Free Discussion, January, 2019

Please use this for Duggar and Bates sightings, speculation, or general discussion. Note that this is Duggar discussion not other families, TV shows, politics, religion, or personal stories. If the comment is more about you or some other issue than the actual Duggars or Bateses or other families seen on the show, please rethink before sending. Thank you!

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70 comments:

Not a Mocker said...

Wow. What is the world coming to? Did we really go through all of 2018 without a Duggar pregnancy announcement?

colen said...

My Duggar resolution for 2019:

Jana - Realizes she is being taken advantage of by her family, understands they will never change and learns only she can change her fate.

Ginny said...

Not a Mocker........good point with your observation about going through a whole year without a pregnancy announcement. I am glad that the adult children are starting to think for themselves with regards to the size of their families. They, and they alone should be the ones making that decision, not being pressured by their parents. It will be interesting to see what 2019 brings in Duggarland.

Elspeth said...

Bates family is back on TV tonight.

Mickey2942 said...

Yes, I guess that all of the Duggar kids grown up, realize that the parroted response that they all wanted 20 kids seems to have quieted down quite a bit. Hmmm, I wonder why...pretty quiet in Duggarland.

Molly said...

I watched the Bates last night, what were they referring to with Whitney doing a horrible thing that upset her family and made them miss her first wedding?

LilBit0318 said...

Molly, I haven't watched that episode of the Bateses' show yet, and never heard anything about Whitney doing something awful to cause her parents to miss the actual wedding. But I've heard it mentioned multiple times that they missed it, and I've always been curious about why, too. Anybody have any info at all?

coleen said...

Re: Whitney Bates wedding

Whitney did not have a relationship with her bio parents at the time of her original wedding; only her adoptive parents. When she was a teen, she was fostered by the parents of a friend who later adopted her. Her bio parents did attend her vow renewal.

Linda said...

Whether that was a full legal adoption or an informal adoption has been the subject of quite a bit of discussion.

Willow said...

Whitney's adoptive father was a pastor and he performed the first wedding. She had some of her "adopted" siblings in the first wedding. I think she reunited with her bio family fairly soon after her marriage but if I recall correctly, her adopted family was still around when she had her baby shower for Bradley. I must admit I cried when I watched the vow renewal. She seems like a sincere person to me. BTW, I think her two children are total mini me's of her bio parents. Its so cute.

laura said...

Derick posting baby Sam cleaning. Training him young he says..baby with cleaning tools instead of learning tools. Why am I infinitely sad for the Dillard children and not the seawald or vuolo children? Felicity and jessas kids always seem so happy and loved. Jill's kids always look like they just escaped from being in a dark room for a week. I've felt sorry for Israel from day one. Derick disgusts me. FREE SAM AND IZZY!

Not My Religion said...

My guess is Jessa is one or more of these:
1. Pregnant and hiding it
2. Sold her mold house and they’ve moved to a different place (Chicago area for Ben to go to college, Duggar fixer upper or closer to Jinger)
3. Having marital problems and went off Instagram /FB
4. Has started some “project” to make money that hasn’t been disclosed
Something is going on since she’s so out of the public postings.

Double bubble said...

My hunch is that anywhere between 3-5 ofthe married girls are preggers and the others are trying really hard. The Duggar’s have been unusually quiet on social media. Something is definitely up.

roddma said...

Yeah that thing with Whitney leaves a bad taste in my mouth. She seems to harbor a lot of guilt which is what the system is famous for, and I imagine Kelly and Gil had a hand in reuniting with her birth parents. It's normal for kids in foster care or whatever to want to reunite with the birth family but she seems to have ditched the family who cared for her altogether. Rebellion is subjective and I imagine with these people it could be something most of society thinks normal.

While it is up to her to say what happened, she opened the can of worms again and aroused curiosity. Most viewers seemed to have forgotten it. If she didn't want attention to this and questions, she needed to keep it quiet. I guess she was trying to explain why the birth parents were absent at the wedding, but it seemed like the wrong time. I just hope the bio parents are safe for the kids to be around. Im not saying you can't forgive, but given the Josh case they take it way too far possibly endangering kids. It's why I think no more of the Bateses.

Willow said...

Yes, I agree about Jessa. It just seems that most of the Duggars, except Jill and Jinger, seem very, very quiet. You would think they would try to keep interest up for the new season, so it seems weird to me also. I don't think there is anything specifically wrong with Sam playing that he is helping clean. All children do that. I do however agree that Izzy has always been a sad looking child. It just seems something is off with both Jill and Derick when it comes to Izzy. I hope we are wrong.

