Life Lately

Here's a little "Life Lately" for your Sunday..

We had my mom, Zack, Nicole, Parker and Hudson, and Lexi, Nick and Rowen over for our annual St Patrick's Day boiled dinner. My mom has lived in North Carolina now for about 18 months (I think?) and somehow it turns out she's been up visiting the week of St Patty's for 2 years in a row. I don't do corned beef and cabbage, but mom does, so it's perfect. I think I've made it once and it wasn't really my thing. Her name is Erin, after all. Here are my kids before everyone got here. We had a great day; the cousins all had a blast together and it was really good to see my mom. We haven't seen her since last summer.

I really need to frame the above picture. Even Duke is smiling. This doesn't EVER happen.

Our baby gang. Nicole, Parker and Hudson. Me and Archie. And Lexi and Rowen. Lexi is pregnant with Everly here, Rowen is hiding her little baby bump, this was only 2 weeks before she had her. It's going to be a lot of fun watching these kids grow up together, although there may be some trouble ahead as well. LOL! We will see!

We've been watching Archie's hair wondering if it would be straight like his siblings or have a little curl. Lately its looking like it's going to be curly. I snapped this the other day when I was getting him out of the car, and I cannot get over the curls and color. He's got the brightest blue eyes as well! 

We celebrated Tenley's 9th birthday here at home with just us. It's been a bit since we've done a big party for the kids. We always ask what they want to do and truthfully either way, they are just happy to be celebrated. So, we asked Tenley what she would like to do for her birthday, and she suggested Chinese food and ice cream cake at home. She did want specific decorations though. Usually, I just pull out the same "happy birthday" banner we hold on to but when Tenley saw the "On Cloud 9" party theme while we were scrolling pinterest she knew it's what she wanted for her 9th birthday! Isn't that the cutest theme for a 9th birthday?

Then Miss Everly Kristen arrived. You guys, having her be named after me is just the greatest honor. I know most of you know my sister and I have a very unique relationship. Lexi is 13 years younger than me, and truthfully, I've been mothering her since the day she was born. Not only that but she lived with us for all of high school. Sometimes I feel like Lexi's sister, sometimes I feel like her mom, it's a whole thing. Kamryn and Logan both say sometimes it feels like Auntie is more of their sister than Aunt. I just LOVE being an auntie or "Tee Tee" as Rowen calls me! It's just the best! Well.....now we have a Kamryn Alexis, and an Everly Kristen. I don't know of anything more special or sweeter. We love you, Evey! Welcome to our family!

Well, that's life lately.... I'll see you back here hopefully sometime this week! 

xoxo,

Kristen

Happy Birthday Tenley!

To our sweet, sassy, wild child, Tenley James....Happy 9th Birthday!

 We love you, sweet girl!

Keep being you!!

Easter Basket Stuffers

I'm currently icing a hurt knee. Last night I was holding Archie not paying attention and tripped over our dog, Duke. I overcompensated so Archie didn't get hurt and fell down hard on my knee. I knew immediately I hurt it. Although I think I'm okay, it's still really swollen this morning so I'm doing my best to take it easy today. What a perfect day to share some Easter basket stuffers with you....

Okay, I know you all know how to stuff an Easter basket for your kids. I know you all know your kids better than I do. And I know when people act like experts on simple tasks it can get very annoying However, I also know Easter baskets can get repetitive year after year, and I am always looking for ways to change it up. So! Why not? Maybe you'll find something here your kids will like. Over the years our financial status has changed. I remember one year we were super broke, and I hit up the dollar store because that's all we could afford. Honestly, it broke my heart more than the kids. They were just as excited. So, don't stress, the fun of the Easter Bunny is there regardless of what's in the basket. 

