Texas 2 - - - The Texans have outgrown their web page and are now on "Round 2".  
To see the 1st Texas page covering two years of events, click here: 
Texas

 

Summer 2010 - Congrats to George & Janice Matar, Al Mukhtar & Mukhtara bil Mahjar,
for reaffirming their wedding vows 32 years after their first "I DO"
Ceremony took place at Dayr Mar Elias and reception at Alsad Restaurant in Shweir

You are an inspiration to us all. 

          
Many more pictures on FaceBook at: 
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/album.php?aid=235916&id=739395916

 


Congrats Grads

From: Nabil Matar
Sent: Sunday, June 07, 2009 6:17 AM
Subject:  Family Graduations

 I have been fortunate and very happy this year.  

Couple of weeks  ago my older grandson Mathew ( Ziad's son) graduated from college with Honors and  Yesterday My older granddaughter Azlyn (Lina's daughter) graduated from  high school.

congratulation  to both and 3a'abal al Jamee3

 Read discussion on BB and share your congrats   


 

Congrats Emily Nacol, PhD.

From: Habib Nacol [mailto: cvnacol  at aol dotcom]
Sent: Monday, December 10, 2007 7:10 AM
Subject: Emily

Last week was a particularly happy one for me because I had a chance to go see my daughter's graduation and visit with my son David and his fiancee Katie. George told me that he sent to you a couple of pictures of the envent and wanted me to give you a brief educational resume on Emily Catherine so that we can share our joy with you and with our Shweir family.

She has a BA from Wellesley College, Master of Philosophy from Cambridge, England, another MA from U. of Chicago as well as a PhD.  Currently she is teaching at Brown University where she has a post graduate fellowship. Her mom, brother and I are so very proud of her!

Hope you are doing well and God bless you for all you do,

  

 

*************************

Congratulations to Sarah & Michael Matar on their marriage
on June 24, 2006 in Houston TX.  To view picture album, click here.

 
Michael is the son of al Mukhtar and al Mukhtara
 bil Mahjar, George and Janice Matar

***********

From: Matar, Nabil [mailto:  Nabil.Matar (at)  premcor  dot  com 
Sent: Monday, October 17, 2005 6:44 AM

Here some pictures about the aftermath of Sit Rita. Some of these pictures were taken around my house, also there is two pictures of My daughter Nadia's and My Sister Nora's houses. Over all we were so lucky that our houses still standing.

Any way, we are very thankful to all of our friends who either called or email us. In particularly the Shweir. com family and the friends who contacted us from back home and they were many. As for my dear friends and classmates who contacted us, Ma3ali  Alwazeer Bechara Merhij, Dr Wajih Sawaya, Mr. Rafic Saliba, Mr. Habeeb Sawaya and last but not least my big buddy Mr. Riad Khuneiser. , I would say to them; Guys you are the greatest classmates a person could ever have

Also a special thank to our new and great friend  Mrs Nadia Benab who was so generous with here support.

Ya Nadia  words are not enough to express our appreciation. you really are a special  and classy lady.  I hope one day soon we get to meet you in person.  Again thanks and god bless you all.

picture 48 in front of my house before
picture 72 and 74 after
picture 82 my sister Nora's house
picture 85 my daughter Nadia's

Nabil E. Matar

     

       


 

Palm Sunday 2004

Thank you Nabil Matar for sending the pictures...


December 2003
Congratulations to Deacon Habeeb M. Nacol,
on his Ordination as Abouna Elias in Beaumont, Texas

Author Topic: Bouna Elias
George Matar
Administrator
Member # 4

 
posted 12-09-2003 12:33 PM      Profile for George Matar     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

I have not had the time write about the Ordination OF Habeeb last Sunday. It was so beautiful, I took so many pictures, And mailed them to Anwar, I am sure when he's back from Chicago he'll post them.
Anyway, folks you should have been there, Habeeb adopted the Bouna Elias (Dad's name) and I tell you he is so much loved among the St. Michael's congregation.

We have a new Deacon among us. He is the Third since the inception of the Web page:
1. Father George (Ihsan) Bou Sader in New Zealand (2000)
2. Bouna Elie Jack Khnaisser in Dhour Shweir (2001)
3. Bouna Elias (Habeeb) M. Nacol in Beaumont, Texas (2003)

Folks we are truly blessed

Posts: 1345 | From: Houston, Texas USA | Registered: Sep 2000  |  IP: Logged

Deacon "Elias"

Dear Deacon Habeeb "Elias", on behalf of the people of Shweir, in Shweir and all around the world and the Shweir.com family,
we extend our heartfelt congratulations to you and your family and congregation on this momentous occasion.

