Not to say that living off grid isn't a beautiful way of life but we as humans created amenities like running water and electricity so we had the luxury of spending more time enjoying our lives instead of working for those basic necessities. So we could rest and enjoy lives with our families. You two have created incredible experiences with your kids and will continue to do that no matter what changes you make; it's all about picking and choosing what suits you all best. You all are so blessed to have each other, it really is so inspirational for people like me who are working on building a life like you guys have! So thank you. 🥰🥰

@Homesteadyshow

20 күн бұрын

Yeah, I think our time in AK helped us see the value in modern living, what it buys you IS time together, if you use it that way! Sometimes K and I get a little too focused on going back to basics, forgetting that some things are better in our modern age when used to buy us more time with those we love. Like you said Chelsea, pick and choose!

@katherinebragg9166

18 күн бұрын

You have to work to earn money to pay for those luxuries though, which takes time away from family. Then come home from work and do the stuff...laundry, mowing etc etc. the key is to find balance. And do everything together.

I can't believe you did that. I did it for a few years in an off grid log cabin in the Rockies, but I was 19-20, and I didn't have a bunch of kids. What amazes me is you did it with kids. My hat is off to you. Your kids won't be afraid to do anything - they know they can survive anywhere.

@EmmaBakesCakes

15 күн бұрын

Oh yes it sure is different when we take on these challenges with kids. They did a great job and the kids are lovely.

@InkDropFalls

8 күн бұрын

yup ...can imagine that constant drama with kids and each other ..next thing it im going for walk with a bottle of whisky every night...and it all down hill

So you had a camping vacation, you realize family time is the most important, another journey will be ahead for you. Most people never get this. Congrats!

@michellewinkler3985

19 күн бұрын

BTW-We RV with our special needs family member many days a year. Other things are possible. Keep an open mind:)

I have followed your journey since you began in Pa. I have laughed. worried, and now cried with you. My prayers are always with your family. I am older than you guys but learned a lesson today. Tomorrow I will not wash dishes, or clothes, nor sweep the floor. I will be heading to the woods to build houses from the moss under our trees and love my child every minute that we make memories together. Love you guys.

It is so valuable to realise that the thing you really want is right in front of you. Most of the time we are too busy looking forward.

@Homesteadyshow

20 күн бұрын

It’s too easy to do!

Thank you for sharing real deal moments. My sons are 34 and 36. I have so many regrets of missed times together because I too was taking care of our home and homemaking responsibilities. I think that is normal. They grow sooooooooooooo fast, remember you were there for it all, maybe not completely in the moment but you were there for them. My greatest accomplishments were being a stay home mom, taking my sons everywhere with me, I loved summer break too! Bless you all!

@Homesteadyshow

20 күн бұрын

That is nice advice Gracebug... to remember we were/are there for them, even if not completely in the moment always. Parenting is a very hard balancing act!

@georgewhitehouse8630

13 күн бұрын

Regrets are a waste of your time

We are homesteading in KY. Pretty happy place with low cost of living. Well water. Pond water. House. Barn. 30 acres. Rural. Within reasonable distance to a big box hardware store.

@lashhimes2570

21 күн бұрын

Sounds lovely! Please get your well water tested if you haven’t already.

@highplainshollarhomestead3188

20 күн бұрын

@lashhimes2570 I test often. Actually last week just pulled the entire system out of the ground and replaced it.

@lashhimes2570

19 күн бұрын

@@highplainshollarhomestead3188 oh good. I hear about so much water contamination these days

