By Anya
I wasn’t sure we had enough news (using the term loosely) to justify a Gosselin Chatter update. I was thinking of just doing an Open Discussion. Then I thought of how sweet MaryNGG is whenever we publish an update, so I went digging and found a few morsels of gossip to hopefully keep our followers happy. When does Kate’s show start??? What about that lawsuit??? The Gosselin creek is running dry. Maybe that’s not a bad thing? I’ll have to ponder that. For now, here are those morsels I promised you.
Lauren Glassman, Hailey’s mom and the woman responsible for introducing Jon and Hailey, opened a Twitter account recently and it didn’t take long to see that the previous offer for Jon to spend Thanksgiving with the Glassman family will not be extended in 2010. A sampling:
–Gaining weight back and reading book titled, From Panic To Power” helping me figure out WTF happened.
–Never thought it would happen to me. “intruder” moved in and had so much anxiety from his shananigans lost 20 pounds from stress and lies.
–k8major Looking forward to it. 2010 the year us women unite!
–If I wrote a book about what happened you would not believe it nor would you be able to put it down.
–Today i sang in the car for the first time in months. I am coming out of this “intruder” induced depression.
–For the first time in many months i went to lunch with a friend. It will be a long time before i allow anyone into my home with my family.
I haven’t met the lovely Mrs. Glassman, but she seems like a nice enough person. It appears she genuinely wanted to help Kate when she asked her husband to perform the free tummy tuck. There’s no way she could have predicted what would come.
It should be noted that not all her tweets are subtle digs at Jon. I just didn’t think you guys would be interested in her tennis playing. She may come off a bit dramatic, but the story she tells is echoed by quite a few women. I don’t claim to know the whole story, but it certainly appears Jon treated Hailey poorly. Hailey probably made mistakes too. In any case, as a mom, I totally understand Lauren Glassman rising to her daughter’s defense.
I Never Knew The Sundance Film Festival Went on So Long!
Apparently, Jon is still in Park City hanging with girlfriend of the month, Morgan, and hitting the slopes (and gifting suites.) On a positive note, he did participate in the Blanket America campaign along with other celebrities (strangely, his name is missing from the celebrity page even though a few castmates from “The Real World” are listed. Burn!) As is typical with Jon, there are conflicting stories about what went down.. Apparently, some of the celebrities were asked to film a PSA (a public service announcement video). Jon declined citing contract obligations with TLC. Not so fast says TLC, they countered that Jon is welcome to do this type of media — he just needs to notify the network of his plans.
Who thinks Jon and TLC just need to hug it out?
The Post that Started Out About the ‘I Hate Jon Gosselin Club’ and Switched Abruptly
If you are interested in reading about the first meeting of the ‘I Hate Jon Gosselin’ club, please be my guest and click on the link above. Apparently, Hailey Glassman, Kate Major and Michael Lohan (surprisingly out of jail very quickly after being arrested AGAIN), got together with a couple of the kids from that Jersey Shore show. In the interest of giving Michael Lohan no publicity, I am going to break into this post and share some more positive news:
Baby Josie Duggar is Doing Relatively Well
Born at just 25 weeks, Josie Duggar is holding her own. While the People article posted online doesn’t address this, other reports have indicated the Duggars are hoping Josie might be home in the next month or so. Let’s hope she continues to make steady progress and is home with her family soon without lasting complications.
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35 Responses to A Gosselin Update for MaryNGG!
‘I Hate Jon Gosselin’ club!!!
Seems like Hailey Glassman, Kate Major and Michael Lohan will do anything to get attention!! Grow up!!
I am also happy to hear the Duggar baby is doing well. Can’t say I agree with having 19 Children!! None of my business!! I like the family, and hope reality TV does not cause them problems. Hope they stay grounded!!
HaHa! Thank you Anya…my brain took a few seconds to catch up when I saw MaryNGG in red and then a post by Mary. The Twitter news about Hailey Glassman’s mom was interesting. Her tweets seem informative but not TMI. I’m not sure an alliance with Kate Major would be good for her though, so hopefully she was just being nice in that tweet and not suggesting they will truly “unite”.
