Thank you for helping those of us living in WNC. To be honest, I'm not sure we will ever be the same. My organic garden of 30 years is now a 6' deep cavern. All our fruit trees are gone. We lost about 30 trees. But we thank God we are all alive. Water is essential, thank you. Don't forget us, the government has.
It absolutely breaks me to think of all y’all’ve been through. We give what we can and do our best not to let people forget but that just doesn’t seem like enough. Is there anything we can do? Anythjng you need? Please let us know.
I am so glad you are simplifying. A month or so before you made the decision to cut back on the number of animals on your farm, I had an inner thought. I wondered how far you were going to go with this. I felt like you were stretching yourself so thin. You didn't seem to have the passion you used to have. Even for the garden. You obviously still enjoyed it, but you didn't seem to have as much passion. Which was one of the things that made it so enjoyable to watch you do your garden tours. I was secretly wishing you would get back to a simpler way of living. I didn't want you to lose anything. You have worked so hard to accomplish what you have. And of course, I wanted you to do what makes you and your family happy. But I must say I was thrilled at some of the decisions you and your family have made. Can't wait to see how it goes. Thanks for inviting us along.
I haven't been around here much the last year or 2 because of my own life stuff, but i got the same feeling. They seemed so stretched thin and stressed and hurting and tired and just...different. i want to see the joy of the Lord return to every atom of their beings like it used to be. This is my prayer.
I think they may have bitten off more than they can chew, and their kids are paying the price for it. Maybe it’s time to put the camera away and spend more time as a family.
"I don't want to have all this knowledge I'm not handing down to my children"...pretty sure this is a huge step in getting the world back on track. So happy for y'all!
Jessica you have captured the heart of homeschooling…..time spent with your children. We graduated our 10th child last yr. We have been homeschooling since the 80s. Crazy to think🙂 It has been the best decision by far other than our decision to follow the Lord. I am so very thankful for all the time spent with them, time that I could have easily frittered away. Time spent….the best reason to homeschool😊
When I first started following your channel Ben was your garden shadow. I imagine he will find that passion again. I’m so happy for all of you to be back together.
I’ve been a little burnt out by homeschooling and trying to do all the things between hunting season and regular homestead requirements. Jess, your videos like this always get recommended to me when I’m feeling defeated. So thank you for always being an inspiring light 🥹
I raised 4 children and when people would say enjoy every min. because it goes by way to fast I had no Idea how fast it would slip by.!! I'm now a great grandmother and still can't believe how fast it went. Enjoy every moment you can 💕🙏
Cheering from Iowa for your choices. What a foundation you are giving your sons and daughter by saying, 'We want more time with you.' I've never regretted the 16 years I spent home schooling and being with my children. They mainstreamed for high school for activities like sports, theater, music, and college classes. My only regret was the day we bid farewell to home schooling. I have a software engineer (self taught through MIT youtube classes); a professional photographer/interior design content creator; and optometrist; and disabled child for whom we care. Bravo for paring down your life to what matters and realigning your dreams. And, for giving each family to grace to do what works in their individual situations.
I'm a homesteader in Alaska 😂. I've even done talks at the Alaska homestead expo this year. Did it go as planned? No, I was so scared speaking in front of all the wonderful people that came.
Old Lady here- I so enjoy seeing the way the two of you discuss, contribute, decide intentionally what is most important for your family. In my era I never witnessed, or experienced anything like it. It's a wonderful example for your kids and the viewers. Blessings, Joy
Jess and Miah, you always make my heart smile. I homeschooled my kids for 3 years. When they expressed the desire to go public, we did that. I regret not just steering them away from the idea. They missed so much learning time with me, and the things they were taught in the public schools did not prepare them for this world. I am really glad your boys expressed the desire to return back to the roots. They are so blessed to have you as their parents. I continue to pray for your family's well-being and happiness. I have gratitude in my heart that I get to glimpse your lives on these videos. You bring so much value. Thank you.
I really admire how transparent y'all are about how you reflect, respond, react, rationalize, and LIVE your life to the best of your abilities at any given moment. ❤ I love y'all and consider me influenced 😊
I love how you call it the crushing summer. Olives are crushed, and you get a beautiful oil. Grapes are crushed to get wine. When a person is crushed, the end product is so much more usable by God.
I applaud the both of you for choosing to homeschool. All of your reasons make perfect sense. But I feel the biggest reason for me would be for their physical and spiritual safety. This world and society has gone in a crazy direction. Traditional roots and common sense no longer exist in most places. The boys interest in the farm is an added bonus, and will be a wonderful "classroom" for teaching all of those necessary things. But more than that you get to teach them morals, values, character, integrity, and honesty! God bless you!
I can't tell you how much witnessing how you guys are noticing and deciding things does my heart good. As someone who hated being in school for nearly every moment (not every moment, but most of them) - my parents couldn't listen or imagine anything different for me not because they weren't good parents, but because real circumstances prevented that. My heart is full seeing how you listen to your children, allow for adjustments, and how no one path becomes something that is locked in forever. I also feel like the same way your farm teaches and inspires us viewers far away, of COURSE it is a wonderful learning resource for you and your immediate family. And yes, it takes time to hold it as such - it's "quicker" to do stuff yourself, it takes longer to show someone how to learn the process the same way it takes (a LOT) longer to film yourself doing it. But the reward! As someone who is rewarded whenever you take the extra time to film, explain and edit a process for us viewers, I'm excited for your children to have more of that time and benefit as well. Funny how sometimes when we cut back our lives expand. Thank you for your blessings - I bless you too!
Long-time viewer here. This type of content is one of my very favorites! It's wild to think of the many changes in our lives during this journey together. I'm so proud of you, Sowards. I don't know if you can truly grasp the refuge you have created at R&R Farm. You are good people. And I have so much love for you. Thank you for being a refuge for my heart. Ps. I love what you're doing with your home. It's beautiful! Have a great day!! 😊
I’m so excited for y’all! The older my kids get, the more thankful I am for the time we’ve spent homeschooling them. Even when they haven’t always appreciated it, I am more convinced every day we made the right decision.
I retired from education three years ago after 20 years of serving the incredible minds of our future. Although I never had children of my own, I always made it a priority to ensure my students understood the importance of growing their own food and becoming self-sufficient. My motto was simple: PLAN, GROW, HARVEST, and EAT. Over the years, I saw so many students become passionate gardeners, learning the value of hard work and the pride of growing something from seed to table. It's so important to teach our children these skills-not just for survival, but for self-awareness. When you grow your own food, you understand what’s going into your body, and you learn to appreciate the value of your own labor. We need more parents like Sweet Jess and Sweet Miah-those who are guiding their children to understand the true worth of hard work, self-sufficiency, and connection to the land. I’m so proud of the impact that gardening has had on these young minds. We need more of this in the world. Peace and love to all.
