I was a professional driver of an 18 wheeler, OTR for 20 years, 2 million miles, no accidents, no incidents, 1 speeding ticket. I drove through all 48 contiguous US states, plus coast-to-coast Canada, numerous times. Youre going through areas that I drove my rig thru many dozens of times. I always took my 2 German Shepherds with me, so they have traveled more than most people. I retired at age 68, due to heart surgeries, but I truly miss being out there. Your trip made me sooooo homesick for the road. I used to cry at the incredible and stark beauty around our nation. I have nearly 100,000 photos from my 20 years of driving. So many sunrises, sunsets, every kind of weather imaginable, and wide freedom. I have my little farm, now, and have 4 dogs, 2 cats, 2 turkeys, and 29 chickens, but I still miss being out there. Thank you for taking us along on this special memory-making family trip!!! 🥰
When Jess cries, we all cry. I'm just sitting here at work thinking i'm going to casually listen to a R&R video while i do my work. Nope, crying at my desk.
I was 5 years old the first time I went to the Grand Canyon. My father woke me up early and we watched the sun rise over the canyon in silence. It was so magical. I turned to him and said..."Do it again Daddy!" Decades later, I saw a commercial where a little girl wispers "do it again daddy"...I was instantly transported back to that magical moment with my Dad. Even today... at 52 years old...the memories are so profound! Thank you for bringing me back there once again. 💗
I wanna see Jess go through Glacer and Banff National Park. It is an absolute pleasure to watch you see these new places.♡♡♡ I love seeing Jess experience our beautiful country.
“I love those moments where life just completely overwhelms you with the ‘good’ emotions…we call emotions good or bad and the truth is…you feel or you don’t. And I understand why so many people choose not to feel because sometimes the pain of life makes you feel like you’re gonna die. But when you’re brave enough to go through that without getting numb, you get to experience moments like this…” Jessica Sowards, RR Farm💚💚💚 That quote is for sure going in my planner/journal.
I backed the video up and watched that part again and then just had to sit with that for a while. Exactly what I needed to hear at the time. I think I might write it in my journal too...
This quote truely hit home for me! I am a highly emotional person and I get that feeling of either feeling too much or being completely numb because you have to protect your heart from further hurt! But, also being so overwhelmingly filled with emotions for the beauty this world has to offer. I too will be adding this quote somewhere in my home!!
Its so wonderful to see Malia having grown into such a lovely young woman! I started watching Roots & Refuge several years ago. Then, when my husband became critically ill it was lovely to check in and see your gardens and family flourishing. I lost him last year and for some time couldn’t watch - so the difference in seeing you and Malia is even more striking. So glad you both are doing well, she’s a beautiful sweet girl who is destined to continue to flourish under your wing. And - I hope the medical issues resolve and you continue to pay attention to your body’s needs. Thank you for sharing your life with us.
When I first saw the Grand Canyon, I couldn't walk to the edge - I dropped to my knees and crawled there, and just sat down and stayed put for the better part of an hour. It was the most incredible, overwhelming, and beautiful thing I'd ever seen. ❤
It’s a testament to you that I had to stop this video so many times because I couldn’t see through the tears. Your awe is infectious. I so appreciate how much you appreciated the wonder of Gods glory in the landscape of our country. ❤
Julia_USMidwest I am in agreement with you. I love paper maps because of the big picture. There’s a generation or two who don’t know how to read a map. Thank you Jess for sharing your trip and family.
Also-I visited the Grand Canyon years ago and we were lucky enough to be there around sunset and it is still the most breathtaking experience of my life, besides bringing life into the world!
Jess! 1. I think I've been crying the whole video. And 2. How blessed both you and Malia are that you have each other ❤. Your relationship is so beautiful.
Jess, you and Malia will remember this trip for the rest of your lives! I was a child when my Dad drove my Mom and me from coast to coast, and I remember things I can never see again because they no longer exist! Peace and Blessings to you and yours 🌻
Everyone should have a paper map. Always! Great thing to do with those is to make them into a scrapbook. Use the pages you didn't need and tape/glue down bits from the trip. Collect postcards etc, whatever. Makes a really nice keepsake. I get the mapquest thing and I do still print them out, even with a map, a phone, nav on my car etc. Just makes me feel better. :-) Also so glad to see I'm not the only person who cries when places or things affect her. Thank you for sharing!
I have traveled across the US and around the world and you are right. I have a cross stich from my Grandma I just glanced at on the wall...it says... OF ALL THE ROADS THAT WIND AND WIND, THE BEST OF ALL LEADS HOME WE FIND. She stiched in the 40's...still true today!
