Christiansen Chronicles: 2007

Monday, December 31, 2007

NWA, Part 1

As promised, part one to our fun adventure:

We purchased our tickets from Northwest Airlines about 2 months ago, then a month before our trip we got an email saying our itinerary had changed. I wasn't too worried since it was only a few minutes - no big deal. Christmas night we went online to check into our flight, which was scheduled to leave December 26 at 7:05 am. Wade found out it was canceled and we had been moved to a flight leaving Des Moines at 5pm. He even called to make sure we really would be getting out at 5pm, and that we would have connecting flight - after an hour on hold, he was assured that our travel plans would go smoothly. Again - I was annoyed, but not too worried.

We spent another fun day in Des Moines, and headed to the airport the afternoon of December 26. Since we were a little early we hung out by our gage for an hour or so while our flight status kept saying "on time" on the board. Then all chaos broke loose.

They announced that our flight would be an hour late, and that the flight going out the same gate before us to Minneapolis was cancelled. This at least the 3rd canceled flight we had seen in the short time we were actually at the airport! Since we would now be missing our connecting flight in Memphis Wade stood in line and waited on hold on the phones to find out what they could do for us. The best they could do would be get us out of Memphis at 8pm the next day. They didn't offer us a hotel, they didn't offer meals, they didn't offer anything. The whole time Gage is also crying because he doesn't understand why we aren't on the airplane going to see his cousins and Grandma and Grandpa.

Finally Wade after Wade requested to talk to a manager, the manager comes online and tells Wade that his money has been refunded.

Great, but that isn't what he asked for and it isn't going to help us because flights at this point cost 3 times the amount that we paid.

We spent the next 30 minutes trying to get our luggage and car seats off the flight to Memphis (which took off but then was canceled from Memphis on) and we went home. Wade spent another hour on the phone and online trying to find a different option for us. He called the NW complaint center - which was closed - which made me even think of more complaints!

We finally decided we were to tired to drive and we put the boys to bed and went to sleep. The next day we tried to find a flight for just me but couldn't' find anything that didn't have at least 2 stops and so around 9:30 am we threw every DVD we owned, a flew blankets and pillows in our van and decided to drive.

The 899 miles - 14 hours - weren't as bad we we actually thought they would be and we owe it all to our friends John and Lindy who live in Indianapolis. They were such a lifesavers and it was so nice to catch up with them. We've been wanting to visit with them ever since we all left the U of U 3 years ago and we finally made it to their house!

Moral of the story: Don't fly NWA. They have horrible customer service and we never will fly with them again. Every other airline in the airport that night was getting flights out without a hitch. Every person we talked to that was a NWA passenger was grumpy and having a horrible holiday.

Stay tuned Wednesday for part 2 of our story - it will include pictures of our road trip. We are leaving this afternoon to drive home. Hopefully the drive will go smoothly, there are winter storms and the whole reason I was able to blog today is Gage has come down with the stomach flu.

Happy New Years to everyone - we will be glad to be home on New Years Day and leave 2007 behind!

Friday, December 28, 2007

We're here

In no certain order the past 24 hours we have:

Spent 14 hours in the car
Had 2 kids that were very well behaved
Got lost in Virginia/Kentucky/Tennessee
Arrived {{FINALLY!!!}}} at 4 in the morning
Seen some of our best friends in Indianapolis who were kind enough to let us stop in, feed us dinner and let our kids run crazy in their house
Been swimming
Dealt with crazy NWA customer service - we will never use their airlines again
Had fun family pictures taken with the entire Bullard family! 25 people!
Been bowling
Drove through 6 states
Taken several naps
Watched countless movies

And we are now off to bed. Pictures and more of our "fun" story will follow soon!

Wednesday, December 26, 2007

Darn you Airlines!

Ahh, the joys of travel. We are stuck in Des Moines for one more day. Our flight was scheduled to leave at 7:05 this morning,and now it is changed to 5pm tonight! At least we found out last night and not at 5am this morning at the airport. This is the first time it has ever happened to us and we have always had the best luck with our little Des Moines airport. I'm praying the kids will be good on a 5pm flight. Hopefully someday we will make it to Tennessee and see my family!

