NOT AGAIN | Winter Storm At Our OFF GRID HOME

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[@Nym1a]

As others suggested, and from someone who lives way above the arctic circle, a wood burning stove for backup heat when electrical might be struggling is just so bulletproof! Not as a main source of heat ofcourse, since you got this awesome solar setup. I don't remember what you guys did in the pump house, but what we do for pipes not dug under ground below freezing level we install electric pipe heating cables. They could be installed with a thermostat so they only kick in when it's below freezing to keep down the consumption! Cheers from Sweden.

[@PineappleWannabe]

totally agree with this, i am from and insulation is very cheap !

[@MandaloretheSavage]

Lived in a wood burning only cabin for 6 years...I miss being that warm, electric and gas heat just don't warm the core so well.

[@mylifeinanutshell6931]

I have the heat wraps and no electric needed.

[@vickyoakes4584]

I agree. Be prepared for what is possible, wood stove, nice little supply of wood and safeguard that pump house. Last year and that polar vortex was a hard lesson and we have to learn from these. You already know it's possible, so I personally wouldn't tempt the hand of fate.

[@joshc606]

i was going to reply this very same thing, a small wood heater would do wonders.

[@johnbjorgen7212]

Suggestion: plumb the water source for the toilets to pull the pond water through a filter and use that (either with a demand pump or an elevated tank). Then you don't have to worry about flushing your precious potable water down the toilet. It's relatively easy to put some valves in so that you can use either source if you only want to do that during water shortages. We used to do that when we lived off-grid and had a rain-water catchment system.

[@deborahlosekelly1520]

Great idea!!

[@rstevewarmorycom]

Amen!

[@jeraldhite9744]

@@pcosminp1 i would have done that first. You can still use rain water with the well as backup

[@Lafata44]

You're nice!! 💐

[@cynthiacrawford6147]

I was going to suggest pond water for flushing too!You beat me :)

[@jamesfrench2478]

Spencer you need to think about dropping a well maybe five thousand feet down for a natural water source. You really need to insulate the barn to keep your batteries warm and you need to do something about that water system, and put heater units on your solar power to keep snow melting so you'll have energy that's something I'd think about doing during the summer. You're doing a great job wish you the best of luck in getting everything solved.

[@renatalove5212]

GREAT ADVICE!!!!

[@hey.hombre]

That's a great idea, but there's already a well on the property. I'm not sure why they don't use it. Maybe they plan on using it in case of a dry spell.

[@drgunsmith4099]

Spencer is a man of all trades. Very accomplished at everything he puts his hands too. 🙏

[@bichnguyen-uc4ys]

ok

[@Lucky_Trucky]

Build an insulated shed over your water tanks to protect your reserves, advantage is the water harvest from that roof. You can also bury the tanks to protect against freezing.

[@kmanyrivers]

straight up Luke! I was thinking the same thing and to probably get another 10k of tanks because in the new climate reality it is all about superstorms and extended drought. It is crucial to take advantage of capturing as much as possible

[@dwaynet2184]

Great idea but I do not think those tanks will handle being buried. The dirt will crush them. But a well insulated 6 inch thick walls built over them will stay warm with just 1 candle and a clay flower pot, just put the clay pot over the candle with 1/4 in spacers to give air under it , it will surprise you how much heat comes from one candle if used right. My grandfather taught me that when our power went out with 2 feet of snow on the ground when I was a kid. The candle will slowly make almost the whole flower pot glow and it warmed half of our house. Saved our butts too.

[@shameless716]

Lol, I was trying to figure out how to suggest that they build a insulated pole barn around tanks and maybe move pump house in there, and the additional rain catch, maybe another tank? Great minds think alike! Oh, and a wood stove in the house, A Must!

[@Googlehackedacct707]

💯 exactly

[@vinnyrisalvato6563]

Hey guys ur gonna be good by next year u will have it all figured out, why not get a desial back up Genorator, or something like that ur Genorator is too small...

[@kathyl5610]

Me too, I switch over no matter what I’m watching as soon as I see the notification!

[@isthisthat]

Can we just pause and appreciate the filming and editing of this channel that makes things look so effortless and cohesive? Massive props for that!

[@isthisthat]

@@arsehole3528 very fitting user name

[@lucanolallo1776]

Window coverings will make all the difference in terms of warmth and homeyness. And a fireplace is a huge must! That makes a house a home.

