There’s been a lot of traffic through here this week from all over the country. People from as far away as California and Colorado have stumbled upon lbotp while looking for information about Danville’s most famous small residents (that precludes Keon Clark, giggle) – the Ferrill quintuplets. If you put “danville quints” into Google, for some reason my site comes up first.
The reason for all this traffic is the miniseries on the Ferrill Five (as they are called) that is currently airing on cable channel TLC, the same folks responsible for such reality TV fare as “A Wedding Story” and “A Baby Story.” I watched the third installment last night — there is one more, I believe.
What’s compelling about the series from a local angle is how the producers have made the city and people of Danville, the Ferrill’s hometown, a character in and of itself. The town of Danville rallies around the Ferrills; the town of Danville resents the Ferrills. It’s an interesting commentary on the issue of multiple births and the ripple effect they can create in a small community.
24 responses so far ↓
cassieconner // December 13, 2007 at 12:35 pm
Rachel Reed, a 21 year old student at the University of Illinois, was an assistant producer of the series and shot much of the footage. She’s also my former bandmate, hehe.
mely // December 13, 2007 at 4:49 pm
What I can’t get over are the quints’ names: Landyn Konner, Layne Mykel, Drayden Karter, Irelyn Kadyn and Kieran Skye. Someone’s got a bad case of “Heapin’ handfuls of Ys and Ks will make my children unique!” (Or is that unyk?)
I’m just curious about the thought process involved. “Being quintuplets in a small town and getting featured on national television obviously isn’t enough to get our children noticed. What shall we call them to ensure they get tons of unwanted attention for years to come? And quintuplets are definitely way too easy to tell apart, so let’s give them all unintentionally unisex names that appear to be anagrams of each other! Perfect!”
Leeanthro // December 14, 2007 at 1:55 pm
This is the kicker: On the show the mom was telling someone one of the names. She said, “You know, like the country.” I’m sorry I didn’t realize they renamed Ireland “Irelyn.” Am I missing something? I abhor misspelled names, just for the sake of being different.
And did she have to misspell BOTH the first AND middle names? Geesh!
What got me when I originally heard the story was the huge Paypal button on their website. It really irks me that people over-procreate and then ask for monetary help. I’m not asking anyone for money to help raise my kids.
Maybe I should put a big paypal button on my site. Ha, I just might! It will be tongue-in-cheek, but I’m gonna do it! Now I just need to think of a reasonable pretense.
prairie biker // December 14, 2007 at 5:09 pm
Dantucky = White Trash
Please refer all spelling questions to the above formula.
Leeanthro // December 14, 2007 at 10:20 pm
PB, you made me laugh out loud! I may have to quote you on that one!
leandrasmommy // December 18, 2007 at 12:43 am
leave the names alone goodness, they are not your kids don’t rip apart the names, you don’t know their reasons behind it.
prairie biker // December 18, 2007 at 7:02 am
leandrasmommy,
the simple fact is that giving your kids a stupid name or one with a bizarro spelling will hurt them later in life. people with non-standard names are 40% less likely to get called for job interviews based on their applications.
Beth // December 19, 2007 at 9:31 am
I’m sorry but I am in shock. They’re asking for donations, their family is organizing multiple fundraisers and the homepage of their website is covered with Donation requests and information. Yet the husband surprised the wife with a huge 3 row diamond ring for Mother’s Day. If money is so tight that they have to resort to fundraisers & donations to feed and clothe their babies why in the world are they buying diamond rings!!!!!!! What’s worse - people who donated money to the children paid for it. On last week’s episode the father admitted to a financial counselor that they are a couple of THOUSAND dollars in the hole each month and they get government assistance! I am ashamed of them and feel like they are scammers. Beth
Leeanthro // December 19, 2007 at 10:11 am
Beth, I’m backing PB up on the name thing. I highly doubt these kids are ever Supreme Court Justices with names like those. I mean, really, how can you take them seriously? Some of my own family members have made very poor name choices. Both geographical names, one of which is misspelled. I just shake my head.
I think there is going to be backlash in the next generation. All these kids with crazy names are going to name their children Tom, Bob, Mike, Michelle, Jennifer, Mary, etc.
Trust me. My given last name is ethnic and hard to spell and pronounce and it really sucked growing up.
