EXPOSING the TRUTH! Our Cabin Build Journey & WHY We Stopped Building| Couple Builds Cabin Homestead

EXPOSING the TRUTH about our Cabin Build, our journey, and why we stopped building (for now).
Book We Talked About that helped us get debt free: Dave Ramsey Total Money Makeover: www.amazon.com/Total-Money-Ma...
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00:00 Introduction
01:34 How it all started
03:37 Biggest Part To Make It Work (DEBT FREE)
05:03 We Decided to Move
06:15 Prepping For The Journey
06:51 Deciding What to build
08:41 It Dictates A Lot Of Our Decisions
09:17 The REASON we do EVERYTHING
09:53 The MEANING of SIMPLE LIFE RECLAIMED
10:19 Trial and error leads to success
10:52 The Big Reason WHY
14:21 The BIG Picture
16:14 To Those Worried About Our Structure
18:09 In CONCLUSION

[@rosefazio1859]

I love that you have made your kids your priority. They deserve nothing less.

[@joelotto1252]

They say god, family, friends. I don’t care if it takes 15 years to complete your cabin!!!! Keep those 3 things at the top of your list and you will be good for life. Hats off to Mel and Gary for putting their kids at a level that is more important than finishing a house. Many people say material items are not important and these two are showing what is important.

[@denisewilson8367]

Life isn't just your home. It includes a lot more. And building a homestead from the ground up takes a lifetime. I'm glad you are putting the kids first now that you have a dried in place to sleep & eat. They never get younger, and you can't reclaim that time that is lost. You two have worked hard and deserve a little R & R. But the little things take time too. Thanx for the update.

[@neilwelch9445]

70 year old British bloke here, delighted to hear your fantastic set of priorities. You have been absolutely spot-on with your decisions right from the start. I am loving feeling as if I'm part of this journey you and your family are on. Keep it up, and the best of good wishes to you all. Neil.

[@chandrasutton4669]

Love everything you have done and are doing!!! You aren't a building channel, you are a living channel. Whoot Whoot 😊🎉❤

[@roblysen7065]

What happened to the cabin build? Why did you decide to build a stick home instead?

[@Lula_F]

I’m kind of glad you’re mixing it up with building, kiddos, animals, kiddos, framily, kiddos, sustainable living! Very important balance of life. Yes, the kids are the MOST important area of your life, hands down. I’m very happy to hear this. You keep doing what you plan and your most loyal followers will stick with you! I’m too invested in you all by now!! Love you channel and your family! See you next video! 🥰❤️❤️

[@barbaragledhill4052]

I understand why you guys have put off building the cabin. Keep the kiddos 1st. Time goes by so fast, and before you know it, the kiddos are grown up. Keep going forward and do what you need to do for you and your family. Love you guys❤

[@anitamartin953]

Sounds like an excellent plan to me - y'all do what YOU need to do, and ignore all the naysayers!!

[@jerriewyatt905]

I absolutely agree… you have a plan and you’re following it..your children are only young once and they will always have fond memories of the time you made for them… love y’all!

[@deedunn7563]

Children grow up really fast. You get one shot at it. Great job. Right priorities.

[@lucindaellis3048]

Your drive and diversity is what I love about your channel! You are great parents and great people! Keep it up!!!

[@cuban9splat]

OMG! Another Dave Ramsey fan... We discovered Dave about 25 years ago. We achieved our debt free goal in 2016. We were very lucky to have found Dave. You guys are AWESOME! You have your priorities right. Enjoy your time with the kids. They really grow up fast LOL. Love your channel. Thanks for sharing your lives with us.

[@lyndamcclain8795]

You really have your priorities straight. You know what you're doing. Family comes first. Spend that time with your children. I can't believe how much they have grown since AZ. Stay true to your plan. ❤❤❤❤

[@lizhamilton2015]

Love the videos and know when the time is right your house will be finished, but the animals also need to be housed and secure from predators/ Keep on doing it

[@Arty_C]

I’m glad I stumbled upon your channel years ago. You are making a difference and changing lives. Family first, learning and building through trial and error all while filming. God bless you and your family.😊

[@johnunderwood-hp8rj]

You have been kicking it on the house since the foundation was poured. You deserve time off to enjoy with your family. Building the chicken coop, the garden and the rabbit hutches gave you lots of kid time this summer. You guys work hard. And your children should be the priority. There's plenty of time to finish the cabin.