 


Happy Thanksgiving 2003

From:         Matar, George
Sent:         
Wednesday, November 26, 2003 11:18 AM
Subject:    
Happy Thanksgiving

I think it is an American Tradition, but it is a great one. Tomorrow we celebrate Thanksgiving in the USA. This is one of my favorite Holidays.
You can think of it as a Holy occasion, or any way you want to perceive it, fact we all have a lot to be thank for.

I am thankful for Lebanon the place I was born and raised I am thankful for the parents that deprived themselves from so many things to afford raising the right way.
I am thankful for my brothers and sister, they are the best
I am thankful for the USA for opening its arms and offering me the Chance to make something out of myself.
I am thankful for Crystal Beach, where I first layed eyes on my Wife :D :D she was so cute in that pink Bikini :D
I am thankful for my wife and the great 27 + 2 years of being my love and closest friend 
I am thankful for my Children they truly are the apples of my eyes
I am thankful for all the friends I have accumulated over the years they truly have made my life so much richer... Alfred, you know you are my very special friend
I am thankful for the person that took my Wallet last summer. The Compassion I received was overwhelming, it proved to me that I was indeed among great family and friends in Lebanon.

As for our departed friends and relatives,

I thank the lord for having them in my life, even for the shortest time the impressions they left will always be with me. May they all rest in peace.

And finally I am thankful for this Web page for it has introduced me to so many warm and wonderful people through out our small planet. We maybe far apart but we are united by a click of mouse...Does it get any better than that?

You have the best and Happiest Thanksgiving Ever

George Matar

 


Matars and Habibs at Cafe Lili in Houston Texas

----- Original Message -----
From: George Matar
Sent: Saturday, September 27, 2003 2:13 PM
Subject: Cafe Lili Night

I took these pictures at Cafe Lili on Thursday night. 
That was a fun evening with Miriam and Her Mom Siham.  They are really terrific people.
Bou Jihad was wondering if Cafe Lili is Lebanese.... I guess after seeing the pictures he will know
George
 

That is the encore after meeting in Dhour Shweir last August...

Thank you George for sending the pictures. 

 


Chicago Suntimes, May 29, 2003

Schechtman has a handle on opponents

BY SHERRI GERTZMAN

There's something strange about watching Highland Park junior Jeff Schechtman on the tennis court, and it has nothing to do with his moves or the way his opponents show frustration as his lead grows.

It's the racket that's causing a lot of the racket.

Schechtman is the No. 2 seed for the state meet that begins today at sites through the northwest suburbs.

The racket in question is The Handler, a two-handled racket created by physicist/mechanical engineer/tennis professional Elie BouKheir.

BouKheir, who is ranked No. 1 in Texas for players 50 and over, was playing for the Davis Cup team in the late 1970s when he developed severe tennis elbow and left the game. BouKheir went to graduate school for physics and engineering.

"Companies are making rackets at lower weight, but you need mass and counterbalance,'' BouKheir said. "With a single shaft, if you have any off-center hits, you need to use a force grip and your own power.''

So with this theory, BouKheir developed a racket that reduces the energy that goes into the hand and arm, making it easier on the body, because it forces you to face the target instead of having to twist. The end result is a racket that will most likely prolong a player's ability to play and reduce the threat of back injuries and tendinitis.

The Handler passed Inter-national Tennis Federation regulations, and Schechtman brings a letter with him everywhere he plays.

With Schechtman's 26-2 record and sectional title so far this season, it's hard to argue with the success it has brought him. He began playing regularly with it just before the start of this season. His coach, however, is not sold.

"He ended the summer ranked No. 3 in the Midwest 16-under,'' Highland Park coach Steve Rud-man said. "He's getting stronger and he's becoming tougher, his confidence is very high and he's become a dangerous player--I think the racket is more an oddity, and I think what's changed is he's hitting the ball harder.''

The racket is manufactured by Enotek.

Already this season, Schechtman has defeated the players seeded 3-4: Glenbrook North's Ryan Heller, the defending state champion, and New Trier's Ryan Preston. He beat neither last season.

West Aurora senior Joey McWil-liams is the No. 1 seed. Glenbrook South's Nik Cromydas, Lake Forest's Drew Eberly, Palatine's Brian Hanus and Wheaton South's Jeremy Sonkin are seeded 5-8.

In doubles, Bloomington's Tim Link and Oscar Beich are the No. 1 seeds, and Hinsdale Central's Andy Lockhart and J.T. Newlin are No. 2.

