Home Births

As the mother of 19 children, Michelle Duggar has been through 17 deliveries. So what does this experienced mom say about hospital births versus home births?

Her first five children were born at the hospital, but after talking with friends, she and Jim Bob decided to try something a little different. Jinger, baby number six, was delivered at home, her birth attended by both a doctor and a midwife.

Michelle loved the flexibility of laboring at home, and she recovered in record time. A few hours later, she was up and about. Joseph, baby number seven, was also born at home. Although the Duggars opted to deliver their next child, Josiah, at the hospital, they still utilized the helpful techniques taught by their midwife.

Josh and Anna Duggar chose to go the home birth route with both of their babies (Jim Bob and Michelle's first grandchildren). Mackynzie Renee just celebrated her second birthday, and Michael James was delivered on June 15th of this year.

What do you think of home births? Has your family ever experienced one?

Joy-Anna Turns 14!

Another birthday to celebrate at the Duggar home: Joy-Anna is turning 14! That means she is old enough to apply for an Arkansas learners permit and will be the ninth Duggar behind the wheel.

Happy Birthday, Joy!

Duggars in Branson, Missouri

The Duggars have an upcoming appearance in Branson, Missouri! Here are the details:

Saturday, November 12th, 2011
Appearance during the "A Tribute to John Denver" show
Show starts at 10:00AM in the Little Opry Theatre. Tickets are free for ages 0-11 and cost $25.78 for adults. To order, call 800-785-1550.
Book-signing: 1:30-4:30
Location: IMAX Entertainment Complex in Branson, Missouri

Visit our Appearances page to see where else the Duggars will be in the near future!

"Daddy Duggar's Birthday" Recap

On tonight's episode of "19 Kids and Counting," Daddy Duggar's Birthday...

• Josh's second car lot (previously a taco restaurant) is up and running! The oldest Duggar is especially proud of the 16-camera security system that he recently installed.
• For the first time since Michael's birth, Anna loads both children into the car and heads to the supermarket.
• "Anna, she has just done a fabulous job, and I see her rising to the call to be that wonderful mommy that she is," Michelle praises her daughter-in-law. 
• Back home, Mackynzie is thrilled to put on her zebra apron and help prepare dinner--steak, potatoes, biscuits, and veggies. 
• After work, Josh opens his new grill. "I'm not big on directions," he explains, while assembling the appliance. "In this project, if something blows up, you've got it right!"
• He and Mackynzie head outside to cook the steak. And it wouldn't be a barbecue without Josh's special seasoning, a recipe that he created as a kid. Even Anna doesn't know his secret! "Maybe I'll sell it someday," jokes the budding chef. "We could go out of the car business and go into the seasoning business." 
• Michelle accompanies Jim Bob to the allergist for his 46th birthday present. Jim Bob experiences a round of shots that could make a grown man cry. On a scale of one to ten, he rates the pain at a nine. "I recommend this birthday gift for everyone," he says, chuckling.
• For his birthday dinner, the Duggar daddy takes the entire family out to Acambaro, a nearby Mexican restaurant. While everyone enjoys their food, he makes an announcement: "A year from now, you won't even recognize me...after tonight I'm going to start my diet." "Always tomorrow!" an anonymous Duggar remarks.

Have you ever been to the allergist and been subject to their "delightful" tests? Can you feel Jim Bob's pain?

New Episode Tonight!

If you live in the US or Canada, tune in to TLC tonight at 9PM EST/8PM CST for "19 Kids and Counting" Daddy Duggar's Birthday. Another Duggar is another year older. It’s…Jim Bob! What does he get for his birthday? Allergy shots! And of course, a Duggar-sized celebration.  

Return to the blog after the show for our famous recap. The episodes can be purchased on Amazon and iTunes 1-2 days after they air for $1.99-$2.99 each.

If you could choose the subject of next week's episode what would you pick? 

Duggar Freebie!

Everyone loves free stuff! Now you can listen to Michelle share about the joys and trials of motherhood in Vision Forum's Tea with Michelle Duggar! Download this 60-minute video...completely free!

Here's how it works:

1. Like Vision Forum on Facebook, and your coupon code will be revealed.
2. Head over to BlueBeheMoth, Vision Forum's sister website.
3. Create a free account.
4. After creating your account, visit your "Cart" page, and enter your coupon code into the "Redeem a Coupon" field. 
5. Select the "Download" button at the top of the page, and prepare to enjoy an uplifting video!

