Elizabeth...I know y'all have been through so much the past few weeks.  Please know we are still thinking and praying for your family.  Santa did a great job at the Webb house -  looks like y'all had lots of fun and good memories were made.  Miss Hannah's Dora party looked like loads of fun.  Anna Elizabeth is still waiting for a pinata at one of her parties.  (Not quite as common here in Indiana as they were in Texas)  I can't wait to show her the pictures of her cousin in full Dora mode.  We love and miss each of you so very much! 

Happy belated birthday John.  I still don't know where you find the time but we haven't done lunch yet!  I am glad you do find the time for this digest and including me in your updates.  As I have said millions of times you have a precious family and my goddughter Princess Hannah is ..... well A Princess :-)  You all are in my prayers and we are blessed with your friendship.

HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY - JOHN

Sounds and looks like you had a good and fun birthday.

Thanks again, Liz, for keeping me posted on your family.  I miss talking to John everyday.

What an awesome family!  Congratulations Daniel on that interception, win the Super Bowl!!!  Jacob I am praying that you get a great report in Lubbock and all is well!  Alex you gotta stay away from those "Alex's" - I am praying that your foot heals quickly and correctly - you are a brave soldier :-)  Happy belated birthday Jacob - pretty soon you will be a teenager.   Hannah you are a Princess - I loved your balloon hat and the red & pink jammies?  I just want you to know that your godfather prays for you every day.  

What a blessing to get these digests.  Thank you John & Elizabeth - you are fantastic parents and have a blessed family to show for it.  God bless you all!!!  - Chip

WOW!!  What a busy family, as usual. 

The Fiddlesticks Farm looks GREAT!!  Don't know where that is located, let me know.

John, you are such a good daddy!  What a great idea - a balloon night.

Sorry to hear about Alex's foot, but tough as he is it will be all better before you know it.

Again, thanks for including me in your pictures and updates.

What a great idea!!

I loved looking at all the pictures and reading about your family.

Thanks for including me.

Thank you for sending the updates.  I love the pics.  I was wondering when you had the time to do this and then I saw that it was done at 1:25 a.m.  WOW!!   This is great, being able to share, it's the next best thing to being there.  I think you are right Princess Hannah is going to be a Star Student and the Prom Queen.  I love all the pics - as I have said a jillion times y'all (I'm from SOUTH Dakota) have a precious family.  By the way John Hannah's outfit didn't look like it was from the 1800's and I hope she keeps those necklines up there untill she's 30 and married :-)

Liz, Thanks so much for including me in the sharing of your family pictures.  All of the kids are growing up and are so good looking (perhaps they get this from their mom -- Ha John)

Really enjoyed the Oregon pictures.

I put your web page on my favorites so I can check for new pictures often.

Thanks again

Beth Lyn

What a great way to stay in touch and see your wonderful family. Thanks for sending this to me.  The pictures are great!  It looked like everyone enjoyed the muffin party and Hannah really enjoyed the make-up party :-)  I can't believe how much Hannah has grown, she is a real princess and she has 4 brothers for protection. 

Thanks Elizabeth.... and John for putting this together...now I can see the family and my Goddaughter more often.  What a blessing.  Than you very much!

Chip

This is GREAT!  I miss you guys so very much.  Caroline misses you!!!  What a wonderful way to keep in touch.  God has blessed us with your friendship.  Thank you for sharing with us!

Love,

Hilary

Happy Father's Day to the BEST Daddy I could have ever planned, hoped, or dreamed for my children!! 

We spent the weekend at the lake zooming around in the new boat, but I took the kids to the Dollar Store this afternoon so they could go on a little shopping spree for their dear ol' dad.  This is a favorite pasttime of theirs, one that we usually save for Christmas, but Daniel thought of the idea for today.  At Christmas, each child gets 10 dollars to spend on whatever they want, as long as he or she gets a gift for all of his brothers, sister, Mom, Dad, Nanny, Mimi, and Grandaddy.  It's hilarious to stand back and watch as they all carefully choose special gifts.  Well, today, as they shopped for Dad, I made suggestions, but ultimately the kids made their own purchases.  Here is a list of the goods:

