Mom's 3rd Surgery

On September 16th my Mom went in for her 3rd surgery to remove tumors. Misty and I took her to the hospital super early that morning and prepared for a long day of waiting. Her previous 2 surgeries had been between 6-8 hours. They told us it would be about 2 1/2 hours but we figured we'd probably be there a lot longer. This time they actually proved us wrong and were done within 3 hours! We didn't know if this was good or bad! We went in the consultation room to wait for the Dr and were both silent (you know how hard that is for an Adam's girl!) until he finally came in the room. I think he could tell from the looks on our faces how anxious we were because as soon as he walked in the door he told us the surgery went great and that Mom was doing well. He said that all three tumors were about the size of baseballs and all were sitting on major arteries. They had to be extremely careful not to knick anything or cause severe bleeding, he took his time and worked very carefully on each one and was very successful! After lunch Misty and I went to her room to see her and couldn't believe how good she looked! This is the best she has looked or felt after surgery! She came home on Saturday the 19th and is already walking around a bit and is looking great! This surgery was truly a miracle and I know it was all thanks to the many prayers said by family, friends and people in the community. Thank you for all that you have done for our family and always looking out for my Mom!

Happy Birthday Ryker - my baby is 1!

So, I had this big long post done all about Ryker's B-day with all the cute pictures from that day and right as I went to post it my computer froze and I lost everything!!! GRRRRR! So anyway, while I have a minute I thought I'd at least get on here and tell everyone about Ryker's B-day and I'll post pictures later when I get a chance.
So after Mom's cancer run, breakfast and auction I took Ryker home to hang out with Rick then went to my In-Laws to decorate. My Mother-in-law is incredible! She had started cleaning the night before and the backyard looked amazing! I set up a couple tables, cleaned off the grill and set things up, thank goodness for Allison and Jessica! Went home to get ready and then came back with Rick and the Birthday boy. Most of our families were able to come and it was pretty low key but very enjoyable! My sister-in-law, Nicole, made the cutest monkey cake I've ever seen! (Will post picture) Then I worked the grill while Ryker played with all the cousins, aunts, uncles, grandma's and grandpa. After that I helped Ryker open presents. Grandma Allison, Grandpa Scott and Aunt Jessica spoiled him with some cute outfits as well as a bunch of books. Grandma Debby got him a music stand that he loves to play with and dance to. She also got him a football (which he can say!!) and loves to play with. Aunt Heidi got him a really cool stuffed ape that he was so excited about, he even brought it into crib with him. In fact I've got some funny pictures of him sleeping in the exact same position as his monkey! So cute! He was so spoiled and got so many great toys to play with, he loves his bath toy from Aunt Amber and Uncle Tyson and the hammer from Aunt Nicole and Uncle Jason (don't know if I like that was so much, lol!) After toys we let him have his very own cake (my sorry excuse for creativity, didn't turn out even close to as cute as Nicole's!) but it did the trick! He loved it and went to town eating it, then destroying it. He was so funny, he didn't want to share with anyone, not even Mom and Dad! Every time he'd see one of his cousins hands sneak up to the table he'd grab where they were grabbing so they couldn't have his cake. When we finally got home he was so wiped out! I was trying to get everything put away and put him to sleep but every time I'd take a toy out of the box or bag he'd want to play with it.

I can't believe how fast this year has gone and how much Ryker has changed in 1 year! He has such a funny personality, he loves to tease people but yet he is still so sweet! All the girls at the day care have told us that they wish they had 10 more like him. He is so easy going, yet so busy! He loves to explore and see how much he can get away with. He is such a great eater, it's fun to watch him try new things, his favorite thing right now is chocolate and strawberry milk. He copies so many of the words that Rick and I say (guess we need to start being careful!) We both about fell off the couch when he said "football". He gives the best hugs and kisses! Our lives have been so blessed with this little boy and I don't think I could love him anymore if I tried!

Out Run Cancer

September 12th turned out to be a very busy and hectic day, but a truly amazing one! It started at 8:00 AM in West Haven where I was able to participate in a cancer walk put together by my Mom's ward for her and a young father in her ward who is also fighting cancer. The turnout was INCREDIBLE! I felt so blessed to have 2 of my sister-in-laws - Amber and Nicole - walking with me as well as my Mom's old neighbor from Washington Terrace and two of my friends from the Valley - Amy and Autumn. The walk was $10 per person and the turnout was huge! After the walk there was a pancake breakfast that was $5 per person. There was a raffle for an I-Pod, a rifle and a couple other items, a live auction as well as a silent auction. I can't believe how many cool things were donated and went for pretty high prices! In just 1 day they raised over $12,000!! With all my Mom has been through and all she has coming up, I am so thankful for a strong community, family and friends! Thank you all so much for your prayers, donations, love and support!

Ryker's favorite game, glad Grandma's a good sport!

My niece Elora and nephew Parker

My Sisters-in-law Amber and Nicole - made out BIG in the auctions!

Mom, Jared, Brittany and Jeanie Bliss enjoying breakfast

Heidi and Elora keeping Ryker entertained

Jared and Brittany just wanted to show everyone who good breakfast was.

What a way to start his first B-day!

I went to Terrace Elementary and Snow Crest with these two and they haven't changed a bit! Autumn and Amy