You know, I think it will be okay if the Gosselin news continues to dwindle. When you think about it, they had a career with the t.v. show BEFORE they became household names. Many people talk about not having heard about them prior to the breakup, and they were still considered a success in t.v. land. I hope Kate’s new show is at least a modest success, which will allow her to keep their home and provide a comfortable life for the kids.
Yes, good news about the Duggar baby. Mary’s comments on that are close to my own thoughts.
Mine as well. I think God will continue to give Duggars babies as long as they have unprotected sex when she is ovulating. He’s funny that way. I hope this will be a wake up call for them as the pregnancies will continue to be harder and the babies and mother at more risk. Is it worth it for another child when you have 19 already? Poor little mite. And poor Michelle.
An I Hate Jon fanclub sounds like one of these hate sites – people with nothing better to do and nothing positive in their own lives so they have to get attention but trashing someone else – especially a relative non entity like Jon G. I am sure he has enough problems without that although I must say Mrs Glassman’s comments are intruiging – I am sure she has enough friends without adding Kate Majors.
Thanks for the update on Josie Duggar. I sure hope the little one makes it. It’s not my place to say but I think Michelle and Jim Bob should think hard about having any more. Michelle’s body has to be worn out by this stage and age. I don’t think they will stop though because they made that promise to God to keep having kids as long as He gives them kids. I would hate to see the children left without a mom. They truly are a loving family and I admire them so much.
You can lose twenty pounds just by having Jon stay at your house? I think we’ve found him a new show, “Be a Loser With Jon the Intruder”. Darn, I don’t have room for him in my house.
If you’re interested in the Duggars, be sure to watch the special tonight about Josie’s birth. Yes, they filmed everything, even though Michelle and/or the baby could have died. The previews are heart-wrenching. And they still haven’t ruled out baby number twenty.
Kiki I am laughing so hard I can barely comment!!!!
Be a Loser With Jon the Intruder! LOL
Let me know how the show with the Duggars is..I won’t be watching it. Too close to my own experience…..glad the baby is ok though….
well i’m wondering if mrs glassman has bad feelings toward kate. i don’t think she should but i’m wondering if they remained friends until jon started dating their daughter.
Kiki, OMG. Your comment! Too funny.
I have an 18-year-old daughter still at home, otherwise, I would gladly try the “Jon Diet.”
Craftymom: Thanks for letting me know the Duggars show was on last night. I did watch the show, and it was very moving!! The only thing Jim Bob said was that Michelle was having the baby and it was fixing to change their life forever. The baby seems to be doing alright so far!! and so does Michelle. The look on the Children’s faces when Jim Bob allowed them all to come in and see their new baby sister. With all those Children you could hear a pin drop in the room. The Children’s facial expressions was one of shock!! Their tears of sadness of seeing their baby sister so tiny, and struggling to live. As much as Jim Bob loves Children!! I believe his first love is Michelle and her health. I love the Family’s faith in God, and the love and respect they have for each other.
Craftymom, I am sorry to hear you had a experience similar!
MaryNGG I have been wanting to tell you I am sorry you had to change your signature because of me!! I just started posting without looking at other names. Sometimes the sites will say Sorry!! That name has been taken. But they let me right in!!
I watched the show and cried for the Duggars at the end. That family has something very special. They have a love for each other that is so touching. They all cheered, even the little boys when it was announced that the baby was a girl. They did the ultra sound when Michelle first went into the hospital. When Jim Bob told the younger kids that the baby was born the were so happy and excited. At the end when they went into the NICU to see the baby you could have heard a pin drop they were all so quiet and respectful of the baby. Many of the girls had quiet tears as they watched their baby sister struggling for life. Many don’t agree with them having as many children as they have but this family is an example of familial love and respect that I have never seen before. I’m not saying that it’s not out there, but I have never seen it. They put the function back in disFUNCTION. This is one christian family that walks the walk and talks the talk.
