Superheros in the Junior League

Our Junior League's Annual Board & Leadership Retreat was inspiring, productive, action packed and tons of fun! The Board of Directors are pictured above adorning their Wonder Woman capes that denote all the super human powers it takes to be a mom, wife, volunteer, professional, entreprenuer, corporate CEO, nurse, doctor, dance teacher, PhD, business owner, educator and all of the other roles we juggle each day. I feel so blessed with such an a,azing Board this year and am so excited about the year ahead with all of our Superheros.

Experience the Difference Family Makes

Check out our full ad in Homes and Land Magazine

Who's Your Daddy!?!

Thats right baby! For those of you nay-sayers (and you know who you are!), my team and I are in fact, the 2008 League Champs!! We will kick some "Ace" next weekend in Daytona in the USTA Regional Tournament, so you may want to request any autographs now! LOL - and you said I wasn't the sporty spice type! Looks like cheerleading and dance arts sports afterall, the have perfectly prepared me for my reign as Tennis Champ!

Green Living

Earth Day in April was a turning point in the Heimer Home. My 6 year old learned all about energy conservation, consumption, and protecting the earth's resources at school and we decided to foster his love for the planet, and try to live a little greener. Of course we always take our green biodegradable bags to Publix (and if mommy forgets Jackson insists we go back and get them!). We also adopted a motto that has become favorite of my male dominated home. "If it's yellow, let it mellow. If it's brown, flush it down". Giggle worthy for sure and saves hundreds of thousands of gallons of water per year! Along with buying organic, and recycled paper goods (I miss my Charmin with aloe!) We have also started a (very small) organic garden. We planted tomatoes a little over 6 weeks ago, and still haven't seen the first sprout which is not fun for a 6 year old used to immediate gratification. Pictured here is our tomatoes (at least we think they are under there!) However, our sunflowers were almost instantaneous, which would be my suggestion for any mom "cultivating" a young gardener. Just pop some sunflower seeds in the soil and wow- do they grow. The sunflowers sprouting (above) are only after 2 weeks!

VIP Tour Bay News 9

I had the priveledge to tour, behind the scenes, of Bay News 9 today thanks to friend and Brighthouse "who's who", Wendy Morris. The station's cutting edge studio and and reporting techniques is quiet remarkable as is all that they do to give back to the community. The weather station and their Pinpoint Doppler 9000 is among the most advanced in the nation and scienitifically superior bouncing satelitte signals around the earth - this is definately where I will tune in this hurricane season! We also met a few of the anchors. Jen Holloway and Erica Riggins are pictured here. I learned that Jen is also an avid golfer! She has just been promoted to become the face of Brighthouse and will be leaving the morning news desk. What an enjoyable morning with the news on the nines team. Is your house a Brighthouse?

Vacationing along the East Coast

Our Winter Haven caravan heads homeward today after a fabulous vacation along some wonderful East coast destinations. Tonight we will visit Savannah after leaving Southern MD early this morning. What a wonderful 10 days we've enjoyed visiting with our Maryland family. We were so glad my grandparents were able to experience this beautiful part of the country and all of the rich history that is wrapped up in golf, Breton Bay, and "the county". We enjoyed "#1's" (blue crabs), The Southern Maryland Amateur, swimming, golf, D.C., tennis, the Tiki Bar, the beer truck, and Solomans Island but most of all some great Q.T. with the fam. While Justin didn't take the So MD title home with us this year, we were so proud for Brent Martin, long time friend and Garbrous Golf Academy student *shout out*. We love you guys and can't wait until we do it all again! Be sure and comment on your favorite event...(Monkeys.. I think we all know what yours was). Our early summer adventure included the sights and sounds of Hilton Head SC, Washington DC, Southern MD, and Savannah GA.

The Rednecks of the South meet the Rednecks of the North

The fun has just begun, as we arrive today at our final destination in St. Mary's County Maryland, Justin's hometown. A roadtrip with my parents and grandparents in a multi-state caravan, we enjoyed the last 2 nights in Hilton Head, SC for little R & R before we finished the last leg of our trip, today. This should be quite an exciting week finished with a grande finale tournament, as Justin and friends (from both North and South) compete in the Southern Maryland Amatuer. This is the second time my parents have experienced what is fondly referred to a "the county" (whic is very similar to our beloved Polk County, but with more emphasis on the "neck"). St. Mary's claim to fame? It is home to more bars, per capita, than any other county in the US! Jackson and Dane are so excited to see their Noni (grandma), Aunt Alston, Aunt Lauren, Unlce Taylor, Nana and Pop Heimer, Unlce Phillip and Aunt Tara (aka the Monkey Family- whose ongoing competition with us Tigers is a serious pasttime whenever the South meets the North).
Above, you can preview our custom road-warrior apparel. Tiger Lily Designs will create the perfect ensemble for whatever your occasion... even if it is a 14 hour car ride, with soaring gas prices and two children under 7.

"Carried Away" - Sex and the City Premier Weekend!!

