The Peace of Christ

I was debating about writing today or not.  I have some things I want to share, so I write. I just got back from the school to see Caleb and the kindergarten classes singing some holiday songs.  It was a nice program and the kids did a great job. 

Now for a couple of highlights to our week. On Saturday we had a ward Christmas dinner and Nativity presentation.  It was a nice evening.  Andrew was Joseph in the Nativity.  He did a great job and looked nice in the costume I made for him.  

It was snowing that evening and Sunday morning we got up to about five inches of snow.  It was pretty but slippery.  We went to church a little early so Neal and Ruth could be there for the choir warm ups.  We got the boys ready quickly and all went together so I wouldn’t have to drive in the snow.  We got there and Neal and Ruth went off to the choir, I was going slower with the boys when I noticed that Spencer’s pants didn’t look right.  They were very short on him.  Then I looked at Caleb and his pants were too long. I laughed and realized they had put on each others pants.  I had them go into the restroom and change.  They came out giggling and we all thought it was funny.  

The choir did some wonderful music in our meeting.  I felt the spirit so much and was feeling rather emotional through it all.  I am thankful for beautiful music, especially Christmas music. I taught my primary class and made it through church time.  I just felt tired emotionally and physically.  We had a nice Sunday afternoon together.  I managed to make a few candies but my heart just wasn’t in it.  I usually enjoy making Christmas candy and sharing it with others.  I just haven’t been able to get myself into the Christmas spirit this year.

Monday was a good day for me. I wrapped Christmas presents and thought it was great to get it all done while the kids were at school.  The evening was busy.  Neal was late coming home, the kids were active and I was tired.  Then I got a phone call from my Mom.  She asked me to talk to my Dad and tell him how much I loved him.  He was having a very hard day and had a hard time talking and breathing.  I felt a very calm spirit and knew in my heart that I was saying good bye.  I felt God’s love with me at that time.  That evening Neal asked if I wanted to fly out to Utah in the morning.  I thought it over and prayed and just felt like I needed to stay with my family.

Tuesday morning I was worried as I ran errands.  I kept wondering when the phone call would come to say more about Dad.  After Ruth got home from school I called Mom and she was with Dad but she was worried because Dad was in so much pain.  They couldn’t talk, Dad tried too but couldn’t get words out I could understand.  That was about 3:45.  Just two hours later, after we had hurried through home work and dinner, we were preparing to go out the door to go to Ruth’s band concert.  The kids were getting coats on and we were rushing to get Ruth there in time.  The phone rang.  Neal answered it, it was my sister Mandy.  I picked up the phone and knew before she said anything.  Neal knew too and quickly got the kids out of the house so Ruth could go to the concert without worries.  She did enjoy her concert and Neal said they sounded great.  I felt bad I missed it. Mandy said that Dad passed away about 5:00.  Mom and Susan were with him.  All is well.  He is now out of pain and we can have the hope that comes through Christ that we will be with him again.  What a glorious reunion he must be having with all his loved ones who have gone before.  I feel sad that I didn’t get to hold his hand one last time or get another hug.  But I also feel great peace knowing he lived a wonderful life and I will see him again.  He has had a great struggle with cancer for many years and now that is over. 

When Neal and the children came home we sat them down and talked to them about what had happened.  Ruth took it the hardest and I had to sit with her for awhile so she could feel calm enough to go to sleep.  Caleb asked the question of “what do people look like in heaven?”  I told him that Grandpa was now able to stand and walk well and he would look young and happy, but he would still look like Grandpa.  

I am thankful I had that quiet time by myself to remember my Dad and his love for his family.  I had a nice talk with my Mom and sisters last night too. They assure me that they are well and I can continue on with our plans to come on Saturday.  We have planned to go to their home for Christmas all along.  I look forward to having the family together soon and give lots of hugs. I love you all.  I love my Savior Jesus Christ and know that because he lives my Dad will also live again.

I took some pictures of the kids for a family project.  I thought I would share them because they turned out good.

The Love of Christmas

This has been a busy and emotional week for me.  Last Wednesday my sister Mandy called to let me know my Dad went to the hospital to get a CT scan to find out about his back pain and his loss of control of his legs.  He came back home afterwards.  On Friday the doctor wanted him to be admitted to the hospital.  He is receiving radiation treatments on a tumor that is in his spine.  This is the same cancer that he has been battling for many years now.  It has been hard for the family.  I appreciate so much my sisters who live close and have done so much to help my parents this week.  Dad is doing okay.  He is still in the hospital but will be moving soon to a nursing facility for full time care.  I have been able to talk to Dad multiple times this week and hope that I can help in some small way.  

