Monday, February 26, 2018

'In Love In Switzerland' and 'The Vuolos Buy a House' Recap

Counting On "In Love In Switzerland"
  • Joy and Austin Forsyth are officially husband and wife, and they are headed to the Swiss Alps for their honeymoon. “It is going to be a lot different not having my family there and not having a little sibling to watch,” says Joy. “I love being married and just all that comes with it, and when I want to kiss him, I can kiss him.”
  • The Forsyths finally arrive in Geneva, Switzerland, and kick off their trip with a meal at a fondue restaurant. When the waiter pours the water and Joy tries it, she is afraid she got something other than water, but Austin assures her that it’s just sparkling water.
  • Entertainers at the restaurant convince Joy to demonstrate her yodeling skills. She ends up being pretty good. Her close friend, Carlin Bates, can yodel well and has given her some tips.
  • Next, the Forsyths head to Interlaken, Switzerland, where they learn how to make Swiss chocolate at Funky Chocolate Club. They meet an older couple that encourages them to have lots of kids. They have five, but they are blown away when they find out that Joy is one of 19.
  • “Austin and I want however many kids God gives us because he knows how many kids we can handle,” says Joy. “I think having 19 kids is a rare thing. I don’t think every woman can do that, so we’ll see. If that’s what God gives us, then we’ll take them.”
  • The next day, the Forsyths go hang gliding with Bumble Bee Hang Gliding. “I’m a pilot, but I think hang gliding is going to be a little bit different,” says Austin. Joy admits that she’s nervous. One instructor takes Austin, while another takes Joy. They run down a hill, and then the wind catches them, and they take flight.
  • “I thought the flight was amazing,” says Joy. “You can really see everything. It was absolutely gorgeous.”
  • Later, they catch a train to Zermatt to go skiing on the Theodul Glacier. The next morning, they put on their ski pants and coats and head up the gondola. “Not having any instruction was kind of hard,” admits Joy. “I think we should have set up some kind of thing.”
  • The minute they finish skiing, Joy removes her ski boots and socks. “You can take the girl out of Arkansas, but you can’t take the Arkansas out of the girl,” says Austin, laughing.
Counting On "The Vuolos Buy a House"
  • When Joy and Austin return home, they move into an RV placed in the yard of their fixer upper house. Joy loves the RV, while Austin is eager to move into the house. “The mice even love it, and the ants,” says Joy. “I mean, what can I say?” They hope to be out of the RV within four months.
  • Joseph and Kendra, who are newly engaged, have their photos taken by a close friend. (They were unable to find a time for Jinger to come to town.) Lauren, Kendra’s sister, chaperones.
  • Down in Laredo, Jinger and Jeremy compete in a tennis match. Jinger wears a mid-thigh tennis skirt and a modest tank top. Jeremy has played a few times, but Jinger has only played once or twice.
  • “I’ve never done organized sports, and so Jeremy was giving me pointers,” says Jinger, who picks the sport up quickly. “Jeremy is super competitive. Any game that we go into, he does it with all of his might.”
  • “Jinger is very competitive,” says Jeremy. “Jinger doesn’t like to lose, and I love that about her.”
  • Later, Jinger and Jeremy stop by the four-bedroom, two-bathroom house they just purchased. They have hired a Spanish-speaking painter, so communicating is a bit of a challenge.
  • Jeremy is excited to finally have an office for his books. If you remember back when the siblings were helping redecorate the Vuolos' apartment, Jessa put some of Jeremy’s books in the closet. She says that ever since that episode aired, she has been scolded by a lot of people.
  • Jana, John-David, the Seewalds, Jedidiah, and Jeremiah arrive in Laredo, along with friends Jennifer and Laura. “It is beyond a doubt a perk to marry a girl with 18 siblings who love us and want to help us,” says Jeremy.
  • Everyone heads over to the house. Jana and Jessa vote for painting the kitchen cabinets, which are a dark wood color, while the guys suggest leaving them. “I give you permission to change the handles, but don’t paint the cabinets,” says Jedidiah. The ladies are able to convince Jeremy that painting the cabinets white is a good idea.
  • The next day, the Duggars, with help from movers, move the Vuolos into their house. After the painters finish painting the cabinets, Jana heads up the installation of a white tile backsplash. “It was kind of a tight squeeze to do this last minute,” says Jana.
  • On the third and final day, the siblings put all the finishing touches on the kitchen, master bedroom, living room, and dining room, leaving the guest bedrooms and office for Jinger and Jeremy to work on themselves. Everything looks amazing, especially the kitchen, which has undergone a major transformation.
  • “Our interior decorators actually know what we want before we know what we want,” says Jeremy. “They’re that good.”
  • Back in Arkansas, Joseph goes disc golfing with Kendra’s family (parents Paul and Christina, as well as six siblings—Lauren, Micah, Nathan, Timmy, Gracie, and Jesiah) on a course built on the land where the Duggars used to live and where Joe and Kendra started their courtship.
  • Joe, Kendra, Michelle, Lauren, Christina (Kendra’s mom), Cindy (Michelle’s childhood friend who has designed multiple Duggar weddings), and Laura (the Duggars’ friend who will help coordinate) meet at the church to discuss wedding plans.
  • Joy, Austin, and some of Joy’s siblings spend time helping out at Fort Rock Family Camp, owned and operated by Austin’s family. “Austin and I want to be a part of Fort Rock as much as we can,” says Joy.

