Is Living on an Alaskan Homestead Worth It? Exploring the Costs, Labor, Time, Gardening, Animal. 

Jessica, it continually amazes me that other people would not only be so noisy as to question your financial status, but also judge that which they know nothing about. You are a woman of courage to put yourself out there like you do. In the world we are living in today, people really need to find peace in their lives. Charity and love is what is needed, in my humble opinion. Thank you for this video, and God bless you, and your sweet family.

You have set a positively good example of being self-sustained in a society that is becoming undependable with food sources. Of course, you'll need to spend some money to get started, but the payoff balances out/less than grocery store prices. You can also have a source of income with eggs, fresh foods that you have an abundance of if needed. What/how you use your money is your business. I'm proud of you dear precious lady for loving your family so much that you have done all this to feed them healthy foods that you have grown yourself. I miss having a garden. I can't due to health. I love watching learning new ways through you. I support my local Farmers Market. People don't know, people don't understand, people just assume. Have a good week!

Oh Jessica bless you. No one needs to know your business. My channel makes NOTHING. I have no sponsors or affiliates. I work a full time job as a Polysomnography Technologist and as you do, share my experiences and hobbies to help teach others about homesteading because we love to do it. We definitely are under the microscope by putting ourselves out there. Be courageous and strong. Love your channel!! ❤️

Living on a farm or homestead is never a money maker. At one point we had almost 500 acres with livestock and you never come out ahead. We bought high and sold low most years. Equipment breaks down. Diesel is expensive. But it was a lifestyle we adored!

This is a sweet, sweet video, Jessica. Yes and Amen to the beauty of being a wife, mother, and homesteader.

I admire you, and I would love to see more people have the courage you have to bring up a healthy family. I can’t stand people who dare criticize other’s choice of life. More people in this world need to be true to themselves just like you are. God bless you.

I get so annoyed with people… financials are a Personnal journey that we have to figure out on our selfs and our beliefs. Sometimes people expect success without doing the work and get jealous for the success of others. You and your family have work so hard and you deserve all your success ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ and happiness. Love your heart and your kindness.

Jessica, your heart is so big and tender. You have beauty in you and all around you. You are blessed. Continue to embrace your life. God bless you.

You are really good at remembering the importance of gratitude. My bad day mantra is "This is the day that the Lord has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it." It reminds me to have a grateful heart and not get bogged down in the muck of the day. Happiness doesn't make you grateful, gratitude makes you happy! God Bless!!!

Dear Jessica, I definitely enjoyed your info in this. It really felt as though you were speaking directly to me. Over the years, when my 9 children were very small, I had a very large garden, and canned a lot of things. I also had a freezer, which allowed me to freeze foods. Also, back then, we had food surplus programs, which gave us a wonderful boost in groceries. We got (1) of everything…some of the things each item being a one unit…..5 pounds of flour, which gave me 11-5 pound bags….canned peaches, bars of delicious cheese,prunes, cans of beef, or chicken--- you get the idea. So i was able to bake 5 loaves of bread at a time. My friends owned an orchard, so I got free apples for eating and baking, free plums, free fresh peaches. All of which was a true blessing, with 9 children. But, know what? It wasn’t enough. I decided to go to Nursing school, when my youngest was 7, because we needed more..items like shampoos, soap, detergent, you can only imagine. I was so blessed, to have my schooling paid for, by an organization. My graduation was such a happy time….like you said, if you want something, and you pray for it, the Lord does hear those prayers. My life was so busy. Not only was I a working Mom, but my kids had more of their needs met. I was able to show them, that if you wanted things in life, you had to work for them, and be grateful that you have been blessed. I see a parallel here….do you? I love your garden. It is beautiful and is a lot of labor-loved work. I had a lovely square foot garden, later in life, as opposed to a row garden when the kids were little. Square foot garden, a book written by Mel Bartholomew (hope I spelled his name right..I have since given the book away. If you have a chance to get it, I highly recommend it As you know, I am now a widow, having had to move into an apartment, and not able to have chickens or a garden any more. I miss them terribly. I pray for my own little home again, but figure the good Lord hears me, but probably won’t act on my prayers, because I am old….ya, I mentioned in a previous note to you my age..and that is ok. But, I am energetic, having now recovered from my total knee replacement in February…and ready to roll. Being on fixed income, is a bummer, I am debating getting a part time job, maybe at the hospital, to supplement my income. In your video, that I just finished watching, you have awakened in me, the “if you. Want it, go after it” feeling, and No matter my age, I can do it. With more prayer, things will happen. Look at Noah…..he was aVERY old man, as were so many in the Old Testament. Although I will not live to be his age, I feel confident that I can make things happen. Dear Jessica, thank you for this video….I just hope I haven’t written too much….guess I did kinda jump from subject to subject….that’s how my mi d works, at 1:20 in apthe a.m., when I want to write a lot of things….. Love you……Bev in Maine