I can't think of a more productive and enjoyable way for the two of you to spend your precious time than teaching your children and giving them the chance to learn on their own by watching the world. Each of them is a joy to spend time with, even for a few minutes as a viewer, as they share their takes on life. You will learn from them as well. Toby, who knows you have to keep moving, Ezra, who was surprised to find that you could break the same arm twice, and Ben, who has to plant gardens when the soil is there, and build a temporary fire pit for his mom until his dad has time to get the real thing done.
This change will bring many changes! My mama, now turning 85 this December, told me when my children were young, “provide your children something healthy to do or they’ll find something unhealthy.” Bringing them home and immersing your family fully into homesteading, homeschooling, and “all the things” Will bring them, you both, and your channel back to filling your hearts as you fill their minds. Going back is definitely going forward. God bless you both!
Yes!!!! This is so exciting. I love the story you shared about your boys' reaction to wanting to spend more time with them. In a world that communicates that kids are a burden instead of a blessing, spending time with our children is a revolutionary act of love.
You guys give me so much hope, I feel so overwhelmed with all the things I'm wanting to do but listening to you helps me understand there are seasons to everything. You guys really are so wise and I appreciate you sharing these things with us.
I am so excited for you bringing your boys back home to teach them. We homeschooled all our five and I would not trade one minute of our time together for anything. A total of 26 years of teaching life skills alongside academics.
Dear Jess and Miah, My husband and I homeschooled our four children and it took a lot of effort and we did it in a time when it was grassroots. There was very little support. Our oldest son now is 40 and my husband and I just hit our 60's. I want to encourage you and tell you that you will never regret what you're about to do. Your children will always be your friend and they will not be cookie cutters of everyone around them. They learn to think for themselves and they learn family values and a lot of things that aren't taught in the public school system. All of my grandchildren are in public schools. I wanted to say that so you would know I'm not against it. However, I am thoroughly convinced that this was the correct thing for us to do and it has resulted in the greatest family experience. I bless you and I pray God's blessings on you as you change to this endeavor. I really never want you to quit your UA-cam channel but if you did, I would completely understand. We love you guys. Aaron and Suzanne Clark
Such a lovely comment. Your prayers and encouragement from one who has walked the path are the best. God bless you for sharing your experience and your heart. It touched my heart.
Yes, family is only second to the relationship with God. We home schooled for 23 years and got into it “kicking and screaming”. I firmly believe that we would not have had the relationship that we do with our adult children if we had went the traditional school route. They would not have known their grandparents the way they did either. We pray for the home school families regularly.
You are so smart to take advantage of this time with your children. What a blessing for you and for your children. I am jealous. You are living the life that I dreamed of when I was in my 20’s and 30’s. Homesteading wasn’t a ‘thing’ back then and my husband actually sent me to a psychiatrist to have him talk me out of this ridiculous idea of starting a home farm and homeschooling our kids. But this has been in my heart my entire life and I never got to do it and now I’m old and disabled and don’t have the ability to do it, but I still enjoy watching you make it happen. I’m so glad you’re part of my life. Love you guys love your family. Blessings.
It is so "fun" to watch you change directions. I am one that would love to be out in the woods, off grid but at 78 it just can't happen. But life still changes. Husband and sister in law went home, now brother and I are forging on to a new life together. He is younger and can handle the heat outside better than I. Oh the joy in my life this summer as he kept bringing in produce from the garden for me to do something with. I love pesto, now there are many meals to be made in the freezer with pesto from the garden; the chili sauce, pizza sauce, squash awaiting winter, potatoes frozen and canned along with more to hopefully last for months to come. You are so correct, season's in our lives change, embrace them and enjoy the path. Oh I never would have guessed years ago that I would be raising and processing meat chickens. We hope to not have to purchase a chicken from the store all year. Life can be wonderful and rewarding with a younger brother in your older years, just go for it, whatever your "it" is and live to the fullest. God bless you
I lost my husband Mid-2022. I needed to step away from everything chaotic after that, including channels that went from simple homestead life to building an empire. My heart just couldn't take the multi-direction content. I haven't watched your channel for over two years now. I stopped in to see your changes. I wish you the best with your new focus and hope you do well. I homeschooled for 17 years and did it because I felt called to it. I'm so grateful for that time.
I was homeschooled, and one thing I’ve noticed is that I, as well as most other people who were homeschooled, are much more comfortable speaking to older adults and people of different age groups. They also tend to have a better work ethic
You inspire me, I grew up on a small farm, and went off to university and spent the last 30 years building a construction company with my husband. We have 3 beautiful daughters that are young women that are fully launched. We have lived in a city all these years and I have been thinking a lot of my next season, you have helped me through sharing your lives to build my vision for my life. We all have to be open to hear and learn at any turn. Just love you guys. My best from Canada.
I love how you guys share your lives with us. It lets us know that it’s normal to change things up and to get overwhelmed and make new plans and discarding old plans. Thank you for being real.
I guess the question becomes how much of our lives are we willing to outsource? If we outsource our food, clothing, shelter and child rearing, how much humanity do we have left?
Bringing the boys home for school will be such a blessing to you all….in so many ways! They seem like such sweet boys and the years ahead will be treasured memories one day when they are all grown. It goes by so fast. (I’ve graduated 4, 1 left) ❤
So blessed to hear this with your family! There is nothing like these precious days with your kids. Teaching them life skills to thrive will serve them and their generations to follow!
Leela here, Yippee! Bravo! I'm so happy for you, proud of you two, and your family. I'm inspired. My heart sings. You help me to be fiercely kind and compassionate, especially as I make big changes as I've been inspired by you to assess, and reassess what's important in my life, and our family. Thanks for the support. You're the best.
Jess, I love it when you have your talks. That is why I gravitated to your channel. I do not have children at home. I do have grandchildren. I wish that my daughter would allow her children to come and help in my garden. Yes, I'm out there almost every day. I'm not expecting that. 1 day a week. I really, really want to spend time with them. Gardening, cooking, canning, herbs. There is such a plethora that I can show them if given the chance. I didn't do this with my children. This started years later. Covid got me canning, and I realized the need to care for myself and my husband. I continue to pray for a change. I thank you both. I bless you!!!
We are in year 13 of homeschooling our son; June 7th is the finish line. The days are long, but the years are short. I do have to say that homeschooling through the high school years has been the most challenging and rewarding of all of the years. I have grown as a mama and have shifted from teacher to guidance counselor.
