A Week in Review

Girls day out … Our Penn State chick earned an ‘A’ on a very difficult psych exam so Ashley and I celebrated over shrimp & fettuccine pasta bowls and a pink shopping spree; pink blouse for me and pink slacks for grandma (if Ash had it her way it would be the only color any of us would ever wear!).

We rocked out to Christina Aguilera and Rihanna in the car; Ash is trying a few songs on for size in prep for the next American Idol go-around; watch out world our little slice of white bread can belt it out with the best of them! In first grade she could do Whitney and by fourth was nailing Wynona’s, deep, sultry sound. Anyway you toss it - pop, country or R&B she likes to jazz it up and spit it out her way.

Ash and Mica enjoyed an ‘Avenged Sevenfold’ concert at the University of Pittsburgh – drummer’s rock! Michael’s former band ‘Our Dying Moment’ has reunited and is having fun jamming together once again. Band members close to ten years older than Michael asked him to drum for them when he was only 15; yup he is that good! Now at age 20 and with muscles of steel from using a double peddle when he drums he has taken his talent to a new level. He also plans to audition for Idol with Ash – but hush; no one is to know they are girl friend-boy friend :)

Cameron celebrates his birthday this week! Here’s a ‘two clap’ for our son at college in Utah (a two clap is my equivalent of a standing ovation!!). He's off to St. George for some fun in the sun this weekend before returning to the weekly grind of school and work. and he is thrilled to be working with the career development department at school in preparation for graduation in the not too distant future.

Jon has been busy with home repairs, on going negotiations at work and retirement party’s for several friends who are now off to greener pastures – well at least we can hope considering the fate of our 401k’s and Obama mania :) I have spent a week training a delightful manufacturing company, a communications corporation and in discussions/negotiations with a large healthcare organization so I think I deserve to sit back, relax and watch ‘Friday Night Lights’ on TV and veg for now! Later gaiter :)

Twilight Zone Revisited

Speaking of training an organization in healthcare while at Penn State, HOW in the world did we end up in the state of Maryland in the dead of night lost and befuddled?! Wow, one wrong turn and we ended up traversing Icabod Crane farm roads out in the middle of the woods in hicks-ville IN the dark IN a snow storm! Now that was one wild ride for sure!! If only we had stopped for that frozen coke and tossed the GPS out the window! What a hoot :) … Hindsight.

Sentimental Journey

A Valentine for my husband ... "Grow old along with me, the best is yet to be. The last of life for which the first was made!" The temple, one of any number throughout the country, is one of our favorite places to be together. The Washington DC temple is our temple district; we have many fond memories being in this sacred temple together as well as with friends and family! I love you Jon! You are such an incredible man; a man of integrity. How delightful to still be laughing together and enjoying life after all of these years. xoxo

(photo's by Cameron)

Goooooooo Pens!

We won't deny it ... we have come to LOVE hockey due to living here in the East! Considering the fact that the Pens have been Stanley Cup winners it brings a new level of expertise and excitement to the game. I personally enjoy live games especially when seated in the Igloo seats close to the action. Jon and the rest of our family, however, also enjoy watching them play via TV.

Jon and Cam have a father-son tradition going to the games; they go wild during 'white out' nights (all of the spectators dress in white to show support). Steelers rock, the Pens rule and the Pirates - well, two out of three ain't bad?! haha (we love all our home boys)

That's Life!

After finally finding a specialist who has precisely diagnosed Ashley’s hip problems she looks forward to getting the surgeries behind her and hopefully living pain free after all of these years. As such, she transferred and is now a Penn State co-ed where she especially enjoys her psych class and can maneuver around more easily. So long IUP, roomie Meg and the fun memories. Life’s twists and turns in everyone’s lives are ever changing. When one door closes another door opens and as they say … Life goes on! (fyi - Meg remains a dear friend; no way will any of us let her meander out of our lives :)

A Pittsburgh Autumn

Autumn in Pennsylvania is exquisite! We live in a densely wooded environment; think over the river and through the woods to grandmothers house we go (song). Roads snake over hill and dell and more dear become road kill on a daily basis than one can imagine! Cam hit a deer which had leaped in front of him while driving on the PA Turnpike and a 12 point buck jumped square onto the hood of Jon's new truck; it's a wonder it didn't go through the windshield harming Jon!! Nevertheless, the flora and fauna here is simply breathtaking.

Super Bowl win # 6 ... Way to go Steelers!

Jon stood with 100,000 other Steeler fans from the burg watching the post Super Bowl parade. We Pittsburghers love those boys from the hood! ... Goooooo Still-ers!

BARBIE & KEN CHRONICLES - Over the hill Barbie and mid-life crisis Ken :)

Welcome to the Barbie & Ken Chronicles … I'm thinking about a bronzed life guard, down hill skier, avid golfer, pianist & music enthusiast, math & physics wiz, brilliant conversationalist with a lively sense of humor; yup, and a true man of integrity = Date Night Trivia … Answer: The guy I used to flirt with at age 16 … Oops, I married him!

Yeah - well, I’m thinking of a strawberry blond ballerina, tan mermaid & Homecoming queen, journalism junkie & English enthusiast with a cheerful personality, zany sense of fun, loving heart & a killer temper; yup, a true woman of integrity = Date Night Trivia … Answer: The girl I used to day dream about at age 17 … Oops, she caught me!

And this is how it all began back in the day - waaaaay back in the day :) … Fast forward a gazillion and a half years later to begin reading about all of the mischief and mayhem associated with Becca’s shenanigans!

