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Michelle Duggar. Let's Discuss.

I've read quite a lot about Michelle Duggar, the Arkansas mother of 17 children. She absolutely fascinates me.

What do you all think about her?

Permalink Reply by Jennifer on May 12, 2008 at 12:36pm: I know! I read somewhere that she's NEVER yelled at her kids. I'm in awe.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Michele on May 12, 2008 at 1:17pm: Honestly... I'm concerned about her health. The medical community actually doesn't advocate for pregnancies past 5 or so - due to the wear and tear on the uterus and the cervix. That's my real concern. They've got the financials down pat. They've got a system. The children are well behaved, educated, and seem happy and adjusted. They've extended family. They've spirituality. I honestly (while I couldn't EVER do it myself) think it's a fascinating life. But I do have concerns about her gynecological health (which I admit - it's absolutely none of my business.); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jennifer on May 12, 2008 at 1:20pm: Oh I have the same thoughts! I've wondered how it's even possible for a uterus to stand up to that many pregnancies. I can't imagine having been pregnant for the majority of my adult life.

This is probably why I'm so fascinated.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by JackieWks on May 12, 2008 at 1:46pm: I know a family locally who has 11. The last 2 were twins. They make up their own orchestra.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Carrie on May 12, 2008 at 4:00pm: I think I am sad that I didn't go to medical school - what with all the surgeries she will be needing. There are only so many kegels a gal can do . . . just sayin'.

It is a fascinating family though - their dymanics, how they make it all work . . .; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by DevilishSouthernBelle on May 13, 2008 at 8:59am: I'm probably in the minority here, but I think it's incredibly unfair to her older kids to have the kind of responsibility they have of taking care of their younger siblings. I know it is all they've ever known; on the other hand, they never asked for that kind of life.

Having said that, they fascinate me, too. And make my uterus hurt just by reading about them. They do seem like nice people, though.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jennifer on May 14, 2008 at 1:22pm: Marie, in response to the dress alike thing I found this funny I used at our Mother Daughter luncheon.

"The mother of a large family was explaining why she dresses her children alike, right down to the youngest baby. "When we had just four children, I dressed them alike so we wouldn't lose any of them. Now," she added, looking around at her brood of nine, "I dress them alike so we won't pick up any that don't belong to us."; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Jennifer on May 14, 2008 at 1:21pm: I'm with you. I'm sure not every large family is the same but I wouldn't want to do that to my older kids. Another family I've heard of that only has 7 kids, the mom really didn't do anything but have the babies and the older kids did everything from chores to cooking to taking care of the younger ones. Not their responisibility. But that's just MHO. If it's working for them great!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by M3 on May 13, 2008 at 10:01am: I am in awe of the tranquility that seems to pervade their lives. Every time I watch one of their specials, I think to myself, "Man, we are so chaotic compared to them." Then again, I can't imagine speaking in a little-girl voice all the time. I do wonder how the older ones deal with parenting their siblings, but then I think that part of our problem as a society is that we don't think we have to care for each other. I don't know. I just know I try never to miss their shows because I always take away positive feelings from the peeks into their lives we get.; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Carrie on May 13, 2008 at 6:56pm: I sort of wonder how much of it is "real" though. I mean, if I were on television, I am sure you all would think I was sweet as punch (I am, aren't I?). I certainly would censor the heck out of myself - and maybe she is always that sweet, but it seems sort of fake to me.

I prefer John and Kate Plus 8 - I love her honesty and humor and realness, even in front of the cameras!

It is so funny to think that watching Eight is Enough as a kid, I thought that was a HUGE family - and now The Duggars are having eighteen. Sheesh, was I wrong! :); ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by SAHMmy Says on May 15, 2008 at 5:41pm: Love Kate--she's so anally organized, I watch it just to get inspiration! The episode where she tried out housekeepers was hilarious!; ▶ Reply to This

Permalink Reply by Cara on May 13, 2008 at 9:20pm: I do find the family fascinating - but freaky. Seriously - hasn't she thought about what she is doing to her body? I just can''t be healthy. Will she be around for all her children? To help them all grow up into adult hood?; ▶ Reply to This