Baby Sized Zucchini (a talk about capacity) | VLOG

Hey ya'll, I'm Jess from Roots & Refuge Farm
Welcome to a place that feels like home. A small farm with a big family. We hope you'll pull up a chair, grab some coffee and visit awhile.
There was a time that all I wanted in the world was a little farm where I could raise my family and grow our food. Now, that is exactly what exists outside my door. In watching it unfold, a new dream was formed in my heart - to share this beautiful life with others and teach them the lessons we've learned along the way. Welcome to our journey, friend. I am so glad you're here.
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Leesville SC 29070
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PRODUCTS WE LOVE - You've probably heard me talk about these things a million times, so here's where you can order them (and get a discount with my code!):
- Greenstalk Vertical Gardens (Use code "ROOTS10" for $10 off your order): rootsandrefuge.com/yt-greenstalk
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#rootsandrefuge

[@kathleendodds5309]

I think the difference between your life and the “rat race” is that your life is with and for your family and you are in it together to your benefit and it makes you happy and gives you peace. Even though it’s exhausting at times it’s not the same as running on the hamster wheel all day with nothing to show for it but a lot of time missed with your children and a paycheck. Your life is a gift and I’m so happy you find joy in it.

[@Kris-ut4ju]

It really is a gift to be cherished. Totally agree.

[@dawnwilliams8766]

Beautifully Said and I agree totally! ❤

[@debbiejackson7846]

Well said. Hard work, but so much more fulfilling. A beautiful life..really. 💐🌹🌸🌺🌻🌷

[@carriekassick7311]

❤

[@susanwinslow9361]

Good for you for your honesty

[@hitthacienda]

The coolest I’ve ever seen Jess look: standing in her high tunnel, a large zucchini thrown over her shoulder, hat backwards, tank top customized with her catch-phrase, and tats glistening in the sun. 😎

[@kayrabey1344]

I’ll have to go back and check it out.

[@Kris-ut4ju]

Too cool for school

[@autry9562]

LOL came looking for this comment 😂👏 100% agree!

[@elainemarie1473]

I went looking for that shirt, but the shop on the link said there were none there to see.

[@thebarefootgardner4687]

Me too!!!😢

[@HeatherCooan]

Miah is the rock to your balloon and it is the most beautifully composed partnership. The comic relief is a bonus..."and said I'm on the struggle bus".😂😂

[@sharonhaas8503]

💝 those little frogs playing their music behind you! They play on as you explain. I just smiled and smiled. Thanks Jess! Your boys put those little frogs in just the right place!!!

[@susanwright3843]

The backwards hat and tank top, the excited look on your face, calling that zucchini a premature baby.... You're in your element today! 😂❤

[@cheriebrinker3301]

I'm not sure which filled my heart most... Sweet Miah pulling up with his horse drawn carriage or Sweet Jess's incredible giggles.

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

I appreciate the validation in this video more than you know. People that are not deep into this life tend to not understand. You get us. ❤

[@Youcangarden]

Capacity…love it. I’ve been hitting a wall lately, feeling overwhelmed by tasks, kids home from school, rising prices, trying to open my store on Shopify, tending my garden (which went from two 4x10 beds and 20 containers to 9 beds and 35 containers!). I’m 52 and I have arrived at the place where I must accept my capacity. Accept that I just can’t do everything and it’s okay! No one’s going to die. Yes, I could’ve done more in a day 20 years ago than what I can do now BUT I also know my days used to be filled with BUSY. Now my days are filled with purpose. I think ahead and decide what’s make or break vs what can wait, what my body can do vs what I think it OUGHT to do. Accepting my capacity, losing the guilt, and receiving the joy that comes with caring for growing things. It’s a good way to live.

[@michellerose6721]

"What my body CAN do vs. what I think it SHOULD do......I am 55 and frustrated with the amount I can get done in a day. I have done manual labor for 30 years and am now reaping the pain. Priority lists are my new process. I am trying to learn to be satisfied with maybe only one thing crossed off the list. I am not 25 anymore, lol!

[@MissBetsyLu]

@@michellerose6721 it gets easier. Lol. Lol. It seems like more brains show up to make up for it. Many blessings everyone, everywhere.

