We Beat the Storm Home | VLOG

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[@jillsarcasmo]

I have to say as an American, her ability to translate between measurements is not a standard american thing lol. You amaze me everytime you just off the cuff it like that.

[@cherylh8924]

Nana's art work is very special and I love how she still has a bit of her Newfie accent.

[@janicegilman7672]

I love the sunflower bouquet! So special!

[@MaHaNiSa]

“”Mama this is already the best time ever”” ❤❤❤❤

[@deborahvanriper2945]

No way could I listen to the end of that book while driving. I sob so hard I can't see!

[@paulas.8089]

I homeschooled my son who was falling behind in school by the 2nd grade. He was doing post-high school work in the 7th grade. Graduated from college with honors and has a career he loves. I’m so proud of him!

[@taraconroy6631]

Precious road trip memories 💞 So lovely to see Nana's art studio and incredible talent. Our little window on your family life is a gift 🙏✨

[@Romans828girl]

Yes, it really is a gift to get to know their family.

[@samanthahoos9827]

❤Thank you for thinking of us! 😊 We’re in a windy cold blast here in NJ and the hawks are hunting on our property daily. ❤Nana! Homeschooling isn’t just about reading books, it’s living the life lessons for a stronger society. The boys are lucky to have so many people in their lives to teach them skills! 😊

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

We are sending warmth your way!

[@redrunner3536]

Yes, I'm in Vineland, NJ and we've had the same type of weather these last few days as well and we have another storm arriving Saturday for majority of that day as well. Stay warm and safe!

[@lesleyharris525]

​@@redrunner3536prayers that the storm has passed you safely. ❤

[@jadedarkrose]

Awww Nana's paintings are really amazing. She is very talented.

[@LB-gr7gu]

Love seeing the boys Listening and Learning alongside Dad .. They are stepping up like responsible boys ..🙏and 💯 behind your decisions ❤

[@wheaties1435]

So cool. Homeschool = boy time with dad, which at this age is important. Mom’s important too, but dads gonna live it before them on the daily, and teach them !

[@r.m.podlewski1887]

We homeschooled our kids and they learned everything that we did in our self-employed life. They actually surpassed my husband in chainsaw & sawmill work besides being able to milk cows, raise chickens & pigs, etc… We are still a very close family (my kids are in their 30’s & 40’s now)

[@itsmebrib]

Everytime I watch your sweet boys I get so sad that my son can’t be friends with them and run wild.😭❤ They are at the sweetest age. 💕

[@isabelrafael2866]

What a talented nana - your three are going to get such a well rounded education. I love their attitude to learning.

[@RavenFirewind]

I love your one son's Legend of Zelda shirt! ❤ Bass Pro (and Cabela's) are such fun shops to go to. I also love how genuine you are. I recently bought and read your gardening book, and I could hear your voice the whole time I was reading it. (Excellent read, btw!) Nana's art is fantastic, too! Keep being an amazing, authentic person. 💜

[@growjoyfullyhomestead]

I'm so glad you went home to visit! Please make use of this time! My mom just died in June and I will never get this back! I'm so glad that you are home schooling! Good job sweetheart!

[@austinhowland7221]

Hi how are you doing?

[@cbsifoley]

Happy New Year Jess and men folk 🤗. Thank you for sharing your trip and new year rhythm with us. I was thinking about you earlier in the week, thinking that I hadn’t seen you lately and was missing our “coffee time” together. lol You are an encouraging and knowledgeable teacher and give a lot of gardening tips and I enjoy gleaning from you. I’m hoping to get started gardening here in the Jacksonville FL area. I moved up here a few years ago and I’ve never gardened so the first step is going to be a doozy.

[@austinhowland7221]

Hi mY dear how are you doing today?

[@missouribroad978]

My youngest will be 20 soon. One thing I regret is not homeschooling my children. By the time my youngest was a senior I absolutely could not stand the school system. I’m so glad you are going to show others what it looks like to homeschool! ❤

[@camicri4263]

I regret I didn't do it from day one! The schooling system here is pathetic! I was afraid to teach him wrong because Enghlish is not my birth language, how stupid I was! It is water under the bridge now! Blessings!

[@Romans828girl]

I really, really wanted to homeschool my kids and was unable to. The youngest is 24, and that's still the biggest regret I have. It would have been so much better for them. I see the consequences of their educations in their lives now, and some of those consequences are probably never going to be mended. It breaks my heart. But at this point, all I can do is try to help as a grandparent so that my kids don't have the same limits that I did.

