Nott at All

THE END

2011-12-10T07:17:00.000-08:00

Dear Readers,

I am done. I am trying to simplify my life and so I from now on my updates will be on facebook.

Thank you all for those of you that stuck with me and checked this blog out!

Peace Out Homies!!!!!

Deb

Temple Square

2011-12-10T07:04:00.000-08:00

I love Temple Square at Christmas time and BTW - My kids are stinkin' cute!

Parties!

2011-11-08T12:37:00.001-08:00

Merrill had his first friend party this year! It was great fun and total chaos! (As you can tell by the awfully fuzzy picture we tried to get before they all ran around! We had Jedi Training theme complete with light saber glow sticks and training games! Merrill has made a lot of fun friends in the neighborhood and we had fun!

After his party family came over for pizza then he got to go with Daddy to the Nickelcade! This kid was so lucky and had a great time!

Nora had a small get together with her Grandparents (Grandma and Grandpa Merrill were in from out of town!) and she had an autumn themed cake!

Which she seemed to really enjoy!

Although it is a struggle having so many birthdays so close together it sure is fun!

Happy Birthday Kiddies! I love you!

Happy Birthday Nora!

2011-11-03T21:39:00.001-07:00

Happy Birthday to my beautiful daughter Eleanor! I love you baby girl!

Happy 4th Birthday Merrill

2011-10-30T11:28:00.000-07:00

I LOVE YOU!!!!

Family Photos!

2011-10-24T19:26:00.000-07:00

Before we left on our vacation - I wanted to get our updated family photos - thanks again to my awesome brother-in-law Matt!

Cruise!

2011-10-24T18:26:00.000-07:00

In January my awesome in-laws informed us that they wanted to take the family on a cruise! With loving family on my side that was gracious enough to watch my kids for a whole week - we were off!

We left on Sunday after Merrill's first primary program and drove to St. George, and then on to LA on Monday. We met up with the rest of the family that had left earlier and headed to the dock. We boarded our boat and then Tuesday morning we were at Catalina Island!

Catalina was great! There were fun shops, good treats and we even went parasailing! The weather was a bit cold - but I had my hot chocolate and was a happy camper.

On the boat we enjoyed a variety of activities including a sing along with a very talented piano player. We had great food, karaoke, games and some interesting shows!
On Wednesday we arrived at Ensenada, Mexico. That was not what I had expected... but we still had fun!
Oh yeah - and on the boat the decor was very colorful and we were surrounded by these egg things - they were even be-jewled!
This is me in front of our boat at Ensenada.
We went horseback riding along the beach - I love that Matt was loaded with is camera equipment no matter where we went!
Doesn't Mark look at home on a horse? (ha ha!)
On Thursday we stayed all day on the boat and played games, watched shows and slept.
After landing in LA on Friday - we went to Universal Studios!
The new Simpsons ride was hilarious!
No explanation necessary...
We had so much fun! I didn't realize how much I love roller coasters!
This one turned out a bit fuzzy - but Anna is so cute!
The whole day was crazy - we were literally running all over the park!
So, a great week - wonderful to get away and oh yeah - I freakin' love my hubby! Thanks Mom and Dad Nott!!!!

Day at the Zoo

2011-09-24T20:52:00.000-07:00

So it's been a while but I finally got time to post these pictures of us at the Zoo!

Mark next to last year's proxy.

Nora was watching the monkey's and then would randomly freeze in this position!

Merrill was exhausted by the bird show at the end of the morning.

We had a blast!

Autumn

2011-09-12T12:51:00.000-07:00

Everything good happens to me in autumn!

I was born in autumn

I fell in love with my wonderful Mark and then he proposed in autumn

Merrill was born in autumn

Nora was born in autumn

I love school time in autumn - the idea of starting a new year, learning new things and new classes - it is exciting!

I love the smells of autumn! Everything from the crispiness of the fresh cold air to the warm smell of pumpkin pie in the oven. Cinnamon, Nutmeg, and cloves... mmmmmm!

Autumn is a time of anticipation... the big holidays are coming! Halloween, Thanksgiving and CHRISTMAS!!!!

There is so much fun in harvesting gardens and putting up the food for the winter.

The colors! The colors! The colors! I love the orange, brown, and the beautiful burgundy! The whole world turns into a gorgeous painting of all of my favorite colors as soon as I step outside!

Sweaters! I love wearing sweaters, hoodies, thick socks and long sleeves, curling up with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate (even pumpkin spice hot chocolate) and enjoying the shortening days with earlier bedtimes! : )

Anyway... I love autumn... and it is autumn... yea!

Garlic

2011-07-31T20:34:00.000-07:00

Last year my Dad got a lot of garlic from Costco and they didn't eat it all, then decided to throw a bit in the ground to see what would happen... this is what came!

After drying it out for a week...

Jamie and I braided it...

And now we have totally awesome garlic braids to hang in our kitchen!

I feel so Italian!

Day at the Zoo

2011-07-31T20:21:00.000-07:00

Mark finally had a Saturday off and we headed to the Zoo! The weather was great and we had a blast!

The highlight for me was definitely the bird show! Mark and I both got grazed by the feathers of an eagle as it swooshed over our heads!

GREAT DAY!

THIS IS IT!!!!

2011-07-12T12:13:00.001-07:00

Lehi Parade

2011-07-02T11:47:00.000-07:00

Every Year Lehi puts on it's Pioneer Day Parade! We took the kids and had a blast!

We got a little creative with pouring water on Nora's head to keep her cool - her hair is so curly it made fun shapes!

The family fun day at the park was a blast! Nora and I shopped while the boys had fun on the giant blow up toys.

GREAT DAY!!!

My first DIY

2011-06-24T18:52:00.000-07:00

My first Do It Yourself project... with help!

Our lovely IKEA dining room table... BEFORE

Merrill was such a good help! We sanded and painted together all day!

AFTER!!!!

I did the final coat and sanding the edges myself tonight while Daddy and Merrill are off to see Cars 2. I have to say... I LOVE IT!!!

Antique Chique!

MAKE A NOTT BLOCK MOVIE!!!!!!

2011-05-25T07:04:00.000-07:00

THIS IS IT! THE NEWS WE HAVE ALL BEEN WAITING FOR! NOTT BLOCK IS MAKING A MOVIE!!!! BUT! THEY CAN'T DO IT WITHOUT YOUR HELP! CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AND CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW IT AND LET'S DO THIS THING!!!!

Nott Block Episode 7

2011-05-18T12:21:00.000-07:00

EPISODE 7 CLICK HERE

Happy Birthday

2011-05-16T17:24:00.000-07:00

A very happy birthday my nerdy hubby tomorrow!

28!!!

Mother's Day

2011-05-09T09:57:00.000-07:00

I love mom. I have a great one. I think that she is the best.

I love my Grandma. I have a great one. I think that she is the best.

I love my mother-in-law. I have a great one. I think that she is the best.

I love my family. I have a great one. I think that they are the best.

I love mother's day. I had a great one. I thought it was the best.

2011-05-02T19:25:00.000-07:00

Question: What do you get when you take a great family photo shoot...

Add in a really cute cousin...

AND some finger paints...?