So, we certainly got "Carried Away" this weekend as the long awaited movie Premiered. After a matinee with my mom and totally obsessed sister on Friday, I joined my gorgeous fab gal pals (above) and headed to Orlando in our limo for the VIP pre-party at Neiman Marcus, hosted by Girls Getaway Guide author, Casey Wohl. Next we were on to the main event at City Walk for a packed theatre complete with cosmos. On Saturday night, mom, sis and I decided to *sneak* out after the boys were down for the late movie at 10:30 to get Carried away one more time... the fashion alone is to die for, and you really have to see it more than once to catch each fabulous piece. The lengthy movie is everything you want it to be, romance, and suprises, tears, and joy and the best of NYC, and the couture is a fashionist'as dream... inspired, I will be burning up the motor on my old singer this week for sure! Every year in during our girls shopping trip to NYC, we pick on splurge item - i think we all remember the LV's of 2005!! During our trip this year I bought these fabulous boots at Bergdorf's ... I WAS THRILLED WHEN WE NOTICED CARRIE WORE THEM IN THE MOVIE!! ... What can I say - i taught her everything she knows ! hahah below, we are sitting on the steps of Carrie's brownstone -

Kindergarten Graduation

Kindergarten graduation is tomorrow, at Grace Lutheran School. Jackson will officially be at "the big school". Isn't is amazing how much they learn in one year. He literally learned to read and write, count by multiples, add and subtract, count currency, can name most of the states, every dinosaur and most importantlty can say The Lord's Prayer, and knows over 22 scriptures by heart (even knows the book and verse). We are so proud of him and I know I will be completly sobbing tomorrow during his graduation program.

**Memorial Day Weekend - Summer is Official**

Lemonade Stand - before
What a beautiful weekend to introduce summer. We enjoyed a relaxing weekend ringing in all the fun and excitement of the summer weather. The Youth Villa Golf Tournament, working in the yard, planting some annuals, and Jackson and I had our first new spriggs in our garden from the sunflowers, (if you are thinking of doing any gardening with your kids - these sprout up in less than a week it was very exciting! Our organic tomoatoes havent sprouted and it's been over a month- not so fun for an impatient 6 yr old). On Saturday, Jackson had a friend over to play, also named Jackson, and we decided to make a lemonade stand. A neighborhood visit from the ice cream truck, found the Jackson's with too little $$ for 2 cones. These little entreprenuer's bartered the ice cream lady, for 2 cups of lemonade for a fair trade on a tasty treat. The boys quickly realized the *cost of living* had gone up and they needed to make more money, in case she frequented our neighborhood again! We enjoyed Jackson Morris and enjoyed BBQing with Wendy & Bret, (even though it was "mystery meat") later that afternoon.

Lemonade Stand - after

The Vines Wine Bar & Grill

Justin and I enjoyed a lovely dinner in wonderful company and an awesome live jazz band last night. Friend (and albiet justin's idol) Dewey Tomko and his wife Marianella invited us to a dinner party at their delicious Orlando resturant last night. We joined 3 other couples and the service was superb. I had the most delicious salmon and the wine list had my very favorite wine. You can imagine my delight when they brought out a bottle of 2005 Conondrum... ahh heaven! For the final course Mr. Tomko ordered his favorite selection of desserts (which aren't on the menu) and I simply had to have a bite (despite my no carb efforts), and I can't say I regret it! The company was even better, Marianella introduced me to a cold pearl saki that we both enjoyed! Of course, the ladies chatted it up all night, to our husband's astonishment. Isn't that the great thing about being a girl? - you can always find some common thread with other women and enjoy interesting conversation, always learning something new. Thank you Dewey and Marianella for your generous hospitality and a perfect night out! Can't wait until the Blue Martini! Marianella, I think they have a saki one!!

The Heat is On...

In the 45th Annual Youth Villa Classic. If practice makes perfect, then Justin will certainly shoot a perfect score in today's 1st of the 3 rounds. Unfortunatly, par may not be enough to beat this stacked feild of contenters according to this morning's write up in The Ledger. See full story... www.theledger.com/article/20080524/news/805240497/1002

LRYCC Tennis Team headed to Regionals

I had to send a *shout out* to my tennis sisters! We did it guys, we are going to Regionals! Congratulations to our very "young" team earned our way to Daytona and the USTA Regional match. Those seasoned 2.5's couldn't hold us down!! Four of our team members featured here after a humid tough morning of drills this week! Watch out ladies, here comes the slammer jammer...

For those of you who would love to come along and cheer us on, we will be in Daytona July 11-13. Should be just peachy weather for tennis! lol

My boys and I are featured in the Newspaper!

