Summer Days of Texas

A Day with My Girl
Apart from our few months alone when Stella first came home, we haven't spent much "fun time" alone. Those first months were filled with charades and tears from a little one who seemed annoyed by coming home with her mom alone - like a punishment. Can you imagine spending day and night with a room full of your peers and suddenly you're thrust into a foreign new life where you're expected to spend hours on end with one adult. And you don't even know that adult. You can't communicate clearly AND you have to watch in utter frustration as the other children in the home are taken to a playtime in a place you desperately long to belong. And so since starting Mother's Day Out in January, our alone time has been somewhat limited. So here we are almost 9 months home and Stella is in need of a hair trim. With some hesitation and self-diagnosed allergy to glitter and boas, we saunter into Sweet and Sassy. She sat perfectly still and concentrated on every move her stylist made. The glitter in the hair. The glittered hearts on her cheek. And then she noticed the birthday party girls dancing on the runway. Nothing could keep her attention quite like that show. She danced. She was in a zone. Completely captivated by their giggles, their sparkly dresses. And then it hit me. This was a first. She loves all things girly, but it's doubtful she had ever seen such a party. She had never been to a shop with all things pink and shiny and fancy. And just like that I forgot about her boundary testing and my own frustrations that she pilfers through my things and looks on with utter disgust when new foods are introduced.  I just saw this little girl standing there in complete awe of new and exciting sights. Sure, we won't be back to this special place very often, but it was worth it today.  To see this little one experience such sight and sounds. To visit a place that made her feel precious and captured her inner girliness.   

What Does the Future Hold?
Scenario #1
Me: (Spying construction near our home) Look over there. I wonder what it is.
Samuel: Maybe a restaurant? Maybe a store? Maybe a street?
Me: It looks like they are building walls, so it's not a street.
Samuel: It could be a street.

Scenario #2
Samuel: (As we're driving home one evening) It is getting dark outside?
Me: Look out the window. Do you think it's getting dark?
Samuel: It is! The sun is going to China.
Stella: No.
Samuel: Yes. The sun goes to China.
Stella: My China?
Samuel: It's not your China. It's everybody's China.
Stella: No, it's my China. 
Samuel: God made the sun go to China. He's powerful.
Stella: No, he's not. It not go to China
...and the not-so-friendly discussion continues. Meanwhile, we're laughing and pulling our hair out at the same time. Debates. Arguments. Discussions. Fights. They must be training for something greater!  

Webb, Webb, and Webb

Attorneys at Law 

Established 2015

They may open a firm together one day, but it's doubtful they will agree.  Although, it just might be worth attending court that day to hear what odd "discussions" ensue.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame
Another Texas first.  In Russ' infinite wisdom, he bought us seats with all-you-can-eat goodies.  Gee, I'm thankful they didn't weigh us before and after the game.  These kids can eat us under the table!  

The Newest Rangers Fan

He was all about the hot dogs

His new favorite past-time...crossing his eyes

Corn Fields of Nebraska

And what make a road trip to Nebraska so memorable?  I mean, besides the gourmet hot breakfast prepared each and every morning by a smiling new friend.  Linda spoiled us all - to the point that we had "Linda Detox" when we arrived back in Texas where we were expected to again care for ourselves and pursue our own entertainment.  She has won over these littles!  Linda won me over years ago, which is the only reason I'd travel 10 hours in the car with 3 children!  That clearly screams "I'm crazy for Linda"...or does it just scream "I'm crazy" in general?

Sister's first pedicure was a hit

And then there was this place with this mousey guy

And we so hated to leave

A Big Decision

There will always be something special about the Nebraska corn fields.  The Lord really grabbed the interest of Joey there.  We've had several conversations about who Jesus is and how powerful our Lord is.  All the kids know that He loves them and wants what is best for them.  And Joey's heart had been growing more tender towards God's presence in his life.  Sooooo, on the winding roads of Nebraska in the middle of the corn fields and with 2 very inquisitive siblings intently listening, Joey invited Jesus into his heart!  My baby made such a humbling decision!  We are over the moon excited for him.  We are looking forward to helping him grow in this new relationship with the Lord and watching from the front row as God grows this little guy!

"He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.

And what does the Lord require of you?

To act justly and to love mercy

and to walk humbly with your God."