[@Suzwebb1]

Kenzie, if anyone deserves an award it's you. Been rough bathing two kids with no indoor bathroom. You are truly a trooper. Sad to see you that last episode so down. Spencer is your rock.

[@ulicrammond1756]

lol Yeah, Bathroom & Kitchen should have been top priority. I doubt that will be their forever home. 😉

[@ES-qt6yo]

@@ulicrammond1756 Yes, it really makes no sense to do the bathroom last unless it is to increase the feeling of drama and hardship..

[@chriscallaway6993]

Still not to late for a small wood stove. Tile in shower looking Good. Can't wait to see it done. 🙂

[@corvair69]

After having two outdoor spigots freeze and burst over the past 5 years, I finally installed 2 AQUOR hydrants on my house... No exposed metal to freeze and burst. Good luck with your life's project. Also, thank you for sharing your lives with the world.

[@Spawn-td8bf]

I have been following since the time of just two green shipping containers. I know you two get a lot of advice, but as you have a pond, it usually means you have a relatively high water table. You could drop a shallow well, or a little deeper as droughts gradually get worse. You can either keep it shallow for non drinking purposes or deeper and only use it in emergencies. Running it every so often to keep the seals from drying out. You can run it off a generator. We do that here in Florida as we live on well water and when we lose power for an extended length of time, I have a generator ready to run it. And it has come in handy more than once. Take care and God Bless, Paul from Florida.

[@Docketdog]

I too have been following your show from the start. For the past 30 years I have been helping DIY shallow well drillers water jet their own 25 foot shallow wells To date I have 300 plus successful wells to my credit. To install a 20 GPM pure water shallow well system for under $1000 and only 1 day of work. I would be glad to share with you and your followers just how easy it is to have your own shallow well system.I just need an address to forward the pictures and instructions to. There is no cost and I have nothing to sell.......just sharing how to simply get your own well for very little money. thank you for doing such a wonderful job with your show. R, Bill

[@hey.hombre]

Spencer mentioned that there was a mobile home there years ago. There is a well already there. Not sure why they haven't decided to use it.

[@cerberusone1]

Keep the heat at 68 degrees, close off under the trailer, hang insulated curtains, a heater that doesn't run on electricity is awesome =D you guys are doing great!

[@jaditelady173mary4]

YES they definately need to close under those trailers...lots of cold air under there.

[@r6343]

I remember they had spray on insulation applied to the underside of the house, but closing off the crawl space would still be a good idea.

[@gr9280]

This is by far the best video series I watch. You guys are an amazing couple.

[@helencato9234]

If you get some insulated curtains for your windows, it will shut out an amazing amount of cold air that your windows give off no matter how great they are. They're also great in the summertime because they will keep it cool when it gets really hot in the afternoons. We were amazed by how much the curtains blocked of the cold and the warm, but especially the cold. I know you probably like things light and bright, but it will cut down on the amount of energy that you use, and will make it a lot cozier.

[@natashaszydlak4411]

The last 3+ years I've been living my dream through you guys!! EVERYTHING you have and are doing is what I've always dreamed how my life would be! I have the most beautiful, loving, caring angel of a fiance and out little fur baby, all I need to complete my dream is to find a beautiful piece of land, near a creek or river and build our tiny home! I'm sure it would've all came true by now if I hadn't had my entire left leg amputated......that has slowed things down quite a bit! and in Australia, the housing market is just incredibly INSANE!! Paying $3million (AUS $) for a postage stamp size bit of land is nuts and pricing young families, any first home buyers out of the market! So to watch you guys being able to fulfil your dreams and bring 2 gorgeous little bundles of joy into the world makes me so happy!! You are so courageous doing practically everything yourselves and to let us be a part of it is such a wonderful gift. Thank you so very much for helping me keep my sanity through 8 lockdowns and all the crap that has been going on since 2020 and know that one day my dream may come true! YOU GUYS ARE BLOODY LEGENDS!!!!

[@praisegod8635]

You are a legend in your own right, Natasha... an overcomer. Things will not continue as they are. They will come back to sane levels, and you will achieve your dream. God bless you.

[@jamesherndon6151]

I seriously get excited seeing your notification come up for a new video! You guys are truly amazing. Many blessings to you and your family!

