The Dugger Family expecting #18! [Archive] - Merry Forums of My Merry Christmas

Jeff Westover

05-10-2008, 11:09 PM

Yeah, I saw this the other day. Sandy and I talked about it and decided that if we had married about 15 years before we actually met we might be in that same boat. Very few people see the wisdom in large families these days and it makes me sad for those who are critical of those of us who choose to have children.

Annette1990

05-11-2008, 03:41 AM

Wow...I had never heard of this family. What a nice looking family. They seem well balanced and happy. I think large families are great. After all there was 9 (incl. parents) in my family alone. My mother had 13 siblilings. My dad only had 3. Large families are not as common anymore so it seems.

Maureen

05-11-2008, 04:38 AM

I've seen them before - think there was a documentary on Discovery. Good luck to them.

I'm an only child; my mum was 42 when I turned up and was I ever a shock!! Bruce is an only child as well. Through choice - I had a hellish pregnancy, 2 day labor, I got a pelvic infection afterwards and Bruce was the perfect baby, which was good because I wasn't up for doing too much at that time!

We decided to be grateful with what we had and not tempt fate a second time.

All power to those of you with large families. I couldn't do it, but that's my choice.:playing:

dvdelf

05-11-2008, 05:36 AM

wow

My dad came from a family of 11 siblings

mammaduke

05-11-2008, 09:02 AM

Saw this story the other day , yes they have a tv show on the Discovery channel. What a story of true love & a true christian lifestyle. She home schools all the children & each one has chores they have to do everyday. She said she was been pregnant for the past 11 years straight.
My hubby's family has 9 kids in it, My cancer doctor & his wife just had child # 13, she also home schools them.

Can't wait until there show comes back on.

auntieclaus

05-11-2008, 09:07 AM

Isaw the series as well. They do run a tight ship - I guess that you need it with all of those children - it avoids chaos!

Happy Mother's Day!!

JanaBanana

05-11-2008, 10:14 AM

Very few people see the wisdom in large families these days and it makes me sad for those who are critical of those of us who choose to have children.

MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY Jeff :)

The worst thing someone could say to me (although I think we are) is
"You arent having anymore are you?" Or "This is it right?"

It none of ANYONES business how many children we have! Never in our life have asked for a handout of anykind.

This family is a neat family.. if it works for them, then Im happy for them.

act_as_if

05-11-2008, 10:33 AM

I remember watching all their family trips and what not on TLC. 18 kids, wow, allwell, she can handle it!

More power too her.

ArkansasChristmas

05-11-2008, 11:17 PM

One of their sons was actually a really good ball player for the University of Arkansas baseball team (Jake). Really nice family though, had the chance to meet a lot of them.

JanaBanana

05-12-2008, 02:35 PM

WOW! Thats neat :)

Christmasstar

05-12-2008, 06:02 PM

I would have loved to have one myself, but it was not to be. I had to settle for only 3, of course they are all perfect,:confused: so that makes up for not having more!
I grew up with 5 brothers and 1 sister, and I can remember many good times. Three thumbs up for big families!

Sunshine73

05-15-2008, 10:55 AM

They seem to be a happy family and I wish them all the best.

I came from a family of 5 kids and things were tight and cramped...I can't imagine having 17 brothers and sisters!

mammaduke

05-15-2008, 11:38 AM

What a fantastic story of love & the true meaning of how a family should be today. We have lost what it means to be a family with both parents working , a busy lifestyle & no family dinner time anymore.

AuntieMistletoeDear

05-17-2008, 08:01 PM

I know what you mean, Mamma. I called a "family meeting" once to announce that I wanted to have dinner with my family each night instead of eating in front of the TV or taking off right after school and grabbing food at someone else's house. It stemmed from stopping by to pick up a friend of my to walk to school with her. She had a family of seven siblings and when I stopped to pick her up, her brother let me in and ushered me up the steps to the huge kitchen (with a dining area), they were all holding hands around the breakfast table.
I wanted that family instead of the one I had, my brothers and I ate our breakfast with cereal boxes to block our view of each other.