[@debwiley3914]

Jess, tonight I feel seen and heard for the first time in six months. I'm a special educator - and I had the child I could not help last semester. I showed up every day. I did my job, but I wasn't having fun. In that same six months, my ex husband died, and guardianship of my disabled twins was on the table. That battle is on-going, and extremely stressful. My sewer backed up into my basement THREE times, and I had a contractor working on fixing things in and out of my house for months. At capacity? And then some! School has been out for two weeks, and all I have done is rest. My head is chronically hurting, the dogs are barking and seeking attention, and I don't have anything left to give. I finally planted tomatoes purchased from my local greenhouse last Sunday. Maybe they will grow. I didn't do anything special this year - I just stuck them in the dirt. I haven't checked in with friends, I wasn't attending worship, and family events were not happening. However, because I put my head down and kept pushing, I'll have all of those costs paid off before Christmas. I know that I need to be prepared to move - I don't know where I'm going, or when I'm going, only that I am going. When the twins come to live with me, we need more space. We need a bigger, more functional kitchen. We need a garden to grow our food. I need a gas stove so Joe can work with the pressure canner (he's the heavy lifter!) So tonight, before I go to bed, I'm going to pack one box and sweep one floor. The pups are shedding, as is the cat, and there is hair everywhere. I may be at capacity, but I can sweep one floor, and I can put 10 items in a box. Blessings from the at capacity crowd.

[@MissBetsyLu]

This is terrible! I'm so upset for what's pressuring you. I want to help. What can we do??? Many blessings everyone.

[@debwiley3914]

@@MissBetsyLu thank you for your caring words. You can pray that God works a miracle and allows my sons to be with their surviving parent

[@MissBetsyLu]

@@debwiley3914 blessings and hope and love and laughter and peace be yours in abundance. Many blessings everybody.

[@marking-time-gardens]

Absolutely... praying...

[@foreversettled9144]

Prayers for favor and blessing. May the Lord multiply your every effort with strength, energy, and healing. "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me."(kjv). Little by little, it soon gets done has been my mantra since injury slowed my "capacity" down quite a bit. I rest in Jesus. When I am weak, He is strong .

[@samanthahoos9827]

I just told my cousin I’m down to 42 animals and suggested that if she’s overwhelmed (as a plant hoarder) that she not have more house plants than I have animals. 😂 Neither of us can keep up with the house work alone, but in gardening season we don’t visit people to see their homes. We visit to see them! 😊

[@gafairbanks2434]

So with you on house work! Garden is priority in my daily wanna do's. I'm about 1 month behind in the house. NO BIG DEAL in the way I see it!

[@autry9562]

“Slow living” is an acknowledgment of your capacity, and choosing to stay within it as much as you possibly can. 🙌🙌🙌

[@gaitedtrailsfarmandlonghor8986]

Do many things a day. Slow and steady. Trust an old woman. Right now watching my husband get round bales out of a field and count them and for emergency. Listening to birds and Jess. Watching deer and babies. This is my slow part of my day. 🐂

[@lionheartfarmandgardening]

🦸❤ MIAH TO THE RESCUE!! ❤🦸 Thank you MIAH for being so dedicated to find the card, and thank you Jess for all of the hard work filming and editing!! Another great video!!❤❤

[@juliedalgardno3361]

I needed that message. That makes total sense to what is happening in our 8 year homesteading life. Thank you for fitting us into your capacity Jessica. I read something just yesterday: You aren't tired because you are doing too much. You're tired because you aren't doing things that give you life.

[@charmainemrtnz]

You are beautiful, inspirational, intelligent, and real! Thanks Jess! And thanks Miah for rescuing Jess!

[@gafairbanks2434]

Oh so thankful for the 1/2" rain we just received! Garden here grew 3 full inches overnight. Weeds, ah yes, 3 years and now retired, i just took a claw by hand, and got rid of 26 wheelbarrow loads of grass roots and rocks! First time full garden has been planted in 13 years. Someday i should purchase a tiller. Love to be in nature. 😊

[@steveegbert7429]

Jess, your distinction between busy and capacity is spot on. People need to understand that their capacity may not be the same as someone else, so being honest with yourself and not comparing what you are capable of doing with that of someone else is so important. On a totally unrelated note, the beautiful warm evening side light on you in the pavilion would make for some great portrait shots!