PS Over the hill Barbie and mid-life crisis Ken rock on ... now with two incredible college kids and a pampered poochie named Missy Belle Buttons; so is your head spinning wildly out of control yet?! hahahahaha

Attempting to bring you, the reader, up to speed with burnt out Barbie and hen pecked Ken's lives (just kidding) will be my goal; at least those of you attempting to escape long, tiresome nights of insomnia who actually enjoy reading overly newsy blogs like this one. We'll begin in 2002 making our way through the choices and challenges a family experiences throughout the year.

Put your feet up, pour yourself a cup of hot cocoa, prop those eye lids open with a couple of tooth picks and let's goooooooooo ...

(Note: During the holiday season each year we share zany family newsletters with friends and family. The following are excerpts from letters beginning in 2008 working back to 2002.)

2008 Up to speed with burnt out Barbie & hen pecked Ken

NO PLACE LIKE HOME … IN THE BURG! Holiday Newsletter Vol 21 - 2008

Special note: This has been a very bitter sweet year due to the passing of my dad, brother, bringing mom home to live with us and both Cam and Ashley off to college. We count our many blessings and rejoice in each precious moment of family life recognizing the influence of our Savior in all that we do. After 21 years of sending you our quirky Christeson newsletters I have had to take a different approach due to time and energy constraints. Knowing that you have enjoyed my letters each year I will strive to kick back into “Rebecca mode” by next year returning to my general writing style. For now, enjoy and know how thankful we are to have received your well wishes, friendship and prayers in our behalf this past year! (PS these are my journal entries in random order so just zoom through what you desire to read)

PRETTY IN PINK … Senior prom … Michael in a car wreck, tux AOL, Ashley in a tizzy but it all worked out well! … (That is after I rescued the tux, Ashley ceased crying, Mike survived the shock putting metal to the peddle and everyone made it on time on a wing and prayer), haha … Ashley, Lexie, Stacy, Jen, Bree, & Kaelyn along with their handsome dates and all of us parents met at Stacy’s home for pre-prom group pictures … It was a glamour fest! … Then all twelve of them piled into their stretch limo and were whisked away to the high school for the on stage promenade, Ash looked stunning in her hot pink form fitted gown adorned with beads and sequins … After being introduced and escorted on stage by their dates there were still more photo ops and then off to the Omni William Penn Hotel down town (duntun) where they went to dine and dance the night away … After the prom they went to a restaurant in Shadyside to hear live jazz being played while enjoying desert then back to Stacie’s for an all night after prom party … Wow, does life get any more boring than this?!

DRUM STICKS ... Mica celebrated his one year anniversary as a member of the Church this past fall … He continues his studies at the university deciding between a major in computer technology or music ed … A skilled musician in both voice (classical training) and percussion he, along with Ashley, continues to bring the blessing of music into our home! … We enjoy his cheerful, loving, personality and industrious work ethic. (And we will be in shock when he cuts off the locks … wahahahaha)

BOOM TOWN … Assigned to the burbs of Baltimore with an overall team of around 40 college guys from Utah, Cam set out for the summer selling Apex alarm systems … He and his friends had great fun exploring the area and once again hitting the pavement alone for days on end in the heat and humidity going door to door selling their system … The guys covered a territory consisting of a portion of Delaware up through Baltimore, MD and into Harrisburg, PA … Yup, I don’t think he plans to visit Baltimore again anytime soon

GRAFFITI … Cam drove in to New York City with friend Jake wherein they met up with some fun LDS friends who were in Jersey working as nannies … The foursome had a blast hanging out around Central Park, Times Square, Hard Rock, Rockefeller Center, riding the subway and having the time of their lives while in the big apple.

RED, WHITE & BOOGIE … Our family spent a few days in Baltimore, Washington DC & Annapolis over July 4th visiting Cam … We enjoyed fireworks on the 4th over Baltimore Harbor … A visit to the National Aquarium where we had zany fun in the 4-D movie … An evening visit to our all time favorite hang out over the years in DC at the monuments, nothing beats being at the Lincoln and Viet Nam memorials close to midnight! … And a walk around the Washington temple grounds … It was wonderful having Cam on a family adventure with us once again and Michael enjoyed his first trip ever to DC and to the Washington Temple which was a very moving and sacred experience for all of us.

REB-A-CA … As for me … I reflect on the many blessings of my life and this wild ride I continue to enjoy as a wife, mother, businesswoman, member of the Church and all over party girl (yup, that’s right, on some nights I can even force myself to stay awake past 9 pm!) … Busily training industries within banking, manufacturing, & healthcare toward years end I decided, “I think this calls for a stiff Shirley Temple on the rocks heavy on the grenadine to get me through!”… Catch me if you can on FaceBook (Rebecca Christeson) or my web site www.ChristesonandAssociates.com (It is a riot to share FaceBook messages & photos with our kids, family & friends around the counry. Start one for yoursef and we can keep in touch more easily!)

PARTY CENTRAL … Cam drove up for graduation to route his sister on; after which a fun family evening was spent at a favorite Italian restaurant whooping and hollering … Wrapping up her year with a bang with her musically themed graduation party the end of June (here in the East a gazillion grad parties are thrown by parents for their kids) … Michael’s band performed front and center out in the cul-de-sac (which due to the decibels, haha, I’m sure sent some neighbors above and below us reeling) and then an evening of karaoke and open mic followed with her friends … Prior to a down pour we enjoyed a lovely buffet and much laughter on the back lawn under a canopy and then post haste into the house for karaoke craziness, board games, food galore and Ashley’s kiss the wall poster (lipstick even on the guys leaving their unique pucker-up signatures behind) and her memory display with a collage of photos, awards received from church and school along with her Andy Warhol-like pop art photo of herself we had made to remind her of the glory days and of course mom, dad and Missy Belle Buttons playing hosts to all of the merriment and mayhem … Our walls will wax silent once our little song bird has flown the coop this fall!

