newphew E's first haircut.

E and Chrissy came in town last month, one more time before their baby girl, Lydia Grace, is born in September. One of the highlights of that weekend was when I got to spend some time with them at mom's shop, Salon Basia, giving E his very first haircut. He did awesome, especially after mom gave him a brush to distract him with!

He looks so handsome with his new haircut! Man, I miss that boy.

Amie's baby shower for Blakey D.

My sis-in-law, Amie, and my oldest brother, Justin, are having their first baby in July. I'll be having another sweet nephew! They are naming him Blake Douglas Hayward...Douglas is my dad's name and Justin's middle name. So presh. Last Sunday, mom and I road tripped to Chicago for her baby shower. We left at 5:30am, went to the shower, and drove back! Though it was a long and tiring day, I'd do it again in a heartbeat for Amie and Blakey D. Amie is so sweet and cute. I feel so blessed to have her as a sis-in-law. Can't wait for another baby in the family!

a great week

This week was a great week for both Scott and I.  Work went well, Scott and I stayed up late having fun conversation a few nights in a row, God blessed Scott with the opportunity for an interview, and Scott may be bringing home a motorcycle tonight he found on craigslist....mm yeah, the motorcycle and the interview are probably tied on his list of excitement.  I'm really excited about most of that list and will be more excited when I actually get to go on a motorcycle ride. I trust when he sees it he will make a wise decision about buying it, right Scott?  Please be praying for Scott's interview on Wednesday!  Now we get to see Chrissy and Elijah for the weekend along with enjoying Amie's baby shower for Blake Douglas (I like to call him Blakey D) in Chicago on Sunday!  Lots of babies in my life right now to hold me over until I'm ready someday.  Have a great weekend!

couldn't resist

the Schneid's road trip to TX.

Scotty and I just got back from our nice, long road trip to TX on Saturday. Surprisingly, the drive was a lot of fun. I didn't think I would not enjoy it, but there is only so much you can do for 15 hours in a car. Not for Scott and I!  We made each other laugh a lot, danced, sang, at a lot, talked, listened to a book on tape, etc. Yeah, I love him. We got to Josh and Chrissy's apt on Saturday night and of course, right away, I took video of Elijah. He's the cutest ever. Our video basically consists of Elijah, Scott and I being dumb, and the awesome food we ate. So here's an overview of the Schneid's trip:

We played with Elijah...a lot.

We got to see the church where Joshie works.
We at at an awesome places like, Chewey's, Rudy's, and Round Rock Doughnuts.
We went to the pool twice...it was 90 degrees there.
We slept on an air mattress for a week.
We saw one of Scott's campers from Kanakuk.
We explored downtown Austin: the capitol, UT's massive campus, and 6th street.
We experienced Mount Banal. and $3 million homes.
We stayed with Ashley and John Barret for a few days in Dallas.
We sat 8 rows behind home plate at the TX Rangers game.
We celebrated Ashley's 24th bday with Uncle Julios and frozen custard.
We saw Troy Aikman at the frozen custard place (I didn't know who he was:))
We experienced Dallas traffic.
We experienced the love Texians have for their "country."
Scott grew a nice mustache for the week.
I cried when Lucy, the pigeon, had to have her baby eggs taken from her on Ashley's porch.
We walked around SMU's campus and Highland Park (one of the richest areas in TX)
I got to eat at a Chick Fil A.
Whataburger is not tasty like every Texan thinks.
And the cherry on top was getting to see the Kirchner's new baby Zeke!

awaiting our roadtrip to TX.

In one week Scott and I will be in Austin, TX visiting Josh, Chrissy, Elijah, and baby #2! We are pretty pumped about this road trip. We've taken a few road trips, but not this long and far of one. We are leaving on Friday, staying in a hotel in Tulsa, OK till Saturday, then driving the rest of the way to Austin, TX. We'll be there a few days then we'll go visit with my great friend Ashley and her husband, John, for a few days. Woo...lots and lots of driving! I'm glad hub and I get along because it's a good 15 hour drive to Austin. So excited to see this face:

This is the face I can' wait to kiss all over....

Elijah turns 1 year old!

