Bitter Sweet

Just one week. But oh, just one week left :`(

So first of all, Happy Valentine's Day, sort of.
At least the kids have enjoyed their various school parties, and of course they were thrilled with the little gifts from their father and I. They've been playing Polly Pocket, and Legos all afternoon.
But my valentines is quite flat with out Mithrandir, and I can't believe his is much better all by his self.
But I do hope all of you have a wonderful day full of love and enjoyment with your sweet heart and loved ones.

Speaking of loved ones . . .
We do just have one week left.
What I won't miss . . .
packing
cleaning endlessly
showing the house
dejunking
organizing
loneliness
sad kids
snow
worrying about shoveling
exhaustion
all those little things that have to be done when moving - tying all those loose ends

What I will miss . . .
All of these amazingly wonderful girls
Great friends (here are just a few)

Being close to Grandma
A great ward, with a wonderful Bishop
Good friends who participate in a great preschool
Being close to fun vacation spots
And of course a great house
And all that means leaving behind

It is so funny how things that you didn't ever want turn out to be the things that are hardest to give up.

When we first decided to move here the location, lack of shopping, and long winters were at the top of my detest list. After the actual move the farmers market and extreme winters hit the top of the list.
The shopping became only marginally better with an opening of a Costco 45 minutes away
The winters exceeded my expectations ;)
The location became greatly appreciated for the proximity to Grandma and great skiing!
But the friends, the wonderful community, an amazing ward, truly amazing young women, and again great friends (which definitely include YW) made it all the place I wanted to stay and raise my family.
If only we could do something about those winters ;). [I took the kids sledding yesterday because they cried when they realized this would be their last time sledding for quite sometime, there is very little snow where we are going. I have to be honest, I won't so much miss 6-10 months of winter :)]
Three years ago I would never have guessed that leaving this place would be something so painful I would have to force myself not to think about it.
But today I'm thinking about it.
I'm thinking about it because . . .
it was our last Sunday at church
We only have one week left
Everyone keeps asking how they can help this week
And I'm not ready to start packing things up and saying good bye with the taping of every box.

I love you Rosewood and all the people that make you amazing, and I will ache for you in the days, weeks, months, and years to come.

I am leaving my home behind.
I hope to find it again soon.