20-something!

It probably isn't "neat" to anyone else, but my sister's and I just realized that we are all in our 20's at this moment. This only happens once a decade so I think it's something to remember and document. I know i've expressed it before many times but I love these girls more than my own life!

So here's to our 20's girls..

..I'll be waiting for you both in our 30's

Plead the Fifth

Day 22: A letter to someone who has hurt you recently.

I will be passing on this one today.. Not because nobody has hurt me, but I really don't want to dwell on things that aren't important. However, this is the perfect time to share an amazing quote I found years ago and have always loved:

"As we grow up, we learn that even the one person who wasn't supposed to ever let us down, probably will. You will have your heart broken more than once, and it's harder everytime. You'll break hearts, too, so remember what it felt like when yours was broken. You'll fight with your best friend. You'll blame a new love for the things an old one did. You'll cry because time is passing too fast, and eventually, you'll lose someone you love. So take too many pictures, laugh too much, and love like you've never been hurt, because every sixty seconds you spend being upset is one minute that you'll never get back."

{30 day challenge}

My time

Day 21: A photo of something that makes you happy.

{30 day challenge}

Of course my family makes me happy but that's a given. Whenever I am stressed and just having a horrible day, nothing makes me happier than reading a good book in a hot bubble bath. Calms me right down!

Let it "freakin" snow again!

This is how we roll.. We woke up yet again to tons of snow this morning. We have a snow plow that we can hook on to the 4-wheelers, so this is how ty gets to shovel the snow! Definitely something he doesn't ever complain about.

I gotta say.. We have had 3 storms in about 2 weeks and I am so sick of the snow. Last Wednesay my school was actually canceled because of the storm. The kids wasn't but I kept them home anyways because my family was here and I really didn't want to drive in the snow. You would think with my massive truck, the snow wouldn't bother me much. But I hate driving in it. After 6 years of living here, I still get scared to death going anywhere. I'm dreading this coming week. Now of course Ty isn't scared to drive in it (that man can drive in any situation) but I have school, the kids have school and Ty works so it's all up to me. And now i'm freaking out.

the Haslem's

Day 20: The meaning behind your blog name.

Haslem Family/TyRel, Stacie, Katelyn, Kassidy & Kase

Pretty self-explanitory.

I really wish now that I would have come up with something unique like everyone else but I actually started this blog about 3 years ago and I didn't plan on it lasting this long. I just wanted to be able to throw up some pictures every now and then for family that doesn't see us much. About a year ago I decided I really wanted to get into this blogging thing, so I erased everything and started fresh. Now it has turned into an online journal and memory keeper for me. So I really do wish I had some cool name to explain but I don't.

{30 day challenge}

Temple Lights & TRAX

Last night we rode trax downtown to see the pretty lights at the Temple. It was freezing cold but so much fun. We made sure to bundle up and enjoyed our family time. Stephanie was even smart enough to make some hot cocoa and put it in a thermos. Definitely came in handy for the kids. Oh, and don't mind Kase's Santa hat. It's almost become a tradition for my mom to take the kids to the dollar store every time we/they visit. So that is one of the "many" dollar toys he picked out. Also, look at that cute picture below of my lover boy... he sure is pretty dang cute huh?!!

* sisterly love *

Day 19: Another picture of yourself.

{30 day challenge}

I know i've posted a lot of pictures of my sisters and I lately but usually i'm not in any pictures alone so this is what you get. Also, we've taken TONS of pictures of us three. (and I love showing off my girlies)

I might die w/o it

Day 18: Something you crave a lot.

Baked ChickenTaquitos

from My Kitchen Cafe
4 ounces cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup green salsa
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3 tablespoons chopped cilantro
1 green onion, sliced finely (white and green parts to equal about 2 tablespoons)
2 cups shredded cooked chicken 1 cup grated monterey jack cheese
small yellow or white corn tortillas
kosher salt
cooking spray

Heat oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.

In a medium-sized bowl, mix softened cream cheese, green salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder and garlic powder. Stir to combine and then add cilantro and green onions. Add chicken and cheese and combine well.