Jess and I started crying at the same time as the camera panned out over Zion. I haven't stopped crying. I am so grateful we are able to feel the awe of life so fully that physically, it changes us. 🙏 whether it's the immense joy of a successful harvest (I harvested my very first crop of potatoes EVER today! Huckleberry Golds) or the throat-closing, heart-thumping, leg-shaking awe of nature, it defines us as human BEINGS, not just humans DOING. Bless you, Jess and Malia, for sharing this with all of us. My heart shares your joy and fierce love. 💖 (As a aside, Texas freaks me out. No mountains anywhere and just wide open space 😳 nope. Nopenopenope. Too much sky for my mountain-loving heart!)
I was flying from California to Massachusetts seeing the country from sky was breathtaking. The deserts, buttes and canyons, then the farms of the heartlands, it literally brought me to tears. Now to go see these these places on the ground. Great video.
The red rocks are beautiful. It literally took my breath away. I went to Salt Lake City, Utah and to Colorado. It looks like this as well. That part of the country is beautiful. I love the mountains and red rocks! It looks majestic at night during the winter. You will gasps when you see the moon at night ! So beautiful.
What a memory to make - thank you for sharing and reminding us what this country really has to offer. I remember the tears that came so easily and the feeling of awe I felt the first time I saw the Smokies.
You made me cry right away Jess! 😂 Tears of joy. I am from Germany, but I led adventure treks in the States years ago. And your trip brought me back to all these beautiful places. Dankeschön! I will never forget my helicopter ride into the grand canyon.
My daughter and I did this same road trip when she moved home from Vegas. If you take Route 66, you can stand on a corner in Winslow AZ and wallow in Eagles memorabilia 😁.
I agree, all the photos in the world could not have prepared me for my first view of the Grand Canyon. I was truly awestruck and also grinning from ear to ear just from the joy of it.
Going thru the Zion tunnel with my 35 foot motor home was truly one of my most memorable experiences ever looking out the holes into the valley they stop all traffic so the motor home drives down the center so beautiful.
As an Aussie that will never see the US in person I thank you for sharing part of your road trip. I love that you always make everything just that extra bit beautiful . ❤
This is the best video EVER!! I love your joy and excitement. For all of us REALLY old travelers... try to explain to younger generations about the AAA TripTic, lol.
When you climbed out of the car at Zion Park and did the 360° turn I got goosebumps just admiring the view of the terrain. Absolutely stunning! Thank you so much for sharing your life with everyone, Jess. I appreciate you. ❤🥲
Utah is my heart. I’ve lived here most of my life. The beauty of majestic canyons, cliffs, and the plants that cling to it never get old. It was wonderful to see you experiencing it. Thank you!
My granddaughter was in the Navy and traveled from Virginia to San Diego. She videoed the whole trip and it was absolutely amazing I'm so thankful that she did.
Thank You Jess. I am in the UK and suffer from anxiety Panic attacks and Agoraphobia seeing the Grand Canyon though your eyes I was WOW. I know I will never see such beauty in real life. Thank you.
Just awesome. I'm overwhelmed 🙏🏾 Leaving college, not knowing what I wanted to do, I ending up taking a road trip all around the U.S. And i've simce been blessed to see other parts of our incredible world as well. No matter how or what you call our divine creator nothing shows you more that love created everything than the beauty and majesty of the Earth and our blessing to be a part of it. Thank you so much for sharing this.
We recently drove from Minnesota to Florida in a toyota camry with 2 preteens and a toddler. It was an adventure for the books! Driving allows so much bonding time. Highly recommend!
We just spent 4 days in the Black Hills of South Dakota. I have been there numerous times since we do live in the state but it strikes me every time with awe at this creation the Lord has made! South Dakota is one of those states that will surprise you with variety of scenery. The best part was we were with our kids and grandkids. I am so blessed.
My husband and I did a "west road trip" two years ago...South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Arizona...and saw awesome national and state parks, places we had never seen before. You brought me back some lovely memories with your sweet time with your lovely daughter. Glad you are back in your happy place! Yep...no place like home! Blessings, Marie
What's funny is that I'm intently watching the video, just taking in the gorgeous scenery of the west. Then it gets to the end and the camera pans on a beautiful garden building, and I thought "wow, that looks a lot like Jess's cottage garden area!" Turns out it was! And I agree. This earth is packed with many wonders, and it's great to be able to see them in person, but home is always best.