Lake Forest, the favored team, is led by sophomores Matt Bruch and Alex Lambropoulos

 


Easter - Palm Sunday - 2003

-----Original Message-----
From: Matar, Nabil
Sent: Monday, April 28, 2003 12:50 PM
To: 'Kenicer, Anwar'; 'Matar George';

Here some pictures taking of our the Easter in South East Texas.
We are not talking of an Easter in Dayr Mar Elias but for the time being it will do.
George, would you like to add to what I said?
Nabil

-----Original Message-----
From: Nabil Matar [mailto:nmatar@gt.rr.com]
Sent: Sunday, April 20, 2003 1:49 PM
Anwar, Here some pictures of our Palm Sunday

 

Crayfish Fest in Texas

 


It is with pleasure that we start the New "Texas 2" web page with a very happy and special occasion: 

 

Leila, daughter of George & Janice Matar,
Weds Chris, son of Alfred & Maria Moujaes

Congratulations on the Marriage of Leila Georges Matar to Chris Alfred Moujaes  in Texas - W/ much Love, Happiness & Success ...
FYI - Leila designed our Shweir.com logo above and is the daughter of Al Mukhtar & Al Mukhtara bil Mahjar;
Chris is the son of Maria & Alfred Moujaes who is Al Mukhtar's best friend since childhood...
Chris started a successful IT company with many employees while at the University...

         
         
Congratulations to Leila and Chris and the Matar and Moujaes families.

See you in Shweir this Summer?  :-)

 

Below are some communications before and after the wedding:  Enjoy

UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!    
Author Topic: U are all invited to our Families Wedding
George Matar
Administrator
Member # 4

 
posted 10-06-2002 11:38 AM      Profile for George Matar     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

In my heart I don't mean to Ignore any of you when it comes to any occasion, and I have a great one coming up, the Wedding of my Daughter Leila to Chris Moujaes who is my Best Friend Alfred's Son. With all the hustle and bustle I am sure we have overlooked sending invitations specially to those that are very dear to our hearts. So please consider this as an open invitation:
The Wedding will take place at Moody Garden in Galveston Texas on October 26th 2002 at 5 pm followed by a reception at the Galveston Convention center Right next to the Hotel.

If you can make it please add your name and the # of people coming with you as a reply on this post so we can make sure the caterer will have something special for you.
Or if you find your self in Houston on that day go ahead and drop by. I'd love to see you there.

You might say, how unusual George, to invite people to your daughter's wedding on the Bulletin Board. And I say, if that's the only way I can reach all of my Shweir.com family then be it. There is no such thing as unusual among Family. Right?


Posts: 946 | From: Houston, Texas USA | Registered: Sep 2000  |  IP: Logged

Webmaster
Administrator
Member # 5

 
posted 10-10-2002 02:32 PM      Profile for Webmaster   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

Thank you for this generous open invitation.
This is an exceptional occasion for a double celebration... In most weddings in the U.S., we usually know either the bride or the groom sid of the family... in this case, we know both...

Wishing Leila and Chris much love and happiness... any chance to see the newlyweds in Shweir next summer?
Congratulations to the bride and groom and to the Matar and Moujaes families...

Anwar


Posts: 359 | From: San Francisco, California USA | Registered: Sep 2000  |  IP: Logged

Ghassan Zghaib
Member
Member # 10

 
posted 10-11-2002 12:04 PM      Profile for GhassanZghaib     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

"My big fat greek wedding" is what I recommend for you to see.  I'm sure you're gonna fall in love with the father.
I did.  [Big Grin]


Posts: 462 | From: Laval, Quebec, Canada | Registered: Oct 2000  |  IP: Logged

B. Hatem
Member
Member # 90

 
posted 10-11-2002 12:18 PM      Profile for B. Hatem     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

My wife saw that movie (fat Greek...) with her friend and thought that I was actually that father! [Big Grin] [Big Grin] [Big Grin]


Posts: 530 | From: Wash. DC area | Registered: Dec 2001  |  IP: Logged

George Matar
Administrator
Member # 4

 
posted 10-11-2002 04:43 PM      Profile for George Matar     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

Saw it, But Nabil actually lived it. Yes His american son in law was baptized orthodox  the movie was taken from our Family big fat wedding ...  just in case you are wondering, Nabil did not see the movie yet, that's why he is not responding yet


Posts: 946 | From: Houston, Texas USA | Registered: Sep 2000  |  IP: Logged

chris moujaes
Member
Member # 91

 
posted 10-12-2002 08:19 PM      Profile for chrismoujaes   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

Thanks, George, for the post and extending the invitation to all of the Shweir community. Leila, and I would be honored to have everyone attend our wedding.

