Touring Frankenmuth

Originally we planned to go to Disney World; but because of the illness of a child, we didn't feel it responsible to take her out of school for another week. However, Rod and I felt we needed a vacation as a family. So, we informed our disappointed kids we were heading to Frankenmuth. So I booked us at the Bavarian Inn Lodge, which boasts 5 swimming pools, arcade, 3 restaurants, gift shops, and endless family fun in their "Family Fun Center" which could put Chuck E Cheese to shame.

I felt like the modern version of the Beverly Hillbillies as I loaded the van with clothes, laptop (hard to be 'disconnected' from friends and family), the Wii..so I could get my exercise in, a couple books for me to read and all other necessities needed. So off to Frankenmuth we headed, with the expectation of 3 nights/4 days of hotel relaxation,swimming, game playing and anything else the hotel had to offer.

As we drove in to Frankenmuth on Sunday afternoon, the sun welcomed us in with open arms. As the kids began pointing out stores, playgrounds and other buildings they saw, I began to look at Frankenmuth in a different light. Oh, I had been to Frankenmuth several times; but as an adult for festivals and our anniversary weekend. But now at the attention of the kids, it looked different.

Our room was in the lower level of the Bavarian Lodge and just a short walk to the Family Fun Center. I knew this from their website as I booked the room. What I didn't realize when I reserved our room was that it had another door leading out the back of the room and to a beautiful display of the Cass River, willow trees, the wooden covered bridge, and the Bavarian Belle Paddlewheel Riverboat.

Monday morning met us with a beautiful view over the Cass River and ducks lounging just outside our door. It promised to be a warm, sunny day and we just couldn't keep ourselves inside. So with our walking shoes on, we headed across the covered bridge to Main Street. As we begin our journey, I once again realize that I am looking at this town through my kids eyes and feel like I'm seeing it for the very first time. As we went in to the Cheese Haus, Clock Haus, Coffee Haus, Sausage Haus, and every other Haus there was, I began to see more than just beauty....I began to see the history.

While every town has its history, Frankenmuth boasts it proudly....as it should. There is so much history and knowledge of its history, that all you can do is stare in awe. From the murals on its buildings, the wooden covered bridge, the Zehnders family and its ancestry, the three channels on the hotel room's tv, museums, etc. etc. etc., you can't help but be lured in. We took a horse and carriage ride through the residential district and the history behind the houses was just as fascinating and amazing as the town itself. What is even more amazing is the knowledge they have about their history. I know some of them are memorized and rehearsed, but the majority of the towns people know their history.

We left our hotel room about 10 a.m.. After walking around town we stopped at Zehnders for their world-famous chicken dinner. Again, history was in the meal as we learned Zehnders began in the early 1950's. Served family style as if you were in your own home. Chicken, mashed potatoes, gravy, salads, soups, etc. all served in large bowls in the center of the table for us to pass around our table.

We arrived about at our hotel room about 5 p.m, went swimming and then headed back to the room. After changing the kids headed out the back door for some outdoor fun. Rod and I wandered out and sat in the lawn chairs just outside our door and watched as the kids rolled down the hill, played tag, and flew a kite (given to them by another hotel guest who was handing them out). After a quick snack in the room and a discussion of what to do the next day, the kids drifted off to sleep. Rod and I sat outside and watched the sun go down over the Cass River and the lights come on on Main Street lighting up the town. There was a sense of peace and serenity as the sun said goodnight.

After breakfast on Tuesday we once again headed to Main Street. Because it was raining...and no one else wanted to be a good sport...we ended up driving the short distance. Today, because it was raining, decided to treat the kids to a day of activities in the lower level of the Bavarian Inn Restaurant. As their brochure boasted, children's activities were being held in the Castle Shop on the lower level where the kids were treated to bunny cookie decorating, crown making, rubber band balls, door-knob hangers and best of all strudel making in the kitchen.

After dinner at the Bavarian Inn Restaurant, we headed off to Bronner's Christmas Store. Advertised as the largest Christmas store in the world, we looked at the thousands of ornaments, figurines, Christmas trees, displays, santas, etc. Whatever your interest in Christmas is, they have it. As with the rest of the town, the history of Bronners was proudly displayed around the store and in its theater, which showed a movie about the history.

