ARE YOU SERIOUS?!

Jennifer is not surprised often. Today is different...

Little Red Hoodie is back online! It is true. Oh ya baby.... it is true. Your life is about to change for the better. Get ready to hyperventilate!


ARE YOU READY TO RUUUMBBBBBELLLLLLLL?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MELINDA!

If I knew how to add music to this post I would put on "BRICK HOUSE"!
But....I don't know how.... so here are the LYRICS instead!!

Chorus:
She's a brick----house
Mighty mighty, just lettin' it all hang out
She's a brick----house
The lady's stacked and that's a fact,
ain't holding nothing back.
She's a brick----house
She's the one, the only one, who's built like a amazon
We're together everybody knows,
and here's how the story goes.

Verse:1.
She knows she got everything
a woman needs to get a man, yeah.
How can she use, the things she use
36-24-36, what a winning hand!

(Chorus)

Verse:2. The clothes she wears, the sexy ways,
make an old man wish for younger days
She knows she's built and knows how to please
Sure enough to knock a man to his knees

(Chorus)

Bridge:
Shake it down, shake it down now (repeat)

Grandma Molly 1920-2008

Grandma Molly passed away yesterday and I would like to share a few sweet memories and thoughts of her.
Molly was feisty and little. She was so tiny. I would say she was a little firecracker of a woman. She would always invite us over for some red and green chile and homemade tortillas. Most of the time you could not leave empty handed whether it was some food to take home or some money for a drink on the way home. She couldn't stop herself from giving to the people she loved. She was so proud of her children and her grandchildren. If they achieved something, everyone knew about it. Her family and her friends were her treasure. She welcomed everyone with an open heart.
Thanks Grandma Molly for loving us all so much. We will miss you now but we look forward to seeing you with open arms when we meet you in heaven.

ONE OF THE BEST WEEKENDS OF MY LIFE!

.............................................................................



This past weekend is on my list of "The Best Weekends of My Life!".

The Bob Dylan concert at Deer Valley has been a highly anticipated event from the moment I purchased the tickets.
Here is how the story began....
My grandma went away on a cruise with my aunt a couple of years ago and I was asked to check on the house. On one of these visits I decided to straighten up the house so when they came back it would be a good welcome home. As I was straightening up, I went room to room and turned on the music as I went. My grandma has a stereo in just about each room. In each tape player there was a tape. Each tape was a recording of Bob Dylan's music. I knew who Bob Dylan was by name but I didn't really listen to his music or know much about him. I thought, "Who is this guy? She must really love his music". I made a small mental note.
A few months or so later, my grandma was sick for a short time. I must have thought she was immortal because until that moment I did not understand the true depth of how much she meant to me. My grandma recovered wonderfully, but I didn't forget the reality of her mortality.
Early July of this year I received a phone call from my sister. She had called to inform me that Bob Dylan was coming to Utah on August 31st and she wanted to go. I proceeded to say "Shut up?! Are you serious?! Dont lie to me?!" Her response was, "Dont make fun of me, I really want to go?! I love Bob Dylan!". I explained to her that I was not joking and that this would be a great opportunity for me to give something back to my grandma and take her to this concert.
I purchased the tickets two weeks later and called my grandma and told her I had a surprise for her. She said she liked surprises. I said, "We are going to see Bob Dylan in concert!". She was so surprised and excited. She said she couldnt believe it. She said she couldnt wait to tell all of her friends. This was just the beginning of the anticipation. I didn't realize at the time that it would not only be my grandma anticipating the event, but that I would also be counting down the days leading to the concert. It was just like being a child again and counting down the days preceeding Christmas!

*THE DAY BEFORE THE CONCERT:
Arrive at Silver Queen Hotel located in Park City on the infamous Main Street. Surprise number one, The Ford Mustang Car Show on Main Street. Surprise number two, our hotel room overlooks Main Street! Surprise number three, chocolate covered strawberries in our amazing full kitchen. Surprise number four, a gorgeous bouquet of fresh flowers to welcome us to our two day home away from home.

*THE DAY OF THE CONCERT:
Surprise number five, the Park City Arts and Crafts Fair. Plenty of shopping for any type of budget! Bonus!

*ONE HOUR PRIOR TO THE CONCERT:
Signs of rain. Serious signs. Rain ponchos purchased. Anticipation is at an all time high. We enter the gates and find our spot which is as close to Bob Dylan as Security will allow anyone to get! Let the excitement begin! The heavens crack with thunder! The rain begins to pour! The crowd welcomes these wonderous signs of nature with a positive roar of applause in return! The energy is amazing! We were all here because we wanted to be! (Sidenote: The concert tickets did read, "LIVE ON STAGE BOB DYLAN & HIS BAND" "RAIN OR SHINE".)

