If you really knew me...

I've seen this floating around the blogsphere. I'm not sure who started it but if you do, please let me know. I'd love to give credit where credit is due.

If you really knew me you'd know that...

I hate ketchup. Just thinking about it makes me want to gag.

I'm super shy and socially awkward. But give me a few drinks and I'm everyone's best friend.

Case in point - Random BF from Bartinis

I LOVE Gwen Stefani. That's one thing people always seem to remember about me.

Image via

I do not like soda. Yes, I will drink it on occasion but it's very rarely.

My husband and I met on a blind date. (well sort of, I'll post about it one day)

I'm a huge baseball fan. Go Reds!!!

Logan's 1st Reds game

I never chew on the right side of my mouth, never.

I have two tattoos. One of them I drew myself.

I inherited my love of Jager from my Mother, thanks mom ;)

I'm truly, madly, deeply in love with my husband and it's impossible for me to stay mad at him.

I'm overly paranoid in the car. This started after I had Nathan.

I always find random cans of Red Bull in our car.

I love listening to the Southland sermons on my iPhone while cleaning.

I'm addicted to social media. @jvkom on twitter.

I have a phobia of loose hair. I looked it up, it's called Trichophobia. Dog, cat, human, my own hair- all of it!

Anyone have anything to add or dying to know anything else?

**Don't forget to enter my giveaway!

Our Reception

***Another post in my rewind series. Our reception was August 18th, 2007.


After the ceremony we took some pictures at the church. We then all loaded up into the limo to take some outside pictures. We headed up to Devou Park in Covington, KY. Let me tell ya. This was the worst experience ever. The limo was too big to wind around the road that lead to the top. So we kept driving in circles for probably an hour. Finally the driver gunned it and we whipped around the curve and made it safely, thank God!

We were in Bengals Pre Game traffic - the fans loved it!

View from the inside - Classy eh?

We finished up pictures and arrived at The Madison for our reception. We were pretty late bc of the limo fiasco. Thankfully we had a cocktail hour so no one seemed to notice how tardy we were. We ate dinner as soon as we arrived. We did all the traditional wedding activities.

We danced until the wee hours of the night. We even extended our reception for an extra hour because everyone was having so much fun. The ride back to the hotel was an experience. We were all crammed into one of the shuttles. Everyone was feeling great. Interesting enough, I think I was the only sober person at my wedding.

The night went by way too fast. Such a great time was had by everyone. Our family still talks about how much fun they had that night. Everything was perfect. We had a super early flight the next morning. We only got a few hours of sleep. John was definitely still tipsy when we got up. Then off to the airport we went!

Sunday Social (6)

Sunday Social time! I'm really enjoying this link up. Hopefully all of you are learning more about me. I know I'm enjoying learning more about all of you!

1. What is your dream job?

I actually have my dream job. Getting to stay home and care for my boys is the best job ever. 

2. If you had just won the lottery and didn't need to work for money, what would you do with your time?

Grab my family and travel. I would love to travel the world.

3. When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?

I wanted to be a doctor. I still wouldn't mind pursing the medical field once my boys go to school.

4. What piece of career advice would you give to someone just starting out in your field?

Ha! I wish there was a parenting handbook. I would say do what feels natural. Do not feed into what "everyone" esle is doing. Things work differently for every family.

5. Biggest Pet Peeves either in life or in blogging or at work.

My bigges pet peeve with my kids is whining. I can't handle the whining. In the blogging world, not getting a response after I take the time to comment on a post.

6. Biggest Fears.

Never being settled. I hope one day to live somewhere permanent and not have to move anymore.

**Don't forget to enter my 100 follower giveaway!!

100 Followers Giveaway!!!

I could not be more excited that this blog hit the 100 followers mark tonight! And I could not have done it without all of you! So to say thanks I'm having a giveaway. One winner two prizes. Thanks so much everyone!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Staycation Recap!

Our staycation was wonderful! There is so much to do here in Tampa. It makes it really nice and easy especially with the boys.

Last Wednesday night we started it off with a Rays game in a suite. We are fortunate that John gets suite tickets from work a couple times a year. Obviously you can't beat free food and drink. What I like most about the suite is that the boys can run around freely. Makes our night much more enjoyable when we aren't trying to entertain the wilds from a bleacher seat for 3+ hours.

Thursday was Nathan's actual birthday. He woke up to balloons everywhere. He came running and told us that they came from the tooth fairy :) That afternoon John took him back to Tropicana Field for another Rays game. This one had a special surprise in store. John knows a lot of people. He was able to get it set up that Nathan would be on the jumbotron doing the Carvel Icecream hat shuffle. Unfortunately I wasn't there to see it but they took lots of pictures. When they got home we went out for pizza. We had cupcakes and he opened presents. Nathan was exhausted after his long day!

