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

[laurakaye]

16 hours ago, lianau said:

It was during their living in an RV touring days and they needed more places where a kid could sleep so they got "creative". 

I cannot imagine the noise, mess and smell of that many bodies crammed into an RV for that length of time.  There would be nowhere to go to escape someone else's very close presence.  No one except Dave probably got a decent night's sleep.  It's no wonder the Rod kids are so deeply entrenched with their mother - she set it up that way.  No room for privacy, personal expression, doing something other than what Jill wants to do...that's a nightmare scenario.  Those kids probably just went catatonic or disassociated to get through the day.    

[oliviabenson]

1 hour ago, laurakaye said:

I cannot imagine the noise, mess and smell of that many bodies crammed into an RV for that length of time.  There would be nowhere to go to escape someone else's very close presence.  No one except Dave probably got a decent night's sleep.  It's no wonder the Rod kids are so deeply entrenched with their mother - she set it up that way.  No room for privacy, personal expression, doing something other than what Jill wants to do...that's a nightmare scenario.  Those kids probably just went catatonic or disassociated to get through the day.    

and no escape by having an iPad or books. only bible and $1 used booklets. no toys, no nothing. only brooms for grooms.

internet is only for Mom and Dad.

[Salacious Kitty]

1 hour ago, oliviabenson said:

and no escape by having an iPad or books. only bible and $1 used booklets. no toys, no nothing. only brooms for grooms.

internet is only for Mom and Dad.

But but but they HOMESCHOOLED. 

Excuse me while I laugh hysterically. 

Jill claims they homeschool on long bus rides now, but we've seen no evidence of it. Just another one of her lies to cover up her many deficiencies. 

Edited March 19 by Salacious Kitty

[kaleidoscope]

My thoughts keep turning to Phillip.  He has a dream (even though it is only one that he can view in his confined conditions).  With no life experiences in the outside world, school was a failure.  He even tried leaving and lived in his car.  How much crushing can he endure?  Now it is back (as far as we know) to the confines of the barndo.  My heart hurts for him.

[Salacious Kitty]

He hasn't been seen in the church choir for a while. He may be attending church, but as a regular congregant, or he could be back in WV helping out there. 

Of course, Jill will not divulge his whereabouts, so the church choir shots and any random group pictures at the barndo are all we have to go by. 

[emma675]

3 hours ago, laurakaye said:

I cannot imagine the noise, mess and smell of that many bodies crammed into an RV for that length of time.  There would be nowhere to go to escape someone else's very close presence.  No one except Dave probably got a decent night's sleep.  It's no wonder the Rod kids are so deeply entrenched with their mother - she set it up that way.  No room for privacy, personal expression, doing something other than what Jill wants to do...that's a nightmare scenario.  Those kids probably just went catatonic or disassociated to get through the day.    

I can't imagine living in an RV that size with two people let alone 13 (15? I can't keep track of the number of Jill's offspring during that point in time). And add in Dave and his grunting, late night sermons, and snoring? That sounds like hell on earth. 

[Notabug]

10 minutes ago, emma675 said:

I can't imagine living in an RV that size with two people let alone 13 (15? I can't keep track of the number of Jill's offspring during that point in time). And add in Dave and his grunting, late night sermons, and snoring? That sounds like hell on earth. 

I believe at the time they lived in the RV, Janessa had not been born; so it was 12 kids and 2 adults.  Of course, 4 or 5 of those kids were teens, so aside from being essentially adult-sized; there could not have been enough deodorant in the world to keep the RV smelling fresh.

[Salacious Kitty]

11 minutes ago, Notabug said:

I believe at the time they lived in the RV, Janessa had not been born; so it was 12 kids and 2 adults.  Of course, 4 or 5 of those kids were teens, so aside from being essentially adult-sized; there could not have been enough deodorant in the world to keep the RV smelling fresh.

I'm reminded of one of the GRWM videos in the bus when Jill comes out of nowhere and sprays Renee with perfume "So [she] won't stink." 

Wonderful parenting there, Jill. 

Edited March 19 by Salacious Kitty

[Chaos Theory]

But these kids have been blanket trained and likely trained not to be too loud or too difficult.    The RV was likely eerily quiet even with it stuffed from floor to rafters with people.   The smell well well we know Jill sprayed the kids with perfume so that was handled.  

[crazy8s]

3 hours ago, oliviabenson said:

and no escape by having an iPad or books. only bible and $1 used booklets. no toys, no nothing. only brooms for grooms.

internet is only for Mom and Dad.

In April 2017 Jill posted about the children having fun in the RV. This is so sad.

