Sick kids, the Christmas tree, and maybe more...

I have sat at home now for 3 days with sick kids. Ethan has a nasty runny nose, Trev a runny nose and fever, Shelby a fever, Ryden a runny nose, and Starlee says she has a cough (although it doesn't sound that bad to me). Me? I have a headache, a runny nose, and I am freezing! I am tired of illness-I always thought my kids were fairly healthy. They hardly ever have any reason to need a sick appointment (knock on wood-our last one was with Starlee in '04). Maybe they just seem extra sick lately to me because I am one of the fruitcakes (sarcasm inserted here) that does not send their kids to school sick. I don't believe in the possibility of infecting other people's kids and I really resent the rudeness of them sending their kids to infect mine. That said-the kids seem healthy enough to brave school tomorrow. I will just cross my fingers that I don't get a phone call saying "______ doesn't feel good enough to stay-can you come get him/her even though you just dropped them off 30 minutes ago, just unloaded Ryden and Starlee out of the car, and just took a look at your planner?" Hey-at least the school will get their money for my 1 hour hassle! ;-)

And because of under the weather kids I have yet to finish my Christmas decorations. So, I have made the co-executive decision (along with my equally opinionated husband) that we will just leave up what we have and worry about doing more next year! (Did I mention I REALLY love him?) We have all the important things up: the tree, the stockings, a small nativity, a mini tree, and the countdown Santa. Anything else is just fluff. I could pretend that it is because we are so ultra-spiritual, but it is just lack of time. Are we trying to make this year a more spiritual experience? Yes. Is that the reason for the decoration boxes heading back out to the surf shack-nope. Oh well, so far it has already been a busy, wonderful season. We listened to the First Presidency Christmas devotional with the kids, I'll admit I didn't really hear the Stake Christmas concert since we were in the kitchen preparing refreshments for 600 people (stake primary was in charge again)-but the spirit was there as we watched the people partake afterwards. Not to mention every time I work with Crystal (president), Peggie (2nd counselor), and Laurie (secretary) I am amazed by each of them. They are so completely wonderful! I love to observe them, learn from them, and just enjoy them. (I am not saying I wasn't completely exhausted, tired, worn out, and maybe a wee bit cranky at the end-but the aforementioned items are true as well!) ;-) This week I have either District Committee meeting (Scouts) or the Relief Society dinner (depending on scheduling), Round Table + a date with Garth on Thursday (so far my favorite commitment of them all), and Friday and Saturday are only tentative items-yeah!! Next week will be pretty jam packed-but we are excited for Christmas, we are very excited to hang out with Chad for the holiday, and see my parents and brothers again too!

And what am I doing right now? Wondering how to get the mean mom face...you know that one that Moms have? The one that says do it now or it will really be coming to you? The one that evokes obedience that we all remember our mothers having the talent enough to give? The one I completely fail at by the lack of response to what I thought was my "mean mom face" that I give my kids! I guess I need to work on it BIG TIME as Starlee is trying to talk her way into staying up and Ryden is trying to cuddle his way into the same. All this as I try and learn the Troopmaster program since I am also the new Advancement Chair for our ward scout program. I am feeling a little bit confused since I am so in cub scout mindframe because of my calling-calling and now am learning this too. Am I excited to be a participant in Garin's scouting career-sure, am I a tired Mom of 6 little kids, wife to Garth, hopefully at least 30% good at my calling, and maybe even getting a little bit better about staying on top of my daily tasks? yep, that too! Is this where I pretend I am multi-faceted? ;-)

But, for now. I am just going to be Mom. I am going to read Starlee a book so that she can head up to bed having completed everything on the Isom Family Daily Schedule for Tuesday. Which will make her a very happy princess! And tomorrow-we will start all over again (this time with the Wednesday Daily Schedule since our lives have so much variety) with happy faces and hopefully helpful hearts. As this season approaches very quickly I am so grateful for the little and big things-for a fireplace in my room which helps since it is the coldest bedroom in the house, for a wonderful husband that spoils me and loves me, for hiking socks that are keeping my feet warm right this very minute, for children that are witty, kind, and innocent, for family that supports us, strengthens us, sends great packages (Mom-this is you in case you were wondering if there was someone else that sends and awesome package for all holidays, back to school days, summer days, etc.), comes for important events, loves my kids like their own, has taught my kids the value of good sports (Casey & Jenna-this would be you + more of course), and just loved us period. Loves us even though we mess up, forget, are behind, are flaky, and everything else that we do wrong! I am very thankful for my blessings-oh, and in case anyone was wondering-this was the "maybe more" mentioned previously! ;-P

Oh-and on today, which is my Grandma & Grandpa Pitt's anniversary-I am thankful for marriage. For the gospel that my parents raised me in-and for each and every time I get to think about all my happy "grandparent" memories.

Hasta!