Friday we got the house ready for company and ran errands. John's Mom and Step Dad got in that evening. The next day we had plans to do a pirate ship cruise at John's Pass. It was so much fun! Nathan loved every second of it. The pirates were very good with the kids and kept them busy the whole two hours. We stayed and had dinner on the boardwalk. It was such a great day.

Sunday we decorated the house with a Spiderman theme. Nathan picked out all the decorations. I also had a Spiderman cake made for him. He was very excited when he woke up from his nap and saw everything all set up. We did cake and presents for the second time. That's when he asked if Thursday was just a practice :)

Monday we took the boys to Dinosaur World. We have a season pass. I love taking the wilds there because I can let them loose. They love looking at all the dinos and feeding all the fish. Tuesday we headed out to Clearwater for a beach day. My boys are total beach bums, including John. If they could live at the beach they would!

Wednesday John had to go back to work and his parents left. It is always a little sad when things go back to "normal". That afternoon we had two of Nathan's friends over for pizza and more cake. Yep, third time having cake and opening presents! We treat birthday's like holidays around here!

I feel very blessed at the life we live. We had such a fun week. And John didn't do any work the whole time he was off! That's a blessing in itself that we had him all to ourselves :) Now to get back to reality!

It's ok Thursday

I promise our vacation recap is coming. It was so nice to spend the whole week with the family. Today I'm linking up for It's ok Thursday.

It's ok that even though I thoroughly enjoyed vacation, I missed blogging.

It's ok that we had cake and presents three different times for Nathan's birthday.

It's ok that while I'm excited for Nathan to start school, my heart is breaking at the same time. 

It's ok to agree to disagree, sometimes people just can't see eye to eye on something.

It's ok that Logan still mumbles alot, he's getting better with his speech everyday.

It's ok to be homesick, especially since I haven't been up north since December.

It's ok that I look like a fumbling fool during Zumba.

That's all I've got today peeps. What's ok with you?

Stop & Smell the Roses (10)

I'm back for Stop & Smell the Roses today!

Vacation!

Happy Friday everyone! Just wanted to check in and let you know I'll be a little absent the next few days. John is finally taking some vacation time! His first all year. We have lots of fun activities planned for the family. Can't wait to blog all about them!

Hope everyone has a fabulous weekend! And if you haven't voted in the bloggies yet, jump over to Nathan's blog and vote.  Also, Carley is hosting the awesome Pen Friend Project. Go sign up!

Happy Birthday Boo!

Today is Nathan's 4th Birthday. How could it already be 4 years since this precious little being came into this world? I will never forget the first time I touched Nathan. They held him up for me to see. I reached out and he was so warm, wet, and wonderful. I was overtaken with emotions and started bawling hysterically. I was crying so hard the doctor thought something was wrong. Nothing was wrong. Everything was absolutely perfect.

Your first birthday we celebrated in Orlando with all of our friends. We had an ice cream party. You weren't too sure about your cake. We felts so much love that day. 

Your 2nd birthday we were in Tampa. It was Toy Story theme. We set up all of your gifts and decorations during your nap. When you woke up and found everything you were so surprised and happy!

Your 3rd birthday we took you to Disney for a few days. You had a blast. We did a dinosaur theme. This was the first year you really understood the whole birthday thing.

This year Mom & Dad are so proud of the big boy you are becoming. You will be going to preschool next month. This is exciting and scary for me at the same time. I love you so much and look forward to watching you learn and grow. It's scary because we have been together almost every single day since the day you were born. It's hard for Mommy to let go. You will always be my baby, my first born. Nathan, I just want you to always remember how special you are to Daddy and me. No matter what happens in life we love you so much. Happy 4th Birthday Boo! 

Love,

Mommy

9 years!!

9 years ago today I was on my way to our first date. I can remember it like it was yesterday. I definitely had butterflies. We had a great time at the Comedy Club with the Halls and the Rawlings. Kips was a blast. Good thing my fake ID worked. I had way too much to drink and definitely kissed you at the end of the night. We exchanged numbers. On the car ride home with Jill & Brandon we were talking what ifs. What if you were the person I marry definitely came out of my mouth.

Our 1st Christmas - 2003

It took us a few weeks to really hit it off. I'm so glad I stuck it out. Our first knock me off my feet kiss happened in the parking lot of Rick's Boatyard Cafe. That was the defining moment in our relationship. That was the kiss that launched this beautiful love story of ours.

Hollywood, FL 2004

About 6 weeks after our first date I met your parents. It was so awkward and I was so shy. Who'd a thought they'd become my second family and I'd love them like my own. That was also my first trip to Cincinnati. A city I now consider my second home. That weekend we became an official couple.

