Answering Your Questions

[@OkieJammer2736]

⚘ A Wise Woman, Mother, Wife and our KZbin Friend. THANK YOU, JESSICA.

[@klevesque]

Yes!! 😍

[@kathywills3244]

I agree!

[@sadieandersen9993]

I share this sentiment!

[@JanetLavoie]

Jessica we are all thankful for you and your family, watching is a breath of fresh air in a crazy world ❤

[@coosbaytech]

I know some folks aren’t big fans of longer videos, but when I saw this one was almost an hour I was like yee-haw! Let’s go! Thanks for keeping me company ❤️

[@cindyloguirato8435]

Jessica you are a woman of honor and I am so grateful for this community and all the content you share. Many blessings to you and your precious family!!

[@cynthiawhitcomb1780]

I so appreciate your comments on “homeopathy and doctors.” It really doesn’t have to be an either-or situation.

[@maryhumphrey9105]

Just a note. Bones have them cut them into 2 inch lengths for bone broth. Have them grind your tallow or pork fat. It renders more fat. Jessica you do such a wonderful job and are such an inspiration. I am 72 and have learned alot. Bless you my dear. Just sayen.

[@southloupriverhomestead4696]

You speak so kindly with so much thought I wish I was around someone who spoke so nicely as I think I would pick up a better way of talking. If you have never been around this kind of speaking it makes it much more difficult to naturally speak this way. You are such a good role model. Thank you for all you do!

[@blacksinglemomhomesteadont6454]

I homestead also. Im Sky, a single mom of one and we homestead on our acre.

[@tarabishop8499]

As a fellow Ohioan I try and follow your planting times. It will be my fourth year of gardening this spring. I canned for the first time this year, thanks to you and Becky from Acre Homestead. ❤❤❤

[@melindawargowsky8176]

I watch both religiously, also😊. They inspired me to start canning at 67😊. I’m from central Ohio. I also watch Rose Red Homestead, as she is my “Bible” for safe canning.

[@tarabishop8499]

@melindawargowski8176….I watch Rose Red Homestead too! She knows all the rules! I am 60 and live near Columbus…have a Happy Thanksgiving!

[@corinabowen6712]

Fellow Ohio gal here too! Springfield. I follow her time of planting and preserving too! Such a blessing. This 53 year old girl still learning every time I watch!

[@WendyKalichstein-jt3yo]

Even though I am not a homesteader, I have learned so much from you about mindfully managing resources. Thank you.

[@karenw9996]

Honey garlic ferment for that throat - got me through the hymn sing at church, even though I'd had a scratchy throat that morning.

[@Seoulmom60]

We bought 1/2 beef last year. I asked for soup bones. These past 2 weeks I finally got to them but was very surprised by how much meat was left behind so I ended up dividing the meat between quarts, added the bone broth and canned. Then I had 6 packages of short ribs and did the same thing. I ended up with 7 quarts of beef with bone broth and 5 pints of just broth. The most work was getting the meat off the bones but the whole process was pretty labor intensive. I ended up with a large amount of fat as well, so I washed it 3 times with water and salt and added it to my jar of cooking tallow in my refergerator.

[@iartistdotme]

I didn't need to watch the long video today but wanted to enjoy two cups of coffee while the rest of the family was gone and I'm SO GLAD I did. I've been following you since recommended by Sarah at Living Traditions Homestead and have learned so much from you all while enjoying a peaceful, undramatic, wholesome lesson. I feel like I have a friend and so happy I watched this video, also.

[@lisabillard8049]

Wonderful video Jessica! I so enjoy watching you. I love how you talk about your children and husband with so much respect. There are so many people on social media that complain about their family members. You show by example what respect in a family unit looks like. You’re a wonderful role model!

