Sweet & Sassy Homemade Pies and MORE

🌿 BACK-TO-SCHOOL SURVIVAL SERIES

❤️ Lessons from My Mama

💬 MAMA'S REMINDER
“Sometimes They Just Need You to Listen”

Getting our children ready for school is important.

We make sure they have their clothes.

Their backpacks.

Their lunches.

Their homework.

Their bedtime routines.

But there's something else we need to make sure we give them every day:

❤️ Knowing that they can come home and talk to us.

School can bring so many different emotions.

Some children are excited.

Some may be nervous.

Some may be struggling to make friends.

Some may be dealing with things they don't know how to explain.

And sometimes, they may not say anything at all.

That's why I believe it's important to make time to check in with our children.

Not just:

“How was school?”

Because sometimes the answer will always be:

“Fine.” 😂

Instead, try asking:

❤️ What was the best part of your day?

❤️ Was anything difficult today?

❤️ Did anything make you laugh?

❤️ Did anything make you sad?

❤️ Is there anything you're worried about?

❤️ Is there anything you want me to help you with?

And sometimes...

Don't ask anything.

Just sit with them.

Have a snack together.

Take a walk.

Ride in the car.

Watch a movie.

Eat dinner together.

Let them know that home is a safe place to talk.

🌿 SOMETHING MAMA TAUGHT ME

Mama always wanted to know what was going on with us.

She wanted to know how our day went.

And if something wasn't right, Mama wanted to know about that, too.

I remember one summer when I was participating in a program while I was in school.

One day, I was assigned to clean a bathroom, and there was some really nasty, gross stuff that someone had left behind.

Now, let me make something clear—I wasn't too good to work. Mama taught us to work.

But Mama also knew the difference between teaching your child responsibility and putting them in a situation that wasn't right for them.

She called the woman over the program and basically told her:

“My daughter isn't supposed to be doing this. We need to find something different for her.”

😂❤️

That's Mama.

She wanted to know what was going on with her children because she wanted to make sure we were okay.

She wasn't afraid to speak up for us.

And looking back, I realize that was another form of love.

Mama taught me that being a parent means paying attention.

Sometimes your child will tell you something is wrong.

Sometimes you have to notice it yourself.

And sometimes loving your child means having the courage to speak up for them.

❤️ MAMA'S LESSON

Being there for your children isn't always about having the right words.

Sometimes it's simply being present.

Put the phone down.

Look them in the eyes.

Listen to their little stories.

Listen to their big worries.

Because one day, those little conversations may become the memories they carry with them for the rest of their lives.

🌿 AND DON'T FORGET...

If your child is struggling more than you know how to handle, it's okay to ask for help.

Talk with their teacher, school counselor, pediatrician, pastor, or another trusted professional.

Asking for help doesn't mean you've failed as a parent.

It means you love your child enough to get them the support they need.

🙏🏽 A LITTLE PRAYER FOR OUR CHILDREN

Lord, watch over our children as they go to school each day.

Protect their minds, their hearts, and their spirits.

Give them good friends and caring teachers.

Help them make wise choices and give them courage when they face difficult situations.

And help us as parents to listen when they talk and notice when something isn't quite right.

Give us wisdom to know when to speak, when to listen, and when to seek help.

Cover every child who is carrying something they haven't told anyone about yet.

Let them know they are loved.

In Jesus' name,

Amen. ❤️

🌿 MAMA'S REMINDER

“Sometimes they don't need you to fix it.

They just need to know you're there.”

❤️ I'd love to hear from you...

What is one question you like to ask your children or grandchildren that gets them talking?

Let's share our ideas and help one another. 🌿❤️

And remember...

We're not just sharing advice around here.

We're collecting Mama's memories. ❤️

🌿 BACK-TO-SCHOOL SURVIVAL SERIES

❤️ Lessons from My Mama

🥔 MAMA'S KITCHEN
“Don't Waste It—Give It a Second Life”

One of the things my mama was really good at was making something out of what we already had.