Working with a few tortillas at a time, place 3-4 between two damp paper towels and microwave for 30-45 seconds, until tortillas are soft and pliable and don’t crack while rolling. Place 2-3 tablespoons of the chicken mixture on the lower third of a soft tortilla, keeping it about 1/2 inch from the edges. Then roll it up as tight as you can.

Place filled taquitos seam side down on the baking sheet, making sure they don’t touch each other. When ready to bake, spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or an oil mister and lightly sprinkle some kosher (coarse) salt on top.

Place pan in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and the ends start to get golden brown. Serve immediately. Taquitos can be dipped in in salsa, sour cream, guacamole, or any other combination you can dream up.

I have made these several times in the last couple months. They have become a family favorite. Even my kids love them! Just ask my sister in law, Jenna, you can't go wrong with any recipe you find on this website. They are all incredible!

{30 day challenge}

Happy Thanksgiving!

We had such an amazing Thanksgiving. And we have so much to be thankful for today and always...

•family

•delicious food

•health

•making memories

•a warm house w/ a cozy fireplace

•unconditional love

•FREEDOM (being born in America)

You gotta love these cute turkeys my sister, Stephanie, made with the kids. So creative she is!

(aren't my sisters GORGEOUS!?)

We (unsuccessfully) attempted to take some family pictures in the freezing cold today. As you can see, they didn't turn out so we are trying again tomorrow. Still, I wanted to post them because they are cute and it was a fun memory.
I love more than anything having my family around me. I am so lucky to have such supportive and amazing people in my life. I only hope they know and feel how much I love them. The laughter we share is priceless. I love how we can piss each other off then turn around and laugh at the same exact thing we were mad at. Nothing compares to the happiness I have in my life! I truly am a lucky girl.

...FaMiLy...

Day 17: A photo of you and your family.

{30 day challenge}

Ohh man.. do I have to pick one?!

Day 16: Your celebrity crush.

*Criss Angel*

*LeBron James*

{30 day challenge}

too many things actually....

Day 15: Something you don't leave the house without.

My kids? haha

My purse, for sure! It carries my life in it. and in my purse?? Well, that's another post for another day!

{30 day challenge}

p.s. my family is almost here. at my house. YaY!

more like obsessed with

Day 14: A TV show you're currently addicted to.

{30 day challenge}

i know, a little disturbing but it's my favorite show ever!

YES.. i like rock n' roll too

Day 13: Your favorite musician and why?

{30 day challenge}

because they're awesome. period.

West Jordan!!!

Day 12: A photograph of the town you live in.

{30 day challenge}

Pretty sure everyone has been here right!?
lol.

Goodbye long locks.. you will be missed (kinda)

Okay.. this is some serious stuff that happened today..

I CUT MY HAIR OFF!!

Never ever did I ever in a million years think this day would come. I was dead set on my long hair for life. It's been 8 years since I've had a real haircut other than a simple trim. My good friend, Jamie had the pleasure today.. and she did such a good job. I love it!!! So I just thought I'd share my new SHORT hair with you all :)

Maybe it's Maybelline

Day 11: What's in your makeup bag?

Well in my case, it's a makeup box :) I like makeup a little bit!

•Maybelline Dream Matte Mousse foundation

•Maybelline Dream Matte powder

•Maybelline Mineral Powder blush

•every color of eyeshadow you can imagine

•Maybelline black eyeliner

•Maybelline Great Lash mascara

•tons of brushes and applicators

•tweezers

•Sharpie marker

•earings

•a few bottles of nail polish

•& ponytail holders

{30 day challenge}

it's gonna be a long one.....

Guess i'm not doing a very good job on this 30 day challenge am I? School and kids and a dirty house have had me pretty busy lately. So it's about time for a "let me vent" post.

First I'm sooooo sad to say that I lost my sister. (no she didn't die) I've been so spoiled to have her living so close for the last 6-7 months but she decided she needed to move back home for a while. But we get to skype with her and my parents now! The kids look forward to it and always ask if we can see them on the laptop. It's pretty darn cute.