Well, I'm slightly...ok, really obsessed with my nephew, Elijah.  He just turned one on February 13th, so Josh, Chrissy, and Elijah all came in town to celebrate his one year of life:)  He is the cutest boy in the world!

he had that doily so far in his mouth!

the game of "let's going under daddy's legs"

he loves his uncle Jess

watching a youtube video with grandpa Dougie.

 On the day of his birthday, we had a birthday party for him.  It was his first time ever having sugar...he wasn't sure what to do with it at first. He knows would not put that cake in his mouth because he knows what "no touch" means, so Josh finally put Elijah's fingers in his mouth for him.

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Justin Hayward is my brother!

that's my brother, Justin, and his preggo wife, Amie

As I have stated before, my family is massive. Out of my siblings, Justin is the oldest.  His dream since he was just a boy was to become a producer. He is extremely talented and creative.  He lives in Chicago, IL with his lovely and preggo wife, Amie. Side note: I can't wait to have another little nephew!!  Justin has worked as the lighting guy (not sure of the technical name) on several commercials.  He's had many jobs with Silent Partner Films.  Here is a website you can check out to see some commercials Justin has done the lighting for: www.spfilms.com. If you click on "reels" it will show commercials you can choose from.  Check out that sweet lighting!  I never realized how hard it was to get the perfect lighting until I went and visited him where they filmed in Chicago.  It was so cool to finally see what my brother has done for years of his life now.  At that time they were shooting a Toys-R-us commercial for power tools.  It was so intriguing to watch!  He has also won the Chicago film festival twice!  He made a short film called Divorce Lemonade, I believe in 2005.  Check it out:

  This past year, he finished his first feature film called Fireproof Gloves. No, it's nothing like the movie Fireproof.  Not Justin's style:)  Just recently, he filmed a music video for the awesome band in St. Louis called Pretty Little Empire. Justin Johnson, the lead singer, is a good friend of his. Check out how great the band is and how great of a job Justin did with filming the video.

To check out Pretty Little Empire's site, just go to www.prettylittleempire.com.  You can see the video here as well.

Ok, now I'll tell you about my way way way exciting news. My dad called me last month to let me know that Justin had an interview at 1:30pm on January 7th to try and win $100,000 toward making the beginning of what can hopefully be made into another feature film.  I didn't know many details, but dad just wanted me to pray. So that night, while devouring my delicious steak I had been craving from TGI Friday's, I thought to call Justin so I could find out the outcome and details. The phone was busy. He called me back about 5 minutes later.
"Hey Justin!"
"Jane, I got it!"
"What?!?!"
"I won!!!"
I was in shock!!! I know Justin wouldn't joke about this. He went on to tell me that when I called him he was on the other line being told he won the $100,000 toward his film. I could not believe it!!! Before I called Justin, I called my dad and listened to my dad tell me how Justin was positive he didn't win. There were several people who submitted a short film in attempt to get an interview and only 3 people were interviewed.  Justin was one of them!!! That's already awesome! He said he could hear the people who interviewed before him laughing in the interview and clapping their hands. He thought right away they won. He was second to interview. By that time he said he was super nervous (nothing new for Justin:).  For the interview, Justin had to have the beginning of his storyboard for his feature film he was hoping to be able to shoot someday. It actually is a short film that happens to be the opening of his feature, which worked out perfect.  He had everything prepared and by the time they began asking Justin about his film, his nerves left him. He told them all about it and explained everything in detail using his script and drawings of the story board.  He still left not feeling confident, but knowing he did his best. He and Amie even went to pizza that night to make Justin feel better. Haha, I thought that was funny. Little did he know he would receive a call that same night to find out he won! So exciting!! I called Amie later that night, and she explained to me that he has 8 months to shoot and submit the beginning of this feature film to this company. Once they receive it, they will submit it for him to several different film festivals....and that's when we will see if he will get a shot at making his full feature film.  If people like the opening of it, they will fund him for his feature film.  Holla!

