Britt's Baby Shower and Bear Lake

As most of you know by now, my sister-in-law is due in less than two weeks and I am super stoked! I can't wait to have a little niece close to us and spoil her like crazy. I had the fortunate opportunity of planning Britt's shower for our family and it was a blast. If I could plan events for a living and throw them for people I totally would. I have way too much fun getting cute decor, baking all kinds of goodies, and thinking of awesome ways to spoil the guest of honor. I want nothing but the best for my future niece and her wonderful soon-to-be Mother!

I love her so much!

I can't wait for baby Hayward.

Thanks for dropping by!

It was a pretty great shower, if I do say so myself. We played some games, had a diaper raffle drawing, and got to watch Britt open all her gifts. It was good to spend time with the Hayward family too.
This last weekend I also had the opportunity to go to Bear Lake and spend it with some of the awesome Elderes y Hermanas de mi distrito en el CCM. We have so much fun together. This was something we planned in the MTC and I'm so glad that it finally worked out. I often wonder if other districts are as close as we are. I love them like family.
 Kat, whom I still call Sister Regis like 80% of the time, and I car pooled to Serenity's cabin together and we had quite the adventure on the way there. My GPS took us through the mountains, not a canyon, the mountains - dirt roads, wildlife, and all. We almost hit several cows and deer, we arrived two hours later than we should've because we had to stop and ask for directions. And who did we ask for these directions? Oh just a taxidermist and his wife who told us all about mounting antelope. That much said we didn't get to the cabin until about 11. Most of stayed up 'til about 2 catching up with each other and talking about anatomy (we can be nerds).
Saturday was a beautiful day! We got so lucky because it was pure sunshine and no wind. The water was pretty cold for boating but it was too glassy to pass up. We skied, boarded, and tubed. We were on the lake basically all day with a little break around 4 for a late lunch. I love my district and the good memories that we make, and even reliving some old ones.

Sunday was goodbye for Kat and I in the morning because I wanted to get home for the dedication with my hubby. We went home through the canyon and it only took a little over two hours ha. I was super tired from not sleeping much, but it was worth it! It was a pretty short little weekend but a great one. I can't resist not seeing District 35E!

The cosmic orbiter!

I love these people!

Summer is Funner

The grammatically correct way to say the title of this post is summer is more fun, I know, but I think it is actually more fun to say summer is funner. And I wasn't so sure this summer was going to be that fun, I mean we've had things planned and such, but Dan and I both had summer school and work almost every day.
Just some photos of random things we did over the summer and then on to the main events.

The Big Boy was in Ogden. That train wheel is as big as me!

Another one of Dan's friends got married! Congrats Derek!

Rodeo. 

Mini-golf on the 24th. 

Ogden Temple open house.

Dan only had a class the first block of the summer and I have had classes both blocks. He took an EMT course and is now an official EMT. I know I say this all the time, but he truly inspires me and I am so proud of him. I had to take classes in order to start my program this fall. It was a lot better than I thought it'd be because I'm finally taking classes that interest me and that I want to take! I am pretty stoked to start learning about my career. I have already been able to help others with their injuries, it's awesome!
The first pretty eventful thing that happened this summer, for me at least, was Girl's Camp. We had the opportunity to go to Moab and raft the Colorado River from Thursday-Saturday. It was weird to be the leader this time around but oh so fun! I love being in Young Women's and I learn so much from the wonderful girls I get to interact with. The trip was really fun and I would do it again for sure. We were spoiled and the people that we booked it through even took care of all our meals. All we had to do was set up camp where they told us and they took care of the rest. It was a sweet deal!

I also got to know the people I serve with better, especially one of my ward friends that I went to high school with - Jenna Rose. We got asked quite a bit if we were sisters so eventually I just started saying yes. It was really nice to have her on the trip to be able to talk to and get to know better. We also had some really awesome river guides that would start water wars and play river games with us. I am blessed to be a leader and attend the YW activities, especially Girl's Camp.

Rafting the Colorado!

Tent buddies.

South Ogden 6th Ward Young Women + Leaders and River Guides.

At the end of July I got off work for a few days and we headed down to Lake Powell. My family went down Sunday and I had a test Monday so Dan and I left Tuesday afternoon and joined them that night. Because I had sprained my ankle two weeks earlier I was limited on the things I could do. I was able to ski and board at least once but it hurt a bit and I didn't want to risk hurting it worse so I just enjoyed watching Daniel be amazing, like always. He landed two new tricks this year, a front flip and a back roll, the front flip he even landed the first try. He's good at everything and therefore I am glad he is mine!

Dan and I surfing together... or trying to.

