I have five kids and a working homestead with chickens, turkeys, dairy and beef cows, and an 1100 sq ft garden. My oldest and biggest help is 20 and is moving out in a month. I’m back to figuring out how to do it all on the homestead with four kids under 13 (although my 13 year old is autistic and also needs a lot of emotional support). It means pulling up my bootstraps and doing a lot of the heavy lifting myself again...and I’m already looking forward to cool weather and the [much less demanding] homeschool season! HalleluYah!
I'm a mom of three adult children 28, 27, and 25. There were years I thought I wouldn't survive. Now I miss those days of children at home. All of life is truly about grace and compassion. We are so much harder on ourselves especially us females. We compare way too much and see ourselves as failures when we can't meet the too high standards. This video is a blessing and reminds us that NOBODY has it all together all the time. Seasons of life are different for everyone and learning to be flexible while navigating those seasons is the best way to make it. Thank you for reminding us that no matter what season of life we are in we need to take the time to enjoy it. Once its gone it gone. 💚💚
I relate and agree with all you say! Retired homeschool mom of 3 sons who are now 36,35,32. All are married and doing well. The things I worried about so much were so unnecessary! So much fun to enjoy grandchildren 💕
I’m a mom of three as well. Two boys and a girl in the middle. 32 ,30, 29. I miss them all being home as well. Sometimes I have no idea how I did it with three all in a row so close together because when I babysit just one of my two grandchildren, I’m absolutely exhausted 😂 but I sure do miss those days.
You made me tear up just reading this! I miss those days so much!! They were so hard, but so much fun! I was blessed with four children...they are 39, 38, 31 and 29.
1)Have a plan 2) Compartmentalize/Categorize your work 3) Prioritize your tasks 4) Delegate 5) Use evenings wisely 6) Simplify 7) Set realistic goals 8) Limit distractions 9) One task at a time 10) Be flexible. Hope this helps the crazy note takers.
Great list! A few more… 1. Pray for wisdom which includes how to use your time each day 2. Realize when you need a short break (I’m going to sit down for 15 minutes while the soup simmers) 3. Drink water-it’s easy to forget. Keep a glass on the counter and take a drink when you walk by. 4. While doing one task at a time makes sense for some, I actually accomplish more and stay more motivated when I’m doing multi-tasking. Just know what kind of person you are. 5. Some tasks are that elephant. I make a deal with myself-I don’t have to do this all today or even this week, but every time I walk into this room I will do at least one tiny piece of this task. Don’t cheat! 6. I divide a sheet into 4 sections. In the upper left hand part I write those tasks that are the most important, most urgent, or are bugging me by hanging over my head. The other 3 sections can be less and less so such that those items on the lower right are least urgent. Then, each day focus only on the upper left list and from that list see if you can accomplish one item or make headway on it.
When I was a young mom I used to get so burned out. One summer I decided to see what happened if I ONLY focused on homemaking for 3 months. Turns out, I was very good at homemaking... but I realized I couldn't do homemaking perfectly along with homeschooling, homesteading, etc. at the same time. We can't do it all (and I certainly wouldn't want to). I agree with asking for outside help. Hire out what you can afford. Hire a tutor if you need help with homeschooling. Streamline everything you can. Don't try to do it all. Also, sorry for your losses. God Bless
I clean houses, & one of my favorite jobs is helping new moms get through that season. I love love love cleaning and organizing, & there’s others like me that want to help you!! Great video as always Jessica, great advice.
I have started the journey for "Every Bit counts". Today I froze 5 bags of squash. I know I will have 5 batches of muffins from that! This is so inspiring for me.
We're expecting our 5th in December. At the end of the school year in May, I quit teaching and am now a SAHM. I had so many plans for this summer and I've had to scale way back. I was overdoing it and was so sick. I totally understand how having a plan can back fire. My plan/to do list now includes basic things like did I eat breakfast because being able to mark something off makes me feel better.
This was such a timely video! I was just searching yesterday “schedules for busy moms” and found myself thinking, “I wish Jessica had a video”. And here you are! Thank you for always sharing from a genuine place and for the great reminder to find the joy in it all. Blessings to you and your family this week.
Thanks for reminding me that I don't need to do everything perfectly 😊 Although we don't have any children, we do have 22 budgies to care for and I have some health issues which force me to follow a specific diet. In short, I do often feel like I have many tasks that I don't always manage well. But I'm learning that it's ok to sometimes let go of certain tasks and make up for them the next week. For instance, last week I didn't clean all bird cages. I felt guilty for it back then, but this week I was able to clean a lot more and I realized all is ok. The birds are ok and I don't need to stress so much about always getting everything done. Recently I've decided to start feeding our birds in the evening before sunset. I noticed I felt so exhausted when feeding them after getting up (they're rather loud 😋), so I experimented with feeding them in the evening. It's helped a lot! Now I'm able to do much more in the morning 😊
I love that you mentioned our island lives. Communal living was great growing up. I learned so much from grandparents, aunt's and uncles even church family that my parents couldn't teach me for whatever reason. Yes, no one person can do it all on their own.
Homeschooling, homesteading mom of 6, pregnant with #7. I love watching your videos, and you have been a source of positivity for me. Thank you for this video and all the other ones ❤️🙏
I'm a mom of 4 and this is my first year as a stay at home mom and my first large garden and grew our chicken flock and looking at homeschooling my youngest two. This is going to help me so much because I definitely feel overwhelmed at times and feel like I'm letting my family down. I always feel like I'm supposed to do it all and if I can't then I'm just failing but I love the way you break it down. I can't wait to see what else I can learn from you. I feel like your my personal guide to getting to where you are in figuring this all out.
I am a Mom of a 3 year old and a 3 month old. The transition from one child to two has been a little difficult for me and also trying to manage my home. You make some excellent points and I wanted to comment and say thank you! It's nice to know I am not alone and feel like I am doing everything wrong. It is just the season of life I am in and I need to roll with it ❤
This is such great advice, especially keeping things simple & being realistic. It's easy to get overwhelmed if you don't. Also, anyone that criticizes you for making meals that are too "simple" well...shame on them.
I've tried different planners over the years, always thinking I'd figure out a process, but I always give up and end up with an empty planner after a week or two. I just can't do digital. UNTIL I saw your planner video - I ended up buying an Erin Condren planner very similar to yours and absolutely LOVE IT. I use it every day. Your layout was such an inspiration and now I don't know how I'd manage my days without it. I appreciate your content so much, and wish you the best!
You are right about having discernment about using a planner. The past few years, I have been struggling with chronic migraines so having a planner only adds guilt and frustration. Being careful not to play the comparison game and giving myself a lot of grace has been important. There are always things to do in terms of homeschooling and homesteading and I just have to remind myself that the world won't stop spinning if something isn't done today. Thank you for your channel. I really look forward to your videos :)
Hannah, I too struggle with chronic migraines and it's so hard to not beat myself up. I try hard to prioritize and work in small bites rather than huge chunks, always trying to be aware of not filling my migraine trigger basket too full and set myself up for future failure. Just wanted you to know that you aren't alone, and don't be afraid to give your kids responsibility and try hard to not micro manage their efforts. They may do different things or more things than kids whose mom isn't struggling with pain, but that is the path God picked for them and who knows what He is growing in them for their future through what they are learning in these years! They will need the skills they are learning now, so I try hard not to get in the way of gods plan for them. Don't think of it as not being fair to them, but as God using these as training years for valuable future roles. Don't know if that is an issue for you, but it is for me. Hugs!
