Hal and Holly Boyd Family

Post-Graduation

2010-05-05T21:32:00.005-06:00

It’s hard to believe I’ve pretty much completed my formal education, but it feels nice. Now I can assign myself homework. I need to read more. I’ve decided to read the Chronicles of Narnia. I remember really enjoying The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe when I was younger, and I’d like to read through the whole series now. (So I’m probably easier on myself than my teachers were in assigning homework). I plan to catch up on my scrapbook, prepare an awesome spreadsheet for our budget, and hopefully cook more. I should also keep up on my accounting. My new job will help me to do that of course. But I recognize that now is probably a really good time for me to prepare for and sit for the CPA exam. It has a 46% national passing rate…pretty stiff average. BYU has prepared me well to do accounting, but it will take a lot more and a different kind of studying than I have in the past to pass this exam. Scrapbooking may have to wait.

Dear Hal is doing some research for a professor and studying away for his big exam coming up. Think of him on the afternoon of Monday, June 7.

Here are some pictures from graduation. What a happy day!

I like this one because it shows some of campus. I spent a lot of hours in that library.

Thanks to BYU for an enlightening four years and for providing the grounds where I could meet my adorable husband!

Update

2010-04-04T16:37:00.002-06:00

So our Christmas post is up! Just New Years in California, Valentine's day, and a semester update until we'll be caught up! Plus my post on graduation will soon be a possibility. Can't wait for April 22! Before I post pictures and record memories from those events, I just want to write a little bit about how Hal and I have been. We're so happy to be married and working toward our goals. As I mentioned, one of my goals is to graduate in accounting from BYU, and we will realize that in a few weeks. I can hardly tell how excited I am. The accounting program has been very challenging where a lot of unfamiliar material has been presented, but tackling the tax laws and accounting concepts for the past four years has been all the more fulfilling for that reason. And I can say that I feel prepared for the workforce after growing and learning a lot. I have all good things to say about this program and especially the professors and administrators. I feel very blessed to have participated. It will feel even better to have the bachelors and masters under my belt, which just leads to work and plans to sit for the CPA exam in October and November.

For an update on Hal, he has had busy semester. He's in the thick of four philosophy classes and working two (now three) TA and research jobs. He'll be taking the LSAT in June and continue doing some research for some professors. He is also the new Honors Student Council Co-President for the next school year. Congrats to Hal! So that's us in a nutshell.

Christmas in Colorado

2010-03-07T17:04:00.012-07:00

For Christmas break, Hal and I drove to Colorado to be with my sister, Wendy, and her adorable family. They were great hosts, and Wendy is a great cook! When we got there, she made me a birthday cake--it was delicious! And I received the best birthday gift--a subscription to Taste of Home :) Which is where the recipe for my birthday cake came from: http://www.tasteofhome.com/Recipes/Peanut-Crunch-Cake

It was such a treat to see Alli and Carter (in addition to their parents of course), but they are officially so cute! On Christmas Eve, Alli was preparing to reinact the Nativity, so she pulled off the couch cushions and climbed inside a cube she had formed with them. She informed us that she is "baby Jesus waiting to come out of Mary's belly." I think that was about the most literal reinactment of the Nativity I have ever seen.

Alli and I were such good friends, of course until Grandma came. Then the coveted seat next to Allison at the dinner table became Grandma's and not Aunt Holly's. So the glory was short-lived but it was fun while it lasted. I can't blame her anyway; Grandma is super cool. Plus, Alli recognized some of the best parts of Christmas; when my mom first arrived she said like ten times, "I'm sooo happy you're here." And then at dinner she announced "The best part of Christmas is having Grandma and Grandpa here!" I can agree too--family is so special. I do have to admit, I tried to win over their hearts by making these cute little "elf" outfits out of socks that my friend Amber Burrows showed me how to make, and the one I made for Allison made it into her treasure box! And Carter liked the buttons on his.

Here is a picture of the one Amber made. They're even cuter with some candy and little oranges in "bottom" :)

Speaking of Carter, he was so grown up, especially in being tech-savvy. Whenever we were on the computer, he would slide his way into our laps and ask, "Can I push da button?" or ask to see Thomas the Train. Whenever we would show PowerPoints for devotionals, Carter's job was to click to the next slides, and he did it flawlessly!

