cereality

Can someone explain what Joy was trying to do with that baked potato? Wasn't paying attention and when I looked up, I saw Austin standing next to Joy squishing her baked potato and her saying - you're a genius - and I wasn't sure why. It was bold and desperate when they were talking about families and Joy fitting in with Austin family and she announces -- let's just get married then. I know she could not wait to get married to get the hell out of the TTH but that sounded desperate in a culture where she deferred to her groom on her wedding day re how to wear her hair.

I'm not fan of Jer at all -- something about him seeking out a meek child bride screams creeper -- yet I will say in this episode, those 2 seem so comfortable with each other like normal couples. And I was positively impressed that he said that Jinger is so smart and under estimates herself. I always figured that in that world, the woman isn't supposed to be smart at all. So the fact that he's ok with the fact that she might be smart or a quick learner or whatever gives me a small hope that maybe he will encourage her if she wants to do something for herself - whether take a class or a part time job or whatever - instead of making it so that her life is taking care of that 1 bedroom apartment (which likely takes her 20 min/day max). When Joy got in the car alone to drive to Austin's all, I could think was -- drive the hell away. Keep driving until you're in Tenn. or Fla. or Vegas or wherever your heart desires. get yourself a waitress job, sleep in your car for a few days/weeks until you have money for a security deposit, get an apartment, and start your own life away from this freak show. When Austin's mom said -- ready to cook -- when Joy walked in, somehow I assumed that everyone would cook together and eat together. Seems like bad manners to make the guest make a cheesecake while they sit around (men) or spectate (women); though I guess the dad was out there grilling, so it wasn't all on Joy. I know we're supposed to love Austin bc [gasp] FIVE house flips, but every time he speaks, it's so clear that he needs a wife and Joy happens to be around so it's Joy but some other woman would be just fine too. I mean did he have to say that he couldn't taste the difference between Joy's cheesecake and his mom's? That's great Austin -- now we know you'll be fed in the manner you are accustomed. Now how are her laundry skills? Can she fold your underwear like mom? Derick -- he looks better in current IG pics than in the show which I guess was filmed a few months ago. How can his mom not notice the change in his appearance? You look at his wedding pics and even the recent IG pic they posted where he was standing over Iz's bassinet in the hospital in 2015 -- his face and even his arms just look bigger/fuller. If you're his mom, how do you not insist that he go to a real MD at a real health system (something like U Arkansas) for a physical, blood work etc. -- not go for "family check ups" with his wife and kid. Maybe everything is all good and it's really the dental work that caused him to not be able to eat -- but even if it's just that, they can hook you up with a nutritionist who can help you gain weight back. Not a fan of Derick AT ALL, but I did like that he was the ONLY one who turned back and thanked Jana for babysitting so they could all go to the ultrasound. Jill just waltzed out of there as if childcare help is her birthright. As for Cathy -- I give her the benefit of the doubt -- she only has 3 blood relatives. I can see why she wants a granddaughter -- and she's not like most people who if they have sons and grandsons only, they may still have grand nieces etc. so they can do girly things with someone or get invited to dance recitals or whatever. That being said - no need to panic. She herself said there may be a football team of boys -- but in any event Derick and Jill will likely have a football team of kids unless some crazy risky delivery renders them unable and Dan will likely have 2-3 kids so there is a huge chance she gets a granddaughter one day. Though I guess we know that Derick's guess for babies forever is now BOY - bc he certainly wouldn't want ANY potential son of his to feel that dad thought he was a girl, so he can NEVER guess girl bc what if it turns out to be a boy -- he'll likely be scarred for life and tap dancing on Broadway due to that errant ultrasound guess . . . .

