Only three weeks until Christmas! Jill and the kids have enjoyed spending time with family this holiday season. Here are a few snapshots from some of their recent activities:
Photos courtesy dillardfamily.com
Israel Dillard and Grandma Cathy Dillard Byrum
Playing "store" at the Amazeum, a children's museum in Bentonville, AR
Jill and Israel Dillard at a Christmas parade in Rogers, AR
Jill Dillard shows off the henna she received from a friend from South Asia
Jill and Derick's Christmas tree
Photos courtesy dillardfamily.com
This family has in the past shared with viewers their beliefs on celebrating the Christmas holiday. I'm recalling a Christmastime "tour" hosted by Josh where he showed their tiny Christmas tree and explained that it was the only one they put up because trees are not the focus of the season. Obviously some of the adult kids have abandoned this value, though it seems it would be appropriate for them to address it. It's weird that they have publicly stated certain values in the past and now are plainly adopting different ones without addressing it to their viewers.
ReplyDeleteThose were their parents vanes and Josh's not Jill's everyone had the right to do things different and they shouldn't have to explain anything to anyone.
DeleteAnon 4:11. You are forgetting that the adult Duggar children are now married. That means they live with and partner with individuals who also have their own set of values, experiences, memories. At least 2 of those spouses grew up in a different Christian religious system. Maybe, in this case, Derick has shared with Jill that he would like Christmas trees at Christmas and that he feels their family, a Dillard family not Duggar, can have that and still honour the Lord at the same time. Marriage is compromise and a blending of two people and also their values. Eileen
DeleteEileen- I love the way you put that! Such a beautiful comment and a great way to describe the blending that should happen in a marriage-both spouses should be equally considered.
DeleteSo good to hear about my favorite person of the Duggar family Jill Dillard. When I read about Derek I was shocked that TLC pulled him because of his views about transgenders TLC should give Derek another chance. Great to see Derek's mom in a photo again Cathy spending time with Israel again. Cool photo of the Christmas tree.
ReplyDeleteLots of gifts already in color coordinated wrapping. I kind of thought they would follow the 3 gifts per person rule...like Jesus received from the wise men.
ReplyDeleteHow do you know they’re not from other people? Think before you judge
DeleteWhy wound you think this?
DeleteWe don't really know that Jesus only received three gifts. There were three kinds of gifts, but we don't know how many of each kind. We also don't know how many wise men came to see Jesus.
DeleteI have never heard of anyone following a rule of only three gifts. It is interesting if people follow that.
I know a few people who follow it. I like the "something you want, something you need, something to wear, and something to read" rule personally. Then kids also have stocking and smaller things get put in them.
DeleteThere weren't three wise men either. There was an entourage! And they didn't show up until Jesus was two years old!! Oh that everyone would study their bibles!
DeleteI don't think a variety of other people would all give a large number of gifts to the Dillards, all wrapped in the exact same paper. That's kind of grasping. For people repeatedly asking other people to pay their way in life, I did find the number of gifts already under the tree (with three weeks still left to go, meaning more will likely be bought) disappointing. Jill and Derick don't seem to have a good grip on what it means to work and support oneself and live within one's means.
DeleteYou are right. In seminary we were taught that the number 3 is frequently used because 3 is a holy number - the Trinity
DeleteMy family and I in the past only gave our children three gifts for Christmas. We used the example of the wise men giving Jesus three gifts. But this year we are giving our children only two each. We have five children and there are a lot of their birthdays before Christmas.
DeleteAnon 920. Only 2! That’s not much. I feel sorry for your kids.
DeleteAnon 900, Please don't feel sorry for my kids. They have a lot of toys.They have a toy room and bedrooms full. They have their needs met and God has really blessed our family. We are teaching our children that it's not about what you can get for Christmas, it's about Christ. And we want them to see how blessed they are and how important it is to give to those who don't have much.
DeleteFor those talking about the presents under the tree, how do you know they have gifts in them? Lots of people wrap empty boxes as decoration. I do it and then later hide real ones inside so no-one knows which are fake and or real. Works like a charm.
DeleteOh my people every family has their own thing my kids live on their own and times are hard this year so we’re doing stocking stuffers this year at least everyone is getting something
DeleteWe all get to choose our family traditions including how many gifts we give our children. It amazes me how many people post comments about what the Duggars, Seewalds, Dillard’s and Vuolos “should” do. They get to set their own standards....and they do a great job!
DeleteThat "color coordinated wrapping" could more accurately be called "only using one roll of wrapping paper, which is actually kind of frugal."