My oldest of 4 graduated high school yesterday. So while watching you guys talk about the little houses your kids built for stuffed animals, and Kay saying she felt bad because she did not go help/watch them because she was busy cooking, cleaning, making the house comfortable... THIS is the lesson, and it hit me hard. Going off grid, as you have found, does not, in many ways make your life easier. It does not allow you more time with your family in the way we/you hoped it would. The bigger picture here for you, and for me as I watched my baby girl in her gown, a tassel hanging to the right of her graduation cap, reaching for her diploma on that stage: It is OUR perception of what it most important that takes us away from family time. Yes, having a tidy house is a good environment. But is a spotless house, a well decorated house, THAT sink of dishes (or the lawn needing cut, the toilet scrubbed (etc) so important right now? NO. We put so many expectations on ourselves as parents of what's important, that we lose the most precious thing in it. I will never apologize to anyone who's stopped by unannounced again for my "messy" living room, bathroom, kitchen, car, yard.... none of it. This time with our family is fleeting. I swear 3 years ago I was teaching my daughter how to walk. Yesterday, I watched her walk (in the coolest high heels ever) down a long isle, in front of hundreds of people, up stairs, across a stage, for a certificate that says she is done with general education,and back down stairs to her seat again. She did not need assistance, she did not stumble, or trip and fall. She did it with her head held high. I did that. For her. I tought her how to achieve one of the most basic rights of passage. She will not remember the day I washed dishes instead of coloring with her. (Thankfully) she knows I did all those things to help her, raise her, make her comfortable. But now, I remember that day. And I wish I had put that task off, and enjoyed a little time coloring. That's what your journey should be about. Seeing that it does not matter how/where you live, but that you live for the kids, not to maintain a standard that no one remembers at the end of their life. No one says: man, I wished I had washed that pot, or toliet one more time. Unfortunately, most ppl say: I wished I had spent more time with them when they were younger. That is the messgae we should all walk away with. That is the message I realized yesterday, and it hit hard. Now, seeing this, from one parent to another: it does go fast. Too fast. And the societal standard of how we should be is the only thing that has us waste time, further making us regret what we could have done. Much love guys. You are doing great!!! (Also, thank you for this series. It was amazing).

@kpattenvan

21 күн бұрын

I should add that most everyone would have done as you guys did. Make that tiny dreaded 😅 A-frame more appropriate for your family's needs. In doing so, we as adults forget we have a whole summer to stop and be with the kids. But do not let that consume you because that is how we all are. That is what society has made us believe. But the beautiful thing is, because of this journey, we all have a new perspective of how that gets in the way. It is remarkable what you have done. Your kids will remember this trip for all the highs (maybe some lows), but as they age, only the best memories will stick. And we all got to learn lessons through it. What a blessing that is for all of us. So please don't beat yourself up. This was beautiful, and you guys are amazing. So thank you so much for all the work and for sharing your kids in these videos. You guys got this! Hugs!!!!

@kpattenvan

21 күн бұрын

Looking forward to seeing Jeff n Rose and the girls. I have followed them for years. I adore them!!!!

@Homesteadyshow

20 күн бұрын

Congrats to your Daughter for graduating! And yes, so true. No one will ever wish they washed more pots and pans. It’s a hard balance giving the life we want our kids to have to them and enjoying it with them, isn’t it!? But we’re trying to do better every year!

@kpattenvan

20 күн бұрын

@@Homesteadyshow I'd say, you're doing a damn good job!!!! And thank-you.

Legit if i dont have my animals i would not function. People always rag on me for taking on so many critters because it takes work and they dont understand why I work so hard to keep my animals when i could get everything at grocery store. They dont realize it keeps me going.

@cococock2418

21 күн бұрын

People are supposed to get you going not animals

@taktakoriginal

21 күн бұрын

@@cococock2418 too bad that is not how things work out in real life.

@walkyourdog6584

19 күн бұрын

I have let animals destroy my life..too many, too expensive, too much work.

Such an emotional episode! I teared up with you guys about the little houses. As a mom myself, my heart was there with you both in that moment. What is very evident is how much you both value family and what a great experience this was for you all (good times and bad). I've enjoyed watching your journey. You are great parents. Looking forward to watching your journey unfold. Many blessings ❤

I would never want to be off grid. Seems like a lot of work 😮 my hats off to those doing it. ❤

@linhaton4957

21 күн бұрын

Living rural would be nice, but not totally off grid. I like running hot water and a real toilet. Also, not interested in living in substandard housing. Small home is ok, but some of these off griders are living in hovels with their many children.

To be aware of cherished times and moments when they happen is a blessing in itself.

You found what home is. It's family. Not things. What a marvelous lesson of life to learn!