[@missouribroad978]

@Romans828girl I totally agree! The longer they were in school, the more I realized that the school system is basically teaching children how to be semi educated working class slaves. None of the “education” they received taught them how to handle finances, how to invest, how to balance a bank account, how to pay bills, how to buy a property, etc. Basically how to become successful and self efficient. My husband and I covered all of that with them in the little bit of time we had when they were not in school.

[@Romans828girl]

@@missouribroad978 Yes. Not only was their "education" woefully inadequate in preparing them for adulthood, but one of mine had all of the ambition completely removed from her, so that she drifts through life with no plan, earning just enough to meet her current needs, but not enough to save anything, even for the things she KNOWS are coming up...and the other was actively encouraged to be antagonistic to anything I tried to teach him...and it worked. They are both very bright, but school handicapped them in some very damaging ways.

[@Romans828girl]

@@cnew66nev ...what? I'm not even sure what you're trying to say. Let me guess. You were publicly educated.

[@babyrn6851]

"Where the Red Fern Grows"...such a great book.

[@bintlooda]

Her art is so beautiful.. u need to sell some of it to ur followers a live auction and let us all benefit from ur platform 😍👏🏼👏🏼

[@kathyp3494]

Oh boy! Bucees and bass pro shops!

[@austinhowland7221]

Hi Kathy how are you doing today

[@jacksona2233]

Love Grandma's Paintings !!! Bless her heart ....

[@julie-annepineau4022]

So glad Nana is doing well and going to share her knowledge and passion for art with the boys, especially Ezra. I love hearing you say Newfoundland. So carefully pronounced, lol. Interesting to see American standards and compare to Canadian equivalents. We do similar stores, just slightly smaller scale.

[@kathycannon4805]

I love the background noise that comes with having kids around. It relaxes me.

[@davidstoughton3257]

As a commercial driver for the last 36 years i can relate to driving miles and hours at a time. Ive driven coach/tour bus on and off since 1988, from school bus to Coach bus ( like a greyhound). I love to drive and when i retire in 6 years at 72 i will travel the USA in a camper part of the time and drive coach the rest of the year. I pray God gives me another 15 to 20 years so i can explore this wonderful country im privileged to live in for my entire life. My Maternal grandparents were italian immigrants and my paternal graat grandmother was an indentured servant from Sweden. My paternal side dates back to 1620 here in the USA. I LOVE THIS GOUNTRY AND HOPE WE CAN TURN IT AROUBD AND SAVE IT.

[@courtneyhastings6428]

I’m so glad we aren’t the only family who runs laps at gas stations during road trips! Got to get those wiggles and pent up energy out!

[@mbmiller1956]

Buc-ees has amazing banana pudding and those glazed nuts are great, too!

[@austinhowland7221]

Hi Miller how are you doing

[@debrabray8855]

I'm 68 and read "Where The Red Fern Grows" in middle school. A beautiful story. We have Buc-cee's in Texas. It's always on our stops.

[@tommielourogers4327]

Nana’s art work is amazing. You should sell some of it in your online shop. You should also budget for getting a picture for each of your kids, and pictures for your house. It will mean so much to you later, when Nana goes home to the Lord.

[@austinhowland7221]

Hi my friend How are you

[@growjoyfullyhomestead]

Right now, listening to this video, I feel so much better about you and your family and your life then I have for the last 3 years! Prayers sent up!

[@cari-maethomas5919]

My heart!!!!!! Your boys, your trip, you homeschooling. Been meaning to reach out regarding that. We meet up in Salley each Tuesday. It’s 30 minutes from ya”ll. Just saying! Xoxo. So thrilled for yalls new changes.

[@BethHasThoughts]

My kid ❤s Bass Pro too! The one in Memphis is awesome

[@austinhowland7221]

Hello Beth how are you doing today

[@WildOrchardOasisFarm]

Love what you are doing with your family. Absolutely precious and beautiful! ❤

[@lorilybrook7943]

Buc-ees!!!!! ❤❤❤

[@austinhowland7221]

Hello Lori how are you doing

[@bradenhale3008]

I have been watching y'all's channel for a bit now and just wanted to commend you on your growth over the years! I think one that's easy to overlook is how you absolutely nail the fahrenheit to Celsius conversions. From putting it on the screen all the way to not skipping a beat when doing the conversion live! Truly impressive! Keep up the great work!

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Thanks for noticing! I really try to be mindful of that when I’m sharing!

