A Week of Homestead Meals ~ Large Family Scratch Cooking  

I don't think people realize how much work, discipline, consistency, and responsibility it requires to cook 3 nutritious and delicious meals a day for a large family on top of everything else you do. Anyone talking about the aesthetic of the food has no clue! Your family is healthy because of you! I'm glad you don't let those comments get to you. You know what you got going on and you do it well 🙏🏾

"Feeling lazy this morning?" SERIOUSLY?! I DON'T KNOW HOW YOU DO SO MUCH!! You blow my mind! You are AMAZING!

With eight children and a husband and a home and homeschooling you don't need to make any type of excuse. I think you're quite amazing.

You don't need to focus on making your food look more appealing - you are doing an incredible job feeding your family nutritious warm wonderful meals and they don't seem to be complaining. Even if they were - you're doing such an amazing job! Be proud of and confident in what you're doing ♥️. You've got so many cheering for you, inspired by you - you're awesome!

You have inspired me, Jessica. I just cancelled the Wal-Mart pick up order for this morning. Instead, I started some apple butter in the crockpot. After I finish my coffee and this video,I'll go through my freezer and cupboards and see what I can do with what I have. Goal: only purchase half & half this week. Thank you for the inspiration.

So heartwarming to see the older kids cuddling Hannah!

Wow. All I can say is WOW. The amount of time you spend in your kitchen each day preparing beautiful delicious meals for your family is absolutely incredible. You have inspired me to be better!

I can't believe people say you need to make your meals look more appealing! Your phrases "It gets the job done." and "It fills bellies." have helped me so many times, especially during this challenge. Your meals are packed with nutrition. That's important! We are enjoying the challenge. Our goals now are to use from our freezer and to use up an abundance of flour we have. God bless you and your family. Thank you for sharing with us.

Jessica, I love your watching your meal videos. You should describe your pot pie as “rustic” instead of ugly. Then you can sell it for double the price, lol ;)

I love how you said “I’m focused on filling bellies, and not how pretty it is”. I say that about my house……I need things to work and function, I don’t care how pretty my home is. I😢inherited my fathers home when he passed and some things probably need updated. But it all works and I don’t need it to be pretty. It’s not a showroom. My food doesn’t look the best but it gets the job done and fills my belly. Thank you for sharing with us. I always enjoy your videos. I hope you and your family have a beautiful Sunday.

Thank you for sharing this video. I only have three children, and I am not nearly as skilled as you at cooking so many things from scratch, but I do have one thing I’m extremely proud of. Ever since December, we have only eaten out three times, and two of those times it’s because we had company. I am very proud of myself for not relying on convenience food as much the last month and a half. My goal is to get to a point where we eat out only once a month if that. Thank you for inspiring me. I love to cook from home, and I told my husband that we have already saved so much money by simply not eating out all weekend long. 🙌😊

I’m sad/mad that anyone told you your foods are anything other than beautiful - each food you cut up and/or prepare are colorful and healthy looking;definitely magazine worthy! THANK YOU for teaching us all and sharing your blessed family!

There are two things you could do with the juiced cranberries and grapes if you ever decide you don’t want to give them to the chickens (although that’s not a bad idea). If you break them down in the food processor, they could go into barbecue sauce or chili. If you like mincemeat pie, the fruit could go in there too.

I've heard you say many times how people criticize the "look" of the food you serve. I appreciate that you are real and not giving me Pinterest pictures. I have nine children and I'm tired. I am relieved having the pressure taken off. Thanks. Maybe I can do more things preserving my food and using it up.

I literally go back and watch these when I feel overwhelmed by the news and the negativity. Thank you so much for your videos they really bring me peace and calmness❤

I love your method for feeding picky eaters...this is how I was raised and also raised my littles. They all now understand the work it takes to put a healthy, homemade meal on the table. Good job, momma!

I have 4 children. I’ve had chickens before and a large garden as well. The work that goes into all you do takes true dedication and responsibility. You truly are amazing! Keeping your family healthy and strong is one of your top priorities, and it is very apparent. Way to go mama!❤

My moms rule for picky eaters was always, “how old are you? Take that many bites” and you’re right once hungry kids tasted the food we finished it pretty much every time.