Wow guys! That last 15 got me good! 😢😢😢 Sooooo deep and well said. insightful and inspirational…I could go on and on. 😢😩🥰 Thank you for sharing. 🙏🙏🙏

God takes us through the steps we need to go through to get where we need to go. If all you got from this was to enjoy your children more, what a blessing! But it was so much more, good for you guys taking a leap of faith and doing this thing with your 6 children. Its an inspiration, everything doesn't need to be comfortable all the time, growth comes in all forms ❤

I can definitely see the peaceful side of the lifestyle you guys were trying out but at the same time it’s like you’re having to go and do every day things in a primitive way so it’s actually taking you guys longer to do the simple necessities that you would need for a family under duress and frustration so then yeah you’re spending more time with your family but you guys are all frustrated so finding a happy medium and a balance that works for your family of the kind of life you guys want and the kind of life that works best for you guys is amazing I loved watching your journey And your growth going through this experience can’t wait to see many more in the future❤

You LEARNED so much! And whatever you choose to do...however off-grid you go....you have way more knowledge and ability to survive and THRIVE without modern convenience should you need to. Invaluable lessons. ❤

Definitely don't be sad mummy&daddy.That total fact you care for your sweet darling children ❤️ is what makes everything very much okay.Big hugs from me.xxxxxAll the way from New Zealand 🇳🇿

Another great video Aust. Beautifully done. Great and meaningful storytelling. It´s been a joy to follow your family on this adventure.

Dear people, thank you for this beautiful episode, your honesty and openness! Very beautiful and educational to see this process making your decisions, so wise!! Life lessons ❤❤❤ greetings from the Netherlands

You have such beautiful memories!!❤❤❤ God bless you all and many prayers. 🙏🏻 Nurse Judi in Scottsdale AZ and Eucharistic Minister 💙 🙏🏻

I should not have watched this today, the last night in our RV after a year of adventure before heading back to our house per request of the kids. So many feelings, I feel you

Congratulations on finishing well. It wasn't easy, but you persevered. The lessons your kids learned about resiliency, toughing it out, and being flexible while building your dreams are invaluable! What an adventure! Regardless of what you end up doing for your personal homestead, this has been a summer of creating memories.

Thanks! I appreciate you both so much. You are much of the reason I bought a mini Jersey Heifer. She gave me a mini Jersey heifer calf too.🥰

@Homesteadyshow

20 күн бұрын

Gracebug, very kind thanks for the superthanks 😊 so glad you got a Mini jersey AND a heifer too! You loving that farm fresh milk!?! :)

Such a good reminder that its so important to be clear about what our ultimate goal is, then break it down into the steps that make sense for each of us to work on achieving our goal and realizing we need to adjust our goals. Thats the balance of life, right? Good on you!

Certainly a life experience worth having in my opinion.👍

I love you guys… Thank you for helping me reconnect and realize what actually matters…. Thank you for sharing your family, your lessons, your knowledge, your lives and each other.

What a amazing family melts my heart and what a great video eye opening

Loved the whole thing, every minute.

We picked up and left our homestead in California last year. Came to Alaska to bare land we bought sight-unseen. Lived in a tent while building our off grid home. Now getting greenhouses and homestead up and running. All with 4 kids 11 and under. We’re loving the off grid life! Check out The Holladay Homestead

@yoop177

13 күн бұрын

I watch you guys! You need more videos!-Diana

when I lived off grid in Alaska for 4 months I would have never considered taking a bath! We used a bucket filled with warm water as a shower - with a shower spiget thing attached to the bucket.

I was crying towards the end 😢 as a mother of a 16 almost 17 and 7 year old I may not have as many but at times I sit amd shed tears pondering if I didn't give enough time in the moment when they were so excited about something in my mind I was too busy to take the time to actually sit with what they were saying and enjoy the moment. 😭❤

@Homesteadyshow

20 күн бұрын

We all do this, It is so hard to enjoy the moment sometimes!

Having worked in manufacturing for years, vacation is the week or two of real living. There is nothing better than experiences had in travel. The experiences are memories in young lives that will last forever. A week in the cabin is always going to be a fond memory. Feel accomplishment in projects children had with their own two hands. Those were peaceful moments they enjoyed as siblings. As life goes on those sibling moments are things that hold a family together,

Guys don’t take it so hard! Y’all gave the kids so much. How many kids get to go to Alaska for a whole summer. Y’all made so many memories that they will never forget. Don’t give up on your dreams. Figure out how it can work for you and your family. If you build an off grid home for your family. After you get the homestead built it gets easier.

Best episode yet... a great reminder to enjoy living in the now, and stop letting the to do list of tomorrow steel the joy of today.