"This is too hilarious! Believe it or not, our children like to play hide and go seek in the RV- a whoppin 250 sq feet! Check out our children in their pj's in the bathtub in the RV! LOL. Now, we are THRILLED to be home to our spacious house getting ironing, unpacking, etc done! There is TRULY NO PLACE LIKE HOME!"

 

 

 

[BradandJanet]

2 hours ago, Salacious Kitty said:

But but but they HOMESCHOOLED. 

Excuse me while I laugh hysterically. 

Jill claims they homeschool on long bus rides now, but we've seen no evidence of it. Just another one of her lies to cover up her many deficiencies. 

Any evidence is to the contrary. Jill sits in front with her Hunk while they're on the road. There are no book holders or a white board in the back. Other than the table, there are no surfaces for the kids to use as desks to practice writing and drawing.

Maybe when the Rodlets get restless, Jill tells one of the marginally literate (if that) older daughters to "do school." One thing is clear: Jill and David are miserable excuses for parents. 

[EmeraldGirl]

3 hours ago, crazy8s said:

In April 2017 Jill posted about the children having fun in the RV. This is so sad.

"This is too hilarious! Believe it or not, our children like to play hide and go seek in the RV- a whoppin 250 sq feet! Check out our children in their pj's in the bathtub in the RV! LOL. Now, we are THRILLED to be home to our spacious house getting ironing, unpacking, etc done! There is TRULY NO PLACE LIKE HOME!"

 

 

 

That’s the most Sophia has ever weighed.

[oliviabenson]

even beloved Janessa is malnourished. her face is so thin. Jill is a shit mother. I couldn't bear my children being that thin. 

[EmeraldGirl]

Oh man, I just read the post about Jill and social services. So the people who call on them hate Jesus, that’s it. And they hate that Jill and David do not believe in sodomy? Come again?

Anyway, Jill said that she and David were super skinny as teenagers with very fast metabolisms. That’s why her kids are skinny. What about the ones that aren’t teenagers? Why have toddlers and little children been skinny? She didn’t address that.

She also wouldn’t even open the door for them until David rushed home. What was she afraid of that she couldn’t handle on her own? Then it’s just all persecution complex. She’s a victim and always has been. The haters hate Jesus, period. Yes, of course, it’s just a bunch of God hating atheists (and I know that atheists don’t hate God ) who just want to get back at her. It couldn’t have anything to do with seeing starving children that she is proudly showing off on the Internet. The whole thing just left me fuming.

Edited March 20 by EmeraldGirl

[merylinkid]

Yeah super skinny.   Until they somewhere they can have real food and amazing they fill out.   Almost like Mahmo starves them.   Although seeing her cooking, I might choose fasting too.   

I don't believe David was every super skinny.   he's got a big build.   He was probably always stocky.   Good peasant genes (not a bad thing its a survival trait)

[Notabug]

4 minutes ago, merylinkid said:

Yeah super skinny.   Until they somewhere they can have real food and amazing they fill out.   Almost like Mahmo starves them.   Although seeing her cooking, I might choose fasting too.   

I don't believe David was every super skinny.   he's got a big build.   He was probably always stocky.   Good peasant genes (not a bad thing its a survival trait)

In their wedding pics, David is pretty slim.  He filled out after marriage; presumably because he 'dips up' first.

[oliviabenson]

39 minutes ago, merylinkid said:

Yeah super skinny.   Until they somewhere they can have real food and amazing they fill out.   Almost like Mahmo starves them.   Although seeing her cooking, I might choose fasting too.   

I don't believe David was every super skinny.   he's got a big build.   He was probably always stocky.   Good peasant genes (not a bad thing its a survival trait)

David indeed was pretty slim when he got married. 

[libgirl2]

29 minutes ago, oliviabenson said:

David indeed was pretty slim when he got married. 

He was average size but slim. He put on weight with Jill's great home cooking!! 

[BetyBee]

1 minute ago, libgirl2 said:

He was average size but slim. He put on weight with Jill's great home cooking!! 

Dave can't help himself - he's a big fan of beige food, lol. 

[oliviabenson]

that burned and yet raw chicken lives rent free in my mind. and that grease sausage soup!

No wonder David loves her cooking! 

yum yum in his tum. 

Edited March 20 by oliviabenson

[Salacious Kitty]

3 hours ago, oliviabenson said:

that burned and yet raw chicken lives rent free in my mind. and that grease sausage soup!

No wonder David loves her cooking! 

yum yum in his tum. 

And who can forget burnt and yellow? That was oh so disgusting. 

