We Don’t Want To Ruin It

[@Rule1336]

She's 3 and she's scraping steer hide! Buggie is MOS DEF a country girl.👏

[@kimdawson7725]

I do hope buggy gets a little sister to nurture and play with ❤😊xxx

[@christinabradley4590]

She is soo adorable n smart....❤

[@charlotteforrester3118]

Buggy is such a little angel! Always helping mama or daddy! Such fond memories y’all are making with your children. Need more parents to spend time with their children. The world would be a better place. ❤❤❤❤❤

[@thestead2464]

I feel like Buggy summed it up pretty well @16:27 she said “it’s gonna be amazing!” I think so Buggy!! She’s so cute.

[@msgypsyqueen]

1. I never knew what ‘scrapple’ was... HELLO - DELISH!! 😳😍😍 .. 2. Mom and Dad, give those Kids some ACCOLADES!! Seriously, shout out to them, they work so hard! ❤️🎉. .. and 3. That cow was HUGE!! 😳🐄.. that will be a beautiful part of your homestead - well done ❤️

[@shirleyhall1924]

When I heard you say "venison" as a scrapple meat, I lit up. So I tried it. I drug two deer shoulders out of the freezer, cut the meat off and canned it, boiled the bones to get off extra meat, ended up with some great broth and 3 cups of venison. I followed your instructions and ratios of broth, and cornmeal. I fried some up this morning, and I'll have it was fabulous!! Thank you so much for that instruction.

[@sarahwright9436]

So I’ve noticed a growing belly on Meg, she’s so petite it’s hard not to miss, but I can’t believe I missed the announcement if you had one. Congratulations!!!! I’m so happy for you!!! Love you guys!!!

[@susiessoapstuff1459]

Ben needs to make some of those paddles for sale. Just saying. Everyone needs a nice long paddle for cooking.

[@sweetcandubandu]

I agree!

[@tamijohnston8401]

Yes please

[@deecooper1567]

I would by one of those paddles to use when canning in my big pot 😊👵🏻👩‍🌾❣️

[@katinagehling6051]

I love that Biggie is lead I outside with dad and inside with mom... She will be able to survive

[@kimrafferty7170]

Such a beautiful family, I remember in one of your videos that you couldn't believe people actually wanted to watch your videos because you thought you led boring lives, people watch your videos because of you as a family, you all work together for your family and even little Buggy gets stuck into whatever job has to be done you are all delight to see and so many people yearn to have a family like yours. Buggy saying goodbye at the end of the videos is just so precious and leaves me with a smile on face and a warm heart. Thank you Ben, Meg, Jack, Tyler, Brett, Corbyn and little Buggy. Sending you all much love xxxxxxxx

[@erikas974]

When I was young and lived back in Hungary we had a reasonable big family getting together. Loved those times when we did things together. Sadly I never had a joy to have my own family so I only wish I can have some friends and they "adopt me" into they family so I can feel happy again. I hope your kids never ever go too far away when they start they own adult life so you still can work together. Love ya to bits 🫂 thank you for sharing and let me be part of a family. ❤

[@EKsunny-d3u]

Where's the button for a double Thumbs Up? One for you all, and one for Buggy. Enjoy!

[@christinej2358]

Ben, you and Meg do so much in a day it’s amazing. I love how the boys and Buggy just jump right in to help when y’all need them too. I’m sure they have days, just like y’all do that they really don’t want to do anything. But y’all have taught them no matter if they want to or not these things need to be done. They have learned great work ethics. Buggy is so cute giving her daddy a sweet kiss on his cheek and giving us her beautiful smile.

[@pamelariley8983]

Ben and Meg and family , we enjoy your videos so much !! You are the epitome of a self sustaining American family .... I love the way Meg looks at you .. Ben, and I love the way Ben smiles and looks at you, Meg .. It is clear there is love and adoration between you two ! When is Baby number 6 due ? I would love to crochet a blanket for the wee one !!!