ANSWER: AN EVEN GREATER PHOTO SHOOT!

We had a blast making photos for Mom Nott for Mother's Day! Thanks to Matt and Janae for the idea and all the hard work!

New Glasses

2011-04-09T16:57:00.000-07:00

I got new glasses today -they are bolder than I have gone before... and I LOVE THEM!

Fun Update

2011-04-07T09:54:00.000-07:00

I am a slacker blogger lately... sorry to anyone that still reads this thing! But we have been busy moving family, and getting things settled. But were are sure having fun!

Merrill is my favorite little boy in the whole world! He is growing up so fast, helping with chores, dressing himself and being an all around independent guy!

Having Adam and Jamie downstairs is very fun... and Nott Block still continues on!

Merrill is getting a little too good at baseball...

We had our St. George cousins come up for Conference weekend, and the kids had a blast together!

Nora got her first haircut! We trimmed her bangs and she looks so grown up! She is attending nursery and such a doll!

There you have our random update... but I hopefully will be a bit more diligent! Thanks for reading!

Bread BINGE!

2011-04-07T09:49:00.000-07:00

I have discovered Pantry Secrets! It is a great way to make bread and I have been a bit obsessed lately...

Hamburger Buns...

Calzones...

Cinnamon Twists...

Loaves...

Italian Artisan Bread...

All from the SAME Recipe! I love it!

Sunny St George

2011-03-15T11:14:00.001-07:00

So I was getting pretty burned out and trying to beat the winter blues...

My parents moved to St. George and on a sudden impulse Friday morning I packed up the kids and drove down for a visit! Mark was super supportive. Probably because he got the weekend and whole house to himself : )

But we had a blast. We stayed at my parent's house and hung out with my sister and her family (they migrated to the sun as well) and all in all just had a great visit.

I feel pretty empowered! Great fun!

Dinner with the whole St. George Clan

Hiking on the Red Rocks - beautiful!

Cheese!

We found some awesome little caves that were cool and we got a nice break from the sun.

Merrill is not used to hiking so his 5 year old cousin Becca helped him up the trails.

Nora wouldn't let me carry her much - she had to do it herself! Miss Independent!

My parents have set aside a lot of their downstairs to accommodate visiting family - it was great! So much better (and cheaper) that a hotel!

It was a great trip and I am so glad I went! Merrill keeps asking to go back already.

X96

2011-02-27T08:29:00.000-08:00

This blog is late - sorry! So much going on! But this last Wednesday we went to the X96 film festival - Mark entered his Nott Block submission entitled, "Job Interview." HE WON BEST COMEDY!!!!

I am so proud of my awesome hard working and creative hubby!

Here is a link to his blog with the video on it.

JOB INTERVIEW

And here is a picture of him with his awesome snowboard trophy!!!!

YEAH NOTT BLOCK!!!

Valentine's Update!

2011-02-15T10:31:00.000-08:00

First update - Adam and Jamie are going to move into the basement and rent it starting in April! Yeah! We don't have to move and get great neighbors!

Second - Valentine's day is my Grandmother's birthday - fitting huh? My sisters and I surprised her with a fun lunch! Happy birthday Grandma!

Merrill picked out this shirt himself and it turned out to be a perfect Valentine's shirt - and yeah... he posed this way by himself too... do you think he has a modeling carreer in his future?
Nora was totally happy most of the day, but didn't want her picture taken for Valentine's... she looked too cute not to!
Update #3 - we took the kids on an outing to Cabella's a few weeks ago. The boys had fun with the games and camping equipment.
Nora liked the free Kettle Korn...
They have some fun stuff!
Can you tell we like putting our kid next to big stuff?
Upadte #5 - our kids are growing up and I LOVE IT!!!! We are doing well, having fun and love being a family!

Apartment for Rent!!

2011-02-06T17:59:00.001-08:00

My parents have moved to St. George.

We are renting 1/2 of their house.

The other half is for rent! (Due to zoning codes it can only be rent to family... so if you or someone you know can be SOMEHOW related to us or ANYONE in the family... let me know!!!!

Details:

Basement - across the street from the junior high school in Lehi
3 bedrooms
1 bathroom (2 sinks)

Attached garage
Wood burning stove
Washer/dryer
Dishwasher
Microwave
Fridge
Glass top stove
Separate temperature control
Grass yard
Great neighbors
TONS OF STORAGE!!! (including a full storage room)
$700 month plus utilities (split with us)

All Hail the Graduate!

2010-12-31T20:44:00.000-08:00

So this is kinda an exciting post for me. In 2002 I graduated from Lehi High school... then went on to...

After Mark and I were married we moved to Salt Lake County and I enrolled at...

8 years, one husband, and two kids later... I WILL GET MY ASSOCIATES DEGREE! It is in general studies (I couldn't decide!) from SLCC and has been a long journey and taking one or two classes at at time in between life. It has been great. I feel pretty darn good about myself and I even bought a hoodie to commemorate the accomplishment. I will get my diploma in the mail in a few months... that will be cool too.

Anyway - I am proud of myself and just wanted to tell the world!

Christmas Card

2010-12-21T19:14:00.000-08:00

We sent out our own Christmas card this year... but I wanted to share this too!

Temple Square Fun

2010-12-21T19:08:00.000-08:00

On Monday, December 6th we took the kids up to Temple Square to see the lights...

They didn't seem to care too much about the lights, but the highlight of the evening was when I took Merrill up tot the doors of the temple and Merrill started to tell me about the temple... he is so sweet and it is so nice to SOMETHING is sinking in!!!

My boys are cute!

2010-12-21T08:01:00.000-08:00

Mark and Merrill tweaking our TV settings...

On a side note - I LOVE MY CUTE BOYS!!!

Sick, Sick, Sick!

2010-12-17T12:07:00.000-08:00

So, right after Thanksgiving Mark and I got the flu, a week later, I got food poisoning, then Merrill got a runny nose and a cough - now Nora got it and can't breath at night without being sucked out and having a humidifier going full blast... The kids got flu shots, I clean my house... I guess "Tis the Season!"

This is not a pity post... I think it is just an excuse to tell the blog world why I haven't blogged!

Happy Birthday Nora!

2010-11-16T14:51:00.000-08:00

On November 3rd my little Eleanor turned 1!!!!!! Unfortunately there are not any pictures of her party because we were all running videos!! I might be able to get one later! We had her party on the 1st because on the 3rd and 4th we were swamped with her Uncle Adam's Wedding to Jamie! YEAH!!! But I am so happy for my darling little girl! She is getting so old and more adorable every day!

She continues to be my little miracle baby - after 6 weeks and 3 antibiotics -after a blessing her nasty ear infections cleared up right before we were going to have to put tubes in her ears!

Yeah for Nora!

I love you sweetie!!!

Halloweenies!

2010-11-01T12:35:00.001-07:00

With my parent's out of town I took over the family tradition of Halloweenies for the Merrill clan! I had a lot of fun!

Merrill was Buzz Lightyear thanks to my sister-in-law having the perfect costume to borrow!

I dressed as Jill

And here is my poor Jack... he broke his crown... : (

Nora - the Punk Rock Princess - you can't tell but she let me put purple eye shadow on her!