[@debwiley3914]

Jessica, I'm grateful that I discovered your channel. Last week my oldest son (41 on the autism spectrum) was hospitalized with a non-functioning esophagus and esophageal sphincter. I was able to spend the weekend at the hospital with him overnights, and I stuck a turkey (they are low in price right now) in the oven so I would have something to eat during the week. I boned it, and cooked up bone broth - only to hear the words from the surgeon "He has to have a liquid diet and his nutrition needs to improve". The guys haven't lived with me for some time, but I had 4 quarts of bone broth that my son could eat without fear, that would improve his nutrition. He arrived here for a meal yesterday afternoon. He wanted shepherds pie, so I cooked two pounds of ground meat, opened a can of peas, and cooked several pounds of potatoes into mashed potatoes. Once that was cooked, I portioned out some and pureed it for him to eat. He had two huge bowls of it, and I was grateful for my food stores that enabled me to feed him things that would start to allow him healing. Alongside that we also had homemade applesauce. I had a bag of apples that were starting to get bruised from being moved about on the kitchen floor, and I cooked them down, used the immersion blender and he was able to eat applesauce and love it. I have enough apple sauce for our meal today without cooking it again. They want meatloaf and scalloped potatoes today, so I'm going to have to bestir myself and start mixing soon. Of course, the dishes from cooking from scratch are immense, but we will survive. We won't discover the continuing plan of action before the 30th, and by then I'll be an expert at making pureed everything! I did that a lot when my third son was born to make his baby food, so it isn't something new, just not something I thought I would have to do daily when they are in their 40s. I'm hopeful that the improved nutrition from eating the way mom cooks instead of the way things are done in the group home will allow them to think about a possibility of living with mom full time. Maybe that's a pipe dream - at 68 it's a lot to cook multiple full meals for them each week by myself, but I know that they would feel better if they ate a better diet. Thanks again for inspiring me to use what I have stored, to preserve what I can, and to cook from scratch for my darling family.

[@jacquethirlkel3001]

God bless!

[@OkieJammer2736]

WHAT a courageous, strong Spirit you were born with! As I was reading your comment, I was just shaking my head. Perhaps a medical procedure to stretch the esophagus will enable your son to have more food variety (personal experience with this) and he might find that avoiding certain spices or fish or drier meat helps. Heavens. YOU ARE DOING GREAT! I so empathize and send a loving hug, dear.

[@novasmotion]

Good morning, and happy Lord's Day! Currently listening to you share some valuable info while I cook breakfast for my family before leaving for church. I'm really thankful you mentioned waiting that first year to focus on infrastructure. We moved to our place exactly 1 year ago, and haven't done anything permanent, but we have such a good idea of what to do now, because we have now experienced all the seasons. We plan to put our orchard together in the spring, finish our fencing for cattle, and also put in some wind-blocking green giants for extra privacy. I also now know where to establish my very large garden. Thank you for sharing, and God bless you and your precious family

[@cozetteoconnor1289]

I just wanted to share that you have encouraged me so much in the season. I know it seems small- but I am in a season where i am homeschooling my 2 young children, and my husband is at work with the car every day. It is difficult and honestly I had pushed myself into depression at one point because I was comparing myself to everyone else. What other homeschool mom cant drive around to all the different clubs, activites and museums all day every day!??? But thank to your channel- you give me so many ideas on how I can be content at home, and to fill the day. We even take full advantage of going on long walks and exploring the neighborhood, walking to publix etc (the Lord blessed us in FINALLY buying a home, and its in a good safe neighborhood!) God has truly answered so many prayers- giving my husband a new, steady job after him being unemployed for 1 year and us having to live off savings, to God allowing us to buy a safe new home within a few months of him starting that job- etc My children are so happy, truly- but of course the mom guilt in me wonders- are they secretly being traumatized and hiding it?? Sometimes our mind and heart is SO deceitful! Thankfully after my husband gets home we can take the car and we meet other homeschool families then with an evening homeschool group I started-

[@marcycampbell4118]

What positive choices you made! Counting your blessings and starting an evening group. I pray for your peace and that you will develop strong supportive relationships. Seasons like you are currently in often feel so long but thankfully they pass! God bless you, your family and your homeschool group.❤

[@JessicaCarnahan-o5q]

Pausing at 13:29... oh my gosh!! I did not know that happened to you with the bees!! Sending lots of prayers for peace and calmness and hopefully a new restored relationship with those awesome little creatures🐝 ❤

[@janicechammartin7245]

I agree! Thanks for explaining Jessica. So sorry that happened to you. I appreciate the honest way you talk about dealing with anxiety.