Here's the best part: the interviewers told Justin they will be glad they have met him someday.  They think he will go big!!! Ahhh!! I am so proud of Justin for sticking with his dream and working extremely hard to achieve something he's been working for his whole life! The Lord has blessed him with such an amazing opportunity.  If nothing happens in the end, I know he won't give up. It's still awesome he had such a great opportunity. On Sunday they are presenting him the award...I guess at the big award ceremony.  He does have to miss Elijah's first birthday party, but I guess it's worth it;)

Congratulations Justin!!! I love you and I'm so proud of you!!

nephew #2

I just found out last night that I am going to have another nephew!!! My oldest brother, Justin, and his wife, Amie are so excited to be having their first child.  Well, I know Amie is stoked...Justin is probably excited but more nervous now.  He has more anxiety than probably anyone I know.  I have no doubt that he will be an amazing father and Amie an amazing mother. Now that this is the second baby in the family, eyes are beginning to wander to Scott and I out of curiosity. Nope!!! They will have to wait a few more years:)  I still want to be selfish and have my husband all to myself for now. I'll just concentrate on loving on my nephews all the more. Anyways, Elijah (nephew #1) gets to have a boy cousin to play with that will only be a little younger than he....I think that's perfect.  Amie is adorable with her growing baby bump!

Justin took this picture at 19 weeks

my favorite Christmas ever...as i recall.

This year Christmas was different.  I've never had a Christmas before being a married woman! It was a huge change, but a great change. I've been longing for this Christmas for a few years now. I've always loved Christmas, being with family and getting to see everyone. As I got older, I longed to begin my own traditions. Coming from a divorced family, holidays can be a little stressful. We would go to three different places on Christmas day so we could spend it with everyone. I was thankful to see everyone, but it made for an extremely long day.

I knew this Christmas would be different this year now that I have my own family...Scott Schneider:) We talked about how we were going to do things for months ahead of time, but never quite figured it out fully until the day of. Plans still changed the day of, but it ended up being perfect. This year, being our first Christmas as newlyweds, was still a bit chaotic. We haven't quite figured out the right plan for years to come....so once again, I still went to three different places. Christmas Eve, we hung out with Scott's brother, Jered and my sis-in-law, Jordan. We made a yummy meal and watched the best Christmas movie, Christmas Vacation. Christmas morning, my hunny and I woke up and had our own little Christmas together, just the two of us!  It was absolutely perfect! Then we went to Scott's parents and had Christmas with them. Finally, we had Christmas evening with the Hayward's.  All of my siblings were in town, which rarely happens. We took a family picture, ate a delicious dinner, and opened presents from one another. My sister, Emily, and I have a tradition of seeing a movie together Christmas night. We kept it this year, except Scotty came with:)  The day after, we went to church and then had Christmas with my mom. That night, we went back to my dad's and he had extended family over.

Though it was still a very busy Christmas, the quality time I spent with my wonderful husband and my family made for the best Christmas I've ever had. As we've all gotten older, we appreciate the time with each other more than ever. I savored every moment. I am so thankful for our families God has truly blessed us with. I'm also extremely thankful I can spend Christmas with my husband for the rest of my life.

I haven't uploaded the numerous pictures I have taken this break, but when I do, I will put them up for sure:)  Lots to come!!

a shout out to Douglas Melvin Hayward.

 Douglas Melvin Hayward, my lovely father, was born on Dec. 16, 19--.  He may not want me to tell you the date, then you would be able to figure out his young age. He grew up in Ladue, MO with 2 older sisters and 2 older brothers. Dad was the baby. Now, he is currently married to my step-mom, Lynn Hayward, and lives a busy, but joyful life. He is probably the most friendly mailman you'll ever meet, a father of 8 lovely kids (5 of his own and 3 step), and the leader of the college and career group at his church.  If you know my pops, you probably love him. Here are my top ten reasons why you gotta love Douglas Melvin:

dad and Elijah (his first grandbaby)

1. He has the greatest middle name (He wants all of his grandbabies to be named either Melvin or Melvina...not happening)
2. He may be the most animated person I know (his children take after him)
3. He loves keeping his traditions (ex. Sunday after church Quick Trip run for 2 hotdogs)
4. He will fall asleep working out or anywhere he can lay down
5. He loves his diet coke
6. He has wisdom beyond his years
7. He has a sensitive heart toward the things of Christ
8. He makes extremely difficult/mean/hard-hearted people his projects in life
9. His love he has for his wife and kids is unconditional
10. He is the most God-fearing man I know who lives his life each day to glorify Christ....and it's so obvious.