[@TheHollarHomestead]

May ❤️

[@paulahughes6031]

How thoughtful & kind. The whole family are awesome 👍👍👍

[@joanneganon7157]

Hey Hollers, I just listened to Donnie Law interview a 92year old Appalachian. He was saying he can have anything he wants now but it can't replace Mommas cookin❤. Growing upa with 9 of us ,there was only 1 time that I remember that my Mum made something yuck🫣. Unfortunately it was our lowest point of survival . She was trying to to feed us a hot meal ,the pasta poofed up and the greenbeans floated,it was really bad. She started to cry, that was the last time we ever said a word about what she put in front of us😳. We all got babysitting jobs or newspaper routes to pitch in with milk and bread . I never had another bad meal thanks to mums cookin❤. Oh yeah it looks great guys and girl🎉. Do you smoke it after you treat it? Thanks for showing us how to use every bit of food to feed your family Meg❤. JO JO IN VT 💞

[@perijetton9275]

I love Mr. Donnie! Today’s video was wonderful.

[@TheHollarHomestead]

We’re still debating if we want to smoke it or not 🤔

[@toddhickman6244]

Daddy and Buggy, looking at the future... How cute.

[@celestejohnson9227]

I’m lucky enough to live in a community where I can drive to the farmer and get 50lbs of potatoes for $15. It’s great to have those in storage.

[@carolynrandle5454]

I love it that you spend alot of time with your kids.people don't do thattoday.

[@TobyCatVA]

Tyler's sly grin was fun, Buggy's byes are precious, but my favorite shot this time was Ben and Meg just being happy over lunch.

[@marshasmith6320]

They say an animal has enough brains to tan its own hide. I like watching Tom Oar on Mountain Men tan hides. You’re doing a great job. Good helpers too 😊

[@juststeph6940]

I was coming to saw this exact same thing.

[@Gardendreamsforme]

@@juststeph6940lol, me too!

[@oxenrat]

I'd been told 'Every animal has enough brains to preserve its hide.' Think my dad was pertaining to the animals that get away and survive while hunting, as well as tanning hides of the ones he caught.

[@deecooper1567]

Yep, made me think of Tom on Mnt Men also. He did use the brains on his hide tanning. Great show!!

[@colleenallen3382]

So heartwarming to see the whole family, working on scraping the leather hide, even Buggy was working so hard.😊❤

[@davidmitchell1304]

I have four boys and then four girls. I often wonder how dead life would have been if i had stopped after four boys. My girls continuously come in and hug me. You're the best Dad ever.

[@nancyscott-smith636]

Fifty years ago a friend and I tanned the hides of two raccoons her father killed. We then made hats out of the hides and it was a very fun and educational project. I don't know whatever happened to those hats but I wish I still had mine.

[@carolwhisenhunt7504]

Buggy, you are the cutest little girl ! Your mom and dad so blessed to have you. You're blessed to have them too! Great family and all those brothers are great too!

[@Mary-go8xc]

Buggy is such a adventurous soul. She is so intelligent and eager always willing to do what you and your wife are doing. This young lady will be a skilled confident woman in the future. All your boys are ambitious and secure in their skills and will be good providers for their future families. You two made the right decision to leave CA behind to put God and family first. Best wishes from San Antonio, Texas.

[@mimiohnine]

My dad used to make mush. I’m pretty sure this is mush with meat. He would make it, very similar to yours and put it in a coffee can (back when coffee cans were metal) and bake it on low for a bit. I was a kid, no idea on time or temperature of oven. Then he would slide it out of the can and slice it and fry it. Topped with maple syrup. Mr Hollar, you do a fine job of showing love and respect for your children but especially makes my heart happy watching you with Buggy. She is learning so many good things from both mom and dad. Big brothers, too. I’m looking forward to the rooms you’re adding and the sweet baby to fill your arms this spring. My May baby was the sweetest baby so I pray God blessings the Hollars with a healthy new soul. I seriously enjoy your videos every time you post. ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹

[@loriy7532]

Hey there , I am so happy to hear that you are not going to use chemicals to fix up your cow hide , they are so dangerous to your well being Ben , you need to stick around for your wonderful family.. I wish you great success with your cow hide..

