Another Radio Show!

Mark your calenders for December 16th! Nina Fry has invited us back to the Living the Dream Mom Internet radio show!
This time, we will be chatting with Nina about the Duggars and Season 4 of "19 Kids and Counting." And here's the best part -- the phone lines will be open, so you can call in and ask your questions directly! The show starts at 10AM EST (9AM CST).
Missed our live interview with Michelle Duggar? Click here to listen!


If you are "radio-shy" or won't be home, post your question(s) to the comments section.

Duggar Marathon and Season Finale

Tune in to TLC tomorrow (Tuesday) for a "19 Kids and Counting" marathon. It kicks off at 7/6AM CST with "Duggars Movin' Out" and ends with the season finale, "Duggars Speak Out," at 9/8PM CST. Make a ginormous bowl of popcorn (or two) and enjoy the shows.
The Duggars will return in February for a brand new season, but don't fret! There will be plenty of reruns in the meantime.

Tea with Michelle Duggar

Remember when Michelle Duggar won Mother of the Year at the Baby Conference in July? Now you can listen to her share about the joys and trials of motherhood in Vision Forum's "Tea with Michelle Duggar," a 60-minute video featuring one of America's famous mommies. Buy it now for $15, or put it on your list for the holidays.

Would you buy this DVD?

Duggars React to Second GrandDuggar

A Very Duggar Thanksgiving: Pumpkin Pies

Have a blessed Thanksgiving!

~Lily and Ellie

Duggars and Sluggers

On last night's episode of "19 Kids and Counting:"

• Jim Bob and the kids loaded into their new bus and headed for Louisville, Kentucky to fulfill a speaking engagement and have some fun along the way. Dad needed more drivers, so he taught some of the older girls to operate the 45-foot long bus! Have you ever driven a vehicle that big?
• And Michelle stayed home. Here's her take on the situation: "I'm right where I need to be with Josie...It will only be a short period of time, and then we'll all be together again." 
• The Duggars stopped at the Louisville Slugger Museum and Factory, where they had the privilege of learning how the famous baseball bats are made. Although the museum welcomes nearly 250,000 visitors every year, Rick Redman, the tour guide, said that he has "never seen a family, and kids, more well-behaved and more attentive than the Duggars." Now that's a compliment!
• Next stop was Glassworks, where the Duggars saw glassblowing in action. Some of the kids even had the chance to try it themselves. But it was HOT HOT HOT (2300 degrees to be exact!) But their pumpkins turned out beautifully.
• Josie's favorite toy is the Jumperoo. "She'll just jump and jump...she makes all kids of fun noises," says Michelle.

Have you ever been to Louisville, Kentucky? Have you used a Louisville Slugger baseball bat?

Have a blessed Thanksgiving! 

~Lily and Ellie

Oops!

Turkey, gravy, mashed potatoes, more gravy, sweet potatoes, stuffing, pumpkin pie...
Thanksgiving has taken over our minds! We completely forgot to remind you all about tonight's show! If you missed "19 Kids and Counting" Duggars and Sluggers, tune into TLC tonight at 12AM/11PM CST for a rerun. We will post the highlights tomorrow.
Green bean casserole, brussel sprouts, fresh-baked rolls with butter, pecan pie...
Are you hungry yet?

"Duggars Make a Movie" Highlights

Did you catch Sunday's "19 Kids and Counting" special, Duggars Make a Movie? Here are the highlights:

• After a short tutorial, the film crew handed their gear over to John (video), Jill (producer), and Jessa (sound). The Duggars' mission? Survive an entire week-long trip to Washington DC without the crew, while capturing enough footage (approximately 10 hours!) to create this episode.
• Jim Bob and the kids celebrated Michelle's birthday and then headed out. They were running on Duggar time: by the time the kids were rounded up and the bus loaded, they were four hours behind schedule. "Why aren't you on the bus?" John-David asked Hannie. "Cause I'm eating my Popsicle," his sister answered. 
• When can two pizzas satisfy the Duggars? When they're JUMBO pizzas! After visiting the monuments (Jason's favorite was the "Veterinarian Memorial, aka WWII Memorial), the Duggars stopped by a unique pizzeria for lunch. Joseph tore through two huge slices. According to Joy-Anna, "He's in his growth spurt -- that's why he eats so much." Turning to her 14-years-old brother who's just pushing five feet, she added, "It's almost Josiah's turn." 
• For dessert, the clan headed over to Georgetown Cupcake (the set of TLC's "DC Cupcakes").
• While the camera rolled, Assistant Producers Jackson and Johannah asked Mommy and Daddy questions like "What's your favorite color?" and "How much pounds do you weigh?" Needless to say, some of their questions went unanswered.
• After a quick stop in Tennessee to visit the Bates family and meet their 18th baby (Judson Wyatt), the Duggars headed home to celebrate Amy's 24th birthday. Amy's greatest fear is clowns, so what did Josiah, Joy, and Anna do? They added one more guest to the list: Stiltz the Clown! Amy was scared out of her wits, but she had a blast. It was a birthday she will never forget. 
• Jana, John, Jill, Jessa, and Jinger headed to Trailblazer Studios in Raleigh, North Carolina to watch their footage be transformed into a show. They enjoyed the experience but were thankful to return the gear to the crew. Filming is not easy, especially when your cast is a family of 19 children!