For those of your who haven't get gotten a chance to "lurk" around on the Polk Moms site (www.polkmoms.com), you could be missing out. This site is managed by a Polk County native, and mother of four Shawn Arnold. The site is a virtual "park bench" for all moms and an excellent resource for mothering at every stage and every age. I have known Mrs. Arnold for quite sometime and her nuturing spirit and energy bring so much to the venue. I have enjoyed being part of the polk moms community forum. A friend recently phoned to tell me that the boys and I were in the newspaper. The Polk Voice recently did a large Mother's Day Celebration spread (pulling from polk moms) and I was so excited to show the boys a their picture in the paper. Thank you polk moms for the information and community connections. (**By popular demand, LOL - thanks Aunt Shawn, here is the picture that was featured in Polk Voice)

Barbara Center for Dance Recital

I enjoyed a little theatre this weekend, when I attended my neice Alyssa's (Lesli C's daughter, suedo-niece) dance recital. The program was very entertaining with well choregraphed routines and energetic performances that took us "Around the World". With a dancer's spirit, i was overcome by the urge to jump on the stage and join in, but I did contain myself (slightly anyway). However, concluded that I simply must have a little girl all my own so she can live out my dreams of dancing on Broadway, but that's for an entirely different blog post- haha. Aunt Leslie is so proud of you Alyssa, what a beautiful dancer you've become and you totally nailed your routines. Congratulations on becoming a "Dazzler" as well! And congratulations to all my girlfriends' daughters who performed this weekend... and yes - i am very jealous and convincing Justin (slowly but surely) that Jackson CAN dance while maintaining his masculinity :-)

JLGWH Spring Banquet & Presidential Inaguration

My P/E and friend to the "nth" Wendy Morris -

Tuesday, May 13th marks the official beginning of my Presidency of the Junior League of Greater Winter Haven. Such an honor to serve my community and my League in this position, and I am so looking forward to the upcoming year and our Leadership Retreat in June. A big thank you to my JL sisters and the 2008-2009 Board of Directors. You are all *superheros* and I look forward to changing the world, one woman at a time!

(be sure to note my Spanx peaking out in photo B- this was an intentional endorsement, of course, as we all know the JL is the biggest promoter of the Spanx brand, with $5 of every purchase going to the League of your choice in the designated month!) hee hee

Justin and Mr. President Elect, Bret Morris... up to something!

Birmingham Mini Vacay

Our first visit to Birmingham for a Mother's Day mini vacation, while Justin plays in the Greystone Invitational. We enjoyed the live scoring and close proximity to the golf course. (We also enjoyed that everyone else could log in to see the score and the savings on our cell phone bill!) Thank you to Tim Hill and family for the wonderful accomodations, we enjoyed the condo, the club and the wheels! The boys and I enjoyed the park and shopping at The Summitt while Dad plugged away at the challenging Greystone Legacy course. Congrats to our very own Tiger finishing in the top 25 after 3 rounds of blustery golf against some of the country's best. After the final round on Sunday, we enjoyed a laid back Mother's Day shopping and grazing with the boys. While we secured reservations at The Cheescake Factory, we opted out at the last minute agreeing that a chic flick, shared sub and a bottle of wine, was way more appealing than attempting to stiffle the kids at yet another dinner out! During our stay we most enjoyed the Greystone Country Club pool, The Superior Grill, Saks at the Summitt, and of course, the drive through Starbucks.

The Bad News Bears come in 3rd Place

Great job team! We are so proud of bog boys and your season. You have become wonderful "ball players" (see how my lingo has improved coach Mike?!) And a big thank you to our awesome coaches. Managing our wild indians can be a difficult (and rewarding) task and each of you have given them something special... A love of the sport, the concept of "team" and the solid techniques that will continue to shape their abilities throughout their ball careers (Jackson promises to mention each of you during his acceptance speech into the Baseball Hall of Fame! hahaha). Coach Justin, Coach Billy, Coach Mike, Coach Alan, and Coach Devon. Thanks guys! Go Premier!

Second Polk County Major - Cleveland Heights 4Ball

Justin and Billy came in 5th place yesterday (out of 160 teams) after a long and grueling second day. The guys played so well in their first 4Ball tourny at Cleveland Heights, with one awesome, once-in-a-lifetime shot. After overshooting the green, Billy ball ended up in the woods! Billy came back with a brilliant shot chipping it in the hole from the rough. It was almost a hole in one. Way to go guys, we still love ya! 5/5/08

Cleveland Heights 4-Ball first round found Justin and partner Billy Cusic with a score of a 66. The leaders, after yesterday's first round, are Radocha and Heirs who posted a 65. -Only one stroke back, Justin and Billy tee off at 1:14 today in the final group. Click on the link below, for The Ledger's coverage, and check out Justin's brilliant (if i do say so myself!) wedge shot and the other highlights of yesterday's second Polk County major. (L to R Justin, Richard Radocha, Billy Cusic)

http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid1126082726/bctid1536208481

Keep your fingers crossed for our champ in today's final round!

My Big Boy's First Tooth

Jackson's wiggly tooth finally came out today during school. He was so excited and couldnt wait to run to the car and show me! His teach had it nicely tucked away for his pillow and tonight's visit from the Tooth Fairy. I cannot believe that my big boy has lost his first tooth, he is officially no longer a toddler! Yes mom. I know he hasnt been for year, but I still use baby shampoo and wash his clothes in Dreft! I guess it is time for me to let him grow up a little. Wow, what mommies go through when their hearts break with a little bit of sadness in watching their babies grow and almost burst with the joy of watching them grow into wonderful little people.