My older brother Adam

Adam's kids

My sister Sarah with her daughter, daughter's friend and two boys. My favorite costume of the night was Bryce (on the right) his costume was "new clothes!"

Besides our traditional "Halloweenies" (Hot dogs) and "Boo Beans" (Baked beans) we had... "Ghoul Goodies"

"Ghost's Goo with "Spider's Nest Veggies"

And what is Halloween with out the famous "Frog Eye Salad?" We also had "Monster's Slim" (Sherbet in Sprite.)

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

Happy Birthday Merrill!

2010-11-01T12:23:00.000-07:00

October also yield my birthday on the 23rd with no real pictures because it was just a nice day for me to not do anything. Mark took me shopping and then to our friend's Halloween party. It was great. The boys did make me an awesome breakfast with my favorites! Mark's eggs, cinnamon rolls, turkey bacon and hot chocolate. MMMMMMMM!

Merrill's birthday was celebrated a day early due to the Halloween on Sunday thing. So on Friday the 29th, we had a Buzz Lightyear Birthday!

Merrill helped with the cupcakes for everyone else and Aunt Mary brought him his own #3 Birthday cake form Dippidee - yummy!

Although my parents are in St. George, they got him some awesome Cars headphones for his ipod. (Mark picked them out.)

Grandma and Grandpa Nott gave Merrill waffle blocks in this awesome Buzz Lightyear bag!

Mark and I got him his own Buzz Lightyear with a flashlight. Happy Birthday Merrill. WE LOVE YOU BIG BOY!!!

Bear Lake

2010-11-01T11:13:00.000-07:00

October was a great month for us! On the weekend of the 8th we headed to Bear Lake with the extended Nott clan. We had so much fun we are going to make it a tradition! It was great to just hang around. We spend most of the time just in the cabin and relaxed together. But we did venture out a bit...

We took some family photos right by the lake... brrr!

Merrill and Zoey helping Grandma Nott bake cupcakes

We also hit a local park to get the kids out for a bit when it was a little warmer.

Nora loves to swing!

What is a trip to Bear Lake without Raspberry Shakes? Yes it was cold and we were eating ice cream!

Merrill asked us to take this one and then posed! What a ham!

Mega Post

2010-09-29T20:20:00.000-07:00

There has been so much going on - most of which includes runny noses and the wonderful discovery of children's Advil... however - here are some of the Nott's happenings:

Nora loved Iceburg!

She is growing up so fast!

Merrill is having more and more fun being silly and developing a fun sense of humor.

We took our annual trip to the Healing Field and it was great.

My Grandparent planted peach trees years ago and I am loving discovering new ways to reap the benefits!

I just thought this would make for a cute Mommy and Nora moment...

Our long lost friends Danny and Heather came to Utah from Denver for a visit - they even braved the germs to see us with their adorable kids - Brookie and brand new Tanner!

This is what happens while I vacuumed the other day - Merrill wanted to help with the dishes. He used the last of my dish soap, but was a sweetie.

Life goes on, school for me, work for Mark, and two adorable kids for us both to love.

Life is good!

Girl's Retreat

2010-09-19T08:58:00.000-07:00

This weekend was awesome!!! I went on a Girl's Retreat with my sisters! (Well most of the them are sisters-in-law, but honestly in my family we don't really count that!) One of our sisters was stuck in St. George with a sick family and we really missed her!

We started with dinner at Texas Roadhouse and the waiter flirted shamelessly with all of us! (Especially my single sister Sarah that it turned out he new from the gym!)

(Left: Julie, Jen, Sarah. Right: Me, Jenae, Cathy)

Then we found a great deal at a hotel in Sandy and did pedicures, talked and hung out in the hot tub!

After the best night's sleep I have had in a long time we hung out at the pool all morning, played games over pizza and then those of us that didn't have to get back right away went to the dollar movie.

We totally have to make this an annual tradition!!!!

$2 Tuedsays

2010-08-29T19:24:00.000-07:00

Thanksgiving Point is a fun place in August! $2 admission for any venue! We took the kids to the Dinosaur Museum. The mostly didn't care and Merrill ran around like crazy, but we all enjoyed the ice cream after!

Nora got her own cone (minus the ice cream) and yes that is a pony tail in her hair! It is long enough and I think she looks so cute and girly!

This was the best picture I could get of Merrill, as I mentioned he was running around like a hyper madman! But fit right in with the creepy skeletons try to take down the wooly mammoth!

Merrill's Haircut

2010-07-22T20:21:00.000-07:00

My sister-in-law Jen does hair and she is great! Mark and I have been going to her for years for perfect do's. Yesterday we gave it a shot with Merrill. Normally we plop him in front of the TV and Mark buzzes it all off. Merrill hates it - squirms fusses and goes nuts. This time was so different! He has watched us at her house for a long time and knew just what to do. He was so excited!

He held so still!

And.... YES! This is the first time Merrill has really smiled for a picture! Isn't he handsome???? (Yes I am prejudiced!)

Sarcoma Awareness 5K

2010-07-17T19:59:00.001-07:00

I did another 5K today in Sugarhouse. It was for Sarcoma Awareness so my money went to a good cause! I actually ran/jogged almost half this time and I met my goal of not finishing last - I am getting better!

Group shot of 70 participates that helped raise over $1600

Fixing my hair before the race

Merrill ran out to meet me right before the finish line and clapped for me! We crossed together!

Collapsing after

I did it!

Day at the Zoo

2010-07-15T05:48:00.001-07:00

So I imported the pictures backwards, but here was our super fun day at the Zoo!

Merrill's monkey to remember the day by.

Tall giraffes

Riding the Merry-go-round with Aunt Merry, I mean Mary!

We took a family picture and used the closest stand-in we could find as proxy for Mark because he had to work!

Zoo Entrance

Anna Nott, Lesile Liffereth (cousin), Mary Nott, Me, Merrill, Nora, Zoey, Grandma Nott

GREAT DAY!!! Merrill didn't care for the animals as much as the buttons on the info displays, but it was a great time!

Piro 4th of July

2010-07-06T11:57:00.000-07:00

This was a great weekend - not only am I kinda learning to understand Mark's new camera, but the kids had a great time with the fireworks!

This is Mark's shot of his sisters Mary and Anna having fun with sparklers.

The whole neighborhood shows up at my in-laws for the show!

Thanks Danny and Heather Kimball for showing us this awesome trick with steel wool!

Nora LOVED the fireworks!

Merrill... not so much. He liked the camera.

While we were waiting for it to get dark - I took a ride with my brother-in-law Adam. VERY FUN!

Mark did too - I think we need one of these when we retire... or Mark's mid life crisis - which ever comes first.

Merrill and Grandma

He had that balloon on his wrist until we cut it off to put him in bed.

Lehi Parade

2010-07-02T13:51:00.000-07:00

This year my Grandmom, Hesther Rippy was elected to be the Grand Marshal for Lehi City. I am so proud of her! She has done so much for the community and it was a great honor. We took the kids to see her in the parade... and Mark has had a lot of fun with his new camera!

Nora was a doll and hung out under that umbrella way from the sun for most of the parade.