Aloha Jessica, I noticed you labeled yourself “lazy” a couple of times in this week’s video. One of the meanings of the word aloha is to be present with what is in front of you. (Eight beautiful, well cared for children!) You exhibit Aloha as you are present with what is in front of you each day, each meal... there is no laziness evident to this viewer. Blessings from Kauai.

I finally had a chance to watch this today. I don't know how anyone could criticize your food. I'm willing to bet they don't serve three home cooked meals a day! Why do people try to bring others down instead of lifting and supporting? They must feel bad inside and need to try to make someone else feel bad. You work so hard to provide beautiful, nutritious, delicious meals filled with love. Your kids will always remember a childhood filled with food and love. And you don't have a lazy bone in your body! You amaze me as always Jessica.

you can call yourself lazy, but we know you are not lazy.❤ you are definitely an encouragement to not waste. thanks for sharing

You're amazing Jessica. Growing you're own food, preserves, cooking wholesome nutrious meals, home schooling. You're family glow with great health, such an inspiration.

The way you handle picky eaters is perfect! I wish more parents would handle their children in the same way! It sure will help their spouses in the future! You go mama!

The longer I watched the more in awe I became. I'm a single 20 something (keep them guessing) woman living with 2 other family members and its beyond us to cook everyday; let alone full, nutritious and non-waste meals like this. It's inspiring and i'm honestly amazed. The foresight to even think of how to repurpose meals ingredients and how to store them is genuinely a skill I'd like to learn/acquire.

Wonder Woman strikes again! Preparing 21 delicious and nutritious meals for her family! I think your meals look great but you are certainly generous of spirit to explain the lighting situation. ❤ Thank you for sharing your recipes and for another beautiful video. ❤

Your videos make me emotional! Even though it’s just you making dinner. Your family is so wholesome. Such a blessing and an inspiration. ❤️

I just loved the way you marked your personal pizza pockets. Loved the Mexican lasagne idea at the end. And it did look good, especially to see that it can be done without cheese.

This is absolutely amazing!! Thanks for sharing this with us. It’s wild to me that you get comments on making your food more presentable or aesthetic. I know that those commenters do not understand (and could never accomplish themselves) what all you’re doing and the dedication, organization, mental stamina, determination and mama magic this takes! May God continue to bless and keep you

Who says you need to make it look more appealing? That’s crazy- I think it looks great! This is the type of food I grew up on & I think that’s one of the reasons I love this channel so much because it reminds me of my childhood. Thank you for sharing your life & your family with us! ❤

oh wow great job this week....your a natural cook you just know things will tastes good together...soo glad that the older boys help out they are swell..,god bless yall

Your devotion to your family is amazing. Truly inspirational for young moms in a self centered culture.

Я рада что нашла Вас. Очень хорошо что вы учите детей кушать что есть и не баловаться. Мне нравится что вы их учтите работать

Haha Jessica’s lazy day makes me look like I’m standing still or walking backward! I love to cook, but Wow! You and Becky from Acre Homestead have inspired/ shamed me into learning how to pressure can - 1st thing chicken pot pie base! 🤞

I think you’re not only a great example of a mom but a christian 🙏🏽 So keep inspiring us even with “ugly meals” god doesn’t expect perfection the world does! ❤

Nothing makes me happier than seeing children take part in the storage and meals of their food source ❤

You will never be lazy, just tired. You are doing the work of several families. Your baby is so beautiful! Love seeing all the cuddling. It's great to have so many sweet siblings! Also, I don't understand people commenting on how your dishes 'look'. Really? I think you do an amazing job and I too, blend whatever I have to make a meal.

Hi. My name is Phil from Alabama Hot Sauce. While casually roaming around RU-vid this morning, I happened upon your channel. As a beginning RU-vidr, I was simply amazed at the quality of your videos. Your presentation style, content organization, and editing skills leave me feeling quite humbled. What amazing videos, and most important, what excellent subject matter. Congratulations on such exceptional presentation. I have enjoyed this as much as any videos I have seen in months. Again, thank you for taking me on this journey.

