A Postive Story of a stranger,we will never forget

 I almost thought the idea of "goodwill towards men (and women)" was as old as the song with the same lyrics. That was until a few days ago...

My in-laws were visiting from Nevada and we all decided to take a drive to Houston to see friends they had not seen in over 30 years. My mother-in-law was sick with a cold and we almost thought we should not go.  She really wanted to see her friends and use her Christmas Present (tickets to see the King Tut exhibit). We were supposed to leave around 10am on Saturday, but when my hubby noticed the tires on our car were balding, we had to push back our departure time. He did not want to go on a long trip and have something happen to the tires, so he took the car to get four new tires.

When he arrived home we all loaded into the car. It was the five of us and my husband's parents, thats a total of 7 people in a Chevy Tahoe. It was tight, but we all managed.

About an hour and a half into our journey I notice the car was jerking a little. It was like the car was in cruise control and was going up and down a steep hill. I ask him if the car was in cruise control and he said "no", but the look on his face told me he knew something was wrong with the car. Before we knew it, the car rolled to a stop.  We did not even have a chance to get off the major highway.  We were stuck about 5 miles outside of town.

It was a stressful time to say the least. My hubby did not know what was wrong with the car and all the added question from us only made things worse. I knew the best thing to do was to stay clam and let him figure out a solution. He called AAA for a tow, but since their was 7 people in the car, he had to call a rental car too.

It took 30 minutes for the tow truck to find us. The rental company took longer. The rental company was under staffed and one of their employee was on her lunch. It was going to take them over an hour to get us.

I was so stress out. How am I going to manage my daughter with special needs, a very active toddler, and a teenager by the side of a major highway. I said a little pray "God, this is more than I can handle, please help." Those words were all that I could get out of my mouth without going into full cry mode.

We all decided the best course of action was to have my hubbie's parents go with the tow truck and we would all stay and wait for the rental car to arrive.

As we were waving goodbye to the tow truck, we notice a car coming to a stop in front of us. The women in the car rolled down her window and asked us if we needed a ride somewhere. My hubby and I look at each other dumb founded. Our look said to each other " What do we do? Do we take the ride?" My Hubby was the first person to speak. He said to  her, "yes, we could use a ride to the rental car center" (it was only 5 miles away). She said she would be glad to take us. We asked over and over again if she was sure  it was not to much trouble to take us.  She assured us that is was no problem, and she just felt she should do this.  We told her over and over again how much we appreciated her stopping to help us.

I loaded the kids in her car as my Hubby put our belonging in her trunk. When we were all in the car, we showered her with gratitude followed by some small talk where we found out that her son and my hubby work for the same company. My hubby even knows her son's boss. What a small world.


As we pulled up to the rental car company, I did not know what to say, so we simply said "Thank you".


Thank you was too little of a word for what she did for our family. I knew right here that she was a blessing send to us from God. She was the face of Jesus, a glimpse of heaven and God's glory. She, a stranger, put our needs above her own needs. Simply put, she was an answer prayer.


You see God cares for us, he cares just as much for the little things in our lives as he does about the big things in our lives. He is willing and wants to help us all we need to do is ask.  I am blessed, becaused I asked for God's help.




Matthew 7:7-8
⁷ “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.

If you have any question about what all this means or how to ask Jesus as your Lord and Savior please visit this link.  How to become a Christian.

Friends, Family and fireworks: New Year 2012

So today is the last day of 2011.  Today is New Years Eve.  We do not do anything daring, or go out together with the crowds.  We are more homebodies.  We like to stay home with our kids and ring in the New Year with our whole family. Eating goodies and drinking Martinellis' Sparkling Cider. 

This year was extra special because not only was our whole family together, but my hubby's parents were here with us too.

We have never lit fireworks before, but since we live outside the city limits, it is legal for us to set off fire works.

Here is dad showing our Oldest (the Boy Scout) how to safely set off fireworks.

Mare Bear loved all the colors, lights and sounds.  She giggled uncontroable.  She was so excited she almost jumped out of her stroller.

My Oldest was showing Marebear the sparkler.  They changed colors and she like watching all the colors.

As for my Little Man he like the colors, but did not like the loud popping noises.  It really scared him.  Our Dog, Shasta, was just as scared.  She jumped behind me on the bench, panting.  Both of them were shaking, so I took them inside.  I held both of them until they calmed down.

What were you doing when the new year rang?

Dragons of the Valley book review: A tale of a faraway land in need of heroes.

Dragons of the Valley by Donitta K. Paul is a contemporary Christian fiction book.  It is the second book in a trilogy.