We truly appreciate the kindness and support we've received from everyone and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in Galveston....

Not much longer before Leila switches sides and becomes a "Moujaes"


Posts: 4 | From: Austin, Texas, USA | Registered: Dec 2001  |  IP: Logged

chris moujaes
Member
Member # 91

 
posted 10-12-2002 08:20 PM      Profile for chrismoujaes   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

By the way - I did see the Big Fat Greek Wedding and enjoyed seeing my family star in it  You guys are good sports...


Posts: 4 | From: Austin, Texas, USA | Registered: Dec 2001  |  IP: Logged

Mike Sawaya
Member
Member # 28

 
posted 10-12-2002 11:03 PM      Profile for Mike Sawaya     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

Alf wo 100 Alf Mabrouk to Leila & Chris, Inshallah beit hano ya Abou Mike.

Cheers,
Mike


Posts: 8 | Registered: Mar 2001  |  IP: Logged

Ghassan Zghaib
Member
Member # 10

 
posted 10-21-2002 12:00 PM      Profile for GhassanZghaib     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

Layla and Chris,

Congratulations...

Alfred, I guess you'll be hooked on Mukhtar for the rest of your life. You never know, your grandchildren might even look a lot like him.

George, it is always a pleasure for me to nag you, but you know how happy I am for you being so happy.

Chris, your parents might have forgot about it, but when it comes to DIAPERS, I'M THE MAN. So, when time comes, my past and present experience might help you a lot. I might also have a helpful tip when time for ironing comes  .

Once againg, Mabrouuuuukk....


Posts: 462 | From: Laval, Quebec, Canada | Registered: Oct 2000  |  IP: Logged

 

 

 

Author Topic: Laila and Chris
Habeeb M. Nacol
Member
Member # 15

 
posted 10-25-2002 06:40 AM      Profile for Habeeb M. Nacol     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

Shweir in Texas is Rocking Tonight! This evening we are all gathering at Alfred's Beach Cabin (sight of the Shweir at the Beach) to start the big Bash-- Chris and Laila's wedding. Henry, Chris's uncle is roasting a huge pig like they do in Hawaii. Tomorrow the big wedding in Galveston.
I don't think that it can get better than this!
Mabrook ya Laila,Chris, Alfred, Maria, George and Janis!

YOU ARE NEXT YA LALOUS> Khalisna ba'a (enough already)!


Posts: 352 | From: Beaumont, Texas, U.S.A. | Registered: Feb 2001  |  IP: Logged

Abu Jihad
Member
Member # 90

 
posted 10-25-2002 02:16 PM      Profile for Abu Jihad     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

Habeeb wrote: "Chris's uncle is roasting a huge pig"

Enjoy, but don't pig out!

Mabrouk and 3Aqbal el 3Ezzabeh!

Abu Jihad

PS. Is that pig Kosher?


Posts: 542 | From: Wash. DC area | Registered: Dec 2001  |  IP: Logged

Habeeb M. Nacol
Member
Member # 15

 
posted 10-26-2002 07:07 AM      Profile for Habeeb M. Nacol     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

WE ARE HAVING A CLASSICAL"MATAR" WEDDING. It had been raining buckets ceaselessly for the past week. Barney, Alfred had to cancel the beach Louaue, so I couldn't check to see if the pig was kosher(I wonder how does one verify that ya Barney, should I check to see if Henry (Alfred's brother) circumcised it?

Rain or Shine, we are going to have the best wedding that Galveston has everseen come five o'clock this evening. Wish you all could be with us.


Posts: 352 | From: Beaumont, Texas, U.S.A. | Registered: Feb 2001  |  IP: Logged

Habeeb M. Nacol
Member
Member # 15

 
posted 10-27-2002 07:03 AM      Profile for Habeeb M. Nacol     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

If Shweir has a spirit, which I am certain it has, it should be smiling ear to ear this morning. The wedding was like one of those that one reads about in fairy tales. How can two families get closer togther than George's and Alfred's? This in a way is rediculous--who can imagine this!

Chris was so handsome with his black tuxedo and a Laila, what can I say? Spectacular, beautiful, gorgeous,sensational, princess all these do not come close enough to describe her. Wait till "hagob" uncle Nabeel posts the pictures. I wish that digital camera's can show sweetness: Chris and Laila are sugar.