DeleteI'm thinking those gifts might be given to nieces/nephews/younger siblings and are wrapped in the same paper so everybody can tell it's from them.
DeleteSuch a beautiful Christmas tree. Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGreat pics, Happy Holidays Jill and family!
ReplyDeleteSo sweet to see them at home enjoying spending time with the family. Merry Christmas and God bless.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing Cathy healthy and enjoying her son and grandson!
ReplyDeletethe Duggars never had a tree.
ReplyDeleteYes they did. I remember them giving a tour of their home during the holidays and they had a tiny tree
DeleteThey are the Dillard's and are different from her family! I like it!
DeleteSo, maybe Derrick's family had them, and they see no problem with having one for themselves.
DeleteIsn't that (on her hand) called some sort of stamp?
ReplyDeleteit's a henna
DeleteIt’s a henna tattoo. After it’s applied the paste dries and the person can then pick it off. The henna leaves a stain (which fades) on the persons body (in this case Jill’s hand) for about 2 weeks.
DeleteIt's called a henna tattoo
DeleteHenna is traditionally used in Africa and the Middle East for women to adorn themselves over festive periods and weddings
DeleteThat's a fake tat unlike nose ring which is real
DeleteYep, that is a nose ring!!
ReplyDeleteStud. Nose ring is different.
DeleteOh thanks.
DeleteWhat's a henna?
ReplyDeleteA non permanent tattoo. they last for about 2 weeks.
DeleteUsually non-permanent. But see recent news stories about permanent staining of the skin. Be careful.
DeleteWhat lovely pictures! Love the "photo bomb" of the little
ReplyDeletebaby girl. Their tree is very pretty.
is Jill wearing pants wow lol
ReplyDeleteYes she has been. Funny how this whole time Jinger and Jill have been telling us its "their choice" to wear skirts, but once they get married it's pants! If it was really their choice I think they would've worn pants a long time ago.
DeleteWell maybe it was their choice but now they go with their husband's choice as in the bible it does say that wives obey their husbands ... And maybe their husbands explained to them that it is biblically ok for a woman to wear pants.. In that case they would be doing the exactly right thing, right?
DeleteAnon 12:09: Why would the husbands have to explain them that it is biblically ok that they wear pants? Have their parents explained it wrong? I believe there are different interpretations but that gives away their whole attitude of living THE right way. Because in that case (different interpretations are possible) they can stop stop doing mssionary work to people from different kind of Christianity. And if my partner is convicted to not wear a certain type of clothing to honor God- why would I force them to obey my wishes? If someone is so easy to turn his back on convictions to please another human being than their own commitment to God cannot be that deep.
DeleteLovely tree - looks like the children will have a Merry Christmas.
ReplyDeleteNice too see Israel with his "Me Ma" - good to know Cathy is doing well.
have a BLESSED HOLIDAY
From: One of your biggest fans - Sylvia from NW NJ
It is so lovely to see Jill and her family enjoying time with extended family. I am happy her two sons will have close relationships with their cousins and grandparents. Eileen
ReplyDeleteLove love the henna!!!! And beautiful tree!!
ReplyDeleteI know you and Derricks' heart is for missions, but I am so glad you are back for a while. People really don't know how much prayer and support you need when you are working in another country. We are beyond blessed in th U.S. We wish you a Blessed Christmas to You and your family. Georgeann
ReplyDeleteThis may sound bad but the comments on the henna will be very interesting to read
ReplyDeleteShe's getting all these body markings all of a sudden. What's up?
DeleteI think it was wrong for the Dillards to post the picture of their tree surrounded by a very large pile of presents while Derick is asking the public to pay for his education through his church. There is obviously no shortage of money in the Dillard household, and if that is the case Derick should really be paying for his own 'personal growth'.While I do not begrudge anyone presents it is extremely crass of them to post this probably knowing the reaction it would get.
ReplyDelete"Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how ye ought to answer every man."
DeletePerhaps the gifts weren't bought by them but are from someone else, or even if they were bought by them perhaps they are inexpensive things or things they need like clothing or household items. We should never assume. I don't think they are being "extremely crass", that is in the mind of some readers.
DeleteJust because they have presents under their tree doesn’t mean that they bought them. My mother in law always sends gifts early and we put them under our tree. Kids toys are relatively inexpensive and take up a lot of space. Even if they bought the gifts, it doesn’t mean they spent a lot.
DeleteIt doesn't matter who bought the gifts. They still represent money spent, money that could have funded Derick. It's not wise to show your big pile of gifts when you are supposedly in need of money from others.