[@tamiejones8368]

If you have several free hours, The Bass Pro Shop in Memphis is so amazing. They even have alligators, a bowling alley, and hotel.

[@EhGardenerGuy]

I'd love to listen to Nana and her stories of Newfoundland. I miss those stories from my grandparents (Grandpa (Roy) Steele 1922-2004, Grandma (Betty) Steele 1925-2013).

[@friesencj1]

Love Nana’s art work. The boys are very lucky to get private lessons.

[@monikal9384]

If y'all liked Where the Red Ferns Grow, you might also enjoy Because of Winn Dixie. 😊

[@elainehinton2860]

Nanna’s artwork is gorgeous!

[@lisasearcy5694]

Nana’s art is Beautiful

[@melissamitchell2649]

Here in NE Kansas we just got 16-18 inches. Yikes!

[@earthsgardenapothecary7185]

I love love love that book!!! Also, Where The Lillies Bloom is another beautiful book

[@Shibalvr]

Many of us watching YT are retired, maybe with health issues and cannot travel much if at all any longer. Of course many places I had longed to see someday I was unable to make it. Never been to ARKANSAS Where our Anderson family farm is still and many head stones including a Pyramid! are located near Ink where my dad was born. Big town! LOL 😅😅😅 Near Mena. Thank you for sharing any of your travels with this ancient (over 70+) dreamer. 😂😂😊😊❤❤ Did make it to Mobile Alabama, wanted to return, never could….😢😢

[@MonicaBailey-f5y]

Beautiful art work...such God given talent.❤🙏😊

[@csprings71]

Thank thank you i miss my roots and refuge fix .. best on KZbin...

[@salpine]

It’s lovely seeing you pass down knowledge to the boys.

[@09echols]

Thank you for trusting us with the way you choose to live and work.

[@sharon_rn2066]

We just got back from Maryland to Georgia, stayed 5 days and then home again. Twelve +hours each way. Love spending time with family but the drive is killer! 😳

[@cherylharless281]

I read that book when I was a kid and it had been out for a few years. I loved it, right up there with Old Yeller (I don't remember it being as sad, but it's been years...) I looked it up, it was written in 1961 (I was 3). Good book for the trip.

[@austinhowland7221]

Hi Cheryl how are you doing today

[@peaseblossom4252]

I never read it, but my elementary school would show Where The Red Fern Grows film every year. That and Old Yeller traumatized me. Maybe the book would’ve been different, but I was also a pretty sensitive kid, so probably not. I adore long road trips. I convinced my parents TWICE to drive across the country by telling them that the next cool thing to see was “just this far on the map!” (pinching my fingers close). Thank you for taking us along.

[@terraranch1459]

Your boys are so sweet and adorable. Such a pleasure to watch. Hugs❤

[@apiecemaker1163]

When you were in Leeds, you were about ten minutes from my house. Buckees and Basspro, great places to take the boys. So great to have this time with them. Memories are the best souvenir!

[@barbarahasenauer2630]

The sandwiches from there are phenomenal.

[@letsstartahomestead]

This video makes me smile and cry so much 🤣 I just had my 3rd boy and I just saw my future with you walking outside of bass pro with those boys 🥹🥹🩷

[@RootsandRefugeFarm]

Congratulations ❤️❤️ it’s a sweet job to be sure

[@gailmcdonald1946]

Im EXCITED, its Jess ❤❤❤❤

[@thiskrazyfarmlife729]

Where the red fern grows was the first movie I ever saw in the movie theatre. We would spend a week with my grandparents every summer and it was grandma who took us to the movie. I have watched this movie a hundred times since then and shared it with my 3 boys through the years. Still to this day I can’t watch it without tears falling. Glad you had a safe trip.

[@anitahouse3600]

Yes, Buccee's in Leeds!!!! That is the half way point between home (North of Atlanta) and Northwest Alabama where mama is. YAY!

[@numberonecomputergee]

We live in the home town of Bucees. There are 3 in our town. We love Bucees.

[@kdeediana]

Thanks for sharing dear Jess! Seeing you teach your boys and being out on the farm as a family gave me a boost I sorely needed today to keep walking toward my dream, when I’m feeling so tired and frustrated. Just one step at a time, and try not to forget to enjoy the moments along the path ❤

[@jeanetteboruszewski1496]

I loved seeing that Nana's going to do a painting class with the boys. My grandmother Eva passed when I was 12 years old and when I was 55 and fighting ovarian cancer I watched a You tube video by the Art Sherpa and went brought paints, when I showed my first art to my mother she told my grandmother was a painter. Sadly no one has any of art.

