Monday, February 13, 2017

The 'Hidden' Chaperone


Tonight is the last episode of Counting On before the big wedding special airs next Monday! Two weeks before their special day, Jinger Duggar and Jeremy Vuolo transport all of Jinger's belongings down to their future home in Laredo, Texas. Jedidiah comes along as a chaperone but has to sit in the backseat surrounded by stuff. You can hardly see him, but we assure you he's there. Check out the promo video below.

Monday, February 13
9pm ET/8pm CT: All About Jinger (NEW)
Jinger packs for her move to Texas, which includes a surprise gift from her family. She, Jeremy, and Jed drive to her future home in Laredo. As they anticipate Jinger's big move, the Duggar siblings take a trip down memory lane.
11pm ET/8pm CT: All About Jinger


Photo/video courtesy TLC

100 comments:

  1. Hats off to Jeremy for respecting their chaperone rules as a grown man who's been out in the world and pastors a church.

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  2. I watched part of the last episode last night. Jeremy was saying "surreal" and "siblings," both Duggar family words. Most people say "brothers and sisters," at least where I live. I never hear people say "siblings," but the Duggars always say "siblings." It's almost like they follow a script or lexicon of certain words like "surreal," "seasons of life," "fellowshipping," "siblings," "servant's heart," etc. and now it seems Jeremy is on board, too.

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    1. Sibling is not a Duggar word. Everyone says it. Besides elderly people, I have never heard anyone say brothers and sisters.

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    2. I'm a young woman from California, and I use the word siblings, along with everyone else I know. And we don't practice religion.

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    3. I agree about their standard formulations which, after repeating them over and over, lose all their meaning, but I don't think that the word "siblings" is part of it: it's a pretty common word.
      Btw, how many times did Jessa say, in the past three years, that she and Ben "have a heart for adoption"? :)

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    4. Anon@ 1:43 2/13 The use of the word 'sibling' is likely a regional thing. In my family and where I live, we refer to 'brothers and sisters.'

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    5. In Los Angeles, people say "my brother(s) and sister(s)" not "siblings." I've never heard people say siblings in every day conversation until the Duggars.

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    6. I agree with the original poster. Siblings is another over-used Duggar word. I have always thought it to be a strange way for family members to refer to each other. It just seems so cold

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    7. Aninymous 1:43- Siblings is new language jargon in the last few years. Brothers and sisters are still in vogue. Dont dis the elderly!

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    8. I agree that "surreal" and "season of life" are overused, but I use the word siblings with my kids all the time. It just means "brothers and sisters," which is too many syllables for me! :)

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    9. I always say siblings. It's been around longer than the Duggars. I guess in some circles people say brothers and sisters.

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    10. Where I live, the only people who say siblings are medical receptionists, doctors & nurses in a medical setting, and school administrators/teachers within a lecture setting. Siblings is the more formal term. It's unexpected to hear the Duggar young adults and children use it, given the other more colloquial phrases they use. In my experience, it tends to be more "southern" to use brothers and sisters.

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    11. I respectfully disagree. I teach/tutor English, and "siblings" is rarely used in modern speech as it's considered fairly archaic; it is more common to see the word on business or government forms, while it's primarily spoken within the elderly community. It is certainly not bad to use the word! It's just a very noticeable one within a form of speech that is common to their family. In fairness, it does somewhat highlight their disconnect from a modern, secular society...but they're obviously okay with that form of speech within their way of life.

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  3. How many trips did Jinger make to Texas before she got married? I'm losing count.

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  4. The only ones that care if Jinger and Jeremy have a chaperone are her parents.

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  5. Didn't they already do an "All About Jinger" episode last fall before the wedding? Hoping there's more new content than flashback!

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  6. Jinger you are an absolute doll! Cute boots you tried on!! Also, Ellie is someone able to list Jessa's new baby's February birthday in the Duggar birthday list above? Maybe they still haven't named him yet??

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    1. They might be waiting for Jill to have her baby so they don't have to do it twice

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  7. Have Jessa & Ben named there baby yet?