[@dalefriday5496]

I guess it never would have occurred to me that anyone watching would have failed to understand what your channel is about. You couldn't have explained it any better! Firstly, as a lifetime builder, designer, construction worker in all trades, and also been in a second career in music, radio, sound system designing and installing, recording studio building and operation, audio/video composition and editing I fully comprehend and appreciate the gigantic task you have taken on in not only building a dwelling, but a complete homestead, while simultaneously recording the whole process. I am at the final stage of a 10-year project of totally renovating a commercial "Main Street" building all by myself into a home, a rental apartment, and what I hope will be my final (I've built 4) recording studio. I can't even fathom what this journey would have been had I had a family to raise along with all the rest. You guys are constantly making good choices and putting family first. Family is the very foundation of our civilization. Without it we have nothing. Secondly, I am so very glad you guys ended up in Arkansas. Shout out to all 50 states of our wonderful, beloved America, but I was born "smack-dab" in the middle of Arkansas in Baptist Hospital in Little Rock, and spent my childhood there and in Blytheville. Although I left it for a good while just across the river in Tennesse, I have now been back (in Blytheville) for 12 years. It's my home, my heart, and I am so proud to have you and your precious family as Arkansans now! Keep up the good work, the good parenting, and the good video production. I know it isn't easy. I also know that someday, much sooner than you can now realize, your precious great grand-children will be sharing these videos with classmates and friends, and will be saying: "Yeah. Those were my great grandparents. They built all this. They were pioneers. They were amazing. Everything we have, we owe to them and their determination a faith and strength. They were awesome!"

[@ricktallent8748]

AMEN!! Been there and done that!!

[@richardgreenlaw1442]

I agree. My kids are adults, and then in April, I lost my youngest daughter. She passed away on April 27th. That being said, I totally get the reason you're doing things as you are. Keep up the great work. You are awesome people. 👌

[@angelabowman1614]

So sorry to hear about the loss of your daughter. 😥 ❤🙏 to you and your family. Healing and strength also.

[@lauraquigley6403]

So sorry to hear about your daughter! God Bless you & your family!🙏🙏🙏

[@SimpleLifeReclaimed]

I am so sorry for your loss! I couldn't imagine!!!! Praying for you friend 🙏

[@PegAMurphy]

I am so sorry to hear about your daughter 💔 sending my deepest heartfelt condolences to you and your family

[@richardgreenlaw1442]

@@SimpleLifeReclaimed thank you.

[@kimnelligan9820]

I started watching ya’s when you were painting your home to sell it, and I have been watching it ever since

[@wandahenry3062SliceofPEI]

Nothing in Life is more Important than Family Thanks for sharing your Journey

[@diyfferent]

Good explanation. Hopefully certain people can understand now. Some people just have no clue. They don't know what building or repairing a home entails...the planning, time, effort, and money involved, all while remaining debt-free too!

[@SimpleLifeReclaimed]

It can be so difficult! I know you understand. We Absolutely LOVE KZbin and love sharing our journey, but we dont want to be forced into a "content bubble". We started as a VLOG, we want to stay true to our roots. Since were building a cabin of course it will be apart of our videos - but we want the rest of the journey to take the spotlight. its the moments not that material that make up a great life.

[@judyrowen9194]

Hi guys! Thanks for the video. Enjoy your children, they will be grown before you know it. Thanks for sharing your journey.😍

[@beverleybakewell4753]

Thanks for the heart! Go for it! Do what's right for you all! Your kids will never forget this time and Wyatt too will be grateful that he lived near his cousins and that his parents made the move for his sake too! You are doing the right thing! Enjoy your summer! Love Beverley

[@ritafirestone761]

We love all your videos. I enjoy your outings with the kids. The rabbits are so adorable and watching Gary showing them how to put the screws in to build the hutches was awesome. They love their chickens and play with them when feeding them. I am sure they have their squabbles but all kids do. They still are learning to be responsible and that shows how awesome and amazing mom and dad are. ❤❤❤

[@iamwhoiamd7056]

I found you all when you were building the basement. I do love all of your videos. So I will continue watching no matter what. Have a great weekend.

[@MissJens]

Love Dave Ramsey. We became debt free in 2019. It saved us because 2020 came with two job losses. But we were able to start are own business and not have to worry about debt along the journey. You guys rock. Keep doing you.

[@ardenehanson2840]

So glad you are wise. This is a magical time with your family. So much to see and do. Good for you. Enjoy your summer! Enjoy your life!

