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Happy Go Stuckey

Tethering Grace & Togetherness

Wordless Wednesday

August 12, 2009 by HappyGoStuckey 4 Comments

2 1/2 Months Old Already!!!!!

Another long cooking post…

August 9, 2009 by HappyGoStuckey 6 Comments

Boeuf Bourguignon.

That is the dish I laboriously prepared for dinner this evening. Carefully selected ingredients. Several hours in the kitchen. Several more hours of waiting with bated breath on my “French Beef Stew” produced a dish so divine, so unequivocal to “American” Beef Stew that I had to laugh at the thought of how I previously made Beef Stew. (My slow-cooker and a McCormick packet.) Although it warmed us from the inside out on many a cold or rainy night, that quasi-beef stew has and will forever pale in comparison to Julia Child’s Boeuf Bourguignon. What prompted me to attempt such a feat? A movie.


Last night, Mr. S and I were blessed to be able to go to the movies while our good friends kept Little Lu. I had been dying to see Julie & Julia, which parallels the life of Julia Child to the year long culinary experiment of Julie Powell. It was a feel-good movie and I laughed out loud several times. I highly recommend it. (And for all you wives, my husband laughed several times as well and really seemed to enjoy it. It’s not very often that there is a movie with certain chick flick qualities that we BOTH enjoy… but, I digress.) At one point in the movie, Julie makes Julia’s Bouef Bourguinon and it looked so absolutely yummy, that I felt the need to return to my culinary fundamentals. I found something very therapeutic in this 3 page recipe from Julia Child’s Mastering the Art of French Cooking. This being my first weekend as a working mother, I enjoy the irony of cooking a meal that takes 15 steps instead of 3. Let me be very clear, I say this not to boast that I will be cooking every meal from such a book.

Not so much.

I haven’t the time nor the energy to make every dinner a cooking extravaganza– especially not right now. But there is something to be said for taking the time. For example, I have a close friend who very seldom buys any convenience grocery items. She cooks delicious meals from a few simple and tasty ingredients. She has a wonderful talent of stretching a few dollars into a gourmet meal. Sometimes elaborate, sometimes comfort food, but they are always full of love and warmth. She and I have often joked about some of the “convenience items” that are available and what a rip off they can be. For example, tonight I noticed pre-seasoned, cooked taco meat at the grocery store. (Wow. Is it that hard to add taco seasoning to ground beef? Sorry, soapbox.) Never the less, there are many nights during the week when I need to be able to whip up dinner in under 30 minutes…. but sometimes, you just need to remind yourself that you can cook without any convenience foods. You can prepare a meal the “long” way. Today was such a day.

A few minutes into the process of carefully searing the chunks of perfectly marbled meat in my giant Turquoise Le Creuset, I began to appreciate Julia’s gusto for excellent cooking. She did not learn to cook out of necessity but out of a love of food and love for her husband, and in an impossibly tiny kitchen. The last of which concerns me most. Somewhere between slicing perfectly uniform onions and learning a far better way to sautee mushrooms, I found enjoyment in being able to successfully prepare classic cuisine for my husband regardless of how busy life has recently become or how little time I seem to have these days.

My point in writing these ramblings?

1. Everyone should have a creative outlet. No matter how busy they are or how crazy life becomes.

2. Try something challenging once in a while. Even if you fail miserably, you’ll be glad you stretched yourself a bit.

3. Even in a tiny kitchen with 7 square feet of counter space, a 5 inch deep sink, and an oven that is 50 degrees off and with lopsided burners– God provides amazing blessings of encouragment. Though I do not look forward to another 5 days away from my little girl, we have all three had a wonderful weekend together and I personally, feel energized and refreshed.

P.S. Our dinner took so long, we ate at 9pm. Ha! It was worth it though!

Several Different Sighs

August 7, 2009 by HappyGoStuckey 2 Comments

Have you every realized how many types of “sighing” there are?

I have.

I find myself sighing a lot these days.

6am- Alarm goes off. Breathe a prayer that the Lord will sustain me for today. “Only today.” Deep breath as feet hit the floor which ends with hopeful sigh that today will be a bit easier.

6:30am- Disappointed sigh that pre-preg work clothes still don’t fit properly. Ha.

7:00am- Happy sigh at the lovely sounds of baby girl waking up. Make mind up to soak up every second of the next hour with her.