Another great video.. cheers y'all !!!

Thanks for sharing your adventure ♥️

Such good stuff guys. Thanks for bringing the importance of family and time as our greatest resource to show each other we love each other. Appreciate you for sharing your lessons that we all need.

Thank you for sharing your challenge/adventure with us. Thoroughly enjoyable and eye opening too. You are an incredible family

This was a really wonderful series thank you for sharing your journey together as an amazing family..

Thanks for sharing guys. You are so right that life is so short. It was great that you guys spent an unforgettable time together.

Love that you showed your emotions to us. Thank you. We all have those moments with our kids. Thank you for sharing...❤❤❤😢😢

Wow what a great story!!! You guys did a great job documenting this.

Thanks for making me cry my eyes out at the end! But seriously, you guys are great parents and what a wonderful gift you have given your kids of these memories that they will have for a lifetime. Even if you can't be there for all the moments, you are making this life possible for them.

Thank you for sharing such an important family life lesson. ❤

WOW! What a wonderful love, life, experiences, togetherness as a family!❤❤❤❤Glad you've did it, what memories for all of you.

Oh man! The end of the video hits home for me. Being busy and missing the important things is something I struggle with for sure.

Just beautiful! What else can I say! I was waiting for this video. Many blessings.

Great video. Bittersweet and brought some tears. U made some wonderful memories. You get appx 18 summer's with each kid and that one will be remembered forever. Cant wait to see what u decide for your homestead and until u visit griddlessness they're so amazing..

As a dad and new homesteader I have to say, this video totally had me crying. Family is everything, and our kids are almost all grown so we want to make the most of the time we have with them. Thanks Aus, I needed that cry today. (Yes, I’m keeping my man-card, thank you very much)

@EmmaBakesCakes

15 күн бұрын

And weren’t these kids amazing. They embraced challenges and they enjoyed the simple things in life. I loved the way they all got on and have total respect for their fab parents and each other

@Homesteadyshow

9 күн бұрын

I got bugs in both my eyes at the same time It was real weird…

Just a beautiful video and what an amazing adventure❤for your family. You learned so much in this trip and I'm sure it will help many who watch it and listen

It has been wonderful following your adventure. I'll be going back to episodes I missed, but with more warmth in my heart knowing what a great experience this was for you. 😢❤😊

I spent ten months living off grid at two different canoe tripping camps in northern Ontario. The strong impression I get is that the build needs to be regarded as being distinct from whatever normal existence will follow. In other words the construction project should probably be completed prior to moving the camp followers in. And the camp followers would be anyone who is not some sort of a construction worker. The camp followers take up residence once the power, water, sanitation and various appliances have all been taken care of not to mention having a roof over your head. If you plan on growing food then the greenhouse comes under the construction phase not the selected in phase. But being stuck out in the middle of nowhere isn’t really the point of all of this. You could live off grid anchored out in a harbor living on a sailboat and that would still count.

Beautifully done.

I think it's great that you took on the challenge (and uncertainty/fear) of pursuing your dreams. And, you learned about yourselves and your dreams (presently and into the future). It's too bad you didn't find the happiness you had hoped for, but I respect your courage.

.......nice long summer vacation.......don't feel bad, you made the best of it and with a large family , it is a challenge in such a tiny place! Best decision to go back to family, go back to the farm! 💚

You're lucky to have kids. Many of us don't know if we'll ever even get one.

Hi! We all have to figure out what works best for us. Looking forward to seeing your next adventure. How awesome, you met gridlessness! Great family.

Have quite enjoyed this series. looking forward to the next one. In my mind, it is about mind set - the work will still be there tomorrow, but that special moment may not. It is about establishing what is most important and fitting everything else around it, rather than the other way around. Good job guys!