"Doodles of the Duggars" Update

Last week, we posted about a mother of five's magnificent portraits of the Duggar kids. (A couple of the drawings are pictured below. To see the rest, visit Bethany's blog.)

Several of you asked us to post an update, so here it is: The Duggars love the illustrations!

Bethany--the talented artist--received the following email from Michelle:

Dear Bethany,

Wow! What a surprise!
Thank you so much for the beautiful portrait pencil drawings of our children! What a blessing & precious keepsakes!
Your sweet note & words of encouragement were greatly appreciated!
Thank you for blessing us in such a special way!
And tell the children thank you for their kind notes! We will enjoy their picture in our dining room on our prayer bulletin board.

With Gratefulness,
Michelle for the Duggars
2 Cor. 12:9

James and Josie

Jackson and Johannah

 Josh and Jinger

Why So Many "J" Names?

Josh, Jana, John-David, Jill, Jessa, Jinger, Joseph. Do you notice a pattern? Ever wonder why the Duggar kids' names all start with the same letter? You may be surprised to hear that Jim Bob and Michelle did not set out to have a brood of children with "J" names.

As new parents, they fell in love with the name Joshua, after the courageous biblical character. Nearly two years later, Jim Bob and Michelle were blessed with twins. The two names that they chose, Jana and John-David, just happened to start with the letter "J." Not knowing how many more children God would give them, the young couple decided to name their next child, Jill, with a "J" name as well, just in case she was their last.

As their family grew, Jim Bob and Michelle continued the tradition so that none of their children would feel left out. The family has had a lot of fun choosing unique "J" names over the years; everyone likes to join in on the action!

What are your favorite "J" names?

Duggar Trivia Answers

Time to reveal the answers to the recent Duggar trivia questions! Let's see how you did...

1. In what year were Josh and Anna married? 2008
   
2. How much did Josie weigh at birth? 1 pound, 6 ounces
   
3. Who are the names of Jim Bob and Michelle's oldest set of twins? Jana and John-David
   
4. Who is Jim Bob's closest friend, other than Michelle? Gil Bates (not to be confused with Bill Gates)  

Duggar Trivia

How well do you know the Duggars? Try your hand at these trivia questions to find out! Post your guesses as a comment, and we will reveal the answers in 12 hours.

1. In what year were Josh and Anna married?
2. How much did Josie weigh at birth?
3. Who are the names of Jim Bob and Michelle's oldest set of twins?
4. Aside from Michelle, who is Jim Bob's closest friend?

"38 Kids and Counting" Recap

On tonight's episode of "19 Kids and Counting," 38 Kids and Counting...

• On their way home from Atlanta, the Duggars stop in Tennessee to visit Gil and Kelly Bates and their 18--soon to be 19--children. They enjoy riding horses, chopping down trees (the Bates have a tree-trimming service), playing fiddle, and chatting up a storm.
• Two years ago, the Jim Bob and Michelle helped the Bates add an addition to their house as a Mother's Day present for Kelly. What began as a simple laundry room that would be completed in a weekend quickly turned into a three-story addition that took over a year to build! Now, the project is finished, and both families are able to enjoy their handy work.
• Jim Bob and Gil wholeheartedly believe that they are the happiest, richest men in the world. "I know I tease about Bill Gates being rich," says Gil. "And I'm Gil Bates. We're direct opposites, but I'm really really rich, richer in anything that really counts."
• What news does Zach Bates have to share? He has entered into a courtship with Sarah Reith! The two are as happy as can be. Congratulations, Zach and Sarah!
• Will there be any Duggar-Bates courtships in the future? "I wouldn't be surprised if somebody, somewhere, ends up doing something!" says Jill. But she also clears up a misconception: "A lot of people do like to assume that because the Bates and our family are so much alike, that everybody down the line--birth order--is going to marry the person right across. But it doesn't actually work that way."
• "We'll wait and see what the Lord has in store," says Michelle. 
• After unplugging the bus toilet and fixing the air conditioner, the Duggars are ready to head out. Hugs all around (even from some of the boys!), Josie blows kisses, and they're off!

