NOT AGAIN | Winter Storm At Our OFF GRID HOME 

Suggestion: plumb the water source for the toilets to pull the pond water through a filter and use that (either with a demand pump or an elevated tank). Then you don't have to worry about flushing your precious potable water down the toilet. It's relatively easy to put some valves in so that you can use either source if you only want to do that during water shortages. We used to do that when we lived off-grid and had a rain-water catchment system.

Build an insulated shed over your water tanks to protect your reserves, advantage is the water harvest from that roof. You can also bury the tanks to protect against freezing.

Can we just pause and appreciate the filming and editing of this channel that makes things look so effortless and cohesive? Massive props for that!

Spencer is a man of all trades. Very accomplished at everything he puts his hands too. 🙏

Me too, I switch over no matter what I’m watching as soon as I see the notification!

As others suggested, and from someone who lives way above the arctic circle, a wood burning stove for backup heat when electrical might be struggling is just so bulletproof! Not as a main source of heat ofcourse, since you got this awesome solar setup. I don't remember what you guys did in the pump house, but what we do for pipes not dug under ground below freezing level we install electric pipe heating cables. They could be installed with a thermostat so they only kick in when it's below freezing to keep down the consumption! Cheers from Sweden.

Window coverings will make all the difference in terms of warmth and homeyness. And a fireplace is a huge must! That makes a house a home.

Spencer you need to think about dropping a well maybe five thousand feet down for a natural water source. You really need to insulate the barn to keep your batteries warm and you need to do something about that water system, and put heater units on your solar power to keep snow melting so you'll have energy that's something I'd think about doing during the summer. You're doing a great job wish you the best of luck in getting everything solved.

Still not to late for a small wood stove. Tile in shower looking Good. Can't wait to see it done. 🙂

So glad you guys are feeling better, looking better, and back on track. That tile looks so good. 😍

I have been following since the time of just two green shipping containers. I know you two get a lot of advice, but as you have a pond, it usually means you have a relatively high water table. You could drop a shallow well, or a little deeper as droughts gradually get worse. You can either keep it shallow for non drinking purposes or deeper and only use it in emergencies. Running it every so often to keep the seals from drying out. You can run it off a generator. We do that here in Florida as we live on well water and when we lose power for an extended length of time, I have a generator ready to run it. And it has come in handy more than once. Take care and God Bless, Paul from Florida.

After having two outdoor spigots freeze and burst over the past 5 years, I finally installed 2 AQUOR hydrants on my house... No exposed metal to freeze and burst. Good luck with your life's project. Also, thank you for sharing your lives with the world.

This is by far the best video series I watch. You guys are an amazing couple.

Kenzie, if anyone deserves an award it's you. Been rough bathing two kids with no indoor bathroom. You are truly a trooper. Sad to see you that last episode so down. Spencer is your rock.

I love the winter months. It seems to rain a lot there too. Well, I'll tell you one thing--I wish the dogs had an area inside for themselves to keep warm safe and cool. The children are so cute. I love this channel. I will watch it tell the end.

Looking great Spencer! You may want to consider putting tile in that little strip at the top. Steam rises and will collect there and eventually go behind the other tiles and create a water damage issue.

I seriously get excited seeing your notification come up for a new video! You guys are truly amazing. Many blessings to you and your family!

Me and my wife have been through the same. House building is tough but fulfilling.

Window coverings WILL make the house warmer! Also 3M makes window insulator kits. They work! I know I live in Wisconsin!