GO PENS!!!! … Cam drove up from Baltimore twice to attend ‘white out nights’ with his dad for the Pens Stanley Cup hockey playoffs … A father-son tradition of many years … Having not been able to do so for the past five due to Cam being away at college and on his mission it was wonderful for them to once again enjoy their sports nights together … Everyone wears their white shirts and goes nuts routing on one of the burg’s favorite teams! … Prior to the game Cam enjoyed time shooting pictures of the city, visiting with Jon’s colleagues and enjoying lunch with his dad.

THE BOARDWALK … Surfs up dude! … Jon and I feel we have endured more stress and exhaustion than any two people can be expected to bear over a matter of months; due to both deaths in my family, and bringing mom back to live with us. Adjusting to her dementia and other health challenges requiring in and out of the hospital stays along with skilled nursing care. (though challenging caring for her it has been such a privilege and a blessing as we all love her so very much!) … Cleaning out and closing down my childhood home in Utah all the while wrapping up Ashley’s busy senior year and Jon and my unusually hectic work schedules … So after getting both of our kidlets safely off to college we decided it was time for one of our favorite road trips to the BEACH for a few days of well earned peace and quiet … Ocean City is only a few hours drive away and is where we have spent several memorable family vacations over the years … Ahhh, I remember the days of running up and down the beach chasing our kids, burying them in the sand, collecting early morning shells and wearing a knock out swim suit – yup that life really did exist for us once ) …Now we veg by the edge dressed in our ghastly, middle age, UGLY swim wear coping with my two broken feet which struggle to maneuver in the sand and Jon’s deficient kite he labored with in an attempt to send it soaring, haha ... The ‘highlight’ being hundreds of bikers roaring into town for one of their collective bike tours which was a riot! … As I continue to enjoy nibbling on my box of salt water taffy I keep wondering what ever happened to that pink Harley I always dreamed of owning, dressed in black leather, bugs smashing into my teeth and long hair whipping against my face as Jon and I pulled an ‘Easy Rider’ into the sunset ??!! … Bugs? Teeth? Perhaps some dreams are best left just that!

CACTUS PETE …The beach was heavenly but I’ll have a double dip of Tucson & Phoenix please … We flew out to Phoenix and then on to Tucson in October for some R&R in conjunction with business where I enjoyed the freedom of exploring the area while Jon was in meetings … (The boarder patrol and tacos – hey, works for me!) … We enjoyed dining out with friends, a little sight seeing although we bagged the cattle drive and golf this trip electing to evaluate possible retirement living … Endless miles of sunny skies, giant cactus and road runners – beep beep … It was a freaking fantastic fiesta … or is that siesta? Funny, I don’t remember having Alzheimer’s?!

CURVE BALLS … Wiith a little white knuckle driving Jon made it to Onterio Canada and back alive and kicking in his Hummer – rented that is – while battleing a dreadful snow storm … In December I flew grandma back to American Fork, the home town she remembers which is near and dear to her heart after a long stint in a skilled nursing facility … Wonder’s never cease but the Lord’s hand is ever present in our daily lives guiding the many decisions we continue to make … She is so happy and surrounded by scores of family and friends who adore her!! … With this trip I was also able to spend a couple of whirl wind days with Cameron and Emily hanging with my posse, haha … It was delightful coming to know Emily even better and spending time with Cam as well as several dear family members; even though he was scheduled to fly back to the burg only 4 days after me?! … Talk about bizarre planning on my part but sometimes one has little control over life’s necessities … With all the joys of this year the deep seeded grief on many fronts has been almost more than I can bare … I REALLY look forward to 2009! … Also, by the end of Ashley’s first semester she was in unbearable pain due to on going hip problems; she is being sent for additional testing and we hope they can pinpoint a diagnosis and treatment so that we may see improvement in the next few months!! … As such she is in the process of applying to Penn State University and is hopeful about all things new to come … ("When one door closes another door opens ." - Helen Keller).

BLUES TRAVLER … Cross country Baltimore to Salt Lake … Three day killer drive alone, Cam humored himself by documenting his drive thru states by shooting the signs of the times … Best quote: By Ashley’s roommate Megan regarding Cam and Ash, “When you see each other, it’s like a solar eclipse. Rare and beautiful, and you can barely look at it.” (It always breaks Ashley’s heart when her brother heads back west to school.)