I needed this video! I’ve been struggling the last couple weeks I’m currently pregnant with our 3rd and have just been extremely tired lately and just feel like on the day to day it’s hard to get things done and it will really bother me and I’ll feel guilty but then there will be 2-3 days where I get a burst of energy and can actually get a lot done. Thank you for this video Jess! Being pregnant in my 30’s is way different than being pregnant in my 20’s 😅.
You are so not alone! I am pregnant with our 3rd, and I'm 36 yrs old. Some days (like today) I'm just exhausted and I start beating myself up. We had a lot of crazy life circumstances happen over the year, and my almost 10 yr old is way behind in our homeschool curriculum. We're doing some throughout the summer to catch up, and I struggle to get the house chores and other tasks done, while also helping him with his school. It truly is impossible to do it all, 100%. It's sad that we logically know this fact, but still beat ourselves up. Hang in there mama.
Thank you. I needed to hear this. I’m in a different season. At 53 I’m an empty nester. I can no longer do all that I did back then and I feel like I should be able to. After losing my mom five years ago, I lost my little brother March 2021 to brain cancer, then six months later, I lost my dad. I understand your grieving and I’m so sorry for your loss. All of a sudden I just want to enjoy every moment and not worry about not being able to do as much. It will get done and I’ll make it fun trying.
Wonderful video. I hope some young mothers can appreciate what you are saying. As a mother of 5 (now adult) kids, I tried, but could never do it all. In the long run I know I failed my kids in many ways, and wish I would have prioritized a lot differently! Now I know better, and keep that in mind with each phone call, visit, or grandkid stay over. :)
This has been a great reminder! I’m an empty nester and it seems like I’m getting nothing done. No matter how many hats we wear, or how few, it’s important to focus, prioritize and be organized
I loved the juggling analogy... I need to figure out which balls will bounce. I don't have kids at home but I do have a homestead where I do everything myself with little to no mechanization. I provide supplemental food and resources for my children's families and I regularly struggle to get things done. I'm going to make a list and then prioritize it. Thanks for these tips, I'll be watching this video several times.
You are truly a rock star Jessica. I am retired, with a hubby and no kids. But we live a busy life on seven acres in the bush. I fine myself making a list of to do jobs for me all the time. I always have. People accuse me of never stop working but I do. I fine, like you sat….stay organized, stay focused and follow your list and you can get lots accomplished. As we get older, we can still get lots done but now we take more breaks in between, but we still managed to get 8 cords,of wood in for the winter, manage a garden, take care of my bees and yard work. Great advice girl. Hugs 🇨🇦💕
Thank you for this advice! I'm currently pregnant with my 3rd in 3 years and some days it is a struggle to do anything. I have a homestead and have also had to divert a ton of energy towards reviving a very sick calf lately. So it's comforting to see your calm, confident demeanor in the midst of very similar struggles.
These tips are useful whether a large family or just one. Great tips ! The fact that you are asked ‘how you do it?’ Is a complement because you make it look easy. Staying true to yourself is a tool we all need and often stray from. Your help gives us all hope. Thank you.
So sorry for your losses! Thank you for making this video. I just told my husband the other day, that I feel like my new life as a full time mom, teacher, homemaker, wife etc. is like a big puzzle I can’t seem to solve. Your words are so powerful in reminding me that it’s okay not to get it all done every single day. You gave me such great ideas on scheduling and restructuring some areas of my life. Many blessings to you and your wonderful family!
When homeschooling many years ago I read that one hour of one on one tutoring is equal to 5 hours of classroom time. When my daughter took the placement test at 16 for college I prayed I had done enough. Now looking back I stressed too much. She was way ahead of her peers in college and ended up tutoring others. She now has her Masters in nursing. I'm in Northwest Ohio too. When processing my children's transcripts for high school, the most difficult part was finding a standard grading system. Thank you for giving much needed advise. We can't do it all for sure.
I’ve watched your channel for awhile now, and I appreciate how real you are with Mom life. I remember a video you did maybe a year ago, and you spoke about how even the Proverbs 31 woman needed help. I appreciate your honesty and transparency considering there are other UA-camrs that don’t speak about this. They portray that they alone “get it all done” and it’s easy, and that is not truthful. I feel badly for the Moms who think they fall short because they can’t get it all done. Again, thank you for the reminder. Abundant blessings to you and your family. ❤️🙏
What great advice for young mothers!!!! I have older daughters all in their 30's. One having 6 kids at home which I forwarded this great video!!!! Thank you. Gods blessings 🙏. Oh, sorry to hear about the loss of your calves, that's really sad.
“Wear your many hats with joy.” Oh how I love that quote. That is always the goal. Organizing my life with peace as the highest goal has been my prayer and work over many years. When you do that, joy is the hat that sits most comfortably on your head. You’re such a gift. Thank you for sharing your heart and life with us.
Hi Jessica, I am very thankful I found your channel. Thank you for your encouragement and your testimony that you share with us. I appreciate your allowing us to peek into your day to day, and helping us learn! I'm a homeschooling mom to 4 kiddos and a military spouse stationed in Hawaii. Although our dream of homesteading isn't quite possible just yet, we know, Lord willing we will get there in the next few years. In the meantime, I hope to start learning the skills I will need for the future. You've inspired me much, thank you 😊
Recalling my pregnancies it is important to ask for help & share. Forced rest during first trimester for one and third trimester for another. Prioritise your self care. Each day i would wake up ready to go into action but physically unable to do so, and i placed great pressure on myself unnecessarily. Find the support you need. Enjoy every season of your life, particularly when able to help others. Lovely advice with this video for all 💞🕊
Just to add: that at any age, from child to elder, it can be important to lie down flat for a half hour between 5-7pm just to give the kidneys a good rest, have a glass of water and quick nap, avoid tv or screens; likely to restore energy to complete the day ⚘
I am so sorry you and the kids had to go through that and after the loss of their Grandmother. You are so encouraging and positive, thanks for all the wonderful tips.
This is just one of your many videos that are my absolute favorites. This topic speaks to me. When I was a newer mom learning to try to juggle everything and so often failing. I would get frustrated and felt like I wasn't giving my best to any aspect of my life. I am still learning, biggest thing is to learn to delegate outside of our family and making the most of my evenings. I appreciate my husband for not pressuring me and having patience. Learning to have faith and letting go and giving myself grace.
LOVED this video! I’m a new subscriber. I’m also pregnant with my 8th baby, homeschooling, etc. The big difference is I’m living in the middle of a small city in middle America trying to establish an urban homestead. I’m in a season of needing great flexibility. Your video was affirming to all God has been teaching me. Thanks! Nice to “meet” you.
Thank you so much for this video and sharing your wisdom. It’s always so easy to get wrapped up in “perfect productively“ and lose valuable moments in life.
Oh, I'm so sorry. We have stayed up a few times with a bull calves - it's the worst. We stopped caring about anything but it's sweet life. Sigh.... Sending my prayers.
Jessica I think your meals are brilliant! They’re back to basics and nutritionally good for you. All the things I miss from my childhood. You are fantastic!!
Perfect timing! Thank you for this video! I'm actually sitting down right now going through my August homeschool plan and taking out the extras and just keeping math, language and reading. I work full time (3-12s) plus homestead and homeschool. As with you, our garden and fruit trees are flourishing and it seems with the heat and little rain everything is being ready either late or earlier so everything seems to be coming on all at once. We start school July 1st and it has been a struggle this year as our beans, corn, peaches and tomatoes are all ready here at the same time. Usually it is staggered and all doable but everyday I'm having to process multiple things and I'm finding I can't get to bible, science and history so we are pausing on those for August and will pick those back up in Sept or October. Have a blessed week!