We headed back to the room and went swimming, played games, had a snack in the Ratskeller Restaurant and most of the family treated themselves to some karaoke and hula hooping. Back in the room the kids laid down and were asleep within minutes.

Wednesday morning came upon us with gloom. Rainy and cold outside and knowing it was time to head home, the kids whined their disappointment asking if we could stay "just one more night."

After checking out and loading up, we stopped at the local ice cream shop. Not a fan of letting my kids eat dessert before lunch, but knew it would cheer them up. So, with Rod and I eating a waffle cone and the kids eating frozen chocolate-covered bananas, we departed Frankenmuth with promises of returning again. As I looked in the rear-view mirror, the rain and gloom and town of Frankenmuth seemed to be waving goodbye until next time.

My books never opened, the Wii used the first night only, laptop used only a few minutes the whole trip, but it was ok. Because we walked until our legs felt like they were going to fall off, and gained knowledge from the history and experience of the town that no book or laptop could ever produce. The idea of spending the entire trip in the hotel was a little dramatic as you can't possibly ignore the draw of the town.

Green Bean Saute'

This recipe helped my kids learn to like green beans. They are so good and healthy. As I move towards a healthier lifestyle, I lean towards great recipes to help me achieve my goal.

Ingredients
1 lb green beans, cut
1/2 of small onion, sliced thin (optional)
8 ounces canned mushrooms, drained
2 tablespoons garlic salt
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup slivered almonds

Directions

In a frypan or saute' pan over medium heat, pour in EVOO and spread around pan. Add green beans and onions. Saute' 5 - 7 minutes or until tender. Lower heat and add mushrooms and almonds and mix well. Season with garlic salt. Saute' 5 minutes more.

Living Easter Basket

If you have ever had or have given an Easter basket, then you know about the pesky Easter 'grass' that seems to multiply as fast as you try to clean it up. Alternatives to the grass are tissue paper, new socks (although not much fun), stuffed animals, bags of candy, and anything else to take up the space of a basket.

Here is the alternative to the alternative. It's called a Living Easter Basket. You will need: an Easter basket, potting soil/dirt, grass seed, plastic wrap, and a spray bottle. For the grass seed you can use any seed you prefer. There is a couple that will grow within 7-14 days.

Fill the basket about 1/3 of the way with dirt. Generously spread grass seed over the dirt. Sprinkle about an 1/8" of dirt over the seeds, making sure they are covered. Mist with water. Cover with plastic wrap and put basket in a warm place. Mine is on top of the fridge/freezer. Every day pull back plastic wrap and mist dirt with water and cover back up. You should see grass in about 7-14 days. You may even need to cut the grass with scissors if it gets too high before Easter.

Use as needed for an Easter basket. After Easter, take out to yard and plant in a spot with very little grass. Enjoy!

The Winter Blues

Well this is the time of year everyone dreads...February and March. The time when everything turns brown and dingy. Everyone has had enough of the cold and snow....even sinking to a level of depression over the lack of sun, outdoor activity and the seemingly endless months of driving in snow, slush and ice. But we don't have to think this way or feel this way.

Think of these months as the beginning.....

The beginning of Spring! Soon the sights of blossoms will greet our eyes. The scent of blossoms will fill the air with a natural fragrance you wish you could bottle up. As we head into Spring, we see the beginning of life. The miracle of God's love as nature begins to rebuild itself after the cold, snowy season.

Begin planning your garden. For those starting their own seeds for their garden, you should be starting soon. Most seeds need to be started indoors an average of 10 weeks before being planted into the garden. Check your seed packages for timeframes. This is also the time I take to decide what I want, how much I want (for canning, freezing, eating, donating) and how I want the rows to be. To me this is exciting! The beginning process of your garden. After all, who can hardly wait for the abundance of fresh veggies at hand in the peak of summer. There is nothing like going out to the garden and asking yourself, "what do we want for dinner tonight?"