I found the whole show so repetitive. How many times did we need to see a close up of Zach changing a diaper? How many times did Tori need to go on about how nervous she was about the birth, the epidural etc. We get it - you're nervous. How many times did Jer and Auj need to repeat how they MUST have the house done bc [gasp] Auj is 6 months pregnant. They were all acting like the first people ever to have a baby; buy a house; or move - and I say this as someone who genuinely likes Z&T as they seem "real" to me. I thought it was sweet that Amy went at 5 am. I imagine you're allowed to see the mom/couple but are then probably told to leave as they are in a holding area to go back for surgery. So it's possible she could hang with them from 5-6 am but they already knew they'd have a baby around 9 am -- meaning she wouldn't have been allowed to see them again until 10-11 at the earliest as hospitals have rules re recovery times for the mom etc. If she lives close (which I think she does), I think it makes sense to go home since you have 5 hrs to kill rather than sitting on your hands in the waiting room. Plus I think she and Matt were being considerate of Zach and Tori generally, so they probably thought it was better if Z&T had the baby, had the recovery time, got a room, maybe even spent 1-2 hrs just the 3 of them and THEN the family shows up around 1-2 pm. These aren't the Duggars who pull up in their bus with 19 family members 45 min after the mom has given birth and she's expected to be dressed, sitting up and ready to entertain. Kind of disappointing to watch the scenes with Mueller. They were childhood besties that spent every moment together and yet to see the twins with him with him just speaking platitudes about how they'll love their kids like nothing else and they'll grow up in the blink of an eye -- seemed like advice you give a friendly acquaintance, not the way you hang out with a best friend you see once every few yrs. There was no laughing, joking etc. Don't know what Mueller's deal is or where he lives now -- though I guess he married and settled fairly "young" as he has 2 kids already and one is a toddler. Seems like they don't have much in common anymore.

No way to know for sure, but I was looking at Zillow to see what's on the market in the Tonitown/Springdale area. Seems like the "regular" (not mansion, not new construction) homes are in the 200k-300k range -- more expensive than I'd expect, but it's also a market where it seems like nothing sells quick -- homes are on the market for 200 days; lots of price decreases etc. so I don't think house flipping is the easiest way to make a living. How much he makes depends on how much he picks up these houses for. It's very possible that he's buying homes for 200k, renovating kitchens, bathrooms and floors, and selling for 250k. If he's gotten lucky, he may have picked up one at a bank sale/as a foreclosure for 50k or something -- leading to a 100k or 200k profit. Though in any event, even if he has made 20k/house on 5 houses sure it isn't huge income, but for a Duggar son in law that's HUGE to come into a marriage with 100k in savings. Derick did a mission that likely paid nothing and then took a corporate job that he quit in a hot minute -- so it's not like he was coming in with savings. Bin -- 19 yrs old with no job. Jer - pretty sure low level professional soccer doesn't pay all that much, not to mention he was living on his own so he had to be using his money. It's likely that Austin walked into this marriage with a huge down payment for his own house. As one of Austin's friends said, everything he has done is to enable him to be a husband and father. I have to imagine he was living at home and saving every dollar so he could be all set for the financial responsibilities of being a headship.

Both Ben and Jess have mentioned at least a half dozen times how worried they were about a transport to the hospital. Um -- how about birthing AT the hospital in that case!? And given that you have back labor, why not go someplace where they can give you an epidural?? How sad that Jana has seen so many births that she walked in and said - she sounds like she's in transition. I'm sorry but no single virgin should know that -- unless she happens to be an MD or a nurse. Maybe it bodes well for Jinger that she doesn't want to be around birth. Maybe that means she won't be inclined to do it 15 times. And again Ben is overwhelmed bc he's worried during the placenta delivery about excessive bleeding . . . um, can you say hospital!?

I'm glad Ben and Jess are comfortable around each other, but man they're idiots. Ben -- I'm glad we live near the hospital in case you need to be transported. Um -- that's why people deliver IN hospitals, not NEAR them.

Saw a commercial -- these morons delivered at home? Again?? Don't they birth like 10 lb babies in that family and didn't Jessa like bleed out last time!? Is there any amount of risk that is too much for this family?

If you read my post I am NOT suggesting that they do nothing for 10 years. I am suggesting that they keep trying AND seeking medical help - knowing that they have like a decade for it to work out - a much different scenario than ppl who seek help at 38 or 48. So yeah I do think she's blowing it out of proportion probably bc her life consists of waiting for Brandon to get home so they can get busy and then wallowing monthly when it doesn't happen; she doesn't have the usual distractions of a job or a life. Sorry you disagree.

