First Day in First Grade

We successfully accomplished the morning of the First Grade for Tuga (aka Jackson). He was early to rise and we greeted the other excited/overbearing parents, camera in hand, at Mrs. Aceto's class. He was a bit nervous I think, noting that he wasnt sure if it was butterflies in his tummy, or if he just needed to go #2. Let's hope it wasn't the latter, as he still isnt totally familiar with the Big School layout. Mommy was definatley teary as we walked away and I just held little Dane a little tighter. I'llblink my eyes and Dane will be making that same long walk with the giant backpack.

"Big School" Preparations

Preparing for "back to school" is quite intimidating, for Mommy! Jackson starts the 1st grade on Monday, which I can barely say out loud without tears welling up. He is so excited and we have some (ok one half) of an AR Point - which we had to really work for!! Grace Lutheran requires the teachers to conduct a "home visit"- not to worry, Thank God for Gran-Nan :-) Myself, along with about 100 other mommies hit up Staples yesterday for the VERY precise list of school supplies and Jackson was so proud to pack them just so, in his backpack. Today, was our open house and we got to see his classroom, big boy desk and classmates. I am so excited for him. His desk is in the very front row. I am going to love Mrs. Aceto, I can already tell!

"Heimer is having quite a year" -The Ledger

http://www.theledger.com/article/20080812/COLUMNISTS/808120390/1116/SPORTS&title=Heimer_Cards_72_to_Qualify_for_U_S__Mid_Amateur

JUSTIN QUALIFIED FOR THE U.S. MID-AMATUER!

Unlike the U.S. Amateur, which often seems like just another event on the college circuit, the U.S. Mid-Am restricts its field to amateur players with handicap indexes of 3.4 or less and who are at least 25 years old. In other words, people who can shoot lights out despite having a job. Qualifying for event takes places at 60 sites around the country, and about 30 minutes ago it was official, Justin qualified for the U.S. Mid-Am. Milkwalkee here we come... hmmm, what else do they have beside beer?

Weekend of Memories!

Our FMHA event was tons of fun and a wonderfully bonding weekend for our team and families. Mom and I played hours of tennis, and our Golf team did take home first place and we enjoyed getting to know our fill in fourth, Terrance Barber. At the grand finale event featuring the Synposiam, was probably the highlight for all of us. This band is, by far, the best I have seen and each year they wow us all! Of course, my dance background combined with the martini bar makes it simply impossible to contain my eurythmic energy! We danced the night away, and (post Kids' Club) Dane was such a crowd pleaser, with his dancing despite his 18 months, that the band brought him on stage! Once they played "We are Family" the Premier team certainly embraced the moment for an evening none of us will ever forget - MoHo's are rockstars! After 2 nights in Tampa, we set the alarm for an early morning and arrived in Gainesville around 8am with props and banners in hand to celebrate my sisters graduation. A tearful entourage of friends and family, the visible pride of my father (and his tears)... Luder and I weren't sure if it was because both of his daughters have now graduated from UF, or just the fact that both of his daughters have now graduated!!! A perfectly planned and logistically laid-out luncheon followed the morning graduation with a champagne toast and a touching slideshow. Now on to vet school for my sister, she truly is my hero. My other hero, my hubby, graciously took the backstage today, despite his bday. We all got our second (actually like 20th wind after the whirlwind of the past 3 days!!!) wind and planned a small suprise birthday cocktail hour at the hotel pool, for J's present opening with the fam, we then went to dinner at his fav resturant with sushi and japense steak house. Finally, today... WE ARE HOME!

Starting the weekend early!

Over the years Premier has found quite the niche in the mortgage industry. We have captured the market share on manufactured home (mobile homes) financing. This niche has been significant in building many of our companies including, Haven Capital Funding (what justin does) Sun Ovation Homes and of course, Premier. Premier has an entire division dedicated to the origination, processing and funding of these sometimes challenging loans. We fondly call the ladies in that department "the MoHo's". Well this weekend, the MoHo's let loose, celebrate and network with Manuf. Home Dealers from all over the state at the FMHA Annual Sun N' Fun at Tampa's Saddlebrook Resort & Spa. Our guys will compete in a Golf Tourny, while mom and I compete in the Tennis Tourny!! Tomorrow evening is the elegant cocktails, dinner, and dancing sure to followed by a few more cocktails at the poolside tiki bar. Congrats MoHo's you deserve it! Enjoy! From there... the Tigers head to Gainesville to see my baby sister GRADUATE!! HURRAYY Weeble we are so proud of you and can't wait to get there - GO GATORS!!