COLLEGE PREP … IUP (Indiana University of Pennsylvania) … Think: the mastermind behind You Tube on the web plus the movie legend Jimmy Stewart and what do you have??… An IUP alumnus and movie legend who grew up near the university … Ashley’s new home away from home 1st semester – COLLEGE! … Accepted into the college of music after auditions and theory testing she is now a Music Education major possibly in music performance with a concentration in voice and a minor in French … Though by this time next year that might have changed?! … Her required 18 credit hours consist of music theory, theory skills, ear training, English, French Italian & German diction, piano, private voice and of course French and history in addition to performing in choral concerts and attending numerous symphonies, jazz band concerts, etc., as part of her curriculum all of which is daunting... She learned what exhaustion really felt like all the while having college fun as well … The immediate icing on the cake was auditioning for Chamber Choir and being selected; and this fall being asked by her professor to sing a solo with the chorus as her backup – oh yeah! “A painter paints pictures on canvas. But musicians paint their pictures on silence.” Meghan and Ash loved their shared apartment in one of the new complexes housing the fine arts wing, it even had a Steinway grand piano in the lobby (one of approx 82 on this all Steinway campus) … The girls ‘doll house’ was a girlie-girl fest with a Hello Kitty theme bathroom thrown into the mix … Michael lived a couple of blocks away in his own off campus housing with a bunch of guys – their abode was decorated in ‘if it sticks to the wall or doesn’t stick to the sole of your shoe then it rocks’ kinda theme, haha (or wait – was that Ashley’s apartment, haha??) … They attended the Indiana branch on Sunday’s with a very warm and inviting congregation in our church which included several great friends from over the years! … They made fast friends with other students in their apartments and classes, became sick of dining hall food and Ash was addicted to staying up late studying, eBay-ing and creeping on Face Book … Guitar Hero & Starbachs hot cocoa also saved the day! (Cousin Delanie’s quote regarding Ashley, “She’s hilarious and brilliant and joyous all-round, how can anybody not adore that?”)

NIGHTMARE ON ELM STREET (Locust Ave.) … Jon flew out to Utah to clean out and close down mom’s home for her in July … WHAT a major undertaking!! … Aunt Joan insisted on helping this independent man of mine and together they shared many long 12-hour days in the heat of the great basin with no air conditioning while cleaning, packing, sorting and discarding … Many thanks to Aunt Lily next door, also, for bringing cold drinks and lunch to sustain him when he wouldn’t stop to take a break (a man on a mission let me tell you!) … Many thanks to Kevin Skelton, good friend of my folks, who also helped in more ways than one … Then Jon headed home on his long three day drive in a mini U-haul with some of mom’s belongings … Aunt Lily, the Skelton family and many other ward members have been very dear to my folks over the years, bless their hearts for years of tender, loving care in behalf of my parents and still in the end doing all that they could to help … Earth angles for sure! … Heartbreaking to see ones childhood home closed but the wonderful memories live on!

GIRLIE GIRL FEST … Girls road trip - Maybelle, Beccabelle and Ashleybelle, flew out to Utah (without Missy Belle) only one day after Jon returned home to take grandma back to visit with family and friends … We enjoyed a lovely week visiting with Malc & Sharon, Joan & Dallen, Barbara & Duane, Theorn & Faye (mom’s brothers) and Lily along with many of our cousins … Malc & Sharon graciously invited mom to stay with them allowing Ash and I the mobility to enjoy some mother-daughter time … We accomplished a lot visiting reception centers including our fairy god-mother Jane Robinson who owns The Bungalow an exquisite reception center consisting of beautiful outdoor garden areas and French influenced interiors (where Jon and I had our wedding reception, many moons and snow capped mountains in June no less, ago) remains Ashley’s all time favorite … Ashley tried on wedding gowns (Utah being the only place on the face of the earth where a future bride can choose from hundreds of gowns in a myriad of stores that cater to the ‘modest’ LDS bride along with everything else pertaining to planning a beautiful wedding day (note-not until 2010) … And of course shopping and getting to hang out with both cousin Loraine and friend Gayle! … Sharon hosted a lovely family dinner get-together for all of us to visit with everyone and also another for all of mom’s high school girl friends in whom she has remained close to for seventy years! … Lily hosted another fun open house for members from mom and dad’s ward in Pleasant Grove to drop by and visit … Grandmabelle enjoyed a fabulous time and like her day care center here in PA states ‘focusing on the quality of the moment’ is what counts … She was especially trilled to visit dad and my brother’s graves helping to bring some closure to these past five confusing months wherein she has had to adapt to dad’s passing and being relocated 2,000 miles away from her PG home … How blessed I am to have such incredible aunts and uncles who are so caring and sharing, supportative and insightful; remarkable people in whom I dearly love

BACK IN THE BUBBLE … Cam is once again back at school at Utah Valley University, a student body of approx 26,000 and has returned to the salt mines (work) as well … Fall semester entailed classes such as operative management, corporate finance, effective business presentations and geology. With geology as his least interesting science credit being met, he will now be able to matriculate focusing solely on classes within his major of International Business … He has enjoyed finally getting to room with his dear friend Ryan in whom he grew up with here in the burg … Ryan has a local internship for a semester so he and Cam are enjoying catching up! … Cam, Ryan and some buddies took one of their famous road trips, this one to Vegas and on to La Jolla, California to enjoy the beach over Labor Day. They were able to attend church on Sunday, see the San Diego temple, attend a ball game and body surf all in their short time there! … Hey, sand, surf and dudes in LaJolla doesn’t get any better than this!

HERE WE GO STEELERS – HERE WE GO! … Daddy-daughter date & Ashley and Michael’s first Steelers game at Heinz Field! …This has always been a Cam & dad thing to do in addition to the fact that most games are held on Sunday’s wherein we choose not to attend so Ash & Mica were thrilled to get a chance to hang out with their dad at a game!