All 4 of them -- Chad; Erin; Zach; Whit definitely showed their country bumpkin status given that chicken piccata and bruschetta are exotic, fancy foods that they had never heard off. Um -- I'm pretty sure both of those are on Olive Garden's menu, let alone any slightly nice Italian restaurant. Though I will say unlike the Duggars, at least they were open minded about it and didn't sit there making faces about how they only eat chicken nuggets and don't eat tomatoes on bread. Instead they really seemed to enjoy the food - esp. Zach. Though I guess I tend to forget that they didn't grow up on TV -- it was 19 kids on Gil's tree service salary. When they were in NYC with Ashley (Nathan's ex) and eating noodles in Chinatown and Erin and Ashley got to go to the back and try to make noodles, she talked about how it was great to have Chinese food and that growing up they didn't eat out and whenever they did it was American food only. Which makes sense -- I imagine going out was reserved for special occasions with a family that large, and when you're trying to keep that many people happy and spending a good % of your budget that week on one meal, you don't decide to go explore Chinese or Indian or Mexican bc it's a waste of money and a disappointment if most of the kids walk away dissatisfied; much easier to just go to an American buffet or a meat and potato type joint that you're reasonably certain everyone will like. But somehow I tend to think of Olive Garden and the like as "American" food -- barely ethnic or Italian . . . . .

I go back and forth feeling bad for Michael and thinking -- get a grip, you're 26/27 and have barely been married 2 yrs. She's acting like she's 45 -- if she doesn't get pregnant in the next few months, there may be no kids ever. They have a good 10 yrs to keep trying and seeking medical help, and I'm guessing it'll work out in a decade. In the meantime girlfriend, get a job, get out of the house, make some friends, and enjoy 20-something life without taking a pregnancy test every month. But then I think -- I'm thinking of this as a non fundie northeasterner -- where lots of my friends -- many of whom went into all consuming professions and are doctors/lawyers/etc., get married from ages 32-27 and have babies after that. Sure some people run into fertility problems, some don't -- yet they all survive. But then none of these people were put on earth to bear children and they're happy to be able to have 1 or 2. I do understand why Michael feels "less than" in her world. I mean she already got married "late" by fundie standards and spent years panicking about whether she'd even get married -- whether Brandon would ever even notice and propose or if she'd be able to chase down another guy "in time." And then after all of that, now she can't "solidify" her status as an adult fundie woman bc she isn't able to pop out 2 kids in 2 yrs. I had my doubts that they'd even seek out medical care, so it's good that they have. I figured Brandon would act as the headship and spew the "it's not a no, it's a not right now, you need to pray harder" BS that he always says; though I guess when she did try to discuss with her husband that she was feeling down, she was given homework to pray for God to return her trust in God and to look up scripture. So I guess I wasn't all wrong.

Oddly Tori is the one who keeps saying she wants to graduate before she gets married (1 more year; Bobby just graduated) and Erin keeps "dissuading" her and saying - oh I said that and then got married first. And Kelly keeps asking her -how much longer - as if it's ludicrous that she wants to wait ONE year?! Kelly said it when they took Tori and Bobby out to lunch and also on last weeks Facebook chat. I wouldn't be shocked if this summer job becomes a permanent job in Sept to keep Bobby in town while Tori is a senior and then Bobby proposes in the fall semester with a winter break or May wedding. I just don't get the desperation for this guy.

So I'm officially unimpressed with this set of courtships. Up until now, I felt like the Bates had done very well with fundie sons in law -- fundies but all employed/employable. Now here comes Bobby and sure he's handsome and Tori is a LOT more tolerable/calmer when she is around him -- but now the Bates are going down the all too familiar road (if you've watched the Duggars) of having to create employment for their sons in law. So Bobby is going to preach at Gil's church -- what exactly does that pay and who pays him? Gil? Or does it come from the offering plates? Whatever it is you know it isn't much when he isn't even willing to commit to the "expense" of an apartment (in rural Tenn? how much can it possibly cost to get a cheap 1 bedroom??) and will be living in a trailer instead. I know Brandon is a preacher too but like it or hate it, he secured himself actual employment with a ministry, which comes with income not paid by his father in law as well as a small apartment for him and Michael. And then there's Evan -- who as far as we know is just a "singer" so I suspect Gil's church better find the funds to hire him as a choir director next year so that he can marry Carlin. I do think this set of girls is feeling the pressure to court and marry ASAP. Part of is probably seeing how "late" Michael got married and part of it is Erin pushing this along -- probably as she's thinking about the idea of any of her sisters turning out like her sister in law, and I think Kelly is part of the "subtle" pressure as well. We could see it when Bobby so much as mentioned the trailer and she kind of goes nuts -- calling the woman, texting, obsessing bc the text didn't get answered instantly, and then being pretty pushy that everyone had to be there by 12 pm the next day bc God forbid TRAILER get away. IMO though it was her thinking -- Bobby could very well marry Tori and we can't let him slip away -- we've got him a job, the trailer is the last piece of the puzzle that gets him to move here and see his girlfriend daily for 3 months straight and then surely he'll propose -- let's get this done asap. Gil OTOH doesn't seem to be loving any of this. He's a caring dad who we have seen has a hard time with his girls leaving, but honestly I see more trepidation from him re Bobby than I did about John, Brandon, or Chad.

