Blog – Page 11

Stitch Fix– What I’ve learned so far

July 24, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 1 Comment

So, first things first. Stitch Fix is something that I have recently mentioned. Though it is a departure from my usual topics, it is a fun departure. I won’t be flooding your inbox with dozens of posts like these, but every time I receive my Fix, I will share the details and some photos– because it’s fun!! I have recently had several questions from those interested in trying Stitch Fix, and since I have learned a few things through the process– I thought I would try to answer a few of those questions. Hopefully this will be fun and helpful. If you happen to be a man, um.. maybe forward this to your wife or special ladyfriend?

1. “So Hey, Cynthia. I have no clue what Stitch Fix is. Want to help me out?” Sure! Stitch Fix is an personalized online stylist service. It can be a monthly subscription service, or one that you schedule based on your needs, (which I do.) You do NOT have to get a Fix every month or even every couple of months. Each Fix is individually priced and individually selected.

2. “Am I going to spend more than at the mall?” Probably. It really depends on what you’re looking for. The point of Stitch Fix is not bargain basement prices or clearance rack finds. If you really LOVE the thrill of a great deal and don’t mind spending a while hunting for that deal, you may be taken aback with some of the prices. That being said, you have the opportunity to give feedback on pricing, style, fit etc. and really– that feedback is everything! AND, if you happen to love and keep all 5 items in the box, you save 25%!

I have heard recently from Stitchfix on this matter. When I asked them if they really paid attention to the prices we selected on the profile, they said–“Since our ultimate goal is to hone in on the ideal style and fit you’re looking for, we may send you an item that is more of a splurge piece for you if we believe you’ll get a lot of use out of the item and/or find it to be high quality and versatile…..If you would like price points to be adhered to more so than style preferences, placing notes on the style profile will help the stylists make better decisions moving forward.” –Stitch Fix Customer Service

3. “I really love to shop at Target. Am I going to spend less on clothes at Target?” Yes. But you may also find that the quality is quite different. I have noticed that Stitch Fix offers the opportunity for more of a capsule wardrobe, with less clothing but more substantial, lasting pieces. I have personally really been in favor of less clothes– but better quality. Also, the referral program that they offer is really what often makes the clothes affordable. They offer $25 credit for each person that uses your referral code. You don’t have to have a blog– you can just share about your Fix on Facebook and you get credit for telling others about them.
I still love that Target though.

4. “Is it worth the $20.00 styling fee?” The styling fee of $20.00 is what you pay for each fix and that $20.00 is applied to whatever you keep from your box. The only way you lose that money is if you choose nothing in your box. Here’s what I know though. As a whole, these stylists try REALLY hard. They seem to genuinely want to send you pieces you will feel fabulous in. Some may think the $20 Styling Fee isn’t worth it, but if you consider that your stylist is providing a service– then it isn’t so bad. Oh, AND there is ZERO shipping either way. You get a Large Priority Mail Bag to send back your returns in and do not pay to return it. Just fill it, seal it and drop it in the mailbox. I wish other companies made it that easy!

5. “How can I get a good first fix?” Be honest. Be honest about your sizing. Be clear about what your style is. Link a Pinterest board with your style or other Stitch Fix pieces you like. And know that after your fix, your feedback will be the most important tool in getting a great next Fix.

6. “Boo. My 1st Fix was a total bust.” You are not alone. Me too. I was super excited and then happened to get a box of not me, not me, not big enough for me, way too purple for me and then oooh! Pretty!!!! The one thing I kept was absolutely favorite though– I wear it all the time.

7. “I’m not a size 2. Should I pass it by?” Please don’t. I went back and forth for months because I am also not ahem– a smallish size. These hips don’t… lie–at all. I didn’t want to be uber disappointed with a box full of too-small. But, Stitch Fix styles up to an XL and a 14. They also go to the trouble to ask you questions like where your body is larger, how you like tops to fit, etc. It’s quite a science. They know all of America is not the same size. Plus, if you’re going to try on clothes– wouldn’t you rather do it in your own room while your kids are sleeping? Me too. 🙂

I hope this has been helpful. Have any more questions I might be able to help with? Leave them in the comments and I will do my best!

