Our Before and After School Routine

 I try my best not to give unsolicited parenting advice. I’ve had plenty of it myself, and honestly, there’s not much that bothers me more than a mom who acts like she has it all figured out. After 15.5 years of motherhood, I’ve learned that every single mom has her own approach and nine times out of ten, it just works. Just like no two kids are the same, no two households or parents are the same. At the end of the day, we’re all just trying to do our best.

However, in the world of social media, it’s easy to start second-guessing yourself. It seems everywhere you turn there's someone telling you how to do it and implying that you are doing it wrong. So let me say this as a mom of six: I don’t have all the answers. I’m still even after all these years asking for advice, help, and perspective from moms in all different seasons of life. If you’re not leaning on your friends and family, I truly don’t understand...because no one, not even a mom of six with six very different kids, has it all figured out.

That said, having six kids does mean I get asked for advice a lot. I’m always happy to share my experience, but I’ll also always encourage you to trust your gut. I've found it’s the one parenting tool that will never steer you wrong.

So, when I asked on my social media what you all would like to see on my blog coming up a few of you had kid/school routine questions. Many people are already back in school but up here in Massachusetts we don't start for a couple weeks. For some parents this is the first year they will have kids at multiple schools at multiple start times and then the same thing at the end of the day but add in homework and activities. Well, you asked, I'm going to answer....this is what we do at the Sass house.

I am the schedule and routine queen. I've been this way since Kamryn was a baby, long before I ever thought it was a possibility I would have SIX KIDS. Without my schedule I would die. That's not an exaggeration. When I lay my head on my pillow at night, I know exactly how my day will look the next day.

Now this year I will have 5 kids at 3 different schools. Kamryn at the high school, Logan at the middle school and Kensington, Tenley and Smith at the elementary school. They all take the bus and the buses come at 6:30, 7:40 and 8:40.  So yes, my day starts very early. Last year was my first year to do this and I stressed and worried for weeks leading up to school. I also had an infant who had me up at least once or twice a night at the time. But once I got into my new routine, I loved it and really enjoyed it. This is why I love a routine; it makes it so much less stressful and more enjoyable when you know what to expect. 

Some key things that help our morning run smoothly:

• I make sure each kid gets up at least an hour before their bus comes. That way they have plenty of time to eat breakfast, wash up, get dressed and chill rather than hit the ground running. 
• Kamryn and Logan pick out her own clothes but to keep things moving I usually lay out outfits for Kensington, Tenley and Smith to wear. They still trust my judgement and I enjoy doing it.
• Now I usually don't pack snacks or lunches the night before, but I know many many people who do this. It depends on if you have the time to do it in the morning or not. My kids all like to buy lunch at school (and in Mass its free so saves me some $$), but my 3 younger ones need to bring a snack. I'm up plenty early enough to grab something for them but most days this is something they do themselves. I always hit up Bjs and make sure to have lots of their favorite grab and go snacks that they can choose from.
• Take help if someone offers it!! Or ask if you need it. Logan gets a ride to his bus stop everyday by our neighbor. It's so helpful and much appreciated. 
• Get into the habit of paying attention to the time. I know exactly when my kids need to be brushing their teeth in order for us to hit the bus on time. I know when they need to be awake, when they need to be getting dressed, when the snacks need to be in the bags. It's a science but once you figure this out you won't be rushing out the door. 

Now after school is a whole different thing. 3 days a week Kamryn will have cheer right after school, with football games on Friday night and Logan will have boxing 2 nights a week. Fall and winter are definitely our busiest time of year because when winter hits Kamryn is even more busy with winter cheer. There's a lot of basketball games. 

I'm a little more laid back in the afternoons than I am in the morning. I'm less strict with the schedule because every day is so different. But for the most part the kids come home grab a snack and either relax for a bit or sit right down to do their homework. Kensington, Tenley and Smith don't get home until 3:40 so we don't have too much time before dinner. Somedays I will be rushing to pick Kamryn up at 5 after practice while Mike is rushing to get Logan to boxing at 5:30 and we're passing each other with a high five in the driveway. You just do what you've got to do...