The last 3+ years I've been living my dream through you guys!! EVERYTHING you have and are doing is what I've always dreamed how my life would be! I have the most beautiful, loving, caring angel of a fiance and out little fur baby, all I need to complete my dream is to find a beautiful piece of land, near a creek or river and build our tiny home! I'm sure it would've all came true by now if I hadn't had my entire left leg amputated......that has slowed things down quite a bit! and in Australia, the housing market is just incredibly INSANE!! Paying $3million (AUS $) for a postage stamp size bit of land is nuts and pricing young families, any first home buyers out of the market! So to watch you guys being able to fulfil your dreams and bring 2 gorgeous little bundles of joy into the world makes me so happy!! You are so courageous doing practically everything yourselves and to let us be a part of it is such a wonderful gift. Thank you so very much for helping me keep my sanity through 8 lockdowns and all the crap that has been going on since 2020 and know that one day my dream may come true! YOU GUYS ARE BLOODY LEGENDS!!!!

Love the tile work, night sky, but most of all the banter. Your kids look so happy, you two, as usual seem to roll with the punches. I love watching you each week!

Seeing this off the grid stuff makes me love my grid. Unlimited running water and sewer, unlimited electricity, unlimited cable internet and TV and unlimited natural gas to heat the house. Love my grid!

something you may think about is a secondary heat source. If you had a 150 gallon propane tank you could get a mr. heater 30,000 btu radiant heat heater. they have a safety cut offs in case something malfunctions, built in lighter, heat control, and blower that automatically cuts on and off. we have a small house around 1500 sq. ft. and it keeps our place at 70 degrees and its only set at almost 2. these heaters are safe and very economical to operate. my sons house is around 3000 sg. ft. and it cut his electric bill to less than half of what it use to cost and the heat these heaters put off warms you to the bone, they are great. with children and all it may be something you want to check out.

If you get some insulated curtains for your windows, it will shut out an amazing amount of cold air that your windows give off no matter how great they are. They're also great in the summertime because they will keep it cool when it gets really hot in the afternoons. We were amazed by how much the curtains blocked of the cold and the warm, but especially the cold. I know you probably like things light and bright, but it will cut down on the amount of energy that you use, and will make it a lot cozier.

So glad you both feeling better. Glad to see this winter storm didn't hit as hard as last. Thumbs up!!

Kenzie - you have an incredible eye for photography. The things you slip in between you and Spencer talking, are incredible. The peace and contentment is evident in each one. Thanks for sharing this journey with all of us.

glad you both feeling better

Spencer is so meticulous and neat that he does a really good job at tiling.

Wow! It's been seconds and there are already 8 comments! The love and support for this channel is incredible! ❤️

Keep the heat at 68 degrees, close off under the trailer, hang insulated curtains, a heater that doesn't run on electricity is awesome =D you guys are doing great!

I think that I said in a previous comment that split mode AC will always be an inefficient means of heating, and I never use the heat cycle on my AC, I use an open fire or gas heating. So I would consider a similar approach, plus look heat leakage from windows especially if they don't have curtains on them. The ones up high in the central section will create significant heat loss, as heat rises.

When we lived on the farm with a lot of coyotes coming near, along with wild pigs, we found a deterrent with using a small pack of firecrackers. Just light them and toss them out on the ground, the noise carried far away and always drove them away. We used bottle rockets and roman candles a few times, but had to watch where they ended up to prevent a fire in the wheat stubble. You guys are so awesome, great chemistry, love to see the littles, great builders, amazing videography. Beau will be recording you both soon! Praying for you every day.

I love the glimpses of your sweet family! I have a 5 year old son named Beau. Beau bear has been his nickname pretty much since he was born. So precious!!

You might like pencil trim for the top perimeter of the shower. They're not wide, come in several styles and can give a raised framed or crown molding effect.

Heating with electric uses a ton of power, have you thought of supplementing with wood or propane. Propane does not go bad, a 500 gal tank would last a long time and can also power some generators. 68 is also really high overnight while everyone is asleep, I keep our house at 62 and sometimes forget to turn it back up in the mornings. Great channel, you guys have given me more motivation to get our own home projects done!

I love how the location of your home allowed yaw to be able to leave the windows uncovered it just makes it looks even more open and bigger it’s beautiful.

