Changing The Face of Fashion

Welcome to Dress the Legs Campaign. Ladies, fashion is about to change! Please read and sign the petition to help the industry gain momentum for those of us that find it difficult have functional & fashionable clothing.

As a newly elected (and very excited) board member, I was in a meeting over the weekend in Kansas City with women all around the country discussing our fashion struggles. What I got excited about was the ability to have such a great discussion about the issue. We not only created an awareness around the issue, we are creating a "what can we do to change the issues" movement.

I am thrilled to have been chosen as a board member for this cause and hope to make a REAL change in this area.

We have made a few strides with Britain's Missing Top Model & Project Runway. We are bringing awareness and education to the people who can make a difference.

Wish us luck & get on the campaign to help grow our mission. Sign up now :)

Love, Jen

Best Advice from Kansas City

My day began at 4AM to an annoying alarm, a dog licking my face, and my husband sleeping soundly.

I was trying hard not to go back to bed but was inspired by the reality that I would be having breakfast with a really great friend in a few hours! The shower was finally greeted with my lack of energy, I woke up the hubby and somehow arrived on time for the departure.

I arrived in a cold Kansas City for several reasons, one of which is to catch up with friends & family. While catching up, I heard the best 3 words today.

We were sitting inside watching the rain, chatting about life and depending on others. The young voice of this beautiful 9 year old blond says "the best thing is to do it yourself." Have your own thing going.

"YES", I said. I can't wait to hear her advice at 21. Keep your ears open to things like this. Young & Wise is becoming a trend.

Enjoy the weekend & bring someone new into your life.

~ Jen

If there is a WILL there is a WAY

Last week, I had the pleasure of meeting a fantastic 3 yr. old little boy named, WILL. He had the best smile, attitude and appetite for a good high 5 (or should that be a 2.5?).

Not only did this little guy possess a spirit full of energy, he was wearing his strength on his shirt. I have thought about him for days. He is missing his legs and part of his hands due to congenital issues. But, you would never know it. He was running around the entire time.

Over these past three years, I have been blessed with opportunities that have opened up my heart to accept and understand differences in people and I'm finding how simple things really can be. We complicate things when we don't have to!

Yesterday morning I had the privilege of talking to a group of 7th grade girls and sharing thoughts on body image, popularity, etc. and I had such a great time. The earlier/younger we can open up about acceptance and embracing the differences between others, the WILL to achieve will blossom.

Find your WILL & make it your way.

Love, Jen

BIG DAY for the Carr's!!! Reveal Day on EHM

Family coming back from Hawaii tonight for the big REVEAL tomorrow. (Photo taken when family was leaving for Hawaii).

MINEOLA, TX (KLTV) - The Extreme Makeover team has given the details for the "Move that Bus" day Thursday. The Extreme team says everyone is welcome. In fact, they hope to have thousands of East Texans at the site. If you want to participate, here the schedule for Thursday:

8am: Shuttles start running from Wal-Mart to the Car family home. Do not try and drive to the site. You will be turned away and sent to the Wal-Mart lot.
10am: Production crews start filming big crowd shots.
Noon: The BIG REVEAL.

The Extreme team says that no one will be allowed to walk into the neighborhood or park nearby. Only people riding the shuttle buses from Wal-Mart will be allowed in.

Anyone wanting to donate a certificate for goods or services or cash to the family needs to have that donation in to Texas Bank and Trust in Tyler on Grande Road or either Longview branch by 10 a.m. on Thursday so it can be presented to the family.

Some of the public has been asking if they can tour the house. The Extreme team says no. The house will not be open to public tours. The show will air in 6-8 weeks and you can see it on TV at that time.

They advise that you should plan to be there a few hours for the production crews to get enough shots of the crowd. It's your chance to be on national TV!

CONGRATULATIONS Carr Family & Welcome to Extreme Makeover - Home Edition

I missed my update this week but I have a wonderful excuse!!

Ryanne Carr (remember her) and her family were chosen by Extreme Makeover - Home Edition to have a new house. In the event you don't know, P.L.A.Y. was introduced to the Carr's about a year ago and helped send Ryanne to a few events where she brought home the gold!!

The great news was announced early Thursday morning. Then, all the excitement started. I jumped in my car and headed out to Mineola, Tx (outside of Tyler) to surprise the family in the ritual of the Braveheart March.

I was sooooo thrilled to be a part of this for Ryanne and her family but was even more surprised to hear over a megaphone..... "Jen Griffin".

There must be more than one, right? I get pulled out of the crowd and am told that I am going to speak to the family before they leave for Hawaii. WOW!

We march up to the house, form a circle around the family and while I am watching the faces of the family, I look up and realize, OMG, I'm standing next to TY PENNINGTON. I start thinking about how surreal everything was becoming, wondering how the family must be feeling, noticing how many cameras were around, wondering how all this works, etc, etc, etc. and all of a sudden, I had the stage with Ty and the family.

I have to tell you that on the walk up to the house I became really nervous from the idea of talking but the minute I saw the family I couldn't say enough. This is such an ENORMOUS joy and so proud to know this family.

The house was knocked down yesterday and a new amazing retreat is being created as I type this. LIVE stream click here

I will keep you updated with everything throughout this week.

NEXT: LIMB Drive tomorrow @ Scottish Rite Hospital in Dallas from 2-4. Drop off any old prosthetics that can be used to create new limbs for those in Haiti. Or, just come to support the effort.

Exciting week to come. Air date will be posted as well.

Love, Jen