Some key things we do that help afterschool run smoothly:

• Divide and conquer, if you can. I could not do it without Mike. We work as a team with everything we do for the kids. 
• Meal plan! Look at you schedule for the week, if you have a busy night coming up, plan dinner accordingly. My slow cooker is my best friend. 
• Realize you can't make everything and give yourself some grace. Now, would I love to make it to see Kamryn cheer at every single game? Of course I would, but it's not realistic when some of the games are a good deal away and the game doesn't start until 7pm on a Friday and I have a 1-year-old.
• Homework...oh homework. When I figure out this one, I'll let you know. We TRY to do homework right when the kids get home to get it out of the way and most days that is what we do, but that's not always realistic. Somedays Kam is up late working on an assignment and somedays Kensington and Tenley are doing homework in the morning before school. We just make it work.
• Ask for help! There's been plenty of times our kids have gotten rides to and from activities and we've given other kids rides. Don't be afraid to ask for help from another parent.

I don't know if any of that is helpful. It's funny because all of this is second nature to me so none of it feels "advice worthy" but I was asked, and this is what we do. I'm really busy but I like being busy, hence the 6 kids. I had a friend once tell me that I thrive in chaos and I don't know that I could describe it better myself. Let's just call it organized chaos. I know what I'm doing almost every second of every day. I meal plan, I schedule, I coordinate, I know what I can handle and what I can't, I keep my family on task, I say no a lot, I have everything written down on a calendar in our kitchen so everyone knows where everyone will be. It's really about always knowing your next move. This is one area of my life I feel pretty confident in. Ask me how to keep a spotless house and keep up with laundry? You've got the wrong girl. 

I hope that was helpful! 

What do you do to keep things running smoothly before and after school? Let me know in the comments!

Tasha and Rylin visit

 Hi Guys!! We have had ourselves a busy week. I feel like that's how I start all my blogposts these days. But I don't think anyone expects anything different at this point. 

I know most of you know this story, but I'll do a quick refresher for those of you who don't. Back in 2011 I found myself newly married, living 45 minutes to an hour from all my family and friends, at home with a toddler and honestly going through a bit of a hard time (if you know, you know. That's a different story for a different day (insert the eyeroll emoji).) and somehow someway, I'm really not sure how, but I ended up on twitter and connected with a ton of mommy bloggers doing the same thing I was doing. It was so refreshing and as a young mom it made me feel less lonely. Tasha used to have a blog but shut it down when Rylin was probably around 3 or 4. But at some point, Tasha (when she was still blogging) and I started following each other and while I was pregnant with Logan, we exchanged phone numbers, and the rest is history. We may live 1,200 miles away from each other, but she truly is one of my very best friends. 

Tasha and Rylin came to visit us this week, and we had the best time while they were here. Thirteen years of friendship that started online. and somehow every visit feels like no time has passed...just love, laughter, and the kind of connection that's hard to put into words. Rylin may be an only child, but she jumps right into our chaos with ease. These past few days were the reminder I didn't know I needed: that some of our greatest blessings come in small doses, in people we don't get to see every day, but who still show up in every way that matters. Long-distance friendship is rare. It takes intention, effort, and heart. And when it's real, it's one of the most special kinds of love there is. We are already missing them and holding onto every memory that was made. 

Until next time....

Just A Few Fall Fashion Finds

 Hey hey! Happy Monday! I'm so glad you're here!

You all know my love for fall. I'm really enjoying having the kids home this summer. We have been oh so busy and having the best time. They have exactly one month left of summer vacation! I can't believe it. Yes, I'm one of those moms who loves having my kids home with me, but I also really like the routine of the school year. So, it's bittersweet. On one hand I'm not ready for summer to end and the kids to go back to school and on the other I'm really looking forward to the cooler weather. With the cooler weather comes my favorite clothes. In my world there is nothing better than being cozy! NOTHING! 

Let's get into some of my most recent purchases for fall...

I'm having a love affair with green. I just ordered this and it's on its way to my house. You'll be sure to see me wearing it time and time again. It also comes in navy; I was torn on which color I liked more but ultimately went with the green because I don't have anything like this. I think it's safe to say I have enough navy in my closet. I love the sporty striped hem detail on the bottom and the sleeves. I can myself styling this many ways. Leggings, jeans, and sneakers. I know I'll pull for it again and again. You can find it linked HERE.

Clearly when I was shopping, I was in a "sporty" mood. Right when those temps cool down, I know I'm going to pull for this. I can also see me styling this one with leggings and a puffer vest when it really gets cold. My typical "uniform" in the fall and winter. It's perfect for running around with the kids. I throw on leggings and mix and match different sweatshirts and vests and repeat the look over and over all throughout the colder months. This one is a classic and makes you look at little more put together and elevated with the color blocking. You can find it linked HERE.