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Christmas 2007

Thanks to all our Grandpa's, Grandma's, Aunts, Uncles and Cousins who made our Christmas morning wonderful! Here are some great highlights!

For Christmas Eve a friend and I hosted a soup/salad/bread stick potluck for all of the young families that stayed in the area and didn't have plans. It worked out great, we held it at our church in the gym and had a live nativity and even a talent show. We have some great video for later, but here are a few pictures from the nativity.

(Click on the picture for a larger view - notice the spider man horse, wondering wize men, dancing angels, and there was even an alligator and tiger! Gage was a horse, Noah a wize man. Dress up clothes ROCK!)

Next up - we all returned home for some Christmas Eve traditions! The kids got to open their Christmas jammies, and I tried to snap a picture while they were watching a show with Wade. If pictures could talk, I think this one would say "Move mom!"

Christmas morning was a blurr of motion - as you can tell from my armature photography! We had a blast hanging out in our pj's all day and having fun with our new toys.

Monday, December 24, 2007

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas - Wade, Debbi, Gage and Noah

Luke, Chapter 2
1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed.

2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.)

3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city.

4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)

5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child.

6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

7 And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

9 And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the Lord hath made known unto us.

16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the babe lying in a manger.

17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this child.

18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds.

19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart.

20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them.

21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the child, his name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before he was conceived in the womb.

22 And when the days of her purification according to the law of Moses were accomplished, they brought him to Jerusalem, to present him to the Lord;

23 (As it is written in the law of the Lord, Every male that openeth the womb shall be called holy to the Lord;)

24 And to offer a sacrifice according to that which is said in the law of the Lord, A pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.

25 And, behold, there was a man in Jerusalem, whose name was Simeon; and the same man was just and devout, waiting for the consolation of Israel: and the Holy Ghost was upon him.

26 And it was revealed unto him by the Holy Ghost, that he should not see death, before he had seen the Lord’s Christ.

27 And he came by the Spirit into the temple: and when the parents brought in the child Jesus, to do for him after the custom of the law,

28 Then took he him up in his arms, and blessed God, and said,

29 Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace, according to thy word:

30 For mine eyes have seen thy salvation,

31 Which thou hast prepared before the face of all people;

32 A light to lighten the Gentiles, and the glory of thy people Israel.

33 And Joseph and his mother marvelled at those things which were spoken of him.

34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;

35 (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also,) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.

36 And there was one Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Aser: she was of a great age, and had lived with an husband seven years from her virginity;

37 And she was a widow of about fourscore and four years, which departed not from the temple, but served God with fastings and prayers night and day.

38 And she coming in that instant gave thanks likewise unto the Lord, and spake of him to all them that looked for redemption in Jerusalem.

39 And when they had performed all things according to the law of the Lord, they returned into Galilee, to their own city Nazareth.

40 And the child grew, and waxed strong in spirit, filled with wisdom: and the grace of God was upon him.

41 Now his parents went to Jerusalem every year at the feast of the passover.

42 And when he was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem after the custom of the feast.

43 And when they had fulfilled the days, as they returned, the child Jesus tarried behind in Jerusalem; and Joseph and his mother knew not of it.

44 But they, supposing him to have been in the company, went a day’s journey; and they sought him among their kinsfolk and acquaintance.

45 And when they found him not, they turned back again to Jerusalem, seeking him.

46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

47 And all that heard him were astonished at his understanding and answers.

48 And when they saw him, they were amazed: and his mother said unto him, Son, why hast thou thus dealt with us? behold, thy father and I have sought thee sorrowing.

49 And he said unto them, How is it that ye sought me? wist ye not that I must be about my Father’s business?

50 And they understood not the saying which he spake unto them.

51 And he went down with them, and came to Nazareth, and was subject unto them: but his mother kept all these sayings in her heart.

52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and stature, and in favour with God and man.

Saturday, December 22, 2007

More Gingerbread

We had an impromptu gingerbread house party the other day with our neighbor Brooklyn. We threw together all the crazy leftover candy that we had and let the kids have at it. (Gage's other friend Owen came too, but they arrived right after we were finished, so his dad Brandon just ate some of the candy for him!) I think they did a pretty great job!

