February 16, 2006

• I guess I better get this down before too much time passes.  I am feeling a little swamped.  We have two open houses this week, one for brokers and one for realtors and I really want everything to look finished and sparkling.  I rented a small storage unit and have been packing excess things we don’t need in the next little while.  I am de-cluttering even more than I already have.  I took down my huge work table with all the scrapbook stuff and reoranized Serra’s room so it looks tidier.  The book shelves are cleared with just a few knick-knacks.  Today I am going to do some touch up painting.  Tomorrow I will clean again until I fall over.  Then we need to leave so it stays that way.  Next week we are headed to Vegas.  I really hoped this place would sell quicker.  Keeping it looking perfect all the time is a real hassle. 

  
  

  Last week after Disneyland it was back to reality.  Thursday we had dinner in Calabasas.  It was a leftover extravaganza.  Sunday we met again for about an hour before the open house for Mom and Dad and sat around soaking it all in.  We had the kids sing “Grandma and Grandpa are going away on a mission” and it was a smash hit.  The open house was amazing.  There were so many people there.  The Colletts have a huge house and all the well wishers filled the back yard and house.  Even the Ruthwood neighbors showed.  I felt like it was a farewell for us too.  Since we don’t have any reason now to visit So Cal once we leave, this may be the last time I see many of those people.  We had the kids do a repeat on the song and they got a standing ovation.  (everyone was already standing, but still)  After the open house we went back to Mom and Dads and witnessed the setting apart.  They were both given wonderful blessings along with their callings.  I felt priveleged to be a part of it. 

  
  

  Monday we just had to gather one more time.  This time we met at Gary and Liesls.  Leisl did a great dinner and fancy Valentine dessert and the kids played hard until most had cried at least once from one injury or another.  Both nights were very late as we just didn’t want them to end.  I think we didn’t leave until after 10pm. 

  
  

  I took Brian into work on Tuesday and so I of course had to stop by Mom and Dads.  What a rock in the pit of my stomach that was seeing an enormous moving truck out front.  I lingered for about an hour.  Serra and Grandpa played a game with a little metal washer for a while,  we gave last hugs and I drove away.  It is sad to think Sophia will be walking the next time we see them.  Serra will be 4 1/2.   I know it is only a year but things will be so different when the mission is done.  That is what makes this good bye so hard.  Things have been ideal the last few years being so close.  We have really loved it.  Serra cried last night that she missed her Grandma and Grandpa that are on a mission.  I hope someday we will live close by again.

  • 1:48 pm
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