Life Rocks In Beautiful PA!

A Fabulous Mother's Day!

Though our kids are a gazillion miles away at school and work I enjoyed a fabulous Mother's Day!  We enjoyed a lovely program at church and Jon surprised me with a beautiful corsage (tea roses) a wonderful charming, romantic tradition he has done every year since we have been married; he also gives me one for Easter!  In addition, a lovely pair of earrings and classes to learn to sculpt and attempt wheel throw!  I've longed to do this for years so this is a dream come true!!  Thank you Jon, you are such an incredible husband!

Also, Ashley sent me chocolates and an exquisite bouquet of tulips which is one of my favorite spring flowers!!  And Cameron surprised me with a series of songs on Google Play;  music which he downloaded for my computer and phone teaching how to access the music via a phone call.  I can't believe he actually remembers all of these artists and songs I have loved throughout the years.  Hey, I'm surfin' to the Beach Boys, hanging out on Santa Monica Blvd with Sheryl Crow, rocking out to Soul Sister with Train, jammin with Boyz to Men, getting beat up by Kelly Clarkston, mixed with current tunes and even got me some good old school Diana Ross and Donny Osmond hahahaha :) This is cool!

But  the best part of the day for both Jon and I was Skyping with our kidlets chit chatting, laughing, sharing AND Cam composed another original song, wrote the lyrics as well and as he played it on his guitar Ashley sang it to me!  Seeing our kids and listening to them perform was heartwarming!  I love the cool brother-sister relationship they enjoy and the fact that they continue to magnify their God-given talents.  I am one blessed mama bear :)  

Recent Speaking Engagements

It was my pleasure to address members and guests of the International Association of Administrative Assistants - Pittsburgh and Altoona chapters in April and May.

Pittsburgh topic:  Truth or Dare - Business Ethics

Altoona topic :     Have You Flat Lined? - Motivation

Both groups were delightful to work with!  I was very impressed with the individuals associated with planning these events.  I enjoy writing and presenting innovative, educational, thought provoking, inspiring presentations and keynotes; doing so is another aspect of my Professional Development Training business www.trainingwithatwist.com    

Crazy Christeson Utah Trip

We enjoyed a wonderful week in Utah with our kids, my mother and other beloved extended family members and friends!  The crazy Christeson family had a riot enjoying my itinerary which encompassed everything from Ashley's two performances with the UVU Women's Choir (at UVU) and with the Master Work's Choir which performed in Salt Lake.  Also, fun and frolics in Provo area, Salt Lake City and Park City!  

Jon and I hosted a family party and arranged for my friends daughter who is a massage therapist to provide chair massages for all adults as a thank you for all they do in behalf of my dear mother and our kids.  Dining at a fun BBQ restaurant I discovered on a TV program called "Diners, Drive-in's & Dives" lol, along with other fun outings in each of the cities.  And of course Jon and I had to have lunch at "Heaps" Brick Oven in Provo, a favorite hangout of ours during our teenage years :)

Another one of our memorable moments also encompassed attending a live broadcast of "The Spoken Word" in the Tabernacle on Temple Square listening to the inspiring message, hearing the Mormon Tabernacle Choir sing (which included one of our families theme songs, "When You Wish Upon A Star" as Cameron wished on a star for his baby sister to be born), enjoying the symphony and having President Thomas L. Monson, president and prophet of our church in attendance!  It was a very special trip indeed. 

Standing for Righteousness

I have asked hundreds of people from all walks of life, work levels, cultural backgrounds, ethnicity and religions this question in one of my workshops but have never heard such an incredible response as this which is posted on my young Latter-day Saint friends wall - think it over ...

"A friend asked me what I want my legacy to be in this life my response, it's simple, I want to be known as the woman who woke up everyday and battled satan and his angels, who fought like hell through the storms of life, who lived in the manner that pleases a father in heaven and was an instrument and a loyal valiant servant to Christ, I want to leave this life knowing my father in heaven is proud of me and my journey I had on earth". That's who I strive to be daily...."   (Andrea Deason)

I couldn't have said this any better! I second her comment and only pray that I, also, have achieved this through my valiant efforts in living life with purpose and resolve. Every choice we make whether it's keeping the Sabbath day holy, offering an outpouring of love toward others, choosing the right, sharing our time and talent with those in need along with a myriad of noble attributes, attitudes, and choices it all comes down to how have we measured up in the end? Will our Heavenly Father be proud of us and of our personal journey during this life? Will we be proud of ourselves? I for one intend to continue striving to measure up to the task and make a lasting impact in the lives of my family, friends, colleagues and even strangers! :)