I love going on family vacations. It was fun to be in Neverland with my whole family and their new spouses. I just love getting to know them better and bonding more and more. Plus the group that we go with is like an extended family. I love the Vernon and Foster families and how much fun we can all have together in a week. We played games (both water and land - thanks Mom!), caught some frogs, and then some fish with those frogs, surfed, had some stimulating conversations, and ate delicious treats and food.

My Lake Powell Family

And the last big hoo-raw for the summer was our awesome Hayward family vacation to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina, where Peter served part of his mission. My in-laws certainly spoil us big time. Our trip was Saturday to the following Saturday, the last week of summer before school started.

Home for a week, Ocean Blue.

We spent the first Saturday flying to our destination and getting settled for the week. Sunday we went to church and I love being constantly reminded that the Gospel is true no matter where in the world you are. After church we played some games, walked up and down the beach, and watched the Saratov Approach on Netflix.

Stroll on the beach.

Monday we were going to go to an amusement park but it didn't open 'til 4 so we found a really awesome mini-golf place, Mt. Atlanticus, that had two courses and we could go and come back and play as much as we wanted. So we played one course and then we went to Subway for lunch in between and then came back and played the second course. It was really the coolest course I've ever seen and been to because it had multiple levels and cool holes.

Mini-golf.

Tuesday we had a beach day. I love the beach, I love playing in the sand and listening to the waves crash upon the shore. Daniel and Becky both got stung by jellyfish, Dan on his wrist and Becky on her leg. I decided I was done with the ocean at that point and went to swim in the pool, and everyone else decided that was a good idea and came along. We swam in the lazy river and pools the condo has for a while longer and then went down to the boardwalk at night and wandered through shops.

Wednesday we decided to go into Charleston. It was a full day, trying to get in all the things we wanted to because it was about two hours away from where we were staying. First we wandered through the flea market that was there and then we were all hungry so we went to lunch at Sticky Fingers. That was one of the places that Peter had wanted to go to and I'm glad we all made it there. Then we took a ferry to Fort Sumter and toured that place for a little bit. It was really neat learning more about the Civil War and being in places where battles occurred. After that we went for a carriage ride around downtown Charleston where there were houses from when it was first settled and the Revolutionary War. It was super fascinating! It's cool to see what it was like a little bit back then. There's lots of history there. Once we finished doing that we met up with one of Peter's old ward mission leaders for dinner. And after dinner it was time to start heading back to Myrtle Beach.

On the ferry to Fort Sumter.

Jaden and me at Fort Sumter. I don't think I had one good hair day in SC.

Thursday the boys and Becky went golfing early in the morning so the girls and Jaden went to Myrtle Waves, a water park. Sadly half the park was closed but that was ok because it was mostly for Jaden and so we just hung out in the kiddie areas and played with him. That night was date night! All the couples went on their own dates. Dan really wanted to go to a Waffle House for dinner, so we did, and it was pretty good. I learned a new way of doing chocolate chip waffles ha. We rented scooters and drove them there and then around the boardwalk for an hour or so after dinner. It was so much fun! One day I hope to get my own motorcycle so we can ride side by side all the time. After we turned the scooters in we headed to probably one of Daniel's favorite places, no matter what city we're in, Ross. He has this saying, "You always find good things at Ross when you're in a different state." So naturally we had to go check one out. He was right, we found stuff ha.

Myrtle Waves!

Our scooters.

Friday was basically the last day to do anything we hadn't done. I really wanted to go to a tienda to see if there was any Manzanita Sol, a drink I love because of my mission, and there was something like it but it wasn't quite the same. All of us went to the Piggley Wiggley and got T-shirts because honestly who doesn't want a pig face that says piggley on the front and a pig bum that says wiggley on the back?! I want to get more into photography so that evening I attempted to take some family pictures but the humidity wouldn't allow it. It just kept fogging up my lens and made me frustrated. So we just took some with phones and called it good. (BUT if anyone wants some free photos just let me know because I really do want to be a part-time photographer!) After that we decided to take one last dip in the ocean and swim for a bit. Then I packed up our stuff so I wouldn't have to in the morning.

Paradise.

Saturday is the saddest day of the trip because we had to come home and that means back to reality. It was a great trip and I can't thank Becky and Paul enough for spoiling us so much! We were pretty exhausted when we got home so we went to bed after watching a Psych episode or two.

And this is Bertha, our rental 12 seater van AKA the Mormon Assault Vehicle.

And now we've started school and are getting into our routines again. It's a good thing but who doesn't miss summer? I do, already.

One Year Down, Eternity To Go!

Us on our anniversary! :)

Well friends, Dan and I have been married for a year. I know, it's hard to believe, isn't it? It seems like yesterday and then again it seems like more than a year has gone by. I can honestly say it's been the best year of my life. Sometimes I can hardly remember what I was doing before my life with him. I have learned so much about myself, him, and the two of as a couple. I fall for him more every moment we spend together, and even those we spend apart (which thankfully hasn't been more than 48 hours yet).