Begin Planning your summer plans. Summer vacations, vacation Bible school, kids camps, whew! The closer you get to summer the busier your life will get, especially if you have kids. Make sure you get your kids involved. Where do they want to go? What do they want to do? If you're on a strict budget (who isn't), challenge yourselves to find a reasonable place to go. Some places in the Michigan Upper Peninsula only require a state park sticker to get it. Can you find some place to go for free? These plans can make the winter blues go so much easier.

Begin Your Spring Cleaning. It may not be the most enjoyable job, but think of it when it's done....just in time for the sunshine. Cleaning out, getting rid of the old, making room, seeing parts of your house that you haven't seen in awhile.

Beginning of yard sale season! Yes...hard to think of that, but it's not too far off, especially after everyone gets their spring cleaning done. It becomes a mad race to be the first to have one. Begin making your list of stuff you'll look for. If you have kids, get sizes ready. Nothing like starting a new school year with a whole 'new' wardrobe for the kids without the new wardrobe price. Are you looking for certain appliances? Outdoor furniture? Tools? Yard sales are the place to look, especially if you are on a tight budget. When I started planting my large garden to can fresh vegetables, I knew I needed to buy a pressure canner. Looking in the store, I realized the price for a good pressure canner started around $50 and went up depending on the size and brand. I found two pressure canners at a yard sale for $10 each. One canner was missing the seal, however I was able to order it online for about $10. So for $30 I have two quart-size pressure canners.

Make the best of these months, learn from them, enjoy them...because each month is a gift from God.

Chicken Club Ring

Another new recipe that turned out great. Kids liked to pick up the triangles to eat...said it was great finger food. Because there are 6 of us (plus Rod's lunch the next day), this makes 2 rings. You can cut the recipe in half for a smaller amount. This would be great for a brunch or potluck.

1 c mayonnaise
2 tbs Dijon mustard
2 tbs parsley
2 tbs paprika
1 tbs onion, finely chopped
6 sliced bacon, crisply cooked and chopped
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cooked and chopped (or can use 2 10-oz cans chunk white chicken drained)
1 c swiss cheese
4 pkg crescent rolls

Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Combine mayonnaise, mustard, onion and mix well. Add chicken, bacon and cheese and mix well.

Separate crescent rolls into triangles (use 16 triangles for each ring). Arrange in a circle with wide ends overlapping in the center and the points of triangle towards the outside. Schoop chicken mixture evenly onto the widest end of each triangle. Bring outside points of triangle up over filling and tuck under wide ends of dough at center of ring.

Bake 20-25 minutes or until deep golden brown.

Four-Cheese Pesto Baked Pasta

I love new recipes and have to try at least one a week. This one turned out great! Even my picky 7-year old went back for seconds...something she rarely does. I didn't have goat cheese when I made it so I did half swiss and half sharp white cheddar. This recipe came out of Paula Deen's "The Deen Family Cookbook".

Ingredients
1 lb uncooked spaghetti
1 lb ricotta cheese
Two 6- to 7-ounce containers prepared pesto
2 1/2 cups shredded mozzerella
1 cup grated parmesan cheese
1 cup crumbled goat cheese

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease a 13x9 baking dish. Cook the spaghetti for 2 minutes less than the package directions specify. In a large stir in the ricotta, pesto, 1 cup mozzarella, 1/2 cup parmesan and the goat cheese. Drain the spaghetti well and add to bowl. Toss the mixture well and transfer to the baking dish.

Sprinkle the remaining 1-1/2 cups mozzarella and 1/2 cup parmesan over the pasta. Bake until the cheese is melted, about 20 minutes.

A Waste of Time

Time is our most valuable asset, yet we tend to waste it and spend it rather than invest it.~ Jim Rohn

That quote is so true. How often do we have time and we waste it by doing absolutely nothing. I am a good one for wasting time and one of my new year's resolutions was to use time wisely, since its our one resource we use that we can never get back. So I began my list of all the things that can be done in 5 minutes; because lets face it, that's the time we waste the most....the 5 minutes before we have to leave the house, the 5 minutes before we go to bed, before we eat dinner. It may only be 5 minutes, but it's 5 minutes to get some of the little things done...and maybe a few of the important ones done as well.