[@cheniesinthang4891]

Me too 😍

[@louisemccormick...8859]

Me too 😂

[@normamcvicker4710]

Me too

[@Lilhoney314]

So glad you guys are feeling better, looking better, and back on track. That tile looks so good. 😍

[@BANGLADESHBDCOM-ei9cv]

hi

[@berniewestrick2316]

Could you have a well dug for backup water?

[@BANGLADESHBDCOM-ei9cv]

@@berniewestrick2316 what's happened

[@PabloP169]

I think that I said in a previous comment that split mode AC will always be an inefficient means of heating, and I never use the heat cycle on my AC, I use an open fire or gas heating. So I would consider a similar approach, plus look heat leakage from windows especially if they don't have curtains on them. The ones up high in the central section will create significant heat loss, as heat rises.

[@sidlori1592]

A heat pump is an inefficient means of heat...only when compared to a non-electric source of heat. But if comparing apples to apples, a heat-pump air conditioner is considerably more efficient at producing heat than a electric baseboard heater.

[@MrQuaazga]

I love the winter months. It seems to rain a lot there too. Well, I'll tell you one thing--I wish the dogs had an area inside for themselves to keep warm safe and cool. The children are so cute. I love this channel. I will watch it tell the end.

[@kims4037]

Wow! It's been seconds and there are already 8 comments! The love and support for this channel is incredible! ❤️

[@DebbiMarie]

Kenzie - you have an incredible eye for photography. The things you slip in between you and Spencer talking, are incredible. The peace and contentment is evident in each one. Thanks for sharing this journey with all of us.

[@danabecker5739]

Deborah Marie you are so very AWESOME!

[@hazajyintwarianselme5717]

Hello, all you do are amassing. I love its

[@timoldland]

@luna maya Get your filth off this wholesome channel.

[@halleyhebertrealtor]

@@timoldland you can report people posting stuff like this. I reported them and KZbin removed their comment

[@kblewis3331]

@@timoldland See the three vertical dots to the right? Click and there is one option, to Report. And then you can chose from several options as to why you are reporting. 9x out of 10 it's sexually explicit content. Or spam. Or unwanted comments. Report them. The more of us who do, the better.

[@firegirl6636]

Spencer is so meticulous and neat that he does a really good job at tiling.

[@orpheus9037]

That shower is becoming like the house's sacred niche. Kenzie goes in to quietly contemplate the new wall tiles as though heaven itself was slowly descending. Of course, if you've been living without indoor plumbing for the last few years, then a new shower would seem heaven-sent.

[@amosjsoma]

Seeing this off the grid stuff makes me love my grid. Unlimited running water and sewer, unlimited electricity, unlimited cable internet and TV and unlimited natural gas to heat the house. Love my grid!

[@magilla8609]

You might like pencil trim for the top perimeter of the shower. They're not wide, come in several styles and can give a raised framed or crown molding effect.

[@patricefruscione4735]

I would probably use a thin glass tile on the top with a natural color. Just my opinion.

[@parrishcanyon8015]

Install it with clear silicon adhesive.

[@riverrat537]

something you may think about is a secondary heat source. If you had a 150 gallon propane tank you could get a mr. heater 30,000 btu radiant heat heater. they have a safety cut offs in case something malfunctions, built in lighter, heat control, and blower that automatically cuts on and off. we have a small house around 1500 sq. ft. and it keeps our place at 70 degrees and its only set at almost 2. these heaters are safe and very economical to operate. my sons house is around 3000 sg. ft. and it cut his electric bill to less than half of what it use to cost and the heat these heaters put off warms you to the bone, they are great. with children and all it may be something you want to check out.

[@vulcanbiker4478]

5:17 Children are happiness, the meaning of life. This is what stit lives for!!! greetings from Siberia

[@saddybarr4551]

Happy valentines 💝 guys

[@outtamindprops6545]

Me and my wife have been through the same. House building is tough but fulfilling.

[@Robyrob7771]

Window coverings WILL make the house warmer! Also 3M makes window insulator kits. They work! I know I live in Wisconsin!

[@TimeBucks]

glad you both feeling better

[@bethany2495]

Gonna recommend a self feeding pellet stove again, they use barely any power & don't get as hot to the touch on the outside, safer than conventional wood stoves. However you can always look into a natural gas well on your property which if you find one & have it drilled, is completely free as it wouldn't be hooked to the grid

[@RichardCockerill]

also dig a well

[@damogranheart5521]

@@RichardCockerill Drilling for water is outrageously expensive.

