May Daze Decorating Ideas

I stole my kids' pinwheels to bling up my Galveston Footed Hurricane and Drake Firefly Lanterns

I put these easels together out of twigs and twine for a display at church. I'll put these up as part of our Memorial Day decor. You can find out how to do your own here: Twig Place Card Holders at MyStyleShare.com

As part of our Sunny Day Celebration, I busted out my Ruffled Glass Pitcher, Italian Stitch Ramekins, and Alfresco Small Servers for some iced tea, veggies and Santa Fe Dip.

I know, I'm obsessed with using dried white beans in displays, but I think they look so beachy. A ranunculus is a striking addition to the Stiletto Pedestal in this simple centerpiece. Ingleside Luminaries add a punch of color and candlelight.

Our celebratory table. So sad that we have to throw a party when the sun appears! What can I say...springtime in Michigan!

Jean's Lime Chicken

You will not find a better chicken recipe for the grill. I promise! Make sure to figure in your 1-hour marinating time.

Jean's Lime Chicken

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

1/3 c. olive oil

Juice of 3 limes (or 6-7 T. of lime juice from a bottle)

4 cloves of garlic, peeled and minced

3 T. fresh cilantro, chopped (or 1 T. any driend herb: cilantro, dill, tarragon, thyme or rosemary

1/2 t. each of salt and pepper

Trim fat from chicken breasts and cut out middle tendon. Pound between wax paper to flatten slightly (this will allow them to cook evenly). Combine rest of ingredients and marinate for 1 hour. Grill or broil the chicken breasts for 2 minutes on each side or until done. Serves 4.

Sunny Weather Deck Party

Warning! Preview picture always shows me in some awkward part of my speaking, like this one with my eyes closed. Thank you, preview window, for making me look like a dork! : )

Unfinished Business

Finish it. Never cancel. Never quit. Don't leave things undone. These were mottos I used to live by. If I joined a club, I stuck with it. If I started a book, I finished it. Projects were followed through to completion. I like wrapping things up in a neat bow and checking it off my to-do list, can you tell?

When I had my first baby, I realized that my life is destined to be a series of yet-to-be-finished tasks. Breakfast dishes get half-way done and then one of my kids falls down. Move on. As I'm folding laundry, I have about 2 pairs of socks matched up, and someone needs help going potty. Move on. The books on my nightstand are lucky to be picked up once a week. Read two pages and fall asleep with the light on. I am not cut out for this incompletion, but I'm learning to live with it.

There is freedom in this stage of mothering young children. Clubs, hobbies, and sometimes even friendships that aren't necessarily worthy of my complete attention can be let go or put on hold for a less crazy time of life. That book I've been wanting to finish can wait, but my sweet babies can't. As every wise mother who as "been there, done that" has informed me, time is speeding by faster than I realize. Before I know it, those little ones who depend on me for nearly everything will fly the nest. So for now, I'm giving myself permission to leave certain things partially done or not even started so that when this stage of motherhood is complete, I can know that I did all I could to love and nurture these little ones in my care. After that, maybe I'll finish that book and take a nap!

Philippians 1:6 being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.

Why Photo Editing Rocks

I love my camera because I can take pictures of little vignettes that I've worked on without seeing what else is going on around it. Cropping or strategically taking photos makes my life seem more calm and organized.

This is the reality of home life with two young kiddos. A Lego here, a beloved bunny there, it's a beautiful mess. If you have young kids in your house (or messy not-so-young family members), I'd encourage you to enjoy the season of life, whatever it is. Someday you won't need to photoshop your house, but for now, just go with it!