Sooooo…what did you think of Kids by the Dozen?

Our show “Kids By the Dozen” aired on Discovery Health on Tuesday night. If you just finished watching it, we’d appreciate hearing what you thought. A lot has happened since the show was filmed last year, much of which is written in our new book Love in the House. Answers include:

How do you keep our grocery bill below $600/month?
What creative solutions do you have to handle your large family?
What became of the estranged relationship with Alicia?
What keeps Wendy looking so good after 13 births?
Your lifestyle scares the daylights out of me. Why not you?

Order Love in the House today, at 25% off the cover price. Please add to the survey below and post a comment for others to share your thoughts…

{democracy:3}

About Chris & Wendy Jeub

The Jeub Family live in Monument, Colorado, with 14 of their 16 children. They encourage couples to love God and love one another, building an atmosphere of love in their homes.

http://writteninc.blogspot.com/ Carmi

It’s heartening to see a story about a family that is so devoted to the fundamental buildings blocks of family. It was difficult to watch the show and not feel good about your collective future – and by extension, ours.

Definitely lessons that can be applied within our own family unit. Thanks for sharing your lovely story. And congratulations!
Jill

That was GREAT! Our whole family loved that!
Kendra Neal

I LOVED the entire show. I must say out of all 3 of the episodes from the series, this was by far my favorite. I can soooo relate to many parts of your family’s story. I am a VERY frugal person(I even have written articles about my frugal lifestyle and how I accomplish it), I gave birth when not married at age 18(gave my baby boy up for adoption), got married at 25 to someone I met in college, we are going to begin homeschooling in the fall when our oldest will be 5. Your family’s story was such an inspiration. To be able to live so comfortably on your income is soooo GREAT. We have been blessed with 3 boys (4, 3, 2) and like your family, we RARELY have to buy clothes for them as we have been soo blessed with things for them. I am adding your website to my favorites and will visiting your site quite often. I LOVED your entire episode!!!
Joyce Shelley

I enjoyed the whole thing … great fun to see you all again! Brought back memories of Chris’s days at Focus and that time we “ran into you” in Estes Park and got to hold Hannah while you ate your dinner. I was blessed by your testimony and touched by the reconciliation with Alicia which was evidently in progress at the end. May God continue to bless you!

In Him,

Joyce & Duke Shelley
Howard

Hey Chris,

It’s been awhile (too long). We watched your show together as a family tonight. I thought TLC did a great job with everything, including the way that the situation with Alicia was portrayed. It was touching to see the first steps of healing between you and Alicia play out on TV. Our memories of her pre-date June 2003, but we always considered her a sweet, giving person. Out of all of the kids, I think Cynthia has changed the least in the past four years.

We’ve been living on 11 acres in the Chattanooga, TN area for 2 1/2 years now, and seeing all of you on TV for an hour tonight did not make our feeling of social isolation any easier. We miss the fellowship with other people crazy enough to have more than 3-4 kids! With “only” six kids, we have – by far – the largest family of any we’ve encountered around here. While Monument and Chattanooga may share a common conservative cultural thread, the median family sizes are at polar extremes. We know many large families in El Paso County, CO, but none here. So, it’s difficult – OK, maybe impossible – to find people here to fellowship with regularly who are not intimidated or disgusted with the thought of having to break bread with, entertain, or tolerate a family of eight.

Our kids are really looking forward to seeing your kids again in two years and four months when we will be out in Colorado Springs for two weeks (their uncle will be graduating from the USAF Academy in 2009).

You’ve got a beautiful family, and a reason to be proud!

Howard Tripp
Husband to Kristi Tripp
Father of Jimmy, Nicole, Julia, Jared, Kate, and Jacob
http://www.myspace.com/torijean13 Tori Thompson

I enjoyed your story of Alicia. I havent seen her in a while and I first found out about the baby when I recieved the christmas letter. You made right decisions, letting her go, And putting it in God’s Hands.

