The following information was provided by a brother-in-law of Anna Duggar (nee Keller), regarding the recent episode A Very Duggar Wedding. If the Duggars permitted TLC to issue an ultimatum such as the one described, where a member of the wedding party had to sign a waiver or TLC would kick him out of the wedding party, then shame on the Duggars for selling out.
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Where to start? This is a post I have waited to write for a long time and I can finally do so now that the wedding episode has aired. Before now, I was not permitted to speak of such things..
There have been many comments about the integrity of the Keller family and I would like to reveal some information that may set the record straight. You may ask how I can validate the information I will give: I am the guy that married the second Keller girl and was in the Duggar/Keller wedding as a groomsman. I have been following this thread since August of last year, and have enjoyed a lot of the snark. However, there are some items that were offensive, because even if I don't agree with my in-laws on a lot of (most) things, they are still my wife's family. That, and TLC did what media usually does: they twisted things to make them say what they wanted said. The supposed focus on sex (at least on the Kellers side) is NOTHING compared to what TLC has made it out to be. They want everyone to think this is what conservative fundies are focused on, but at least with the Keller family, this is the farthest thing from the truth. TLC has done a good job of using their show as a tool to change some things into UNreality.
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Duggars Interviewed in New York
The Duggars were in New York recently and were interviewed for Timeout Magazine. It is an interesting interview and appears below.
http://www.timeout.com/newyork/kids/articles/features/71084/jim-bob-and-michelle-duggar-interview
http://www.timeout.com/newyork/kids/articles/features/71084/jim-bob-and-michelle-duggar-interview
Duggars on Safari
Jim Bob and the children make friends with animals while volunterring at the Wild Wilderness Safari. 1-27-09
I Left My Duggar in San Francisco
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar leave their 18 children at home to take a trip to San Francisco to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. Tuesday 1/27/09
Duggar Wedding Album
Discovery Health's Duggar site has added a wedding album. There are also a couple of new webisodes related to the wedding.
Five Duggars on The View
Jim Bob, Michelle, Jinger, Jessa, and Jordyn were on The View this morning. Michelle looked very good to me and Jordyn seemed to sleep through the whole interview.
Don't Forget the Duggar Wedding on Sunday
Set those recorders and check the Tivos and DVRs as they may not recognize the episodes.
Would the Duggar Parents Be Open to the Children Learning About Other Religions?
From the moment I was born to now I was raised Catholic. My father came from a family that could be considered very religious to some people. I was expected to attend church with them every Sunday, go to Sunday school, receive my first communion, and confirmation. Not unlike make Catholics today.
When I was sixteen and in highschool I became slightly rebellious and wanted to change my religion or at least see what was out there. My parents, although they weren't very happy, were supportive of my decision. My mother even went so far as to buy me literature and videos about Judaism and Buddhism. She even took me to a local synagogue. For nearly a year they allowed me to do my research and never once did they try to persuade me away from it.
Although I never changed religions I was still very happy that my parents gave me the opportunity to at least learn what was out there with the possibility that I might go against the path that they paved for me.
My question is: Do you think that the Duggar parents would be as supportive of their children's curiosity?I have a hard time believing that JimBob or Michelle would be okay with any of their children visiting a place or worship for another religious denomination without some kind of repurcussions or open dissapointment.
Thanks to Whitney.
When I was sixteen and in highschool I became slightly rebellious and wanted to change my religion or at least see what was out there. My parents, although they weren't very happy, were supportive of my decision. My mother even went so far as to buy me literature and videos about Judaism and Buddhism. She even took me to a local synagogue. For nearly a year they allowed me to do my research and never once did they try to persuade me away from it.
Although I never changed religions I was still very happy that my parents gave me the opportunity to at least learn what was out there with the possibility that I might go against the path that they paved for me.
My question is: Do you think that the Duggar parents would be as supportive of their children's curiosity?I have a hard time believing that JimBob or Michelle would be okay with any of their children visiting a place or worship for another religious denomination without some kind of repurcussions or open dissapointment.
Thanks to Whitney.
A Book Review The Duggars: 20 and Counting
The Duggars: 20 and Counting by Michelle & Jim Bob Duggar.
I am a self professed reality TV junkie, the more reality based, the better. So when I read about the Duggar family on Television Without Pity a few years ago, I knew I had to see them for myself. Soon I had seen all of the one hour specials and was oddly fascinated and oddly appalled all at the same time. I didn’t see how any of the kids could ever grow up to have a “normal” life. I didn’t like how it seemed like the kids weren’t encouraged to be independent thinkers or allowed to make everyday decisions. I didn’t quite understand what exactly the parents were doing all day other than controlling their kids’ every thought and action. I didn’t like them.
