Christmas Surprises... RUINED!!!

So...
Zach and I went to D.C. this last weekend to find us a house. We were successful (HOORAY!) and I am very happy about that! (I'll save those details for another day!) HOWEVER, upon returning from our trip, my mom told me that she had a little trouble with Belle while we were away. I automatically start thinking... she must've hit her brother... or said a naughty word... maybe even colored on the table... BOY, was I MISTAKEN!
My little girl is just so innocent and sweet, what POSSIBLY could she do wrong???

Well, my mom pulls out her camera, and shows me a picture of my room... covered with RIPPED APART BOXES and WRAPPING PAPER!!! My mom started to laugh as she told me the story of my sweet little girl, finding her Christmas presents... YES, even the one's from S-A-N-T-A... and OPENED THEM ALL!!! I seriously burst into tears! I had worked so hard to get EvErY SiNgLe surprise ready to roll... wrapped and just waiting for the special day. My mom and dad tried to clean up the damage and get everything re-wrapped for Christmas. They talked to Belle about it, and she so innocently said, "It was an ACCIDENT!" (Okay, now I'm not crying as much, as the story is starting to get a little bit funny!)

The next day I decided to talk to Belle about it. The little stinker basically told me that I can't be mad because "You did the same thing when you were my age!" Are you kidding me?!? Where does she come up with this stuff? She continually tells me that she wont do that again, but I've seen the way she looks at those presents under the tree, and I know it's just KILLING her! I have a feeling that Santa is a HUGE sucker... and will find a way to bring some NEW SURPRISES as well... even though a lump of coal may well be deserved after a stunt like this one! :-)

Let's just say that this will be a Christmas we will always remember!
Hope you all have a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS... Full of Surprises! (Unlike ours!!!) :-)

Festival of Trees

Belle had her first dance performance tonight at the Festival of Trees. It was HyStErIcAl... half of the little girls just stood there and the others just jumped around and did their own thing. Belle actually knew the dance really well, and did it... kind of! She got a little nervous and sped things up a bit... but I think she was FANTASTIC! We were so proud of her... and you'll see why. Here is the video of her dancing debut...

Of course, we were such proud parents...

Briggs enjoyed the dancing and the trees, but LOVED being inside the bubble most! It was pretty cool... I think we'll have to recreate that sometime in the near future!

And one more thing...
Look at this handsome little guy! I just love him to pieces!

Black Friday!

Two of my favorite friends (Kori & Chantal) joined me for Black Friday shopping this morning, and it was SO much fun! We took off around 4:00 a.m. and started our adventure at Toys R Us, then to Target, Tai Pan, Deseret Book, KNEADERS, (ya... we took a break to eat!), then to the District for a quick little peek. We learned after our experience last year, some tricks and strategies to get our shopping done quickly and efficiently... and that's exactly what we did! We had so much fun running for the best deals, filling our carts full, talking and coordinating our game plan on the walkie-talkie's, and figuring out "how much money we were actually SAVING our husbands!" :-)

Chantal drove her Tahoe and the entire car was FULL! We did some serious damage... but it was SO worth it!

What a great way to spend a morning! I think Black Friday should come around more often!

I'm in Love!

There is something in the air, and I love it!!! I love the cold, crisp air as it enters my lungs. I love the smells, sights and tastes of the season. I love the joy this season brings and the cheerful people we meet wherever we go. I love cuddling up on the couch with a fire burning and playing games on the floor for hours, with just my husband and kids. I love comfort food and the delicious treats that Zach so ambitiously spoils us with. I love it all... LOVE IT!!!

I especially love when the kids convince Zach to play "Pretty, Pretty Princess" with them! (For those of you looking for a fun gift for a little princess you love... this game is PeRfEcT!!!) And Zach LOVES when I take photos of him and post them on the blog! :-)

Tis the season to be grateful... I am so blessed!
Happy Thanksgiving!

GO UTES!!!!

Happy Birthday BELLE!!!

Where does time go? My baby girl just turned 3 on Friday, and she is as proud as ever. She woke up on her birthday singing "Happy Birthday to ME"... and the minute she saw my mom, ran and shouted "I'm THREE!!!" She is such a light in our lives and we love her so much! Happy Birthday to our Princess Belle!

Here are some photos from her Tinker Bell Tea Party...




And some from our Family Party for Briggs and Belle (These are the only photos I took... SoRrY!)



We sure do love our birthday babies... though they're not really babies anymore! Man, we must be getting old! Happy Birthday Briggs and Belle! We LOVE YOU!!!

Birthday Celebrations

PART 1

Zach and I totally surprised the kids on Sunday! We gave them a gift full of little Disney toys, coloring books, treats, etc. Zach asked if they wanted to wear the tattoos when they went to Disney Land... TODAY!!! It took them a while to get it, but it was so fun! Briggs was the cutest! He kept saying, "Are you guys serious?" "Are we REALLY going on the airplane, NOW?" It was SO fun! I don't think Belle got it until we actually arrived at the airport. As you can see from the video, she was too busy picking her nose! yuck! Anyway, here are a couple photos from their big Birthday Surprise...