Out of all the three, this one made me cry happy tears for the Jeub Family

(P.S. Where in the video is the stuff about the kids at AWANA?)

Tori
Susan

It was my first time watching. I liked it and it was very inspiring. We sure can learn alot from your family. Take Care and God Bless.
Michele

What a wonderful show! We are watching it rerun again at midnight. My dear hubby and I agreed, Alicia’s story was the highlight for us. When Chris spoke of his love for her, we all cried. It was so touching.
Your family is a great inspiration to us “smaller” (4 kids on earth) families out there who think at times we can not handle another one. We know we can when we see these shows. God Bless you all!
God Bless,
Michele Allshouse
Rosey Thompson

I just want to thank you for sharing a piece of your family with the rest of the world. I believe that God is using your family’s testimony to speak to the world. In a generation that finds security in spending big money and being selfish, your family shows that God is working in people’s lives and that He is where we can find the ultimate security. For the past year when I have really deepened my relationship with God, I have had the desire to get married and have a large family and I believe now that it is something that God is calling me into. Before seeing the testimony of your family, I thought I would need a million dollars, but the Lord provides for what He has called you to do! Thank you again. God Bless!
-Rosey from Fort Collins
http://www.xanga.com/homekeepingheart Jennifer

Hi! I “know” you from MOMYS and have been looking forward to this for a long time. I LOVED it! It was so well done in such a positive light, I know so many people will be touched. I was especially encouraged that you spend only $150 a week on groceries. Wow–that lays some of my fears to rest. We only have three and another on the way and the future with a possible 10 or 12 more is sometimes scary to me in the money dept. but you have given me such hope!

My own Isaiah (16 months) got excited every time you said HIS name

God bless you all
m

I’m watching your show while getting some late night work done and I just think you guys are great. There’s an atmosphere of loving respect, not just kids to parents, but parents to kids and kids to each other, that you just don’t see very often. Good for you guys and good for God!
Becky

Besides it being extremely strange to see my family on TV, it was SO interesting to see what part of which stories were highlighted in the show. With the confines of squishing so much into 44 minutes of show, I thought they did a pretty darned good job! We need another show (heck, Mini Series!) on the evolution of healing, where the Alicia story is only the tip of the iceberg. That part of the story was the most “emotional,” but ALL the kids were fantastic in the show, and, Cynthia… you were hilarious! I really liked that they highlighted Wendy’s unbelievable ability to budget, shop and sustain her family on a strict budget. I’ve always been amazed at that! All-in-all, a nice, respectful, well done “window” into the lives and livings of the Jeubs! I’m glad I was able to be a part of it!
Love to you all!
Aunt Becky
Shelly Poster

Hey Chris & Wendy! WOW! How your family has grown since we knew you in St. Cloud. Jeff and I clicked on the show last night and realized that you now have 13 children! Do you remember Y.E.A.H. homeschooling group? I know, that was a few babies ago…
The show portrayed the Jeubs very well. It was great to see the positive side, the crazy side and the struggles. The love and respect shown for each family member was wonderful. It was also great to see well behaved children- still being kids, still having fun- and remaining obedient and respectful. It was also encouraging to see that although you had to harshly discipline your eldest, that the goal is reconciliation. That I believes gives encouragement to every single parent out there. God bless!
http://joymother.blogspot.com Chris

Wow!!!! You have an awesome family. I really enjoyed watching you 14yr old daughter. She is a young woman already, with a bright future ahead of her. I loved your family’s love for each other and how you have fun and work together. We loved the Birthday Bash what a great family event to share with all family and friends.

I thought it was the best “kid’s by the Dozen” I mean we enjoyed the others but yours had us smiling the whole time. We loved it. The whole show was awesome. When I had to vote, I wasn’t sure which way to go because I loved every bit. I did for for Alicia’s story, I guess because Alicia’s story was just so touching and how liked how it was presented—How you as parents had to choose what was best. Thank God for Restoration.
Sheri Skluzacek

Having know Wendy back in her early teens, it is amazing what she has done in the past twenty-four years. Their kids are beautiful and look very happy. I enjoyed watching “Kid’s by the Dozen” and spent the first half calling former friends telling them to turn it to TLC, then hanging up and calling another, so I had to watch the first half again at 11pm just to see it all.

