Back Yard Adventure

Yesterday and today were beautiful days for January. The high was 58 degrees and sunny. I think everyone needed a couple warm days. Being stuck inside is hard when it is cold out. Plus, the more time they spend outside the less I have to clean on the inside.

This was the first time Little B has been able to go out and play. He still isn't too stable while walking, but he enjoyed holding my hand a wondering around the back yard.

We also have an awesome "spider web" swing that all three boys love. Little B enjoyed going for a ride in it for the first time.

Then of course big brother had to join in. Little B was bummed that he had to share the swing, but he got over it pretty quickly.

The boys also played on their swingset. They love the double swing. Look at the smile on Big C's face!

Here is Little B exploring.

There were many other adventures. One of the boys favorites is pretending to make a fire and camp out.

Oh, how I love the sunshine!

Introducing...The Marks Clan

Since it has been a while since I have written about the family I decided I would give a little update on who we are.

I am H. I have been a SAHM for 4 years and absolutely love it (my husband says it is because I am a homebody). I have three boys and two dogs (oh, and a husband). I earned my masters in elementary education but became a mom before I got a full time teaching position. I did, however, work as an aide in a special education class for 6 years and substituted for several years as well. I enjoy dancing, reading, and pretending like I can run.

This is my husband is Jerm. He is an engineer with a medical device company. He is very good at everything he does and often likes to do things big (pretty much anything I can dream up he can make happen, including a climbing wall in my parents basement). The 3 brothers love their Daddy and anytime he is around they are always up to something!

Big B is 3 years old (as he will tell you...almost 4). He is turned all boy recently (meaning he loves to wrestle and be loud). He enjoys telling knock knock jokes and loves his little brothers. He really enjoys playing with his cousins and when at school he prefers to play with the girls (ladies man). He amazes us with what all he knows, he picks things up super easy! He just recently started attending preschool choir at church and loves it! He is easy going and likes to do all things "big boy".

Big C is 2 years old. This little boy has kept us on our toes from day one! We recently found out that he has some minor hearing loss (from numerous ear infections) and are in the process of testing him for a speech delay. We recently had his tubes put back in (for a second time) and had his adenoids taken out and have seen a huge difference in his speech already. Even though he is often grumpy because he doesn't feel good he has a laugh that is adorable. His smile lights up an entire room (and his mad face is pretty darn cute, too)! He loves to eat and really enjoys watching Frozen and Finding Nemo. He loves his big brother but is not so sure about his little brother.

Baby B is 9 months old. This boy is easy going. He has already started to walk (he wants to keep up with big brothers). He is happiest when big brothers are around. If you hold him and Mama disappears it is not because I am running away, I often disappear because if he sees me he wants me. His current hobby is finding anything on the floor and trying to eat it! He is precious...seriously how can you not fall in love with this face?

We affectionately call our dogs Idiot1 and Idiot2. Idiot1- the black dog gets into more trouble than any dog I have ever met. He seriously acts like there is someone at the door during meals so that when mom and dad go check he eats all the food off the table. He is wild but soo much fun. He has never met a person he didn't like. Idiot2- Is really sweet. She just tries to stay out of the way. She prefers to sleep only on the softest fluffiest thing in the room and like to chew up sippy cups.

That is the run down of our crazy family. They keep me busy and they are the reason I am slightly crazy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. They make life so worthwhile! God knew what he was doing when he blessed me with this family!

Out With The Old...

It is 2015....um how did that happen? I feel like it was just yesterday it was 2011 and I was having my first little boy. Four years later I have three cutie pies (Big B, Big C, and Little B)! I figure no better way to start the year than the set some goals for myself and family. 

1. Write on my blog: Ahem, step one! I am back by popular demand (okay, one person said she wanted me to write again...and she may have been joking). I would love to expand my blog and reach more readers. It is a fun way to keep up with my family and all things going on with us. Plus, I enjoy writing!

2. Be positive/present: I, like everyone else, need to put my phone down! I need to enjoy spending time with my boys and get in the floor and be silly with them! Also, I need to catch them being good and give them more praise. They are some pretty good boys and they deserve to know how great they really are!

3. Get Organized: With three boys I need to be more organized. If I am organized I won't spend so much time looking for stuff and cleaning. I will spend more time being present with my family. 

4. Make Dinner: I want to try and make dinner more often. So many times my husband comes home and I am still trying to figure out what to make for dinner. Once I figure it out it is usually too late and the boys are grumpy and hungry. I am hoping if I plan ahead and make dinner early they will be healthier and we will have more time in the evenings. Have some yummy and EASY recipes?

5. Get Dressed Every Day More Than Twice A Week: I always get up and take a shower...then put on my sweats (which I probably wore the day/night before). I LOVE days when the boys go to preschool. Even though I only see others for 5 minutes at drop off and pick up, it gives me a reason to get dressed. When I am dressed I feel good. When I feel good I am more productive. Thus, accomplishing all my goals!

That is a lofty list.... Think I can do it? *P.S.- I already made an adjustment. Let's face it...getting dressed every day is over rated...my goal is more than twice a week :)