"It's the greatest feeling in the world to know that as a couple, that God has given you a creation that's...the two of you put together."
-Jim Bob Duggar
Grandpa Jim Bob and Grandma Michelle Duggar are thrilled that Joy and Austin Forsyth are expecting Duggar grandchild No. 10. Here is their video message to the couple. For those who have asked, Joy turns 20 in October, and Austin turns 24 in December.
If you enjoy this blog, be sure to check out Ellie's other blogs (NashvilleWife.com and BatesFamilyBlog.com).
Photo/video courtesy duggarfamily.com
These messages are none of our business. They should be standing in front of those kids and congratulating them personally. So tired of the attention-seeking behavior from this whole family.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't like it, why do you bother to keep up with the duggar family?
DeletePerhaps they save them as memories....you know like home movies. Technology has changed what you are see as attention seeking my just be families functioning in high tech.
DeleteWell then don't watch the videos. How about that. No one is forcing you. If you feel like they are seeki attention, well congratulations you are the one giving them the attention.
DeleteDon't click the button. Stop nagging about ever little thing.
DeleteThey have done this for all of their other children. They can't stop now without hurting feelings, so bring on the congratulations videos!
DeleteCan't figure out why people with this kind of attitude look at this site. It is kind of like...if you are banging your head against the wall and it is giving you a headache what can you do to change it.....
DeleteAnon @ 3:04 You can like this blog but not like every post. You have your opinion, others have theirs and they are as entitled to post as your are. If you have a problem I suggest you take it up with the admin as they are the ones who choose what gets posted.
DeleteThere are a lot of things I can't figure out either, but those things are all about the Duggars, which is why I come here to ask.
DeleteBoy, does Michelle look young. My personal preference is for shorter hair, but there's no denying she's aging really well. How exciting to have all those grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteCould they look less excited, and why does Jimbob have to insert himself and Michelle into every congrats video by saying 'when mom and me..'. Its really time to quit these videos they are made to feed the fans appetite nothing more. I sometimes wonder if the couples even bother to look at them?
ReplyDeleteThese videos are not for the family's benefit, they're to promote the show and draw attention to themselves. That's been obvious for a long time.
DeleteIt is natural to think back to when you had your kids when they are having theirs. It brings back all of those memories and the excitement of being pregnant.
DeleteYou obviously did,,,,,,,if you don't like the Duggar site,,don't log on to it,,,,,,,,,pretty simple!!!
DeleteSomeone please tell me why all of the Duggars consistently refer to children as 'little ones'. They don't seem to say 'child', children, or baby? It's always the 'little ones'. What is it with their insulated vocabulary? They also use the term "kid" as to avoid using the term child. It just doesn't seem right many of the times.
ReplyDeleteOh, good grief. There is nothing insulting with the term"little one. Families use different names sometimes.Its like saying it's insulting to call a little girl "young lady" instead of a "girl". And what is wrong with "kids"? People use that word all the time. Is it only when the duggar use words like that that it is insulting?
DeleteI say 'little one' and 'kid' too. I think it's fine. I don't over use it though.
Delete5:16 PM -- I have wondered that, too. Here in Los Angeles, we refer to them as children or kids. I've never heard anyone refer to their kids as little ones. I think that must be the way people speak in the Duggars' social/church circles. It's not a criticism (who cares, really), but an observation.
DeleteThis is so wonderful!! I'm so happy for Joy and Austin.
ReplyDeleteI'm curious why you just can't post their ages 19 and 23? Are you trying to make them sound older? I'll be 26 next year.
ReplyDeletebecause their birthdays are coming up, and people keep asking when their birthdays are instead of just checking the birthday list
DeletePeople were asking how old they would be when their child is born, so they were just answering the question. Joy will be 20 next month. Most people say how old they are about to be when their birthday is in the next few weeks.
Deletesince both of their birthdays are in the next couple of months, it's natural to 'mention' it. however, i believe ellie is answering the question of their birthdays since she prefaced it with "for those who have asked"
Deletecongratulations Joy and Austin, very exciting. I miss your TV show and have hoped your family would be able to have a new one. I know you have so many many fans who would also love to see you on tv once again. You have a wonderful family and it shows in their actions and personalities, how much attention and love they have been given to them.