130 comments:

  1. Very fun episode!
    Thank you for sharing your lives with us!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Pretty sure they got something other than water in that fondue. Most are made with wine, and some have a splash of brandy, too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The alcohol is evaporated or neutralized in heated or cooked foods....no special or intoxicating effects.

      Delete
    2. I have a feeling the film crew knew this and went right along with the idea to have fondue, or were the ones to suggest it. You know how they love to put Duggars on the spot like that.

      Delete
    3. I am pretty sure they didn’t. If she thought the water tasted weird, she would have noticed if the cheese had something extra in it. Not all fondue has alcohol in it. My husband and I don’t drink, and we have eaten fondue at a restaurant and no alcohol was in it.

      Delete
    4. Joy thought there was something added to the water and was concerned. If the fondue had something else in it, she would have noticed and spoken up. Also they were given an English menu, so they would know if alcohol was going to be added to the fondue. My husband and I have eaten at fondue restaurants and have never chosen fondue with alcohol in it. It is a choice since as you mentioned most has alcohol but not all of it.

      Delete
    5. Any residual effects of alcohol would be evaporated by the cooking process. I use red wine in my speghetti sauce. Nobody has had any unwanted side effects.

      Delete
    6. It is actually impossible to totally remove all the alcohol when cooking with it, some is always left behind though not enough to cause intoxication.

      Delete
    7. My Baptist non-drinking friends cannot have food prepared with wine or alcohol, either.

      Delete
    8. I've had fondue MANY times and it was made without alcohol. I drink alcohol so I could care less but a bit silly of you to presume. I also agree with Anon 11:58 that alcohol used in cooking is not liking getting drunk. Sigh. No need for religious zealotry.

      Delete
    9. Cooking with wine neutralized the alcohol effect. Joy was commenting on the water which as she said had “ gas”in it. I can’t drink water in Europe either unless from the tap. Fondue is made with or without alcohol. It isn’t an everyday food so I can see why they didn’t know what it was . Don’t forget how young they are & may not have had so many foodie experiences!!

      Delete
    10. Fondue is not cooked long enough or at high enough heat to evaporate all the alcohol.

      Delete
    11. Evaporation of alcohol does happen, but a good portion of it still remains inside the fondue. It usually tests between 1% to 4% alcohol which is why they tell newly sober people to avoid it. But alcohol in food isn t new to them up as they bake and most baking flavors are alcohol based (ie. Vanilla, almond extract, etc.)

      Delete
    12. Fondue is not baked at 350 for an hour to drive off the alcohol.

      Delete
    13. 11:49.. But it is cooked. You do not need to bake something at 350 to evaporate alcohol.

      Delete
  3. I really enjoyed the episode! It was nice to see Austin and Joy on their honeymoon.

    Jana did a great job installing the backsplash in Jinger’s new house. The kitchen looked so much better! It was so sweet of the siblings to help their sister and brother in law move and get set up in their new house.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Joy sure goes at Austin. She seems to do the initiating.

      Delete
  4. Time 1:00AM Tues 2/27/18.
    Far the best recap ever.