[@michaelleclair2387]

I'm pushing 70yrs old this year and i remember that we(5 kids) were not allowed to stay in the house. We had chores to do, hay to put in and garden to hoe so we could get our veggies. We went fishing, camping, and exploring but only walking or riding our bicycles to get anywhere and we lived 8 miles to the nearest town. If it was a rainy we would build forts and play in the hay mow of the barn. We were fairly poor but really didn't notice. We made our own fun..Other kids would come to play ball or tag and other such games but our mother's rule was to go outside and stay outside until dinner time. After dinner we had more chores to do then we could play more-catching fireflies, chasing other bugs, and sometimes shooting each other with our bb guns playing Army.We took baths not showers and sunday was usually bath night. Then we would watch Lawrence Welk and the The Wonderfull World of Disney.Transistor radios didn't come around until the mid sixties and none of us had a private phone line. We were on a party line with 2 other families.It truly was a great time to grow up

[@crystalh1402]

I’m so excited for your kids! Now that you have a stable roof, focusing on them for the summer is going to be amazing and something they’ll remember forever. ❤

[@plymouthrovadventures.646]

Thanks for explaining your thoughts. 100% with you on your reasoning's. Still following you with your plans.

[@JustShawnie]

Gary and Mel, thank you so much for being so genuine and putting your family first. I see so many KZbinrs that just build and build and build for views on the channels and it’s so nice to a blogger putting their family first. I’m staying right here on your channel.

[@suzetlandman1166]

Keep up your dream and good work. Thanks for explaining. We all love you guys and will follow you in all of your life events.

[@elizabethstone9103]

I agree with your decision. Children first always! Cause y’all are the best parents! Weather will be better in the fall, it’s too freaking hot now! Keep up the good work!❤️

[@elizabethstone9103]

Let’s build the playhouse/ treehouse for the children!

[@dougmacleod1942]

Congratulations on reach this point in your lives and hope you and the kid have a great summer. Thanks for the update and thank you for sharing.

[@suegibbons3012]

Kids grow up so fast. You are absolutely right and have great priorities. I love watching no matter what your doing or working on💕

[@leroydennis867]

Really appreciate the conversation. Glad your priorities are on the right track!

[@warrenpowell6570]

Good for you! Keep going it is fun to watch and inspiring.

[@barbarahopkins5239]

It's great that you're able to put the kids first , they need a play house. The memories you are creating will last a lifetime. The kids need a summer break as well as you and Gary. Keep your family first, and everything will work out for the best.

[@karenclark9138]

good for you guys, family time is important and you deserve it. Have fun this summer.

[@carlapierle8623]

I thoroughly enjoy watching you work on all the other little projects that need to be done. I'm not an OG but I watched your rehab of the camper and started watching regularly after catching your big move video with your mom. I think you've made it very clear your first priority was getting out of the camper and once complete, to relax a little and spend quality time with the kids. You're right, they're only little once. You are doing a WONDERFUL job!!!

[@heidipustelniak652]

It is wonderful to have the children as your highest priority! The time you spend with them making memories is what they will remember all their lives!

[@chrisgillies6759]

It was a good reason to pause, our children are adults so quickly, so enjoy every precious moment while you can xxx

[@semitrailer22]

Thank you guys for sharing your videos. Best video yet.

[@lorigougeon8873]

Bravo! Love that you are sticking to your plan. You are so right, you can never get time back, especially with your kiddos. Love❤that you are so dedicated to family and the simple pleasures in life!

[@Golfer5824]

It’s wonderful to see such devoted parents have such a clear perspective on what is important in life. This is exactly why my wife and I enjoy watching your channel. Our children and grandchildren are the most important things in our lives, and there needs to be more people like you to demonstrate what true parenting means. Thank you so much for your vlog and continued success 😊

[@seskalarafey9285]

I just watched this Video in full length now and 1000% support your decision and every time watching your Videos it put a little smile on my Face. I think your on the right path and i am happy for you all SLR + CRC and C'Mon and DD5 is coming up when they start, too. Glad that i found your channel at that time. Sry for the long Posting

[@colleenlynch5370]

Your honesty means everything. I subscribed because you seem so real and genuine. Excited to have found your channel. Love from Bend, Oregon

[@judyherman1249]

I'm so glad you are taking time with your kiddos. They are always the most important life's to take care of. I think some people in this world are so mindset about getting things done in a hurry that they forget to slow down and enjoy life, especially with family. But you two are doing the right thing for the well-being of your family. I, for one, will be sticking around for the long haul. You are like family to me already. May God continue to bless all of you. ❤

[@ryankelly5303]

Great work guys.