What a difference a week can make! You both look like you're among the living once again. Glad you're feeling well! Might wanna consider a sand point well for emergency water 💧 🤔

Artesian well, time to dig. Also time to have a line in for back- up electricity when you have none, you can always sell what you don't use. Geo-thermal heat?????

Love the tile on bathroom wall looks beautiful, your children are so cute, I am so ready for spring and warm weather.

I have 2 questions 1. Have you ever thought about adding a wind turbine to help keep your batteries charged at night? 2. Have you thought about a small wood stove as a back up heat source?

You must get starlink, insulate the water deposits inside wooden sheds with proper insulation and consider adding a heating element to warm the water when the temperature drops, like a fish tank. Insulate the pipework underground, too.

Been watching since the two containers wer side-by-side. You guys are making me feel like I can do this. Keep on living.

Love how you two always stay positive, I admire you both and how much you have accomplished. I hope you plan for worst case scenarios as you learn more about your off grid system. I mentioned it before like others have regarding a wood burning stove so you can conserve your solar energy, and also consider a well with underground water tank, the weather seems to be changing all over and you never know when you could end up with a freezing winter every year. Just sharing some ideas to consider cuz we have been where you are. For us this year in Central Utah most of this winter was below zero, this week it hit 40 and felt like summer! This year our winter has been colder than most. Earlier years were hard and we had to crank up the generator a lot but this year was the first that we only used the generator twice this winter and our place is about 3500 sf. It's worth it being off grid!!

Thank you for the incredible view of the moon! That was spectacular!

Had you considered putting one of the water tanks underground fully insulated with an electric pump to supply house and top up the ground level tanks, the water temp would be higher and reduce freezing events, you could rig up a manual pump as backup if power is too low. you could rig a bicycle mounted on a frame to drive a pump , just an idea!

Glad to see you both are feeling better. Your tile looks good. can't wait to see the finish.

I just love your channel. It’s been a joy watching your home get from absolutely nothing to your little castle, in a sense. You’ve accomplished so much in all the ups and downs you’ve gone through, you’ve shared with everybody. People that have RU-vid and they’re building off the grid, whether it be a home made from wood or made out of the shipping containers. It’s wonderful how everybody shares what they’re going through and how they did it with all the ups and downs, it’s really helped many many people. U2 really got lucky with the shipping containers that you have,m. If you’re on a budget there’s no way you can purchase a shipping container now. Sidenote You 2 have been blessed with two beautiful children. I used to feel my babies and now my great grandbabies are the cutest and most beautiful children. I know you love children, it’s obvious. I do too. I wanted to have a slew of them. My bad judgment it didn’t happen, I was blessed with three. I had to raise them on my own unfortunately, sometimes that’s how things go. But, I used to tell myself when I had my first two, I had a boy and a girl, I thought well that’s perfect I don’t need any more. Well, oops! Look what the good Lord gave us, child number three. He was a beautiful baby and a good looking young man. I lost him after he had turned 21. I’ll say no more. Keep your children close. teach them the right things in life, first would be teach them to have goodness in their hearts and have respect for elders and other people and maybe start reading to them the children biblical stories.my children just loved 🥰 them. Your husband‘s been blessed with carpentry skills, some that he had trouble with but that’s OK. You obviously have an eye for photography and video videography. used to be a photographer, I just loved it. My niche was outdoor photography working with the natural light. I never did studio photography. Well I got a little winded didn’t mean to do that, I hope that will be the last of your heavy winter, LOl. Looking forward to your next video. Blessings to the both of you, your two babies. Oh! Can’t forget the fur babies too. 🤗

5:17 Children are happiness, the meaning of life. This is what stit lives for!!! greetings from Siberia

Happy valentines 💝 guys

All in life is a teaching moment! You guys are strong and you guys are adapting to the circumstances around you. God Bless you all of you!!!

Been watching since the first episode and as someone who renovated eight homes in my life I always thoroughly enjoy watching Spencer's incredible work. That being said I equally enjoy Kenzie's film work and how just so darned cute she is. She always makes me chuckle.