[@megsojourner8150]

some questions seemed so nosey, intrusive even, and yet you graciously responded. Admire your transparency, authenticity, courage, and for sharing your faith. Bless you✨

[@thevanhyfte]

Thank you for talking about people questioning your choices. My family would question us and make me feel horrible. I fought against what I knew was right because of this. I felt like a failure. Once I set boundaries and keep to them our marriage and kids found peace. I still once in a while feel alone. But hearing others have been questioned on what is best for their family help and is like a sigh of relief.

[@jasminthiaa]

Dang I meant to ask about your dogs and how you train them to be homestead guardians! Oh well next time! I'm very interested in getting a Boz shepherd!

[@annswann1941]

Jessica thank you for your time and thoroughness with our questions. I’m glad KZbin is a blessing to you because I sure enjoy watching and listening to you. Don’t apologize for rambling!

[@susan-almosta_farm8823]

It has been such a pleasure watching you and your family over all these years and all the changes. I fell in love with your family immediately back in 2016 when my daughter talked me in to having an IG acct. There was just something special I could see. I remember when you were pregnant with Levi and announced it on IG and I was so excited for you, you'd thought it was my grandbaby you were having. 😊 I'm so proud of you and love seeing you on youtube. I have 15 grands now and we're still counting! They are this ole womans world and our greatest blessings. May God bless you and your family always ❤

[@janicew6222]

There are approximately 500 cases of botulism a year on the entire planet and most are NOT fatal. You have .000007142857% chance of getting it. There are over 40,000 car fatalities in America a year or about 1% chance. I encourage those wanting to start canning, don't worry over dying from botulism, do safe practices and you will be fine. Loved the video!

[@susiemeade6404]

I have been crocheting off and on for about two years...I make many mistakes and take many breaks from frustration. I completely understand! Lol

[@kathleenworkman2575]

This year has gone by so fast. Thanks for letting us share your life.

[@chelinfusco6403]

I can't believe that our sweet little boys are 7, 5, and 3! How time flies by. Thanks for the video we always enjoy it and look forward to it. *Hugs to all*

[@melindawargowsky8176]

Canning diced potatoes today (8 processing now) and needed a Jessica break! You have inspired me to start canning at 67. Can’t imagine doing it while I was still working😮. I’m going to end up with 12 quarts, which should last us well over a year. Just the two of us😊. Since I have a small kitchen, and I didn’t physically want to handle a big canner, I ended up purchasing a second Nesco electric canner. Boy, do I like them!

[@elizaC3024]

Jessica you are amazing 👏., thank you for all of your time spent on your videos. I too agree that a planner is a must have for raising children and keeping track of everything. Now that we are empty nesters, I now just make lists. I continue to menu plan based on my pantry and freezer stock. I rotate through the older food items, and I keep a running shopping list on the refrigerator of things that I am using the last one of, or have only one left of. During the winter months we only shop every 8 weeks or so. We menu plan from our seasonal stores.

[@debratomek662]

My goodness! I had not heard the bee story before now. That’s very frightening!

[@marysidle5132]

Oh how I love your shares. It is important to keep with like minded people, and it is obvious you also are a christian. God bless

[@jeanmuehlfelt7942]

Thank you for the allergy update. Ive learned a lot thru your alternative cooking techniques. It takes so much to keep your kids, and you, healthy. Maybe he can outgrow some food allergies as his hormones change. I think you may have meant 'contact' allergy rather than 'airborne'. It's easier to control. I also carry an EPI pen as I'm deathly allergic to my honeybees. May I encourage you to keep raising bees, with extra care. We need good beekeepers, especially those who can keep them alive all winter like you. Even longtimers can struggle with that. 😊

[@threerivershomestead]

It's also airborne. He reacted to breathing in spilled whey powder before.

[@karriemb4184]

Beautiful said … I’m allergic to cinnamon and it’s a rough life….. people out that in everything. Even walking into a store I react and have 3 pens on my all times …… and people forget/family members at times …… I didn’t have a allergic reaction until I was 6 ….. My kids are not allergic to cinnamon so they know if they have something with cinnamon what they need to do before coming home….