[MamaMax]

On 3/18/2025 at 4:37 PM, crazy8s said:

Some pastor made the "bunk bed/crib (Jill's wording) above the sofa or kitchen.

Jill took a pic of him with it.

[oliviabenson]

Philip spent the day with family. so he's around or visits.

there are more stuff but I'm tired of dropping things to fit the allowed size 

[oliviabenson]

all I'm gonna say is poor Sofia has sandals or whatever on and that's not proper footwear. I hope she didn't fall and break something. and most kids are dressed horribly as usual. 

my guess poor Samuel got paid and spend his paycheck on specialty grocery store and pizza. 

[EmeraldGirl]

Jill looks like she gained about 20 pounds after leaving plexus. Phillip must be spending time at McDonald's because he hasn’t gone into his usual starvation mode.

Tessie is wearing a long skirt, leggings, a long coat, and a hoodie. So why is Olivia not even wearing a coat over her prairie looking dress?

So where was that dog while Jill was rock climbing and sexy posing for hunk?

Oh, and obeying the Bible somehow got her into Trader Joe’s or something?

Edited March 21 by EmeraldGirl

[Salacious Kitty]

Still spending that tax refund, I see. Must have done well last year. 

eta They're at the Ladies Retreat now. 

Edited March 21 by Salacious Kitty

[oliviabenson]

ladies retreat has to be making her tons of profit! 

[Salacious Kitty]

Her room packages were outrageous. She definitely pocketed hundreds, if not low four figures.

Edited March 21 by Salacious Kitty

[Heathen]

On 3/17/2025 at 6:38 PM, farmgal4 said:

Naomi has some very concerning hand movements.

Elaborate? 

[libgirl2]

8 hours ago, oliviabenson said:

Philip spent the day with family. so he's around or visits.

there are more stuff but I'm tired of dropping things to fit the allowed size 

Pizza? Why am I not surprised. That seems to be all they eat. 

4 hours ago, Heathen said:

Elaborate? 

I was wondering too. 

[ginger90]

Words by Jill:

 

There is so much in the Scripture about having a day of REST each week.  Yet, how many times do we ignore it and carry around our "busyness" like a trophy?  🤔  I am probably more guilty than most.  😬  

David and I were talking about it the other day.  We determined to strive (when we are able to) to be purposeful with our day of REST.  
To find "out of the ordinary" things to do.  
To connect with our quickly growing family.  
To make memories. 
To pause.  
To "drink" in life, and to remember what it is that we are fighting for.....

1) Our faith
2) Propagating the Gospel
3) Holy Living
4) Raising God fearing children
5) Having gratitude & contentment
6) So much more!

So, this day going to a specialty grocery store, hiking on a beautiful trail, and then going out for pizza as a family, was beautiful.  Refreshing. Mentally restful.  Obeying the Bible always brings such peace in our lives.  😊

Exodus 34:21a "Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest:"

 

[BetyBee]

10 hours ago, oliviabenson said:

Philip spent the day with family. so he's around or visits.

there are more stuff but I'm tired of dropping things to fit the allowed size 

I just realized that this kind of bs lecture from Jill, based on nothing but taking a walk, is exactly the kind of crap my narc sister posts on FB. My sister is a better writer, thanks to a real education. Sis also doesn't invoke the Bible, but otherwise it is so similar. It's one reason I left FB. I just couldn't watch her self-serving crap any longer. Jill does this to receive accolades from the few who buy what she's selling. 

[crazy8s]

1 hour ago, libgirl2 said:

Pizza? Why am I not surprised. That seems to be all they eat.

My guess this was last friday and the got buy one get one pizzas on Pi day.

They have done that in past years.

[laurakaye]

Another book rec - 🙂

I started The House of My Mother by Shari Franke, daughter of Ruby Franke.

I am getting very strong Jill Rod vibes from how Shari describes Ruby.  I have thought several times while reading that this could have been written by Nurie, Renee or Kaylee, if they'd had a proper education and had been able to truly escape and deprogram from their mother.

If you've seen the recent documentary on Hulu (I think), Shari Franke is remarkably composed and eloquent when talking about her life.  The book is likewise very readable.  And she's only 22 years old, I believe.

 

[libgirl2]

1 hour ago, laurakaye said:

Another book rec - 🙂

I started The House of My Mother by Shari Franke, daughter of Ruby Franke.

I am getting very strong Jill Rod vibes from how Shari describes Ruby.  I have thought several times while reading that this could have been written by Nurie, Renee or Kaylee, if they'd had a proper education and had been able to truly escape and deprogram from their mother.

