Tuesday, September 20, 2016

Recap: 'A Big Surprise'

Counting On "A Big Surprise"
  • Jeremy and Jinger have been communicating directly for two months and have been officially courting for three weeks. Two days after Jinger returns from her first trip to Laredo, Jeremy arrives in Arkansas to surprise her. 
  • Ben picks Jeremy up from the airport, and Jeremy asks Jim Bob to meet at White's Jewelry. "I really respect him," Jeremy says of his future father-in-law. "I respect how he's handled everything, and so I want to keep him in the know. I don't want to do anything behind his back. It is his daughter."
  • The producer asks the Duggar siblings how soon after starting a relationship it is appropriate to buy an engagement ring:
    • Jedidiah: "Three months, four months"
    • Josiah: "Three weeks is really short. I would say that's way too short."
  • "Honestly, I've been thinking about the engagement ring for a good few weeks here because it really has been a longer relationship," shares Jeremy. "It's been over a year since I've known her, and we've spent some really quality time..."
  • As Jeremy enters the store, he informs Mr. White that he is "just browsing," but he ends up finding a princess cut ring that he absolutely loves. It also happens to be Jinger's size (5.5). "I really do like this one," says Jeremy. "I don't want to let it go."
  • Before he goes any further, Jeremy sends a picture of the ring to his mom. "[My parents] love Jinger. If she could one day be my wife, I think they would be very happy."
  • After much thought, Jeremy decides to request an appraisal of the ring. "I think I found the ring for Jinger," he says. "It really does scream 'Jinger' to me, and Mr. Duggar felt so, and Ben affirmed, so I think it's the one."
  • Jim Bob thanks Jeremy for including him in the purchase of the ring. 
  • Meanwhile, Jessa and Jinger head over to Tacos 4 Life. Jeremy and Ben plan to arrive after the ladies have been seated and bring their food to the table. 
  • "It feels like we've been talking for forever, like I've known him all my life," Jinger shares with Jessa as they wait for their meal.
  • As Jeremy and Ben walk up to Jessa and Jinger's table, Jinger does a double-take, and then her jaw drops open. "Jeremy!" she exclaims, giving him several hugs.
  • Later, Jinger and Jeremy take the three graduates (Joy, Jedidiah, and Jeremiah) to an outdoor arcade to race go-carts and ride bumper boats. 
  • "It was the most amazing surprise ever, having Jeremy come into town and spending a couple extra days with him," says Jinger. "I don't know, next time he visits, if he will have another surprise!"
  • Christian hip-hop artist FLAME (aka Marcus Gray) and his wife, Crystal, come to Arkansas for a visit with the Seewalds. Ben, who has only grilled once, and FLAME, who has never used a barbecue, attempt to make dinner. Thankfully, it turns out well.
  • The following day, FLAME and Crystal visit a music store with Jessa and Ben, who have decided to purchase a keyboard so Jessa can teach their kids.
  • To bring FLAME out of his element, Jessa--who plays guitar, piano, mandolin, and violin--gives him a quick guitar lesson. The Seewalds don't end up buying a keyboard just yet.
  • After leaving the music store, the Grays and Seewalds head over to the Duggar home to visit Jessa's family. The kids perform a gospel song for their guests. 
  • When asked if they enjoy rap music, here's what the older siblings say:
    • Jedidiah: "Not really. Poetry's alright.
    • Jason: "Some people love it, just not me. It's not my style."
    • Josiah: "I prefer more things that are just instrumental."
    • Joy: "I don't think they use cello much in rap."
    • John-David: "The only wrap I do is when I eat a chicken wrap...maybe like a turkey wrap."
  • Before taking FLAME out to operate heavy machinery at one of Jim Bob's properties, Ben takes him to the family closet to find work clothes. (The family closet is now only used by the boys and the younger girls, while the older girls keep their clothing in their bedroom.)
  • "I definitely would say that FLAME is outside of his comfort zone going to this job site," says Ben, as FLAME learns how to use a backhoe. 
  • "FLAME actually did really well with the backhoe," says Jedidiah. "It's like playing a video game, so he was able to get that down."
  • Back at the house, the girls give Cyrstal a tour of Jana's garden. "Jana defintely has a green thumb," explains Jessa. "She doesn't skimp. Anything and everything, that girl's growing it." The garden is very large and contains squash, zucchini, corn, watermelon, cantaloupe, tomatoes, peppers, cucumbers, and more. 