[@leasachapman21]

I wondered what was wrong thank for telling us you were feeling a little crusty hope you feel better now.

[@simplysophiahomestead1941]

I would love an updated planner video!! I am so intrigued by how the teacher planner is working/has evolved! I’m about to start mine!

[@stephencameron1709]

Loved this. Yes please new planner video or anything else you want to do. I love it all! Val C ❤🙏🏻

[@AZJH8374]

I'm so sorry about you being stung so much. I'm sure I'd react the same way! Stephanie Denman was also stung a lot and ended up in the hospital with anaphalactic shock. Now her husband tends to the bees, & she carries around an epipen esp while gardening. Happy Thanksgiving ❤️ many prayers 🙏🏻 Nurse Judi in Scottsdale AZ and Eucharistic Minister ❤❤

[@BoppaGram]

Oh, Miss Jessica, you have done it again!! Yes, another wonderful, informative, and fun video. You have wisdom beyond your years and when you spoke of is it God's will or yours, I played that 3x and you were "spot" on as the Brits say. Thank you from my heart for sharing your life and family with all of us.

[@tml3982]

Thank you for explaining how you keep your son with food allergies safe. I am so encouraged by your response.

[@catherinecarney2507]

I used your fruit snack recipe from your trip to the Toledo Zoo for my Junior Girl Scouts for their Simple Meals Badge. They did not make the fruit snacks as it was time-consuming, about 30 minutes, and I had never made it before. However, I plan on having them make it in the future. My 4th graders love cooking for their troop. And the younger girls like receiving the treats. I did not get to taste one, but the 150+ snacks disappeared among 9 girls and 3 adults. One of the girls said she liked them but wouldn't eat them again and then demolished another plate of 10 fruit snacks. 🤣 I purchased the molds that you suggested. I loved my nursing dress and tops. I went back to teaching when my daughter was seven weeks old, and I pumped/nursed until she was 13 months old. Those tops were extremely necessary as I pumped three times a day at work. I was lucky enough to have a principal willing to accommodate my nursing times with my teaching schedule. It didn't hurt that I had been sexually harassed in the workplace by co-workers while pregnant, not that I would wish that on anyone, but I could use that affront in asking for a specific schedule. My principal also knew I could make a legal case if I wanted.

[@susanhansen9934]

When you have a beef or pig butchered, ask the butcher to not freeze after processing and packaging. This will fit in your freezer so much easier and save so much space. None of those lumpy, bumpy packages that want to slide out of your freezer onto your toes. Now the issue with this is that you must be available to pick up the day your animal is processed. Also note the round steaks will bleed a bit, so make sure they are in an ice chest or something leak proof. We are 45 minutes from the processor and have done it this way for 25 years, before that we processed our own. The first year we had one processed I had to scramble to find freezer space at friends to fit the frozen beef because it would not fit. Thank you Jessica for all your wisdom and suggestions, this old women learns a lot from you.

[@crystalmanchester4485]

Thank you so much for mentioning that the homeschool laws in Ohio have changed. I am also in northwest Ohio and homeschool as well and I didn't realize the laws changed thank you again. It certainly makes it a little easier homeschooling in Ohio.

[@WellaWally65]

This was such a great video, Ms. Jessica. Thank you so much. We just love your honest answers and opinions. “The difference between our hearts desire and God’s Will.” “Peace or internal conflict.” Your words meant so much to me. May God keep blessing you and your beautiful family, more and more each day. You have such a beautiful soul.

[@glendaharding4884]

Good afternoon my dear friend, what a great video this was!! I've gone silent (not like me - ha) I recently lost my Son and I am not finding Joy in anything, especially this time of year! Just know that I will continue to watch and support you,. You continue to be the best, my friend!!

[@threerivershomestead]

I am so sorry for your loss. God bless you 🙏🏻

[@veronica1863]

So sorry for your loss

[@glendaharding4884]

@@threerivershomestead thank you Jessica!

[@glendaharding4884]

@@veronica1863 thank you!

[@rosh6378]

I look forward to your videos Jessica. I live in Ireland and not on a homestead.. but your videos make me so happy🎉

[@rachelseibert7882]

I so enjoy you and your wise words, thank you for taking time to share with us! Happy thanksgiving to you too!