God Bless.
Trudi B.

I enjoyed the show immensely. Although having 13 children (with the possibility of more!) is not what God has in store for me (Thank you Lord)(And I mean that seriously!) I appreciate your wonderful family story and how you presented yourselves. I understood and could totally relate to your prodigal story. I have a sister that is our prodigal right now. We are praying for God’s wisdom in her life. Thank you for being an inspiration.
Michelle

I enjoyed the show, and I loved Wendy’s grocery tips. We are expecting our 5th child and I look forward to many more blessings in the future. The only think that left me a little unsettled about the show as the Alicia story. I’m one who needs to know every detail to understand the situation though. I understood that you didn’t want her influence on the younger children, and that made complete sense. I was shocked that it had been so long since you all had even spoken to her though. I know there must have been so much more behind the story. I had hoped her pregnancy wasn’t the cause of all the turmoil, and it didn’t seem to be. I would think you all would be very understanding of a situation like that. I am glad you are now speaking with her again. I did enjoy the show, like I said I’m just one who wants all the details. So, I was left wanting to know more about the Alicia conflict.
Thanks for a great show!

[Chris Jeub: To set the record straight, Alicia became pregnant about a year after our separation.]
http://www.butterflyinjesus.blogspot.com/ Melissa

Sharing your family was encouraging to me though, and my girls enjoyed watching you last night.

My sixteen year old still can’t believe you can feed everyone on $150 a week. We can barely do that with six people. I reminded him that we often buy too much fast food or snack stuff. And he thinks the Bus was super cool!

God bless,
Melissa
http://www.osbornz.net/amy Amy

I only stumbled upon the show – needed something to listen to while I knit. But of course, the knitting went by the wayside as I became more engrossed with the story!
I loved it all – and even though we only have three children at home – I’m totally thinking a Birthday Bash is a great idea!
Blessings to you all!
daleen

I really enjoy watching the large family and how they run things so organized! I have six ranging from 18 doen to 3. His,mine and we adopted last february. I wish I could have more organization with my children and money saving skills like they did,It was GREAT!!!
I also was glad to see them reach back out to their daughter before it was too late and they would never get to enjoy her and their grandson. Family seems important to them and 2 years was way too long with no contact,look at the wonderful times they missed with their grandson!!! Good luck to their family and mending the relationship with daughter and parents!!!

Daleen from Missouri
Lisa

the show was great! I enjoyed it all, I must have walked away around the time you talked about homeschooling but I’m sure it was done well, too. do your children ever fight/argue? what do you do with them? do you hear both sides or do you punish both or do you tell them to work it out? I only have 4 and that is the most frustrating part? thanks for the glimpse into your lives
Wendy

1 John 4:19 We LOVE because he first loved us!

Psalm 118:1 Give thanks to the Lord, for HE is good, His love endures forever.

John 20:31 ..These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name.

John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through Him all things were made; without Him nothing was made that has been made. In Him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

Psalm 73:23-26 Nevertheless, I am continually with you; You hold my right hand. You guide me with your counsel, and afterward You will receive me.. Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides You. My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.

Many, many more hours of filming were taped by TLC. I loved the show, but it left me wanting to see more. Any single subject could have been a whole show. Nevertheless, I think our happiness did come through. Great job, TLC and Powderhouse!
Raquel

I loved the show.. it was my favorite in the series. I just wondered two things:
1. Was the “roadkill” comment a joke?
2. Will you post the recipe for the pulled bbq turkey?