SEASONS … On a somber note my dad passed away in February so we all flew back home for the funeral … Our hearts were touched in being able to see so many life long friends and family at the viewing and funeral services … Jon gave the life sketch and I spoke about memories of dad as did cousin Frank … Ash sang two beautiful hymns accompanied by Loraine on piano and Mindy on violin and the ward, as all LDS wards do, provided a lovely luncheon after dad’s burial … Dad’s casket was transported to the cemetery on an old 18oo’s fire engine whereupon a military salute and Fire Fighter pager salute were given at the grave site … Dad was a WWII veteran, having served on the battleship South Dakota in the Pacific Theater, along with having served as a fire chief and a volunteer fire fighter for 30 years in our beloved home town of Pleasant Grove …. Another touching note was seeing three grown, middle aged men now husbands, fathers, grandfathers in and of themselves following closely behind the fire engine to pay their last respects; during their teenage years dad used to allow them to use his auto body and Ford tractor dealership as their “play house” as mom referred to it. A safe, happy place they could work on their cars, hang out and receive encouragement from my dad who never ceased to see great potential in them! … He will be remembered for his charitable, loving heart, cheerful sense of humor and devotion to family, friends & faith!

On a happy note we brought mom back home to live with us … She is now an official Pennsylvanian! … It has been a great privilege and blessing to care for her in these last years of her life … She has enjoyed being around our lively family on a daily basis and once again being with her dear grandchildren enjoying all of our wild and crazy activities … Though she suffers from Alzheimer’s she has adapted beautifully and we know that one day in Heaven she will remember each precious moment, each conversation and experience she has had while living with us … In the mean time we continue to enjoy our ladies outings, shopping, lunches, travels, good cheer and laughter, in fact she still makes people laugh due to her lively sense of humor … She especially enjoys her senior day center where she socializes, participates in activities, enjoys lovely meals, has her hair and nails done and such when I am off training … I know that dad is aware that his bride of 63 thriving years is being well taken care of … “Grow old along with me the best is yet to be, the last of life for which the first was made” … They experienced it all from trips to Alaska to NYC, huge family reunions to simple, precious moments all savored and stored to once again be remembered after this life when they are once again reunited … How blessed I was to grow up in a home with two parents who were so devoted to one another wherein their relationship did not simply survive but thrived!

SHENANIGANS … After ceasing to take our annual family photo at our favorite pumpkin patch for many years we once again returned, only things missing were my slender body and our son!! … Picnic, pumpkins and poochie in a fairy dress no less … Ahhhhh, Halloween! … (Rebecca is Be-boppin- BOO! Tomorrow is fright night; have a pumpkinlicious Halloween.)

COUNT YOUR MANY BLESSINGS … I taught Ashley & Mica how to prepare the entire Thanksgiving feast from scratch this year; we started the process the Monday before the holiday. It was a wonderful experience! Everything excluding the rolls were a success; funny thing is that dough requires yeast?! … Hmmm … My favorites were Ashley’s pumpkin pies and Mike’s apple pie! Cam spent the holidays with friends in Utah) wherein he had a riot!) … (Comment from Ash to her cousin), “I actually enjoyed all the cooking and family time. I miss them while I’m here at school. I had rather thought my mom was just trying to get out of cooking the meal, but I realize she had wonderful mom-like ulterior motives behind her seemingly ridiculous plot. As I suppose she usually does … hmmm.” … My response; yup it’s called knowing how to prepare the shindig for ones own family one day and having the time of your life doing so!

And when all is said and done … (Comment once from a friend), “I loved reading your e-mail and getting caught up on things. You are an amazing writer and very talented child abuser.” :) … Cam & Ash will attest to this I’m sure! wahahahahahahah!

Enjoy a Christmas season which will take your breath away!

Passionately INHALE life and EXHALE gratefulness ©
Love the Christeson family

2007 Up to speed with burnt out Barbie & hen pecked Ken

Second star to the right and straight on till morning! Vol 20 – 2007 ©

PITTSBURGH, once again voted the most livable city in the country! … When asked why in the world we have remained in the burgh all of these years my standard answer is … Because this is where BINGO was invented! Are you kidding?! … And the banana split, the Big Mac, the zipper, movie theaters, Polio vaccine, pop can pull tabs and gas stations! … Perry Como, Henry Mancini, Arnold Palmer, Orin Hatch and Gene Kelly all hail from the burg, haha, along with Andy Warhol, Jonas Salk and Mr. Rodgers of the freaky neighborhood fame … Also my all time favorite movies (yeah right!) ‘Flash Dance & Groundhog Day’ were filmed down the street as is the façade of Victor Newman’s home on ‘The Young and the Restless’ … Rip roarin’ stuff, huh?! … But the real reason is pirogues! Yup, a Polish delicacy of potatoes and onions swimming in butter within the confines of a hot, freshly baked puffed pastry … Yeah, that and the pirogue races at Heinz Field during Pirates games… Does THIS answer your question once and for all? … Now … if you ask me this question again the Allegheny River is just down the street and here’s a pair of lead boots just your size  … Hey babe, if that doesn’t work I can always send ‘Uncle Guido’ over for a little after hours visit – YIKES!