I just came across your channel a few days ago. My husband and I purchased an old 40 acre farm a few years ago in rural Ohio. I’m trying to learn all the tricks of the trade. We just butchered meat chickens recently and I’m learning to can. Not to mention homeschooling now. I feel like I’m on information overload. There’s a learning curve to just about everything homesteading. I’ve been on information overload for quite some time but loving every minute of it. God is so sweet to us! I’m also so sorry to hear about your grandma and calves! I hope everyone is doing well. God Bless your family!!
100% ok that you shot your video in your car and especially perfect for your topic. I was feeling very overwhelmed with the homestead work today. Thank you for the tips and motivation. Bless you and your family.
Very practical and much needed encouragement♡ as a seasoned mama,I totally agree! I tell younger moms all the time...you can't do everything well. Decide what is a priority in your home and focus there. Don't compare,keep things simple and cut out what you can.
Thank you for sharing this! I find myself as I am getting older and I have physical challenges that I was getting depressed because I couldn’t complete what I wanted to do and needed to do. I am going to try very hard to apply this information to my life. As always you have a wonderful way of reaching people and giving us great things to think about!!!! God Bless you and your Family 💕
This is so helpful and comforting to me, as a newish mom of very small children (2.5, 1, and I’m 23 weeks pregnant) and hubby is in the military so sometimes I am solo parenting. The tip about looking at your accomplishments by the week or season was an epiphany for me!! Thank you! That is so helpful. ❤️ Also, how real you are is so so comforting.
I am not a mom but work full time and have a summer garden and I find myself so overwhelmed most of the time and so tired from work . So many good tips here Love your channel . God bless you always ..
I'm 64 and recently retired. I wish someone had shared with me years ago the wisdom you just shared in this video. I still struggle with the "I can't do it all" shame monster. Thank you for this lovely reality check.
Super great advice!! I look forward to your weekly video.... It's always down to earth and full of substance. Looking forward to next month's challenge. Thanks for all you do, and your willingness to let us watch!!
You're doing a great job. I agree that you can't do it all and never be afraid to ask for help just do the best you can each day and if you don't accomplish everything it will be there the next day. God's blessings to you. Anxious to see the challenge next week.
I am happy you found some quiet time. Our condolences on your grandma. I miss my grandparents so much. Sorry about the loss of your meat cows. You are a real person with your videos. That is what I like. Wish I could come and visit or come and help. I am busy with my daughter she had a health problem this week and in the middle of moving. So Mom has been helping her!! I love every minute of it. Have a great week friend.
I always seem to forget you post at 9pm Sunday night (my time) so it's always a pleasant surprise. Cannot wait to see your new calves and what you do. I want to get a calf within a year so it's great to learn from you.
I am right there with you getting all of my to-do items down on paper and out of my head. It creates space and I am able to be more present with my kids during the day. Then, when I have a moment, I look at my list and see what I have time to do. One bite at a time! 😍
Thanks for this. It is easy to end the day feeling behind, overwhelmed and exhausted. The part where you talk about spending evenings wisely helps you get out of the cycles of crashing and exhaustion is so true! You are a blessing.
Thank you for sharing your honesty! As a single entrepreneur mom to 5 kids that I homeschool and “try” to grow food LoL I sometimes forget that everyone has struggles. My house always has stuff strewn about and it drives me crazy. I always think ‘what if someone stopped by right now, what would they think???’ My kids are getting older and I know that I need to enlist their help but it’s always been my downfall! I want them to have fun and be kids but I also don’t want them to be incapable, self absorbed, lazy adults 🤦🏽♀️ So note to self: get the kids to help! They live here too!!! And they are perfectly capable of helping!
I found if I don't delegate and set appropriate responsibilities for everyone, later they won't do it. So all my boys can cook (some of the best chef's are men) and the cook never starves the 😂 they can launder & clean; because after all if they were in the army, they couldn't take their mum along to pick up for them. It's made them considerate of other people and appreciative of how much proper organization takes. I'm also confident that now they're grown they can handle it in most situations, with the goal setting strategies for practical everyday life that they learned as they grew. All this takes time, consistency, correction where necessary, and most of all praise for jobs well done: regardless of the significance of the amount of work at first 🙏🙏🏻🙏🏼🙏🏽🙏🏾🙏🏿
Loved all your anologies. I'm now retired and facing a different season of life. Very busy with family and garden. Planning to do the preserving everyday in august. May need to hit up my Amish neighbors vegetable stands haha! Thank you for what you do.
God bless you. Thank you for sharing with us. As a mom of 4 (including special needs twin boys) life can be overwhelming. We just do it. Totally agree, we find what works to keep things going. Lists really are the simplest way to try to keep things in front of us. You really are a blessing. Sometimes you just have to take a breath, pray then move on when you can.
Thank you for giving actual examples from your life. So practical! I listen to a lot of SAHMs and they're so vague in their advice sometimes. So, I thank you.. also for reminding us you are human, not superhero... because a lot of youtubers seem like they have it all together and we're just sitting back failing. You rock girlfriend!
SO MANY nuggets of wisdom here! Thank you so much for sharing. I have three kiddos officially in homeschool now and even though I consider myself a "seasoned" homeschooler at this point, adding my youngest this year threw me for a loop! Attempting three kids on my own was too much, so I've enlisted the help of my math-minded hubby this year. I think he actually enjoys being included and feeling needed in our kids' education. Also, I'm a new subscriber and haven't had the pleasure of participating in your challenges yet. So looking forward to next year as it's going to be a garden-focused year for us!
I’m old enough to be your mom😳, I continually learn so much from you! Yes, you are a blessing to us. I’m deeply sorry for your loss of your grandma and calf’s.🌺❤️🙏🏼
Ecclesiastes 2.10 - My heart took delight in all my labor which is my reward for all my toil. And 3.22 - So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor....... for this is a gift of God. I would add one more tip to your list of how to manage - always look for the benefits, good, joy whenever you find yourself thinking of the problems, difficulties, hurt. It will encourage and balance you with hope.
Jessica, thank you so much for this video, I so needed it!! I am married to a wonderful husband and have one daughter, she will be a senior in high school this year, I also am my dad's primary care taker, and work a full time job. We have had a rough summer, we almost lost my dad, our garden burned up in the heat and drought we are experiencing, some days I feel like it is all I can do to make it through a day. You are so encouraging!! I have used some of your organizing tips, and hopefully will be doing the every bit counts challenge starting on Monday. I love your tip limiting distractions, I am so grateful that I work from home so that I can be here for my dad, but even that is tough. Sometimes I think everyone sees me working from home and think that I have a lot of free time, when the opposite is the case. It has always been hard to set boundaries, but have had to learn to do it. Praying God blesses you and your family!! Again thank you so much for being so real and such an encouragement!!!
I'm not a mom, I don't have a homestead etc etc (yet). But about the distraction point: “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself, just as I am, then I can change.” One day, I started accepting that I really love to spend my time, doing stupid games on my phone. After accepting it in myself, I noticed people around me treat it with shame... People in my life, who also loved certain games, would turn the volume down when I came in the room! I thought that interesting. I began saying to this one friend: Don't do that! Keep it up, I like the melody! Just to attempt to nudge them into discarding their shame. That's when I realised a second thing: I had also lived under the pressure that my shame would put me in. But by being honest with myself, the tension released! (That was such a good feeling!) And you know what else? After a few days, of having enjoyed many hours a day of phone-gaming, I started finding it boring! I still game on my phone. But it's not the hours of my day that get sucked up by it anymore... And again: I still don't have kids or a homestead and so on. I am still just a normal grown up with a job, friends, a household... etc. When I was under tension of shame and hiding, it was like I was bound to it. Once I admitted to myself I actually LIKE it... I was freed up to notice what else I liked. I don't know who needs this. But it was a profound realisation in my life.