Steeling the Thunder...

As you know, the Heimer Household is a competitive place, so it was no suprise when Justin had to one up me and steal the spotlight this weekend as he took home the (really large and beautiful! thanks BHN) trophy for the Polk County Amatuer at our home course at LRYCC. Of course, that was my favorite part as it made the spectator cart accessible and the cockatils abundant! Justin was a birdie-making machine and won the tournament by a significant margin (I am cautious when posting sports stats as it is not be strong suite). LR's "A" Team (Radocha, Heimer, Saterbo & Saterbo pictured below) also won this weekend! A special thank you to Brighthouse Networks, event sponsor and Justin's personal photographer (LOL) Leslie McCutchin, official event paparazzi. Full story and video highlights of the weekend, visit www.theledger.com/sports

24 hours later...

I am ready to talk about it. Yes, my magazine spotlight came out yesterday. First, I am very grateful for the exposure the JLGWH recieved and the opportunity to showcase our wonderful organization and the work it does in our community. I appreciate FOCUS magazine, and look forward to future publications from them. Unfortunately I was not able to proof the article, prior to print, as agreed on with the reporter. I had hoped that the League's contact information would be included, but it was not. Please note that if you are interested in further information reagrding the JLGWH, please visist http://www.jlgwh.org/ or feel free to contact me directly at 863-899-4555. *Other noteworthy mentions are my oversized forehead (which I now call a 5-head) and a washed-out ghostly image which simply proves my theory that I had attested to for years ... ladies forget what your grandmothers' told you. Less is not more - pile on the blusher and eyeliner and rock your evening look in the light of day! Life is too short to wear sensible shoes!!! I look forward to your feedback on my cover story :-) Thanks again to the staff and editor at FOCUS magazine.

US Amatuer Qualifier

After a grueling day "in the hunt" Justin secured the 1st Alternate position for the 2008 U.S. Amatuer. I am so proud of his skilled playing and controlled emotions on the course. After a 2 days Justin was tied with 5 other hopefuls. A sudden death playoff with 5 guys for 2 spots came down to Justin and one other. The other guy sunk a 25 foot put to confirm spot number 3. A tough day for our swinger to be so close. I jokingly assured him that I am not above a little Nancy Kerigan action to ensure the 1st Alternate goes to Pinehurst! HEIMER JUST MISSESIN AMATEUR QUALIFIER
Justin Heimer of Winter Haven came close to qualifying for the U.S. Amateur Championship on Tuesday at Southern Dunes Country Club in Haines City.
Heimer shot 73-71 and lost in a five-way playoff for the final two spots.
The top three from the qualifier advanced to the U.S. Amateur Aug. 18-24 at Pinehurst, N.C. Heimer finished third in the playoff and will be the first alternate... (see full story @ www.theledger.com/sports/golf

Weekends are made for...

fun & relaxation! Being away from home so often makes staying local, so wonderful! Justin and I often say how much we LOVE the daily grind of our "normal" lives, because that is so rare. I couldn't wait to sleep in and read the paper, sew, play by the pool and just enjoy the kids with no fuss. I even baked a yummy sugar free, low carb cheescake! (see below for recipie, no bad being guilt-free). On Saturday night, we finally watched my Dad enjoy his weekend passion, at the Rodeo where his team took first place in roping and heeling. My dad is a dieing breed and a real life American Cowboy. My sister and I grew up on a ranch learning all about hard work and all that this tremendous earth has to offer when mother nature is respected. I am so proud of our heritage, and the legacy of my family of 5 generations of Florida natives. For those of you interested in the Florida Cattleman and the history of our state, a great read is a book entitled Bones Mizelle. A non-fiction about those settling here and my great (great) grandfather!