[@Homohumulus]

@@damogranheart5521 if you pay someone else to do it. A shallow well to supplement their rain water catchment might be plenty

[@wendywobbles1]

I love Spencer's attention to detail in everything he does, the children are so beautiful, and no denying they are siblings :) as for the weather, I think you should be prepared for such changes, here in the UK we have had so much wind this past 4/5 months great video of the sky at night love it

[@corinneshepard9179]

Not only that..prepare for the unexpected..unusual weather patterns on the rise

[@hazardhound4514]

Hey guys, just an idea, my dad is 69 and last week drilled his own well running water through pvc inside the permanent metal pipe to move dirt as it went down. I'm sure there's plenty of YT videos on the process. You could use the well to keep your tanks at a preferred level. Just throwing it out there!

[@loppylou490]

Looking great Spencer! You may want to consider putting tile in that little strip at the top. Steam rises and will collect there and eventually go behind the other tiles and create a water damage issue.

[@adriancox-thesantjordigolf3646]

You must get starlink, insulate the water deposits inside wooden sheds with proper insulation and consider adding a heating element to warm the water when the temperature drops, like a fish tank. Insulate the pipework underground, too.

[@patriciafuchs5970]

Love the tile work, night sky, but most of all the banter. Your kids look so happy, you two, as usual seem to roll with the punches. I love watching you each week!

[@jackbaldwin8983]

When we lived on the farm with a lot of coyotes coming near, along with wild pigs, we found a deterrent with using a small pack of firecrackers. Just light them and toss them out on the ground, the noise carried far away and always drove them away. We used bottle rockets and roman candles a few times, but had to watch where they ended up to prevent a fire in the wheat stubble. You guys are so awesome, great chemistry, love to see the littles, great builders, amazing videography. Beau will be recording you both soon! Praying for you every day.

[@jwkmpli]

Had you considered putting one of the water tanks underground fully insulated with an electric pump to supply house and top up the ground level tanks, the water temp would be higher and reduce freezing events, you could rig up a manual pump as backup if power is too low. you could rig a bicycle mounted on a frame to drive a pump , just an idea!

[@philliplester6387]

Been watching since the two containers wer side-by-side. You guys are making me feel like I can do this. Keep on living.

[@cynthiacrawford6147]

You can do it

[@user-wm9hb7fv9b]

Миллионы 👍 лучшему каналу 👍 благодарю вас за новую встречу 👍❤️🤗👍🔥

[@kenhopkinsdksimplelife]

I have 2 questions 1. Have you ever thought about adding a wind turbine to help keep your batteries charged at night? 2. Have you thought about a small wood stove as a back up heat source?

[@kblewis3331]

I think both are good options. Often the wind turbines will pay to lease the land. Though in this case I think Spencer's grandfather owns the land. But a back up wood stove is an excellent idea!!!

[@Rainetree]

With two little ones, you definitely need a back up heat source. If your solar power grids ever go down & connections just don't cooperate, a little wood stove will be your life saver. You can even cook on it & keep hot water available for baths & etc. With 10 kids & never a bathroom, we used pumped water, heated on the stove & took age turns in a metal laundry tub, placed by the pot belly stove for 18 years before I left home. Your both so strong, patient & talented, you make a great team blessed with beautiful healthy little ones. You already have 80% of your battle won...

[@onefatstratcat]

@@margaretm.5084 save on shotgun shells :)

[@old-wise-one4473]

Work on getting more battery storage so you can ride-out either heavily cloudy days and/or chilly winters! Also look at setting top a looping pipe system to keep the water moving and/or insulate the bottom and lower sides with perlite so you get less heat loss when the tank is so low. Does it make sense adding a wood burner stove?

[@francisbailey3831]

No matter what the weather is. You guys have so much fun and enjoyment together, that's what makes a perfect family. Great to see that the family is in good health and in good shape.

[@ziaride]

Heating with electric uses a ton of power, have you thought of supplementing with wood or propane. Propane does not go bad, a 500 gal tank would last a long time and can also power some generators. 68 is also really high overnight while everyone is asleep, I keep our house at 62 and sometimes forget to turn it back up in the mornings. Great channel, you guys have given me more motivation to get our own home projects done!

