6 Months! & New Family Blog

These girls are 6 months old!

I can't believe it myself. How different our lives are from this time last year. And while it has been crazy, we wouldn't change a thing. (Okay... we might have asked for a bit more sleep.)

I think this might be my favorite stage. I know, I'm a first time mom and I've said that about every stage so far and I'll probably continue to do so. Ha. But I really do love this stage: their little personalities are blossoming, they love to play, they are becoming much more aware of their surroundings, we are all getting a bit more sleep, and they aren't quite mobile yet.

   Livvy                                                    Cate

For anyone who wants to keep up with our little family I have been posting on our private family blog. 

www.wearethehallfamily.blogspot.com

 If you would like an invite please leave your email in the comments below.

When my innie became an outie and other strange happenings...

 That's right. Strange things are happening. 

10 Random Pregnancy Facts

1. My belly button is no longer recognizable

2. I currently have a 48in waist what!?!?

3. I can't roll over in bed without getting winded

4. I walk like I'm 90yrs old

5. My belly tends to be lopsided and moves at random

6.  I have a belly brace... like a back brace but to hold up my front.
How do men with big beer bellies manage?

7.  I live in my little brothers XL shirts and basketball shorts. We may be moving up to XXL soon

8.  I have to eat massive amounts of food a day but must follow a strict low-carb, no-sugar diet thanks to GD (gestational diabetes)

9. I average 4 baths a day... approx 8hrs a day average give or take. I'm a little waterlogged.

10. I had to borrow my grandpa's wheelchair for any activities outside the house.

And yet...

I'm so excited! Just a few weeks left!

...thank goodness.

Moments that change your life...

You know those moments. I had one. Well, technically I had two. 

These two...

They took my breath away. 

Literally. 

Those moments...

...when, all of a sudden, everything in your life makes sense. 

...when you know you were prepared for this moment exactly.

...when you realize how many dominoes were put in place for this precise result. 

It started when I fell in love with the sweetest boy on the block and talked him into marrying me (pretty much how it happened). We joked about how we were going to have twins because my maternal grandmother is a twin and my maternal great-grandmother is a twin. It was bound to come around again.

And then... 

The wonderful man who sealed us for Time and All Eternity in the Mount Timpanogos Temple reminded Nathanael that when he comes home from work and the twins have been running around destroying the house to be sure to love and serve his tired wife. 

And then...

After our sealing ceremony we stood gazing at the "eternity mirrors" in our sealing room and I pointed to one side and said "look the twins!"

And then...

Everyone gathered outside the temple discussing "our twins" when my sweet little sister innocently inquired why everyone was talking about her dream. She had just had a dream that she was helping babysit the twins.

And then...

A few months later we found out we were pregnant.

Pure joy.

And then...

A few weeks later I had a quiet sweet experience revealing the two little spirits there.

(I didn't totally believe it)

And then...

Nathanael and I just started referring to them as "them" and "babies" instead of "it" and "baby." My mother warned us that we might be disappointed if we kept referring to them like that but only ended up with one. ( I reassured her that I would be quite relieved.)

And then... 

We "April Fools" some family with this picture...

And then...

We went in for an ultrasound at 12 wks because of some unusual (and terrible!) pains.

And then we sent this one...

That first ultrasound was the most surreal moment of my life. The ultrasound tech (who had 14yr old twins) pulled up the sonogram and the first thing I see is a little membrane separating two little sacks. As she moved it over to find both babies she says, "Do you see what I see."

Yes, yes I do.

I have never been so "not surprised" and yet "totally shocked" at the same time. 

(Can you see the "totally shocked" on Nathanael's face?)

I kept telling the ultrasound tech that our families were not going to believe us. Really. And of course... they didn't. (LOVE my Father-in-law and brother in law's reactions!)

But now that they are here (well... coming here) I can't imagine life any other way. I know the Lord was preparing us early on for the possibility. (Probably so I wouldn't freak out.) I know these two little girls are supposed to come to our family.

I have had some tender experiences with family members on the other side of the veil, particularly my great grandmother and my great-great grandmother who were both mothers of twins. I know that we aren't alone and that we have a lot of support, here and there.

Moments that change your life.

Goal #29

Goal #29: Snowboard Confidently

This season, I decided "confidently" is a very subjective experience. While riding in the midst of my great snowboarding mentors it was a little more difficult to be confident. However, teaching my sister, husband, and brother-in-law all in the same day, I'll admit, greatly improved my confidence.

