Sweet Fellowship: Duggars and Friends (aka the Bates Family and Other Featured Families Thread)

[BradandJanet]

Part of the whole keeping sweet thing is to make the headship look brilliant by having the adoring helpmeet look not too bright. Priscilla seems especially good at this. 

[Micks Picks]

I think I saw an interview of her before she was married and she was the same way in the innocent praise jesus way of hers.

[Happyfatchick]

I had to go watch the video. I know better, and get sucked in every time. Somehow, I ended up chasing rabbits - watching Erin Bates' piano pieces. I'd never heard Erin play except the horrendous wedding marches for the Dugg sisters' weddings. I've been playing piano since I was FOUR (my mother thought I was a prodigy, but alas, Not so much... but she's my mom, she STILL loves to hear me play.). Played piano for more than 30 years in various churches. Took lessons for 12 years. (I've got experience; I know piano). Erin is a pianist. Girl can play, no doubt. I hope she picks that talent up and does something with it. She's beautiful too, and she plays with no written music in front of her. I've never heard any of the renditions she plays, making me believe she's composing her own pieces as well. Dang!!! You GO GIRL!!!

Don't love hearing the bates family sing any more than the Duggs, but I did see a video where some Duggs and Bates were playing together. Jill can actually play the violin, and Jess can hold her own with guitar. Who knew??? I sort of always thought they were schlepping their way thru the music. Still looking for video showing me that Jana is a concert pianist - the videos I've seen of her playing were not stellar, certainly not concert worthy. Jinger plays piano better than I thought as well. Huh. I'm reevaluating a little. Lame, stupid people don't usually have the discipline to play instruments.

[becca3891]

They do practice their instruments consistently from everything we've seen; I'll give them that. I never thought they weren't decent musicians. Luckily, it's the one area of education that didn't have the potential to be ruined by Wisdom Booklets. I don't love their singing, but yes, some of them do play quite well. 

[GEML]

I can attest that with some small talent and enough practice, you can become quite good. I had piano for 12 years and can still play pretty decently. My sisters both did piano and flute, and we all sing. This is pretty typical in Fundy families. But once again, I find it fascinating that out of even the oldest children (I don't think the youngest children have the same training and practice schedule by a long shot) show any enjoyment for it. Out of the three of us, we went one for three. I think perhaps Ben has encouraged Jessa to pick up the guitar (a musical wife in a ministry is a huge plus) but for the endless screechy violins and "I've been redeemed" songs we've sat through, it's been years now since we've seen the older daughters actually show us what they can do. Given that they highlight their other talents and in some cases, seem to be outright "selling" them, I have to think this is at least partially the girls' wish.

[GeeGolly]

...Given that they highlight their other talents and in some cases, seem to be outright "selling" them, I have to think this is at least partially the girls' wish.

Maybe with more access to the internet, they have been exposed to some amazing talent and realized they are more run of the mill.

[FakeJoshDuggar]

So Alyssa's latest Instagram post is a pic of her and John posing with Starbucks cups. Conservatives are giving her shit in the comments because Starbucks is pro gay marriage. The girl can't win no matter what she does.

Well I hope they never go to the original Starbucks in Seattle, lest their eyes be defrauded at the sight of naked breasts on the logo.

[GEML]

But like Jill's harp playing - you have to be pretty bad to be run of the mill on a harp, as it's so unusual in the first place. And speaking on of run of the mill - please run out of it - those screechy violins and "I've been redeemed" are certainly subpar!

[Fuzzysox]

Jana will be a bridesmaid at Michael's wedding!

 

http://allaboutthebates.blogspot.com/

[IndianPaintbrush]

I don't trust that particular Bates blog.  Why is Kelly listed as a bridesmaid?

[Fuzzysox]

I don't trust that particular Bates blog. Why is Kelly listed as a bridesmaid?

I don't either. I don't know where she gets her info from but I'm researching other blogs to see if she is correct.

I haven't been able to find any info on her wedding party.

Edited July 16, 2015 by Fuzzysox

[GEML]

I do believe that Jana is well liked within her community. Being chosen to mentor at Journey to the Heart (and being so excited about it) was a key. Plus, Michal and Jana are both the oldest daughters (I think) and waited/are still waiting for husbands. I also think they have both seriously drunk the koolaid. I'm not surprised by the choice at all.