Both Grandma Nott and Merrill went crazy for the candy! : )

Merrill had a lot of fun with some friends he found and for the most part we kept him out of trouble...

Get Together

2010-07-02T13:46:00.000-07:00

Our friend from high school Meg was in town and Chelsey put on an awesome party to get together! Thanks Chelsey!

Chelsey, me and Nora

Patrick and Meg Olsen Hemming, Cole Adams, Kira Nielsen Stott, Chelsey Jones Bean, Dan and Lorainne Evans (soon to be Jackson) Me - Deb Nott, Robin Milam Wheelright, and Mark Nott

So fun to see everyone!

My first 5K

2010-06-26T07:43:00.001-07:00

I did my first 5K today! I totally underestimated myself and just walked the whole thing finishing in 40 minutes. My sister and I just talked the whole time! However, I am determined - next time I am going to run it!

Mark brought the kids down!

Merrill kept telling me that I got the hight score... : )

My sister Sarah, niece Amy and me.

Family Fun!

Family Reunion

2010-06-21T12:02:00.000-07:00

The annual Merrill Family Reunion!

Nature Walk

Merrill with his favorite cousin Becca

SO GREAT to have my Grandma Rippy this year!

Mark having fun with the camera!

Nora just chillin'

It was such a great weekend! LOVE THE FAMILY!!!!

Mega post

2010-06-18T14:06:00.000-07:00

Yes, I am a slacker! I am sorry (if anyone still reads this besides Heather.) But! Here is an update!

Merrill and I are having a blast! I love my little boy! He is gaining independence and it is so fun to see!

I have had a weird eye infection which has meant no contacts or make-up for a few weeks, but it is gone now.. yeah! I have had some fun moments with my glasses though - like steaming up over a bowl of spaghetti! In this picture you can also see Merrill's hand which got burned on our stove - he was such a trooper even when it blistered up and got gross!

Merrill and Nora are getting to be great friends and it is fun to see them interact!

Nora just ADORES Merrill!

Thanks to Uncle Matt we got to go to another Bee's game this year - Merrill liked it (and the ice cream!)

Nora did pretty well too!

This is a horrible picture because it is from a text, but in preparation for my family reunion we had a family temple trip - a lot of the family had other obligations, so it was the girls and my Dad! Fun times! (Believe it or not I was the only one that was not a Sister Merrill!)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!!

2010-05-17T11:15:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO THE MOST WONDERFUL HUBBY EVER!!!!

Boys

2010-05-11T12:18:00.000-07:00

So I get that boys and girls are different - I do. I am a little sister, my brother just above me would want to wrestle all of the time when we were little, but being the little sister I am I would curl up in a little ball and scream for mommy.

I never learned how to "take it" without an emotional response - even in play.

Now that I have a son, I am going nuts! I thought it was just that my brother and I didn't get along. But - I am wondering... Is it just in boy's nature to want to hit? Merrill starting hitting a few months before Nora was born and hasn't stopped. It mostly comes out when he is super tired or mad it just seems to be his natural reaction to negative emotion. He is so sweet 98% of the time and I feel truly blessed for my wonderful little boy, I just don't get it. Why does he hit me? Why do I want to cry every time he does?

I have tried to let him get it out on the Wii (maybe that started all of this - I don't know) He wrestles with Mark and they have fun - but they are both boys and don't seem phased by the fact that they are hitting each other.

AM I MISSING SOMETHING????

SLACKER BLOGGER!

2010-04-26T12:40:00.000-07:00

So if there is anyone out there that still reads this.... SORRY! I have been a slacker blogger lately! But I have some semi-decent excuses... so here is our update!

#1 Mark got an internship and a company called Procreative he is doing mostly video editing and loving it! He is certainly busy doing that, work, and school! He is also working on Nott Block...

Don't worry... Adam is fine! It is so fun to see Mark so busy with stuff he loves! He will be hopefully finishing his Final Cut Certification course at the end of this semester and have a great portfolio after this internship... so good. Busy, but good!
#2 Merrill and I are learning to do more boyish stuff (well I am...) I learned to make Lego Robots and wrestle, and play baseball.

#3 My little Eleanor is growing so fast! She is officially weaned (for all of our sakes) and chunking up a ton since she has been on formula! She is working on baby oatmeal, rice cereal and green beans. Yummy! This picture was taken after she rolled over for the first time on her own, and was pretty proud of herself!

Then of course Merrill rolled over and had to have his picture taken too!!!!

#4 Mark is just starting a new schedule at work so that he will be a normal sleeper! Yeah! The sun will go down, and so will his eyelids!!! He will still wake up at 4:30 am, but it is better than working graveyard shifts which he has done for the past 2 years! It will be great for the kids to have him here in the evenings and great for me at the end of the day to get a little break!

#5 Personally I am going through some great growth experiences. I have decided that this is my year to focus on my health (with a hubby and kids of course!)

I have had some issues in the past, and finally found a physician that is able to help in some great ways! I am almost down to my goal weight, lowering my BMI, working on muscle mass, strengthening my back, and especially my lower back which has really had some issues with pregnancy. I am trying some differently things with pancreas and thyroid support that are really helping my energy too! I am eating differently, and feeding the family differently... I even stunk up the house with cooking fish! (Sorry again Mark!) But, I feel good about the steps I am taking and I am working to be able to walk the 5K for Pioneer Week in June. Maybe next year I will run it!

SO.... that is us for now.

Family Photos

2010-03-27T15:08:00.000-07:00

So my brother-in-law takes amazing pictures...

Plus he had some good looking models!

THANKS MATT!!

St Patrick's Day

2010-03-17T21:49:00.000-07:00

Mark is quite the Post-it artist!

For St. Patrick's Day we had a fun Green party, with Zucchini muffins, jell-o and my Mom's green drink! Super fun!
We had Merrill's cousin Becca over and a leprechaun visited our house leaving footprints to follow and fun coloring pages!
Merrill's shirt reads, "It seemed like a good idea at the time..." I thought his face was perfect for this!

Changes!

2010-03-14T19:13:00.000-07:00

Big change! Merrill is now in a big boy bed and the kids are sharing a room! I was SO SCARED to try it, but so far things are working out great. We have had a few nights of Merrill running around and getting out of bed, but Nora is a great sleeper and for the most part slept through his efforts to drive us crazy!

I am also LOVING the crazy bits of warm weather! It feels so good to get out of the house! I bundle up the kids and we go for walks. This is my favorite jacket on Nora...

And Merrill just had to take his blanket with him... he is my super boy!

Yeah for happy changes!

Things to Keep in Mind...

2010-02-24T06:47:00.000-08:00

New Little Ones can sleep anywhere...

Nothing Says I love you like Mickey Mouse Pancakes...

Date Night with your hunky hubby to a Concert is awesome...

and red velvet cake mix makes even the sweetest little boys look like scary vampires!

5 Generations

2010-01-18T20:11:00.000-08:00

I am so blessed. I have a wonderful heritage of women in my family. I have always been really close to my mother and grandmother. When Nora was born I was very excited to get this picture taken as a wonderful piece of history!

