Quail_Antwerp: Words from the Barnyard...

[punkin]

Sounds like things are falling into place for you. Your landlord seems to be a nice person.

Maybe you should get a couple of "Private Property" signs for the nosey neighbors.

 

[Quail_Antwerp]

CASE CLOSED!!!!!!!!!!

CPS came this morning, and they spent a good hour talking with me and Ernie outside. They were nice (is it ok to say CPS was nice?) and took our concerns seriously. They understood that we were afraid that the allegations would mean they'd take our kids.

Well, he said here's the deal, if we see your kids and the house, and we are confident the allegations are false, then our mission becomes protecting your family and preserving it.

Yea, I was totally leering of his little speech.

Then he said, Look, if we find something that is a safety issue in the house, we have monies available to us to fix those issues.

Guys, we passed their "safety" inspection with flying colors! So much so, that they can't access the monies available to them to assist with the well. They said there are no safety issues, the kids are obviously happy, healthy, and well cared for.

We then discussed with them about moving. Explained about the house we had found, etc. They were a little concerned about that only because, even though we will have running water down there, we will be cutting into the limited money we have to liveo n, and we will be downsizing the animals. Justin (CPS supervisor) looked at Ernie and said, "Don't you know all kids love growing up around farm animals?" He said, "Don't just give up this place, there's no issues here, you don't have to move."

So, CPS thinks we should fight for the ground. He suggested instead of paying $300 a month on rent, that we put that money back and save it up for a well.

They also said that they can make it so that NONE of the outlaws can step foot on the property or contact us in anyway...that means no phone calls, emails, etc.

So now we aren't sure what to do. We don't have a signed lease with the landlord, so we won't be breaking a contract if we don't take the house.

The kids will be disappointed, but it doesn't mean we won't have running water here eventually.

We are going to have to do a lot of praying.

But, when they were leaving here, Justin told us that when they get back to the office, they are closing our case.

 

[Dace]

And to the inlaws....

Congrats, that is a huge relief for you I am sure. Now the rug has been yanked out from under your plan so you are going to pray hard and really think about it!!

 

[Henrietta23]

HOORAY!!!!!
I am beyond happy for you. I'll keep praying that you'll find the answer as to what is the right step for your family now.

 

[BeccaOH]

Wonderful! PTL!

Justin sounds very helpful. You would think with all the money the government and other aid programs throw out that you could get some sort of grant for a well. But, then, they should be giving E disability money, and they won't.

I too think you have a strong case for getting full ownership of where you live. I just wish it was far from the "out"-laws.

 

[reinbeau]

Awesome, Aly, I'm so happy for you!

As for moving, I don't know. I do think you're making lots of work for yourself not having running water, as I said to you way back when, you really should work towards getting that solved. Can you stay on that land without further family interference? Is it worth the risk? You'd be going to three acres, how much are you actually using now (you're on seven, right?) Three acres isn't a small yard! But if you're happy there (generally) then why uproot your family.....lots to think about

 

[Quail_Antwerp]

Ann, counting our pasture for the cows, we're using 4 acres of it. We planned to extend our pasture to include 2 more acres, and then we'd be using 6 of the 7 acres.

We were debating about taking the cows and pony, and are leaning towards selling them and only taking the poultry.

We also have to make sure that the 3 acres isn't zoned. Plus, last night we found out that the roof leaks on the other house. Ernie said some of the shingles need replaced.

Yes, with the help CPS is going to give us with restraining and no contact orders, the family will not be allowed to interfere/contact us. Period.

 

[noobiechickenlady]

Its always great to come out on top of a case like this. I'm so glad you got a nice, cordial CPS rep. Some of them are just... But you can get that anywhere.

 

[Farmfresh]

Wow you have LOTS to think and PRAY about.

I would ask the CPS people to assist you in obtaining CLEAR title to the farm you are now on. I would also immediately contact the landlord and tell him what is going on. Even offer to help him with the clean up, in exchange for holding that option open for you to rent until you get the rest resolved. (I would get that in writing as well!)

The CPS MAY be a blessing and they may just be wind in the sails. Some workers that I have had to work with in the past are a lot of talk, but no real help and others are sharp as tacks. It just depends on which side that Justin falls on.

If you can't get a clear title and a protection order keeping the in laws away, I would still move ... at least for a while. The problem is still water. Don't you haul water from the in-laws source? I would do my everything to completely severe ties with them ... at least until they are playing by YOU and E's rules! Reporting you as they did would be my VERY last straw!

I'll pray for you guys an obvious solution.

Interesting how something you were SO dreading may be part of the best solution.

My, my. God does work in mysterious ways!

 

[Beekissed]

Oh, Aly!!!!

Prayers answered is something to celebrate! SUCH good news!

Now....the house? See if prayers will show you the way on that item also. I would have to agree with the CPS guy about just saving your money for a well instead of using it on rent. That is....if you can keep your property and don't have to deal with family.

Sounds like you got a good CPS worker....I did too when my family member called on me. She wouldn't tell me who had done it but she did say, "Look close to home....like a family member." when I asked her.