[@GaryJones2012]

Been watching since the first episode and as someone who renovated eight homes in my life I always thoroughly enjoy watching Spencer's incredible work. That being said I equally enjoy Kenzie's film work and how just so darned cute she is. She always makes me chuckle.

[@jefflynn8889]

What a difference a week can make! You both look like you're among the living once again. Glad you're feeling well! Might wanna consider a sand point well for emergency water 💧 🤔

[@brookemeredith7606]

I love the glimpses of your sweet family! I have a 5 year old son named Beau. Beau bear has been his nickname pretty much since he was born. So precious!!

[@dominiquegladney5665]

The wife personality is the best. Always, laughing and happy.

[@StormLover3]

Finally getting caught up on my episodes. I couldn’t do 68 in my house, I’d be freezing! Cookie cutter houses are all builders grade and very cheap. Your size house is exactly what my husband and I want. We love your show, we’re older people who appreciate newer ideas. You kids have done an amazing job!

[@terryleonard7673]

So glad you both feeling better. Glad to see this winter storm didn't hit as hard as last. Thumbs up!!

[@damogranheart5521]

What a blessing! It's hard to function when you are so sick and you have a family that needs you.

[@jimanderson8002]

Artesian well, time to dig. Also time to have a line in for back- up electricity when you have none, you can always sell what you don't use. Geo-thermal heat?????

[@MrBlueBerrygone]

12:38 loved the interaction, really changed the atmosphere and made a difference for him

[@donnabowers1317]

I just love your channel. It’s been a joy watching your home get from absolutely nothing to your little castle, in a sense. You’ve accomplished so much in all the ups and downs you’ve gone through, you’ve shared with everybody. People that have KZbin and they’re building off the grid, whether it be a home made from wood or made out of the shipping containers. It’s wonderful how everybody shares what they’re going through and how they did it with all the ups and downs, it’s really helped many many people. U2 really got lucky with the shipping containers that you have,m. If you’re on a budget there’s no way you can purchase a shipping container now. Sidenote You 2 have been blessed with two beautiful children. I used to feel my babies and now my great grandbabies are the cutest and most beautiful children. I know you love children, it’s obvious. I do too. I wanted to have a slew of them. My bad judgment it didn’t happen, I was blessed with three. I had to raise them on my own unfortunately, sometimes that’s how things go. But, I used to tell myself when I had my first two, I had a boy and a girl, I thought well that’s perfect I don’t need any more. Well, oops! Look what the good Lord gave us, child number three. He was a beautiful baby and a good looking young man. I lost him after he had turned 21. I’ll say no more. Keep your children close. teach them the right things in life, first would be teach them to have goodness in their hearts and have respect for elders and other people and maybe start reading to them the children biblical stories.my children just loved 🥰 them. Your husband‘s been blessed with carpentry skills, some that he had trouble with but that’s OK. You obviously have an eye for photography and video videography. used to be a photographer, I just loved it. My niche was outdoor photography working with the natural light. I never did studio photography. Well I got a little winded didn’t mean to do that, I hope that will be the last of your heavy winter, LOl. Looking forward to your next video. Blessings to the both of you, your two babies. Oh! Can’t forget the fur babies too. 🤗

[@larrywalter6476]

Hello Donna

[@larrywalter6476]

Where are you from

[@charlie42pr]

All in life is a teaching moment! You guys are strong and you guys are adapting to the circumstances around you. God Bless you all of you!!!

[@divinewrath3142]

We just got through a two day ice storm. We had 3/4 to an inch of ice on Everything! We lost power for over 36 hours, and we were lucky. Between candles and a fireplace we made it, and so did our pipes. I would suggest looking at a nautical wood stove for the house. The are small, need less clearance, and really help to take the edge off.

[@damogranheart5521]

Very true and you can cook on them!

[@GlorifiedGremlin]

I'd suggest getting a solar generator for anybody with concerns over outages. I got a 1500 watt hour battery and 2 120 watt foldable panels for 1600 bucks and it can power a microwave or hot plate, all kinds of stuff for hours

[@junem342]

Idea: to help with more water surface collection - put gutters at the bottom of your solar panel structure (perhaps barn too) and feed that into your tanks too. So in lean rain times more area feeding in.