Oh look! It's me! Ignore my air-dried hair and no make-up face please. lol I figured we're all friends here, so I don't need to get fancy. On to the jeans...I just got these, and they are a LOVE! I've been on the lookout for a good pair of wide leg jeans that didn't make me look like I was wearing tents on my legs. As a curvy girl this is something I run into with wide leg jeans, but these fit the bill. I love how they are more fitted up by the hip, giving me some shape and gradually get wider. I'm 5'3 with longish legs...I got these in the regular length, and they are perfect for me. I can wear these with flats, sneakers and even heels. The sizing is odd though. From what the reviews said most people went up and size or two. I went up one. They are very much affordable! I'm wearing the color "medium wash". You can find them linked HERE.

I got this sweatshirt when we were up in New Hampshire. It's the perfect transition piece to take you from summer to fall. It's light weight, flowy and oh so comfortable. I love the sleeves! I've worn it with shorts a few times when it cools off here at night and on a cooler day I wore it just like I have it styled here. The classic "Kristen" leggings and oversized sweatshirt. You can find it linked HERE

Everything I linked in this post is on sale today, aside from the jeans. But trust me, you can't beat the price of the jeans anyways.

And this is just a small amount of what I found. I have so much more linked up HERE. I took the time to curate a list of all my fall finds for you. Everything from sweatshirts to sweaters to jeans and tops and even some leggings and "trouser leggings", trust me they are adorable! Make sure to click HERE to find it all! 

Well, I'm off to an enjoy a not so fall day with the kids. It's going to be a hot one! On the agenda for today is pool, pool and more pool! 

We'll see you back here soon! xoxo

New Hampshire

 You guys!! The past 2 mornings have felt like fall and your girl is ECSTATIC! Windows open, sweatshirt on, sipping my iced coffee.... I am in HEAVEN! I know this won't last and later today will be almost 80 degrees but for this moment I'm savoring this feeling because it's just a reminder that my favorite time of the year is on its way! That being said, I'm not trying to rush summer though. We've still got a lot of fun things planned and I know these days are passing oh so quickly. Back to school will hit and I'll be a puddle. This year Kamryn will be a sophomore, Logan in 8th grade (last year of middle school), Kensington in 5th grade (last year of elementary school), Tenley in 4th grade and my sweet Smith is starting kindergarten! It's going to be a big year for the Sasses but I'm not quite ready for it to start just yet... However, the cooler mornings are a nice treat!

I've been meaning to get on here and share a few pictures of our little getaway to New Hampshire. We had such a great time! It needs to be said: I know with social media being so prominent in all of our lives it's very easy to feel like we aren't doing enough. Sometimes it feels like everyone is traveling the globe with their families while you just can't keep up. Would you believe me if I told you this was our first REAL family vacation? For the past 15 years we've been growing our family and traveling just never fell anywhere on the list of things we could fit in. Our kids have never been on a plane, it's been more than a decade since Mike and I have been on a plane, we've never done Disney, a beach getaway, nothing. We did go down to the Cape for a weekend when Kensington and Tenley were babies, but we vowed to never go back....it just wasn't a good experience. But I digress, this trip was extra special for us. As silly as it sounds when we woke the kids up to leave Smith went running into the girls' room and yelled "We're going on bay-cation!" and I walked away and teared up. Mike and I work really hard to not spoil our kids. Aside from ipads our kids live a very 90's childhood and that is by design. We want them to know how to be bored, entertain themselves, appreciate things, understand that life isn't constant entertainment and staying home isn't a bad thing. To each their own, and no judgement if you'd rather keep your kids busy 24/7 but for us it's just not something we can do nor do we want to do. Our kids very much deserved this vacation, and I was just so excited we could give it to them! So, this is your friendly reminder. The vacations will come...they might not be nearly as fancy as other peoples...but they will absolutely be as special!

Okay, on to our trip...

We found a super cute house only 3 minutes from Story Land that was plenty big enough for all of us! The 5 older kids shared a bunk room, Archie had his own room and Mike, and I were in the master. We were close to so many restaurants and a couple grocery stores. It was truly the perfect location for us. On the agenda was Story Land, Santa's Village and checking out Uncle Zacky's newest Ryans location at Settlers Green. It was a busy long weekend, but we had so much fun!

First stop was Story Land. It had Mike and I feeling all sorts of nostalgia. It truly has not changed a bit! I think we rode every single ride they have. We had a blast! But it was SO crowded. We made the best of it and still managed to have a great day, but really there were so many people. LOL!

