Farmville: Duggar Style

Have you heard of FarmVille? There is a similar game, called MakaziVille, that will soon be launching on the Duggars' website. If you preregister, you will be notified when it does. If you would like to start playing right away, visit Makaziville.info.

Listen to Josiah Duggar explain how the game works...

Makaziville Pre Registration from John Andersen on Vimeo.

See the Duggars in Israel!

Missed the last episode of the 19 Kids and Counting World Tour? Here's a video of the Duggars in Israel:
Video no longer available

"Duggars Last Stop" Recap

On tonight's episode of 19 Kids and Counting: World Tour, "Duggars Last Stop"...

• After visiting Scotland, Ireland, and London, the Duggars fly to Israel, the last stop on their overseas adventure. Visiting the Holy Land has been Grandma Duggar’s lifelong dream.
• Their first activity is a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. (To prevent motion sickness, Michelle brings Sea-Bands.)
• The Duggars then head to the Jordan River, where Jim Bob, Grandma, and eight of the kids are re-baptized. Amy is baptized for the first time and is thrilled to have her Uncle Jim Bob do the honors.
• “I really love Amy,” says the dad of 19. “She’s a lot of fun, and I’m so glad she was able to go on this trip with us.”
• At a restaurant in Golan Heights, the crew enjoys homemade felafel and fresh bread. “It was fascinating watching the woman sitting on the floor and making the bread,” marvels Michelle.
• At Genesis Land in the Judean desert, all of the Duggars—except Michelle, who is expecting—experience a camel ride.
• “This is actually really fun,” says Anna, a bit nervous. “It’s the ride of a lifetime, and it might be the last ride of my lifetime!”
• After braving the camels, the Duggars grab their Wholesome Wear swimsuits and head to the Dead Sea (Did you know that the Dead Sea is the lowest point on the face of the Earth?)
• While Jill and Jessa are floating in the salty water, they inadvertently attract the attention of a male swimmer. “As my girls have gotten older, they have also gotten more beautiful, and they have started attracting a lot of guys that are interested in them," says Jim Bob.
• To prevent the situation from becoming uncomfortable, the father of 19 intervenes. “I’m Daddy,” he introduces himself.
• The ladies take advantage of the health and beauty benefits of the Dead Sea by giving each other mud facials. Grandma even bags up the miracle mud to take home. (Surprisingly, the gooey sludge makes it through Customs!)
• Next, the crew heads to the market in the old city of Jerusalem to shop. They even pick up some Israeli-style pickles! (The Duggars love pickles so much that they consume over 200 jars each year!)
• “I love to wheel and deal and negotiate,” says Jim Bob. In contrast, Michelle is not a bargainer. "I just want to know what it costs and the best price," she says.
• On the family’s last day in Israel, Josie wakes up congested and is examined at a local clinic. “For anyone else, a cold would just be a cold,” explains Michelle. “But for Josie it’s a different thing because of her little lungs.” 
• Meanwhile, everyone else heads to the Garden Tomb, the site where it is believed that Jesus rose from the dead. 
• Josie is discharged, but the doctor does not recommend that she fly home until she has recovered from her fever. Mama and Jill stay behind with the preemie, while the rest of the family departs for the airport.
• “My mother’s heart was just really struggling with all of my kiddos and Dad headed off,” says Michelle, in tears as she says goodbye.
• After an extra week in Jerusalem, Michelle, Jill, and Josie return home. To err on the side of caution, a doctor accompanies the trio on the airplane. 
• "Overall, the experience was great," says Michelle of the entire trip. "Most definitely one of the memories of a lifetime for our whole family." 

Have you been to Israel? If so, how was it? If not, would you like to?

Tune In Tonight!

If you live in the US or Canada, tune in tonight for the last episode of the Duggars' World Tour!

We have seen the Duggars in Scotland, Ireland, and England. Now it’s off to Israel! Grandma Duggar’s lifelong dream to see the Holy Land has become a reality. Watch as the family visits historical and religious landmarks and experiences Israeli cuisine and culture. And of course, a trip to Israel is not complete without a swim in the Dead Sea! While enjoying the water, the older girls inadvertently attract the attention of a group of young men, but Daddy Duggar comes to the rescue. 