I have watched you all since before mo ing to Pa.... Thanks for all the great videos!! I hope you can go back to 3 times a week . AUST, you and your family are a joy to be a part of. ❤️ from Colo

You tell your stories very well. So well

Yes you are absolutely right, the dream is spending time with family! 100 💯

Thank you ❤

Friends “is a word that is common to use but has more meaning for some friends and family

I think you feel what most parents feel about not being able to get "more time" with our kids. I have to say tho I bet they would have such wonderful adventures with helping to start up a new homestead on or off grid. They will cherish those memories even if they were hard struggles. The experiences y'all are teaching them is priceless and you are doing an incredible job❤

So happy to see the latest video!!! But now you have me bawling at 3:00 in the afternoon... Lol

But yeah, I definitely think you guys can find that balance may be a medium-ish tiny home so it’s easier to manage with solar power so it’s at least more green with perhaps a solar powered back up generator so you still have your creature comforts you’re not spending so much time hand washing in this and that and you have time to go out with your kids in the woods and be with them and there are other eco-smart toilet systems that I think might benefit you guys literally do like a blended Homestead off the grid solar powered medium-ish tiny house. I know you guys will choose whatever you think is best for your family. I just hope some of the suggestions I can make might be helpful. But nobody knows your family better than you.❤

Where are you today with your homesteading(wasn't this a yr. ago)?

@jenniferkleffner8110

20 күн бұрын

I've been wondering the same thing. Wondering if there's 9 months of backstock video coming. Weren't they in Alaska just for the summer?

@TRuth.T

20 күн бұрын

@@jenniferkleffner8110 Hopefully, they will answer this ;)

I’ve loved watching you guys on this adventure! I started watching you when I was pregnant with my first daughter and was living in a trailer park! Now we have 2 acres and a bunch of dairy goats but need to go bigger SOON but the other piece of land we own (40 acres) has no power and no power running down the road to the piece of property either so we are most likely going to have to transition to off grid to get over there This has given me a lot of really good ideas on what to do and what not to do when we make the switch ❤

It would be great to have a home that has modern utilities, but also with the capability to run without them.

It's all harder than people realize or can until they've lived it. You must commit to working constantly on the land fishing, hunting, gardening, etc. then in the home chores taking care of the livestock, cooking, cleaning, canning etc. Or go to the grocery store, use washer, dryer, dishwasher. I believe what most really want is living with less bills and stress

Saying the things every parent knows about themselves. 👊❤️🙌

Though I had to modify my plan a bit, we're on day 70 right now, and still going strong! I am really excited to see the trip back and especially your visit with Jeff and Rose of #gridlessness Thanks for letting us tag along on your amazing journey! God Bless! -Dusty

@Homesteadyshow

20 күн бұрын

Day 70 off grid dusty!?!

@DustyBottomAcresAK

20 күн бұрын

@Homesteadyshow still in suburbia, but I've established a pretty good routine for a long-term grid-down scenario. Practice makes experience! They say that you should be careful what you wish for hahaha

I was born living this way and it’s completely normal life to me and if you wasn’t born in this way of life most people will not make it at all! It’s easy life to me 😊

Jill!! Can't wait to hear that conversation

It looks to me like you guys just camped the whole summer. "Off grid" doesn't necessarily mean you go without modern technology and conveniences that can save you time.

Respect!!

the blurred butt at the beach! 😆That toddlers!

Maybe you mentioned but perhaps I didn't hear...it appears you were in southern AK near the Kenai River?? I love this video and seeing your journey I had relatives who won a land lottery long ago and homesteaded in Kenai. I ❤️ AK..

Blue plastic tarps are hard to get up after the sun damage and they are very visible

These video's make me jealous i miss being up there And you're right if youve ever wanted to go visit Alaska just go it doesnt disappoint

Every single time we eat, we are farm dependent ❤ as you know

It's OK to let kids have some independent time from Mom and Dad ❤️

Should have brought an axe. Ends up using Sawzall. 😅Your youngest son is so cute. He really likes free things, free eggs, free ice. And he knows dad drives fast, 20 minutes from AK to PA. It will be interesting to see what you do with your own off-grid cabin since your two oldest will be going off on their own, maybe to college, in just a few years.

I didn't want to watch this. But I did anyway. I know what you are saying is true. Independant living isn't easy. It never has been, but when people did it, they didn't have a choice. We should push ourselves to be more off grid. But you did it for the wrong reason. Its not to be "more peaceful". It is because we live in a society that hates our independence and wants to strip that, so we must concede every decision we make. So you learned a lot, and got better. That power you have now. You have the ABILITY to do something, and that ability will never be taken from you.

It’s hard when our children are little and as parents there are so many things we have to do cooking, clean, taking care of babies, working away from home, paying bills, etc.. to truly be there and live in the moments and when we realize what we missed it’s usually when they are grown and have their own families. How I wish you could slow down time and have a redo!