it is nobody's business how much you or Aaron makes. Alli i see is a couple who works very hard to keep their family fed and housed. You guys enjoy little things and keep your kids happy and loved. That is all that matters. Rant done.

I think getting older and wiser gives us the ability to look back and see how much more grateful we should have been when we were younger. Society teaches us we should want more and more. Thank you for your time and honesty.

Jessica it's no one's business!! You all work very hard to get all of your plans accomplished!! Please don't think you have to explain ANYTHING!! I enjoy all of you're plans & fortitude to get them accomplished!! Please know we all care for you and you're family!!❤ You can't control others snooping..😂

Yes every min of every day it is worth it. Because every bit of it is a true blessing from god. ❤️🥰🙏🏼♥️

I think it’s extremely rude to ask a person for their financial information. You are so humble and were so kind with your responses and handled it so much better than I could or would have. I love watching your videos and seeing the growth in your homestead. I truly appreciate you and what you are doing. ❤

Sweat equity can save a lot of money for sure. Your family all works hard to make your homestead what it is today.

Jessica, you have a beautiful, beautiful heart. Your prayer brought tears to an older man's eyes. I only recently found your channel and have been blessed ever since. I grew up on a little farm(16 acres) in Texas and have missed it so since moving away so many years ago. Thank you for what you do. 😊

I've enjoyed watching your channel since I've found it! I get a real kick out of your tribe. I get emotional when you get emotional. I live out my dreams through you guys. I'm from Montana and we use to farm,I gardened, I was my husband's helper and I tended to my 2 kids. Our son was born with severe autism. He took all of my time and now lives in a group home. I'm alone and love channels like yours...God bless you Jessica and Aaron and family...❤

Whatever you and Aaron want is what is good for you. Teaching us to be grateful in the moment is a wonderful lesson.

Watching from West Virginia and yes it is.

you make me ashamed of myself because i always think about what i would love to have and don't and not think about the beautiful daughter i have and the loving loyal husband i have, the home and food and a place to lay my head...thank you for being real and raw and honest..love ya Jessica

I’m happy for your blessings ❤. I couldn’t even spend $1.5k on cattle panels, t-post and starts. But the Lord always provides. Praise Jesus ❤ Thank You Jesus for helping us! I’m believing for my healing Lord!!! You are Magnificent Father ❤

As a wife and mother whos children are at the point of leaving home this video touched me deeply. I also did not appreciate what God had given me and my blessing of staying home. Ive been currently struggling with some of the things you said... I have a strong faith in Christ but I have let this world rob me of my joy and peace. My prayer today is for God to take the ashes. Thank you

I love your stories and your honesty and how you have such a tender and Caring heart I love yall, I love how you are always talking to God and thanking him for everything, you keep being the sweet ,caring person that you are , you kinda remind me of the way I feel about things,If you keep praying and worshipping God he will help you to fulfill your needs,people are going to be mean and nasty , that's just this old world is becoming now, Me and my husband always wanted to live in Alaska,it is our dream one day, we put everything in God's hands and thank him for all he has done for us, I love you all, just keep trusting in God and have the faith in him , that what we have done,keep your head up high,you are an amazing person I just love it, and love you all ❤

That is true happiness that only comes from God. Bless you

I started crying listening to you speak about your family. I can relate to a lot of things you said and that's why I decided to follow your page. Thank you for being such a great role model to this generation. May God continue to bless you and your family!🙏❤🙌

Beautiful chat straight from your heart. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Only thought I would add is acknowledge the blessings around you now - then there will be more clarity of what you need. The thought of asking god for help and then getting the relief is so faith strengthening.