I Love you dad and I'm so thankful the Lord blessed me with you as my father...the greatest father any daughter can ever ask for. Thank you for living your life for all to see Christ through you. Happy Birthday Dad!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

the first time dad saw me before the wedding

dad praying with me before we walked down the aisle

me and my sweet daddy

gerber baby

My sweet baby nephew, Elijah David, is in the running to become the next Gerber Baby. He has 41 votes thus far, but we have until the end of the month to vote.  He is a beautiful, 9 month old baby. I call him my little Valentine because he was born the day before Valentine's Day....that's close enough:)  Elijah, Josh and Chrissy live in Austin, TX.  They just moved there a few months ago. We were all happy Josh got a job as an associate pastor and youth pastor at a great church, but we were NOT happy we wouldn't get to see Elijah more (and of course Josh and Chrissy). He is the most popular little buddy in our family right now. Why? Because he is so stinkin cute and sweet and he is the first baby in the family. Well, I just found out about a week ago that Chrissy and Elijah are coming in town for a week before Thanksgiving!  They are coming back for Christmas too and for Elijah's first birthday in February!!!  I can't wait to see them.  If you think about it, vote for sweet Elijah at this website everyday until the end of the month!!
http://www.gerber.com/photo/#/vote/

Look how adorable he is...

This is my favorite picture of Elijah and Josh.  The perfect father/son picture.

Jesse turned 30!

My brother, Jesse, turned 30 years old on August 6th. My mom and step dad threw a surprise birthday party for him a few weeks later at a small cafe in St. Louis, called the Maya Cafe.

Before I tell you about the party, you need to know a little background about Jesse. First of all, he was born with Cerebral Paulsey. He has a hard time speaking well, his motor skills were affected and his mentality is probably at about an 8 year old level. He still enjoys life to the fullest. Jesse LOVES music. My step dad, Vince, is in a bluegrass band and Jesse thoroughly enjoys his music. When Jesse gets off work for the day (he works at St. Johns Hospital) he will probably play his guitar, listen to a band on the computer (most likely Johnny Cash), or watch the Cardinals play on T.V. so he can cheer on Albert Pujols. Those are what bring him the most joy in life. Occasionally, Vince will let Jesse practice with his band during the week or even play with them at a show (he doesn't mind that his guitar isn't plugged in). He doesn't know how to play the guitar, but he still loves to strum hard and sing loud.

So back to his party....
Josh and Chrissy (brother and sister-in-law) were moving to Austin, TX a few days later, so they came in town for one last time before moving. So with all the parties it brought the altogether again:)
Vince gathered a bunch of his friends for Jesse's surprise party and they formed a "torture chamber." Basically everyone plays an instrument that is not their main instrument. It was pretty bad, but extremely entertaining. All Jesse knew he was doing that night was playing music with Vince's band. He wore his best outfit: his khakis, tennis shoes, a button-up shirt with Cadillacs and guitars all over it, and his new favorite hat my mom bought him to play music in. He wouldn't wear his hat until he played music.

that's Jesse to the left.

Scott and I drove him to the cafe. There were large curtains we had to open before entering the room of all of Jesse's friends and family. I was a little nervous he was going to be really startled and not really know it was for him, considering his birthday was a few weeks before. I opened the curtain and everyone yelled, "Surprise!" Jesse, with a small, confusing smirk on his face just stood there and scanned the room of all of his friends and family. I tapped him on the shoulder, "Jesse, it's for you! It's for your birthday!" I think he finally got it when he saw his large birthday cake:)  He walked straight to his guitar, picked it up, and began playing with the band. The guests all just sat back, ate good food, and mingled while watching Jesse having the time of his life.  After he played, it was gift opening time. His gifts either consisted of Cardinals stuff or music stuff. He loved it all.  Scott and I bought him an Albert Pujols jersey.  We could hardly wait to give it to him because he is possibly Albert's biggest fan;) 

he knew it was a Cardinal's jersey right away

I know the party meant so much to Jesse. I was so glad we could have a party to celebrate another year with one of the most amazing people I know.  Jesse is such a wonderful brother. He is extrememly generous and tender-hearted. I am so thankful the Lord has blessed our family with someone who brings us more joy than we could ever have imagined:) Jesse, we love you!!!