I'm in awe watching your videos. I don't know you, but I am so very proud of you! What an amazing mother you are!

Perfect looking food doesn't taste as good. 😊 I think your meals are wonderful. I take such inspiration from the variety. I don't have social media but I've participated in the TRC twice -- we do this to save money and it's been terrific. I have to say, between not eating out and limiting store visits, we save about $900 over two months. Thanks for creating this challenge.

I feel nothing but shame after watching this! You are a huge blessing to your family! So impressive! I raised 5 children by myself after my husband decided one day he didn’t want that life anymore. I went from being a homemaker to working and a full time student then a full time Working Respiratory Therapist. I wish I could’ve been half of this for my children! This is absolutely amazing and very impressive!! WOW!!

I am very much enjoying these pantry challenge videos. Your creativity with meals is inspiring. I don't go for the "make things look nice" method of cooking. Some of the worst meals I've ever had were pretty to look at and tasted terrible. Real, down home food is the best, and you have mastered that. Also, you have the sweetest family. My kids are grown so it's just me and the dog. It really warms my heart to see how close you are and how everyone works together to keep the homestead running smoothly. You are proof that life is still great without the big, fancy house and all of the tech bells & whistles. I appreciate you all and thank you for bringing us this real life, wholesome content. ❤️

You are an AWESOME mom and Dad is awesome too!!!

I love watching this video. It is very inspiring, I love how you come up with tasty and nutritional meals for your children. With all those well cared for children, there is no way that a mom can be lazy; tired: yes, lazy: NO! I will hopefully get the last of our persimmons dehydrated today, make chicken broth and make stir fried rice with chicken for dinner.

I love that you do not waste anything! This is what people need to learn because food will soon be a precious commodity.

loving the very depressed little boy go on to enjoy his meal😂 I was the fussiest child. You are right eat or go hungry.

Everything looks delishous to me and healthy. That baby sure is cute. Everytime I see her I want to hold her!

I always learn something from how you cook your meals up. I agree with you that it's more important to fill up bellies & give nutritional meals than make everything eye appealing in a busy family

Okay, you are cooking for YOUR family not for a TV commercial! Your food looks great and obviously tastes great too!

Hey Jessica!!!! Looking good after baby!!!! Glowing and HAPPINESS!! Thanks for taking the time to put together a video with all that u have going on!!! Happy home church day!! God Bless you and your family! 🙏🙏💒💒

Yes,she is great,Love her ideas.I just used 2 quarts of chili beans I canned up

I’ve been enjoying this challenge. Each week my focus has gotten more intense as I’ve been recording what I’ve used up as a visual. It’s been keeping me accountable and also has reignited my creativity in the kitchen. My focus this week is to pick a few items that I must get through and to just stick to the meal plan. If I do that, I will continue to move through this seamlessly.

As usual you have done an AMAZING job with the meals and the children. You are an inspiration to us all. Thank you for sharing and caring.

I loved when John was turning up his nose at the spaghetti squash that Benjie was helping himself to more! Great video. Thx for sharing

I don’t have children yet but I love watching these videos. You are amazing. And beautiful might I add. Your family is blessed by you. Take care! -Julie

Great video! I see the baby is getting so big already, she looks sooooo beautiful and so alert, Thank You for showing us your baby, your you tube family love you and your beautiful children, have a blessed and safe week, See you soon♥️♥️♥️♥️

You are Amazing. And Hannah is getting a lot of love. The little boys don't look like their jealous of her. Which is good. I'm so happy you got the older children with you to help you. All the children are blessed God blessings on your family. And all keep safe. Especially on icy roads..

As I sit here watching this during my smaller kids nap time I am so thankful for you and your content. We had a very rough morning and I was really beating myself up with mom guilt and your videos always remind me that things don't have to be perfect. That good enough is good enough. Thank you for sharing ♡

This is the first of your videos I've found and it's full of useful information. I notice you sometimes comment, "It doesn't look that pretty, but it tasts good". I think maybe with the glossy magazines and cooking shows, expectations have become unrealistic. What we see here, on your videos, is more realistic, more to be expected. I love that you just present the food as it is. Let us have more realistic expectations so we can focus on eating affordable, healthy meals that are nutritious, even if they don't look like something out of a cooking show. We don't live in the TV -- we live in the real world.