You are such a beautiful person!! Thank you for sharing from the heart. You are a blessing to utube world but most importantly your a blessing to your family. God, I’m sure is looking down with pride as you give Him the glory for all your blessings. “Father continue to bless this daughter’s obedience to you. Amen!!”

I definitely did not expect to be crying watching your video... It's all tears of joy... everything your saying all comes with age. I remember when I was younger I always wanted something else. Now pushing 60 I wouldn't vhange a thing and I have felt this way for about 10 years.. one thing I do want is a vacation home somewhere warm my bone bones hurt in the winter months now. And that's coming in 2024.. This was a heart felt, real awesome episode... I loved it.

I just put in an offer on a bank owned home. It needs work like new basement stairs, HVAC systems, new floors, broken rafter, and more. But the electric, plumbing, windows, and kitchen have been updated. I'd need to pay just 1 family member for some of the repairs, the rest is just material cost. I've never been married to I'll take my dad's help instead of a wedding he didn't pay for. My son's 1st payment is learning very useful skills, and then I'll get him something or we'll go on a modest trip. If I had to pay a contractor it'd triple the cost and would be way out of reach! I pray that prayer often and since the offer many times a day!

Beauty for ashes indeed Jessica... This is my prayer too... I'm so thankful the Lord has given you beauty for ashes... Given you and Aaron your heartfelt dreams. Thank you for sharing today... I love you 🩷🫂💋

Hi Jessica. I too had this dream. Sadly I never got to this point until we were able to retire. But as a young wife and even before being married I was learning the old ways. Canning and gardening, making soap, home cooking and raising chickens, my friends never understood my passion for simple living. Money never was a driving force, although maybe it should of so I could get to this point when I was younger. We love you girl, thank you for being a part of our lives 🇨🇦❤️

I'm so happy you are living your dream. Just breath and enjoy.

Great testimony Jessica. Glory to our amazing Lord!

Qué imprudente puede llegar a ser la gente. Por qué entrometerse en la vida de los demás??? Ellos hacen con lo suyo lo que mejor les parezca y Jessica NO TIENE POR QUÉ DARLE EXPLICACIONES A NADIE sobre sus finanzas porque NADIE LE PAGA SUS FACTURAS EXCEPTO AARON. Jessica haz lo que te dé la gana, cuando te dé la gana y cómo te dé la gana. Dios los bendiga como familia porque son admirables. Se están estorzando por un sueño de futuro y eso es extraordinario ❤

Oh lady, your channel is doing great .you have over 1.5 million views, and almost 15K subsciber`s, ,the very first time i seen -Found your channel you were making Salmon .when you were in your neighbours cabin, you have come such a long way, and your channel will get bigger, your open and honest about your failures and your achievments .your learning as you go, your Wonder women , keep doing what your doing thank you for sharing your Family with us all❤

Hello Jessica, I am new to your channel. I am watching past videos to catch up on your story. You come across as a wonderful, warm, truthful person. Thank you for being so honest in your videos. Also I appreciate all the work you put into producing these videos. Look forward to watching more. Blessings to you and your family.

As long as it's worth it to you, that's all that counts. You love your life and that's what is important. No one's life or marriage is perfect, but you work thru those times. Stand tall & be proud of yourself & your family. My marriage didnt work out but my two daughters have turned out to be wonderful daughters & parents. I've got multiple health issues & they have been there for me always-I feel very blessed. You have been blessed also with a good & loving family.

