B.R.A.T.s

No, no, I don't mean my babies are being naughty! I'm just referring to what we've all been subsisting on for the last few days; the BRAT diet: Bananas, Rice, Applesause, and Toast. All of us from biggest to smallest have been the miserable recipients of the dreaded influenza virus. It's a surefire way to slim down quickly, but I don't recommend this method. Fortunately for me, my Mommy made a two-hour trip to rescue my poor little ones who were suffering from starvation and neglect as I made my bed on the bathroom floor. I was starting to have visions of Lord of the Flies in my delirium. But, we're feeling a lot better now and are starting to join the land of the living. One good thing about illness: we are all forced to slow down and just enjoy one another's presence.

Babies get cuddlier when they don't feel good.

Now that's talent!

I see a pattern.

Happy

I was sewing under the skylight, all was warm and quiet in the house, and then I looked straight up...

Just around the corner

A delicious "just because" gift from my dear husband. What a sweet way to brighten wintry days; jewel-tones nestled in a verdigris planter. Spring is so close I can smell it!

The Moose is loose!

We are huge Mariners fans here at the Greenhouse, so what a treat to get a surprise visit from the Moose at Raegan's (belated) birthday party! We were given a certificate for a special appearance for Fan Appreciation Day and kept it a secret until his grand entrance. I think the birthday girl was a bit awed by the arrival of this furry friend.

The Moose is a great sport (pun intended) and played so patiently with all the little ones. He signed pictures and baseballs, too, for the kids to take home. I'm pretty sure Daddy had as much fun as they did! The menu: hot dogs, peanuts, and Crackerjacks.

Little chefs

My little women playing house with their new kitchen from Grandpa and Mem. Reggae is always very careful to hang up her utensils on the convenient hooks. A place for everything, and everything in its place.

Pea announces her intentions to "cook" first thing upon entering the room in the morning. It's her first stop. The menu always includes her specialty ~ "soup", of which she generously offers tastes. And you must slurp it loudly.

Creativity flowing

The budding young artist working with watercolors, a gift from Auntie Shannon.

Another creative mind with her medium of choice: food.

Sweet Narcissus

This beauty will grace your home with the brightness of springtime and an intoxicating fragrance for many moons ~ as long as he never sees his reflection...

The view...

...from my cozy downstairs couch, looking up through the kangaroo plant toward the ample skylight. I love to curl up here under the balmy light and cascading greenery. It'll cure what ails you.

Frosty

Raegan and Daddy slipped outside last night to build their first snowman! They had to be quick; almost all the snow was gone by morning. While the building was going on outside, Mama and little Sister were enjoying a nice, warm soak in the tub. We didn't really feel left out.

Now we're cookin'

My dear friend sent me this great cookbook. It's filled with her handwritten notes, her personal testimony of surviving Hurricane Katrina, and, of course, some really tasty recipes. I can't wait to try them out! Thank you so much for sharing your life with this gift from the heart, Miss Riya! I thank the Lord for our friendship!

Here's egg in your pocket!

How can boiled eggs (called "squishy eggs" at our house) make such a mess? Well, my baby finds ways. Although I wasn't quite enthusiastic about cleaning up the millions of tiny egg crumbs after breakfast, my attitude changed a bit when I found this. I guess she was saving some yolk for later.

Happy New Year!

A fresh start, a blank slate...may your year be filled with blessings and joy!