Thank you so much Jess for sharing y’all’s amazing trip with us. I had an opportunity to see the Grand Canyon when I was 13, and I remember standing on the edge and I was speechless. There really wasn’t words to explain how I felt and still, 61 years later, I can still feel that emotion. I told my husband of fifty five years, please let’s go. I really really want him to see it. I want to stand there and watch his face as he tries to absorb the grandness of it all. Glad y’all had an amazing trip and y’all are home safe. God bless❤️✝️🙏
I started driving a semi truck last august with my husband. When we drove through Utah, I cried the first time I witnessed the absolute awe of that place. It is breathtaking. I’m so glad you got to spend quality time with your daughter. I cried watching you in your bewilderment and overwhelming emotion. I am a very emotional person as well. I have endured a lot of heartbreaking emotion, but the happy moments that take your breathe away make it worth it every time. Love you and how you embrace the feels. ❤️ thank you for sharing your cross country trip with us!
Thank you for taking ‘me’ along on your grand adventure. I was tearing up with you and laughing and enjoying your adventure. I needed that! Soooo Beautiful!! Thank you.
I was gracious enough to spend 4 summers there and worked in the park. My parents shipped my horse crazy self from a MO farm to live with my Aunt and Uncle in Prescott, AZ. LOVED IT!
This resonates so much with me. Some of my fondest memories are long road trips with my Grandmother and later with my baby sister. Five years ago we picked up and moved from California all the way to Alabama and it will forever be one of the best experiences of my entire life, driving across country with her and all of our dogs. It was stressful and exhausting and emotional and so, so beautiful.
I've been to the Grand Canyon three times and it never ceases to leave me awestruck. The last time was a surprise birthday trip for my husband who had never seen it. I stood back just to watch his reaction. During that stay we took the helicopter trip over and into the Canyone. When the rim drops off and the ground quickly falls away, you stomach drops just like Malia was talking about. Everyone should go once in their lifetime because it can't convey on photos or videos. Stunning. Breath taking. Sheer beauty
I made a trip to the grand canyon 10 yrs ago. Breathtaking. The beauty of it is that as the day goes on it changes color just before dark. Thank you God!
I feel you! I took my baby brother and daughter on an 11 day trip down Route 66 after he graduated from southeast Texas to the Grand Canyon, into Utah, through Colorado. There’s no picture that can describe the sites and views or do them justice. It just takes your breath away around every turn! I will always cherish that time with them.
I love how beauty moves you Jess. I’m the same way. When I stood at the rim I was in tears. It’s overwhelming how beautiful the canyon is. I left a piece of y heart there.
Oh my gosh you came thru Oklahoma! I live in Shawnee, OK about a mile south of I-40. Also, I grew up in Edmond and have been to Arcadia many times. Glad you got to see the round barn and gassed up at Pops. Several years ago, a friend and I went to Las Vegas and took a helicopter ride of the Grand Canyon. We landed inside the canyon and had lunch and champagne. It is breathtaking! Haven’t been to Zion, but after your video it’s on my bucket list. 💜
What an awesome momma you are Jess. I am sure you two had a wonderful trip together. It's wonderful that you got to spend that alone time with her. What a beautiful memory for you both. Thank you for sharing parts of it with us. I hope to see some of those amazing sights myself one day soon. Much love to you ❤ and may our good Lord continue to bless you and your family.
I have been all over the world and I reacted to Zion and Monument Valley and Grand Canyon as you did…truly one of my most inspired and spiritual trips….your daughter is so beautiful and resemblance to her brothers very apparent!
you can't beat a good road atlas for cross contry driving i have one in my truck at all times has saved me quite a few times glad you enjoyed your time together
Exactly! My hubs and I have tried to impress upon our children that they should have a paper map (or we send them with our atlas, just like Jess’) because sometimes you don’t have service! And that is usually when you need it most, in that sort of situation.
I felt those tears with you Jess! This brought me back to a trip we took to Montana for the first time. We went to Glacier National Park and to see God's artwork in those mountains was just incredible!! It was one of the best trips we have taken full of very fond memories! Thank you for taking us along for the ride while you build memories with Malia! ❤❤❤
😢 This video is making me cry. I miss the desert. I moved back to the east coast from Arizona 3 years ago and the lay of land is just like Sedona. There is a different energy there and you are definitely feeling all of it. The earth is speaking to you. 💚💚💚💚💚
Not my lip quivering and me crying with you. I adore you so much Jess and you have awakened my soul as I start my adult life. I’m 24. Just married. Year 2 on our farm. I don’t even have words for how beautiful your soul is and how much of a positive influence you have had on my husbands and I’s life. I think you serve the Lord well in your purpose and I want to thank you so much for living in a glass house for us. I know its not always glamorous but thank you Jess.