Anonymous said...

And the baby race is won by JESSA!!

https://people.com/tv/jessa-duggar-seewald-pregnant-third-child/

coleen said...

Jill Rodrigues posted photos of her holiday, including her son who moved out. It's interesting how quiverfull kids change when they strike out on their own.

Ginny said...

Well, "Not my religion" called it. I just saw the story that Jessa and Ben are "expecting" again. I know a lot of people don't like Jessa, but from the things I've seen, she seems to be a good mother, and those two boys are absolutely adorable and seem to be happy little kids. Unlike what I see with Jill's boys who seems to be sad looking most of the time.

Unknown said...

People magazine is reporting Jessa is pregnant and due this Spring.

https://people.com/tv/jessa-duggar-seewald-pregnant-third-child/

Unknown said...

Did you see that jana now has an Instagram account .... does this mean a new courtship ???

Just saying said...

I can’t stand how Michelle grabs the babies and holds them by thr groin. Just something creepy as hell about it.

Abbie said...

Jessa-Blessa’s baby #3 I’s due in June. Ben’s mom posted it on sm.

Emma said...

Anne Cooke: Jessa said on her instagram that Jana wasn't courting. Totally ridiculous that an almost thirty year old woman still shares a bedroom with her little sisters and needs her dads permision to do whatever she wants with her life, they really have done a number on this young woman with the religious brainwashing.

Get Real said...

Jessa has LIED about things in the past. She can’t be trusted. She is deceitful. Recently Jessa posted that she wasn’t pregnant when sure enough she was expecting. Why would we believe anything the attention ****Jessa says ? Let’s hear from Jana. It’s Janas business and Jana’s life. Jessa needs to be the spokesperson for own life and children. Period.

coleen said...

The link to Jana's insta.

https://www.instagram.com/janamduggar/

And I think Jessa will have a girl.

coleen said...

Here's a link to the Jill mouse vid.

https://www.reddit.com/r/DuggarsSnark/comments/aenj97/ive_got_a_doozy_of_a_dillard_video_for_all_you/

sandi said...

Ok,that's just silly! Mice don't come at you w deadly force.We occasionally get one in the house.What to do? We pick them up by the tail and put them outside.God's creatures all have a purpose.Jill need not act so crazy over a mouse.What exciting lives they lead.Not

Anna said...

Watched the Bates the other night. Josie finds her dream wedding gown on line in NY. New problem....without discussing it with anyone Kelly Jo, said they will get tickets and fly there and take Whitney since she had never been.Sounds staged to me since she didn't even discuss it with Gil and Whitney has a husband, two kids and a job, but it was decided on the spot that she would be going.

Not liking the way Josie acts anymore. She and Carlin need to quit 'acting'. Josie talks funny and Carlin, oh, my goodness....she acts like a 12 year old with that non-stop mouth. I don't see it in Erin, Torie, Michaela, or Alyssa. Maybe Josie and Carlin just want the spotlight....They are pretty but it isn't cute how they act.

Willow said...

I agree with you Anna.

Daner said...

Gotta say that I am with Jill on the mouse. They terrify me, for some reason.

Hopefully, Josie Bates Balka and Carlin Bates will watch themselves and see how ridiculous they look. I think Carlin is the same age as Joy Duggar Forsyth, yet Joy acts much more mature.

When they were walking four abreast in NYC all except Kelly Jo wearing black it looked like something off of a mafia movie spoof. (And yes, I know why they wore black in NYC.)

Mickey2942 said...

https://www.intouchweekly.com/posts/jessa-duggar-explains-why-shes-not-in-counting-on-promo-photo/

Nothing like getting pregnant to make sure you are not considered "boring".

Anonymous said...

Daner: Why did they wear black dresses in NYC? The 3 of them also had the same color caramel sandals? What's going on there?

Aunt Bea said...

Oops, sorry I checked "Anonymous".

Willow said...

Why did they wear black in NYC?

Nellie Olsen said...

Suddenly Laura M, Jana’s best bud isn’t seen in any of the photos, posts or videos. Maybe Jana has entered a courtship.

Emma said...

Has anyone seen Janas new instagram? She posted some lovely pictures of her baking bread along with the recipe, she also took the time to answer the questions of a number of posters. Her pictures looked really well put together, I'm sure Jill will be pissed, she sees herself as the 'cookery expert' of the family but gets so much criticism for poor pictures and the use of high fat, high sodium cream of whatever soup in almost everything she cooks.