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    1. I guess we'll know when this week's People magazine comes out!

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    2. yes, Henry Wilberforce

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    3. They did! There's a new post now

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    4. they announced his name yesterday, Henry W...... (something long) can look for who he is named after on here

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  8. A pastor and his fiancée, with a film crew no less, don't need a chaperone. If they have so little self control that they will break their rules if left alone, they have no business getting married. So, no need to reassure your readers that the chaperone is very much present. The Duggars should be reassured that the fruits of the Spirit will enable Godly men and women to do what is right. The Duggars should demonstrate the power of God and what it will help believers to overcome, including sins like lust. Instead, they are relying on a teenage boy, taking matters into their own hands.

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    1. The reality of our relationship with God is we are in need of saving, not just once, but likely every day. God's word has many passages on holding each other accountable. It isn't weak or faulty to have someone to keep you on track in any situation. Age is no factor in sin, Satan can lead a 15 year old or a 98 year old off the path that God has set for us. Recognizing our own weakness and proclivity towards sin is part of being an adult asking others to help you with them is being mature.

      Proverbs 27:17 - "Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another."
      James 5:16 - "Therefore, confess your sins to one another an pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."
      James 5:19-20 - "My brothers, if anyone among you wanders from the truth and someone brings him back, let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins."

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    2. it all is having pure simple respect for self as well other person. chaperone dating is the darkages dawn before man. engaged couples do not need tobe chaperone,again i find after reading many posts to be highly in poor taste bringing up god and all that stuff again.

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    3. You make a great point. What kind of a pastor would Jeremy be if he can't be alone with Jinger without making a move? Either the Duggars trust Jeremy or they don't. This chaperone business is demeaning to him.

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    4. I agree. If your teens or young adults are following God, they will make right decisions. They won't need chaperones because they won't yield to temptation.
      Before I was married we didn't have a chaperone, but we didn't have any bodily contact. We didn't even hold hands. Not because our parents told us not to, frankly our parents would not have cared. But it was what we wanted and we wanted to have a good testimony.

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    5. Maybe they have a chaperone to protect themselves from accusations by dirty, little minds. Not because they don't have self-control.

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    6. If you think godly people are incapable of falling to temptation and lust then you are sadly mistaken. Take a look at King David or Solomon for biblical examples. Pride and arrogance are the only things that would allow us to believe that. The Duggars and many others have chosen accountability not out of fear, but to glorify God in purity. Give this couple the grace to make their own choices as we have all been allowed to make our own.

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    7. With a godly man like Jeremy, I'm sure the chaperone is more to protect them from rumors and gossips more than anything Jeremy would do. I have to laugh when I read "her parents don't trust them" or the like. I'm sure her parents will agree, it is more about talk than touch.

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    8. What I don't get is when is falling in love and wanna hold hands, huge or even kiss before marriage wrong! Let a adult make the decision for him or herself! They ain't children! I get the Duggars if they have that rule for there children under 18 years but 23 year old come on!

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  9. Haha! Those boots Jinger ended up with aren't even close to cowboy boots! Well, at least she tried...

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    1. That hat isn't Texas, either. And BTW, putting on boots doesn't make you "legit" Texan.

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    2. We have boots like that where I live in the Northeast!

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  10. We saw the wedding already, so don't understand the point of showing it again.

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    1. Next week's episode is two hours, so we'll be seeing more footage than the hour they had on last fall. I think they did a quick one-hour special last fall because fans were complaining they had to wait so long to see the wedding with the other girls. With the other two, people were complaining that they showed too many pre-wedding planning episodes and then waited too long to show the wedding. This time we saw very little wedding planning ahead of time and got to see the wedding right away. I don't mind that they're going back and showing all the things we didn't get to see before. I think no matter what they do, somebody's going to complain about it.

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    2. assume because the wedding we saw last season was an hr long and next week is 2 hr long so we should be seeing more of the wedding. I think they went with just a short amount last season because fans complained it took too long to see Jessa and Jill wedding, so they did a short one and fans still complaining over how it was done.