A lot can happen in a year, I'm sure many of you married peeps know that (and even those of you who aren't). Dan and I moved to South Ogden and have been here since we were married. We're both attending Weber State and recently were accepted into our programs of choice. We have grown to love our ward and people we are surrounded by. Dan teaches the 16 & 17 year olds in Sunday School and I get to have fun with the Beehives in Young Women. (Often I am mistaken for being one of them, which I keep getting told I'll be thankful for one day.) We have met some amazing married couples whom we love to spend time with. We're grateful for their support and being able to relate to them during these new and exciting stages of life. Heavenly Father blesses us where ever we go, it is seen in our everyday lives.

I've grown to love and appreciate my in-laws more and more. I am truly blessed to have married into the Hayward family. I could not ask for more caring and thoughtful parents-in-law. I know they would do anything for us and I appreciate that they enjoy spending time with us and do things we like to do. And I love having new brothers and sisters to spend time with and get to know better. It's fun to have your family grow. I have also seen my family in a way I never have before. I am perpetually more grateful that they are mine, and that I get to spend time with them when we can. I love my parents and am so grateful for their example and the way that they raised me. I don't know what I'd do without them, being the amazing people that they are. I love my siblings and am so happy they found their other halves as well and that we all get to be together forever. I feel closer to them now that we're all married and on the same journey. Family is really what it's all about.

Harris

Hayward

For the most part, nothing too extreme has really happened in our first year, which I count as a blessing. We've gone to school, changed jobs, learned to pay bills we didn't have before, sleep in a bed with another person (although I can't say it's too difficult in a King size, we're lucky), kept what we can afford of our hobbies, and learned to like some of the things the other one does. We've rubbed off on each other and changed in our own unique way. We're Dan and Ally, we're the Hayward family. I love it!

Marriage is an adjustment, that's for sure. We've learned what bothers the other one and what makes them happy. We've learned new needs that we have as individuals and as a couple, and how to fulfill those needs. We've learned to help each other study, both of us going into the medical field helps that!, although Dan definitely knows a lot more than me so I think I am getting the better tutor. We've learned to remind one another of the talents and abilities we possess. We've learned that I have to wait to have children to continue "Disney Movie Sunday" and that Dan needs to play Gamecube with his guy friends, for the most part - I will play super smash. We've learned how to motivate one another to do things the other isn't too fond of, I'm grateful he has been there to get me out and about and exercise and do new and exciting things. We've learned that Dan is super ticklish and he wishes that I was still. We've learned that I don't stand a chance wrestling him, even when he uses one arm. We've learned how to take care of each other when I burn myself on the motorcycle or he drops heavy beams on his toes at work. He's my best friend and I love him. 

Not everything has been smooth sailing though. We have experienced our own little difficulties and trials. We definitely see that tithing is a huge blessing! But I feel like I bring a lot of those trials to the table and Dan is there to help me through them. Thanks goodness he has excellent health or we'd be in trouble. I am grateful for the support that he is to me and all he does to make ends meet for us. One reassurance for me that helps me know I picked the right man to be my partner for eternity is that Dan helps, the best he can with what he knows and understands, me with my depression and anxiety. I know it's hard on him but I see that he tries and I appreciate that he just listens without trying to fix me. This little video could be used for all married couples, ha, and it's exactly what NOT to do. I'm grateful my husband isn't this way. 

I could never go back to life before Dan. He is my everything. He makes my world go round and I made him promise before we got married that he has to let me die first because I never want to live without him. Cheesy? Maybe but I'm serious! I don't want to be old and alone. I don't want to know what life is like without him now that he's here. Throughout this past year I can see why Heavenly Father has made marriage, eternal marriage, essential to His plan. It's an amazing blessing and I am so happy for those who make the decision to partake of this gift from He who loves us most. 

"If you want something to last forever, you treat it differently. You shield it and protect it. You never abuse it. You don’t expose it to the elements. You don’t make it common or ordinary. If it ever becomes tarnished, you lovingly polish it until it gleams like new. It becomes special because you have made it so, and it grows more beautiful and precious as time goes by." -F. Burton Howard

I look forward to many more years with the man of my dreams, my better half, my lover, my best friend, my gift, my one and only, my very own Mr. Hayward. I love you sweetheart!