While Michelle was in the hospital the older kids went on their Missionary trip to El Salvador. They pitched right in cleaning for the people whose homes were devastated by recent hurricanes. One of the older girls, Jill, was asked to take charge of the others with the logistics and all of getting ready and to the airport on time. She stated that she rather follow and not lead but was willing to step up when needed. I’m like that. Don’t like to be in charge. I have learned alot from that little girl.
I hope Michelle and Jim Bob will give her body a break and concentrate on little Josie, but it’s not my decision. They have done such a wonderful job with their children that I would love to see them have a couple years break before having any more.
Yes, Kiki, that was a hilarious show title and idea. You seem to have a knack for show ideas!
Mary, no sorry needed for my name adjustment…I don’t post that often, and with a name like Mary, you’d think there could be dozens of us. Your posts stand out as heartfelt and you’ve shared some interesting thoughts in several different areas, so I’m sure I’m not the only one who’s glad you started posting.
I hear ya with the common name thing….mine’s Jen. That’s why I go by craftymomof3 more distinct!
Thanks for letting me know how the show was. I like the family, I don’t always agree with there stance on things but I do truly believe they love each other and that’s all that matters. Maybe some day I can watch it when the sound of the NICU alarms don’t give me such a tick! When they show Jen Arnold from Little Couple at her job I still fast forward that part!
KiKi! So funny- I might try it!
I seriously laughed out loud Kiki. Although I wouldn’t watch a show w/Jon, I’d like to see before & after pics once the “intruder” left- ha!
When I saw the pic of Hailey & Kate M. together, I said “oh my word!” Publicity, publicity.
As for the Duggars’. Bless little Josie’s heart. I know many prayers are being said for her & her family. As others have said, it’s not my business whether they have more children or not, but I would think a physician has probably said to them at one point that continuing to get pregnant will put a true strain on Michelle’s body & the baby. I realize religion is at the center of this family’s values but I think there comes a time when common sense for one’s health needs to be considered.
God speed to all.
Glad I could provide some laughs! If we hear about a “Jon the Intruder” show in the future, we’ll know “they” read here.
Those youngest Duggars behave worse than the Gosselin kids ever did. Sure they stand quietly when they’re on the Today show, but at home they’re a bunch of hellions. They hit each other, climb all over the cabinets and tables and over the babies on the floor, and hang from the bannister at the top of the stairs. Those little girls are still darn cute, though. Little Hannie, (the bannister hanger) was determined that the baby was going to be a girl and a boy, even after being told it was going to be a girl.
Since Jim Bob and Michelle decided not to use birth control after blaming a miscarriage on it, I wonder if the situation with Josie will change their thinking on anything? I hope they at least wait longer to try for another one. (After all, there are natural methods.) Michelle needs a rest and that tiny baby will need her mommy for a long while.
Kiki, best line ever. Maybe Jon can be rented out as an appetite suppressant? I’d rather not have him actually living in my house but I could maybe take him along to restaurants, etc.
I DVRed the Duggar show and will probably watch it tonight. I’ve said before, watching the show has cured me of a lot of my pre-judgments about the family. I may still have issues with some of their choices and beliefs, but they are lovely people and I can’t be too hard on them.
Kiki: You are correct!! (Those youngest Duggars behave worse than the Gosselin kids ever did.) ha ha
I think the Children were out of control until Brother Josh got home. Then I think Josh must have had a little chat with them. Josh said as much. Poor Anna was going out of her mind, and Grandma disappeared. I think Grandma must have locked herself in her room? The younger Duggars were experiencing total freedom!! and a little show off time. Little Hannie, (the bannister hanger) ha ha has always been the climber of the bunch. Michelle has mentioned before how she like to climb.
I’ll bet Michelle Doctor has advised Michelle and Jim Bob the danger of her having more babies.
It will be interesting to see what happens next for the Gosselins.