[@larrywalter6476]

Hello June

[@larrywalter6476]

How are you doing

[@jjcman2009]

“I can drift so much harder” that made me crack up. You guys are such good spirited peeps

[@thomasdemooka4341]

Quite honestly, with the water & weather situation where you live, you need to seriously think about drilling a back-up well, enclosing and insulating your water storage, adding a back-up heat source to your filter room and a back up generator to keep yourselves powered. Self sustainability is great when everything aligns with your expectations, but if and WHEN it doesn't, you're putting yourselves in a tough situation. It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it! Been there and done that!

[@rharbin1]

I agree 100% you can count on getting snow again. I know a wood burning stove may not seem apealing to some but I bet anyone that is an expert in homesteading off the grid would recommend that as well.

[@janetkrodes1996]

I agree also 100%

[@Huetteman1]

We love your videos too! For you water consider adding a well (that you only use when needed) and immersion heaters in your tanks. Cheers!

[@damogranheart5521]

Drilling for water is terribly expensive 😫

[@Huetteman1]

@@damogranheart5521 Yes it is but that should not stop them from getting what they need. And who know they may only need a shallow well.

[@jessesaenz1021]

Spencer rig up a hose from the pond to your small tank. It has to go through your filters, it will clean it. Not a problem you'll be okay. That pond is a blessing.

[@patriciaarmstrong7009]

I love how the location of your home allowed yaw to be able to leave the windows uncovered it just makes it looks even more open and bigger it’s beautiful.

[@jeanielipskey1272]

Glad to see you both are feeling better. Your tile looks good. can't wait to see the finish.

[@judysetran9198]

wow the beautiful night view you have makes everything so worth it..No one gets through life without a struggle..Thank you for sharing you journey so many lessons in each video

[@akcorbel]

This Canadian laughs at Texans in the snow. It’s cute seeing their reactions to snow, it’s like it their first time!

[@peterwinstonaldredge6927]

I am into genealogy. I imagine how my ancestors struggled just to survive; food and water and shelter. Compare that to your struggles and you two have it EASY! I'm not criticizing you, I love your channel! So, please don't take this the wrong way, I'm just making an observation. It just made me think about how hard it was for my ancestors, actually mostly everyone's ancestors to survive. I feel fortunate to even be here thanks to their endurance, sacrifices, ingenuity, fortitude, desire, hunger, fear and pride. This video just made me think about that.

[@brianh.9268]

A “grey water” system might be on the horizon to capture, divert and store shower/bath/laundry water and use it for toilet flushing. Paying for a water tanker to deliver a load of potable water might be expensive, but may become a necessity when the big tanks are empty.

[@JohnADoe-pg1qk]

With the spray foam insulation and walls done it's a bit late to add a gray water system.

[@tsugima6317]

Stayed in a place in Australia with a grey water system they used to water the plantings and lawns. They also did a lot of Xeriscaping. I know in Japan many places have small sinks on top of the toilet tank that give you clean water to wash your hands and use the used water to then flush the toilet.

[@steveniemyer9288]

When you don’t get snow often, any amount of snow or freezing temperatures can be devastating. Being prepared is the key. Living up north I have been in many snowstorms and blizzards. I have seen snow piles in open fields and parking lots not melt until June. I have had to dig my way out of my house because snow drifts were so high. Shovel snow off my roof so it wouldn’t collapse. I have also seen a 1/4” on snow cripple my entire city because we were hit by surprise and the city was not prepared. Again as long as you are prepared you can make it through just about anything. God bless you and your family.

[@carolmyers6678]

Guys a winter water suggestion… put down a tarp when it starts to snow. When the snow stops , makes large snow balls and put them in your water tanks. Water when it melts. And you have fun making the snow balls. And make the kids a snow person while you’re at it.

[@JamesOBenson]

Kensie and Spence, if you upgrade your batteries, have you thought about a smart electric panel? As the batteries get low and reach a threshold, you can cut power to certain circuits to help preserve the power longer. Also there is an off grid home in Austin,i believe, and they recommend 3 months of water storage. Or as an alternative, they have some air to water condenser that can give you pure water for drinking. Just a thought. Love the house and what you guys are doing

[@jackpatteeuw9244]

I would use the small water tank to re-fill at least one of the big water tanks, even it it takes 5 or more days. I still say, get a permanently installed, vented, propane wall furnace. A 100 lb propane tank will last several nights and a 20 lb tank will be an adequate backup.