She didn't waste food.

She knew how to stretch a meal, and sometimes yesterday's dinner became today's breakfast.

I remember one Sunday when we had pork roast, mashed potatoes and a vegetable of course.

Mama would make extra mashed potatoes because she knew they could become something delicious the next morning.

🥔 POTATO CAKES!

She would take those leftover mashed potatoes and turn them into golden, crispy potato cakes.

And let me tell you...

They were GOOD! 😂❤️

Now, Mama didn't measure.

She cooked by feel.

A little of this.
A little of that.
Taste it and know when it's right.

So here's Mama's Potato Cake recipe the way I remember her making it.

🥔 MAMA'S POTATO CAKES

Ingredients:

• Leftover mashed potatoes
• 1 egg
• A little flour, just enough to help hold everything together
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Garlic powder, to taste
• Onion powder, to taste
• A little grease or oil for frying

Directions:

Add the egg to your leftover mashed potatoes.

Add a little flour—just enough to help the mixture hold together.

Season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder to your taste.

Mix everything together.

Form the mixture into patties.

Heat a little grease or oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Place the potato patties in the skillet and fry until they are beautifully browned on both sides.

Serve warm and enjoy!

❤️ MAMA'S KITCHEN TIP

Before you throw those leftovers away, stop and ask:

“What could I turn this into?”

Leftover chicken can become chicken salad, chicken and noodles, soup, or chicken Alfredo.

Leftover vegetables can go into soup, an omelet, rice, or pasta.

Leftover rice can become a rice bowl or fried rice.

And leftover mashed potatoes?

Mama already had an answer for that! 😂

🌿 THE BACK-TO-SCHOOL CONNECTION

School mornings can be busy.

Before you spend money buying something new for breakfast, take a look at what you already have.

A little planning and creativity can save money, reduce waste, and make busy mornings a little easier.

Mama knew how to do that long before we called it meal planning.

She was simply making the most of what she had.

And she taught me how to do the same.

❤️ MAMA'S LESSON

“You don't have to have a lot to make a lot.”

Mama lived that lesson.

Looking back, I realize how many things she taught me without ever sitting me down for a formal lesson.

She just lived it.

And I watched.

🙏🏽 A LITTLE PRAYER

Lord, thank You for teaching us to be thankful for what we have.

Help us to be good stewards of the food, resources, and blessings You've placed in our hands.

Give us creativity when things are tight and wisdom to make the most of what we have.

And help us remember that even something simple, prepared with love, can become a blessing.

In Jesus' name,

Amen. ❤️

🌿 I'D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU...

Did your mama have a favorite way to turn leftovers into another meal?

Tell me about it! ❤️

Because around here, we're not just sharing recipes...

We're collecting Mama's memories. 🌿❤️

🌿 BACK-TO-SCHOOL SURVIVAL SERIES

❤️ Lessons from My Mama
Mama's Reminder:
Don't Forget About You

We've talked about getting the children ready.
We've talked about preparing meals.

We've talked about backpacks, clothes, schedules, and getting ready for the week ahead.

But today, I want to remind every parent of something very important:
Don't forget about YOU! ❤️

I remember my mama raising four girls, and there were times when she needed a moment to herself.

She would sometimes go into the bathroom, close the door, and take a few minutes just to get herself together.
As a child, I didn't understand it.

Now I do.

Mama needed a moment to breathe.

And she taught me something that I still have to remind myself of today:

It's okay to take care of yourself, too.Being a parent can be exhausting.

You're making sure everybody gets where they need to go.

You're thinking about homework.

You're preparing meals.

You're washing clothes.

You're working.

You're worrying.

You're loving.

You're giving.

And sometimes you can become so busy taking care of everybody else that you forget that you need care, too.