105 comments:

  1. I loved tonight's show. I can't wait till Jeremy gives Jinger her ring. She says YES .

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    1. I am enjoying these episodes s lot more now. I hope the best for Jinger and Jeremy. They are a cute couple.

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    2. I'm thinking the wedding will be in early December since Jessa was November and that was Spurgeon's birth month.

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    3. Aww, you spoiled the suspense there, Barbara!

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    4. I hope that they get married in October.

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  2. Great show! Happy to see things moving faster than they have in the past. One critique- Ben, remove your hat at the table.

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  3. We laughed so hard when Jinger turned around, and Ben had eaten half her taco. The look on Jinger's face was great too when she realized Jeremy was there.

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  4. I really enjoyed this episode! Jinger's face was proceless!! I watched the older ones play the hymn for FLAME and I thought it was beautiful. Would it be possible to do a few music videos of them playing? They really are very talented. Thanks for posting!

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  5. Not sure what I just watched...Counting On, or The FLAME Show? Way too much FLAME tonight. Except in Ben's BBQ grill, where there wasn't nearly enough flame. Who can't start a grill without reading the directions on the charcoal AND the lighter??? (AFTER they already tried to start the grill....)

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    1. Agreed about too much Flame.

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    2. I did not enjoy all that focus on FLAME, especially not the heavy equipment moving. That was ridiculous to watch. We even had to watch him pick out an outfit to wear. Is FLAME TLC's next reality show? For awhile, I thought it would be Sierra the Party Planner. But she seems to have taken a back seat to the rapper these days.

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    3. The Duggars don't do anything interesting so TLC is trying to spice it up by featuring new characters.

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    4. Well that was about as "spicy" as boiled water, TLC.

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    5. It's possible that TLC compromised on his pay for additional air time which is free publicity for him. Reality show people, there's a reason scenes are taped and reasons why some are cut.

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  6. TWO DAYS. They couldn't stand to be apart for two days. Shaking my head. Ask anyone in the military how long they have to be apart from their loved ones so these two lovebirds can safely side hug.

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    1. I am married to a soldier. We've been apart for a year or more several deployments over! Two days??? That's just insulating to even complain about!

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    2. Agreed about how silly it was to only wait two days to get them back together again!

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    3. I waited most of a year for my sailor to come home from sea before we could get married. We had no communication until he got back a week before the wedding. That's the way things were then. My mother waited 4 years for my father to come home from the war before they could get married, and my mother-in-law got married right before her husband was sent to war for 3 years. Jinger goes without texting her "babe" for 2 minutes and she starts to panic. These girls are self-absorbed and have no idea what other people go through.

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    4. Side hug? Did you see them in the taco place? Somewhere between a side and front hug.

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    5. If I remember correctly, Jeremy had been planning that surprise for weeks... Meaning possibly before talks of her going to Texas to meet his parents came about or were finalized. I thought it was sweet and very thoughtful of him. Most people who are dating around see their significant other a lot more often.

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    6. I'm also married to a soldier, and you're right. Being apart for only two days is a joke.

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  7. This whole episode felt like deja vu because you posted a major portion of it here, before it ever aired. How about not doing that so much for future episodes?

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    1. Yes, I felt like I'd already watched it, too, between commercials and this blog. TLC must be desperate for viewers if they're leaking so much of the show in advance.

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    2. How about some personal responsibility people? I know this generation is lacking it severely, but come on. No one made you read it, the post was marked as a recap. You have only yourselves to blame. Good night people, come on.

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    3. If you feel like this blog is posting too much before it airs, then don't watch it on here! It's as simple as that. It's not as if they're forcing you to watch them.

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  8. So that's what Jana's been doing between gigs as a concert pianist, an EMS responder, a tree house builder and interior decorator, a party planner, a babysitter, the laundress, and whatever other tasks they give her. She's also a farmer. No wonder she hasn't had time for a courtship!

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    1. I think she enjoys doing those things. Don't be so judgmental. She is a woman with many talents!!

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    2. I about fell off my chair when they showed her garden. I have a similar garden and it's a lot of work. What do all those older boys do that is even remotely close to the amount of work Jana has to do? In the last episode Joy Anna said that now that she's done with school she would be staying home to help with the family (versus working outside the home or going to college). This is sad. I'd like to see the older boys take on more work and child care so Jana and Joy could get some further education (even if it's a 2 year nursing or graphic design type degree, something!!!).

