I'm a nerd.....

Okay, I know I'm kind of a nerd, but I am quite proud of myself and feeling very cleansed because I got all kinds of stuff done in the last few days... I got the garage cleaned up A LOT!! (this was no easy feat, I tell you) There was a massive amount of stuff built up in there for the last 8 years or so, and it's soooo much better now! I put in some pics of the kids' garage, because it has officially become the kid cave at this point... I figure with all the time they spend out there in the summer, it will be put to great use. So- the big workbench that Chris used has now become the kids craft bench- we used family night tonight to get ALL the kid stuff out of the kitchen pantry and organized into boxes, tubs, etc... we even made a very fun trip to St. Vincent's and Big Lots to re-up on markers, playdough, pens, and paper :) Oh ya- we got some sweet old barstools at the thrift store for next to nothing....

And so then after we were all done moving the craft room to the garage, I ended up with 2 amazing new shelves in my pantry to store my numerous kitchen appliances- instead of on the countertops! woohoo- I amaze myself with how the tiniest things make you so content...
Anyway, it is now past 11 p.m. and I am settling down for the night- toilets have it coming later this week though.

All kinds of good stuff....

Hey there everyone!!

I am still waiting on hold to speak with the IRS, so I figured I would take the moment of peace and blog, since I am so very far behind... and I don't even have an excuse like Megs did with her computer crashing....

So first off- Miss Teagyn is officially 6 years old!! YAY- and wow! I can't believe she's 6 already- the last year has literally flown by. She had a great birthday- spent the night at her dad's so she could wake up on her birthday with him, and then the girls came home early to get ready for school... her kindergarten does not allow school treats for b-days, as there is not enough time and too many allergies, so we are holding off until 1st grade for that one :( oh well.... after school was out and Calli was home, they played outside while I finished working and then it was present time!! She got some pretty great stuff, including her Zhu Zhu pet, which she has been begging for the last year at least ( I think they're a little ridiculous, but hey it's what she wants).. she got some very spiffy accessories and outfits for her new pet too :) Then, we had her choice of dinner, which was BLT's and tater tots, and applesauce (yummy).... Her birthday happened to land on a Friday night, so how great was that since we got to stay up late, have dessert and popcorn, and watch Megamind together?! It was a pretty fantastic day, I think! The next day, we had a BIG party and about 15 kids came over to help her celebrate- basically all the kids on our street, and then her best friend Zaydee, Karen and Maddie, and Frankie's daughter and nieces... we played games, had mini sandwiches, baked brie, chips, veggie and fruit trays, and of course chocolate princess cake with strawberry frosting...

And of course, I think it's high time I introduced you all to the two men in my life :) First of all, Frankie Ciccone is a wonderful, amazing man that I met way back when I was 18 or so... we've been friends all these years and reconnected back around Thanksgiving... we really hit it off and I am so happy that I got a hold of him! So- things are going great and getting even better :) I cannot wait for you all to meet him- he has a 10-year-0ld daughter named Phe'dra, who is a wonderful girl and is becoming such great friends with Calli and Teags... I have known her since she was a baby, so it's nice to be acquainted with her again.

Secondly, we just got a new little, adorable addition to our family- his name is Captain Todd Long Ears, and he is a basset hound... I'll post pics for you to oooh and aah over!

Love you all so much and can't wait to see you!!

Hi everyone!! Just updating super quick- work is busy, kids have been so darn sick the last couple of weeks with ear infections, sinus infections, and yuckiness of all kinds, but are getting better now... I am feeling great however :) I miss my family so very much and can't wait to see you all.

For you Dad...

Hey Dad- it's our favorite things combined... your Snickers, and my peanut butter! Just thought I would share... they're delicious by the way :) Love you mom and dad....

Updates....

Hey everyone out there :) We have been busy bees around here- so biggest news is this- my divorce was finalized a few weeks ago and I am almost officially back to being a Guthrie (might keep West as a hyphen- any opinions will be appreciated)... but I have to say I missed having the KG initials~ Let's see- Calli bug just started special chorus back up this morning and there are lots of upcoming events with that, so if anyone feels like making a trip up North, let me know and we could schedule you in to enjoy one of her performances! Teags is flying through kindergarten and learning a bundle of things each week. My job is going great! I totally love being back at home and paying taxes at the same time- couldn't ask for more on that front, well, except for more money- duh!

Mom and Dad have been the most insanely wonderful parents I could imagine and have helped me over all these mountains of stress and money, etc.... my sisters are just as insanely amazing too and have been there for soooo much support- I could not possibly ask for a better family! Thanks so much to all of you- I love and appreciate you more than you will ever know- I feel like there is light at the end of all this finally.... Enjoy the pics from the last few family nights- we have played Bananagrams like crazy, and made lots of yummy treats in the EZ Bake- and tonight we started a crazy hard puzzle :)

CHRISTMAS 2010!!!

Awww- we had the bestest time ever down at Marmee and GG's for Christmas this year! It was so wonderful to get to see Grammy- who is the greatest Grams in the whole wide world.... The only thing I would have changed is to have Amy there :( But at least we got to talk over the phone for a while :) Here's some pics for everyone to enjoy- because Grammy got me a new camera!!! I told you she is the best! Thank you so much to my family for the great trip and all the memories we made together... miss you so much already.

As for updates real quick- I started my training on the new job today- and I love it! It's a great job and I have a really, really good feeling about this one (I think I just might keep this one) kidding Dad... and the girlies are staying down at Marmee and GG's for the rest of the week, which is also an amazing gift to get- free daycare and the peace of mind knowing they are safe and happy, and having a great time!

Wow- what a hard week for all of our family- to my mom and Grams, and my sweet aunt Pat and my cousins, and to the whole family.... I am so sad and sorry for the loss of Uncle Randy... I will always remember his huge huge hugs and his huge huge happy smiles! He was so funny and such a great person to be around- what a sad loss for the world to lose a wonderful man like Uncle Rand.

I also am grieving the loss of my very loved dog Smokey today- we had to go put him down this morning. I have had him for 13 years now, and over the past few months his health had deteriorated to the point where he couldn't even walk anymore- we have been carrying him around for the last little while and it was simply time to let him go. I have so much peace in my heart today knowing that Uncle Randy and all of our family that has passed are with my smokey bear....