That sweet little face on the left was scared stiff. (She'd kill me if she knew I was putting this on here.) Let it be known... she rocked it by the end of the day.

Goal #12

Goal #12 Do my Genealogy

I think the genealogy bug is bitting me. 

Look how cool this is!

There has obviously been many people putting in a lot of hours to do this. Luckily, they saved me some. However, all the rest of the work is in Germany and Ireland. I guess that means we'll have to make a trip out there. Darn.

PS... if you want to make your own fan just go to createfan.com. Totally free.

Sibling Sleepover

Haven't done this in a long time. ha ha.

Sure love 'em....most of the time.

The Best Birthday EVER!

I'll admit... I was NOT (and still am kind of not)

excited about turning 25.

25 is when you are supposed to know what you are doing with your life and you are already well on your way there. Well... supposedly. I have yet to experience that. That may be why I was dreading 25. Plus, a little fact about my family: we love celebrating birthdays. So you can image my dread even more when I didn't want to turn 25.

But since I have the best family ever they knew how to make it special... and less dreadful. :)

This is what contributed to the BEST BIRTHDAY EVER!

Goal #30: Swim with dolphins-CHECK

I have ALWAYS wanted to do this! So when we happened to be in Florida for a family vacation over my birthday we finally took advantage of the opportunity.

What did I learn? That I love these animals just as much as I did when I was 6 and told myself I was going to grow up to be a dolphin trainer. I think I'm addicted. I'm not sure once was enough.

Goal #7: Go skydiving or hangliding-half CHECK

Ok... so this sort of counts as skydiving because... well... it was... just inside a big tube. ha ha. This is definitely going to be a new family favorite activity.

What did I learn? That it is harder than it looks. ha ha. I also decided that I would really like to jump from a plane... I think. If someone pushes me out the door I think I'd be okay after that. :)

I also have to add to my new experiences one really cheesy one: I got to wear a Disney "Happy Birthday" button. First one in my 25 years of Disney experience.

I'm not sure why I was so excited about this... but I do know that being wished Happy Birthday all day by complete strangers was great. See it's not so dreadful afterall.

Happy Birthday to me.

Here is to 25 years of life!

Thanksgiving Tribute #28 & #29

Kristi Lee

Taiwan 2010

Kristi is my honorary sister. She and I probably act more like sisters than me and my sisters. That might be because our mothers are sisters and we are only 9 months apart.

She and I have survived each other for 24 years (as of December 1... ha ha). Anyone who can make it through the adventures of childhood, the drama of teenagehood (I know its not a real word), and the independence of young adulthood is doing pretty good. I think we've done a pretty darn good job. Kristi has always been the sweet, calm, smart, hardworking, lovable one that I've had to compete with all these years. ha ha. But I love her anyway and am grateful for her example of excellence in my life. Anything she does, she does it 100%. She has wisdom beyond her years (yeah I'm calling you old). I am often the grateful beneficiary of that wisdom.

Kristi, Thanks for having sleepovers at grandmas house watching fiddler on the roof and laughing until 3am (sorry Cindy!). I sure love you.

No post about Kristi would be complete without a twin tribute to:

Holli Berry

Holli is the one that kept sanity between Kristi and I for all of these years. Really, really. She is the older, more mature sister of the three. :)

I am grateful for how much this girl has taught me about life (she is three whole years my senior). She has exemplified courage, being concerned about others, knowing what to say and how to say it, being involved, persevering through tough situations, and enjoying the ride. I've very much appreciated this last one especially. She might not be aware of it but she has an incredible optimism about life. I'm not sure I've ever heard her complain.

I love these two girls.

Kristi and Holli, Thanks for loving me through all those years of annoyance and being such wonderful cousins.

Thanksgiving Tribute #24, #25, #26, #27

My Treasures

aka. My Aunts

L-R: Mom, Anna, Sherri, Cindy, Karen

I don't know how it came about but my aunts started reffering to themselves as their nieces and nephews' "treasures" and it's stuck. ha ha These are my treasures:

Anna: Oh Anna. Anna has taught me (along with my mother and other treasures) how to be a homemaker. If there was a Homemaker of the Year Award I would nominate her. Her 5 boys would probably nominate her too. 5 BOYS! ah! Oh and one very perfect daughter of course. All growing up I loved being at Anna's house because of the Spirit in her home. I also dearly love the way she and my mom interact. Kristi and I are still laughing (years later) at them.