Memorial Day - 2004

In November we said I love you for the first time. Since our first date we were pretty inseparable. The week before my birthday we were both extremely busy and hadn't seen each other all week. You came and picked me up and we went to the Pacer's game. That night we both said those magical three words. It was such a special night for us.

Klanke Wedding - 2004

January came and you were offered a position in Cleveland, OH. I was devastated. Then you asked me if I would come with you. We had only been together for 6 months but I knew without a doubt I wasn't letting you go. I knew I wanted to be with you forever. So I made the 300+ miles move with you. One of the best major decisions I have ever made.

Indy Going Away Party - 2004

I still can't believe we've been a team for a solid 9 years. It really does feel like just yesterday. We have accomplished so much together. You gave this small town Indiana girl such a amazing life. Thank you for being such a great life partner. I can't thank God enough. 

Naples - 2005

Happy Anniversary Stinky! Thank you so much for loving me the way I am. I know I drive you crazy at times but you wouldn't have it any other way. Thank you for making the past 9 years the best years of my life. Thank you for giving me two amazing sons. Thank you for giving me a life I could have never dreamed of. I love you today, tomorrow, and always!

Maui - 2005

Amelia Island, FL - 2006

Chicago - 2007

Cincinnati - 2008

Derby Party - 2009

September - 2010

Casey Key, FL - 2011

Date Night & a trip to the ER

I know two posts in one day....oh well!


Saturday afternoon we headed out to Orlando for our friend, Zack's, surprise 40th birthday party. His wife, Jackie is one of my really good friends here in Florida. We planned on staying the night at their house. Jackie even lined up a babysitter for all of the kids. We were all super excited.

The party was at a bowling alley. It was so much fun. I'm a horrible bowler but the atmosphere and the company was awesome. It was nice to catch up with all the girls and spend some quality time with John. I also had fun making friends with the bartender. It is always a good idea to make friends with the person pouring your drinks ;)

Unfortunately this is the only picture we took. 

The party wrapped up around 11. We didn't have cell service inside the bowling alley. When Jackie went outside to move her car a text came through that was originally sent around 8:30. It was from the babysitter saying Nathan had cut his ear but it didn't need stitches. The boys were playing basketball and he hit it on the corner of the wall.

We got home and I went in to check out his ear. He was sound asleep. It was pretty bad. John came in to take a look and decided to take him to the ER. It was gashed and still bleeding 3 hours later. So him and Zack headed for the hospital with Nathan. It was midnight at this point.

I was a nervous wreck and of course couldn't just go to bed. They finally made it back around 3am. The doctor ended up gluing it instead of stitching it. It was the right move to bring him in. Unfortunately our co pay is $250...ouch. But whatever to take care of my baby.

Lots of lessons learned Saturday night. Tell the babysitter exactly where we are in case your cell isn't working. Tell the babysitter where the first aid kit. Call to check in periodically (this is the first time I did not do that). I feel absolutely horrible and this is why we don't hire babysitters.


I know that it was just an accident. There is nothing we could have done to prevent it. They were boys being boys. Thank God it was not worse. It's going to be a long time before we hire a babysitter again.

Blogger 411 - Link up!

Linking up with the Fabulous Becky today for the Blogger 411. What a great way for your readers to get to know you better. Everyone, go link up!




How long have you been blogging? And what got you started on blogging?


I have been blogging for almost 4 years. It started as a way to keep our family and friends updated on everything. I just within the past like maybe 6 months started trying to branch out and connect with other bloggers.

Did you go to college? If so where, and what did you study?
I went to Baker College online. I have a degree in Business Management.


Where have you traveled?
Hawaii, Maui, Tahiti, Bora Bora, Moorea, Canada, and several states.


If you won the lottery, what would be the first thing you would buy?
I would pay off all of our debt (mostly my school loans) and then buy my parents a house.

What are your 3 biggest pet peeves?
Nail biting. Nail biting. And did I mention nail biting.


What is your favorite movie?
The Labyrinth


What is your drink of choice; wine, beer, or liquor. Or Water, Soda, Tea?
Water during the day. My fav cocktail is Red Bull and jager.

What is something you enjoy to do when you have me time?
Just relax and spend quiet time. Even if it's just going to the grocery alone. Since I'm a SAHM to two wilds, any kind of peace and quiet is wonderful.

What day would you love to relive again? 
My Wedding Day - hands down


What are the jobs you had in high school/college/the early years? 
My first job was at a local icecream shop. My first big girl job was an assistant manager at a men's formal wear store. I have also worked at a car dealership, worked for a couple banks, and was a Salon Director for a Tanning Salon.

Anything else you are dying to know? Feel free to ask away!


Also have you voted yet? 
http://spreenmvp.blogspot.com/2012/07/bloggies.html
I was nominated in two categories!!