I was in 4th grade when we took a 3 week out west vacation. I am 56 yrs old and I still remember the emotional ride I was on Gods beauty was just right there I stood in awe of the creation we seen
I know exactly how you feel!! I spent 4 glorious years driving through Utah, Nevada, Idaho and Wyoming.. I felt the exact same way! I got to re-live that with your video ❤❤❤❤❤
Looks like you need to take more cross country road trips. I grew up doing this every summer with the family 5 kids, parents and grandma. We just picked a direction and went driving finding neat places to see along the way bought food at local grocery stores ate at picnic spots and camped at the night. I’ve been to almost every state, large parts of Canada and Mexico during my childhood. Made lasting memories. I’d highly recommend people doing that.
JESS , I have been watching you since your Arkansas days. I loved learning how to plant under a container to grow lettuces.........I am a 67 year old woman. I tell my husband about you and Miah and the kids and pets.........I tell everyone to watch your UTUBE. The funny thing is, you are the ONLY PERSON IN THE WORLD, that cries as much as I do.......I am SOOOO emotional. My husband [of 34 years in Sept.] says I cry at margarine commercials......LOL Its true !!!! Thank you for entertaining me while I learn too.
As a California girl planted in OKC, this drive with you was a huge treat. I have driven these same roads and seen these same views and felt the awe with you! LOVE this! That curvy highway, Zion, arches, views, Cadillac Ranch, Pops. Yay! Thanks for capturing this!
So many moments from this video 🫶🏼 1. I'm certainly going to be the crying person meeting you (🤞🏼) at Murray Fest. I'm so grateful you're coming this way!! 2. That little feeling of feeling so meek and tiny in a large world is felt on the edge of the ocean for me. When I lived in Charleston, I'd visit Folly frequent and sob while talking to God about his magnitude. 3. Speaking of God. Only his creation can exude such detail. 😭 Crying with you in awe!
I was a professional driver of an 18 wheeler, OTR for 20 years, 2 million miles, no accidents, no incidents, 1 speeding ticket. I drove through all 48 contiguous US states, plus coast-to-coast Canada, numerous times. Youre going through areas that I drove my rig thru many dozens of times. I always took my 2 German Shepherds with me, so they have traveled more than most people. I retired at age 68, due to heart surgeries, but I truly miss being out there. Your trip made me sooooo homesick for the road. I used to cry at the incredible and stark beauty around our nation. I have nearly 100,000 photos from my 20 years of driving. So many sunrises, sunsets, every kind of weather imaginable, and wide freedom. I have my little farm, now, and have 4 dogs, 2 cats, 2 turkeys, and 29 chickens, but I still miss being out there. Thank you for taking us along on this special memory-making family trip!!! 🥰
Respect to you!
@@donnakinsey2053 Thank you!! 🥰
When Jess cries, we all cry. I'm just sitting here at work thinking i'm going to casually listen to a R&R video while i do my work. Nope, crying at my desk.
Same!
I love that I’m not the only one crying with her
Seriously! Sitting here at grocery pick up waiting and crying. Thank you Jess for always being so vulnerable and real!
Casually watching a Roots and Refuge video is always a gamble.
I'm 110% here for it, but honestly its a gamble ❤😂❤
She may not be able to convey the grand imagery of everything through her lens, but she 100% conveys the feels through her spirit! ❤
I was 5 years old the first time I went to the Grand Canyon. My father woke me up early and we watched the sun rise over the canyon in silence. It was so magical. I turned to him and said..."Do it again Daddy!" Decades later, I saw a commercial where a little girl wispers "do it again daddy"...I was instantly transported back to that magical moment with my Dad. Even today... at 52 years old...the memories are so profound! Thank you for bringing me back there once again. 💗
❤
What a WONDER-FILLED memory!!! 🥰🥰
I wanna see Jess go through Glacer and Banff National Park. It is an absolute pleasure to watch you see these new places.♡♡♡ I love seeing Jess experience our beautiful country.
“I love those moments where life just completely overwhelms you with the ‘good’ emotions…we call emotions good or bad and the truth is…you feel or you don’t. And I understand why so many people choose not to feel because sometimes the pain of life makes you feel like you’re gonna die. But when you’re brave enough to go through that without getting numb, you get to experience moments like this…” Jessica Sowards, RR Farm💚💚💚 That quote is for sure going in my planner/journal.
I backed the video up and watched that part again and then just had to sit with that for a while. Exactly what I needed to hear at the time. I think I might write it in my journal too...
This quote truely hit home for me! I am a highly emotional person and I get that feeling of either feeling too much or being completely numb because you have to protect your heart from further hurt! But, also being so overwhelmingly filled with emotions for the beauty this world has to offer. I too will be adding this quote somewhere in my home!!