DeleteWe currently have 25 presents under our tree. My daughter and I will be distributing them at the local hospital on Christmas Day. She is two and thinks all presents are for Baby Jesus. She knows none are for her. I put them there because it looks festive. You really have no idea if those presents for them, for others, or empty boxes as decorations.
DeleteSome of my relatives belong to a church that requires them to ask for donations. I don't agree with it but they feel it is important. So that might be why the Dillards ask for money, no matter what their personal worth is.
DeleteAnonymous @ 2:57am, although I partially agree with other posters and their opinions, I agree with you 100%. I might disagree with you IF he had handled things differently in the past. Merry Christmas and many blessings to everyone.
DeleteMaybe the presents are all loaves of banana bread that Jill baked for those less fortunate.
DeleteI admit it does look like a mockery to ask for so much money, but still be shown with so much material wealth. Homes beautifully decorated, continued trips to Silver Dollar City, parties etc. While we don’t know who purchased the gifts or whom they are for it is the appearance of non-working adults continually gifting their way through life that leaves a bit of a sour taste to the whole thing. A little decorum goes a long way.
DeleteThat makes no sense, to have to ask others for money when you already have it. What kind of church principle is that?
Delete8:52 -- Thanks for that reminder. I will post it on my computer monitor along with 1 Thessalonians 4:11, which I already have posted.
DeleteI don't think it is a Church telling Derick to solicit for 10 grand. Derick's done this before. I wish Jim Bob would sit him down and explain to him why what he is doing is not right nor fair to beg for people to pay your way in life when that is Dericks job to work and support himself and his family. You would never see Jim Bob begging for people to pay his way like that so he definitely has the credibility to be honored and respected by Derick. Jim Bob should sit that guy down have a serious talk with him.
DeleteGo Jill with your jeans on!!!!!!!!👍
ReplyDeleteLove you duggars! keep up your wonderful ministry! Anonymous 5:27 they're probably wrapped boxes for decoration, besides it's none of our business really. You can have presents without spending a lot of money
ReplyDeleteI love you Duggars! Keep up your wonderful ministry! Anonymous 5:27 The presents are probably wrapped boxes for decoration, if they are real there are lots of ways to get presents without spending so much money. Anyway it's not really our business.
ReplyDeleteLily and Ellie, I have a question...There's all this controversy over Jill's nose ring...does she really have a nose ring? I don't really believe in piercings except for ears but I'm not going to follow all this media hype just b/c the Duggars aren't perfect. And neither am I or anybody else. Just want someone I trust to clarify on whether it's really a nose ring or not...
ReplyDelete-Thanks
Ellie and/or Lily obviously read these posts. Several times, blog readers have asked them to please clarify Jill's nose ring/stud/mole/pimple. Since they seem to intentionally ignore the question posed to them, I can only imagine that Ellie and Jill are having a good laughout of all the attention Jill's nose ring/stud/mole/pimple has garnered from us. :-)
DeleteYes it is a piercing!!
DeleteAt first it just really looked like a pimple (maybe just me, but I would never adorn myself with something that could be mistaken for a pimple!), but she has it in all the pictures lately, and it definitely looks like a stud in this latest picture in this post. I'm kind of sad that she did that to her beautiful face.
DeleteAnonymous @ 9:11-I'm kind of sad Jill that to her beautiful face too. I'm even sadder that she felt the need to. :(
DeleteShe didn't need to.....
DeleteMaybe she wanted to....
so she did ,,,,,she's a grown woman...
I love that their children are getting to spend time with their grandparents and other family members! Just wondering if Jill realizes that it is very hard on her nails to be wearing nail polish for so long that it becomes all chipped?
ReplyDeleteNot to mention that it looks gross as well.
DeleteWHO CARES ABOUT STINKIN CHIPPED NAIL POLISH?? Ugh! The comments here are beyond ridiculous!
DeleteYou do know she is busy with two small children and her nails are probably not a priority right now, right?
Deletefor nobody working in this home ,ALOT OF CHRISTMAS happening here. how do they pay taxes , car insurance utilities healthcare etc? just wondering children ARE EXPENSIVE college too! mary keim mennonite
ReplyDeleteYou should never ask for money on one hand and then show off your Christmas gifts with the other.
DeleteThey do work. Jill gets paid from her tv show plus she's a midwife. That's income. Derrick works at a church. They have income. And they pay taxes.
DeleteThey have been paid regularly per episode for TLC
DeleteJoy and Austin flip houses
DeletePerhaps that is the mandate of the college Derick is attending. That puts him in a difficult situation as his family earns money from TLC. Until he says why- and he doesn't have to, then we should just be quiet. Choose to donate or not but a persons finances does not need to be public knowledge.