Now for a few things that our family has been up to. Last Thursday the boys had Pack Meeting.  Both Andrew and Spencer earned some awards and progress towards their ranks.  They enjoy doing the cub scout program.  

Friday evening we went as a family to the science museum for a Christmas activity.  They had some live music going on, a few little activities for the kids and people talking about the displays.  We enjoyed learning more about mammals jaws and seeing some things in the museum together.  

The school is doing a book fair and since I am a library volunteer I have been helping with it.  Friday afternoon I went to help set things up for it.  Monday I went in to help for a bit.  Tomorrow I will be spending the morning there.  It is a busy time of year to increase my volunteer time, but it is going well.  The boys all want to buy books, of course, it is fun to see many neat things there.  It makes me more appreciative of libraries.  That way we can read and learn from many good books but don’t have to wonder where to keep them or if we will read them again.

Friday morning I went to the temple.  I felt the spirit so strong that day.  I knew that God was aware of me and my family and that he loves us.  It was very comforting.  Saturday and Sunday was a big Stake Conference.  Saturday evening Neal and I attended an adult meeting and then Sunday morning we went to a big civic center with multiple Stakes in the area for the conference.  They created a new stake in the area.  It is neat to see how simply these things are done.  The church is growing here.  It was all a very spiritual time for me.  I loved being in those meetings with so many members of the church there.  Then Sunday evening we watched the Christmas devotional from home.  The messages were perfect for what I needed.  I know that Christ came into the world and this Christmas time when we celebrate his birth is special.  I am thankful he did come to earth and became our Savior.  It is good to remember.

Caleb lost his first tooth on Sunday and then another one yesterday.  They are his lower front teeth.  He is so excited to have them come out and even more excited that the tooth fairy came and left him two quarters.  At school the kindergarten classes are preparing for a Christmas concert next week.  One of the songs they are learning is “All I want for Christmas is my two front teeth.”  He was so excited this morning to show his teacher that he is missing two front teeth!  He is a happy kid.

Christmas Card Letter

December 2015

Dear Family and Friends,

The year 2015 has been another busy one for our family.  We started out the year living in Colorado and unemployed.  Neal was busy with job hunting and the kids were enjoying school.  In February, Neal was given an opportunity for a job that he accepted.  He moved to Albuquerque at the end of the month.  He is now employed at Sandia National Laboratories.  We made the decision to have him come to Albuquerque on his own, and Becky and the kids stayed in Colorado to finish off the school year.  It was hard to be apart for three months.  Neal came to visit five times and we talked almost every day on the phone.  He found a house to rent in Albuquerque and was living there.  He was able to get involved in the new ward and met many wonderful friendly people.  During that time Becky’s sister Rachel came to Colorado and spent Spring break with the family.  It was fun to have her there while we went around to many of Denver attractions that we wanted to see.  In May, Becky and the children went to Utah and visited Becky’s parents to celebrate their 50^th anniversary.  She was happy to see her brother, sisters, and extended family, too.

June brought on more changes for our family.  School ended and we moved our family to Albuquerque.  We left behind many friends we had made in Broomfield and we were thankful for our short time there.  It was nice we already had a house to go to and we were grateful when the moving truck arrived with all our belongings.

The family got to Albuquerque at the right time.  Three days after moving Ruth left with the young women in the ward for girls’ camp.  Andrew also was able to go to a Cub Scout day camp that week.  They both enjoyed getting to know people in our new ward.  Ruth has loved being a part of the young women’s program in the Church.  The girls in this ward have been so friendly and kind to her, and she has fit right in with them.

At the end of June we took our vacation to Utah.  It was nice to get there in just one day of travel.  We are thankful to be close to family.  Neal’s parents left in the spring to serve a mission for the Church in Iowa.  We missed seeing them this year our on vacation.  We did get together with many in Neal’s family for a week-long reunion celebrating his grandma’s 90^th birthday.  Everyone gathered at a restaurant on her birthday and again for a picnic on Independence Day.  We also enjoyed camping, hiking, and touring local attractions.  It was good to spend time with Becky’s parents and her sisters, too.

During the summer we stayed busy getting to know a new area.  Also, in this ward there is a group of families who do educational activities with the kids during the summer.  We had been invited to participate since they knew our family was coming.  The children enjoyed doing many classes with members of the church and getting to know many of the children in the area.  It kept our summer time busy.