Over the years I've developed a bit of a system for these baskets. For the Sass kids there are always some staples. Sandals and a new bathing suit. Every single year. I try my best to keep things practical and less junk. But no junk is no fun, so we throw some fun stuff in there too. I always kind of take a minute to think of what my kids might need. Does Kamryn need new mascara? Does Logan need some new t shirts? Do Kensington and Tenley need headbands? Etc Etc. You get the gist. I always try to add in some Easter/bunny themed items. For the most part I avoid candy. We aren't really big on giving the kids sugar in my house. Here and there they have the occasional cookie or a desert treat after dinner but there's hidden sugar in so many snacks that I try to limit it. Yes, even in their Easter baskets. They do however have Easter eggs filled with jellybeans. That's a given. But you do you, you want to give your kids a basket filled with candy to the brim? More power to you! No judgement here. 

I curated a list of things I know my kids would love to see Easter morning. I did a mix of things for all ages. It's worth noting, some are pictured in this graphic, some are not. I linked up over 40 items. So, make sure you click on the link. There's a huge collection of things. I kind of went a little crazy but I really wanted something for everyone. 

CLICK HERE for my Easter Basket Stuffer Ideas

I hope this helps. There are items at all different price points and like I said for all different ages. 

Well, I'm off to elevate my knee, wish me luck it feels better because if I go down, the whole ship goes down. 

Happy Easter basket shopping!!

Pet Peeves

 So, here's the deal. I'm a fairly positive person. I think most of you who know me will agree. Actually, I didn't even put it on the list but one of my biggest pet peeves is people complaining all the time. So, I try really hard not to. However, I am human, and some things just annoy the heck out of me!

Today we're going to talk about my pet peeves. At the end of this post, I'm going to list off some of yours that you told me about on Instagram. These are in no particular order; some peeve me more than others but let's get into it.

1. When people sit right next to/in front of me at the movies. Obviously, if it's a packed movie theatre I get it. But when it's empty, why?! Just why?! Am I really that good at picking out a seat?

2. When someone asks me to do something they could very easily do themselves. I get nutty when someone is like "Kristen can you (fill in the blank)?" and they are right there capable of doing whatever task they just asked me to do. I'm all for jumping in and lending a helping hand and I also love taking care of people, hence the 6 kids, but it's the little things, I know you know what I'm talking about.

3. When my family uses my kitchen counters as a catch all. Oh, this drives me bonkers! I swear I spend more time cleaning off my kitchen counters, especially my island, than anything else. Right now, for example I see stuffed animals, Kamryn's make up bag, Archie's toy, a charger cord, Bananagrams, the small karaoke machine, yesterday's coloring pages and markers, Mike's mail he opened last night. Guys!! Put your crap away!!

4. Chewing/Slurping loudly. This goes right through me. You're not a cow and you're not dehydrated. Relax!

5. Being on the phone in public. A quick call, sure. But having a full-blown conversation just shooting the shit in the middle of Target. No. I lose my mind.

6. Same idea but speaker phone. Which is funny because I use speaker phone at home, but I cannot stand when people use it in public. This and answering a Facetime call in public or even in a room full of people. Why?!

7. Know it alls. Oh, for the love of God this drives me up a wall. This, people who constantly have to put in their two cents and a one upper. I don't understand it. I try to avoid these types of people at all costs.

8. People who are rude. It is just so unnecessary. I once sat in a restaurant and watched a man make a waitress cry. It was very obvious she was doing her best, was very busy and was alone. Let's just say you didn't have the best experience at a restaurant (which has happened to us all), so what? Don't go back. It takes just as much effort to be nice and show some grace. Why be rude?! I just don't understand it.

9. When someone doesn't use their blinker.

10. When people use their astrological signs as an excuse for bad behavior. This has to be the dumbest thing I've ever heard of. 

11. Unsolicited advice. I've gotten my fair share of this over the years, especially when it comes to parenting. I saw a quote the other day that said something along the lines of never ever was there a mom who needed unsolicited advice, but there were plenty who needed to be told they were doing a good job.

12. When people don't support friends. This one is a personal one and maybe more than a pet peeve because this one hurts and I'm really struggling with it lately. I like to think I'm a really good cheerleader. I love to see my loved ones succeed and chase their dreams. I just don't always get that same love in return. So, I find myself being peeved lately with this one because it takes 2.5 seconds to simply hit "like".