19 Kids and Counting: World Tour, "Duggars Last Stop" airs at 8PM EST/7PM CST on TLC. 

Be sure to come back to the blog after the show for a recap.

"18 Kids and Counting" Giveaway Winner

Our 18 Kids and Counting giveaway has ended, and it is time to announce the winner!


Congratulations to...
Alvin L. (the Luckenbach family)!


Thanks to everyone who entered! There will be more giveaways in the near future.

Giveaway Extended!

In the spirit of the holiday season, we are extending the "18 Kids and Counting" giveaway by 24 hours. It now ends on Saturday, November 26th, at 9PM EST/8PM CST. Click here to enter!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to our American readers!

What's on the menu for the Duggars' Thanksgiving feast of over 50 friends and family members? Homemade yeast rolls, turkey, mashed potatoes, about 15 pumpkin pies, dressing, and assorted specialties brought by extended family. They sit down to eat at 1:00 PM and then spend the rest of the day playing games and chatting.

In the spirit of the holiday, everyone names one thing that he or she is thankful for, starting with the youngest. "For our younger ones it's pretty sweet," writes Michelle in her latest TLC post. "Sometimes we hear things like, 'I'm just so grateful for oatmeal.'"

Other than breakfast cereal, what else are the Duggars thankful for? "As a family tradition we offer thanks to God and to those around us who've blessed our lives, for the country that we live in, the lives we were given and the freedoms we enjoy," explains Michelle. "And then when we look at the table that's set before us we're reminded again of the provisions He's given us."     

Read more about the Duggars' Thanksgiving traditions in our "Thanksgiving with the Duggars" post.

*Don't forget to enter the "18 Kids and Counting" Giveaway! It ends on Friday at 9PM EST. Enter here.   

Jana and Jill in Peru 2011

Back in August, Jana and Jill traveled to Peru for a mission trip. Here are some photos from their journey. Enjoy!

Interviewing for Peruvian TV

Jana at Peruvian hotel

Jana visits Peruvian hospital patient

Jana holds a flag on Peruvian Independence Day

Jill cheers up a patient at Peruvian hospital

Jill enjoys a Bembos burger with friend Libby

Jana and Priscilla Keller (Anna's sister) 

Celebrate Peruvian Independence Day

Thanksgiving with the Duggars

Two days until Thanksgiving! How do the Duggars celebrate Turkey Day?

Before dinner, each family member has to say something that he or she is thankful for.

"We go around the table, from the youngest to the oldest, to say one thing," explains Michelle in a People article. "You can't repeat what someone else has said they are thankful for, so it gets harder the longer it goes around."

"It's your meal ticket for dinner," adds Jim Bob.

At the Duggars' Thanksgiving table, pumpkin pie is a staple. With such a large family, they have an average of 15 pies! Below is a video that shows the baking process from a recent year.

Another holiday dish that Jim Bob and Michelle and the kids enjoy are homemade yeast rolls. You will find that recipe here.

Will you be celebrating Thanksgiving this Thursday?

Giveaway: Ending Soon!

Have you entered our latest giveaway? Only a few days to go!

Enter to win the complete second season of 18 Kids and Counting on DVD! With over seven hours of family-friendly episodes (including two bonus specials), this three-disc set will provide entertainment for all ages!
      
Keep reading to find out how to enter...


TO ENTER

Post a comment answering the following question: How long have you known about the Duggars?

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. Write a post about this giveaway on your website or blog, and leave a comment letting us know. Must include the URL of your post that mentions 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 winner, 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 the 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, November 25th, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST/8:00 PM CST.

Ready, Set, GO!

"Royal Duggars" Recap

On tonight's episode of 19 Kids and Counting: World Tour, "Royal Duggars"...