You’re right. When each of my children began grade 6 and the junior high era- their values and morals SHIFTED - favourite phrase was I don’t give a shit Mom THAT didn’t last long!!! An overnight change and a long haul them back ! My mom - when I’d say Man if I could just have one coffee by myself She’d say There’ll be lots of those later. It’s when a busy Mom turned the corner and is saying My hands once busy now are still, the days are long and hard to fill That changed my attitude. I set the alarm an hour early and had that coffee,, they’re grown and on their own- great young men ♥️ my hands are still busy = gardening and my days not long enough and as for filling the days 🐾😂 I have my husky 🤣🤣🐾🐾♥️♥️. NEVER a dull moment
This news feels so in alignment with everything you have been building, and with your values. It looks good on you and we are excited to see the boys again as part of Roots and Refuge Farm. We each are invited to review our priorities, and to get honest about what we are creating day by day. Thank you. My son is 31, yes, it went FAST, and I wish one day he will return with his beloved to the farm. Until then I am open to co-creating homesteading and self-sufficiency with those who have the passion, just not the land. Welcome to Missouri.
This speaks to my heart more than you could ever know. As a 15+ year veteran homeschool mom turned public school teacher. The tug on my heart to bring my babies back to our homestead and school them again is running SO deep these last few weeks. I forsee a lot of prayers in my near future. Congrats to all of you for taking the leap! You will never regret a day spent homeschooling….
My family did something similar with my younger siblings after they had been in school for 2 years. The boys asked to come, home and it really really was a blessing for them even though us older kids were away at high school & college etc. Such good memories for them, and we saw them more when we came home, which was great.
When I homeschooled my son having the kids plant a vegetable and keeping a journal along with photos gosh you can build a curriculum math,science with lessons . I applaud your efforts because your lifestayle can be the best education
I love you guys so much, and I'm so happy that you've found your way back to this path. Dreaming big and working hard is admirable, but it's so easy to lose sight of the simpler pleasures that made you fall in love with this lifestyle in the first place. There will never be a worthier cause than teaching your children how to look after themselves and the planet, whilst also inspiring others to do the same. I feel blessed that you choose to share so much of your journey with us ❤
Life has so many seasons. Glad you’re capturing this new one. My youngest graduated last June and I’m in a new season as well. We must change and adapt to give life its best! I homeschooled too. Oh what a precious time that is! I know you will treasure every moment.
Wonderful news for you guys!! I love homeschooling my little ones! I love having them with me every day and showing them how to love living life, and learning together! We don’t have a farm and only have about half an acre but i am loving watching your videos to help me learn more about gardening. We did fairly well with our garden this year even with keeping it small as i was pregnant, but we are trying to plan a much bigger garden for next year! I can’t wait! My oldest is 8 and in 3rd grade, i also have a 5 & 2.5 year old and a 2.5month old.
Beth here ...read this recently "reality has a way of slapping you as an auto-corrective mechanism" and I felt that to my core. Follow your heart in all things ❤️
Y’all, I love this. I love that you addressed how much it takes to be a healthy human that eats real food because there’s such a disconnect between people and their food, it’s important they understand how much it takes. I get some pushback when I talk about how hard it can be sometimes and assumptions are made about me as well. But I know the truth and I know I’m simply returning to the ways of old and doing my best. Enjoy homeschooling again!!! We’d on our second year and it’s the best decision we could have made for our family too. 💐
I began homeschooling my Granddaughter during Covid (end of 3rd grade), her Mom is a Teacher in the public school and has to work. It is the hardest yet most rewarding thing I have ever done (it actually becomes easier every year as I learn or unlearn certain ways of doing things). I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!
Your words have truly been a balm when i needed it, an inspiration to follow, instructions on how to... thank you so much for being you! 💗😊 Blessings to your family - A follower for years years now but first time commenting..
So much to process. So much to say. I loved when Miah said that he can't say what's right for us and reiterating that is so good. But you guys are always role models and examples. We can take what we need and leave the rest. And we will and this is why we follow bc you guys have things for all of us. Bits and pieces throughout every blog. But you two together completing each other's sentences etc is absolutely what we want to be in the vibe of. And so do your kids and why wouldn't they? I think them going to school has helped them to make their own inner choices which is reflecting back now. They will have passion now but wouldn't have if u hadn't let them go to school like they did. It's all so beautiful to watch and be washed in the vibes of. Stay divinely blessed.
You all are fabulous! I love how intentional and thoughtful you are about life and all the things. I really wish I could ❤and thumbs up multiple times throughout a video to show how often you present a meaningful thought or opinion that should be acknowledged. ❤
Our daughter is the same age as Asher. She went to Christian school thru 6th grade, but we've been homeschooling these last 5 years. It's been challenging and wonderful. This past year she started taking dual credit classes at the local tech College. Which again has been amazing and challenging. And it's been a lot busier for me away from the farm because I'm her transportation. But I want to treasure every moment I can before she spreads her wings. ❤
We did this. Home schooled while have a small homestead. It worked. Our children are all out on their own and still come by to help with the big projects like cleaning out the goat barn. I sure miss all the help but they are all successful and come to our small town cell church every week. They also all went on to higher education after home school graduation. They all want us to keep the farm in the family. Hoping one of them will take it on when we can no longer manage it. My husband is 81 and I am almost 65. You will be blessed. Our three children appreciate what we invested in them.
I have a cousin in VA and they have a hybrid school program where they go to class 2 days a week and then they homeschool for 3 days. I really wish we had a program like that because I'd do it in an instant. Awesome job on following your heart ❤
You are spot on! Congratulations on finding your way-a life well lived should be the focus, but we have to keep reminding ourselves so we stay on track. Live life with no regrets!
I think you're doing the right thing. I remember when the kids would spend time in the garden with you...and with the goats, etc. I always saw the joy in them while doing it. Being at home will help both of you as well. :))
Yay, a long talking video 🙌🏻 im solo parenting the last few weeks + baking a lot for my small home bakery for holidays. So happy to listen to this while baking+prepping supper + folding laundry. 🫶🏻
I love watching you Jess and Miah, You keep things so real and honest. My sons are all adults now but I still got context from your chat about reflecting and having the courage to change and adapt to what's happening you your life now. I hope to move to my 10 acre homestead next year. You have inspired me to keep my homestead simple but big enough to feed my family and have enough to help my sister and her family that live near my homestead. God Bless you and your family!
I love when people share new commitments or changing priorities/ changing course. I wish as a society we would celebrate that more. I know so many who feel stuck but do nothing about it. My husband and I just realized how much more we want to give within our community. Which means us auditing our current systems. I’m so excited for y’all getting to start this new chapter! ❤
Wow! Thank you for sharing, & reminding me of the joys of raising sons! I miss mine terribly (,he passed @ 24 in '07), & am grateful he left me 2 grandchildren. The newness, the clarity of Life with Love & Joy of learning & growing with your Family is so precious!!! I learn such great lessons from you 2, of growing your Life on a wonderful farm, is new to me, as I was raised in the city. Thanks again!❤
These filters are amazing - LOVE that they're made in the USA, that you'll be blessing others with the sales and that you two are behind them! You live with integrity and transparency and I appreciate you very much.
