Our Piano Recital

On Christmas Eve I had the kids do a piano recital for each other.  I am their teacher so we don't have many opportunities to play for others.  I recorded it so we could share with everyone.  I hope you can enjoy their personalities through their music.

Merry Christmas at our Home

28 December 2013

I am a little late getting a letter written this week.  We had a fun Christmas and have been busy this week.  But, to back up a little bit, on Thursday the 19^th we went to the school and enjoyed listening to Ruth’s 5^th grade choir concert.  The kids did great with their singing.  Friday the 20^th was a half day of school.  The boys had Christmas parties with their classes.  I was able to go to the school to be a part of the party time.  Neal was home from work that day, so it was easy to leave Caleb for awhile.  The boys had lots of fun and were so happy that I would join them.  Ruth had a Christmas party Thursday afternoon at school, Friday was a class time day.  She had a science project due that day.  She had created a “battery” out of limes, with the help of Neal.  They got it to work to light up a small LED light.  Ruth learned lots about electricity and circuits.  Her project was so well liked by her teacher that she was asked to come in and show it to the other classes that day. Also on Friday we had the missionaries over.  It is nice to have them in our home.  We were also able to visit friends that afternoon to deliver some treats to them.  It was nice to visit a bit with friends and share something sweet with them.

Ruth is right by the flag.

Ruth and her science experiment. 

Neal has taken the week off of work and it has been nice to have him home with us.  Saturday the 21^st Neal drove to San Antonio to visit his sister and her family.  He made a quick day trip and enjoyed seeing the Mabey family and also was able to go to the temple.  

Neal worked hard to complete making and painting toy shelves.  These have been in the works for about three years.  But because of a busy schedule it took that long to have time to work on it.  Now the kids can enjoy nice shelves to pile all their stuff on.  The boys were able to help hammer and paint too.  It was a fun project for them to work together on.

working on hammering in nails

painting the shelves

A project I helped the kids with is make aprons for each other.  Ruth did all the sewing on Andrew’s and Spencer’s.  Andrew did a little of the sewing on one for Ruth.  That was the first time he used the sewing machine and he did a good job sewing a straight line.  They wrapped up the aprons and gave them to each other on Christmas.  I made one for Caleb.

Monday the 23^rd I took the kids to the park to play.  They needed to get out of the house and do something with all the excitement energy they had. Monday evening we went over to a friends home for their annual Hot Cocoa night.  It is a fun gathering to visit with many from all the wards in the area.  It was good to go.  I noticed that it was mostly people who have been around for awhile that came.  It was nice to visit with others and eat lots of good food. Tuesday was a busy day for me doing cooking and getting things ready for the big day.  The kids were getting so anxious for it all.  We had a nice evening acting out the Nativity and talking about the true meaning of Christmas.  

Wednesday morning dawned and it was a beautiful day.  The kids were so excited, but were very good and patient as we waited for everyone to wake up.  Caleb was the last to roll out of bed.  He took one look at the tree and said “I think we have enough gifts.”  He caught on fast that there were plenty for him too.  He looked through the pile and was pulling gifts out to give to the person on the tag.  It is fun that he can read everyones names.  We spent the day at home, looking at our gifts, playing with new things, playing games and talking to many family members on the phone.  It was a nice day.

 A happy breakfast

Ruth and Andrew were given new bikes.  They were so excited for them.  It will help them to have bikes that are their size.  Spencer got Andrew’s old bike, with the training wheels attached again, and Caleb has taken over the tricycle.  Thursday afternoon we went over to the park with all the bikes.  We had to take both cars to get everyone and all the bikes to the park.  We had fun riding around the path.  We also brought over the basket ball and Andrew practiced shooting some hoops, and he does good with it!  

Spencer learning to ride a bike

Ruth flying by

Caleb doesn't need to share the tricycle any more

Andrew loving his new bike.