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I am a self professed reality TV junkie, the more reality based, the better. So when I read about the Duggar family on Television Without Pity a few years ago, I knew I had to see them for myself. Soon I had seen all of the one hour specials and was oddly fascinated and oddly appalled all at the same time. I didn’t see how any of the kids could ever grow up to have a “normal” life. I didn’t like how it seemed like the kids weren’t encouraged to be independent thinkers or allowed to make everyday decisions. I didn’t quite understand what exactly the parents were doing all day other than controlling their kids’ every thought and action. I didn’t like them.
continue
Coming Soon... The Duggars: 20 and Counting!
Recently we here at Duggars Without Pity were contacted by a senior publicist at Howard Books, the division of Simon & Schuster that published the Duggar's book. They were kind enough to offer us a copy of the book. I'm just finishing the book up and will be writing my review this weekend. Check back Monday for my review!
The Duggar Book
Information gleaned from "The Duggars: 20 and Counting!"
Odd fact: The Duggars don't believe in "luck," but they seem to believe in the "supernatural." This comes directly from their book -- even the word. Everything they "need" seems to appear out of thin air.
I just finished reading their book (do not ask how I got it -- I certainly didn't pay for it). I never really disliked them before, but I do now. Actually, I'm pretty much disgusted. They talk down to the reader and display a totally holier-than-thou attitude.
The whole book is full of BS. They contradict themselves. For example, JB talks about his garage and where it is sited, but the diagrams of the house that the Duggars built show no garage.
They claim not to be superparents, but everything they "try" works beautifully. They deny it, but their marriage, children, and family dynamics are shown to be perfect. They even discuss the "imperfectness" of some things -- things that are absolutely minor and of little consequence... trying to prove how "normal" they are.
They continually buy stuff, use it (sometimes for years), and then sell it for twice as much as they paid. I don't know if that's smart business tactics or some sort of fraud. They had many, many people help with building the house. People are always "donating" to them -- both time and material things.
They also appear to RENT OUT THEIR HOUSE for various gatherings... such as a "Christian ministry gathering," "70 Romanian mayors," 50 people who show up for church services. I would bet dollars to donuts that they charge for these gatherings even though they don't mention it. I'm sure they pass the collection plate for church services. They also "cater" for these gatherings -- the older girls (NOT Michelle) doing the cooking. That pretty much explains the industrial kitchen.
And when they are not "entertaining," they use the "pretty" kitchen and PAPER PLATES... despite the industrial dishwasher.
They are truly an odd bunch. Odder than I thought before I read the book.
Odd fact: The Duggars don't believe in "luck," but they seem to believe in the "supernatural." This comes directly from their book -- even the word. Everything they "need" seems to appear out of thin air.
I just finished reading their book (do not ask how I got it -- I certainly didn't pay for it). I never really disliked them before, but I do now. Actually, I'm pretty much disgusted. They talk down to the reader and display a totally holier-than-thou attitude.
The whole book is full of BS. They contradict themselves. For example, JB talks about his garage and where it is sited, but the diagrams of the house that the Duggars built show no garage.
They claim not to be superparents, but everything they "try" works beautifully. They deny it, but their marriage, children, and family dynamics are shown to be perfect. They even discuss the "imperfectness" of some things -- things that are absolutely minor and of little consequence... trying to prove how "normal" they are.
They continually buy stuff, use it (sometimes for years), and then sell it for twice as much as they paid. I don't know if that's smart business tactics or some sort of fraud. They had many, many people help with building the house. People are always "donating" to them -- both time and material things.
They also appear to RENT OUT THEIR HOUSE for various gatherings... such as a "Christian ministry gathering," "70 Romanian mayors," 50 people who show up for church services. I would bet dollars to donuts that they charge for these gatherings even though they don't mention it. I'm sure they pass the collection plate for church services. They also "cater" for these gatherings -- the older girls (NOT Michelle) doing the cooking. That pretty much explains the industrial kitchen.
And when they are not "entertaining," they use the "pretty" kitchen and PAPER PLATES... despite the industrial dishwasher.
They are truly an odd bunch. Odder than I thought before I read the book.
Jordyn-Grace's birth new episode Dec 22
We're supposed to have the birth episode at 10 eastern and pacific on Monday, December 22.
Once In A Blue Moon I Wish I Was a Duggar
The Duggar Family and I are polar opposites, and yet there are times I wish I was a Duggar. There are times I wish I didn't have to make the hard decisions, or any decisions at all. Choices, and so many choices as a modern person has in life can be a double edged-sword.