• Upon arriving in London, the Duggars head to the extravagant 51 Buckingham Gate hotel, built to accommodate royalty. The children enjoy playing in the bidet. "This my sink," explains Johannah, pointing to the regular sink. "And this is James' sink," explains the little Duggar, as she motions to the bidet. 
• Jim Bob and Michelle practice driving on the "wrong" side of the road with "fixer" Kelly, who admits that she is a bit nervous. (A fixer is someone who coordinates film and television shoots.)
• According to Michelle, Jim Bob is a much better driver, but she is more cautious. "Michelle was excellent," praises Kelly.
• Meanwhile, the children enjoy traditional English high tea. "I don't think we did it the right way," admits Jill. "This is a disaster. The Duggars do not do high tea," jokes cousin Amy. 
• While gathered around the breakfast table, Jim Bob and Michelle give their kids a reality check. "Be extremely grateful to everyone that you see here," reminds Michelle. "This is not normal. This is a very special way to be treated...We need to make sure to express gratefulness." 
• "This is not real life," reinforces Jim Bob. "In just a short time here, we will be back to Arkansas, and we will be cutting grass and scrubbing toilets." 
• The family piles into a double-decker bus to sight-see. First stop: Buckingham Palace. Can you believe that the royal residence is 100 times the size of the Duggar home?
• "London is one of the prettiest cities we've ever been in," says Jim Bob. 
• A highlight for the ladies is a trip to the Hectic Hat Hire. This eccentric hat rental shop has designed hats for Kate Middleton, the royal wedding, and Hollywood movies. Everyone has a good time trying on different hats and practicing their British accents.
• After braving the London Eye, the Duggars enjoy a traditional English meal at the Wheatsheaf Inn. On the menu are Bangers and Mash, Bubble and Squeak, and Toad in the Hole. "Maybe it's the sounds of the animals that we're going to eat?" suggests Josiah, jokingly.
• Despite the Duggars' apprehension, the food turns out to be delicious. "It was some of the best...I've ever had," says Anna.
• The last item on the agenda is Stonehenge. After conducting an engaging tour, archeologist Jilian C. Richards surprises the family with a VIP walk through the center of the stones, which were arranged over 4,000 years ago. 
• Next Sunday: the Duggars in Israel!

Have you been to London? Did you visit any of these places?

New Episode Tonight!

If you live in the US or Canada, tune in tonight for the second episode of the Duggars' World Tour!

After visiting Scotland and Ireland, the Duggars are off to London! Watch as they take a ride on a double-decker bus, see Stonehenge, and have the pleasure of attending an authentic English tea. Then, Jim Bob gets behind the wheel and has quite the experience driving on the left side of the road. 

19 Kids and Counting: World Tour, "Royal Duggars" starts at 8PM EST/7PM CST on TLC. 

As always, we will post a recap after the show.

Nanny Ali

We have some good news for you, readers! Friday is finally here! Any exciting plans for the weekend?

Everyone enjoyed yesterday's video (The Myths of Growing Up Duggar) so much that we decided to post another.

Here is an entertaining clip of the Duggars' ferryboat ride to Ireland and their time with Nanny Ali.

(To read more about the family's trip to the Emerald Isle, check out our recap of "Duggars Abroad.")

Video no longer available

Myths of Growing Up Duggar

We watch them on TV every week, but what is it really like to grow up Duggar? Is there enough love and attention to go around? Do the older children enjoy taking care of their younger siblings, or does it just appear that way on camera? Hear what the kids have to say about individuality, socialization, living in the public eye, and new babies.

Enjoy this interview with Rebecca Dube from NBC Today Moms:

Names for Duggar #20

As many of you know, Michelle is expecting! The Duggars recently announced on the Today Show that baby #20 is due in April.

What do you think Jim Bob and Michelle should name their new addition?

Happy Birthday, Justin!

When the Duggars first appeared on Discovery's 14 Children and Pregnant Again, Justin was only an infant. Now, he is turning 9 years old!

Happy 9th Birthday, Justin!

"Duggars Abroad" Recap

On tonight's episode of 19 Kids and Counting: World Tour, "Duggars Abroad"...