[@waykeeperfarmandnerdery]

I haven’t heard the term “not a one person garden”... that resonates a lot, especially for a farm, business, even families. ❤

[@MissBetsyLu]

Look at those muscles. Wow. Gardening does wonders for a girl. Many blessings everyone.

[@shamancarmichael5305]

Thank you for your dedication and commitment to the vlog, Miah! Your garbage trauma is most appreciated. 😏 Especially because what Jessica was talking about was so important. It took me decades of overdoing to the point of damaging my health to finally realize what you covered in this video, Jessica. Glad you learned earlier than I did!

[@ournuttylifeheritagegrovep4030]

Thank you for the reminder, Jess. We both work full time somewhat stressful careers off the farm and get our farm work done on evenings and weekends. There are a few other variables in the mix as well. At capacity indeed, especially when harvest is coming in. We prioritize and do what we can with the energy and time the Lord gives us and try to let the rest of it go. We're working toward a slower life, but we're not there yet. In His time... My husband is my Finder Man. I often say, "Where did I put my.....???!" and he'll say, "I'm coming!" Usually I put it in a "safe place" 😉🤣 He ALWAYS finds it! 🤩

[@barbarafunk5118]

We are having the most beautiful cool spring this year, trying to do it all, planting, building a green house, designing a new space, where we lost a large tree last year, lots of stuff, adding a trip with my daughter and grandsons 10 days away from my garden not good. My dog is not well i have started making all her food as well. it all adds up and then you just are fried, rest is all you can and should do. New deck chairs arrived just in time, i sat in my new furniture and read books on food and flowers and growing and cooking. The breeze would blow through and i relished my fresh clean deck and fresh deck railing paint, i love that i did get it all done. I love all that is coming in the garden, you are so right i was maxed out. We all have such big dreams and it does take time and very hard work to get that dream. I love the work so grateful to be able to do. Tomorrow i will hit the ground running and try to pace myself. love love love this video.

[@heatherpfeil2939]

Miah! You are a hero! Thanks for digging through the grossness! Jess you need a break! 😂

[@catracampolieto8989]

I push myself forward even after working 10 hour days. My garden calls to me, come play. I don't feel taking care of my garden is work or a chore. Being in my garden is the most relaxing part of my day. I'll have a sandwich or salad for dinner most nites. Listening to the birds singing their songs and bees buzzing about is music to my ears. Does life get any better, I don't think so. Loved the hummingbird distracting you.

[@brandimarsh7875]

Always appreciate your wisdom! I love the positivity of ‘I’m just at capacity’ instead of ‘I’m busy’. 🙌🏻 Thank you for that perspective!

[@ChaosMakersHobbyHouse]

I make zucchini gummy candy all the time! It’s delicious! I have the recipe on my channel but basically you peal, de seed the squash, cut into pieces boil in fruit juice, I prefer pineapple, boil until transparent then dehydrate until chewy 🙂 absolutely delicious!

[@MissBetsyLu]

Wow! That's something I want to try. MAny blessings everyone, everywhere.

[@marking-time-gardens]

Thank you for sharing your recipe idea! Headed to your channel...🥰👍

[@smegilligan77]

Jess - so appreciated this. Thank you! I have come to believe naps are a blessing and sometimes I just need to "get away" and be in HIS presence - sitting - resting - listening - AND sometimes talking and recording. I have followed you and Miah for years. You are one who has restarted my love for the garden, being in the dirt, staring at wondrous creations AND even in the struggle of disappointing harvests - the hope and promise that seeds hold potential promise and eternity. Thank you. I think "know your capacity" is right up there with make your waiting room a classroom. BTW - I quote you often in BIBLE study when anxious hearts arise at expecting desires that are not the path GOD has chosen. Now my turn - I BLESS YOU UNTIL NEXT TIME. IN HIM, Sandy

[@mojoflyingsolo639]

I just wanted you to know that you have changed the way I garden, for the better. That is saying something good because I have been gardening for over 47 years and I thought I knew a lot you definitely gave me a better way to see my garden. So I want to Thank You for spending your precious time with all of us here in KZbin land.

