Rockin with Black in the Mind

Justin and I enjoyed a night out and headed to Orlando to see the Christian rock band, Black in Mind perform, at the House of Blues. They were so awesome, the place was scertainly rockin! Gran-nan's son Brandon is the drummer, and our wonderful Gran-nan not only got us tickets in, but made sure our cd's were autographed and even a picture with the band. Thanks so much guys, we always knew our Gran-nan was a rockstar~!

A Big Day

Our biggest Thanksgiving crowd ever, Justin and I were thrilled to have so many pockets of family come to feast together at Horseshoe Lane. We had 20 people for yesterday's celebration and traditional turkey and trimmings menu. The guys left early to get a few fun holes in while the women buzzed around the house setting the tables just so with Big Momma's (Justin late Sicilian Grandmother is quiet a legacy) china and silver, and each preparing their signature dishes. While I was elated that the decision makers in my family agreed to having Thanksgiving at my house, it quickly became clear that all of the menu was already designed and planned without any of my culinary talents necessary!? LOL- al lby design I assure you. I did however, make (1 of 2) turkeys and of course the children's fun craft/placecard holders. I was very proud of my turkey!! Maybe next year, I can attempt a dessert! My family is so special and our tradition requires that (even though akward for newcomers) everyone at the table must say what they are thankful for. Well, you can imagine, the tears were flowing by the 3rd thankful testimony. I love you guys - thanks for another great one!

They head South

The Northern Heimers headed down from MD to enjoy the holiday with us. While Mike "aka Pop" has been here for a while tending to business, we were excited when Allston and Debbie arrived last week for a fun visit and spoil us a bit. For a little rest before the storm they treated us to dinner on Wednesday night, as the turkey thawed and the rolls rose.

This should probably be taped
to your bathroom mirror
where one could read it every day.
You may not realize it,
but it's 100% true.
1. There are at least two people in this world
that you would die for.
2. At least 15 people in this world
love you in some way.
3. The only reason anyone would ever hate you
is because they want to be just like you.
4. smile from you can bring happiness to anyone,
even if they don't like you.
5. Every night, SOMEONE thinks about you
before they go to sleep.
6. You mean the world to someone.
7. You are special and unique.
8.. Someone that you don't even know exists loves you.
9. When you ma ke the biggest mistake ever,
something good comes from it.
10. When you think the world has
turned its back on you, take another look.
11. Always remember the compliments you received..
Forget about the rude remarks.
And always remember.....
When life hands you lemons,
Ask for Tequila and salt and call me over!!

'Whenever God Closes One Door He Always Opens Another,
Even Though
Sometimes It's Hell in the Hallway.'

Happiness keeps You Sweet,
Trials keep You Strong,
Sorrows keep You Human,
Failures keeps You Humble,
Success keeps You Glowing,
But Only
God keeps You Going

Worry looks around, sorry looks back, Faith looks
up.

Merrily, Merrily, Merrily this event was but a dream!

Have you ever seen a dress made of balloons? Now this is Couture Fashion! Designer Mark Burns and my gorgeous model and friend Jenn Myers pose with Author Casey Wohl.
JL provisional, and longtime friend Angela Newell (we gave her a couple glasses of wine and signed her up to be chair next year! Shh... Co-Chair Nikki Rudd and President-Elect Wendy Morris take a break to pose for the cameras

the buff security guard on the left inappropriatley patted me down...and I loved it ;-)

An unprecedented success, the first inagural Merry Market was truly ground breaking. With the fundraising tally still in the works, there is no doubt that our vendors were thrilled, our guests were dazzled, and our members were merry. It was truly an honor to be a part of this organization for such an exciting event, and what memories we've made together! Strengthening friendships and creating new bonds, the community will enjoys the fruit of your labor for years to come. Congratulations guys, and special thanks to my friends and family that cared enough to give their very best! Security, Santa, Fierro (OMG), my girls and of course my children's caretakers! It was a whirlwind weekend, what would I do without each of you?

Grueling Shopping

Is this an oxymoron? Ugh, i do not like grocery shopping. Yes, the 2-kid-factor itensifies things by about 200%, but it is such a useless expenditure... all they do is eat it!?! I will admit though, as turkey day approaches, I do enjoy browsing the isle with recipie in hand, and finding that small (expensive-use-it-once-a-year) ingrediEnt and attempting something that sounds scrumptous in the cOok book. But who the heck has time, and PS... none of my attempts have ever topped my family's "top three" which includes; tacos, nachos, or chilli dogs. I promise those are an indulgence, and I do make a mean dijion salmon. While I agonized about our trip to the grocery store all morning, I did go after church (the boys have been pretty neglected after 3 days of the JL Merry Market event, and even the Chinese leftovers were gone). Luckily, this trip wasn't so insane, my toddler fell asleep! So you know what that means, too much time in the isles and too much money. Can you return dill weed? FYI, the Vive paper towels are a great temporary neck roll.