*THE BIG MOMENT ARRIVES!
The man of the hour walks casually onto the stage! The crowd goes wild with applause! How is Bob Dylan standing? Does it matter? Yes, it matters! If we had been standing anywhere else we would have seen the side of his body or his backside! He was facing us! You could see his face! Thank you Lord! The concert had begun! Dylan and His Band played this concert with energy and soul. Each time we were drenched with rain the crowd boomed with welcoming applause. It was an awesome feeling to be so engergized and excited in such inclement weather. I leaned over at one point and asked my grandma how she was doing. She said with a smile and a some laughter, "I never imagined I would be at a Bob Dylan Concert. Now I can die happy!"
There isnt anything I could do or say that would give back to my grandma the way she has given to me. And now she has given me one of the best weekends of my life.

I Love You Grams!



(If you would like to read the Salt Lake Tribune article about the concert click on the title of today's blog post above the photo.)

BOB DYLAN MAKES HISTORY

I'm so excited! My Grandma sent this article to me. If you don't already know I am taking my Grandma to see Bob Dylan.
This is a dream come true for her to see the man whom she respects so much for his artistic ability. It is a dream come true for me because I get to go on this journey with her and share in her love of a respected American icon. Now he has been recognized by the Pulitzer for his amazing accomplishments. Cheers to Bob Dylan!

Here is the article:

Dylan accorded honorary guide April 8, 2008

Thanks to Bob Dylan, rock'n roll has finally broken through the Pulitzer wall.

Dylan, the most acclaimed and influential songwriter of the past half century, who more than anyone brought rock from the streets to the lecture hall, received an honorary Pulitzer Prize on Monday, sited for his profound impact on popular and American culture marked by lyrical compositions of extraordinary poetic power.

It was the first time Pulitzer judges, who have long favored classical music, and, more recently, jazz, awarded an art form once dismissed as barbaric, even subversive.


Taken from the Salt Lake Tribune by Phyllis

Give Love

OK, I'm still reading this book, Facing Your Giants. This chapter talks about us naturally mistake making humans and provokes us to ask ourselves whose code we choose to live by each day.

There is this POW named Gordon who is in the Death House of Chungkai, Burma. He listens to the moans of the dying and smells the stench of the dead. Pitiless jungle heat bakes his skin and parches his throat. He has lost his appetite and energy for life.

The war has taken it's toll on him. He entered WWII in his early twenties, a robust Highlander in Scotland's Argyle and Sutherland Brigade. But then came the capture by the Japanese, months of backbreaking labor in the jungle, daily beatings, and slow starvation. Scotland seems forever away. Civility, even farther.

The Allied soldiers behave like barbarians, stealing from each other, robbing dying colleagues, fighting for food scraps. Servers shortchange rations so they can have extra for themselves. The law of the jungle has become the law of the camp.

Gordon would happily receive death. Death trumps this life. But then something wonderful happens. Two new prisoners, in whom hope still stirs, are transferred to the camp. They are also sick and frail, but they heed to a higher code. They start to share their meager meals and volunteer for extra work. The cleanse Gordon's ulcerated sores and rub his atrophied legs. His strength slowly returns and, with it, his dignity.

Twenty years later, when Gordon served as chaplain of Princeton University, he described the transformation with these words:

Death was still with us--no doubt about that. But we were slowly being freed from its destructive grip....Selfishness, hatred...and pride were all anti-life. Love... self sacrifice...and faith, on the other hand, were the essence of life... gifts of God to men....Death no longer had the last word.

Selfishness, hatred, and pride- you don't have to go to a POW camp to find them. The boardroom of a corporation or the bedroom of a marriage or the backwoods of a country will do just fine. The code of the jungle is alive and well. Every man for himself. Get all you can, and can all you get. Survival of the fittest.

Does the code contaminate your world? Are some of your thoughts, my career, my dreams, my stuff. I want things to go my way on my schedule. If so, you know how savage this giant can be. Yet, every so often, a diamond glitters in the mud. A comrade shares, a soldier cares, or a friend intervenes.

Beloved, if God loved us in this way, we also ought to love one another. No one has seen God at any time. If we love one another, God remains in us, and his love has been perfected in us.
-1John 4:11-12

For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone. This is the message God gave to the world at just the right time.
-1Timothy 2:5-6

Facing Your Giants

I'm reading a book called Facing Your Giants. It is a great read if your a human on earth. If you aren't then I'm sure it wouldn't be of any interest.
This book guides you through the story of David and Goliath. For those of you who aren't familiar with the story, it is about a young man (teenager) who fearlessly and faithfully kicks this 9 foot tall cocky, ugly, antagonizing giant's butt with just a sling shot and some rocks. He doesn't just kick his butt, he chops his head off. Dead as a doornail.
Now, here are some questions for ya....Is the story about David? Is it about Goliath? Is the story about God? Who is David? Who is Goliath? How did God come into the picture?