On Sunday we shared a relaxing afternoon on the Lake and Dane enjoyed his first jet ski ride! We also innovated the new double-tie-tube experience, which was great fun (sort of like bumper tubes) Is it just me, or is there some comfort in the late afternoon, summer lighting storms? You guessed it, the sky broke loose and the thunder rattled the windows while over 4 inches of rain fell. We headed home to find firetrucks on our street from an apprarent lighting strike. No cable or internet, and a few busted pipes, and the pool completely overflowing... ahh so much for a relaxing weekend. Such is life in sunny Florida. My dad used to say, one thing you can depend on about the weather in Florida... it's gonna change!

Myrtle Beach, S.C.

We've been wonder-ing whether or not our boys have a sweet tooth?

You think?! Saturday night we enjoyed the Snow crab leg buffett (yeah with Justin, its a bargain for all of us!) We allowed Jackson to help himself to the dessert bar, and he did just that. Returning with a mountain of swirled soft-serve (which of course he was in trouble for wastefulness at the time) but we just had to laugh. When on Friday afternoon, I rounded the corner to find Dane devouring the cupcakes intended for the high metabolic teenage girls that babysat while we enjoyed a little adult time at The House of Blues. I feel like I must disclose that we are not typically a junk-food family :-) Perhaps Grandma is right however, depriving them of certain treats makes them feel as though, when available, they have to overindulge!

Our annual Heimer/Heimer family vacation began this week and my brave husband headed to Myrtle Beach this past Tuesday with two 6-year olds in tow. Jackson brought a friend this year, Breton, who is more like a brother, so we felt confident the boys could handle the long trip and time away from home. Due to a busy schedule Mom and Dane caught s flight out on Thursday evening and joined the rest of the Heimers in an adorable cottage on Myrtle Beach. Ahhh, how i love summer and of course as Travel Agents were are officially working, previewing properties, rating resturants and experiencing the area! We vacation here each year as Justin and his Dad participate in the National Father & Son Tournament, competing against over 400 father/son combinations. Of course, Tiger Lily Designs had to create the perfect swim cover-ups for the Heimer girls! (see below)

USTA 2008 Regional Championship

LR 2.5 Ladies Tennis Team

(pictured L to R: Jennifer Myers, Leslie Heimer, Lisa Pearce,

Fancis Rosa, Susan Dantzler, not pictured Traci Prati)

The Lake Region Yacht & Country Club ladies' tennis team took home 2nd in the Region this weekend at the USTA Finals in Daytona Beach. We were thrilled to have advanced so far and enjoyed the experience of the event. We lost in a final round to the Orlando ladies who played tough. Congratulations guys! I am so proud of our team - we rocked the courts! And we may not have taken home 1st - but we were totally the cutest!!!! In typical Tiger family tradition, we packed up the kids and kitchen sink and made it a fun family weekend. Justin and I rented a roomy Cabana at the Hilton Beachside in Daytona and enjoyed sun & surf, and the boys even watched a couple of mommy's matches (it was quite a reverse of roles for Justin to manage the kids while MOMMY was in an intense tourney!!) The waves were HUGE this weekend and we had a wonderful time. My boys are the best and I could have never done it without them there with me... maybe I am the sporty type after all!?!

Happy 4th of July!

A weekend of summertime favorites, family, friends and fireworks. This holiday is such a meaningful time when we honor all things red, white and blue remembering what those colors represent to each of us. We enjoyed an awesome cook out at the Club and congratulate the LRYCC staff and fellow members for the pool refurbishing completion - just in time! After a yummy lunch and even yummier Watermelon Martinis we headed to MiMi's lakehouse. We fed the ducks, fished, boated and watched the fireworks over gorgeous Crooked Lake. On Saturday, the fun had just begun when we swam, laughed, ate, and enjoyed another fireworks display at "The Morris".

Noni and Lauren Visit

We enjoyed a visit from our Noni and Aunt Mauren last week just before the Holiday weekend. In town for a tradeshow, we spent Sunday afternoon relaxing in the poolside cabana at the Rosen Shinglecreek Resort, then dinner at Kobi (a tiger family fav). We enjoyed seeing family friends, Mary Jo, Joey, and Grace and were so glad Noni and Aunt Mauren got to visit with some nice quality time22. Lauren and I even got a little sewing in!