Does your family take home videos?

Sister, Sister

Jessa and Jinger Duggar are two peas in a pod. The two sisters, who are only thirteen months apart, have been inseparable from the day Jinger was born. They recently flew together to Chicago to attend a college music conference.
But as much as the two sisters have in common, they are also very different. When asked about Jessa's personality, Jinger replied, "She has an opinion, she'll tell you, in a nice way."
On the other hand, Jinger is not as quick to speak. "She might be more careful about how she says it," explains Jessa. "She doesn't want to hurt anybody's feelings."

Are you close with your siblings? Do you have a brothers or sisters that you really "click" with?

A Walk Down Memory Lane With the Duggars

Remember what life was like, back when the Duggars only had 16 little ones (before Josie, Jordyn, and Jennifer)? Tune into TLC tomorrow morning at 7/6AM CST for "On the Road with 16 Children" to find out!

Another Duggar Special!

Back by popular demand, TLC is playing another hour-long "19 Kids and Counting" special this weekend. What is Arkansas' busiest family up to now? They are making a movie! Being around cameras a few days a week has given some of the kids an interest in movie-making, so they are thrilled to have the opportunity to create their own show.
Tune in tomorrow at 8/7PM CST for this unique episode, Duggars Make a Movie.

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION!

Michelle Duggar Goes Skydiving!

Imagine looking up into the sky and seeing.....Michelle Duggar?!
What would you do if your daughter asked to go skydiving for her 18th birthday? Would you freak out and tell her "Absolutely NOT," or would you give your consent (as long as you didn't have to be there to watch her jump)? When Jessa Duggar popped the question to her mom, Michelle not only said yes but even agreed to go with. This admirable woman sure has guts!

The plans were made, and Michelle and Jessa were pumped. Adrenaline rushing, the birthday girl took the plunge twenty seconds after her mom.
They had the time of their lives. "You step through the door of the plane, and then your stomach falls," Michelle told People. "When the parachute comes out, it is so peaceful. We are out in the Ozarks, and it is autumn. It is beautiful. It was a wonderful mom-and-daughter moment."

Have you ever been skydiving? If so, how was it? If not, would you ever consider taking the plunge?

"Duggar Daddy on Duty" Recap

On last night's episode of 19 Kids and Counting...

• Michelle and Jinger took Josie to the pediatrician for her well-baby checkup. Developmentally, Josie is thriving, but she caught the virus that made its way through the Duggar household. "Even though we were trying diligently to wash our hands and keep anyone out of the room, she manage to get it," explained Michelle. The doctor put Mommy's fears to rest when he assured her that Josie would be as good as new in no time.
• The Duggars are known for their big heads, and Josie's is no exception.
• Clear the roads! Josiah recently turned 14, the magical age that every kid in Arkansas eagerly awaits. Why? Because they can learn to drive! He studied like crazy and passed the written exam on his first try, so Jim Bob took him out on the road to put his knowledge to the test. Josiah is too short to see over the dash of the 16-passenger van, but Jim Bob came prepared with a pillow. Josiah did great, but he jokingly accused his dad of being a backseat driver.
• While Jana and Jill took the kids grape-picking and Michelle accompanied Jinger and Jessa to the dentist, Jim Bob babysat Jordyn and Josie. The highlights of the morning included Lincoln Logs and watching Jordyn give kisses to her baby sister. He did a fabulous job. "It's like Mr. Mom stepping in," said Michelle. "The kids love Daddy."

Do you remember learning to drive?

Duggar Daddy on Duty

Clear the roads! Josiah Duggar is learning to drive. Watch as Jim Bob takes him out on the road, but when they come home, Daddy is met with a challenge. He must look after Jordyn and Josie, all by himself. Think he can do it? We will see....
Tune into TLC tonight at 9/8PM CST for "19 Kids and Counting" Duggar Daddy on Duty.