PART 2
On Friday was Briggs's actual Birthday. After playing so hard all week in California, we decided to just do our own little family party that night... and Briggs was boss! Of course he wanted to go bowling and out to dinner at Bonsai. We had a fun night out with our big 5 year old!!!



PART 3 (of course, I forgot to take many pictures)
Saturday was Briggs's party. It was SO much fun! We had Super-Hero EVERYTHING... decorations, cake, games, treats, prizes, etc. It was CRAZY with 15 little kids running around the house, but so worth it! Briggs loved sharing this day with all of his friends!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BRIGGS! WE LOVE YOU!!!

Best Halloween Party, Ever!

If any of you know my mom, you know how cute and fun she is! She is such a party animal, and is always doing fun things with her grandkids. It's no wonder that my kids absolutely adore their Grandma Bunni (and yes... that IS her REAL name!) Anyway, Every year she hosts the world's greatest Halloween party... and this year was no disappointment! She prepared a fun, festive Halloween dinner... with the most creative and adorable appetizers, side dishes, and desserts! The party included fun Halloween games, lots of cute crafts, spooky stories, and AMAZING prizes! Thanks for everything Mom and Dad! You guys are seriously the best, and we love you!!!

Here are some photos of the big event... (we sure missed you Barnes family!)

He's 2 Months Old!

Our little boy is 2 months old! I can't even believe how fast he has grown! We are loving him more and more every day...
Here are his 2 month stats:
Talmage Paul Beynon
10 lbs. 12 ounces (25th percentile)
23 inches long (25th percentile)
Head... I cant remember the number, but 75th PERCENTILE!

He's so much smaller than my other babies were at this age, but he still seems so big to me already... and not just his head!! His latest accomplisments include: sleeping through the night most of the time, smiling lots, cooing, and he sometimes even giggles! He LOVES his brother and his sister... and AdOrEs his Daddy! We are so blessed to have him as part of our family!!!

OuR "PuNkInS"

The pumpkin patch was a hit, as usual! I think we have some of the cutest "punkins", ever!



And here's a cute, smiley one of Tal... just because!!

Our "RoCkStAr" Runner

Zach is, as Belle would say, a "Rockstar!" He ran the St. George Marathon (for the 3rd time) last weekend, and BOY, was I impressed! This man is seriously a machine! He hardly even trained, but wouldn't back out. I would lie if I said I wasn't a little worried about him... 'cause face it! We're not as young as we once were! :-) It was TERRIBLE weather, and the kids and I were anxiously waiting his arrival. When I saw him near the finish line... I got REALLY emotional!!
I had a moment where I realized that life is just like a marathon! We run along... doing what's right and feel prepared and strong... and our family is there, cheering us on! Then we have times when we struggle and fall... it hurts so much, and feels unbearable to even go on... but the Lord is always there, to pick us up and help get us through. We are so blessed to have a Heavenly Father who has given us this race of life to enjoy and endure... I can't wait to join Zach at that Finish Line!

Here are some photos of the race... and ignore the quality! (I got the first couple pic's from a friend and can't figure out how to edit them!)

Taylor, Zach and Amy before the race (I'm talking like 4:30 a.m.)

Zach and Taylor stretching out in their rain ponchos... I mean, GaRbAgE BaGs!!! (Thank goodness for the Garrett's motorhome, to keep them warm and dry before the race!)

Zach and Taylor after the race

Congratulations, Zach... You're my HERO!!!

Talmage's Blessing Day

Today was Talmage's Blessing Day! Zach did such a beautiful job... he always does! I feel so blessed to have a husband that is worthy to hold the priesthood, and honors it the way he does. It was fun having family and friends together to celebrate this special day for our family! We did miss our family members that weren't able to be here, to be in the circle. (Gary, Ryan, Brett, and Dave.) But we appreciate your love and support, even from so far away!
Here are some photos of our Special Day...

With Zach's Grandmother's passing, Robyn was able to be here from Brazil for Talmage's special day.


















My Mom and Dad














My Little Family
(and don't worry... Belle really didn't wear THAT to church! She changed by herself when we got home! ;-)














Best Buddies (and YES, Talmage IS smiling!!! It's our newest trick, and I LOVE it!!!)

We'll Miss Our Grandma June

June Beynon 1920 ~ 2008

June Amalia Kunze Beynon passed away peacefully on October 2, 2008 at her home of natural causes. June was born in Idaho Falls on June 16, 1920 to Paul and Alma Winther Kunze. She married John Charles Beynon on January 26, 1938 in Salt Lake City. Their marriage was later sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. She was an active member of the LDS church and served in many callings. Her family was her life and she took great pride in their accomplishments. She has a great posterity which includes nine children, 44 grandchildren, 95 great-grandchildren, and 16 great-great-grandchildren. June's children are Gladys (Vern) Johnson, Bonnie (Robert) Grow, Lynda (Michael) Washburn, Jack (Linda) Beynon, Roger (Colleen) Beynon, Sharon (Patrick) Cardwell, Guy (Julie) Beynon, Gary (Robyn) Beynon, and Richard (Julia) Beynon. She is preceded in death by her husband, and two children, Lynda and Jack. Funeral services will be held Friday, Oct. 10, 2008 at 11 a.m. at the Olympus 5th Ward, located at 3070 Nila Way. A viewing will be held Thurs. evening, 6 to 8, at Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, 3401 S. Highland Dr. and one hour prior to the funeral. The family expresses appreciation to Richelle and Brooke, her home health care nurses, who allowed her to fulfill her desire to live independently in her home, and to the many neighbors who were always willing to help and watch out for her. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the LDS church general missionary fund. June currently has a son, grandson, and great-grandson serving missions. Her son, Gary (Robyn) is serving as a Mission president in Brazil.