• Jacob bought a spatula and an ESPN book about baseball.  ( I was quite impressed that he found something John might actually use and enjoy!)
• Daniel added some of his own money to buy a pair of black work gloves, a screwdriver set, a knife (blue for the Cowboys), and a giant can of shaving cream.  He got the last one to replace the one that he and his friend Cole sprayed all over the sleeping twins' heads last week.
• Alex gave Dad a giant outdoor thermometer, some fake flowers, and a new toothbrush.  (He did however ask if he could please have the toothbrush because he really needs a new one.)
• Michael found a see-through blue flashlight, 3 size D batteries, and a new pair of cool dude shades to replace Dad's others that were left in the boat yesterday.
• Hannah made her selection as soon as she walked in the door:  a package of three small bottles of bubbles.  How ironic that just so happens to be one of her favorite things to do in the backyard!  She also convinced me that she needed to get him a Winnie the Pooh jigsaw, but as soon as we got home, she insisted that she told me it was for herself since she is soooo good at puzzles.

Daddy was surprised at all of the treasures that were so sweetly chosen, purchased, and wrapped for him today.

Happy Father's Day Daddy!!!

Our three June Birthday Boys have had a fun-filled week!  We celebrated the twins' birthdays a day early at "Jumping Party," a spot here in town that is full of jumpers.  It was the easiest, cleanest, and fastest party that this Webb has ever hosted!  All we had to do was show up with the food and cake and make sure everyone had a pair of socks!!  No problem--we handled that with style.

We had lots of neighborhood friends, family, and some of each boys' classmates attend.  It was a great turn out!  The kids jumped for an hour while the adults watched, waited, and sweat the time away.  The air was on, but I sure couldn't feel it.  When we got to the party room for refreshments, it was already set up.  I had previously chosen blue for Alex & green for Michael (no rhyme or reason, just a way to make each one have their own party stuff) and when we got to the room, I was surprised that the walls were actually our exact two party colors.  How thoughtful of "Jumping Party" to coordinate their walls just for us!!

The kids ate Chick-fil-A nuggets, chips, and strawberries for dinner.  Then we finished off with birthday cake and Grandaddy's homemade chocolate ice cream.  The latter one is his new specialty since replacing his 40 year old ice cream freezer with a more modern, quick-making machine!  Instead of taking time to open presents at the party, both boys chose to jump a little more with their friends before it was time to go home.  We ended the evening with tearing into the presents at home and going to bed after an exhausting day.

The next morning after Hannah's Princess Ballet Camp, since it was their actual birthday, we all took the twins to IHOP for birthday breakfast pancakes.  Our sweet waitress even obliged their goofy mom by adding the candles and helping us serenade them.  Of course, one more photo op for the scrapbooks!

Speaking of photo op, if you look closely at the boys birthday pictures, you might notice the rather fancy camera in the corner of my photos.  That would be my friend, Rachel, photographer extraordinaire, who likes to get in exrtra close for the ultimate shot.  Hopefully, I can add her professional pics to my amatuer ones eventually.

Then, we celebrated Daniel's 10th birthday on June 4th with a "Backyard Bar-B-Que and Bedtime Bash."  John did his magic on the grill while I did my best with baking the beans, opening bags of chips, and arranging it all on the counter nice and neat.  Grandaddy brought more chocolate ice cream, we ate another birthday cake (a football one for the 4th year in a row), and everyone enjoyed good friends and fun.

We ended the night with a backyard campout in the new giant tent that Jacob insists is bigger than his bedroom.  Hannah wanted to sleep in there with the boys, so I had to slumber up and stay with her.  I think those boys needed some supervising anyway.  Dan and Randall thrilled themselves by putting John's shaving cream in the other sleepy boys hair and waking them up to a big mess. 

All in all, we have had an exciting, exhausting week of birthday fun.  Thank goodness Jacob doesn't turn 13 until October, and Hannah won't be 4 until December.  I think we need some time-off from celebrating! 