[@greenrockgarden2851]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! I am thankful to have found you. Your videos and smiling faces of your children have help me through a hard year. Much love to you all!

[@alecsgirl]

I really enjoyed listening to your wise and respectful approach to parenting and homeschooling that you shared today. Thank you!

[@marlies7444]

Your channel is one of the few I always look forward to. I like the way you edit, and the explanation on why made so much sense. We have a member with food allergies as well, and avoid it pretty much as a whole as well. They are not airborn like your son's, and not life threatening, but we still try as a family to keep everyone healthy.

[@hollymullen5937]

Thank you Jessica so glad to be here to support you and your family your content is wonderful such a pleasure to watch 🙏🙏❤️❤️

[@terricolarusso2639]

I love the answer if your heart is lead by God you will have peace. I agree wholeheartedly. Pray about it and when your feel that peace the Holy Spirit is talking to your heart. Love your channel Jessica. It is the first thing I watch after church services. lol right before football 😂❤

[@anitacolotto9282]

Hair care!! What do you use?!? It’s so thick and healthy☀️

[@Pointblankhome]

21:20 you should look into planting clovers and not grass in the areas you arent feeding cows! it requires less water and no mowing in those areas

[@stephaniehill655]

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful family and inspiring information to help others. God's blessing over you my dear sister in Christ and I pray that you and your beautiful family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. God's blessing over you all. And agree with you on your son's health. Jeremiah 17:14.

[@CeliaMoore-b6p]

Such a lovely natural manner to deal with some very personal questions. You are a treasure.

[@wandakelly1841]

You are such a good wife mother and I consider you my friend. Love your beautiful family.

[@HPTCBAM]

Could you make a video over baby food. I saw the one where you were freeze drying the yogurt but I would like more ideas please.

[@radmilamiljanic5977]

Thank you for a nice, honest, open chat❤

[@JessicaCarnahan-o5q]

Thanks Jessica!! Love this channel!!❤❤❤

[@tinaloewen9006]

Thank you for what you do ❤I can’t agree more with all the things you say and how you guys do what you do ❤

[@jeanparks5052]

I freeze dry some of the organs in small pieces and give to my dogs as treats

[@chereecroft4673]

Good morning Jessica your videos are always informative Thank you, hope you and your family have a wonderful Thanksgiving. 😊

[@jo-annjewett198]

Amazed at all you get done with your large family. Very inspirational, thank you!

[@clairenason4869]

God bless you and your family. What makes others happy is not what works for everyone. So happy you.

[@cherylmiller2272]

Your channel is pleasant and very much appreciated. I look forward to your content.

[@elizabethlink3993]

💚 Thanks Jessica, always enjoy your Q & A's. Happy Thanksgiving to you All! 💚

[@carmeldoyle7494]

I think you are a fantastic home maker,my mother brought me up in much the same way, along the way of my life I got cancer and not once but twice l was able to fight it and survive, but a lot of it was down to a very healthy diet all my life.i really enjoy your videos and always look forward to them.

[@tscarberry5914]

Thank you for sharing so much information!! Looking forward to learning from your grocery haul.

[@positiveblessingskarrie3194]

Wonderful topics and Q and A I did not ask or was able to ask Does any kids have sensitive skin? If so what you do with laundry soap with sensitive skin? I developed an allergy to regular laundry soaps. Trying to find ways to wash clothes and stop itching all over.

[@saritalejeune4960]

🦃Happy Thanksgiving🦃 from way down south in Louisiana🥰 I enjoyed the video. God bless your family!

[@leoratriden8757]

Jessica, Adam & kiddos- i wish you all a Happy Thanksgiving! 🦃

[@jo-annjewett198]

We recently bought half a beef. The farmer was amazed at the cuts I requested, mostly steaks and roasts. I think we ended up with about 66 pounds of ground beef. We kept all the bones, fat and organ meats plus the tongue and tail and the leg bones into osso bucco. Next time I might get the organ meats ground into the hamburger. Yes smaller packages is better for sure.