Aunt Bea said...

I think that Laura DeMaise hasn't been seen lately in photos, posts or videos because the speculation was out there plainly about Laura & Jana's relationship being a romantic one.
The Duggar parents were appalled at such 'gossip' and I think they pulled the plug for the most part about including her in their family photos, events, etc. It finally reached them.
They seem to now be promoting Jana as an individual without a female friend always at her side. I'm sure she's still there. The Duggars still ignore inquiries as to what Laura is doing living with them? Their silence is quite curious. They really need to address it.
Another theory about her living there is that her own family pulled back in their "Gothard/IBLP/ATI beliefs and practices and lives a more mainstream life. Laura did not agree with this so Jim Bob and Michelle 'took her in' to live with them under JB's headship and umbrella authority. (Disgusting thought, isn't it?) Michelle, being truly a sly woman underneath, saw another chance for a capable housemaid, cook, laundress and babysitter. Notice how Mary Duggar moved out? She did all of Michelle's family's laundry....in comes Laura..."Laundress of the Duggar Skivies".

Tori said...

Aunt Bea: I follow Laura on instagram (cause I'm nosey) and she lists herself as an entreprenure. Her latest two posts were of her at a tradeshow working with reps for a home decor company, she also posted photographs of her with her own family taken over thanksgiving so I don't think she is under Jimbobs 'umbrella of authority', a 'housemaid' to the Duggars or estranged from her family. Laura worked for IBLP before they downsized and moved to Texas, I think she possibly lost her job with them?? She has known the Duggar girls for a long time and was involved in the journey of the heart programme the girls went to. She started to show up more in pictures around the time of Jingers wedding, and then helped co-ordinate Joys wedding and Kendra and Laurens weddings. I think she came to help the Duggars (Jana) with homeschooling for a while when she was the last oldest girl left, however she does not live with the Duggars, and seems to have her own life. She was on the Duggars 'mission' trip before Christmas so she is still very much a part of their circle. I don't think there is any relationship with Jana other than friendship (and lets face it Jana needs a friend), and the Duggars seem to be ignoring all the rumors, I sure if it was true she would be banished from Duggarland never to be heard from again!!

Tori said...

Just a PS to my post about Laura, she is a big fan of Joanna Gaines and is into interior design, Jana is also into interiors and design so I think they have common interests. Remember the girls first trip to Waco, Laura was there, wearing skinny jeans and in almost every picture.

Willow said...

Yes Aunt Bea, I remember when Tabitha Paine lived with them; they readily admitted she was there to help with homeschooling.

Heart in Florida said...

If Laura is such a business woman and earns her own money, why doesn't this fully grown woman have her own place? No need to be living with the Duggars. She does live with them. She has a bed in the girls' dormitory. It was photographed. If she doesn't live with this family, she sure has a lot of spare time to be over there, photographed with them, traveling to JINGER'S baby's birth, mission trips, etc. This doesn't add up to me that she has her own apartment. She is obviously a part of their belief system, so she isn't permitted to live on her own. They really need to address this subject honestly.
I don't fully believe that it is JANA who is behind this Instagram. I believe a professional runs it for her. Her parents are up to something here as she isn't allowed to make any real decisions for herself as she isn't yet married...but she is a fully grown woman of 29! How sad. Her emotional level must be around 16.

Ellie On a Roll said...

The Duggar’s are experts at half-truths and lies. Smoke screens and 2 way mirrors. They couldn’t tell the complete truth or own up to the real facts if their dynasty depended on it. For being such strong Christians, they sure dodge being honest. Good people want the story to be correct and the truth known. And Jim Bob and Michelle are setting a horrible example all the way around. They had all those kids just to be famous and profit off them. That’s the truth. And if the average viewer truly knew what these people were doing behind the scene, no one would watch their show. Just think about Josh. If the truth wasn’t leaked to the media about him, do you think anyone outside their religious cult would know? They were forced to talk about because of public rage.

Heart in Floirida said...

Ellie On a Roll: great post about the Duggar 'version of truth'. I agree completely with you here. They have always lied by omission.

Pumpkinspice said...

Last night on the Bates, Evan was seeking advice from Erin and Kelly Jo about his proposal to Carlin. The only thing they seemed to be interested in was making sure he picked a spot that would make for a good photo op. How sad.

Not my religion said...

Well, pretty obvious the Duggar clan has jumped on the social media gravy train. So many are endorsing products. I’m getting the feeling the interest in the Counting On show is tapering off and they need to quick figure out an income source.

laura said...