I really felt your heart, and your beautiful spirit. How awesome is the Family of God. Love you, and May the Peace & love of God fill your hearts and home. Thank you for your truth, your honesty

What a beautiful prayer 🙏🏻 amen

Thank you for sharing your heart & experiences. Gratitude is sooo important! God is soooo GOOD!❤️

I love your channel! I live in Mississippi and we live same way y'all do. We work the land and are very blessed by God's grace! Thank you so much for sharing your heart!🥰

"Is it worth it?" really would be a difficult question because it depends on what you're talking about. I totally understand your answer and your reasons for why you are homesteading. If we're talking about the PRICE of salad greens or a chicken in the grocery store, of course the store is much cheaper. But you are so right about knowing where our food comes from, you can't put a value on that. You got to me today with your heartfelt talk and thank you for reminding me that gratitude should be my attitude ❤

I just feel sorry for the people that feel the need to question RU-vidrs about their lives! I love following the people I follow and LOVE to follow their journeys! Thank you so much for all you show us about you and your families’s lives

Love this video, so much information. Thank you for sharing your gardening ideas with us.

Thanks for this video! My husband and I are working on moving to Alaska to homestead near the end of next year. So much discouragement from so many angles - but thank you for reminding my husband and I to follow and trust The Lord and to walk this path with gratitude. It was a blessing to feel like such kindred spirits while watching this.

Bless your heart for sharing something so deep. I think some of it is people are trying to understand when they say is it worth it but we all value different things from different views some it’s financially some it’s time, for me is it worth it, yes because it brings such joy and calmness to me. Some people joke about growing tomatoes is better than therapy and I totally believe being out there having my hands in the soil and even when things don’t turn out I still feel so Rewarded internally.

Hey Jessica, You are absolutely the most wonderful wife, mother, friend, that anyone would ever want. You touch my heart every time I see your videos. No one should question your finances. What were they thinking? And yes everything you and your family do around the homestead IS WORTH IT. Yes ma'am I know y'all some hard working people. When you cry I cry. ❤❤

I agree with the sentiment expressed in most of the comments! How dare people question how much you earn or how your family spends the money! You are hard-working and deserve everything you receive. Bless you and your beautiful family and ignore the trolls. It seems like a lot of you-tubers experience the same thing. It’s a shame. ❤

Thank you for sharing your beautiful heart ❤

The joy of growing wether it be food or flowers is PRICELESS ❤❤ Life is a journey and sometimes it takes many different paths to what you expect BUT don't forget that what you learn on those paths is what makes the destination so REWARDING!!!! JESSICA like yourself I have had lots of challenges but have found great solice in the ". SIMPLE" things not financial wealth but Priceless peace of mind 🎉🎉🎉 Love from the UK x

Hey Jess, great video. You thoroughly addressed this topic. Its interesting how people compare themselves to see if they can accomplish what you are able to. On a different topic... I hope that cheeky flight risk new layer was caught and returned to its friends... and then one of the older girls escaped as well... sheesh! You've done amazing things ✨️ you are amazing with your words ❤️ you inspire us to be amazing... and grateful 🙏 Thank you. 😊 Take good care! Cant wait to see whats coming!! 😊

When my kids were younger and we lived in a small town in a 100 year old house. I was so happy, we had a garden and I was learning to can and cook more. My home was not perfect, but I loved that home and the memories there so much. I knew God had given me that home. Every morning I would sit in the dinning room and look out my large window with the beautiful tree in the yard and know I was blessed. I understand the peace you feel and even though God moved me on from that home, he has continued to move me to places where my joy and peace know no bounds. Thank you for sharing, it brought back many wonderful memories.

Seeing this like 7 hours late. Sorry very busy yesterday. Its the 8th of june at 7 am. Enjoying your vidro while having my coffee.i know people want to know all about you but y'alls financial business is no ones business.thank you for all the information on all the things.your life is blessed. Clean air, clean food, i love your home stead. Have a blessed day.

