Hey-yo! I'm back and I have something I need to get off my chest.

This month is just whizzing on by.

Just in case you have been living under a rock, or you don't really "do" social media (which if you don't...its really annoying for your family and friends...however....I am slightly jealous..because I can't seem to quit). We are all suppose to be mad about the Starbucks red holiday cup. {insert eyeroll} Apparently it is not "Christian" enough. I don't see what any of their other holiday cups had to do with little baby Jesus in a manger, but that is neither here nor there. The solid red cup is, according to some, the sign of the debil and the heathen ways of this country.

I don't buy my coffee at Starbucks, except for a rare instance here and there. But I'm not really in the habit of buying my coffee anywhere other than at the grocery store to then prepare at home. For the record, I do not drink my homemade coffee in a holiday mug during the holiday season. I'm not sure what that says about me as a Christian.

There have been many, many funny meme's that have come out of this whole situation. And I have snorked out loud at a few.

But for the most part, I've sort of kept my opinion to myself over on the old book of faces. Mostly because, sharing something...for or against it, doesn't really DO anything. There is no action is telling other people on Facebook how ridiculous they are being while reminding them that there are much bigger problems in this world than a coffee cup.

I want to know what those people did, even in the tiniest way, to help fix those problems they keep reminding everyone else of. My view on my faith is that I cannot argue people into believing in my God. I cannot shame them...or belittle them...or guilt them. And I should not be trying to sway them by angry protest.

I can only try and love them.

Whoa! Hold on...I said the L word. I know that is really scary for some people. I don't really mean love them in the sense of trying to be overly kind to all those crazy people on Facebook. Some people are going to think and feel what they want.

What I mean is, instead of arguing back and forth about what the REAL meaning of Christmas is on Facebook, I'm trying to think of what ACTIONS I can take to SHOW what the real meaning of Christmas is.

And its all about the love and kindness and giving, people.

I am not trying to say I am the next Mother Teresa. I haven't taken any action to show what I feel the meaning of Christmas is...yet. But the thoughts are brewing in my mind as I type. So what I'd like to propose, although I'm sure tons of you will think this is way less fun than re-sharing something on Facebook, is that instead of posting to Facebook about the Great Red Cup Debate of 2016 (or any other seasonal debate that may come along...hello Target Ugly Sweater)...why don't you stop and think about something you can do for your community instead.

There are food banks near you that need food.

There are Toys for Tots that need toys.

There are Angel Tree recipients that need someone to be their angel this season.

There are homeless shelters, soup kitchens, church pantries, women's shelter, animal rescues..all right there in your community...that need your help.

So pick up a local newspaper or google your city...and find a way to SHOW people (that actually really need to see it) what the true meaning of Christmas is.

Puppies and Pedicures

We held our first fundraising event for West Texas Angels for Animals on Saturday. Putt for Pups was held at our local putt-putt place. We had hot dogs and face painting, we were selling home made dog treats and t-shirts. Raising money for the animals and promoting adoptable animals that are available. For our first event, I think it went well. Maybe a hiccup or two, but over all..a very good turn out. It was great to see so many families bring their own rescue pups out for the event.

The AFA crew.

My sister even helped out.

AAnnndd, as you can see from above, my sister was in town for the weekend. Yes, we DID just see her earlier this week when we went to Dallas for the concert. This is probably what it would be like if we lived closer together.  We went to see our friend, Benita, in a play on Saturday night. It was held in a modular theatre which really gives the audience the chance to get up close and personal with the stage and actors.

Sunday was fun day! We continued our family tradition of having lunch at the church's spring festival. The brisket is NOT to be missed. Every year for as long as I can remember we have gone to the spring festival. My Grandpa use to help make the sausage and brisket and the women in my family volunteered in the arts and crafts room or in the dining hall. It's just one of those things that has always been.

And then we went for pedicures...with wine! Because we are fancy.

 

 

   

What I did this weekend

You know those weekends when you get to lay around in your PJ's and do nothing? This was not one of those kind of weekends. I've been busy, busy, busy.

