I sort of know where you're coming from, Kerrie. We live on 40 acres with a half finished strawbale house that we've built ourselves. It is nice and warm, but the ceilings not finished and it only has 2 rooms (plus the laundry). But we love it here and would NEVER want to go back to the city. I think the country is a great place to raise kids. And besides, there are many families around the world who would think what we live in is a mansion.

Anyway, crunch time came for us, too, and John is leaving his job in a couple of weeks to work on the house.

But, as you say, money is always in the picture! We are learning to cut down. As long as you are happy, healthy, and have most of the creature comforts...

Good luck with it all!

And good luck with finding a place, Krisvee. That's exciting news! What sort of house are you looking to build?

Julie