I've seen this family on the Discovery Channel.  She gives an older child another child to be in charge of.  Their house is huge and it makes me wonder what this guy does for a living where he can actually afford this.  I know they buy used and all, but for 18 kids???  

I think she's nuts.  There are a couple sets of twins in there, but for the most part, the kids are at most, 18 months apart.  Perhaps she's afraid to see what her body looks like after that many pregnancies?

I do, however, give her credit for putting up with the criticism.

Hey, my son is Jonah, too!  I agree - it is surprising they haven't used it yet.  I had to go to Wikipedia to read up on all the names they've picked so far.  :)

People like this are the reason that the planet is dying!  It's evil and selfish to decide that you have the right to have 19 kids to spider-web your line.  What's wrong with these people?  Do they have no conscience?  Have they not noticed that the world is overpopulated and that we have increasing over-consumerism problems?  For shame.  If it weren't for the well-being of the kids, I'd say they should be locked up in jail to prevent them from having any more offspring.

Congratulations to them! That's great!

Misha,

This is AMERICA not China.  Here in AMERICA, we can have as many kids or as few as we so choose.  Besides, there are plenty of people who choose not to have children for whatever reason.  I think they all balance each other out.  And insofar as your overconsumption problem, this woman is the queen of finding a deal and her kids wear hand-me-downs, isn't that a form of recycling???  If they can handle 18, good for them.

Why are people so obsessed with these holy rollers?  I mean, fifty years ago a family with nineteen children was barely remarkable.  Now, suddenly, everyone is amazed and astounded that this it's possible at all.

Whatever.  Good for them,, and for Jesus, and the makers of "modest" clothing for Jesus-lovers, and the Discovery network.  And everyone else that rejoices in or benefits from their large family.

As for the haters, I know several families of four in Chicago that leave a bigger ecological footprint than the Duggars.  

OK, not me.  AT all.  But it's not a crime and if they can support them & all those kids end up contributing to society, then they've done their job.  I mean having an only child who ends up being a serial killer does more damage....  They seem to be doing this out of love and faith and they seem to be relatively self sufficient.  And, good point, MissB.  Some very small families are tearing up our good green earth with their Hummers and conspicuous consumption in general.  The one show I saw of the Duggars had me in jaw-dropping awe of their calmness and efficiency.

Holy cow!  I just can't imagine giving birth 18 times. . . * shudder *

Geez, it's got to be like throwing a hotdog down a hallway.

That's more than a family, that's a corporation! And that mom is a force of nature! Anyway, congratulations to them. They seem to be living their dream. As for the environmental footprint: that's 17 kids being brought up to be thrifty, resourceful, and taking responsibility for caring for one another. For the planet's sake, I am glad they are increasing the proportion of our population that lives those values. That counts for something in my book. It would be even better if they would adopt some kids, too.

I don't care how many kids a family has, generally speaking. What bothers me is the idea that they have such a large family because they are part of the quiverfull movement. I really think it's obnoxious.