[@jim_ward]

I am glad you are leaving the hair on the hide. I am excited to see how it turns out.

[@conniequinlan7958]

Wicked Cool!! Love it ...29 minutes and 28 seconds of pure homesteading!!

[@patriciakoester1580]

Buggy is so very precious- the entire HOLLAR Family is so Precious !!! Much Love, Patricia & Daniel

[@kellyschlosser]

I get so excited when I see a new video from your family. You are my favourite family to watch and learn from. Thank you for sharing your loves with us ❤

[@mariezafonte6473]

Love Buggie's hugs and kisses for Daddy.

[@alisablalock7716]

It makes my heart happy watching the two of you sitting at the table and your interactions with each other. You guys have a wonderful relationship. It’s really sweet to watch.

[@TerrieAllred2023]

Hey guys! The hide is looking great! Meg, a tip on the scrapple pot that my brother taught me years ago. Soak the pot in cold water, not hot. The cornmeal will come right off. :) Great for the grits pot too.

[@TheHollarHomestead]

Good to know!

[@TerrieAllred2023]

:)@@TheHollarHomestead

[@dixierobinson2606]

Yes. With eggs, grains and such, it is better to soak in cold water before cleaning.

[@danielfawcett5107]

Anything starchy, even potatoes.

[@patriciahusk3428]

This was a great video y’all😘! There’s nothing like a Hollar Project with everyone pitching in to help💜! Little Buggy is a very good helper and she has the ability to stay on task! It sure helps to have teenage sons who always lend a hand! Meg amazes me at the amount of food she processes on a daily basis!💜💜

[@ritasnider2998]

Your children are so great, we love watching all of you. God’s blessings.

[@amydelp3082]

I just love watching you guys working together

[@cheekysaver]

Meg, are you going to meal prep for after the baby? I keep thinking it would be so cool if you got your boys (and Ben) to do one night a week meals you teach them. It would help you and help them with a life skill beyone how to make ramen. It could be so much fun because you could teach them to make the age appropriate favorites they love.

[@indianacryptid6020]

Mini Me...gotta love her, she has her heart into it

[@gigglebug1]

I love y'all and feel so very blessed when I witness your family praying together before your meals.

[@kathyw1710]

Great video please show us all that you’re going to do with that cowhide. Thank you.

[@GinchyGirlCreatesAndGardens]

So.. im a driver, and I like to skip watching videos until i see about 8 new videos, then i put my phone on the mount in my truck and play yall through the blue tooth 😁 non stop ☺️

[@tinafortin8958]

Helloooo from 🇨🇦 near Sudbury Ontario 😊 My Husband and I tanned a hide from one of my In-laws cows on their farm... it was hard work but well worth it... she was Beautiful, red on the back and red spots on sides into the Fluffy white. We took apart an old rocking chair and made the seat and back out of the hide and gave it to my Father-in-law, he Loved it❤ Wonderful to watch you all making memories together 👍🏻 🙏😇🕊️❤️

[@ShalomShalom-d5c]

Good Simple Living started out as a channel that slaughtered & tanned rabbit hides. That was wen they lived in WA State. She used chemicals. She made lots of blankets & things out of the rabbit furs. Cant wait to watch this big cow hide become a rug!

[@reginatheriot7717]

Yes all her rabbit videos were demonetized then removed.

[@janw491]

Now you are using as much of the steer as you can. Another new skill always gives you a great sense of achievement. A saying is that every animal has been given enough brains to save its hide! Can be taken two ways ! If you have some spare bits you can experiment on tanning techniques

[@jerrybrady9103]

When you finish with your rug, it will be priceless. Hope Buggy gets a little sister just like her?😊

[@flyingpigpreserve8562]

Can't wait to see the Rug complete. Meg you just keep on going even though you pregnant. I love it. Can't wait to meet the newest addition. You make Beautiful Children. Peace from WV

[@sandrajones7896]

Your kids are learning so many survival skills. Even Buggie. What a wonderful way of life you are teaching them.

