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I have been looking again at farms, ranches, and land out west. All last year, we looked in Arizona just north of Phoenix for property prices, kept an eye on weather during different seasons and read up on homeschool laws. Now, I am looking at Texas. Our goal is to be near New Mexico, but not in the actual state of. Problem is that our parents live in Las Cruces, which is in the southmost central area of the state. We lived in NM 11 years ago. I have homeschooled there, and I am not interested in living there and homeschooling. Let me correct that: we are not interested. Matt totally agrees.
No, NM is not a red state with a bunch of rules and regulations, but Texas is right next door, and the laws there are better. I do feel that if we are moving all of that way, then we need to be within a six hour drive at least. I would like to be within and hour drive, but that would put us in El Paso, and we are not at all interested in living there.
How great is that that we are looking at Texas? I would imagine that Eric is pretty excited. It is his goal to own a huge cattle ranch in Texas someday. No, we do not have cattle. We have goats. and chickens. (I think the horses are finally going this week!) He does have a Guide to Raising Cattle and is interested, so I am letting him run with it. We will see what God has in store there.

Considering the work we have to finish on our home to have it ready to sell, we have a bit of time to look and pray and wait for God to speak His will into our hearts. We miss our parents. We have longed to move there and away from this cold winter weather since last year. I still remember Matt coming home in April when it snowed again after having been 80' weather the week or so before, and he said he was ready to move. He hates delivering mail in this bitter cold. LucyLillie was just a week old, so we figured we wouldn't be moving until this year anyway. Now it is this year, and I am hoping to not be in this same room, typing these same words next year.
Though I will hate to go. I love this little old farmhouse and the big red barn. I love the giant maple tree and the beautiful woodwork and the pocket door and our oval window entry doors. I love the Morning Glory that climbs the windmill tower over the well. I love it that Isaac, Caleb and Lucy were born here. This is the longest we have lived in one place, and it has certainly grown on me. I hate the carpet and these old walls that you can hardly put a nail into, but I look at Eric and see all that barn has been in his life skills, and well, can you tell I am a bit sentimental? Just a little?
Let's not even talk about all of the work we have all put into the new addition that is still unfinished and may be until we move. I sure would like to live in it for a few months though. I suppose we will see.
I know Mom is tired of hearing and waiting on us moving down there, though I know she understands. All the work to do and little time to finish the addition. And, with each change of season, a new challenge crops up. And then a year passes...
All I know is that Jocelyn said she certainly hopes we move before summer, because she does not want to move the dog cage all over the yard again to feed the goats. I agree. Either move or put up fencing.
That is at the top of my list, too: fencing. We must buy property that is already fenced. None of this chase the goats all over the property stuff.
I am thankful that God is in control of this. when I made the 4-state comparison chart the other night of the homeschool laws (yes, I am one of those kind of people), it about drove me bonkers looking at those and looking at the map of Texas, New Mexico and Arizona on mapquest. "Who in the world knows?" is all I could come up with. Add to that Amanda and her, "I am not moving to Texas," and Jocelyn, who took some convincing with some of the beautiful and lush flat land, river and grazing pictures I found. Matt is pretty open, I think. He is easy-going like that, though. Boy, I wish I were.

blessings!

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Comments

Tuesday, February 12, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by blessedmomof10

How exciting jacque! I think it will be an adventure for sure... moving has it's pros and cons.......

Either way I wish you God's blessings as you decide!!

Gloria

Friday, February 15, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by schatzila

Sounds like you are doing a great job researching.

Have a great weekend.

Connie

Saturday, February 23, 2008 - I enjoyed reading

Posted by TeaFlower

this blog entry Jacque! It was a bit uncanny to read, you sound very much like us. The way you referred to homeschool laws (the red states), and watching weather patterns (that is so much like us) and then looking at mapquest.. just giggling over here.
This is Theresa, (Harvestmom) not Jessica (TeaFlower).. she must have used my computer and it just doesn't log out!
Blessings, Theresa

Wednesday, March 26, 2008 - Moving

Posted by Ellen

Our family moved 3000 miles to the other side of the country. It has been a great learning experience for all of us. We've learned about a different culture, way of life, weather conditions, current and historical events of this state. You have a great adventure ahead of you. It sounds like it will be a lot of work to move with a family your size. We only have 7 in our family.
http://ellenfunlearning.blogspot.com/

Saturday, April 19, 2008 - Untitled Comment

Posted by Anonymous

Sounds like an exciting time. What an amazing new adventure God is leading you on!

Blessings and Joy,
Susan Kelly Skitt
Adventurous Living Blog