Well, my family meeting resulted in Monday to Thursday and Sunday meals at the table, Friday and Saturday were optional.

I guess I was looking for the Walton's. Oh well, I got the "Hatfields and McCoys" I guess.

We're closer now though.

Jeff and Jana - I can't believe people actually say things like that. What nerve. My mom was an only child, my dad had three siblings and three cousins living with him, his mom came from a family of nine.

I'd love to have enough children to run to the park and have a family baseball game.

mammaduke

05-17-2008, 09:13 PM

I always wished I could of had more children. I always wanted a large family but just wasn't right for me.
I can't wait to see there show on the Discovery channel this summer.

SparkleNana

05-19-2008, 07:29 PM

I do like to wach their show. They are a beautiful, amazing family!

clarebear

05-20-2008, 05:37 AM

I have never heard of them but WOW!! From what you all have said they seem a very happy and loving family, so I wish them all the best.

Annette1990

05-21-2008, 11:38 PM

I agree gals. Having dinner as family is also important to me. It's important to take that time and sit down together as a family to discuss things and be together. It's mandatory in my household. And it was also like that when I was growing up. Larissa brought a monthly flyer home from school that talks about a little of this and that and I recall reading one of the articles in it about having dinner as a family and staying connected in each others lives and that by doing this they are less likely to try drugs, smoking and alcohol.

JanaBanana

05-22-2008, 12:11 PM

Im a stay at home mom, so we have a sit down dinner every single night. I cant imagine having the disfunctional family that so many have today.. we are raising our children, not someone else...

Mr Walker

10-08-2008, 08:09 AM

MY THOUGHTS EXACTLY Jeff :)

The worst thing someone could say to me (although I think we are) is
"You arent having anymore are you?" Or "This is it right?"

It none of ANYONES business how many children we have! Never in our life have asked for a handout of anykind.

This family is a neat family.. if it works for them, then Im happy for them.

Found this thread while I was doing a search (for "worst" christmas cd... LOL).

Anyway... I agree with you Jana... we have 6 and get that comment alot... my response is always "I hope to have a lot more".

My wife once made the greatest quote ever "Children aren't expensive... lifestyles are expensive".

The other comment that I despise is "Six kids? All with the same wife?"... for some reason that one really gets me steamed!

Anyway, The Duggers... I'm not a fan (although I think that big family and how they are raising the children is awesome!)... basically because my wife is fascinated with them and just to bust my chops she's always throwing 'Mr. Dugger' at me.... "Mr. Dugger does this... Mr. Dugger does that... Mr. Dugger built his own house... blah, blah, blah". If I ever get the opportunity to meet Mr. Dugger I might just punch him in the belly! (just kidding, of course).

Ms_Speedy_Elf

10-08-2008, 08:24 AM

The largest family that I've ever known personally was 14 including the parent's.

They usually had large families in the early day's and made it though ,so I don't understand why people feel they couldn't make it now day's. If people want a large family and can afford it and the good Lord blesses them with many children then I see nothing wrong with it.

However I can't see having a large family and having to depend on welfare. Like these young unwed mother's who have several children and continue to do so just because "they" don't have to pay for it.

Mumof2

10-08-2008, 08:24 AM

I am the Youngest of 8,4 of each! my mum was one of 10,my dad was one of five.There are 18 grandkids and counting,and my mum will be a great Nana early next year!
I love big families,Ive got loads of cousins,aunts,uncles etc..nothing better than that!
More to Love!Ive seen this family and think thats a true role model not the celebs,I know my Mum and my Nana were! :)

kerst

10-08-2008, 08:26 AM

They sure do look like a happy family.

I think large families are great but I could never handle one myself. So hat off for you Jana and Jeff and the Duggers and all of you who do raise large families ! Raising children is the most difficult job in the world but also the most rewarding !