[@debbieorazi2518]

Growing up in an Italian household, we made polenta a lot and it was always the kids job to stir the molten lava cornmeal mixture. I wish we had elbow length oven gloves, I still have burn scars from that stuff. I need to try to make scrapple, that looks really good.

[@brianwhite9555]

At time 6:52 I thought, "Why not try a wire wheel?" You could gauge pressure needed to just take off the layer you want and not dig down into the material you want to preserve for tanning.

[@NanaJan]

POTACOS is what we called them when we had kids at home, delicious! You all are doing amazing! Happy that you escaped this crazy CA world. We'd go if not for kids/grandkids but would REALLY miss Chipotle, In N Out, Smart & Final! Blessings Jan

[@apostlepaulvining5688]

Meg as a longtime chef in time’s when the entrée was too salty, I would take a raw potato and slice it widthwise to make medallions out of them about a half inch thick, throwing two or three or more of those into the salty stews, soup or whatever I was cooking, returning to heat till salt content drops. Rev. Paul

[@pamray1906]

So sweet watching Buggy help Ben on the hide❤❤❤

[@jenniewolford1631]

you got this! the Indians did not have chemicals!! Waiting for the finale

[@sc0ttishlass]

The backside of a fur is usually this suede fluffy side so it looks about right, right?! Yay to Buggy!!!

[@terryhelms9066]

Welcome Back The Hollars Homestead welcome back

[@greenbankreptiles]

Both my grandfather's tanned hides.. I've got 2 Jaycob sheep hides that were brain tanned 40+ years.. if you can use the brain, you'll get the best results and soft finish.. every animal has enough brain and sinuses to tan and sow up its hide.. always found that fascinating.

[@hutchlinda9]

Meg, you're suppose to put liver in scrapple. You are a wizard in the kitchen.

[@lindenhardy9021]

In South Africa, we love Nguni hides. They make the best mats.

[@deecooper1567]

That’s gonna be a nice rug! Life is never dull if you find new things to do 💖👵🏻👩‍🌾❣️

[@lauragraefser6395]

I’m so hyped for construction! When does the home remodel start?

[@debrariggins6440]

Love the cookbook, you are very good at details that make the recipes simple to understand. Love watching your cooking videos. Cooking from scratch has become a lost form of artwork and creativity along with a labor of love. You are an amazing family filling this old grandma's heart with every video. Thank you for sharing your family with us.

[@lindamiga2459]

Wonderful to watch as always. I loved the back and forth between the canning and the cowhide.

[@sharoncochran8508]

I wish I could like this video a hundred times. Buggie is so precious. At three years old, she might not have clear conscious memories of this day but you are building a foundation of good feelings of love and confidence that will last a lifetime. I love your family!

[@shadegarden7375]

Go Buggy!! She is helping wonderfully!!

[@sarahburke1576]

It is so nice to see Meg more on the videos! And buggy is such a cutie. I enjoy her byes at the end!😊

[@triciar6903]

Can’t wait to see the final product, looking good so far.

[@homegrownbyhillary]

We like to make taco tater skins. We boil big potatoes until tender then carefully scoop out the insides (and save for another meal). Brushed the skins with oil mixed with taco seasonings and roasted them until crispy, then loaded full of taco goodness. Haven't made them in years and I think we're past due!

[@Sandi_W]

From someone living near Pennsylvania Dutch you need to try scrapple ice cream sandwiches. Just think fried salty goodness and sweet homemade ice cream. Get your salty sweet craving on! Your welcome.💜 Keep up the great work. Enjoying catching up on all the videos.