Finally, we leave the hotel!

Yesterday we got the "all clear" from "his Excellency", the Governor, with the hurricane taking a last minute jog that spared us quite a bit of damage. We were thrilled to be able to leave the hotel and set off to find LuJean an apartment and explore the island. We rented an adorable PT convertable and decided that its tine she learn how to drive on the wrong side of the road. We explored the island, had lunch wih the loacls carribean side including cervache (a raw fish type salsa, not bad) and finally a G&T with lime!!! Limes aren't usually available here- ugh! Pictured is the leacture Hall of St. Mathews Medical School. Because many of the homes and business were still boarded up yesterday and a few down power lines, we were only able to see 2 apartments, one was truly a little tropical paradise. Very expensive here, our budget only allows for about 1200 CI (Cayman $) which translates to about $1500 USD. This affords you a sprawling 600-800 sq ft. The island is very small and real estate is precious!

vacationing on the islands!

On Thursday, mom, my sister and I left early to catch our plane for the Cayman Islands. A fun girls trip intended to secure housing and transportation for my sister and her husband, Chad, in preparation for their future residence here, when she starts medical school at St. Mathews. Sure, we saw the news... we saw the tropical depression, perhaps a little rain... but did not forsee this! Yikes!!!

After an attempt at a chaotic airport (aka warehouse with terminals) and panicked tourist, all the flights were of course cancelled. We are now on lockdown in our rooms at the Marriott Resort (which has been fabulous). They will be delivering rations to our rooms and we cannot leave for any reason. We decided a few movies and pedicures wouldn't be too bad and maybe hit the spa. Again, we were wrong. No spa, lockdown in rm #260! The armed security guards in the halls are a little freaky. We know we will loose power, and the storm is anticipated to hit between 7pm - 9pm. What memories! The winds are howling and our ocean view room has a great view of 10 foot waves. I can't even imagine what a CAT3 will bring. The surfers in Florida would be in paradise! So much for gorgeous beaches and mai tai's... I just hope it goes through quickly, I cannot be away from my boys for more than a few days. My heart already aches to hug and kiss them! (guys-here are the postcards i sent you yesterday, not sure if they will make it) xoxoxo lots to blog about in the days to come!

Justin and I rocked the Vote this morning baby!!!

Heimer Haunts

An annual tradition, it started as a "scare zone" and has grown into a full on haunted house, that our neighborhood anticipates each year. After the pot luck dinner and Olson's annual Hay ride, the trick-o-treaters are off! With such gorgeous weather and a Friday Halloween, the stage was perfectly set and the gang did a great job with the house and the haunt, this year. It looked awesome and according to mom's clicker we have over 200 guests that "dared to enter!". Although, I am not sure who has more fun the big kids (us), or the little kids! PS- Dane wasn't coming near the Barney head!

Happy Fall

We went to the desolated pumpkin patch yesterday for some additional supplies for the Heimer Haunted House on Horseshoe Lane. MY neighborhood is so fun during Halloween we always have an early potluck dinner in the back cul-de-sac, a hay ride and then we sneak away to finalize our Haunted House! It has become quite the anticipated tradition and, of course, we have just as much fun doing it. It is more like a scare zone as we set the path through the house and out the side lanai and they screaming for the street! We also love the neighborhood "Boo". If you haven't started this tradition in your neighborhood, you just have to, it is so fun! *(The faux fur wrap pictured here is a Tiger Lily custom piece, this limited edition garmet is going fast - order yours today!)

Start a "Boo" In Your Neighborhood

The air is cool the season fall, soon Halloween will come to all. The spooks are
after things to do--in fact, a spook brought this to you. “BOO” is a shield from
witching hour, just hang it up and watch its power. On your front door is where it
works, it wards off spooks and scary jerks. The treats that came with crypted
note, are yours to keep, enjoy them both. The power comes when friends like you, will copy this and make it TWO. Then others here among our friends, will give warm fuzzies that do not end. We’ll all have smiles upon our faces, no one will know who “BOO”ed whose places. Just one short day to work your spell, or a big ZAP will strike your tail. And don’t forget a nifty treat, like something cute or something sweet. Please join fun, let’s really hear it--and spread some “BOO”s and Halloween spirit.

Talk about a Power Couple!

It didnt take long for me to get homesick and miss my boys terribly. I was ready to click my red heels and leave Kansas City and kiss my angels. Justin did a great job holding down the fort and Jackson assured me that it was "boys-only rules" while mom was out! After some RR and QT with my sweet babies, Justin and I put them in their jammies as they were excited to go to Aunt Weebles and Unc Chads (who apparently ALWAYS plays games and does fun stuff!
I just love this picture with my girls. The four of us are Winter Haven's version of the SATC characters, and certainly the city's socialites (truly, just ask us! haha) I just love them, and boy do we have some memories. But like Carrie Bradshaw, we never kiss and tell.

