A Semblance of Relief

This morning, the kids Grandma Willa came for a visit. She came bearing toys, and clothes for everyone. Dekker and Rowan both got Lightening McQueen shirts, and Laela got a couple little dresses. Everything was the perfect size, which is always a big win. The toy she brought was for outside, so she hauled all of our kids outside to play and shooed me inside to get some much-needed hands free time. Our new realtor was coming in the evening to sort of “ok” the house before pictures happen in tomorrow morning. Believe it or not, its hard to maintain a flawlessly staged house with three children, even when they’re fairly docile and respectful. While they played, I tidied our bedroom, finished up the kitchen, and wiped every surface.

Willa couldn’t stay long, so when she left, I took the kids downstairs and gave them lunch. They were worn right now, and took a load off while they ate. I warned them that nap time was approaching, and Dekker was so sad. He usually is, but as I thought more about it, I figured that it might be better to have them in bed sooner in the night rather than they struggle to get to sleep when we have company over. So I asked Dekker if he could wear his happytude all afternoon and evening for me, even if he didn’t have a nap, and he was SO thrilled!

Best of all, he did! He maintained his good attitude until it was actually bedtime, but thats not uncommon. The kids were asleep within minutes, just shortly after 7:00. Brady and I then dug into our house and cleaned the heck out of it. When Jenn arrived around 8:30, we mostly had things under control.

I won’t go into super detail about everything, but she is fabulous! She made Brady and I both feel so at ease. Her personality matches mine very well, so that is always a treat. What I am the most impressed with is her ability to bring me back to earth. There are a few things she wants done on the house still. Not before pictures or anything, but soon. They are things I dread doing. Big jobs that I don’t want to do. I don’t want to put any more effort into this house. But the way she talked to us made those jobs seem easy. Not ominous at all! In fact, I’m not overwhelmed, and I’m excited to get those things done so we have the absolute best shot at selling this place! She was a giant help in setting up some of the rooms differently and making them work more fluidly, and I can really say this is the first time since deciding to list our house that we’ve felt so cared for, and like she really desires to sell our house in good time. She WANTS to help us. We can tell. And it feels good. We love you, Jenn!

On that note, we’re going to soak in the tub with some Baileys and coffee, and watch The Office. Because we deserve it. Its been a big day, but a good day. We’re on our way!!!