7:03am- Sigh of Laughter as she lights up when she sees me.

7:05am- Euphoria. Pure euphoria as she is on my shoulder. We both sigh happily.

7:15 am- Praying again for the Lord’s strength and grace. Deep Breath of peace.

7:45am- Where did the last 40 minutes go? Time to leave for the day. Sigh. Happily kiss husband and daughter. They’re both smiling.

7:47am- Say ‘goodbye’ again. Sigh. Try to leave. Unsuccessfully.

7:50am- Realize I’m going to be late. Sigh of exasperation with myself. Look back at them one last time— Sigh. Blow a kiss and leave.

8:00am-ish- Sit down at computer. clock in. open email. Sigh of Resolution to give it my best effort, happily with a grateful spirit. Sigh of Disappointment with myself that I’m not more patient.

5:00pm- on the dot. Time to go see my family. Sigh of relief.

5:10pm- Walk through the door. Breathe a second sigh of relief and smile as they both smile back. Kiss that handsome man and breathe in the sweet smell of the little baby’s head. SIGH. Life is good.

************************************************************************************

On the job front, we have had a few “nibbles” you could say. One particularly encouraging “conversation” that will hopefully turn into more… we shall see what our God has in store. More on that when I feel at liberty to share.

In the mean time, know that we are still alive and doing well. Needing to stay encouraged these days. Finding it hard to focus on today and not look ahead with anxious expectation.

“Are there any among the false gods of the nations that can bring rain?
Or can the heavens give showers?
Are you not He, O Lord our God?
We set our hope on you, for you do all these things.” –Jer. 14:22

And the days fly by…

July 9, 2009 by HappyGoStuckey 3 Comments

Where is the time going?

Yes, I realize it’s filled with diapers and feedings and laundry and diapers and feedings and cuddling and hugging and consoling and playing and diapers and more feedings and kisses and little baby coos and sounds and bright, melt-your-heart smiles. But seriously, where is the time going? I feel like the daily calendar pages are flying off at warp speed– forcing me to face the facts. I only have a few more weeks at home. August 3rd, that’s the day. Now, before I get all weepy and force you to either feel sorry for me or wish I would toughen up a bit, let me say that I have known this was coming and I am as okay with it as I can be expected to be. God gives grace and strength one day at a time. He has and He will.

Many of you that have been alongside us during this journey are aware that we have been praying and searching and waiting on the Lord’s timing concerning a job for Lance. We have always held firm to the knowledge that God will provide. God will provide. That’s what we told ourselves and told others when questioned. Well, it came to our realization a couple of months before Lu was born, that for the time being, He HAD provided (for the time being.) I have a wonderful job at SEBTS with amazing insurance, a great boss, and some of the best co-workers ever. When we realized the time was approaching to make a decision about our immediate future, Lance and I decided it was best for me to continue to work for a while until He is able to find a position. This was a terribly difficult decision for both of us. He and I would both love for me to be the one at home with Lucy– and hopefully, that will happen someday soon. But until then, this is where we are. I would appreciate your prayers for me as I go back to work soon and for Lance as he stays home to take care of our precious girl. We’ll make it and we will all be just fine.

Okay, now that I have all that stiff upper lip stuff out of the way, can I just say that I am aching at the thought at leaving her? Pure honesty. The past 6 weeks have flown by. I am loving every minute of being Lucy’s mom- I never knew how full my heart could be with love for my husband and daughter. Lance takes such amazing care of both of us and I’m convinced he is the best dad ever. There are few things as sweet as looking down at your sleeping child and seeing traces of the man you love all over her peaceful face. And the smell of her perfectly round head is nearly intoxicating. I am so grateful to be mother and wife to these two.

But I digress.
For the past month and a half, I have ignored the impending end of maternity leave in the very fashion of Miss Scarlett O’hara herself. “I’ll think about it tuh-morrahh.” And now that we are within the last few weeks, I cannot ignore it any longer. So, I have decided to admit that I am a bit clingy. Definitely struggling with putting her down during the day. I will admit that there are mornings when I just hold her and let her sleep in my arms for hours on end. Not because I don’t have “things to do” but because this is temporary, and no amount of scrubbing tile or folding laundry will I miss in a few weeks when I sit back at my desk, sifting through a thousand emails. Oh no. It’s her I will miss. It’s the mornings I will miss the most. But, all of that aside, we are really enjoying these last few weeks. Have I said how much I love being a mom? Or is that dead obvious from my sappy blog post?