Of course it is wonderful to be offered the choices: go to college, trade school, travel the world, etc. Yet sometimes choices can be overwhelming for a young person who has no idea what they want to do. I am currently experiencing that with my youngest, a high school senior. She absolutely has no idea what she wants to do, except have fun in High School. At least she is achieving that goal!
I did grow up in the South and my family was religious, but as Episcopalians, about as different as you can get from the Duggars and still be Christians. Episcopalians have a lot of free passes, we can drink, dance and have fun!
Growing up in the late '70's brought into a teenager's life a new idea of sins. Sex was being sanctified by the media and the media became a huge part of our lives. Drugs were a part of the youth culture and the drinking age was 18.
After the cultural revolution of the '60's, and all the things that backfired on that decade, my strict parents seemed to accept that we went to disco's when we were 17, I guess it was better than hanging in a commune.
A generation later and it is time for me to raise my children and guide them in life. How dare they do anything that we did! It was different in the 70's, and in fact it was. The laws are so much stricter and that is a good thing. Guiding a teenager through life is very difficult. We didn't have cell-phones, Facebook, My-Space, the unknown dangers to my parents.
Sometimes I do think how nice it might be to grow up as a Duggar. If it is the happy family that it seems to be on television, could it be so awful to be blissfully unaware of sex, drugs, rock-n-roll? If they are on the Jesus high, can that be so bad?
I don't think that growing up to be a wife and mom is bad, because that is all I ever wanted, but I have also learned you need a huge BACK UP PLAN! I don't support the plan of this family because anything can happen in life, and the best hand-picked son-in-law may turn out to be gay, crazy, suicidal, crazy or just a tragic victim. Someone has to pick up the pieces and insurance doesn't cover everything.
Let the girls train as nurses, teachers, midwives or any career that is acceptable to their faith. Michelle had been lucky so far, she married in high school and Jim Bob has provided. But with 18 kids, I doubt they can take care of those 18 and/or the grandchildren.
Clearing dishwashers is not a great living.
Of course it is wonderful to be offered the choices: go to college, trade school, travel the world, etc. Yet sometimes choices can be overwhelming for a young person who has no idea what they want to do. I am currently experiencing that with my youngest, a high school senior. She absolutely has no idea what she wants to do, except have fun in High School. At least she is achieving that goal!
I did grow up in the South and my family was religious, but as Episcopalians, about as different as you can get from the Duggars and still be Christians. Episcopalians have a lot of free passes, we can drink, dance and have fun!
Growing up in the late '70's brought into a teenager's life a new idea of sins. Sex was being sanctified by the media and the media became a huge part of our lives. Drugs were a part of the youth culture and the drinking age was 18.
After the cultural revolution of the '60's, and all the things that backfired on that decade, my strict parents seemed to accept that we went to disco's when we were 17, I guess it was better than hanging in a commune.
A generation later and it is time for me to raise my children and guide them in life. How dare they do anything that we did! It was different in the 70's, and in fact it was. The laws are so much stricter and that is a good thing. Guiding a teenager through life is very difficult. We didn't have cell-phones, Facebook, My-Space, the unknown dangers to my parents.
Sometimes I do think how nice it might be to grow up as a Duggar. If it is the happy family that it seems to be on television, could it be so awful to be blissfully unaware of sex, drugs, rock-n-roll? If they are on the Jesus high, can that be so bad?
I don't think that growing up to be a wife and mom is bad, because that is all I ever wanted, but I have also learned you need a huge BACK UP PLAN! I don't support the plan of this family because anything can happen in life, and the best hand-picked son-in-law may turn out to be gay, crazy, suicidal, crazy or just a tragic victim. Someone has to pick up the pieces and insurance doesn't cover everything.
Let the girls train as nurses, teachers, midwives or any career that is acceptable to their faith. Michelle had been lucky so far, she married in high school and Jim Bob has provided. But with 18 kids, I doubt they can take care of those 18 and/or the grandchildren.
Clearing dishwashers is not a great living.
Duggars Learn to Drive
"In this episode the sixth in line, Jinger, takes her first driving test. The Duggars also celebrate Michelle's birthday and answer some email questions from viewers."
Televising the Wedding
According to Josh and Anna's website:
A complete show on Josh & Anna’s Wedding will also air on TLC in January 2009!
A complete show on Josh & Anna’s Wedding will also air on TLC in January 2009!