Well you have given some inspiration for those canned carrots that no one including the dog, wants to eat!

Amazing planning, cooking, baking & family time! Great ideas & looks so wholesome! Thanks for sharing! Blessings to your family 🤗💜🇨🇦

I just wanna say that Benjamin is NO JOKE!! I have always been AMAZED as to how that baby can eat! 😳 His plate looks just as full as the older kids. 🤣 But in this video - him helping himself to seconds has tickled me so! He almost looked like he was gonna eats John's bowl if he didn't come around. I just love that healthy appetite! ♥️ Go Benji!!

You make me long for the days when my children were young, we homeschooled and lived in the country and life was simple and sweet!

You truly do amaze me! My hat is off to you. Your children are blessed to have such a loving and caring Mamma. There is absolutely NO replacement to home cooked meals made and served with love. 🏡 😍

Great content. I'm with you!! If you are getting your kids fed, who cares what it looks like. So happy to have found you.💙

So happy to wake up to your video this morning! I am not doing the pantry challenge, but if I would’ve been prepared I would’ve. Yesterday I made applesauce cake from my canned applesauce, and zucchini bread from our frozen zucchini. I cooked chicken overnight so today am canning chicken and turkey that we froze from thanksgiving. Then will put on bone broth! Also making some homemade pasta!!! Have a wonderful week!!!

I loved watching this video. You truly are extraordinary. I'm alone, so I cook just for myself. Consequently, many of my meals are peeled whole potatoes on the bottom, a cup of water, and two bags of frozen vegetables on top in the I-pot. Super easy and nutritious. Granted, not everyone would want to cook and eat the way I do. The different things you make are so tempting. You are to be commended.

I just want you to know how much I appreciate these pantry challenge meal videos. You help me to cook more from scratch and use up every little bit of food. I made your blueberry muffin recipe and your pancake recipe from last week's video. My family loved them both and I used up some blueberries from the freezer I had forgotten about that had a little freezer burn. You inspire me to be a better steward and keeper of my home! Thank you Jessica and may God continue to bless you and your precious family!

Oh my, I’m tired just watching all your daily work for your large family. I’m like you. Good hot food that my kids enjoyed and never magazine picture worthy but we were the favorite house to come over to because I always fed everyone. So nice to see how your kids pitch in with chores and the new baby. Have a blessed week. Debi in Vicksburg, MS. 🥰🥰

Jessica, I watch your videos each week. I'm in my 70s. So refreshing to see moms like you take such good care of her family. You respond to critical comments with such grace. This is a special gift you have. Your family is so blessed to have such a caring mom.

I love your recipe box, what wonderful little thing with a place to put the recipe card safe on top!

We also do the one bite rule with our kids. You're absolutely right. Most of the time they end up liking the food and eating all of it. It also helps me find out what each kid truly doesn't like. There are very few things that the really don't want to eat.

Another great week of recipes, thank you!! I copied your recipe for the pumpkin muffins gonna make them tomorrow, looked really good! You my dear are looking well. As always look forward to next week's video!

I love seeing how you use all the food that you preserve in so many different ways! I agree with you that the focus of a very busy mum is to get that food into hungry tummies...... if it looks like a magazine spread that's a bonus not a necessity! ❤

Jessica , you are amazing & your talent is remarkable ! A large family ,you & your husband , work very hard daily , stay safe & congratulations on what you do !

You look wonderful after having the baby. I’m doing the challenge along with you. I set a small budget for dairy and fresh greens/salad stuff. So far I haven’t needed to spend any of it! So exciting. Thanks for the challenge. It’s my second year doing this and overall it’s fun.

Your Son’s will be wonderful Father’s. Your family is amazing. I love to see the love everyone has for each other. And I know nobody is perfect. I’m sure theirs sibling argument’s, but I do think it’s far & in between.

I'm bummed I missed the opportunity to join this challenge but it's been fun to watch all the people participating in it!! I'll plan to join in next year!