Library

One thing I love about the Des Moines area are all the great libraries and their fun programs. One of my favorites is the Waukee library. My top three reasons I love this library are:

1. They remember me by name
2. They will order any new book for you so you don't have to buy it
3. You don't have to register for their kid programs

Gage goes to their preschool story time each week. They listen to stories, sing songs and each week they make a craft. It's such fun! I'm usually feeding Noah his snack and trying to keep him entertained so he'll sit in the stroller, but this week I finally got around to taking pictures.

Wednesday, December 19, 2007

Good News Wednesday

Welcome mid-week Wednesday!

Here is my good news:

1. I have the best mother in law on the planet. Seriously, it's just like I have two moms. I never have experienced one of those crazy "mother in law" moments you hear about, and she has always accepted me as one of her own. Every year she takes the "girls" out around Christmas time. We usually go out to each and shop at the mall and have fun. Since I've been away I have missed girls night, but not missed the benefits. She sends the most awesome gifts in the mail!

This year she got us the oxen and the goat as part of our Willow Tree Nativity! I am so excited!

I got this cute little man sleeping at the bus stop too! I can't wait to have a house big enough for a village AND all my nativities!

2. Other good news today - Keegan is officially/legally a Christiansen! For those of you who don't know Keegan, or the story, check out the story on my sister in laws blog by clicking here. I am so excited for them!!!

3. I finished Goose Girl last week and am halfway done with Enna Burning. If you haven't read any Shannon Hale books, I really recommend that you add them to your Christmas list!

4. Wade finished his first clinic test today. The only class he has is called Problem Based Learning where they read journals and discuss cases. He studied hard and read a lot of journals this past month, so I'm very glad he did well on it this morning!

What is your good news today?

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Favorite Things part 5

The Willow Tree nativity set is a really popular set and has taken me a few years to collect. My mother in law started us out with the camel set - so for a year I had a camel and donkey, but no Mary and Joseph! But, really it was great because I love the camel and I have heard you can't get it anymore, so I'm glad that I have it as part of my collection. I would love to add the stable and star someday.

I had to take a couple pictures of the different parts of this set since it is so large.

Another thing I loved growing up was this advent calendar. My mom has the original, and one year she surprised all six of us with our own! I cannot believe that she made six of these, the hand stitching on some of the little pieces had to take so much time! Gage loves taking turns with Noah turning over a piece each day. (The sheep were a big hit to Noah.) I saved this to post about today because today we turned over one of my favorite pieces, the tiny little present from one of the Wise men!

I added this new advent calendar to our collection this year. It's a Nativity set/book that you read each day and then you pop out the corresponding piece. You can reuse it each year and Gage loves it!

Another fun thing I did this year was a Christmas swap hosted by Rosjuane. Maury had my name and I got my fun package yesterday in the mail. She is an awesome photographer and sent me a fun Christmas scrapbook set! I love it! Thanks Maury and thanks Rosjuane!

Monday, December 17, 2007

80's Christmas

We've had a busy weekend at the Christiansen household. Watched a few movies (Charlie Brown's Christmas, Eragon, Music and Lyrics), played with the kids, cleaned the house, tried to stay warm in this crazy cold weather, and attended the first annual best worst Christmas/80's sweater party....yes you read right.

About a month ago we were invited to this crazy party and we have been trying to prepare for it ever since. Unfortunately when I got to Goodwill they didn't have a huge selection of adult Christmas sweaters, so we just went for plain old ugly 80's fashions. I only spent $7 and we had some very funny selection! I think I went a little overboard with the blue eyeshadow and blush, but it was fun to see everyone and what they came up with. Some didn't play along, but it was a fun night with friends either way. Thanks Natalie and Amanda for hosting!

What do you think - I think it's a good choice for a Christmas card! My favorite is my poor boys in girls sweaters! No wonder they weren't happy that night. Here is the line up of those who dressed up. I think Karin got my vote, the stir-up pants were classic.

Wade and I both got new glasses this weekend too - I like my new frames, but I think that the crazy make up in the picture is really not helping!