Great video! Thank you Jessica. I am in a completely different stage of my life,. My children are grown and to be honest I was pretty good at wearing several hats and keeping it all together. A few years back, everything changed. I was dealing w several family deaths, I was a full time caregiver to my elderly mother and then Covid hit. I lost my job and I started having some health issues of my own. Talk about overwhelmed, and I was that person that froze and my mental and physical health suffered even more. It's been a struggle and I finally see a way through but it's been hard as heck especially as I was in my own way. I couldn't accept that I didn't have it together anymore and I wasted a lot of time and energy wishing I was the person I was before. I'm telling you all this because I want you to know I appreciate your video's so much! There is a calmness and serenity in the way you speak that just resonates with me so much even though our lives are completely different. It really has had an affect on me and I thank you for continuing to use your voice and time making these video's for us. Today's was especially helpful. Wishing you and your family a fantastic week from Ontario, Canada. Big hugs!!
Wife, homeschooling mom of 4, wife/office manager of a self employed general contractor, primary homesteader, primary support for my parents and my inlaws. We had to bring in my mom a few times a week to help with office work, laundry, baby sitting, and some of the homeschooling depending on what the day holds.
I'm sorry for your loss. The Devil is a bugger. He will use anything to throw us off the path God has for us. Stay strong Momma! You and your family are on my prayers.
I needed this video. I know I can’t do it all and even tell my friends, but I still have that nagging thought that I should do better and do more. Thank you for sharing this, the reminder and reinforcing wisdom is greatly appreciated.
I'm so sorry about how difficult life has been with your family. I also have 5 children and homeschool. I only have one child left at home at this time. I have definitely discovered that life is the best teacher and sometimes the book work isn't most important. Bravo for sharing that life isn't perfect. We can only do what we can do. I love your channel. Thanks for letting us follow along.
You are amazing! All these tips are exactly what I needed. We had our fifth baby earlier this year and this is the first time in my life that I’ve felt that without a plan and efficiency in our day to day homeschooling/homesteading life, we will literally not survive… God bless you!
I unfortunately don’t have any kids. I wish I did. But what I do have is over 2 dozen medical conditions. Which is why I don’t have kids. But I am a university student and at the moment I am going off 2 of my main medications and I have been struggling to keep up. So though it wasn’t directly relevant. I really enjoyed this video and it has really helped me. So thank you I really appreciate it. And I’m sorry to hear about your calves. Hopefully the next ones you get don’t get sick.
I've started my every little bit counts already because my produce has been trickling in, but having fun so far. 😃I will be continuing in August since that will be the time that my produce from the garden will be in full force. And hopefully we will be getting our peaches this week from a local grocer. Thanks for your tips!
Just started watching your videos. You do so much and look like an awesome mom and homesteader. Sorry about your grandmom, and congratulations on the coming new baby. God Bless.
Very encouraging video, thank you. I am a mother of 5 (ages 8, 6, 4, 1, and 1 month), we homeschool, I cook from scratch, and we are working our way towards homesteading. Needless to say, managing everything currently looks impossible. These tips are exactly the encouragement I needed to hear!
I really appreciate your honesty in how life really is. I appreciate your message that I listen to this week. I am in a season of my life that I am learning I have to kind of do what you do in August and do the little bit everyday counts. I was bedridden for almost 3 years and then extremely busy with my job for 2 years before that. So my yard which is about a half an acre is extremely behind. But I am learning that I can only do a little bit at a time and that's okay because that little bit at a time has made such a difference. I am a mother of five and I only have one under 18 still in the home but I remember those years when I had many children in my home other than my own as well and you just can't do it all. I know we try but we have to let go what can be let go and do what has to be done that is the most important. Thank you for your encouragement and your understanding and your wise words.
This video was a blessing to be and your pediatric nutritionist telling you about food and every day didn't really matter but over a little period of time it did. My pediatrician telling me that yes Mom it's okay to feed him a peanut butter sandwich or a bologna sandwich or a cheese sandwich for supper occasionally if you can do some vegetables with it great if he's not going to eat them you do fine he is thriving. That was what I needed to hear I was trying to put a square meal that was figured down to the wire on the table each day and it can't happen in real life or usually doesn't put it that way. Head that way and do the best you can. And I loved what you said about the different seasons in life I had one season in my life that I was being a baseball mom working being an internal auditor at work and working overtime had a good babysitter for when I was working and he was going to school but within 6 months of that time everything collapsed and things went to completely baloney. My father-in-law passed away my son needed some psychological help because he said he'd rather go to heaven with Grandpa then go to school I suddenly started homeschooling and quit my job of like 18 years and took care of my son seasons really change and they can kind of change in a blink of an eye I've seen some of your change seasons change in a blink of an eye. God bless you for all you share with us and all the things that you can come up with that may help us in those seasons I wish you would have been older at the time oh gosh I would have shared. Bless you for all you do!
All these tips work. My youngest child is 13 going 14. In the early years it was very hard for me. But it gets easier as they get older coz they take on some chores as well. I keep a schedule. Not written but it's in my head. I have a menu I follow. We feed on pulses quite a bit so I batch cook these lentils. I also learned not to do everything in one day. Just know what must be done in a day.
Jessica, thank you for your encouraging words and keeping it real. I often feel like I am holding onto a life saver trying to stay a float. Pregnant with our 5th child, new to homescholing, homesteading, gardening, wife and homemaker. I am terrible at asking for help and often beat myself up for not being able to do it all. Your video hit home for me. I'll do my best to apply your words of wisdom. You are a great person and very uplifting!
I think your very good at all you do, I’m amazed at all you do get done. Be proud you look very young for a women who has 7 children and one more on the way and your children look happy and healthy. You have very good advice for others so use that advice for you. My mom would say things always workout everything that happens is for the best. I enjoy watching you and your family you give me hope and great ideas. God Bless you and yours stay safe,happy and healthy .
When I'm overwhelmed by my to do list and nothing has a clear higher priority, I'll put to do items in a jar and draw at random. It's help get me started and create momentum. Thanks for the video. ❤
I have five kids and a working homestead with chickens, turkeys, dairy and beef cows, and an 1100 sq ft garden. My oldest and biggest help is 20 and is moving out in a month. I’m back to figuring out how to do it all on the homestead with four kids under 13 (although my 13 year old is autistic and also needs a lot of emotional support). It means pulling up my bootstraps and doing a lot of the heavy lifting myself again...and I’m already looking forward to cool weather and the [much less demanding] homeschool season! HalleluYah!
I'm a mom of three adult children 28, 27, and 25. There were years I thought I wouldn't survive. Now I miss those days of children at home. All of life is truly about grace and compassion. We are so much harder on ourselves especially us females. We compare way too much and see ourselves as failures when we can't meet the too high standards. This video is a blessing and reminds us that NOBODY has it all together all the time. Seasons of life are different for everyone and learning to be flexible while navigating those seasons is the best way to make it. Thank you for reminding us that no matter what season of life we are in we need to take the time to enjoy it. Once its gone it gone. 💚💚
I relate and agree with all you say! Retired homeschool mom of 3 sons who are now 36,35,32. All are married and doing well. The things I worried about so much were so unnecessary! So much fun to enjoy grandchildren 💕
I’m a mom of three as well. Two boys and a girl in the middle. 32 ,30, 29. I miss them all being home as well. Sometimes I have no idea how I did it with three all in a row so close together because when I babysit just one of my two grandchildren, I’m absolutely exhausted 😂 but I sure do miss those days.
Oh my goodness our kids are the same ages. I miss those days of them being young. It went by too fast.