As for the Duggars, I have to disagree and say that I don’t find the family particularly admirable. Obviously, I hope for the best with Josie as I do all premmies but there are fundamental issues that I have with the Duggars.
The kids are not raised to function outside the cult-like family environment. Four of the kids now over 18 and none have gone on for higher education. Either that is a reflection of the home schooling education they are getting or the lack of fostering any ambition in the kids that requires more than a basic high school education.
It bothers me that the older girls are essentially raising the younger children. I have read that the 16 year old Jinger is in charge of all home schooling and there have been many comments on the show about how difficult it is for Jim-Bob and Michelle when the older girls are away. i wonder if they will ever be allowed to move on with their lives, schooling or marriage, if the Duggars are so dependent on their help raising the children THEY choose to keep having.
I have seen the rambunctous behavior of the younger kids and it seems to contrast with the behavior of the older ones when they were similar ages during the first specials. Either the older kids were never as well behaved as was shown or the younger kids get much less parenting from adults than the older kids ever did.
And for those who believe the Gosselin kids were exploited; the same thing is happening to the Duggars. Michelle even said in one episode that one of the little boys asked why there were cameras always around. This is just overlooked for the Duggars because there aren’t as many people who hate Michelle as those whose hate Kate.
Exactly, Paige. Most parents want their children to do as well, or better, than they themselves did. The Duggar kids have little chance to live as well as their parents are. The show has provided them with comforts and opportunities that they wouldn’t have had otherwise. Are those girls going to be happy being married to a similarly uneducated boy from one of those other big families?
I can’t understand why they don’t encourage some kind of further education, or learning a trade, etc. No one ever asks if the kids have college funds, because I guess they assume it won’t be happening. They’ve talked about the things the kids might do, but they aren’t working toward anything. Can Jim Bob support all those girls if they don’t get married?
They do seem like nice people, and good neighbors and friends. I just wish with all the “encouraging” they like to do, that they’d encourage their kids to do more.
Just looking at Jon’s growing belly swelling out those horrible Ed Hardy’s is an appetite suppressant. Maybe they could sell photos on a fridge magnet, for us dieters? Stick one of those on the fridge door …whew.
As for Michelle and Josie, I hope they get healed up and well and that Michelle comes to her senses. She needs to have all the kids God sends? Would she continue to have them if the older girls went off to college and left HER to tote them around and feed and care for everybody? If the babies were blind, had CP etc because she has gotten too old to have healthy pregnancies? Baby Jennifer looked like a tiny baby, I would never think to have another when the current baby is still so young. At any rate 19 kids and a healthy mom is better than 20 kids and a dead mother.
On the gossip side I had read that Jon was going to have to go in front of the cops in NY about the apt ransacking. I wonder if he will dare to blame Hailey for that – even if she did do it. That’s pretty awful but what do you expect when you date a kid that age. Emotional knee jerk reactions. And this was the woman he loved more than he’d ever loved kate – for whom he was going to change his religion?
As for the Duggars, I have to disagree and say that I don’t find the family particularly admirable. Obviously, I hope for the best with Josie as I do all premmies but there are fundamental issues that I have with the Duggars.
There are things about them that I find admirable – how kind and gentle they seem as a family; how much Jim Bob really seems to love his kids. I don’t find them admirable across the board, certainly.
The kids are not raised to function outside the cult-like family environment. Four of the kids now over 18 and none have gone on for higher education. Either that is a reflection of the home schooling education they are getting or the lack of fostering any ambition in the kids that requires more than a basic high school education.
It bothers me that the older girls are essentially raising the younger children. I have read that the 16 year old Jinger is in charge of all home schooling and there have been many comments on the show about how difficult it is for Jim-Bob and Michelle when the older girls are away. i wonder if they will ever be allowed to move on with their lives, schooling or marriage, if the Duggars are so dependent on their help raising the children THEY choose to keep having.
