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

[Fuzzysox]

Jill should re-name her blog to Jill's Fairy Land. I think she will say or do anything like her idol' Mechelle' to keep the spotlight on her.

[Genevrier]

6 hours ago, MunichNark said:

If you are feeling nauseous but can't seem to recycle that food, or if you feel particularly debonair and in want of some entertainment, then check out the latest Jilly post with her kissing photos.

Warning - you CANNOT unsee this one.

I may never fully recover from the Jeremy's crotch-Derick's armpits day. I'm not looking. Not looking. Not looking. 

[flyingdi]

The main difference I see between the Bates and the Duggars is that Gil and Kelly just genuinely seem to like children.  Any children.  They like having them around, Jim Bob and Michelle, not so much.

[AnnieBeez]

3 hours ago, flyingdi said:

The main difference I see between the Bates and the Duggars is that Gil and Kelly just genuinely seem to like children.  Any children.  They like having them around, Jim Bob and Michelle, not so much.

I've seen what looks like genuine affection to and from Jim Bob. [Not saying he's a good dad by any means, just he does seem to love his kids.] With Michelle, I thought the wedding interactions with her daughters was very telling. I don't see any affection or closeness at all. I'm thinking particularly of Jinger's wedding. 

[flyingdi]

29 minutes ago, PuhLeeze said:

I've seen what looks like genuine affection to and from Jim Bob. [Not saying he's a good dad by any means, just he does seem to love his kids.] With Michelle, I thought the wedding interactions with her daughters was very telling. I don't see any affection or closeness at all. I'm thinking particularly of Jinger's wedding. 

True. I do think Jim Bob actually likes children somewhat but I think his main concern, above his children, is keeping Michelle and himself happy.

[Annb67]

On 9/12/2017 at 7:37 AM, Jynnan tonnix said:

To be fair, Nurie hasn't said a word. Does she ever? For all we know, she might really be a humble person. Though,as someone mentioned, she (and all the kids, really) look like walking billboards for eating disorders. When you are that controlled to start with, are pressured to look a certain way, with slimness as a priority, and have the idea of fasting as a way to attain some sort of spiritual perfection piled on top of it, that's pretty much a perfect recipe for anorexia.

We were forced to fast back in the craziness of my parents epic fundy following. Now mind you I WAS A FREAKING 79 POUND 13 year old girl!. I had Crohns disease undiagnosed because my parents were sure it was nerves. Anyway my point is I remember this with such anger. I was a sick kid. I was hungry because I could barely eat and for three days I couldn't have even a little soup and crackers. I dont think God was too pleased. I can't think of fasting without being hurt.

[drafan]

5 hours ago, flyingdi said:

True. I do think Jim Bob actually likes children somewhat but I think his main concern, above his children, is keeping Michelle and himself happy.

Tied with : Keeping a TLC show on the air and hoping to change it  to "19 Kids and Counting....up to 200 Grandbabies", starring Mullet and her wonderful husband.

[lascuba]

6 hours ago, PuhLeeze said:

I've seen what looks like genuine affection to and from Jim Bob. [Not saying he's a good dad by any means, just he does seem to love his kids.] With Michelle, I thought the wedding interactions with her daughters was very telling. I don't see any affection or closeness at all. I'm thinking particularly of Jinger's wedding. 

I agree. He's awful on multiple levels, but I don't doubt that he loves his kids and that they love him.  Michelle, though? She really doesn't seem to connect with them once they're out of her uterus. 

[jennblevins]

53 minutes ago, drafan said:

Tied with : Keeping a TLC show on the air and hoping to change it  to "19 Kids and Counting....up to 200 Grandbabies", starring Mullet and her wonderful husband.

I once had a dream that Michelle got pregnant again, they changed the name of the show to "19 Kids and Grandma's Pregnant Again," she had twins, and named then Jamelia and Jamabile.  Although I feel like that last one isn't terribly likely, this was right after Josie (and Mackynzie) were born so the rest seemed possible ...