ReplyDeleteCan't believe this will be grandbaby #10 in just over 8 years. I wonder how many years it will take to get to #20. With Joe getting married soon, it'll be 6 married, and they could get to #20 in just 5 years or less!
ReplyDeleteDidn't JB once talk about having 200 grandchildren?
DeleteIs it a race? How many children or grandchildren someone has is not important.
DeleteSo far the grandbaby arrivals have been:
Delete2009 - #1 (mom-Anna)
2011 - #2 (Anna)
2013 - #3 (Anna)
2015 - #4 (Jill)
#5 (Anna)
#6 (Jessa)
2017 - #7 (Jessa)
- #8 (Jill)
- #9 (Anna - coming soon :)
My guesses for the next couple years are:
2018 - #10 (Joy)
2018 - #11 (Jessa)
2018 - #12 (Kendra)
2019 - #13 (Jill)
2019 - #14 (Jinger)
2019 - #15 (Anna)
2020 - #16 (Joy)
2020 - #17 (Jessa)
2020 - #18 (Kendra)
Of course there may be additional couples by then.
Jill's first child not until 2019?
DeleteNow Ellie needs to have a new banner made for the blog! It seems like we literally just got a new one. Maybe wait until Anna has her baby and then make a new one.
ReplyDeleteThey don't need to recreate the banner until the baby is born
DeleteWishing the entire family the best.
ReplyDeleteI do hope Joy is given the best direction for health and Care during this special blessed time.
I don't understand the necessity for family that lives a stone throw to film a video and post. I'm sure they are excited about the new addition as any family members would be. The videos just seem uncomfortable and forced.
Hopefully a lot of hugs and good advice are abundant during this time and the experience can be lovingly cherished.
Sadly, I agree that this video seems pretty forced...which is surprising for people who've been filmed countless times in the last 9 years and regularly engage in public speaking. At the very beginning, Michelle seems a little uncomfortable as the camera starts rolling to film this. As it progresses, Jim Bob's kind of holding Michelle in a staged position and seems a little wooden. Their conversation feels disjointed like this is the first video they've ever made and it lacks warmth and tenderness between them. This feels like an obligation to make a video and I'm sure that's not how they feel about Joy & Austin or a new grand baby. Not trying to start a rumor or anything, but I'm wondering if perhaps one or both of them weren't feeling well or maybe have been dealing with some aging issues (tiredness from scheduling, low Vit. D, thyroid issue, arthritis pain, etc.)? It kind of worries me a little, to be truthful.
Delete8:31- Dealing with aging issues? Maybe... however, if I'd given birth as many times as Michelle has and had so many kids living under the same roof at the same time, I'd be lucky to string two coherent sentences together, let alone look perky, even for the camera!
DeleteWonder where the blogpost is with the video message of Jinger and Jeremy? Is it deleted by accident?
ReplyDeleteI wondered the same thing?
DeleteJinger and Jeremy did post congratulations. The ones that I have not seen are Jill and Derick. Jill was Joy's matron of honor. Also, the Josh Duggar family posted congratulations on birth of Samuel but not here on pregnancy announcement.
DeleteMaybe they just picked up the phone and called or offered their congratulations in person. My daughter is expecting her first child. I gave her a hug and kiss; didn't video anything.
DeleteI'm sure the family members congratulations were abundant. It's not necessary to film them for viewer's to see, especially when they live close by....
DeleteAnon @ 6:44 Thats what normal people do. Jinger and Jeremy I can understand because they live out of state but everyone else lives within a few miles of each other. Congrats on your new grandchild.
DeleteGod has given you a baby? What does that imply for infertile couples? God doesn't think you're worthy? You're not pleasing God enough? God wants you to be sad? Which is it? If babies are a gift from God, then not getting them is also somehow God's doing, by that logic. Is it fair to add guilt on top of the stress that infertility can cause?