[@maryhensey5485]

I just love listening to you talk, taking a walk through the garden spaces, seeing a hummingbird and your honesty. I’m a 66 year old mom and Mimi to 3 grandchildren. I retired and we have a garden, flowers, a newly planted Green Stalk and my greatest joy is walking through my yard and garden and watching my birds, including hummingbirds. Keep up your wonderful channel and recognize your capacity and we will love anything you share with us. Blessings to you and your family.

[@zoebehave]

Even the best mommas sometimes need looking after 💚 Living with chronic illness makes it SO DIFFICULT to manage capacity. What was totally do-able a few days past is suddenly an impossible endeavor today and tomorrow who freaking knows? One of the best things my medical practitioners have ever told me is always have a backup plan. There's stuff in the freezer the kids can heat and eat, as well as easy favorite recipes on cards with everything needed ready in the pantry. There's people to help with the things that absolutely need to be done. I truly believe in my heart that the heaven that matters most is the one we create here through love, community, and fellowship. Glad to see that you're reaping what you sow in so many ways.

[@foreversettled9144]

When we are blessed to do what we love, it isn't work. I look forward to morning walkabout, to plan for day, to making an area go from weedy to maintained, to creating the asthetic that is pleasing, to going to the garden with God. Raised on a farm, I learned that very tired feeling at end of day made the deserved rest and relax time so appreciated. Mom and dad sitting on porch, drinking sweet tea on break, looking out over pond and cows, was rewarding. This is work that keeps you strong and resilient. The work ethic put in me then is still with me. I have to see something accomplished every day. Yesterday, it was weeding, mulching, transplanting some zinnias and sanding and spray painting a free table from the side of the road for a patio table. Today, I put flower arrangement on "new" table, the rain took care of watering, and I am on track to work on a remodel project. The plan, the steady work ethic, brings the productivity. The Lord spoke "productivity" to me four times in one night. "Consider the ant..." time for Americans. You are a blessing. Psalm 91 over all believers.

[@cvgardener892]

I, too, am contending with Bermuda grass invasion. I expanded my garden last year (layered cardboard, built beds with landscape timbers and all new soil ingredients, used landscape fabric and pea gravel in the aisles). It still came back with a vengeance!

[@DigitHomesteading]

Capacity is a great term! I feel this as a new KZbinr, wife, mom, animal keeper and still working outside the home! Some days there are multiple things that get put off and I'm learning to be ok with it.

[@shaunamiller3235]

I love getting to take a break during my day and enjoy your videos. We plant clover in all our walkways for a living mulch. It helps control other weeds, adds another flower for the bees, and the chickens and bunnies absolutely love the easy treat we can give them for free everyday.

[@naynerboppers5254]

Thank you, Miah, for being not only her knight in horse drawn carriage but also playing a part in brightening my rough couple of days! We've been on our own struggle bus the last couple days (esp due to hubby being out of work for 7 1/2 months) and your videos have made such a difference in my heart, headspace, and determination to continue building/growing out my garden.

[@StainedCrimson]

Honestly, your relationship with Miah and the way that you tackle problems together with a smile on your face is so inspirational. I really needed to hear that chat about capacity today, so I very much appreciate that he was willing to dig through the trash to find your memory card! If anyone's looking for ideas for zucchini treats other than bread, my mom's go-to was always chocolate zucchini cake. Absolutely delicious, I don't even know where she found the recipe originally; it's in her well-loved hand-written collection now.

[@TiaChii]

I think a slow and simple life is also not trying to be perfect in literally everything. I notice people just being blinded by perfectionism. Sometimes it isn't great, sometimes you miss something, and being ok with THAT is the simple feeling of life. The slow life I think is being happy with what you have and being happy with spending your time and energy on these things. Because doing too many things you dislike or can't perfect to your will, makes it feel like you're in a rat race against the world. So yeah, knowing your capacity is a big part of the "slow" and simple life!