P.S. I have included referral links in this post. As I mentioned before, Stitch Fix offers credit for sharing the love and telling others about them! But as always, I wouldn’t tell you about anything I didn’t enjoy myself! XOXO, Cynthia

Stitch Fix Review #3

July 18, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 11 Comments

This fix (#3!) was my favorite so far. Everything really reflected my style and each piece was light and summery.

Which is great, because this could also be titled, the one where I wore all the ponytails. It is HOT here in Georgia and will be for several more months at least.

This time my requests were light and flowy tops in bright colors and perhaps a kimono (which always makes me think of My Big Fat Greek Wedding– Robe means– Kimono. HA!) I also asked for either a super casual dress or a maxi dress.

Have you tried Stitch Fix yet? It truly is such a great way to add to your wardrobe in the privacy of your own home. And driving up to see that Stitch Fix box on your porch? SUCH FUN.

This fix I tried on every piece so you could see them on. They just don’t look the same on the hanger. Let’s jump right in–

1. 31 Bits Odette Beaded Layer Necklace in Coral. This necklace was lightweight and really fun. I imagine it would look great with so many things. I asked for no jewelry in my fix, but since I pinned this for style ideas several months ago, my stylist thought it would be a fun addition. If I did not have a few necklaces already that I wear often, I might have kept it but I did not. But how fun is that coral??! Verdict: Sent Back.

2015-07-17 14.11.00 — 31 Bits Odette Beaded Layer Necklace

2. THML Christen Embroidered Tie Neck Top EEK! I absolutely LOVE this top. It was exactly what I was looking for fit-wise and the material is soft and cool. The red is more of an orangey red which makes it even more unique. Great job, stylist Melissa!!

2015-07-17 14.35.31 — THML Christen Embroidered Tie Neck Top

I’m saving this to wear for my birthday this week– it looks great with white shorts or white cropped jeans. And it will transition nicely in a few months when a cardigan doesn’t feel like an insulated straight-jacket. Verdict: KEPT!!!

THML Top — THML Christen Embroidered Tie Neck Top

3. Papermoon Ganesha Double Strap Top in Green. This top was the first thing I pulled out and loved it immediately. The straps are different, making the unmentionable situation a little tricky– but the colors are a happy kelly green and navy.

2015-07-17 14.53.23 — Papermoon Ganesha Double Strap Top

I paired it with white cropped jeans and a navy cardigan. The fit wasn’t quite right at the bottom so I didn’t keep it but was I ever tempted to. Verdict: Sent Back.

Papermoon top — Papermoon Ganesha Double Strap Top

4. Ezra Malley Scoop Neck Fit and Flare Dress, Navy. Ok. So this dress fit great. The box pleats were fun and the material was stretchy and yet still dressy. I paired it with my Noonday Tushabe Necklace and some neutral cork wedges. It was comfortable and cute.

2015-07-17 15.00.19-1 — Ezra Malley Scoop Neck Dress

BUT. In my last fix just a couple months ago, I received and kept the Papermoon Girtha Dress in Navy, basically the same style and definitely the exact same material. This time I asked for a super casual dress and this just was not that to me. I was hoping for a pull on to run errands kind of dress and though this could be dressed down a bit, it really was not that. I was also disappointed that it seemed that they did not consider what I received and kept from my very last fix. Honestly if I had not kept the last dress though or if this had been another color, this would have been a definite keep. Verdict: Sent Back.

5. Collective Concepts Leeds Crochet Detail Top, Pink. I *may* have squealed a little when I pulled this bright pink top from the box. The material is again, light and flowy with a little bit of a high-low hem and perfect for 99 degree days. (!!!) I tried it with boyfriend jeans and brown and gold sandals and it was a winner!