my brothers

I have a very large blended family that consists of 10 people altogether. Of those, 4 of them are my "real" brothers between my mom and dad. Justin, 31, Jesse, 29, Jeremy, 27, and Josh, 25. Growing up I didn't always enjoy having all older brothers. I was the youngest and the only girl, so I was everyone's main target (in my eyes). Even though we fought like crazy and they all made me cry more than once, I would never change growing up with all boys. Now that I am older, I am so appreciative that God has put those 4 boys as my brothers in my life. I would constantly hear, "You are such a brat, Janie!," but I always knew in the end they would protect me know matter what. As I started my teen years, I began hanging around a few of their friends. I don't think they liked that, especially when their friends started liking me. That is when I realized that they did care for me and wanted what was best for me. My relationship with each of them has always been a little different. The mean days were of course when I was young and still the little brat (which I'm sure I was). Because Justin was 8 years older than me, he could tell me something to do and I would do it. One day he locked me out of the house for a whole day. My dad said he came home from work and I was sitting on the porch looking content. Dad asked me what I was doing and I just said, "praying." It's funny I wasn't screaming while banging on the door for him to let me in. I think it's because I was a bit terrified of him because I knew I didn't stand a chance if I tried to fight back. Jessie, 29, has cerebral paulsey. He is precious, but he still has his bratty moments and I'm still his little sister. Because he had a mentality of an 8 year old, we played together often and fought often. My brothers and I still would always stick up for him if other people were making fun of him or making rude comments. We were the only ones that could be mad at him or mean to him because he was our brother, not theirs. My brother Jeremy, 27, is the chic magnet of the boys. Don't get my wrong, all my brothers are extremely handsome, but for some reason he has always been the one girls were drawn too, yet didn't give a hoot. I became very popular when I got to high school because so many girls crushed on my brothers and wanted to be my friend. Yeah, they totally used me. Jerks. I thought they really wanted to be my friend at the time. I even had girls ask me about Justin still and he had been out of high school for years! Anyways, girls would tell me Jeremy looked like Brad Pitt and they liked that he was such a "mystery." He's dated a bit, but has always been pretty independent. For some reason, Jeremy and I hated each other when we were younger and did NOT get along. He was always the most mean to me. We would argue about the most ridiculous things. It started getting a little better in high school and he realized I wasn't such a little girl anymore. Then there is my brother Josh, 25. He and I always got along the best. I think maybe we got along so well is because he was the closest in age to me than any of the others. He tells me now he always felt like he needed to look out for me. Believe me, there were still times when we did not get along. How things have changed since we are all older: Justin and Josh are married, Jeremy and Jesse live in an apartment together, and I'm getting married this summer. The more I think about my brothers and our lives growing up, the more thankful I am for them. We didn't have the easiest life growing up, but it was all we knew. Our parents divorced when I was 1 year old. They still did a great job raising us. Dad didn't remarry until 10 years later. During that time, we switched houses between my mom's and dad's every other day and every other weekend. Mom remarried, so she had some help and moms are naturally better at multi tasking. Dad raised us by himself. 5 kids! We ate lots of frozen and canned foods at his house, but he still did an amazing job raising us;) We all got to the age, eventually, when we chose who we wanted to stay with what night. People cannot believe when I tell them we saw both parents every other day. They always ask, "Was that hard?" It was all we knew. I think it was a blessing we were able to see both parents, but annoying leaving clothes at both places (for me especially trying to live like a girl under a man household:)) Anyways, now that we are older, age doesn't matter. I love talking to each one of them on the phone just about life. Josh and his wife, Chrissy, just had a baby a month ago (Elijah). I cannot believe how obsessed and in love Jeremy and Justin are with their little nephew. Jeremy finally got facebook and stole Chrissy's album of Elijah and put it on his own facebook...he's obviously new to the fb world;) He described the album in a few sentences that he never really knew how much he could love his nephew. He said he was excited for Josh and Chrissy when he found out she was pregnant, but now that Jeremy has held him in his arms, Elijah has him wrapped around his finger. Chrissy said he kept commenting on how beautiful his eyes, nose and lips were. Not the Jeremy I knew 10 years ago:) Justin called me yesterday to see if I saw the picture of Amie, his wife, holding Elijah while Elijah is staring at Amie with his eyes opened so wide and focused. He comments on lots of pictures of Elijah of how precious and beautiful he is. I love that about my brothers...they are not scared to show who they are. I cannot believe Josh is a dad. He is going to be the best father. He reminds me a lot of my own father: kind, animated, gracious but disciplines, and one of the most Godly men I now know. He has such a gift for teaching God's Word too. Wow. When my mom told Jesse Chrissy was going to have a baby, Jesse said, "aww, is he cute." I love that story. Jesse held him with the biggest grin on his face and said, "I'm Uncle Jesse, like on Full House." Even Jesse is so in love with his nephew. My four brothers have such beautiful hearts and have all blessed me in such different, but wonderful ways. I am so thankful that we are family and that we will only become closer as we get older. I love you Hayward boys.