I love chatting with you. I know I would love talking to you face to face and talk about all our blessings. You live in a beautiful location and I love that you share it with me. God blesss

Your videos always make me happy but this one touched me in ways I was very surprised by. First, wish you didn’t have to explain to your audience about any sort of financial information, secondly, your description of the younger you probably isn’t unusual bc we are so overwhelmed when we have no idea the overwhelming responsibilities of raising small children, and lastly your passion and dedication to your family and their happiness such a joy to see.

Your family is truly worth all the time and effort it takes to feed them. As you get older it's harder to do, but still so worth it. God Bless you for all the joys gardening and taking care of critters give you in a day.

we recycle/upcycle everything, I also pick things we can use off the curb before the trash guys come by like scrap wood-discarded furniture and I take it apart and use what I can. BEFORE I spend money on said items.

Thank you for your honesty. We appreciate you . Pretty ingenious tomato planting. I’m going remember that for next year. Because guaranteed there will be leggy ones! ❤

Your comments about now changing anything about your life reminds me of what the apostle Paul wrote, in whatever state you find yourself in to be content. 😊

I’m so surprised that people ask what you make or the cost ? With knowing where your food comes from is key and it is worth what ever time , energy that you have to give your family the best cleanest food you can we all make choices and this is your choice and mine , I appreciate all you share Thank You

God knows the beginning from the end. All is well. Only Be Strong, Be Courageous. Love with the Love of God, He has much more for us. He gives us the desires of our hearts. Just believe

Jessica you are just such an amazing human being....God bless you, your family and your Homestead. Can't wait for next video!!! Lotsa love ❤

You are so right Jessica, whatever season of life anyone is in even though it may not be exactly what they want, be thankful. Life goes quickly and you never know how long you will have or the loved ones in your life. Life is just moments in time, almost like a movie frame by frame put together. Cherish the moments, because when you turn around, you will look back on your life. Where did the time go and now this makes sense, but at that moment in time it made no sense. I do think God gives us tests through out our lives. The mustard seed comes to my mind. You are such a beautiful soul Jessica and whatever you do in life is between you and God, he knows us so well, our hearts, minds, spirit and our faith. You have a beautiful testimony of your life. Thank you for sharing. I would never ask some questions that you answered. I know you share with us, but it’s none of our business about your or Aaron’s income. I hope you and your lovely family have a blessed day ❤️

What a beautiful testimony. Thank you, Jessica ❤

Thank you for this message. I really needed to hear it. 🙏🏻💜

We have a small nursery in the Netherlands, and have done the same as you. We made it with things we got given and hard Labour from my husband a son in law. My daughter and here family bought another property in an 1,5 hour drive away from us. We now must do the work with te both of us. It will be hard now, but we will manage! Although we both also work outside oure house! Love you’re channel!

Hard work always pays off! And it is really no one's business on how much you and Aaron make. You both work hard and you have your kids helping because it is their dream to

Jessica, i am horrified that people are so 'bloody' nosey about your finances. They wouldn't go up to a stranger and ask this, or would they?? To be honest you do not have to justify this to anyone. I used to have an Aaron, he was called Dad! We had chickens we had rabbits etc and not as pets but for the table.. No one asked how or why etc.. I love watching you and interacting as we do, your contents are a blast at time when the rest of your family get involved. I know you know you are blessed with all these great people in your life. God is Good.. he knew you needed this family.

Thank you again for sharing your heart with us all! You are a Blessing and Encouragement to me and so many others! Thank you!😊

You are doing a great job! All of us mom’s have regrets of decisions when we were young. But God gave my path to have the life I have now with my family. I loved gardening no matter where we were stationed. Now you encourage me to do my own urban homestead. Thank you!

Hello What a wonder garden talk I enjoy .