2015-07-17 15.13.08 — Collective Concepts Leeds Crochet Detail Top

I think it would also be cute with navy or grey or even black. And I love that the detail goes around to the back. That is one think I see consistently with Stitch Fix items. They usually have this extra interesting detail that makes them different. I cannot wait to wear this soon! Verdict: KEPT!!!

leeds top — Collective Concepts Leeds Crochet Detail Top

So two out of five kept again— which really isn’t bad considering this is only my third fix! I hope to have a 5/ 5 box soon because that extra discount is really amazing! (If you keep all five items, you get 25% off the entire fix!)

I hope this review was fun for you– posting this many pictures of myself is definitely out of my comfort zone a little but when I began to try Stitch Fix, it helped me SO much to see the clothes on other people– and I really love you guys! <3

If you are considering Stitch Fix, I would be grateful if you would use my referral link. This post is not sponsored by Stitch Fix and I pay for my fixes because I love them. But, I have included my referral link because they offer credit anytime someone uses your link– which is a really fun incentive to share about them!!

Thanks for stopping by!

Grab yourself a push-pop and RELAX.

July 15, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 11 Comments

Last night I stood in front of the house on Almond Avenue. The house that I lived in for the first fifteen years of life. The blue paint had been replaced with a pale creamy yellow but the palm tree outside my bedroom window remained. (Because, Florida.) From first steps to cheerleading practice, that house held it all.

You better believe those fancy satellite dishes were not ours.

I stood there next to my brother and for three whole minutes, it all came rushing back. Like someone pressed play on a scratchy VHS tape of our childhood– I watched us tear through the back yard with our dog, Sally– and ride, sans training wheels and hollering down the driveway.

This front yard saw one and only one white Christmas in 1989– and by the time we scraped up a few snowballs, it was more of a grey Christmas anyway— but we may as well have been in It’s a Wonderful Life with socks on our hands (because who has gloves in Florida?) and layers of light jackets.

And that tree over there? The one that use to tower so high? That’s where Mom lined us up in our Easter pastels and took our photo each and every April, grinning and jittery from too many jelly beans.

Not surprisingly, the snapshots of life that play over and again in my head are the simple lovely bits of every day life that we lived and not the “bigger” moments.

This week I laughed and perhaps shed a tear or two at the poignant and hilarious Inside Out movie. One of the most lovely parts of the movie was the concept of “core memories.” In the movie, these pivotal moments, happy or sad– drive ones’ personality and who they become.

Later I realized that most of my own core memories are not ones I would have known would become such. The smell of bubbling spaghetti sauce and the clattering of plates laid out for all of us. And laughter. So much laughter.

Meanwhile I’m the parent now with the task of raising and steering and loving littles and I cannot help but wonder if we try too hard to make every little thing an EVENT. Every birthday, St.Patrick’s Day, and Guy Fawkes Day often carries with it the pressure of “making it special.” Maybe it’s Pinterest or maybe it’s just a desire to make every moment mean something.

May I make a suggestion? Look back at your own memories. Which ones matter the most? The ones where you knew your mom stayed up all night making halloween costumes for 2 dozen cupcakes or the moments you felt loved and safe?

Life itself is special. The living of this life together is what makes it special. Give yourself a little grace and focus on what matters.

My parents loved God and loved us– and taught us to do the same. Almost everything else was just sprinkles.

No Actual Productivity Represented

July 8, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 1 Comment

Remember last week when I lauded summer? I was all yay, foam pool noodles and yay team sunscreen and popsicles are a meal and I -think-I-may-never-blow-dry-my-hair-again?

Well.

My two sweet offspring had a few days at their grandparents planned so I made a big, fat list of ALL the things I was going to do while they were being lovingly spoilt.

I bought a gallon of the prettiest tranquil spa blue to FINALLY paint the picnic table.

I started a brand new book with all intentions of finishing it in a weekend.

I ambitiously planned to nearly finish a large writing project that feels like a cute little monkey in pink argyle socks –on my back all the time.

Not to mention I was going to go the gym five times, eat all the salads and enjoy a date night with my guy.

Except. Do you know what’s worse than being sick? Being sick in summer, that’s what. This is about how I have been– [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oK_i1S3aWo]

I love that movie so very much. Especially that part. Especially how she sneezes for all of New York City and the way she says, “I have a Tempahratuhhr!”

