begins at 6 p.m. until time of service.Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a memorial in Aaron’s honor to the Meridian Public Schools Athletic Department (c/o Doug Fillmore).


Arrangements for Aaron have been entrusted to the care of the Ware-Smith-Woolever Funeral Directors. If you are unable to visit with the family in person you may send your condolences through http://www.waresmithwoolever.com/.

This evening, I will be attending my Grandpa's Memorial Service - I have had to say Goodbye to both of my Grandpas this year. In your prayers today, could you please ask God to comfort our family.

First Day of Summer School 2009

GOOD-BYE Mom... GOOD-BYE Dad....


Good-Bye - Molly..... Back to school - Back to an early morning bus ride - back to having fun with my friends at school!!!

Happy Independence Day

My 4th of July Celebration started on Friday night at a Loon's Game. With a record crowd of over 6,000 fans, the Loons beat the Lansing Lugnuts 5-3 when Dee Gordon hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the 12th inning. We enjoyed the fireworks after the game so I didn't get to bed until almost midnight.......that is a VERY late night for me!!! It will take a couple of days for me to recover!


I had a very relaxing day. Sleeping, eating and sitting on the back porch with my great friend "Disney Colleen".

Our friend, Colleen, arrived at noon and spent the day with us. We enjoyed Dad's YUMMY BBQ Chicken, Colleen's wonderful Vidalia Onion Casserole, Potato Salad, Watermelon and a Red/White/Blue dessert.

The day was spent relaxing on the back porch . . . eating and discussing our up-coming Disney trip with Colleen. She will be celebrating my 25th birthday with me at Disney World in December. We talked about possible dining experiences, Mickey's Very Merry Christmas Party and other fun Disney attractions that we will enjoy together with Colleen.

I napped a lot on the 4th of July this year.....trying to regain my strength from the night before. I loved spending my day with my good friend Colleen.

This picture was taken last year on 4th of July. Normally, I celebrate Independence Day with my Grandpa Bob. I really missed him this year. All of my holiday celebrations will be different now that Grandpa went to live with Jesus. He was always so happy to see me and I loved being with my Grandpa. He had unconditional love for me and never expected me to be anything other than "his girl".

My 4th of July celebration was not the same this year without my Grandpa Bob.

Thank You . . . to my friend Colleen for spending the day with my family. You are a good friend and we are thankful for the relaxing "back-porch" Independence Day Celebration!!!