    ReplyDelete
  5. I love this episode this was one of my favorites. Jana is amazing I can't believe she did all this work with the backsplash. And the mirror. I love this family 😄

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jana is Amazing!!! One thing though, why is it Jana knows how to cook, sew, raise children, play instruments, gardens, operates power tools, and can do home construction but the others just do one or the other? She should teach all her siblings all the things she knows. She seems the most independent and could definitely manage on her own.

      Delete
    2. The rest of the girls are just concentrating on getting a man

      Delete
    3. I think she's bucking for a spot on that HGTV show with Chip and Whatshername. The ones whose restaurant she and Laura visited last year. Or maybe she has her own home improvement show in development with them.

      Delete
    4. They all have been exposed to the same things. Some people have an interest in certain things and people have an interest in other things. I think they all have their talents. Right now the ones with small children have their hands full.

      Delete
    5. Jana amazes me each episode. I love that Jana is so well-rounded and think that she does try to help those around her learn skills. She was instructing Jason on how to properly install the kitchen backsplash. I think Jana contributes so much to the family and is a great mentor to her siblings, but that it was really Jim Bob and Michelle's job to teach and ensure everyone has the skills they need to be successful adults.

      Delete
  6. That was the best show ever! Great job TLC!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Best Dugger show ever. Thanks TLC.

      Delete
    2. I really agree too!!!! That was a GREAT episode...YES, great job TLC.
      Donna

      Delete
    3. I agree,love the episode and it was very entertaining. So entertaining I didn't notice who was missing. Thanks TLC...Jane

      Delete
    4. I also enjoyed this episode! It was so well-balanced, showed various locations, people, and activities, and was not redundant. The kitchen re-model at Laredo turned out beautifully!

      Delete
  7. We don't have tv in our home. It turned out that I was staying in a hotel 3 1/2 hours from our home because I had an MRI at 4am on the 27th! I turned on Tlc and was beyond thrilled to discover counting on would be on in 30 min! I was ecstatic to learn that it was not just 1 hr long but 2hrs! I ended up staying awake a lot later than I originally had planned... but I never get to watch counting on... So stayed up til 11pm when it was done! Definitely a treat! Typically I get my updates from the shows from this site! Very happy to have this site to keep me updated... but seeing the show is much better😀

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hope and pray your MRI gave a good result, Julie. :)

      Delete
  8. Why did you feel the need to point out what Jinger was wearing at the tennis game??? Why not Jeremy, as well???

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. What was she wearing??

      Delete
    2. Because it is a big deal as she is no longer in regular Duggar wear. It is one of the things the girls were known for. Why would Ellie mention Jeremy's blue/green shorts with his expensive matching shoes? I have never a man match so much..lol. He must be obsessed with fashion. There is one thing for sure, Jinger would never be allowed thrift clothes.

      Delete
    3. Didn't Austin say Joy had 19 brothers and sisters (when they were making chocolate)?

      Delete
    4. Maybe it was sort of a “content advisory” for some of the people in here who have never seen a bare leg. Don’t you remember that episode where they “blurred” Michele’s knees because she was on a boat and lost her balance and felt insecure about revealing her knees on tv?

      Delete
    5. Honestly no one cares about what the guys are wearing and the majority of viewers are women so they are more interested in fashion. Jinger is spreading her wings fashion wise and isn't following her parents rules on dress any longer. Her outfit was entirely appropriate for what she was doing. I would love her to voice her opinions on her new found style, and why the change since getting married.

      Delete
  9. The Duggars live well. I'm a bit puzzled by the "Spanish speaking" painters though. That sounds like they hired illegals to paint their home.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. They live in Laredo which has a high population of Hispanic residents. Many legal occupants of the US do not speak English. Please do not assume that if someone speaks another language that the are “illegal”.

      Delete
    2. Some American citizens don't speak English.

      Delete
    3. Illegals? The painters we had last year were born in Mexico. They came here as young men in 1980, and then President Reagan's immigration reform gave amnesty to those who had entered before 1982. They left Mexico because a 1979 earthquake had destroyed their family's home. Their mother, a widow, couldn't support her children. The oldest sons left to find work so they could send money to their mother. They eventually became US citizens. Their children, born here, are citizens. Although they spoke English, they preferred Spanish. That's fine - I had a few years of Spanish in school, so I can speak and understand enough to hold a conversation. And we had some great conversations about all sorts of things! They were the nicest two guys you'd ever want to meet! They painted the house so well that I was sorry to see them finish and go. I enjoyed having them here.