You made me tear up just reading this! I miss those days so much!! They were so hard, but so much fun!
I was blessed with four children...they are 39, 38, 31 and 29.
Thank you for sharing that. I appreciate the perspective from the other end.
1)Have a plan 2) Compartmentalize/Categorize your work 3) Prioritize your tasks 4) Delegate 5) Use evenings wisely 6) Simplify 7) Set realistic goals 8) Limit distractions 9) One task at a time 10) Be flexible. Hope this helps the crazy note takers.
YES!! Lol
“Crazy notetakers“ 🤣 yes, I am one, and yes, it is a help! 😉 thank you
Thank you !!! 😄
One of my favorite things about your channel is the humility and the honesty when you share your life. Best wishes in August for your challenge!
Great list! A few more…
1. Pray for wisdom which includes how to use your time each day
2. Realize when you need a short break (I’m going to sit down for 15 minutes while the soup simmers)
3. Drink water-it’s easy to forget. Keep a glass on the counter and take a drink when you walk by.
4. While doing one task at a time makes sense for some, I actually accomplish more and stay more motivated when I’m doing multi-tasking. Just know what kind of person you are.
5. Some tasks are that elephant. I make a deal with myself-I don’t have to do this all today or even this week, but every time I walk into this room I will do at least one tiny piece of this task. Don’t cheat!
6. I divide a sheet into 4 sections. In the upper left hand part I write those tasks that are the most important, most urgent, or are bugging me by hanging over my head. The other 3 sections can be less and less so such that those items on the lower right are least urgent. Then, each day focus only on the upper left list and from that list see if you can accomplish one item or make headway on it.
Great advice!!
When I was a young mom I used to get so burned out. One summer I decided to see what happened if I ONLY focused on homemaking for 3 months. Turns out, I was very good at homemaking... but I realized I couldn't do homemaking perfectly along with homeschooling, homesteading, etc. at the same time.
We can't do it all (and I certainly wouldn't want to). I agree with asking for outside help. Hire out what you can afford. Hire a tutor if you need help with homeschooling. Streamline everything you can. Don't try to do it all.
Also, sorry for your losses. God Bless
Yes, and I think it's best to do the basics in every aspect of life, with an exception to relationships.
I clean houses, & one of my favorite jobs is helping new moms get through that season. I love love love cleaning and organizing, & there’s others like me that want to help you!! Great video as always Jessica, great advice.
Yes! My husband always hired me a house cleaner the month before the baby was born and the months after. It was a wonderful gift!
I would love to find someone like you!
bless you. I’d pay anything just for someone to bring that positive attitude into my mess 😩😅👍
I have started the journey for "Every Bit counts". Today I froze 5 bags of squash. I know I will have 5 batches of muffins from that! This is so inspiring for me.
We're expecting our 5th in December. At the end of the school year in May, I quit teaching and am now a SAHM. I had so many plans for this summer and I've had to scale way back. I was overdoing it and was so sick. I totally understand how having a plan can back fire. My plan/to do list now includes basic things like did I eat breakfast because being able to mark something off makes me feel better.
This was such a timely video! I was just searching yesterday “schedules for busy moms” and found myself thinking, “I wish Jessica had a video”. And here you are! Thank you for always sharing from a genuine place and for the great reminder to find the joy in it all. Blessings to you and your family this week.
I'm sure that you have heard this before!, but home school is so much more than book work. You are teaching them so much more. You're doing great.
this is truth 🙌🏽 thank you for sharing these tips and reminding us to be kind to ourselves 💗
Thanks for reminding me that I don't need to do everything perfectly 😊 Although we don't have any children, we do have 22 budgies to care for and I have some health issues which force me to follow a specific diet. In short, I do often feel like I have many tasks that I don't always manage well. But I'm learning that it's ok to sometimes let go of certain tasks and make up for them the next week. For instance, last week I didn't clean all bird cages. I felt guilty for it back then, but this week I was able to clean a lot more and I realized all is ok. The birds are ok and I don't need to stress so much about always getting everything done.
Recently I've decided to start feeding our birds in the evening before sunset. I noticed I felt so exhausted when feeding them after getting up (they're rather loud 😋), so I experimented with feeding them in the evening. It's helped a lot! Now I'm able to do much more in the morning 😊
I love that you mentioned our island lives. Communal living was great growing up. I learned so much from grandparents, aunt's and uncles even church family that my parents couldn't teach me for whatever reason. Yes, no one person can do it all on their own.
Homeschooling, homesteading mom of 6, pregnant with #7. I love watching your videos, and you have been a source of positivity for me. Thank you for this video and all the other ones ❤️🙏
I'm a mom of 4 and this is my first year as a stay at home mom and my first large garden and grew our chicken flock and looking at homeschooling my youngest two. This is going to help me so much because I definitely feel overwhelmed at times and feel like I'm letting my family down. I always feel like I'm supposed to do it all and if I can't then I'm just failing but I love the way you break it down. I can't wait to see what else I can learn from you. I feel like your my personal guide to getting to where you are in figuring this all out.
I am a Mom of a 3 year old and a 3 month old. The transition from one child to two has been a little difficult for me and also trying to manage my home. You make some excellent points and I wanted to comment and say thank you! It's nice to know I am not alone and feel like I am doing everything wrong. It is just the season of life I am in and I need to roll with it ❤
This video was a balm to my heart. Urban homesteading and homeschooling 4 and listening while I can tomatoes. Made me tear up - thank you for sharing
This is such great advice, especially keeping things simple & being realistic. It's easy to get overwhelmed if you don't. Also, anyone that criticizes you for making meals that are too "simple" well...shame on them.
I've tried different planners over the years, always thinking I'd figure out a process, but I always give up and end up with an empty planner after a week or two. I just can't do digital. UNTIL I saw your planner video - I ended up buying an Erin Condren planner very similar to yours and absolutely LOVE IT. I use it every day. Your layout was such an inspiration and now I don't know how I'd manage my days without it. I appreciate your content so much, and wish you the best!
I am so glad it is working for you!
Same with me!
You are right about having discernment about using a planner. The past few years, I have been struggling with chronic migraines so having a planner only adds guilt and frustration. Being careful not to play the comparison game and giving myself a lot of grace has been important. There are always things to do in terms of homeschooling and homesteading and I just have to remind myself that the world won't stop spinning if something isn't done today. Thank you for your channel. I really look forward to your videos :)
Hannah, I too struggle with chronic migraines and it's so hard to not beat myself up. I try hard to prioritize and work in small bites rather than huge chunks, always trying to be aware of not filling my migraine trigger basket too full and set myself up for future failure.
Just wanted you to know that you aren't alone, and don't be afraid to give your kids responsibility and try hard to not micro manage their efforts. They may do different things or more things than kids whose mom isn't struggling with pain, but that is the path God picked for them and who knows what He is growing in them for their future through what they are learning in these years! They will need the skills they are learning now, so I try hard not to get in the way of gods plan for them. Don't think of it as not being fair to them, but as God using these as training years for valuable future roles. Don't know if that is an issue for you, but it is for me. Hugs!
I needed this video! I’ve been struggling the last couple weeks I’m currently pregnant with our 3rd and have just been extremely tired lately and just feel like on the day to day it’s hard to get things done and it will really bother me and I’ll feel guilty but then there will be 2-3 days where I get a burst of energy and can actually get a lot done. Thank you for this video Jess! Being pregnant in my 30’s is way different than being pregnant in my 20’s 😅.