Leeanthro // December 19, 2007 at 10:13 am
Sorry, I agree with Beth’s money comments, the name comments were directed toward leandrasmommy. I’m not thinking clearly yet, I’m just now consuming my hot coffee this morning.
bobbysmommy // December 19, 2007 at 4:51 pm
Names–that’s a parent’s perogative, and really no one’s business.
Money–unless you know the background, keep your opinions to yourselves. The website, with the paypal buttons included, were designed for them by a friend, not by them. They did not prefer this. The ring had nothing to do with their financial situation, unless you are aware of how reality TV works. Donated money did NOT pay for the ring. They are definitely not scammers. The Ferrills ask for nothing, are gracious and stunned by support, and do accept the reality of their responsibility. prairie biker-what on earth would lead you to describe anyone as white trash? Aren’t we a loving, giving, bunch of folks? Yeah, happy Christmas to you all. Ashamed of the Ferrills?? In fact, I’m thrilled that I know them, and am ashamed of people who make assumptions like the ones I’ve been reading here.
Leeanthro // December 19, 2007 at 7:11 pm
Umm, yeah, it’s EVERYONE’S business when you broadcast it nationally.
And if they really ask for nothing, they wouldn’t have a paypal button or accept handouts.
No one here thinks they are horrible people, but by going national, they are opening themselves up for other people’s comments.
And why would you take anything seriously or personally that’s posted on a blog? Especially when you leave your comment pretty much anonymously?
I only wish the best for their family. I hope that all the kids are healthy and happy. I hope the mother is able to finish her Master’s (I wrote my MA thesis after having just ONE child and I can’t imagine having to do it with 5 at home!). I hope they are able to have a comfortable life.
quintmom // December 20, 2007 at 1:05 pm
Having five healthy babies following two tragic pregnancy losses is something I am extremely grateful for each and every day. Waking up each and every morning to five beautiful smiling faces is priceless and simply a feeling that cannot be placed into words.
When our family was asked to be a part of the Learning Channel documentary we believed it would be a tremendous opportunity for not only our babies in the future, but for other families who were struggling with fertility issues and/or prior losses. Our story is one of hope and something that we are very proud of.
However, through completing this documentary, we learned many valuable lessons…one of which is “reality tv is not always depicted as such.” Rather than addressing each issue that has been presented in this forum I will comment on those that are the most imperative, rather than spending time on those that are superficial. Our website was donated by a family friend…no one has to view it nor donate…that is strictly an option. My husband and I receive NO government assistance. Only short segments were captured with the financial advisor…she simply said that we could possibly qualify for assistance…however, we do not recieve ANY! Our health insurance, medication, food, diapers, etc are paid out of pocket. My husband and I have one vehicle (8 years old), we cut corners and clip coupons in order to save in the best way possible, and spend each day caring and providing for our children….having one night out a month as a couple. We do without, so they are able to have what they need. This Mother’s Day was one of great significance. Not everyone may agree with the ring that I was given…but it was very symbolic and was purchased by my husband…with his money…not anyone else’s. One thing that we must all remember, when watching tv or viewing someone else’s life in any manner is that until we KNOW the facts, we should not pass judgment or assume that we know what the reality actually is. TV does not always depict the way something actually happened 100% of the time. Everyone is entitled to their own opinions….the most important fact is that the love that my husband and I have for our children is something stronger and deeper than anyone who chooses to focus on mindless details can even begin to imagine. We are so very grateful for those who support us and grace our lives each day with unconditional love. And for those individuals who can be inspired by our story, we are grateful that we were given that opportunity. For those who choose to be critical, I’m sorry that you are unable to see the positive side of a miraculous journey!
Lori // December 21, 2007 at 9:40 am
It takes a village to raise a child!! God Bless those who have lent their time and support. Last I heard it is not a crime to need help in an extremely difficult situation…nor should they be ashamed for doing whatever it takes to give those children everything they need. I am a mother of 7 and I assure you the Ferrills are not taking donated money and tanning on a beach…they are not scammers. I can also assure you that unless you have been the parent of many children you cannot even begin to imagine the cost involved. Their humility in order to support their children should be applauded not critcized. They have been through in the last few years than most could handle. The average american would have been pushed to the brink of their personality and been talked off a ledge. Cut them some slack…and by the way in the great scheme of things in this life does the spelling of their names really matter? I’m sending her money for a massage…she can use a break!!