[@kathyhays9819]

Good for you guys. You have a nice place to stay.

[@tammyschwartz6066]

Yall are doing amazing job Enjoy your babies cause they grow up so fast Enjoy watching yalls family and home build adventures

[@waynebarnes4082]

I really haven’t thought too much about the cabin, I’ve been following along while doing the garden, the different enclosures and doing family stuff, watching the whole family doing the whole homestead thing together. I feel like I’m watching family succeed in life. Love you guys and God Bless

[@todmarsh3310]

An Awesome update, and your priorities are perfectly aligned.

[@davidknox1229]

Can't wait to see more.

[@CircleCitySlicker]

AWESOME!!!

[@ethelbromley3449]

I understand completely and I enjoy watching your family, not just the building. I like how you're doing you! God bless and try not to let the ones who think you should be working on the house and not living your lives as you see fit, get to you.

[@christinelesleybunce6800]

So proud of you two. You have your priorities right. I am surprised some people can’t see that. Love and best wishes for all good things in the future xx

[@shirleynoseworthy7615]

I'm going back and watching all your early videos as well as 3 or 4 others. Loving them all.

[@debbydrach]

Excellent video and so glad to see you take a step back for family, too many times I would love to go back and have more time with my kids ❤

[@wandahenry3062SliceofPEI]

You have to take time for your family Nothing in life is More important ThNk you for sharing your journey 👋

[@theresasaunders9773]

Well done familey comes first all the time ,all the other stuff can wait xx

[@Kbos518]

Great job!!! It's your life, kids grow to darn quick, enjoy each and every day, love watching ❤

[@mattrose2413]

I am new to your channel and have already fallen in love with you guys and your family. I enjoy the cabin building but the day to day living life is so important. I'll be praying for you guys and enjoy your summer!

[@NanetteR]

I love your attitude about family. It's refreshing to see people who put their family before anything else. ❤

[@beverlyfowler5420]

Enjoyed this and think you guys have made a good decision for your family. Keep on taking care of each other. It’s your life we are just along for the fun❤️

[@barbaralarkins756]

I enjoy all your video's not matter what you are doing. Enjoy your children, before you know it they will be grown with families of their own. I've got three grown children and nine grown grandchildren. The years have flown by fast! God Bless You All! ❤

[@genezavala4896]

Your right family come first injoy your time with your kids have great summer

[@robertbonesio5498]

100% agree. Beautiful Job Guys!!!!

[@melaniewallace6912]

I could not LOVE this one more!!! Yall have your priorities right ❤ This is why I love watching yall. Raising kind, smart, hardworking and generous kids is the most important thing ❤❤❤❤

[@leann4925]

I love the intro when the kids are on the trampoline. So precious. I haven't figured out how come folks haven't gotten the drift as it seems your always going over the same thing. Oh well. I'm enjoying what y'all are doing. I worked hard at paying off my home and saved for a newer used vehicle before I retired. Wasn't easy with health problems but I did it. So I understand what your doing. I love watching y'all.

[@kiralee2012]

I understand why you felt you had to explain. However, this is YOUR family, YOUR channel, and only YOU control what goes on in your life. I started watching you guys when you started on the basement, but I continued watching because of the family aspect. I love how you guys prioritize your family over everything.

[@danielkrieg3227]

Summer time is family time and stuff around your home life your cabin will be there when your ready and so will we AMEN

[@paddy20111000]

Perfect logic guys , you can build a home anytime you choose but your children will be all grown up and living their own life in what seems like the blink of an eye . Do you want them to look back on their childhood as a time when mum and dad were always working on the house or as a time when they had lots of fun and adventures as a family . The best things you can give your kids are 1 , a good education , 2 , good example in how to live a good life , 3 , a safe and secure home filled with love and laughter , and 4 , lots of happy memories that will stay with them throughout their lives . And you guys ? you're aceing it , take a bow .

[@ianwhite4063]

Carry on living the dream,love all the projects away from. the main house. Just look at your children's smiley faces,they're loving your dream.

[@albertaggieri4997]

i totally believe in what you are doing you will get back to the house building when you are ready . so keep up the good work go simple life reclaimed ! you are the best.