It was also fun to see and share talents on Christmas eve. Wendy and I played a duet of "Silent Night" on the piano, Allison read a verse from the Book of Mormon (and earlier that week performed "Up On the Housetop" on the piano with some help from Mom), Carter may have sung "Santa Claus is Coming to Town" (He would randomly sing that all through the break, singing, "He's making a list, he's making it twice" :) ), I think Dad sang a song, but I'm afraid I don't remember what Anthony did--he was a really good dad helping Alli and Carter with their talents! Hal recited and performed some Shakespeare--specifically lines from Hamlet. And Mom led us in an elf cheer, which was a little something she picked up from working on the Polar Express the past few months leading up to Christmas.

Christmas was also special because we were able to talk with Tanner while he's on his mission in Russia. He sounded great! Since I'm reporting on this so late, I can't remember the details. I do remember he wanted a big red book that was a Russian dictionary or something. He mentioned the language is difficult--I can only imagine. But he also shared some great stories, and overall sounded happy; so that made for a happy Christms for my Mom especially.

Other highlights include attending the Denver temple, seeing "Little House on the Prairie" the musical, going to the movie theater, visiting a life science museum, going to the gym, visiting the Molly Brown home, and just hanging out at home--Alli and Carter kept us plenty entertained. Meanwhile, Hal had a lot of work to do, so I would help him with that sometimes.

The day before Christmas eve, we had a Twelfth Night celebration where guests are to bring an appetizer and then have their name drawn to be the Queen and King of the evening. I of course won, and enjoyed wearing my crown during the night, and I also enjoyed the entertainment provided by the other guests.

On Christmas eve, we tried to celebrate it Coloradoan style (according to the World Christmas books). So we started off with a tradition (that I think was adopted from Spain or some other country) where we travel like Mary and Joseph on Christmas eve to find a place to stay. We were to knock on neighbors' doors who were prepared with a script to reject us (Mom acted like each of neighbors by hiding behind different doors in the house.) Of course we finally found a place to stay and sang a song.

We decorated ornaments and exchanged them through a story about Lefty the Elf, where we pass our ornaments to the left or right whenever the story cleverly says "left," "Lefty," or "right." We learned about Colorado reindeer from Carter and I presented on Simpich dolls.

Alli and Carer also broke a pinyada--I'm not sure how that directly related to Colorado, but I know it did.

It's so nice writing about Christmas and remembering the fun and comfort of being with family and children. I miss them a lot, but I love the memories!

Allison preparing to be baby Jesus in "Mary's tummy" which she created.

One of the many instances of Carter behind a computer. He's not pushing the button here...but it was one of his favorite things to do.

Talking with Tanner while he's in Russia.

Mom leading us in an elf cheer.

Hal performing Hamlet.

And Dad performing a song with Wendy on the piano after we had "knocked on neighbors' doors" as Mary and Joseph--Dad's still wearing his costume.

What a Merry Christmas!

My First Apple Pie

2009-11-26T12:09:00.004-07:00

For our ward's potluck Thanksgiving, I was in charge of rolls and an apple pie. I was excited to make my first pie from scratch, including the crusts. I believe it was a success thanks to my handy-dandy Lion House cookbook and a crust recipe from a friend in the ward. You will see that Hal contributed as well with his addition shown in the last picture.

Honors Conference and BYU Homecoming Parade

2009-11-26T11:45:00.003-07:00

Over Halloween, Hal traveled to Washington D.C. with the Honors Program advisers to participate in the National Collegiate Honors Council Conference where he learned about ways to improve the Honors Program at BYU. I think he did plenty of touring as well :)

Hal was in the BYU Homecoming Parade with the Honors program; they drove a Smart Car and gave out Smarties. I like this float from Provo City because it reminds me of the float my mom made for the North Logan parade when I was a kid. She made a gold beehive just like that with tires.

Hal’s Birthday and General Conference Oct 09

2009-11-26T09:11:00.003-07:00

For Hal's birthday, we went to a BYU football game against Utah State with Wally and Rachel who were out here from Texas for General Conference, and we won! We loved having family out for the weekend and are grateful they traveled so far for the occasions.

U of U football Game

2009-11-25T11:41:00.001-07:00

Here's Rob at a U of U football game with Brad, which was so cool for him to see. They had great seats and great company. This maroon shirt was the best he could find to fit in with all the Ute fans.