 Dragons of the Valley takes you through another world in the country of Chiril.  Some unlikely friends band together to save their beloved country from war by hiding statues, Trio of elements, from the invading enemy.   Among the unlikely friends are a princess, a wizard, an artist, a prophet of Wulder, two Kimens (a race of tiny, fast, musical people), and minor character they met along the way.

Tipper Schope was chosen to take one of the Trio of elements to the Dragon of the Valley.  Tipper is a princess in line for the thrown.  Her father,  Verrin Schope sculpted the Trio of elements.   The trio of elements are connected to the well being of Verrin and Chiril because he had unknowingly  used the cornerstone of their world to sculpt it.      

Tipper’s friend, Bealomondore was also chosen to take one of the Trio of elements to the Dragon of the Valley.   Bealomondore is the one of the most unlike characters to be chose to protect the statues, he is an artist not a swordsman.  During his quest he must decide to follow Wulder (their God) and to pick up the sword of Valor.

The unlikely friends must hide the statues in the valley of dragons, escape the clutches of The Grawl (a unusual beastly hunter like creature)  and defeat the invading army.

I really enjoyed reading Dragons of the Valley.  I did not read the first book in the trilogy so I was a little lost at first, but in the back of the book is an appendix, it helped we to sort out the characters , races, and unusual objects.   The author’s use of allegories adds to the main story line.  She  has woven the ideas of Wulder (based off the Christian God) into the story to help reader get a glimpse of God.

The main theme of trusting and having faith in the Creator, is a timeless Truth that all readers can benefit from reading.  The book also reminds us; if we do not teacher our children the Truth of God’s word, our grandchildren’s generation will not know God.  This book is an eye opening book, but also a fun light read.  I cannot wait to give it to my 13 year old son, whom loves to read books on fantasy. 

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from Waterbrook Press as a member of their Blogging for Books program. All opinions are my own.



Rate my review of Dragons of the Valley:

The True Christmas Story!

"For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given: and The Government shall be upon His Shoulder: and His Name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The Mighty GOD, The Everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His Government and peace there shall be no end, upon the Throne of David, and upon His Kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of Hosts will perform this"
(Isaiah 9:6-7).







The following is a King James Translation of God's Words spoken through the Holy Spirit to Luke


Luke 2:1 And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. 2:2 (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) 2:3 And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. 2:4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:)2:5 To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with Child. 2:6 And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.

2:7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son,
and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger;
because there was no room for them in the inn.

2:8 And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 2:9 And, lo, the angel of the LORD came upon them, and the glory of the LORD shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. 2:10 And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. 2:11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the LORD. 2:12 And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the Babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger. 2:13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, 2:14 Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. 2:15 And it came to pass, as the angels were gone away from them into Heaven, the shepherds said one to another, Let us now go even unto Bethlehem, and see this thing which is come to pass, which the LORD hath made known unto us. 


                                      


2:16 And they came with haste, and found Mary, and Joseph, and the Babe lying in a manger. 2:17 And when they had seen it, they made known abroad the saying which was told them concerning this Child. 2:18 And all they that heard it wondered at those things which were told them by the shepherds. 2:19 But Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. 2:20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told unto them. 2:21 And when eight days were accomplished for the circumcising of the Child, His Name was called JESUS, which was so named of the angel before He was conceived in the womb.








The following is a King James Translation of God's Words spoken through the Holy Spirit to Matthew


Matthew 1:16 And Jacob begat Joseph the husband of Mary, of whom was born Jesus, Who is called Christ. 1:17 So all the generations from Abraham to David are fourteen generations; and from David until the carrying away into Babylon are fourteen generations; and from the carrying away into Babylon unto Christ are fourteen generations. 1:18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as His mother Mary was espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with Child of the Holy Ghost. 1:19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a public example, was minded to put her away privily. 


1:20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the LORD appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife: for That which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost. 1:21 And she shall bring forth a Son, and thou shalt call His Name JESUS: for He shall save His people from their sins. 1:22 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the LORD by the prophet, saying, 1:23 Behold, a virgin shall be with Child, and shall bring forth a Son, and they shall call His Name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God With Us. 1:24 Then Joseph being raised from sleep did as the angel of the LORD had bidden him, and took unto him his wife: 1:25 And knew her not till she had brought forth her firstborn Son: and he called His Name JESUS.

2:1 Now when Jesus was born
in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king,
behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem, 2:2 Saying, Where is He that is born King of the Jews?