Sherri: I covet Sherri's creativity. But you all should covet that Sherri is in my family and not yours. nienner nienner nienner Sherri is amazing, and her food is divine! I don't know how she does it but she has saved my college years and my party plans with her recipes. hmm hmm good I'm grateful for Sherri showing me that talents come in all shapes and sizes and I shouldn't be afraid to find mine.

Cindy: What do you say about Cindy?! She is... Cindy. ha ha All growing up all my friends knew and loved her almost as much as I did. She is the life of the party. But she has also taken the time to know the details of my life. She is an incredibly selfless server. I am grateful for her example of finding a need around the house or family and meeting it with no complaints. One day I want to grow up to be like her. :)

Karen: When I think of Karen I can't help but smile, really, I'm smiling right now. Karen makes me smile... and she makes me laugh... really really hard... regularly. Her optimism and humor have blessed my life countless times. I can't help but love being around her for the natural endorphins I get! She has shown me how beautiful life is and that I should make sure I'm enjoying it.

As you can see I have the greatest of "treasures."

Thanks ladies for teaching me the greatest of life lessons.

I love you!

Thanksgiving Tribute #22

Grandma Merlene

Girls Day 2011

Oh how I love my grandmother. You just have to meet her.

My whole life she has set the perfect example of unconditional love and acceptance. For example, when I went to church with her this weekend EVERYONE knew her and wanted to come see her. I could see it... each person had felt her love and wanted a great big Merlene hug. A favorite image I have of that day was when this sweet (and a little awkward) teenage girl walked by with her eyes unconfidently down and before she even knew it she was wrapped in a hug from my grandmother who was whispering words of love and encouragement to her. Her glow was visible.

Another favorite memory of my grandmother took place a few years ago. We were celebrating my grandparents' 50 year Anniversary at The Little America. The weekend was supposed to be all about my grandparents but one day my cousin and I were sitting in the lobby when my grandmother comes over arm in arm with this petite, dark complected woman. We had no idea who she was but my grandmother eagerly introduced us to her. They had met years before when my grandparents had stayed in this hotel previously. This woman was an immigrant and had little family but the hotel. My grandmother had taken her under her wing and loved her like grandma does. They had exchanged letters for years after that initial meeting and considered each other dear friends.

That experience had a great impact on me. My grandmother doesn't look past anyone, she sees each person as a child of God and loves them accordingly.

Thank You Grandma, for teaching me how to love.

Thanksgiving Tribute #21

Bugs

I love my little brother... I really do... I think.

A picture tribute would be in order.

California 2011

Brothers and sisters are as close as hands and feet. ~Vietnamese Proverb

Bridal Viel 2011

Siblings are the people we practice on, the people who teach us about fairness and cooperation and kindness and caring - quite often the hard way. ~Pamela Dugdale

Rocket Shoot 2011

It snowed last year too: I made a snowman and my brother knocked it down and I knocked my brother down and then we had tea. ~Dylan Thomas

California 2011

I, who have no sisters or brothers, look with some degree of innocent envy on those who may be said to be born to friends. ~James Boswell

New York 2011

I couldn't have asked for a more annoying, funny, ridiculous, hardworking, loving little brother.

Thanks Brandon for keeping me in line.

Thanksgiving Tribute #20

Sister Painter I

Mission Homecoming 2010

This woman represents strength.

Her faith and determination have been a blessing in my life.

I've been blessed with the most wonderful family, my Aunt Marjorie included. She has mentored me through my mission and through life. I'm grateful I have her counsel and encouragement to turn to.

We go way back... to the gummy bear days. :) I've been stubborn and selfish in my few years but she has always provided an example of selfless service and patience.

Marjie, thanks for always believing in me and pushing me to do my best.

Love Sister Painter II

(My littlest sister calls herself Sister Painter III)

Thanksgiving Tribute #15 and #16

Grandma and Grandpa Painter

Wedding Day a long time ago :)

Why I am grateful for these two:

-They have taught me how to work hard, whether that be running a business or doing your family history

-They loved and raised 10 kids! One of whom happens to be my father.

-They loved and raised 40 somethin' grandkids! One of whom happens to be me.

(I don't even know how many great grandkids there are)

-They have persevered in the face of hardship (including health issues, family problems, death of loved ones, business aggravations, etc.)