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you, it is cruel to put even more hurt on a couple who are having problems conceiving and are already hurting. Michaela Bates is having problems getting pregnant and I am sure because of the beliefs she was raised with she might be feeling that she has done something wrong and that God is punishing her for some reason. I truely hope she realises that its a problem with her biology, not her faith or God punishing her, and that she can either have a baby or adopt to have the family she craves.
DeleteI agree, stick to finding biological and medical reasons if there's a problem, and leave the other guilt out of it.
DeleteYes, it's very upsetting to those of us who struggled with infertility. I can't tell you how many times I was shamed for not having enough faith--after all the mustard seed is the tiniest seed and it moved mountains. Or..I must be hiding some secret sin. Or..I just needed to eliminate sugar and drink raspberry tea to strengthen my womb. Or... you get it. I was appalled when JB boasts about the baby being something they created together--total slam on adoption. And..isn't that kind of giving themselves the glory? Parenting is so very much more than biology.
DeleteGod blesses each of us differently, so not having a baby of your own doesn't mean you have any less favor with God. But I can understand how hard it must be to watch these announcements for those who are struggling with infertility. I'm thinking maybe if you're in that position then take a break from the Duggars, because you know their show is all about babies, babies, babies.
Delete1:42- Right on! The Duggars would have you believe that God plays favorites. 1:14- I hear you. When we are going through infertility, I purposely avoided those people that liked to throw out the patronizing and unsolicited advice. I'd like to think that JB was not intentionally trying to diminish adoption. However, he's not known for tact and comes across as the kind of guy who
Deletethinks his virility is tied up in his ability to reproduce. He takes quite a bit of pride in it, which is obvious.
God has reasons for what He does. Yes, I believe that God orchestrates everything that happens to us. If He didn't then He wouldn't be God. We either believe he holds the whole world in his hands, or we don't. He is the potter, we are the clay. As the bible says, " Does the clay say to the potter,' Why did you make me this way?'"Look up the word Sovereign and what it means. God is sovereign. If God doesn't allow a couple to have children, it in no way means he is punishing them. God never punishes his children, he just teaches us so we can kknow him better and grow in ou r faith and trust in him. Read Hebrews 12. Also Jeremiah quotes God saying "For your ways are not my ways, nor your thoughts my thought...my thoughts are higher than your thoughts and my ways higher than your ways". We can't always see his purpose and he might seem cruel to not allow us to get what we want, but God calls us to a life of faith. God is always good.God is not punishing the Keilins , he is working out his best plan for them. It is very possible they could have children one day.
DeleteUhh..its The truth. God has given them a baby. Why so much anger over that statement? If you cannot get pregnant, it doesn't mean there aren't any blessings, maybe it's just not meant to be. Many of us suffer from infertility, miscarriages, etc.. it's not fair ok? Adoption is as much a gift from God as a natural baby. Stop criticizing every little thing the Duggars say or say nothing at all!!
Delete1:14 PM -- I'm so sorry that you were shamed for not having enough faith or hiding a secret sin or eating sugar. Whomever was saying those wrong things to you has the wrong theology and was was not speaking from the Bible. Paul himself asked God three times to remove a thorn in his flesh, and there is no Biblical indication that Paul lacked faith or eat too much sugar! It was God's plan for him at that time to have that thorn for God's own purposes. God bless you!!
DeleteI found Jim Bob's phrasing awkward as well, as though God deigned them worthy of a baby. While we're definitely pro-life, we've also lost a baby, and would never think of a child as some kind of a seal of approval on a marriage. The "something the two of you created" remark was extremely awkward. It's like Jim Bob and Michelle were both struggling to come up with something to say to make this video.
DeleteAnonymous September 1st @ 1:14- I'm very sorry that you're having to go through this. Having been grilled 3 times in the last 6 months by relatives, my mother-in-law, and a nosy neighbor about our family size (which is no one's business but ours), I can relate. I know what it is like. Please know that God loves you more than you can possibly imagine and that others here are praying for you specifically. *You're also right that parenting is so much than biology.