You are so not alone! I am pregnant with our 3rd, and I'm 36 yrs old. Some days (like today) I'm just exhausted and I start beating myself up. We had a lot of crazy life circumstances happen over the year, and my almost 10 yr old is way behind in our homeschool curriculum. We're doing some throughout the summer to catch up, and I struggle to get the house chores and other tasks done, while also helping him with his school. It truly is impossible to do it all, 100%. It's sad that we logically know this fact, but still beat ourselves up. Hang in there mama.
I love this! Just found your channel and am binging thru content. So much good advice!!
Thank you. I needed to hear this. I’m in a different season. At 53 I’m an empty nester. I can no longer do all that I did back then and I feel like I should be able to. After losing my mom five years ago, I lost my little brother March 2021 to brain cancer, then six months later, I lost my dad. I understand your grieving and I’m so sorry for your loss. All of a sudden I just want to enjoy every moment and not worry about not being able to do as much. It will get done and I’ll make it fun trying.
Wonderful video. I hope some young mothers can appreciate what you are saying. As a mother of 5 (now adult) kids, I tried, but could never do it all. In the long run I know I failed my kids in many ways, and wish I would have prioritized a lot differently! Now I know better, and keep that in mind with each phone call, visit, or grandkid stay over. :)
This has been a great reminder! I’m an empty nester and it seems like I’m getting nothing done. No matter how many hats we wear, or how few, it’s important to focus, prioritize and be organized
I loved the juggling analogy... I need to figure out which balls will bounce. I don't have kids at home but I do have a homestead where I do everything myself with little to no mechanization. I provide supplemental food and resources for my children's families and I regularly struggle to get things done. I'm going to make a list and then prioritize it. Thanks for these tips, I'll be watching this video several times.
You are truly a rock star Jessica. I am retired, with a hubby and no kids. But we live a busy life on seven acres in the bush. I fine myself making a list of to do jobs for me all the time. I always have. People accuse me of never stop working but I do. I fine, like you sat….stay organized, stay focused and follow your list and you can get lots accomplished. As we get older, we can still get lots done but now we take more breaks in between, but we still managed to get 8 cords,of wood in for the winter, manage a garden, take care of my bees and yard work. Great advice girl. Hugs 🇨🇦💕
Thank you for this advice! I'm currently pregnant with my 3rd in 3 years and some days it is a struggle to do anything. I have a homestead and have also had to divert a ton of energy towards reviving a very sick calf lately. So it's comforting to see your calm, confident demeanor in the midst of very similar struggles.
These tips are useful whether a large family or just one. Great tips ! The fact that you are asked ‘how you do it?’ Is a complement because you make it look easy. Staying true to yourself is a tool we all need and often stray from. Your help gives us all hope. Thank you.
So sorry for your losses!
Thank you for making this video. I just told my husband the other day, that I feel like my new life as a full time mom, teacher, homemaker, wife etc. is like a big puzzle I can’t seem to solve. Your words are so powerful in reminding me that it’s okay not to get it all done every single day. You gave me such great ideas on scheduling and restructuring some areas of my life. Many blessings to you and your wonderful family!
When homeschooling many years ago I read that one hour of one on one tutoring is equal to 5 hours of classroom time. When my daughter took the placement test at 16 for college I prayed I had done enough. Now looking back I stressed too much. She was way ahead of her peers in college and ended up tutoring others. She now has her Masters in nursing. I'm in Northwest Ohio too. When processing my children's transcripts for high school, the most difficult part was finding a standard grading system. Thank you for giving much needed advise. We can't do it all for sure.
I’ve watched your channel for awhile now, and I appreciate how real you are with Mom life. I remember a video you did maybe a year ago, and you spoke about how even the Proverbs 31 woman needed help. I appreciate your honesty and transparency considering there are other UA-camrs that don’t speak about this. They portray that they alone “get it all done” and it’s easy, and that is not truthful. I feel badly for the Moms who think they fall short because they can’t get it all done.
Again, thank you for the reminder. Abundant blessings to you and your family. ❤️🙏
What great advice for young mothers!!!! I have older daughters all in their 30's. One having 6 kids at home which I forwarded this great video!!!! Thank you. Gods blessings 🙏. Oh, sorry to hear about the loss of your calves, that's really sad.
“Wear your many hats with joy.” Oh how I love that quote. That is always the goal. Organizing my life with peace as the highest goal has been my prayer and work over many years. When you do that, joy is the hat that sits most comfortably on your head. You’re such a gift. Thank you for sharing your heart and life with us.
Hi Jessica, I am very thankful I found your channel. Thank you for your encouragement and your testimony that you share with us. I appreciate your allowing us to peek into your day to day, and helping us learn!
I'm a homeschooling mom to 4 kiddos and a military spouse stationed in Hawaii. Although our dream of homesteading isn't quite possible just yet, we know, Lord willing we will get there in the next few years. In the meantime, I hope to start learning the skills I will need for the future. You've inspired me much, thank you 😊
Recalling my pregnancies it is important to ask for help & share.
Forced rest during first trimester for one and third trimester for another.
Prioritise your self care. Each day i would wake up ready to go into action but physically unable to do so, and i placed great pressure on myself unnecessarily.
Find the support you need.
Enjoy every season of your life, particularly when able to help others.
Lovely advice with this video for all 💞🕊
Just to add: that at any age, from child to elder, it can be important to lie down flat for a half hour between 5-7pm just to give the kidneys a good rest, have a glass of water and quick nap, avoid tv or screens;
likely to restore energy to complete the day ⚘
I am so sorry you and the kids had to go through that and after the loss of their Grandmother. You are so encouraging and positive, thanks for all the wonderful tips.
You are such a blessing to anyone who watches your channel. God bless 🙏🏻
This is just one of your many videos that are my absolute favorites. This topic speaks to me. When I was a newer mom learning to try to juggle everything and so often failing. I would get frustrated and felt like I wasn't giving my best to any aspect of my life. I am still learning, biggest thing is to learn to delegate outside of our family and making the most of my evenings. I appreciate my husband for not pressuring me and having patience. Learning to have faith and letting go and giving myself grace.
LOVED this video! I’m a new subscriber. I’m also pregnant with my 8th baby, homeschooling, etc. The big difference is I’m living in the middle of a small city in middle America trying to establish an urban homestead. I’m in a season of needing great flexibility. Your video was affirming to all God has been teaching me. Thanks! Nice to “meet” you.
Thank you so much for this video and sharing your wisdom. It’s always so easy to get wrapped up in “perfect productively“ and lose valuable moments in life.
Oh, I'm so sorry. We have stayed up a few times with a bull calves - it's the worst. We stopped caring about anything but it's sweet life. Sigh.... Sending my prayers.
Just remembered it's an older video. Lol. God can retrofit the prayers I suppose ❤️❤️
Jessica I think your meals are brilliant! They’re back to basics and nutritionally good for you. All the things I miss from my childhood. You are fantastic!!
Perfect timing! Thank you for this video! I'm actually sitting down right now going through my August homeschool plan and taking out the extras and just keeping math, language and reading. I work full time (3-12s) plus homestead and homeschool.
As with you, our garden and fruit trees are flourishing and it seems with the heat and little rain everything is being ready either late or earlier so everything seems to be coming on all at once. We start school July 1st and it has been a struggle this year as our beans, corn, peaches and tomatoes are all ready here at the same time. Usually it is staggered and all doable but everyday I'm having to process multiple things and I'm finding I can't get to bible, science and history so we are pausing on those for August and will pick those back up in Sept or October.
Have a blessed week!
I can’t believe I just found this channel. So encouraging! Thank you for taking the time to post videos for others!
