"Duggars and DJs" Recap

On tonight's episode of 19 Kids and Counting, "Duggars and DJs"... 

The Duggar children had the priviledge of answering the phones for the Arkansas Children's Hospital radiothon. Money raised from the radiothon is used to pay hospital bills for families that do not have  funds. Arkansas Children's Hospital will not turn away any child, regardless of their ability to pay.  Proceeds also go to to fund sibling programs, giving them a better understanding of what their brother or sister is going through in the hospital.

Jim Bob has been under the weather and was able to see Josie for the first time in two weeks! The Duggar children have visited  Josie only once so as not to expose her to germs from the cold and flu season. They keep track of her progress through home videos.

Josie is looking more like a miniature full term baby. Her skin is no longer transparent. She has almost doubled her birth weight of 1 pound, 6 ounces and needs to gain about 50% of her current weight before she can go home. Michelle has been pumping 6 to 8 hours a day and freezing her milk so that when Josie comes home she will have a good supply. Grandma has been such a blessing caring for the younger kids, cooking, cleaning and being a solid rock for the family.

Don't Miss "19 Kids and Counting"

Another week has gone by, and we all know what that means!
Don't miss this week's episode of "19 Kids and Counting" Duggars and DJs. The Duggars love to serve others, and they have been given an opportunity to help accept pledges by phone during a "radiothon" at Arkansas Children's Hospital. This hospital has given Josie superb care, and now it's time for the Duggars to give back. Tune into TLC at 9/8 Central tomorrow (Tuesday, March 30th).

The Duggars and Music

In the Duggar home, it is not at all uncommon to hear the sounds of various musical instruments. When they had just a few children, Jim Bob and Michelle knew they wanted their kids to gain an appreciation for music. Singing brings them together, but what other musical talent do the Duggars possess?
Starting with Josh fifteen years ago, a friend of the family has given the children piano lessons. At age four, Jim Bob and Michelle also have their kids begin weekly violin lessons. But that's not all. Jana, Jill, Jessa and Jinger also play the harp. Their first harp was given to them from a friend, and they were blessed to receive another last year from their parents. As we see in the Duggar's picture behind the title of this blog, Josh has taken up the piano, and Josiah is seen with a cello.
Michelle Duggar uses music to calm and relax her children and to bring them closer to each other and to God.

What is your experience with music? Does it serve as a relaxation technique for your children or for yourself? Or perhaps you have another method for relaxation?

A Very Duggar Recipe: Tater Tot Casserole

Thanks to everyone who critiqued Anna's Chicken Etti recipe!
Here's the Duggars' most famous recipe. You guessed it.....Tater Tot Casserole!

Tater Tot Casserole

(One of Jim Bob’s Favorites!)

Ingredients: 

• 2 lb ground turkey cooked, seasoned, drained

• 3-2lb bags tater tots 

• 2 cans cream of mushroom

• 2 cans evaporated milk

• 2 cans cream of chicken 

Directions:

1. Brown meat, and place in large casserole dish. 
2. Cover with tater tots. Mix soup and milk together. 
3. Pour over top. Bake at 350 for 1 Hour.

*Makes 2-9”X13” pans (about 16 servings)
Recipe can be cut in half.

Click here to view more delicious Duggar recipes. 

What do you think of this recipe? Have you ever made it, or do you plan on making it? Feel free to post critiques and comments!

The Duggars Give their Van Away

Just today, a missionary in Ukraine gave me the link to her blog. Her brother heard that the Duggars were selling their 15-passenger van and paid a visit to Jim Bob Duggar to inquire. After Jim Bob was told that the van was needed for missions in Mexico, he no longer wished to sell it to the man; that's right, he wanted to GIVE it to him. Click here to see Jolene's post about this touching story!

"Duggars in the Driver's Seat" Recap

As usual, the Duggars are busy. On this week's episode of "19 Kids and Counting" Duggars in the Driver's Seat, Michelle checked in with Dr. Robert Arrington, the family's Neonatologist, who gave TLC an update on baby Josie. At eight weeks old, she weighted 2 pounds 5 ounces. According to Dr. Arrington, "She has been a model, 25-week gestation baby."

You heard right...Josie is doing very well. The one area where the preemie needs some work is with her weight. "She is a little behind on the growth curve," explained the doctor. To help her grow big and strong, he has decided to give Josie supplemented breast milk. As Michelle put it, "Josie's not out of the woods yet," but hopefully she is close.