So glad I’m not the only one who writes down Jess Sowards quotes in their journals ❤
Love your comment about being brave to let yourself feel the feelings- painfully awesome, joyful, tragic...❤
Its so wonderful to see Malia having grown into such a lovely young woman! I started watching Roots & Refuge several years ago. Then, when my husband became critically ill it was lovely to check in and see your gardens and family flourishing. I lost him last year and for some time couldn’t watch - so the difference in seeing you and Malia is even more striking. So glad you both are doing well, she’s a beautiful sweet girl who is destined to continue to flourish under your wing.
And - I hope the medical issues resolve and you continue to pay attention to your body’s needs.
Thank you for sharing your life with us.
I’m so sorry for your loss ♥️
When I first saw the Grand Canyon, I couldn't walk to the edge - I dropped to my knees and crawled there, and just sat down and stayed put for the better part of an hour. It was the most incredible, overwhelming, and beautiful thing I'd ever seen. ❤
I’m not even there and I’m crying! 😭 Gods beauty. Thank you for sharing.
It’s a testament to you that I had to stop this video so many times because I couldn’t see through the tears. Your awe is infectious. I so appreciate how much you appreciated the wonder of Gods glory in the landscape of our country. ❤
"Epic road trip"! 😀
Agreed with paper atlas. It is really helpful for people who need visualization at hand, or seeing the big picture.
I can’t do a trip without a paper map.
Julia_USMidwest
I am in agreement with you. I love paper maps because of the big picture. There’s a generation or two who don’t know how to read a map. Thank you Jess for sharing your trip and family.
I didn't realize how much Maliah and Tobey favor! What a beautiful lovely trip
Also-I visited the Grand Canyon years ago and we were lucky enough to be there around sunset and it is still the most breathtaking experience of my life, besides bringing life into the world!
Jess....... you are a BLESSING!!!!!!!
Jess! 1. I think I've been crying the whole video. And 2. How blessed both you and Malia are that you have each other ❤. Your relationship is so beautiful.
It's beautiful that you and your step daughter have such a good relationship Jess! I hope she enjoys her stay in SC 😁
Yeahh..a daughter among boys...a blessing to mom
Bonus kids are blessing 😊
Jess, you and Malia will remember this trip for the rest of your lives! I was a child when my Dad drove my Mom and me from coast to coast, and I remember things I can never see again because they no longer exist! Peace and Blessings to you and yours 🌻
America 🇺🇸 is beautiful and needs to be treasured. These are the moments in life that will be remembered, Jess.
Everyone should have a paper map. Always! Great thing to do with those is to make them into a scrapbook. Use the pages you didn't need and tape/glue down bits from the trip. Collect postcards etc, whatever. Makes a really nice keepsake. I get the mapquest thing and I do still print them out, even with a map, a phone, nav on my car etc. Just makes me feel better. :-) Also so glad to see I'm not the only person who cries when places or things affect her. Thank you for sharing!
You made me cry!! I can feel your emotion through the screen! Natural beauty makes me emotional too!
I’m so glad that you enjoyed the country here. Saying hello to you from
St. George, Utah.
I rode motorcycles for 20 years and this is probably some of the most beautiful country you will ever see
GOD'S CREATION IS OVERWHELMINGLY GORGEOUS!!!!❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
I have traveled across the US and around the world and you are right. I have a cross stich from my Grandma I just glanced at on the wall...it says... OF ALL THE ROADS THAT WIND AND WIND, THE BEST OF ALL LEADS HOME WE FIND. She stiched in the 40's...still true today!
The one time I went to the grand canyon it snowed. It’s whole new experience and should be on everyone’s bucket lists
1. Maliah is Adorable. You and Maleah giggling together are adorable. Turning a Chore into a great adventure together. What Fun!
Jess and I started crying at the same time as the camera panned out over Zion. I haven't stopped crying. I am so grateful we are able to feel the awe of life so fully that physically, it changes us. 🙏 whether it's the immense joy of a successful harvest (I harvested my very first crop of potatoes EVER today! Huckleberry Golds) or the throat-closing, heart-thumping, leg-shaking awe of nature, it defines us as human BEINGS, not just humans DOING. Bless you, Jess and Malia, for sharing this with all of us. My heart shares your joy and fierce love. 💖
(As a aside, Texas freaks me out. No mountains anywhere and just wide open space 😳 nope. Nopenopenope. Too much sky for my mountain-loving heart!)