For we have seen His Star in the east, and are come to worship Him. 2:3 When Herod the king had heard these things, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. 2:4 And when he had gathered all the chief priests and scribes of the people together, he demanded of them where Christ should be born. 2:5 And they said unto him, In Bethlehem of Judaea: for thus it is written by the prophet, 2:6 And thou Bethlehem, in the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule My people Israel. 2:7 Then Herod, when he had privily called the wise men, inquired of them diligently what time the Star appeared. 2:8 And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, Go and search diligently for the young Child; and when ye have found Him, bring me word again, that I may come and worship Him also. 2:9 When they had heard the king, they departed; and, lo, the Star, which they saw in the east, went before them, till it came and stood over where the young Child was.




2:10 When they saw the Star, they rejoiced with exceeding great joy. 2:11 And when they were come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down, and worshipped Him: and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto Him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.


This is only the beginning of the story.
To be continued...

Christmas Holiday Trends 2011

 Merry Christmas, right about now, you’re probably gearing up for a wonderful Christmas filled with great family, great friends, and of course, great food.


Thankfully, Betty Crocker is here to help make cooking and entertaining easier than ever with Betty Crocker’s Red Hot Holiday Trends 2011! The food experts at Betty Crocker have selected trends that will be red hot this holiday season, and have created delicious recipes to bring each one to life. These fun and delicious recipes are sure to fire up any holiday event, and keep you toasty and warm for the New Year ahead.

Trend: Double Desserts

Taking two desserts and mixing and mashing them together is one of our favorite trends. Things like pie shakes, cookie stuffed cookies, and pie-filled cupcakes deliver a whole new kind of delicious. It’s a 1+1=3 kind of thing.

Recipe: Pumpkin Pie Cookies

Pie, meet cookie. Cookie, say hello to pie. When two all-time favorites come together, you get Pumpkin Pie Cookies, the star at your next holiday cookie exchange.

I can say that I tried this recipe and it was delicious.  They went so fast that I didn't have  time to take a photo of them.  I love pumpkin so I added a little more pumpkin to each of the cupcakes.  I think you can never have to much pumpkin.  

This is a great recipe to show off you culinary skills to your friends and family.  

Trend: Better Than Bought

From canning to candy making, there’s a renewed interest in handcrafted foods. This season, homemade food gifts are just the right thing to show your care and creativity.

Recipe: Cajeta Caramel Fudge

Create the perfect combination of flavor and crunch with this homemade candy. Rich chocolate fudge layered with cajeta caramel, cashews and a sprinkle of sea salt—a recipe to impress.

I do like to can my own fresh fruit Click Here to learn more about canning.  Right now black berries are a  great price at our local H.E.B grocery store.  If I can spare the time I am going to try to can some of the black berries.  So far I have made three pies with all the black berries, they did not make it out of our house.


You can always make Reindeer Feed to giveaway as gifts.  It is easy and inexpensive to make.  

Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol in IMAX theatres.

Get ready for action, adventure, and explosive entertainment like you’ve never seen it before! Your mission, should you choose to accept it, is to check out Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol in IMAX theatres.

Starting December 16th, a full five days before its North American premier, Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol will be shown in a mind-blowing IMAX experience in 300 theatres across the country. Join Ethan Hunt and his team of rogue IMF agents, in this awesome spy adventure that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. With 30-minutes of scenes shot with IMAX cameras, fans will be able to enjoy certain sequences of the movie in larger than life proportions. You will be right in the action as Ethan Hunt (played by Tom Cruise) scales the world’s tallest building; the Burk Khalifa Tower in Dubai, as this and other thrilling moments expand to fit the entire IMAX screen. As an added bonus, IMAX will offer the first previews of the upcoming Batman film, The Dark Knight Rises, prior to Mission: Impossible Ghost Protocol.

I cannot wait to go and see it. I have watched all the other Mission Impossible movies and I thought they were jam packed with action and adventurer.  They kept me on the edge of my seat. 

Here are is your mission should you accept it:

• Click here and watch the official trailer
• Check out the mind-blowing IMAX experience in 300 theatres across the country. 
• " Like"  IMAX's Facebook page by clicking here
• Purchase your ticket today

This message will now self-destruct...  (just kidding)

Disclose: The information was provided by IMAX through MyBlogSpark

This is the Padawan you've been looking for...

My two boys may have a huge age gap between them, but that does not stop them from having a good time together.

 My Oldest is teaching my little padawan (Jedi in training) how to use the force to turn on the Christmas tree.  He is really using a remote that controls the electrical plug of the tree lights, but my youngest doesn't know.  He just thinks his big brother is teaching him how to use this hands to turn the tree on and off.  It was so cute watching my youngest trying to be just like his big brother.