[Matryoshka]

I don't trust that particular Bates blog.  Why is Kelly listed as a bridesmaid?

In the comments on Michael's Instagram she says her mom is her Matron of Honor.

[Sew Sumi]

I don't trust that particular Bates blog.  Why is Kelly listed as a bridesmaid?

Michael posted the members of the bridal party on Instagram earlier today. The fan blog just reported it as if they had an inside track to Michael's planning. Leghumper pages are funny like that; Any of us could do what they do; we all have exactly the same sources of information! LOL

 

So yeah, Jana is a bridesmaid. The only non-Bates/Keilen bridesmaid. I guess YAY! that she has ONE friend outside her immediate/inlaw families.

[BitterApple]

The Bateses are much better at matchmaking than the Duggars. Maybe they can introduce Jana to some eligible bachelors at the wedding.

[Defrauder]

JTTH now has a mothers'/women's program:  https://www.regonline.com/builder/site/Default.aspx?EventID=1708780.  It's September 19th to 27th.  So, who's in?  I can imagine us  not even making it to the camp up north.  We would be lucky to make it through the "first official session" on Saturday.  During Sunday's "personal interviews" we would be escorted out.  In fact, I think there is a strong chance I would be branded with a big red A before being forced off of the property.  

I have a tattoo that says LOVE.  Would they kick me out for that?

[zenme]

I have a tattoo that says LOVE.  Would they kick me out for that?

 

I think they would.  Can you imagine if you had one that said, "Defrauder"?

[kokapetl]

I have a tattoo that says LOVE. Would they kick me out for that?

As long as it's in your "modesty" (neck to ankles) area, how could they ever know? I assume there's no nude squat and cough inspection.

[dillpickles]

I have a tattoo that says LOVE. Would they kick me out for that?

Oh that's an easy fix. Just right "I" before the love, and then put "Jesus" after that. Or, Gothard. They're like the same for these types of fun-dies.

[JoanArc]

Oh that's an easy fix. Just right "I" before the love, and then put "Jesus" after that. Or, Gothard. They're like the same for these types of fun-dies.

http://www.wordfind.com/contains/love/

 

Lovemaker? Pullovers? Slovenliest works good as a 'before' tat.

[Defrauder]

I think they would.  Can you imagine if you had one that said, "Defrauder"?

LOL!  LOVE this idea!  

[Defrauder]

As long as it's in your "modesty" (neck to ankles) area, how could they ever know? I assume there's no nude squat and cough inspection.

Well I guess I'm out then because I just realized I don't have any modest clothes. 

[Skittl1321]

Well I guess I'm out then because I just realized I don't have any modest clothes. 

I have a striped maxi skirt and a lands end polo you could borrow (let me be clear that I have never worn these things together!).  You'd need to provide your own undershirt.

Edited July 23, 2015 by Skittl1321

[dillpickles]

Well I guess I'm out then because I just realized I don't have any modest clothes.

I guess that's why they call you defrauder ;).

I'm sure TFDW will help you spice up your wardrobe, fundie fab chic style.

[Defrauder]

I have a striped maxi skirt and a lands end polo you could borrow (let me be clear that I have never worn these things together!).  You'd need to provide your own undershirt.

OK I guess I'm back in! Thanks.  It'll be a real blast.  Sneaking in covertly.  Covering up the real defrauder in me.  Secretly on a mission to de-brainwash the less fortunate.  

[GEML]

Admit it - you're rolling that skirt up and showing some knee the second Michelle's back is turned! ;)

[Defrauder]

Admit it - you're rolling that skirt up and showing some knee the second Michelle's back is turned! ;)

Yes that's true, it's my mission and God is calling me to do it to save these people.

[Fuzzysox]

I'm going to Oakbrook, IL tomm. How should I dress so I can attract TFDW??? I so have to run into him!  I have so many questions for him.

[Bella]

Just as a reminder, we don't allow pictures of people's houses or property.

Thanks!

[Fuzzysox]

Just as a reminder, we don't allow pictures of people's houses or property.

Thanks!

