Ripley68

Flowers in the hair is big in the south

The rush to the altar is that they can't snog or fool around until they're married. The hormones raging through those kids must be phenomonal!

I'm so glad they've modernized their hair; but I can't help but wonder why all of a sudden they have. When did makeup become allowed too? So glad they're out of those jumpers and crappy fitting shirts, but I know they only have them now because they have enough money. If they were'nt on TLC, there is no way they could dress as decently.

Jill and Derrick skyped for several months before he came home, so they haven't only known each other 3 months. I know of several people who "fell in love" with someone they met on the internet but never in person and got married - how is this any different? I get the feeling that Jill is Jim Boobs favorite, and he genuinely thinks Derrick is a good guy for her, otherwise, why not have picked Jana?

How does everyone know the girls help Mullet keep track of her cycle?

Wow, Michelle looked really nice in the episode where Anna gave birth to Marcus. Her hair is straight, and I think she has some make up on. Of course, the whole time Anna is freaking out in the back of the van she doesn't say a thing to comfort her, though Anna did ask for her to be there.

Who pays for the chaperones meals and other things on these chaperoned dates?

What does the Duggards religion say about infertility in a man? Will they let people get tested for that? I can't see them agreeing to men doing it was necessary to get a sperm sample. Can women be tested and treated? If so, isn't that contradicting the whole, "we're going with what God gives us?"

Another old episode, another post. This was the one where J'chelle took the kids to a local elementary school (well, the girls and one boy). Interviewing Boob, he says something like, "I can see my kids going on to college and becoming lawyers, doctors, engineers." Then he says, "and my girls can become teachers and Nurses if they want." Oooh, burned me up!

I like their invite. I agree, it's not going to be a major formal affair, the family is very casual, and it suits the couple.

Been watching old episodes. I think J'chelle and Jim Bob's wedding is taking a natural course of most marriages. Early on, JIm Bob was firmly in charge and J'chelle was all "make my man happy." As time goes on, I've noticed with a lot of marriages there is a shift of, power, if you will. Women finally become comfortable with themselves and their man and family, so they start to exert more control and are less "yes dear." It's not indifference really, but I think more of a realizing what they need to make them happy. J'chelle and JIm Bob seem to be at this stage. She's having a say more and letting JB know she's the one relaly in charge.

Jim Bob did give Smuggar some advice the day of his wedding. A couple of books, but then he also told him he needed to take his time with Anna has women "take longer." Hopefully someone has prepared Jill and told her that it is an awesome thing. Anna seems pretty happy with what Smuggar's been doing (she's still all touchy feely with him). I would also hope that Derick's mom is giving him some tips and advice. They seem pretty close.

For me, it wouldn't be that this is the first time we're alone and we're going to have sex; it would be, "millions of people will know exactly when I lost my virginity!"

So Joy Anna is seventeen, the next girl is seven. Let's say Joy starts courting at 22, I guess Johannah will then be responsible for the last 3 girls? If Jinger and Jana leave, will Joy now be responsible for all the Howlers? You know none of the howlers will be taking care of anyone, even if they wanted to (which I suspect a couple might want to and would be good at it).

Everyone keeps saying that Jill and Derick will have nothing to talk about due to her lack of education. From what I can recall, she's traveled pretty extensively, regularly goes to NY (and they have the Today show airing in the background when getting ready, so they must have seen some news), does read some and they are both very interested in missionary work and helping others. She's not the total idiot people are making her out to be. Like others, I hope Derick opens her views, but I also hope they have a killer wedding night.

Another great thing about the "engagement bet?" Derick already had the ring....he bought it in Israel on his way home with his Mom. Totally agree how inappropriate it was for all the Duggars to be at the airport. So glad Derick proposed before he got totally fed up with the family.

Fianlly! I see a connection between Jessa and Ben. They were totally going in for a kiss a couple of times (looked like Jill and Derick were in one of their TH too). She's looking at him more, making more eye contact, some obvious personal jokes between them. Still don't think they are right for each other, but it looked a little more promising. I have to say though, I threw up in my mouth a litle with his "so cute with the flour on your hands" stuff. Blech. Why was Josie hanging on Derick at the airport? This is the first time she's met him! Derick can totally handle those kids, He was joking with them and bossing them around, plus letting the younger ones help. Why doesn't Jana have a man? She's pretty and doesn't seem to be an idiot, a great organizer. Michelle looked completely bewildered during the dinner theater stuff, while bravo to Jim Bob for showing emotion.

Do they let the kids watch the news? How do they tell the kids about current events?

A place to ask questions that cover the whole family, family rules, kid behavior, filming...basically anything not person or episode specific. I wonder if the cameramen and sound guys fight the urge to jump in and stop the kids from doing something potentially dangerous when they see it. There have been many times I've winced at something the kids have been doing around the house.

Watching the episode where the boys and girls switch juristictions. J'chelle totally brainwashed her girls into thinking there are only gender specific roles. She denies it, but then says that she thinks they like doing the girl things because of their gender. sigh. JIm Bob actually seems to think his girls will really need to know what he is teaching them.

I saw a little bit more of a connection with Jessa and Ben this episode, but he totally comes off as a jerky, 18 year old jock. He so can't handle the life that is being set up for him. Off to watch the 2nd one.

Just saw this on YouTube: Interesting; Jill says that Jessa is courting (when asked about courtships), doesn't say anything about hers, all while wearing her heart/emerald bling! It was filmed before the season began

Just rewatched the episode. Jill is totally wearing the heart necklace throughout her talking heads. It's hiding under her shirt. She pulls it out in the talking head after he gives it to her. Derrick was so nervous asking her to court, I thought he looked like he was gonna vomit. MIchelle actually had some sensible questions for Derrick besides, "one day you guys might have monkeys," or "do you like each other?"

Before DWTS, I thought Meryl had no emotion and acted above it all. I also didn't think much about her looks beyond, "meh." Since the first or second episode though, I love her personality! She's funny and level headed. I also think she is beautiful, especially when her hair is down. She's been able to show real emotion in her dances, but I wish she would show more of that on the ice.

Been watching old episodes. Looks like they broke out the pink and green decorations from Anna's baby shower.