Saturday morning marked the first official meeting for the West Texas Angels for Animals Project. I didn't manage to snap a picture of us because I was too busy eating and/or talking. In a two hour period I don't think there was a moment of silence. We were hashing thoughts and ideas so fast I was lucky to get notes down on paper before we were on to something else. Feel free to like our Facebook page (linked above) if you like. We are open to networking dogs out of San Angelo to surrounding areas so if you are a Texas reader and you love animals, we'd love to have your support.

After the meeting, the husband and I went to see a new piece of public art. We have an organization in town called 'Art in Uncommon Places' and they have installed several pieces of art all around town from sculptures to murals. This new piece is at the base of the Lone Wolf Bridge and its called 'Forever Love', a large metal heart to put padlocks on..ala the Love Bridge in Paris.

On the back of our lock it says 'Beyond Forever'

Today we went to the carnival with my in-laws and our niece. The rodeo has been in town for the last two weeks and that means carnival time. When we were growing up, the fairgrounds were THE place to be during rodeo time. It was always crowded and the rides all seemed so large and loud and lit up. You could run around with your friends and ride your favorite rides over and over again, eat food that was terrible for you, and laugh at the silly side shows tents they had set up. I remember one year it was the snake lady. You would give up a ticket to go into this tent and there was a (fake) coiled up snake body with a (real) woman's head inside this (mirrored) box. Of course, the woman was able to talk but she couldn't move the fake snake body. Anyway, we haven't been to the carnival since we were dating. And there were no freak show tents.

I picked up the baby goat even though the sign said not to. Breaking the law!

Dolly riding the merry-go-round

Nanny had some crazy hair on the slide

She got a sno cone AND cotton candy

Dolly and I riding the caterpillar roller coaster (twice)

I tried a deep fried snickers for the first time ever. Y'all didn't want to see pictures of that. It was probably the worst thing EVER for me, but it was pretty dang delicious. Between the sunshine and the fried food I was worn out and I came home to nap for an hour.

Even though I enjoy my 'lay around and do nothing' weekends, this was a pretty awesome weekend!

Project 'Adopt Me' Vests: Complete

It all started with this crazy idea to make 'adopt me' dog vests to donate to the local rescue I volunteer with. I didn't really think I could pull it off, but the more I talked about it to my co-worker (and fellow rescue volunteer) the more I thought maybe, just maybe, I could.

So, first things first...I needed money to fund this little venture.

I can't say that donations came flooding in. But I received enough sponsorship money to start gathering the materials I would need.

My cute little models.

I thought I was only making 10 vests, but as I started cutting out vests I realized I had more fabric. So I just kept going. I ended up with 20 vests, eight small, eight medium, and four large. The next step required sewing, which I don't know how to do. I recruited the help of two co-workers who know their way around a sewing machine. They kindly donated their time and a little fabric to sew on the trim.

After that, I dropped the vests off for screen printing.

 

 

 

I ironed on sponsorships. This was the trickiest part of the whole process.



 





After that, the last step was added on the straps and buckles. This meant a little more sewing, but again I had some help. In no time at all, we had all the straps cut and sewn with the buckles in place. I delivered the vests on my birthday. And here is one of the adoptable dogs, Nikko, modeling a vest.

It only took me all summer...and I needed a lot of help (I didn't really do much but organize the troops), but I ended up with double the vests with half the budget I though I would need. All in all, a very successful project. Turns out not ALL my ideas are so crazy after all.

Giving Thanks

{1}

I'm thankful for all the rain we've been getting. It brought our Crepe Myrtle back from the dead.

 

{2}

I'm thankful for tattooed husbands that pitch in with a cleaning.

{3}

I'm thankful for being able to spend time with such great dogs.

 

{4}

I'm thankful for a Momma that is always generous with everything.

{5}

I'm thankful for this dude. He's brought a lot of joy into our lives.

