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

[leighdear]

No argument they are devout, but Joanna wears tight skinny jeans and low-cut shirts.....Waaaay too much defrauding for proximity to TFDW! 

 

Plus, the Wallers would have to have gotten in touch before they bought the house, since the televised "hunt" for a house to flx up is an actual sham.  And that disgusting house is way too trashed for it to work.  But most importantly, the couple getting the house has to have a crap-load of cash for the fix up. And no way the Wallers have it. 

Edited December 26, 2015 by leighdear

[riverblue22]

Well here is a new plotline.  Dim Bin and his lovely Jessa could head down to Texas to help with the renovations.  They could bring along a crew of howlers who have watched electricians and carpet layers and all pitch in to help the fabulous David.

[Sew Sumi]

Looks like Nate Bates and Ashley Salyer are official. Famy posted a selfie of them together at the TTH yesterday. Also, Joe and Carlin getting cozier on a couch than Duggars usually permit. Hope that's just the picture angle; she's only 17, but then again, the Bateses allowed Alyssa to "get to know" John Webster at 17. *sigh*

PS: Apparently, yesterday was the Duggars' first exposure to Jenga.

Edited December 27, 2015 by Sew Sumi

[louannems]

I still need to know how such a young house looks like its over a hundred years old. Did the previous owner purpose to trash the house and ruin it prior to foreclosure?

[Sew Sumi]

Looks like Nate Bates and Ashley Salyer are official. Famy posted a selfie of her with Ashley at the TTH yesterday, where it's also been documented that Lawson, Trace, Carlin, and Nate Bates are. Also, Joe and Carlin getting cozier on a couch than Duggars usually permit. Hope that's just the picture angle; she's only 17, but then again, the Bateses allowed Alyssa to "get to know" John Webster at 17. *sigh*

PS: Apparently, yesterday was the Duggars' first exposure to Jenga.

Edited December 27, 2015 by Sew Sumi

[BradandJanet]

I still need to know how such a young house looks like its over a hundred years old. Did the previous owner purpose to trash the house and ruin it prior to foreclosure?

 

I would say so--either trashed or abandoned for thieves to do the job. There's a market for copper pipes and wires, appliances, and fixtures. If it were started as a flip and not followed through, the destruction would be orderly. This is just a sad mess. 

 

Too bad TFDW isn't allowed to take on debt. This property has a money pit vibe to it. 

 

Edited to add: The pipes and wires appear to be there, just all over the place. 

Edited December 26, 2015 by BradandJanet

[toodles]

They need to call the duggars stat. They are have drill will travel. Also, they watched the contractor at the TTH. That, of course, means they are skilled contractors now. Plus they "helped" the carpet people lay carpet at whatever house they fixed up for Jill. It's all good in the fundie version of property brothers: the gothard edition.

[Joe Jitsu913]

I would say so--either trashed or abandoned for thieves to do the job. There's a market for copper pipes and wires, appliances, and fixtures. If it were started as a flip and not followed through, the destruction would be orderly. This is just a sad mess.

Too bad TFDW isn't allowed to take on debt. This property has a money pit vibe to it.

I'm sure praying to baby Jesus will miraculously allow them the funds to fix up their house.

David thinks his power meter is a "mystery box" and opens it up with bolt cutters.

http://youtu.be/43EtDCdhn6o

Priscilla's 'Ummm... Hmmm.. ' and 'Wooow ' sound very porn-y and defrauding.

[toodles]

I'm sure praying to baby Jesus will miraculously allow them the funds to fix up their house.

MY RESPONSE

I worked in construction lending and that was the answer for many church loans that went over budget. Good luck with the Bank of Sweet Baby Jesus. He knows a bad investment when He sees one.

Eta-the quote doesn't work well on my Kindle.

Edited December 26, 2015 by toodles

[Micks Picks]

Well thanks, I'd never seen the Gaines before and flipped to hgtv and the last hour of their marathon was on where they were fixing up a B&B.  They seem normal from what I saw.  TFDW house, even at $74k or whatever, is terrible on so many levels.  I know here with so many building standards it would not be worth it.  Just paying for permits and inspections, which probably would never pass, would leave a person broke.  