Yesterday and today I am not feeling well(nasty chest cold), but the farm animals still need to be let out, fed, watered, eggs collected and the cow needs to be milked. I love this even though I am not up to it, it keeps me getting up and outside.

Some things never change. When I have company coming I clean up. It doesn't matter if it is a small home, a tiny cabin in the woods, or a bigger one. We want to have our homes looking good for visitors. :)

@Homesteadyshow

20 күн бұрын

Truth!

I think if there had not been six children along with such an incredibly small space for all it would have been far more doable it looked exhausting to me as a mother of five myself four were the most around at one time then if something breaks down better have a very capable person or persons doing repairs etc FOOD A SERIOUS CONCERN with so many mouths …best wishes on your continued journey 🥰what a memorable start…

off grid is about being off the power and water GRIDS not not having washing machines or electricity - I'm confused.

Love the pants transitions. 😂

Maybe you mentioned but perhaps I didn't hear...it appears you were in southern AK near the Kenai River?? I love this video and seeing your journey I had relatives who won a land lottery long ago and homesteaded in Kenai. I ❤️ AK.. Maybe it's more about balance and living more simply.

My daughter has been living in a dry cabin outside Homer. 6 years on Kachemak Bay. She cried when she left…just days ago. (She will go back) I cried as I helped her move. (I will go back) She once built a beautiful chicken tractor. Know what you call chickens in Alaska? Bear food. Yes. She watched a mama bear carry off her chickens. 😊

@Homesteadyshow

20 күн бұрын

Did she leave AK? Or just the dry cabin? I LOVED Alaska, and do think I’ll return for more… someday ;)

@kateberger613

20 күн бұрын

@@Homesteadyshow she drove back to Texas for a new adventure. I know she will be back to Homer. She made it her home. ( But the dry cabin got old after 6 years lol). When she hit the Texas state line, she joked it was too hot and she was turning around. But she was born and raised in Texas. She can adapt. She prefers the cold waters of the Kachemak to the San Marcos River. I love Alaska. I, too, will be back. Maybe even to live there.

Thanks for the videos ! As someone who has lived without electric utilities at times since the '70's being "off grid" was never a central part of my goals. I never even heard the term "off grid" until the '90's. It was just that some of the places I wanted to live didn't have electric utility service. Now it seems that some folks are trying to treat "Off Grid-ism" like a religious discipline. I don't think Off-Gridism is well-suited as an place to build a church. For me it was only the means to reach another goal. I learned some things from it which I think is good (and good enough.)

@Homesteadyshow

9 күн бұрын

I LOVE this outlook on off grid. Yes, I do feel some look to it like a religion, I think maybe I was included until we dove in and tried it. Now I see what you mean, it may be a means to reach a goal, but it isn’t the goal itself.

I hope you come back to Pennsylvania!

Parenting, wonderful and awful. Raising them to be independent and leave us is both. Mine are all grown. Make those memories!!💕 Off grid has some solid criteria but I’m glad you figured out what “off grid” will mean for you. I’m in Alaska. Ours includes electricity(Gen back up cause the grid is unreliable), propane, septic system, water catchment, and wood stove for heat in a comfy 900 sq ft cabin. Our ultimate goal is to provide 100% of our food. Off grid is a mindset with a preparedness attitude. You can have that with electricity and flushing toilets. 😁

I love hearing what your cute kids thought. It was hard to understand them though. Does your local school district offer speech therapy even for homeschool kids? Thanks so much for sharing these videos! I can't speak for everyone else, but thinking about off gridding and the fallacies we mix in to those thoughts is so helpful to see. I think we all do that fantastical thinking and it IS so helpful to see others thinking what we dream. Thanks SO MUCH!

I know you found that even though you were away from modern distraction, you still missed special moments with the kids. The saddest part of that is that we often forget to consider the eternal life and discussion of that with our kids. That is even more important. Please consider this and research this if you haven't already. It is even more essential. These are your kids. I see how much you love them. God loves your family even more than you do.

I was wondering if you managed to take your chickens back with you and if they survived the long trip back…or if you found a new home for them there…

😭😭😭😭😭 the little houses. I get it. It is hitting me how quickly the kids grow up.