[@rongray4847]

Your house and property look great. There is always block walls out there when you least expect it. Happens to all of us. Take care. 🇨🇦

[@wheretheroadtakesus523]

Wood burner is our main form of heating for the winter. It keeps our home so warm. We do have a reverse cycle for the bedrooms but we only run it on low mainly for the middle of the night when the wood burner is turned down low. Best warmth ever. You always feel toasty warm and our living areas and kitchen are toasty warm in the morning ready for a new day.

[@sazzamittendorf1651]

You need to insulate the pump house for more warmth for the pipe system. You might have to get on the grid during the winter months and have water delivered to keep the tanks filled. So you guys do more videos. Glad you are doing better health wise.

[@donnamullins2089]

Glad everyone is finally well. Shower tile looks great. Cannot believe you had snow. DFW only a dusting. Glad power is up and running. We had to keep a bucket of water by the toilet during the winter to flush our toilets. Works with only a small amount of water. And the old saying: flush rules if it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown send it down. Happy Valentine's Day to you and your sweet family.

[@lakiethakelly1540]

I live in Texas and I was thankful it didn't get as bad as last year. Every time I see snow I feel dramatized.

[@mariesettle4758]

Love how you two always stay positive, I admire you both and how much you have accomplished. I hope you plan for worst case scenarios as you learn more about your off grid system. I mentioned it before like others have regarding a wood burning stove so you can conserve your solar energy, and also consider a well with underground water tank, the weather seems to be changing all over and you never know when you could end up with a freezing winter every year. Just sharing some ideas to consider cuz we have been where you are. For us this year in Central Utah most of this winter was below zero, this week it hit 40 and felt like summer! This year our winter has been colder than most. Earlier years were hard and we had to crank up the generator a lot but this year was the first that we only used the generator twice this winter and our place is about 3500 sf. It's worth it being off grid!!

[@karinafelipe12]

The all around positivity is amazing to see more so the resilience; pushing through the tough times. But just like you, me or anyone who’s human there are times things don’t seem too positive and we feel as if it’ll never be over. It’s just good to see how they react, overcome, and adapt in these 15+minute videos

[@user-kf8qc7cx4n]

When I was in my 20’s I was a tile setter, an apprentice machinist, and a full time college student. Time work is a lot of measurement, planning, checking for square and then you can run it.

[@jennjohnson-richards5829]

Going off grid cannot be just solar, you have to have a back up plan. Wood stove. Heat cook. Stay warm.

[@naveensk9478]

Good to see you both relaxing and recalling the memories…👍

[@franklong6269]

You can leave the one-inch gap at the top of the shower, it won't hurt anything. Make sure that the gapped area is painted to provide protection from water moisture from a hot showers. It really makes no sense at all that you do not have a wood stove to heat your house. You can put a childproof barrier around it to protect your children. Additionally, if you get a more expensive type of wood stove, you can also use it to cook food. It also makes no sense that you do not provide some thermal protection for your water containers. It could be as basic as building a basic wood shed around your water containers, insulate the shed, and put a wood burning stove in it. If you subcontracted out the concrete footers and floor, you could build a wood shed easily in a month. You could use engineered trusses for the roof (make them 5:12 slope so you can walk on the roof) and then use lifetime shingles for the roof. If you build a shed for your water containers and tools, I suggest also making it big enough at least two cars. If you build a 30' x 50' garage, you would have 400 SF to park your cars in and 1000 SF of storage space for your water tanks, your hot water heater, your water pumps and filters, tools, motorcyle, etc. For your type of home that is off-grid, this is what you really need. Use 2" x 6" construction. You can use the recommended footer for your area which is probably 3' to 4' deep and 24" wide by 14" deep. the footer has to extend below the freeze line of your soil, which is usually 2' - 4' deep. You can pour 8" thick stemwalls when you pour your footer. You can subcontract all of this work and probably get it done for $10k - $15k. Then you can either frame the garage yourselves or hire it done. If you subcontract it, the labor will cost you around 6k. I do suggest that you subcontract the framing. You can run electrical and plumbing yourselves (before your concrete is poured) and put a full bathroom in the garage. Insulate the garage walls and ceilings, put in a wood burning stove, and boom you are ready to go.