[@graskeygirls3850]

Love me a good road trip. Did 21hours to destin in October from Wisconsin. Love the boots and mullets❤❤❤

[@michellesmith4508]

You could look up German potato fennel casserole. I made an “Italian” potato soup by adding fennel in while sautéing onions and using spicy Italian sausage it was delicious!

[@asiajo1010]

I just rewatched the original movie the other week.. love where the red fern grows

[@jurassicgardener3136]

Thank you for agreeing about Texas

[@RaiderMom2008]

A very refreshing video! Oh the wonderful things your boys will be learning to give them a full, well-rounded, interesting life and a great perspective on life! Excited for all of you! ~~Lisa

[@vanicee5142]

I love to drive. I've driven by myself from Utah to North Carolina a few times usually in 2, 14 to 15 hr days. Beautiful country to see. I've gone enough to take all major freeways. North route is I80, middle is I70 and southern route is I40.

[@SisterPreacher]

Beautiful artwork! What a great legacy to be able to teach and learn from the great grandparents.

[@lucycollins5188]

Oh my!! Nana is a treasure. How wonderful for the opportunity to come back for an extended time together with her!

[@BradfordHomestead]

If you come back through well, you already did. I was gonna tell you bass pro shop has an amazing outback trail that you can ride down- the boys would love it!!!❤🤟

[@Shibalvr]

I have been to many Bass Pro shops in my life but that one takes the cake as they used to say! 😅😅

[@YourGreenLady]

omg Nanas work is truly incredible ... so talented ... and your son was the cutest ... "At least 3 weeks so I can learn everything " 😍.... My children are homeschooled as well I find this makes them... yes weird like ppl say but its more in the way they express themselves and how they connect with other adults 🫶🏽

[@marking-time-gardens]

Blessings on your 2025 adventures!🌻🐛🌿💚🙏💕👵

[@stephaniehanuman-dale6279]

Fennel salad is good 😊 Slice fennel bulb with either apple or orange segments on top of spinach or arugula and dress with your favorite vinaigrette Or roasted fennel and onion is good with chicken or pork chops A vole ate my fennel this year so I’m a bit jealous 😢😂

[@carolmayer9789]

😂 Jess, I've been saying that same thing for decades! "It's been real. It's been fun. It's been real fun!" ❤

[@abundantlifehomestead3100]

Buc-ee's is the best place to stop on any road trip. We don't have any around here but find all over when visiting family in TX. The best memories with the kids are made on these road trips. My boys will forever talk about every trip they've made from IN to TX and back.

[@erikas974]

Jess how could you drive 12 hours in one go beyond me. My limit is about 6. 👏👏👏 Grandma paintings are stunning. I love especially the wolf and the Sunflower paintings. 🫶

[@SageandStoneHomestead]

Fennel Apple Slaw!! SO GOOD

[@MarshaShelley-t3n]

I agree with whoever said they didnt get tobtravel anymore and would like to see your travel videos!! I really enjoyed your videos when you and your daughter drove across the country!! Being disabled for the last 12 years I dont get to travel anymore so love seeing places I never get to see in person!!❤❤

[@allwedohomestead800]

You passed near our home. We love Buckees and Bass Pro Shop! Buckees is very overwhelming though!

[@patriotmama]

It is a little 'silly", but hubby and I travel all over the states and we love stopping at Bus-ees! Yes, it started in TX by two guys that went to Texas A & M. They wanted to do something really big and thus Buc-ee's was born. They have great food, great service, and you can get a lot of stuff there. They even sell beautiful pottery and clothing if you are so inclined. Great video. Love seeing your travels too.

[@notdiyheather]

I love listening to how you mother your children. I miss that stage. What a treasure Nana is! My great aunt had a room like that but the walls were filled with her embroidery. What a treasure to learn from the older generations. ❤

[@goodkarmaw9625]

My goodness her art is fabulous....thank you for sharing that footage, it reminded me of my grandmother who was an artist ❤

[@Gardenofglory-l6v]

HAPPY NEW YEAR 🎆🎊🎈 god bless everyone ❤❤

[@theteapotgardenboutique7481]

Love it!! Some of my best memories are driving with the kiddos to Tx and OH from Fl /GA

[@lisabayliss7872]