25 Things To Do In 5 Minutes
1. Clean out the silverware drawer
2. Wash the mirrors
3. Prepare the coffee pot for the next day
4. Clean out purse, briefcase, diaper bag, etc.
5. Take out garbage
6. Water plants
7. Clean out the lint trap in the dryer
8. Pay bills
9. Sweep the kitchen floor
10. Sanitize phone, door knobs, keyboards, etc. (especially if you had kids)
11. Get snacks ready for the next day...lunches, etc.
12. Go through the mail, getting rid of any junk mail, organize bills, etc.
13. Put away clean dishes/empty dish washer
14. Make out the grocery list
15. Brush/floss your teeth
16. Check smoke alarms and change batteries if needed
17. Clean out the car
18. Read the Bible
19. Play with the kids
20. Do some stretches or meditate
21. Make to-do list for the next day
22. Wipe down counters
23. Make your phone calls...just remember to keep it within the 5 minutes
24. Hug/kiss your child, mate, etc.
25. Pray

World's Most Dangerous Chocolate Cake

Most dangerous because you're never more than 5 minutes away from a chocolate cake. This cake is heavenly and can be made in just a few minutes in the microwave. For Christmas I put the dry ingredients into a treat bag and put the bag into a coffee cup for a gift and added a pretty gift tag with instructions. It was a hit.

4 tbs flour
4 tbs sugar
2 tbs baking cocoa
1 egg
3 tbs milk
3 tbs oil
3 tbs chocolate chips
Splash vanilla
Whipped topping (optional)

Put dry ingredients into a large mug and mix well. Add the egg and mix thoroughly. Pour in the milk and oil; mix well. Add the chocolate chips and vanilla; and mix again. Microwave for 3 minutes. Allow to cool slightly. Top with a little whipped topping and a dusting of cocoa, if desired. Enjoy!

Ice Cube Candles

I had to come up with a craft for our teen moms and knew they wanted to make candles. This was easy and fun to make.

You will need:
* Dye Chips (crayons)
* Candle Wax With Low Melting Point
* Tapered Candles
* Coffee Cans
* Ice Cubes
* Wax-covered Milk Cartons
* Saucepans

Instructions:

1. Wash and dry the inside of a wax-covered paper milk carton. This will be your mold.

2. Use or make a taper candle for the center to avoid having holes around the wick.

3. Break wax into chunks and estimate how much you'll need to fill half of the carton. Too much is always better than not enough.

4. Make a double boiler by putting about an inch of water in a saucepan. Set a clean coffee can upright in the water.

5. Set the heat to low and melt the wax in the coffee can.

6. Add dye chips if you want colors.

7. Fill the carton with ice cubes.

8. Pour the melted wax on top of the ice.

9. Let it cool.

10. Pour out the water.

11. Tear away the carton.

12. Wait at least 2 days before burning the candle - it needs time to dry. For best results freeze it for a day.

Cinnamon Butter

I have been asked for this recipe, so here it is...

2 sticks butter or margarine, softened
4 Tbs brown sugar, packed
1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp nutmeg

Put everything in a bowl and mix well.
Chill.
Spread over your favorite bread.

** Instead of butter mix 1 c cream cheese with the remaining ingredients for a great dip for apples, etc.

Kettle Corn

Ever been to Buckley in August for their steam engine shows? Michigan's Adventure? Some other carnival that sells it? If so, then you know what I'm talking about. You can smell it before you even get to the booth. Then you pay $2-$3 for a small box of the sweet-salty popcorn and it is so good. Well here is my recipe, hope you enjoy it.

1/4 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup white sugar
1/2 cup popcorn kernels

Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add one corn kernel to let you know when the oil is ready. Once hot, stir in the sugar and popcorn. Cover the pan, and shake it constantly to prevent the sugar from burning. Once the popping has slowed, remove the pan from the heat and continue to shake for a few minutes until the popping had stopped. Salt to taste.

Recipes

I will be posting recipes that I have made and have been a success in my house. Most I have created myself. A few I have received from friends and have made changes to make them mine. I hope you like them. Please feel free to comment and let me know what you think. If you enjoy my recipes, check out my others at http://www.recipezaar.com/member/723255. There is everything from appetizers to desserts and most are extremely simple.