It's almost the end of the school semester and I still haven't found that balance between my home duties and my school duties. I'm beginning to realize that I probably never will. So I've decided to just do what I can when I can. Obviously, my family comes first and they always will. Honestly though, I love feeling like i'm accomplishing things in my life. I know i've already accomplished a lot by being a mother and I don't take that for granted but it's a different feeling knowing that i'm working hard at something to better myself and i'm NOT giving up. Oh, I've so been tempted to give up many times. There are days when all I wanna do is lay in bed. (and cry) But then once I get up and get moving.. the kids off to school and start my day.. I feel so good! I can honestly say that I am proud of myself. Even with all the stress in my life, I am more happy today that I have ever been in my life.

So this is my main "home duty" problem.. I suck at LAUNDRY! Why? Why is it so hard for me to keep up on it? Does anyone else have this same problem? I always have. Just ask anyone.. Ty or my mom.. And everyone always tells me to just do one or two loads a day. Well it sounds simple but when it comes down to it, I just don't do it. Then at the end of the week my laundry room is piled with about 12 loads of laundry. (no lie) I need help! Some kind of intervention.. JK! But seriously it would help to know that I wasn't the only one who sucks at this.

Facebook: HATE IT! Jenee you are my hero for getting rid of it and keeping it far away! I'm either going to do a serious inventory on my friends list and get rid of the ones I don't talk to and probably never will or DELETE it. For good.

Now on to happier things. I'm so excited for the upcoming holidays. So excited to have my family come here and that they are trusting me to cook a yummy Thanksgiving dinner! They should be scared. Totally kidding.. I'm a pretty good cook, I like to think haha! Also, beyond excited that me and my sisters (dragging my mother and auntie Janet Sue) will all be going BLACK FRIDAY shopping! Anyone who knows me and my sisters really well, knows we are shoppers. So this is fun times for us to spend together and I hope they are looking forward to it as much as I am. Besides, last year I got some amazing deals on Nintendo DS systems. I saved like $150. Love to save money. Love black friday. I just love shopping!

I feel like since it's that time of the year, I need to tell the world what i'm thankful for..
•TyRel. What a hard working man he is. So supportive. The best father. Great provider. I'm grateful that he works so hard to take care of us and that because he is willing to work so hard, I am able to stay home with my children. I love him!
•My kiddies. I'm so lucky to be a mom. I'm so lucky to be their mom. They are the best kids anyone could ask for.
•My family & Ty's family. We both come from amazing parents and siblings.
•Extended family. They are ALL incredible.
•Friends. I am surrounded by the best friends ever. Friends who are always asking if they can help with anything.
•A nice (warm) house and 2 nice cars. (Right now, we wouldn't survive with just one car)
•Rain.. it's raining right now and I love it!

So I finally blogged and updated.. Yay!

Pasta!

Day 1o: A photo of your favorite place to eat.

{30 day challenge}

a good read..

Day 9: A photo of the item you last purchased.

{30 day challenge}

My awesome sister-in-law, Jenee, recommended this book for me! I'm pretty sure it's the last item I purchased. (besides lots of groceries) And... so far so good!

Wild at Heart

Day 8: A song to match your mood.

{30 day challenge}

Happily Ever After

Day 7: Your dream wedding.

{30 day challenge}

Too bad I don't have a picture on the computer of my wedding.

I loved my wedding day. First day of Fall. Red Roses. All my family and friends. Ty.

That was my my dream come true.

gggrrr!!!

Day 6: A photo of an animal you'd love to keep as a pet.

{30 day challenge}

I'm crazy, I know! But who wouldn't love to snuggle a baby tiger!? I'd even snuggle a BIG daddy if he let me. I love tigers!

Once upon a time...

Day 5: A photo of yourself two years ago.

{30 day challenge}

...I was a brunette!
But no, it didn't last long.

Halloween pictures...

We hope you all had a Happy Halloween

BFF's

Day 4: Your favorite photograph of your best friend.

{30 day challenge}

I have so many friends I consider a "best friend." That makes it so hard to narrow it down and to post so many pictures is just too much work right now. So to all my friends (and family) I LOVE YOU!!! You're all my favorite!
However, I did post a picture of 2 of the most beautiful, AMAZING girls alive! My sisters!! They are definitely my best friends and I don't know where I would be without them. I know I can tell them anything and not be judged. They love me no matter what. I hope they know how much they are loved by me.
I'm such a lucky girl to have all the best friends in my life that I have!