Exactly - Brandon and Michael act like they're on a 2nd date, not husband and wife for two years. Must be doubly hard right now bc they haven't been able to get pregnant asap and I bet they aren't even able to talk about that and say what they honestly feel so they are hiding behind "it's not the Lord's will yet." Whereas the other Bates marriages are MUCH different and those spouses really interact like best friends and regular young couples. Erin Bates miscarried a few times and then got medical treatment -- I'm fairly sure if Chad started on any of the "on no we should just keep praying and trying" Erin was able to very directly say -- look I'm miserable, bleeding out after a miscarriage hurts, I really want a baby, I don't want to keep trying and miscarrying for 5 more yrs if it's just a matter of needing to take a pill or something -- and off to the dr. they went. Meanwhile Michaela has to obey her master and if she is going to convince him on this issue she has to go thru the whole farce of -- the Lord's directing me to this, why don't you pray about it and see if he directs you too. This is how I see Joy and Austin's life. Doubt there will be fertility issues though given that she's starting at freaking 19. I feel bad for her that she is likely already experiencing pelvic exams and will experience labor in 9 months . . . .

I know it's rude - but my first thought - was man, Kendra is not much to look at. But then I caught myself bc it's not like her fiancé is a looker -- he's 22 going on 45 with his gut and hairline. That being said, I think it counts for a LOT more that those two look happy together and look comfortable. When she was hanging out with him pre-wedding, they were talking like a normal couple. When he proposed to her, he definitely front hugged her after she said yes and they both looked like they were wanting to lean in for a kiss in a very natural way. The second hug was more side-ish and of course when Austin called him out with "no kissing" -- he pulled back. And then he was telling the story that she was reaching into his jacket pocket for mints and he had to move quick bc that's where he had his ring -- that's some definite normal comfort for a girlfriend to reach into her boyfriend's jacket pocket even if that means that she'd [gasp] brush against his chest. Austin -- from what little we've seen -- strikes me as Brandon Keilen (the Bates son in law). According to his friends who've known him since age 7-9, everything he has done in his life has been to allow himself to get married and be a father -- that's all he wants. He even said that he went to his dad at SEVENTEEN and asked what he had to do to prep for marriage. So all the house flipping stuff was to learn a trade to be able to support a wife and kids. His vows were ridiculously fundie even for a fundie guy. They struck me as -- he's a simple guy and all he wants to do is serve God and the way you do that is by producing lots of Christian children and having your wife and kids follow you as you follow he Lord. The negative for Joy here (and Michaela Bates) is that guys like this -- they just needed a wife to complete the picture and bear his kids. It doesn't matter who the girl is, as long as she'll meekly follow his will. Sure guys like this wouldn't be able to marry a Carlin or Tori Bates bc those girls have too much personality and attitude and won't meekly serve. But other than that, any fundie girl will do. So Joy -- welcome to your new life. Serving Austin 3 meals a day, washing is underwear, starting in 9 months bearing his kids, and bearing another one every year thereafter for as long as the Lord wills. And she's doing a great job of meekness already. I mean desperately begging the groom to tell her whether he wants her to wear her hair up or down and wear a veil or not for the wedding!? Who does that!? What bride cares what the groom wants? And even when courting -- Joy goes from -- I don't like dresses, but Austin likes them on me . . . so I'm going to buy 3 of them right now. That's exactly what Austin is looking for in a wife . . . .

So Jill is justifying that no one likes her as - don't let others be jealous of the relationship you have with your husband, that is most important and has to come first. So it doesn't matter if people say -- you're not my best friend. Are her sisters saying that to her? Or does she just feel like they aren't as interested in her now so this is her rationalization? Hate to break it to you Jill, women can manage to have spouses and friends and siblings - so if you can't, it's YOU.