[Albanyguy]

21 hours ago, Genevrier said:

the Jeremy's crotch-Derick's armpits day

Say what, now? I missed that one. What was that about?

[Arwen Evenstar]

3 hours ago, Albanyguy said:

Say what, now? I missed that one. What was that about?

You probably don't want to know.

[floridamom]

Arwen: We noticed which side Jeremy "dresses" with his tight pants......had to let her in on it.

[Arwen Evenstar]

3 hours ago, floridamom said:

Arwen: We noticed which side Jeremy "dresses" with his tight pants......had to let her in on it.

Jeremy's crotch, I don't mind as much as the thought of Derick's pits.

[FakeJoshDuggar]

Poor Prissy and TFDW can't wrap their tiny brains around the science that the moon can come between sun during the day. Someone put a science pamphlet in their kid's Wisdom Booklets. 

 

So Daniel lives in Houston now? I wonder when he moved from SC.  Also, is he still married? I can't imagine him leaving his wife in Houston to fend for herself during a catastrophic hurricane. 

 

Inquiring minds want to know. I miss Waller Wednesdays. 

[xwordfanatik]

@FakeJoshDuggar, what were Waller Wednesdays?

I like your user name & avatar, unlike the real version.

[Albanyguy]

4 hours ago, FakeJoshDuggar said:

Funny how the Wallers' idea of a "visit" always seems to involve their guests performing unpaid labor for them.

Edited September 17, 2017 by Albanyguy

[Jynnan tonnix]

4 hours ago, FakeJoshDuggar said:

Poor Prissy and TFDW can't wrap their tiny brains around the science that the moon can come between sun during the day. Someone put a science pamphlet in their kid's Wisdom Booklets. 

 

 

To be fair, I think they are saying that it was hard for Paul to wrap his mind around the concept. Though I may be giving them too much credit. who knows?

[Westiepeach]

21 hours ago, floridamom said:

Arwen: We noticed which side Jeremy "dresses" with his tight pants......had to let her in on it.

Yeah, let's just say we know if Jer is "right" handed or "left" handed ... and leave it at that, 'k?

[FakeJoshDuggar]

1 hour ago, xwordfanatik said:

@FakeJoshDuggar, what were Waller Wednesdays?

I like your user name & avatar, unlike the real version.

So waaay back when, before all of the scandals hit, Josh was really active on social media. I had an instagram account that mirrored his that broke down all of the fundie speak and called Josh/Duggars out on their billshit. 

Waller Wednesdays focused on TFDW and Prissy. I checked and it's still a thing on instagram but way less funny. 

49 minutes ago, Jynnan tonnix said:

To be fair, I think they are saying that it was hard for Paul to wrap his mind around the concept. Though I may be giving them too much credit. who knows?

How old is P. Willy Waller these days?

[Sew Sumi]

Paul has to be almost 4, but I don't know any of their birthdays (nor care to look it up). 

Daniel and Candice did divorce. I believe she stayed back in SC. Not sure what kind of custody arrangements they have for their son. Rebekah married a guy who is LOADED, and the last time I checked, she also lived in the Houston area. I wonder if Daniel got a job working for Grandpa (Rebekah's husband is older than Pa Keller)?

I too miss Waller Wednesdays. Ah, the days of bible bees, gleaned pecans, and jolly black cops. 

[lascuba]

11 minutes ago, Sew Sumi said:

Paul has to be almost 4, but I don't know any of their birthdays (nor care to look it up). 

Daniel and Candice did divorce. I believe she stayed back in SC. Not sure what kind of custody arrangements they have for their son. Rebekah married a guy who is LOADED, and the last time I checked, she also lived in the Houston area. I wonder if Daniel got a job working for Grandpa (Rebekah's husband is older than Pa Keller)?

I too miss Waller Wednesdays. Ah, the days of bible bees, gleaned pecans, and jolly black cops. 