It's been an extremely busy week here in NE Ohio as well. My students are not adapting well to resuming our schedule, and I've come home exhausted each week. Last Sunday my sons were not here to eat, so I thawed a pound of ground beef, browned it with onion and turned it into cottage pie. My nephew and I ate it on Sunday, and then portioned leftovers (I call them planned overs!) for my evening meals through the week. On Thursday I had a sewer backup into my basement, and had to rely on what was in the kitchen to feed myself until the drain man could be here yesterday (the backup blocked access to my chest freezers as well as the root cellar where my canned goods are stored. I was able to fix some baked chicken wings with roasted veggies that were stored in the kitchen freezer, so I could fill my belly. On Friday evening, my classroom team stopped for Mexican appetizers as a team meeting, and I was not hungry for dinner. Last evening I finished off the wings and veggies. Today I put a beef roast in the oven, and I'm about to go grab onions and potatoes to put in with it to finish cooking before my sons arrive. This week the cooking class was to make homemade pizza, but because I couldn't get to my root cellar, I had to stop at the store for sauce. I had planned on only grab the pepperoni during that trip. I also emptied a jar of banana peppers from my frig for staff pizzas. The kids ate and loved the pizzas. I never thought of making calzones instead - I think my students would love those. Some of my students also participated in making homemade lemon bars which they ate during the Friday afternoon movie. We were able to share sweet treats with 4 other classrooms on Friday, which put smiles on faces. I have realized that my half cow produces far more ground beef than I prefer. I'm forcing myself to fix something with ground beef each week during the pantry challenge. I thawed a pound of beef yesterday, and I'm about to go start a pot of lentil soup which I can take for my school lunches this week. Once cooked, I can portion out for each day's lunches, and just grab and go in the morning. I've been working through a pound of chia seeds I purchased at the local Mennonite grocery two years ago, by adding them to my overnight oats. By doing so, I'm using them, and emptying another Mason jar for reuse later this spring. My milk is running out of use by date, so I think I may make a batch of oatmeal cookies this afternoon (my recipe calls for sour milk as an ingredient), and then freeze the majority of those for sweet snacks in the evenings. They are also my nephew's favorite cookie, so I'm sure some will go home with him this afternoon. Several years ago, I bought some dried milk - but I don't prefer it to fresh. I'm thinking that I can use a tablespoon of dried milk powder in my overnight oats (in which I'm already adding frozen fruit I stockpile when it's in season), and use it up that way. I'm' not anxious to totally empty my freezers in January, but this is the reason I preserve - to have food to feed my family in the dark days of winter. I've also discovered that I enjoy adding spices to my overnight oats, and this week I've been adding leftover pumpkin pie spice to my oatmeal. There's about 1/8 of a cup left, so that should be used up this week. Thank you for your encouragement to use the things that have been sitting around. I last canned banana peppers in 2020 - and they need to be used so I can restock this summer. I have limited space for gardening (and really horrible soil), so I typically purchase peppers from the farm stand or the farmer's market for my canning needs. Now, I need to stop procrastinating and go start baking for the week.

You are a truly, homemade, scratch kitchen cook. I love how you look at your pantry and see what needs to be eaten. Then making very good food. Congrats to you for keeping up with all the family meals. Wonderful children helpers, too.

Thx for doing this challenge,this is my first year to do it but I’m enjoying it. I’m really having fun watching all of the channels too,lots of great ideas! BTW I’m glad you don’t let the ugly comments affect you, I really don’t see how people can be so rude! God bless

🤗 You’re not lazy; you are efficient!!

Great week and great job! I absolutely love seeing the kids attending and loving on sweet baby Hannah. God bless each of you!

Ms. Jessica, I wish I were as “lazy” as you. 😅 I’m watching this video with a few of my grandkids, and every time Hannah shows up, they all go “awwww.” She’s so adorable! God bless her! Your recipes, are, and look so healthy and natural. I’ve seen “nice looking” recipes that are tasteless and unhealthy. Ignore every criticism. The way you handle “picky eaters” is totally awesome! Thank you so much for these wonderful videos and recipes! Stay blessed and healthy! God bless you all!