Hahaha I'm going to the Oakbrook Mall! I'm a shop-a-holic I would never waste my time stalking TFDW when there are good sales going on. I just keep hoping I'll run into him someday!! Sadly there are no second hand stores for him or Prissy to go to at Oakbrrok Mall :( Edited July 24, 2015 by Fuzzysox

[Sew Sumi]

OMG, people other than those in a small group I belong to also ship Lawsiah! I've always wondered about Lawson; he's shown no interest in girls. Josiah? Well, he was shipped off to ALERT for 9 months last year. Did he really want to be there, or was he forced to go? 

 

But just for funsies...

 

https://instagram.com/p/5iPqtrg4me/

[Fuzzysox]

OMG, people other than those in a small group I belong to also ship Lawsiah! I've always wondered about Lawson; he's shown no interest in girls. Josiah? Well, he was shipped off to ALERT for 9 months last year. Did he really want to be there, or was he forced to go? 

 

But just for funsies...

 

https://instagram.com/p/5iPqtrg4me/

Oh noooooo Kelly said that she would tell their child that that is NOT what God wants. Ha! The heart wants what it wants Kelly so this just might happen!!

[Happyfatchick]

Fuzzy, let's talk wardrobe. Do you still have that tight black tshirt with NIKE (in white, HUGE letters) across the boobs? And it's waaaay too hot for leggings, so the floor length chevron skirt with flippies...and you're there.

Edited because: floppies!!!!! Hahaha!!!

Edited July 26, 2015 by Happyfatchick

[Flowers]

I always thought it would be Nathan.

[kokapetl]

The girl in the center looks like a turkey with its feathers fanned out. Seems like it might put a dent on "keeping it sweet", or "focus on the *countenance" when you're sporting a turkey on your head. *[or a counter top... hee!]

sorry, Zenme! I think we bumped heads with our posts. Imagine sitting behind that girl in a sermon. That's the part I give up (when I can't see the speaker) and start working on my to-do list for next week.

I found a better pic of her with Jinger on pickles and hairspray.

Edited July 27, 2015 by Kokapetl

[Happyfatchick]

The girl on the left end is exactly what Pentecostals I grew up with looked like. I'm betting this kid's parents are Pentecostal instead of IB.

And I think Jing borrowed Jacksons jacket for this conference...

[msblossom]

The girl on the left end is exactly what Pentecostals I grew up with looked like. I'm betting this kid's parents are Pentecostal instead of IB.

And I think Jing borrowed Jacksons jacket for this conference...

I grew up AOG, Happy, and no one at our church (in the 80's) looked like that. Maybe the Pentecostal churches in the South?? Idk, but heck, in the PNW and West Coast we all looked and dressed "normal".

The girl on the end dresses like and sorta resembles the Kellers, specifically Priscilla.

Those 2 in the center are something else with their OTT hair, and obviously sisters.

[Cherrio]

The middle one is definitely Bride of Frankenstein.     Freaky fundie!

[GEML]

In my Fundy circles, it's become very vogue to wear your hair up in the past year. But very few women with really long hair know how to style it well. It's interesting watching how this is handled. Or more often, not handled.

[Skittl1321]

These girls should know that no matter how many undershirts you wear, when you wear a dropped neckline, it directs the eyes to the chest.

 

I feel defrauded.

[Happyfatchick]

I grew up AOG, Happy, and no one at our church (in the 80's) looked like that. Maybe the Pentecostal churches in the South??.

Sorry, msblossom, I have to apologize for some southern arrogance - I'm sure I misspoke. And just plain ignorance. When I was growing up, (I'm saying this apologetically), there were random girls in school dressed always with the jeans skirts to their ankles, always sneakers and long, typically unstyled hair. In winter, this lovely ensemble would usually include sweat pants under the denim skirt. I'm older now, and generally kinder, but when I was a kid, even though I was raised fundie-lite, we somehow looked down on these girls. We didn't bully them, but we thought of them as "poor" and "misguided" and "unfortunate". They just looked unkempt. I think now we felt sorry for them, in a way, because we assumed they weren't allowed to do anything to improve their own esteem. We would joke about where on earth they shopped for those skirts - and decided they didn't shop, they just handed them down and passed from family to family. My neighbor across the street (the only one I don't know...and how prejudicial is THAT? But...they don't wave so we assume they think we're heathens) has this look going on. The matriarch doesn't cut her hair and has this HUGE teased up, pinned up beehive type bun on back of her head, always with a big starchy bow or some blingy thing at the top. (Think Vestal Goodman sans makeup and bling). I have to admit, I have NO IDEA what religion the girls at school were connected with - the neighbor is a pastor at a church with "Apostolic" in the name. We called that whole set of girls in school "church of God" (only with the southern twist, so it was pronounced "ChurchaGod"; not unlike Steinbeck's "Rosa-Sharn).

