18 Kids And Counting

Michelle Dugger, fertile mum of the TLC reality show “18 Kids And Counting”, has given birth to her 19^th child – a baby girl in an emergency c-section. Her baby was born 3 months prematurely and weighed only 1 lb 6oz. According to reports, both mummy and baby are doing well. In keeping with their “J” themed names, the newest edition to their family is named Josie Brooklyn – coincidently the same initials as daddy Jim Bob.

I saw a few episodes of the show recently, and I was surprised at how “normal” the Dugger family is. I’m not exactly sure what I was expecting; maybe more chaos, tantrums and such.. But I guess since the children in the family are all different ages. Unlike reality TV shows like “Table for 12” or “Jon & Kate Plus 8” where the parents have had twins + sextuplets, so all of the kids are little at the same time. But with the Duggers, their children range in age from 21 downwards, so as the kids get older, they assume more responsibilities around the home and can help their parents out – which must be much needed! And their kids are REALLY cute. I mean look at that picture and tell me those kids aren’t adorable! Just on a side note, how many violins can you see in that picture. 12 Violins and Counting…???

So Jim-Bob and Michelle have now had 19 children. They had their first child in 1988, Joshua James who is now 21 and married to Anna, and they have a baby girl – Mackenzie. Their family now has 21 members… I’m sure a lot of you are thinking “it’s not healthy”, “it’s wrong”, etc. But in my opinion, when I watch their show, all I can see is a big happy family with a LOT of love. Yes, when Jim-Bob is addressing all of his children, he does sound a bit like a football coach, but they do seem like a normal family, who do normal things. I thought they might have been crazy religious nuts or Mormon or Amish or something, but it turns out they are just really God loving people, who figured they would let the Lord decide how many babies they would have – so maybe they are crazy with some kind of weird pregnancy addiction?! But, I think the main thing is that they love their kids.. And it’s clear that they really really do.

Anyway, Congratulations Duggers on the birth of Josie Brooklyn. Hopefully both mummy and baby will be able to spend Christmas at home with the rest of the family.

Sometimes you might want to enjoy the seasonal tastes of the classic holiday drinks – but without the alcohol. Here are some virgin recipes that are great for family gatherings this holiday season. The kids in the family will feel so grown up drinking these “adult drinks”!

Check out some winter drink recipes with alcohol here.

These recipes are party sized, and can be reduced or increased as needed.

Virgin Mulled Wine

This is a great drink for family functions and the children will love it.

• 3 litres non-alcoholic grape juice
• 2 cups water
• 1/2 lb sugar
• 15 whole cloves
• 6 cinnamon sticks
• The peel of 1 orange and 1 lemon
• 1 crushed nutmeg seed
• 2.5 cups of hot lemon/lime juice

Heat the water and add the sugar, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg and peel. Boil for 5 minutes and leave to simmer for 5 more. Strain this syrup into a large pot and add the citrus juice, heat until it is gently bubbling. Add the 2 litres of grape juice and keep the mixture on a low heat, serve with a slice of  lemon.

Hot Cranberry Cider

• 3 litres unsweetened apple juice or cider
• 1 litre cranberry juice
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 cinnamon stick

Mix the apple juice, cranberry juice, cloves, and cinnamon stick in a large pot and bring to a boil for 5 minutes. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the cloves and cinnamon stick before serving. Serve warm.

Fruity Winter Punch

• 2 litres apple juice
• 1 litre orange juice
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 5 tbsp honey
• 5 tsp ground cinnamon

Combine apple juice and orange juice in a pot. Heat over medium heat until steaming hot – but not boiling. Remove from heat and sir in lemon juice, honey and cinnamon. Serve hot.

Tropical Winter Warmer

• 1.5 litre apple juice
• 1 litre pineapple juice
• 1/2 litre cranberry juice cocktail
• 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 whole cloves
• 6 lemon slices

Combine all of the ingredients in pot and simmer 10 minutes. Serve hot. Simple!!

Non Alcoholic Hot Toddy

(makes 1 serving)

This is great for if you have a cold, or aren’t feeling too good. And if you like the original Hot Toddy and want all the taste without the alcohol, this is for you!

• 1 mug hot tea
• 1 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• grated cinnamon
• ground cloves
• grated nutmeg
• lemon wedge for garnish

In an Irish coffee glass pour the honey, lemon and spices. Top with hot, brewed tea. Stir to make sure everything is mixed. Garnish with a lemon wedge.

Bewildered at seeing his dog tied to a lamp post outside a pub – instead of inside a coffee shop, the man decided that his wife must be inside, and took a look in – expecting to see her with a group of her girlfriends.

WRONG

To his complete and utter surprise, he saw his wife in a passionate embrace with the owner of the pub! Santo Dio!!!

Completely outraged, he rushed inside and had a heated argument with his wife, which consequently led to a brawl with her lover. Police officers were called to the scene, and the situation was explained to them by the parties involved. The pub owner was treated for cuts and bruises at a nearby hospital, and was discharged soon after.

The Sicilian police are not taking any action against the husband, but are inclined to believe that he has contacted his lawyers to start divorce proceedings. I’ll bet he wants to keep the dog as part of his settlement!