@chelseafailla9887. Thanks for info, do you know if all models use same filter? I think I saw 4-models. Is not mentioned on any sites. Have AZ. friends who love their Berkey. They may be interested in knowing this. Thanks❤️
How exciting! I have only been watching your channel for about 6 months, didn't know you guys used to homeschool- was always curious as to why you didn't.
Our son had some amazing teachers, which made us put the decision of homeschooling off longer than we should. Once we made that leap we saw such a change and love of learning that we never saw before. It has been the best decision.
I absolutely love this vlog!! I'm tearing up over your boys tearing up!! I wish I knew then what I know now about home schooling and my son, who it 35 now, would of definitely been home schooled. It's such a precious time with them. God put this on your heart and i love you are listening to Him!
Good timing on the water filters. I live in WNC and while we're getting closer to having potable water, I'm still a little leery. I have a big berkey that was gifted to me that I haven't even looked at in years and was just about to start looking for replacement filters for it. What serendipity!
This chat was right on time! Not being afraid to let go even though you know letting go is for the best. I appreciate the chat…it was like food for my soul.
What an amazing opportunity your family has to teach your boys skills that will bless their lives for their whole lives! I love hearing your thought process...we've been evaluating things too even long past the homeschool years (which we treasure now that our daughters are grown!)
I'm sitting here on my couch recovering from a surgery watching your video and I know Jess and Miah probably won't see this but my daughter walks by and says that Miah looks like one of the guys off of the Viking series.
I love how flexible you are! You make plans, but aren't super rigid and are willing to put them aside, if needed. You have taught me a ton since I found your channel about a year ago, and challenged me to become and be better. Thank you! May God bless you even more!
Love this! God put that school there for when you needed it and what a blessing that was. Momma’s back to feeling good and ready to have all her boys close again!!! 💙💙💙
21:33 - same! I love homeschooling our kids. I was always good at tutoring and teaching summer school. Our son loves the time I spend with him and the individual care that he needs. We have a toddler so he doesn’t get a lot of undivided attention. It’s brutal for me because I homeschool him during toddler nap time but both kids are super happy. Totally worth! He’ll be 18 in 11 years! Where does the time go?! Have to spend as much time as we can. The years go by so fast!
So excited for you!!! And applaud your courage and vision to choose this route. We did it and never regretted it - still so close to our kids. And now there is even more outside pressure from media and everyone pitching in opinions, so good sorting out what you believe. (And we lived in a trailer until we all built our house together. So three more builders! LOL) And it turns out you end up with what you choose - in all ways.😢❤
Definitely time to reassess and focus on what is truly important. That is why I love you guys, by being open and honest about your thought process, you open the window to let us do the same for ourselves. That is the essence of good teaching. ❤
I love y’all’s heart for your family. And I love your intentional living. I learn so much from you two. ❤ May God bless this new path of bringing the boys back home and giving them such a RICH learning environment! I also love your desire to better other people’s lives by giving back. North Carolina and Tennessee will be blessed through your generosity.
I totally get this. I homeschooled my kids through 9th grade and then they went to a dual enrollment community college. One year, I put my two oldest in 4th grade. It took so much extra time and energy that was just busy work that didn’t;t relate to anything. They came home and it was like the balance was back. It was so precious and I am so grateful we got to spend that time together. Even when they went yo community college and were doing extra curricular with their homeschool coop peeps, we had more time together than if they went to high school. The two oldest are in college now and because of CC and scholarships and their own work, they will graduate from college with no debt. They were always academically ahead, even though we were pretty crunchy with how we did a lot of things. (My youngest has not graduated high school yet.) I am excited for you!
This is incredible! Thank you for sharing with us all. From 1 fellow homeschool mom to another with a graduate--this time really does fly by. I'm so glad you are able to take this time with the boys & make these memories & investments into them. They will carry it forever. I've got 3 girls here at home while my first born, my boy, is spreading his wings & adulting. I'm equally as proud of him as my heart aches for that time back. Life is a beautiful thing, & I don't want to miss a moment of it. ❤
I appreciate you sharing the conversation you had with them. So many children hear how their parents are SOO ready for them to get back to school whenever there's a long break. So hearing you say that you really want them around is super touching.
Thank you for sharing all your amazing news! I'm so excited you're able to bring your babies home again! 🥰 You're both such beautiful examples of parenting with authenticity. You're children picked the best parents ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💚 Congratulations to you All! Ot will be hreat to see the boys working along side you and gaining yhe skills and knowledge you can share and impart! The time will surely "fly" by. You haven't mentioned anything about the Mercantile in a while (unless I missed something), what's happening with the plans there? Looking forward to trying out your water filters! 💚
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Thank you for helping those of us living in WNC. To be honest, I'm not sure we will ever be the same. My organic garden of 30 years is now a 6' deep cavern. All our fruit trees are gone. We lost about 30 trees. But we thank God we are all alive. Water is essential, thank you. Don't forget us, the government has.
I think about the huge loss you people have experienced everyday. I am so sorry and pray for all the people especially your children. Stay strong.
I’m praying for you
It absolutely breaks me to think of all y’all’ve been through. We give what we can and do our best not to let people forget but that just doesn’t seem like enough. Is there anything we can do? Anythjng you need? Please let us know.
Praying for you
How has the government forgotten you?
I am so glad you are simplifying. A month or so before you made the decision to cut back on the number of animals on your farm, I had an inner thought. I wondered how far you were going to go with this. I felt like you were stretching yourself so thin. You didn't seem to have the passion you used to have. Even for the garden. You obviously still enjoyed it, but you didn't seem to have as much passion. Which was one of the things that made it so enjoyable to watch you do your garden tours. I was secretly wishing you would get back to a simpler way of living. I didn't want you to lose anything. You have worked so hard to accomplish what you have. And of course, I wanted you to do what makes you and your family happy. But I must say I was thrilled at some of the decisions you and your family have made. Can't wait to see how it goes. Thanks for inviting us along.
I have thought that same thing!
So well said! I got the same feeling as what you described so well!
So agree! Realizing so many of your dreams can be exhausting and overwhelming! Simplicity ❤
I haven't been around here much the last year or 2 because of my own life stuff, but i got the same feeling. They seemed so stretched thin and stressed and hurting and tired and just...different. i want to see the joy of the Lord return to every atom of their beings like it used to be. This is my prayer.
I think they may have bitten off more than they can chew, and their kids are paying the price for it.
Maybe it’s time to put the camera away and spend more time as a family.