Damn, really? When did that happen?

[Sew Sumi]

No one really knows for sure. He just started showing up at Keller family gatherings alone all of a sudden. Candice wasn't there for the Mother's Day extravaganza; I can't remember if their son was there or not. This is when we first saw Rebekah's new daddy....errr...husband. And his plane, which is light years nicer and newer than any in the Duggar fleet. 

[lascuba]

That's a shame. I hope they're both well...I root for all the Keller kids who explicitly renounced their parents' beliefs.

[lianau]

4 hours ago, Sew Sumi said:

Paul has to be almost 4, but I don't know any of their birthdays (nor care to look it up). 

 

He's 4 1/2 , he and my niece are only a few days apart.

Edited September 18, 2017 by lianau

[RedheadZombie]

Why even take the baby out there?  It seems he would automatically look where the others were looking, and he isn't wearing the protective glasses.

[Sew Sumi]

30 minutes ago, lianau said:

He's 4 1/2 , he and my niece are only a few days apart.

Dang, where has the time gone? 

[ariel]

 I think the Bates are very crazy cult & similar to the Duggars, but tied up with a prettier ribbon.  They are just as looney, but more media savvy.

[Fuzzysox]

Fans of the Bates Family FB page claims an announcement will be made on Thursday. Can be either Carlin is engaged or that Michael is pregnant!?!?!?!

[riverblue22]

2 minutes ago, Fuzzysox said:

Fans of the Bates Family FB page claims an announcement will be made on Thursday. Can be either Carlin is engaged or that Michael is pregnant!?!?!?!

Hope it's good news for Michael.  I feel sorry for her.

[Sew Sumi]

Now it's saying Thurday's episode is a "social" edition of the episode when Lawson made his video. That's not what it said a couple of days ago when I went in to delete the earlier episode from my DVR (the social edition episode that always precedes the new episode). 

[ozziemom]

Is Tori already engaged? On the last episode of their show it seems like Carlin just started courting and Bobby asked for permission to propose to Tori. Not sure how far off the timeline is between TV show and real life.

[BitterApple]

Carlin, you could've done much better. You should've waited. 

[Sew Sumi]

The trip to WV was filmed in early June. I assume that Gil "greenlighting" Carlin's courtship is basically affirming that they are now courting. If Tori's engaged, they've kept really quiet about it, but I don't think Tori even has social media, and Bobby never uses his. 

[BitterApple]

According to Pickles, Whitney got her real estate license:

https://m.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=1348712251894247&id=269181913180625

If she's going to work even just part time, I'm assuming that means she isn't planning on having a dozen kids. 

[Sew Sumi]

Alyssa works, ableit for her husband's business. But after a long day with the kids, she goes out and cleans offices (now with a couple employees). Respect. 

[awaken]

Wow. Lightyears ahead of anything we've seen of the D's. even working hard cleaning you don't see those women doing. 

[MunichNark]

Have you noticed that a FEW rooms are STILL available for Jilly's retreat? Smile!

Don't delay, guys and girls, snap up this exciting opportunity NOW!

 

..........nothing to do with the fact that people just aren't terribly interested in it?

[Fuzzysox]

On 9/18/2017 at 7:56 PM, ozziemom said:

Is Tori already engaged? On the last episode of their show it seems like Carlin just started courting and Bobby asked for permission to propose to Tori. Not sure how far off the timeline is between TV show and real life.

I read a post that said that Carlin and Evan have been together for a year on September 17. 

I hope the news is that Michael is pregnant. Haven't seen much from her lately.

[Sew Sumi]

They're making people watch the show after BUB to make the announcement. I hate when networks do that. 

[Autumn0516]

Whitney Bates is officially a working mom! 

http://www.batesfamilyblog.com/2017/09/whitneys-new-job.html?m=1

[3 is enough]

The comments are interesting.  All congratulations and "Duggar girls take note".  Only one dissenting opinion, who voices concern that with her newfound career, Whitney will not be able to homeschool.  Also asks  isn't Zach's salary and the UP money enough? 