Faith4always

10-08-2008, 08:37 AM

I have had 5 children. Longed and longed to have more babies. I absolutely love babies and I loved being pregnant.
We lost son number 4 due to PBS...Prune Belly Syndrome. You can do a search and see what that's all about. We'd never heard of it.
Anyway, each child is so unique and special. If I could physically have 18 kids..we would too.
I do keep up with the Duggar Family via television. I think they're so cool.

yolie8174

10-08-2008, 09:18 AM

I think it would have been great to have a big family. I just got one son, who I love so very much, but I would have loved to have a big family of my own.

To jana and jeff I think it is really nice that you guys have big beautiful families. cheesy

I see babies and pregnant women all the time because I work in the prenatal department in my clinic, so I'm surrounded by growing families all the time. It's actually very nice to see.

JanaBanana

10-08-2008, 10:34 AM

Well thank you... :D
Babies are a true blessing from GOD. Would love more... husband looks at me cross eyed at times, but hey!

JanaBanana

10-08-2008, 10:35 AM

Forgot to add, she found out its another girl.. and their oldest son just got married...and when asked if they would have more she didnt hesitate to say yes :D

JanaBanana

10-08-2008, 10:37 AM

Faithmom, Im sorry for your loss :(

Minta

10-08-2008, 10:42 AM

Hats off to all those who have large families. I have my hands full with 2 that we have. Would love to have more but don't think we could handle it. LOL!

trackrebel

10-08-2008, 11:48 AM

More power to them!!! I would love to have 3 or 4 kids....would be happy with one too....but 18 would a bit much for my taste...but if people can handle it and are happy...I´m happy, too and have lots of respect!!!

Faith4always

10-08-2008, 11:55 AM

Faithmom, Im sorry for your loss :(

Each child, each individual child - is a blessing, very special, and unique in his/her own way!!
We're doing great! And then God gave us Nathan!!

http://x63.xanga.com/729d752144c31133637170/m97706601.jpg See why I wouldn't want 17 more? Isn't he the cutest little guy? He loves "Nernie" (Ernie from Sesame Street)...just had to share that...

trackrebel

10-08-2008, 12:02 PM

he´s very cuuuuuuute

Faith4always

10-08-2008, 12:06 PM

He's 2 years old now.
We'll see if there are any more "blessings" instore for us!!

trackrebel

10-08-2008, 12:09 PM

Faith4always

10-08-2008, 12:12 PM

My fiance and I want at least one more, too....but I´m a bit scared....cos I had a postpartum depression after Kandice was born and spend 10 weeks in a psychiatric clinic....4 without and 6 weeks with Kandice....I know now, God made me strong enough to go through something like this....but this was the most terrible time in my life....so I´m a bit scared to have it again, if I have another child

Well, you need to discuss this with your OB/GYN and explain the situation.
I'm sure there's a way to help you Track. Especially since you know that it could happen again and you kinda know what to look for, etc. {{{{{hugs}}}}}

JOHNOR

10-08-2008, 01:38 PM

wow! i've seen these guys on tv, it makes me smile to watch what a happy family they are!

my dad has 9 siblings and my mum has 6, i have lot's of cousins and aunties and uncles and i am especially close to my mum's side of the family. my mum's mum has 18 grandchildren, 28 grandchildren and 2 great great grandchildren! we are all very close and it's amazing having one big family.

personally, i would not want 18 kids, it just wouldn't be my cup of tea, in an ideal world (if i am lucky enough to be blessed) i would like 2 children, 3 maximum. i am fortunate because my children would grow up with lot's of cousins and great aunties and uncles.

JanaBanana

10-08-2008, 02:36 PM

He is very cute Faithmom :D

Faith4always

10-08-2008, 04:51 PM

He is very cute Faithmom :D

We're very proud of that little guy!!

Trinityjae

10-08-2008, 07:34 PM

I watch the Duggars from time to time and I am in awe of them. Good for them expecting their 18th child. 18 is a little much for me. I think I'd need some time to recover but to each his own. I have an 18th month old daughter and am currently 7 months pregnant with my son and am still talking about more. My husband and I say that we will stop trying when we have 4 kids but I would welcome more! I'm so glad to see those of you with big families. We have friends that don't have children that have made their comments such as, "You're done right?" and "You've replaced yourselves, I think you should call it quits." Children are a blessing and a legacy that will keep you connected to this world for many generations to come.

