logo
Login Subscribe
  • News
    • Obituaries
    • Lifestyle
  • Sports
  • E-edition
  • Calendar
  • Archives
  • Contact
    • Contact Us
    • Advertisers
    • Form Submission
    • About Us
    • News
      • Obituaries
      • Lifestyle
    • Sports
    • E-edition
    • Calendar
    • Archives
    • Contact
      • Contact Us
      • Advertisers
      • Form Submission
      • About Us
Google Play App Store
Texas couple leaves tech life, moves to Tenkiller
news
February 14, 2024
Texas couple leaves tech life, moves to Tenkiller
By JACOB BOWLING SPECIAL TO THE NEWS,

In 2021, Josh and Anna Moores comfortable tech life in Texas faced a speed bump with job losses during the pandemic. Left with more things than they cared for, they ditched the big house and fancy cars for an RV.

“We were making great money but had nothing left by the end of each month,” said Anna, shaking her head.

With their 12-yearold son, Ryker, in tow, they zigzagged through Missouri, Georgia, North Carolina, and Illinois. It was at an RV campground in Pensacola that Josh realized they had made the correct decision.

“No one was glued to their phones or wrestling with emails; instead, everyone was all smiles. That’s when I knew we made the right decision,” Josh said. “I saw my family basking in the freedom from the daily grind—no ropes, no stress, just authentic living.”

At first, Josh and Anna admit they were worried they had made a mistake by giving up their lifestyle for an RV.

“Once we peeled out of Texas, I had second thoughts. I mean, who sells their house to live in a glorified tin can?” he said.

“And I worried our nomadic life would be more like a chaotic circus,” Anna said.

In May 2023, the family found themselves headed west from Missouri when they landed in Oklahoma, near Vian, visiting Annas uncle. The Moores say that they were shocked that Oklahoma was so beautiful.

“I was shocked because it doesn’t have just flat plains; it’s got mountains, too,” Anna remarks, still surprised.

“Texas was cool, but here I can hike and hunt with Dad and my uncle,” Ryker chimed in.

Still working remotely, the Moores parked their RV near Tenkiller and fell for the place.

“There was just something about being here,” Anna said. “It is peaceful and welcoming.”

In June, they bought a half-acre lot near Cato Creek Landing, deciding to build their dream life—one with less stuff and more time together.

“No more loans for us,” Josh declared. “Family’s more important.”

Their new home is modest, just 800 square feet, but the Moores are proud that it is theirs.

“There’s something about building your own place that makes it special,” said Josh.

Despite setbacks, the Moores remain upbeat, with their new home about six months away from completion.

“We messed up a lot, spent double on stuff,” Anna laughs about their DIY learning curve.

Yet, with more family time, free from the old rush, they’re savoring the sitcom of their own making.

“Before, we were too busy to relax,” Anna said, “now, we’re starring in our own reality show.”

For those tempted by a similar path, Josh throws in his two cents.

“Start small, focus on what matters, take it one step at a time. You’ll be surprised how liberating it feels. And remember, laughter is the best tool in any DIY kit!” he said.

Looking ahead, the family sees their homemost stead not just as a home but a hub for gatherings and connections.

“We want people to come together in this beautiful place we now call home,” Josh envisions, a hint of excitement in his voice.

When not hammering away at their dream home, the family explores Tenkiller’s nooks, discovering small-town gems and enjoying a simpler life.

“Discover your freedom,” they advise, living their life as a testament to the power of choosing authenticity over the daily grind.

Fire won’t stop the faith: Church continues rebuilding
Main, news...
Fire won’t stop the faith: Church continues rebuilding
By ALLY TROTTER NEWS INTERN 
July 16, 2025
One month after fire swept through the sanctuary of Vian Assembly of God, the church is rising from the ashes, determined to rebuild and continue its mission. Pastor John Bennett said he was out of to...
this is a test
Local cowboy representing state in World finals
Main, news...
Local cowboy representing state in World finals
July 16, 2025
Outstanding Sequoyah county cowboy Charles Lucas will be representing Oklahoma in the Wrangler Bull Riding world finals in Abilene Texas, July 28 through August 2. Charles is a sophomore at Vian High ...
this is a test
Gore Police leadership restructured in meeting
Main, news...
Gore Police leadership restructured in meeting
By AMIE CATO-REMER Editor 
July 16, 2025
In a swift but significant decision during a special meeting on July 7, the Gore Board of Trustees approved a leadership change within the Gore Police Department. The meeting, called to order at 6 p.m...
this is a test
Main, news...
AG seeks deal to protect watershed
July 16, 2025
CLIFTON ADCOCK, THE FRONTIER, SPECIAL TO THE NEWS After a years-long legal battle with some of the world’s largest poultry producers over pollutants in one of Oklahoma’s most important waterways, the ...
this is a test
news
Cherokee Nation 2025 General Election
July 16, 2025
• July 19, 22, 23, 24 — Early Walk-In Voting; Absentee Drop Box • July 26 — Run Off Election
this is a test
news
Sallisaw man being held on $40,000 bond
By JERRY FINK SPECIAL TO THE NEWS 
July 16, 2025
Ryan T. Dick, 52, of Sallisaw, is being held in the McIntosh County Jail pending his preliminary hearing on charges related to indecent photographs and videos sent to a former girlfriend and her mothe...
this is a test
ePaper
coogle_play
app_store
Editor Picks
news
Pritchett pleads guilty to illegally possessing firearms, ammunition
July 16, 2025
A Tahlequah resident has pleaded guilty to federal charges of illegally possessing firearms and ammunition, the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Oklahoma announced this week. Cody L....
this is a test
news
Butler sentenced to probation for possessing stolen rifle
July 16, 2025
A Stilwell resident with ties to Sequoyah County has been sentenced to probation after pleading guilty to possessing a stolen firearm, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District ...
this is a test
news
Oklahoma health care among worst in nation
By OKLAHOMA VOICE 
July 16, 2025
EMMA MURPHY Oklahoma ranked 49th in the nation for its state health care system, according to a report released last week. The Commonwealth Fund, a private foundation supporting independent health car...
this is a test
Let’s Go Forth Proclaiming Jesus Christ!
commentary
Let’s Go Forth Proclaiming Jesus Christ!
By Shirley R. Watts 
July 16, 2025
Jesus said: “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have command...
this is a test
Alive in Christ
commentary
Alive in Christ
By Pastor Michael Martin 
July 16, 2025
Colossians 2:6-7 “As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanks...
this is a test
Facebook
Twitter
Tweets
Twitter
Tweets

VIAN TENKILLER NEWS
Address: 603 W. Schley Vian, Oklahoma
Phone:+1 918-773-8000

news@bigbasinllc.com

This site complies with ADA requirements

© 2023 Vian Tenkiller News

  • Contact
  • Privacy
  • Accessibility Policy