We are really going to miss our Grandma "June-Bug!" One thing that gives us peace, though, is knowing that she is with her sweet husband and her 2 children again. What a wonderful reunion that must have been!

TGIF-- thank goodness it's FALL!!!

I am so in love with Fall! I love the weather, the colors, the smells, the food... and it's only just begun! Already I feel so refreshed and relaxed. There is truly nothing better than enjoying a crisp Fall day with the family... especially here in Utah! It's GoRgEoUs!!! Here are just a few things that we've been up to the last few days...

Talmage enjoyed his 1st (of many) Utah Football games!


We loved our Sunday drive up Guardsman's... just talking and enjoying the scenery!



Family night with the cousins up Big Cottonwood Canyon


And Belle started learning her dance for their Christmas performances. We've got a long ways to go... but she is so darn cute, I just had to show! (this is for you, Robyn!)
Happy AuTuMn!!!

Lovin' my Little Man!

Briggs and Belle have been at each others throats lately, which in turn, seems to make me be on their backs CoNsTaNtLy, too! I think it's when I've completely lost it, Briggs comes to the rescue with a huge, honkin' bear-hug... or a slobbery blow-fish kiss! He rarely forgets to tell me he loves me, and even when he's upset with me (like I found out last night), he says in his mad, grumpy voice, "I love you, too mom!" I sure love this little man... back-talk and all!!!

Enough Said...

I sure do love my SeXy BiKeR mAn!!!

Lots of FIRSTS for the Beynon's

Our family has enjoyed some special "FIRSTS" lately. For example,

ZACH is in HEAVEN with College Football Season underway, and seeing that the Utes won their FIRST football games! I'm the mean wife, and "StRoNgLy EnCoUrAgEd" Zach to sell his Michigan ticket to stay home with us a couple weeks ago. He caught on and just had people over to watch the game in HD... almost as good! But the highlight wasn't the game... it was Briggs announcing to all our friends that "Talmage likes to suck on Mommy's BoObIeS!!!" We all got a good laugh out of that one, just hoping he doesn't share that info at Primary! Anyway, GO UTES!!! It's going to be a great year... and I think I'm going to have one HaPpY husband!

Speaking of happy husbands, Zach is on his FIRST real motorcycle road trip with his friends right now. I wish I had photos of them as they drove away... all decked out in their tough-guy motorcycle gear (leather chaps, vests, boots and all), and the BIGGEST smiles from ear to ear! It seriously made it all worth it! I love seeing him so excited! I can't wait for him to get home tomorrow... I'll post pictures of their adventure, for sure!

I, on the other hand, am still trying to figure out the FIRST weeks of motherhood with THREE children. Let me just say, it's not as easy as it looks! We've sure been having a good time in the process though... and even though I'm not sleeping at nights, I am SO loving watching the kids as they enjoy their FIRST moments. It's good to be the mom!!!

BRIGGS had his FIRST day of school a couple weeks ago. He was so excited to go, but not so excited to wear his school clothes! (He thought he should save them for Kindergarten!) Even though it is his 2nd year of Preschool, I think he is loving it even more this year! His teacher did call and tell me that she had to ask him to stop kissing all the girls at school! Man, this boy is SO much like his DAD!!! I think the highlight of school so far was bringing baby Talmage for show-and-tell. He was so cute telling the children all about being a good brother and sister... and he didn't even mention anything about the "boobies!" He is so funny! He is also just getting over his FIRST sickness since starting school, and thanks to Grandma Bunni for finding a Wii for us, he is enjoying his FIRST real purchase as he spends the day at home!

BELLE started her FIRST real dance class a couple weeks ago! She LOVES it! I get such a kick out of watching her shake her little groove thing out on the dance floor. She's definitely got moves like her mom... and if you ask my brothers, that's not always such a great thing! :-) She makes us laugh, and melts our hearts every single day! We sure love our little "BELLErina".












TALMAGE is such a sweet baby! He still doesn't like to sleep at night, but I contribute that to his gassiness and colic. SO SAD!!! This is my FIRST baby to have struggles like these, and supposedly it's because he's intolerant to something I'm eating. It has been about 5 days without dairy products, and I seriously don't see a difference... and I am StArViNg! We gave Talmage his FIRST bottle with soy formula to see if that would help, but with me nursing still, it's not really helping with the problem. I tried Mylicon drops for the FIRST time yesterday, and I'm hoping for a happier baby soon! Even through all of this, He is still just as cute as ever! See for yourself...