Micah 6:8

This past month has been super busy with school ending and new adventures beginning.  So, happy 10 months home to Stella Alyu!  The new discoveries of family life continue.  And now we have this big guy above walking into a deeper relationship with his loving Creator.  Thank you, Jesus, for touching his heart in such a special way.  For sure, many moments to celebrate!  

What's Going on

Where are all the Animals?
Once upon a time, I had the bright idea to take the kiddos to the zoo on a day when Joey was dismissed at noon.  Apparently, so did a million other people.  It seemed as though people came from every known continent to enjoy the sights of the Fort Worth Zoo that very same day.  When you have to park so far away that your feet are blistered and your eyeballs are windburned by the time you approach the entrance, it might be a good idea to consider Plan B or really anything other than Plan Zoo!  So we made a quick decision to browse the beautiful plants at the Botanic Garden.  Samuel was in such a need for a nap that he fell asleep before I changed plans.  So when we unbuckled at the Gardens you can imagine the wailing and gnashing of teeth that occurred.  He wanted animals!  And only animals!  Thankfully he was easily swayed with a granola bar.  Hey, food changes everything.  The Webb munchkins enjoyed the Gardens far more than I had anticipated.  Also, I was especially thankful I had shoved an entire Walmart snack aisle into the teeny toddler backpack I was hauling around.  That made all the difference!  They did find the flowers beautiful, especially the pink ones (said Stella).  The boys mostly wanted to run, jump, and scare any birds within a 10 mile radius.  It was free fun for all and it wore them out!  The grounds are spectacular!

Just getting started...

This guy loved jumping from rock to rock.

The kids enjoyed these speaking tubes, when in 

actuality they yelled loud enough to be 

heard just fine without them.  

The kids all loved this area!

This tiny house was so much fun.  

They look like 3 giant burglars getting ready to take over.  Of note, we were approached by a security guard who informed us that no one is allowed inside.  So, we kinda did break and enter...except someone else had literally broken the doorknobs off which leads us to believe we were welcome to enter.  Oops!

Spring Tea

The Mother's Day Out program the littles attend is wonderful to organize special events.  They must know we love to see our littles perform and that our littles love to perform.  It was amazing to hear all these kids tells the truth of the Gospel!  Amazing!  While they may not fully grasp the meaning of the words that come out of their mouths, it gives us great opportunity to talk more about it and really dig into the love and sacrifice of the Lord.  These 2 little ones sang their hearts out.  Ok, so only Stella sang.  But Samuel stood up there like he owned the place and did all the motions!  

These 2 are loads of fun!

A-Camping We Did Go

We hadn't fully welcomed Stella into our family yet.  

The final step: camping

So, the adventure started with a trip to the laundry mat to wash sleeping bags a few days earlier.  That was quite the excursion in itself!  And what would one expect to do at the laundry mat with sleeping bags? Well, sleep there...of course!  Disgust covered Stella's face as we loaded back into the car.  She. Wanted. To. Sleep. There.  At the laundry mat.  I managed to carefully paint a picture of the true camping trip to come and she settled down.  

Like every other trip before, we loaded the car as full as it would go...and then we added a few more things.  We picked Joey up from school like that!  And that doesn't even include the carload of other "necessities" that Russ was bringing.  How much can a family possibility need to camp for the weekend?  The kids, dogs, and I arrived an hour or so before Russ, so we brought out the entertainment by way of play doh and snacks.  Russ tackled the construction of the new tent when he arrived.  With the size of this new structure, he said he felt as if we needed a permit!  With out new tent up and ready to welcome guests, the kids made it seem as though they had just arrived at a new luxurious resort.  And I'll admit that the new tent is quite the beauty!  The sleeping bags were the cherry on top!

We met some dear friends at the campsite for additional entertainment and laughter.  A couple of them were newbies like Stella.  I'd say it was a successful trip.  Fishing, smores, play doh, coloring, games, bubbles, sticks, bugs...we kept them all busy!  

