Ballard Business: My deadly Costco run...

Saturday, February 27, 2010

My deadly Costco run...

Seriously, every time I try and attempt a "family Costco trip" - I leave feeling like "Why on earth did I do that?!!!!"

I hadn't taken the whole crew in awhile so Mike and I thought we would try it out again, shop a bit and grab some yummy pizza. But low and behold - WHAT WAS I THINKING?!!!

Here is the run down:

Try to shop but kids want to watch the TV's so we split up and do our thing separate (whats the point of going together again?).
We get back together with the exact same items, should have cordinated I guess.
Get our pizza and arrive at the table, boys are being silly and the people behind us keep starring at them.
I finally call them out on it cause I can't stand people who stare at my kids!
They feel bad and try to make small talk - kind of awkward.
Then I feel bad and try to be nice back, should have just kept my mouth shut as usual.
Kids start fighting and calling each other "POOP" names - classic.
One boy drinks too much soda and pukes on the floor.
While we are cleaning it up we get more fighting on the side. Positive we are getting lots of stares but too busy to care.
Karly slips off the bench and whacks her head so hard. Loudest noise, whole room seems to stop to see what happened. Piercing screams come from Karly.
As I am holding her I feel something wet streaming down my brand new pants. Apparently Karly didn't see the need to keep her diaper on when she changed her clothes for the 2 time that morning and I didn't see.
Getting even more stares now.
Squat down holding a crying baby and try to clean up pee on the floor at the same time while Mike is gathering the rest of the crew who is so worried about Karly. All I can say is get out to the car as fast as you can!
Leave Costco after making the best scene ever with pee all down my clothes and trying to keep wet Karly warm with my sweater as we head out into the cold.
Have to put Karly in Mikes new truck - who needs the nice new smell of a brand new truck anyway right? We are just wearing it in.
Get home - EXHAUSTED!!!

So, needless to say, I am retiring from Family Trips to the local Costco...

8 comments:

Ashley said...: That is classic! SO not fun at the moment, but will be so funny to read back (in a few years :)). You're a great mom!; February 27, 2010 at 1:21 PM
Thressa said...: I'm not laughing at you.... No I am Laughing at you! Puke and pee what a great way to spend the day.; February 27, 2010 at 2:55 PM
The HousewifeTravels said...: On those days it seems that everything happens all at once! I'm surprised you didn't start achain puke reaction. Think of Costco as your own little place to get away by yourself.; February 27, 2010 at 5:59 PM
Buzybugs pixie.blogspot.com said...: Ha, Ha, Ha- I have had one of those days, many of those days- I am so sorry it's one of those things you say it's better her then me, you know everyone was thinking that as they stared at you (like they have never been in that situation).
This is WHY we LOVE our kids, these times go so FAST and then we wish them back. Enjoy!! LOVE it.; February 28, 2010 at 10:18 PM
Kristin Jones said...: Oh. My. Gosh. I don't even like to take one to the grocery store, you brave girl!! In a little while you'll be able to look back and laugh??? :); March 1, 2010 at 8:32 AM
Lis said...: I went to Costco today w/ my three kids and had a moment of silence for you as we passed the food court. So sorry for the trauma!! Better luck next time...if there is one!; March 19, 2010 at 2:16 PM
Jodi said...: This is hiliarious!; March 26, 2010 at 8:32 PM
carlyd said...: I am laughing so hard I may just pee my own pants! Classic. I wish I'd been there with you!
xoxo
Carly (with a "C"); May 20, 2010 at 5:46 PM

From My Kitchen

I got this from my Aunt Steph and served it at my little brother's wedding. Since then I can't even count how many times people have asked me for the recipe. I could probably eat it for a week straight and still LOVE it! Combine: 1/2 c. red wine vinegar 1/2 tsp. fresh basil 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning 3 cloves of minced garlic 1/2 tsp. oregano 1/2 tsp. salt 1/4 tsp. pepper 1 T. sugar 1 T. parsley or chives Mix well then add 1/2 c. olive oil, 5 to 6 Roma tomatoes (diced) and 1/2 red onion sliced very thinly. Marinate for several hours or overnight. When ready to serve mix 3/4 c. mayonnaise & 3/4 c. Parmesan cheese in a bowl. Cut 1 loaf baguette bread into thin slices. Spread with mayo-cheese mix. Top with one tablespoon of tomato mixture then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Broil about 5 minutes till crusted and serve promptly.

Frosted Cinnamon Rolls

Quick Cooking

Add into bread machine:
1 c. warm milk *
¼ c. water *
¼ c. butter *
1 egg *
1 tsp. salt *
4 c. flour *
¼ c. instant vanilla pudding mix *
1 T. sugar *
1 T. active dry yeast *

Cook on dough setting until finished. Turn dough onto lightly floured surface and roll out to 17 in. x 10 in. Spread with ¼ c. melted/softened butter. Sprinkle with 1-2 c. brown sugar and 2 tsp. cinnamon.

Roll up into jelly roll and pinch sides to seal. Cut into 21 slices and place in 9 x 13 pan and 9 x 9 pan greased pan. Let rise in warm place for 45 minutes or until doubled. Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. Cool on racks for 5 minutes and frost with the following:

4 oz. softened cream cheese *
¼ c. softened butter *
1 ½ c. confectioners sugar *
1 ½ tsp. milk *
½ tsp. vanilla extract *

Beat together and frost warm rolls.