[@lesadonnelly2231]

My son and I moved from California to Missouri about 6 mos. ago and a neighbor asked yesterday what do we miss about CA and we could only tell them Smart and Final!

[@heavenboundhomestead126]

When you and the boys start stretching it , you will have fun. It starts changing into a soft leather. Don't worry about the grease, you can add Degreaser in the tanning solution if need be. Have fun with it,, remember the Cherokees left them out is the head was being worked on. Until it was time to smoke it. Smoking it made it waterproof.. blessings to you and the family

[@janicecorum4293]

It's always good to see children working with their parent's and vice versa🤗. I love scrapple but have never made it! Maybe I'll try it this year! The hide is starting to look good. The hide looks totally different from the beginning of the video...I'm sure you will end up with a great rug!! Taco tatters🤔 This is another first that I'm gonna try😊. Have a Blessed weekend🤗 stay warm...we're headed for single digits at night up here on the mountain in Sparta, NC!

[@DebraCarey-h5t]

Thanks for documenting the hide project. I am really interested and enjoying watching..

[@Wildevis]

Remember a usual leather skin has a rough/shammy side so it will be fuzzy but you are doing a fantastic job!

[@jillcaponi8995]

Buggy is just the cutest little girl. I’m an old lady now and seeing her hug and kiss her daddy made me cry, it’s just so precious ❤

[@KyHillbilly2010]

Tom Oar from the Mountain Men show is the best he does everything the old way.

[@trudyschaaf9917]

OMGoodness! I love watching all of your videos! And I have seen them all! So far my faves are the cooking(such a great job Meg) and everything else! Your parents and grandma have to be so proud . You all do such great job. I am 66 years old and my daughter lives with me now since my husband died a little over 2 years ago. Your family gives me so much hope with all of the craziness the past 3 years. So excited for the new baby. Love you all! And that from a proud grandma and great grandma!!! Bless you all!

[@jillyd2807]

You just mentioned in passing that you wrote a cookbook! That should be an announcement, Meg! 😲

[@ericupton4527]

Aug.9 2021 I received my last smooch from my Yara, Seeing Buggy do that at the end of your show, gives me reason to go forward.

[@evalinawarne1337]

GOD BLESS YOU. I prayed for you to peace and strength to continue on in JESUS'S NAME AMEN ❤️🛐

[@shamancarmichael5305]

As the only girl in a family with much older brothers, I totally relate to Buggy just jumping in and trying to hang with the boys! Little sisters want in on the action too! 😁 That's how I learned to garden too, following my Dad around outside, planting seeds and playing in the dirt. My best childhood memories! 🤗

[@mrrs8118]

My grandpa used to tan hides to use as the seat of straight-back chairs.

[@SandraNelson063]

Meg, have you ever tried to make old fashioned pemmican? Sounds like it's made like your scrapple. Only, it's dried shredded Buffalo meat, lots of dried berries and lots of fat. Cook it all together, let it harden, cut it into squares. Package up in hide packages. Lasts all winter. For a nutritious meal, put a couple of pemmican squares into a pot of hot water. Pemmican soup!

[@mitzideluca6427]

Thank you for going through the process of making scrapple slowly so that we could learn how to make it. I really like scrapple. I do not have room where I live to raise pigs and the Amish in my area sell pork for an astounding amount of money, very expensive. I usually stock up on boston butts when the are 99 cents/pound and do different things with that meat. And I use everything. The hard fat I have quite a bit of and in freezer for when we kill deer, to cut some of it in with the deer meat for ground. There's always little tid bits of meat when I cook down a bone to make bone broth. I was going it to my Chessies, but I think I will pack away in freezer until I have enough to make scrapple.

[@jacquelinewells7575]

Buggy is so cute. She’s always right in there with dad doing or helping with whatever it is he’s doing. She’s like, “these boys ain’t got nothing on me”. As usual Meg’s in her usual place, the almighty kitchen, doing her best as she does.