[@laurahenderson2384]

Fun side note: i was sad that I didn't have a video of yours to watch the other day, so I went back and looked for an old one I missed and found a devotional about Love Languages. Such a gift for my heart. Thanks for always shining the Light - whether sharing spiritual truth or helpful gardening tips and everything in between and around. 🧡

[@maryannodell7856]

I adore that video 😊

[@yvettesaxon8572]

I love the distinction you make about working at capacity and busyness. It’s totally true. Working your own land provides food for the soul so you are not inactive and it is a lifestyle lived with intent toward a goal. It is about being responsible and thoughtful and writing lists (in my case) to get the best result with the routines in place to make that happen. It definitely is about prioritising needs daily for the positive result without overwhelming everyone involved ❤

[@lindasommers5181]

Thank you Jesse for being honest about capacity and being intentional in all that you do. God blesses that kind of living. Today, I didn’t want to go out into my small suburban garden because I get migraines. Listening to your story with the chill music in the background gave me the motivation to bless my garden and get the work done so thank you. 😊Blessings- Linda

[@dawnburton5961]

Another awesome video! You by far are my "gardening homesteader life coach minister." I'm so blessed that your videos were placed before me! Thank you again!

[@rhodi-anne]

Talking of throwing things in the trash, I threw my phone in the trash on a road trip and my hubby also came to the rescue and had it delivered to us 6hrs later. Love the term capacity, it has opened a new way of communicating in my house hold. Thank you for sharing your pearls of wisdom.

[@jamesbrown8718]

You are in your happy place, you have such a glow, and a smile on your face every time you get in it garden and high tunnels. You find fruit on the vines and you are like a kid at Christmas. I love seeing that, I came home yesterday from a three day trip to find fruit in the vines and I was talking to them like they were my babies. I was so happy to see it coming. My beans were in full bloom and my cucumbers are starting to come on and full of flowers. Tomatoes are starting to form I am ready to eat my first one from my garden. I have already harvested banana peppers and beets. My okra and carrots are growing like crazy. I love fish emotion. I put it on my plants about three weeks ago

[@cloverdo-over2541]

My MIL makes zucchini cupcakes with butterscotch chips. So good! The chips sink down in the batter some and make almost a butterscotch crust. We also use massive zucchini for a flour substitute. Shredded, dehydrated very well and ground. I also slice and dry them to rehydrate for the chickens in winter. If I had more freezer space I'd just freeze it for them. Slower life sounds wonderful. Yet I'd prefer this crazy farm life to being "bored". It's always nice to know we are not alone in the madness.

[@celiahilbrand6943]

Love your honesty- and husbands can equal heroes more then we realize! Grandkids and I made mock “apple” pie- no one could tell we used zucchini and not apples.

[@tracycrider7778]

I made one last year for 4th of July and no one knew that it was zucchini 😂😂😂❤❤❤

[@celiahilbrand6943]

@@tracycrider7778 the kids KNEW what it was and loved it so much they were disappointed when the next pie was actually apples. Go figure. Kids, but aren’t they the best. 😊

[@MissBetsyLu]

Miss Jess? There is a meadow mix of wildflowers that are 8" tall. Wouldn't that be the coolest for in-ground walkways. Many blessings everyone.

[@meganmackenzie5993]

This message of being at capacity and making intentional choices is where I am living. My teaching year ended 1 week ago, and I took a lot of comfort in the Nora Ephron idea about juggling many spheres, some made of glass and some made of rubber. Jess, your message was that same idea: milking cows or feeding kids are made of glass and must be done, whereas some things just have to bounce and roll around before we get to them, like dealing with invasive grasses.

[@galeharris6696]

and at capacity with things you love is so different from filled to capacity by meaningless actions or jobs that don't fulfill. I had a couple of decades with a landcare-landscape business of 120 customers, a full time band, a high energy kiddo, and a property I'd inherited from my parents. I was at and sometimes beyond capacity, but LOVED what I was doing. And as you said, it was about being intentional. I knew when I was "Running on Empty", and took a break.

[@fields-n-feathers]

Hearing you talk about being "at capacity" and "over capacity" was very freeing. Thank you. Also, realizing how TIRED YOU WERE, shooting this portion of video makes it CRYSTAL CLEAR as to how the SD CARD "fell through the cracks."🧡😁(((BIG HUGE))) Thank you for hanging out with me today.