On a shallow note, even if she only sells one or two houses a year, it will be enough to keep her in clothes and pretty things.  Her instagram shows that she does like to dress nicely.

And maybe the baby train will slow down for them...

Edited September 21, 2017 by 3 is enough

[floridamom]

Let's wait and see what Whitney being a 'working mom' actually means. If it's anything like the Duggar style of women working, it's not what we're expecting. I highly doubt that Whit will go to a real estate office M-F, 9-5 and have an actual j.o.b.; even if it's part time and she has only a few listings, I doubt the Bates family will approve Whitney going in to strangers' homes with clients who may be male....alone with that client. Doesn't add up to me. If they're wanting to be 'that normal' and mainstream, I find it silly that Whitney has to wear the womens' uniform around the Bates parents. That's just not respectful to Zach's household and HIS beliefs. After all, didn't Kelly also say that the skirt wearing was 'her preference' and not a religion? What's wrong with Whitney having her preference in front of her in laws? Her parents don't wear the uniform when spending time with Kelly and Gil as a family group, do they?

[Tasya]

I think she chooses to wear it out of respect, the same way that Alyssa does when she's home. They aren't my cup of tea as people, and I think Gil is too close to Gothard insiders, but it can not be denied that they are raising / have raised individuals rather than sheep. They have children that have gone their own way and don't sit around espousing their parents hard core beliefs. Considering this group (quiverfull/Gothard) that is remarkable. They also seem to love their children for themselves rather than as a collective "our 19 kids" like the Duggars. 

Edited September 24, 2017 by Tasya

[MunichNark]

Agree. Whatever their toxic beliefs and what not, the Bateses have raised children that are alive. They chat and talk, have been quite cheeky and actually disrespectful at time, they don't seem to be afraid to voice their own opinions, they all look clean and tidy.

Now compare that to the Duggar zombies. Not a clean one between them, no life, no spark, no opions, no jobs.

[Scarlett45]

5 hours ago, MunichNark said:

Agree. Whatever their toxic beliefs and what not, the Bateses have raised children that are alive. They chat and talk, have been quite cheeky and actually disrespectful at time, they don't seem to be afraid to voice their own opinions, they all look clean and tidy.

Now compare that to the Duggar zombies. Not a clean one between them, no life, no spark, no opions, no jobs.

Yes- the Bates are of the same beliefs as the Duggars BUT they actually value their children as individual people and have allowed them to fly. I remember when Kelly admitted that the lean years were really hard ok the older kids- could you ever see JB or Michelle acknowledging that?!! Not in a million years. 

[Albanyguy]

10 hours ago, Scarlett45 said:

I remember when Kelly admitted that the lean years were really hard ok the older kids- could you ever see JB or Michelle acknowledging that?!! Not in a million years. 

Because they know that the next logical question would be "If the lean years were so hard on the kids, why did you waste $250,000 on a political ego trip for Jim Bob when you could have used that money to provide a decent standard of living for them?"

[ozziemom]

Looks like sweet friend from Tacos4life is pregnant again per her Facebook. No sign of  Jessa liking or commenting but Sierra did.

[Sew Sumi]

I thought I saw that Jessa liked it yesterday. 

[Sew Sumi]

Bateses' big news: 

Tori's engaged. 

I was hoping it would be that Michael was pregnant, oh well. 

Edited September 22, 2017 by Sew Sumi

[xwordfanatik]

2 hours ago, Albanyguy said:

Because they know that the next logical question would be "If the lean years were so hard on the kids, why did you waste $250,000 on a political ego trip for Jim Bob when you could have used that money to provide a decent standard of living for them?"

No shit!  That question would be avoided at all costs.  What shitty parents who spew out kid after kid after kid ad nauseam would do that?  1/4 of a MILLION DOLLARS?  All kinds of fucked up.