Check it out at  http://youtu.be/G-w7pqdSFYc

The big Christmas Tree at Zilker Park

A few nights ago we went to see the big Christmas tree at Zilker park.  It is so big and this picture does not do it Justice.  It stands at 155 feet tall and has a total of 3, 309 lights.  If you live near or around Austin, Texas you should go and see it.  It is not a real Christmas tree, just lights that are strung up to look like a Christmas tree.  At the base of the tree are a few business selling mostly food and light up novelties(except HEB wasn't selling anything.  They were giving away oranges, candy canes and paper reindeer antlers).   It was too warm to sip hot coco, so we shared a coke and some delicious gorditas (we bought there).

A cross the street from the tree was Santa's workshop and Santa was sitting in his chair taking photos with kids.  We did not take any photos with Santa, but walked by him and waved.   

 This is the view of the Christmas tree from the parking lot.

Here is the view of the Christmas Tree from inside, looking up at the star.

This is Little Man and I in the middle of the tree. 

 Being at the Zilker Christmas tree brought back fond memories.  My dad would bring me and my siblings to see the Zilker Christmas tree when I was a little girl.  It was just as much fun now, as it was when I was little.  I just wish that my dad was still here to see my kids enjoying the Zilker Christmas tree.

For more information on the Zilker Christmas tree Click Here

Our Christmas Tree: Real vs. Fake

Oh Christmas, how pretty are your branches...

When I was little, we had a real live Christmas tree every year.  My husband grew up with a fake Christmas tree.  Our first Christmas together as a married couple, we had a real live Christmas tree. For My Oldest's first Christmas we had a real live Christmas tree.  For Mare Bear's first Christmas we had a real live Christmas tree.

After the birth of my first two children, my husband had been discussing whether we should have a fake or real Christmas tree. Real Christmas trees can be costly and one year our tree died before Christmas day and we had to go out and buy another one a few days before Christmas.  In January when the Christmas trees were on clearance, my husband talked me into buying a fake Christmas tree.  We both were going to compromise and have a fake tree every other year and a real tree every other year.  That was over five years ago and we have not had a real Christmas tree yet.   

Now it is Little Man 2nd Christmas and he has never seen a real live Christmas tree in our house. Will Little Man ever be able to touch the prickly branches and smell the sweet pine of a real Christmas tree?

Little Man helping us put the tree together.

the lights work

Family Moment: We are all working together to put the colored lights on the tree.

Mare Bear is in awe the bright lights.

My oldest and dad are putting on the ornaments.

Finishing Touches:  The train going around the tree

I just hope Little Man does not think that all trees come in a box and you put them together.  What do you think of the Fake vs. Real Christmas Tree debate.  Should I go out this year and buy a small Real Christmas tree?  Leave me a comment let me know what you think.

We had a Smurftastic time at a Smurftastic party

A fellow blogger friend of mine hosted a "Smurftastic party".  She had smurf themed food; blueberries, blue sprite, and even smurfs cereal.  We made smurf hats and colored blue smurfs on coloring paper.  The older kids watch the new Smurf movie.  I was busy chasing Little Man around her house.   Little Man and I dressed up for the "Smurftastic party".  It was so much fun.

Little Man had the best Smurf costume, hands down!

Little Man like trying Smurfs cereal (most of it ended up on the floor).

I think it was a great idea to have a  "Smurftastic party".  I cannot wait to see the new movie (when Little Man is asleep and I can actually watch the whole movie). LOL


Check out her blog to learn more and see more fun photos.
http://cumminslife.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-smurftastic-party.html

My Oldest won 2nd place at his middle school science fair

As a mom of 3 children I sometime cannot help myself, but to gloat about my children's accomplishments.   If you are a mother I am sure you understand what I mean.  

My Oldest is now a teenager and most of the time I cannot include his accomplishments because I embarrass him to his core.  But isn't that was parents are for?  So here I go...

I am so proud of my oldest son, he won 2nd place at his middle school Science Fair.  He entered an engineering project on arches.    

His Problem was:  Does the length of an arch make a difference as to how much weight it can hold?

Here is his Hypothesis: "Based on my research I think that the 3” arch will support more weight than the 6” arch."

I am not sure if he qualified for regional, but I am sure by now you know if he does I will blog about it and let you all know.  

Sharing Smiley360 Mission

Sharing Smiley360 Mission: I signed up for Smiley360! I wanted to get the inside and exclusive look at new products, online content and new and upcoming brands. I like to try new products and see products before my family and friends see them. I want my opinion to be hear, so I like to give feedback and provide valuable feedback on popular brands and I want my feedback to collectively help drive the market. If you are like me check out their website at http://smiley360.com

Disclamer: As the FTC requires I need to mention I may received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 when sharing. However I did not receive anything of posting this review, this review is my own personal opinion.

