Elf on the Shelf 2012

I kept hearing about the Elf on the Shelf with the approaching month of December.... Then I was at Jaimi's house (one of my favourite people) I checked out their Elf and the story that came with it. I thought it was a sweet tradition. A few days later I had coffee with my friend Shannon and she was telling me that her family received an Elf last Christmas named Buddy and she was going to share his adventures on her blog Pretty Organized (You should take a peek at Buddy he is truly a naughty little fellow that made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion).

Brodie named our elf Stacy

.....back to our story we headed out for family pictures one Sunday afternoon and on our return there was a gift sitting on the front steps addressed to The Boys on Pleasant Road!! Well Brodie who is almost 9 didn't know what to think.... " Are we being stalked"? "Who sent it"? " Is it a nanny cam"? Oh no Korben touched it.....the book says kids can't touch it"! No worries, according to the Green Family cinnamon acts like a vitamin and restores the Elf's power so she can return each night to Santa to share
the adventures of the families day. (The Elf itself is the stalker).

Cinnamon!

And So the adventure began:

The view was nice from the top of the tree

Brodie went to feed Meadow and look what he found!

Stacy reminded us that our Santa letters had not been mailed

Stacy needed her own transportation after a few nights of  flying back and forth to Santa. She liked the tow truck so much, she used it for 2 nights until she regained her energy.

Stacy wanted to meet  the gecko Lizzy, but after the heat light was turned on, for the day, we decided to move her, so she didn't return to Santa with a suntan

One morning Stacy returned with a movie from the gas station for us to watch....maybe next time she can fill up our car

We think Stacy and Buddy must of crossed paths one night because she was very naughty on her return

Brodie discovered if you leave your clean laundry out Elves will make use of what they can find on a cold night

Santa's bathroom was occupied so Stacy read about Jesus's birth while she waited for her turn

Not everyone who met Stacy was comfortable with the idea...Brodie's friend Evan and Jay both thought the whole thing was kind of creepy. Evan made it very clear to his Mom he didn't want an elf wandering their home while they slept! The elves seemed to respect his request and one never showed up on their door step, as far as I know.

The morning of Christmas eve we found Stacy with our wipe off board holding a red marker, she explained it was her last day and Santa would be picking her up when he delivered the gifts that night. She told the boys to be kind to each other and to listen to their parents and to enjoy the spirit of Christmas. Brodie was sad disappointed to see her go, and told her he hoped she could return to us next year. On Christmas morning she left another note:

There is so much fun you can have when you choose to believe in the unbelievable. As we say goodbye to 2012, I am praying for the miracle Grandma Brenda so desperately needs, that our family NEEDS. I believe miracles do happen! If you believe please pray for my mom

                     kristen heather

When I write I always have a starting point but the direction it takes and the clarity it provides me is often surprising, I know that is why I have been motivated to write since jr high. It took me a long time to share the blog. 

What I thought the blog would be has evolved through time. And what it gives me is more than I could of wished for.

Everyone who reads it will not get it or understand it, and that is hard at times when those that struggle the most with it are the ones I am the closest to.....but for those of you that do get it I welcome you to this journey

Happy New Year

       

Christmas Now & Then

A small collection of the last few years of our Christmas letters, It amazes me to read my own messages, that are like a soft tap on my shoulder reminding me of the words I need to hear today. God is good  
Wishing you and yours the best in 2013

xo    kristen heather

Christmas 2012

Greetings once again, can you believe this is the 8^th year I have written a Christmas letter?! I hope you enjoy receiving it as much as I enjoy writing it.

With facebook, my blog (kayefiles.blogspot.ca), texting and email, I hope I can find something to share that you have not already read somewhere along the way.

Korben is now 3 and he is very active and very happy. (I am no longer calling him Mr. Naughty because I do believe you bring about what you think about).

Korben has really bloomed in the last 3 months, he has a great imagination, and he is fearless and sweet. I coughed the other day and he replied “bless you”.

Jason is working at Johnson Controls; he had the opportunity to take a course in Oklahoma this fall; which was a new experience for us all. It is easy to take for granted the difference between having 2 adults under the same roof.

Brodie will be 9 in February, his teacher describes him as “a mini encyclopedia, he knows so much, about so many things”…just like his Daddy and both Grandpas. Brodie played his second year of football for the Transcona Nationals. He experienced the excitement of touchdowns this year; which taught him that trying different things does have its rewards. Brodie as you know is also a sensitive soul, like his Mama, all of us have been learning the strengths and weaknesses in this trait, and we are hoping the New Year will bring a smoother road for all of us.