The Correct Mom

In the book "Life Interrupted", there's a quote called "Hear Me Out" by a young mom. She says: "Is there a magical age that makes mothering okay? Can I hold my head high at twenty? Twenty-five? Thirty? What makes a good mom? A nice paycheck? A house in the suburbs? Will people respect me if I enrolled my child in a private preschool? Or dressed him in designer clothes? Or is it enough just to love him? To read stories at bedtime? To kiss baby toes and tickle baby bellies? It may not be enough for society. But it will be enough for me. For my child."


So, what is the correct age to become a mom? Should society have a say in what age is correct? I use the word 'correct' because if we speak our mind to say someone is too old or too young, then we have our opinion of the 'correct' age. But is it our right to say if someone is the correct age? Some women have babies into their 40's and even 50's. Are they correct? Is a teen mom correct? Or is someone correct when they chose not to have children? A dozen children? To adopt?


For me? I was 29 when I became a mom. And, to me my age was correct. I was not ready at 20 or 25. And, the age of 35 is not correct for me. For my husband and I, three was the correct number of children to have.


Maybe instead of asking if someone is correct, we look at ourselves. Do I believe I am the correct age to become a mom? Is the number of babies I chose to have correct for me? If the answer is yes, then you know the answer to your question. You can hold your head high because you are correct.

The Invisible

I'm sure I did at one time. I'm sure I overlooked them, ignored them, was too busy talking to someone or on my cel talking to notice....or worse yet pretended to be busy so I didn't have to notice.

I am talking about the handicapped; whether they are using a walker, walking with a noticeable limp, or in a wheelchair. It's been three years since I began taking care of mom full time and seven years since she became mostly wheelchair bound, dependent on someone else pushing her around in one. When we became full-time caregivers, my youngest was a little over two years old. Hardly able to push open doors and requiring help himself to cross a parking lot and be taught to watch for cars, people carts, etc. I taught him very quickly to hold grandma's hand while I pushed her. The longer I continue to care for her, the more frustrated I become. Now before you become shocked at that, let me say that the source of my frustration does not come from her. It comes from the people I come in contact with and the lack of kindness given.

Who would have guessed that my major source of frustration would come from something as simple as a door. But let's face it, when you are pushing a wheelchair and then have to open the door, hold it open, and push the wheelchair through without pinching your fingers or running over your toes, it is no small task. The most frustrating are the people who watch me struggle with the door without bothering to help. I've had people stand behind me and watch me struggle with the door and are mad because they have to wait for me. I've had employees stand on the inside smiling at me as I struggle to get in. I've had businessmen rush through the door in front of us as I am holding the door and pushing mom in.

Now, not everyone is like this. I've had many who have walked out of their way to help me out. I had an African-American man push my full shopping cart to the car for me while I pushed mom. I had a fireman walk away from a conversation in the parking lot to hold the door for me. But it doesn't happen very often. The worst of the bunch are middle-aged businessmen and young women.

I am convinced this was my lesson to be learned for the times I may have done it to someone else. Everyone should spend a day in a wheelchair, see what it's like to be invisible.

About Me

Hello! My name is Kelli. I have been married for almost 13 years to Rod. We have 3 beautiful children ages 9, 7 and 5. I worked for 10 years at a large furniture company before the economy caused me to lose my job. I now am a stay-at-home mom.

My youngest is in development kindergarden. My hope was that when he started full-time school, I could find a part-time job to supplement my husband's income. However, turn of events changed that. Almost 3 years ago, my beloved father passed away. Mom is confined to a walker around the house and outside the house she needs to be in her wheelchair. She has a stroke 7 years ago which left her left side with only partial use. So, between my siblings, husband and I it was agreed that we would sell our house and move in with her. So along with being a stay-at-home mom I am a caregiver to my handicapped mom.

We live in a rural area and have about 2 -1/2 acres. I enjoy my garden and it seems to get larger every year. Along with gardening I enjoy cooking, reading, crafts, spending time with family and traveling. I also lead a teen moms ministry.

Most of my blogs will include items about teen moms, the handicapped, cooking, crafts and the trials and tribulations of being a mom. I hope you come to enjoy my blogs and will feel free to comment on anything you find of interest.