🌿 MAMA'S SELF-CARE REMINDER

Taking care of yourself doesn't have to mean a vacation or spending a lot of money.
Sometimes self-care looks like:

☕ Sitting quietly with a cup of coffee.

🙏🏽 Taking a few minutes to pray.

🚶🏽‍♀️ Going for a walk.

🎵 Listening to your favorite music.
📖 Reading a few pages of a book.

🛁 Taking a relaxing bath.

😴 Getting some rest when you can.

❤️ Or simply sitting somewhere quietly and taking a few deep breaths.And if you're a single parent and getting a break feels impossible, don't be afraid to ask for help.

Maybe there's a grandparent who can keep the children for a little while.

Maybe an aunt or uncle can help.
Maybe a trusted friend can give you a couple of hours to yourself.

Asking for help doesn't mean you're failing.

Sometimes it means you're wise enough to know that you can't pour from an empty cup.

And parents...Please remember this:

You matter, too.

Your children don't need a perfect parent.

They need a parent who is present, loving, and doing their best.

So this weekend, give yourself permission to breathe.You don't have to accomplish everything.

You don't have to have everything figured out.

Sometimes you just need to sit down, take a breath, and say:

"Lord, I need You to help me."

And that's okay. ❤️🙏🏽

A LITTLE PRAYER FOR PARENTS

Lord, thank You for every parent who is doing their best to care for their family.

For the tired parent.

For the single parent.

For the parent carrying burdens that nobody else can see.

Give them strength when they're tired, peace when they're overwhelmed, and wisdom to know when they need to rest.

Help them remember that caring for themselves isn't selfish.
Give them people they can trust and lean on when they need a helping hand.

And remind them that they don't have to carry everything alone.

In Jesus' name, Amen. ❤️

🌿 MAMA'S REMINDER
You take care of everyone else.
Don't forget to take care of you.

And I'd love to hear from you...

❤️ What is one little thing you do—or would like to do—to give yourself a little time to breathe?

🌿 BACK-TO-SCHOOL SURVIVAL SERIES

Lessons from My Mama

🍗 MAMA'S KITCHEN

You Don't Have to Have a Lot to Make a Lot

My mama knew how to make a little go a long way.
She didn't have a lot, but she knew how to feed her family.
And she didn't just cook dinner
Mama cooked breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

I remember her making big pots of food—chicken and noodle, Tuna casserole, chicken and dumplings, soups, and other meals that would give us enough for dinner and leftovers for lunch the next day.

She knew how to stretch a meal.

She also believed in having a balanced meal on the table—a meat, a vegetable, and a starch.

Looking back now, I realize something:

We didn't know we didn't have a lot.

Mama made sure we felt provided for.

God always provided.

And that's one of the greatest lessons she gave me.

🍗 MAMA'S KITCHEN TIP: START WITH ONE CHICKEN (Depending on you're family size)

When you're trying to stretch your grocery budget, look for foods that can become more than one meal.

A rotisserie chicken can be a great starting point for a busy family.

For example:

🍽️ Dinner #1: Rotisserie chicken with vegetables and mashed potatoes.

🥪 Lunch: Chicken salad sandwiches or wraps.

🍲 Dinner #2: Chicken and noodles or chicken and dumplings.

🍝 Dinner #3: Chicken Alfredo.

And don't throw away the leftover chicken!

Take the meat from the bones and save it for another meal.

One chicken can help stretch your grocery budget and your time.

💰 MAMA'S BUDGET TIP

Before you go grocery shopping, check what you already have in your refrigerator, freezer, and pantry.

Then, look at the grocery sales and plan your meals around what is on sale.

Plan before you shop instead of trying to figure out dinner while you're standing in the grocery store.

A little preparation can save money, reduce waste, and make busy school nights easier.

🍕 MY BUSY-NIGHT SHORTCUT

Now, Mama didn't do much eating out. 😂❤️

That's something I learned how to do!

But I have learned that sometimes a busy family needs an easy night, and there's nothing wrong with taking a shortcut.