Clearly, I have had only the energy for Tom and Meg and also the entire 2nd season of Gilmore Girls. Although, I did get a date night or two with the most patient husband ever. We went a movie and stayed out until the crazy hour of 9PM. Obviously, we are a bunch of hooligans.

I sincerely hope your 4th was wonderful and full of fireworks and watermelon. I did* fall asleep to the sound of fireworks exploding so that counts, right?

Happy Wednesday sweet readers. Here’s to unexpected rest and yoga pants! <3

P.S. YAY the littles are coming home today!! Because, having a few kid-free days might be nice, but nothing tops having two little sets of arms squeezing around your neck at the same time!!!

What I Learned in June

July 1, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 13 Comments

It’s one of my favorite times of the month when we share what we learned with Emily.

1. Simple cliche summer days really are the very best. Perpetually air-dried hair with swimsuits and coverups as our daily outfits of choice. The calming lull of the dryer with our beach towels spinning away landmarks every afternoon. We rapidly move through boxes of popsicles and we always know where our flip-flops are.

Just 5 weeks into summer and I’ve learned it takes very little beyond a neighborhood pool and sunshine to keep us all content. We have settled very nicely into the sunscreen scented rhythm of summer and I am soaking it all up.

2. I read good books at a snail’s pace. You would think if I loved it, I couldn’t put it down. But I get completely wrapped up in the characters and hate the idea of them “moving out” of my brain so I read them slooooowly. Currently from my summer reading list, I am enjoying Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay. If you read Dear Mr. Knightley, this one is similar but still very different. I have only three short chapters left so I’m only reading two pages at a time.

3. I sorely missed my Stitchfix this month. I skipped my May fix for various reasons and I really missed that happy little green and white package. I scheduled one for my birthday later this month and I’ve been pinning things like crazy and watching the calendar. I like surprises; therefore Stitchfix has been a really fun experience. Have you tried it yet?

4. Colorful food inspires me to eat healthier. Our little back deck garden has been slowly producing some really beautiful things. Gold Zucchini (very similar to regular zucchini,) cucumbers, varieties of tomatoes and herbs galore. We normally eat a LOT of soups and chilis but in the summer– not a chance. It’s been so incredibly hot lately and I find myself searching for creative ways to cook without heat. We eat a lot of salads and tacos. I love the ability to create dinner with these beautiful colors.

What did YOU learn this month?

Catch up on what I learned in April and March

**Affiliate links are included in this post. This means that at no extra cost to you– I get a small commission if you purchase anything I recommend through these links.

Summer Reading and Savor by Shauna Niequist

June 28, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 2 Comments

My favorite wall in our house is the one that is covered by books. We are all big readers around here. I always keep quite a to-read pile and then a secondary of to-read-after-I-read-the-others shelf. Some books I finish rapidly, others I put down and pick back up several time over the course of a month or two. (Curious what my summer reading list is?)

I am currently finishing Lizzy and Jane by Katherine Reay and I LOVE that it has carried me a month into summer and now smells like sunscreen and boasts a few water spotted pages.

I am not too strict about going in my planned reading order, and there are a small handful of authors that have earned themselves a sturdy place at the top. If anyone ever hands me one of their books, I add them to the top of the pile right away.

Shauna Niequist is certainly one such author. Her writing style is exquisite yet personable– and I definitely want to write a bit like her when I grow up. (I’m not an adult yet, I still like chips on my sandwiches.)

The only problem I ever have with any of her books is that they end too soon. No matter the length of the book, I gorge on the first half and then pace myself with small microscopic bits until I come to the sad conclusion that I’ve read it all. She has an especially beautiful way of writing. Shauna paints word-pictures so vibrant you feel as though you’ve just taken your first bite of something delicious at her kitchen table. I love that. One of my favorite things to write about is food and people, therefore her books inspire me on a very personal level.