      If my painters had been on TV last night, they would have sounded the same as the one in Jinger and Jeremy's house. You (original Anon) could have looked at them for those two minutes and also deemed them illegal. But you would have been completely wrong.

      Delete
    4. Isn't it stereotyping to automatically assume that someone who speaks Spanish is illegal? It's possible, but may not be true.

      Delete
    5. What an ignorant comment to make. You know, there is such a thing as bilingual, or even multilingual people who are legally in the USA, or even US citizens.

      Delete
    6. Excuse me, anonymous 7:36!!! Why would you assume such??? You don’t realize that Jinger and Jeremy are living in Texas where there are lots of Spanish people and Spanish stores?? I am living in Canada and am married to a Spanish man. The Spanish are the most loving, romantic people you can find anywhere! I am very disappointed with your comment!!!! 🙁

      Delete
    7. They have mentioned before that Laredo has a large Spanish population. We live in Tennessee and most of the people who built our house were Spanish speaking. Just because they speak Spanish only doesn’t make them illegal. Would they have agreed to be on tv if they were illegal?

      Delete
    8. There is legally no official language in the US. It is possible to be a citizen and not speak English, especially since they live so close to the southern border of the US

      Delete
    9. Er ... because someone speaks Spanish they're automatically illegal?

      Delete
    10. “Spanish speaking only” native-born US citizens are common all over Texas. It is probably not implying ANYTHING other than the language barrier.

      Delete
    11. It's because 96% of Laredo, Texas is Spanish speaking.

      Delete
    12. Many Americans and legal residents in border communities speak Spanish only. Their community is different and therefore they haven't had a need to assimilate to English. This isn't much different than the Duggars and their unique community which doesn't assimilate to American public education or typical standards of dress.

      Delete
    13. You guys did hear about the 76 Illegals crossing over the Laredo TX a few weeks ago, right? They were all in a giant trailer being brought illegally over the TX city border. Until hey we’re caught, that is.

      Delete
    14. I think the OP posted that just to rile everyone up. OP, if you're so worried, call ICE.

      Delete
    15. Lol I think it's so silly when someone says America doesn't have an official language . Yes there are a lot of Spanish speaking people here and other languages but English is the primary language .

      Delete
    16. What's that have to do with the Duggars, 3:40?

      Delete
    17. @8:55 primary and official is not the same thing. In parts of the US, the primary language is not English.

      Delete
    18. Anon 8:55, the US does not have an official language legally. Most speak English but that is by no means a requirement.

      Delete
    19. I agree the news flash about illegal immigrants in Laredo has nothing to do with the Duggars. I think the person who posted it just wanted to back up the person who assumed the painters were "illegal" by providing "evidence" that "here is a case of some illegal immigrants in Laredo".

      Yet that hardly means it's a logical assumption that if someone only speaks Spanish they must be in the country illegally. Anymore than a news story about the Mafia provides evidence, that it's logical to assume that if someone is Italian they must be a mobster.

      Delete
    20. If they are illegal, they need to get out! If they are legal, then it is only polite to speak English to English speaking people. My sister had illegals build her house (actually they built a bunch of houses on her street) and there are all kinds of issues with the house ..

      Delete
    21. Did your sister get in trouble for hiring illegals? As far as your comment about immigrants being impolite if they don't speak English, maybe they haven't had a chance to learn English yet. Maybe you've never tried to learn a foreign language, but its not easy for everyone to do.

      Delete
  10. Sure was a “babe” fest tonight.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Since when did "babe" go from Jinger to Jeremy and now Joy???

      Delete
  11. Someone needs to tell Austin that "Swiss" is not a language.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That might be not the full name, but he is not entirely wrong: It is Swyzerduetsch. There are 3 other languages and many more dialects spoken there.

      Delete
    2. Guess what - I just watched the episode, and when they were being seated at the fondue restaurant, the waiter himself asked them if they spoke Swiss.