DeleteI also have to wonder how they can do everything they do with no steady income?
DeleteHenna, in my opinion, is a temporary tattoo. So sad to see this on Jill.
ReplyDeleteThat IS what a henna is. Why are you sad to see one on Jill?
DeleteIt’s not an opinion. A henna tattoo is a temporary tattoo. That simple.
DeleteWhy sad, it’s just a form of art. It is hand applied and beautiful.
DeleteIt's sad because everything they do was supposed to be for the glory of God, not for themselves and their appearances. And they claimed on the show that they do nothing to draw attention away from their countenance. Hence the modest dress, etc. Temporary tattoos are not modest because they do not draw attention to the countenance but to other body parts. A Duggar no-no.
DeleteI find it sad too. In a very short period of time, she has made several changes. Nose piercing, tattoo. What's next? She must have some influences in her life now that are behind these changes.
DeleteSome people say it's a drawing. Why would anyone want to draw or tattoo on their beautiful skin, I'll never know. I think it makes one look dirty.
DeleteI think henna skin art is absolutely beautiful. I would love to have it done for a special occasion. It isn't permanent as some skin art is. The women who apply the henna are true artists. Lucky Jill, to have a friend to share this gift.
DeleteThere is a lot of confusion about the application of Old Testament laws to Christians.
DeleteGod gave the nation of Israel three types of laws in the Old Testament -- (1) Civil Laws -- punishments for crimes, etc., (2) Sacrificial Laws -- animal sacrifices, etc. (3) Moral Laws -- Ten Commandments.
Of these three types of laws, Christians are bound only by the Moral Laws. The Civil Laws were intended only for nation of Israel, and the Sacrificial Laws were fulfilled by Christ.
In Bible times, the Canaanites would tattoo themselves with names of symbols of their "gods," which was a sign of idol-worship.
There's no authority that a tattoo is not sinful for a Christian UNLESS it causes a brother or sister to stumble. Romans 14:13-23
A good rule of thumb when considering any action in a gray area is ask if something is glorying to God, edifying to fellow Christians, profitable, Christlike, a good testimony, etc.
I can't see that anything Jill Dillard has done is wrong -- not the nose stud and not the henna tattoo.
I think it's sad because Jill was taught not to draw attention to anything other than her face.
Delete4:15 Good post, but why would something being profitable take it out of a gray area? Selling drugs, among other things, might be profitable, but that sure doesn't make it right.
DeleteIf you follow the good rule of thumb, then you could make the case that her piercing is not glorifying to God or edifying to fellow Christians, or profitable, or Christlike, or a good testimony.
DeleteHenna is actually quite good for the skin. There are lots of yummy herbs in the mixture, and smells divine when it goes on- so don't worry too much ;-) I had henna done on my hands and feet my wedding, and on my pregnant belly nine months later. It's traditionally done as a celebration in some Asian countries, like India, where the Dillard's likely have a special connection from their premarital mission work. It's quite special because the recipient does have to be waited on a bit, especially while the paste dries. (Which every mama deserves now and then!) It looks cute on her. And it'll go away within about two weeks, so it's really no big deal.
Delete4:15 -- As we know from the Bible, the word "profit" has more than one meaning -- not profitable in terms of money, but in terms of your soul. Mark 8:36
DeleteAnonymous at 8:26 - the "profitable" part comes from a Bible verse, and it's referring to things of spiritual profit, not financial profit.
DeleteWhere's the top of that tree? What tree, real or artificial, ends with a flat top like that? Looks like something's missing.
ReplyDeleteLook again at the top of the tree. There is a star on top
DeleteIt looks like maybe the tree was too tall for the space snd they just cut the pointed top off. Probably should have cut from the bottom instead, in my opinion.
DeleteThe top point of the tree is missing. Looks like there's a whole section of artificial tree that was not put up.
DeleteJill is rocking that nose ring, it looks great on her! I would love to hear her describe why she decided to get it and why she started wearing pants. Hint, hint Lily and Ellie ;)
ReplyDeleteI agree! I would love to know more about her piercing. I feel silly, I've been watching this show from the beginning and I'm only just now noticing it. Am I crazy? Or is it a recent piercing? It looks good anyway. I always wanted a nose piercing like that but I don't think my husband would think it's as cute as I do! :-P
DeleteLovely tree and the henna is pretty. :)
ReplyDeleteCurious, why all the pictures of Jill and her family? Is it part of a campaign to pressure TLC to keep the Dillards part of the show?
ReplyDeleteIt is good to see Jill dressing like any other young woman of her age in the US.