How to Host a Pillsbury Potluck Party (part 2)

Host a Pillsbury Potluck Party  Pillsbury Potluck Party (part 2)

So now the time has come to host my own Pillsbury Potluck Party.  The guest have been invited and the ingredients has been bought.  Now all I have to do is make my recipes.  I have changed my mind since my original  post how-to-host-pillsbury-potluck-party.  On that post I picked 4 recipes and asked my reader to pick their favorite, but since then I have found new recipes I knew my family and guest would love.

Click here for Pillsbury coupon (1.10 off three selected Pillsbury products)

Here are the two recipes that I made using Pillsbury crescent rolls:

Cherry-Cream Cheese Coffee Cake (click for recipe) and Chicken Broccoli Braid (click her for recipe)

Don't they look delicious and tasty?
Here are some of the other Pillsbury recipes that were made by guest that attended the party.

A party would not be a party with out the favors.  For the favors I took white paper bags and cut the top off with fancy scissors.  I used a hole punch to make a small handle and glued a small Pillsbury logo in the center of the bags.  I filled the bags with coupons for Free Pillsbury products and recipe cards.

For the center piece:  I cut out some scalloped squares with my circuit.  I glued a cut out of a small pillsbury logo on the center of the squares.  I pasted my recipe cards to blue card stock.  I cut out a little crescent roll from one of the packages of Pillsbury crescent roll.  I placed the cut out card stock and cut out crescent roll in a picture holder.  For a finishing touch I added a bean bag Pillsbury Dough Boy.

The guest voted for the best Pillsbury recipe by writing the recipe they thought was the most delicious.  It was hard to pick a winner.  All the Pillsbury recipes tasted so good.  At first my recipe for Cherry-Cream Cheese Coffee Cake (click for recipe) won.  I knew if was not fair if the hostess won, so we had a re-vote.

Topsy-Turvy Apple Pie was the winner of the best Pillsbury product. Above is the winner with the Pillsbury apron she won for her efforts.  Check out the recipe at her blog.   http://cumminslife.blogspot.com/2011/12/i-am-off-to-pillsbury-party.html

Click here for Pillsbury coupon (1.10 off three selected Pillsbury products)

Here are some of the photos that I took during the party:

Grams tasting Pillsbury recipes

Mare Bear had been waited to try mom's Cherry Desert, and it was worth the weight.

Little Man loved all the recipes, but the deserts were his favorite.

We all had such a fun time trying all the different Pillsbury Products.  I am going to make this a yearly event.  I would like to encourage you to try your own Pillsbury Potluck Party.  To help you on your way to hosting a Pillsbury Potluck Party, I am going to giveaway some of the coupons I received from Pillsbury through My Spark Blog.

 CLOSED:  The winner was Cummins Life
Now for what you have been waiting for....

The giveaway...

Your Prize Pack will contain:

• 5 coupons for "free (up to 4.60) one package any size/variety Refrigerated Pillsbury Grands biscuits, Crescents Dinner Rolls, Ready to Bake! Cookies, Sweet Rolls OR Grands Sweet Rolls."
• 12 blank recipe cards

Here is how you enter:  

• Mandatory: Leave a comment stating your favorite Pillsbury recipe or product. Ideas Made Easy on Pillsbury.com 

Additional entrees:

• Follow me on Google for 2 additional entrees.  You must leave a comment stating you are following me for each entree. 
• Share this Giveaway on your facebook page and leave a comment on this post tell me you have shared this giveaway on your facebook page.
• Like Nowamomof3's facebook page or follow Nowamomof3's facebook page for an additional entree. You must leave a comment stating you followed me on facebook.
• Leave a comment on any other story on my blog for one additional entree. You must leave a comment stating which post you commented on.

Click here for Pillsbury coupon (1.10 off three selected Pillsbury products)

RULES: Maximum of 7 entries per person. The giveaway will end on December 16th at midnight.  I will randomly pick a winner at random.org on December 17th.  I will notify the winner by e-mail and posted winners first name or user name on my blog.  The winner with have 48 hours to contact me or another winner will be chosen.  You must be 18 years or older and a US resident to enter.   

 Disclosure: The Pillsbury product, information, food ideas, online coupon link, and prize pack have been provided by Pillsbury through MyBlogSpark. However, I personaly will be mailing out the prize pack using US postal services, and cannot be held responsible for undelivered mail.