Happy Birthday Dad!

Yesterday was my dad's 55th birthday. Whew, he is getting up there;) My dad grew up with 2 older brothers and 2 older sisters. His mom was a solid Christian lady. She passed away almost 7 years ago. She was the one that set a great Godly example for him. Dad didn't become a Christian until he was 20 years old. I kid you not, he began searching while sitting around with a bunch of friends who were passing around a joint. A jewish believer led him to Christ. My mom and dad married young and had five kids (4 older boys and a little girl...me:) They divorced when I was very young. Mom remarried shortly after. Dad remarried about 10 years later. My brothers and I switched off going to mom and dad's every other day and every other weekend until we were old enough to decide where we wanted to stay. We were blessed to be able to spend equal time with both parents. Before my dad remarried, he did an amazing job raising 5 kids in a solid Christian household. He took us to church with him every Sunday, led us in devotions, prayed with us, etc. The only thing he struggled with was cooking a good meal...lots of frozen and canned foods:) Besides that, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I loved spending time with my dad. He played hide-and-go-seek with us and the neighborhood kids, he played basketball with us in our backyard, he took us to Minnesota on vacation every summer to our lake house...we kept him young. As we got older, dad wasn't able to beat Josh and Jeremy in basketball anymore, we no longer had to be spanked with a long wooden ruler, and we were finally able to cook for ourselves. Dad remarried when I was 10 years old. Lynn already had 2 boys and a girl. That meant I now had 2 more brothers and finally a SISTER!! I was so excited. I was an awful flower girl in that wedding though. We no longer had dad to ourselves, but we were so happy dad found a wonderful woman of the Lord. Things changed drastically, but dad still maintained a Godly household with 3 extra kids. He has been my inspiration to have my own Godly household someday and my inspiration to live a life glorifying to Christ. I love him more than words can describe. Now he is 55 years old, but I pray the Lord will give him many more years to continue to instill Godly principals in my kids and my siblings kids. To my hero, my dad, thank you for loving me with Christ's love. Happy Birthday!

Thanksgiving...a holiday?

Does there have to be a holiday to reflect on what we are thankful for? Coming from a divorced family, Thanksgiving hasn't ever been my favorite holiday when it comes to "family time." I go to my mom's, my cousins come over, we eat, and everyone disperses and does their own thing. Awesome. Last year I tried to be that person to make everyone at the dinner table go around and say what they are thankful for, considering it was Thanksgiving. Complete fail. Everyone just kind of chuckled. Some people half way participated. I do wish the holiday was taken a little more serious, but then again, I do wish, personally, I gave thanks everyday and appreciated more what the Lord has truly blessed me with. I think it's great to have a holiday to remind us to be thankful and reflect on past history, but I don't think the holiday should be the only time to remember to be appreciative. What comes along with the holiday, such as the scrumptious food, is usually what the holiday is made to be about...turkey, stuffing and taters. My prayer is for this holiday to not just be the one time we get together and eat, but to be thankful for the life we were graciously given.