      Delete
  12. You didn't mention why Joy removed her ski and boots. She complained to Austin that they were too tight and felt like they were cutting off her circulation. His response? They are supposed to be tight. He was the one who tightened them. She immediately said they feel like they are cutting off my circulation. Why didn't he try to loosen it a bit and see if she was more comfortable? He wasn't the one in them. How could he know how it felt and if they were actually TOO tight? I would have demanded he readjust them, but nope she tried skiing being that uncomfortable. That is why she was barefoot after they were done. Have you ever laced a shoe or boot so tight it hurts? That is what appears Joy was going through. I just don't understand why he didn't try to adjust them a little for her.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She shrieked when he tightened them. I cringed.

      Delete
    2. They have to be tight. You do NOT want your shoes coming off while you ski!

      Delete
    3. I always adjusted my own ski boots. Maybe that would have helped Joy get them a bit more comfortable

      Delete
    4. Ski boots are supposed to be tight. I ski almost every weekend during ski season and I still find my boots tight. It helps if you have ski socks that have extra padding over your shins to act as cushion.

      Delete
  13. Austin looked awkward the whole time, especially when Joy wanted to hug or kiss him.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Probably because she was the aggressor

      Delete
    2. I think he thought it was a bit much especially with the cameras ,she's more used to it then him

      Delete
    3. Well.......no chaparones , but a full camera crew ‼️‼️
      Or maybe she had bad breath 😬

      Delete
    4. I just think Austin felt awkward in front of the cameras. He just seems more private. I liked his answer to what his favorite activity on the honeymoon was 😀.

      Delete
    5. Well, I'm sure Austin is more private as he did not spend most of his childhood with a camera crew following him around. (I know his family was in one episode of the "Strictest Parents" show but that probably took up a few weeks at the most of their time.)

      I guess it's also possible that Austin got a little freaked out because Joy was going against the traditional "submissive wife who lets her husband take the lead" role; although Joy does act submissive about pretty much everything except kissing (the ski boot scene being one).

      Delete
  14. That was a strange question they asked about "seed," and the answers were even stranger. Why do the producers think it's funny to do that?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. So the public will see how little they know

      Delete
    2. If you haven’t realized, TLC likes to ask the Duggars questions to things they may not have been exposed to. I think TLC does it trying to poke fun at them that the Duggars do not understand everyday lingo. Ben figured it out and Jana didn’t skip a beat but some of them had no idea. All to TLC’s enjoyment. I wonder if the Duggars realize they are being made fun of for what they don’t know.

      Delete
    3. @ 5:12 PM - I agree with you. I don't understand why the Duggars would want to be on a show that is possibly intentionally making them look ignorant. I feel embarrassed for them. My own dignity is worth more to me than the pay check from a TV show.

      Delete
  15. I'd like to hear Derick's explanation about why his wife made a brief appearance last night, after he said over and over that "they" (meaning both of them) would not be on the show, that he had decided to take his family in another direction, that "they" had severed ties with TLC, etc. etc.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Where was the brief appearance?
      I missed it.

      Delete
    2. It was probably filmed before Derick took his ball and went home, so TLC can still use the footage.

      Delete
    3. It was just a short preview from last year mixed in with the others .She did not appear in last nights show live

      Delete
    4. It was filmed around the time of Joy’s wedding so it was before Derick said he didn’t want to be on the show.

      Delete
    5. The reason is because if Jill appears as a talking head she gets PAID.

      Delete
    6. I miss Jill & Derrick. Most likely won't watch anymore. I prefer the Bates. Sorry, Duggars...you don't act like a normal family having fun.

      Delete
  16. For a married woman, Joy sure side-hugged that hang gliding instructor. It was hard to watch that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She was nervous and holding on not hugging the man. Good grief!

      Delete
    2. So because she is married she can’t show affection/gratitude toward any other man? Especially one that basically has her life in his hands on the glider? Honey, it is 2018. There were cameras. Her husband was there. Get over yourself.

      Delete
    3. But isn't side hugging the preferred hug for folks that aren't your spouse?

      Delete
    4. OH good grief...where else is she supposed to be...back behind him , At his feet..holding on to his feet as she flailed in the breeze 😜

      Delete
    5. I hope you're kidding

      Delete
  17. Doesn't Arkansas home schooling require foreign languages? My public schooling gave me 8 years of foreign languages and the schools where I live now give 6.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I live in Washington and even our public school does not require foreign language. We home school and chose to do 2 years. But it’s a choice.