[kalamac]

I have to say, as much as Priscilla seems 'special' in the few videos I've managed to watch, at least she seems to be able to handle her kids without a steady stream of sister-mom type helpers, even though her husband leaves the house to go to work. The Duggar snowflakes apparently need help with just one child each, and a husband who's there almost all the time.

[cereality]

Looks like Nate Bates and Ashley Salyer aew official. Famy posted a selfie of them together at the TTH yesterday. Also, Joe and Carlin getting cozier on a couch than Duggars usually permit. Hope that's just the picture angle; she's only 17, but then again, the Bateses allowed Alyssa to "get to know" John Webster at 17. *sigh*

PS: Apparently, yesterday was the Duggars' first exposure to Jenga.

Was Ashley the girl from NYC, who visited during the Bates' show? If so, good for them. They seemed really comfortable with each other -- he was hugging her, they were talking smack to each other like a "real" couple would, instead of keeping sweet and gazing at each other with nothing to say.

 

As for Joseph and Carlin - eh. I don't see why the Bates would want any of their daughters to have anything to do with any Duggar given everything about Josh. Though Joseph attended Crown College for at least a semester -- and unless something has changed is still there now. So at least he and Carlin have had a real opportunity to get to know each other without being under JB's thumb, as the Bates style of courting is a bit closer to dating and doesn't just consist of the female adoringly agreeing with the male in hopes he likes her. And I guess Gil and Kelly are likely "fair" and may still think Joseph is still a good guy and isn't capable of the things his brother did. I mean in the THs he did for the show, he DID seem genuinely shocked and angry at Josh -- and not just in a -- what will happen to my show -- kind of way. Plus the middle section of Bates girls - Carlin, Tori etc. -- are pistols. Unlike Anna they'd have no problem breaking off a courtship or even divorcing if something like cheating were an issue.

The more I think about it, the more a marriage to a Bates girl would be so good for Joseph. Erin/Chad, Alyssa/John, Zach/Whitney seem to have such "normal" marriages, which I think would suit Joseph well. They're all conservative Christian, yet they aren't under their parents/inlaws' thumbs, the men all work and bring home their own money, they build themselves cute homes - whatever they can afford, they go on date nights and little vacations and Sbux runs, they have friends . . . . It would be a great way to stay in Tennessee and make "permanent" the life he has in college now and get off of dad's estate.

[BitterApple]

Nathan and Ashley were so adorable on BUB. It was hilarious when Lawson was poking fun of how smitten he was with her. If they're officially courting, that's awesome.

I can see Joe doing well with the Bateses. I cannot see Carlin doing well with the Duggars.

[cereality]

Do the Bates still have that blog that Kelly used to update once in a while? If so - where? Can't remember if she took it down or not.

Nathan and Ashley were so adorable on BUB. It was hilarious when Lawson was poking fun of how smitten he was with her. If they're officially courting, that's awesome.

I can see Joe doing well with the Bateses. I cannot see Carlin doing well with the Duggars.

She's not shy. If she were interested in him, I could see her insisting (not merely encouraging or praying or hoping) that she only sees a future with him if he stays in/near her hometown or a bigger Tenn. city like Nashville or Knoxville. I don't think the Bates girls have any problems being independent and moving away from home -- I mean Alyssa moved all the way to Orlando for John and seems freaking relieved to have a nice quiet life with him and one baby and without 18 loud siblings around every day.

 

Frankly I don't see Joseph taking the "I'm the headship, how dare you tell me what to do" view with Carlin. If he's smitten enough, I can see him staying Tenn. and I frankly think he'd also be relieved to be several states away from the drama of his family and establishing his own life and only seeing them 2-3 times/yr; if he is a really family guy who needs/wants support and lots of siblings, he'll fit in really well with the Bates, as Chad has. If he isn't, they can live someplace within an hr or two of the Bates.

