Stringing up the lights

We figure Anthony is like his dad, not just in looks, which means once he leaves on his mission, he's left home for good.  Therefore we started hanging Christmas lights, a week late but nonetheless.  Yes, Dean captured my best side here =P.  We aren't done yet and we told Anthony he could do whatever he wants...erm, yeah.  It'll be interesting and I will post a picture when we are done.  Dean already thinks he wants it down...oh Bah Humbug. =P

Last night we went through the items needing to be done immediately.  Went onto DMV.Utah.Org and printed off Anthony's driving record to send to the mission president.  It has to be there before he is and as of right now, he should be in New York by Valentine's Day.  *breathe*  It's still a little unreal to me.  I know it will hit me like a sledgehammer as I finalize packing with him and as I say my goodbye's the night before.  At the Missionary Training Center you are no longer allowed to say goodbye at the door.  You unload them and their luggage and they are taken away.  No hugs, long farewells, no pictures.  Make it a short goodbye - and only one vehicle is allowed into the parking lot.

I was going to post a list of things (little things) he needs in case anyone was looking for Christmas present idea's.  I'm not sure now, I'm not quite sure how to go about this.  I've never really had to ask for assistance for something this big before.  Granted, I've asked my mom for car loan money that I than paid back to her but than she is no longer around.  We've asked Dean's parents a few times for help with monthly bills but wow..this is going to be beyond humbling.  I think maybe this is part of Dean's acceptance problem.  He mentioned he was still having a few problems, wasn't quite ready for Anthony to be leaving.  Like they've said, a mission affects everyone in the family in different ways but it is humbling for all.