[@peggy1844]

I felt that my husband and I spent so many years building this big snowball that kept growing up a mountain...having 10 children, building a business an hour away from home, building our own home on 15 acres, starting a church and homeschooling....and we have spent the next half of our live running as fast as we can so that snowball doesn’t roll right over us😊 😂

[@vintagecurio676]

Loved your last podcast and your warning is so validated. In my opinion, people don't see until something happens to them. As you mentioned in so many of your your videos, our food industry is harming us in so many ways. I'm in my middle age and when growing up our only fear was getting cancer at old age but today is much more worst. 60 yrs ago, we never heard of food allergies, obesity was rare, children with autism was unknown, immune system deficiencies and so many other issues were unheard off.. God is speaking to you for you to spread the word and warn those who are searching for answers.. Thanks for your faith and knowledge. Many Blessings...

[@canyonprincess]

This is so timely. I've definitely been beyond capacity this week, and I am so tired. Between getting over an ear infection, to making more pickles than ever before, to canning way more tomatoes than I was ready for (we're at peak harvest season here in Texas), to attending Cub Scout Day Camp during a historic heat wave that's made my chronic illnesses flare, to juggling the volunteer positions in church and community, I am SPENT. Time for a season of rest.

[@sandyoklahomatransient8557]

Sweet Jess, Your husband, Sweet Miah deserves a special treat for finding you memory card😊 I so hear you on capacity!!! It's so easy to hit capacity, and beyond. Remember to give yourself the time to relax, and unwind. I cut our grass with the tractor, push mower, and weed whacked, did all the wife, and motherly things, worked in my garden, and said tomorrow I'm not touching any mower, I'm at capacity!!! I deliberately gave myself today. I did NO major property work. Grante, I did work on laundry, dishes, dinner. Oh, and I bexame a Grandma today to a healthy baby boy. Life is good!!!

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Congratulations!

[@sandyoklahomatransient8557]

@@RootsandRefugeFarm Thank you!

[@kimjensen1217]

As well as shredding & freezing it like Jess suggested I also make zucchini "boats" with the larger ones. I cut them in larger slices (3-4 inches), seed them & put them on a cookie sheet (skin sides down) then put spaghetti or pizza sauce, pepperoni & shredded mozzarella cheese on top. Bake until tender. We love them & it helps to eat the larger overgrown ones up quickly!

[@donnabalisle2645]

Yes those are good. My daughter makes Taco boats & puts stuffing mixture & bake. So Good

[@LizGross]

I needed this video so much today. I run a business that’s at an inflection point, and I haven’t had the chance to think about what my capacity is in relation to that, my large garden, my volunteer commitments, my relationship, and my phone. I’m more likely to think that I’m failing because I can’t do it all. Your reframe helped me today. Thanks, Jess.

[@marigoldmeadowsfarm7495]

And this is why we love Miah !!!

[@amytheamateurherbalist]

I think when you deal with a chronic illness and learn what your real capacity is that it forces you to prioritize better and to not push past your capacity as your body will shut you down. I think this is the gift of dealing with illness as I'm sure you can relate. I believe when we can learn our own personal ideas of success and not what society tell us success is we will stop the hamster wheel of over-doing

[@michelewhite1150]

I don’t know how you do what you do in your life. I feel guilty that I want to have you be here for us/me to brighten up my life every day ❤

[@jessicakurtz837]

I love that definition of busy versus capacity!

[@GardeningintheNorth]

I loved this video. It touched home for me. I often say I’m sorry, I don’t have capacity for that right now, and It took a long time to stop feeling guilty about it. These types of videos validate that we are not alone. Thank you Jess. 😊

[@val4valor]

Jess, you are such a blessing. I love your chats in the garden. Keep doing what you're doing and God bless ❤

[@a.chandler6993]

Miss Jessica, get a flame weeder! You can protect your melon seedings by putting a clean can over them, then flame weeding the horseshoe. Your paths, too. Fast, clean.