I was flying from California to Massachusetts seeing the country from sky was breathtaking. The deserts, buttes and canyons, then the farms of the heartlands, it literally brought me to tears. Now to go see these these places on the ground. Great video.
Thank you for sharing this...I thoroughly enjoyed it. Such gorgeous country and such heartfelt thoughts and feelings! Great video.
The red rocks are beautiful. It literally took my breath away. I went to Salt Lake City, Utah and to Colorado. It looks like this as well. That part of the country is beautiful. I love the mountains and red rocks! It looks majestic at night during the winter. You will gasps when you see the moon at night ! So beautiful.
The overwhelm of God’s majesty
nothing more to say~
Amen!!!
Amen!!!
What a memory to make - thank you for sharing and reminding us what this country really has to offer. I remember the tears that came so easily and the feeling of awe I felt the first time I saw the Smokies.
You made me cry right away Jess! 😂 Tears of joy. I am from Germany, but I led adventure treks in the States years ago. And your trip brought me back to all these beautiful places. Dankeschön! I will never forget my helicopter ride into the grand canyon.
So sweet. I can hear Miah in Malia's voice. 💚
My daughter and I did this same road trip when she moved home from Vegas. If you take Route 66, you can stand on a corner in Winslow AZ and wallow in Eagles memorabilia 😁.
We did that!!
I agree, all the photos in the world could not have prepared me for my first view of the Grand Canyon. I was truly awestruck and also grinning from ear to ear just from the joy of it.
Going thru the Zion tunnel with my 35 foot motor home was truly one of my most memorable experiences ever looking out the holes into the valley they stop all traffic so the motor home drives down the center so beautiful.
God Bless our Beloved America and every soul and living thing within it. Love ya, Patty
Oh, the beauty and wonder of Gods country! So diverse and wondrous. So glad you two got to enjoy it together for life lasting memories. Love it!
I feel you Jess. The first time I laid my eyes on the Grand Canyon I cried like a baby 😢. Enjoy this special time with your daughter ❤
As an Aussie that will never see the US in person I thank you for sharing part of your road trip. I love that you always make everything just that extra bit beautiful . ❤
This is the best video EVER!! I love your joy and excitement. For all of us REALLY old travelers... try to explain to younger generations about the AAA TripTic, lol.
Well now I'm crying...in the garden snipping basil...watching this...God is most heavenly.
Oh my goodness!!! Best call ever! Making it a grand memory! Blessings beautiful ladies!🌻🐛🌿💚🙏💕
I cried when we went to Zion Natl Park. SUCH a spectacular place! The vastness, epic size of the rock formations… how could you not.
When you climbed out of the car at Zion Park and did the 360° turn I got goosebumps just admiring the view of the terrain. Absolutely stunning! Thank you so much for sharing your life with everyone, Jess. I appreciate you. ❤🥲
Utah is my heart. I’ve lived here most of my life. The beauty of majestic canyons, cliffs, and the plants that cling to it never get old. It was wonderful to see you experiencing it.
Thank you!
My granddaughter was in the Navy and traveled from Virginia to San Diego. She videoed the whole trip and it was absolutely amazing I'm so thankful that she did.
Thank You Jess. I am in the UK and suffer from anxiety Panic attacks and Agoraphobia seeing the Grand Canyon though your eyes I was WOW. I know I will never see such beauty in real life. Thank you.
Praying for you 🥰
@@brandyh3536 Thank You
Just awesome. I'm overwhelmed 🙏🏾 Leaving college, not knowing what I wanted to do, I ending up taking a road trip all around the U.S. And i've simce been blessed to see other parts of our incredible world as well. No matter how or what you call our divine creator nothing shows you more that love created everything than the beauty and majesty of the Earth and our blessing to be a part of it. Thank you so much for sharing this.
I love how full your heart is and how things take you away! So glad you are home and maliah is closer to family.
I love you Jess. So real. So true. The more we fully feel the pain, the more accessible the joy.
You came through our town in southern Utah. Be safe.We love Zion with snow on the red mountains
I'm so overwhelmed with the beauty of our country. Thank you for sharing your video, emotions and words of wisdom.
We recently drove from Minnesota to Florida in a toyota camry with 2 preteens and a toddler. It was an adventure for the books! Driving allows so much bonding time. Highly recommend!
Thanks for sharing your amazing journey with us! Our country is so beautiful. We need to embrace and enjoy and preserve the beauty.
We just spent 4 days in the Black Hills of South Dakota. I have been there numerous times since we do live in the state but it strikes me every time with awe at this creation the Lord has made! South Dakota is one of those states that will surprise you with variety of scenery. The best part was we were with our kids and grandkids. I am so blessed.