As for myself, there have been challenges since October when the first of our three car accidents occurred. Jay and I are both scheduled to start the return to work process in the New Year.  If you follow my blog, you will know that I always try to find the positive & the life lessons God has placed before me. Unfortunately for Jay, he has to live through the processing period of all my realizations. I do love what he can bring to the table; even though we view the world from different perspectives. Out of this I am hoping for balance for our boys, in a world that is often a scary place.

These are the lessons I have learned this year: Be strong and faithful. Be true to yourself & the ones you love. Remember God has a plan. Tell the truth, Say sorry. Ask for help when you need it, say thank you for the small things. Always remember things can change in a blink of an eye. Count your blessings and hug your Mama

Kristen, Jay, Brodie & Korben  xoxoxo

From Our House to Yours in 2011

          It is hard to believe that Christmas is only 9 days away and we hardly have any snow on the ground.

We have had a very busy year; Jay finished school in February and is officially a Journeyman…its hard to believe he started this journey right after Brodie was born. Jay is truly brilliant in all areas that interest him.

Brodie is in grade 2 and had the most amazing 3 way conferences at school this month. Mme Monica praised him for his helpful nature and great manners. Brodie is reading more and more and showing such confidence and interest, his math skills are above grade level. Watching your child grow academically amazes me as much as seeing their first step.

Brodie joined the Transcona National Football team this summer and was presented the “Sniper Award”.

Now for our Mr. Naughty A.K.A. Korben he is officially 2, he LOVES cars and trains, Jays snowmobile, & the riding lawnmower……you get the idea. Korben is potty training, talking lots and still using baby sign when he really wants something. When Korben sees Christmas lights he says “Nice” and has tried several times to bite an apple tree ornament. His day care reported that he also likes to throw the round ornaments off their tree……Brodie told me “ It’s ok Mama he is just learning”.

As for me I’m adjusting to the idea of turning 40 next month……not that I feel any different but it somehow sounds different…..I must be grown up. To be honest I feel great, I have finally adjusted to “Country life” and I am seeing more and more the benefits for all of us. Brodie and I just finished the 1^st Harry Potter book and in the end there is a discussion about how powerful Harry’s Mother’s love was that it left its own mark on him. “Not a scar, no visible sign…to have been loved so deeply, even though the person who loved us is gone, will give us protection forever; it is in your very skin”….. I feel the same way about Jay and the boys; they have left their mark on me, my parents, my in-laws, my brother and his amazing family….my friends God has truly blessed me. Proverbs 23:7 “As a man thinks in his heart, so does he become” May you know in your heart the greatness that God sees in you.

Merry Christmas Love, Kristen, Jason, Brodie, Korben & Meadow  xoxo

1st Year Trick or Treating

We Wish You a Merry Christmas 2010

Greetings to you from our little house in the woods……it has been a very busy month and a half  adjusting to the end of my mat leave, coordinating 2 children and ourselves and all the places we need to get to each morning…..the drive is still long but coming home is worth it.

Brodie is enjoying grade 1 at Ecole Dugald. He proudly passed his yellow belt in Tae Kwon Do; Brodie’s class is twice a week at Anola School. It’s hard to believe Brodie will be turning 7 in February. He is still very loving towards the “baby brother” even though Korben wants to touch and explore all of Brodie’s favorite things.

Korben had his 1^st birthday October 30; he is crawling, walking, and climbing. Jay calls him “Mr.” I call him “Mr. Naughty”. He is adjusting to full time childcare, we are blessed to have a spot at the same centre Brodie attending as an infant, he is very well cared for and he is having lots of fun. They also take good care of me on the mornings Korben does not want me to leave.

Jason starts his last level in Refrigeration at Red River January 4^th for 7 weeks; he will be a journeyman on completion.