 

Calling All Animal Lovers

I don't usually post things like this, but I got this really crazy idea and now I need some help to make it happen. Helping our local homeless pets find their forever homes is very important to me. I can't foster {right now}, so I help where I can, when I can. So this idea of making 'adopt me' vests for the dogs wiggled its way into my head and I couldn't stop thinking about it. I don't even know how to sew, y'all! But I know people that do who are willing to donate their times and talents to this project. All I need now is the money to purchase the materials.

 



Any donation amount is thankfully welcomed. But if you donate $10 or more you can sponsor a vest if you like. We'll be adding sponsor messages to vests, it can be 'This vest has been sponsored by so and so' or it can be 'This vest has been sponsored by so and so in memory of/in honor of so and so'.

 

Like I said, I'm really not in the habit of asking for donated money. But this is near and dear to my heart. I want to help in any way I can, and I could use a little help. Feel free to email me at justjinny@hotmail.com if you have any questions.

 

Animal Rescue Fundraiser

How to charm me

 

As I'm scrolling through Pinterest looking at 1920's, flapper inspired, hair styles...

Jeremy: Don't worry. You are going to be an adorable flapper.

 

Big fundraising event for our local animal rescue tonight.

The theme: The Great Catsby.

 

Pictures to follow.

My weekend went to the dogs

Saturday, I spent my entire afternoon at the mall helping out with an adoption event for our local humane society. It was the first event of 2013 and was pretty successful. A lot of adoptable dogs were in attendance and there was a lot of traffic. Hopefully the very busy event will turn into a bunch of successful adoptions. Fingers crossed.

Sunday, I found myself back at the mall to help the humane society once again. A large group of volunteers drove to a one woman dog rescue 20 minutes outside of town. She is very ill and the rescue has sort of been put on the back burner. Which is why she has asked for help. So, we headed out there to clean up, to socialize with the dogs, to feed and water...and whatever else might be needed. It's heartbreaking to see these dogs just waiting for a forever home. But hopefully, with the help of the humane society, we can get a lot of them..if not all of them..placed quickly. Or maybe at least get them into foster homes.

 

 

Oh HAAAAIIIIII!!!!

 

Gosh. I know I am letting time just slip on by without really posting and I'm sorry about that. For the last several weeks we've been dealing with deadbeat neighbors. They keep letting their dogs run all over the street. The big dogs aren't friendly and the small dogs chase cars. Considering I'm use to walking home after work every day and taking our dogs for walks just about every day, having loose dogs on our street every day..put a big kink in our usual routine. I had to start hitching a ride with a co-worker to get home. We had to start loading the dogs up and taking them to the park to get their walks in (not that our dogs minded, they love the park).

One of the big dogs actually jumped over our four feet chain link fence. It was in our yard when Jeremy opened the back door to let Lola out. When he want out to try and herd the dog to the back gate, the dog became very aggressive..barking and lunging at Jeremy. The neighbor had to come over and into our yard to get the dog.

We called animal control...several, several times.

One of the little dogs that likes to chase cars, when the neighbors where outside in the carport and let the dog chase the cars, was hit and killed two houses down from his home. We knew it was bound to happen if they didn't start containing the dogs, but it was still a very hard thing to witness.

ANYWAY, that's just the craziness we've been dealing with around here. It sort of consumed everything for a little bit.

And then Jeremy caught this awful stomach bug that seems to be going around. He was bed ridden for a solid day feeling like death, unable to keep any food down. He's all better now, but he was down and out for two days.

But, there has been some great things going on too!

Like some of this:

My cute pumpkin

And some of this:

Cupcakes from our sweet neighbors across the street.


And a little of this:

A little window shopping. I am in LOVE with this jacket.

And a lot of this:

Bingo stole my heart.

Two adorable cockers for adoption.

Oh, aaannnddd we've watched a few movies:
1. Prometheus - Not overly scary but weird.
2. Man on a Ledge - Very good movie, two thumbs up.
3. Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter - Highly entertaining.