When Samuel was born and there weren't many pics and news stories people.were all freaked out. Now they have pics and articles and people question why lol. They can't win
DeleteMaybe working with the college aged people has caused her to go much more hip in her appearance. Never thought I'd see her with a tattoo.
DeleteNot all women her age dress like that.
Delete
DeleteNot that she's trying to look more hip,
She's just maybe seeing different styles that she likes...and seeing that these young people are good Christians.......no matter what they wear...👍💚
I love Christmas trees and the Dillard's Christmas tree is lovely, thank-you so much for sharing...Jane
ReplyDeleteHolidays are filled with such fun times! Thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteGood lord the people judging her on here is amazing, let's see she can't have that many gifts around her tree, she can't have a nose ring, she can't wear pants and oh yes my favorite her tree is too big and not Christ like????? People if you have any faith at all get your nose in the Bible and read it instead of dissing a fellow Christian who so far has done apsolutely nothing on here immoral or against God at all. This has to stop Christians!, lift each up and quit thinking your God...non of us are!
ReplyDeleteI disagree that she has done nothing.
DeleteThen what do you the no she’s done? You say you disagree she has done nothing. Jill is married and she Derrick get to create the life they choose and standards they want to maintain. I did not do everything exactly the way my parents did....you probably didn’t either. Yes, let’s lift each other up and be encouraging.
DeleteThank you for your kindness Kathy!
DeleteTo Lily and Ellie,
ReplyDeleteThank you for having me all these years as a reader. I'm sorry but I must say good bye, for the reason this family is not the same to me. They are living their lives and that's great. I wish them the best. However there are so many contradictions as to what they've shared with their fans and what we see them do. So before I get involved with any negative comments, it's best I say goodbye. Thanks again for all you do on this blog, I did enjoy it so much at one time. ~R
Has Jill mentioned what type of schooling she will give her kids? Will she homeschool like how she was or enroll them in public school like Derrick?
ReplyDeleteI like seeing how the married couples are taking on their own traditions or combining them. That's all part of being married and having a family! -Sandra
Derick - in their episode about them leaving USA the first time - he said better to do it before Israel make friends and "start school" - I'm betting their children will attend public or Christian schools/not homeschool. Which would be my vote.
ReplyDelete. . . .fast foward, they what him to be "RE-Pete" aka Pistol Pete mascott - as Derick's father was and then Derick at the University.
Wishing the Dillards a very Merry Christmas and a blessed new year!
ReplyDeleteTo 4:32 PM~~~~~AMEN !~~~~~~~
ReplyDeleteSo what if they have a bunch of presents under their tree. Jill is very creative and enjoys making things. Decorated boxes make nice decor. They have a tree. Big deal! Derick grew up having a Christmas tree so it makes sense for them to have a tree. Having perfect nails are not a priority.
ReplyDeleteHenna tatoos are temporary and it doesn't make her any less of a Christian. Seems people have trouble accepting them growing up, getting married and having a life of their own.
Amen.
DeleteTOO many comments about Jill's henna tattoo - it is considered good luck/blessing to have it done - many brides and expectant mothers have it done.
ReplyDeleteIt is lovely.
I wish Jill and her lovely family a Blessed Happy Holiday Season. Israel is so well behaved/Samuel will be too. . . . sign of great parenting.
Jill-are you not breastfeeding? You should know, piercing is NOT recommended for nursing moms, due to the chance of passing infection on to the baby. Please be very dilegeant with hygene in this area. Nasal piercings can easily become infected. Avoid piercings during pregnancy and while nursing in the future. Take care
ReplyDeleteShe will be fine! Nose piercings rarely get infected unless you do not wash your face. She is more likely to get an infection from her toddler than her piercing.
DeleteLove seeing this precious family! I too wondered about Jill's recent changes but ultimately I came to the conclusion that we all change over time. As we grow and develop into adults we make choices and try new things that may be in contrast to previous preferences and values. I may not agree with everything she chooses, but I respect how difficult it must be to "find yourself" while living under a microscope. I look back to my own twenties, with gratefulness that I was not being analyzed for every decision by millions of people.
ReplyDeleteAlso have to add that Jill has 18 siblings, 8 in-laws, 2 parents, 2 children and a husband. There are a substantial number of people to give presents to! Also, those boxes may contain handmade items, or finds from thrift stores. Even if not, unless personally supporting their family financially, it is really not any of our business.
You go girl! Love seeing you break the mold.
ReplyDeleteLovely that no one has mentioned that they are a family of FOUR with 12 wrapped gifts under the tree. Unbelievable that they would go ALL out on sooo many gifts when Jesus only had THREE types.
ReplyDelete