[Chris Jeub: Yes, the roadkill was a joke. There's an inside joke behind it that I may share sometime. I'm kinda surprised they put it in.]
Kathi Clark

It’s hard to choose one favorite part of the TLC story, but for me personally it would have to be the birthday bash because my very small family had the privilege of attending such a fun-filled event. I was amazed that the Jeub family made it look so easy. We were so blessed to be a part of that day!! Much to our surprise during the opening of presents, Chris said “and here’s one from the Clark family for Josiah” and they showed the truck we gave him. How cool is that?!? You all truly walk your walk and talk your talk!! Your older children are so mature and helpful, and your little ones so adorable… Praise God for the new beginning with Alicia and Isaak. What a wonderful blessing to be grandparents amidst everything else! God is definitely at work and it will be exciting to see what happens next. Wendy, I love your openness,honesty and hospitality to others. Chris, I really got a chuckle out of your “younger years” photos, and that you are transparent enough to share them with the world!! Your joke about the roadkill cracked me up :>) Boy do I miss your sense of humor!! I must admit I did feel a momentary twinge of sadness seeing Cynthia working in the office with you, but I know she makes a great admin assistant and is a tremendous help to your businesses. I always look forward to seeing what’s new on the Jeub family website and am thankful that we got to be a part of your celebration.
Tracy

I thought the show was cute however I can’t imagine bringing all those children into the world on such a meager income. I always wanted my children to have more than I did and that is why I only had 2 because that was how many I could afford on our income. I can’t imagine being a female and only wearing hand me downs. When you watch the Duggar family show it is apparent that they had planned and saved to provide for all of the kids before they had them. I guess to each his own. Also, I thought that the show would have been better if you had of left out the part about your oldest daughter not being a part of the family. It almost came across like you wanted to feel sorry for her. Like she had been cast out of the flock.
Stephanie Fehler

Hi Wendy and Chris!
Thanks Wendy for leaving those posts on momys about these shows – i missed the Arndt one, but apparently they’re reairing it in March (i emailed them!) – and i got yours and the Heppners and enjoyed them both so much – it’s so *helpful* to see how a larger family makes it work – i got lots of good ideas (i.e. fit chores to their gifts from the Heppners – the shopping ideas from yours – actually, the part about having “good” prices in mind and then buying up – i know we spend WAY more and we “only” have six children… – so it was good encouragement… I wondered what you thought about it, too since i think my feelings would be hurt, no matter what pieces they chose to air but i love that you were willing to be vulnerable to share Jesus and what HE’s doing in your family…

May HE bless you!

stephanie
Dorian

Well done!!! I’ve been waiting (somewhat impatiently) for this final episode!! It was definitely my favorite. I too would LOVE to know how you feed everyone for $150 a week. I have 3 children, ages 8, 6, & 3. I don’t even buy diapers anymore, and still have trouble keeping it that low. You two are inspiring!! Keep up the fabulous work. I look forward to hearing about #14!!!
Michelle

I just watched your show again (I recorded it), and I appreciated it even more the 2nd time around.
I’m wondering – what kind of diapers do you buy? We are about to have 3 in diapers at once, and then one still in diapers at bed time. I would love to know any tips of getting a good price on diapers. I tried cloth diapers for almost 2 years, but my husband didn’t like him so I’m honoring his request in using disposables.
Rachel

Wendy, How fun that was to watch your family on TV!! I “know” you from MOMYS, but this was do different than just emails or seeing pictures on your website!
Your kids are so happy and loving – that was so neat to see! I loved seeing the birthday party bash in action! That was fun! Who buys all the presents? I can’t imagine going to a birthday party and buying 13 presents! I love the idea of a big bash, though! God bless all of you!!

[Chris Jeub: We sometimes buy one big gift for the kids. We weren't able to afford one in the episode, but that's okay. All those presents were bought by friends and family.]
Rebecca Cook

I eagerly anticipated all three episodes. I just wish there was MORE! I have followed each story done about the Duggar family and would love to see more about other large families as well. Thanks so much for the vicarious glimpse into your lives. If you’re ever in southern Ohio, you’re welcome to stop in!