BYU Fall 2009

2009-09-13T13:55:00.002-06:00

Hal and I are back to school, which will be my last fall semester! I'll finally graduate after this year (April 2010). I'm in the thick of my accounting and tax classes and Hal is beginning his junior year, which will be one of his hardest.

Hal's busy serving on the Honors Council and as a TA for one of the Honors classes. He's also finishing up research he did this summer for a professor.

At the end of October he will be attending an Honor's Conference in Washington D.C. with a couple Honors advisors and another student. I'm so excited for him!

Summer Vacation - Higgins Lake

2009-07-25T13:39:00.000-06:00

Here we are at Higgins Lake. Hal was so happy to finally be back after not visiting for three years.

Hal cleaning up the sailboat, which he and I later rode on.

Playing baseball in the yard.

Family picture.

Mother Boyd teaching us how to knit.

Uncle Rob/Hal and Ethan getting sticks for the fire.

I accidently dropped one of my earings in the sink, but my handy man got it out for me!

Watching the sunset.

Uncle Rob/Hal and Ethan fishing for "nimmows" :)

So beautiful...

Summer Vacation - Higgins Lake

2009-07-25T10:14:00.013-06:00

Hal and I visited our families the past couple weeks in Ohio and Michigan. We saw Tanner one last time before he entered the MTC for his mission to Russia. We drove up to Roscommon, Michigan where Hal's family has a cottage on Higgins Lake. There we went sailing, tubing, and visited with family. It was incredibly relaxing and beautiful.

Tanner, Dad, and Hal on their tour of the University of Akron campus. Pictured is the Polymer buidling where my dad works.

Here we are at the First Lady's Museum in Canton, OH.

We saw some classic cars at a hotel across the street from the First Lady's Museum. Here we are by an old Pontiac in honor of Grandpa Erickson.

Developing talents

2009-07-24T13:01:00.003-06:00

One weekend, Hal had the urge to sculpt something. So we got him some clay and that night he sculpted Don Quixote--the main character of one of his favorite books.

Watkins Family Reunion

2009-05-01T13:44:00.007-06:00

After winter semester, my family all came out to Utah for one last reunion before Tanner goes on his mission to Russia in July. We saw Dan graduate from BYU, played tennis, did a ropes course/team-building activities, went to Hogle Zoo, and went through the Logan Temple with Tanner.

Grandma and Grandpa with the grandkids.
Me preparing to jump off a tree to try to grab a hoop.

Train ride at Hogle Zoo.

Uncle Tanner and his nieces and nephew.

When Hal and I were walking out of the Logan Temple, a photographer stopped us to see if we would pose for a picture to help him get his lighting right. He sent us this picture (SDesigns, http://sdesignsphotography.blogspot.com/)

March

2009-03-25T13:59:00.000-06:00

Hal and me attending the Marriage of Figaro in Salt Lake City

This one is for Ethan.
I love my nephew! Little Benny...

The Holidays in Boston

2009-01-01T19:05:00.012-07:00

Holly and I have really enjoyed the past two weeks spent in Massachusetts. Our arrival was quite exiting due to the weather-- after our flight from Detroit to Providence attempted to land twice we were eventually redirected to Pittsburg where the snow accumulation was considerably less. Upon arriving in Pittsburg all chaos broke loose--one disgruntled passenger screamed a choice swear word at the top of his lungs and burst into tears as the stewardess announced that the plane was going to fill up on gasoline and head back to Detroit until all passengers could be booked on another flight. Holly and I took action and left the flight and took our chances with an inexpensive flight on Jet Blue that was leaving within minutes to Boston. We ran to the terminal just in time to book a flight and within two hours we had landed in Boston. My wonderful mother put her life on the line driving from her home to Providence then to Boston all in the same night during the snowiest conditions of the year. We felt vindicated in our action of taking the Jet Blue flight after we found out that Northwest (the airline we were on) booked us for a flight from Detroit to Providence two days from the night we actually arrived in Boston. Nonetheless the vaction was oozing with Class, Culture and Christmas.

We found the Class (with a capital C) visting the Newport Mansions. We went to the Christmas tour of the Breaker's Mansion. The mansion served as a summer home for the Vanderbelt family a century ago.

We found Culture as we visited Cape Cod, Longfellow's house in Cambridge, Emerson's house in Concord, Thereau's cabin at Walden Pond, Boston's Mueseum of Fine Art and other locations.