"I don't want to have all this knowledge I'm not handing down to my children"...pretty sure this is a huge step in getting the world back on track. So happy for y'all!
I so completely agree with this statement. There's far too little of this in the world today!
THIS. This right here is our responsibility as parents, guides, & mentors. We were NEVER meant to reinvent the wheel or create our life alone.
Jessica you have captured the heart of homeschooling…..time spent with your children. We graduated our 10th child last yr. We have been homeschooling since the 80s. Crazy to think🙂 It has been the best decision by far other than our decision to follow the Lord. I am so very thankful for all the time spent with them, time that I could have easily frittered away. Time spent….the best reason to homeschool😊
When I first started following your channel Ben was your garden shadow. I imagine he will find that passion again. I’m so happy for all of you to be back together.
Yes!!!
I love when mom and dad sit us down for these family meetings! 🥰🤣
I’ve been a little burnt out by homeschooling and trying to do all the things between hunting season and regular homestead requirements. Jess, your videos like this always get recommended to me when I’m feeling defeated. So thank you for always being an inspiring light 🥹
I raised 4 children and when people would say enjoy every min. because it goes by way to fast I had no Idea how fast it would slip by.!! I'm now a great grandmother and still can't believe how fast it went. Enjoy every moment you can 💕🙏
Cheering from Iowa for your choices. What a foundation you are giving your sons and daughter by saying, 'We want more time with you.' I've never regretted the 16 years I spent home schooling and being with my children. They mainstreamed for high school for activities like sports, theater, music, and college classes. My only regret was the day we bid farewell to home schooling. I have a software engineer (self taught through MIT youtube classes); a professional photographer/interior design content creator; and optometrist; and disabled child for whom we care. Bravo for paring down your life to what matters and realigning your dreams. And, for giving each family to grace to do what works in their individual situations.
Thank you for not moving to Alaska. Your garden would not be the same!
Lol
The garden wouldn't be the same but I bet Miah would build one heck of an igloo!
Hey, there’s some people I follow on UA-cam who are in Alaska they’ve got nice gardens. Shorter season and mostly greenhouse but it looks lush.
I'm a homesteader in Alaska 😂. I've even done talks at the Alaska homestead expo this year. Did it go as planned? No, I was so scared speaking in front of all the wonderful people that came.
Miah, will you do a video for a quick setup using the filters? Using things that most of us have around… besides the filters of course. Thanks!!!
Old Lady here- I so enjoy seeing the way the two of you discuss, contribute, decide intentionally what is most important for your family. In my era I never witnessed, or experienced anything like it. It's a wonderful example for your kids and the viewers. Blessings, Joy
Jess and Miah, you always make my heart smile. I homeschooled my kids for 3 years. When they expressed the desire to go public, we did that. I regret not just steering them away from the idea. They missed so much learning time with me, and the things they were taught in the public schools did not prepare them for this world. I am really glad your boys expressed the desire to return back to the roots. They are so blessed to have you as their parents. I continue to pray for your family's well-being and happiness. I have gratitude in my heart that I get to glimpse your lives on these videos. You bring so much value. Thank you.
I really admire how transparent y'all are about how you reflect, respond, react, rationalize, and LIVE your life to the best of your abilities at any given moment. ❤ I love y'all and consider me influenced 😊
I love how you call it the crushing summer. Olives are crushed, and you get a beautiful oil. Grapes are crushed to get wine. When a person is crushed, the end product is so much more usable by God.
Carbon pressed makes diamonds! Carbon is the second most abundant element in the human body by mass.
Very well said!
Yes, Psalm 34:18 He saves those crushed in spirit.
so encouraging.
So perfectly said 🙏🏻
I applaud the both of you for choosing to homeschool. All of your reasons make perfect sense. But I feel the biggest reason for me would be for their physical and spiritual safety. This world and society has gone in a crazy direction. Traditional roots and common sense no longer exist in most places. The boys interest in the farm is an added bonus, and will be a wonderful "classroom" for teaching all of those necessary things. But more than that you get to teach them morals, values, character, integrity, and honesty! God bless you!
Awesome news about the water filter and THANK YOU FOR HELPING THE PEOPLE IN TENNESSEE!!!!!!😮😊
Love that you’re doing sit downs. Reminiscent of the good old days 😊
I can't tell you how much witnessing how you guys are noticing and deciding things does my heart good. As someone who hated being in school for nearly every moment (not every moment, but most of them) - my parents couldn't listen or imagine anything different for me not because they weren't good parents, but because real circumstances prevented that. My heart is full seeing how you listen to your children, allow for adjustments, and how no one path becomes something that is locked in forever. I also feel like the same way your farm teaches and inspires us viewers far away, of COURSE it is a wonderful learning resource for you and your immediate family. And yes, it takes time to hold it as such - it's "quicker" to do stuff yourself, it takes longer to show someone how to learn the process the same way it takes (a LOT) longer to film yourself doing it. But the reward! As someone who is rewarded whenever you take the extra time to film, explain and edit a process for us viewers, I'm excited for your children to have more of that time and benefit as well. Funny how sometimes when we cut back our lives expand. Thank you for your blessings - I bless you too!
I love your comment, “when we cut back, our lives expand.” So true.
Long-time viewer here. This type of content is one of my very favorites! It's wild to think of the many changes in our lives during this journey together.
I'm so proud of you, Sowards. I don't know if you can truly grasp the refuge you have created at R&R Farm. You are good people. And I have so much love for you. Thank you for being a refuge for my heart.
Ps. I love what you're doing with your home. It's beautiful! Have a great day!! 😊
Well said, Lisa!❤
I’m so excited for y’all! The older my kids get, the more thankful I am for the time we’ve spent homeschooling them. Even when they haven’t always appreciated it, I am more convinced every day we made the right decision.
I retired from education three years ago after 20 years of serving the incredible minds of our future. Although I never had children of my own, I always made it a priority to ensure my students understood the importance of growing their own food and becoming self-sufficient. My motto was simple: PLAN, GROW, HARVEST, and EAT. Over the years, I saw so many students become passionate gardeners, learning the value of hard work and the pride of growing something from seed to table.
It's so important to teach our children these skills-not just for survival, but for self-awareness. When you grow your own food, you understand what’s going into your body, and you learn to appreciate the value of your own labor. We need more parents like Sweet Jess and Sweet Miah-those who are guiding their children to understand the true worth of hard work, self-sufficiency, and connection to the land.
I’m so proud of the impact that gardening has had on these young minds. We need more of this in the world. Peace and love to all.
I can't think of a more productive and enjoyable way for the two of you to spend your precious time than teaching your children and giving them the chance to learn on their own by watching the world. Each of them is a joy to spend time with, even for a few minutes as a viewer, as they share their takes on life. You will learn from them as well. Toby, who knows you have to keep moving, Ezra, who was surprised to find that you could break the same arm twice, and Ben, who has to plant gardens when the soil is there, and build a temporary fire pit for his mom until his dad has time to get the real thing done.