I wonder of derick encourages jill to take a couple of classes at a JC. Does she not want to? Does he not encourage her to educate herself when he educates himself? I do wonder what that situation is.
Poor jana. Almost 30 and has never had her own room or place for complete privacy. Can she just go out with girlfriends somewhere like a real adult and not a small child tagging along? Im making a sad face right now.

Aunt Bea said...

I found it strange that Evan, who wants to propose marriage to Carlin, had to consult everyone around him instead of knowing what would suit Carlin. He has no idea who she is, like most of them, sadly. I also find it very surprising that Erin 'just happened to have' a photo of this beautiful place in Maine on her phone, just ready to show Evan. Such a set up and not believable.
Re Whitney: Does anyone know if a doctor confirmed her pregnancy? How far along was she when she lost this baby? I'm asking here because I mildly suspect that these women are focused on conceiving children. Perhaps some of them have had an early false positive, never was confirmed by an OB/GYN, and were merely late with their cycles. My honest sympathies to women out there and here who have had bonafide miscarriages. I'm not confident that all of these women in this belief system who say they miscarried actually did. What are your thoughts on this, folks?

Linda said...

Unless someone is getting fertility treatments that can affect a pregnancy test very early on, there are astoundingly few "false positives" on home pregnancy tests these days. There is no reason to doubt Whitney's pregnancy.

Mommy in PA said...

Has anyone seen the ridiculous reports that fans think Jinger is pregnant just because she had tea? I really doubt Jinger is the one who is going to be popping out babies every year.

Not a Mocker said...

Mommy in PA - I’ve seen that. And then in her next picture she’s holding Felicity in a way that covers her belly and so people are basically “it’s confirmed!”
I feel so bad for her. Jinger and Jeremy don’t seem like they want to be “all babies all the time” I don’t think we’ll get a pregnancy announcement from them until after Felicity is at least a year old.

Lizzyb said...

I'm glad I wasn't the only one speculating about Laura and Jana's relationship. I don't really care if they are romantically involved but I find it strange that 2 grown women choose to live dormitory style with several other much younger girls. What was in it for Laura except for getting to appear on TV? Jana seems very talented in several ways but she needs to get out under the thumb of her parents.

Starlet said...

Wonder how long until Jessa tortures everyone with the too tight, ill fitting maternity clothing that’s anything but modest?

roddma said...

Gil and Kelly are currently in Colorado on 'vacation' but really for ATI and the younger girls got left at home. Maybe they are too young now but I would be peeved. I think why Josie and Carlin seem less mature is they didn't have as many jobs as their older sisters.

As for the Duggars schilling products on social media,Joy got called out on telling a person wit anorexia. She felt bad after comment.You think with Michelle having an eating disorder they would get the seriousness. IMO peddling MLM weight loss is dangerous. The one Joy peddles assigns 'health coaches'. Are these 'coaches' qualified? At least she handled the criticism well and seemingly felt sorry about it and wanted to correct it..

Chatty Kathy said...

The picture of Jessa with her sisters at G3 makes her look like a frumpy, dumpy, cult woman. That ill-fitting, mustard gold dress with bagging grey leggings looks awful. And don’t even get me started about her long, stringy, out-dated straw hair hanging in front of her chest. Jessa really needs to step-up and get a clue. She actually looks worse than Michelle.

colen said...

Well, according to her insta, it looks like Jana got a nice v-cay with Laura in Atlanta. Good for her!!!

Emma said...

Roddma: I saw Joys post on instagram and posted in reply to another poster that I wondered what medical/nutrition training her 'health coach' had, within a couple of minutes my post was deleted, she obviously didn't like it, and we all know the answer! Her coach is Jessica Ballinger who is Austins sisters (Meghan) mother in law, and I think long time friends of the Duggars, I wonder if Joy is getting some financial reward for the promotion or if she is just doing it because it is 'family' and her fame would make her a good spokesperson? I would also wonder what exactly the girls actually know about eating disorders, lets face it i'm sure the only human biology taught at the SOTDT was reproduction as thats all that matters!

So Over It said...

Seriously, who can get excited about a “new” season of Counting On when all the episodes will be things /events that happened 9 months to 1YEAR ago! What is wrong with TLC thinking this will fly with viewers? I’m done watching it on TLC.

Willow said...