These are all valid points and I don’t disagree. I guess blogging about the Gosselins has really made me think about parenting and choices in general, though, and I’d like to think I’ve become less judgmental about some of the choices that other people make. I don’t agree with the way that the Duggars have raised their kids, but parents find a variety of ways to screw up their kids. I’m not ready to believe that the children will all have low standards of living because they haven’t been encouraged to further their educations – they’ve been taught thrift and imbued, it appears, with self-confidence, and I think those qualities will stand them in good stead. I do think/hope some of the kids will decide to go to college. From what I’ve seen, while there are “cult-like” aspects to the Duggars and their friends in the Quiverful movement, the parents seem to accept that their children may make different choices when they are on their own. At least I’ve heard them say words to that effect. I can’t imagine them shunning one of them, at any rate.
I have seen the rambunctous behavior of the younger kids and it seems to contrast with the behavior of the older ones when they were similar ages during the first specials. Either the older kids were never as well behaved as was shown or the younger kids get much less parenting from adults than the older kids ever did.
I’ve only seen bits of the specials here and there. One thing that occurs to me – there was sort of a cluster of girls (who are now mostly teens) and then a cluster of boys (who seem to be between 4-10 now). Boys are usually more rambunctious than girls. I myself find three or more 7-year-old boys in close proximity to each other terrifying. Their energy is amazing.
And for those who believe the Gosselin kids were exploited; the same thing is happening to the Duggars. Michelle even said in one episode that one of the little boys asked why there were cameras always around. This is just overlooked for the Duggars because there aren’t as many people who hate Michelle as those whose hate Kate.
Oh, I agree with this. No matter what the professed beliefs of the haters are, there are a number of women who can’t stand Kate because she’s brash and sarcastic and “unmotherly” and who love Michelle because she’s sweet and self-effacing and super-motherly (at least when it comes to actually giving birth; I don’t doubt she loves her kids but I do wonder how much attention she can give to the older ones when she always has a newborn to deal with).
OMG!!! The kids are not raised to function outside the cult-like family environment!!!
Your definition of a cult is not my definition!! Are you really saying because the family is home schooled, and choose to wear long hair, and long dresses, and believes strongly in God they are a cult?
I have a girlfriend that has a lot of the same beliefs as the Duggars. She home schooled her Children, and their Children have home schooled their Children. I believed she was wrong at the time. How would her Children ever fit into society!! Well guess what? Her Children turned out great!! They are ambitious caring people who fit better into society then a lot of Children. They were never bullied in school, or made to feel not quite good enough because of the clothes they wore. Her Children didn’t need to compete for being the most popular, best dress, or who is rich or poor. They all function very well outside of the family environment. The Duggar family is far more ambitious then some family that I know of today. You don’t see them setting around watching TV to lazy to get up and empty the trash, or clean their rooms. They get up and help, and have gotten envolved with the community to help out others. They are respectful to their parents, and to eachother. Just because the older girls help out with the smaller ones doesn’t mean Michelle, or Jim are passing the responsibility off. Both Michelle, and Jim Bob are very much involved in their Children lives.
The last show that I saw of the Duggars they are going to rent a house close to the baby. So they could all be togeather as a family.
I have a lot of respect for this family!! They live by their convictions!! I may not believe as they do, but lets face it!! Their Children are not involved with sex, drugs, and they don’t have to worry about some screwed up kid walking into the class room with a gun shooting up the school.
Your definition of a cult is not my definition!! Are you really saying because the family is home schooled, and choose to wear long hair, and long dresses, and believes strongly in God they are a cult?
Nope I don’t consider them as cult-like because of their schooling, hair, or clothing choices nor because of their belief in God. I define them as cult-like because of what is fundamental to cults is of the control exerted on the family members AND the isolation from the mainstream. I don’t see the children being allowed to express their individuality at all. I don’t see them encouraged to make use of their individual talents. The older girls are care takers. The boys are being groomed to run the family businesses. They are interchangeable and pretty undistinguishable. Can you tell me one thing that distinguishes any of the Duggar kids from each other (besides the oldest)?