Life For a While

It's been quite some time since I last updated the blog. Today I don't have school or work, yay!, so I'm going to take some time to update those who read this on all things Hayward. Life has just been crazy the past few months, but in a good way! Spring semester was pretty hard for me after about the first half because I was going through some health problems and my depression and anxiety were getting the best of me at times. It got busier, too, after I got hired at America First as a teller. I work 30 hours a week, which is great because I get full benefits, but hard while I was finishing up the semester. Now I'm more settled and things are good with only two classes instead of of four. When I was hired there, Dan took my job at Weber as the study hall monitor. That was nice to have both of us working while school was in. For now he is back at Utah Ice but taking an EMT class this summer block so that he can get his foot in the medical world door. We both were accepted into our programs, he into the Medical Laboratory Sciences program and I into Athletic Training, so were on our way to achieving our academic goals. Woot.
Now for all the events that have happened! First of all, we'd love to congratulate our wonderful Brother and Sister, Peter and Brittany, they are expecting their first child! She is due in October and we couldn't be more excited to be getting another addition to the family, especially a niece who will be close.

Over spring break Dan and I went with Nikkole and Mike to Soldier Hollow. It was super fun! Nikkole found a good deal on group on over Christmas so we bought it and finally were able to use it. We spent two hours tubing down the little lanes of snow. It was kind of funny to see this big island of snow just by itself. 

The lovely Audrey and Jaden Howell were out here for General Conference and Audrey scored us some tickets so we were able to go to the Sunday afternoon session. I had the privilege to sit by a couple who had come all the way from Brazil! It was a good reminder for me to realize not to take for granted where I live and all the blessings we have where we do. The sister I sat by was in such awe as she saw the prophet and enjoyed the session, it was wonderful. Her husband had served in the Ogden mission a few years back so he had been to Utah before. When the session was over she gave me a bookmark that had the Relief Society theme in Portuguese so I could learn that language, I told her I knew Spanish and served a mission. It's such a wonderful feeling to be surrounded by our brothers and sisters of the Gospel. 

Braids and maxi-skirts!

Conference weekend, on the Friday, I also got to see some lovely peeps from my mission and Dan's mission. Both our reunions/get togethers were in Bountiful so we jumped back and forth a little between them. It was fun to see dear mission friends again. 

TMM FOR LIFE!

A sure highlight of the past few months has been our growing family! Both my siblings were sealed to their sweethearts in the temple and we are finally complete! I am overwhelmed with joy and gratitude for the wonderful people they have met and married and the families that have been joined with ours. 

Matthew and Andrea were sealed in the Redlands, CA Temple on March 28. I drove out there with my family and we left on Wednesday and spent the night at Grandma's in St. George. Then we made it there Thursday and did all the wedding prep that needed to be done. I picked up Dan from the airport that night with my Mom, he had school he couldn't miss so he got to fly. The next day was full of wedding fun! It was wonderful to see Matt so happy, and we love Andrea, she sure brings out the best in him. All of the wedding guests who traveled were accommodated by people in Andrea's ward, we appreciate their hospitality. I wish we could have stayed in California longer but oh well. We drove back to St. George on Saturday and then home on Sunday. 

THEY'RE MARRIED!

I love this picture of my siblings and me!

Matt and Andrea had a second reception in Utah about two weeks after their wedding. We are blessed to know such great people who help us out so much. I got to do Andrea's hair for this one and that was fun. I truly just adore her. 

Nikkole and Mike were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple on May 22. Another great day full of wedding festivities! It's still hitting me that my baby sister is married. I didn't think it'd be that weird to me since I have been moved out for almost a year and don't see her that much anyway but I guess now it's just more real. And I want to be close to my siblings now more than ever! My poor Mama fractured her ankle two days before the big day playing softball, and she was a trooper all day, but couldn't really help Nikkole as much as she wanted to but it was nice for me to be able to help her with her wedding dress and such. I love my sister so very much.

The story of my sissy and I in a picture. She loves me.

And just in case you didn't know, I totally set these two up. Mike and Dan were in the same single's ward and they would play basketball together and I always thought Mike was such a great guy, always smiling and happy, and I wanted to set him up with Nikkole. So when he was available it was finally time to make it work! We all went to Lagoon together and thank goodness Mike was persistent because Nikkole wasn't doing much to make it work in the beginning. Love these two, they owe me for eternity. 

THEY'RE MARRIED!

Poor Mama.

The luncheon.

Remake of the engagement day.

It was also my wonderful Husband's 23rd birthday on May 14. He is my greatest blessing and I'm grateful for all he does for us. We finally celebrated at Texas Roadhouse last weekend, our schedules are kind of opposite so we rarely get to see each other during the week and didn't have time to celebrate just us two until then. I am so proud of him and the hard worker he is. He is so ambitious and I look forward to seeing him accomplish his life goals.
That's the past few months in a nut shell. I feel like I'm forgetting things but that's probably because I am. Until next time! I love being a Hayward!