I just came across your channel a few days ago. My husband and I purchased an old 40 acre farm a few years ago in rural Ohio. I’m trying to learn all the tricks of the trade. We just butchered meat chickens recently and I’m learning to can. Not to mention homeschooling now. I feel like I’m on information overload. There’s a learning curve to just about everything homesteading. I’ve been on information overload for quite some time but loving every minute of it. God is so sweet to us! I’m also so sorry to hear about your grandma and calves! I hope everyone is doing well. God Bless your family!!
100% ok that you shot your video in your car and especially perfect for your topic. I was feeling very overwhelmed with the homestead work today. Thank you for the tips and motivation. Bless you and your family.
Very practical and much needed encouragement♡ as a seasoned mama,I totally agree! I tell younger moms all the time...you can't do everything well. Decide what is a priority in your home and focus there. Don't compare,keep things simple and cut out what you can.
Thank you for sharing this! I find myself as I am getting older and I have physical challenges that I was getting depressed because I couldn’t complete what I wanted to do and needed to do. I am going to try very hard to apply this information to my life. As always you have a wonderful way of reaching people and giving us great things to think about!!!! God Bless you and your Family 💕
Great advice for a Sunday morning! Now time to go put all this tips to good use for the week. Have a wonderful week!
This is so helpful and comforting to me, as a newish mom of very small children (2.5, 1, and I’m 23 weeks pregnant) and hubby is in the military so sometimes I am solo parenting. The tip about looking at your accomplishments by the week or season was an epiphany for me!! Thank you! That is so helpful. ❤️ Also, how real you are is so so comforting.
I am not a mom but work full time and have a summer garden and I find myself so overwhelmed most of the time and so tired from work . So many good tips here Love your channel . God bless you always ..
I'm 64 and recently retired. I wish someone had shared with me years ago the wisdom you just shared in this video. I still struggle with the "I can't do it all" shame monster. Thank you for this lovely reality check.
Super great advice!! I look forward to your weekly video.... It's always down to earth and full of substance. Looking forward to next month's challenge. Thanks for all you do, and your willingness to let us watch!!
You're doing a great job. I agree that you can't do it all and never be afraid to ask for help just do the best you can each day and if you don't accomplish everything it will be there the next day. God's blessings to you. Anxious to see the challenge next week.
I am happy you found some quiet time. Our condolences on your grandma. I miss my grandparents so much. Sorry about the loss of your meat cows. You are a real person with your videos. That is what I like. Wish I could come and visit or come and help. I am busy with my daughter she had a health problem this week and in the middle of moving. So Mom has been helping her!! I love every minute of it. Have a great week friend.
I always seem to forget you post at 9pm Sunday night (my time) so it's always a pleasant surprise.
Cannot wait to see your new calves and what you do. I want to get a calf within a year so it's great to learn from you.
Amen Just be easy on yourself.I call that evening work paying it forward to myself.
Great tips! I'm now a grandmother but still very applicable advice ❤ may God bless you and your family ❤
I am right there with you getting all of my to-do items down on paper and out of my head. It creates space and I am able to be more present with my kids during the day. Then, when I have a moment, I look at my list and see what I have time to do. One bite at a time! 😍
Thanks for this. It is easy to end the day feeling behind, overwhelmed and exhausted. The part where you talk about spending evenings wisely helps you get out of the cycles of crashing and exhaustion is so true! You are a blessing.
Thank you for sharing your honesty! As a single entrepreneur mom to 5 kids that I homeschool and “try” to grow food LoL I sometimes forget that everyone has struggles. My house always has stuff strewn about and it drives me crazy. I always think ‘what if someone stopped by right now, what would they think???’ My kids are getting older and I know that I need to enlist their help but it’s always been my downfall! I want them to have fun and be kids but I also don’t want them to be incapable, self absorbed, lazy adults 🤦🏽♀️ So note to self: get the kids to help! They live here too!!! And they are perfectly capable of helping!
I found if I don't delegate and set appropriate responsibilities for everyone, later they won't do it. So all my boys can cook (some of the best chef's are men) and the cook never starves the 😂 they can launder & clean; because after all if they were in the army, they couldn't take their mum along to pick up for them. It's made them considerate of other people and appreciative of how much proper organization takes. I'm also confident that now they're grown they can handle it in most situations, with the goal setting strategies for practical everyday life that they learned as they grew. All this takes time, consistency, correction where necessary, and most of all praise for jobs well done: regardless of the significance of the amount of work at first 🙏🙏🏻🙏🏼🙏🏽🙏🏾🙏🏿
Loved all your anologies. I'm now retired and facing a different season of life. Very busy with family and garden. Planning to do the preserving everyday in august. May need to hit up my Amish neighbors vegetable stands haha! Thank you for what you do.
U r so real and thats why I choose your channel. Have a blessed week Jessica.
Wonderful video! I an recovering from Covid and frustrated with still not feeling well, I will try to have more grace with myself.
God bless you. Thank you for sharing with us. As a mom of 4 (including special needs twin boys) life can be overwhelming. We just do it. Totally agree, we find what works to keep things going. Lists really are the simplest way to try to keep things in front of us. You really are a blessing. Sometimes you just have to take a breath, pray then move on when you can.
Thank you for giving actual examples from your life. So practical! I listen to a lot of SAHMs and they're so vague in their advice sometimes. So, I thank you.. also for reminding us you are human, not superhero... because a lot of youtubers seem like they have it all together and we're just sitting back failing. You rock girlfriend!
SO MANY nuggets of wisdom here! Thank you so much for sharing. I have three kiddos officially in homeschool now and even though I consider myself a "seasoned" homeschooler at this point, adding my youngest this year threw me for a loop! Attempting three kids on my own was too much, so I've enlisted the help of my math-minded hubby this year. I think he actually enjoys being included and feeling needed in our kids' education.
Also, I'm a new subscriber and haven't had the pleasure of participating in your challenges yet. So looking forward to next year as it's going to be a garden-focused year for us!
I’m old enough to be your mom😳, I continually learn so much from you! Yes, you are a blessing to us. I’m deeply sorry for your loss of your grandma and calf’s.🌺❤️🙏🏼
One of the best things I ever heard was: "You CAN do it all, you can't just do it all at the same time."
Ecclesiastes 2.10 - My heart took delight in all my labor which is my reward for all my toil. And 3.22 - So I saw that there is nothing better for a person than to enjoy their work, because that is their lot. This is what I have observed to be good: that it is appropriate for a person to eat, to drink and to find satisfaction in their toilsome labor....... for this is a gift of God. I would add one more tip to your list of how to manage - always look for the benefits, good, joy whenever you find yourself thinking of the problems, difficulties, hurt. It will encourage and balance you with hope.
Jessica, thank you so much for this video, I so needed it!! I am married to a wonderful husband and have one daughter, she will be a senior in high school this year, I also am my dad's primary care taker, and work a full time job. We have had a rough summer, we almost lost my dad, our garden burned up in the heat and drought we are experiencing, some days I feel like it is all I can do to make it through a day. You are so encouraging!! I have used some of your organizing tips, and hopefully will be doing the every bit counts challenge starting on Monday. I love your tip limiting distractions, I am so grateful that I work from home so that I can be here for my dad, but even that is tough. Sometimes I think everyone sees me working from home and think that I have a lot of free time, when the opposite is the case. It has always been hard to set boundaries, but have had to learn to do it.
Praying God blesses you and your family!! Again thank you so much for being so real and such an encouragement!!!
Thank you so much for all of your videos ! You are so precious ! We are so blessed, us mamas, to have you !!!
I'm not a mom, I don't have a homestead etc etc (yet). But about the distraction point: “The curious paradox is that when I accept myself, just as I am, then I can change.”
One day, I started accepting that I really love to spend my time, doing stupid games on my phone.