Monday Moments

Yesterday for our sacrament meeting (worship service) we had a musical program. This wasn't your typical Christmas program, but something I really enjoyed. Anyone in the congregation could come forward and tell what their favorite song in the hymnal was and why and we would sing one verse from it. It was really interesting to see what people choose and the spirit was there through the music. Of course, we sang a lot of Christmas hymns, but we also sang Easter songs and other songs as well.

One of my favorite songs was requested by one of the youth. While it's not a Christmas hymn, it really points out what we really should be thankful for during this Christmas season. She requested the second verse. Below are the second and third.

Because I have Been Given Much

Because I have been sheltered, fed by thy good care,
I cannot see another's lack and I not share
My glowing fire, my loaf of bread, My roof's safe shelter over-head,
That he too may be comforted.

Because I have been blessed by thy great love, dear Lord,
I'll share my love again, according to thy word.
I shall give love to those in need; I'll show that love by word and deed:
Thus shall my thanks be thanks indeed.

Below you will find a little joy for your Monday morning!

Thursday, December 13, 2007

Favorite things part 4

Two more of my nativities. The second picture - the gold set, I made in high school. There was a fun place my mom liked to take us where you could clean you own pottery and paint or glaze it and then they would fire it for you. When I was in college this was the only lone set I had. One angel has a broken wing I have had to glue back on, but it still remains one of my favorites!

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags?

wrapping paper, I save gift bags for birthdays or baby showers

2. Real tree or Artificial?

I have an artificial one, but I prefer real - if I had a house and a large room to put a 10 foot tree in!

3. When do you put up the tree?

Black friday - after shopping and I get out all my nativities to play with!

4. When do you take the tree down?

After Christmas sometime - usually when we return from trips

5. Do you like eggnog?

6. Favorite gift received as a child?

I got a cool play dough set once, and my dad always picked out each girl a new sweater (there were four girls in our family)

7. Do you have a nativity scene?

Yes, currently ten

8. Hardest person to buy for?

Parents

9. Easiest person to buy for?

Gage - trains are the way to his heart

10. Mail or E-Mail Christmas Cards?

mail

11. Worst Christmas gift you ever received?

? maybe a white elephant gift?

12.. Favorite Christmas Movie?

A Christmas Story and it's not a Christmas movie, but The Sound of Music is good for any holiday!

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas?

anytime of the year, now that I have kids, I buy stuff starting in the summer when it goes on sale.

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present?

unless it was a white elephant party, no

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas?

chocolate, chocolate, fun appetizers and dips

16. Clear lights or colored on the tree?

clear

17. Favorite Christmas song?

Oh Holy Night

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home?

we live away from family, and it's hard being away from them, but I really do prefer staying at home and doing our own little small Christmas

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeers?

yes - not going to on this post though!

20. Angel on the tree top or a star?

a bow right now, but I want a star on a real tree when we have one

21. Open the presents Christmas Eve or morning?

Christmas morning, we always got to open our stockings and santa presents, then we ate breakfast and then we opened the rest

22. Most annoying thing about this time of year?

crowds and grumpy people

23. Favorite ornament theme or Color?

red and gold

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner?

ham and homemade rolls!

25. What do you want for Christmas this year?

? Scrapbook stuff and some fun movies and books. I want the Everwood first season on DVD, Everybody Loves Raymond DVD's, and so many books I can't even name them all - the HP series would be a nice gift set, since I only own 2 of them. It's lame, but I don't really care if I get anything, I love watching the boys open their presents.

Enchanted

Wade is going to make so much fun of me for this post, but I don't care!

I went out last night for a girls night - we had dinner at Chili's and then watched the movie Enchanted. It was really cute and I think any little girl would love it! I must say that Anne-Marie, Erica and I were more enchanted by Patrick Dempsey the whole time - not the crazy-rude teenagers behind us that kept burping When we came out of the theather we saw this poster and had to take a picture for the blog!

Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Good News Wednesday

Welcome Wednesday!

I'm late posting my good news today, because I have bad/embarrassing news as well. Read my good news to find out more.