Great job Spencer putting the tile in the bathroom

wow the beautiful night view you have makes everything so worth it..No one gets through life without a struggle..Thank you for sharing you journey so many lessons in each video

Good to see you both relaxing and recalling the memories…👍

“I can drift so much harder” that made me crack up. You guys are such good spirited peeps

Finally getting caught up on my episodes. I couldn’t do 68 in my house, I’d be freezing! Cookie cutter houses are all builders grade and very cheap. Your size house is exactly what my husband and I want. We love your show, we’re older people who appreciate newer ideas. You kids have done an amazing job!

Gonna recommend a self feeding pellet stove again, they use barely any power & don't get as hot to the touch on the outside, safer than conventional wood stoves. However you can always look into a natural gas well on your property which if you find one & have it drilled, is completely free as it wouldn't be hooked to the grid

I love Spencer's attention to detail in everything he does, the children are so beautiful, and no denying they are siblings :) as for the weather, I think you should be prepared for such changes, here in the UK we have had so much wind this past 4/5 months great video of the sky at night love it

Can't say it enough; the production quality of your videos fantastic, as is all the work you've done for your home. You guys pack so much quality into every video! This channel is truly a pleasure to watch.

So good you have a ceiling over your head and to much things to be thankful. Love and perseverance is the key, enjoy what you have that is a lot to be happy. Every thing is experience, enjoy , and learn the lesson implicit in the events of life, it make you stronger, and proud

No matter what the weather is. You guys have so much fun and enjoyment together, that's what makes a perfect family. Great to see that the family is in good health and in good shape.

From a kiwi in new Zealand it's so interesting to see your journey and inspiring. Good to see you guys feeling better.

12:38 loved the interaction, really changed the atmosphere and made a difference for him

Ooooooooh, you live in a Paradise!!! 🙏🎶😃👌He make a great job ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

We love your videos too! For you water consider adding a well (that you only use when needed) and immersion heaters in your tanks. Cheers!

Always looking forward to a new chapter in your journey keep up the good work👍🏿

So, I have watched you since the Beginning. Amazing… I have seen so much hard work. Both children being born. And a Beautiful home being built. You are my Favorite. Feel like you are Family. You guys are Awesome. Can’t wait to see you every week. Love everything you have accomplished so far!! Beautiful Family!!! Love you Guys!!!

I would use the small water tank to re-fill at least one of the big water tanks, even it it takes 5 or more days. I still say, get a permanently installed, vented, propane wall furnace. A 100 lb propane tank will last several nights and a 20 lb tank will be an adequate backup.

Glad everyone is finally well. Shower tile looks great. Cannot believe you had snow. DFW only a dusting. Glad power is up and running. We had to keep a bucket of water by the toilet during the winter to flush our toilets. Works with only a small amount of water. And the old saying: flush rules if it's yellow let it mellow, if it's brown send it down. Happy Valentine's Day to you and your sweet family.

Hey guys, just an idea, my dad is 69 and last week drilled his own well running water through pvc inside the permanent metal pipe to move dirt as it went down. I'm sure there's plenty of YT videos on the process. You could use the well to keep your tanks at a preferred level. Just throwing it out there!

This Canadian laughs at Texans in the snow. It’s cute seeing their reactions to snow, it’s like it their first time!

Work on getting more battery storage so you can ride-out either heavily cloudy days and/or chilly winters! Also look at setting top a looping pipe system to keep the water moving and/or insulate the bottom and lower sides with perlite so you get less heat loss when the tank is so low. Does it make sense adding a wood burner stove?

When you don’t get snow often, any amount of snow or freezing temperatures can be devastating. Being prepared is the key. Living up north I have been in many snowstorms and blizzards. I have seen snow piles in open fields and parking lots not melt until June. I have had to dig my way out of my house because snow drifts were so high. Shovel snow off my roof so it wouldn’t collapse. I have also seen a 1/4” on snow cripple my entire city because we were hit by surprise and the city was not prepared. Again as long as you are prepared you can make it through just about anything. God bless you and your family.