Friday we spent more time at home just playing with all the new things.  The kids got lots of new Lego and have been busy building and playing with it.  They have spent a lot of time out side this week too.  The weather has been so nice, sunny with highs around 60 every day. The older kids were given rubber boots.  The boys have really enjoyed wearing them outside to play.  They are excited to have them for when it rains and they can go splash in puddles.  Friday afternoon Neal and I went on a date.  We went out to dinner and saw the movie “Frozen.”  It was a cute movie.  When we got home Ruth and the babysitter were giggling together in Ruth’s room.  They have become good friends.  She is about 4 years older than Ruth though.  She asked if Ruth could come home with her and stay the night.  So Ruth got to have her first sleep over with a friend.  She had lots of fun and stayed up way to late.  She was gone most of today and didn’t come home until after 2pm.  I am glad that she could have some girl time and have a friend that is so good to her.  

We are so thankful for the blessings we have had this year.  I hope that you all have a safe and happy New Years.

Spencer in his new boots

Happy Caleb with all his gifts

Andrew in his boots

Ruth showing her stylish boots

Ruth was given dolls from the Hubbards

The Lego builders

Tired Caleb, after playing all morning

Caleb got a play dough set and giggled when he would squeeze the dough through the holes. 

Merry Christmas Everyone!

We had another wonderful, fun filled week.  Last Wednesday evening Ruth and Neal went to the church for a Activity Days Father/Daughter activity.  The leader did a great job planning and organizing things.  They had a nice evening together.  

Thursday and Friday I spent my “spare time” making candy.  I was thinking about how this tradition got started.  I remember being a student at BYU about 20 years ago and a neighbor made toffee.  I thought it was divine.  I decided I wanted to learn how to make it.  That started my tradition of making candy.  Every year I would make toffee and fudge, then I would try another recipe out.  Now I have a dozen or more recipes I like, but don’t make them all every year.  I remember making candy with Rachel and trying new things out.  I remember the first time we tried divinity, it turned out great, but burned out moms old mixer.  I enjoy making it and eating it too.  But the best part is giving it away.  I enjoy hearing people tell me that the candy reminds them of their mom or grandma and the treats they would make.  It is getting harder for me to make in a way, because of my lactose problems are getting worse and I can’t eat most of what I make without taking multiple pills to have the chocolate, cream and butter not bother my stomach.  But I guess that is good because I don’t need to be tempted by all that goodness, I just remind myself my body doesn’t like it any more.  Sunday afternoon I had the kids help me divide the candy up into little containers and we have been giving it away.  I wanted to include the kids more this year.  They have been really excited about it and were excited to bring it to their teachers at school and think of others to share it with.

Friday evening we enjoyed the first fire of the season.  Neal built it up before dinner.  It was a cool, rainy day and a fire made it all cozy.  It is nice we can do that.  Saturday we had a busy time.  We worked hard in the morning to get our piano lessons done and house cleaned.  Then in the afternoon we went as a family to the Mayborn museum for their Christmas party.  They did a big party this year and it was so much fun.  Santa was there, so was the electric train exhibit.  We always enjoy the trains.  Then they had so many different crafts and activities we didn’t have time to do it all.  The kids had fun decorating cookies, making ornaments for the tree and doing bird feeders with pine cones, peanut butter and bird seed.  They had a Nativity area for the kids to dress up.  The boys had fun with the sheep.  We ended the time at the museum by going to the gift shop.  The kids had earned a reward for their piano practice and I let them pick out a stuffed animal.  Andrew and Spencer chose snakes and Ruth and Caleb chose horses.  Caleb wished he had picked the snake by the time we got home.  They are about 4 feet long and the boys have had lots of fun playing with them.

Saturday evening I went over to the church to help set up for the ward Christmas party.  Everything looked so pretty.  I helped for a bit and then left.  We had decided to go to Neal’s work party, so we didn’t go to the ward dinner.  The kids had a baby sitter and had fun with her.  Neal and I enjoyed going to the L3 party.  It was a nice dinner and we enjoyed talking together, we even danced a dance with the live band.  It was good to go out together. 

By Sunday the weather changed again.  Now we have been enjoying beautiful clear, sunny days, with highs around 68.  I have really enjoyed going out for walks in the afternoon and enjoy the beautiful weather.  The kids have had some fun playing in the leaves. The oak trees in the side yard decided to drop their leaves this week and they are thick on the lawn.  So we will have a nice brown Christmas and will have fun with the leaves for a few days. 