My husband and I did a "west road trip" two years ago...South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, Arizona...and saw awesome national and state parks, places we had never seen before. You brought me back some lovely memories with your sweet time with your lovely daughter. Glad you are back in your happy place! Yep...no place like home! Blessings, Marie
A day full of things you’ve never seen before- that’s how I felt when I went to Yellowstone a few years ago.
Side note, we will be in nw Arkansas this summer, I’ll look up that art museum!
What's funny is that I'm intently watching the video, just taking in the gorgeous scenery of the west. Then it gets to the end and the camera pans on a beautiful garden building, and I thought "wow, that looks a lot like Jess's cottage garden area!" Turns out it was! And I agree. This earth is packed with many wonders, and it's great to be able to see them in person, but home is always best.
Thank you so much Jess for sharing y’all’s amazing trip with us. I had an opportunity to see the Grand Canyon when I was 13, and I remember standing on the edge and I was speechless. There really wasn’t words to explain how I felt and still, 61 years later, I can still feel that emotion. I told my husband of fifty five years, please let’s go. I really really want him to see it. I want to stand there and watch his face as he tries to absorb the grandness of it all. Glad y’all had an amazing trip and y’all are home safe. God bless❤️✝️🙏
I started driving a semi truck last august with my husband. When we drove through Utah, I cried the first time I witnessed the absolute awe of that place. It is breathtaking. I’m so glad you got to spend quality time with your daughter. I cried watching you in your bewilderment and overwhelming emotion. I am a very emotional person as well. I have endured a lot of heartbreaking emotion, but the happy moments that take your breathe away make it worth it every time. Love you and how you embrace the feels. ❤️ thank you for sharing your cross country trip with us!
I grew up in Colorado, which is AMAZING. Driving through Utah made me cry.
Thank you both for taking us along! I even had happy tears too!
The Grand Canyon musts, a sunrise, a sunset, and a full moon. Magnificent!
Thank you for taking ‘me’ along on your grand adventure. I was tearing up with you and laughing and enjoying your adventure. I needed that! Soooo Beautiful!! Thank you.
I was gracious enough to spend 4 summers there and worked in the park. My parents shipped my horse crazy self from a MO farm to live with my Aunt and Uncle in Prescott, AZ. LOVED IT!
Thank you for taking us along.
Bonus kids are a Blessing.
These are the times to keep Family close.
Stay Safe
🦋
Thanks so much for taking us with you!! I don’t think I would've ever seen it without you!
The joy and giggles and tears and awe are contagious. I love the love. ❤
This resonates so much with me. Some of my fondest memories are long road trips with my Grandmother and later with my baby sister. Five years ago we picked up and moved from California all the way to Alabama and it will forever be one of the best experiences of my entire life, driving across country with her and all of our dogs. It was stressful and exhausting and emotional and so, so beautiful.
So glad you got to see the Grand Canyon in all its glory!
I've been to the Grand Canyon three times and it never ceases to leave me awestruck. The last time was a surprise birthday trip for my husband who had never seen it. I stood back just to watch his reaction. During that stay we took the helicopter trip over and into the Canyone. When the rim drops off and the ground quickly falls away, you stomach drops just like Malia was talking about. Everyone should go once in their lifetime because it can't convey on photos or videos. Stunning. Breath taking. Sheer beauty
Maliah is stunning. I can't stop looking at her! (Not in a creepy way) What an amazing way to start a new phase of life!! These are core memories ♥
I made a trip to the grand canyon 10 yrs ago. Breathtaking. The beauty of it is that as the day goes on it changes color just before dark. Thank you God!
I feel you! I took my baby brother and daughter on an 11 day trip down Route 66 after he graduated from southeast Texas to the Grand Canyon, into Utah, through Colorado. There’s no picture that can describe the sites and views or do them justice. It just takes your breath away around every turn! I will always cherish that time with them.
I love how beauty moves you Jess. I’m the same way. When I stood at the rim I was in tears. It’s overwhelming how beautiful the canyon is. I left a piece of y heart there.
Jess thank you for just that short glimpse of those beautiful sceneries. That trip will forever be cherished by you and your daughter. ❤❤
Gods art work is breathtaking.
Crying right along with Jess! Your poetic words always woo my heart ❤
Oh my gosh you came thru Oklahoma! I live in Shawnee, OK about a mile south of I-40. Also, I grew up in Edmond and have been to Arcadia many times. Glad you got to see the round barn and gassed up at Pops. Several years ago, a friend and I went to Las Vegas and took a helicopter ride of the Grand Canyon. We landed inside the canyon and had lunch and champagne. It is breathtaking! Haven’t been to Zion, but after your video it’s on my bucket list. 💜
Miah grew up in Luther ❤️
What an awesome momma you are Jess. I am sure you two had a wonderful trip together. It's wonderful that you got to spend that alone time with her. What a beautiful memory for you both. Thank you for sharing parts of it with us. I hope to see some of those amazing sights myself one day soon. Much love to you ❤ and may our good Lord continue to bless you and your family.