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    3. I would really like to meet her, she seems like a wonderful Godly woman. Nothing wrong with a simple life. Everyone calling for a college education... It is not worth what it used to be, practical skills and hard work paves your way in quite a lot of carrier paths today. No college necessary, but to each their own. I've found that if you really want to learn something just get online. Everything you could ever want to know is somewhere on the internet or at the library and from my experience it is far more up to date than a lot of my college classes were. Besides some of the most desired people today in the US are tradesmen like John-David. We are losing skilled laborers and craftsmen.

      God Bless

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    4. She's a Proverbs 31 Woman!!!

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    5. Agree, but I got the impression Joy does not want to do anything after high school beyond waiting for Mr. Right. It's been hinted at on a few occasions that she may be entering into a courtship soon. Poor Jana must feel really lost right now because that is basically what Duggar girls are groomed to do, marry young and start families. Jana is definitely still very young, but by their standards she's not. I fully expect Jana to find Gods best too but by the "Duggar time-clock" she's expiring fast. If I was Jana I would go to school or do something other than housework and child sibling rearing.

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    6. It truly is sad that they are encouraged to stay home and pray for a husband.

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    7. That garden is ALOT of work and that's on top of everything else she is responsible for.

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    8. I might be wrong but I don't think single 26 year old Jana has a paying job outside the home. At that age you should be financially independent to be able to support yourself on your own.

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  9. When Jeremy was turning the corner to surprise Jinger my hands started sweating...

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  10. I'll tell you... flame's music, not my cup of tea

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    1. I like him more this time than the prior episode. I really liked his wife. She seems very sincere and kind.

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    2. I couldn't figure out what he was saying. Rap gives me a headache. Compare and contrast with Elvis singing gospel.

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    3. Anon 2:04pm, why would you compare gospel with rap? They are completely different styles of music. I understand many people who like the Duggars are culturally VERY far from urban culture and rap/hip hip. Let's remember this is a powerful way of sharing the gospel in many circles even if our ears are not trained to enjoy it.

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    4. Anon 11:26 - You said it!

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  11. That is a good looking garden Jana created. She is a hard worker that's for sure.

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  12. I loved Flame and his wife. They feel genuine and caring. I found it odd Jeremy had to come to Arkansas two days after visiting in Laredo. How can he afford the airfare or is this all paid by TLC. Jessa seemed more mature in some of her comments than normal but as Jinger talked about moving to Laredo and where she'd be living I had to wonder what in the world she will do all day long. Will he permit her to work? The church is so small and so is the apartment she could probably clean both in a day or two. Not enough church members or church activities to keep her busy. Maybe she can get work as a freelance photographer but I think she'd be afraid to go out on her own for safety reasons. Maybe that's why Jill and Jessa had babies so quickly although they still lived nearby and could help with the family to fill their time.

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    1. I don't think she needs his permission to work, she is a grown woman. I mean, until they have kids, she has to do something with her life, or she will get sad and depressed, alone and away from her family. Cleaning up a house and cooking doesn't keep you busy all day. And she is talented, so why not make a profit out of it.

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  13. To buy a ring after three weeks is definitely too soon! What's the rush? I understand that not having a physical relationship they might want to get married sooner, but you have to really know each other!

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    1. Agreed. Marriage is the biggest and most important commitment of your life, there is no need to rush when you are getting to know each other in a deeper level.

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    2. Well; we really don't know how truly long they have been "courting"!

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    3. Crazy early. Way to soon. Puppy love is what they are feeling after three weeks.

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    4. Jeremy did mention that they had known each other as friends for about a year before they started courting. And you have to remember he didn't go there with the intent to buy a ring, just to browse. He just happened to find the perfect one.

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    5. I believe Jeremy and Jinger have known each other and spent time with each other for over a year now. I think after that amount of time, even though they just began OFFICIALLY courting a few weeks before this episode, you would hopefully know if the person was someone you want to marry. Some people just know sooner than others. I don't sense that either one of them feel as though they question spending the rest of their lives with the other. It's kind of like what they have said in the past... If you know then don't just drag it out.

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    6. When things happen too soon, they have a tendency to have problems later on.