This change will bring many changes! My mama, now turning 85 this December, told me when my children were young, “provide your children something healthy to do or they’ll find something unhealthy.” Bringing them home and immersing your family fully into homesteading, homeschooling, and “all the things” Will bring them, you both, and your channel back to filling your hearts as you fill their minds. Going back is definitely going forward. God bless you both!
Yes!!!! This is so exciting. I love the story you shared about your boys' reaction to wanting to spend more time with them. In a world that communicates that kids are a burden instead of a blessing, spending time with our children is a revolutionary act of love.
You guys give me so much hope, I feel so overwhelmed with all the things I'm wanting to do but listening to you helps me understand there are seasons to everything. You guys really are so wise and I appreciate you sharing these things with us.
You two are wise beyond your years. The way you communicate with each other is enviable. Thank you for sharing your journey.
I am so excited for you bringing your boys back home to teach them. We homeschooled all our five and I would not trade one minute of our time together for anything. A total of 26 years of teaching life skills alongside academics.
Dear Jess and Miah, My husband and I homeschooled our four children and it took a lot of effort and we did it in a time when it was grassroots. There was very little support. Our oldest son now is 40 and my husband and I just hit our 60's. I want to encourage you and tell you that you will never regret what you're about to do. Your children will always be your friend and they will not be cookie cutters of everyone around them. They learn to think for themselves and they learn family values and a lot of things that aren't taught in the public school system. All of my grandchildren are in public schools. I wanted to say that so you would know I'm not against it. However, I am thoroughly convinced that this was the correct thing for us to do and it has resulted in the greatest family experience. I bless you and I pray God's blessings on you as you change to this endeavor. I really never want you to quit your UA-cam channel but if you did, I would completely understand. We love you guys. Aaron and Suzanne Clark
Such a lovely comment. Your prayers and encouragement from one who has walked the path are the best. God bless you for sharing your experience and your heart. It touched my heart.
Yes, family is only second to the relationship with God. We home schooled for 23 years and got into it “kicking and screaming”. I firmly believe that we would not have had the relationship that we do with our adult children if we had went the traditional school route. They would not have known their grandparents the way they did either. We pray for the home school families regularly.
You are so smart to take advantage of this time with your children. What a blessing for you and for your children. I am jealous. You are living the life that I dreamed of when I was in my 20’s and 30’s. Homesteading wasn’t a ‘thing’ back then and my husband actually sent me to a psychiatrist to have him talk me out of this ridiculous idea of starting a home farm and homeschooling our kids. But this has been in my heart my entire life and I never got to do it and now I’m old and disabled and don’t have the ability to do it, but I still enjoy watching you make it happen. I’m so glad you’re part of my life. Love you guys love your family. Blessings.
It is so "fun" to watch you change directions. I am one that would love to be out in the woods, off grid but at 78 it just can't happen. But life still changes. Husband and sister in law went home, now brother and I are forging on to a new life together. He is younger and can handle the heat outside better than I. Oh the joy in my life this summer as he kept bringing in produce from the garden for me to do something with. I love pesto, now there are many meals to be made in the freezer with pesto from the garden; the chili sauce, pizza sauce, squash awaiting winter, potatoes frozen and canned along with more to hopefully last for months to come. You are so correct, season's in our lives change, embrace them and enjoy the path. Oh I never would have guessed years ago that I would be raising and processing meat chickens. We hope to not have to purchase a chicken from the store all year. Life can be wonderful and rewarding with a younger brother in your older years, just go for it, whatever your "it" is and live to the fullest. God bless you
I lost my husband Mid-2022. I needed to step away from everything chaotic after that, including channels that went from simple homestead life to building an empire. My heart just couldn't take the multi-direction content. I haven't watched your channel for over two years now. I stopped in to see your changes. I wish you the best with your new focus and hope you do well. I homeschooled for 17 years and did it because I felt called to it. I'm so grateful for that time.
Prayers!❤
I was homeschooled, and one thing I’ve noticed is that I, as well as most other people who were homeschooled, are much more comfortable speaking to older adults and people of different age groups. They also tend to have a better work ethic
Homeschooled my kids! Loved every minute of it. The days are long, but the years are short. Be blessed.❤
You inspire me, I grew up on a small farm, and went off to university and spent the last 30 years building a construction company with my husband. We have 3 beautiful daughters that are young women that are fully launched. We have lived in a city all these years and I have been thinking a lot of my next season, you have helped me through sharing your lives to build my vision for my life. We all have to be open to hear and learn at any turn. Just love you guys. My best from Canada.
Thank you so much!!
I had to get a cup of tea to sit and listen to this table chat. You two are so very inspiring. Thanks for sharing your precious moments with us.
I love how you guys share your lives with us. It lets us know that it’s normal to change things up and to get overwhelmed and make new plans and discarding old plans. Thank you for being real.
I guess the question becomes how much of our lives are we willing to outsource? If we outsource our food, clothing, shelter and child rearing, how much humanity do we have left?
Bringing the boys home for school will be such a blessing to you all….in so many ways! They seem like such sweet boys and the years ahead will be treasured memories one day when they are all grown. It goes by so fast. (I’ve graduated 4, 1 left) ❤
It is AWESOME that you will homeschool the boys again!! Everything you said was spot on! I bless you and your family!!
So blessed to hear this with your family! There is nothing like these precious days with your kids. Teaching them life skills to thrive will serve them and their generations to follow!
Leela here, Yippee! Bravo! I'm so happy for you, proud of you two, and your family. I'm inspired. My heart sings. You help me to be fiercely kind and compassionate, especially as I make big changes as I've been inspired by you to assess, and reassess what's important in my life, and our family. Thanks for the support. You're the best.
Jess, I love it when you have your talks. That is why I gravitated to your channel. I do not have children at home. I do have grandchildren. I wish that my daughter would allow her children to come and help in my garden. Yes, I'm out there almost every day. I'm not expecting that. 1 day a week. I really, really want to spend time with them. Gardening, cooking, canning, herbs. There is such a plethora that I can show them if given the chance. I didn't do this with my children. This started years later. Covid got me canning, and I realized the need to care for myself and my husband. I continue to pray for a change. I thank you both. I bless you!!!
oh my goodness. sobbing at 34:01. Kids are so pure and precious. 😭
I will definitely buy the entire kit when you have it ready to sell. I trust you both. Thank you for doing good.
I absolutely love when you two sit down to chat with us together ❤️ I'm invested in your journey and enjoy hearing the latest!