OMG - Joy is going on that triple date with Austin and the other couples - can only find 1 shoe; comes downstairs with 1 shoe on; and then you see her walking barefoot across the family room and in the laundry room w her intended and her feet are BLACK. Does she not bathe?? And does she want her beloved to know that?

Watching this wedding -- two words come to mind "child bride." She has a running commentary up there at the altar as she is asking him for permission, what to do etc. They went over to sign something - license? marriage certificate - and she literally whispers - oh you're the groom. And then asks him, I can use my name, right? Meaning she wasn't sure whether to sign it as Joy Duggar or Joy Forsyth. WTF!? Obviously she isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, but most parents don't push their young, unintelligent daughters into marriage . . . .

Watching this wedding -- two words come to mind "child bride." She has a running commentary up there at the altar as she is asking him for permission, what to do etc. They went over to sign something - license? marriage certificate - and she literally whispers - oh you're the groom. And then asks him, I can use my name, right? Meaning she wasn't sure whether to sign it as Joy Duggar or Joy Forsyth. WTF!? Obviously she isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, but most parents don't push their young, unintelligent daughters into marriage . . . .

We'll find out when the episode airs and I sincerely hope I'm wrong but in the clips they're airing -- Joy doesn't look happy or thrilled walking down the aisle and standing at the altar. She looks nervous. And not a giddy/I can't wait nervous, but like real nervous like she's thinking "ok this is it, I have to do this . . . ." Every time I see that commercial I keep thinking back to a TH maybe 2-3 yrs ago max - probably in the lead up to one of her sisters' weddings/courtships, where Joy is sitting next to Grandma and says -- I don't know if I'll want to get married, it's too much work. That conversation has always been seared in my head bc I've always thought -- if she had said that in front of her parents, she'd be in the prayer closet. If she had said that in front of her sisters or Anna, they would have been patronizing and dismissive and told her - of course you want to get married, you'll change your mind. Yet Grandma being the only "normal" person in that bunch just let Joy be a 16-17 yr old and express an opinion without telling her she was wrong. Thing is -- how much could she have changed her mind in 2-3 yrs? I know LOTS of people change their mind on this -- you always meet people who say they never wanted to get married or have kids but then when they met Mr. Right all of that changed. But the thing is -- Joy KNEW her supposed Mr. Right when she said that. They've supposedly been "friends" (i.e. seen him around when he comes to hang with her brothers) since age 5. So it's not like she was thinking or saying -- I don't want to get married but damn if Austin ever gave me a second look, I'd hit it in a second. Nope -- she was likely thinking of all the guys she'd known or seen up to that point and coming to the conclusion of -- what's so great about marrying one of these people? Fast forward 2-3 yrs -- she finishes "school" and has nothing better to do right around the time that Austin needs a bride and decides the easiest would be to pick a low maintenance sister of a friend bc then he wouldn't have to court her too hard . . . .No wonder her pics aren't exuding much joy.

I just meant Erin is taking more license to act like she and Chad are perfect now that she has kids. If she hadn't had 2 bc of clotting or whatever, she'd be more worried about herself and her relationship with Chad AND wouldn't be able to hold herself and Chad out as the paragon of fundie marriage- bc we know in that world, worth comes from bearing kids. Interesting that in this family and in this go-around of courting, Gil isn't the fundie father driving the courtships to marry off his daughters -- he is the one trying to slow them down. I think he loves his kids fiercely and in his mind -- it is much better to wait for the right person for you even if that means you're [gasp] 27 than to put a ring on the first person who looks at you at 19 only to realize 5 yrs later you have nothing in common so now you just have to fake it through life. I also think their family got a good start in the "marrying off the kids" world -- they got solid sons in law in John and Chad and even Zach did fine for himself even despite a first courtship breaking up. So I think Gil has confidence that his kids aren't social weirdos; will be able to find someone - even if there's a breakup along the way; and are marriable -- so he doesn't need to sell them to the first bidder willing to fill out a 50 pg questionnaire like the Duggars. Not saying he'd feel great with 30 yr old unmarried daughters - but even then - I think he'd love them the same. I think it helps that there is some planning in this household which takes the financial pressure off Gil a bit when kids hit 18 even if they aren't marrying immediately. By that age, Zach was working for the city government; Erin was in school but teaching music lessons; Michael was a nanny almost full time; Alyssa worked for a florist; various combinations of boys have run a lawn business that is separate from Gil's tree service. All of that brings in money, which I suspect allows these kids to buy used cars (probably to share with a sibling or 2); maybe pay for their part of car insurance and gas; clothing; cell phones; and all the trips to see their sweeties in Florida or Nashville or wherever. So Gil has no incentive to hand them off to some creepy loser when he can continue to provide housing and food as he always has. I wonder if Gil is also thinking about Bobby and Evan's employability. Not that his other daughters are living large but they all have husbands with good starter jobs so they are living nicely in starter apartments/homes. He may have been pushing off Bobby when he asked to court to give him a yr or so post graduation for him to find employment, start saving etc. He hasn't said anything about Evan yet, but Kelly was making it clear that he doesn't want Carlin rushing it at 19. Honestly I think this round of courtships is being driven by Erin and by extension Kelly. Not only does she have the fundie perfect marriage, but being the sister in law to Tabitha who didn't marry until [gasp] 31-32 and then had to settle for a rapist bc of course she HAD TO marry -- she wants to make sure her sisters are taken care of before age 21 while the "best" fundie boys are still on the market. And in her definition best means cute and from large homeschooled families -- doesn't matter if they're smarmy or unemployed or whatever.