[@annpittaro6551]

Boy this video is so so amazing. For me I call it "running on fumes" and I totally understand. Thank you for putting it into words and it is good to talk and let it out. I so appreciate your videos

[@StayresIntoSpace]

Thank you so much Jess, I really needed to hear this today, when i have a carpet of tomato seedlings acting as weeds covering my entire polytunnel. I just moved into this place a few months ago, and I've been clearing and reclaiming spaces from brambles. I've done incredibly well whilst juggling a chef job, and keeping a van on the road etc etc etc... I keep reminding myself that a lot of the things I am doing right now, will not need to be done again, or at least will need to be maintained instead of having to do a big clearing job. And I'm doing it by myself, which can amplify the feelings of wanting to find a partner that wants to do this life with me. But, I am so grateful for having a beautiful place to be, that will only get more and more beautiful over time, my capacity will change with the seasons, and I'll keep the ship afloat. I just seem to catapult between awe and overwhelm, and I would like to find that small still space for a moment.

[@amymcglothen2091]

I work with the elderly in activity. I haven't had a vacation since last July. I can tell you that I was at my end I love the way you look at things. Thanks, I have to step back.😊

[@mamabunnysfarm]

I don’t know how you do it Jess but the end of your video spoke right to my heart. I just had a month like you, where I traveled for work 6 weeks in a row stretching me and my family. It was necessary but now that I’m back to my slower normal pace I look back with gratitude that I am blessed with a fruitful life. That God blesses me with supernatural grace and energy to do what he is calling me to do. With 3 littles it’s hard to get up early but I’m praying for that supernatural strength to get up early to spend time worshipping in the garden. Living the life I want to lead while I still work full time. Blessed to be able to both where I am right now and looking forward to a future that is so much more than I can even imagine. Thank you for always sharing your heart ❤

[@shannongriffin63]

Thanks Jeremiah you two are definitely meant for each other

[@AnnD2023]

I make zucchini candy every year and it’s amazing. My grandkids would never know it was a vegetable if they hadn’t told them. My favorite is to use Trader Joe’s jalapeño limeade and mix it with blueberry or apple/ginger juice. 1” cubes, simmer until a bit translucent, drain and dehydrate. Amazing snacks!

[@leeahselfridge7177]

It took me a long time to realize this. I used to beat myself up for taking a rest day. I still do sometimes but I'm working on it. If we don't rest our bodies they will force rest when it is not ideal. I absolutely love you Jess!❤

[@mj1294]

Ty for using some of that capacity for your viewers, my friend.

[@Katsimagination21]

Hey Jess ❤ Love these videos where we just sit and chat , make a note of the time you see the hummingbirds, they follow a schedule , we have one that stops by our zinnia patch every day between 4 and 430 in the afternoon ❤

[@louiseswart1315]

My grandma cooked the large zucchini(marrow in South Africa) sliced slightly diagonal in half circles layered with stale bread spread with butter and cinnamon sugar. Low heat until the zucchini and bread caramelized in the bottom of the pot. Us grandkids loved it.

[@FermentedHomestead]

That is a very relevant point of view for me right now. For em when I get so busy I lose focus on what is truly important and that’s been me for the last couple months for sure

[@bhavens9149]

thank you Miah for todays video! :) what a trooper!

[@AB-ol5uz]

yes - thank you for your personal sacrifice in going through the trash - eek!

[@growjoyfullyhomestead]

I am so happy for you, that you're going to have a wonderful garden this year! It's about time! Guard your health, enjoy your summer!

[@aimeestauffer2844]

We love slicing the large zucchini about a quarter of an inch ( rounds) and putting pizza sauce, pepperoni and cheese and bake until soft! We go through a lot that way- one of our favorites!!!

[@robinlj5767]

Love your thoughts!!! I feel “busy” is a mental concept that involves a touch of victimhood. Your concept of “capacity” feels much more accurate & meaningful! As always, thanks for sharing!!!♥️

[@cindybizon3175]

We like to cut zucs lengthways and scoop seeds out. Make a tomato sauce with ground meat and zuc flesh and then stuff the zucs and bake in the oven with cheese. A family favorite.

[@mirianna9195]

Amen to capacity vs busyness. I feel exactly the same. I also had a very full last month that culminated in VBS with my kiddos this week. One of my kids and I both crashed hard as soon as VBS was done. We laid on the couch together all day today and I feel like we are on the mend now. I love our intentionally simple rhythm of normal like. There aren’t too many in our current circle who get that. Lol. But we enjoy it.

