Michelle Duggar: "Mom of Many"

NBC's Today Moms announced their "most notable moms of 2011." Can you guess who made the list? 

That's right, Michelle Duggar! She was affectionately named the "Mom of Many."

Congratulations, Michelle! You deserve it.

The Duggar Twins are Teens!

Happy 13th Birthday, Jedidiah and Jeremiah! 

Trivia: How many Duggar kids are currently in or have passed their teenage years?

Video: Josh and Anna Duggar in Florida

Josh and Anna spent Christmas in Florida with Anna's family (the Kellers). Enjoy this video made by Josh of their boat ride at Fort Matanzas.

Watch Full Episodes!

Have you seen our newest feature? We have now made it easier than ever for our readers to watch full episodes of "19 Kids and Counting," as well as all of the Duggars' previous shows. Visit our "Watch Full Episodes" page to let the entertainment begin!     

Guest Blog Post

Hi Readers! Check out our guest blog post, "Duggar Tips for Frugal Living," on A Frugal Life.

Two-Year Anniversary

Celebrating the two-year anniversary of the Duggar Family Blog! Thanks to all of our loyal readers!

Our goal is to maintain an uplifting website where you can find the latest, factual information about Jim Bob and Michelle and their delightful children.

Proud to serve you,
Lily and Ellie    

As you celebrate the season, may peace, love, and joy be yours. 

Merry Christmas!

~Lily and Ellie

Holiday Discussion

The Duggars celebrate Christmas. We are curious to hear what holiday you celebrate! Go ahead and post your response as a comment. And if you would like, tell us your favorite holiday tradition.

~Lily and Ellie  

Christmas With the Duggars Part 2

Yesterday, we wrote about the Duggars' traditions leading up to Christmas. Today, let's take a look at how they spend Christmas Day.

Jim Bob and Michelle host an average of 30-45 immediate and extended family members for Christmas dinner, which is served buffet-style at their 7,000 square-foot home in Northwest Arkansas.

Can you guess what the Duggars' favorite holiday dish is? It's not the mashed potatoes, turkey, stuffing, or even the assortment of homemade pies. It's the rolls; the Duggars' melt-in-your-mouth, Homemade Yeast Rolls.
(Click here for recipe.)

After dinner, the family gathers around the Christmas tree (decorated this year by Jessa and Jinger) for an evening of carols, board games, hot apple cider, and plenty of wrapping paper!

How does a super-sized family handle Christmas presents? The Duggars usually organize their gift exchange by pulling names out of a hat.

Josiah Duggar's Cheese Biscuit Recipe

Josiah Duggar recently wowed his family with a batch of savory cheese biscuits. The irresistible aroma floated up to the second floor, drawing everyone to the kitchen with their stomachs grumbling. Josiah plans to add his cheese biscuits to the collection of treats that the family distributes to the community during the holidays.

To read more about the Duggars' Christmas traditions, check out our post entitled "Christmas With the Duggars Part 1."

Click here to view more delicious Duggar recipes. 

 

Josiah's Cheese Biscuits

Dough:

1 1/4 lbs. Bisquik™

3 oz.  shredded cheddar cheese 

11 oz. cold water

Garlic Spread:

1/2 cup melted butter 

1 t. garlic powder 

1/4 t. salt 

1/8 t. onion powder 

1/8 t. dried parsley

Mix Bisquik™, cheese and water until dough is firm. Using a small scoop, place the dough on a baking pan lined with baking paper. Bake in 375° oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown. While biscuits bake, combine all spread ingredients. Brush baked biscuits with the garlic topping.


*A note from Lily and Ellie: You can make homemade Bisquik by following this simple recipe:

9 cups flour
1/2 cup baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 1/4 cups canola oil

Mix dry ingredients together well.
Cut oil into mixture with pastry blender until it is like cornmeal.
Store in container with tight cover in the refrigerator.
  

Duggars Christmas 2007 Video

Watch as the Today Show checks in with the Duggars during Christmas 2007, back when Johannah was two and Jennifer was just four months old.

Jinger Duggar's 18th Birthday

Today, the sixth child in the Duggar lineup enters adulthood!