One affordable option I've found is a take-and-bake pizza.

Papa Murphy's has offered a 14-inch large pizza for $10 as a special, so if that deal is available at your local store, it can be a great option for a busy school night.

You can even pick it up ahead of time and have it ready when the evening gets hectic.

Because sometimes feeding your family doesn't mean making everything from scratch.

Sometimes, it means planning ahead, using what you have, and making the best choice for that day.

❤️ MAMA'S REMINDER

You don't have to have a lot to make a lot.

My mama taught me that.

She took what she had and made sure her children were fed, clothed, cared for, and loved.

We may not have realized we didn't have a lot...

because Mama made sure we never felt like we were lacking.

And today, I am grateful.

🙏 A LITTLE PRAYER FOR BUSY FAMILIES

Lord, thank You for providing for our families.

Help us to be good stewards of what You've placed in our hands. Give us wisdom when money is tight, creativity when we need to stretch what we have, and patience when we're tired.

Bless every parent preparing meals, packing lunches, and trying to make everything work.

Help us remember that a simple meal prepared with love can be a blessing.

And teach us to share what we have with those who may need it.

In Jesus' name,

Amen. ❤️

🌿 I'd love to hear from you...

What's one meal your mama used to make that could feed the family more than once? ❤️

🍒💕 A SWEET 13TH BIRTHDAY SURPRISE! 💕🍒

How sweet it is to be 13! 🎂✨ And this birthday basket from Grandma D was made with so much love!

This beauty basket is absolutely LOADED! 🥰🎁

🍒 Japanese Cherry Blossom Bath & Body Works 3-piece gift set
💄 Makeup essentials for this young lady who loves to dance
💋 Lip balm
👁️ Face mask & eye mask
✨ Mascara
🎀 Hair accessories
🥤 A cute cup
🍫 Chocolate Kisses from Grandma D
💕 And LOTS MORE!

Everything came together in the prettiest cherry-inspired theme—pink, red, green, and blue—making this a birthday gift that is just as sweet and special as she is! 🍒💗

Grandma D said, “13 deserves something EXTRA SWEET!” And I think she nailed it! 🥰

Happy 13th Birthday, beautiful! 🎉🎂 May this new year of your life be filled with joy, laughter, love, dancing, sweet memories, and plenty of reasons to smile! 💕✨

Thank you, Grandma D, for trusting Sweet & Sassy Homemade Pies and More!
to create something special for your girl. 💗

🎁 Because sometimes the best gifts aren't just wrapped—they're filled with LOVE!

🍒💕

🌿 BACK-TO-SCHOOL SURVIVAL SERIES

Lessons from My Mama

❤️ "Stay Ready So You Won't Have to Get Ready."

One of the sayings I heard growing up was:

"Stay ready so you won't have to get ready."

At the time, I didn't realize my mama was teaching us more than being organized. She was teaching us how to bring a little peace into a busy week.

Saturday was usually our laundry and cleaning day. We all pitched in because that's what families did. We washed clothes, folded them, and made sure everything was ready for the week ahead.

Then on Sunday evening, we prepared for Monday.

Our clothes were laid out.
Our socks and underwear were ready.
Shoes were by the door.
Everything had its place.
Monday mornings weren't perfect, but they were a whole lot calmer because we had prepared the night before.

As a mom myself, I learned how valuable those simple habits really were.

❤️ Mama's Sunday Checklist

Before the weekend ends, take a few minutes to prepare for Monday:

✔️ Lay out school clothes.

✔️ Make sure socks, underwear, and shoes are ready.

✔️ Check backpacks for papers, homework, and permission slips.

✔️ Sign any forms that need to go back to school.

✔️ Refill water bottles and lunch supplies.

✔️ Look over the family calendar for the week ahead.

✔️ If you can, prep part of a meal for tomorrow's dinner.

✔️ End the evening with a family prayer and ask God to watch over your children during the week.

Remember...