I totally agree about the flashbacks, etc. I would be happy for the show to continue, and I would even watch it, if they would just let the events move on. I would like to see what Si and Lauren are doing NOW. We have already seen their honeymoon, haven't we? I thought we had seen Felicity's birth already, am I wrong about that? Please TLC, show us every wedding, birth, honeymoon etc., but only once. New episodes can be re-run, but new episodes should be new, not just old flashbacks. As I have said many times, there should be plenty of other things they could film that they never have. It is just mind boggling that they cannot see this.

Stella said...

Re: Willow
I agree 1000%. If TLC wanted ratings, they’d do an interview with Anna on how her life is going post scandal.
Ratings gold would be Jana in a courtship or just going somewhere fun with FRIENDS. And whatever happened to Grandma Duggar? I’d love to see Jana’s garden. She’s so talented that it could be a show all on its own.

I’m so sick of seeing time and time again:
1. Anything Jessa. She’s always bossing someone around or overstepping her place everywhere she goes.
2. Who really cares is Jessa is having yet another baby. I want to hear from Kendra & Joe or Austin & Joy babies.
3. Tired of seeing yet another boring party at the dirty TTH with everyone sitting around and then gathering for yet another group photo. I’d love to see the house that Joy & Austin built, or the house where John & Abbie are living in.
4. Im bored with courting, wedding, parties, honeymoon, baby reveals, and birth shows. Blah!! A show with a specific run down of what exactly all the Duggar’s do for a living. Half of the kids are adults now and should have a job and be contributing to their own family or saving for marriage.

Not my religion said...

I hope for Jana’s sake that she gets married and out of the TTH. Jessa seems to always be hanging at the TTH or dumping her boys off so Jana can watch them. If you’re going to have all theses “blessings”, be prepared to take care of them YOURSELF, Jessa!!

Mickey2942 said...

Grown up? But they grew up on "Duggar Time". That is probably why they bought a private plane, so they don't have to get to an airport on time.

Not my religion said...

A couple observations about the Dillard family
1. We see Derek reading to the boys in videos and photos but I don’t recall ever seeing Jill reading to them.
2. Derek’s family (mom, step dad, brother & sister in law) all seem very nice and family oriented. Jill and the boys are very lucky. Jill got the better deal as ma & pa Duggar treat Derek awful.
3. There were no Duggar pictures with Jim Bob and Michelle posted on the Dillard Family website Christmas photo album. Speaks volumes about Jim Bob and Michelle.

laura said...

It could be one of 2 things, some of the marrieds just dont want to be in the lime light or are too busy with their new families or marriages and babies really are all TLC and him bob think is important footage.
Haven't seen jessa blasted all over since her announcement. Maybe shell wait to paste herself everywhere when she big enough to show her huge belly in teeny tiny shirts with her shyte eating grin in tow.
They're all kind of like deer.
Just milling around aimlessly in a large group the woods with no real plan or focus, just grazing here and there

Aunt Bea said...

Stella: Excellent post on what we really want to see about the Duggar family on TV. The manufactured 'fluff' is old now and boring. Give us the real updates about the workings of their own households at this time. Drop and dump Ma and Pa Duggar. They don't deserve to be on TV after what they were hiding from the public, how they handled it back then and how they projected themselves in that 'post interview'. Awful.

laura said...

Just watched the counting on promo.
The few clips shown of joy and Austin every time joy was asked a question she looked at Austin.
I cant imagine literally looking for approval or guidance for EVERYTHING from someone else, sorry, best friend.
Uncomfortable to watch this type of behavior...

Ashleigh said...

What does TTH mean

Linda said...

The original use was tinker toy house. It came from a remark that Jim Bob made about building a house from a kit.

Mickey2942 said...

You bring up a good point about Derrick's family, I wonder if they are supporting him and his family while he is in law school. Student loans only go so far...

Sid said...

So, Jessa and Ben posted a photo of the ultrasound for baby #3. Zzzzzzzzz. Someone needs to tell Jessa-Blessa that the enthusiasm for baby number 3 and on really isn’t there from the general public. Maybe Ma & Pa Duggar are excited to add another grandchild to their number count. But the rest of the viewing audience has moved on.
Exciting news would be Si and Lauren or JD and Abbie announcing they’re expecting.
And hope to God, Jessa doesn’t overshadow the newly first-time pregnant Duggar wives with being pregnant with her baby #3! I so can she Jessa trying to hog the attention and making it all about her, since she knows EVERYTHING!

Ann said...

Jinger posted an Instagram video for Thrive Market, an organic food box that comes monthly. I bet she’ll have a huge following if her focus group likes organic. There’s a 25%off code if you order. I noticed the membership cost $60/ year. Interesting.