The Christmas came as we spent a Christ centered holiday with family and taking time to visit the most christ-centered building in Boston--the Boston LDS Temple

Intramural CHAMPS!!

2008-12-14T20:00:00.000-07:00

The infamous chestbump.

Smiles of Champions! Here we are celebrating the big win with Macey's 69 cent ice cream cones! And thanks to Carrie and Dan Foster for cheering them on to the win. (They're celebrating with us too.)

2008 CHAMPION veni, vidi, vici

Tanner and Hal were doubles partners in the BYU Intramurals tournament, and they went undefeated throughout the whole season! My husband was super impressive having not played competitive tennis since before his mission. He and Tanner were a pretty entertaining duo. The chestbumps between each game brought a level of intimidation that I don't think BYU has seen before. But whatever they did worked, helping them claim the coveted Intramural Champs T-shirt. Good job, men!

Hal helping out in the kitchen

2008-12-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

Here is Hal cleaning up after dinner, and the saran wrap got the better of him. And even the broken "Smile" plate from a slip while washing dishes brought a smile to our faces since Hal was giving his best effort :)

Our first home

2008-12-14T12:58:00.000-07:00

My family came for Thanskgiving and it was so fun to have my parents stay with us for a couple days. Hence, we made our little home/apartment look as nice as we could! Here are some pictures to take a tour!

I must give credit to Hal and my Dad for making the IKEA furniture in our home and to Hal for the Argentine artwork. My Mom and Grandma Erickson made the quilts for the beds!!

The New Album: Back in BYU

2008-10-28T16:42:00.001-06:00

Holly and I are back in BYU and loving it--and by 'it', I mean living the life of a young married student at Y-mount married student accommodations in Provo Utah! Holly is finishing up classes in her Macc (masters of accountancy) so she can prepare for the baby who we are expecting to arrive within the next couple of months....just kidding, we are hoping for a couple years until the children start coming. Actually, after Christmas break Holly will be starting her winter internship at a local accounting firm called Squire . I (Hal) am currently taking classes in English and Philosophy and trying to remember to wash the dishes and take out the trash as my wife has delegated those assignments to me. Hope all is going well, for whom ever reads this.

Hal and Holly Boyd

Remember How Blessed You Are - Wedding Reception 08-22-08

2008-10-28T16:41:00.001-06:00

Boyd Family

2008-10-28T16:40:00.001-06:00

Watkins Family

2008-10-28T16:39:00.000-06:00

Our Wedding Day

2008-10-28T16:34:00.000-06:00

Hal returned to the U.S safely from Cambridge, England less than 48 hours before our wedding ceremony. It was a long summer without seeing my fiance for two months; but now that we are finally together again it seems as though we were never apart! My life is a dream come true.

Hal and I were married in the Columbus, Ohio Temple on August 22, 2008 where we had a beautiful ceremony fit for a beautiful day. Family and friends celebrated the occasion with us at Uniontown Community Park that evening.

The Proposal - Santa Monica, CA

2008-10-28T16:32:00.000-06:00

As Hal and I left for California, I anticipated a marriage proposal. I understood that he had already picked out a ring for me; but I was concerned on our first day in California, because he explained that he didn't have a ring and that we needed to pick one out while we were there.

As we started our tour of the Getty Villa museum with Hal's parents, I considered our schedule of events that weekend and explained that the only time we could look at rings was after the tour. He sweetly agreed, and we continued through the displays of ancient Roman and Greek gardens and architecture.

After awhile, his parents convinced us that they wanted to see an exhibit in another part of the museum. Hal and I wandered off through the gardens, while I calculated how much time we had left to look at rings. We meandered through the statues of Greek Gods, admired the beautiful gardens, and were amused with the delightful fountains. Hal led me to a spot in the garden overlooking the beach with flowers surrounding us on all sides. He pointed to some leaves and asked if I remembered what they symbolize.

I forgot, but he proceeded to gently remind me, “Acanthus leaves symbolize eternal love because they continue to grow. I think it is like the love we have for each other.” With this and some other heartfelt words, he knelt down on one knee and held a beautiful diamond ring before me. And in his gentle way, he asked if I would marry him. Of course I agreed and delighted in the pleasant way he was able to surprise me.

With all smiles, we met up with his parents again and broke the news of our official engagement!

Congratulations flew as we made phone calls to family, but some expressed their slight disappointment that he didn’t pop the question by the Hollywood sign…”'Hollywood you marry me?”