Big Family Reunion Nov 3 30 minutes
The Duggars are taking a trip to Ohio for Michelle's family reunion. In addition to the several food and gas stops along the way, they visit a creationism museum where animatronic dinosaurs roam the earth with Adam and Eve.
Photos From the Second Reception
I know we have all been waiting for some wedding photos. This is the best I could do for the time being. These are photos taken by a blogger who attended the second wedding reception in Arkansas.
http://arkansaswatch.blogspot.com/2008/10/josh-and-anna-duggar-arkansas-wedding.html
Also, if you read the blog, you will see how Jim Bob was the one who announced "You may kiss the bride" and the happy couple was told many times to be fruitful!!!
http://arkansaswatch.blogspot.com/2008/10/josh-and-anna-duggar-arkansas-wedding.html
Also, if you read the blog, you will see how Jim Bob was the one who announced "You may kiss the bride" and the happy couple was told many times to be fruitful!!!
New Episode - "Cheaper By The Duggars" 10/20/08
Watch how the Duggars save money when buying clothing and food, heating their home and even growing their own vegetables. You'll have a new understanding of the word thrifty after watching this episode!
An Abundance of Grandchildren
It was interesting to hear Grandpa Duggar's comments on the last episode about how difficult it was for him to accept Jim Bob and Michelles' choice to have so many children. He also said that Michelle's father had a problem with it as well, but they accepted the decision, but thought they had enough. It made me think about if one of my two daughters decided to go that route (highely unlikely), but how would I deal with such a surfeit of grandchildren?
I think the answer is not very well. I adore my children and want the very best for them. Unfortunately, I get caught in the trap of trying to keep up financial demands of one in high school and one in graduate school. The costs are different from when I was their age, cell phones, cars, the price of gasoline, car insurance and health insurance.
Then there is college. Tuition and housing costs are much more expensive than when I was a student. I didn't know anyone who went out of state, or even to a private college, but today it is very common and the pressure is on for parents. Obviously, I could say no to all these things.
So what do I want for my future grandchildren? I hope to get to know them very well. I hope to be able to spend as much time as possible with them, I hope that I can be a hands-on-grandma and be able to indulge them, not just financially, but in every aspect of their lives. I hope to be able to spend one-on-one time with them whenever feasible. If one of my girls had 10/15/18 children, I don't know how that would be possible.
They would never fit in my house for holiday dinners, and Christmas and birthday presents would be a nightmare. I could never really bond with them all and would probably have to pick a few favorites, which isn't much of a choice. I am sure I would learn to deal with it, but is it something that I would be happy with? Probably not.
I think the answer is not very well. I adore my children and want the very best for them. Unfortunately, I get caught in the trap of trying to keep up financial demands of one in high school and one in graduate school. The costs are different from when I was their age, cell phones, cars, the price of gasoline, car insurance and health insurance.
Then there is college. Tuition and housing costs are much more expensive than when I was a student. I didn't know anyone who went out of state, or even to a private college, but today it is very common and the pressure is on for parents. Obviously, I could say no to all these things.
So what do I want for my future grandchildren? I hope to get to know them very well. I hope to be able to spend as much time as possible with them, I hope that I can be a hands-on-grandma and be able to indulge them, not just financially, but in every aspect of their lives. I hope to be able to spend one-on-one time with them whenever feasible. If one of my girls had 10/15/18 children, I don't know how that would be possible.
They would never fit in my house for holiday dinners, and Christmas and birthday presents would be a nightmare. I could never really bond with them all and would probably have to pick a few favorites, which isn't much of a choice. I am sure I would learn to deal with it, but is it something that I would be happy with? Probably not.
New Episode - When Big Families Collide 10-13-08
What's crazier than a family with 17, soon to be 18 kids? How about a family with 16 -- soon to be 17 -- kids coming to visit! Meet the Bates family from Tennessee, who have decided to visit the Duggars in Arkansas. Hosting another mega-family proves to be a challenge for Michelle and Jim Bob Duggar, but as usual around the Duggar home, there's always a plan.
New Episode - Bates vs. Duggars Smackdown 10/13/08
Big families like competition; and by big families, we mean BIG families. The Bates family has 16 --soon to be 17 --children. They traveled all the way from Nashville to visit their friends the Duggars. What do you get when you combine two mega-families, each with a pregnant mom? A total of 33 children and a competitive spirit, not to mention chaos! Watch what happens as the Duggars compete with the Bates in paintball, and dare each other to jump out of an airplane.
J-Baby
The due date of the new Duggar baby girl is somewhere around New Year's Day. Any guesses as to what they will name her? What you would like to see them name her?
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