At the first of August Neal’s sister Holly and her family came to visit us in Albuquerque.  We had fun going camping with them and having them in our home.  There was time for bicycling, hiking, and dutch oven cooking.  The boys enjoyed fishing in a stream, and Andrew caught a small brook trout.  It is always good to visit with family.

School started in mid August.  Once again we registered the kids at new schools.  Caleb was excited that he was now going to start school.  The boys are in the local Elementary school.  Andrew is in 5^th grade, Spencer is in 3^rd and Caleb is in Kindergarten.  They are riding the bus to school, which is a new experience for them too.  They are all enjoying their new school and doing well in their classes.  Ruth is at a Middle school in 7^th grade.  She says the best part of her day is eating lunch with a large group of LDS girls.  She is also enjoying being in the band again.  She is doing well with her studies too.

The first week of September we had a wonderful event with Spencer being baptized.  He was very excited for that day.  Becky’s sister Rachel came to be with us and at the last minute Neal’s brother Dallin and his family decided to drive down for the baptism.  It was nice to have some family with us for this special event.  Spencer received the gift of the Holy Ghost and was very happy.  Spencer is also enjoying being a part of the Cub Scout program now.

The ward here is keeping us busy and we are enjoying being a part of things.  Neal and Becky are serving together as primary teachers.  We enjoy our little class.  Becky is also the assistant den leader for the Wolf den of Cub Scouts.  Neal helps with the technology in the building.  Ruth served for awhile in the Beehive presidency but was recently released.  Neal and Ruth are enjoying singing with the ward choir.  Everyone has made friends and we are liking being here.

We are thankful for this time of year when we can share things with our friends about what has happened in our year.  We also want to share our testimony of Christ at this time of year when we celebrate his birth.  We are so thankful for Jesus Christ and know that he lives and is our Savior.  As we read scriptures with our family and teach our children the gospel our testimonies have grown.  We are thankful for prophets on the earth who lead us to Christ.  What a blessing it is to have this knowledge in our lives.  We wish all of you a happy season with remembering Christ and spending time with your families.

We would love to hear from you and your families.  And, if any of our Texas friends are traveling through Albuquerque we would love to see you!

With love,

Becky, Neal, Ruth, Andrew, Spencer and Caleb

If you would like our address please send me a message at becky.hubbard1@gmail.com

Thanksgiving!

Last week went by fast for me.  The boys were out of school for the whole week and I got out of my regular schedule, that is why I forgot to write.  So today might get a little long.  I thought I would cover things that happened the last two weeks of what I can remember.

On Friday the 20^th I went to the school for a class party for Caleb.  It was a pot luck lunch.  I ended up bringing instant potatoes.  I feel bad about that.  I had cut up real potatoes and had them ready to cook, but then was late getting back from the temple and didn’t have time to cook them.  But I did make it to the party and enjoyed eating lunch with Caleb and visiting with other adults.  I thought it was funny that in talking with Caleb’s teacher I mentioned Ruth and she didn’t know Caleb had a sister.  She said he had never mentioned her.  She just knew about his brothers, because he talks about them all the time.

Saturday the 21^st Neal took Ruth, Andrew and Spencer on a hike in the foot hills of the Sandia mountains.  They enjoyed the pretty sunny morning and being out on a trail.  There was still snow in places and they even got into a snow ball fight.  It sounded like they had a great time.  I enjoyed some quiet time with Caleb that day (the others wanted to go farther than Caleb would have been able to handle, that is why he stayed with me.)  That evening Ruth went to a birthday party for a friend from school, Brooke.  She enjoyed going to that.

Monday the 23^rd the boys were home from school.  We had parent teacher conferences that morning.  I arranged for the boys to play at a friends in our ward who have boys Spencer and Caleb’s ages.  They had lots of fun playing there.  I enjoyed visiting with their teachers.  They are all doing well at school.  That evening we went to t a Pie Night activity.   Everyone brings a pie and we get to taste many kinds while visiting with friends.  

When we came home we saw a "road runner on the roof"so we got some pictures of it. 