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  14. It was informative that Jessa said Ben is only working part time. How can he support a family while working part time and going to school? Yes, she said they get more family time, which is great, but how do the bills get paid? They must make quite a bit from TLC. I don't know any couples who can afford that lifestyle and since they don't agree with debt, we know he isn't taking out student loans to support them. Did anyone else wonder the same thing? Could Jessa take in other people's kids/daycare to make some money to help out?

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    1. I think Jim Bob provides for them. No judging here, but it was prety clear!

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    2. They probably get $10,000 to $40,000 per episode for just their family(Seewalds). Could be a lot more if the ratings are great. That kind of money adds up. I wouldn't work if I had those TLC paychecks. Who would need to??

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    3. They're probably making a pretty penny from the show .

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    4. You can't live your whole life on what you make from a TV show like this. Kids their age are going to need $2M to $3M or more to be able to retire comfortably. How long do they think they are going to be able to depend on this show for income? At some point, they are going to have to WORK. It will probably be a shock to their system.

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    5. Im sure they are being compensated well, however, the show will end sooner or later. I think the parents are creating a bunch of adults who won't be able to support the large families they are striving for. I don't understand their anti education mindset. It doesn't have to be a 4 year degree.

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    6. I agree. If you even think 20 years down the line, how will these kids support themselves and their children. Jim Bob may have a lot but not when it's divided among 20 kids. I agree that the anti-education mindset is baffling. They use educated doctors, nurses, dentists, lawyers, etc. Why can't their kids aspire to an educated profession. It is truly sad that they flip cars, houses and other things that Jim Bob allows. Let the kids choose for themselves and that's when you'll see if you raised them right (by how they turn out after making their own choices).

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  15. I enjoyed the show. I love the Flame & wife were able to visit with the Duggars, Coming together from two different lifestyles is what it is all about. I loved seeing that Jana loves to farm as well and still can't wait for her to find someone to work the land with. Jinger and Jeremy were so cute and they took getting wet in stride, I would have been livid. Loved getting to know Jeremiah & his twin (can't remember his name but I know it starts with a J), They are so much fun. I love seeing Jim Bob & Michelle as well.

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    1. Having a farm or an over-sized garden with some small animals has been a dream of mine for a long time. I'm praying God allows me to meet her if it is in His will for my life.

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  16. What was in the little box Jeremy gave Jinger? He had it in the vehicle before surprising her. It was on the table after he surprised her. ????

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    1. Will have to go back & watch. Didn't catch that. Interesting.

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  17. One rule in our home is "you must remove your hat at the table when dining". It is a sign of respect. It was very impolite of Ben to not remove his hat.

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    1. Absolutely agree.

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    2. Just because it's the rule in your house doesn't mean that's the rule in the Duggars

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    3. Why isn't Jeremy in the NYC diamond district to purchased a larger, better quality diamond for Jinger???💍

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    4. I completely agree. It is rude for a man to wear his hat inside the house or any other building, unless it's the barn.

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    5. I'm sure White's Jewelers was compensated for their appearance on the show, and a deal was done for that ring. Plus TLC could have chipped in. And they would have had to fly everyone up there, including film crew, to show it.

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  18. Jana really impresses me, whoever the blessed man is to marry her is going to have him a true gem!

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    1. You said it! I wish I could get to know her.

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    2. I pray for Jana to find a man who will love and treasure the rare gem she is, She deserves it

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    3. I pray for Jana to move away, get her own place, and get a career.

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  19. Again, filming at Tacos For Life, who claimed adamantly last year that they had no association with the Duggars.

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  20. Ben referred to Jim Bob as "Pops." I thought that was ridiculous. It should be "sir" or even "boss," but not some cheeky nickname. At least Jeremy is using "Mr. Duggar."

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    1. Or just "Jim Bob", what do you say?

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    2. Jessa also calls her father "Pops".

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  21. In last week's episode it seemed clear that Mr. Duggar felt it was moving too fast. The next week (2 days later in real time), Jeremy is buying a ring. Did I miss the part where he asks Mr. Duggar for his daughter's hand?

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    1. Good point! They must be showing things out of order.

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  22. The episode was nice and the surprise was sweet of Jeremy.
    I guess being filmed ideas for flame visit would need to be planned but you normally offer options to your guests and not tell them. They were good sports though and playing on the equipment seemed to be fun to him.

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  23. I like Flame's music. He's a talented rapper, and his lyrics are fantastic. How great that his style of music will reach a different audience than traditional Christian music.

