Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas everyone.  I hope that your day went well yesterday.  It was so fun to talk to many family members on the phone.   We had a wonderful day with the kids.  Our week went quickly.  Thursday morning Ruth got sick to her stomach, so it still hasn't left our house.  She rested at home that day.  That evening we had missionaries come over for dinner.  We enjoyed having them in our home.  Neal got to go out with them to visit a family and that went well for him too.

Friday started out glum when Andrew got sick again!  Poor kid.  He has had things really bad this month.  He had to stay home from school and miss his Christmas class party.  Ruth was feeling great and was able to go to school.  I had planned on going to the school for the parties, helping and being a part of it all.  But had to cancel that plan to stay home with Andrew.  Ruth and Spencer had lots of fun at their parties and enjoyed getting out of school at noon.  We rested the remainder of the day and Saturday too.

I was so thankful that by Sunday everyone was doing well so we could go to church.  It was good to be there with all our friends.  I am so thankful for the gospel in my life.  I feel so blessed to have my faith and knowledge of Jesus Christ.  I enjoyed all the Christmas music and the happy feeling there.  After church we stayed late for the baptism of Gary, I visit teach his mom.  It was neat to be there.  I gave the talk on baptism in the service.  It was a simple meeting but full of the spirit.  We make a quick stop at home and then went to a gathering of friends at "Hot Cocoa" night.  It was fun to visit with friends there and share in the Christmas cheer.

Monday was a busy day for us.  I did laundry while doing Christmas cooking and keeping four active, excited kids happy.  Andrew was feeling better but has developed a cough now. I hope he can get all well soon! The kids had fun with painting too.  Even Caleb is getting good with water colors.  We also watched the movie "Polar Express" that afternoon.  It was a good day.  Neal had to work and we missed him.  That evening we had a nice ham dinner and then spent time with the kids talking about the Christmas story and acting out the Nativity story.

Christmas was a very nice day for us.  I was happy that the kids were all so kind and patient with things.  We opened up the stockings first, then ate breakfast.  We then returned to the tree to open presents.  The kids were so excited about all their new things.  I enjoyed watching their excitement.  I was woken up, not by kids, but by thunder.  We had a short thunder storm and a little rain.  Neal had a nice fire going for us most the day.  It was cozy to sit around watching the kids play, eating good food and talking to family members on the phone.

Today I think we are in recovery mode.  The kids are quiet.  We went to the library and got some new books and movies to entertain.  Everyone is happy and grateful.  Neal is at work again.  His schedule has been very busy lately.  We miss having him home and hope that things lighten up for him soon.

Acting out the Nativity, the Shepherds. 

Mary and Joseph leading the donkey

Caleb looked so serious in this shot.  Maybe he was really thinking about what we were reading from the Bible.

Our Christmas tree, all ready for the excitement! 

The kids opening up their stockings from Santa

Andrew got a tackle box to put little things in from his Grandma

Caleb loves his new block train, the other boys thought it was cool too.

Ruth was excited for her doll to get a new dress

Spencer loved the new shovel from Grandma.  Even though it was about 35 degrees outside he went out in the afternoon to try digging with it!

Ruth loved her new hair bows from Grandma

Caleb really liked the train and kept playing with it, even after opening other gifts.

Ruth loves horses, her brother picked this one out for her.

Spencer was ecstatic about all the dinosaur things he got!

Ruth was very excited when she found a new dress for her from Grandma.

Happy boys playing.

Andrew got his Lego things built pretty quick and has had fun playing with the little cars.

Spencer and Caleb playing with their new toys. 

Andrew asked for building toys, he got lots of Jenga blocks and colorful wood blocks.  He also likes insects and had fun building this insect house.

Cute video clips

Today I had some fun with Caleb.  He loves colors and so this book is a favorite.  My camera ran out of memory so we didn't get the entire book in the clip.  

Caleb loves to sing songs.  This is him singing "Pop corn popping."   He really wanted to see himself on the camera, that added some extra cuteness.  He likes to tell me he sings songs in class, nursery class at church.  He loves going there and I am thankful for good teachers for him. 

This is a movie clip of the kids doing music.  One morning while I was getting ready for the day I heard them playing in the front room.  I came out with my camera and filmed their "jam session."  Later that day we went to the zoo.  There are some chimes that the kids enjoy playing on.  

Santa Time

Dear Family,

Christmas is getting so close! The kids are getting all excited about the activities and events planned.  This week has gone by quickly.  I am thankful that everyone is feeling well right now.  Andrew is doing great.  Ruth was sick with the same stomach stuff on Saturday and Sunday.  She is doing fine now too.  I hope no one else gets it!