All smiles - marshmallow smiles

He found a new place to rest

Walking a gravel road to the bathroom, showering with beetles, and the open fire were strange and new.  Stella seemed to accept it all in stride.  We attempted fishing but ended up getting lines caught in bushes.  Looking for walking sticks and rocks soon replaced fishing and everyone was just as happy.  The littles and I attempted to catch up with our friends walking to a farm area.  With skipped naps, almost anyone can guess how that little hike ended.  Stella was stumbling down the middle of the road.  Samuel was literally tripping over his own feet.  And our 2 littles who spent years in a tropical region of China surprisingly claimed they were actually melting (in the 80 degree heat).  The melting continued in the form of a meltdown under a tree on the side of the road.  Both kids.  Stella attempted to sit in the road to rest and was baffled as to why I sternly suggested she come into the grass.  Samuel was just melting in general sitting in the grass weeping uncontrollably.  Can you imagine the sight?  We somehow managed to flag down (read: caught the curiosity of) a park employee who retrieved our lifesaver...Daddy in a moving vehicle.  

Webb camping 2016 is off to a great start!

And how do you think Stella felt about leaving a few days later?  I saw that same look of utter disbelief as we began loading up our things.  She. Wanted. To. Stay. Longer.  I think we've found another camper, folks.   

Already?

As of yesterday, we're already a family of 5 for 9 whole months.  And so start the jokes related to the middle child...or even the 3rd child...she fits both, kinda.  The camera forgets to come out (I blame the camera).  The days whirl by too quickly.  Special events go undocumented.  Sooooo, happy 9 months to our dear daughter...yesterday and with no pictures.  I'll do better next time.  Maybe.

Time Marches On...

Drive-In What?

You haven't experienced movie-watching to the fullest 'til you've been to a drive-in.  The smell of a burning engine coming from the idling neighbor car.  A quick jaunt to the restrooms trekking through the Alaskan wind gusts (we were still in Texas, mind you).  Three small tightly bundled egg rolls giggling in the back of the car.  A giant refillable container of...Dr. Pepper.  Yes, please!  The kids loved it!  Because the Alaskan breeze picked up speed, we all ended up packed in the back of the car.  One of us, who shall remain nameless, kinda of "rested his eyes" during the 2nd show.  In his defense, he needed to muster up the energy to drive us safely home.  The rest of us huddled together and enjoyed not 1, but 2 shows that night!

Kick that Ball!

The soccer season is off to a strong start!  Joey's game was first and he scored a goal!!!!  Go, Joey!  The Alaskan breeze from the night before had lingered and there was practically ice forming on the players' jerseys.  At least that would likely be the story you'd hear if you asked them.  They warmed up and went on to have a great game.  The littles followed that up with some super star moves.  There was a need for motivation for one little sassy girl to participate, but snack promises were the answer!  Both littles eventually participated and seemed to even enjoy the game.  What?  

Growing a Love of Golf
Ok, so maybe it was just an excuse to coordinate these 4.  In honor of the Masters, the boys wore their Masters shirts with Daddy...and Stella was over the moon to have a green coordinating dress.  So, Mom took the opportunity for pictures!  Maybe one day soon they'll actually learn what golf is!

Stella at 8 months home
Stella has surprised us in more ways than one.  Over the past month we have discovered that she prefers salad and asparagus over dirt cake (crushed oreos layered with pudding).  The Brothers are astounded.  She prefers bok choy over a baked potato.  It's true!  She has found her new love: a side ponytail.  She draws attention to it as soon as she notices another human being.  She requests that I too wear a side ponytail.  I've managed to distract and avoid thus far.  For a little girl who rarely plays with dolls and finds pleasure in digging in the dirt, I never expected the 80's pop star look to be so pleasing.  Stella's vocabulary continues to expand and amaze!  She enjoys photobombing.  She's adamant about keeping up with the brothers, which has helped to improve her coordination and encourage her interest to try new things.  Also, she loves to be photographed!

7 Months and Going Strong

They Have Our Hearts

Our little gems

They love to wear their Chinese silks (seriously, 

they ask to where them to school and the park).

7 Months Strong
Stella loves coloring.  Loves. This girl could color all day long and never tires.  She loves pink and Hello Kitty.  She has been excited to start soccer simply because she has a pink soccer ball.  Trips to the library are a must.  Wearing a skirt or something sparkly are also requirements for happiness.  She has taken an interest in chalk and the tricycle.  Stella asks to play outside often.    She loves to help, even her teachers mention her independence.  Did I mention that she loves to talk?  Like, all the time.  She sings her ABC's in the car.  She loves to pray at nap time and bedtime, often giving Jesus intricate details of her day and activities.  She's a wee bit sassy too!  Happy 7 months home, Stella!