[Sew Sumi]

I agree that Carlin, despite being Joy's bestie, wouldn't be a good fit with the Duggars. As obnoxious as she is, at least she's been allowed to express herself before a guy put a ring on it. As I noted in my first post, she's still just 17, so it's going to be a while before even the Bateses will allow her to marry. And if she and Joe are a thing, I agree that they need to stay close to her people, but after Joshley Madison, one has to wonder if Boob will ever let a son that far off the reservation ever again. 

 

And yes, I know that his problems started long before DC, but they certainly escalated there. I really hope that Boob lets his other  sons to actually leave and cleave (baby Michelle). However, Duggar History seems to dictate that they double down in times of distress, so Josh's brothers may well all pay for his mistakes. 

Edited December 27, 2015 by Sew Sumi

[farmgal4]

That needs a Joanna and Chip Gaines miracle.

I know why they bought it: Did you notice the mysterious M inlaid into the wood at the top of the stairs? Poor Priscilla saw it, thought it was a W and was sure that it was divine intervention left by God (or Gothard) to purpose them to buy the house. "Oh David, isn't that sweet and special?"

And the house? OMG! Forget Joanna and Chip; Mike Holmes and his crew are needed to fix THAT disaster! That house doesn't even have good bones. They would be better off demo-ing it and starting from scratch, but who wants a freaking utility pole right outside their front door? Damn, these Gothard followers don't have one lick of sense.

[Fuzzysox]

What about the Benham brothers? Why haven't they shown up to help them?

[tabloidlover]

David thinks his power meter is a "mystery box" and opens it up with bolt cutters.

I don't understand why they felt this was video worthy of posting (by them, not by the poster!).  Not even video worthy for their own family viewing time.  Just so awkward and weird. 

[MunichNark]

Well you know, because it's like, totally precious and a blessing to buy a dump. No?

 

What's up with Joseph and either Bates girl? I'm not sure that's a good idea, for any girl to marry into that clan. Blech.

 

Do wonder about Lawson though, what does he DO for a living? He has so much time, hanging around horses, pretending to sing....

Well you know, because it's like, totally precious and a blessing to buy a dump. No?

 

What's up with Joseph and either Bates girl? I'm not sure that's a good idea, for any girl to marry into that clan. Blech.

 

Do wonder about Lawson though, what does he DO for a living? He has so much time, hanging around horses, pretending to sing....

[BitterApple]

Lawson is a fake country singer just like Amy was a fake country singer. His voice is terrible and the only gigs he seems to get is playing nursing homes on the weekends. I guess he figures his pretty boy looks will make it happen for him, but he's going nowhere.

[MunichNark]

True, he is mediocre at best. He does seem to fancy himself a bit too much.........I'm going off him big time.

 

Having said that, I also find the 2 Bates girls, umm, Tori and Carlin? a bit annoying. But then, at least they aren't zombies

[Barb23]

They need to call the duggars stat. They are have drill will travel. Also, they watched the contractor at the TTH. That, of course, means they are skilled contractors now. Plus they "helped" the carpet people lay carpet at whatever house they fixed up for Jill. It's all good in the fundie version of property brothers: the gothard edition.

Don't forget - aren't some of the older Duggar girls experts at laying tile? I'm thinking Jana but could they do without her at the TTH esp since Baby M is under her care?

Forgot to add: Will David renovate the house wearing pressed khakis & a button down shirt? I think TLC needs to send in the (little people) Johnston family - they seem to know what they're doing in their house renovations.

Edited December 27, 2015 by Barb23

[Zahdii]

 

Never mind.

Edited December 27, 2015 by Zahdii

[BradandJanet]

Because the alternative right now is vacuuming, I researched houses for sale in Big Sandy. There don't appear to be many, but there are a few under $200,000 of a decent condition and size. 

 

I'm baffled why TFDW bought that particular place. He must have gone in with the idea he would get plenty of help to fix it and have the money to do it. If I were Priscilla, I'd refuse to move in until the place is clean and functional. 

 

 

[Churchhoney]

Because the alternative right now is vacuuming, I researched houses for sale in Big Sandy. There don't appear to be many, but there are a few under $200,000 of a decent condition and size. 