GLASS SLIPPERS … Ashley’s junior prom was enchanting … Dressed in six layers of powder pink tulle out to there with a beaded bodice, matching elbow length gloves and purse; she looked like a princess escorted by her handsome prince Michael dancing the night away … The gown of her dreams had Fort Knox reeling! … For Homecoming, however, she enterprisingly found a lovely gown on sale for a paltry 25 bucks of shimmering aquamarine that sashayed and floated about her … The holidays found her in an elegantly sophisticated, form fitted gown of midnight blue lace with three quarter length sleeves and a train on back created for her by our friend … Only in high school do girls dream of the dances they will attend, the dresses they will wear and the dream boats who will escort them … Enjoy the glittering, glorious fantasy of it all Ashley Babe - you’re only young and fancy free once in your life …. And then you trade it in for kitchen cookware, power suits and unrecognizable bodies after the age of 50, haha … And guess what, this is truly the prize which makes the game of life worth every sleepless, tossing and turning night, burping babies, paying bills, rearing teens and squeezing in those special moments for holding hands with your sweetie well into the sunset!! … Grow old along with me the best is yet to be, the last of life for which the first was made!

DISHIN’ n FISHIN’ … Cam spent the summer working in Davenport, Iowa for a Utah based company selling Dish network … Eight long hours a day walking from door to door in the blazing heat, conversing with people from all walks of life … Sounds a lot like full time missionary work doesn’t it?! … He thoroughly enjoyed the challenge and hopes to repeat the experience again next summer with a different company assigned to yet another part of the country in an attempt to score big time some ever needed college money! … Now on his off hours at school he works for attorney’s who help restore individual’s credit … Hourly plus commission suit his self-motivated nature well … And a little good willed internal competition keep him jazzed for the sales he makes and hours on the phone he keeps … Yup, good honest labor helps to pay this guys way through school!

BIPITY BOPITY BOO … Fireworks, parades and bands galore were enjoyed at Disneyworld as we celebrated our wedding anniversary, Jon’s birthday and his landmark achievement in having worked 30 years for US Steel … Good ol’ Space Mountain after park closing, Splash Mountain amid torrential down pours & a hail storm in June and Peter Pan’s Adventure with a gazillion little kids still remain favorites along with MGM’s Tower of Terror and Animal Kingdoms Everest among others … Family antics and hilarious memories of Jon driving my power scooter off the bus minus the exit ramp sailing mid air to a startled landing … In all good humor the look of shock on his face was priceless! … I don’t know if that or my ram roding right into a woman in a wheel chair as I attempted to park the thing was worse?? … But sharing a hot fudge sundae at twilight with my sweetheart near Cinderella’s castle says it all 

SCREAM TEAM … I’m currently serving as our ward Activities Committee chair and ward historian. I am also teaching Ashley and Michael early morning seminary so my ward responsibilities keep me hopping … We held a successful ‘Trunk or Treat’ which included a chili and pie cook off with spooktacular awards and festive Halloween costumes galore … Next up was a whimsical Madrigal Dinner … Madrigals took place in 16th century Europe as a time of feasting and merriment surrounding the twelve days of Christmas … Our Madrigal singers were dressed in period costumes, with a capella numbers being sung, games from the era and food served amid humorous audience interaction … On a limited budget we created an enchanted, spirited evening for our Third Ward Madrigal kingdom.

VOCAL CHORDS … Ashley babe our ever creative, exuberant singer had an enormous undertaking associated with her summer voice recital … Bridget provided Ashley with an array of opportunities to challenge her as she sang in several languages with solos, duets and ensembles … Pieces from ‘Wicked’ and ‘A Little Night Music’ were favorites but her most favorite duet was with Michael singing ‘Something There’ from Beauty and the Beast (she collects all things B&B) … Following which have been college vocal auditions, high school district competitions, performances and then one day the hope of operating her own vocal studio; teaching like minded students the skills of performing classical and musical theater and relishing in the pure joy of tackling a brilliant, complicated piece of music and making it ones own! … Accolades to Mrs. Steel (private voice) and Mr. Deluce (chamber, concert & Madrigal choir) who have mentored Ash for many years encouraging her musical aspirations. Teachers of this caliber impact student’s lives for a life time! … Hot off the press … Ash has been accepted into her first choice university as well as into the college of music after a rigorous audition! … She is on cloud nine at this point anticipating the diverse art and musical opportunities available along with her academics. She is one who relishes learning and will be required to carry 18 credits each semester as she explores a double major in music education & music performance with a minor in French.

SCHOOL DAZE … Cam, now officially a Utah resident and as he likes to say, “For the time being” as he has his sights set on living elsewhere down the line, is our consummate motivator and scriptorian who is finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel as he focuses on his remaining semesters completing his undergrad work … His goal is to wrap up his studies in International Business with a focus on Chinese and then pursue his graduate degree which looms ahead; his hard work is paying off exceedingly well … But if you’re thinking dusty books, stale class rooms and a guy who lives at the library you’ve mistaken Cam for someone else indeed! … Earning good grades, YES!, but this kid invented the term ‘theme dates’, and guys nights’, haha … Cam is forever zooming between Provo and Salt Lake with his buddies and/or dates going to concerts, dances and Latter-day Saint parties or hiking mountains, running and working out. Check out his zany 70’s spoof video Butterscotch Lollypops on You Tube; yup a bizarre yet fun stake single adult activity to see who could come up with a killer video??!! I think his group nailed the ‘comical/bizarre’ category for sure

CRACK THE WHIP … Many high school 17 year olds take it easy their senior year, kicking back and enjoying the ride, but not Ashley! … Busier than she has ever been and excelling beyond all expectations in her AP and honors classes, early morning seminary, after school lessons, tutoring and then work … She’s a Jim dandy food server at Longwood at Oakmont, a retirement community for people of means … Dressed in her spiffy white shirt, black slacks, apron and bow tie she caters to the over the hill crowd juggling orders, attending to pre and post jobs and remaining pleasant when everything goes array … But hey, the hours 4:30-8:30 and a 3 minute drive from home are terrific and the overall experience is character building … So bring me that prune juice little missy and no back talk ya hear?!!!!

