Whew! Spring Break

I was so excited for Spring Break (not because we were doing anything spectacular) if not just for the break in monotony. Last weekend started off so beautifully, the weather was sunny and warm....I just knew it was going to be a great week. I had a much needed girls weekend planned with two of my best friends from NWA. We decided to meet halfway in Altus and support our state and its wine industry. We toured the 4 wineries Weidekhar, Post Familie, Chateau Aux Arc, and Mount Bethel; when we get together we always have a good time (especially when wine is involved). The wineries were really fun, but the accommodations in Altus were lacking.

My favorite white wines

My favorite red wines

Amber and I at Chateau

The drive home Sunday should have been an indication as to how the remainder of the week would go....it was bitterly cold and rainy. But my mom was on her way to my house for a couple of days to spend some time with her favorite grandchildren in Little Rock, so I knew good things were coming.
We always have fun when Grandma T visits, she brings gifts, donuts, and lots of laughs! Avery Reese and Hudson just light up when they see her.

Grandma T and the kids

While mom was here I decided to try out two new recipes courtesy of Pinterest. My mom grew up in Kansas and loves her BBQ, Brad grew up in Sherwood and loves his BBQ (I think its okay). So in honor of these two BBQ loving people under one roof, I tried my hand at crockpot pork ribs. Well, they must have been delicious because everyone ate them and there were no leftovers. And my favorite part was that they were super easy. Here is the link http://www.mmmisformommy.com/2011/09/easy-barbecued-ribs.html

The ribs after cooking all day (the house did smell amazing)

The finished product; the meat was literally falling off the bone

Since our first recipe turned out so well, my mom and I tried another one. My friend Amber was telling my how to make my own rotisserie chicken in my crockpot and I thought.....genius! We could use the chicken for a variety of meals throughout the week. I do have a confession: I have never (up until this point) purchased a whole chicken, nor have I cooked one. I am so glad my mom was here to guide me, because I had no idea there were parts inside the chicken that had to be removed....yuck!

The chicken was again super easy to make (thanks mom) and delicious. Here is the link to this recipe http://themalenicfam.blogspot.com/2013/02/new-dinners-desserts.html

My mom left Tuesday afternoon and that's when the week went downhill. Hudson began running 102 temperature; resulting in RSV like symptoms and an ear infection. He has been pitiful! He stayed home with either Brad or I the rest of the week.  I began feeling congested Friday and Avery Reese started running a 102 temperature Saturday night....ugh! So needless to say we are very ready to say goodbye to cold/flu season and are ready to welcome warm, sunny Spring with open arms.