 

I'm baffled why TFDW bought that particular place. He must have gone in with the idea he would get plenty of help to fix it and have the money to do it. If I were Priscilla, I'd refuse to move in until the place is clean and functional. 

 

 

But doesn't a big umbrella come down from the sky and smite you, if you do something like that too close to a Gothard compound?

[Barb23]

Do you think the Wallers were given any moving expenses or help with the down payment from The Gothard Company?

What were they thinking? The rest of us could tell just by looking at the pictures of the house how much work needs to be done. I would definitely do a renovation on that bathroom even if it didn't need it- that is one funky designed room with all the wood, looks like it should be in a log cabin. I'm hoping, too, that all the renovations are complete before they move in especially with two young kiddos who have Pris as a mom. But like the Duggars, they do have the Lord on their side who will watch over them during this renovation/season of their life. I'm serious about that. The rest of us would trip on an uneven floor board & break something or electrocute ourselves by just standing next to that electrical box.

[NewDigs]

Bolding mine

Do you think the Wallers were given any moving expenses or help with the down payment from The Gothard Company?

What were they thinking? The rest of us could tell just by looking at the pictures of the house how much work needs to be done. I would definitely do a renovation on that bathroom even if it didn't need it- that is one funky designed room with all the wood, looks like it should be in a log cabin. I'm hoping, too, that all the renovations are complete before they move in especially with two young kiddos who have Pris as a mom. But like the Duggars, they do have the Lord on their side who will watch over them during this renovation/season of their life. I'm serious about that. The rest of us would trip on an uneven floor board & break something or electrocute ourselves by just standing next to that electrical box.

No kidding! I couldn't believe he took the bolt cutters to that!!

[Absolom]

I think IBLP helped with the move.  Their blog says that the pods were transported with the major IBLP move and it sounded like that was paid out of a HQ budget. 

[Sew Sumi]

I wonder why Brandon and Michael Keilen are still in Chicago? That's what their social media indicates, at any rate. Maybe Davey is higher up the chain, and they need him in Big Sandy sooner?

[Tabbygirl521]

Bolding mine

No kidding! I couldn't believe he took the bolt cutters to that!!

I wonder if he locked it back up, or left it open for his kid to explore.

[NewDigs]

I wonder if he locked it back up, or left it open for his kid to explore.

"daddy says it's magic!"

Well, at least he'll have a picture of the box's innards before...

Is he really planning on sending his dad a picture and doing the work via telephony?

wow.

[BradandJanet]

Mr. B&J weighed in on the Big Sandy house:

 

It was a failed renovation by an ambitious novice. Hints include the partially removed tile floors (huge job), the raggedly cut sheetrock (bad job), loose wires, and the stripped-bare kitchen.

 

The hole in the bedroom floor was a platform for a heavy waterbed, probably added after the house was purchased. There would have been supports spanning the box and probably a plywood top. Why the bed was placed in the middle of the bedroom floor was/is a matter of taste. The boards were removed for some reason, leaving a tidy framed hole. 

 

Works for me. We'll see what renovator David does.

[SomePity1066]

Mr. B&J weighed in on the Big Sandy house:

 

It was a failed renovation by an ambitious novice. Hints include the partially removed tile floors (huge job), the raggedly cut sheetrock (bad job), loose wires, and the stripped-bare kitchen.

 

The hole in the bedroom floor was a platform for a heavy waterbed, probably added after the house was purchased. There would have been supports spanning the box and probably a plywood top. Why the bed was placed in the middle of the bedroom floor was/is a matter of taste. The boards were removed for some reason, leaving a tidy framed hole. 

 

Works for me. We'll see what renovator David does.

I, too, had someone (who's patient enough to indulge me !) watch the videos regarding the house and the listing online and he, my absolutely irreplaceable BIL who is a contractor and knows nothing about the Duggars and their friends, said "Those people are screwed unless he's a contractor. And what is that girl on...?!"