Do we know what Bobby does or what he studied? I do think Erin wants bragging rights to the perfect marriage. I think it's really shining through now that the fertility issues are solved (or they're not but she has a boy and a girl - so at worst she'll have a family of 4). I think now there's an air of -- Prince Chad and I are perfect and you all would be lucky to follow our footsteps. I do think that Carlin and Tori's personalities are a turnoff in fundie world. That's not to say that all fundie girls must be mindless robots like the Duggars, but I do think even the most "progressive" fundie guy expects to be the headship, expects his wife to defer to him to a certain extent - at least publicly, and to generally act like a lady. And then you have Carlin and Tori. Sure they dress like ladies -- and obviously physical looks must be what attracted these guys; but aside from that both are LOUD and blunt enough that they come across rude at times. I think Tori is doing a better job though -- I really think she seems calmer around Bobby and it doesn't seem totally fake, so maybe he does mellow her out. Honestly with her maybe it is a case of being in the middle of a HUGE pack of kids; in order to be noticed/heard, you probably did have to scream and be a bit dramatic. Yet now with Bobby, she has one on one attention so maybe she's realizing that she doesn't need to carry on and be obnoxious for him to notice her. That theory seems not to work for Carlin who seems like her usual self or even a little worse with Evan. And yes, Evan does seem smarmy in the used car salesmen way --maybe that's a plausible career there . . . .

Wow - Carlin is annoying as hell. Good luck Evan. I think Alyssa said it best -- Carlin is a LOT to take [so if Evan wants to take THAT on, God bless, welcome o the family]. Agree with the above, I don't see why those 2 are a couple. All Kelly could say is they're a perfect fit bc their lives are so similar - they both homeschooled; come from big families; and like music. Um -- that would be practically every Evangelical/Southern Baptist family in Tenn., so what's so special about this guy? Honestly it seems like Erin made this match bc she was at a ladies lunch at his church, he was one of the few guys there bc he was a server -- she asked are you single (and probably how old are you) and decided -- hmm a Godly young man in the age range of Carlin, perfect. On top of being her usual loud and obnoxious Carlin honestly looks like she's trying WAY HARD to LOVE him. In that way that you go on and on about your middle school boyfriend to show how in loooovve you are . . . when really it's a friend who is a boy and next year when he's in a different section, you'll be friends with a different boy and be just fine. And I'm not quite sure what Evan brings to the table either. Does he do anything for a living besides singing and "ministry?" He also seems like he's trying WAY HARD to be romantic and wax lyrical about a relationship that is 2 min old. When they went to the brother in law's house to practice the song [and I find it telling that Evan kept saying -- let's go to David/Daniel/whatever his name was 's house. I was thinking - oh that must be his brother. Nope turns out that's his brother IN LAW. Sorry but why is it the brother in law's house? Bc he owns the d!ck in the family? Wouldn't most people refer to it as going to their sister's house or sister/bro in law's house? Showed his brand of conservative] -- they walk up the steps and Evan says "THAT bench - that's where I was sitting when I said I loved you." Um -- what like last month? Your relationship is SO deep that you already need to reminisce? Frankly I always found Tori annoying too, yet Tori and Bobby together come across as a much better couple. She is MUCH calmer around him and while he is the smiley/outgoing type -- it seems like that's really him, whereas Evan and Carlin seem to both be putting on the show that they think they need to put on for each other and their families -- I feel like once they are in the honeymoon suite they may end up shocked that the person they married isn't who they thought they were courting. And why do all these fundie types look like they're stuck in the 80s -- the perms rocked by Evan's mom and sister/sister in law -- very reminiscent of Brandon's mom . . . .