[@tammymarple5347]

Good morning 🙏😊 Thank you for such great information and catch up . Have a blessed week

[@LoriG-pf4vp]

You make my heart feel great❤️ Thank you for your honesty, compassion, kind hearted realness with us all. ❤️ You and your family are a blessing❤️

[@miss_mish]

Love endung my weekend with you & watching before I sleep. Have a blessed week. Thank you for sharing.

[@sandralafond3818]

It was lovely, getting to know you through this Q&A video. Thank you for sharing! ♡

[@amsohn1]

Thanks for sharing, its always nice to hear anothers way to do things... funny how so many things the same in our worlds. Blessings

[@sugarspiceatn1]

Good afternoon thank you so so much for your very in depth answer to my question about your bee's. I'm sorry to hear the situation had such an understandably profound affect on you. You spoke from your heart and I could see in your eye's how much this situation has truly been traumatic beyond belief. You have been so amazingly brave to winterise your hive but it truly shows what a caring person you are to do so. You must've been scared out of your mind doing so, even with Adam's help. Follow your heart and if it's telling you that you can't be up close to them then you really should listen to it. Once again, I really appreciate you taking the time to read and answer my question. All the very best. Stephanie.

[@threerivershomestead]

Thank you 😊

[@angelabiggs6951]

All my children are grown now but one he 17 I truly feel I faied with this last one because he is a gamer it's all the time I am struggling my self but your answers today helped me with saying you cannot change their hearts thank you

[@susanfontaine5214]

So sorry about your bee 🐝 experience. Usually honeybees are quite docile, from the videos I have watched. Good luck to you.

[@kellyh8218]

Yes please I love your planner videos

[@jankotze1959]

Thank You very much Jessica

[@LadyCinnamon312]

This was sweet. I needed a boost. Thank you

[@Drea_316]

I love your family, channel and gentle spirit! I will also be 43 in January 🎉❤

[@bethanya2025]

LOVE these Q&A type videos! Would be lovely to see them monthly or quarterly. ❤

[@lailayen765]

Happy Thanksgiving to you and your flock, Jessica❤️🥰🥳have a blessed holiday!

[@Ballhomestead]

Your absolutely amazing I look forward every week to your videos ! You and your family are wonderful many blessings ❤️

[@helen1962]

You have a wonderful life, Jessica.

[@CherieNorquay]

Good morning Jessica. Happy Thanksgiving!!

[@debbiepaquin8842]

Im hopeful that you can find your way back from this fear. I have bees and after a few years of having them my elastic in the waist of my suit was loose and they got in with me. I've found away from them in a dark or shaded place works best to get them off the outside. I still got stung 5 to 10 times which 5 usually my limit in a week. My 3rd season with them I had a hive that was major productive and major protective of it. The guard bees would look for someone to sting. Luckily I had a new jacket and bought pants because of them. I broke that hive down every 2 weeks to start new hives to keep her down and working to build back up. They left that late summer. I had a few good hives from her and they turned out productive and much calmer than the mother hive. I worked through my fear. I had the state inspector out and closed his suit up right for him as I check that im closed up good now.

[@tammyfletcher7667]

Thank you Jessica that was extremly enjoyable.

[@janetpaulsen195]

You are so good at expressing yourself. Great video.

[@AmyLouiseDens]

So interesting! Personally, I am interested in a video on your planning systems. Peace and God bless you all. Happy Thanksgiving

[@oksanasolo6842]

Hugs to sweet Jessica.

[@karenfromnj3104]

Thanks so much Jessica for your videos , your time with us and your respect to your fellow people who are like minded. Great video! Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!

[@aramintaverwys1934]

Hey there Jessica!!! Happy Home Church Day AND Happy EARLY Thanksgiving ❤❤❤❤. You look beautiful. Sending love and light to your family. Your Michigan Fan and Friend Araminta ❤❤🎉🎉

[@HealthNutAvenue]

Thank you so much for all you do! You inspire us so much!!

[@robingirven4570]

I really enjoy the Q & A’s. Thank you Jessica. Have a blessed week.

[@Abbssmith]

Thank you for sharing!

[@karenmurray5970]

Great show Jessica. Your knowledge is priceless.