 

I'm fairly certain TFDW has bitten off waaaay more than he can chew - he of the obviously baby-soft hands, late-90s business-casual dress code, and lock-cutting of public utilities that he's really not supposed to be cutting, no ? That wasn't the circuit breaker box, David ! That's inside the house, you maroon ! What that was, I believe, was the box for the electric supplier to maintain, and turn off and on as appropriate. As Tabbygirl said, nice that he left the box unlocked for anyone to "explore" or stick an errant finger or screwdriver in. It's just beyond ridiculous that he opened it, and beyond obvious that he hadn't contacted the electric company as yet to have the power turned back on. Jeez oh man, I hope his next "mystery" isn't the gas line...

 

And Priscilla ? She's just so dim, and spacy, and... pliable ? Is that the word ? Something tells me that if David had decided that they were moving the the Amityville Horror House, the David Koresh compound in Waco, TX, or Charles Manson's Spahn Ranch she would have said "It's such a blessing to be able to move these PODS to such a neat and awesome place..."

 

Agreed 100% with one and all that the bizarre brickwork arches are jarring and out-of-place. It looks like the kind of architectural elements you'd find in Europe during the time of the Spanish Inquisiiton, and, of course, no one expects the Spanish Inquisition !!!

[Sew Sumi]

I know no one expects the Spanish Inquisition, but I'd love to sic John Cleese on Davey just for funsies. :D

[BitterApple]

IMO, it's hilarious how David and Priscilla genuinely believe the property's owner cared about the house going to a young family. Hate to break it to you Davey, but the guy would have sold it to Hitler if he was able to rise from the dead and pony up the cash. I can't tell if they're naive, stupid or a combo of both.

[Micks Picks]

It would be kind if it was taken out by a tornado.  No one is living in it yet, and it would clear the debris nicely.  Start fresh.

[Tabbygirl521]

Mr. B&J weighed in on the Big Sandy house:

It was a failed renovation by an ambitious novice. Hints include the partially removed tile floors (huge job), the raggedly cut sheetrock (bad job), loose wires, and the stripped-bare kitchen.

The hole in the bedroom floor was a platform for a heavy waterbed, probably added after the house was purchased. There would have been supports spanning the box and probably a plywood top. Why the bed was placed in the middle of the bedroom floor was/is a matter of taste. The boards were removed for some reason, leaving a tidy framed hole.

Works for me. We'll see what renovator David does.

Did your BIL speculate on the recessed ceiling above the w/hole? I suppose it was something gross like a mirror but it's a pretty deep recess.

[BradandJanet]

Did your BIL speculate on the recessed ceiling above the w/hole? I suppose it was something gross like a mirror but it's a pretty deep recess.

 

No speculation on the ceiling. He recognized the bed support structure because he had seen them before. I think it's odd the w/hole set up is in the middle of the room, but the bed could have been centered to be under the ceiling recess. I let go of my soaking tub theory because there's no evidence of plumbing. 

 

Of course, it could have been some kind of alter. The rest of the house is a little strange, so who knows. Maybe the TFDWs have bought something really, really interesting that will offer up unexplained noises in the night. 

[Fuzzysox]

A true blessing would be a developer knocking on their door offering them money to take that dump off their hands.

[RazzleberryPie]

Great idea. And interestingly enough Chip and Joanna are very "Christian" (not that there's anything wrong with that) but I think they are leaning towards fundy. Would be a great project for them.

Chip and Joanna are very open about being Christians. They're evangelical but not Fundie, and they're a great example, IMO of 'normal' Christians who are strong in their beliefs but not obnoxious or koolaid drinkers. The Duggars and friends could learn a few things from Chip and Joanna.

[lookeyloo]

Chip and Joanna are very open about being Christians. They're evangelical but not Fundie, and they're a great example, IMO of 'normal' Christians who are strong in their beliefs but not obnoxious or koolaid drinkers. The Duggars and friends could learn a few things from Chip and Joanna.

I love Chip and Joanna.  Watch them all the time.