Homemade Orea Cookies

Our Favorite Sausage Gravy

1 lb. pork sausage

1 onion, finely chopped

1 green bell pepper, finely chopped

1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes

2 T garlic, minced

4 T unsalted butter

salt and pepper to taste

4 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 teaspoon minced fresh sage

1 teaspoon minced fresh thyme

2 cups milk, divided

2 cubes chicken bouillon

1/4 cup minced fresh parsley

In a skillet on medium heat cook pork, onion, green pepper, red pepper flakes, and garlic until pork is crumbly. Drain off excess fat, but leave a small amount.

Combine butter, salt and pepper with the meat mixture and stir until butter melts. Slowly sift flour over the top. Mix gently and allow mixture to cook for 5 minutes. It will burn, so do not let it sit unguarded. Don't forget to scrape the bottom of the pan. Add the sage and thyme (if you used Italian seasoned sausage, omit sage and thyme)

Slowly stir in milk, about a half a cup at a time, and incorporate it well. When the mixture thickens, add more milk. Do not let it boil vigorously, or it will burn. Add chicken bullion and let cook for five minutes. Again, if it thickens too much, add more milk. Adjust taste with more salt and pepper if needed.

Just before serving, add the parsley, and about a 1/4 cup more milk; the gravy will thicken quickly as it cools.

Chicken Rolls

Nola's Pizza Sauce

I have looked for a great homemade pizza sauce and this one has past the test so far....

Combine in sauce pan:

15 oz. can tomato sauce or blended diced tomatoes

¼ tsp. oregano

¼ tsp. dried thyme

¼ tsp. salt

½ tsp. lemon juice

1 ½ tsp. sugar

¼ tsp. dried basil

¼ tsp. garlic powder

1/8 tsp. pepper

dash of onion powder

Heat until bubbly, then turn down to low and simmer for 30-60 minutes. When cooled store in fridge in tightly sealed container. Double the recipe and freeze some too. Use for pizza or dipping sauce for bread sticks.

Croissant French Toast

Great Cooking Magazine

Vanilla Sauce:

1 T. Flour 4 egg yolks

1 T. Vanilla extract ½ c. sugar

2 c. whipping cream

2 scoops vanilla ice cream

Combine flour, yolks, vanilla- set aside. In saucepan over medium heat, bring cream and sugar to boil. Remove from heat and add small amount of cream to egg mixture. Return all to pan, stirring constantly. Bring to gentle boil and stir for 2 minutes. Remove from heat, stir in ice cream until melted. Set aside.

Berry Sauce:

2 c. raspberries 2 T. Sugar

Combine in saucepan and simmer for 3 minutes. Remove and set aside.

Beat 3 eggs and dip 8 slices of croissants in mixture. Brown both sides on griddle in butter. Serve with vanilla and berry sauces on the side.

Homemade Pretzels

Dissolve: 1 T. yeast

1 ½ c. warm water

Combine: 4 c. flour

1 ½ tsp. sugar

¾ tsp. salt

Add yeast water to flour mixture and mix well until blended. Knead until smooth and elastic. Shape (they grow twice the size, so make the pretzels thin- about ½ inch wide) and place on greased pan. Bake at 400 degrees for 15 minutes or on convection speed for 10-12 minutes.

After baking brush with butter, then sprinkle with kosher salt (this can be done before baking as well) OR cinnamon sugar. Great activity for groups of kids.

Apricot Chicken

My dear buddy Liza brought me lunch one day during a tough time in my life (Law School, 2 toddlers, & RS President among other things...) It was SO yummy and each time I eat it I remember her thoughtfullness that touched me that day.

1 pkg. Onion Seasoning Mix
1 jar Apricot Jam
1 bottle Russian Salad Dressing

Mix and pour over 4 chicken breasts in sauce pan. Simmer for 20 minutes until chicken cooked through (works great in crock pot too). Serve over rice and veggies or mashed potatoes. Such a great food storage recipe. Love you Liza!

ps-other weeks recipes are found below

Green Beans with warm Bacon Dressing

I love this with FRESH green beans from our local market!

3 slices bacon, chopped

1 large shallot, minced

½ c. chicken broth

1 Tbs. cider or red-wine vinegar

1 lb. green beans, trimmed

In skillet, cook chopped bacon till crisp. Remove and set aside. Add shallot and cook for 5 minutes. Stir in chicken broth and vinegar, and bring to boil over high heat; cook for 2 minutes. Reduce to low and keep warm. Boil 4 quarts of salted water. Add beans and cook for 5 minutes, or until they are crisp-tender. Drain well. Whisk warm dressing and spoon evenly over green beans, then sprinkle with bacon. Makes 6 servings.

Kelly's Favorite Bruchetta

Combine:

1/2 c. red wine vinegar

1/2 tsp. fresh basil

1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning

3 cloves of minced garlic

1/2 tsp. oregano

1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1 T. sugar

1 T. parsley or chives

Mix well then add 1/2 c. olive oil, 5 to 6 Roma tomatoes (diced) and 1/2 red onion sliced very thinly. Marinate for several hours or overnight.

When ready to serve mix 3/4 c. mayonnaise & 3/4 c. Parmesan cheese in a bowl.

Cut 1 loaf baguette bread into thin slices. Spread with mayo-cheese mix. Top with one tablespoon of tomato mixture then sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Broil about 5 minutes till crusted and serve promptly.