13. When the cashier asks me for my email to make a purchase. I get so much junk email; I don't need more. But I always feel bad and like I'll seem rude if I don't give it to them. Just let me buy the shirt and leave, please.

14. The fact socks just disappear in my home. Last but certainly not least, I am searching for socks every single day. Where do they go?!?

Now here are some of yours:

- When people chew with their mouth open YES!

- Going to the washing machine only to find it filled with wet clothes THE WORST!

-people cutting into a funeral procession SO RUDE AND DISRESPECTFUL!

-teenagers (LOL! This one is funny because Mike sent me this one as I was bickering with Kam)

-when people are late I FEEL THIS IN MY BONES.

-when people interrupt you when you're talking YUP!

-leaving the cabinet doors open LIKE WHY?!

Ahhhh....don't we all just feel better? Could I keep going? Yes. But I will spare you all.

Now tell me in the comments, did we miss any? ...What are your pet peeves?

Cheer

Last night Kamryn had her cheer showcase to celebrate the end of the cheer season. I won't lie, back in August I kind of forced her to try out for the high school team. It was something she mentioned to me a few times and we knew she would absolutely love it. She did cheer when she was in elementary school and one year for the middle school team but she's usually incredibly shy. So, she definitely needed that nudge. Sometimes as parents we have to do that and while it's really hard to put your kids in uncomfortable situations 9 times out of 10 it ends up being worth it. I will never forget dropping her off at that first tryout back in August and how brave she was. I teared up as my girl walked into that school not knowing anyone who was trying out and then just a few days later I was tearing up again when she came out of those doors and told me she made the varsity team! Fast forward and here we are 7 months later, and she's done amazing, made so many friends and cannot wait for things to pick up again this August!

Our future Panther is extremely proud of his big sister, although you'd never know. HA! 

Our first year being a part of the high school community has been a great experience for not just Kamryn, but our entire family. We always say our town is the biggest small town you've ever been in and truly that's never felt more true than during a Friday night football game. The stadium is always packed, and the crowd is loud and enthusiastic. It's a lot of fun!

Kamryn definitely enjoyed cheering for football more than basketball. However, the time she got with the girls and that extra time practicing her skills has really shown in her confidence and abilities as a cheerleader. She's come so far in such a short amount of time. It's so cool as a parent to see your kid find their "thing". She practiced constantly and worked so hard. She stepped into a team of really talented girls who have been cheering their whole lives (Seriously some of these girls have been tumbling since they were toddlers). That takes guts and I don't even know if she understands quite yet how huge that is. Cheer is so different than when I was a cheerleader. Last night Mike looked at me and said, "Does this bring you back?" I said, "I was never THIS good!" The stunts these girls do are out of this world. It really is impressive. 

We will all be anxiously awaiting that first game in September but until then Kamryn is looking forward to some down time.... and she earned it. Cheer is a huge commitment and one she took in stride. We've got a fun few years ahead of us. I'm curious to see if her little sisters will follow in their big sisters' footsteps. 

Go South and Go Kam! We'll see you in the Fall! 

Easter Outfit Idea's for Girls (From Baby to Teen)

This Easter marks my 16th (WHAT?!) Easter that I'm dressing kids for. I don't consider myself an expert on much, I'm pretty mundane at most things but I will say I can put together coordinating/cute holiday outfits, and I really enjoy it too. I've never been a fan of everyone wearing "matching" clothes per say, but coordinating, absolutely! So, let's keep the momentum going...

We dressed your boys for Easter. In case you missed it, you can find that post HERE. Today we are going to dress your girls. All the way from baby girls to toddlers, big girls and even up to teens. 

Let's get right into it. Below each graphic you will see a link. That link is going to bring you to a page that will have everything you find in that picture. Majority of the stuff I'm sharing here is on sale, so strike while that iron is hot!

Now I don't have a baby girl anymore, but if I did, I would dress her in something like what I have linked below. I LOVE dressing baby and toddler girls, so this was really fun for me.

For baby girls just like the baby boys we are going for comfort. Cotton dresses or bubbles are best as you'll be changing diapers and holding them all day long. Trust me, I've done the big tule dresses and its uncomfortable for them and uncomfortable for you. 