• To prepare for their 20-day trip overseas, the Duggars pack 26 suitcases of clothing. Before leaving, they head to the store to stock up on some last-minute necessities. "Jim Bob's biggest phobia is running out of socks and underwear," explains Michelle.
• With a crew of 26 (Jim Bob, Michelle, and the children, plus Josh, Anna, Mackynzie, Michael, Grandma, and cousin Amy), the family heads to the airport. (This is the first plane ride for both Josie and Michael.)
• "The main thing is just getting all of our kids on the plane with passports in hand, and if we forget a few things, we'll pick them up along the way," says Jim Bob. 4,000 miles later, they arrive in Edinburgh, Scotland. 
• "The first morning when we got up in Scotland, we were all tired and suffering from a lot of jet lag," declares Jessa. After a short night's sleep, the family heads out to sight-see. 
• The first item on the agenda is the Royal Mile, where everyone is shocked to watch a street performer swallow a sword. Then it's off to Edinburgh Castle. Jim Bob describes the historical landmark as "absolutely beautiful."
• At the Blairgowrie and Rattray Highland Games, the Duggar family--renamed the Mac'Duggar Clan--takes part in a community-wide tug-of-war contest. 
• While at the Games, Jim Bob is seized by a group of Scottish men and forced to wear a kilt. He is not too thrilled about the idea, but when the men pull out their swords (all in fun), he complies. 
• The Duggars hop on a ferry and travel to majestic Ireland, where the highlight is visiting the Causey Farm. The family receives a lesson on how to make traditional Irish Bread and then heads outside to experience a working farm. 
• Amy and Joseph participate in a pig riding contest. While Joseph does pretty well, Amy has a harder go of it. "Amy was really brave to get on that huge pig," says Jinger. "She was like hanging on, and it was running her into the fence."
• After watching Patch the sheep dog in action, the Duggars enjoy their homemade bread and then depart. 
• Onward to England! Tune in next week to hear about their trip.

Have you ever been to Scotland or Ireland? Or maybe you live/have lived there?

Duggars' World Tour

All aboard! This Sunday night (November 13th), the Duggars are off on the voyage of a lifetime!

If you live in the US or Canada, tune in to TLC at 8PM EST/7PM CST for 19 Kids and Counting: World Tour, "Duggars Abroad." Watch as the entire family (including Grandma and Amy) takes in the sights and sounds of Scotland and Ireland. 

As always, we will post a recap after the show. 

How excited are you to watch/hear about the Duggars' trip?

Josie Update!

Josie Duggar, born at 25 weeks gestation and weighing only 1 pound 6 ounces, turns two next month! How is she progressing? Let's take a look.

"It is a miracle," Michelle tells People Magazine in a recent article."Josie is the most energetic, busy little almost-2-year-old. She is short, and yet she can keep up with the big girls and she thinks she is just as big as they are. We are amazed at what she can do."   

According to the article, Josie is "developing normally, without any longterm effects from her premature birth." Michelle and the girls have taught her sign language, and she is learning to respond to her parents' words.

On this week's episode, Josie was eating at the Duggars' dinning room table and started making noise. Jim Bob, while answering viewers' questions in the living room, leaned over and gently said, "Hey Josie, let's be really quiet, okay? Daddy's doing an interview." Josie's response proves how intelligent an infant she is. She answered, "K Dada."

"18 Kids and Counting" Giveaway!

Everyone loves giveaways! Enter to win the complete second season of 18 Kids and Counting on DVD! With over seven hours of family-friendly episodes (including two bonus specials), this three-disc set will provide entertainment for all ages!

      
Keep reading to find out how to enter...


TO ENTER

Post a comment answering the following question: How long have you known about the Duggars?

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. Write a post about this giveaway on your website or blog, and leave a comment letting us know. Must include the URL of your post that mentions 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 winner, 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 the 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, November 25th, 2011 at 9:00 PM EST/8:00 PM CST.
Giveaway Extended! Now ends Saturday, November 26th, 2011 at 9PM EST/8PM CST.
 

Ready, Set, GO!

Mama's Going to Have Another Baby!

How did Jim Bob and Michelle break the news of their pregnancy to the family? Very creatively, and at a time when everyone least expected it!

Jim Bob called Grandma, Michelle, the kids, and Josh and Anna together for a group picture. He arranged the troops according to height and then stepped back, camera in hand. "Everybody smile and say, 'Mama's going to have another baby!" The proud father then proceeded to capture the Kodak moment on camera. What were the reactions? Utter shock, disbelief, and elation!