Later on in the episode, Joseph and Josiah hitched a ride back to Springdale with a film crew member. Jim Bob wanted his sons to lend John a hand at their commercial properties and to help out Josh and Anna at the car lot. Before the boys left, Jackson and Johannah were quick to send some candy and "letters" to their brother John.

And as promised by the name of the episode, a new Duggar is in the driver's seat! While the boys were in Springdale, Josh offered to give Joseph a driving lesson. This is usually Jim Bob's job, but as you can imagine, learning to drive is much easier in a small town than it is in Little Rock.

Don't Miss "19 Kids and Counting!"

Tomorrow is Tuesday, and we all know what that means!
Don't miss this week's episode of "19 Kids and Counting" Duggars in the Driver's Seat. Now it is the boys' turn to travel back to the Duggars' Springdale home. Jim Bob and Michelle's oldest sons will do some home repairs and help Josh's wife Anna sell her first car. Tune into TLC at 9/8 Central on Tuesday, March 23rd.

Do you like to watch "19 Kids and Counting" every week? Is it the only show you watch, or do you have other favorites as well?

Duggar Trivia Answers!

I am amazed by your knowledge about the Duggars! I will have to make up some more difficult questions next time! Here are the correct answers.

1. What type of egg did the the Duggars bring home from their field trip featured in the "18 Kids and Counting" episode Duggars Fly the Coop?  Ostrich egg
2. What language did Jim Bob have trouble with in an episode of "17 Kids and Counting"?  Spanish
3. How many rooms are occupied by kids in the Duggars' Springdale home? 2 rooms
4. How old is Josh Duggar? 22 years old
5. What is the Duggar family motto regarding spending? "Buy Used and Save the Difference"
6. On what day and year were Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar married? July 21, 1984
7. What were the Duggars digging for in the "17 Kids and Counting" episode featuring their trip to an Arkansas state park?  Diamonds 
8. The Duggars have two kitchens, one with commercial appliances and the other with granite counter tops. By what name do they call the second kitchen?  "Pretty Kitchen"

Thanks to everyone who posted answers! Look for more Duggar Trivia in the Future!

Duggar Trivia!

Happy Friday! Here is some more Duggar Trivia! Post your answers as a comment to see how well you know the Duggars! We will announce the correct answers in just a couple of days.

1. What type of egg did the the Duggars bring home from their field trip featured in the "18 Kids and Counting" episode Duggars Fly the Coop?
2. What language did Jim Bob have trouble with in an episode of "17 Kids and Counting"? 
3. How many rooms are occupied by kids in the Duggars' Springdale home?
4. How old is Josh Duggar? 
5. What is the Duggar family motto regarding spending? 
6. On what day and year were Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar married? 
7. What were the Duggars digging for in the "17 Kids and Counting" episode featuring their trip to an Arkansas state park?
8. The Duggars have two kitchens, one with commercial appliances and the other with granite counter tops. By what name do they call the second kitchen?

Celebrating Josie Duggar's Due Date!

Today, March 18th, is Josie Duggar's original due date. She has been in the NICU for over three months. This is an exciting milestone for Josie and her family, and I will let you know when I hear another update.
Thanks for reading!

Anna Duggar's Chicken Etti Recipe

As requested by a reader, here is the recipe for Chicken Etti, the dish that Anna Duggar made for Josh's sisters on the last episode of "19 Kids and Counting." As seen on TV, cheese biscuits go great with this delicious recipe!

Chicken Etti

• 1 package spaghetti noodles
• 3 cups diced, cooked chicken
• 1/4 cup chopped green pepper 
• 1 cup chicken broth 
• 1 pound cheese (Velveeta)
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can cream of chicken soup

Directions:

1. Boil spaghetti noodles, and put them into a large bowl.
2. Add chicken, green pepper, and chicken broth.
3. In a smaller bowl, combine the cheese, diced tomatoes, and cream of chicken soup. Stir, and melt mixture in the microwave. 
4. Pour the cheese mixture into the large bowl, and mix. 
5. Pour the mixture into a casserole dish.
6. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

Bon Appetit!

For more Duggar recipes, click here. 

"Driving Miss Duggars" Recap

Tonight on 19 Kids and Counting, "Driving Miss Duggars"....

