THE TREE

Merry Christmas!!!! So here is our gigantic tree from the forest of Prescott. We had the privilege to cut it down and had a very memorable time. We went up with a couple from our ward and Kiersten(our sister-in-law) and spent the night at the Lichlyter Cabin. The next day Adam woke up and made everyone chocolate chip pancakes that were phenomenal. We all bundled up and pack some snacks for the kids and were on a trek to find the perfect tree.

We drove and drove and drove some more. Finally the women told the men that the kids were cranky and hungry and we couldn't be picky. We found one, then two more. We had 3 permits, and they were only 10 bucks! So The boys loaded them up and we drove back in the snow, yes it was a white Christmas tree cutting experience and it didn't stop until we left to come home.

So here you have it our masterpiece. I think your perspective is different when you are in an entire forest. It is almost to the roof, and it even had a birds nest in it. It was a different breed, and the branches were really weak, so not many of our ornaments would work, and we didn't have that many to begin with. I love it and think it is beautiful!! It will definitely continue to be a tradition, and hopefully always a white one.

We love this season and hope you all have a safe and blessed Christmas!

Love the Kobels

This Time of The Year

I am full of gratitude this day as I have had a great couple of weeks. I am so grateful for my family and friends, our home, and the gospel. I love this time of year and wish it was more of an ongoing thing. I am going to try to spread it out this year. We aren't exchanging gifts with everyone, so I have decided to listen and pay closer attention to those around me. When I notice they love something or are in need of help, I am going to attempt to get that thing done for them. This way, I feel can help to have more love and kindness in my heart throughout the whole year.

I was at Walmart the other day and saw a elderly man trying to get a drink at Mc Donald's. He was using one of those scooters and couldn't reach, I got up easily and took his cup and he told me what he wanted. He said graciously,"Bless your soul." I was touched and came back to the table and Jaxson said,"Mom that was really nice of you." I didn't think twice about it, but was humbled by the experience and glad I was given an opportunity to serve and teach this principle to my children.

I love the scents, cookies, music, company, and spirit that Christmas brings. I hope I can continue the spirit throughout this whole year. I am so grateful for Christ and his birth and thankful to share this with my small children through the nativities in our home. I hope we are able to keep the true meaning of the season in our home and not get so caught up in the "hustle and bustle". (However I love the excuse to shop) This is a special time cherish every minute!

I love all of you and an so honored to have you in my life! Thanks for all you do for our family. Hope you all have a Happy Healthy Christmas season!

El Paso

We had a great time this past weekend visiting our family in El Paso. It even snowed while we were there and was a big 34 degrees. We were not very prepared for that kind of cold, but it was so fun. Jaxson and Kennedi and Brekin played in the snow from the cars and the built up snow on the trampoline. They made snow balls and had a blast.

Adam and I got to have some time to ourselves thanks to Karressa?? We had a great breakfast at Crackerbarrel and did some shopping too! We aslo spent some time at The Direct Buy store and were very impressed at the layout and design. Adam and I are so proud of Kyle and Danielle and the Wilsons(their partners) for the great success that they have made.

Also on this trip both of our grandpa's came. This experience to see how proud they were of their grandchild and his successes. They couldn't stop talking about the store and what a business it is and will be. My one grandpa is getting more fragile and probably won't be able to go again, so this was a once in a lifetime experience and quite a memorable one at that. He has always been very involved in our lives and this was another thing he didn't want to miss and was grateful to be there.

We went to a fabulous resturaunt and the movie, and on walks, to the Mexican market, and watched the kids play. I love this family and miss them every day. I am grateful they are only 6 hours away, and we will visit often. I can't help but feel sad when everyday since we have been home Jaxson asks when we are going back to Texas, and when are we moving there? He had time to rekindle his relationship with his sweet cousins and we love them very much. Thanks for a great time guys

Abby

Sweet Children

Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking outside your body.
-Elizabeth Stone

I thought this quote was so perfect. I couldn't imagine my life without these two, but I am still so worried for them and the chioces they choose to make or not make. Today I sat back as the two of them played hide-n-seek and Jaxson said, "Mom I think I might help Mya a little as he was crouching by the couch." What a good big brother!!! I am so proud to be a mom and grateful that I can teach and love them so much.

Children are a gift and we must keep that in mind even on those days where they wake up on the crying side of the bed, milk is spilled all over the floor, you don't get to shower because you are late for preschool, someone throws up in the car, no one wants a nap but you, and it is still 5 hours until dad gets home!!!

We all have had days like this, but the perfect moments and kisses make up for all that and I wouldn't change it for the world!!

Cousins are special

Well this past weekend my brother and his family from Texas was visiting. We had a great Sunday dinner at Bobba's with everyone there. The kids ran wild and laughed and screamed in excitement renewing their friendships. Jaxson had a fabulous time and never could leave this cute girl's side.

He truly loves her and misses having her and her sisters as our neighbor and close by. He still hasn't got it that she was just visiting. He states,"Kenny came back! She doesn't like Texas anymore mom?" I have to gently tell him no, she is only here for a few days. I tear up for him, the bond he has, and how he misses them so much.

However, he got to have a sleepover with 3 of the 6 girl cousins(he is the only boy) before they left. They had a great night as they danced and laughed and read stories. Molly was a great host, and said Brekin who is the oldest was reading them a story and Kennedi had her arm around Jaxson as they listened intently and then checked on them again and it was Jaxson with his arm around her. So sweet!!!!

I am so grateful for family and the closeness that our family shares near and far. I hope these special cousins can share a lifetime of memories and fun even though they are far apart. We will miss you, till next time Lichlyters!!!

Love ya Abby

The 3 Day

This past weekend I had the privilege to be involved in the 3-day! I was among some of the most courageous and determined women I have ever seen. I was proud to be a spectator and see my mom, sister, aunt, cousin, and friends participate in the 60 mile walk to fight breast cancer. My friend Becky and I were part of the medical staff and tried to make their load a little lighter or cheer them up in some small way, along with touching their sweaty feet and helping their sore aching blisters .

I was so touched as I saw strangers helping strangers and the sisterhood that came about in those 3 special days. I watched as people came to our stop and were hot, so very hot(94 degrees out), and tired and aching have a positive attitude and remember the cause they were walking for. There was smiles all around, well most of the time!!

I was helpless and I shed tears because I couldn't take the pain and heat away to give them relief. One woman on crutches, another pregnant, and many others exhausted. I saw a small glimpse of what our Heavenly Father See's as he has to let people struggle with their challenges. I grew to love those thousands of strangers I met, as I wrapped their feet and heard their stories, and would do it again in a heartbeat. (probably not that soon if I actually walked!!)

I am planning on walking someday, hopefully with some of the same great people. Now that we know what to expect and some necessities to prepare for.

I am so proud of my family and the great feat that they overcame!! Thanks to you all for being supportive in the fundraising, we will never forget that weekend and the lasting memories it has brought!!

Love ya Abby

ARRRR PIRATES

So here are a couple of pics from the big pirate bash!!! Everyone was involved including Dad, Mya and Uncle Aaron. They were a little too scary with their fake teeth and made a little girl cry. It was very sad!!! However, Jaxson had a great time with the treasure hunt, face painting, throwing water balloons, and a huge sword fight with all of the pirates. There was fun for all, and I thank everyone for coming and sharing this great time with him. He is very gateful for all of his gifts and hasn't stopped playing with all of the transformers!! Thanks again

Jaxson and the Kobels