I have no words. wow. you have no idea what a wonderful mother you are and what you are teaching your children. you are what this world needs to recover.

What a joy to watch you & your family! I love your preserved foods! So convenient & nutritious. I’m hoping to see the meat preservation next week.

Your a great mother and have very lovely children who are willing to help out be it on the farm in the kitchen or just keeping the little ones entertained. We love your vidios and send our wishes from a British couple living in southern Spain ❤

Inspired by your pantry challenge I have created my own challenge. In Tasmania it is summer, therefore I have the luxury of some fresh produce from my garden. I don't have a lot of variety as my husband passed away in June 2021 and he was the gardener. That being said I am using what is available and can not buy items from the store if I can use something from the garden. My challenge is to find items I want to clear from my fridge, freezer and pantry. Where possible I will use what I have, however, if I need to shop for ingredients I will buy necessary items. For example, I found two packets of granola that need to be used by the 16th of February. I like to eat it with yoghurt, so I will buy either yoghurt or milk to make yoghurt, Also, I have switched to low GI rice and pasta but still have quite a bit of non low GI items. Again, I will try to use what I have, but I will shop for ingredience if I need them to use the pasta and rice. Finally, I have a lot of meat and freezer meals, package for one, to get through. however, I do not have a lot of larger quantities of meat for when I have guests. Therefore, I will shop for food, if necessary, when I have guests coming for a meal. Love your channel and think you are doing an amazing job. I also love your rustic meals. That is the kind of that I gravitae towards, because you know it is home made and you can taste the love. Keep doing what you are doing.

I really enjoy this channel. I wish I had know these tips when raising my family. You and your family are a blessing. So fun and educational to watch. Keep it up. Thank you!

I don't think you have a lazy bone in your body. Also, when you are making your hot cocoa, if you'll mix your sugar and cocoa together before pouring in the milk, it will mix easier and faster. I'm always amazed at how you keep all the children fed and educated. You are amazing.

You are a fabulous mother and a great inspiration. Thank you for sharing.

I am so amazed at everything you accomplish. Your children are so sweet and helpful. You and Adam do a great job. Your food always makes me hungry!!! Have a great week.

I am focusing on using up the older jars. So I did a jar inventory and am marking them off the list as I use them, I found ones from 2013!!! Ahh how did I miss these ones. Thank you for the ideas and helpful hints.

Our momma had the same rule regarding food. We had to take one bite and if we didn’t like it, fine. Even if we didn’t like it, the next time she fixed it we had to take a bite. 9 out 10, we would eventually wind up liking it because we learned that it wasn’t as bad as we were making it out to be. I did the same with our daughter and there are very few vegetables that she didn’t like. Funniest moment growing up was when momma fixed spinach, which daddy hated…he had to eat a spoonful because that was the rule.😂

Wonderful meals & great tip with picky eater parenting. The kids do an awesome job with their meal prep!

Hannah never wants for kisses, snuggles and "conversation'" from her big siblings. The well rounded meals looked wonderful. PS, I think ALL the food looks appealing - why on earth would a Mother's dishes have to look like a professional chef's.

You are not lazy. Your all amazing!! I am in awe.

Great video, I always get some new tips! When my girls were growing up they were pretty good eaters and also would eat a variety of pretty much everything. My two food rules were a fruit or veggie with every meal and they also couldn't say they didn't like something until they tried a mouthful. Worked great and just like in your situation, rarely did they really not like something! 🥰

I'm in a different chapter in my life, so I'm crocheting while watching / listening ♥️ I'm tired just watching all that you do ✝️

Jessica, I have a question. You have said in a past video you start your babies out on plain bone broth. Do you strain it after you boil it? Also, it breaks my heart when I hear you defending the meals you make for your family. You do a great job! If more people cared about what was in their food and not how it photographed we would be healthier! You keep doing you, you're perfect!

Hello Jessica, happy new year to your entire family and congratulations on your new baby. I haven't been here for a while and I'm glad to see this video as a comeback. Your energy is amazing! I feel like you are not tired at all with all the things that your doing all day. It makes me guilty feeling irritated and tired with 2 toddlers. Thank you for the inspiration to not be lazy. ❤️❤️❤️