Blessings,

Becky
wife to Michael
Mom/step-mom to Jimmy 22, Kevin 16, Samantha 16, Michaela 14, Connor 13, Cameron 12, Katy 5 & Ian 2
http://www.sweeterthanhoney.org Renee

Chris and Wendy,

Let’s see… my favorite humor:
1. the Laura Bush comment 2. The explanation of the function of the bladder in the background of one of the kids talking to the camera 3. the kissing scene

I thought your true selves came through really well. You both came across as your relaxed and humorous selves, and at the same time honest and transparent.

Tell Alissa if she’s free to babysit our kids again, we’ll gladly have her come out to see us here in California.

Renee H.
Cottonwood, CA
http://gabbygwenhwyfar.blogspot.com/ Jennifer

It’s me again – the one who is glad my dh doesn’t hunt. Ü I’m just spoiled… I prefer the taste of FAREWAY (grocery store) meat to the wild gamey taste of the deer around here. (We live in Iowa — no Elk).
I finally watched your special last night. Oh, oh… we were so excited to see the part about the birthday bash. Got our imagination juices flowing.

THANKS for the reply about an earlier comment. You don’t have to reply to each of mine. I’m sure you are getting TONS now. I’ll keep readng what you have to say on MOMYS though — where I first was introduced to you. It will be fun to “hear” your voice along with reading your post. It was nice to meet you last night. (I know… I’m a little late — we taped it.)

Praise God for your wonderful testimony — I pray the Lord will bless you and His face will shine upon you today.
http://gabbygwenhwyfar.blogspot.com/ Jennifer

I just re-read all the comments and the 3 things that Renee H said, I THOUGHT!!!

DD and I roared about Laura Bush calling at that time. Too funny…

I pointed out the bladder sign to her.

AND… we liked the “extended” kiss. Ü

I pray that you will be able to let the bad comments roll off of your back. I’m sure they will come — but I pray that you will be able to rejoice in reviling (if you get any!)

THANKS for being so transparent.

OK — I’ll quit commenting now.
Marianne

Hi Jeub family,

I watched your show on TLC last night and think you are all wonderful people!

First of all – just my perception as someone watching the show and having read your website – your children appear to be very happy, intelligent, creative individuals. I really enjoyed how you, Mr. and Mrs. Jeub, stressed how different they are. (I think that’s a criticism large families receive sometimes.) Also, your children are so well-behaved! I can’t imagine that toddlers could shape up in front of a camera like adults can. Your entire family appeared to be gracious, funny and charming.

Aside – I come from a family of four, but with a million cousins, and always wanted a large family. Unfortunately, I just got married (at 31 – ugh) and live in ridiculously expensive Chicago, so it’s not likely to happen. However, you and your family are an inspiration to me.

I wish you lots of love and happiness. thank you so much for letting us into your home!
Marianne

PS- I think Cynthia might be the most charming teenager in the world. She’s adorable!
Cindy

Watched your show…was saddened by the Alicia story, but glad to see there is more to it on your website and that things are being mended..Parenting is hard, I know none of the decisions were easily made, and you were very brave to share that story on national tv. Wish we could have seen more about your faith and your everyday life too..
Thanks for sharing your life with us..
Jon Bogenreif

Chris and Wendy -

After reading your Christmas card at my Mom’s, my wife and I (plus two daughters) could not wait to watch. It was great to see how your family has grown since your time in Kent. Thank you for keeping this site updated, it is an inspiration, we wish you all the best.

[From Chris & Wendy: It is great to hear from you, Jon! We enjoy your Christmas letters, too, from your mom and grandma. We're proud of you and your family!]
brenda eastwood

I Finally got to watch the show. Wendy, I have always enjoyed your posts on the Momys Digest, so I was excited to see your family and felt like I already knew you! I think the show was wonderful, and I loved getting to see into a big Momys family. I appreciate that you are just good, normal looking, low budget type folks. I hope you know what I mean.(uh, that was supposed to be a compliment:o) It was encouraging. God bless you all
Brenda in CT.
Jennifer in Indiana

HI Wendy, I have emailed you before through MOMYS digest. I watched your family on TLC. What fun! I loved your Jubilee idea. I also was very touched by the transparency and honesty you showed when talking about your daughter, Alicia. I have a “prodigal” brother who has been estranged from the family for over 13 years. He has recently been in touch with me, but he is not a Christian, and it is very hard and painful at times. It was evident how much you and your dh both love your daughter.