      Delete
    2. Foreign language is not required in any of the states I have lived it. It is optional and necessary for college prep only.

      Delete
    3. You were required to take 8 years of a foreign language? That's highly unusual. My kids attended public schools also, but they were only required to take a language for 2 years in HS, as is the case with many states. Some states, including Arkansas, do not require a foreign language at all in order to graduate. Students who are college -bound need to be aware that there may be a FL requirement for admission.

      Delete
    4. They have had Spanish . Like most of us unless you use it, you lose it.

      Delete
    5. My elementary school gave everyone French lessons in 5th and 6th grades. Middle school made us take 3 more years of language classes, either French or Latin. You could opt out of languages after 10th grade, but most students took those two additional years. My high school offered French, Spanish, Latin, and German. My son's had French, Spanish, and Japanese. These were public schools. I think it's very important to speak or at least have a basic understanding of more than one language.

      Delete
    6. Are you in Canada or in Europe? Kids in Canada typical have to take either French or English,depending on the language of instruction. For English students, French till grade 9. My kids started French in kindergarten and they went to a public school. I do wonder how the few parents fulfill the French language instruction requirements here. It is more than just learning basic grammar and word

      Delete
  18. Why was it necessary to describe Jinger's outfit? You also didn't describe Jeremy's outfit or the outfit of anyone else on the show? Who cares what they're wearing?

    ReplyDelete
  19. I am almost certain that Joy and Austin were featured in Israel, on this blog, while on their honeymoon as well. It seemed like they were gone for almost a month. Why was none of that part of their honeymoon not shown?

    One of the better episodes from TLC. Still too much talking and rehash from Jessa. This show seems to always be about Jessa and what she thinks! Jessa had her time in the spotlight, move on to the current news with the other incredible adult Duggar Kids.

    Jinger and Jeremy episodes were our favorite. They are such an adorable couple! They are real, sincere and so loving! They could do an hour show just on them.

    So nice to see sequence on Joe and Kendra as well. They seem well suited for each other! He certainly gained some very sweet and special inlaws! Precious couple!

    Have to say, TLC did a much better job on this episode. Why can't TLC show more of what went on in the different scenerios. Seems like you just get snipits and short clips.

    Congratulations to Joy and Austin. Little Gideon is adorable! Love his name

    ReplyDelete
  20. Only watch a small part...at the new house. Jessica's comment about Jeremy's office showed her well, restricted life. There are many women who have home offices and would be just as thrilled as Jeremy setting it up. I have mine as does my husband. Women have more to think about them setting up a nursery. Jeremy needs his home office to work in etc..

    It is great that Jinger's family were helping them but one thing Jessa and the rest must remember. It is not their house. Any telling people what to do and when to do it was up to Jinger and Jeremy. The comment about the cabinet handled,huh?

    We help each other in my family but we are respectful of each other and follow their wishes. Painting over wood cabinets can ruin them,especially if they have not been prepared before hand by sanding down.

    If the family were so eager to help, why did they not all just pitch in and paint,no need to hire painters.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The family seems too involved in the married couples lives in general. Jinger may have felt lost not having had her own place or room ever.

      Delete
  21. I wonder why Jana doesn't move into a home of her own to decorate. You don't need a husband to do that.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She could at least build a house on the Duggars property. They could then hire her for her services, such as cooking for them, like any other adult they hire. If they insist on her living at home and help providing for the rest still at home, she should be getting paid. And if she then meets Mr. Right, she would have a home they could share, still being close to her mom and pops.

      Delete
    2. She won't move until she marries. That's how they do it.

      Delete
  22. While it's nice of them to help out, I think some of those older siblings need to be careful about being too overbearing when it comes to decorating for others. Sharing ideas is one thing, but trying to convince someone else what they should like, or what's "right", is quite another. I have an older sister like that and it has led to some hurt feelings within the family many times.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The producers encourage them to do that. It makes for a storyline. What else are they going to film?

