Apartment Living

When we arrived in Longview, TX we could not move straight into our house because it was not ready and we still had a lot of paperwork to complete. Fortunately, we only had to stay in that tiny one bedroom, one bathroom on a busy street for 30 days!

We didn't move everything in as you can see. We stored our trailers and packed everything we could possibly need in a couple suitcases. We absolutely hated this apartment! The only thing we liked was the monthly rent price that included our water, sewer, and trash. I hated having to put the dogs on a leash everytime they needed to go out, I hated hearing ambulance sirens and cars zooming by in the middle of the night, and I hated having to eat so unhealthy because I didn't want to unpack my kitchen. However, I loved being able to jump in their pool whenever I wanted...it surely made some days there a bit better. 

Last Day in Blaine, Washington

After living in NorthWest Washington for 2 years, there are definitely things/people I will be leaving behind that I will miss dearly. Gregg and I have had many opportunities to rebuild and connect stronger as a couple.

From jumping the border to Canada to spend the day, camping up at Mt. Baker, picking apples and learning to can at Bellwood Acres, picking up driftwood in Birch Bay, being a tourist in Seattle, raising our first set of chickens, becoming a Zumba instructor, entering a bowling league at Mt. Baker Lanes, and more, we have had the time of our life in a beautiful state. However, Washington can keep some points, such as, the never ending rain, cold temperatures, and the high cost of living.

For weeks, we spent time organizing, throwing away, packing, and cleaning. We made sure our last night in Washington was relaxed and memorable. We walked around the house taking pictures of the fruit trees we will be walking away from and having a last sit on the porch with the family.

Until next time, Blaine! We will miss you...

Our Update: Making The Decision

Here we are, once again, making the decision to move. This isn't any move though, its our forever move. Yes, we are ready to buy some land as our place to settle down and put down some roots. For years, even before Gregg and I got married, we talked about relocating to Texas and the time has finally come. We have hit quite a few road bumps getting there, but I can not be any happier with the time right now.

Gregg and I running around Blaine, WA 

tying up loose ends before we take off!

How did we decide on the perfect town? First, we thought about the town Gregg grew up in, and that is good ole Cleburne, Texas. As much as Cleburne will forever be in our hearts, we wanted to start off with something new for the both of us. So, that one got bumped from the list. Next, we did not want to be in the heart of Dallas, but close enough for a days drive because we have many friends and family that live in that area. Also, I did not want to go South or West because it would have made for a longer trip to go back home to Memphis, TN to see my family. So, what does that leave...the outskirts and East Texas.

Gregg is hiding back there tarping our open trailer.

So the Requirements Are: Easy Drive to Dallas, Lots of Trees, Small Town Living, Lots of Land, Reasonably Priced, Quick Drive to Memphis, TN....so the result, near the Longview area. Yep, that is where we are headed. We are very excited about these laid plans for us.

My car is all packed up with my visor clip set and ready to go. 

Mom mailed this to me a week before we left. 

It was given to me when I first started driving, 

and it got lost in all the shuffle of car switches

It was FOUND...YAY! 

It holds a lot of meaning to me and my family.

We will be leaving small town Blaine, WA and making the trip South in the middle of hot July. We have bought a house with 57 acres that includes a 2+ acre lake and a tiny ranch house of 1800 square feet. We will be living in this house while we clear some of the land, build up a working cattle ranch, and then build our dream home. We have made big plans, and are ready to get to work.

All packed up and ready to take off. Three cars, two trailers, 

and a week worth of driving...whew.

I will post pictures and updates of how things are going while we make the move across the country, set up house, clear brush, raise animals, and build our dream home. It will be a slow process, but an exciting one. So, sit back, and enjoy our story.

****UPDATE: I was not in a place to keep this blog running, and I debated about continuing for a long time. However, I have made the decision to jump back in, and I hope y'all understand my backtracking before I move forward.****