With Gosselins, we know so much about each of the kids as individuals. There aren’t part of a mass of kids lumped together as the older girls, the older boys, the middle boys, the little girls. We know each child’s interests, skills, passions… the Gosselins have been allowed to express their invividuality.
Paige, I couldn’t agree with you more re cults… While the Duggars have many positive traits, what bothers me about them, in addition to the fact that the children are so isolated and unmotivated to continue their education, is that they are worshipping at the Church of Jim Bob, who seems to have tailored their religion to meet their/his needs… I’m sure there are many who will find what I say offensive, but I find religious fanaticism unappealing, no matter what the sect may be. My dad has been gone for many, many years, but I still remember him saying, “You can never trust the man who prays the loudest.” JMO, of course.
Its interesting to see how people view things differently. I know several of the girls want to go into nursing. Two of them want to be missionary’s. The boys want to be construction, fireman, to police man. I maybe wrong but I think I heard one wants to be an attorney? You are correct all the fields seem to fall within servicing. I see nothing wrong with any of their goals, as long as it is something each of them have a desire to do.
I do believe that Jim Bob is trying to teach the boys to be the main bread winners of the family. I don’t see that as being a bad thing.
There are many women today who would rather stay at home and raise their Children, financially not able to do so.
I don’t understand your definition of main stream? Seems like they are very much in the stream of things. Just in a different way.
I don’t see the Duggars as trying to push their beliefs on to anyone else. I have heard Michelle tell the Children to except people as they are. Respect each other !!
“they are worshipping at the Church of Jim Bob, who seems to have tailored their religion to meet their/his needs…”
I noticed you just threw the statement out there with no basis in fact, but that is because what you say is untrue. Jim Bob is a fine example of Christian leadership. He believes the Bible and that is what their practice is based on. He raises his children in the way of the Lord and does so with humility and love. He teaches his children to love people and not judge them, and he has done a wonderful job because you don’t see them looking down on people. They were able to interact with the people on the streets of New York who stopped to talk to them and did so with laughter and grace. The difference between the Duggars beliefs and religion is that religion is man made. They follow the Bible which they believe to be the word of God.
As for the statement about the kids not being able to function outside their family. That too is untrue. They are very much involved with their community, the last show was a prime example. They took Christmas cookies and treats to the Police, Sheriff and Firemen to show respect and their appreciation, and have done that for a few years. They participated in a marathon with Michelle at the finish line encouraging complete strangers to finish. And the kids are more ready to function outside of the home than most college students and newly married couples. They know how to manage money without debt, 2 of the girls are expert at laying tile, the boys can work on cars and they all (except the little ones) helped build the home they are living in and the addition being built on their friends house. The girls can organize a large home which includes laundry, shopping, meal planning and preparation and do so in a harmonious and co-operative fashion. They made their bridesmaid dresses from a picture in a magazine. They help the younger ones with their school work, and do so out of willingness not because someone made them do it. They are a united family who love and respect one another. When they went to see baby Josie in the nursery you could have heard a pin drop, and that was with the smallest Duggars present. They were so quiet and respectful. Every year they go on a mission trip where they help people. This year they cleaned the homes of people whose homes were damaged by the hurricanes. They have a true spirit of service for other people, who are outside their home.
I think that of all the reality shows out there, the Duggars are one of a very few that brings sanity and peace to the screen. And that of course is jmho.
I know several of the girls want to go into nursing. Two of them want to be missionary’s. The boys want to be construction, fireman, to police man. I maybe wrong but I think I heard one wants to be an attorney?
Actually that is kind of what I am getting at? Which girls? Which boys? As someone who watches the show regularly, can you identify any of them as individuals? Can you tell me what Jana’s plans are – what she likes – what she doesn’t – if she is interested in any young men, etc? What about Jinger or Joy-Anna or Jeremiah or Joseph? I do remember Josh saying at one point on one of the early specials (I expect he was about 14 or 15 at the time) saying he wanted to be a doctor. Instead he is a used car salesman. That is not horrible but it also strikes me that he was not encouraged to be a doctor.