My friend, tennis buddy, and Grace mom Jennifer Myers and her husband, PJ, know how to throw a party and each year they do just that! The Halloween Spooktacular was the perfect unwind after a long trip. Did I mention how much I love Halloween? Costuming, nightlife, my birthday - yep, it's my favorite.

We're not in Kansas Anymore

I have the uniqe priveledge to have my dear friend Wendy Morris, also as my President Elect. The two of us, JLGWH-obsessed, supermoms kissed the husbands and kids & squealed as our plane took off for Kansas City on Thursday for the National Fall AJLI Leadership Conference. By Friday afternoon we were overwhelmed by the pages of notes and information, we had absorbed regarding more effective Board of Directors meetings, the future trends in volunteering, and the Associations new proposed vision that was somewhat controversial.

We were thrilled that our very own brain-child, our custom JLGWH Family Organizer was featured in the Boutique at this national convention, we were beaming with pride! Our last class of the conference was on social What an opportunity for learning and Wendy and I felt so proveledged to network with such great leaders from all over the nation (even the Mexico City League's President) and to be the representing delegates from our own League.

Our final class was about social networks and blogging (i was physched!). Many Presidents were not as savvy in regards to the social networks as Wendy and I (who btw were updating our Facebook status' on our blackberry). During the discovery session, we seemed to be the only league currently using a Blog as a consistent channel for communication, so the instructor pulled it up (at my subtle suggestion)!! My President's Blog was featured in the class and I was elated. You too can check out our league's blog at www.jlgwh.blogspot.com to see all of our wonderful community contributions.

Enjoyed Speaker Oscar Arias from Tony Robbins Group

A great EPCAR Luncheon today, with other affiliates, Christina Moore, and Julie McGee. The workshop was enlightening, and especially meaningful in the economic times focusing on how limiting your beliefs will destroy your dreams. Focus and beliefs are where your power lies. Belief is a feeling of certainty, that affects our potential, actions, and in turn results. It is easy in these difficult times become negative and repeat the internal, self-defeating language of excuses instead of results. I am not making money, because of the market, etc. If we constantly recite a negative internal language about any of the factors in our life: love, success, family, health, this becomes your focus and limits your belief of personal success. YOUR BELIEFS = YOUR RESULTS.

I have enjoyed the message of Anthony Robbins and his mind over matter teachings for years and Mr. Arias put a new perspective relating it to our current economic times. I appreciate EPCAR for bringing us this engaging speaker today and am hoping to complete Robbins' "Crossfire" intensive workshop in NYC (i know right!) in March. Visit www.tonyrobbins.com for more of his great literature (The Millionare Maker by Lora Langemeier is a must read!)

Jackson looses tooth #3

A front tooth, now this is big time!!

National Leslie Heimer Day

What great friends and family I have, to make my birthday so very special! Birthdays are so fun, or as I like to call National Leslie Heimer Day! Funny how like everything that happens on your birthday is magical and fortunate, when on a normal day you would certainly realize that the red light was slowing you down instead of thinking, "how lucky that I am stopped at this redlight, otherwise i would have never seen that gorgeous rose bush"! Sooo, here are some pictures of some of my well wishes and most thoughtful suprises from my birthday.
So creative! I just love my JL crew and our special *J*- she is the best!
The girls in the office (which of course includes my mom and sister) made me this wonderfully kind and thoughtful coupon book!! I just loved it complete with all of my favorite things! This on reads "good for 1/2 of a Sugarfree Amp energy drink and a shot of B12" (pictured is my fav drink!) Ahhh... thanks Di!

Obviously I had to wear one of my own designs on my big day to add to the Fabulosity! My girlfriends love my designs, well sometimes! Jill (aka Jillbert) gave me one of my favorite gifts! You think they're tring to tell me something!?! I just love it!


The smallest things are usually my favorite, as they are the most thoughtful. For breakfast Justin made my favorite, eggwhite omlett, and stuck a candle in, while jackson played happy birthday on his guitar for me! Then Jackson and Dane gave me thier most thoughtful gift, a magazine for my trip. Not just any magazine, STAR, a trashy gossip one make-up free celebs gracing the cover. This is just the confidence booster I needed! (isn't it funny how you always notice a few more lines on your birthday? All day was sprinkled with loving phone calls and facebook postings, pop-ins with ice cream cake! (Thanks *A*) and cards and gifts. Of course, the highlight was when my knight in shining armor whisked me out of the office, and off to dinner at my favorite Season's 52 in orlando. We were home by 9 to pick up the kids from my generous sister and brother in law to find Dane with a small hemotoma (ok it was a goose egg) and Jackson lost his front tooth. Reality check mommy! Thank you to everyone for such a special day, ESPECIALLY THOSE OF YOU WHO SEEMED TO INSIST ON WISHING ME A HAPPY _ _ st Birthday!