ADORABLE New Picture of Josie!

Are you ready to have your heart melt? People magazine recently wrote an article about Josie, and the picture is cuter than words can describe! Click here to see for yourself.

How cute is this picture? Rank on a scale of 1-10 in the comments forum.  

Happy Birthday, Justin!

Bring on the cake because today is Justin Duggar's 8th birthday! 
Can you believe that Justin was just a baby when we first "met" the Duggars on "14 Children and Pregnant Again?" Time sure flies!

Happy Birthday, Justin!

"GrandDuggar First Birthday" Recap

On tonight's episode of 19 Kids and Counting, "GrandDuggar First Birthday"...

• Josh and Anna took Mackynzie to Florida to visit Anna's family, where Mackynzie took her first steps! They spend a day at the beach, and Josh learned to surf from Bill the soundman. He swallowed enough water to fill a fish tank but had a blast. Mackynzie's highlight of the day was eating sand. Mmmmm, tasty!
• Josh and Anna went with Anna's dad, a volunteer chaplain, to minister to a group of women in prison. Anna, who grew up helping out in her father's ministry, has learned the importance of being real and sincere. She told the ladies about the pain of her recent miscarriage. What carried her through was remembering to give thanks to God in all circumstances.
• Anna threw a huge party for Johannah and Mackynzie's birthdays, which are three days apart. The theme was Noah's Ark, and guess who was given the task of making a Noah's Ark shaped cake? Cousin Amy! Desperate, she called on Jinger for help. Both girls rarely cook, and although the Duggars have celebrated 284 birthdays, neither of them had ever baked a cake. But what looked like a disaster soon turned into a magnificent work of art. With the added touch of a colorful backdrop, courtesy of the boys, this was the best Noah's Ark cake I have ever seen.
• All the kids put on animal costumes, and the party began. "I was talking with Mackynzie a little bit ago," announced proud father Josh, "and she told me this is her best birthday she's ever had."
• But this won't be Josh and Anna's last time celebrating a first birthday, because they are expecting another child! How did the rest of the Duggar clan take the news? Some were speechless, others knew the announcement would come sooner or later, but all were thrilled, especially Grandpa Jim Bob and Grandma Michelle.

When was the last time your family celebrated a first birthday? 

Special "19 Kids and Counting!" Episode!

Can't get enough of the Duggars? Then tune into TLC tonight at 8/7PM CST for an extra-special, hour-long episode of "19 Kids and Counting" GrandDuggar First Birthday. Bring on the cake because Mackynzie Duggar is turning one! And there's more to celebrate....Josh and Anna are expecting! You won't want to miss this episode.

Come back to the blog after the show for the highlights.

Anna Duggar is Expecting!

You called it! Josh and Anna Duggar are expecting their second child in June 2011! "I showed Josh the positive pregnancy test on Mackynzie's birthday," Anna told People.
The young couple was thrilled for a positive pregnancy test after Anna's miscarriage this summer.
"I was very sad," Anna says. "Josh was a big encouragement to me. It helped us go through the heartbreak to learn that 30 or 40 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage."When asked how many kids they expect to have, Josh announced, "We'll be having 25." But he quickly assured everyone that he was only joking. He and Anna will welcome all the gifts the Lord has in store for them, whether that's two children or twenty-two.

Tune into TLC this Sunday at 8PM/7PM CST to see Josh and Anna make their exciting announcement to the rest of the Duggar clan!

How many kids do you have?

Silly Bandz

Have you seen those colorful, silicone wristbands that kids everywhere are sporting on their wrists? They are called Silly Bandz, and customers all over the world purchase them by the millions each and every week. One boy reported that he has 1,253, and counting!
And the Duggars have not missed out on this fad. Jackson and Johannah have quite a collection on their wrists! Have you spotted any other Duggars wearing Silly Bandz?
You can also purchase Faith Bands at Family Christian Stores, ChristianBook, or FaithBands.

Are Silly Bandz popular in your area? Do your kids wear them?

Highlights: Duggars Take a Dip

On this week's episode of 19 Kids and Counting...