We are in year 13 of homeschooling our son; June 7th is the finish line. The days are long, but the years are short. I do have to say that homeschooling through the high school years has been the most challenging and rewarding of all of the years. I have grown as a mama and have shifted from teacher to guidance counselor.
You’re right. When each of my children began grade 6 and the junior high era- their values and morals SHIFTED - favourite phrase was I don’t give a shit Mom
THAT didn’t last long!!! An overnight change and a long haul them back ! My mom - when I’d say Man if I could just have one coffee by myself She’d say There’ll be lots of those later. It’s when a busy Mom turned the corner and is saying My hands once busy now are still, the days are long and hard to fill
That changed my attitude. I set the alarm an hour early and had that coffee,, they’re grown and on their own- great young men ♥️ my hands are still busy = gardening and my days not long enough and as for filling the days 🐾😂 I have my husky 🤣🤣🐾🐾♥️♥️. NEVER a dull moment
This news feels so in alignment with everything you have been building, and with your values. It looks good on you and we are excited to see the boys again as part of Roots and Refuge Farm. We each are invited to review our priorities, and to get honest about what we are creating day by day. Thank you. My son is 31, yes, it went FAST, and I wish one day he will return with his beloved to the farm. Until then I am open to co-creating homesteading and self-sufficiency with those who have the passion, just not the land. Welcome to Missouri.
Wonderful and inspirational... bless you guys and thank you for sharing! 🧡🧡🧡
This speaks to my heart more than you could ever know. As a 15+ year veteran homeschool mom turned public school teacher. The tug on my heart to bring my babies back to our homestead and school them again is running SO deep these last few weeks. I forsee a lot of prayers in my near future. Congrats to all of you for taking the leap! You will never regret a day spent homeschooling….
My family did something similar with my younger siblings after they had been in school for 2 years. The boys asked to come, home and it really really was a blessing for them even though us older kids were away at high school & college etc. Such good memories for them, and we saw them more when we came home, which was great.
I love the passion you both have for LIFE … we all need to enjoy it the way that makes us happy. Our kids are most important for our future 💞
When I homeschooled my son having the kids plant a vegetable and keeping a journal along with photos gosh you can build a curriculum math,science with lessons . I applaud your efforts because your lifestayle can be the best education
I love you guys so much, and I'm so happy that you've found your way back to this path. Dreaming big and working hard is admirable, but it's so easy to lose sight of the simpler pleasures that made you fall in love with this lifestyle in the first place.
There will never be a worthier cause than teaching your children how to look after themselves and the planet, whilst also inspiring others to do the same.
I feel blessed that you choose to share so much of your journey with us ❤
If you're passionate about it, then it's the right decision! Best wishes to you and your family on this new journey. Now you can be home more! 💜
Life has so many seasons. Glad you’re capturing this new one. My youngest graduated last June and I’m in a new season as well. We must change and adapt to give life its best!
I homeschooled too. Oh what a precious time that is! I know you will treasure every moment.
Wonderful news for you guys!! I love homeschooling my little ones! I love having them with me every day and showing them how to love living life, and learning together! We don’t have a farm and only have about half an acre but i am loving watching your videos to help me learn more about gardening. We did fairly well with our garden this year even with keeping it small as i was pregnant, but we are trying to plan a much bigger garden for next year! I can’t wait! My oldest is 8 and in 3rd grade, i also have a 5 & 2.5 year old and a 2.5month old.
Great ideas. We love our Berkey. Just ordered your new filters. Will be happy to see how they work. Y'all are awesome parents.
Beth here ...read this recently "reality has a way of slapping you as an auto-corrective mechanism" and I felt that to my core. Follow your heart in all things ❤️
Y’all, I love this. I love that you addressed how much it takes to be a healthy human that eats real food because there’s such a disconnect between people and their food, it’s important they understand how much it takes. I get some pushback when I talk about how hard it can be sometimes and assumptions are made about me as well. But I know the truth and I know I’m simply returning to the ways of old and doing my best.
Enjoy homeschooling again!!! We’d on our second year and it’s the best decision we could have made for our family too. 💐
I began homeschooling my Granddaughter during Covid (end of 3rd grade), her Mom is a Teacher in the public school and has to work. It is the hardest yet most rewarding thing I have ever done (it actually becomes easier every year as I learn or unlearn certain ways of doing things). I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world!
Your words have truly been a balm when i needed it, an inspiration to follow, instructions on how to... thank you so much for being you! 💗😊 Blessings to your family
- A follower for years years now but first time commenting..
So much to process. So much to say. I loved when Miah said that he can't say what's right for us and reiterating that is so good. But you guys are always role models and examples. We can take what we need and leave the rest. And we will and this is why we follow bc you guys have things for all of us. Bits and pieces throughout every blog. But you two together completing each other's sentences etc is absolutely what we want to be in the vibe of. And so do your kids and why wouldn't they? I think them going to school has helped them to make their own inner choices which is reflecting back now. They will have passion now but wouldn't have if u hadn't let them go to school like they did. It's all so beautiful to watch and be washed in the vibes of. Stay divinely blessed.
I don't watch you as much since you moved to the east coast but I'm sure you've picked up a lot of people in that growing zone. It's good to catch up.
You all are fabulous! I love how intentional and thoughtful you are about life and all the things. I really wish I could ❤and thumbs up multiple times throughout a video to show how often you present a meaningful thought or opinion that should be acknowledged. ❤
Our daughter is the same age as Asher. She went to Christian school thru 6th grade, but we've been homeschooling these last 5 years. It's been challenging and wonderful. This past year she started taking dual credit classes at the local tech College. Which again has been amazing and challenging. And it's been a lot busier for me away from the farm because I'm her transportation. But I want to treasure every moment I can before she spreads her wings. ❤
You are moving from coping to thriving. Regenerative farming and regenerative family. Well done….watch the happiness quotient of your life skyrocket.
We did this. Home schooled while have a small homestead. It worked. Our children are all out on their own and still come by to help with the big projects like cleaning out the goat barn. I sure miss all the help but they are all successful and come to our small town cell church every week. They also all went on to higher education after home school graduation. They all want us to keep the farm in the family. Hoping one of them will take it on when we can no longer manage it. My husband is 81 and I am almost 65. You will be blessed. Our three children appreciate what we invested in them.
I have a cousin in VA and they have a hybrid school program where they go to class 2 days a week and then they homeschool for 3 days. I really wish we had a program like that because I'd do it in an instant.
Awesome job on following your heart ❤
You are spot on! Congratulations on finding your way-a life well lived should be the focus, but we have to keep reminding ourselves so we stay on track. Live life with no regrets!