My new favorite photographer of all time, also our sweet neighbor is Rachel Austin.  I added the awesome shots of Hannah's recent photo shoot with Ms. Rachel on the "Hannah Page."  I won't even mention how many hundreds of pictures she took or  how many different hours she spent editing them with Hannah's goofy & perfectionist mommy looking over her shoulder!

Thanks Rachel!  We love them and can't wait to get the big ones to frame and to have the boys' pictures taken!!  That is if you'll have us.

Check out her website:  www.rachelaustinphotography.com

It has taken me too long to update our Webb-site with fun pictures.  Since my school got out a week earlier than the kids, I spent those 4 days cramming in all that I had not had time to do during the past school year.  I attended Fannin Field Day, First Grade Picnic, Grace ECP Carnival, as well as visiting the doctor for a much needed, 4 year overdue check up.  I failed to mention the latter one happened on my 34th birthday!  Oops, how did that schedule mix up happen?!

There are new picture albums of field day, picnic, Jake's Spanish luncheon, John's Uncle Jerry & Aunt Doris' visit, and pictures from the Princess Ballet Camp that Hannah is attending this week.  On my page, I addded a link to a video that my class gave me as an end of the year gift.  How could I fail to mention Alex losing his first tooth?  What an exciting evening that was.

Look for birthday pictures in the next few days!  Alex & Michael turn 7 on June 3rd and Daniel is 10 on June 4th.  Happy, Happy Day!

Happy Easter to all!  Yes, the Easter Bunny was good to our five children, even those who don't believe (for the benefit of the little ones, of course!), but they all know the real meaning of the celebration.  We went to church, ate lunch, and hunted more eggs before coming back home.  The twins and their little sidekick, Hannah spent the afternoon filling hundreds of empty eggs with sand from the sandbox (the same sand that Daddy just bought several bags full at Home Depot) and hid them over and over again for each other to find.  They all three love each other and can't wait to get home and play in the backyard together. 

Prayer request for our Daniel...

We found out this week that Dan has another case of mono.  Some of you may recall when he had the same thing at the age of 3.  I could never figure out how or why my toddler got the "kissing disease" since at the time, that was all I knew about it.  Well, somehow the "dormant virus has been reactivated" to quote the doctor's office.  He is able to go to school, but he can't participate in any sports or physical activities for one month--not an easy task for our Diper Dan!  He will be going to music class every day now instead of rotating with his class to PE.  This, I'm sure thrills him. 

Hopefully I will have time to add the pictures of his 4th Grade Program from a couple of weeks ago.  The PE coach and Music teachers got together for this one.  The theme was dancing, and they did all kinds of different ones.  I can't even remember the names.  He did not crack a smile the entire time.  Even when all of the other kids, boys included, were having a good time and getting into the music, there was Daniel acting as if he was about to go to sleep.  Now that I think about it, I'm unclear as to whether it was his too cool attitude or the mono virus attacking his body that made him bored to tears on the dance floor! 

Anyway, if you would--pray for Daniel's healing and safety as he adds yet another notch in his childhood belt of strange illnesses.

To the WEBB Friends & Family:

After adding to this site for several months, I have finally figured some things out.  First, I stopped those annoying "Digest" emails that were delivered to you every time I made even the tiniest of changes.  (You can thank me later.)  Second, I now know how to just send out a group email to let you know when I've added something extra important that you might want to check out.  (It will be short and sweet, I promise.)  Last, I realized that anyone can access this site.  (Duh, it's the internet.)  Don't ask how I figured that one out.

That being said, I hope you will add us to your Favorites and check out what is happening in our family every once in a while.  If you'd like, we'd love to see your comments so we know you've stopped by.  Again, I apologize for the numerous emails and hope you'll forgive me for hogging your junk mail folder for the past four months. 

Take care!  LIZ 

We hope everyone had a wonderful spirit-filled Christmas.  Sadly, the entire Webb family had a shocking Christmas Eve.  As we were getting ready to meet John for lunch and some last minute shopping, we got a call that John's sister, Tammy had passed away.  We quickly drove to Lamesa to be with everyone.  There are still no answers as to how or why, and it is not getting any easier.  The funeral was held on the 30th in Lamesa.  Her husband, Tony and two sons, Lance & Dustin did an amazing job planning a positive, uplifting service to celebrate her life.  I never realized what an impact she made on the people, especially teenagers in their church!  It was quite evident that she led a Christian life and ministered to all people.  She was buried in Andrews.  I will always remember her constant joy and contagious laugh.  She was a good sister-in-law, and I am honored to have been part of her family.  It makes me proud to know that she prayed for us daily and is now watching over us from above.