When Meg and Ben walked up to the rim, crying, I was weeping. Your reaction did not disappoint.❤️
I have been all over the world and I reacted to Zion and Monument Valley and Grand Canyon as you did…truly one of my most inspired and spiritual trips….your daughter is so beautiful and resemblance to her brothers very apparent!
I cried the first time I saw the Grand Canyon as well. Pictures just do not do it justice. It's so beautiful beyond comprehension.
you can't beat a good road atlas for cross contry driving i have one in my truck at all times has saved me quite a few times glad you enjoyed your time together
Exactly! My hubs and I have tried to impress upon our children that they should have a paper map (or we send them with our atlas, just like Jess’) because sometimes you don’t have service! And that is usually when you need it most, in that sort of situation.
I felt those tears with you Jess! This brought me back to a trip we took to Montana for the first time. We went to Glacier National Park and to see God's artwork in those mountains was just incredible!! It was one of the best trips we have taken full of very fond memories! Thank you for taking us along for the ride while you build memories with Malia! ❤❤❤
Truly Gods wave of his hand
😢 This video is making me cry. I miss the desert. I moved back to the east coast from Arizona 3 years ago and the lay of land is just like Sedona. There is a different energy there and you are definitely feeling all of it. The earth is speaking to you. 💚💚💚💚💚
Oh wow. I don't think I've ever been first to get to a new R&R video lol
Right? I’m excited to be here so soon after uploading.
Not my lip quivering and me crying with you. I adore you so much Jess and you have awakened my soul as I start my adult life. I’m 24. Just married. Year 2 on our farm. I don’t even have words for how beautiful your soul is and how much of a positive influence you have had on my husbands and I’s life. I think you serve the Lord well in your purpose and I want to thank you so much for living in a glass house for us. I know its not always glamorous but thank you Jess.
I was in 4th grade when we took a 3 week out west vacation. I am 56 yrs old and I still remember the emotional ride I was on Gods beauty was just right there I stood in awe of the creation we seen
Malia is beautiful, so happy you two got this memory to share for a lifetime. Bless you both.
I know exactly how you feel!! I spent 4 glorious years driving through Utah, Nevada, Idaho and Wyoming.. I felt the exact same way! I got to re-live that with your video ❤❤❤❤❤
Looks like you need to take more cross country road trips. I grew up doing this every summer with the family 5 kids, parents and grandma. We just picked a direction and went driving finding neat places to see along the way bought food at local grocery stores ate at picnic spots and camped at the night. I’ve been to almost every state, large parts of Canada and Mexico during my childhood. Made lasting memories. I’d highly recommend people doing that.
JESS , I have been watching you since your Arkansas days. I loved learning how to plant under a container to grow lettuces.........I am a 67 year old woman. I tell my husband about you and Miah and the kids and pets.........I tell everyone to watch your UTUBE. The funny thing is, you are the ONLY PERSON IN THE WORLD, that cries as much as I do.......I am SOOOO emotional. My husband [of 34 years in Sept.] says I cry at margarine commercials......LOL Its true !!!! Thank you for entertaining me while I learn too.
I cried in Zion because what else could you do? This trip was breathtaking, thank you so much for posting this…..❤️💫❤️
As a California girl planted in OKC, this drive with you was a huge treat. I have driven these same roads and seen these same views and felt the awe with you! LOVE this! That curvy highway, Zion, arches, views, Cadillac Ranch, Pops. Yay! Thanks for capturing this!
So many moments from this video 🫶🏼
1. I'm certainly going to be the crying person meeting you (🤞🏼) at Murray Fest. I'm so grateful you're coming this way!!
2. That little feeling of feeling so meek and tiny in a large world is felt on the edge of the ocean for me. When I lived in Charleston, I'd visit Folly frequent and sob while talking to God about his magnitude.
3. Speaking of God. Only his creation can exude such detail. 😭 Crying with you in awe!
Yes ! Finally a person who 😊agrees...
PAPER MAPS ! are essential..! 😂😅
I soo look forward to this trip [your VDOs ]
Thanks Jessica
💖🌿
15 minutes in and I’ve cried 15 times. You can always count on Jess reminding how to see things and feel them💖 Thank you Jess💖