I was able to have a nice parent teacher conference with Spencer’s teacher.  It was fun to talk to her and hear how he is doing in Kindergarten.  He is doing wonderful with behavior and knows everything he needs to know right now.  She said that he picks things up really easy and is excelling in school.  He is happy that I bought him another sweater.  The zipper on the old one kept jamming up.  I bought two different ones in November that the zippers broke within a few days of having it.  I was able to return both of them, but it was frustrating.  I bought another one today, from a different store, and he is enjoying wearing it, even though it is 80 degrees out side. 

I also had a parent conference with Ruth’s GT teachers.  They think she is wonderful.  I am glad that she has a love of learning and is so kind to everyone in her class.  Ruth also had a music program last Thursday.  She played and sang with the 4^th grade.  It was a fun program about Holiday’s from this time of year.  

Andrew has enjoyed playing in the leaves outside.  He has been making piles and then making “houses.”  He does this by hollowing out the piles and making walls and rooms.  It is fun to watch because I remember doing that when I was young.  He helped me the other day clean out the garden.  We had a hard freeze last week and lost most of the garden.  It looks better with all the dead plants pulled.  We still have lettuce, spinach, cabbage and carrots growing.  

Caleb loves colors.  He still insists on eating off of red things although he has started to ask for the turquoise cup to drink from.  He also doesn’t want to go to bed at night.  He likes to wander out of the room and ask for things.  It is a trial every night to get him to go to sleep!

Saturday we were able to go to the Mayborn children’s museum for their annual Christmas activity.  Ruth and Neal had to stay home because Ruth got sick.  She was sad.  I took the boys and they had fun seeing the Christmas decorations.  We also visited with Santa.  Then we spent time looking at their electric train display.  The boys really enjoy that.  

Last week I was able to make lots of candy and cookies.  We were able to share it with lots of friends and neighbors.  I enjoy doing that.  Our next door neighbor asked us if we were going to sing for her this year, so we did.  I thought that was fun she remembered that we will sing for her.  Yesterday when we went to the Hodson’s home (he was our Bishop when we first moved here) they also requested a song.  Then Brother Hodson wanted to give us something back and went and got a package of cookies.  I thought it was fun he shared his cookies with us.

Today I took Caleb to the Hewitt library Christmas story time.  After reading some Christmas stories Santa came into the room.  He was jolly and fun.  But the most entertaining part of it was that all of the little kids were afraid of him!  They all started to cry and cling to their parents.  But Santa was patient and let each one come up to him as best they could.  Caleb wouldn’t even look at him, but I still had someone take our picture.  

We are happy that we have been so blessed this holiday season and look forward to opening all those packages!  The kids are getting a bit anxious about that.  Thank you to all who have sent us things.  It definitely makes things exciting.  

Caleb fell asleep watching a movie.  He looked so precious I took pictures of him sleeping. 

Ruth performed at the Spring Valley El. music program.  I took this picture after the program so I could see her better with her instrument.

We went to the Mayborn Museum for the annual Christmas party.  The boys were a little excited about the huge Christmas tree.

Caleb didn't want to be close to Santa, Spencer was too busy being silly.  Caleb started to warm up to Santa because he was a kind man telling the boys silly things to get their attention.  

Spencer and Andrew in the tree.

Caleb was eating a candy cane, that is why his face looks dirty.  He had lots of fun seeing the Thomas trains at the electric train display at the museum. 

Andrew liked the large trains. 

Spencer liked the small trains. 

Andrew wished this large black engine was running while we were there, it was his favorite. 

Caleb didn't want to go to bed, so instead he was "reading" the Book of Mormon.  

We went to the Hewitt story time and Santa came.  All the kids were scared of him!  Caleb didn't want to even look at him.  It was really funny to see all the kids crying and clinging to their moms.  He was a jolly Santa though. 

Christmas Card

Merry Christmas!

Another year has passed by so quickly.  Our children are growing so much, it is fun to watch and hear their minds and bodies grow.  We are so thankful for them.

Ruth (9 years old) is in 4^th grade this fall.  She loves learning.  She is excelling in her studies and enjoys doing crafts.  She bought a camera this year and has had fun learning to use it to capture fun moments.  Her piano playing is improving and it is a joy to hear her play.  She also continues to love to read and always is reading something!

Andrew (7) is in 2^nd grade.  He works hard at school and his grades show it.  He loves to build things, whether it is trucks out of Lego, towers with blocks, train towns with his tracks, or leaf piles as high as possible.  He is diligent in doing his chores and likes to help everyone.

Spencer (5) started Kindergarten this year.  He loves school!  He loves his teacher and friends! It is fun to see his excitement for life.  He enjoys make-believe and playing outside.  He is artistic and always has something going on in his mind of what to create next.  That usually comes out in that he can’t seem to keep his active body still!

Caleb (2) is growing so fast.  He is still cuddly and cute and we enjoy our “baby.”  He is talking a lot and exploring his world.  He is a good little boy and doesn’t get into things.  One thing he likes to say is “I a good helper.”  He is a nice companion during the quiet days when the others are at school.  He is very attached to his mommy, especially playing with her hair. 