The setting was something else, Aunt Nora (our wonderfulb big sister arranged the entire place with a spectacular array of white and red floral arrangements that were dazzling.

You should have seen the mukhtar bringing sweet Laila down the isle. His fatherly pride and love were way overshadowed by his joy/sadness demeanor. There was not one dry eye in the damn place! Even Alfred that is normally stoic melted like butter. You should have seen uncle Nabeel, he was balling. In this situation, I can tell you that George, Janis, Alfred and Maria were indistinguishable as to who is the father or mother of who because of the super bond that has existed betweeen the four of them way before this event. I have always contended that Alfred and George's frienship is one of those that are made in heaven. Did you all know that George was Alfred's best man when he married Maria?

As for me, I was so damn nervous, and when I am nervous I eat. They had enough food to feed an army division. I liked to have killed myself eating kibbe balls, and I would have done it if it were for my wife?

I am certain that Laila and Chris are going to have a wonderful life together. May God bless and keep them, and make His face to shine upon then.

I am so very proud this morning, and I know that the sun is shining over Marhata  .


Posts: 352 | From: Beaumont, Texas, U.S.A. | Registered: Feb 2001  |  IP: Logged

Ghassan Zghaib
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posted 10-28-2002 11:58 AM      Profile for GhassanZghaib     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

Lilililililililililililili......

Mabrouk....


Posts: 472 | From: Laval, Quebec, Canada | Registered: Oct 2000  |  IP: Logged

Nabil E. Matar
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Member # 11

 
posted 10-28-2002 02:47 PM      Profile for Nabil E. Matar     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

Wait until Hagoop post the pictures, they are fantastic. Abou Michael, this was some kind of a royal wedding and Leila, Ah, Ah, Ah Ya Ammo you were so beautiful. Chris, big buddy you were handsome too. I am really happy for both of you, Congratulation


Posts: 408 | From: Groves, Texas USA | Registered: Feb 2001  |  IP: Logged

Abu Jihad
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Member # 90

 
posted 10-30-2002 03:16 PM      Profile for Abu Jihad     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

Where is the Mukhtar? Still having a hangover from the wedding, or went with the newlyweds on their honeymoon as a chaperon  ??

Mukhtar, regardless how attached we are to our children, at one point in time, we must let go! [Big Grin]


Posts: 542 | From: Wash. DC area | Registered: Dec 2001  |  IP: Logged

George Matar
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posted 10-30-2002 05:44 PM      Profile for George Matar     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

Wallah Ta Barney and all of you. You have to forgive me but ever since I came to work yesterday, I have not been able to sit at my desk till now.

The Wedding was absolutely GREEEEAAAAT I was joyfully overwhelmed. It was truely a (MATAR)^2 wedding (translation rainy squared Wedding). It took a Hurricane from the Pacific to bring all this rain to the Lone star state, specially to where the wedding was. I hour before the wedding I was positve that out of the 250 people that RSVPed only 50 might show up.
When the doors to the Chapel opened and I saw the # of guests standing up, both my Daughtert and I were Overwhelmed to see so many friends and relatives, we just could not hold back the tears. From that moment on, the wedding was nothing short of what you see in Fairy Tales. The happiest weekend of my life since the birth of my children and my Marriage to that wonderful soul mate of mine...... I am truely blessed


Posts: 951 | From: Houston, Texas USA | Registered: Sep 2000  |  IP: Logged

Abu Jihad
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Member # 90

 
posted 10-30-2002 05:57 PM      Profile for Abu Jihad     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

It is said that rainy weddings result in sunny marriages. Allah Ywaffi'on.


Posts: 542 | From: Wash. DC area | Registered: Dec 2001  |  IP: Logged

lamloum_k
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posted 10-30-2002 11:38 PM      Profile for lamloum_k   Author's Homepage     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!!!!!!!
May God keep u both for each other!
And have a great life together!
MABROOK! TO Both FAMILIES!!!!
lamloum


Posts: 89 | From: U.A.E , Abu Dhabi | Registered: Feb 2001  |  IP: Logged

Hilda
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posted 11-02-2002 07:21 AM      Profile for Hilda     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

Mabbrouk!


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Mona
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posted 11-02-2002 06:47 PM      Profile for Mona     Send New Private Message      Edit/Delete Post  Reply With Quote 

Mabrook, Hope their life is filled with porsperity
Mona


Posts: 29 | From: Palm City, Florida | Registered: Oct 2000  |  IP: Logged

To add your wishes to the Shweir Bulletin click here: 
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