Anyway, your family is beautiful, and that Cynthia….. boy, is she sharp! I’m sure they all are, but they showed her the most. I was very impressed. She carries herself very well and she seems to have a great sense of humor.

Blessings,

Jennifer
Nan Carter

Okay guys…call me crazy, but did y’all used to call the “Birthday Bash” the Jeubs Jeubilee??? I can remember getting an invitation after we’d first met and it saying join the jeubilee??? I know that I’m not always all here, but please tell me I’m not totally gone!

Love y’all!
Nan with Coach Carter down in San Antonio, TX!!!
http://www.panclaninmn.blogspot.com Beth Pankratz

Well I just saw your show as we do not have tv and I finally got the dvd copy. I enjoyed it greatly. We indeed share the same life style only I am in MN 90 minutes away from Heppners. I have 14 children ( 8 bios and 6 adopted) with baby #15 due in Dec. I commend you all for sharing not only the good but troubles. We are not perfect, just forgiven. Thank you for sharing your life with the world.
Blessings, Beth and Van and family
http://mommyknows.com mommyknows

I enjoyed the show!
Matt

I loved your story. I am the oldest of a family of 6, and my whole family was laughing at how similar our lives were. I am 21, and my youngest sibling is 1 year. My Dad is the pastor and founder of a church, and has really been a great example of God’s Love in each of our lives (he too adopted me and my sister, and I’ve never felt like we were anything but his kids). So far, We have all homeschooled up until high school, and it really was a great experience. I got a full ride to college on acadmecis, and got a sports scholarhship to cover my dorming. My mom’s “keeping house” philosphy is the same as you guys too. I just loved watching your story. In the area we live (greater NY) sometimes we feel like we are the only people who are still grounded in raising a loving family, where relationships come before anything else. I would do anything for any one of my siblings, and even though I am getting married next summer, I still do my best to get to everything my siblings do from t-ball to school competitions. Keep up the great work, your show was a great encouragement. (PS I am a film/broacast student and I know how everything can end up on the editing room floor-I’m sure you guys tried to say a great deal more than they allowed and I appreciate your boldness.)
Christi

I think your show was done very well..My husband and I have considered having more children (we already have 3)- We have been hesitant because we dont have a lot of money to offer, just a lot of love. Well, your show definitely showed us to remember that love is the most important thing. You should start your own show!!! Thank you- Oh and we are going to have more children!!

Chris and Christi
Lola Talley

I really enjoyed the show. I think shows like these that get back to family life styles sure are what we need right now. Thank you for
sharing your story with us.
Kelly

Still love it! Hope to see the next one soon.
Brittany

I was blown away by your show! I sat up at midnight watching it-ha! I only have one child right now and often wonder how on earth I will be able to love another just as much-I suppose your show proved that can be done-over and over and over. God is good all the time and all the time God is good!: ) When the little one only got tootsie rolls after the pinata broke, I SO wanted to mail her a million suckers! : ) I still just might do that. Haha! Great show, good love and wonderful faith in the Lord.
Michelle

I just have to say I really enjoyed watching your special, and I have seen it every time it has come on! Seems I always miss something, and I want to watch it again, haha. Can’t wait for the new one, and praying for Wendy and new baby. Blessing to all of you!
Michelle in TX
Lori

Loved it! We have 11 kids of our own ranging from 15 years down to 2 months. I love the birthday celebration idea. Might even try that with our family since I have a lot of them with winter birthdays and can’t do much when it’s cold outside.
You come across as real, meaning you have issues like anyone else and your lives aren’t always perfect.