I just returned from Women's Conference.
I wasn't planning on going but Rylee was asked at the last minute to be on the panel as a teen representative in the parenting class. She did a great job. I sat through the first class/panel and she was so tender and teary - anyone that knows Ry knows that the tears come easily. But I was so proud of her and she told me during the 2nd session she didn't cry at all. (Which is funny that she cried in the first place? I think it was nerves and she has a head cold? Also maybe the fact that I was sitting there as she was getting quizzed on parenting teens - gulp. That would make me nervous! The moderator/family counselor told her she was just bringing the Spirit to the class.) She got many compliments during the luncheon afterwards and was so gracious and beautiful about it all.
Austin got up early to go sing with a choir that will be performing for firesides. Yep. He got up on his own at 8'oclock on a Saturday to get to practice.He's still looking for work but it's difficult knowing he'll need shoulder surgery in 3 weeks and out of commission for a month. But despite his difficult circumstances he has good spirits and is so fun to be with. I love having him accompany me on my errands. Monday he went with me house shopping in Manti and he drove both directions. Four hours total. And then yesterday he accompanied me to Costco. Which is always fun and costly because he talks me into buying all kinds of crazy things I don't usually buy.
Kam and Cam are under contract on a cute grandma house in Manti. I'm so excited for them and only 98 more days until Harper's due date! I'm so proud of both of them working so hard in school and work. Cameron is such a great husband and I know he's going to be an amazing dad. Kambree's been a lover of all living things since she was tiny and cried because her pet slugs slimmed away in the night. She's going to be a fabulous mom. AND I can't wait to see them make this darling grandma house their own and super can't wait for Harper to make her entrance into this world! I get butterflies thinking about it. Kambree's invited me to actually BE IN THE ROOM when she has the baby - which makes me anxious and scared in one breath but terribly flattered and excited in the next. I wouldn't miss it for the world. It makes me teary to think of my baby girl bringing our grand baby girl into this world. I thought my heart was pretty full with my 5 children and one son in law but I think being a grandma is going to be the best!! And I can feel my heart growing right along with Kambree's tummy!
My Dev is working hard at school and trying to decide if she wants to put her mission papers in or continue her schooling. Either way she makes me so stinking proud of her. I mean she's got two great option's and a good head on her shoulders. When so many girls her age are struggling she is blossoming into the most amazing woman and no matter what Devree decides - she'll be fabulous at it. She always has been. So driven and focused. I think of her a sister missionary and my face just smiles. Her loud, crazy and uplifting personality draws people to her and then - BAM - she'll share the gospel and her soft and sweet Spirit and no one's going to stand a chance!! Sister Richhart. She'll rock it. If that's what she decides to do. I have no doubt.
And then there's Alex.
As I sat listening to a mom behind me between classes share her struggles about her Ukrainian adopted son that is living away from home in private high school setting and having struggles, I thought of my Alex. My Alex who got up and went to on his own to attend his 3rd MMA class this week. (Yes, he's taken up Mixed Marshal Arts - he tells me he won't be a cage fighter but I have my worries - right now he's just working on skills.) He made the JV water polo team again and is getting A's and B's and a C or two and he's just so much fun to be with and growing into such a charming and responsible young man.
I came home and offered to make the boys lunch and Alex requested a baloney quesadilla. As I plopped the toasted melty odd concoction on his plate he told me I was "The mom dot com". Then later he came and planted a kiss on my forehead and announced he was going to take a shower. Just like that. Everyday he hugs me, comes and stands next to me with arm around my shoulders and every so often he plants a kiss on my cheek or forehead. He's just sweet and good. Or at least trying to be.....
Then there's my hubby, James who loves me despite my shortcomings and takes such good care of us. He works far away in cold temps for weeks at a time and then works more at home making sure our cars run and our house doesn't fall apart.
Nope. He's not super romantic - but he's not one to show love with flowers, cards and gifts. He shows love with his patience, and mad fixing skills. (I realized this today in the 2nd class I took regarding marriage!)
So I wanted to take a minute and record my feelings.
I just feel blessed.
Very, very blessed......7 times and soon to be 8 times over!