Preparation isn't about being perfect.

It's about giving yourself a little more peace tomorrow.

My mama's words still remind me today:

"Stay ready so you won't have to get ready."

Those simple words have stayed with me my whole life.

I'd love to hear from you...

❤️ What's one thing your family does on Sunday to help Monday morning go a little smoother?

🌿 BACK-TO-SCHOOL SURVIVAL SERIES

Lessons from My Mama

❤️ FAMILY TABLE FRIDAY

The first week of school can leave everyone a little tired.

There are early mornings, homework, practices, laundry, lunches to pack, dinner to prepare, and so many little things that keep a family moving.

By Friday, you may feel like you've been running all week!

My mama taught me something I didn't fully appreciate until I became an adult:

When life gets busy, don't forget to make time for the people you love—but don't forget to make a little time for yourself, too.

My mama raised four girls, and believe me, she needed a moment of peace every now and then! 😂

I remember her saying that sometimes she'd go into the bathroom for a few minutes just to get away, collect her thoughts, and have a little peace and quiet.

Now that I'm older, I understand.

Sometimes Mama didn't need to fix anything.
She just needed a moment.

And parents need that too.

❤️ FAMILY TIME

This weekend, take a little time to check in with your children.

It doesn't have to be anything fancy.

Sit at the table.
Have a snack together.
Take a walk.
Play a game.
Ask them:

"How was your week?"

"What was the best part?"

"Was there anything that bothered you?"

Sometimes our children will tell us what's going on when we simply slow down enough to listen.

🌿 BUT DON'T FORGET YOU!

Parents, give yourself permission to take a little time to breathe, too.

Take a walk.
Sit quietly with a cup of coffee.
Take a long shower.
Read your Bible.
Pray.
Sit in your car for five quiet minutes if that's what you need! 😂 Yes I still do it!

You don't have to feel guilty for needing a moment to yourself.

A rested parent has more to give.

You can't pour from an empty cup.

🙏 A LITTLE PRAYER FOR FAMILIES

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for bringing us through another week. Thank You for our children, our families, and the strength You give us each day.

Help us to slow down and listen to one another. Give parents wisdom to know when their families need their attention—and when they themselves need a moment to rest and be renewed.

Bring peace into our homes. Help us create homes filled with patience, laughter, love, and understanding.

Give us the strength to care for those You've entrusted to us while remembering that we need Your rest and renewal, too.

In Jesus' name,

Amen. ❤️

🌸 MAMA'S REMINDER

You can love your family deeply and still need a moment for yourself.

Taking a moment to breathe doesn't make you selfish.

Sometimes it helps you come back with a little more patience, a little more peace, and a whole lot more love.

I'd love to hear from you...

❤️ What's one thing you do when you need a few quiet minutes to yourself?

🌿 BACK-TO-SCHOOL SURVIVAL SERIES

Lessons from My Mama

❤️ FAMILY TABLE FRIDAY

The first week of school can leave everyone a little tired.
There are early mornings, homework, practices, laundry, lunches to pack, dinner to prepare, and so many little things that keep a family moving.
By Friday, you may feel like you've been running all week!

My mama taught me something I didn't fully appreciate until I became an adult:

When life gets busy, don't forget to make time for the people you love—but don't forget to make a little time for yourself, too.

My mama raised four girls, and believe me, she needed a moment of peace every now and then! 😂
I remember her saying that sometimes she'd go into the bathroom for a few minutes just to get away, collect her thoughts, and have a little peace and quiet.
Now that I'm older, I understand.
Sometimes Mama didn't need to fix anything.
She just needed a moment.
And parents need that too.

❤️ FAMILY TIME

This weekend, take a little time to check in with your children.

It doesn't have to be anything fancy.

Sit at the table.
Have a snack together.
Take a walk.
Play a game.
Ask them:

"How was your week?"

"What was the best part?"

"Was there anything that bothered you?"