DeleteThe Bible says children are the heritage of the Lord and the fruit of the womb is his reward. God does bless some people with children but due to sin we live in a fallen world. Sometimes our bodies don't function properly. It doesn't mean God is punishing anyone who can't have children. Unfortunately on this earth we will have problems, diseases, etc. Things won't be perfect until Heaven, so that means some people will struggle with infertility. Some people will get cancer. Some people will die young.......
DeleteThere is a whole lot of 'taking offense where none is given' in these reactions. Being thankful for God's blessings does not imply anything negative toward those who have not yet received the particular blessing that they desire.
DeleteI agree that it's a tricky logic and it's true for every blessing in life, such as God healing people, God bringing a couple together, God giving you a job... But yet He is the one who gives all these gifts, including children. Does that mean that someone who does not have children, health, a spouse, or a job is somehow less loved by God? In no way! The closest we can come to understanding this paradox is that we live in a fallen world where bad things happen to good people. As Christians we are not exempt from that reality. But we do know the Great Physician, the healer and miracle doer, Jesus Christ, so we have hope that he will give us the desire of our hearts, even if it doesn't happen immediately!
DeleteThese replies are so wrong, all children are a gift from God. And for the Christian couples that are struggling to get pregnant they know it's just not God time yet or he may have other plans for their lives. I know a Christian couple who tried for children for years before they got pregnant and then turned to adoption, soon after they fell pregnant themselves. What a blessing for the littleone that got adopted who may not of been if they had had children in there timing! 😊
DeleteAs a non religious person, I'd think M and JB wouldn't think that God has found the ones who struggle to have children, not worthy enough. I think they rather say God has a different plan for them. And that may very well be adoption or foster care. Didn't they just adopt a child (a family members son) just recently? Or at least they have custody of the child?
DeleteYes, I have been infertile and am now in my 60's, so I experience it again with lack of grandkids. It is every bit as bad as losing a child. But people don't think about it.
DeleteEven that sounds so condescending, 2:58, to be told that God has a "different plan" for you. First, how would someone else know God's plan, and second, why would they think that saying that was any sort of comfort to the infertile person?
DeleteAnonymous @5:10- I"m so sorry. As hard as that is for you and must have been to post, I'd like to say thank you for posting that. You opened my eyes to something I was ignorant of (the aging effect) and I appreciate it. Thank you for the lesson. I'm praying for you today and others dealing with the same situation-you are not alone.
DeleteVery well said. I never thought about visiting the pain of infertility again in the absence of grandchildren. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, making us aware, and I'm sorry for that sadness.
Delete5:10 I'm so sorry you've had to go through that. :( I never thought about it until my family watched the movie Up
DeleteGod does give us babies, plain and simple.
DeleteThey don't come from the stork..
Delete2:39 - It doesn't come off as condescending, and I don't think it was meant to be. It's just the truth.
Delete7:18 PM -- Totally agree. Sometimes I get the impression that people come here looking for reasons to be offended or hurt.
DeleteIf anyone is sensitive about struggling with infertility , then it's probably best to avoid the Duggars.
Austin and Joy are my favorite couple! I can't wait to see how they grow as a family and seek God's will for their future! Congratulations!!!
ReplyDeleteWhere is Jill and derricks congratulation video?? Where are joys buddy group video? Wonder how the little ones are handling all the older girls being out of the house?
ReplyDeleteI was wondering too. Where is Jill why is there no video from her when everyone else gave one. Seems odd?
DeleteSomething has obviously happened because they are basically shutting out the world when they were so engaged prior to Samuels birth.
DeleteThey are raising a new addition, joining a college and shutting down their donation request.
DeleteI'm sure they congratulated Joy.
None of them have to post one for viewer's.
Their donation page is back up. In the wake of Harvey you'd think not. My friend had a go fund me page for an operation she needs but took it down out of respect for Harvey victims.
DeleteTheir "donation request" is back.
DeleteThe donation page was taken down the same day by the charity which runs it. I think they should keep it down as Derick is bringing nothing but bad publicity to them.