We have all had times where some huge, mutant animal has hunted for our souls. The mutant giant that taunts us and tells us we are no good, we are not good enough, we are not strong enough.

Listen to God instead.
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. -Jeremiah 29:11

Hey Goliath ....put that in your pipe and smoke it!

Prayer Request

I'm not really sure what to write, other than life seems to be a complex journey at times. I'm in a bit of an emotional state about a good friend that I love very much. My friends dad is very sick and needs prayer. I am very aware of the scenario's that come with these kinds of situations. One being death. One being life. One being a miracle. Im not sure where this one will go but I do know that I cant comfort my friend, nor can I change her situation by myself I also know that prayer is a part of my life and God asks us to always be in prayer. If you happen to be reading this at anytime would you pray for my friend JeNae and her family. The following is the prayer request our church received today:

..................................................................................
We just found out today that my dad's cancer diagnosis is worse than initially thought. He had a full body scan that showed not only is there cancer in his chest, but in the bones in his legs and in his liver. He begins radiation treatment tomorrow and will also receive chemo. His doctor is treating very aggressively. This is such difficult news,especially given that I'm due to deliver his second and child in a matter of days. Please pray for healing, peace, and comforting. Thank you and God Bless!

JeNae
..................................................................................

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to proper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you."
~ Jeremiah 29:11-12.

Cry Out To The Storm

My baby sister Lindsay sent the following saying to me and it's now one of my favorites. I wanted to share it with all of you. I love you Linz.

Do not cry to God about how big your storm is, cry to your storm about how big your God is.

YES. I HAVE A JOB.

Dearest Friends and Family,

I wanted to let each blessed one of you that Im fine and well. Im not dead and I have not been entered into the Witness Protection Program. I have a second job.
My first job as you know has been a stay at home mom. I prefer to use the title "CEO" of a small company. My newly aquired second job is where I actually get a paycheck for my multi-tasking talents. I want to thank all of you for being so patient with me during this transition. I could not have done it without all of the care and support. Im sorry if I have not returned your calls and I am working at taking my third job as an administrative assistant to myself more seriously. If you want to get together with me for any kind of fun or relaxing activity please contact me immediately on my cell phone and I will return your call promptly. If you have a request that needs immediate attention please leave a message on my home phone. If you require emergency assistance please dial 911.

Love ya.

Bella, Beautiful.

December 14,2005
Revised June 10, 2008

Bella Sue is my sweet, innocent dog. Her eyes tell me so much about her. "I want to please you." her eyes say. I identify with Bella. I want to please people too. I didn't change her name when we adopted her because she was "Bella". Translated it means beautiful. I couldn't have imagined her with any other name. We have so much in common, or do we? Maybe. One thing we had in common was that she needed to be rescued and I was shopping.?
When I first noticed the pet adoption kennels, I didn't see her. She was in the far, back end of her kennel hidden in the shadows. When I approached the kennel she came closer to the front where there was more light. She looked a little scared, so I cautiously put my hand up to the kennel bars to see if she was friendly. Bella crept toward my hand and started to lick it over and over again. She had been so brave. I could see that her desire for love overpowered her fear of rejection or harm. My heart opened up for her with every crazy lick. We understood each other. She was Bella, she was beautiful. She was love. She was who she was, sweet and innocent. I loved her. Right then. Right there. It was so simple. In my mind something so simple and good must be questioned. In my mind, I said, "I can't trust myself." So, I left her there and prayed. I waited. I didn't want to make a mistake. This was the first dog I would own as an adult. Why was it such an important decision? Commitment is a promise. My promise would be to take care of her, love her, nurture her and teach her. A promise which would include to take care of her even if she pooped in my closet or peed in my living room. I didn't want to disappoint her or myself. I decided to involve my family with the decision making and blizaam! Prayer answered. She was mine, slash, ours...
"It's just a dog.", some people might say, but I know she is a blessing. She is pure love. She doesn't need much and she doesn't want much. She is vulnerable. She relies on me to live. She relies on me for food, discipline and love. Mostly, she just wants us to love her. Bella's nature is one of reslience and forgiveness. Her example has changed the way I view life and relationships. Bella has taught me some great lessons. I am so grateful for her. Her silence sometimes speaks volumes. She speaks to me with her eyes, her ears, her tail, her posture. She says "Im sorry.", "It just smells so good.", "Accept me for who I am." Bella has no malice. She means no harm. She does not hold grudges. Everyday is a new day. She has forgiven me over and over. I love her and her love has been a great teacher.