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    1. Given that NONE of the Duggar children were even allowed to listen to Contemporary Christian music I find it hysterical that his best friend is a Christian Rapper. I sure would PAY to see ANY of the Duggar kids listen or go to one of his concerts!

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  24. Why is it that the majority of the comments up here are negative? If you don't like them or Flame then just don't watch it. It's really not that hard. If you don't like rap music who's forcing you to listen? If you feel that Jinger and Jeremy are moving too fast who is making you watch the show? Some of y'all need to do better...why you mad?

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    1. Freedom of speech. This is the United States, not Iran.

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    2. Good point! We can say the good and bad. What's the point of a blog with just positive feedback? That's not real.

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  25. HAS ANYONE NOTICED THAT JINGER RESEMBLES THE ACTRESS ERIN MORAN FROM THE SHOW "HAPPY DAYS"? IN ANY CASE, I WISH HER AND JEREMY ALL THE BEST IN THEIR WEDDING PLANS AND HOPE JANA WILL FIND THE RIGHT SPOUSE SOON, IF SHE WANTS.

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  26. After last weeks awkward meal at the mexican restaurant, it was refreshing and sweet to see Jeremy, Ben and JimBob hanging out together in the car and at the jewelry store. Those 3 guys have a fun dynamic.

    Janas garden was so incredible, I'm inspired to try to start gardening!

    Loved getting to see Michelle and Jimbob.

    Jingers face when he surprised her was incredible. I thought she was going to cry!

    I agree with other commenters, too much Flame. Him and his wife are great people, they're just not who I pay 1.99 an eposide to see.

    It was a great episode and I'm looking forward to the proposal and subsequent wedding planning episodes.

    Thank you Lily and Ellie!

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  27. I was so happy to see a Jessa and Jinger pray before their meal! Not! I don't see any praying on this show anymore, it's so sad. Even JimBob could have prayed over Jinger and Jeremy's relationship in the previous episode.
    I thought it was rude of Ben to eat someone else's taco. He's beginning to bug me.
    Flame, Flame, Flame, Flame! If they are not promoting him, then call him by his real name!!

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  28. Lets have more of Jana and Joy-Anna. Two beauties.
    Joan,Marion and Marilyn

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    1. Too bad there's not much to say about them...

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  29. I too thought it was sad that Joy has no plans for after high school.

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    1. It's very sad. She seems like one of the smartest members of the family. I remember when she was younger she wanted to be a nurse. I could see her thriving in college.

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  30. I don't understand how practically hosing everyone down in the bumper boats like a wet t-shirt contest is keeping to their modesty standards. And the other week, Jill was in a pool like that, in a tight t-shrit. Didn't what Michelle taught them sink in at all?

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    1. I thought the same thing!!

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    2. The kids are allowed to come up with their own rules when they leave the nest, I am sure the importance is that their skin is covered and not exposed.

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    3. OMG! Are you serious?

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    4. Are you kidding me? Should she have worn a burlap sack over her t-shirt in the pool? Should the duggar gals refrain from doing fun things because they might get water on their clothing?? Ridiculous. Find something better to do with your time then saying they are "not keeping their modesty. Haha that is thee most hilarious comment ever. I can not believe what people judge others about.

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    5. If the clothes are the right material they don't cling. They were modest. That's why Jill and Derick were swimming in spandex not cotton.

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    6. God still loves you if you are wearing a bikini, a t-shirt or what ever. It's not the outside that matters... I wear a bikini and I don't think that God cares about clothes, he has other things to do. Maybe it's because I am a Catholic but for me there are problems in the world that are way more serious than swimming in a t-shirt or whatever... Other people don't have the possibility to have a nice time at all...

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    7. Did anything show? No? Ok then chill pill it. They are still very modest. It's one of the few things the family is doing well.

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  31. I liked Flame in the episode and seeing Janas garden. She is a great catch!!

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  32. Why rap music? Let's hear more of Christ centered Duggar music.It is very pleasing for Christians to listen to.

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  33. I'm pretty confused about the time line. I was under the impression the courtship had lasted 7 months before he asked to marry her. At least that is what I thought I read. Jeremy said it had been about 7 months. So I'm wondering if the courtship proposal we saw a few weeks ago was the real deal or staged. Anyone know the answer? I find a 7 month courtship to be more believable than 3 weeks.

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