DeleteIt doesn't mean that we're not worthy, or that we're not pleasing God enough. It's that God sees the bigger picture and knows that right now is not the time for us. It can be really hard at times, but my faith and my patience has grown more than I ever thought it could in the past 4 1/2 years!
ReplyDeleteWhy wouldn't it be the right time for you but it is for all these other people? If you haven't concerived in 4.5 years, you are most likely not able. Go to an infertility specialist. They can help. The longer you wait, the less chance you will have. It helped me. Good luck!
Delete1:15- What is this "right time " you think God is waiting for? My husband and I suffered from infertility. I doubt God had a hand in it at all, any more than I can blame Him for my dad's terminal cancer or my mother's dementia. These things are a part of the human condition. It was for purely physiological reasons that I could not conceive. My husband and I took the bull by the horns and adopted two wonderful children. We decided that being parents was more important than biology or experiencing pregnancy.
DeleteIt's impossible to guess what God's "right time" is. He knows the circumstances and events of the future; we don't.
DeleteWe live in a fallen world. Sometimes there is no explanation as to why things like infertility have to happen. I had a miscarriage, I know people who had their babies die in childbirth. None of it is fair.
DeleteI've noticed that in videos and pictures JB is always "holding" Michelle with both hands. Like she is a fidgety kid or something. Maybe she likes that kind of attention. It would drive me up a wall!
ReplyDeleteTruly, they look like a ventriloquist act! Why does Jim Bob stand like that with her?
DeleteI agree - I wouldn't want anyone grabbing me and holding me like that all the time. I'd feel stifled. A little of that is OK but theirs happens so often that it has gone past affection and into what looks like controlling or possessiveness. All the Duggar couples do this, as soon as they're courting!
Delete5:13 PM -- LOL -- so true!!
DeleteOk,,,,,every time Jimbob attempts a wise saying...it falls short..part of it sounds backward,or doesn't fit....and signs---Jim Bob Duggar.....❗️ 🤔 ❣
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't matter how much you complain, pick apart, and criticize their videos. They'll still keep doing them.
ReplyDeleteI used to really enjoy this blog - I thought that it was started so people who actually like the Duggars could have at least one pleasant place to read news about them. After all, there are more than enough places for haters to spew poison. Why has this blog become one more vehicle for cyber bullies?
ReplyDeleteI don't think there are cyber bullies here. This family has a very polarizing effect on the public and people will comment. At least here the admin try and keep the discussions balanced without it becoming nasty. A blog where everything is rosy all the time is unrealistic because life isn't like that, not even with the duggars. A good recent example was Derick trying to raise money to fund his church education, people were upset by it and many fans who post here were posting the same kinds of messages that non fans were. I think the admin do a good job of keeping a balance which can't be an easy task.
DeleteI think some posters are confused. Cyber bullying is not someone stating an opinion that you don't like or agree with. It is undercutting someone (spitefully and contemptuously mocking and ridiculing their hair/outfit/body/manner of speech/mannerisms). It is dogging every single thing the person says or does across multiple platforms. Honestly, I woonder how some posters here make it in the real world where people often have opposing viewpoints-perhaps they walk around calling everyone a "hater" or "troll" who dares disagree with them. As my Pastor said, "We can disagree without being disrespectful.". Christians, we're commanded to love even our enemies-Jesus died for them just like He died for you. They're made in His image too. Disrespecting them or dismissing them is disrespecting Him.
Delete5:14 - You say that it isn't bullying because the Duggars have a polarizing effect. Isn't that one of the classic justifications for bullying (they bring it on themselves by being different)?Please put your dislike for the Duggars aside for a moment and take stock of the behaviors exhibited here. People routinely share "information" that is flat-out false; others read these comments then reply, condemning the Duggars, without even bothering to verify whether the information is true; people routinely nitpick and blow things out of proportion, clearly looking for reasons to criticize. When others request a less toxic atmosphere, a number of commenters gang up on them - an ironic way to argue there is no bullying.
DeleteEnjoyed the video. Jim-Bob and Michelle looks too young to have 19 children and almost 10 grandchildren. I admire you and your family, God Bless...Jane
ReplyDeleteYou would look and be young to if you started having children as a teenager. It's not like They started having babies in her 30s.