Tuesday the 24^th the boys invited the boys over who they had played with Monday to play at our house.  It was a bit crazy with two extra boys.  They had fun together and I am thankful the boys can have friends.  They even live close enough that we can walk to their home.  Wednesday the 25^th Ruth was finally out of school.  She was happy to be home with everyone.  She also helped me by watching the boys that morning.  I took Andrew and Spencer on a date to Walmart.  This was their choice of activity.  We looked at toys and I let them pick out a small toy to buy.  They thought that was better than an activity because it was something they could keep.  Then I took Caleb out on his date with me to McDonald’s.  He wanted ice cream and french fries.  He was a happy little boy.  It was fun to spend some time with them.  Now I need to plan a time to do a date with Ruth.

We enjoyed a quiet Thanksgiving at home this year.  I did some cooking Wednesday afternoon and cooked a turkey Thursday morning.  It all went well.  We enjoyed some good food and enjoyed visiting with grandparents who called.  All week, starting on Sunday, I made a pie each day.  (I did get a little behind and made three on Saturday morning.)  We enjoyed lots of pie this last week and even tried out a new recipe.  It is fun to do.  Last night we finished off the pie and ended our pie week.  

Thanksgiving evening I was tired.  Caleb was saying that he wasn’t ready for bed and I said I was.  Then he offered to tuck me in.  It was cute.  I hurried and got ready for bed and laid down.  He came in a pulled the blankets up and kissed my cheek.  I was so tired I just stayed there, although at first I had planned on getting up and doing a few things after he went to bed.  But I fell asleep and ended up sleeping for about nine hours.  It was nice.  

Friday the 27^th we stayed home all day.  Neal got out his Lego for the kids to play with.  They love that because he has lots of speciality pieces.  They built some fun things.  I decided to work on the clarinet.  I knew Ruth needed to get new pads on the clarinet for a long time now.  I knew it would help her playing.  I looked into a little and found I could buy a kit to “do it yourself.”  I thought “how hard can it be?”  I was a little nervous as I took apart the clarinet with the little screw driver.  I was able to replace the pads and put the instrument back together where all the keys were moving right. I thought it was all going fine, until I tried playing it.  It wouldn’t play.  I was discouraged.  I started looking at YouTube videos about what to do.  I learned a lot.  I should have done that before I started the project.  I worked on it more Saturday afternoon.  I finally got it working!  I was worried though because it kept jumping a register.  Monday Ruth went into the band room before school and talked to her teacher.  His main instrument is the clarinet.  He looked it over during the day and said it all looked good.  He suggested she get a stiffer reed and try that.  Her tone is so much better and is getting better every day.  The new pads really have made a difference in the sound.  I spent over 10 hours on it and decided that next time I will probably leave it to a professional.  

Saturday the 28^th the kids just wanted to keep playing with Lego.  I was getting them to do their cleaning chores.  Ruth was complaining a bit about it.  I said “Imagine what the house would look like if it wasn’t cleaned?”  She paused and said “I don’t want to.” Then she went and did her cleaning job.  It may not be a fun thing to do, but I think we all enjoy a clean environment. After they cleaned then they played with the Lego again.  That afternoon we got our the Christmas decorations.  I was busy with the clarinet so the kids did the decorating.  They did a great job.  Yesterday Andrew asked if he could look at the ornaments again.  We have so many they don’t all fit on the tree.  He ended up redoing the decorating, to “make it look better.”  I thought it looks good.  We had a hard time knowing where to fit the tree, but it is working okay in the corner of the room in front of the book shelves.  

Andrew worked hard to finish up his PTA Reflections projects this last week.  He did some great art work.  This is the first year I have seen the Reflections accept 3-D art.  Spencer and Caleb both made little pots out of clay.  They did well with it too.  They have got things turned in this week and I hope they can enjoy sharing their art with others.

Caleb's pot, top view and bottom

Spencer's pots

Andrew's art work.  He made the fish out of cardboard, pretty good right?

Caleb has a little card board computer that Neal made for him a long time ago.  He has gotten it out this week.  One day he was playing with it and said to me “don’t look mom, I need to do my secret pass code.”  I thought that was fun since I do the same thing to him when we are turning on the iPad.  

This week we worked hard to get the Christmas cards sent out.  I will post a copy of our letter to the blog, in case you missed it.  I also have worked hard the last couple of days doing shopping and can say with happiness that my shopping is done.  It feels good to be done with that.  I am trying to keep things simple.  I got the kids a practical gift, something they want, and a book.  I do need to do a few sewing projects but then I hope to have things more relaxed this month than normal.  My family expects me to make candy.  I do enjoy doing that too, but know that is a big project.  I might cut back on that this year too.