On Christmas Eve around 8:30 p.m., we had a visit from Santa Claus himself.  He showed up at our house to see 5 little Webb kiddos!  While his elves finished packing up the last minute gifts on the sleigh (which was started 3 weeks before, according to SC) Santa decided to make a few quick stops.  He rode to Midland on his motorcycle!!  We took some pictures and he told us a few "inside facts," before he had to move on to the next house.  John invited him down the block to see our neighbors, so Santa asked if anyone wanted to ride down with him.  Alex was the only one who took him up on the offer.  I told him he was probably the only child around who could say he rode with Santa on his motorcycle on Christmas Eve!!

Christmas morning was exciting, chaotic, and fun as usual, and came all too early for one of Santa's little helpers.  We finally got up around 9:00 and only because they had to drag me out of bed.  Just as Santa said, he had delivered lots of cool presents the night before.  For Jake & Dan, he left a ripstick.  The twins both got electric scooters, and Hannah got just what she asked for...a baby doll bed and new stroller, plus a doll high chair.  We opened presents and played for a while before we ventured out to IHOP for what was supposed to be a quick brunch, but what turned out to be a 3 hour ordeal.  We cooked dinner for the extended family that night, and while it was a sad day thinking about Tammy, we had a nice holiday dinner.

Check out Princess Hannah's page to find out about her 3rd birthday!! 

After a busy month that seemed to fly by, we finished out November with an impromptu ride on the carousel horses at the mall.  This little adventure thrilled Hannah & the twins!  Later, we also splurged for all 4 boys to ride the "simulator machine" (my name for it) so they could feel like they were on a roller coaster.  That's how we people in small towns pretend that there are exciting events going on as if we lived in a big city.  How sad...  The kids had fun, so what's a couple of extra bucks and a 5 minute wait to make them happy?! 

On Sunday we had a "Sip & See" for Kim and her new baby, Rogan Allen.  He is a precious baby, and I'm sure enjoyed being showered with toys and books to welcome him to the world!  The kids loved seeing him before Kim went back to Oregon.  My mommy radar went out as soon as they drove up.  I started telling the boys to not touch or breathe on the baby.  Kiddie germs are the worst for a sweet healthy baby.  Kim laughed and she probably doesn't know it yet, but she'll thank me later. 

I hope everyone had a blessed Thanksgiving with lots of food, friends, and family to share in the many blessings God has given us all.

Happy Birthday Daddy!

We are thankful for you.

  Dan had a great time on the sidelines of the Dallas Cowboys "Skillz Skool" game last weekend.  The game was not as exciting for those of us up in the stands.  I don't know how to explain it other than that it reminded me of a Harlem Globetrotters game I went to as a child.  Local news guy, Jay Hendricks emceed it from the field.  There was a lot of goofing off and havign fun.  We left at half time, and I had to practically drag Dan off the field. 

John had taken Dan & Jake to the pregame tailgate party for some autographs, and he didn't let me down.  He took a picture of every player they met.  I'm so proud that he is finally taking me seriously about the potential "photo op!!" 

I predict that today will be the BEST day in the life of our #1 Cowboys Fan--Daniel!!  John is taking Dan & Jake to the Dallas Cowboys tailgate party before the game.  He'll get to meet players from years gone by and some other NFL guys.  He is most excited about meeting Dexter Coakley and Leon Lett!  I might add that Daddy is looking forward to it too.  At 3:00 Dan will be standing on the sideline to watch the Cowboy Greats vs. the NFL Guys.  Thanks to our #2 Cowboys fan, Christy (who bought a sponsorship worth 34 tickets and moved Dan to one of the top seller brackets!!) he also will get an autographed jersey that will be presented to him during halftime.  I'm sending the guys with the camera, so hopefully we will have a picture or two to document the event. I'll keep you posted on what happens.

