Holy smokes, Sara, you said it well! I want to be your friend. Your post was even better than my reply to Joe's "article" on the main page.

P.S. I'll try to find the relevant post to reply to, but the EMHE family is not exempt from HOA dues. A trust fund was established through donations, an auction, etc., to pay for property taxes and such. It is anticipated that HOA dues and other regular expenses (water, sewer, trash, gas, electric) will be covered by renting out the casita (mother-in-law apartment) that was part of the build. That, combined with solar electricity generation, should cover her home-related expenses and allow her to focus on taking care of her children.