It is nice to see your home projects get finished, but you must know that your children are the most important, despite storms, etc. 💕💕❤️❤️

The wife personality is the best. Always, laughing and happy.

Your house and property look great. There is always block walls out there when you least expect it. Happens to all of us. Take care. 🇨🇦

A “grey water” system might be on the horizon to capture, divert and store shower/bath/laundry water and use it for toilet flushing. Paying for a water tanker to deliver a load of potable water might be expensive, but may become a necessity when the big tanks are empty.

That shower is becoming like the house's sacred niche. Kenzie goes in to quietly contemplate the new wall tiles as though heaven itself was slowly descending. Of course, if you've been living without indoor plumbing for the last few years, then a new shower would seem heaven-sent.

You need to insulate the pump house for more warmth for the pipe system. You might have to get on the grid during the winter months and have water delivered to keep the tanks filled. So you guys do more videos. Glad you are doing better health wise.

How about installing a tiny woodstove, they are great when the power is out and warm up the place in no time.

We just got through a two day ice storm. We had 3/4 to an inch of ice on Everything! We lost power for over 36 hours, and we were lucky. Between candles and a fireplace we made it, and so did our pipes. I would suggest looking at a nautical wood stove for the house. The are small, need less clearance, and really help to take the edge off.

Wood stove is looking like a good emergency heat backup.

Me parecen una pareja hermosa llena de amor y se nota que se entienden bien desde colombia

Have you looked into getting a tanker of potable water delivered and filling your tanks? Just a thought. I have really enjoyed watching your family grow! Thanks for sharing!!!

Bathroom tile looks great!! I'm from "up north" and yeah, that's nothing. Though a little snow can still make things slippery!! I'm over winter and waiting for the green of Spring!

Wood burner is our main form of heating for the winter. It keeps our home so warm. We do have a reverse cycle for the bedrooms but we only run it on low mainly for the middle of the night when the wood burner is turned down low. Best warmth ever. You always feel toasty warm and our living areas and kitchen are toasty warm in the morning ready for a new day.

My favorite part was the crunchy walk through sparkly snow 😃

So glad that you are better. I love the banter between you. Tiles are lovely.

Glad to see you guys got through it okay :-) I can't wait to see the finished shower !

I see a new family tradition; snow day enchiladas 💚

Really nice ro see both of you looking your good looking selves again. The bathroom is looking great. Thank you for keeping us all updated.

Quite honestly, with the water & weather situation where you live, you need to seriously think about drilling a back-up well, enclosing and insulating your water storage, adding a back-up heat source to your filter room and a back up generator to keep yourselves powered. Self sustainability is great when everything aligns with your expectations, but if and WHEN it doesn't, you're putting yourselves in a tough situation. It's better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it! Been there and done that!

So excited for you guys to be able to shower in the house 😉👍🏼❤️🇨🇦

Love the fade out to the snow melting on the solar panels xx

I’m so glad you guys are feeling better! I think you guys need to purchase some winter wear at a consignment store for all you guys in case your winter weather continues this trend.

I live in Texas and I was thankful it didn't get as bad as last year. Every time I see snow I feel dramatized.

If the winters keep the mini splits drawing too much power, you might consider getting a large Propane tank and a Generac setup to help alleviate power issues.

When I was in my 20’s I was a tile setter, an apprentice machinist, and a full time college student. Time work is a lot of measurement, planning, checking for square and then you can run it.

Spencer rig up a hose from the pond to your small tank. It has to go through your filters, it will clean it. Not a problem you'll be okay. That pond is a blessing.

You guys are my heroes! I love how tough, strong and resilient you are. Awesome parents with two amazing kids. You guys inspire me. My big plan for today is to get a money order and pay a bill!