      Delete
    2. The men were definitely outnumbered when it came to the kitchen decor decisions. And I agree with what someone said above. Once you paint a kitchen cabinet, there's no going back. Paint shows scratches and will need to be redone, unlike the wood they had. Plus doors never seem to fit or act the same once painted. They could have left the kitchen alone until J&J got it completely remodeled.

      Delete
  23. What does Ben do as a job?

    ReplyDelete
  24. Joy did very well with her yodeling and Jinger looked so cute playing Tennis

    ReplyDelete
  25. “Austin and I want however many kids God gives us because he knows how many kids we can handle,” says Joy. While they may be good parents, it's too bad God gives children to countless people who can't handle or support one, let alone a houseful.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. My hubby and I had two children, because we knew that was all we could handle. I didn't have to leave it up to God. Joy should know how many children she can handle. God does give us common sense...Jane

      Delete
    2. I agree. This comment is offensive to all the women with fertility issues like Michaela Bates who could handle children wonderfully, while so many unfit mothers conceive with no problem.
      I believe God created the physical laws of the universe for all species where sperm+egg=new life, but then he left us stewards of his creation. We should bear children in marriage only, keep our bodies healthy (that includes seeking treatment for infertility), and space out pregnancies to best care for each child and keep harmony in the marriage. This is my opinion although some might disagree.

      Delete
    3. I think the Duggar mantra that 'God will bless them with as many children as they can handle' is sending a disturbing anti-contraception message. I fear some people will take their lead and proceed to have one child after another, even though they may be in no postion to provide a stable home. Children may be a blessing, but any prospective parent must be ready to be a blessing to the child. As Jane said a above, God gave us common sense. I think He expects us to use it.

      Delete
    4. In Joy's defense (1) she may have been referring just to herself and Austin, not all married couples, and (2) even if she WAS referring to all couples, she had this belief drilled into her by her parents from a very young age.

      Obviously this belief is not mainstream, but I don't think Joy was out to disparage couples who suffer from infertility.

      Delete
  26. Is Joy going to continue her hobby of skiing in Arkansas?

    ReplyDelete
  27. Replies
    1. You can water ski but I don't think you can snow ski in Arkanas

      Delete
    2. I doubt they will be doing either, that was all for the camera

      Delete
  28. I've had white cabinets and would never do it again, no matter how in fashion they may be. They are prone to show dirt and wear very quickly, especially with kids in the house. (Or a husband who frequently comes in from working in the garage with grubby hands.) When we redid our kitchen, it was oak all the way- no regrets.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The dirt's still there on oak, only you don't see it so easily so you don't feel the need to clean it off. I've had all white cabinetry for 25 years and I still love it. Mine's not painted, it's vinyl coated. I just looked on Merillat's website and they still make my cabinets. Must be popular. They clean up like a breeze.

      Delete
    2. Yes I agree, but I think they just painted over those. Jessa said “the painters are here now “ so they have no clue about that stuff

      Delete
  29. It was a good episode for the season opener. I enjoyed seeing Joy and Austin on their honeymoon. I wonder if TLC will show more of their trip.

    ReplyDelete
  30. It's now crystal clear that Derick abhors TLC. Why then was his wife shown on Monday's program? Exactly how severed are Jill & Derick's ties to TLC? I really wish someone (like Ellie) would post a STRAIGHT answer. What I read from Derick, from TLC, and what I saw Monday are three different things! Help us all understand. It's hard to watch this show when you don't really know who's in and who's out.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Oh goodness I’m so excited! I just checked the U.K. TLC Channel and they’ll be showing the new season’s episodes from next week Monday!!! 😃😃😃

    ReplyDelete
  32. I find it a bit surreal (to use a favourite Duggar word) that we are watching and commenting on JoyAnna’s honeymoon here and on the next blog posting we are discussing the birth of her first child, Gideon. Sure wish things were a bit more sync’d up. I wonder what will happen next week; oh, we already know

    ReplyDelete
  33. Does anyone have a picture of Kendra in the outfit she was wearing .... I think when they were disc golfing. She had a hot pink skirt on... it was SO cute. I can't find it anywhere but I'm wondering what top she wore with it. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for leaving your comments! We answer as many of your questions as we can, but due to the number of comments we receive daily, we are unable to answer every one. Our aim is to post all points of view, but we do not post anything that is profane, insulting, derogatory, or in poor taste.