Left to right: My Grandmother, Hesther L. Williams Rippy. My mother Rebecca Suzann Rippy Merrill. My Step-Great Grandmother Thelma Williams. Center: Me, Deborah Rebecca Merrill Nott, and Eleanor Rebecca Nott.

I hope it will mean as much to Nora someday as it does to me!

Christmas Overdue!

2010-01-06T20:05:00.000-08:00

Here is the long overdue Christmas download!

We started out the month doing a bunch of fun Christmas things that I have always wanted to do with kids including temple square, baking all sorts of yummy treats, dancing to Christmas Music and:

Gingerbread house (from a kit - only $9 at Wal-Mart!)

Merrill's job was the tree and ended up eating most of the decorations anyway...

I finally have Merrill on a morning routine, part of which is coloring a picture... on this particular morning Mark let me sleep in and helped him make a little tree for the big tree and they took a picture to show me! Awesome boys!

It is rather fun to have a girl to put bows on for the holidays! Especially one so cute!!

I am particularly proud of our gift giving this year! We draw names for our families and I made my brother this ensemble... he just got his black belt and loves to cook - I figured he deserved the right out fit for other areas of his life!

This is a picture I just love. Merrill is sporting Anna's new boots, and also a Nott Block t-shirt! Someone (still have no idea who!) made shirts for the whole family! It was so great!

Thank you whoever you are! We love them!!!!!

We had a great Holiday Season with our kids. It is so fun to share the magic! We have had great giving and receiving experience., I am glad Mark has survived the extra holiday hours and that we have a great year ahead of us!

Merry Christmas!

2009-12-21T10:32:00.000-08:00

Make a Smilebox slideshow

10 Little Reasons I love Mark...

2009-12-16T20:14:00.000-08:00

10 Little Reasons I love Mark...

10 -He gave me the best proposal EVER!!!

9 - He is a great kisser!

8- He is musical...

7- He can be dorky and romantic at the same time...

6- We are both geeks...original geeks...

5- He will make potentially cheesy moments completely ridiculous...

4- He takes care of my technology needs... (even if I don't know I need them)

3- He loves to perform...

2- He really gets along with our kids...

1- He loves us and has put up with me for the past 5 years!

HAPPY ANNIVERSARY MARK!

I LOVE YOU!!!!

Jewlery

2009-12-14T11:27:00.001-08:00

There is a really cute website that my cousin introduced me to, and they are doing a give away! I get extra brownie points for posting about it... so here goes!

http://thevintagepearl.blogspot.com/

By the way... Mark this is the website for the mother's day gift I have been hinting at... : )

Nora's Blessing

2009-12-07T11:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday, December 6 Mark blessed Nora in the Cedar Hollow 1st Ward. It was great! Most of our families made it and no one dropped her in her very slippery dress!!

She's Official!

Nora update

2009-12-02T20:31:00.000-08:00

Thank you all for your well wishes and love for our little Nora! She is doing great and her mysterious lump is almost gone! We are excited for our follow up appointment in January and hope that surgery is not necessary after all.

WRONG diagnosis!

2009-11-25T08:30:00.001-08:00

So, after our fun trip to the ER last week, Nora's lump looked a little funny... and started draining. That is not typical of a hemangioma. So - in to the doctor again! We were then referred back to Primary Children's Medical Center - this time to talk with the pediatric surgical center. We went yesterday and we now have a new diagnosis - brachial cleft cyst. This is still pretty good. Unless it gets infected again we have a follow up appointment in 2 months and a small removal procedure sometime in the summer when she is older and can tolerate a surgery a little better.

So... there is still no serious risk to our little girl! YEAH!

Medical Issues

2009-11-18T10:51:00.000-08:00

Our Little Angel

When Nora was about 8 days old I noticed a small lump on the side of her neck. The next day it was about double the size and bright red. I kinda got worried and took her in to the pediatrician. Long story short, after a week of antibiotics and various doctors with no progress on this mysterious lump, under our pediatrician's council we headed to the ER of Primary Children's Medical Center fully expecting a surgical procedure on our 2 week old baby girl.

We are so blessed! After about 3 1/2 hours in the ER with about 4 doctors counseling with us and an ultra sound on Nora's neck it was determined that she has a hemangioma which is just a cluster of blood vessels that will continue to grow on her neck for about a year and then go away on it's own. It will look gross for a while and could possibly get huge, but it does not cause her any discomfort and has no real risk to her health! WHAT A BLESSING! I am so grateful for the modern technology that has helped with this and for such a great support team of family and friends around us!

Welcome Nora!

2009-11-06T04:39:00.000-08:00

Welcome to the world Eleanor Rebecca Nott!

Born November 3, 2009

6:10 PM

6 lbs and 10 oz

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

2009-10-31T21:29:00.000-07:00

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

From the Notts and Dr. Seuss!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MERRILL!

2009-10-29T18:06:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MERRILL!

I am so grateful to be your mommy. I am so proud of what you have become! You are such a patient, sweet and generous boy. I love how you are close to the spirit, learn and grow every day and teach me so much! Our family is blessed to have you!

Thank you for being part of our family!

Random Update

2009-10-17T12:10:00.000-07:00

I have been a terrible blogger lately pretty much because I just have not felt up to it! I whacked out my back a few weeks ago (better now) then got hit with a flu (better now) and am 3 weeks from my due date (yeah!) All complaining aside - I am so grateful for Mark! He has done so much to really lighten my load and take charge around the house when he is home.

So, aside from my griping, here is what we have been up to!

Merrill is growing up so fast! He is really helping a lot getting ready for the new baby and being so great to plan independently for long periods of time or watch TV when I don't feel well. I am blessed with a super sweet little boy!

Our Baby approx. 35 weeks

Merrill has found he loves walking around in our shoes - especially my heels.

We all love the fall weather with hats, jackets, the crisp air and beautiful leaves!

We rather spontaneously went to Farm Country at Thanksgiving Point.

Merrill loved the little Jail house (should I be worried?) and the duckies.

We met our friends the Kimballs there. Mark and Danny entertained the kids (and themselves) with an interactive water shooting statue.

Merrill is finally starting to learn his colors! He has not shown interest in so long that I was worried he was color blind or something, but after a few days of focusing on one color he is starting to get it. This is a picture of our RED DAY! We both wore red shirts, ate red pancakes and strawberries.

On a side note - as you can tell, he is still working on perfecting his photo smile - whenever he sees a camera he pulls the best faces!

Healing Field

2009-09-26T10:56:00.000-07:00

Late post! Sorry all, but better late than never! : )

We took Merrill to the Healing Field again this year. I am so glad that the Colonial Flag Foundation still puts up this display.

For those of my friends that don't know what this is... on the one year anniversary of the September 11th tragedy, the company I used to work for put up 3000 flags (one for every life lost that day). Since then, this idea has spread across the country and now the world as a multi national fundraiser program for a variety of causes and occasions. It is a beautiful tribute and a very reverent place to be. Although sometimes I miss the opportunity to be involved with my patriotic coworkers, I appreciate the opportunity to take my family and remember.

Merrill was much more involved this year and walked through wanting to touch certain flags. It was really cool to watch him experience it.