Thank you all for your prayers and for sharing in this wonderful and crazy time as we await the Lord’s direction for our future. We so want to be in the next stage of life and serving in a church some where. Lance has been so diligent in sending countless resumes in every direction– but as frustrating as waiting can be– we know that we are right where God wants us today and in His perfect timing, He will move us. We are trying to live every day honoring Him with our confident trust in His faithfulness. He has always been faithful to provide and direct and we know He is today. And He will be tomorrow.

And now, a little something to make you smile–

6 Weeks Old!!!!

July 6, 2009 by HappyGoStuckey 5 Comments


Here she is in her cute little lambie gown complete with mittens!

My little Sparkler

July 5, 2009 by HappyGoStuckey 1 Comment

My Two Loves.


Lu was unimpressed with the Fireworks Show. Ha.

5 Weeks Old Tomorrow!

June 29, 2009 by HappyGoStuckey 3 Comments


The time is flying by for sure! Everywhere we go, people tell us to enjoy every moment– and we sure are trying! The first few weeks were challenging but we seem to be getting the hang of a few major things about being parents. We have much to learn.

It’s so amazing how much life changes.. OVERNIGHT!

When I pictured being home with her during this time, I pictured long days of a virtually spotless house, a perpetually full and clean baby, and myself all prettied up for when Lance arrives at home… notwithstanding gourmet meals prepared for dinner every night.
Was. I. ever. wrong.

Now, I understand from hearsay that things will get easier, and believe me, they already have in some respects. Lucy is currently quite happy in her swing as I write this.. Two weeks ago, that would have never happened. But she’s growing and changing every day– and as she does, things are slowly getting easier. There are certainly days that I take a shower at 3pm instead of first thing which was formerly my habit. Each day is different with it’s challenges and joys. More joys than challenges. Always more Joys.

But, seriously those of you that have small babies or have had children surely remember the first few months. No? Allow me to remind you. 🙂

I had no idea how fast I could get myself ready from start to finish, leaving out all of the luxuries that before baby, seemed to me to be necessary. Honestly, if I brush my teeth before the sun is high in the sky, it’s a good day. There’s nothing like becoming a mother to make you realize what a bit of a DIVA you were before motherhood. Really. It’s embarrassing to think about it.. but where I usually carried a handbag full of “essentials” and “just in case I need 4 colors of lipgloss..” I now am quite satisfied with chapstick and a check card. Wow. I am learning that I can function on an astoundingly small amount of sleep. I have learned to do almost anything left-handed, (I’ve always wanted to be ambidextrous… little did I know all I had to do was give birth!)
I have learned that if I want to eat, I better do it FAST and planning ahead is essential to my survival.
For example, I should be preparing for her next meal currently instead of writing this.

All kidding aside,

I am the happiest mom in the world and I cannot imagine my life without this sweet little blessing. She has taken to smiling a lot these last few days. The mornings are the sweetest times when we are able to spend time together shortly after she wakes up. This morning, in the middle of her “breakfast” she stopped (and believe me, the kid was hungry!) just to look up and smile at me for several seconds. She fills our hearts with joy and causes us to forget all the struggles that we sometimes have getting her to sleep, etc. I absolutely LOVE how much personality she already has.

Okay, well… the little one is stirring and mommy’s “alone time” is officially over– thank you all for your patience as this blog’s pace is considerably slower than it used to be! We will work on catching it up!

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Hey There!

I'm Cynthia and I'm so glad you're here. I am an introvert with an extrovert's love of gathering people together. I love good books and capturing moments. Whether you visit me here or on my own front porch, I'll be the one holding the Iced Coffee for us both.

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happygostuckey

Truth: I am not the best cookie baker in our house Truth: I am not the best cookie baker in our house. It is hands down @friar_stuck — Today he added a pinch of fresh orange zest to Oatmeal Scotchies and they taste just like childhood.

My grandma used to make these and serve them to me on a pink plate with a small glass of sprite with ice. At 39, I now realize two things— 1. She would have adored my husband and 2. these cookies go best with coffee or tea.