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  11. Jinger is so cute and those boots are going to look so cute paired with skirts!

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    1. Like the long skirt with the black & white stripes? I think she packed that one. Jana asked about it, and let Jinger take it. And the "best" hair straightener. And anything else Jinger's heart desired. Because it's Jana.

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  12. I do not understand what a family that has instilled Christian values into their children do not trust an engaged couple to be alone. Don't they trust their own teachings? This is not meant to be a negative comment but a real question. If a family had only one child it would be pretty challenging to always have a chaperon available.

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    1. It's totally unnecessary. It seems to be at the point where they do it for the audience, not for themselves. "Look at us, we're so chaste and careful." Funny, too, how there always seems to be a kid around who's doing nothing and can "chaperone." What about school and work?

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    2. Howdy, please don't take the following as a critical statement, I'm simply trying to accurately answer your question.

      There would be no need for Christian values or the sacrifice of Christ if we were all perfect. In fact, the core principle of the Bible is that everyone needs salvation, because as humans we have a proclivity towards sinning. If I've learned anything in my years it is that "I would never do that" is an invitation to the devil, a dare if you will. Any couple is human, they have feelings, attractions, hormones. The only difference between a Christian and a non-Christian is that the Christian realities they need saving. Having the chaperon there is many things, its a show of good faith, it teaches in this case the young chaperon that there is nothing to be embraced about being tempted, and of course it keeps a couple from doing something they would later regret. We can have all the convictions in the bible, but if we are honest with ourselves there is almost always some situation that would make us forget about them. I think its a smart decision to have one, I think its also an honest one.

      I agree, a smaller household might have a more difficult time having a coordinating dates to make sure they have a chaperon, but if both families participate I think it can be done reasonably.

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    3. I've asked that exact question in the past.

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    4. Not to mention one of them is 29 years old. How embarrassing.

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    5. I agree. The whole chaperone practice seems to say the parents don't trust their own adult children to live the values they have been taught. Seems insulting to the children, I think. And, with Jeremy being a pastor and he still has to have a chaperone on his dates with his fiancé?! Ridiculous.

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    6. I agree. You want to protect your teens or young adults but there comes a time when you have to trust that you raised them right. And that they are walking with God and know what's right from wrong.

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    7. I *think* it's more a matter of you can teach your child the way to go, but that doesn't mean they will always walk in it- they still have to make the choice using their free will. Just because you teach your child your values doesn't mean they will internalize them as their own. When emotions, attraction, and hormones are all running high, many a Christian (irregardless of age) has fallen. While the chaperone concept seems silly to many, it's actually very mature and wise. The Bible teaches that 2 are better than one, to resist temptation, and to avoid even the appearance of evil. Being chaperoned has been the norm in most societies since recorded history (2000 BC). Dating, as we know it, is relatively new (the last 90 years).

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    8. It's not that the Duggars don't trust the engaged couple. The parents (and the couple) understand that there are a lot of physical temptations. God's standard is purity, and to keep that standard requires a lot of work, commitment, faithfulness and prayer. One way to help keep that standard is to set up safe guards , or dating standards. The Duggars have chosen to have chaperones as a safe guard to help their young people not have regrets from their dating expiriences of falling not sin. I know, some reading this will say "what about what happened with Josh". Christians are not perfect. True Christians are striving to live the way God wants them. However, we still have a sin nature and can fall into sin. The difference comes in forgiveness and reconciliation first with God and then with those whom we have sinned against. I personally know married men who have chosen to never be alone with a woman (other than their wife) within the business and social world for the purpose of preserving the purity of all parties involved. I respect them for this stand. They are committed to their purity and their marriage and committed to my purity as well. It's not that they don't trust me. They are committed to God and being faithful to Him

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    9. There are actually many times when very godly dating and engaged couples have fallen to temptation and have not remained pure until their weddings. These couples are aware of the realities of those temptations, and in the face of very real attractions for one another have chosen to have accountability to help them. They are not expecting others to live this way, so why can't people just let them choose what's best for them? I thought that's what living in a free country entailed?