• The Duggars love the water, so Jim Bob and Michelle decided to take them over to a friend's pool for some swimming lessons. The kids had a blast. They wanted Dad to get in on the fun, so they teamed up and pushed him into the pool, clothes and all!
• For an early birthday present, Jeremiah picked out a firehouse-themed chess set. (Do we have a future volunteer firefighter on our hands?) To date, Jeremiah has not lost a single game to any of his 18 siblings. "I beat everyone in my family, except the ones that quit in the middle," says the chess pro.
• Michelle spoke to a MOPS (Moms of Preschoolers) group at the First Baptist Church of Springdale on the topic of character qualities. Can you guess the top 3 character qualities that Jim Bob and Michelle teach their children? The first is attentiveness. "If I can't get their eyes, I'm not going to get their hearts," says the mom of 19. Number two is obedience, and the third is self-control. Michelle's final words of wisdom to the young mothers? "Turn your heart toward Jesus."
• Click here to download your very own copy of the tried-and-true list that Jim Bob and Michelle use to teach their children character qualities.

Do your kids like to swim? Have they taken lessons?

Duggars Learn to Swim

Tune into TLC tonight at 9PM/8PM CST for "19 Kids and Counting" Duggars Take a Dip. We have visited the Duggar home dozens of times, but we have never seen the kids learn to swim! And later, Michelle gives her tried-and-true child-rearing techniques to a group of women at a Mother's Morning Out. You won't want to miss this episode!

Will you be watching?

Josie Update!

Josie Duggar will be 11 months old in just 5 days! We spoke with Michelle Duggar last week -- Click here to listen to the interview-- and she was thrilled to report that Josie is thriving. She now weighs in at over 15 pounds!
"Josie is doing wonderful!" reported the mom of 19. "She is a miracle baby...Her brain, and her eyes, and her ears, and all of those important things are working perfectly." Her favorite toy is the Jumperoo, and she loves to roll around on the floor.

Did/do your kids love the Jumperoo?

A Very Special Duggar Birthday!

Today is a momentous occasion for the Duggars -- their 5th child is now an adult. That's right, it's Jessa's 18th birthday! Time to register to vote! Just 2 days shy of election day, but there will be plenty more opportunities for that in the future.
Happy 18th Birthday, Jessa! :)
Do you remember your 18th birthday?

New Look!

In the past week, we have been making some changes to the blog. We added the latest Duggar family picture at the top and posted several other photos on the left sidebar. (Scroll down a few strokes to see them.)

What do you think???

Close, But Not Quite....

John Duggar ran for Alderman of Tontitown in yesterday's election but lost by 60 votes to Mike Zulpo.
Great job for a 20-year-old! You have to start somewhere. 

Did you make it to the polls to vote in yesterday's election?

"Duggars on FIRE" Recap

Anna's Beautiful,
Custom-Tailored
Bridesmaids Dress

On last night's episode of "19 Kids and Counting:"

• Fans were able to see the Duggars' church fellowship in action. They meet in a vacant house with several other families for Bible study, to share a "pot-faith" meal, and to visit for several hours. "The food's usually one of the best parts," said Jim Bob, chuckling.
• Josh and Anna explained their thoughts on early education. They have already begun to teach Mackynzie because she enjoys it, and they know that it will set her up for success.
• "I am ready for another baby whenever God chooses to bless us with one," announced Anna, while Josh looked a little unsure.
• Jana and Jill needed uniforms for the formal, EMT side of the volunteer fire department. Anna, an expert seamstress who made all the bridesmaids dresses for her wedding, helped them turn unisex pants into skirts. 
• Jim Bob raved over his daughters' new outfits. He called them Mackynzie's "fire aunts." Hahaha!
• "Was more material leftover?" Jim Bob asked the girls. "I saw the little boys running around with some headbands."
• The Duggars explained that they are not judgmental in regards to clothing; it is each person's choice. 

What are your beliefs on early childhood education? Do you send your kids to preschool?

What do you believe regarding clothing?

Duggars on FIRE!

Jana and Jill have joined the volunteer fire department, and they need some fireproof clothes. But will Anna's "fire skirts" work, or will the girls end up wearing pants?

To find out, tune into TLC tonight at 9PM/8PM CST for "19 Kids and Counting" Duggars on Fire.

Vote for John Duggar!

Happy Election Day! The Duggars are on the edge of their seats this year because their very own John-David is running for Alderman! His ambition is to make a difference, and to those who say that he is too young, John says that everyone has to start somewhere.

What does John hope to accomplish if he is elected Alderman of Tontitown, Arkansas?
"If the economy is hurting, all the people are hurting," says John Duggar, "That's when the city should look at areas they can cut."

What is John's message to the people? 
"Just get out and vote."
And if you live in Tontitown, John would be honored to have your vote.