I do believe that Jim Bob is trying to teach the boys to be the main bread winners of the family.
You can get a higher education (become a doctor or a lawyer) and be the main bread winner of the family. Getting educated and ultimately be able to support a family are not mutually exclusive.
I don’t understand your definition of main stream?
Where I live, the main stream is that people value education highly. They save to help send their kids to college, encourage their kids to aspire to careers that require education, etc. One of the things I do like about the Gosselins is that they have talked about their kids going to college from day one. They discuss potential career possibilities that require higher education (teacher, vet, engineer) and Kate mentions putting money aside for their educations. Even before their marriage started falling apart, there was an episode where Kate and Jon were getting their wills done and there was a discussion about the kids not inheriting money until they finished college.
I could be wrong. Maybe none of the oldest 4 have any ambitions that require education but the fact that 4 oldest children are not attending college and the Duggars never talk about wanting their kids to get a higher education suggests to me that they do not value education. They do not want their kids to think for themselves; they want and expect their children to live as they do.
Actually that is kind of what I am getting at? Which girls? Which boys? As someone who watches the show regularly, can you identify any of them as individuals? Can you tell me what Jana’s plans are – what she likes – what she doesn’t – if she is interested in any young men, etc? What about Jinger or Joy-
Anna or Jeremiah or Joseph? I do remember Josh saying at one point on one of the early specials (I expect he was about 14 or 15 at the time) saying he wanted to be a doctor. Instead he is a used car salesman. That is not horrible but it also strikes me that he was not encouraged to be a doctor.
I don’t see these as fair statements- I definitely see them as individuals bc of their personalities but as far as their hopes/dreams/goals- I don’t know what they are. But that’s bc there are 19 of them! Not because they don’t have any. That’s a strange assumption- what human doesn’t? Also, Josh isn’t just a used car salesmen- he’s running the family business. How could any of us know that he wasn’t encouraged to be a doctor? 14 year olds often change their minds, I did- about 20 times. I think this is a family that gets more flack than they deserve. (And I’m not speaking to you Paige, but to what I’ve read so many times before all over the web) If they were of any other religion they wouldn’t receive so much criticism. Christianity is the last religion (except maybe Scientology) that its okay to harp on. Who cares if the girls don’t wear pants? I don’t. I don’t get the skirt thing, but that doesn’t make it wrong. I understand modesty, but I don’t think a skirt necessarily = modest. Especially when riding a horse or swimming LOL. But why is it we don’t bitch about other skirt/dress wearing “religions” ? When was the last time you heard someone griping about the Amish? They all dress in black dresses and have to pin their hair up for crying out loud. Talk about lack of individuality. I’ve seen the dress issue brought up so many times. Am I the only one that doesn’t care?
Samantha I have to totally agree with you on your last post. While I don’t agree with some of the Duggars views, there are many people in my daily life that have opinions/beliefs/behaviors that I don’t agree with either… does that make them wrong? I don’t think so. I don’t have to agree 100% with the Duggars beliefs to admire their spirit of togetherness, family unity, and service to others.
As for individuality — how often have each of us said that we only get to see a small portion of the Gosselins’ life? Well, the same is true for the Duggars. If they spent time interviewing each child at length then we wouldn’t get to see anything else! Just because we don’t see Michelle and Jim Bob talking to their kids about the future or education doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. The same goes for them interacting with “outsiders.” I watched the show last night where they had a Christmas party at their home and to me it looked like there were a whole lot of people there… that wouldn’t have been the case if they weren’t allowed to interact with others outside their family.
As for the number of kids they have, large families aren’t as controversial to me as to some other people. I’ve met several other families who have decided not to use birth control at all and only ended up with 5 or 6 kids (which I think is still a lot, but not compared to the Duggars!). And don’t forget, for a long time in history there was no birth control and having large families with lots of kids was normal. I don’t believe that the number of kids Michelle has had impacted the issues that ended with Josie’s premature birth. Preeclampsia is something any woman could experience no matter the number of children she’s carried. I hope and pray that Josie continues to do well and is able to come home to be with the rest of her family soon.