Sometimes our children will tell us what's going on when we simply slow down enough to listen.

🌿 BUT DON'T FORGET YOU!

Parents, give yourself permission to take a little time to breathe, too.

Take a walk.
Sit quietly with a cup of coffee.
Take a long shower.
Read your Bible.
Pray.
Sit in your car for five quiet minutes if that's what you need! 😂

You don't have to feel guilty for needing a moment to yourself.

A rested parent has more to give.

You can't pour from an empty cup.

🙏 A LITTLE PRAYER FOR FAMILIES

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for bringing us through another week. Thank You for our children, our families, and the strength You give us each day.

Help us to slow down and listen to one another. Give parents wisdom to know when their families need their attention—and when they themselves need a moment to rest and be renewed.

Bring peace into our homes. Help us create homes filled with patience, laughter, love, and understanding.

Give us the strength to care for those You've entrusted to us while remembering that we need Your rest and renewal, too.
In Jesus' name,
Amen. ❤️

🌸 MAMA'S REMINDER

You can love your family deeply and still need a moment for yourself.
Taking a moment to breathe doesn't make you selfish.
Sometimes it helps you come back with a little more patience, a little more peace, and a whole lot more love.
I'd love to hear from you...

❤️ What's one thing you do when you need a few quiet minutes to yourself?

🌿 Back-to-School Survival Series
Lessons from My Mama

🍽️ Mama's Kitchen

One of the greatest things my mama taught me was how to stretch a meal.

When I look back, she didn't have a lot of money, but somehow she always made sure we had something to eat and clean clothes on our backs. She could take a little and make it feel like plenty. Looking back, I realize she wasn't just teaching me how to cook—she was teaching me how to be a good steward of what God had provided.

One thing I still do today is cook once and use it for several meals.

Start with 3 pounds of ground beef.

Meal #1 – Taco Night
Brown the ground beef with taco seasoning. Add lettuce, tomatoes, cheese, salsa, and tortillas for a quick family dinner.

Meal #2 – Spaghetti Night
Set aside another portion of the cooked ground beef. Add your favorite spaghetti sauce, serve it over pasta, and pair it with a simple salad and garlic bread.

Meal #3 – Chili or Vegetable Soup
Use the remaining ground beef with beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and your favorite seasonings. Add vegetables if you have them, and serve with crackers or cornbread.

💵 Mama's Budget Tip

When the grocery ads come out on Wednesday, take a few minutes to look through them before you shop. Plan your meals around what's on sale instead of deciding at the store. A little planning can stretch your grocery budget, save money, and reduce food waste.

❤️ One More Lesson from My Mama

If she needed an egg, a cup of milk, or a little flour, she'd call her sister. If her sister needed something, my mama gladly shared what she had. They helped each other because that's what family and good neighbors did.
Back then, people weren't embarrassed to ask for help. They knew that someday they might be the one lending a hand instead.

After the flood, I experienced that same kind of love. My neighbor was going through the very same flood I was, yet she still cooked enough for her family and me. She would simply call and say, "Dinner is ready." There were days my mind was so overwhelmed that I forgot to eat, but her kindness made sure I was cared for.

It reminded me that my mama's lesson is still true today.

Sometimes the greatest blessing isn't having everything you need in your pantry.
Sometimes it's knowing you have someone you can call... or someone who calls you and says, "Dinner is ready."

Sometimes generosity isn't about giving out of abundance. Sometimes it's sharing the little that you have with someone who needs it too.
My mama taught me that sharing what you have doesn't make you poorer it makes your family, your friendships, your neighborhood, and your community stronger.
As our children head back to school, let's remember that preparing meals is important, but so is preparing hearts. When we look out for one another, we teach our children that kindness, generosity, and community are just as important as anything they'll learn in a classroom.

I'd love to hear from you...

❤️ Has a neighbor, friend, or family member ever blessed you with a meal or helped you through a difficult time? I'd love to hear your story.