We're Homeowners

On November 10, two days after my 26th birthday, our dreams came true, as we closed on our beautiful house in Annapolis.  After looking at many homes, then signing our lives away, we have the keys in our hands!

It was such a great feeling to get those keys, knowing that this is our house!  We purchased a beautiful 2/1 home in the heart of Annapolis.  We are very lucky to be close to everything from shops to the downtown area.  The neighborhood is very quiet, which we like.

Finding a home is stressful, but it is definitely worth it in the end!  We have truly made this house a home!

Finding the Right Realtor

John and I have learned a lot when working with a realtor.  When we first started looking at houses, we found someone online.  His website, etc. was very convincing, but that was all smoke and mirrors.

Dave, the original realtor, at first was willing to work with us, but as the process began, our eyes opened up.  He would send us homes that did not meet our criteria, etc.  In addition, it was very difficult to schedule appointments, as he was busy with his children.  After much discussion, we have decided to "fire" Dave and find another realtor.

Thankfully, John knew of one, as they have played soccer together  Brian has been absolutely amazing in the search for our first home.  He was always available to see homes, etc.  He listened to our needs and even provided more homes, than we saw.

Tips on finding the right realtor for you:

• Get personal referrals.  Ask around if anyone has worked with a realtor, in the area, which you are wanting a home.
• Do research.  Visit Realtor.com to make sure that the realtor is licensed, etc.  Google.com is very helpful to finding more information about your realtor. 
• Make a list of your priorities.  Sit down and list want you would want in a home (number of bedrooms/bathrooms, type of flooring, etc.)
• Interview.  What you read and hear about someone may not be everything.  I suggest scheduling a meeting with your realtor to get to know them and see if they will work for you.  You are paying this person to find your home, so you have every right to interview them.
• If you are not happy, let them know!  If your realtor is not performing to your needs, let them know your concerns, etc.  It is very important that both you and your realtor are on the same page, etc. 
• It is ok to fire your realtor.  Do not be afraid to fire your realtor.  Unfortunately, this does happen often, but do not be embarrassed, because there is someone else out there (take it from personal experience).

If anyone is looking for a home in the Annapolis, MD area, please contact Brian Schilling and let him know that Kay and John referred you.

Yes to the Dress

This morning I went to David's Bridal with my mom, Grammie and sister to try on wedding dresses. After doing some research, I read some really bad reviews about the store and was not sure that I even wanted to go. However, after speaking with my sister and John, they had convinced me to give it a try, because you never know.

When I walked into the store, they immediately greeted me and my family, met with our consultant and went to work. I had a list of dresses that I liked online and then it started.

I probably tried on about 10 dresses today, but only fell in love with one! It was the second dress I tried on and it was absolutely stunning. I did not want to take it off, thats when I knew that was the dress.

My grandmother was kind enough to pay for my dress and my mom bought my veil, which was 1/3 of the price of the dress! haha

I cannot wait to see John's face when I walk down the aisle.

Today I said yes to the dress!!

Soon to be Mrs. Moreland

Oh my goodness I'm engaged! John made me the happiest woman in the world on July 22, when he asked me to marry him. What a whirlwind experience.

The night started off at Blue Martini for a pre-one year anniversary celebration with a few friends. Our friend, Adrian, got a table, which is nothing new. I excused myself to the restroom and when I returned John asked for Advil, which was in my purse. He has placed the box in my purse! I was absolutely stunned. When he asked, I was excited that I knocked one of the rings out of his hand, only me! haha

We are thrilled to spend our lives. I cannot believe I'm going to be a wife and Mrs. Moreland, but I would not want it any other way!!

We're ENGAGED!!

The next morning was our one year anniversary and first day being engaged, which started out at the tennis courts. It's official, I'm a tennis wife! We met my mom and Grammie at one of our favorite restaurantes, Bonefish Mac's for lunch. I had a picnic on the beach planned for our anniversary. That day Tropical Storm Bonnie was churning in the Atlantic, so it was very windy, but it was a blast to just be together, taking everything in.

The bling, he did good! :-)

From Indiana to Florida

My "cousin", Kelsey, recently graduated from Purdue and wanted to come visit for a week. Of course I was more than thrilled to have her in town. Even though I would be working, it would still be nice to spend time together. Last year she flew down and stayed at Howard Johnson's in Deerfield, but this year she decided to drive. Yes, drive 20 hours from Indiana to Boca Raton. She is nuts to say the least!

We spent two days laying out by the pool, while I got brown and she got red! Friday night no one wanted to do anything, so we eneded up at Boomers with my brother and his friends. We played miniature golf and did the go karts, which was my first time.



Saturday night we went out to America's Backyard and met up with my friend Brian, and his roommate. It was a really fun night, but had to be cut short thanks to me working in the morning!



At America's Backyard



It was great spending time with her and cannot wait to see her again!

4th of July in Bellbrook

I have been going to visit my aunt in Bellbrook, Ohio (outside of Dayton) since I was about 10 years old. The town and weather are amazing and it's always nice to get a break from South Florida. This year my uncle and two cousins from Dallas came for a couple of days, which is always nice.

When I arrived, my family went to dinner in a limo, while I had to take a taxi from the airport. O ya not to mention they gave me the wrong address to the house. With not having any dinner, I opted for the liquid diet instead! Next time, I'm calling myself a limo.

Every year my aunt hosts a 4th of July party, which is always a hit with everyone. We cross into Indiana to buy fireworks, which are illegal in Ohio! 2010 was a first, as someone called the copsand our fireworks show had to end, however it was still a success.

The illegal contraband

Auntie, Grammie, Mama Dukes and me

Getting ready for the balloon toss

My amazing parents

Welcome to the World Tara

Tara Lynn McEldowney

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My cousins Amy and Dan gave birth to a beautiful little girl, Tara Lynn, on June 17 at 7:06 am. She was 6 pounds 4 ounces and 19 1/2 inches. I finally had the opportunity to meet the latest addition to our crazy family.

She has enough clothes to last her for a long time. She will definitely be a very stylish looking girl. Check out this closet!!

First Blog

Welcome everyone to Kay's Korner. I was inspired to start this blog after talking to one of my friends, Chanty, and seeing my friend, Amanda's wonderful blog. This blog will be all about my life, so that I keep my family and friends up to date on what's happening. I hope all of you enjoy it!