DeleteI'm wondering why nothing was mentioned in this blog about the criticism poor Derick was and still is getting about the truth he spoke about the transgender show in TLC?
ReplyDeleteWho knows, but I agree completely to what he said. It's good he spoke the truth. The truth does that change no matter who disagrees.
DeleteYes, totally!
Delete'Poor Derick' needs to learn that sometimes silence is golden. Wether you agree with what he said or not it was a horrible thing to direct at a sixteen year old, not to mention biting the TLC hand that feeds you. If he and Jill have been cut from the show he and their fans have no one to blame but Derick. We have free speech but it comes with a price and in Dericks case it was a huge public backlash and possibly loosing his place on the show. Now he has caused more controversy by soliciting donations for his 'education', not once but twice, with even fans speaking out against him. Derick might be the one who ends up getting the show cancelled for good! I do not blame Lily and Ellie for not getting involved.
DeleteHorrible thing at a 16 year old?. Dereck was just quoting what scripture said. It is a shame for a man to act like a woman and your 16 year old is a boy. Get use to it.
DeleteCongratulations on another grandchild. To Joy and Austin also. Thank you for this blog which keeps us up to date on the Duggars lives. They have taught me so much, and I enjoy watching them grow in love, family and Christ.
ReplyDeleteHappiness abounds in the Duggar family. Love the whole package. MY God always bless your family!
ReplyDeleteGod does give babies. My husband and I are struggling with infertility and non the less I still believe God gives babies but doesn't mean he gives them to all. I believe in biology too and I believe God is in charge of it all but we all make choices of how we take care of our bodies and or how are genes play a part can affect. God is ultimately in charge though and can make things happen if it's in his will. I just have to have faith that I'm working for His ultimate Will. We are working on adoption and maybe that's what our purpose is.
ReplyDeleteStephanie- Why would God allow abusive parents to procreate? Is that HIs purpose? Sure, the abusers make poor choices, but why let an innocent child suffer? Makes no sense. That's why I don't think God has anything to do with the details of our lives, let alone who gives birth and who does not. Our bodies can fail us in countless ways, through no fault of our own. The same is true for the entire plant and animal kingdom. We are at the mercy of time, chance, and yes-sometimes our own bad choices.
DeleteAnon @ 8:29 Love your post and your common sense, thank you for posting your well thought out perspective.
DeleteStephanie:
DeleteMy husband and I are the proud parents of two wonderful, now adult, children. Both were adopted. We never spent time mulling about this mysterious thing called God's will, but rather followed what we felt deep in our hearts about adoption. We decided that becoming parents was the goal, not pregnancy and childbirth. It could have been God trying to tell us something, who knows? Sometimes we can paralyze ourselves waiting around for signs or some magical revelation, all the while possibly missing out on opportunities. You will know if adoption is right for you. Seek counseling from an adoption-competetent therapist to assist you before and after this huge adjustment. Read all you can, talk to other adoptive parents, as well as adult adoptees. You can learn a lot from their experiences. Good luck!
I think these congratulations videos are very unnessary. Of course the parents and siblings are excited why show the videos with them saying it? I am so glad Joy-Anna got a good one that has a great career. They look so in love!
ReplyDeleteI just stopped watching them (a long time ago) because they're repetitive, but I don't understand everyone negatively commenting on them every time. It hasn't made them stop posting the videos, it just makes for tedious comment reading (and yes, I realize I don't have to read the comments). :)
DeleteMaybe people are hoping they might hear something new, it hasn't happened yet, but we live in hope!
DeleteI love your wonderful family and swing every post that you guys post I was hoping that you would add some of your newer recipes So I can Show my friends and family who love hearing about you guys please include Jessa's Jill's jingers joyannas recipes please
ReplyDeleteThe way he has hands behind her back and the way she looks at him, it looks like Jim Bob is a ventriloquist and Michelle the puppet doll. Haha. Too funny but they are a cute couple.
ReplyDelete