It's perfectly normal to be sad to let go of the house... It's where you brought your kids home from the hospital and where they had lots of firsts.... I think that when I try and tell myself "don't be upset about it, it's silly" is when I have the hardest time. Let yourself be sad. It's okay. It's normal.
And I LOVE LOVE LOVE your bead idea and may just have to steal it for myself!
Fingers crossed for the house to sell!