Sky Update

Just a quick update on our new family member! We are finally at the point of transitioning training to the immediate family! Starting this Saturday I will be spending quite a bit of time with our new assistance dog, Sky, for the next few weeks then she will be coming home. We are really excited and really looking forward to the added companion.

Even though she is not home yet, I am in a state of such excitement. There is a wonderful group of friends that have made this possible and I can't thank you enough. The idea of what you all have done, with many who had never even met me, is just amazing and a great example of what the human spirit can do.

Love,

Jen

The New Mrs. Whipple

So, I don't have the photos yet but we added (and blended) new family members this weekend. My younger brother Matt, got married in a beautiful outdoor setting. It was so pretty and the setting was very quaint.  We had a great time. Christy is such an awesome friend and source of "life" for our family.

Nick and I were both in the wedding (bridesmaid & groomsmen) and we had to walk around a pool to get to where we had to stand. It wasn't until after that I had so many people tell me they were taking a breath when I turned a corner. The number of people thinking I was going to fall was quite large, ha! Nick was great and provided support and it went perfect.

Little Matthew got some singing in and entertained the rehearsal dinner with 3 tunes. He was so excited to tell his teacher today. He had fun.

Another very fun part of the evening was that P.L.A.Y. was awarded a very nice check from Justin who ran in the Leadville, Colorado race (earlier post). He ran for P.L.A.Y. and people donated for his cause. We got some great photos which I will share with you. Thanks again Justin!

I had the opportunity to see so many people that had supported me during the hospital that I have to say was a bit overwhelming.  It seems like no matter what we run into in our daily lives, as long as we have a place to call "home" things don't seem to be so bad. 

I have many long distance relationships and every time I see them I miss them. But, it also makes me appreciate how taking time for things that matter leads to such a wonderful array of friends, in all walks of life. Time is such a precious commodity, we need to make the best of every minute and reach out to people. Too much time passes and it shouldn't.

Love,

Jen

Fashion with Compassion

I am very honored to share some exciting news with everyone. A dear family friend, Nashville songwriter, singer, guitarist & jewelry designer, Shantel Nicole Grace, has created a line to help benefit the P.L.A.Y. Foundation. 

There are 10 vintage earring designs titled "Jenny's Collection". From now through December 2008, 50% of the profits collected from the earrings sales will go directly to the foundation. To view this beautiful collection, go to Designs by Shantel

and click on "Jenny's Collection" on the left hand side. For more information, click on Fashion with Compassion. We are so excited to be in partnership with such a talented and dynamic artist. Shantel is an amazing soul, truly. Sh sang at our wedding and made that time the most intimate ever. She is on iTunes, selling CDs & traveling to London for music opportunities. How in the world did I get her at my wedding? ;)

Designs by Shantel are founded on the highest standards of social and environmental  responsibility. Be a part of her collection and her spirit.

Love,

Jen

You Never Know Where You Might Meet an Angel

For those of you who need that extra shot of espresso, a reality check or just a way to feel good about everything going on in our world today, familiarize yourself with Same Kind of Different As Me! Its a fabulous book filled with life changing messages.

Sunday morning we had a little different version of spiritual growth. 

We had the opportunity to hear Denver More & Ron Hall (co-authors of the book) tell their story about how they met under the most extreme opposite situations and how it changed both of their lives.

When they were finished everyone in the room was in awe. A discussion was started about the lessons we could learn from and so many people had profound things to say. 

The interesting thing was that some were having that "ah-ha" moment but yet listening to them speak it seemed obvious.  Until a point was made: until you have that experience which brings you an angel, you may not get it.

 

The other was this: you never know where your angels come from. Don't underestimate any situation!

Love,

Jen

Labor Day Weekend 2008, Beaver Lake, Arkansas

Testing Your Limbits

Hello all! I hope everyone had a chance to catch up on a little R&R over the weeknd. We had such a great time this weekend with my soon-to-be (three weeks and counting) sister-in-law's family at Beaver Lake, Arkansas.

I discovered what an awesome wake boarder we are bringing into the clan, not to mention a boat driver, woah! It was a sibling weekend. We ate (and ate), played a great game called Hoopla. Try it and it will definitely bring you out of your shell and have you laughing.  

Then stayed on the water all day. We totally lost track of time and just savored the moments! We even introduced my husband to Dairy Queen. This was a very momentous occasion. On Monday, September 1st, he was introduced to the "Blizzard". We were on the road when the ice cream craving took over and before we knew it the car had taken itself right into a front row spot by the door. He loved it. I swear, it's the little things in life that keeps the smiles going!

Anyway, little Matthew was all about learning how to wake board and tube. So, we all tried a few things. How did I do? 

Well, we had a three person tube which I quickly realized was going to affect my weight distribution. So, I tightned every muscle I had leaned forward and was ready to perform many acrobatic tricks, I held on to the handles by sliding my wrists under and then just let the ride take me. I felt like I was on a trampoline. I would bounce higher than everyone and then get the giggles so bad I couldn't hold on then...flip, right off the side. Then back in, assume the position, and start over for round 2, 3 & 4. We had a great time.

Then, as my confidence grew, I wanted to try knee boarding. This my friends, was a great Kodak moment.  With help from all, I ended up on my stomach holding on for dear life. One thing I didn't expect was the faster we went my legs started hitting the water so hard that I once again, got the giggles. Not because it hurt or that it was all that funny but I have developed a really soft spot on the back of my leg that tickles. Is that not the weirdest thing? :)

So, the water was actually tickling my leg. So, here we go. Laugh, roll off, back up.  Haha!  This went on for a while until Nick decided to come behind me, which pushed me up higher on the board and then he held the rope and I balanced on the board. This was where we developed the team work to make it work. We held on for quite a while!

I loved it! What a liberating weekend. There is something about being in water that makes you feel "free".  We saw a few people that could have been less free, but all the same, it provides an opportunity to forget and be yourself.   

Fred & Ginger went with us until I got in the water. They went into a cubby hole and stayed dry. I'm sure they were laughing and wondering what they were missing. Anyway, pictures to come and laughs to follow! Have a great day!

Love, Jen