Happy 18th Birthday, Jinger!

Happy Hanukkah!

Happy Hanukkah to all of our readers who celebrate!

Hanukkah (also spelled Chanukah) is known as the Festival of Lights. It begins at sundown tonight and ends on December 28th. "Hanukkah" means "to dedicate," and the holiday commemorates the re-dedication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem.

The Duggars traveled to Israel in September to fulfill Grandma Duggar's lifelong dream of visiting the Holy Land.

Update: How are the Duggars Coping?

The Duggars are drawing closer as a family as they mourn the loss of 21st child Jubilee Shalom. While Michelle is getting plenty of rest (thanks to Jim Bob and the kids), she has by no means checked out. Even during this painful time, she is in the midst of her children; showering them with love, sharing in their tears, and joining them in prayer.

"[Jill] was crying and weeping last night," Michelle told People Magazine at Wednesday's memorial service. "I hugged her and said, 'I am holding on, and I am going to let the tears go. We can pray, cry and grieve together in the weeks and days we walk through this.' "  

"Our calendar is cleared off, and we are going to take time to talk and pray and cry," says Michelle. "This is going to be a time for our family to just be together."

But one thing that the Duggars are not erasing from their agenda are their December birthdays (all five of them). Turning another year older may not seem like a big event in such a large family, but no birthday goes unnoticed in the Duggar home. Josie celebrated her milestone second birthday on December 10th, Jordyn turned three yesterday, Jinger enters adulthood on Wednesday, and twins Jedidiah and Jeremiah become teenagers on December 30th.

Duggar World Tour Photos Part 1

This September, the Duggars traveled the globe! In less than three weeks, they visited Scotland, Ireland, England, and Israel. Enjoy these photos!

 

Jedidiah

 VIP walk through Stonehenge

 Jason and Jill

Jim Bob

 Mackynzie and Michael

 John-David and Jana

 London Eye

 

 Jeremiah in Israel

John-David in Israel

 Josh in Israel

 

Camera Crew

Grandma Duggar and Michelle

Michelle and friend

 Jill and Jessa baking bread at Causey Farm

Ireland

 Baking bread at Causey Farm 

Ireland

 Jeremiah and Jedidiah

Josiah

 

 Grandma Duggar

James the photographer

There's more where that came from (a whole lot more)!  You will find a collection of pictures of the Duggar family on our "Photos & Videos" page

Jordyn's 3rd Birthday

Jordyn-Grace Makiya Duggar--the 18th child of Jim Bob and Michelle--turns three today!

Happy Birthday, Jordyn!

Hear Michelle's Letter to Jubilee

Listen to Michelle share her heart with daughter Jubilee Shalom Duggar. The following letter was recorded by the grieving mama and played at Jubilee's memorial service.

Jubilee Shalom Duggar from John Andersen on Vimeo.

Hundreds Gather for Memorial Service

Yesterday, hundreds of guests gathered at a local church for Jubilee Shalom Duggar's memorial service.

To show her love for Jubilee, Michelle played a recording of a letter that she had written to her daughter, whom she looks forward to meeting in heaven one day.

The family also distributed photos of their stillborn child's hand and feet. One of the photos bore this quote: "There is no foot too small that it cannot leave an imprint on this world."

"I feel a great sorrow and grief, and yet at the same time I have a peace in my heart," Michelle told People. "This is so sad, but I have peace. There are people praying for us and angels surrounding our home, and there was peace in the sorrow and the grief. Those feelings are mingled together."

Michelle reports that she is feeling well physically.

Regarding the memorial service, Jim Bob told People that "it was very healing, and we have precious memories." 

As Christmas draws near, the Duggars will spend time as a family, mourning the loss of their 20th child and just being together.

Jubilee Shalom Duggar Obituary

From the obituary of Jubilee Shalom Duggar:

Jubilee Shalom Duggar entered into the presence of Jesus Dec. 2, 2011. She was stillborn at 11:46 p.m. on Dec. 11, 2011, weighing 4 oz. and was 6 cm. in length.