-They love me for me. To them it doesn't matter what I do, but who I am. (Of course they encourage you to do the right thing too)

-They have always been so supportive of my goals and accomplishments

-I am grateful for their abundant wisdom

-I'm grateful for my grandmother's rice pudding (funny to be grateful for a food but if you tried it you would be grateful too... hmm hmm)

-I am grateful for their testimonies

I just love them.

Thanksgiving Tribute #8 and #9

My Sisters

NYC Trip 2011

Danielle

Dani has one of the happiest dispositions of anyone I know. She is always making friends and talking to anyone she can. I admire how much she loves people and how much they love her back! This little girl faces life with a smile even through her challenges. She has been such a blessing to me when I've been down and she shares her sincere concern and sympathy with me. I'm grateful for her constant love and encouragement.

She is a beautiful girl.

Dani and I at the Witches Festival 2011

Brittany

aka BB

This little girl brings so much zest into my life. Ever since she was a small she had a sense of adventure bigger than would seem to fit inside her little body. Her bravery blows me out of the water. For years I've been jealous of her self confidence. My sister who is 13years my junior can put me to shame when it comes to talking to strangers, making friends, or doing something daring.

One thing I'm most grateful for Brittany is her love for me. Her unconditional love and acceptance is a blessing. I looked forward to her letters on my mission, and I love getting her texts and calls now. And I'm always down for some sister time. She is a little gem.

BB and I after the Festival of Colors 2011

Basically, I have been so blessed. I love these girls.

Thanksgiving Tribute #7

Grandpa Boyd

This man is my hero.

To this day, I have never met a more honest, hardworking, purely good man. His character is one I hope to cultivate by the end of my life. He truly is a man of God: full of integrity. One of the things I admire most about my grandfather is his attitude. Through years of diabetes and its related health issues I have not heard him complain once. Not once! (And here I complain about the slightest ailment.) He is my hero for the bravery and determination he faces every day with.

One of my favorite memories growing up is how eager my grandfather always was for me to show him my dance dresses in high school. (I secretly loved it.) He would appropriately ooh and ahh and I would always walk away feeling like a princess (which is pretty good for that high school self consciousness).

I hope I can live half as productive a life as he has. I love him dearly and admire what he has become and what he has done with his life.

Thank you Grandpa for being my example.

Thanksgiving Tribute #2&3

Since I'm a day late, I'm going to catch myself up with two of my favorite people.

My Father and Mother

(I used to call them Mother and Father all growing up. What a formal child)

My Father

Oh my Dad. I just don't know what to do with him sometimes. ha ha

I do know this... he has helped me out of many, many, MANY predicaments in my life. He has always seen the good in me that I couldn't see. He's helped me discover my dreams and passions and has always (deep down) supported me.

I have a deep admiration for him. I hope one day I can accomplish half of what he has. He has taught me how to give with a willing heart, how to sacrifice time and energy for the things that are important, how to be adventurous and create experiences in life, and especially how to make sure you show your family how much you really love them.

I love this man.

My Mother

My mother has been my guiding light. She has dealt with me all these years with such grace that I can't help but admire her! I can truly call her my best friend. I've learned so much from her example:

• How to clean my room
• ...change a diaper
• ...iron clothes (...sorta)
• ...manage a household
• ...cook (again... sorta)
• ...talk to strangers (I can even call them on the phone if I have to)
• ...be a friend
• ...love unconditionally
• ...persevere trials
• ...look up (she is always reminding me to look up and not walk looking down)
• ...have faith
• ...serve
• ...have empathy
• ...trust others
• among many many more things.

She is a blessing in my life.

To my wonderful parents, Thank You!!!

te he he

I love this face!

This little man makes my life so happy.

I love you Ryan.

Learn more about Autism here.

Today...

Why today was so great:

• drive up the canyon
• beautiful morning
• sweats
• Sundance
• a chocolate croissant
• and quality time with my dad (he has this supernatural ability of being able to fix all my problems)

Thanks Dad!

To my mom...

My Angel

My angel is a woman who walks upon the earth,

she shows me my potential and all that I am worth.

When I am sick she heals me and makes me feel all-better,

and makes sure that in times of need that we are all together.

When we get into all kinds of fusses in our life,

my angel comes out strong as a mother and a wife.

My angel has raised me to be good and kind,

and makes sure that I have a strong and intelligent mind,

my angel is my guardian. my teacher and my friend,

but most of all my mother till the very end.

-Breana Greathouse

Happy 50th Birthday Mom!

In case you didn't know...

you are the BEST!

Grandpa Boyd

Meet Grandpa Boyd...

Isn't he cute!

And talented!