Shane Family: February 2012

Is it really already almost the end of February! I guess time does fly when you are having fun.

One of the greatest highlights of this year was for Matt - he finished his first marathon!! So, to sum Matt up in one word, I would have to say "Champion." Seriously, I'm not using that word lightly. He is A-amazing when it comes to running and pushing himself to the limit. In addition, he was very diligent in training, which really paid off in the end. He told me before the race that he wanted to do under 4 hours. Since I haven't done a marathon, that number didn't really mean anything to me. At first I thought he was trying to qualify for some other great huge race, but he was just trying to achieve a personal goal.

So that morning was kind of crazy. He thought he was going to be done about 10:00, so I got the kids ready, planning enough time to drive to the race and walk to the finish line. Seems simple enough, but while I"m busy getting Lexie dressed, Jax has attempted to get a snack out of the pantry, only to pull an entire shelf off the pantry, dispersing Goldfish crackers all over the floor. Of course, I can't just leave the mess, so I hurriedly sweep it up, throw the kids in our car and we are off. Meanwhile, Matt calls me to tell me that he has 2 miles left to go, so I start to panic. We can't miss him at the finish line. We get there and I have no idea where to park. I find a park that is pretty close to the finish line and we park. Of course I forgot the stroller, so I gather Lexie in my arms and we literally jog over to the finish line. I realize at this point that I have forgotten the camera (of course). I dig in my purse for my phone so that I can at least use that to snap a picture of him, but find it with no avail, realizing it must be in the car. I definitely do not have time to run back to the car. Then this lady approaches me and says, "Your children have the most beautiful eyes." I tell her that is from my husband. Then I ask her probably the most random question she has ever been asked. "Do you mind taking a picture of my husband as he crosses the finish line?" I could have (and probably should) have offered her an explanation, but maybe she could tell by the fact that I was sweating bullets that she should just help me and not ask!

When we see Matt's neon yellow-green jacket coming up the bridge, it makes us all excited. At 3 hours and 47 minutes (and some odd seconds) Matt crosses the finish line with tears in his eyes. We go over to congratulate him and he seriously acts like he just went for a short jog. Besides the fact that he has a blister on his big toe (which he eventually lost the toenail of), he feels great. Then he says, "I could have gone 10 more!" Really? See, he's a CHAMPION. I have to get the picture off his phone so there is proof of the grand finish!

Not quite sure about the single side pony?!?!

And this is what Lexie looks like half the time1 She likes to take her pony tails out when we aren't looking and this is the result - Frankenstein hair!

Lexie also turned 1 just last week. I really can't believe that she is a year and also that we have been Texans for almost a year. (Still haven't got the twang, but I'm trying to pick it up).

Cupcakes for breakfast anyone?e

Christy and her family came over so we could celebrate Texas style. One of Matt's friends gave him tickets to the Baylor versus Kansas State BBall game and so we made a family outing of it and went to cheer on the Bears! We had a blast.

Go Bears!

Lexie's favorite part was the popcorn! The boys liked meeting the mascot and yelling really loud (cuz that's what boys do, right). I'm proud of Jax, as a year ago he wouldn't have anything to do with a big, stuffed, life-size moving bear. (When I put it that way, it does sound kind of creepy...). He's really grown up in the last year and walked right up to the mascot to say 'hello!'

Sic' Em Bears!

Can you find the hiding boy?!?!

After sitting in the parking lot for what seemed like eternity, we made our way to the Mayborn Museum. It's a museum catered towards kids. There is an anatomy room, a recycle room, a bubble room, a sound room, an eye room, just to name a few! The kids had a blast.

I like your thinking Chase!

A birthday is not complete without cupcakes! (My first shot at fondant -I had a blast!)

Lexie "picking" at her cake.

By this time, Lexie was getting tired so we made our way home, ate pizza and then she took a 45-minute cat nap so she would be good and ready for cake and ice cream. When she woke up, we presented her with the cake. I was waiting for her to smear frosting all over her face and clothes, but instead she used her pointer fingers to scrape frosting off the top and taste it. I guess she just likes being a lady. She opened her presents. Christy and family got her the cutest little Adidas running shoes. See her in action..

Run Lexie, Run!

Carter is doing really well in school. He is already reading at a 3rd grade level. I was able to help out in his class last week and had a blast. He is learning a lot. He is usually one of the first ones done with his work in class. He usually aces his homework, except for when he goes to fast and misses things. (I remember being like that). He's becoming a rich man as all his teeth fall out. #3 came out last week and I think he's up to 10 bucks! I think I got 50 cents when I was a kid! Gotta love inflation! We are going to sign him up for Coach-pitch starting in a few weeks and he's excited about that!

Silly as ever!

Carter lost his third tooth! (Actually daddy pulled it out, which was quite traumatic...what a trooper!)

Jax can be found outside. Sometimes he even likes to play outside. When I allow him, he likes to play outside. H loves riding his bike, scooter, mini quad, jumping on the tramp or just running around. Our neighbors that moved in a few months ago play a game called "Washers" or "Kentucky Horseshoes." and Jax and Carter have really enjoyed that. In fact, he just made us a BYU set that he finished today. I'll have to post pics soon. I'm pretty sure Jax is a lot like how Matt was when he was little - full of energy. Grandma Jo said that Matt would play so hard and then fall asleep anywhere. Jax is the same way (if he sits still long enough to do so). He is full of life and our family definitely wouldn't be the same without him. He's getting very good at writing and learning all of his letters.