Last night I went to book club.  We had decided that this is a busy time of year, so we didn’t read a book this month.  Instead we watched “Anne of Green Gables.”  We had read one of the books in the series this year and a couple of the ladies hadn’t seen the movie.  It was fun to watch again.  I enjoyed it.  It was nice to get out and do something with friends and have a relaxing evening.  

Yesterday Caleb had his preschool Christmas party.  We enjoyed going and visiting with friends.  Then in the afternoon I had a presidency meeting and Caleb went to play at the Baker’s home.  He was so excited about playing with friends more, as he got out of the car he said “today is a good day.”  I am glad that he has friends.  Today I took Caleb to the library and we enjoyed that too.  Things have been busy, but good.

Christmas is just a week away.  The kids are excited.  They have two more days of school.  They wont do a lot of school work though.  Tomorrow Andrew is having a reading day in pajamas, Spencer is making gingerbread houses and Ruth is doing a Christmas music concert.  Then Friday is a half day with Christmas class parties.  They have fun doing things with their teachers and friends.  Then we will have a nice break.  Neal is able to take time off work too.  So we will have lots of family time this break.  I am thankful for my family.  

I wish you all a Merry Christmas!

The kids with Santa

The boys being elves

Pictures of the boys looking at the trains.

The kids with their cookies they decorated.

Caleb wanted to make  a "mean" face.

Spencer and the singing sheep, they were puppets and fun to play with

Merry Christmas

December 2013

Dear Family and Friends,

It is Christmas time again.  Time for us to reflect on our blessings and remember our Savior.  The kids put up the Christmas tree this year. It was enjoyable to just watch the process and hear them work together to put it up.  It is a good to take time each year to sit back and count our blessings and remember all that the Lord has done for us, and our children are some of our greatest blessings. 

Ruth (10) is in 5^th grade now.  She is enjoying learning sports, doing science experiments and singing in her music class.  She is at a new school this year and learning new social skills too.  She is still enjoying the Gifted and Talented program at the school and is a straight A student. She enjoys going to the church Activity Days with the girls her age.  She has a wonderful spirit about her and is quick to learn.  This summer she devoured books, going through about one a day.  She has really enjoy reading Nancy Drew and is happy that the school library has them all!

Andrew (8) started 3^rd grade this fall.  He also started the Gifted and Talented program. He enjoys going to his GT class.  He likes school and is improving on his reading and math skills.  He likes to do art projects and create things.  He is good at building things with his hands.  He is also active outside and likes to help with anything mom and dad are doing.  Andrew started going to Cub Scouts and loves being a part of that program.

Spencer (6) is in 1^st grade.  He loves going to school each day.  His teacher is full of energy and is a good match for Spencer.  He has a hard time sitting still and is constantly chattering about some new imagined idea.  Spencer’s school teacher has taught the class some ASL and Spencer likes to practice at home doing signs.  He is a great student and loves to read the books he brings home.  Spencer has started to build more with Lego and likes to do that with Andrew.  All three of the older kids are learning piano and fill the house with fun little tunes every afternoon.

Caleb is 3, at least on Tuesday.  He likes to count the days of the week and says his age is the number of the day in the week.  So every Sunday he starts over saying he is one.  He has learned the alphabet and can type it on the computer.  He can also type his name and count to 29.   He is an amazing kid with the way he soaks up knowledge.  He is also a clown and likes to tease and get attention.  Caleb is very strong willed and likes to have his own way with things.  He wants to play with the older kids but gets mad when they don’t do it his way.  He enjoys his time with mom and loves to touch and play with her hair.  Caleb is doing a co-op preschool with three other kids.  He loves going each week and being a part of a group of friends.  

In July the family took a big trip to Utah.  On the way up we stopped at Arches National Park.  It was fun to hike and play in the sand.  We had so much fun swimming, visiting museums, camping, and playing with cousins.  It was a great trip.  A high point of the trip was Andrew’s baptism.  We were able to have him baptized in Utah so that his grandparents and many other family members could be there with us.  He was so excited about celebrating his birthday and being baptized in Utah.  He is a special boy and we are thankful he made that choice to be baptized and follow the Savior.  

Becky stays busy taking care of the family and home.  She is serving as a councilor in the Relief Society Presidency.  Neal is very busy with his work and the challenges of keeping up with work, church and family. He currently is serving as the Ward Clerk. He works hard to do it all.  Life is busy but good.