[@martamccool2740]

So good you have a ceiling over your head and to much things to be thankful. Love and perseverance is the key, enjoy what you have that is a lot to be happy. Every thing is experience, enjoy , and learn the lesson implicit in the events of life, it make you stronger, and proud

[@2bugsinamug586]

How about installing a tiny woodstove, they are great when the power is out and warm up the place in no time.

[@oliversmith8326]

From a kiwi in new Zealand it's so interesting to see your journey and inspiring. Good to see you guys feeling better.

[@xmassan20906]

11:19 You guys are going to one of those couples that stays together, through everything, for 75 years.

[@cieloviancha5074]

Me parecen una pareja hermosa llena de amor y se nota que se entienden bien desde colombia

[@grapplercanty]

Always looking forward to a new chapter in your journey keep up the good work👍🏿

[@cheryllynn8209]

I can't believe how fast your babies are growing. They are both So Adorable 🥰 🥰 🥰. The shower tile looks Fantastic so far. Keep up the Good work Spencer. Stay Happy 😂 Safe and Healthy Everyone 💞

[@donhozy]

Can't say it enough; the production quality of your videos fantastic, as is all the work you've done for your home. You guys pack so much quality into every video! This channel is truly a pleasure to watch.

[@anitanagahisa3049]

It is nice to see your home projects get finished, but you must know that your children are the most important, despite storms, etc. 💕💕❤️❤️

[@jdeane9442]

Bathroom tile looks great!! I'm from "up north" and yeah, that's nothing. Though a little snow can still make things slippery!! I'm over winter and waiting for the green of Spring!

[@colliecoform4854]

Yup. We call it a "dusting to in inch". I am over winter also but it is not over for us! Can't wait for spring and spring planting.

[@glocksforme]

Have you looked into getting a tanker of potable water delivered and filling your tanks? Just a thought. I have really enjoyed watching your family grow! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@thegarage5919]

Have you guys considered having a well drilled? I know it's expensive but water is the one thing that can make or break you when it comes to off grid living. You dont have to use it all the time but it sure would be nice to flip a switch when the water level gets low and have the tanks automagically fill to a desired level. You dont have to fill all the tanks full just have it as a safety just in case. This is what the second time the taks have run low? That would be enough for me. Keep up the good work guys.

[@deborahplyler6528]

Love the tile on bathroom wall looks beautiful, your children are so cute, I am so ready for spring and warm weather.

[@elaineriley4863]

It's been an amazing build. Some ups and downs with it, but, look how far you have come. It's almost done isn't it. I love the tile in the shower. Can't wait to see it finished. You are in the home stretch now. I love watching the snow fall like that. Those big snowflakes are so big I call them goose feathers. It's going to be beautiful. Stay warm and safe you guys. We love you all.

[@elaineriley4863]

@@fardiakua____1064 I can't translate your words

[@damogranheart5521]

@@elaineriley4863 That is probably just as well. I believe it might be a porn site. ICK!!

[@elaineriley4863]

@@damogranheart5521 I don't like those sites

[@damogranheart5521]

@@elaineriley4863 Every time I see that I report it! Kind of sad that something as lovely as this site should be tainted by this junk! May this week improve greatly for all of us.

[@elaineriley4863]

@@damogranheart5521 I report junk too. Yes I pray for is all too. I am going for a biopsy day after tomorrow. I hope and pray to God its benign. Please pray for me too my friend

[@terriedenna7751]

I love your humor. You always seem to find a positive in all of your dilemmas. The bathroom is looking great. Loving your choice of tiles. Can't wait to see your progress in another year.

[@rikkus67]

A wet saw will make it easy, to cut the top row of tile. Well worth the effort, and pain of renting it from your local big box. Get all three walls complete with full tiles, then rent the tile saw. To make it easier for the install, use a small drywall spatula to get the wall covered with the mortar skim coat. Rather than trying to get the final layer of mortar in with a full-sized notched trowel, back-butter the cut tile. Finishing the tile to the ceiling may take a bit more time, but will give you a completely (already looking) professional finish.

[@CindyMac4104]

Thank you for the incredible view of the moon! That was spectacular!

[@johnnydoe66]

If the winters keep the mini splits drawing too much power, you might consider getting a large Propane tank and a Generac setup to help alleviate power issues.