Paige: Does it really make a difference what the older Children goals are? Or is it your agenda to make their aspiration look bad?
Joy-Anna Duggar
Future Goal: Nurse
Josiah Duggar
Future Goal: Missionary
Joseph Duggar
Future Goal: Carpenter
Jinger Duggar
Future Goal: Chef
Jessa Duggar
Future Goal: Beautician Also loves to sew
Jill Duggar
Future Goal: Missionary
John-David Duggar
Favorite Pastime: Playing broomball
Future Goal: Contractor
Jana Duggar
Future Goal: Midwife
Joshua Duggar
Favorite Pastime: Video production
Future Goal: Attorney
Some of their goals may have changed by now, but does it really make a difference? I believe Michelle and Jim Bob want the best for their Children.
You do not need to have a collage education to become a success!! Its determination and the desire to focus on your dreams.
We will never agree on the Duggars and that is fine. I never said the Duggars don’t want the best for their children … I just don’t believe they think that higher education is best for their children. And I find that said because if all ot those ambitions are accurate, many require college degrees and some much more than that.
Josh is not going to be an attorney. It takes 4 years of college and 3 years of law school. He is 21, married with a baby. Maybe it was totally by choice he abandoned that ambition and maybe it was because he was not encouraged to go on to school.
Becoming a midwife requires additional eduction as well. Are they sending Jana to school so she can realize that ambition? Michele Duggar relies on doctors to have all her babies – if Jana is interested in helping bring babies into the world, I have to wonder if she has gotten encouragement to become a doctor. She is 20 though and there is no indication that she is in college so I am skeptical that is the case.
Joy-Anna will need an education to become a nurse. I sincerely hope she believes she truly still has that as option when she gets older.
I don’t think I’ve ever missed an entire thread. I agree w/Paige in that I think the Duggar’s lifestyle ill prepares them to deal w/mainstream society. I think that’s an important aspect to teach their children. My religious and protected childhood left me many blanks in this area. However, it’s their life to live. I have never been able to get completely into them. I expected to really like the other new show that TLC started awhile back Table For 12, but I never got completely interested in it either. J&K was the one to hold my full attention. Oh, there’s another new reality show about a family w/kids on BET. Crews Control starts sometime this month. The guy is Terry Crews from Everybody Hates Chris. He’s married w/5 kids. I really like him, former football player and very cute, good actor in what I’ve seen in him in. I’m going to be checking it out.
I wanted to see the show on the Duggars w/baby Josie but blanked and missed it. I will have to catch it in a rerun. I’ve been trying to keep an eye out for when she finally gets to come home.
Hi Lily: I agree that table for 12 just didn’t get it with me either. I like them, but I think the filming for the Mother was to much.
( I agree w/Paige in that I think the Duggar’s lifestyle ill prepares them to deal w/mainstream society. I think that’s an important aspect to teach their children) We do disagree on the Duggars. I think the Children will be more than prepared for life. As for fitting in with the Mainstream of Society!! I don’t think they want to be part of the mainstream of society. That is what the show is about!!
OK I need to remember to watch crews control!! Thanks!!
Mary, that’s good to hear. I was thinking about my statement later since I have only watched the show a couple of times, I was thinking I should have kept my mouth shut since I really didn’t know. It’s not the greatest hurdle to overcome, it’s hard for all parents to find a line between protecting/teaching their children and preparing them for life. My mind always goes to how scary the public world was vs. the small private church school in which I had spent most of my life. I got over it.
Lily I love debates!! As long as none of us gets mean about it, its fun!!
You went to a small private church school, I went to a small country school of twelve students. 1st through 12th grade. Talk about sheltered!!
Yes it is hard for parents of today to find a way to protect and teach. I would hate to be a parent today and send my children off to school. Yesterday four students were arrested for bring guns to our local high school. How scary can that be for a parent? I just shudder at the thought !!