Now you see it..

Now you don't.

That has been my theme of the past week due largely in part to IKEA. Blake had a couple of weeks off and we are trying to maximize our living space (since there isn't a ton of it).  I'm not sure Blake wants to admit that decorating is one of the things he was doing on his vacation.  But not having to look at the office mess behind the panels is such a HUGE reward.  I asked Blake if I had to clean up the mess behind the panels now that we didn't have to see it.  Out of sight, out of mind.  Today Blake and I did this little arrangement over the fireplace to tie the blue into our living room.  Blue is a new color for us where red was the accent color before.  Blake made the "artwork" and hung them up while I went swimming with some friends.  I timed that perfect so I didn't have to hear him argue with the wall.  :)  Blake obviously won the war with the wall.  It turned out great.

We're also trying to get the Legos under control (thanks to IKEA, again).  Gretchen, you make it look easier than it really is.  Every time the kids go into to sort them and organize them they get sidetracked and start building things.  I can't get upset because they are having a blast and doing what kids do best...PLAY.  Well, there's the update of what we've been up to. 

Now Playing...The Elastics!

Paige's favorite part of the Olympics are the Elastics (Gymnastics).  It really doesn't matter what she cheers for as long as it's American.  Go USA!

Magic Muck, Oobleck, Gooey Stuff

Because of the previous week with me driving my kids crazy (or my kids driving me crazy-take your pick) I made up some Oobleck. What is this you ask? It's this gooey mess that is fun for kids and a tension release for moms.
Here's what you need:
3/4 cup cornstarch
1/3 cup water
5-7 drops food coloring (optional)
Mix water and food coloring together in bowl. Slowly add cornstarch to water and food coloring mixture. Do not stir! Let the mixture stand for 2-3 minutes. Pick up a handful of oobleck and squeeze it until it forms a hard ball. Open your hand and the magic muck will turn from a solid into a liquid. Hints: A little bit of water goes a long way. If you get too much water just add more cornstarch. This can be left out on the counter and if it dries out just add a little water.

Hopefully this helps entertain.  Or at least keeps the peace.

Oh, happy GAMES!

I don't know what you were doing last night at midnight (eastern time zone). But Blake and I were rewarded after waiting 4 1/2 hours of watching Olympics to see the men's 4x100 free relay. The USA won by a fingertip. It was amazing and so fun to watch Michael Phelps's reaction. Doesn't he just make you want to cheer and scream (but not wake the kids)?

I have mine...

... but do you have yours.  I called my sister this morning at 10 am to ruin the plot for her.  I forgot that my time zone is 3 hours ahead of her.  She was still sleeping.  Sorry Steph.  The only problem with my own plan of ruining the plot for her is that even though I have the book quietly staring at me and taunting me, I can not open it yet because I have a to-do list today and I know that once I start reading I will not stop.  So here is to all the unanswered phone calls, missed eating times, and dirty houses this weekend. 

Countdown...

I'm sitting here in my quiet house (kids asleep, Blake on call) and counting down the days until school starts.  25 days for Lane, 32 days for Paige.  Yes, I had one of those days.  I argued with the kids, they argued with me and of course, they argued with each other.  I think that their ears have closed over and can't hear anymore.  Important things like "Unwrap your arms from around her neck, she can't breath" or "Stop swinging each other around the store, people are trying to walk". So of course this leads to our heart-to-heart talk in the car with me screaming into the rear-view mirror (I'm pretty good at driving without actually looking out the front window) and taking away the Playstation, Wii, computer, TV, and anything else that requires electricity.  So after a morning like that, an afternoon at the park, and an evening of apologizing and giving hugs and kisses, I'm tuckered out.  I love being a mom but there are days that I feel like I'm doing it all wrong.  I read the August Ensign article "Love, Limits, and Latitude".  They make parenting sound so simple and straight forward.  Maybe it wasn't a good idea to read it on the kind of day I had.  I like the last section of "Seeking the Lord's Assistance".  I know that many of my prayers consist of a plea that I don't mess them up because of my imperfections and mistakes.  I told Lane tonight that I wasn't perfect and that I was learning on how to be a mommy.  His reply was "I know mommy, it makes me laugh sometimes."  I'm glad I can be comic relief for him but even more I'm glad that I don't have to be perfect and neither does anyone else.  I did tell Lane that when we pray and say "sorry" it makes it all better because of Jesus.  I guess if Blake and I have more moments like that and not the "yelling in the rear-view mirror" moments we may be okay in the end.  

Swimming Pics

These are some swimming pics. Enjoy.