I do remember Joe went to alert only bc I remember that the family went to his "graduation" and there's a time when the "cadets?" stand at attention in front of their families but can't speak/interact yet. Jing ogled Joe and carried on with the "omg I miss him so much I can't stand it" and "I just need to [side]hug him" in such a manner that it was just uncomfortable. If someone didn't know them they'd think it was a girl talking about her boyfriend, not her brother. Gross.

Wow - you guys think Jer is the cute twin? I thought Jed was - he's more traditional looking. Jer looks odd to me with the curly hair, freckles etc. While it would be great for Jing to dive in and read anything she wants -- I'm not confident that she's at a high school reading level. Why not start with the late elementary/early pre teen stuff? That stuff tends to be "cleaner" and less mind blowing as it isn't so obviously about sex, questioning religion, life etc. Am I awful to think the Babysitters Club series is a good place to start? No idea if that's still available but female friendships, kids, and usually some minor "problem" that serves as a lesson; plus it introduces minor "issues" and shows that they are ok -- weren't there some divorced parents (Kristy?) that remarried someone, a widowed single dad (Maryann?), a really bad student with a genius sister (no idea who?), was someone adopted??! It'll open her mind to these ideas the same way you do that for 4th graders.

Boring episode, though it felt like their "backwardness" or "traditional values" were on full display when Erin was proclaiming herself matchmaker; and now that Erin has 2 kids and the pregnancy issues have been solved, I feel like she's coming across a bit smug in the marriage and family area. I'm sorry but - OMG I LOVE being in a relationship and I want EVERYONE to experience what I have - reeks of I pined away for a man and Prince Chad swept me off my feet, I am #blessed and in 3 yrs I know all there is to know about life and marriage -- bc I sleep with Prince Chad -- so here is how you will live your lives too so you have what Prince Chad and I have . . . . Reality is she has seen how slim the fundie pickings are and is trying to get her sisters locked down by 20 while the bette fundie boys are still available -- lest her sisters turn into her sister in law or Jana Duggar bc [gasp] 27 and unmarried for a woman is no way to live. Luckily all her sisters that we've seen so far are just as "traditional" and want to be married by 21 and have 2 kids by 23. But there will be some definite judgment from Erin if there is a sister in the pack who is more of a tomboy, wants an education, wants to put off marriage etc. I'm sorry but what exactly does she see in Evan? I find him weird looking - though I guess cute enough. And unless I'm mistaken his full time job is singing/ministry? Great livelihood there. You'd think someone who has a husband whose always worked as a business manager would want something similar for her sisters -- but I feel like people like that always want a tiny bit better for themselves than others, even siblings. Honestly I think Alyssa (who is so over the family it isn't even funny) let on the best by saying -- Carlin is soooo fun but she needs a guy who can deal with that and that's Evan -- i.e. she's loud and obnoxious which isn't becoming anywhere let alone in the fundie world, and for whatever reason this guy wants to deal so God bless him, welcome to the family. And the double standards were on full display as she wants her sisters to lock it down ASAP - but Nathan - eh he'll find someone, he gives his heart away to easily. Lawson - eh he can wait 6-7 more yrs. I tend to agree Lawson needs to wait as he doesn't want to settle down yet. You can see how small their world is when Carlin/Tori/Josie gasped and said he'll be 40?! And Erin was like - um he'll be 29. They really don't know anyone who is 29 and single?! Bet you when you get up to that age without a wife and kids they start whispering about whether you even like women. Nice to see Brandon's acceptance into the family going well. At the end of last season - the "married guys" took Evan and Bobby outside to shoot guns and talk relationships and offer their wisdom and it was only Zach, John, and Chad -- no Brandon to be seen even though he was at the house. I guess they don't see him as one of them?!