For myself I am enjoying the many gifts God has given us, the biggest one being each other. Jay reminds me to focus on the good stuff and let go of the little stuff……like our house ever staying clean or having all the laundry done…… There have been many life lessons in the last year, I worried how a family of 3 would adjust to 4 and it happened more naturally than becoming parents the first time around……. Siblings that are 5 years apart can still play, laugh and love………….Part of being a parent is to have a voice when they don’t …………Ask for clarification when you are not sure what someone is trying to say……….Use what you know and do something good with it…….love each other….love yourself…..be grateful

Here is to a Happy New Year that we hope will be full of all the things you need & love

          Kristen, Jason, Brodie, Korben & Meadow

                                                                   XOXO

Grade 1

1st Fall xoxo

Merry Christmas 2009   

After becoming a mother or in our house…… a “Mama” I started to write a Christmas letter each year to share a little of our lives……last year I took a break since we were still unpacking boxes in our new home, Anola has been a blessing and  a learning curve… I do miss having family 15 minutes away or being able to run out for errands without packing a bag or at least snacks for Brodie and I. Jay has loved it from day one.. riding lawnmowers, snowmobiling right from the front door…. Our home has a peace and beauty that I didn’t feel in the city.

Korben entered into the world quickly on October 30, we arrived at Women’s Hospital at 9:30 am and he was born at 10:15 am. Brodie suspected the pregnancy early asking if I had a baby in my tummy since I looked a little swollen, we confirmed his guess about a baby at Easter and he didn’t say much at first, and then later suggested that maybe I just ate a little too much.

Korben takes after Jay he is mellow and happy, in 7 weeks I have had a handful of full night sleeps, with any luck Santa will bring me a few more.

 Brodie has entered into the world of team sports, video games and school. He told me that when dad drives him to school he feels like a big boy because he doesn’t walk him in, I realize he wants to be treated as a big boy.

Brodie loves to hold Korben and kiss him, if Korben cries in the car Brodie will start to sing to him. It amazes me that a 5 year old can calm a baby with his genuine love and devotion.

My Mom often says that Brodie has an old soul, he noticed this year people sleeping  in front of building while driving through downtown, and the line up in front of Siloam Mission, he was very concerned that these people would have no place to go, and what if that happened to us…..I explained that we are blessed to have family and friends that I know would help us if we ever needed…..its nice to know in my heart that is true, Jay and I come from small families but they have always supported us in soooooo many ways, with the kids, the house and in moments of pure chaos.

 When school started Brodie drew me a picture and said “I am showing you empathy”, I asked “what does that mean”?  He replied “to put yourself in someone else’s shoes….to show you understand”. A few weeks ago he drew the first picture for Daddy.

Brodie will tell you he came from heaven and WE became a family when he was born; and now Korben has completed it.

Wishing you and your family all the best this Christmas, Love Kristen, Jay, Brodie & Korben

XO XO

First Day of Kindergarden

Oh how my family has grown!

Finding my way back to Friday Favorites....

During the summer months I was able to use holiday time to create a part time work schedule, which allowed me to blog more, clean more, play more. I have really been missing the Friday Favorite Things from: 

Finding Joy .

 I thought today would be a good day to stop and share my family that gives me joy even in the tough times, we are together in this journey we call life

My cute family, I have been blessed 3 times over

My amazing Jason who is so out numbered by the sensitive ones living under one roof.
You provide truth, loyalty and love
Thank you



Brodie James has this father's brains & his mama's heart, with balance of the two I see great things in his future



Korben Jason has brought us laughter, joy and brotherhood


My parents have taught me the true meaning of in sickness & in health
bless and protect them you


Shayne and Terry are generous and loyal and I respect & love you  both

Betty and Ray have always shown me kindness and respect. I am proud to call both of them family

This one is an old picture but its true to what family is food, joy & togetherness

I am so thankful


kristen heather


Comments are always welcome, thanks for stopping by

Who art thou?

Have you ever sat still long enough to ask the question...motionless from the "to do list" "should of, could of, would of list?
I find this a challenging place to be, my mind seems to run faster than my legs have ever taken me (and if you grew up with me you would know I am pretty dam fast on my feet).

After our car accident at the end of October there has been lots of questions from within, from others, officially and unofficially.
I can retell it a 100 times but unless you where buckled in to our Toyota that morning the impact is hard to verbalize and has taken time to process physically and emotionally. 

I will share a little of it, things you may or may not know......the impact of what "could of" happened hit me eight hours later when I was carrying Korben from the rental car into the house, he was half asleep nuzzled into my neck...."oh my God I could of killed you"  Truly I knew within seconds that I needed to reword that phrase but I felt it. 
Autopac told me " I don't  care what you say I've heard it all, you were the only driver its a 100% your fault "  Weather conditions, crappy highways have no place in this story. 
The Toyota rep said based on the report the car "should of" been destroyed.