Doing what she loves - coloring

This Weather
We cannot get enough of it!  Spring in March is something we're taking full advantage of.  Also, it's been perfect for honing our soccer skills.  Ok, so it's a bit of an introduction past "I'll kick to Samuel" and "I'll kick it to everyone".  During their first practice, I caught myself laughing more than once.  Samuel seemed to move at a snail's pace, gradually picking up speed as the time went on.  He didn't mutter a single word to his coach of teammates, but he stopped to flash me a thumbs up.  Stella pulled a Charlie brown move when she tried to kick the ball and instead ended up lying on her back.  She picked odd times to rehydrate...like every 3 minutes during the 1 hour practice.  She really took off and got into it though.  There was no stop for picking flowers or kicking dirt as Joey did during his first season.  Perhaps watching big brother on the field has grown their interest and sparked some enthusiasm for actually playing!

Monkey boy climbing again

It's the perfect weather for coloring outside.

Starting off with a little soccer practice

He's taking note before he makes a move.

And the kick!

Waiting patiently for her turn

The Plans Changed

What would've been our first camping trip as a family of 5 turned into a day trip.  The rain thwarted our plans.  I mean, after all...who wants to be water logged for endless hours in a tent with 3 children and 2 dogs?  And did I mention that we "rough it" with no electronics (beyond the essential coffee making).  So add that detail to the possibility of the abundance of family time inside a small cloth enclosure.  Instead we spent the day with some dear friends at a state park about an hour from home.  Success!  We still got to experience the adventures of fishing, geocaching, and campfire cooking!  This picture below was also in clear view on the ride home, add in snoring!

The car ride didn't look too promising until we 

considered this a power nap! Recharge!

Stella trying to reel in the big one

Samuel contemplating life between tossing rocks 

and packing on a pound of mud to each shoe

What?  I haven't seen the last marshmallow!  

One of My Favorites
Three kids in one chair.  Did I mention that we also have a sofa and other seats available?  Seems strange that just over 2 years ago, these three were kind of strangers.  And now getting comfy in a single chair seems like a common occurrence. 

This happens often too.

Joey with his legs crossed in deep concentration and Samuel with 

his shirt off "like Hulk" enjoying a little Star Wars reading

The New Year is Flying By Quickly

Happy birthday, Sambo!
Samuel is Samuel and there's no other way to describe him. This guy has added some spice to our lives! When asked what he wanted for his birthday, his response was "weapons". Um, unexpected.  And so we had to figure out what "weapons" would be deemed appropriate for a 4 year old, yet still cool enough for this little guy. After all, this is the same little man who claims his cast is an "arm gun"!  Not surprising at all, Samuel requested a Scooby Doo cake.  After a quick search on Pinterest turned up the need for a year long preparation and an intense internship with the Cake Boss, I talked him into a bone shaped cake.  Simple enough!  He requested a chocolate cake with chocolate icing and cookies on top.  Soooooo, this was the most chocolate cake I've ever made!

The "weapons" were a hit!

Our family celebrated at Legoland.

Samuel. Loved. Karaoke.

Stella seemed to eat up the festivities!

Happy Chinese New Year! 

The Year of the Monkey...and we have plenty!

The arm gun has retired!

When people ask how Samuel chose green for his cast, I am quick to explain that it was not a hasty decision.  The color choices seemed to be endless...as was our wait as he struggled to make that decision.  He thinks about everything - really thinks.

Now, the removal...we were all curious.  Russ and I had never had a broken bone, so Samuel was a pioneer in this situation.  He sat quietly during the removal.  The X-rays were a bit of a challenge due to the stiffness of his arm.   As we left the office and the ladies reminded him that he still has limited activity, I suggested they hand out cinder blocks.  Seriously, that's the only way to slow a kid down!  On the ride home, he proceeded to peel his arm like a piece of fruit!  At least a pound of skin!   So much for soaking it and applying lotion.  I'm proud to announce that the period of "limited activity" is almost over and God has healed his arms completely.  Don't believe me?  Just ask to see his ninja moves!   

The Rest of Our Crazy Lives

Jedi Samuel

After he received this for Christmas, it has become 

"my jacket" that he requests to wear daily as a standard 

piece of clothing.  He has been known to go to 

Walmart like this.  What? You know it's cute!  

The Twins

I can still dress them matchy matchy, and so I will!

6 Months as a Webb!

She hasn't stopped smiling.   

Either she fits in well or she hasn't figured us out yet!