Thank you Starbucks...

This all may sound funny from a person who doesn't drink coffee.  I love going to Starbucks.  I do.  Not only does it smells like my grandma's house on a Sunday morning, but I truly love being there.  I could sit there all day and watch.  Watch people go in and out every minute or so.   It seems like they all have an agenda. Although, maybe they don't, but who doens't love some really good people watching?! 

These people all go about their business, whether it be reading, talking with friends, business meetings, sleeping, working, pretending to work, or just sitting back to download some music and surf the web, it all happens in one room.  The best part is everyone leaves you alone. There is an occassional hello or smile, the kind of smile that tells the other that they can relate to how you feel, even though they don't know you.  But really when it comes right down to it, no one cares what you are doing, so you can just sit back and relax and enjoy your favorite warm and fuzzy drink.  (Mine is a Soy Cinnamon Dolce Steamer.  It's like having Christmas time all year long in a cup.)

This place outside of my home, gives me a place where I can be alone with my thoughts and write, read or just sit and think.  I do have other places that I can find peace and comfort, but through all of the tough times from last year, there were many times that I found a really comfy chair in the corner of the room and calmly dealt with life in my own way.  So, thank you Starbucks!

Today in a nutshell...

Got the kids up, dropped Mara off at school, ran errands, did some laundry.  Oh ya! We went to the Zoo. I do believe we were the ONLY ones there!  I didn't even see a worker other than the lady that checked us in!  Nothing like having the whole zoo to ourselves!  Literally! 

Here is Will with the tigers in the background.

B went out of town unexpectedly today and that always throws me for a loop.  He got home from work today around 2 and literally kissed everyone goodbye and ran out the door.  I am thankful for him.  He works his heart out.  I think last year, other than most weekends, he may have had a total of 5 days off.  No, I'm not kidding.  He works and works and works!  He can set his own schedule, so he is usually home between 2-3.  I wouldn't change it for the world.  He is so good at what he does and I am proud of him. 

Aunt Whit came by and she always comes with her hand me down kids clothes for William.  He thinks he has died and gone to heaven when he gets to wear his cousins clothes.  It's too cute and so are the clothes.  THANKS Whit!  Love you!

The kids took a bath and then with their jammies on, played their musical instruments as the "Elggren Kid Band".  Since B was gone, Mara introduced them by saying, "LADIES AND NO GENTLEMAN."  I loved it even though the songs had no melody or beat.  They had a great time and that's all that matters.  They are best friends and it's the sweetest thing for a mother to watch.

Snuggle time soon came as I read books to them and they drifted off into a peaceful sleep.  I could lay there all night and stare at them.

But now it is now quiet in my house.  Shouldn't I be jumping up and down with excitement?!  I find it funny how I am often looking for this much needed silence and when I do get it, I wish I had a distraction.  Sigh!  So, since B is not here, I don't know whether to watch the Bachelor (yes, I'm hooked once again!), Biggest Loser, Ellen, work out, snuggle up by the fire with my kindle, or just go to sleep.  Sleep sounds good, but I'm sure I'll find something else to do. 

Goodnight!

I needed this today...

Today has been really rough and it's only 10am. I really needed this today.

Goals shmoals....

With the new year upon us, I have been contemplating goals and let me tell you, I NEVER think about goals. I am not a very goal oriented person. I am a typical, fly by the seat of my pants, looking for instant gratification procrastinator! Yep, I said it! Goals have always seemed to silly to me. Yep, said that too! And it's not for the lack of trying. I have tried the same goals as everyone else...

lose weight, be a better person, save money,

blah blah blah....

Maybe for me it should be called 'challenges' instead of goals. I can a very aggressive and competitive person, so if I set a 'challenge', maybe perhaps I'll achieve 1 or 2, maybe even 4 or 5. But, I have to be held accountable. Oh yes, someone has to know what I am up to for me to finish this. So juvenile, I know. It's just how I'm wired. I also I have to just make up my mind and do it.

Well, my mind is made up! Will you all hold me accountable?!

I have some very different challenges in mind. Some I will share, some I won't, at least not yet. (Did I just contradict myself?!) I can't appear to be a failure right out of the gate, ya know! I also believe that if you have too many, you will never accomplish them.
So, here we go...
1. Run another marathon... yep, I'm gunna go it! Along with Ragnar and a couple of half marathon's!

2. Take the kiddos to Disneyland!

3. Start a F......... OOPs! wasn't gunna say it! hee hee

4. Write, write, write... hmmmm....

5. Cherish my children and hubby! (this shouldn't be in here, but I can always improve, right?!)

6. Do more with my family, ALL of my family.

7. Buy awesome furniture and paint, paint, paint.... maybe sell it?!

8. Be a better mother, wife and friend. (This is one I will have to explain at a later date!)

9. Find a new hobby that I have NEVER done! Any ideas?!

10. Take a road trip! Oooo.... where should we go?! Ideas?!

11. Don't sweat the small stuff, because I now know, they really DON'T matter!

Whatever goals or challenges you are attempting this year, may you be blessed with a little fire under your caboose and the power and drive to just get them done already!

Reset button...

I actually LOVE the month of January. The weather, the cold and how it always feel like a good time to start over. Push the reset button or in my case, control/alt/delete 2010! please!

When I take down my Christmas decor down, my house ALWAYS looks empty, so this is what I have been doing to keep myself busy. The laundry is piling up and I need to vaccum, but who care's when you are doing what you love right?!

B had MAJOR doubts about this one....

This picture doesn't show the awesome distressing that I did or the great color, but you can use your imagination!

I LOVE IT!!!!  Now off to paint some more!

I'm glad I'm a morning person...

I would have missed this beauty this week if I weren't!

Have a beautiiful week everyone!

Bringing the New Year in with a BANG... Literally!

Last night I got the phone call that NO ONE EVER wants to get.  My hubby was in a car accident on his way home from work.  He was driving down Bangerter Highway going the speed limit of 55 when the car in front of him slammed on her brakes.  Now you must understand that Brandon drives like a granny and was about 3-4 car lengths behind this woman.  But going as fast as he was going, there was no time to react or slow down at all, so he plowed right into the back of her.

Crazy thing is.... his air bag did NOT deploy, and yet, he was unharmed!  THANK HEAVEN!  Although that's not how we wanted to spend our evening, it could have been so much worse! 

And the lady that he hit was a total treat!  Brandon got out of the car to check on her and she told him that her husband was on his way to punch him in the face!  WOW!  ummmm...ok...

Oh ya, and she has no insurance.... hmmmmm...

Here's hoping that I can still find some optimism for 2011.