For M.

I expect to pass through life but once. If therefore, there be any kindness I can show, or any good thing I can do to any fellow being, let me do it now, and not defer or neglect it, as I shall not pass this way again. ~W.P.

The Three Letters

This has been an interesting Memorial weekend for me. Usually I choose not to remember the people I have lost in my life. I, instead, try to forget. Today, with love, I would like to share these next 3 letters. The letters are from my dad to my mom and I. I was 7 years old at the time of the letters. My dad passed away in 1986 when I was 15 years old.


Letter 1
Postmarked Dec 15, 1977


Hello Susan and Natalie,

I was glad to hear from ya and hope I do get a picture before Christmas. It's the sh-ts that I won't be able to bring or even buy any gifts for you two. I hope you have a real nice holiday.
How in the hell did you afford to get that mutt out?
What classes are you taking and what's your routine?
That's great your doing so good in school but that's par for you.
I'm sorry that I've made it so hard for you and Natalie but I get crazy ideas in my head. I wished I could set everything straight but I don't know if I can straighten things out for myself. I've been trying to think of how I can get my life going since I've been in here and before, but I get so down I say f--- it. I just cant seem to do it, so I don't know what I'm going to do when I get out. I hope I'll see you and Natalie soon after I get out at the end of January. I think it might do me good to move away. Tell Natalie that her card was the best present I could ever get, it's the neatest card I've ever seen in my life. It's hanging right above my head next to the picture I got of her last year. I love you ladies, always thinking of you.
Well I'm going to sleep now I'll write again soon and tell you about all the sh-t that hit the fan yesterday.

Love you's,
Rob

---------------------------------------------------------------------

Letter 2
Postmarked Dec 21, 1977


Hello Susan and Natalie,

It was good to hear from ya. It sounds like Nat had a nice birthday. I would like to have a picture of you and Natalie if you would send one right away. I should be out sometime after the 25Th of Feb. so I'll come and see you two in February. I wrote Rochelle but I guess her arms are broken or something. Oh ya, I know you still have that picture of ya you had takin a few years ago so send one.
I sent that letter on the first so it must of got lost in the mail for a while. I don't know if Natalie should come up to this f---in' place, Its pretty bad but maybe around the first or sometime, we'll see. I don't know if I can handle to see her because she probably will feel bad and so will I. I'm sorry things are going wrong with everything for you and I'm sorry I cant help ya. Maybe 1978 will be a great year, I'm sure going to try my best to do good. I still have love for you and always will, tell Natalie I love her more than anything in the world. Please write right away.

Love you both,
Rob

-----------------------------------------------------------------------


Letter 3
Enclosed with letter 2


Hi Natalie,
I'm sorry I missed your birthday but I tried. I have your picture here with me, the one you sent me last time I was in jail. I wish you a Happy Birthday and I love you very much. I hope you write me and tell me what you get for your Birthday and Christmas. Tell your Mom hi and everybody else. I will see you in Feb. that's when I should get out.

Love you very very much,
Your Father

Fish On!

This was my first catch of the season. Just a little FYI. I know what your thinking....How does she manage to be an awesome outdoors woman, cook, clean, look fabulous, drive kids to school, remain a hot wife, take amazing photographs, work a part time job, love people, shop, and stay humble....? I will let you in on all of my secrets in my new book. Watch for it. Its coming out soon. I will give you a family and friends discount if you mention the code words "Natalie is one HOT LADY".

Turn the Light On.

What does that mean? Am I spending my time wisely? What are my priorities? What is my goal?

And God said, "Let there be light," and there was light. God saw that the light was good, and he separated the light from the darkness. -Genesis 1:3

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

Courtesy of Little Girl Rise Photography.


For more Photography by Natalie Velasquez click on: http://littlegirlrise.blogspot.com/

DRESS UP YOUR BLOG!

Ok....everyone who knows me knows Im a thrifty girl! I love

to buy something with great quality for next to nothing!

To dress up your blog now click here:

http://historypicks.com/

A POEM FOR BRANDON

I like Brand-an



I like slim fitting hoodies with zippers.

I like him sitting with a pair of flippers.

I do not like him with too much hair.

I dont act like I need him anywhere.

He is a fox.

He might eat lox.

I love him a lots.

He thinks I only like hoodies man.

I am little red I am.