I think you're doing the right thing. I remember when the kids would spend time in the garden with you...and with the goats, etc. I always saw the joy in them while doing it. Being at home will help both of you as well. :))
Yay, a long talking video 🙌🏻 im solo parenting the last few weeks + baking a lot for my small home bakery for holidays. So happy to listen to this while baking+prepping supper + folding laundry. 🫶🏻
How wonderful! What a blessing for all of you it will be. I have missed seeing your boys being home with you guys in the vlogs.
I love watching you Jess and Miah, You keep things so real and honest. My sons are all adults now but I still got context from your chat about reflecting and having the courage to change and adapt to what's happening you your life now. I hope to move to my 10 acre homestead next year. You have inspired me to keep my homestead simple but big enough to feed my family and have enough to help my sister and her family that live near my homestead. God Bless you and your family!
I love when people share new commitments or changing priorities/ changing course. I wish as a society we would celebrate that more. I know so many who feel stuck but do nothing about it. My husband and I just realized how much more we want to give within our community. Which means us auditing our current systems. I’m so excited for y’all getting to start this new chapter! ❤
As a homeschooling mama, I’m so excited for your family! Praying for you all as you transition back to homeschooling. ❤️🥰
Wow! Thank you for sharing, & reminding me of the joys of raising sons! I miss mine terribly (,he passed @ 24 in '07), & am grateful he left me 2 grandchildren. The newness, the clarity of Life with Love & Joy of learning & growing with your Family is so precious!!!
I learn such great lessons from you 2, of growing your Life on a wonderful farm, is new to me, as I was raised in the city. Thanks again!❤
You both are RErooted and I love it. it's OG Jess and Sweet Miah!!
These filters are amazing - LOVE that they're made in the USA, that you'll be blessing others with the sales and that you two are behind them! You live with integrity and transparency and I appreciate you very much.
I never heard the name of the water filters, can you tell me the name and where to find them now?
@@gardengatesopen they're on their website, it's the first link in the description! :)
@chelseafailla9887
Thanks
@chelseafailla9887. Thanks for info, do you know if all models use same filter? I think I saw 4-models. Is not mentioned on any sites. Have AZ. friends who love their Berkey. They may be interested in knowing this. Thanks❤️
How exciting! I have only been watching your channel for about 6 months, didn't know you guys used to homeschool- was always curious as to why you didn't.
Our son had some amazing teachers, which made us put the decision of homeschooling off longer than we should. Once we made that leap we saw such a change and love of learning that we never saw before. It has been the best decision.
We have the Berkey too and haven't been able to find the original filters so this will be very useful. Thank you
I absolutely love this vlog!! I'm tearing up over your boys tearing up!! I wish I knew then what I know now about home schooling and my son, who it 35 now, would of definitely been home schooled. It's such a precious time with them. God put this on your heart and i love you are listening to Him!
Good timing on the water filters. I live in WNC and while we're getting closer to having potable water, I'm still a little leery. I have a big berkey that was gifted to me that I haven't even looked at in years and was just about to start looking for replacement filters for it. What serendipity!
This chat was right on time! Not being afraid to let go even though you know letting go is for the best. I appreciate the chat…it was like food for my soul.
What an amazing opportunity your family has to teach your boys skills that will bless their lives for their whole lives! I love hearing your thought process...we've been evaluating things too even long past the homeschool years (which we treasure now that our daughters are grown!)
I'm sitting here on my couch recovering from a surgery watching your video and I know Jess and Miah probably won't see this but my daughter walks by and says that Miah looks like one of the guys off of the Viking series.
I love how flexible you are! You make plans, but aren't super rigid and are willing to put them aside, if needed. You have taught me a ton since I found your channel about a year ago, and challenged me to become and be better. Thank you! May God bless you even more!
Love this! God put that school there for when you needed it and what a blessing that was. Momma’s back to feeling good and ready to have all her boys close again!!! 💙💙💙
21:33 - same! I love homeschooling our kids. I was always good at tutoring and teaching summer school. Our son loves the time I spend with him and the individual care that he needs. We have a toddler so he doesn’t get a lot of undivided attention. It’s brutal for me because I homeschool him during toddler nap time but both kids are super happy.
Totally worth! He’ll be 18 in 11 years! Where does the time go?! Have to spend as much time as we can. The years go by so fast!
So excited for you!!! And applaud your courage and vision to choose this route. We did it and never regretted it - still so close to our kids. And now there is even more outside pressure from media and everyone pitching in opinions, so good sorting out what you believe. (And we lived in a trailer until we all built our house together. So three more builders! LOL)
And it turns out you end up with what you choose - in all ways.😢❤
Definitely time to reassess and focus on what is truly important. That is why I love you guys, by being open and honest about your thought process, you open the window to let us do the same for ourselves. That is the essence of good teaching. ❤
I love y’all’s heart for your family. And I love your intentional living. I learn so much from you two. ❤ May God bless this new path of bringing the boys back home and giving them such a RICH learning environment! I also love your desire to better other people’s lives by giving back. North Carolina and Tennessee will be blessed through your generosity.
Homeschool mama of eight here.
🤍 Happy for you guys.
I totally get this. I homeschooled my kids through 9th grade and then they went to a dual enrollment community college. One year, I put my two oldest in 4th grade. It took so much extra time and energy that was just busy work that didn’t;t relate to anything. They came home and it was like the balance was back. It was so precious and I am so grateful we got to spend that time together. Even when they went yo community college and were doing extra curricular with their homeschool coop peeps, we had more time together than if they went to high school. The two oldest are in college now and because of CC and scholarships and their own work, they will graduate from college with no debt. They were always academically ahead, even though we were pretty crunchy with how we did a lot of things. (My youngest has not graduated high school yet.) I am excited for you!
This is incredible! Thank you for sharing with us all. From 1 fellow homeschool mom to another with a graduate--this time really does fly by. I'm so glad you are able to take this time with the boys & make these memories & investments into them. They will carry it forever. I've got 3 girls here at home while my first born, my boy, is spreading his wings & adulting. I'm equally as proud of him as my heart aches for that time back. Life is a beautiful thing, & I don't want to miss a moment of it. ❤
I appreciate you sharing the conversation you had with them. So many children hear how their parents are SOO ready for them to get back to school whenever there's a long break. So hearing you say that you really want them around is super touching.
Thank you for offering these at such a reasonable price!!!!! This is so wonderful and will help so many people!
I am so glad you are going back to homeschooling, and that your boys are becoming interested in the farm.
Thank you for sharing all your amazing news!
I'm so excited you're able to bring your babies home again! 🥰 You're both such beautiful examples of parenting with authenticity.
You're children picked the best parents ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💚 Congratulations to you All! Ot will be hreat to see the boys working along side you and gaining yhe skills and knowledge you can share and impart! The time will surely "fly" by. You haven't mentioned anything about the Mercantile in a while (unless I missed something), what's happening with the plans there? Looking forward to trying out your water filters! 💚