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!