ROAD RAGE ... A fall trip to Virginia to check out Southern Virginia University was fun! The beautiful Smokey and Appalachian mountain ranges are breath taking and the campus charming … Jon shot off to Scottsdale on business also enjoying a round of golf and the stark yet appealing beauty of the desert once again … Remember, we live in story book land out here – hills and dells in picturesque, densely wooded suburbs so Phoenix offers a different type of appeal and life style to be experienced … Cam enjoyed, or shall I say endured, a cross country road trip from PA to Utah in two days making it back in time for fall semester’s start … Rocking out to his favorite Itunes and only stopping long enough to inhale a burger or two so as not to miss his first day of class … Ashley zipped off to Virginia Beach & Busch Gardens last spring for her chorus/band trip adjudication … And I’m holding a round trip ticket to the looney bin, or somewhere else equally emancipating lol … It’s a toss up between LA, Phoenix or Orlando all for different reasons … I’m not certain yet as to which location will have the greatest magnetic pull for me … It’s certainly a mobile society and an outstanding country to enjoy and explore!

MICA … Michael our angel without wings has become our third child … We’re all a bunch of adopted mutts in this home and take pride in the term ‘eternal patchwork family’! … Michael and Ashley share a sweet relationship which continually takes on layers of insight and understanding … It has been our privilege to introduce Michael to the way Latter-day Saints live and love, problem solve, face challenges, embrace joy and share heart aches within a family … As a result he has learned a great deal about the gospel of Jesus Christ and after months of layer upon layer of learning he began attending our Sunday services and youth activities … I think it was Jon’s Sunday School class that hooked him?! Right Mike??!!! … He then asked that the missionaries teach him the lessons so we enjoyed Sunday’s around the dinner table talking, laughing and the discussions … It has been a remarkable year long experience watching Michael face mountains of adversity and yet never waver in his desire to become a member of the Church … He was baptized in September and ordained to the Aaronic Priesthood by Jon the following day … Michael now serves in the capacity of home teacher for several families and as a member of the Activities Committee which I chair … His incredible vocal and instrumental talents combined with his energy and cheerful attitude in serving others are tremendous assets for our ward … It’s spiritually moving seeing the light of Christ burning within yet another individual who now better understands his elect, eternal potential and personal relationship with his Heavenly Father and Savior Jesus Christ … Mark Palmer, our former YM pres & his counselors, along with Elder’s Putnam, Dayley & Newman (full time missionaries) have been incredible influences in Michael’s life … The power of the priesthood is remarkable!

RUN FOR YOUR LIFE … Jon and I served as members of a steering committee assembled for our newly formed Running Mustangs Alumni Assoc 5K run/walk for Leukemia and scholarship fund … In honor of Cam’s former high school track & cross country coach who deals with the disease, a bunch of Joe’s former runners and parents got together to form the association and sponsor the event … Many helping hands and hearts planned and implemented the exciting event in Boyce Park; a monumental task but something we hope to see continue annually

DASHBOARD CONFESSIONS … We spent summer and fall on line and traveling to colleges touring campuses’, listening to admissions reps and checking out curriculum, housing, dining plans and campus life … We had great fun as mother and daughter spending endless hours in the car chit chatting away, laughing and crying, reminiscing and discussing future dreams and goals … It has been a remarkable journey watching my daughter mature and literally grow up in front of my eyes in just a matter of months! … We always thought Ash would fly the coop to parts unknown but as it turns out she desires an east coast education, far enough away from home to be independent and enjoy all that college offers yet close enough to bop home for a home cooked meal and late night laughter once in a while, with her parents who are now deemed ‘cool’ once again! … Well, sort of cool  … Yup we’ve learned to maneuver the age old teenage hormonal highway navigating those screeching hair pin turns and jolting stops and go’s; those emotional bi-ways and tender vistas and have now evolved even deeper into the can ya spare a dime time?!!! … Parenting, what a hoot … Life’s greatest frontier.

DOGGY BAG … Ashley and I have been tossing around an idea of writing a series of children’s books based on the adventures of our little beagle Missy Belle Buttons … Our ‘Beagle Shmeagle’ © series will have riveting tales with a moral such as; Holiday Hound Dog, Belle of the Ball, Missy Belle Buttons Goes To Bermuda, Poochy Wears Prada, Poochy Goes To The Park, Hot Digity Dog, Heavenly Hounds, The Pooch Does Paris, Kissy Missy, Missy Belle on Broadway and Beach Blanket Beagle … What do ya think? … Have we got a compelling concept here? … We’re serious! … Everyone in favor raise your paws 

PIONEERS IN PETTYCOATS … We three drove to Davenport to hang out with Cam for a few days … We spent one lovely day driving through endless green corn fields with a brilliant blue sky overhead in route to Nauvoo, Illinois a sacred Church historical site … After our pioneer ancestors and others were tormented by angry mobs, the temple destroyed and driven from the beautiful city of Nauvoo my great grandparents and others had built, they began their arduous trek west settling in the Salt Lake Valley … Their faith never wavered in spite of daunting hardship and sacrifice … Now close to 13 million Latter-day Saints, and growing, reside throughout the world with 53,000 missionaries serving! Why? Because the gospel of Jesus Christ lives and is true! … The newly re-built Nauvoo temple of pristine white is magnificent and stands as a testament to the will of our Heavenly Father and of all Latter-day Saints then and now … Walking the beautiful grounds near the Mississippi River with our family in tow on a beautiful summer afternoon was an extremely peaceful yet moving experience … If your curiosity is peaked check out www.LDS.org

BLISS … I don’t know if Jon would say the high light of his year was attending the US Open at Oakmont Country Club once again and seeing Tiger tee off … Or teaching his 16-17 year old Sunday School class where he has a captive audience while teaching from the scriptures to a group of teens who are as sharp as tacks! … Rooting on the Steelers at Heinz Field amid 64,450 ‘Stiller’ fans … Or maybe it was the rush from making yet another gazillion dollar deal in the market of Ferro alloys … Nope, I think it’s simply chillin at home with his family, his dog, and a big bowl of ice cream that rocks his boat! … Savor the simple pleasures in life – right?!