Jess I have only ever travelled once and that was from the UK to Miami and up to Florida as a 14yr young child. People call me the hobbit because I am small, and I live in Devon in the UK which is the shire to me (Devonshire) 😊 I would love to travel but my pocket doesn't allow me too, so when you share your adventures I can imagine going to these places too. Like when you shared the Grand Canon and your drive up through, and you had happy tears of love and appreciation for it all, I was crying happy tears too because I got to see it through the screen and felt it because you did such a great job showing it to us ❤ my money has always been on living as cleanly as possible and growing a garden along side raising our boys. I dream of coming to the States again but more in the areas you have shown us and I'd love to go to Arizona too. So many places to experience, yet I stay in the shire. It is beautiful here and I'm right on the boundary of Dartmoor National Park and not far from Cornwall, so I have inland wildness around me and only 30 minutes drive to the coast. I am so blessed and lucky to be here, but my heart longs for more and has done all of my life. Even if I could go to one more place, it'd mean the world to me, so please keep sharing, you look like you're blessed to live in a beautiful place too. I'm glad your travels went well, and saying you sat with Grandma crocheting and drinking copious amounts of tea is a very English thing to do (if you live the life we do ❤), family and friends are the best. Blessings to you all 🫶🙏

[@sandyjenkins3077]

I read Where the Red Fern Grows to my kids years ago. I will always treasure those memories of books we read together. But, we had to listen to the last portion of the book on tape because I kept crying during the sad parts.

[@rayyoung7780]

When our son was young and we would travel long distances we would pack sandwiches for lunch for us and we would find a small town park and stop for lunch and we would eat and let him run. Then we would get back in the car and feed him as we traveled. It gave him a chance to expend some energy and he has less restless in the car and more likely to nap. It was a system that worked well for us and kept everyone happy. 😀

[@ginachambers5094]

Great book! We read it homeschooling several years ago.

[@jeffkey3158]

Y’all are seriously such great parents!! Parenting isn’t easy, but y’all always make it look so easy, good job guys!✨🤗✨🌟

[@whitwhit5402]

Girl I feel your son, Bucky's gives me so much anxiety and is overwhelming. My husband will sit there munching on a 10lb brisket sandwich calm as a cucumber and I'm about two seconds from throwing my corn nuggets down and running out. Lol

[@howthetidefalls]

Hey Jess! I'd love you see what you're doing to compost this winter! With all this poor soil from the store, I'm thinking its time to start making my own compost and I'd love to learn what you're doing.

[@rachelscrazyfarm3969]

Really wish you were coming to the Homesteaders of America in VA this year. 😢. I wish I could Home School my youngest...but she needs more than just mama right now. 😂 maybe another year or so.

[@deewinston5651]

Thank you Jess. What a fun trip with your boys. Since we live in Houston, whenever we go on a road trip, Buc-ee’s is always on the list to stop at. I remember the first time I ever went into the store. I had to stop and take it all in. They really have the cleanest rest rooms too. Y’all’s Nana is so talented. What a gift. Prayers for all who will be affected by this winter storm. ❤️✝️🙏

[@karensloan272]

You absolutely need to read "Summer of the Monkeys". I believe it is Wilson Rawls best writing. Two of my children were the main characters for a school book report where they dressed up as their favorite character and my copy has been all the way to Minnesota from Missouri and read by both my mother in law and father in law who sent it with friends back to Minnesota and they mailed it back. I have read it more times than I can count. My husband used to complain about me both laughing and crying in bed while reading it. 8)

[@peggiemarkiewicz-knodel7423]

I love Summer of the Monkeys too. Teachers read it to us after recess. Had my kids read it too. Kildee House is good too!

[@karensloan272]

@@peggiemarkiewicz-knodel7423 I haven't read Kildee House. I will check it out. Thanks! 8)

[@paperchaser9565]

Happy to hear 👂🏻

[@cheryllesesne145]

I sense a calmness about you since the downsizing and homeschooling decision. Less stress and more rest agrees with you!

[@kristinthornton2690]

Missed you! I sure am so impressed with your decision to home school. Those boys are so amazing.

[@arianalederhos6520]

Your fennel should be fine. Mine is under snow and has survived mid 20’s temps. We’ll see if it survives down to the teens we are getting by next week in Idaho.

[@julliefillippi8155]

Taking 3 boys to a Bass Pro Shop. You surprised you made the trip in a day.

[@Theclancyfamilyhomestead]

We got 3.5’ of snow over 3 days this past week! Your weather looks wonderful!