Tonight: 38 Kids & Counting

On tonight's new episode of "19 Kids and Counting," 38 Kids & Counting:
The Duggars head to the majestic, eastern Tennessee hills to see their favorite super-sized family...the Bates! During the visit, oldest Bates son Zach shares some exciting news!

To hear the big announcement, tune in to TLC at 9PM EST/8PM CST. Or return to the blog later this evening for our famous recap. The episodes can also be purchased on Amazon and iTunes 1-2 days after they air for $1.99-$2.99 each.

Portraits 2011

Say cheese! We have put together a collection of photos of the Duggars in 2011. Enjoy!
Curious to see how much everyone has changed since last year? View pictures from the Duggars' 2010 photo shoot.

 Duggar Family 2011 

(Missing: Jana)

Entire Duggar Family 2011

 Jim Bob and Michelle 2011

 Josh 2011

 Jana 2011

 John-David 2011

 Jill 2011

 Jessa 2011

 Jinger 2011

 Joseph 2011

 Josiah 2011

 Joy-Anna 2011

 Jedidiah 2011

Jeremiah 2011

 Jason 2011

 James 2011

 Justin 2011

 Jackson 2011

 Johannah 2011

Jennifer 2011

 Jordyn-Grace (with Joseph) 2011

Josie (with Jinger) 2011

Josh, Anna, and Mackynzie 2011

Michael James Duggar 

Born June 15, 2011

For more snapshots of the Duggar family, visit our Photos page.

Duggar's Tater Tot Casserole

The Duggars are famous for their tater tot casserole! If you would like to give it a try, here's the recipe. Enjoy, and let us know how you like it!

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 (21-1/2 oz total)

• 2 cans evaporated milk (24 oz total)

• 2 cans cream of chicken (21-1/2 oz total)

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. 

Find more delicious Duggar recipes on our Recipes page!

Doodles of the Duggars

One of our loyal readers just posted a link that we have to share with you right away! It can't even wait until tomorrow morning!
Bethany, a talented artist and mother of five, created pencil drawings of the 19 Duggar children.. Here are a few of her incredible illustrations. Visit her blog to see them all!

Update: Bethany sent her drawings to the Duggars, and they were touched. Click here to read Michelle's response.

Josiah, Joseph, Jordyn, Jennifer, Jackson, Johannah, John-David, and Jill

Jana and Jessa

Jason, Jeremiah, and Justin

Duggar Bloopers On Stage

Earlier this week, the Duggars spoke and shared music at the LifeWay Kids Ministry Conference in Nashville (registration information was on our Appearances page).
Are you in need of a good laugh? Watch this cute video of the younger kids singing "I've Been Redeemed."

Soul Surfer

Have you seen Soul Surfer? The Duggars have!

Last night, on "19 Kids and Counting" Duggars Under the Sea, the family had the privilege of meeting real-life soul surfer Bethany Hamilton. Despite losing her arm to a shark at age 13, the Hawaiian native kept the faith and went on to realize her dream of becoming a pro surfer.

"We have enjoyed reading [Bethany's] book and watching the movie Soul Surfer... It's incredible!" says Michelle.

Soul Surfer the movie can be purchased from Amazon on DVD or Blu-ray. Bethany's book (also called Soul Surfer) is available in Paperback, Hardcover, and Kindle.

Spine Boards, Wakeboards, and Surfboards

Time for our weekly recap!
On tonight's new episodes of "19 Kids and Counting:"


Duggar In Danger

• During a rehearsal at First Baptist Church Atlanta (Charles Stanley's church), Jason falls 12 feet into an orchestra pit. "We found Jason laying there, basically in a pool of blood," Jim Bob recounts.
• Jason is rushed to the hospital--Mama by his side--where it is determined that the 11-year-old Duggar has suffered two chipped teeth, a fractured jaw, and a sprained knee. He is stitched up and sent home (to the family bus) but takes weeks to fully recover.
• The following day, Jim Bob and Michelle speak at First Baptist, and the kids share music. Meanwhile, Jason chills in the greenroom in a wheelchair. 
• After the service, the family heads to Lake Lanier for some water fun! Even Michelle, Anna, Mackynzie, and Josie join in. 
• "A lot of people don't realize, Michelle is very athletic" explains Jim Bob, "which really goes great with having all those babies because it's kind of like running a marathon!"
• The day's activities include zip-lining, swimming, kayaking, jet skiing, wakeboarding, and tubing. 
• Michelle surprises everyone by being the only person who is successful at wakeboarding. 
• "My mom put all of us guys to shame!" jokes Josh.