Family Pictures

2009-09-20T12:20:00.000-07:00

I realized that I don't have many good pictures during Merrill's pregnancy, and so I didn't want to make the same mistake this time! Thanks to my awesome brother in law Matt - we went out in the hot sun and got some great shots! Thanks to all the boys for putting up with the heat and the crazy pregnant mommy that wanted just the right angle!

Awwww!

Poor Merrill was so tired, but managed to get in some awesome facial expressions!

I love this one!

This was Merrill's look for "Smile!" We had been practicing all day, but the idea of smiling on demand still alludes him.

Definitely my favorite!

Na Night Baby!

2009-09-10T19:59:00.000-07:00

I have tried to prepare Merrill a bit for his new sibling. He has just naturally gotten to the stage of wanting to take care of and take turns with his "friends" (stuffed animals). It is really cute.

I was stunned tonight. It has been a few weeks since I have told him about the baby in my tummy, but tonight we were singing his bedtime songs and he leaned his head down, ear on my belly, and after a minute of quiet he looked up at me and said, "BABY!" It was so wonderful! He was so sweet and for the next few minutes he wouldn't stop saying, "Baby" and, "AHHH," patting it and after me asking he even leaned down and kissed my belly. After prayers I put him in his bed, and he looked up at me and with the sweetest smile said, "Na Night Baby!"

It just broke my heart with how sweet my little boy is!

Kitchen

2009-08-30T13:38:00.001-07:00

I have been having a blast lately feeling all home-makey and having the resources and energy to do it! My accomplishments are not really brag worthy, but here is some of my sharing:

I learned how to can! My first endeavor, nectarines and tomatoes from my parents garden. I love the feeling of building our food storage!

Mark and Merrill helping making cookies for family time. Merrill loves the Kitchen Aid!

Merrill benefits from my baking urges!

I am even trying sewing again - this is the first project I have ever tried that actually turned out the way it was supposed to. It even fits over the prego-belly.

It doesn't look great - but I tried to make a chocolate cake from scratch (I usually use the box) and it tasted a lot better than it looks!

This has to be my FAVORITE! I found a recipe for a nectarine cream pie and I have already made 2! Yummy!

Books

2009-08-25T11:25:00.000-07:00

I have had so many questions about the Usborne books - this is great!

To make it easier...

Here is the simple sum up:

*I love these books! The are educational for kids and range from picture books, bath books, and first word books, all of the way up to high school reference books. There are books about dragons, volcanos, princesses, abridged classics, books with CD's, flash cards, games, Kid Kits (books with activities) and even Spanish!

*80% of the books published by Usborne are under$10

*If anything ever happens to your book - there is a lifetime 50% refund policy (no questions asked!)

*If you have friends or family interested in the books, and you want to have a party for them to order the books - you get books for free!!!!

*Because I am a new consultant - if you book a party before November 2 you can get double the free books!

*Here is the link for the website to browse around in: CLICK HERE

BASEBALL!

2009-08-25T06:47:00.000-07:00

BEES!!!

Anna, Mary, Janae (Matt's new wife!) and Matt

Last night we went to the BEE'S Game is Salt Lake - we all loved it!

The highlight for me was when the pitcher was winding up and Merrill said with him 1,2,3 throw! Then proceeded to launch a fruit snack into a guy's head 5 rows ahead of us!

We had hot dogs before we left, so what is a game without Popcorn? Merrill ate most of it himself!

OFFICIALLY ONLINE!!!!

2009-08-14T12:51:00.000-07:00

OFFICIALLY ONLINE!!!!

Check out some of the books and get me your address if you want to come the show on August 21st - 7:30 pm. Yeah books!

You are invited to an Usborne Books eShow to explore the world of Usborne Books. A child's interest in reading and learning is stimulated by the lavish illustrations and informative content. There are over 1300 bright, colorful and fun titles covering activities, puzzles and a wide range of subjects for children of all ages.

Usborne Books - the books kids love to read!

Hosted by: Deb Nott
Place: www.ubah.com/HOS149996
When: Today thru 8/25/2009 11:59:00 PM
Everyone is welcome, so invite a friend.

It's a rewarding experience when a child opens a book and discovers the magic of reading.

YEAH BOOKS!

2009-08-13T10:10:00.000-07:00

Before Merrill was born we received a great gift of some children's books from a brand called USBORNE. I have looked for a long time to find more of them, they are Merrill's favorites and they have held up really well! I finally found out that they are available through at home business consultants. Well, to make a long story short I am now a consultant for a brand of books that I love!

I will be posting a website soon, hosting my first "show" and will have access to share these great books with anyone that wants them.

Just as a side note - No Fear! I am not really trying to pursue this as a huge business, I just love the books and I am excited to tell you about it!

Hot Dog

2009-07-28T20:25:00.000-07:00

Merrill's favorite new show is "Mickey Mouse Clubhouse." Due to the brilliant work of the band called, "They Might be Giants" the final song (and Merrill's favorite) is the HOT DOG DANCE! So, conclusively the show is now called Hot Dog in our house and any of the Disney characters seen on the show are called Hot Dog! This video is one of the first times I have been able to get some relatively decent footage of our son without him grabbing the camera!

(On the side note, he normally counts to 10 on his own and loves to sing the alphabet!)

There is an APP for that!

2009-07-28T20:07:00.000-07:00

Apple is a great company! About a week ago, my husband told me that he knew that I was 25 weeks along and had 15 weeks to go. I was completely baffled, Mark new a detail of my pregnancy? As I stared dumbfounded at him, he presented his ipod touch and said that he downloaded an application that will help him keep up to date on the pregnancy, and when contractions start for labor, he can time them and keep track of how far apart they are just with the touch of a screen. I can now say as I never have before that I am an apple fan!

Update

2009-07-23T19:39:00.000-07:00

So - not much has been going on for us lately. School, work and just life. We are doing well, but we are just kind of uneventful right now.

However, Merrill is going crazy!! He is learning so much and so fast! I did a report on baby sign and I found research that states that the average 2 year old has a working vocabulary of 50-70 words. I started a list of Merrill's words and I had to stop at 130 because I ran out of room on the paper! He can count (recite) to 10 and knows most of the alphabet. (I credit PBS!)

He is dancing, singing, "saying prayers" and just being my cute sweeite pie! I am so glad to be his mommy!

Cheese!

What a stud muffin!

Proxy

2009-07-05T14:15:00.003-07:00

Why is it that kids can do things and it is cute, but if one adult did it to another it would make them furious? My example today is this:

On the fourth of July Mark's parents were super sweet and bought a kiddie pool for their grandkids to use while they are over. Merrill's splashing turned into a proxy water fight to see who they could convince Merrill to dump water on next. Everyone's legs pretty much ended up soaked from the events, and after a while Merrill ended up ignoring everyone telling him what to do and had a ball splashing the way he does not get to in the tub.

Just wondering...