How have you announced a pregnancy or other big news to family and friends?

Season Finale Recap

On tonight's season finale episode of 19 Kids and Counting, "Duggars: All You Wanted to Know"...

Q: Do the Duggars use coupons?
A: Most stores they shop at are wholesale and do not accept coupons. Jim Bob also admits that they do not have enough time to coupon.

Q: Why is it a family rule not to dance?
A: It's not a rule, but a personal conviction that both Jim Bob and Michelle share.

Q: Do the Duggars give their kids timeouts?
A: Yes, but typically not for correction. When the children are becoming overly rowdy, Michelle tells them to grab a book and sit quietly to calm down.

Q: How do Jim Bob and Michelle effectively bathe all their little ones on a regular basis?
A: It's an assembly line. They gather all the necessary items (pajamas, towels, diapers, etc), fill the tub, and try to bathe the cleanest child first.

Q: What would it take to date a Duggar girl?
A: "Talk to my dad," says Jill. "He knows what we're looking for in a guy and future spouse."

Q: Do the Duggars have Facebook or Twitter accounts?
A: None living at home do, but there are plenty of imposters. Josh and Anna had a Facebook account, but then someone told Facebook that it was a fake.

Q: What brought upon the need to bring 19 children into an overpopulated world?
A: "One of the greatest myths in today's society is that the world is overpopulated," says Jim Bob. "By raising these children to love the Lord and to serve and love others...that hopefully is going to make a difference for good in our world," says Michelle.

Beginning this Sunday, TLC will show weekly footage of the Duggars' overseas adventure! Tune in at 9PM EST/8PM CST for "Duggar World Tour," and as always, we will post a recap.

Duggars: 20 and Counting!

Have you heard the big news? Michelle Duggar is expecting! Baby 20 is due in April 2012.

Watch this video to see what the proud parents have to say about their new addition:

Video no longer available

How did Jim Bob and Michelle break the news to the rest of the Duggar family? Click here to find out!

Duggars Expecting Baby 20!

Michelle Duggar is expecting her 20th child!

"We really are excited!" Michelle told Ann Curry this morning on the Today Show. "We are expecting our 20th child!" Blessing #20 is due in April.

"I don't know how it happened!" joked Jim Bob. "We just had one that got married, and he has his own family now, so we made room for another one." 

The Duggars are quick to say that "There's always room for one more." 

When asked if she is talking to her doctor about the complications of having a child at age 45, Michelle responded: "Definitely, yes." She and Jim Bob announced in February during our live interview that Michelle received an elliptical for her 44th birthday. She has been working out for 60 minutes, five to six days a week. 

On a scale of one to ten, how excited is the rest of the Duggar clan for this new addition? A ten, for sure!

Are Jim Bob and Michelle going to stop at 20? "I guess we will wait and see," says Michelle. "We would love however many the Lord sees fit to give us."

To hear what the expectant mother is doing to keep herself and the baby healthy, read "Michelle on a Healthy Pregnancy." 

How did Jim Bob and Michelle break the news to the rest of the Duggar family? Click here to find out!

Season Finale Tonight!

Season finale! 
If you live in the US or Canada, tune in to TLC tonight at 9PM EST/8PM CST for the season finale of 19 Kids and Counting, "Duggars: All you Wanted to Know"!
It's time for some Q&A with Jim Bob and Michelle and the children. The entire family will be answering questions that viewers like you have been wondering!

Make sure to return to the blog after the show for our recap.
The episodes can be purchased on iTunes (and Amazon.com) 1-2 days after they air for $1.99-$2.99 each. 

Will you be watching? 

Duggars on the Today Show

This just in! The Duggars will be making a special announcement on NBC's Today Show tomorrow morning! (Thanks to one of our faithful followers for the tip!) If you can't tune in, we will let you know how you can watch the segment online after it airs.

Jim Bob and Michelle's First Date

Did you know that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar were high school sweethearts?

When Michelle was 15, Jim Bob visited her house with a friend. She hardly remembers that first meeting, but it changed Jim Bob's life. For him, it was love at first sight. On his way out the door, he gave his feelings up to God:  "From the depths of my heart, I ask that Michelle could be mine and that I could become her spiritual leader," he prayed. An entire year passed before the future couple had another encounter, but Jim Bob continued praying fervently for Michelle.