Duggars Under the Sea

• At a Christian media event, the Duggars have the privilege of meeting Bethany Hamilton--pro surfer and shark attack survivor--and her brother, Noah. 
• "Meeting the Duggars was really cool!" says Bethany. "I can't wait for them to come to Hawaii and surf...I think it would be fun to see them all in the water"
• "I want [our children] to meet and learn about people today," says Michelle. She desires for her kids to be able to recognize and adopt positive character qualities that they see in the lives of others. 
• The entire Duggar clan has a "whale" of a time at the Georgia Aquarium. Some of the highlights include feeding belugas, petting African penguins, and watching divers clean the glass tunnels with cloth diapers. They also adopt a whale shark and name it Jim Bob, much to Daddy's excitement.  
• Fun fact: Collectively, the Duggars weigh about as much as a baby whale shark, but they eat four times as much at each meal!

Jason's fall was the most severe injury suffered by a Duggar. What is the worst injury that you have experienced? 

Duggar Birthday Mystery Solved

The Duggar birthday mystery is solved!  

 Johannah, the sixteenth child of Jim Bob and Michelle, turns six years old today! 

Happy Birthday, Johannah!

Two New Episodes Tonight!

If you live in the US or Canada, tune in to TLC tonight for TWO brand-new episodes of "19 Kids and Counting!"   

9PM EST/8PM CST: "19 Kids and Counting" Duggar In Danger

After fulfilling an Atlanta speaking engagement, the Duggars gear up for jet skiing, tubing, and wakeboarding. But the fun is interrupted when Jason falls 12 feet into an orchestra pit and is whisked off by an ambulance.

9:30PM EST/8:30PM CST: "19 Kids and Counting" Duggars Under the Sea

The Duggars have the privilege of meeting Bethany Hamilton, the Hawaiian pro surfer who lost her arm to a shark at age thirteen. They also have a blast at a local aquarium. 

And as always, make sure to return to the blog later this evening for our famous recap! The episodes can also be purchased on iTunes and Amazon 1-2 days after they air for $1.99-$2.99 each. 

Have you ever been to Atlanta?

Duggar Birthday Mystery

It's time to celebrate (again!). Another Duggar is turning another year older! Who is it? We'll let you tell us!
Post your guesses as a comment, and we will reveal the answer this evening.

Ready, Set, GO!

Happy Birthday, Mackynzie!

Bring out the cake and candles! First GrandDuggar Mackynzie Renee turns two today!

Happy 2nd Birthday, Mackynzie!


This time last year, Josh and Anna announced that they were expecting. Now, Michael James Duggar is here and ready to celebrate with his big sister. 

What was your most memorable toddler birthday party?

"17 Kids and Counting" Giveaway Winners!

And now, the moment we have all been waiting for....drum roll please!

The winners of our "17 Kids and Counting" DVD giveaway are.....
Karissa P. and Bayley P!

Thanks to everyone who entered! Look for more giveaways in the near future!

(Karissa and Bayley, we will be sending each of you an email shortly.)
 

Last Day to Enter Giveaway!

The giveaway ends in less than 12 hours! Enter to win the complete first season of "17 Kids and Counting" on DVD. There will be TWO winners!

Keep reading to find out how to enter...

TO ENTER

Post a comment answering the following question: What are the names of Jim Bob and Michelle's two grandchildren?

For optional extra entries, do one or more of the following. (Each option must be submitted as an individual comment in order to count as an additional entry): 

1. Become a Google Follower of the blog, and leave a comment on the blog letting us know. If you were already a follower, please leave a comment as well.  
2. "Like" the Duggar Family Blog Facebook page, and leave a comment letting us know. If you were already a fan, please leave a comment as well. 
3. Blog about this giveaway on your blog, and leave a comment letting us know. Must include the URL of your post that advertises our giveaway. 
4. Become a follower of DuggarBlog on Twitter, and leave a comment letting us know. If you are already a follower, please leave a comment as well.  
5. Sign up for email updates, and leave a comment letting us know. If you already receive email updates, please leave a comment as well.    