Update

2009-07-02T18:34:00.000-07:00

I am a slacker! I am sorry! With the pregnancy, school and just stuff I am just...lazy - sorry all! But! We have had a fun couple of weeks! In June we went to the annual Merrill Family Reunion. We had an absolute blast with all of my siblings and their families. We did some crazy stuff like:

Mark and Merrill on the water "slide"

Mark and Merrill on the Treasure Hunt

On the Nature Walk Merrill found a stump that he really liked, once he was there, he sat down, folded his arms and started jabbering just like when we say family prayer. It was so sweet! I sat with him for a bit. I felt the sweet joy of having a son so close to the spirit. I think it was just a special spot for him and he was thanking his Heavenly Father for the beautiful nature. Such a sweet moment!

We also had a pretty serious game of kickball - and everyone let

me be pitcher so the didn't have to run the whole time for me!

As part of the reunion we get our family pictures done. Look at my handsome boys!

By way of other news - we gave Merrill another hair cut - a major one! This was him in front of the TV getting ready for the butchering.

I also had a BLAST with my friend Heather Kimball throwing a shower for our friend Amy Noyce. Both girls are awesome and we had fun together!

We finished just in time for Mark, Merrill and I to all catch an awesome cold this week, but we are on the mend!

Last but not least - here is a video of Merrill I took today, it features his new haircut and his mad Wii skills!

Until next time! Thanks for reading!

Dinner Group

2009-06-08T08:55:00.000-07:00

A few years ago, we helped to start a dinner group of friends. At least one member of each couple knew someone from high school, and I love that we are still friends! We have continued to try to meet monthly (for those of us still in town) and each bring part of the meal to share, alternating hosting houses. When the group started there was only one child and not everyone was married yet... through the years, people have moved, babies have been born and last night... we all got together again for dinner. It was great!

The whole group

Melissa, Martha, Amy, Deb, and Heather

Yes, three of us are expecting!

I managed to borrow enough high chairs for all 6 kids!

Merrill, Avery, Talmage, Brookie, Mercedes, and Otto

Dan, Kendall, Scott, Ken, and Mark

I love having this wonderful tradition and group of friends. I hope that we can keep it going and always stay in touch. Thanks again to everyone that helped - it was good to have you all!

Slacker....

2009-06-06T09:20:00.000-07:00

I really have been a slacker about blogging lately! There are a list of excuses I could give, but basically I am just lazy. So here is our update:

We are all moved in and there are just a few days of some "finishing construction" that needs to happen, before we are all done. Luckily my parents were a lot smarter than we were and hired professionals, so it shouldn't take that long!

Mark is still working, going to school, and doing the occasional film project (click) to keep himself busy while waiting for fall semester and his work schedule to change so he can take some actual film classes! (Ug to generals!) He loves having his own office and a space all his own.

Merrill is also loving his new house! He is sleeping through the night (HALLELUJAH!) and running around and playing most of the time! It is great to see him so happy and spending time with cousins and friends. He is learning more words and trying to talk a lot more than I can actually understand. It is fun to watch him try because he thinks that what he is saying makes perfect sense, but when I try to get him to say the actual word him he doesn't understand that what he just said wasn't even close. It is pretty cute.

I am enjoying, but weirded out by being home again, but due to the renovations and having our own apartment we are renting down here, it doesn't quite feel the same. My parents are super awesome and totally respect our privacy, and because my mom writes from home Merrill and I even get to borrow her car on occasion while Mark is gone all day. I am in heaven!

I have gone to Kohler's and seen old cowboys with no teeth driving their pickups - I even pulled out a few of my old country CD's! (Yes Mark was appalled!)

It was also nice to sit outside last week, smell the fresh air (no cigarette smoke), listen to the birds (not our neighbors screaming swears at their poor dog), and when my parents have people over, I never worry if a fight is going to break out and I will have to call the cops! Don't get me wrong, I loved our condo. It was our first little family home, and the ward was amazing! We grew a lot as a family there, but I am ready for the next season of life.

Our ultrasound went well, and the baby looks healthy and good. I also felt movement last week - which for all you moms out there you know it's awesome! I have also had fun seeing old friends that have come into town, and I am close enough to see and spend time with them, and all in all - life is just good!

Ultrasound today!

2009-06-04T06:41:00.000-07:00

We are getting our ultrasound today! I still don't want to find out the gender of our baby until it is born - but Mark is having a hard time with it. He wants to know now! But, I guess I am the pregnant one so I WIN!!! : )

D-Day

2009-05-18T18:21:00.000-07:00

So it finally happened! After trying to manage Merrill's mane yesterday for church, both Mark and I agreed that it was time for Merrill to lose the locks...sigh...I sat him down in front of the TV on a towel and off the curls came!

Merrill in front of the TV - it is great he gets so distracted!

Yes it really was this long... and then...

AFTER:

He looks so grown up!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!

2009-05-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARK!

So, I know this will probably embarrass my husband a little bit, but here is an blog about my honey on his birthday!!!!!

Isn't he cute?

What a smile!

This picture was taken on the day we received the first "addition" to our little family in 05 - our first Mac! What a happy daddy! : )

No, in all seriousness (here is comes the mushy stuff) I love Mark so much! He is a wonderful man and works hard to fight for truth. He is caring and compassionate and I will always love his honesty, sense of humor and love for things of beauty (even if I don't think all the electronics he loves are as beautiful as he does!)

He loves me and our son Merrill and is sensitive to our needs. He is always willing and ready to help out! He will always hug me, and is ready at a drop of a hat to play with Merrill and let him know he is loved - especially when my patience has run it's course for the day!

I love you Mark! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!

Myths Busted!

2009-05-13T12:40:00.001-07:00

Mark found this link from Myth Busters - I am so glad someone finally did it!

Moving Memoirs

2009-05-08T17:56:00.000-07:00

We are moving tomorrow. I have been spending the last two weeks just working, organizing and packing. I have not really thought about the fact that I am leaving. Don't get me wrong - I am so excited! I am excited to be closer to friends and family and to have more room! There are so many things I am happy for. Something just hit me today as Merrill was in his bath before bedtime... this is the only home he has ever known. This is the home I brought him home to. He had all of his firsts here. His baths in the bathroom sink, his first steps in the living room on his birthday, his first words, his first time wrestling with Daddy, his first time kissing Mommy... everything.

I guess what I am trying to say is that this year and a half has been no doubt the hardest of my life, I guess because of all of the hard times, as crazy as it sounds, I am endeared to this place for giving me a home. I guess the bare walls, lack of sleep and boxes everywhere just got to me. This is a good close to this season of our lives, and I am excited for what is ahead.

On a fun note - we had fun playing with some painters tape again!

Utah Valley Here We Come!

2009-04-30T17:36:00.000-07:00

Utah Valley - Here We Come!

So this post is totally over due - sorry about that. But! We are excited! Our condo has sold and we move out on May 9th! We are headed back to Lehi. My parents are empty nesters and are in the process of renovating their basement into an apartment which we will be renting from them for the next two years or so. We are so excited to put Merrill is his own room! And the timing is great so that Mark and I can enjoy our own room for at least a little while until the baby comes in November.

We will definitely miss Salt Lake Valley and especially our ward here, but we are going to be closer to both our families and lots of good friends. So - HERE WE GO!

Random Happiness

2009-04-23T16:35:00.001-07:00

Mark found this and showed it to me this morning - I love it! I love when there is just random happiness spread throughout - I need to do more to do my part!