Out of nowhere, Michelle applied for a job at a yogurt shop managed by Jim Bob's mom (aka Grandma Duggar). Jim Bob put on a brave face and asked Michelle out on a date. What did she say? Yes!

After attending a banquet, the two gathered in Michelle's living room once again, but this time they talked for four hours! By then, Michelle was convinced that Jim Bob was the man for her. As the night came to a close and Jim Bob headed home, she stood in the doorway and prayed "Lord, if this isn’t the one you have for me, I can’t imagine anyone better."

"Rebuilding with Love" T-Shirts

The Duggars wore these red T-shirts while rebuilding homes in Birmingham, Alabama, earlier this fall (shown in last week's episode of 19 Kids and Counting, "Do Good Duggars"). Now you can own one, too! The best part is that $10.50 from each sale is donated to Habitat for Humanity, the organization that the Duggars partnered with.

This promotion runs until December 31st (just in time for holiday gifts!). Visit the TLC store to purchase.

One of our loyal readers counted, and there are exactly 19 stick figures on the front of the shirt, 10 boys and 9 girls. Hmm, wonder who they are! :)

Jessa Duggar turns 19!

To celebrate Jessa's 18th birthday, the entire family went to a shooting range, and Michelle and Jessa went skydiving. Can you believe that was already a year ago? Today, the fifth-eldest Duggar is turning 19.  

Happy Birthday, Jessa!

Duggar for a Day Results

We asked you: "If you could shadow a Duggar for a day, which Duggar would you choose?" 
Here are the results:
Michelle: 30%
Jessa: 12% 
Jill: 11%
Joy-Anna: 11%
Jinger: 9%
Anna: 7%
Jana: 6% 
Josiah: 2% 
Jackson: 2%
Jordyn: 2%
John-David: 1%
Joseph: 1% 
Jedidiah: 1%
Jason: 1%
James: 1%
Justin: 1%
Johannah: 1%
Josie: 1%

Duggar for a Day

Here's a fun question: If you could shadow a Duggar for a day, which Duggar would you choose?

"Do Good Duggars" Recap

On tonight's new episode of "19 Kids and Counting," Do Good Duggars...

• The Duggars--as well as 125 other Discovery Communications employees--partner with Habitat for Humanity to rebuild homes destroyed by the recent tornadoes in Birmingham, Alabama. 
• Jim Bob and the older kids hammer away, while the little ones decorate pots to cheer up the families who have lost everything.
• The Duggars are always up for a little friendly competition! This time they go head-to-head with the crew working on the house next door, who just happen to be the stars of  Discover Channel's Storm Chasers! Some of them actually witnessed the tornadoes that ripped through Alabama. 
• During one of the days, temperatures hit 90 degrees, and the humidity reaches a stifling 76%. Dripping with sweat and having worked up an appetite, the Duggars head to Niki's West. Almost everyone orders more than they can eat, especially Josh. "I didn't work hard enough to be able to eat this much today!" remarks the eldest Duggar after his meal. 
• According to his sisters, Josh has been saying for a while that he needs to cut back. (Like father like son, right?) Jessa jokingly puts it this way: "If he wants to go on a diet, fine. If not, there's just more of him to love!"
• While in Birmingham, the Duggars meet Dave Salmoni from Animal Planet (a channel that the kids enjoy watching when they have access to network TV). Dave asks two-year-old Jordyn if she knows how to install drywall. She nods her head. "Well that's good," says Dave. "So you'll be able to give me some tips, teach me how to do some stuff?" Completely serious, Jordyn replies with a "yep."

Have you ever built homes with an organization like Habitat for Humanity?

Tonight: Do Good Duggars

If you live in the US or Canada, tune in to TLC tonight for a brand-new episode of "19 Kids and Counting!" 
  
9PM EST/8PM CST: "19 Kids and Counting" Do Good Duggars

It’s off to Birmingham, Alabama! Watch as the Duggars partner with Habitat for Humanity to rebuild homes destroyed by the recent tornadoes.

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