[RazzleberryPie]

That video....*shudders*.....David Waller is just so creepy. I HATE how he's got a death grip on her and worse, how he's doing that weird, controlling thing where he's positioned himself to look down on her the whole time she's speaking, and his eyes are looking her up and down like he's just daring her to say the wrong thing. Jim Bob does that, Gill Bates does that, Jessa does that to Ben. It's just so controlling. BACK OFF or do the speaking yourself, Davey.

 

Priscilla - I feel guilty every time I say something about her, because he just has that terrifying, underlying cruel vibe, BUT...she is beyond brainwashed. She is not special needs. Being a preemie is unrelated. She is completely brainwashed and struggles to make a single thought for herself.  She's wired to be totally unnatural and make every response according to ATI/Gothard standards. The baby voice. The bug eyed squinting. All the phrases. 

 

She totally acts and speaks just like women in the Manson Family, Warren Jeffs' FLDS group, etc. There's still some hope for Anna, IMO, to be more 'normal' Evangelical and one day break free from some of the control. Priscilla is way past gone. Let's just be glad this isn't a violent group asking her to do criminal acts.

[goldensglitter]

The Big Sandy house......ugh, what a dump!  I cannot imagine they would have been able to obtain a mortgage on it in its' condition.  So would they have paid cash for this thing?  Anyone in the know on this?

[Tabbygirl521]

I am watching the Gaineses right now - marathon! I enjoy them and I love getting ideas for freshening up houses. I doubt they would touch the Wallers' new hovel. That thing appears to be beyond redemption. LIKE JoSH. I am hilarious.

[GeeGolly]

I am watching the Gaineses right now - marathon! I enjoy them and I love getting ideas for freshening up houses. I doubt they would touch the Wallers' new hovel. That thing appears to be beyond redemption. LIKE JoSH. I am hilarious.

Yes you are Tabbygirl, yes you are.

[Sew Sumi]

The UP Network has posted a Bates teaser. They are airing a sort of prelude to the new season episode on NYE during a marathon. I'll take my comments to their board, if I can find a place to post what they teased. 

[lookeyloo]

I am watching the Gaineses right now - marathon! I enjoy them and I love getting ideas for freshening up houses. I doubt they would touch the Wallers' new hovel. That thing appears to be beyond redemption. LIKE JoSH. I am hilarious.

We watched it too. Very enjoyable. And you are hilarious!!

[kellylovessnark]

David and Pris have a brief intro video on YouTube concerning the TX house. They called it a forecloser house. I wonder how autocorrect missed that one. Considering how long I have been watching these people, they continue to amaze me with their lack of education.

[Ilovemylabs]

I just saw a recap of the best moments from Bringing Up Bates.  BIG comparison between Alyssa and Erin Bates' deliveries and Jill and Jessa's.  Alyssa had her baby in a birthing center.  Erin walked into the hospital requesting an epidural (she never got one because of the rapidity of the birth...well, relatively speaking!).  The Bates girls took no chances.  And another thing.  The family is as fundamentalist as the Duggars (Carlin was given a purity ring by her parents in one clip), but they are so much more FUN!  I can imagine spending time with them. They laugh so much and tease each other constantly.  And apparently front hugs are allowed.  Brandon and Michaela hugged when they got engaged.  One of the things that always bugged me about Jim Bob was he said the engaged couple could set their own standards, but each of them followed the exact same routine.  No front hugs, no hand holding till engaged, and, in the case of Josh and Anna, hand sex was OK, I guess.  I guess the Bates are religious and the Duggars are self-righteous.  I think that's the word I'm looking for,

[Sew Sumi]

UP promised a special announcement during the clip show, but I never saw it. I only found out a cryptic clue on BUB's SM. Someone is knocked up. They're not saying who. Since Michael denied being pregnant just a couple of weeks ago, I doubt it's her. Plus, she's skinnier than I have ever seen her. Ditto Alyssa. Church With Lurch pics each week show her to be a skinny minnie. Erin is too high risk for an early announcement. That leaves Whitney, who basically got knocked up the first time on her honeymoon. And no body shots of late. She hid behind Zach in the last one I saw.

No courtship announcement yet, but earlier today, I saw a pic of Nate with his arm around Ashley. That's the worst kept secret ever.