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    10. A chaperon is for accountability reasons.

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    11. But let's not forget that they were staying overnight in his apartment. Without a chaperone, that would place themselves in a unfavorable situation for two lovebirds as themselves. Besides, can you imagine the field day the press would have had if they didn't have a chaperone and still didn't cross any boundaries staying overnight together?? It would have been their word against EVERYONES opinion. Yikes!

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    12. I didn't need a chaperon and it never went past a kiss. We were alone a lot of times. If taught right you can still save yourself for the wedding night if that is your choice

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    13. Well, you have to think with such great high moral standards, they are old enough to control their urges and understand what's right and wrong. It's about trust and with Jeremy's past why would they trust him? Well they chose that guy for her so deal with the consequences.

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  13. Once again, there goes Jinger longing for the city......

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  14. Maybe it's good they had a chaperone. There's a lot of touching going on in that car, more than is normal. But I don't know how the chaperone could see it. And I doubt he even cares about it to stop it!

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  15. i thought the wedding aired back in november?

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  16. They drove down all that way to unload all of their stuff. That must of been a fun trip seeing all of those different cities that they had to drive through to get to Laredo.

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  17. Maybe you have never been in a relationship. Temptation occurs for all living people even pastors. Having a chaperone gives accountability when the flesh is weak and wards off accusers. Hence, great men of God like Billy Graham never traveled alone. Not only was there accountability, but shockingly some try to ruin other's reputations. We have lost a perfecting holiness out of a reverence for God. (2 Corinthians 7:1)

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    1. Hard to understand though what they could possibly do at a restaurant with the public all around them.They are never ever alone until after the wedding. How awkward that must be.

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  18. On a positive note, I like how more independent than her sister Jinger is! She acts like a woman who decides things with her man, not like a little girl who lets her father and fiancé decide everything. I'm really pleased to see that.

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  19. I'm gonna guess that their gift is a car😊And, I bet we find out the baby's name tonight...hope so😉

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  20. Didn't they already show Jingers wedding on TV?

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  21. These extreme unScriptural-man-made rules are getting really tedious. These are adults. I actually find it disrespectful to all involved. My goodness JimBob and Michelle; did you not learn all these rules are just for your own pride. If somebody wants to sin they will find a way no matter how many chaperones you impose.

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  22. They announce baby boy's name

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  23. It was so easy and obvious. If Jessa and Ben wanted to name their child after these two preachers, the obviously elegant name would have been: William Matthew Seewald, but NO, they had to pick the strange names these men had.

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  24. Jinger sleeps on Jeremy's "shirt" but she needs a chaperone? I'm starting to think some of the Duggar rules are just for tv sake. Some don't even seem rational.

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  25. Does she have to take her little brother along because she doesn't trust Jeremy? The man she's about to marry? She doesn't think he'd respect her and keep his hands on the steering wheel (like most people do when driving)? Or is it herself she doesn't trust? What's the deal here with 2 adults needing a chaperone? What are they or their parents afraid of? Have they had bad examples all around them? No...I should think not......

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  26. HENRY WILBERFORCE SEEWALD. At least Henry is a normal name! :)

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  27. Jessa and Ben, Great job on naming your son!! I love the name Henry!! It was my dear dad's middle name. It holds a special place in my heart.
    Also, my son will be super envious of Wilberforce. I can see him saying he is going to name his son that someday ( He is a HUGE Star Wars fan, and it sounds like will -the force- be with you). Super cool!! I know he and millions of Star Wars fans will love that name!! Great job!! Truly love his name!!!

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  28. Really, I don't think any viewers would care if they didn't have a chaperone. There are cameras in their faces and they are grown adults.

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  29. The chaperone thing is old now. Start trusting your adult kids.

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  30. Jeremy should have got a uhaul or all her stuff instead of blocking the window to see out the back. They will get a ticket for not beable to see out the back window.

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    1. I said the exact thing to my husband! The view out the rear window was totally blocked. That is not safe. I was also wondering what would have happened if they had a flat. They'd have never gotten to the spare.