The oldest girls returned to their home in Springdale, Arkansas, to pick up a few things. They were not surprised to discover that John-David and Joseph had not yet taken down the Christmas decorations. The girls even found a few rotten onions abandoned under a bowl in the kitchen. However, the boys do deserve credit for keeping up with repairs around the house and at the Duggars' commercial properties and home church. Jim Bob and Michelle are thankful that their sons are able to hold down the fort.

The episode also showed a live interview that the family did with the Today Show a few weeks ago. "We're introducing little Miss Josie to the world" announced mother Michelle. The Duggars woke up at 4 in the morning to give a live update on Josie Brooklyn. The nurses said that she is very energetic and is gaining weight.

As Josie's due date is approaching, we are all waiting to see when she will join the rest of the clan at home.

Thanks for reading! We will keep you posted.

Live Update on Baby Josie!

Hello Readers!
TLC has announced an update on Josie Duggar to air tomorrow (Tuesday March 16th) at 9/8 PM Central, during "19 Kids and Counting" The episode will show a live interview with the family. According to Jim Bob Duggar, "There's nothing like live TV!"

Duggar Family Trivia Answers!

Wow! There's no doubt that you are all Duggar fans! Most of you who answered the trivia questions got all 5 correct! Next time, we will have to think of some harder questions. Here are the correct answers: 

1.  Are Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar in debt? No; after following the principles laid out in Jim Sammon's Financial Freedom Seminar, Jim Bob and Michelle paid off their debts and are now living in the black. 
2. What is the name of the family that is almost a mirror image of the Duggars? Bates (Gil and Kelly)
3. Where were some of the older Duggar children when Josie was born?            El Salvador
4. What is the name of the Duggar's cousin who is on the show frequently? Amy
5. What theater production did the Duggars help with in the "18 Kids and Counting" episode Duggars on Stage? Noah the Musical

Thanks for playing! Look for more Duggar Trivia soon!

More Duggar Trivia!

You know the drill. Post your answers as a comment, and we will reveal the answers shortly.

1.  Are Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar in debt? 
2. What is the name of the family that is almost a mirror image of the Duggars? 
3. Where were some of the older Duggar children when Josie was born? 
4. What is the name of the Duggar's cousin who is on the show frequently? 
5. What theater production did the Duggars help with in the "18 Kids and Counting" episode Duggars on Stage?

Happy 3-Month Birthday to Josie Duggar!

Hard to believe that it has been three months since Josie Duggar entered the world on December 10th! She continues to grow and develop as her due date approaches. Parents Jim Bob and Michelle are thankful for their tiny daughter. "She's not even supposed to be outside my womb yet," Michelle said, expressing happiness that her baby is doing well but concern for Josie's health.

"Josie Duggar's First Hug" Recap

This evening on 19 Kids and Counting, "Josie Duggar's First Hug," TLC aired footage of Josie Duggar at 40 days old. She weighed 2 pounds 5 ounces and is continuing to develop quickly.

Having been told after Josie's birth not to stimulate their daughter in any way, when parents Jim Bob and Michelle were finally able to stroke their baby, they were thrilled. Now, the doctors and nurses are allowing Michelle to pick up Josie and hold her, skin to skin. "This is the most calming moment I've had," explained the elated mother. With her baby in her arms, Michelle was fighting back tears.

Don't Miss Josie's First Hug!

Hi there readers!

Don't miss tomorrow's episode of "19 Kids and Counting" on TLC at 9/8 PM Central. Another milestone for Josie Duggar, but this one is sure to be a tearjerker! That's right, we will see footage of Josie Duggar's first time in mother Michelle's arms! Michelle has been waiting several weeks to hug her premature daughter, and the moment has finally arrived.  Then, watch as the rest of the clan shares their strategies and struggles of keeping up with home school work in their "home away from home." 
If you can't catch the premier of this episode, there will be a rerun at 12/1 AM Central on March 10th.

I will post a recap of the show for those who are unable to watch Josie's First Hug on TLC.

Labor Tips from Michelle Duggar: What is your Opinion?

Michelle Duggar, mother of 19, has been pregnant for nearly 12 years of her life! So what can the rest of us learn from her? The following suggestions are not just for women. It is also important for men to know how to help their wives during labor. Even if you are not planning on having children, these tips can be mentally stored for later on in life or can be passed on to a friend.