I think it worked out perfectly!

Our Story: "Miraculous Meeting" (wedding website)

2008-10-28T16:26:00.002-06:00

I love the story of how Hal and I met. Every time I think of it, I am grateful for a few small decisions that were made that day. Read ahead for my version of how we met.

It was a cold winter week and I was in the thick of accounting midterms. I was about to leave work in the eBusiness Center when my boss mentioned that we needed to pick up a banner in a building across campus. Torn between studying for my next test and being a good employee, I agreed to pick it up then.

Focused on making good time, I pulled my hair back and marched across campus as quickly as I could. I was hurrying back to work when I remembered another poster set up in the Talmage building. I realized that this would be a good time to make the detour to bring that one back too.

There I was, rushing to the Tanner building, holding a banner, easel, and 5x3 foot poster board. I was thinking of my next financial exam, lack of time to study, and neglect I had given to beautification.

A couple of guys were having a conversation on the sidewalk ahead, which ended about the time I walked past. One of the boys started walking the same way I was going, and we were awkwardly in step. That is when he asked if he could help me carry my poster.

"Are you going to the Tanner building?" I asked gratefully.

"No," he replied.

"Oh, well thanks for offering. I'm fine though." I was a little disappointed I had refused his offer, but I saw no reason to make him carry my posters all the way to my work. Fortunately, he continued our conversation as we crossed the street.

"What's your name?" When I told him 'Holly', he replied excitedly,

"I'm Hal! If I were a girl, my parents were going to name me Hally!"

Trying to show the same enthusiasm, I said, "Oh, cool. That's kind of like Holly." One of the posters started to slip from my grip and he insisted on helping me.

As we walked back to my work, we learned a little more about each other. He said he is from Boston and when I told him I'm from Akron, we made the connection that his dad graduated from the University of Akron Law School where my dad currently works.

I was excited to hopefully get to know him better and grateful that he remembered to get my number. He texted me later that night in rhyme, "Ok Holly--this is Hal, your new poster-carrying pal. Are you busy Saturday? We could see a play. What do you say? Yea or nay?"

Of course I agreed, and we went out for the first time that weekend.

I had a delightful time and looked forward to seeing him again. And to my pleasure, I did!

About Holly (posting from wedding website)

2008-10-28T16:26:00.001-06:00

This lucky girl looks back on her life with gratitude for the many people who have made a difference in who she has become. Now she is deeply grateful to be the bride of Hal Robert Boyd.

In one seemingly tender conversation early on in their relationship, Hal started to tell Holly why he liked her so much. Holly looked on, awaiting his heartfelt compliment.

He said, "You know, the reason I love you is because you're from the Midwest."

Despite hoping for a more personal compliment, Holly grinned at his frank comment while Hal effectively explained himself. She was also glad that she could live in Ohio and grateful for her roots in Utah.

Holly was born in Logan, Utah on December 17, 1987 as the fourth child of Lynn and Wayne Watkins. She lived in North Logan with lots of extended family close by for almost thirteen years until her father took a position at the University of Akron in 2000.

While attending Green Local Schools, Holly loved forming wonderful friendships. She enjoyed performing in the musicals, singing in Ensemble, and competing in tennis, swimming, and cross country. She served as president of the GHS National Honor Society and attended four years of early morning seminary taught by her mother.

Holly graduated from Green High School in 2006 and enrolled in Brigham Young University in Provo, UT.

She will graduate from BYU in April 2010 with Masters and Bachelors degrees in tax accounting. This summer, she is doing an internship in the tax department of Diebold, Incorporated in North Canton, Ohio.

About Hal (posting from wedding website)

2008-10-28T16:25:00.000-06:00

When Hal and Holly first met on BYU campus, they were excited to discover their common ties to northeast Ohio. Hal was born in Cleveland on October 2, 1986 to George and Connie Boyd. He lived with his family in Shaker Heights as the youngest of six children. They moved to Northborough, Massachusetts as Hal entered grade school.

Hal, or Rob, as he is fondly called, developed a well-rounded interest in writing, tennis, music, Bob Dylan, acting, and even discovered his gift for writing poetry.

He graduated from Algonquin Regional High School in 2005. Shortly thereafter, he served a mission in Argentina for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He returned in 2007 and continued his education at Brigham Young University.

Hal will graduate from BYU in English and philosophy and plans to continue his education in law school.