Jessica, you nailed it! You have found your "home", regardless of how you travelled life's experiences, positive or negative, that led you to the family and life you have now, and I for one, completely get it, wholeheartedly, down to my soul, as what you shared resounds deeply within my own life and family! ❤❤

Jessica, I hope you can feel the big hug I am giving you right now! You are a beautiful human and you do not need to justify yourself to anyone. Thank you for sharing your truth with your viewers but know it is not anyone’s business but yours! Love learning from you on your channel. 😘😘

Its the lil things in my garden that brings my heart so much joy .ive had my failures gardening but I've learned so much from gardening (dirt therapy) life lesson s . thank you for the prayer you said

Love your channel ❤️. God bless you and yours You always make me think how lucky I am.

#1-You never need to defend yourself to your friends. All of us make decisions and live according to our circumstances. I enjoy your channel no matter what the content. I am praying for an abundant harvest for you.

Love your videos so much. You make my day

I appreciate your channel, thank you

I absolutely just love you! You have a great full heart that I wish I could find😢 God bless you for this video ❤❤❤🎉

People need to mind their on business. You don’t have to explain anything to trolls or us that love your channel. You put it way way nicer than I ever could have. It’s none of their business or ours how you do things. Live your life and do what makes you and your family happy. It’s been so much freeing getting older and not caring what other people think. Love your channel.

That’s the thing with straw or hay, the weeds still come up but they are so easy to pull and thankfully not as many weeds as there would be if you left the ground bare. Curious to see how you will like the wood chips :) it’s so pretty!!

Open and honest. You are a wonderful RU-vidr. Thank you for another fantastic video!!❤

Thanks for sharing. I really liked the way you presented the value of money and time of gardening and raising your without getting into dollars which is really personal. l do though like when RU-vidrs tell a little about themselves. Well with us being a 60+ yr. old couple, we’d have to hire out a lot to get things done. Till next time, happy gardening!!..

Beautifully honest ❤❤❤🙏

Hi sweet one! You are being generous assuming that some people are just rude, and not well informed. I think they are just being nosey busybodies!!! I think it is obvious from watching your channel that you are a full hands on family. I think a garden is always worth the effort because you can yield a lot of great food!!! I love it when you share your heart...it makes me want to reach out and give you a HUGE hug!!! Blessings to you and your lovely family!!

What a beautiful testimony!!

Sending you a big hug and prayers.

Love your videos

I think that the financial aspect of each one is confidential. Is it worth it or not ? only you can tell to yourself if it is or not. If you like gardening, raising animals or whatever, the first aspect is if you love to do it or not. The first way to appreciate life is not being jealous and these questions are not of anybody concern ( in my opinion ). big hugs from France

Ok jess your prayer got me all up in my feels.Ain't God good.the fervent prayers of a righteous man availeth much.

You do you ❤

Great video. I totally understand where you are coming from. I love my life. My husband, my girls, and my pets. Not 100% where I live though. That will be fixed in the next couple of years.

Cheers!💯

Watching from West Virginia your doing great

I have often told you I’d love to share some time with you, share stories, cook and just take in the beauty of your home and view of that lake……but today I’d just settle to share a momma hug and tell you what an amazing gal you are. You have permission to do with your finances what is comfortable for you and your family. I’ll tell you for certain there are women who are reading your posts that would consider your $300 cost for seeds, a steal of a bargain for a pair of shoes!! (I am allowed to give out such permission…you get a card saying as much when you pass the 70y/o mark!🥰) Life is best spent with that support person you can hug in the yard and he understands that he is your world and with him you are making a good life!! Pics will come, but it is raining in the valley hills! Late spring rains and momma don’t mix!! Until our next visit….remember you are admired and loved for being you. ❤momma G

Wow. How come some people are so nosy. You don’t have to answer anybody’s questions. You are a worthwhile person who does everything yourself! Hugs.

I love your channel

In my opinion Jessica it’s no one’s business about your finances. I admire you and Aaron for following your dreams. Keep up what your doing ❤❤

Jessica, your life is so much like mine wS. I am so happy that it didn't take you as long in life as it did me. When you love the Lord, trust the Lord, he will supply our every need. I heard that in your chat time. I pray peace and contenment and joy to continue to fill your heart. I really hope we can meet sometime, I feel we could be good friends. May the Lord Bless you and yours.