We are blessed and are thankful for all of you.  May you be blessed this Christmas time and always!

Love the Hubbards

Winter Week

We started out our week with Andrew’s cub scout pack meeting last Wednesday.  He earned his first rank of Bobcat.  I know it didn’t take much, but we did it.  It was fun to have him be recognized for his efforts.  Now I have a new patch to sew onto his shirt.

Thursday morning I had a sister from my ward, come over for help to make a baby blanket.  She is having a baby this week and wanted to make a blanket.  She had the fabric and I helped her make it.  It was nice to help her and visit.  It was a nice way to spend our first cold wintery day.  

The week end got really cold.  We even broke a record for December, we had temperatures below 30 for over 24 hours.  We had rain and ice falling, but no snow.  It was so cold.  Our garden froze and we are trying to stay warm.  Today the sun is out, finally, and it warmed up at 50.  So we will make it through another winter here in Texas.  

Friday Caleb and I had fun going to the museum.  They have their big electric train exhibit up for Christmas.  Caleb loved seeing all the trains.  I plan to take all the kids to see it this Saturday.  Then in the evening we had the missionaries over for dinner.  

Saturday was a busy day.  But the best thing that happened that day was that we sold our red Dodge car!  Finally someone wanted it and paid us money to take it.  He was happy to get a second car for his family.  I am glad that he will get use out of it.  He plans on getting the transmission fixed and I am sure it will give him good service for awhile.  It was a good car for us.  I am thankful it is out of the garage now! 

Saturday afternoon I went over to the school Bazaar.  I looked at all their vendors and then I went to sign in to volunteer.  I had signed up to help out with their treat table.  But, since they had lots of help from the high school service club, so they didn’t need my help.  Since Neal was already at home with the kids and expecting me to be gone for awhile I decided to go shopping.  I am happy to say that I am now done with Christmas shopping and I almost have everything wrapped.  It feels good to have that finished before the critical moments.  Now I need to get some treats made and cards addressed, to send out to friends and family.

Spencer lost a tooth Sunday morning.  He has his hole from the broken tooth and then a tooth, then a space from the lost tooth.  The one in the middle is loose, so he might loose that soon.  We were laughing with him and singing “all I want for Christmas are my three front teeth.”  I hope he gets some teeth in soon.  He says it is hard to bite into a sandwich.

Sunday Caleb was so excited that he got to go into Primary for sharing time.  He will join the older kids in Primary in January.  He is happy to be growing up.  He had lots of fun at preschool this week too.  He is doing so well learning his letters and numbers.  He likes to count out loud and can get up to 29, with no mistakes.  

Tuesday morning I had a nice visit with the GT teachers about Andrew and how he is doing.  He is enjoying school.  He likes to make things and do crafts. Right now he is working on a project to make a marble game for Spencer’s Christmas gift.  

Ruth is doing well in school.  Today they had a dare graduation for the kids who did the program.  She is working on a science project with making a light bulb light up from a piece of fruit.  She loves to read and goes through books quickly, even with keeping up with her school work.

Saturday evening we had fun going to dinner at the home of some friends here from church, they are in the Hewitt ward, so we don’t see them that often.  They invited us over to roast hot dogs and marshmallows over the fire in their fireplace.  It was an exciting evening with all the kids enthusiasm for the evenings activity.   It was nice to visit and catch up with them.

Tuesday evening I enjoyed going to a Relief Society activity.  We did a gift exchange of our favorite things.  I decided to make bread and gave a fresh warm loaf for my gift. Everyone seemed to like what I did and wished they could have some too.  It was a nice evening to visit and remember Christ in the season too.  They had a nice message prepared about Christmas for us.  I am thankful for the focus on Christ.  I enjoyed watching the First Presidency Devotional on Sunday too.  The choir had beautiful music and the messages were wonderful.

I am so thankful for the good things in life.  I am thankful for all of you.

The kids playing in the leaves last Wednesday, before it got cold!

We were getting ready to sit down to dinner and Neal wanted to take a picture, he said it looked too nice not to remember it.

We got ice cycles! 

Spencer still wanted to play outside, even when it was about 30 degrees.

Spencer's missing tooth

Cute kids before we left for church.

Ruth at her school Dare Graduation