Marcia // December 24, 2007 at 1:58 pm
I am amazed to read some of these very negative comments on this blog. This is a beautiful family with 5 miracle babies. Why is it that some people find the bad in everything. This family could have done selective reduction but yet decided life was too precious to “reduce”.
Kimberly Watson // December 24, 2007 at 11:55 pm
I wish this family a very Merry Christmas. I am certain that there are challenges and I am sure that they are very thankful to have the support of family and friends. I do agree that the ring seemed to contradict all of those messages though. Jenny, no one argues that you don’t deserve it I just think that as a single mom struggling to make ends meet that I would have much rather spent that money on many other things when things were tight…much less have five children to think of! It was the only part of the TLC special that didn’t sit well with me. The rest was beautiful and inspiring and I thank you for sharing the story with us. Merry Christmas.
Mike U. // December 26, 2007 at 5:50 pm
Most people take pride in being able to take care of their own without resorting to handouts. Obviously, the Ferrills have no issues with that. Personally, I would be ashamed that I couldn’t provide for my own. True, unexpected things happen from time to time, but I couldn’t go through life accepting hand-outs on a regular basis. It seems that they aren’t responsible enough to manage their own finances. In my opinion, they shouldn’t be asking for handouts and relying on those that do just for their basic living expenses. Why don’t they just go back to living with their Mommy and Daddy and let them support them and their kids? It sounds to me like they can’t cut it on their own, so they should just quit relying on strangers. As parents, they need to come up with a better plan than that. If they think that’s OK, next they’ll have their kids standing on a street corner with a tin cup in their hands.
bettycat // December 27, 2007 at 8:07 am
Wow, some of you people are just plain mean.
bettycat // December 27, 2007 at 8:08 am
Wow, some of you people are just plain mean.
Amy Armstrong // December 27, 2007 at 11:25 am
Having gone thru years of infertility myself I agree that the road is painful. It’s an education you can only get by going through the process.
When we were making the decision during IVF treatments we did not ever consider having multiple embryos implanted so that we would end up with 5 babies. That was and is considered dangerous by most IF doctors. Bad for mommy and bad for the babies. We aren’t built to carry litters.
The most we ever had put back in was 3 and that was only because we were at the end of the road and knew that it was probable that only 1 would take if that.
Infertility is almost to the point of religion and politics. Don’t talk about it. There are doctors out there that will put 5 embies into a woman and I hope to God they are put out of business sooner rather then later.
Enjoy your babies and your life. You and those children are lucky to be heatlhy.
quintmom // December 29, 2007 at 5:52 pm
I would just like to clarify the fact that I did not undergo IVF treatment. My husband and I utilzed insemination, at which time I had ONLY two mature follicles, detected by both ultrasound and blood work. Therefore, it was believed that I would only have the POSSIBILITY of conceving twins AT MOST. Specialists are still not certain as to how I conceived 5 babies, because none of them are identical. Thank you for your posts regarding infertility, but I did need to make certain that anyone who is aware of our story knows the facts. IVF was NOT USED and our fertiltiy physician is one of the leading in the midwest.
May you all have a blessed year!
lbotp // December 29, 2007 at 9:07 pm
Thank you Jenny for visiting and making some clarifications for everyone. I think what you and Pete have done is nothing short of amazing.
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Amy Armstrong // December 30, 2007 at 10:12 am
It’s almost depressing how the media can manipulate a situation and leave a family dangling out there as the whipping post. IUI were something my body laughed at
Not sure how to say it…lucky or man is your work cut out for you. Either way enjoy their health and yours and have a wonderful 2008. You need to stop by and tell us how it’s going when they all turn 3. HA!! 
Maureen // January 19, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I just saw an episode today and I have to say, so far, I like the show! Both parents seem nice if not overwhelmed at times. Compared to other shows about multiples, this family seems pretty together. I saw relatives that were stepping up to help out, etc and best of all, no FIGHTING between parents! Has anyone seen TLC Jon & Kate plus 8? The mom from that show should tune into this one and see how to act towards a spouse.