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    2. Believe it or not, you don't have to be able to see out the back window. That's what your side mirrors are for. Think semi-trucks and buses with solid backs. It's not the law...

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    3. You can't see everything in a side mirror! If you rely solely on those and never look back or over your shoulder out the windows before changing lanes on a highway, you're asking for an accident. Ever hear of the blind spot? Trucks and buses are commercial vehicles, BTW, not private passenger vehicles.

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  31. Hoping for more new content but I fear few weeks left of short season.
    I do hope they didn't intrude on another delivery.
    I'd enjoy hearing more about the other young adults and has anyone heard the date Jill and Derrick leave for Central America?
    How long are they staying?

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  32. Where did Jinger sleep? Don't tell me she spent the night at the apartment with Jeremy? I personally trust that if she did, nothing inappropriate happened but how scandalous it could appear even with Jedidiah present.

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    1. I wondered that, too. Two bedrooms, three people. Maybe Jinger & Jed & the film crew went off to a hotel. In separate rooms.

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    2. Jeremy in his room, Jinger in the guest room and her skinny brother on the couch! Sounds like my Puerto Rican family get togethers!

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  33. I think Jed should have sat in the front seat and Jinger in the back. Jeremy didn't seem able to keep both hands on the wheel.

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    1. Once they're engaged, let the intertwining begin!

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  34. If I were a member of Jeremy's congregation I would be very concerned that my pastor needed to be chaperoned by a teenage boy. I certainly wouldn't be comforted by the fact that the man in charge of my spiritual wellbeing can't be trusted with his fiancé.

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    1. Very good points.

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    2. Well, remember that Billy Graham was never alone in a room with a woman. That was his rule. for propriety and so no one could ever accuse him of a he said/she said.

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    3. As a pastor's wife, I have to point out that if he WAS spending time alone with her, there would be someone gossiping about it. It's best to live above reproach!

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    4. To ANON I :11 and Rachel self, you both make excellent points. That's why BG never had a sex scandal, because he walked the talk and he made sure not to give opportunity the opportunity! I think Jeremy's ok with it. He knows they're just looking after their daughter.

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    1. Agreed. I noticed Jinger yawned, too. Even this recap is skimpy...not much to tell about. And then two hours of the wedding reruns next week?

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  36. Jeremy should be embarressed being 29 years...a PASTOR...with a 13 year chaperone. If my Pastor needed a chaperone I think I would be finding a new church...

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  37. Of my 7 girlfriends, 6 were honestly devoted Christians who loved the Lord and were trying to live Godly lives. Of those 6: 4 lost their purity prior to marrying, 1 married a Youth Pastor/Evangelist early due to temptation. The 6th one knew about temptation so they made sure they always had chaperoned dates for accountability. The 7th girlfriend? She was a "lifer" Church roll member, not really interested in obeying God...and I helped her pick up the pieces in the aftermath. When you've counseled your best friend(s)the morning after and seen the damage done (spiritually, emotionally, physically, relationally), it's not hard to opt for chaperoned dates.

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    1. So you're saying your 7th friend would have been a different person if only she had a chaperone? That's a lot of responsibility to put on a chaperone. And I've known girls who would have acted the same as always, chaperone or not. You can't charge one person with stopping the behavior of another. That's not the solution.

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    2. Anon @ 2/14; 7:29 Damage done? Were your friends being forced to do something against their will? My husband and I lived together before we got married... no chaperones! We experienced no trauma or guilt. That was over 25 years ago and we're still happily married. I guess a person has to do whatever they think is right. However, I just hate to hear that some people let themselves be consumed with regret and guilt if they somehow don't measure up to some preconceived notion of purity. (By the way, your friend who married a youth pastor early due to temptation... I assume she was pregnant before the wedding. Was that child not a "blessing from God"?

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    3. Thank you for posting! It happens way too often to even "the good kids."

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  38. The wedding again? Yawn.

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  39. What kind of car was that the brothers gave Jinger and Jeremy as a wedding gift?

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