When my friends at the BookLook Blogger program sent me a copy of Shauna’s newest book, Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are I *might* have squealed like a fangirl. The book itself makes a gorgeous presentation with a linen-cover and lettering by Lindsey Letters. In fact, because the format is that of 365 daily readings– it would make an excellent (Psst. Christmas is 180 days away) gift. Each reading begins with a verse of Scripture followed by a short essay. An included list of Shauna’s recipe staples cause you to bring this book from your nightstand to your kitchen — and that’s certainly a good thing.

I, personally, love that Savor is long enough to enjoy in small bites throughout the year. The message of this lovely book, to remember to live abundantly, where you are, as you are.. is absolutely something we can all be reminded of on a daily basis.

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. If you have been here before you know I take that seriously. This is definitely one of those times when I can say, “I wholeheartedly, honestly LOVED it!”

Pick one up for yourself here–Savor: Living Abundantly Where You Are, As You Are

Better than the Dream

June 25, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 28 Comments

He slid that stack of post-it notes across that big brown desk and just asked me– right out asked me for my number. No games, no made up reason why– just that he might need it “sometime.”

I scratched it down with a blue paper mate and tried to slowly slide it back, hoping not to come right out of my skin with the anticipation that he might actually use it and call me.

Nine years ago tomorrow, he used it. My phone rang with a number I did not yet know and it was him. Now that we’ve had the same last name for eight-tenths of a decade, I can definitely say– it was his nervous voice.

Facing each other at a wobbly table, we talked for an hour about music and our parents and the wonderfully wacky man we both worked for. Romaine from my salad fell into a stomach of butterflies and I stabbed at pieces of Feta with a plastic fork while stealing glances of the blue eyes that now look back at me each morning.

And if I could go back to even a few months before that day. If I could have an hour with that girl? I would tell her one thing.

Hold on. Don’t give up.
That guy you think you might never meet? He might be just around the next corner. And imperfect though you both are– you might just find yourself happy to see him every day for the next nine years. And whether snuggling his babies, or snort-laughing at his antics in Target on a Friday night– this life? It’s better than the dream and well worth the wait. Life rarely happens the way you plan. Seldom does it go the way you imagine. But sometimes, sometimes it is better. Not because you get what you want– but because you get the gift of God’s plan for you. And even when it may seem less than perfect. It is perfectly what He wants for you.

Unforgettable… That’s What You Are.

June 23, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 8 Comments

At my first blogging conference, I walked into a hotel lobby peppered with cute boots. They all belonged to people who seem to already know each other well. I was instantly convinced that every last pair of those boots belonged to a better writer. While weighing the idea to hide in my room and HGTV my way out of awkwardness, I met Amanda. A flight risk like myself, she was also eyeing the exits. We all but bumped into each other and immediately recognized a kindred spirit in the other nervous face. We spent the weekend becoming real life friends and taking silly smile booth photos. Having just one person who knew my name and was actually looking for ME in a sea of people– made all the difference.

Unfortunately, this place where we often hang out– this noisy internet– is the one place where we can get completely lost in a matter of moments, and I’m not even referring to the cat videos.

The internet is bigger than big and full of so many other people doing what seems to be the same thing we are, only maybe they are doing it much better. Just when we might feel like we have our people, when we know who we can count on to read our words or want to hear from us– or just remember us, we get counted out… again.

And then we feel so very small, right? Maybe even invisible. As though what we are doing may not matter to anyone at all and maybe we’re just wasting our time and perhaps we should take up another hobby.

But therein lies the problem. If it is not a hobby, we don’t get really get the option to quit. If this thing is a calling? Then we have been called by Someone else. Someone who knows just how small we are. How small we all are.

Far too often we make this all about us. We worry what our gift looks like when we offer it. We have anxiety over someone else’s victory because it looks like they preempted our own calling by a matter of days.

In short, we act as though there is only enough room for a certain amount of creatives in the world, and the person right in front of us in the queue is holding the very last ticket.

Can we all just agree that there is more than enough to go around? Enough room and sparkling goodness for us all to have a place in this world to do something for Him. Our view that the Church is crowded and that there is not enough room? The idea that we are not capable of bringing so great a sacrifice as our sisters? It’s silly and it’s small and it’s just not true.