CLICK HERE for my Baby Girl Collection

You're going to find your toddler girl is all over the place. You want her to be comfortable as well. I don't know about your family, but my family usually wants to spend some time outside on Easter, so we're praying for sunshine! 

CLICK HERE for my Toddler Girl Collection

Next, we have stuff for your big girls. Kensington and Tenley helped me with this little compilation and these are all dresses, and one jumpsuit, they would wear. Usually, we would throw a cardigan over any of these as it's sure to be a little chilly, THIS is a classic that never misses or sometimes a jean jacket. You can find our favorite style HERE. The good thing about investing in a jean jacket for your little girl, and toddler girl, is they will use that thing again and again and again. My girls wear theirs all Spring, into the Summer and then again, all Fall. A jean jacket is a staple I think every girl, and woman actually, should have in their closet.

CLICK HERE for my Girls Easter Collection

Kamryn hand selected every item in the teen collection. Okay, that's a lie, I had to find the white jeans. She told me she won't be wearing those but not every teenager wants to wear a skirt, so we needed another option. Plus, Kam has worn white jeans in the past on Easter so...yes, they needed to be part of our collection. Just like with the little girls Kamryn will probably throw on a cardigan or jean jacket if it's chilly outside. THIS is a great option that she will use again and again.

CLICK HERE for my Teen Girls Easter Collection 

Now for shoes I usually try to get my girls sandals or some sort of flats they will wear again. Target has some great options for all ages. That's usually my go to. They're always on trend and always affordable.

Now just like the boys year after year what I've picked out for my girls we tend to use again. Whether it's a graduation party, a cookout, whatever they need to be a little dressier for we grab those Easter dresses and get our money's worth.

I hope this was helpful. I asked yesterday on Instagram if you'd like to see all ages or just my girls ages for ideas and majority said all ages, so I did just that!

If for some reason a link doesn't work or you can't find what you're looking for please send me a DM. This is a work in progress and I'm still very much learning as I go. Thanks guys!

My next Easter post will be about Easter Basket Stuffers. I'll have things in all price points for all ages to, hopefully, give you a little inspiration. I may even do a post giving you moms some ideas for your Easter outfits as well! 

I hope you have a great day! xoxo

Chicken Stuffing Casserole

I posted a picture of this casserole on my Instagram story last night and the messages came flooding in at how good it looked and asking for the recipe. You guys, anything I make is ridiculously simple! I'm not trying to be a gourmet chef here. Are there things I make that are a little more complicated? Sure. But with 6 kids and us always being on the go, most nights I don't have the time for a million ingredients and precise measurements. So, allow me to introduce you to the easiest casserole you'll ever make. But it's damn good!

Ingredients:

• Rotisserie Chicken
• 1 bag Frozen mixed veggies 
• 2 10.5 oz cans of cream of chicken soup
• 2 boxes stove top stuffing, chicken flavor
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 1 stick of butter
• Salt & Pepper to taste

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 375 degrees
• Bring the chicken broth & butter to a boil in a medium sized saucepan
• Remove from heat, add stuffing to the chicken broth, mix well, cover and set a side
• Cut up rotisserie chicken (you can shred it; we prefer bite sized pieces)
• Heat up your frozen veggies
• In a large bowl mix together your chicken, veggies and cream of chicken soup. Add salt and pepper.
• Grease a 9x15 pyrex dish then spread half your stuffing on the bottom
• Pour your entire cream of chicken mixture on top
• Finish it off with the rest of your stuffing spread evenly on top
• Bake uncovered at 375 for 45 minutes

THAT'S IT! Simple right? Eating together as a family every night is super important to us. I try to cook at least 5 nights a week (Sunday-Thursday). Mike and I cherish that time at the end of a busy day with all 8 of us around the table together. However, some nights our schedules just won't work. That's when meals like this come in handy. It's easy to reheat and still just as good.

Enjoy!