I had no memory where on the highway the accident occurred , I thought it was closer to our street, until Jay told me. When I asked how he knew he said you can see it, the tire marks on the opposite side of the highway, through the gravel......the pole, Brodie and I both thought we were going to hit.  
So based on the distance we were from our street, and that fact  I felt no resistance of ice on the highway we would of been travelling at 100 km.

We spun twice around completely and then I saw a white light as we missed the pole.  Yikes! White Light....but it didn't feel like that it was more like a sign that we were not alone..and I remember thinking this is going to really hurt, this is going to be really bad as we flew off the road into the ditch, and it was as if the car was just placed down gently. God was truly there, catching us as we fell. 

I stopped at the side of the highway a few weeks after and just looked at the pole, at the tire marks, at the ditch; that was no longer filled with water, it was completely empty, no cushion for a car full of small precious gifts. I thanked God for protecting us, I thanked God for the stranger that turned back on his travels to work, stopped and helped after a dozen cars passed us by. He put on his boots and pulled my boys out, and drove us home.
Why did I revisit the spot...we pass it 2-4 times daily, its the only route to the life we have beyond our home. I needed to process it in my mind so, my heart can let it go and just hold on to the gratitude for all that has come from this experience.

I had the chance to talk to the stranger a few days ago and thank him, all I knew was he worked at the building store in town, I had no name.....I thought he owned a black car, but told me its white....its amazing how the simple details of a car or the location of where it took place is not apart of my memory. My heart has done its best let go of the fear to focus on the reality of where we stand today.

I would like to thank all of my friends, family and strangers that have held our hands and pulled us out of that ditch.

                                   kristen heather  

Changes, changes & more changes

It seems that everything around us is in constant motion, it's a season of change. This week we went to sleep and woke to winter. Yesterday ended up a snow day, both boys child care centres were closed. Driving into the city this morning was a little like entering the twilight zone there was little to no snow. We only live 25 minutes away...I'm crossing my fingers for a melt so I can do the fall clean up that I thought would happen over the long weekend.

Brodie has entered into grade 3, a new teacher, new rules, new experiences. Brodie child care centre has also moved location.

After months of struggling with the management style, I realized that our family's beliefs and values come first. My whole career is based on a family centred approach; so Korben has transitioned to a new day care. I can not put into words my relief to how quickly he adjusted. He told Daddy after his first day "I like day care"
After his nap yesterday he asked to go to day care.

For me there has been changes in my work dynamics with new protocols, workloads and hoops to jump in and out of. With all of this I am grateful to have employment, in a climate that is freezing some employees out.

I also stepped out of the box and joined the  Lia Sophia team, sales is not something I have ever done but I'm enjoying the new challenge and I'm meeting new people. Plus they reward hard work, what a concept!

Sometimes things change before we are ready for it, but it doesn't mean you can't find the beauty in it



kristen heather

Love Languages

Have you read any of Dr. Gary Chapman's books? He teaches about love languages, his theory is there are 5 love languages for giving and receiving love.
1. Words of affirmation
2. Quality time
3. Receiving gifts
4. Acts of service
5. Physical touch

If you venture into the process you can find out what your Love Language is, he also explains how your partners/child's language may be completely different from your own, which may result in a lack of love being felt at times, if you don't know how to "fill the others tank"
Dr Chapman has gone on to write a variety of books on the 5 love languages for couples, children, teens...and there have been over 40 translations published around the world.


After 14 years today September 17th I'm not sure I have completely figured out Jay's primary love language  (which I'm sure he will love to see, when this post hits his inbox in the morning). What I have figured out is what mine is and I'm not too shy after 14 years to remind the love of my life what I need.


My initial interest  in this was as a partner, but the more I explored it, the clearer  it explained Brodie's anxiety when I am not home at bedtime. If I were to guess quality time would rank pretty high on his list and bed time is when we read and chat and say our prayers. Its routine, it daily and its been occurring consistently for 8 years...it started with rocking him to sleep as an infant, then a toddler that wouldn't let me leave the room before he was asleep, now a kid who hates to see a Mama go out past bedtime. As some of you know we have 2 sons, Korben bedtime looks very different live and learn.. Brodie and I are learning that quality time can be any time as long as you make a point to fit it in.

                           kristen heather