Trinityjae

10-08-2008, 07:45 PM

Found this thread while I was doing a search (for "worst" christmas cd... LOL).

Anyway... I agree with you Jana... we have 6 and get that comment alot... my response is always "I hope to have a lot more".

My wife once made the greatest quote ever "Children aren't expensive... lifestyles are expensive".

The other comment that I despise is "Six kids? All with the same wife?"... for some reason that one really gets me steamed!

Anyway, The Duggers... I'm not a fan (although I think that big family and how they are raising the children is awesome!)... basically because my wife is fascinated with them and just to bust my chops she's always throwing 'Mr. Dugger' at me.... "Mr. Dugger does this... Mr. Dugger does that... Mr. Dugger built his own house... blah, blah, blah". If I ever get the opportunity to meet Mr. Dugger I might just punch him in the belly! (just kidding, of course).

Haha Mr. Walker! Here's hoping you don't run into Mr. Duggar. I was just giggling at this post and my husband was wondering why I was laughing and I mentioned what you said and he agreed!

auntieclaus

10-08-2008, 07:54 PM

More power to them, they seem to be a well adjusted family full of faith and love!

Annette1990

10-08-2008, 09:11 PM

Wow! Another on the way. Well all the best to this family.

JanaBanana

10-09-2008, 07:15 AM

Found this thread while I was doing a search (for "worst" christmas cd... LOL).

Anyway... I agree with you Jana... we have 6 and get that comment alot... my response is always "I hope to have a lot more".

My wife once made the greatest quote ever "Children aren't expensive... lifestyles are expensive".

The other comment that I despise is "Six kids? All with the same wife?"... for some reason that one really gets me steamed!

Anyway, The Duggers... I'm not a fan (although I think that big family and how they are raising the children is awesome!)... basically because my wife is fascinated with them and just to bust my chops she's always throwing 'Mr. Dugger' at me.... "Mr. Dugger does this... Mr. Dugger does that... Mr. Dugger built his own house... blah, blah, blah". If I ever get the opportunity to meet Mr. Dugger I might just punch him in the belly! (just kidding, of course).

Yeah I just dont understand why people have to be so forward when it comes to how many children a person is gonna have or wants... 2 days ago I ran into some relatives or my husbands and they something something like "SO this is number???" I said "NUMBER 5 SO FAR!" These ladies are famous for their gossiping and the look on their face was priceless...
Its no ones business if I have 5 kids or if I have 15!

Santa's Helper

10-09-2008, 09:32 AM

I say if you can have a large family and give enough love to each child, then go for it! I don't care how many kids someone chooses to have as long as the children are properly cared for and loved. Nothing irks me more than people who have kids and then don't care about them. Too many people want children and can't have them and I think it's a shame when people who are blessed enough to be able to have children don't treat them as the little blessings that they are. I don't have children and I am on the fence about whether or not I will have them (or just 1) but, I feel like at this point I need to make up my mind pretty soon or I might just be too old to have them! Good for the Duggars for caring for their kids and loving them the way that they do. I guess their family isn't just getting bigger with a new baby on the way but, it's also growing outside the family. Their oldest boy just got married! They said they are going to accept as many children as God gives them. There could be yet another Duggar on the way soon and not from Michelle and Jim Bob! Good thing they bought 20 acres for their kids to live on if they choose. They're gonna need the room!

Ms_Speedy_Elf

10-12-2008, 05:13 PM

The Duggers are going to be on tv tomorrow night at 10 PM EST on TLC .

kelly ann

10-13-2008, 02:17 AM

Wow!! That's all I can say. The mother (duggers) must be an amazing woman to be able to have so many pregnancies. Im only on my second and im petrified. I come from a big family too, im one of five. I do like the idea of having more, its just that I dont think I could cope with being pregnant anymore after this.
And Id like to say, It doesnt matter what anyone says, its up to the couple/individual on how many children they want to have. People can be so judgemental!!!