If you've seen the recent documentary on Hulu (I think), Shari Franke is remarkably composed and eloquent when talking about her life.  The book is likewise very readable.  And she's only 22 years old, I believe.

 

i read it and it was a rough book to read. I've also seen some news programs about her but not the Hulu one (I don't have that). For sure Rod vibes, like with the Turpins. 

[Lisa418722]

5 hours ago, ginger90 said:

Exodus 34:21a "Six days thou shalt work, but on the seventh day thou shalt rest:"

 

Or in Jill and Dave's words, "Thirty days thou shalt rest, but on the 31st day of the month, thou shall turn on the smiley tract printer."  And then leave it to the kids to get the smiley tracts cut and folded and ready for another vacation  grifting tour work trip for the tracts to be delivered.  

Edited March 21 by Lisa418722

[Albanyguy]

If Dave got any more "rest", he'd be in a coma. 

[ginger90]

Some of the “Stay Salty”  retreat “decor”.

[Notabug]

20 minutes ago, ginger90 said:

Some of the “Stay Salty”  retreat “decor”.

Methinks Jill was planning to show photos and tell tales of her recent cruise at the Ladies' Retreat; hence the nautical theme.  No wonder she was pissed to have missed the boat.  She had her heart set on bragging about her free trip.

[merylinkid]

the place mat is kinda pretty.   I mean I know it came from the dollar store, but its still pretty.  

I can't really insult the dollar store, all my garden gnomes and fairies came from there.

[crazy8s]

Some of the retreat for ladies decor looks suspiciously like the decorations at the Set Sail valentine's party

Edited Saturday at 07:00 PM by crazy8s

[Notabug]

54 minutes ago, crazy8s said:

Some of this looks suspiciously like the decorations at the Set Sail valentine's party

Well, of course.  Why would Jill pay for decorations for her moneymaking retreat when Nurie and Nathan can fork over the dough?  More profit for Mama.

[oliviabenson]

the.kids are forced to perform at the ladies retreat too? they never get a break from begging!

the decor is very sad and un Jill like.

[Salacious Kitty]

Oh, I think the decor is VERY Jill-like. Ugly and tacky. There may be less of it since, as has already been noted, Jill was probably setting this up to piggy back off her Plexus cruise. No cruise, the decor is lackluster. But it's still ugly and tacky. 😀

[crazy8s]

9 hours ago, Notabug said:

Well, of course.  Why would Jill pay for decorations for her moneymaking retreat when Nurie and Nathan can fork over the dough?  More profit for Mama.

Also funny the large pic of the porch and ocean to the right of the keyboard is from the boys bathroom at the barndo. Jill showed it in a video

Edited Sunday at 12:04 AM by crazy8s

[oliviabenson]

That’s what I mean not enough decor to scream it’s Jill. Barely any decorations around. And of course no snacks. Jill spent as little $ as possible!!! 

Janessa was a bride 🙄. Sofia was around serving Janessa. Sadie was pretend playing the piano. So older girls were busy decorating under Jill’s directions and Janessa was playing.

Jill is giddy right now she’s counting all her extra money while smiling real big with her big teeth glinting in the light! 

[Salacious Kitty]

I think she's already spent the profits. Money burns a hole in her polyester pockets. 

[EmeraldGirl]

She could’ve at least ironed that beach thing. Funny, I was just looking at shower curtains and a whole bunch of those scenes came up! It looks stupid and gaudy anywhere… Especially wrinkled.

First of all, there is no day of rest when you have 10 children in the house. And, she only has the children to raise them to be a God-fearing army. I can never understand why God is supposed to be feared so much when he is also supposed to be your father, best friend, the only thing to count on in life. Why are you supposed to be scared of him (believe me, I’ve wondered this since I was a kid in Catholic school)?

[ALittleShelfish]

5 minutes ago, EmeraldGirl said:

I can never understand why God is supposed to be feared so much when he is also supposed to be your father, best friend, the only thing to count on in life. Why are you supposed to be scared of him (believe me, I’ve wondered this since I was a kid in Catholic school)?

Well, as a recovering Catholic schoolkid myself, constantly hearing Jesus referred to as "The Son of God" in the same breath as "God gave his only son..." might make one think "If He offers up his ONLY SON to die....who says He won't do the same to MEEEEEE?"   Because we're all "God's children", per the church, right?  So wild to think of it in those terms. 

(I hope I haven't offended my Christian friends, truly.  I apologize if I have.  This is just my personal interpretation of my scary 70s Catholic upbringing.)

[libgirl2]

I do blogs for the library that I work at and will be doing a review blog for Death in the Downline.  I'm not sure if I can share it on here when I'm done.