Growing up!

2009-04-13T13:59:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was such a completely bitter-sweet day for me. I have been in the Primary presidency for a few months now, and Mark was called to teach, so we had to try to put Merrill in nursery early. I have tried and tried, but it just wasn't happening. He turns 18 months old at the end of this month and so I decided that this was it! We tried having Mark drop him of and... IT WORKED! He stayed the whole time! It was so cute to have Mark and Merrill come to me after church and Merrill had little pictures that he colored in his hands from his class. I just felt like he was so grown up I couldn't stand it!

Merrill is a fun "helper" in the kitchen too!

Consider the Source

2009-04-09T17:30:00.000-07:00

Mark has mentioned a few times on his blog our unusual neighbors. My favorite today is our "smoker." Every time I come in or go out he is out in front of his door... smoking. When I get closer I notice that the two fingers that hold his cigarettes are orange from tobacco stains. He also has recently started wearing huge bandage looking things around his neck held on with medical tape.

Months ago - when I went out walking before the winter hit, he would stop me with Merrill every once in a while and give me nutrition advice. It baffled me. After he was talking to me and blowing his smoke in our general direction the mother bear in me flared up I said, "No offense, but you certainly know a lot about nutrition for a smoker." He kind of nervously giggled, acknowledged it sheepishly and we ended our conversation. I felt kinda bad about saying it - but it just kind of came out! He didn't talk to me or smoke on us for a long time... until today.

I was tending to my herbs and our one flowerbed and on my way back from the dumpster with a handful of weeds he stopped and talked to me. He mentioned how he noticed Merrill was getting teeth, eating well etc. and then I (stupidly) mentioned that we had another one on the way and needed to sell our place... that led him into a discourse about how my diet and nutrition at the time of conception would determine the gender of our baby. Apparently it has been proven for 50 years and it is a well know fact that... something about alkaline and acid and.... I kind of zoned out.

Anyway, my point is that as soon as anyone knows that someone is pregnant (and I am guilty of this too) advice just pours out. Sometimes in the most unusual places. I guess you just have to think about it and CONSIDER THE SOURCE.

Ho hum...

2009-04-07T09:46:00.000-07:00

I haven't blogged in a while - something about a queasy stomach discourages blogging.....

But! Matt took some fun photos with Merrill in the park on Sunday and I had to share!

Lehi Love

2009-03-29T11:06:00.000-07:00

Last night Mark and I went to a reunion of our High School Drama Department. It was so much fun! It was great to see everyone again and catch up. It is amazing how people have and have not changed - plus there was awesome food.

It did get me thinking however, there are a lot of people that both Mark and I know that married people from Lehi - even if they didn't know each other in high school:

Mark and Deb Nott (that's us)
Dan and Jen Merrill
Davy and Natalie Crockett
Mark and Celeste Christiansen
Mike and Gretchen Monson
Dustin an Amber Kunz
Bob and Tracy Smith
Kendall and Melissa Powell
Eli and Chelsi Nielsen
Chris and Michelle Southworth
Adam and Jennifer Orgill
Branden and Hope Mortensen
Levi and Bonnie Jones
Joe and Linsday Price

Crazy huh? If you know of anyone else let me know - I had fun putting together this list!

Nott Block

2009-03-17T05:24:00.000-07:00

NOTT BLOCK

Mark and his brothers have been working on a video project called Nott Block. It is some fun stuff! They have been doing trailers and promos for a few months now, and yesterday was the release of the first episode.

If you are interested here is the link to Mark's blog - start at the very bottom of the page so that you can see the promos in chronological order - and the first episode is at the top of the page.

http://markanddebnott.blogspot.com/

You can also see them on youtube:

http://www.youtube.com/nottblock

or itunes:

http://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=303342159

I am very proud! ENJOY!!!!

*** On a personal note, I have my 1st Doctor's appointment on April 2 - I will have more details about the pregnancy then, but I think we are probably due around November 9 sih. It is great because my birthday is October 23, Merrill's on the 30 and if this baby is smart and wants it's birthday remembered it will come exactly one week after that! I am about as sick as I was with Merrill, but it is a lot harder because I can't just come home from work and sleep. Mark has been giving up a lot of his sleep for me to help and been an absolute trooper!

SURPRISE!!!

2009-03-15T21:16:00.001-07:00

So, I am pregnant! I am so excited! It is a surprise for us, but a great one! Merrill is going to be such a cute big brother, and I am exited for another little one. I think I am about 6 weeks along and very blessed to have such a super hubby to help while I am not feeling at my best.

Renovations DONE!!!

2009-02-27T21:00:00.000-08:00

This post is a bit overdue, but our condo is up for sale! We have finished as much renovations as we are going to, and we are moving on! I love our little home, it has been so wonderful for this first year of Merrill's life and it has been an adventure for Mark and I to learn and grow together as we have worked on it.

KITCHEN

BEFORE

AFTER

One of my favorite features is that Mark and his Dad turned this closet into a washer and dryer for me!

LAUNDRY CLOSET

BEFORE

AFTER

BATHROOM

We replaced the sink base, mirror, tub and had the shower tiled. (See last post)

BEFORE

AFTER

BEDROOM/NURSERY

BEFORE

AFTER

LIVING ROOM

BEFORE (yes I was pregnant in this picture!)

AFTER

So, yeah. We have had a lot of great learning and growing experiences here, and done a lot of work! Hopefully we can sell soon!

A+ Job

2009-02-12T20:19:00.000-08:00

Home Improvements Continue!

This is what our shower has looked like for the past year - we had to put most of our budget into the plumbing and so we covered the walls with this for a while...

It is functional, but not great for re-sale. Yes we are hoping to sell in the next year.

So, we buckled down and hired A+ Handyman Services to come and tile our shower!

This is a picture of our fun handymen.

They were funny guys, and a but crazy at times, but they did great work!

We have since painted our walls, and are almost done with the whole room!

2009-01-29T10:06:00.000-08:00

So Merrill is getting to be so much fun! He continues to amaze me with being in the 97% of kids his age in height and head circumference, but only 20% in weight!

He is having fun making messes when he eats:

On Christmas Day Merrill started making his "Big Face." We love it!

Sleeping tattle tale

2009-01-22T19:55:00.001-08:00

So the three of us sleep in the same room, Mark has a crazy work schedule with nights, early mornings, plus school and we also have a one year old that needs naps ... needless to say we have a weird sleeping schedule around our house.

Both of my boys are troopers, and occasionally I have had to put Merrill to bed with a bottle to get him to sleep when it is convenient.

When I wake Mark up from one of his "naps" (he doesn't get full "sleep" right now) he usually has some semi-coherent things to say, but today was my favorite. As I woke him up he asked very seriously, "Time is moving forward... right?"

Awesome Grandma

2009-01-12T14:16:00.000-08:00

Years ago, my Grandmom - Hesther Rippy received a church calling as stake literacy specialist. Being the amazing woman that she is, she founded and is now the much more than full time volunteer director of the Rippy Family Literacy Center in Lehi. The Flash basketball guys gave the center a make-over this year and check it out! Click HERE.
There is even a short video!