WE’LL KEEP A LIGHT ON FOR YA … Visitors galore! … What fun it has been having our darling Trisha along with her adorable husband Jason and one year old daughter Ava move to our vicinity! … Their ward immediately recognized talent when they saw it and called Jason to serve as the Young Men’s president and Trisha as the Young Women’s president! It was such fun actually having family attend Ashley’s voice recital as well as Michael’s baptism … Trisha even graciously served as pianist for the evening … We look forward to many upcoming get-to-gethers with them! … Our dear friends Gregg, Myra and family now living in Idaho Falls visited in June so we hosted a linger longer luncheon at our ward so all could enjoy lunch and a visit with the Sharps … It was great fun spending an adult evening out swapping stories and memories … And also on Sunday after church spending the day with kids catching up, playing table games and listening to Ashley and Myra sing many Primary songs, and pieces from Broadway musicals as Myra so adeptly accompanied the pair … We once shared many years of memories here in the burg with the Sharp family and although far away our friendship remains sterling! … And also our dear niece Jami from Florida along with her sweet husband Don and children Cooper, Kassidy and Colby visited for a few days … What a treat to spend time with them! … We took the Ducky Tour, a WWII amphibious vehicle/boat that offers a quirky tour of Pittsburgh and the rivers … Loads of fun at the innovative Children’s Museum, hanging out at Oakmont Park and a rip roarin evening at our Plum Community Days Festival (yup, that particular event ranks right up there with a migraine headache – right guys?!) … The Richardson family were good sports contending with cramped conditions, love licks from our doggy and listening to Jon’s many tales and my soap box opinions regarding everything from politics to religion (wow, I LOVE conversing with people who aren’t afraid to tackle challenging subjects with me!) … What fun it has been having all three families who are tied to our heart strings come visit and hang out with the Christeson clan!

FRENCH KISS … Accolades to one of Ashley’s dearest teachers Madam Bergey … Ashley’s honors French IV teacher has flown over Austria in a hot air balloon, speaks fluent Russian and translated for the US Army flying many intriguing missions … She now brilliantly performs as teacher and mentor at Plum High School … Kelly taught both Cam and Ash and has become a revered friend of our family; inspiring Ash in becoming a teacher who puts her heart and soul into her work! … “J´aime beaucoup mon professeur de français. Elle est mon prof favorie. Elle était une bonne influence de moi. J´apprécie tout les choses qu´elle fait pour moi et mon classe.” (Love AshleyBretlyn – aka Belle) 

RUBBER CHICKEN … Yup, and you thought your Thanksgiving Day was a fiesta! … Between cross eyed work schedules and cockamamie communications we paid homage to the Pilgrims with Cam in a car wreck out west and we dining on stale hot dogs while fighting over the last dab of mustard at the local movie theater here in the east … He’s ok! … And we averted ptomaine poisoning jk … Don’t even ask! … All I can say is hey, at least the sewer didn’t explode into the garage again, I’m only on seven meds now including magic mushrooms and happy juice, lol … And the last time I looked our photos were no longer hanging on the post office most wanted wall of fame! … That’s right we sure know how to throw a party!

SPECIAL NOTE … In reading my zany, lift your spirits, share the news holiday letters throughout the years have you come to sense how deeply I love my family? I have such intense admiration for them! Not for their salaries or grades earned, nor for their many varied talents and interests and not even for their goals achieved or awards received; although those are all remarkable abilities and attributes they each possess. But rather for their challenging imperfections, their caliber of personal integrity, their lack of paralyzing fear even in the face of possible failure, their brilliant moments in being able to get back up when they feel most defeated, their individual and collective sense of humor, their unwavering testimonies of the gospel of Jesus Christ, their optimistic attitudes and their steadfast love and devotion for each member of our family. Christeson clan, I learn from you constantly, am touched by you daily and salute you for striving to live each day with purpose, resolve and a caring conscience! Thank you for the privilege of being wife and mother in our little piece of Heaven here on earth … HOME!

BECCA’S APPLE PIE ADVICE ... Say your prayers … Watch lightening bugs … Stay out of the jaggers … Swallow your pride … Smile sincerely … Take risks … Mind your P’s and Q’s … Dance in the moon light … Eat with gusto … Mend fences … Learn incessantly … Bloom where you’re planted … Vote your conscience … Schedule a play date … Love with laughter … Say your piece … Live with valor … Embrace uniqueness … Go to church … Sing with reckless abandon … Strive intensely … Tidy your crib … Wish on a star … Remember our troops … Count your blessings … “And passionately INHALE life and EXHALE gratefulness!” ©

May the light of Christ continue to bless you and yours
throughout this holiday season and all of the days to come!