Settlers Green is a must when you visit the North Conway area, and we had to stop by the new Ryan's while we were there. Of course, Kamryn and I had to take our picture in front of our picture on the window. I think it was 2 years ago, my brother called me and asked if we would come and take some pictures for his advertisements. After some convincing, I agreed. Little did I know Kamryn and I would be on the window for all to see of this location! He's lucky I love him so much!! If you're in the area, make sure you stop by. Grab some lunch and have a drink while the kids play. They have an airpark that my kids LOVED and a big arcade. We stayed for hours, even though we've been to the other Ryan's locations dozens of times.

We all agreed Santa's Village was our favorite day! We went on a beautiful Sunday and never sat in a line for more than 5 minutes. I read that Santa's Village caps how many tickets they sell daily so it's not overcrowded and I'm telling you this is awesome! It makes the day so much more enjoyable. The people who work there are so incredibly nice, they have elves walking around interacting with guests, rides all ages can enjoy, you get to feed Santa's reindeer, and we even got to see Santa. It was just a really special day and one we will never forget. It's definitely in the middle of nowhere but 100% worth the drive. Not to mention the views on your way out there are GORGEOUS!

Well, that wraps up our weekend away. I have soooo many pictures but didn't want to overload this post. The kids really had the greatest time and so did Mike and me. 10/10 recommend taking this nostalgic trip with your kids! It's simple but there are so many memories to be made. We can't wait to go back and maybe even tackle another location next time!!

Happy Wednesday! I'll see you back here soon! xoxo

Archie's Rookie Year! Happy Birthday!

 Archie's birthday came so fast, I cannot believe he's one! I had picked out his birthday party theme shortly after he was born but do you think I planned very much in advance? Of course not. Aside from inviting everyone with plenty of time to spare I put this all together this week when we got home from vacation (a new post about that coming soon). Thank goodness for Amazon!! I saw this Rookie of the Year theme back when Archie was teeny tiny and thought it was PERFECT for a boy's summer birthday! I had my pintetest board ready to go for months and months but still procrastinated leading up to the party. This summer has been so so busy! But lucky for me Coley, my sister-in-law, offered to help and truly I wouldn't have been able to pull it off without her. Coley, Zack and the kids came over nice and early the morning of the party to help me decorate and make the balloon arch! I had a vision in my mind and Coley knocked it out of the park (pun intended). Kamryn was a gigantic help too!

I mean seriously, how cute?!? 

I'm not always a huge fan of goodie bags and sending kids home with a bunch of sugary junk (I like to think parents appreciate this) so I found some baseball temporary tattoos and thought those would be perfect. The kids ended up using them at the party and it was too funny how they all left with sleeves of baseball tattoos. 

I ended up doing a mixture of large and mini cupcakes and added those cute baseball cupcake toppers that I found on amazon to stick in the plain white frosting cupcakes. Simple and cute! They were delicious!

Our traditional birthday banner on the kitchen window. I've had a banner there for every single birthday we've ever had in this house. Gosh, it's been A LOT of birthdays!!

Once things got moving, I really slacked on taking pictures, but this was the first party we hosted in our newly renovated back yard, and it really was a perfect setup. Plenty of enough room for the adults and kids to spread out. I finally finished up weeding and mulching the beds on Friday and Mike finished up some last-minute yardwork Saturday morning before everyone came. The yard looked great!

Our big 1 year old!

"Give me that cupcake!! I've been waiting for this!!"

"Ahhhh.....thank you." 

Just sitting back with his milk and his cupcake observing his party.

Thank you to everyone who came and celebrated with us! It was a small party but so much fun! I always get a little emotional when I think about how many people love our kids. Life is busy and hectic and the fact people take time out of their busy lives to celebrate our kids just really touches my heart. Archie is so so loved, and we truly cannot thank you all enough. 

Happy 1st Birthday Archer Edward, we love you sweet boy!!

Happy First Birthday, Archie!

 

From the day he was born to 1 year old!

I don't think I can say it any better than I did on the reel I made today so here's that:

Happy 1st Birthday, Archer Edward!

365 days have flown by in what feels like record time. Honestly, how did this year pass so quickly? It was a simple year in many ways, but it just might have been the best of my life…the year our family finally felt whole.

Archie, your first year has been a beautiful whirlwind. From those first sweet coos and smiles to rolling over, crawling, pulling yourself up, and now cruising around. Every milestone came and went in the blink of an eye. Maybe even too quickly.