Easter Outfit Idea's for Boys (From Baby to Tween)

 Hey! Happy Monday! I hope you all had a wonderful weekend. Mike worked all weekend, ugh, so the kids and I hung out at home and caught up on some cleaning. We aren't quite in Spring cleaning mode but it's coming. 

Speaking of Spring....When I did my little question box on Instagram last week, asking what you all would like to see in the coming warmer months, one of the answers was Easter Outfits for the family. I thought today I would do boys Easter outfits and next girls and then I'll do one with things I like for myself, and maybe some ideas for Mike? We'll see.

For Easter we usually do a brunch at our house and keep it very low key, but I do like to dress the kids up. It's not very often we dress up so why not? Some years I've completely matched and coordinated our outfits and others I do some mixing and matching. As they get older the matching outfits are becoming less and less but that's okay. They still always look put together, even if they don't match. My kids love a fancy day.

Okay, let's dress your sons!

We'll start with outfits I like for Archie. It'll be his first Easter and he's going to be 9 months. My goal always with my all my boys when they were babies is handsome, but comfortable. Is there anything cuter than dressing your baby like a little man?! But babies aren't happy if they are uncomfortable. So, comfort is key. Here are a few of my favorites: This year I'm feeling blue for Archie.

CLICK HERE for my Easter Baby Boy Collection

Now toddler boys! For Smith I'll do something similar to what I put Archie in. They are 4 1/2 years apart so I could match them exactly, but I'd rather just do similar instead. Let Smith stick out as a "big" boy. It's not always warm enough for shorts here on Easter but I do tend to go for shorts. I don't know why but there's something about a toddler boy in shorts and a button down on Easter that I just love! But I linked a couple pairs of pants too. In years past I've been known to throw a bow tie on a toddler. The Childrens Place has always been my go-to for ties for my boys. As you can see what I've picked for Smith is a little more grown up than what I picked for Archie but still very much coordinated.

CLICK HERE for my Toddler Boy Easter Collection

Now for Logan. 12-year-old boys (or tween boys) are a little more difficult or I guess I could say simpler. Getting him out of a hoodie is a small miracle in itself. Logan will be most comfortable in a collared shirt and shorts. But if it's chilly he can throw on khakis or jeans, both of which he has on hand. Basically, we're going to dress Logan like he's going to the golf course.

CLICK HERE for my Tween Boy Easter Collection

I hope this helps. When you see our annual Easter family picture, you'll be sure to see my boys in one of these outfits. My goal is always Spring colors comfortable, classy and put together. For shoes I almost always put them in a slip-on sneaker or a boat shoe. I buy them a new pair every year to get through Spring and Summer and those will cover us for not only Easter but any cookouts, graduation parties, etc. when the boys need to be a little more put together.

Next up....we're dressing your daughters!

A big thank you to my Kamryn!! She was a huge help in making these graphics for me. She's officially joined The Sass Sircus team!

That's it for today! Thanks for stopping by. I'll see you all next time! xoxo

Lemon Pepper Baked Chicken

 

One of our favorite meals during the summer is chicken in lemon pepper marinade on the grill. We were missing it, as it's not quite grilling season just yet and I thought, maybe there's a way to make this in the oven? Honestly, could I have baked it in the marinade in a Pyrex dish? Of course, but I wanted to try something a little different. I did some "pinteresting" and found a few different options and then tweaked them to make them my own. It turned out spectacular and my family is already asking for it again!

Ingredients:

• Chicken Breast (I did 5)
• 1/2 cup of butter cut up in pieces
• Lemon juice (I used half a lemon)
• 1/2 a Lemon sliced
• 1 teaspoon lemon pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees
• Place Chicken in a 9x13 Pyrex dish, squirt lemon juice 
• and sprinkle seasonings evenly over the chicken.
• Place the butter on top of each piece of chicken and the remaining around the chicken
• Do the same with the lemon slices
• Bake uncovered for 30-45 minutes (until chicken reaches 165 degrees)

This is what it looked like before I put it in the oven. Of course, I forgot to take a picture when it came out. No one is surprised about this. We served it with rice and veggies.

This turned out fabulous and the whole Sass family ate every last piece. 

This one will definitely be in our normal rotation.