[@natashacoetzee5489]

A video from Jess makes life alright ❤

[@debihuntsman9314]

Jess, spending time with you, and your sweet Miah, is always time well spent. 💞

[@kstewart3901]

Thank you, Jeremiah!

[@ramblinrosecottage5983]

I needed to hear this. It makes so much sense to me. Even on my little 1/3 acre urban homestead there are not enough hours in the day to accomplish all the things I want to.

[@nicoleolson1347]

I am in the thick of a very over capacity season of things that have to be done. This video is so timely. Thank you ❤

[@alexiusjones6034]

I love the idea of being honest about capacity. Most of us are constantly juggling and never really balanced. We want to start honoring a sabbath day to get a little closer to that balance and really slow down and delight in God’s provision. I pray more people slow down and delight in the gift of life.

[@anrim7537]

Miah is like my King, whenever I lose something and search the whole house, he finds it in a few minutes. Without him, I would have left my head somewhere 🤣 The nerves and patience that such men have are rare 😘

[@poplarcreekfarm19]

We have living mulch in our garden! We intentionally sow Dutch clover and then weed whack it down. Weeds still come through too but it’s not as bad!

[@jenniferdelong5434]

Jess, thank you for your honesty and compassion. It is so powerful to hear you speak the truth. You remind me to give myself grace when I'm at capacity. Thank you ❤

[@pduplantie]

Spot on! Intention and practicality of what is do+able is so important! ( Especially at 70 with health challenges! But..so rewarding..

[@stephaniebranstetter5521]

It’s easy in the sense that it’s FUN and fulfilling and great reward at the end but takes great work and next to zero rest. I get it ❤

[@valariemorgn7314]

I've used a very large zucchini to make a "Mock" Apple Pie. Slice the zucchini lengthwise and scoop out the seeds. Then peel and slice each 1/2 into slices like apples. Use a sugar cinnamon mixture and mix with the zucchini and let it sit for a while to absorb the flavor. Then use it to make a 2 crust pie. Your would never know it was zucchini. I really love your channel!!

[@sunmoonrise]

Yes i work within my capacity too. I once get overwhelmed with unsettling garden chores that make me stop and taking my sweet time. Than i remember. Am i stopping now? Later i managed to grow a beautiful petunia ever

[@barbaramix1683]

Thanks for finding it and for being her night in shining armour. Happy tomato season Jess.

[@mothermedicinemusic]

I grilled a tomato sandwich with you in mind today - home grown, full flavored mouth full of JOY! Oh and sour dough bread. Love you, Nana Kelli MMM

[@blindpro6404]

Thank you M for finding the flash drive🙏 And thank you Jess for the garden update🙏🌱

[@lisathompson2730]

Sweet zucchini relish is a good use of those oversized summer squash. It goes great in potato salad, deviled eggs, and macaroni salad.

[@jenniferreid77]

I can't tell you how much I needed to hear that today. Thank you.

[@wandalohr7731]

Thanks Jeremiah for the save! Lol. Jess I’ve ridden that same bus many a time. What is a blessing is a calm man. I had one like yours , too sadly he passed 2 years ago. But you and Jeremiah’s interaction make me smile with sweet memories!

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

I’m so sorry for your loss ♥️

[@jackcsaffell5641]

Hi Ms. Jessica. I'd like to comment a little on the rainwater works better than "hose" water. I live in a small town (2700) people. We have, in our city, a municipal water tank and sewage system in place. I've learned and am now very aware about the little bacteria's and worms and microscopic life's that make up our soils. City's are required, by law, to treat the water that we humans tend to consume so that it doesn't have "germs" that will make us sick. Most of these germs are a form of bacteria so many times I can smell chlorine when I am watering my rose plants. This year I've decided to age my water for a few days to allow the chlorine to dissipate before watering my plants so that the bacteria I want in my soil can proliferate. What a huge difference this has made to the health of my plants let alone the health of my soil. My friend suggested that I pick up a garden hose filter which will remove much of the germ killing additives. I've been using the filter for a couple of weeks now and my plants still look amazing. So excited to see the tomatoes looking so good on your trellises. God bless this homestead.

[@rachelhenderson3275]

LOLOL This is great. My husband just did this 2x the other day and was so mad at himself. Glad i can point to this right here so he can chillax a little more.