Hubbard Happenings: 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.