How many of you remember back in the day for our high school proms rather than hold the event at a hotel or other venue we would drape long rolls of plastic to create false ceilings & walls creating a fairy land effect in the gymnasium? Jon was always on the prom decorating committee having a riot with all of his friends turning the gym into a creative environment for the dance. He has recreated similar settings here for our ward and stake. A ward YM/YW dance when he served as the YM president, our friends daughter's wedding reception and an exciting stake event we planned where we had zany theme rooms that people meandered in and out of while visiting and dining with the cultural hall being the focal point for the dance and floor show. However, for this event he brought in old fashioned street lights, park benches, a bridge, trellises along with trees and flowers creating a romantic ambiance. Each occasion has required team work and hours of effort but the effect has been delightful!
Ashley plans to marry in the Salt Lake temple with a reception in Utah but her daddy has suggested he create a PINK (but of course lol) fairy land for her open house here in Pittsburgh. Also, now that he has taught others how to achieve this affect (those who never grew up learning or utilizing this skill) it will be fun to see what the younger generations do with this idea in the years to come! Sorry, but using parachutes or tents just doesn't cut it; half the fun is in the group effort required in planning and implementing this blast from the past decorating idea :)
Jon Alan Christeson I LOVE you!! You are such an incredible man. You have blessed my life, our family’s life and even our ward’s life when serving as bishop / father of the ward (and since) as a result of your testimony and dedication in striving to live righteously. I adore your sense of humor, cheerful spirit, loving heart and personal code of ethics and level of integrity. You are so generous with your time and so kind and respectful toward me. Celebrating 34 years of marriage with you is such an honor!
Reflecting on our life filled with memories; people we love, places we have been, experiences we have shared which have enriched and blessed our lives has been remarkable … our children being the greatest blessing of all. Thank you for inviting me to participate in this extraordinary journey with you. We started out with a college degree, an old sofa and a car that ran on a wing and a prayer, haha, albeit high hopes and dreams of endless possibilities and wow, what an adventure we have enjoyed! Every mortal challenge or trial combined with each success and abundant amounts of love and joy have made for a life, thus far, filled to the brim with depth, texture, meaning and purpose. So babe, this over the hill Barbie will see you, my mid-life crisis Ken, in