I drove up last week to see Daniel and his friend, Ashlynn on top of the roof of John's truck.  They were screaming.  When I got out, I saw John looking for something in the bed of the truck.  He finally showed off his find--a bull snake.  They tried to tell me that it was a rattlesnake, and when I asked where the rattle was, they said it fell off.  Hmmm...after playing with the snake (by playing, I mean running from and squealing at) they disposed of it in the alley.  Of course, that too was an exciting event that lots of kids in the neighborhood wanted to watch! 

Thanks for the fun afternoon John. 

With you, there's never a dull moment in the neighborhood.

Happy Halloween from the Webbs!

We had fun dressing up and trick-or-treating today. 

• Jacob got to dress up for school.  He was a "TOOLBELT TODDLER, complete with jumbo diaper and a tool belt stocked with his supplies:  bottle, pacifiers, diaper, wipes, and Desitin!  He topped it off with an antique homemade bonnet made by our dear Granny Sutter.  (Bonnets were her specialty, along with growing incredible gardens.)
• Daniel & the twins completed "Red Ribbon Week" at Fannin.  They have had a different way to clelbrate every day this week.  Monday was "extreme crazy" day.  Tuesday, they wore as much as grren as possible to show their school spirit, and Wednesday was "wear red" day.  Thursday was "Jersey" day, something which we have no problems fulfilling because of Daniel's extensive collection of Cowboys jerseys!  And, in order to give the no drug week a proper sendoff, Halloween was set as "60's Day."  Maybe the people in charge of RRW at Fannin for got what most hippies in the 60's did to relax and have fun.  Anyway, tie died T-shirts and colored John Lennon glasses were the best we could do.  It's much easier with a girl. 
• Hannah didn't get to go to school in costume, so she wore her darling pumpkin dress made by her godmother, Carol.  When I picked her up, she couldn't wait to tell us all about her "tatoo."  It was really a smeared pumpkin that Ms. Susan had painted on her cheek.  I took her picture when we got home with her paper plate jack-o-lantern.  I loved her creative placement of the eyes, nose, and mouth--just a little out of order!
• Elizabeth spent the day with 17 costumed first graders.  We partied until we were exhausted!  I hope everyone had a fun time, because on Monday morning, it's back to business as usual.
• Now, on to the fun stuff!  Daniel transformed into "Invisible Man" as the sun went down.  The twins both became NINJAS for our trick-or-treating.
• Hannah was thrilled to dress up as "Tinkerbell."  She had so much fun walking up and down our street with her big brothers.  She greeted our neighbors with "Trick or Treat.  I'm Tinkerbell!" 
• We went to Mrs. Drake's house at 9:00 and spent an hour playing in all of her "stuff."  She has quite an imagination and passion for this spooky holiday, and her haunted house definitely shows it!  All five kids had a blast being scared by her son, Aaron, sneaking up on the butler whose eyes follow you, and rolling around in the "cemetery."  Before we left, they humored me for one more picture in the graveyard.  After all, Halloween at the Drakes has become one of our family traditions. 

Fall is here and with it comes football, pumpkins, Jake's birthday, and of course "boy" injuries!  I've added 4 new albums of recent activities.