What cookie makes you feel eight years old again?
There’s something unusually long about the winte There’s something unusually long about the winter months when we’re in a season of slow growth and imperceptible change.

The landscape outside your window TODAY can feel like it’s your landscape forever but it’s actually not.

If the view from where you stand looks rather bleak and not at all how you hoped, can I remind you to look up? 

These trees in my own backyard, captured this morning, last March, and last August, will continue changing in their own rhythmic way whether I’m watching them or not. There’s a comfort in that for me today— and perhaps for you.

Whatever looks slow and unmoving, with change almost too gradual to detect— is still very much in a pattern of forward transformation.

And these quiet days in the midst of our January-ness— we can be reminded that growth never really stops, especially in the hidden places.

#wonderfortheweary #feastingandforaging #bluehousebackyard
Not moving from this spot, except to boil the kett Not moving from this spot, except to boil the kettle for more tea.

This is the first complete weekend that we’ve been home since Thanksgiving. 😳 It sounds awful, especially for this homebody, but really what it means is, we’ve celebrated Thanksgiving and Christmas with family, attended one beautiful family wedding (Hey, Shelby! 👋🏻❤️) one 90th Birthday party for our beloved Granny, and had a family trip. They were all such sparkly gifts. Ones I don’t take for granted and so very different from last year.

But I do love home— and am happy to spend the second half of the day right here with this book which I’m truly enjoying. 📚❤️
The inhabitants of the Dickens Village wanted me t The inhabitants of the Dickens Village wanted me to tell you three V. important things. 1. After years of having one pub and no church, they are *finally* getting a church tomorrow, thanks to FB marketplace. And all the people said, “Amen & Huzzah.” 2. We’re still keeping Christmas over here — Though we’re slowly bending towards back to normal. The tree still lives and we’re celebrating the tenth day of Christmas with a fire & coziness before we pull out the pencils tomorrow. And finally, 3. Everyday Affogato. You might need this tiny pick me-up in your life. One shot of hot espresso poured over a tiny serving of vanilla ice cream. Please and Thank you.✨ #merrymerrystuckeys
2021 was a year of change for nearly all of us. Mu 2021 was a year of change for nearly all of us. Much of which we are happily taking with us into 2022.🥂

Nine squares is not sufficient to reflect the ways we’ve grown and changed, but it is a glimpse of the graces of the year behind us.

Not pictured: waking up to find our children taller and suddenly at our eye level, new laugh lines on our faces, sweltering pool days, fireplace dinners, Marco Polo chats with friends, family weddings & visits, mountain air breathed, books read, new jobs begun, school days, approximately 52 pizza nights, new rhythms & schedules, house repairs, car issues, and God always before us, behind us and within us. Soli deo Gloria. #thebestisyettocome
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave t On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… 🍦Four Honeymoon milkshakes from the Dreamette. We’re going out with a bang, at the spot where their Grandparents grew up eating their ice cream. It’s absolutely the GOAT.
🎄✨Merry Christmas from Team Stuckey!✨🎄 🎄✨Merry Christmas from Team Stuckey!✨🎄

2021 has been full of new things— but I’m grateful we have walked through them together and in God’s sovereign hand. 

Pro (🤣) -Tip: if your Christmas cards say Happy New Year, you have longer to mail them… 📮🥂
Okayyyy @smittenkitchen ‘s Gingerbread Bûche de Okayyyy @smittenkitchen ‘s Gingerbread Bûche de Noël was fun and delicious. 4 out of 4 Stuckeys agree we have a new Christmas dessert! 🎄❤️

Happy Christmas Eve, friends— especially all you midnight merry makers! Hope you find all the stocking stuffers you hid.🙈
Do these Mince Pies make me look One-Quarter Briti Do these Mince Pies make me look One-Quarter British?

Truth be told, my grandma always used the jarred mincemeat and I wasn’t a fan as a child. Only last year did Lance and my Mom collaborate in the kitchen to try out homemade mincemeat filling and let me just say, we are never quitting these! 😍

The filling we use is from @bonappetitmag and it’s really good. It’s a gorgeous blend of apples, dried fruits (cherries, apricots, sultanas, figs, currants) with apple cider, spices, and a few other things. No meat, though.

Happy Christmas from the Jolly Old Stuckeys! 🇬🇧🎄❤️
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