[@cindylewis5348]

I enjoy your videos and totally love that you are family first. Love you guys. Enjoy the summer with the kiddos.❤

[@sandratweedale2579]

Wonderful decision to prioritize your kids and the ‘things’ that are going to fill their tummy’s this fall/winter. We all love you too. I bet ha the ones with all the when questions don’t have three kids and as many projects as you do to get done all the why opening up yourselves to their critiques. You’re all closed in on the cabin so as you say you’ll get back to it when the kids are back with their friends. In the meantime you are providing the best love and attention any child could dream of. We all love your family, you and Gary as just the best!! Big fan 👵🐶🥰🇨🇦

[@tulleytaargus5783]

I watch you guys for more than just activities or building. You two are gems. And I love the Framily. 🤙💓

[@marlene7969]

I love watching whatever you are doing, whether it’s building, playing with kids or framily, gardening, LIFE! I’ll be here to see what’s coming!

[@lillianrobinson2897]

WOW!WAY TO GO.❤❤❤❤❤

[@dennisciccone2337]

Awesome we see in few months as you start back building house. Have a great summer

[@robindavidson5990]

Enjoying your journey

[@dawnesurley118]

Love y’all and your videos - enjoy your family and friends !!!!

[@user-dd1es2zm7e]

I'm still here!!! Y'all are rocking it y'all's way!!! Keep going!!!

[@AtomicPunx]

Good stuff Simple Life!! Your children will benefit from your focus on them! And the best part is when they grow up they will remember this and be thankful! God Bless you both!

[@tommyboyne8870]

Hi there i am enjoying your journey good luck to you and family Tommy in Scotland

[@tubularguynine]

I was literally typing the ice & water shield question when you mentioned it! 😄

[@NCFREEMAN]

Great going guys.Simple life with family and enjoying time with the kids on summer break. I home schooled mine and it was the best choice for me and my wife!

[@ScootersAdventure]

You guys are 100% real and you're all about family that's why I've been watching you since I saw you driving across the country looking for your property you guys are doing so good I'm actually proud of you! Anthony and Roxanne (CRC) too! One day I hope to make it to Arkansas and meet you guys at the 41.36 you guys should be proud of your accomplishments it's been a lot of work and I'm going to be watching you for as long as you keep vlogging Mel you've gotten so good at making videos

[@clarencetinney548]

You guys are awesome! Glad you are able to pause the build to ensure life for a bit. Love the channel. You guys rock.

[@Robby4243]

Great video as always. The kids have to come frist i respect your way your doing things and letting us know everything. Yall rock

[@weshouse3170]

It all makes sense guys! Good luck to you all!

[@larrybishop468]

Kids are always #1. Enjoy watching you build things. Love the hutches you built.

[@lindadeclue.2215]

Absolutely Family First. Always. Enjoy summer with them cause school will be back in session soon.😍

[@AnnetteL18]

I think it's great that y'all are taking the summer off from the cabin build to spend time with your family. It's so refreshing to see parents putting their family first. Looking forward to all of your future videos! 🙂

[@FlyerPatty29]

Glad you’re debt-free. I’m 74 but I got out of debt when I was 29 years old. My husband and I started a business and then we sold it and what little bit of debt we had was 100% paid off. I’m talking the business when we sold it. Moved to Arizona along the Colorado river. You know that nice cool area. I’m sure. I had a vacation home built in Bullhead and since then I’ve had a few places built, but there for resale. And then we moved out into the valley and it’s 100% paid for.. my very original house that I saved from my divorce that my husband wanted me to lose when he divorced me paid for 1/3 of the house I live in now and the house I originally had built and Bullhead paid for the other 2/3. And I actually have my dream house with an indoor swimming pool and a great big huge RV garage which is bigger than my house. I have a corner lot on an acre. The only thing I miss is my husband passed away in 2006. we have a Lotta good memories and I’m very conscientious about how I spend my money so I can live in a lot less because I have no bills just like you guys are gonna be able to do soon as everything is finished being built you’ll have some extra money to put away

[@Lisa-od7hi]

Bravo!!!!!!!! Well said!!!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@Tunaman1]

Bravo, you two 👏, keep up your hard work. Keep that dream true to your hearts. I love your channel and will continue watching the journey ❤ much love from Texas ✌️🤠

[@ireneromero5326]

You have a plan and your priorities set ! Family comes first! I will be following your blog ✨️ 😊

[@drabacal65]

It's still fun watching your videos

[@donnaj9526]

I applaud you! Kids are only kids once and families are forever, and you are finding the balance. Good for you! 👏