The kids enjoy playing together and love being outside.  They recently have formed a “Geology Science Club” and like to study outdoor things.  They all enjoy riding bikes, playing with balls and running around.  They are active and creative.  

In May, Neal and Becky had a wonderful trip to Washington, D.C., by ourselves.   Rachel, Becky’s sister, came and stayed with our kids.  We went to the wedding of Neal’s cousin and had fun being with family, without the kids.  It was a fabulous celebration, and we loved seeing so many relatives.  This was also a trip to celebrate our 10^th wedding anniversary.  We feel blessed to be living life together!

In July we took our big family trip.  We drove up to Utah and camped at Canyonlands National Park.  Then we drove to Neal’s parents’ home in West Jordan.  We spent time in the mountains hiking, visiting museums, temples, and colleges, and spending time with many family and friends.  We also visited Becky’s parents in Orem.  The highlight of the time with the Hancocks was a family reunion.  All six of Becky’s siblings were together with their families.  We were able to have a family portrait done and enjoyed lots of fun visiting time.  We then drove into Idaho and camped in Yellowstone.  We drove through Wyoming and came south back home.  It was a long trip but full of great memories.  The best part was spending time together as a family.  

We are thankful for our Savior, Jesus Christ.  We feel so blessed to have the gospel in our lives.  Neal is serving as the ward clerk.  Becky is serving as the 1^st counselor in the Relief Society Presidency.  This summer we were able to attend the ground breaking of the new Waco Stake Center building.  It is exciting to see the church growing here and we always enjoy having the missionaries in our home.  We feel so blessed and wish we could share with everyone all these wonderful blessings.

With love from the Hubbards:   Neal, Becky, Ruth, Andrew, Spencer and Caleb

Check out our new blog at http://nbhubbardhappenings.blogspot.com/

Christmas Tree

The kids had lots of fun decorating the tree.  This is a short video I took of them doing it!  I hope this works. :)

Happy for Christmas Time

We have had a good week.  The kids are so excited for Christmas.  They help me remember to do our Advent calendar every evening.  They love playing by the Christmas tree and talking about the fun things they want to do for each other.  It is a fun time of year.

Thursday Ruth went to the dentist and had no cavities.  She is enjoying her school class this year.  She likes to tell us interesting facts about things she has learned.  

Andrew has been sick with a stomach bug every other day.  He didn’t feel well Friday but went to school late because he thought he would be fine.  He didn’t have problems until Saturday at lunch time when he vomited.  He rested and was fine Sunday, then Monday he got sick again, went to school Tuesday because he felt great.  Then he got sick this morning again.  It is a frustrating thing.  No other symptoms, just an upset stomach.  I hope he can rest today and get over it all the way!  Thursday after school he was breaking open rocks.  Neal let him borrow a small hammer, chisel and safety glasses.  It was fun to watch him work and enjoy the excitement of finding something inside the rock. 

Spencer brought home a red and green chain to count down the days til Christmas.  He was so excited about it and happy that he had his own chain.  He loves going to school.

Caleb hasn’t wanted to go to bed this week.  He says he doesn’t like his bed.  It is taking us over an hour every night to get him to go to bed.  It is rather frustrating.  Then because he is tired he is grumpy during the day.  My favorite time of the day is when he takes a nap!

Saturday evening Neal and I were able to go to the L-3 work Christmas Party.  We enjoyed the annual event.  They had good food and fun music.  It was a nice evening out.  Our babysitter called us about 9:30 to say she couldn’t get Caleb to go to bed, didn’t surprise me.  I told her not to worry about it too much that he was having problems going to bed.  When we got home he was still awake but was asleep in about 5 minutes with me laying by him.  

Last Thursday Neal came home about 2:00 pm.  It surprised me that he was so early.  He said the power was out at work so he couldn’t do much.  It was nice to have him home early.  He helped me to wrap up all our gifts for the kids and hide them.  It is nice to have that done!  Now we are working on getting our cards out and treats made to give away.  It is a fun, but busy, time of year.

Caleb having fun playing by the tree.  The kids built a train around the tree and have the nativity set up at the base.  

Substitute Snow

The other day one of my friends said her boys liked playing in leaves.  So I said "come on over!"  With four oak trees in our yard (one being very huge and about 30 years old) we have plenty of leaves.  The kids love this time of year when they can play in the leaves.  I call it my "substitute snow" because we don't get snow here to play in.  The big tree hasn't even lost very many yet, so there will be more to come.  I am glad that they kids had so much fun playing in them.  Usually our best leave playing day is Christmas Day, we always seem to go outside and play in leaves that day.  They are falling a bit early this year but I think we will still have plenty by Christmas.