He is infinite and there is more than enough space for us to each have a place to shine. The world will not tire of more people walking in their calling any faster than we will stop needing His grace to take every step along that walk.

We were created one by one, intricately carved; not en masse. Our living should be with that in mind, individual and pointed upward, like the shiny upturned face of a child. Do you remember being that small? Do you remember making that beautiful crayon creation and holding it out proudly for someone to love? Well. Whatever it is we are holding out for His glory? He loves it.

Can I just lean in and whisper something right into your uncertain eyes? Whatever you’re doing, He sees you. You aren’t nearly as invisible as you think. And if the whole entire world forgets you and I and we end up on the red-stickered table at the local Goodwill? We can remind each other of this very thing–

“For God is not so unjust as to overlook your work and the love that you showed for His sake in serving the saints, as you still do.” Hebrews 6:10

Drowning in the Mess of Yes, part 3.

June 1, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 7 Comments

Today we conclude the series, Drowning in the Mess of Yes. I have been so honored to be sharing these posts over at the WOW Weekly Moment and with all of you. Thanks Jacqueline!

Want to catch up? Week 1. Week 2.

 The One Free Hand Principle.
A few years ago I found myself with an almost three year old and a newborn. I had my hands full. Literally. And I suppose it shouldn’t have come as such a surprise to me when each time, for the past few months, I waddled up to the Target check out line with Lucy in the cart and nearly busting with soon-to-arrive Abby out in front of me—- the associate would raise their eyebrows and say, “Ohh girl. You’re about to have your hands full.”

No, Silly person, I am not— I thought as I smiled and swiped my debit card. I have ONE child in the cart. And yes, I have ONE more child in my gargantuan belly. And yes, that equals two children. But you see, I have TWO hands. One for each of them. Piece of cake.

(Spoiler Alert- I was wrong.) Of course, I soon learned this uncharted territory was not at all about the principle of addition but instead the multiplication that comes from having children, plural. Much of this came from my sweet Lucy never having shared me with anyone before and always having BOTH my hands free to do what she needed. It was quite a juggle with a fussy newborn who always wanted to be held in those early days. And when I couldn’t quite do what she needed, I must have said something like, “OK hon, wait until Mommy has a free hand and then I’ll get you that snack.”

In typical adorable toddler fashion, Lucy started noticing when I did have one free hand and claiming it for herself. We would be walking out the door to the car and I’d have my arms totally slam- full of Abby and Abby-paraphernalia and as I reached to turn the knob or unlock the car door, Lucy would say— “Mommy? Can you carry my baby doll with your one free hand?” Her hands would then be empty of course and mine would be even more full, but being three she didn’t understand or care about anything but that she could fill my otherwise unengaged hand with something she wanted for me to carry for her.

But here’s the thing. We may not blame our toddlers for failing to notice how full our hands are, but adults can be guilty of the very same thing! Sometimes others will notice that you have “one free hand” or this margin that we seek and they will want to help you fill it. Your whitespace may be perfect opportunity for them to pile more on you and thus remove it from their own plate. To some, especially those who don’t see the need for margin, your brave ‘No’ seems foolish to them. It can seem selfish, and no matter how you say No— how graciously, helpfully, kindly—your ‘No’ still disappoints. But that is ok.

Can we all just agree to give each other permission to disappoint one another once in a while? When we truly understand that we are all just striving to seek Christ and bring Glory to God, there is little room to judge one another’s busyness or lack thereof.

“Do not let the awkward disappointment keep you from the ‘best yes’ appointments with God. —Lysa Terkeurst

Do not be afraid to say no, unless God has given you a yes. This fear of what others will think— our fear of man looks a lot like overcommitment sometimes, but it’s often just plain idolatry. We cannot sacrifice those things we KNOW God has given us to do on the altar of what everyone else thinks we SHOULD be doing.

What should I do with my Margin?
So what do you do with that little window of time once you find it?

