Ode to My Ryan

Last week was Ryan's birthday, and since I am such an awesome wife, I am posting his birthday ode within a month of the big day (and for those who got my christmas card, you know that is a miracle!) Hopefully, my tardiness will be on his massively long list of reasons why he loves me. Here is a rather condensed list of reason's I love Ryan...


Ryan works hard. He puts me to shame when it comes to moving fast and getting a job done. He sets a great example for our kids when it comes to work ethic.
He makes working fun. The kids can't wait to help Dad with the next project around the house and he always makes sure the kids have their own tools to use.
He provides for us and does all in his power to ensure our needs are met. His hard work, forethought, and unselfishness have been massive players in his business success thus far.


He goes along with my crazy schemes. He is such a good sport when it comes to supporting me and the kids.
He makes life a party. If you know Ryan, you want him around. He is funny, easy going, makes everyone feel good about themselves, and he brings the party with him.

He loves his grandparents. I am so glad that he always helps them out. When we lived by both sets of grandparents, he visited them as often as possible and helped them every chance he got.
He loves his family. Before we started dating I remember talking to him about his younger siblings and I was really impressed with how much he loved them. You could hear the adoration in his voice as he spoke of each one.


Ryan's always up for an adventure! I am so glad that he doesn't want to spend every vacation sitting on the beach or getting fat on a cruise ship. He wants to be up and doing. His love of adventure has required me to STRETCH way past my comfort level!
On our last date as girlfriend/boyfriend, Ryan took me on a treacherous hike that involved roping up and rock climbing. The hike ended on a steep cliff where we roped up again and he, followed by yours truly, rappelled down to a ledge covered in red carpet and Bocelle playing in the background. We enjoyed dinner, watched the sunset and then he proposed. Only Ryan would figure out how to logistically pull such a feat (with the help of his cronies, two of which are in the picture) for a very romantic and singular evening (and cheap--which is totally good with me!)

Thank goodness one of us has some creative talent! The kids know who to go to if they need a picture drawn...or a gingerbread house (or train). If a cake needs decorated, ask Ryan; if you need to buy an accessory for your home, ask Ryan; if you need a straight line drawn, ask Ryan; if it has anything to do with pencils, pens, markers, paints, placement, sizing, ask Ryan.

This is Ryan with Indi. He is such a great dad. He is strong and humorous, playful and determined, loving and firm. When Ryan walks through the door at the end of a long day, we are all jumping and shouting for joy!

Ryan us FUNNY! He pulls off the crooked, dirty teeth, or the taped up glasses, or the Erkle style shorts (pulled all the way to his armpits) as if it were his natural look! And he uses his funniness to make our home a happier place. One night when I was prego with Remington I was feeling pretty miserable about life in general. We were about to read our scriptures and I was a pathetic sobbing mess. Ryan whipped out his scriptures and started to read the "Ryan Stum Version". He spun his own tale of poor pregnant Sariah traveling in the wilderness with her husband Lehi, and by the end of our scripture reading I was laughing so hard it hurt! My bedtimes snores were intermixed with whispers of gratitude to my Heavenly Father for such a wonderful husband.

The whispers still continue! He has been the truest friend I've ever had. He makes the hard bearable, the fun even funner, and the everyday magical. He's my sounding board when I'm frustrated, my pick-me-up when I'm down, and my grounder when I am out of touch with reality. He makes me feel loved, important and appreciated when everybody else is too busy to notice or care, and he reminds me what is important when lesser duties (or fun outings) call.
Ryan--I LOVE YOU!