Observation: I wonder why "unkempt" is my go-to word for slightly sloppy? We never say about someone who is well put-together "wow, she looks kempt". How can there be an UN-kempt if there's no "kempt"?

[duggarshow]

Observation: I wonder why "unkempt" is my go-to word for slightly sloppy? We never say about someone who is well put-together "wow, she looks kempt". How can there be an UN-kempt if there's no "kempt"?

 

Kempt is a word. I use it quite frequently. According to Merriam Webster, it means neatly kept.

[Churchhoney]

These girls should know that no matter how many undershirts you wear, when you wear a dropped neckline, it directs the eyes to the chest.

 

I feel defrauded.

 

This is why I wear turtlenecks to this day, even in summer. The sluttiness of the non-turtleneck was so engrained in me that I have to make a conscious effort while shopping to even look at shirts or dresses that don't go some ways up my neck. I'm surprised that their parents haven't drummed this into them.

[Barb23]

I found a better pic of her with Jinger on pickles and hairspray.

NIKE - I really feel defrauded after looking at the picture. The middle girl's tight dress looks like it's first life was as a cheap cocktail dress (worn without the t-shirt). The girl next to her is sporting a rather tight jean skirt. I'm trying to figure out the jacket she is wearing. I thought it was two separate pieces but after closer scrutiny, I think it's just one piece that was poorly designed. Too bad we can't see what shoes they were wearing but I'm pretty sure cheap flip-flops made an appearance. The only comment I can make about middle girl's hair is that mine resembled that when I was in the hospital a few months ago. My longer hair was the least of my worries & parts in the back got so matted my sister had to cut the knots out. Little did I know, I could have just twirled the mess up in a bun & called it a day.

Happy fatchick- Good observation - I think Jinger is wearing one of Jackson's castoffs.

[Skittl1321]

 

Observation: I wonder why "unkempt" is my go-to word for slightly sloppy? We never say about someone who is well put-together "wow, she looks kempt". How can there be an UN-kempt if there's no "kempt"?

Eh- we use disgruntled, but no one is ever gruntled.

[Defrauder]

This is why I wear turtlenecks to this day, even in summer. The sluttiness of the non-turtleneck was so engrained in me that I have to make a conscious effort while shopping to even look at shirts or dresses that don't go some ways up my neck. I'm surprised that their parents haven't drummed this into them.

I'll help you overcome that.  We'll go shopping and I'll pick out some really nice defrauder clothes you can wear.

[Jenniferbug]

"I know you can be overwhelmed, and I know you can be underwhelmed, but can you ever just be whelmed?"

"I think you can in Europe"

- 10 Things I Hate About You

[BitterApple]

Christ on a cracker, the two girls to Jinger's left are wearing more black eyeliner than a Kardashian.

[Defrauder]

Just made me think of that song - clowns to the left of me jokers to the right here I am stuck in the middle with you.

[Happyfatchick]

This is why I wear turtlenecks to this day, even in summer. The sluttiness of the non-turtleneck was so engrained in me that I have to make a conscious effort while shopping to even look at shirts or dresses that don't go some ways up my neck. I'm surprised that their parents haven't drummed this into them.

wow, do you really? That's dedication to the cause, right there! I think Jinger took the short route - and the Dugg girls do seem fond of those fluffy scarves. Churchhoney, I thought you left that all behind you. I guess some things are so ingrained they don't come out in the wash, huh? My dad left Amish at 19 and lived the vast majority of his life with that in his past - and yet he died still Amish in so many many ways.