After accepting it in myself, I noticed people around me treat it with shame... People in my life, who also loved certain games, would turn the volume down when I came in the room! I thought that interesting. I began saying to this one friend: Don't do that! Keep it up, I like the melody!
Just to attempt to nudge them into discarding their shame.
That's when I realised a second thing: I had also lived under the pressure that my shame would put me in. But by being honest with myself, the tension released! (That was such a good feeling!)
And you know what else? After a few days, of having enjoyed many hours a day of phone-gaming, I started finding it boring!
I still game on my phone. But it's not the hours of my day that get sucked up by it anymore... And again: I still don't have kids or a homestead and so on. I am still just a normal grown up with a job, friends, a household... etc.
When I was under tension of shame and hiding, it was like I was bound to it. Once I admitted to myself I actually LIKE it... I was freed up to notice what else I liked.
I don't know who needs this. But it was a profound realisation in my life.
Great video! Thank you Jessica. I am in a completely different stage of my life,. My children are grown and to be honest I was pretty good at wearing several hats and keeping it all together. A few years back, everything changed. I was dealing w several family deaths, I was a full time caregiver to my elderly mother and then Covid hit. I lost my job and I started having some health issues of my own. Talk about overwhelmed, and I was that person that froze and my mental and physical health suffered even more. It's been a struggle and I finally see a way through but it's been hard as heck especially as I was in my own way. I couldn't accept that I didn't have it together anymore and I wasted a lot of time and energy wishing I was the person I was before. I'm telling you all this because I want you to know I appreciate your video's so much! There is a calmness and serenity in the way you speak that just resonates with me so much even though our lives are completely different. It really has had an affect on me and I thank you for continuing to use your voice and time making these video's for us. Today's was especially helpful. Wishing you and your family a fantastic week from Ontario, Canada. Big hugs!!
Thank you, Jessica. I needed this. You’ve encouraged me. I’m just getting to know your channel and I enjoy it.
Wife, homeschooling mom of 4, wife/office manager of a self employed general contractor, primary homesteader, primary support for my parents and my inlaws. We had to bring in my mom a few times a week to help with office work, laundry, baby sitting, and some of the homeschooling depending on what the day holds.
I'm sorry for your loss. The Devil is a bugger. He will use anything to throw us off the path God has for us. Stay strong Momma! You and your family are on my prayers.
I needed this video. I know I can’t do it all and even tell my friends, but I still have that nagging thought that I should do better and do more. Thank you for sharing this, the reminder and reinforcing wisdom is greatly appreciated.
I'm so sorry about how difficult life has been with your family. I also have 5 children and homeschool. I only have one child left at home at this time. I have definitely discovered that life is the best teacher and sometimes the book work isn't most important. Bravo for sharing that life isn't perfect. We can only do what we can do. I love your channel. Thanks for letting us follow along.
Sorry to hear you lost your Grandma, God bless all you do!
You are amazing! All these tips are exactly what I needed. We had our fifth baby earlier this year and this is the first time in my life that I’ve felt that without a plan and efficiency in our day to day homeschooling/homesteading life, we will literally not survive… God bless you!
You are such a blessing.Thank you for being so honest and kind. Your family is beautiful. God Bless!
I unfortunately don’t have any kids. I wish I did. But what I do have is over 2 dozen medical conditions. Which is why I don’t have kids. But I am a university student and at the moment I am going off 2 of my main medications and I have been struggling to keep up. So though it wasn’t directly relevant. I really enjoyed this video and it has really helped me. So thank you I really appreciate it. And I’m sorry to hear about your calves. Hopefully the next ones you get don’t get sick.
I've started my every little bit counts already because my produce has been trickling in, but having fun so far. 😃I will be continuing in August since that will be the time that my produce from the garden will be in full force. And hopefully we will be getting our peaches this week from a local grocer. Thanks for your tips!
Just started watching your videos. You do so much and look like an awesome mom and homesteader. Sorry about your grandmom, and congratulations on the coming new baby. God Bless.
Sonne Farms puts some type of powder in their cattle's drinking trough to help prevent shipping sickness. Sorry for your loss. Great tips and video.
You are amazing. I am tired just listening to all that you do in your life.
Very encouraging video, thank you. I am a mother of 5 (ages 8, 6, 4, 1, and 1 month), we homeschool, I cook from scratch, and we are working our way towards homesteading. Needless to say, managing everything currently looks impossible. These tips are exactly the encouragement I needed to hear!
I really appreciate your honesty in how life really is.
I appreciate your message that I listen to this week.
I am in a season of my life that I am learning I have to kind of do what you do in August and do the little bit everyday counts.
I was bedridden for almost 3 years and then extremely busy with my job for 2 years before that. So my yard which is about a half an acre is extremely behind.
But I am learning that I can only do a little bit at a time and that's okay because that little bit at a time has made such a difference.
I am a mother of five and I only have one under 18 still in the home but I remember those years when I had many children in my home other than my own as well and you just can't do it all. I know we try but we have to let go what can be let go and do what has to be done that is the most important.
Thank you for your encouragement and your understanding and your wise words.
This video was a blessing to be and your pediatric nutritionist telling you about food and every day didn't really matter but over a little period of time it did. My pediatrician telling me that yes Mom it's okay to feed him a peanut butter sandwich or a bologna sandwich or a cheese sandwich for supper occasionally if you can do some vegetables with it great if he's not going to eat them you do fine he is thriving. That was what I needed to hear I was trying to put a square meal that was figured down to the wire on the table each day and it can't happen in real life or usually doesn't put it that way. Head that way and do the best you can. And I loved what you said about the different seasons in life I had one season in my life that I was being a baseball mom working being an internal auditor at work and working overtime had a good babysitter for when I was working and he was going to school but within 6 months of that time everything collapsed and things went to completely baloney. My father-in-law passed away my son needed some psychological help because he said he'd rather go to heaven with Grandpa then go to school I suddenly started homeschooling and quit my job of like 18 years and took care of my son seasons really change and they can kind of change in a blink of an eye I've seen some of your change seasons change in a blink of an eye. God bless you for all you share with us and all the things that you can come up with that may help us in those seasons I wish you would have been older at the time oh gosh I would have shared. Bless you for all you do!
All these tips work. My youngest child is 13 going 14. In the early years it was very hard for me. But it gets easier as they get older coz they take on some chores as well.
I keep a schedule. Not written but it's in my head. I have a menu I follow. We feed on pulses quite a bit so I batch cook these lentils. I also learned not to do everything in one day. Just know what must be done in a day.
Every season has it struggles. You definitely have to be flexible. Your video's are very helpful.
Jessica, thank you for your encouraging words and keeping it real. I often feel like I am holding onto a life saver trying to stay a float. Pregnant with our 5th child, new to homescholing, homesteading, gardening, wife and homemaker. I am terrible at asking for help and often beat myself up for not being able to do it all. Your video hit home for me. I'll do my best to apply your words of wisdom. You are a great person and very uplifting!
This is all good advice. Sorry for the loss of the 2 calves! Have a great week 😀
I was looking for a channel like yours for a really long time. 💗 Thank you so much.
I think your very good at all you do, I’m amazed at all you do get done. Be proud you look very young for a women who has 7 children and one more on the way and your children look happy and healthy. You have very good advice for others so use that advice for you. My mom would say things always workout everything that happens is for the best. I enjoy watching you and your family you give me hope and great ideas. God Bless you and yours stay safe,happy and healthy .
When I'm overwhelmed by my to do list and nothing has a clear higher priority, I'll put to do items in a jar and draw at random. It's help get me started and create momentum.
Thanks for the video. ❤
You make me proud !! I don't know you ,but I feel like I do! Thanks for sharing!!!