RULES

To qualify for the giveaway, you must include your first name and last initial in each comment.

We need a way to contact the winners, so include your email address in one of your comments, or send your email address to DuggarFamilyBlog@gmail.com (along with your first name and last initial). If you are a winner, we will shoot you an email asking for your shipping address.

To qualify, all comments must be posted to this blog. They will not be accepted if they are posted to Facebook or Twitter. 

In the event that the prize becomes unavailable, we reserve the right to substitute a prize of equal or greater value. 

Giveaway ends Friday, October 7th, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST/8:00 PM CST.

Ready, Set, GO!

180 Movie: Rock Your World

Do you have 33 minutes to watch a documentary deemed "life-changing" by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar? Then watch "180" Movie!
Here is a brief trailer. The full-length film can be found at 180movie.com.

What did you think?

Recap: Duggar Campout & Schoolhouse Duggars

On tonight's episodes of "19 Kids and Counting.."
Duggar Campout:

• Joy heads over to help Anna with her little ones. "Joy really has a servant's heart," commends Josh. "She just jumps in and helps."
• Mackynzie is adjusting quickly to having another child in the family. One of her favorite things to do is "nurse" her baby dolls while Mommy nurses Michael. "I thought Mackynzie was a really easy baby," says Anna. "But Michel seems even easier!"
• Back at Jim Bob and Michelle's, the family prepares for a backyard cookout and campout. Mom, the little ones, and the older children opt to sleep in the air-conditioned house, but Dad and the "middle kids" rough it outside.

Schoolhouse Duggars:

• Jim Bob and Michelle emphasize that they are NOT against public schools. (In fact, both attended--and enjoyed--public school as kids.) "We personally have just made the choice to homeschool," explains the mom of 19. The goal is to protect their kids from unnecessary peer pressures, spend quality time as a family, and develop a ministry mindset.
• At the annual ATI Homeschool Conference, the entire family learns new skills and enjoys plenty of fun and fellowship.
• Alert Cadet Academy is the program, similar to boy scouts, that the "middle boys" attend at ATI. When asked if she is confident in the younger boys' ability to take care of her if they were stranded in the wilderness, Michelle responds, laughingly: "No. Not confident. I don't think they're quite that well-trained!"
• Back home, the Duggars head to Skyline Heights Elementary School in Harrison, Arkansas, to participate in International Day. 
• "I really have a heart for the Spanish people," says 20-year-old Jill. "I really am striving and praying to be able to learn Spanish fluently." And she is spreading that love for the language to the other kids by posting Spanish flashcards throughout the house and taking them to a Spanish tutor. 
• CollegePlus! coach Brittany Crist works with the older kids, who are in the process of earning their accredited bachelor's degrees.
• The Duggar household is so busy, how do they find time (and quiet) to study? Jinger gives us an insiders' tip: "Setting aside a certain time during the day that you're going to go and study for several hours, that's the best way to get it accomplished."

New Episodes Tonight!

If you live in the US or Canada, tune in to TLC tonight for two new episodes of "19 Kids and Counting!" And, as always, we will post a recap after the show.

Duggar Campout (9PM EST/8PM CST): The Duggars are camping out! S'mores and scary stories are fun, but will the summer heat be too much?

Schoolhouse Duggars (9:30PM EST/8:30PM CST): Get an up-close view of Michelle's homeschooling techniques. Then, follow the family on one of their favorite yearly trips...the Big Sandy ATI Conference! Plus, watch the kids soak up some Spanish and use their skills to order food.


*Bonus: Sometime during tonight's shows, the Duggars will explain how their college-aged kids are earning their accredited bachelor's degrees through CollegePlus!

To find out how CollegePlus! is working for Jill, read this special message from Jill herself!

See the Duggars in Courageous!

Courageous, the newest movie from Sherwood Pictures (a ministry of Sherwood Baptist Church) is in theaters now! And guess what else? The Duggars are extras in the film! Check out the trailer below. At about 2 minutes and 9 seconds, you will see Jim Bob running in the Father&Son 5K. He is wearing a red shirt and is on the left side of the screen. Josh is to his right, wearing black, and a couple of the other Duggar boys are in the race as well. Several of the other Duggars also have small roles throughout the movie.

Have you seen Courageous?