Here are some ways Michelle Duggar increases her comfort during labor:

• Apply Tiger Balm onto the lower back 
• Lie on the couch with a hot pad on the lower back
• Don't just lie in bed during contractions. If possible, move around. Michelle Duggar has learned to move with her labor.
• Try not to raise your voice during contractions. A midwife taught Michelle to "moan lie a cow" instead.
• Relax; don't tighten up your face or other muscles during contractions. 

What do you think about these tips? Do you have anything to add? 

Labor tips collected from The Duggars: 20 and Counting (Howard Books)

Michelle Duggar and Home Births

Happy Friday, Readers!

As the mother of 19 children, many people would call Michelle Duggar a "baby expert." So what does this experienced mom say about hospital births versus home births? Her first five children were born at a hospital, but after talking to friends, she and Jim Bob decided to try a home birth. Jinger, baby number six, was born at their house, brought into the world by a doctor and a midwife. Michelle loved begin able to walk around during labor, and she recovered in record time. A few hours later, she was up and able to take care of her new daughter and her other kids.

Joseph, baby number seven, was also born at home. Although Michelle loved the idea of having a home birth with Josiah, baby eight, the Duggars decided to go to the hospital. However, they did not forget about all of the helpful techniques taught by their midwife. By continuing to use these strategies during the births of her other children, Michelle has learned how to make labor easier and more comfortable.

The Duggars loved their experiences with home births, and their son Josh and his wife Anna decided to go that route with their daughter in October 2009. The young couple was very happy with their decision and enjoyed delivering Mackynzie at home.

What do you think of home births? Has your family ever experienced one?
Come back soon to read some labor tips from Michelle Duggar.

"Duggars Under Water" Recap

Hello, readers! It has been a busy week, and we apologize for not posting a reminder about 19 Kids and Counting, "Duggars Under Water," which premiered yesterday. Thanks to all who voiced their opinions on our post about thrift stores. Second-hand shopping is not always easy, but it can sure save a lot of money!   

And now for the recap of the show (and an UPDATE ON JOSIE!)

When TLC checked in with the Duggars, Josie was 39 days old and weighing 2.5 pounds. Jim Bob and Michelle visited their daughter and were thrilled to see her sucking on a pacifier! Josie is growing and doing very well, but since her due date is still weeks away, the doctors must keep a close eye on her progress.

The Duggars recently visited the USS Razorback Submarine, one of the longest-used submarines in the history of the world. The tour had a rocky start for Johannah, who was terrified to enter the submarine. Once everyone passed safely through the hatch, she changed her mind and climbed happily down the ladder, relieved and just a bit embarrassed.

Don't miss next week's episode, "Josie Duggar's First Hug." Michelle has been waiting since early December to hold her precious daughter, and the day has finally arrived! Then, watch as the children explain how they continue homeschooling in their home away from home. 

Thrift Stores- What do You Think?

Since they were newly married, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have done much of their shopping at thrift stores. Everyone has a different idea about what spending is necessary, and everyone has their own ways of being resourceful and environmentally-friendly. The Duggars' views may not be the norm, but they have decided to make their motto "Buy Used and Save the Difference." Most of their clothes, shoes, toys and furniture is second-hand, but they don't mind. Michelle teaches her children resourcefulness, which means exercising wisdom to find good uses of items that others would often throw away. She also teaches them to be thrifty and not to spend money which they think is unnecessary.


What are your views? We are very curious to know what you think about thrift stores and second-hand shopping? Do you agree or disagree with it? Are there specific items that you would never purchase used?

Trivia Answers

Here are the correct answers to the recent Duggar trivia:

    1. Which two Duggars had their wisdom teeth pulled in the 18 Kids and Counting episode "Duggars Under the Knife"?  
        Jana and Jill

    2. For how long has Michelle Duggar home-schooled her children?
        Since Josh was 4

    3. How many bathrooms does the Duggars' rental home in Little Rock have?
        Four 

    4.Why did the Duggars move to Little Rock?
       To be close to Josie

    5. According the Michelle, which of her sons is very shy and quiet?
        Joseph, although John-David also shy

    6. Do the Duggars have TV service? Do they have a TV?
        No TV service, but they do have a TV

    7. Are the Duggars musically inclined?  
        Yes.