Changing

I know...what a sweet little stud muffin :)

Ryker has been changing so fast! He learns not just one new thing everyday but about 10 it seems like! Some of his most recent accomplishments:

Saying Daddy (Dustin is so proud!)

Saying "vrooom!" with lots of spit bubbles when pushing his trucks

Saying something that resembles "thank you"

Bringing me things he wants, like the whole box of graham crackers or whole huge bag of cereal :)

Kissing me right on the lips, open mouthed. He will not take "no" for an answer! I know, he will be real smooth with the ladies :)

Making messes...big messes.

Knowing when he is in trouble before he gets reprimanded...and he's starting to get sneaky!

Walking quite a bit! Climbing a lot!

Bringing me books to read. His favorite- The Foot Book by Dr. Seuss

And I am sure I have missed so so much. He is so fun and I am sad to see him getting big.

In other news, Dustin got a deer! We are enjoying steak, roast and quite a bit of jerky. Mmmmm...

Enjoying Autumn...

I call it autumn because Dustin thinks saying fall is kind of weird...I know, there are only two seasons in Utah- Freezing and Blistering hot. I love the way too short in between seasons, except for Halloween. I hate Halloween...I know, it's almost worse than hating Christmas to some people!

We have been out and about enjoying the good weather that has now left. The highlight was playing outside in the sand box with trucks. Entertained my little man for almost 2 hours!

Today we went to the Pumpkin Walk. It apparently ended last night (why so early?!) Anyways, between the freezing cold, having my keys locked in my car and a slightly runny nose...Ryker and I survived and had some fun with his cousin.

I was very proud of myself today. I had my niece who is almost 3 and Ryker. Somehow, I managed to still pull off my "autumn supper". The menu included potato corn turkey chowder and pumpkin rolls. Seriously DE. LISH! and super easy. Check out the soup recipe here. Try to withhold your laughter when looking at my rolls. They look a lot like the carved pumpkins are looking this late in the season...droopy, misshapen, just plain ugly. Oh well, it was fun! I just rolled them in orange food coloring and then put a stem on top...ta da!

It's okay to look away :) Dustin refused to eat them...

I LOVE AUTUMN! Seems that it has now passed...oh well, there is still Thanksgiving to look forward to before I have to submit to winter fully!

What a year...

A year ago today was one of the saddest days of my life and my families lives. We lost my step-dad Steve after a short, but very hard illness. We have been through so much in this year. I remember going to my Mom's house and praying that I wouldn't go into labor. Now, I have a bouncing little boy who is walking, but am also missing 2 of the best guys I knew. My grandpa Clynn also died the night before Ryker was born (November 4th). Here's what I remember about these 2 great men:

Steve
You were always smiling. Hunting was your thing (you would be proud- Dustin's trying to get his BBD *big buck down*) We think about you a lot when Dustin uses your elk call to get Ryker excited, or when he puts on your camo.
I remember that you told me I have a lot of dads and that you will always be there for me and it is true, but I miss you a lot and wish you were here. You sent me Ryker and I see a lot of you in him (mesmerized by those elk and loves the outdoors!)
We spent a lot of time together in the months before you passed. You were so so positive and give me so much inspiration to get through my trials. I walked into the specialty hospital for the first time last week- where we spent lots of time and where we got the news. I thought it would be hard, and it was, but I was comforted knowing that you aren't in pain anymore and that you did meet Ryker.
Thanks for being a great dad to me and for always being such a fun, loving person. Miss you and love you lots!

Grandpa Clynn
I remember the first time I layed eyes on you...what a sad day but you made me so comfortable (little back story- I met him at my Dad's funeral and had never met that part of my family before). Your love for me was always there, even though I wasn't there.
You were also such a fun person. I loved d the time we spent talking. You made me feel so welcome into the family and I never once doubted that you loved me. You also were a great example of strength in hard times.
Although I only got to know you for a short while, I really love you. You overnighted Ryker straight to us and I can just see you smiling as you sent me this fun, crazy boy and said "good luck! He's going to be a fun little handful!" Love you and miss you!

Since I couldn't let myself end this post while crying- I thought I would give some happy news.
RYKER IS WALKING! Yay horray! He is so brave and stands up and takes 4-5 steps, falls down and right back up he gets! He has also taken a liking to bringing me things. This morning it was graham crackers that he wanted opened and this afternoon- every book he owns. He also has become even more lovey and gives big open mouth kisses that leave me with slobber all over and a big grin on my face. Thanks Steve and Grandpa Clynn for sending me my fun little guy!

Spoiled

I am so spoiled in two ways- one: I have the greatest family ever who really take care of me and two: I already know what I am getting for my birthday and Christmas. Takes the fun out of it, but I am sure that the gifts will more than make up for it! So, what am I getting?!?

This:
and this:

The first is a steam cleaner that I have wanted since I got married- so much easier and safer to clean with. Clean house, here I come!
The second is my BRIGHT PINK! laptop. Mine died and with school I really need another one.
Best. Day. EVER!

I love you family, thanks for spoiling me!

1 Year Pictures

My grandma Shanna took these pictures for Ryker's first birthday- November 5th. I love this cute little man to pieces!

This makes him look just like Dustin!

My favorite!

His new "snorty" face!

Changes

Ryker is changing so fast and learning so many things! In the past week he has learned to:

• Give a high-five!
• Say "uh-oh"
• Take 2-3 steps!
• Laugh out loud to get our attention (he thinks he is so neat!)
• Make a lot more sounds that sounds like talking
• Make me so proud and happy!

I am going to start an AVON fundraiser (see previous post) for the Billings family special needs children. They have 9 adopted children all with special needs. They were gunned down for absolutely no reason in their own home in Florida. Now their oldest daughter is raising all 9, trying to keep up with 2 mortgages and the will her parents had is not valid (can you IMAGINE
?!?) I was shocked that they had only had $1100 donated to them! 40% of the price of all products ordered will go to their children. Read more about the family by clicking on the picture (they were on Oprah yesterday).
I will post a link so that you can buy the products (lotion, bubble bath, body wash, body spray and hand sanitizer). If you would be willing to help by circulating flyers to your neighborhood or ward I will give you a free gift! Thanks!

Fundraisers

I have a desire...to help someone, anyone! I have been looking for a good cause to help for months now. Being an AVON representative, I can do fundraisers that yield awesome results (40% proceeds!) I found this great cause, Taylie Abbott has cancer and lives in the Valley. By posting her link someone is donating $2 everytime! Click on her picture to visit her website:
(what a cute girl!)
Repost her link (on your blog, facebook, twitter...) and let Kylene at A Dash of Season know so that the money can be donated!

I contacted Taylie's family, so hopefully I can help out with a fundraiser in the near future.

Anyways, if any of you know of any other great causes that you want to raise money for, let me know. It is so simple and with the holidays right around the corner, it is the perfect time to have a fundraiser!