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it forever: you might be the most loved baby on the planet. Your dad and I often look at you with full hearts and teary eyes, just overwhelmed with gratitude that God made you ours. Your siblings absolutely adore you, and you are never short on love or attention in this house.

Your nickname, “Baby Goodness,” fits you perfectly because that’s exactly what you are. Pure, radiant goodness wrapped up in one little boy with the biggest brightest blue eyes and wild curly hair.

We love you more than words can say.

Happy, happy birthday, sweet boy. 💙

The Names We Almost Used...

 I already did a post about my silly rules for when naming a baby. But I don't know that I've ever talked about the names we almost used for all of them. Or even the names at the top of the list that we would've used if we didn't know other kids with those names, if I threw the rules out the window, or if I (sorry Mike) simply got my way. I'm even going to throw in the names each kid would've been if they were the opposite sex. So, since we are done having babies why not share them here....

Kamryn Alexis

From the moment we found out she was a girl up until right before my baby shower we planned to call her Campbell. Campbell Alexis. I still absolutely love this name for a girl. Campbell is a family name on my mother in laws side, and we loved the ties it had to family history but there was something in me that second guessed using it. Was I psychic and did I know my sister would have babies with a guy with the last name Campbell and therefore I'd someday have two nieces whose last name was Campbell? Maybe. Either way, I look at Kam now and I'm like oh yes, she absolutely could be Campbell. Using Campbell also would've set her apart from the bazillion boys her age with the same name as her (although different spelling). 

If she was a boy, the name was going to be Brody. 

Logan Michael

Logan would've been Landon, but we knew a few people with sons with this name. Middle name Michael would've stayed. I just love the name Landon, and it was even on our list for Archie because I gave up all my rules as you know. And when you get to your 6th kid and 3rd boy there absolutely will not be a name you love and no one you know used. LOL! We also really liked the name Brekon for him as well. So, let's just say Logan would've been Landon Michael.

If he was a girl, the name was going to be Mackenna.

Kensington Bree

Well, you all know this story. If not you can read about it HERE. We almost named her Elliot. Elliot Bree. Gosh, I really really regret this choice because I still love this name so much. But oddly enough I love the name Kensington just as much so saying I regret it doesn't really make much sense. It's too bad I didn't have a fourth girl, she would've been Elliot (Eliot or Ellyot - spelling was always up in the air). 

If she was a boy, the name was going to be Levi.

Tenley James

We almost named Tenley a few names but the one that stuck out the most was Finley. We even went to the hospital with a onesie that said, "Hello World, I'm Finley!" But when she was born it didn't feel right. Looking at her today she absolutely could be a Finley. It's funny how that happens isn't it?! Finley James. Middle name was always James, for either a girl or a boy. In all honesty in the recovery room after we had Tenley, we discussed calling her Elliot, but it felt too close being only 16 months after Kensington was born and we changed her name from Elliot to Kensington.

If she was a boy, the name was going to be Harrison. (But in all honesty, I was not feeling the nickname Harry, so I was never 100% sold)

Smith Joseph

Now for Smith he was always Smith. The only other name I considered for him was Talan. Talan Joseph. But honestly, we only considered it for about 30 seconds because I just knew he was Smith. Mike fought me on his name my entire pregnancy and finally gave in when he was born. 

If he was a girl, the name was going to be Collins.

Archer Edward

For a month or so we called Archie "Weston" and then I vetoed that. So going into the hospital I had 2 hats and 2 signs one with the name Archie and one with the name Grant. Weston was a fave and we loved that his initials would be WES and we would've most likely called him that or West but Mike has a friend with a son named Weston who he works very close with, and it just felt too close for comfort as Mike and his friend don't just work together but we also live in the same town. I ended up saying no and then we landed on Grant or Archer. So, he truly was almost Grant Edward but when he was born, I just knew he was Archie. 

If he was a girl, the name was going to also be Elliot. Being 10 years after the name change it felt like enough time had passed, but alas we had a boy for our last baby.

So, for fun let's do this out: 

The Sass kids could've been Campbell, Landon, Elliot, Finley, Talan and Grant.

And if we had kids of the opposite sex, they could've been Brody, Mackenna, Levi, Harrison, Collins & Elliot.

It's funny to think of how just a 50% chance could change who is in your family and/or what your kids names are. What were some names you almost used or were the names you had chosen had your babies been the opposite sex? Let me know in the comments!