Put on your own oxygen mask first! What is it that you need more of to be filled? Find what that is and be sure you make it a priority. I knew a wise Southern woman once who would get up early, stay in her room and spend time in the Word before any other human interaction. She said, “If I don’t talk to God first, I sure can’t talk to you!”
Seek to determine what your “thing” is. That thing that feeds your soul creatively, painting, running, writing, baking, crafting, reading, or just sitting in quiet. Whatever that thing is, PAY ATTENTION to it. Don’t squelch it out, protesting a lack of time. Know that God created that thing in you. If it thrills you and opens you up to serve Him and others more, He has created you not to ignore that piece of your self. Do not feel selfish for taking time to embrace those things that God has created you to love. Those unique parts of you are what makes you different from everyone else.

The point of all of this life is that we live to love and glorify God. That we love Him and love others, and not spend our lives exhausted from trying to perform. All that we are able to do for Him and for others, needs to come from His strength filling us first.

When we are filled, we have something to give.
When we are dry and exhausted and empty, we have nothing to give. Whether it’s children, or coworkers who need to know Christ’s love, or that person you just passed who could use a little help— we need to be filled so that we can love from the overflow instead of scraping up just enough to get by.

Know this, friends. We are filled to be emptied again.
God gives us the gracious gift of weekends away, afternoons for ourselves, coffee dates, morning hours with Him, walks alone to refresh— He gives us all of that, knowing that it does not last forever— and that we need to be replenished by Him as we are poured out for others.

I have so enjoyed our time together these last few weeks. I will leave you with a quote from Tsh Oxenreider that I often read as a reminder of why all of this matters so very much.

“A slower-paced life isn’t just a good idea, or hip, or wishful thinking. It’s essential if we want to have time to be the Body of Christ. If we want to put others first, like Jesus? Then we must. slow. down. It’s the only way we as a Body can survive, thrive, be who we are meant to be in this rapid, rapid world.” –Tsh Oxenreider

On Birthday Cake and Why You Should Eat It.

May 26, 2015 by HappyGoStuckey 6 Comments

You should most definitely, absolutely always, eat cake at your child’s birthday party.

No matter what weight loss plan you are on, when serving cake to all those tiny friends of your little, go ahead and serve yourself a little one too.

Because whether you delivered them after hours of rhythmic breathing, your loudest wail mingling with their very first cry–
or you lie in forced paralysis in a paper shower cap while a Doctor skillfully freed them from their tiny living quarters–
Today is your day too.

Maybe you stood in front of a judge and signed the most beautiful piece of paper ever with tears streaming and so much hope as you took them in your arms and turned to go home.

This day is just as much yours as it is theirs.

That is why as you stay up until midnight, hanging that funky pennant banner and blowing up balloons– you will still be smiling to remember their very first day. It wouldn’t be right if you didn’t greet their birthday bleary eyed and stumbling towards the french press– Just like every other beautifully exhausting day of parenting. You’ll be laying out ninja turtle napkins and green lemonade and their first little baby grunts will be echoing in your ears. Little hands grabbing fistfuls of air as they search for your warmth. It’s always been you, from the very beginning.From the first newborn diaper swallowing their wrinkly frame to the first time they giggled and shimmied out of your reach mid-change. They keep growing and we keep cheering them on.
We remember to put the candles on the cake all the while remembering their very first wobbly steps. We could no sooner forget the day they were born than our own names and each year that goes by we take plenty of photos with the camera, but we take still more with our minds.

First taste of sweet potatoes, Click. First roll-over, Click. First night in a big kid bed, Click. First trip to the zoo, Click. First day of school, Click, Sniff. First, first, first–Click. We are the memory-keepers and whether you have found the time to keep all those moments in a Shutterfly book or you keep them all in your big mama heart, you keep them just the same.

And even when they grow a little too big and our memory keeping gets quieter and more personal– to avoid the side-eye and the mortified whisper of “Mom!“– We will keep right on celebrating.
We will forever be, the faithful remember-ers.

We will celebrate every year on this day– yes; but even more so– all the beautiful anything but ordinary days in between.

So grab that slice of Cinderella cake and a pink plastic fork and dig in to that slice of sugary goodness– and make sure they see you celebrating it all. You can eat salad tomorrow. But today– today we eat cake.