1. My kids do not have pink eye. That is the good news. The bad news is, I do. I am laughing, and embarrassed, because what kind of 27 year old gets pink eye? I wash my hands all day long and last weekend when I got a cold I stayed home from church and inside from all the cold weather - this is how I get repaid?! Frustrating!

2. We went to our church Christmas party this past weekend and it was a blast! There was yummy food and a pie bar for dessert! The program was wonderful and Gage had a fun time doing an interpretive dance/break dance to a beautiful version of Oh Holy Night sung by Karin. I would have got out my camera (I had it) and taped him, but I was too embarrassed. Then came Santa - and now you get to read my embarrassing news. I gave the kids to Wade so he could help them stand in line and I could help clean up our table. When I found them after Santa, Wade said Gage kept cutting in line and getting in every one's pictures! This was the only picture Wade got of him with Santa. (Santa is played by a wonderful counselor in our bishopric, who has the real beard and is such a fun guy!)

3. Yesterday we were stuck inside all day and school was canceled for all the husbands! My neighbor Julie and Anne-Marie and kids came over for lunch and fun times! Wade has been saving his money for a while and purchased an X-Box 360 a few weeks ago and he had such a fun time letting the kids take turns racing cars. Anne-Marie and Julie went head to head for a couple races as well. I'm not really big into video games, but I was glad Wade finally bought something he wanted (he never does!) and we had a fun afternoon!

4. The ice is slowly but surly melting/chipping off my van! Wade spent 45 minutes chipping an inch of ice off my van yesterday so I could get out of the house, and I was so thankful!

5. Two short weeks from now we fly to Tennessee to see my family! We are having a family reunion and my parents and all 14 adults (parents, plus siblings and spouses) and 11 grandchildren will all be together - something that hasn't happened in 3 plus years!

What's your good news?

Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Mr. Bean Christmas

We woke today to rain - or at least what I thought was rain. It really was our second ice storm in 2 weeks. The snow is pretty, and in some ways the ice is pretty too, but not so pretty when it means I'm stuck inside all day. I guess it's time to break out some loud dancing Christmas music, make some forts and bake some homemade goodies..perhaps some bread and soup for tonight!

My sister in law Chandra sent this to me and I was laughing so hard that Wade had to leave the next room and go upstairs to study! I collect nativities and Wade jokes that I play with them too much. I can honestly say this has never happened at my house - but with two boys I'm sure that someday it will. It's about 5 minutes and gets better and better!

Monday, December 10, 2007

Books

I have to admit I have not been very good lately at updating My Reading Spot. I updated today and I thought I would post a short update on here as well. I love to read during the holidays, but I have so many other projects as well. Plus, Wade's schedule has allowed him to be home more - which should equal more reading time - but equals more family time, and you can't argue with that.

I just finished a fun novel, North by Northanger. It's my second Mr. and Mrs. Darcy mystery. They are so fun to read.

I have loved Shannon Hale. I've read AustenLand and Princess Academy. I am very excited because I started Goose Girl today! It's part of a series -all of which are out, so I can read right through them all!

One book I am the most excited about is coming out on the 26th of this month. The Sweet Far Thing, by Libba Bray is the 3rd book in The Great and Terrible Beauty series. I'll be gone to see my family when it comes out so I haven't decided to order it and have it waiting when I get home or buy it while I am in Tennessee. I am leaning towards buying it there, but I hope it doesn't make me want to ignore my family and just read! (At least I know my sister Kathy will probably be doing the same thing.) I've said it before, and I'll say it again, if you love Twilight then you will love this series. I am almost tempted to say I love it more - I think Libba Bray is one of the most witty authors ever!

I read this book last month and haven't posted a review on it - it's my site and I'm not sure I really want to post a review for every book I read. I liked this book, I have to admit I cheated and watched the movie as well.

This last book I found at the library and I was so excited. I have seen it at Costco and at book stores but wasn't going to spend money on it - but now that I've looked at it, it might really be worth it! I love the advice it gives boys about girls - and we have made many paper airplanes and cool crystals since we checked it out. Wade loves to read it and I think we will all be very sad when it's due back at the library.

What are you reading? Do you read more during the holidays or do you take a break?