[@SheJay_1]

I moved to Idaho and we don't have smart&final. I am still missing them after 22 years!! New subscriber. Found you from Becky Acre Homestead.

[@mlm7598]

I am excited to see you work that hide into a rug. We used to live on Taco Potatoes as well. When our children were little and we in youth of our 57 years of marriage. Potatoes, bread, milk, a pot roast and lots of hamburger and a chicken now and again. My list was pretty much the same each month and I took a calculator with me and added things up as I went so I would know I had enough to cover my groceries at the checkout. We were in the military for 22.5 years and things were lean to be sure. We never went hungry but I always marveled at some of our civilian counterparts could have on their tables. Life progressed and I tossed the calculator after we retired and started on our second career which lasted 23 years. We still love taco potatoes and still often serve that. All the children grew up, married and now are serving our grandchildren taco potatoes......LOL The circle of life...LOL or so you might say! :-) Thanks for the memories. Blessings!

[@kathynelson30]

Meg, you are one amazing woman!!! And your young girls got it happening! Your all fantastic!!!!!!!!!!! Love the sharing

[@heidiclarke2333]

Good to see baked potatoes cooked properly, so many people say baked but cook them in the pressure cooker or slow cooker I'm like NO they are just cooked potatoes, baked needs a good crispy skin , i bet those were extra yummy rubbed with the tallow. We love them with baked beans and cheese. ( baked beans in uk are in tomato sauce).

[@venesha71]

Very interesting learning and seeing the hide process!Meg you are great at explaining everything you do in an understandable way.Proverbs 31 sister!

[@upnorthhomestead6822]

Never despise meager beginnings. My family has those fond memories as well. Good times ❤

[@annied8161]

I miss and loved Smart & Final. Lived in San Diego for several years and moved back east.

[@cwbrownCaroline]

I love watching you working with, and teaching your children skills. It reminds me of my childhood, our parents always had time and patience to teach us things. Love and blessings to all of you.❤

[@BumblebeeAdventure]

🐝 Thanks for the great video 🌻

[@theIAMofME]

I just LOVE y'all! And that sweet little Buggy. I say that's daddy's mini me little girl. LOL

[@gladysrichard6088]

Next one will go faster as you practice. Thank you for the inspiration.

[@merin9978]

A hide rug?! 😍 Goodness this is my dream!

[@amandarasmussenmann1096]

The us chef store is similar, I got 50 pounds for $21 a month or two ago! They have some decent deals! Some stuff is still cheaper at Costco but it's right across the street so no biggie!

[@dianadriverasbury9130]

Your life is so satisfying for me. I know it's hard and you make it look easy, but it is worth it. Such a lovely family. 😊😊

[@domesti-city]

For those of you who hate wrangling that parchment paper, to make it behave I always splash a bit of water on mine and wad it up, then open it up and place in the pan. And if you have trouble with clumping of your cornmeal when you put it in hot liquid, I usually mix a bit of cold water into my dry cornmeal first which seems to keep the meal separate when it hits the hot liquid. So many years since I've had scrapple!

[@gracewashburn8276]

Ben, I found using a hand sander on the shoulders and chest area. That’s heavier with the extra tendon material it on the skin, medium coarse, sanding, paper or sanding disc and lightly not heavy into the skin but a light hand over the areas until it softens up enough that it removes a lot of it, I’ve done several deerskins that way. The only part I can’t do on the skin is the hair it I just haven’t got that far yet I usually send them out after I worked them and get❤❤

[@heatherk8931]

😊❤ Another fantastic video. Thank you both for a wonderfully informative video. Both learning about that HUGE hide (shows how big he truly was) and i hope you show how you use eggs to tan😮. Meg, when i get a spare $10, definitely going to get your cookbook. Maybe someday you'll make a baking one as well. I know you would sell out!! And those beautiful jars out of the canner! My heart sings when y'all post. The taco potatoes sound super. I ❤ baked potatoes so this sounds really good🎉