• Daniel is playing GMFL Football for the Eagles again this year.  He is a starting safety and recently got an awesome interception!!  John went crazy running up and down the fence hollering for him.  Way to Go #45!  His team lost the 2007 SuperBowl in overtime to the infamous Chiefs, but the Eagles beat them this year.  They were so proud.  I'm sure we'll see them again in the playoffs.
• Jacob can't play sports because of his knee, but we are about to return to Lubbock for another MRI & check up with Liz's godfather, Steve who is Jacob's doctor.  Pray for a good report.
• Alex has the latest "injury" in the list of many...his left foot is broken right below the ankle.  Believe it or not, it was not his crazy, fearless ways that got him into this situation, but another child at school.  Last Friday afternoon, they were lining up after recess, and a boy named "Alex" fell on top of our Alex's foot!  He limped all afternoon & evening, and by dinnertime, John & I decided we should check it out.  Mommy took him to the emergency room for Xrays which were A-OK.  He missed his first flag football game on Saturday morning and barely participated in Jacob's birthday festivities on Sunday.  On Monday afternoon after a call to the pediatrician, we scheduled another doctor visit for Tuesday morning.  Dr. Nabulsi instantly felt the break and sent us for a "boot."  Poor baby...he was so tough hobbling around on it.  He'll be healed in no time but will have to wait another year to play football!
• We celebrated Jacob's 12th birthday on October 12th with a trip to Fiddlesticks Farms.  If you live here and have not experienced that place yet, you MUST before the season is over.  It is a wonderful family place with corn maizes, pumpkin launchers, corn blasters, hay jumps, giant slides, hayrides, pumpkin picking, and Hannah's favorite:  the cow train.  After much coaxing, Jacob consented to ignore the babyish name and invite some friends to join us.  Albert, Jack, Landon, & Jacob had a blast with every activity!  Daniel and his friend Cole had plenty to do too.  The big boys' "claim to fame" is that they were "kicked out by the corn cops" for cutting through the maize.  Mimi & Grandaddy were patient spectators, and we missed Nanny who was at home with her sick Dog, Ranger.  (who is feeling better now, I might add)
• We also have a new edition to our extended family!  Our niece, Krysten had a baby boy.  Brendyn Blaike Mitchell was born on October 2nd.  He was a little over 7 pounds.  Mommy, Grandmother, Grandfather, & Uncles are all enjoying him.  He is an absolutely beautiful baby. 
• The kids' godmother Kim & her husband Mike just had a baby too.  Rogan came home to his cute family in Portland, Oregon.  He is so sweet and tiny.  We can't wait to meet him in November!
•  

What is it about "Back to School" that I love so much? 

Daniel just asked me today if I was happy that school started, and I said yes.  He then proceeded to tell me that he knew why...because I don't have to stay home with the kids.  It's not that, I've always loved it!!  I can remember shopping for new clothes and shoes, getting a new lunch box and backpack, buying school supplies, waking up early on the first day, and being excited to meet my new teacher.  I have all of those same feelings as a mom for my children.  I want them to love back to school as much as I do, but I just don't think that will ever happen.  Michael is nervous about first grade because he's "never done it before."  Alex just wants to stay home forever and ride his bike up and down the street all day long.  Daniel is not sure about 4th grade because his classroom is a portable building out on the playground for the second year in a row, and he'll never see his friends again.  Being one classroom away from someone seems like miles, I guess.  Hannah says she wants to go to school and play on the new playground, but I'm sure when we leave her on Monday morning, it will be a different story.  Jacob is the only one who somewhat shares my fondness for school starting.  His frist day was last week, and he was ready to leave the house at 6:45 a.m.  I told him I had biscuits in the oven (which he didn't eat) and it was a bit too early, but he was ready to get there.  Now, if I could just get him to enjoy my passion for capturing every photo opportunity (like the first day of 6th grade) I'd have it made! 

Maybe someday my grandchildren will be excited about school starting.  I'm not holding my breath.

It took our beloved Auntie Em several years to get us to Portland.  Who knew she wouild have to get married for all seven of us to make the journey north to Oregon?  Her wedding to Mark was beautiful, set in the moutains with Mt. Hood in the background.  It was perfect, complete with a glowing bride, adoring Matron of Honor, two sweet ring bearers, a fabulous Scripture reader, a handsome Junior Groomsman, and a precious little flower girl.  Thanks for including us Auntie Em!!

In case anyone is wondering, there are a few "tidbits" I should add about the wedding. 

There are very few pictures from my camera because the twins (which one I don't know because they blame each other!) dropped it at the beginning of the reception.  I handed it off right before the wedding, so THANKS AMY for the ones from the ceremony.  Also, Hannah had been to the emergency room the day before the wedding and had strep throat, so that's why she was not as energetic and excited as she might have been otherwise.  I like to imagine her as the flowergirl who skips down the aisle spreading rose petals and smiles as she goes!  But, let's just say she went unwillingly in my arms and later fell into the flowerbed while trying to "dump the flowers" she had in her basket.