Memorial Service for Jubilee Shalom

The memorial service for Jubilee Shalom Duggar, the 20th child of Jim Bob and Michelle, will be held on Wednesday, December 14th. Michelle's miscarriage occurred last night. Upon feeling lightheaded, she was taken to the hospital and is expected to be discharged later today.

In a statement to People, Jim Bob says:
"We have had many tears today. This is life, and I understand that we are going though something that many others have. You think about the what-ifs, but God gives us strength to go on. We won't be able to see this child's life and the phases that we've seen for our other children, but we know we will see this child in heaven one day. We are thankful for each child, and we are blessed to have the children we have here and the ones we will meet someday in heaven."

In the midst of this devastating miscarriage, the Duggars were still able to celebrate Josie's second birthday on Saturday. "We were looking forward to this birthday because it is a milestone for her," Jim Bob tells People. "It is wonderful that she is with us and doing so well."

Josie Duggar's 2nd Birthday!

  Happy 2nd Birthday, Josie Brooklyn!

Jim Bob Duggar Thanks Fans

Jim Bob wrote this letter to fans:

Dear Friends,

On behalf of the whole Duggar Family we would like to thank everyone for their prayers, emails and outpouring of love. We discovered during a routine 19-week ultrasound that our 20^th child, who was due in April 2012, passed away recently. As our whole family is grieving, we also know that God promises to work all things for good in our lives. We rest in knowing, that even though our child has departed this life that we will one day see each other again in heaven.

Our prayer is that baby Duggar’s passing will help us all realize that this life is short, and our relationship with Jesus is the most important thing. He gives us a peace in our hearts as He guides us through whatever we might face.

We love you,

Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar & Family

Romans 8:28

Michelle Speaks about Miscarriage

Just yesterday, the Duggars were hit with the devastating news that Michelle had miscarried her 20th child. Today, she felt well enough to talk to People Magazine, and this is what she said: 

"I am resting and I have felt good physically, which is strange," says the mother of 19 "The kids are mothering me now. Jill just brought me some food and they are taking good care of me."

Michelle was 19 weeks and 1 day along, and doctors put the baby's development at 16 weeks. Jill, who is in the process of earning her Bachelors of Science in Nursing, last listened to the heartbeat on November 25th.

"On Dec. 3, I felt a little uncomfortable but I thought it was just something I'd eaten," Michelle tells People. "It could have been the beginning of something going wrong."

After consulting with the doctor, it was decided that Michelle will have a natural miscarriage.

When they find out the gender, the family will choose a name and then conduct a funeral service. The last time Michelle miscarried was after the arrival of Josh and before twins Jana and John-David were born.

"We named that baby Caleb even though we didn't know if it was a boy or girl because that miscarriage was early," explains Michelle to People Magazine.  "We will name this child and will know that we will see those children again someday in heaven."

Statement from Jim Bob Duggar

Here is a statement from Jim Bob Duggar regarding the miscarriage of their 20th child:

"Earlier today at a routine doctor's appointment, Michelle and I received the sad news that we lost the baby. Michelle is resting comfortably at home with the support of the entire family. We are grateful for all the thoughts and prayers, but ask for privacy during this difficult time."

When they find out the gender, the family will choose a name and then conduct a funeral service. The last time Michelle miscarried was after the arrival of Josh and before twins Jana and John-David were born.

The mother of 19 was in her second trimester and looking forward to the arrival of Duggar baby #20 in April. If you have ever lost a child, you understand the sorrow that the family is feeling. Please keep them in your prayers. 

Michelle Duggar Miscarries 20th Child

Jim Bob and Michelle were looking forward to finding out the gender of their 20th child today. When they arrived at their appointment, the doctor was unable to find a heartbeat and informed the expectant parents that they had miscarried. 

"I feel like my heart broke telling my children," Michelle told People. "They have all been so excited about this baby and looking forward to April coming around and having a new little one in our arms. That was the most difficult. The Lord is the giver of life and he can choose when that life is ready to go on and be with Him."

When they find out the gender, the family will choose a name and then conduct a funeral service. The last time Michelle miscarried was after the arrival of Josh and before twins Jana and John-David were born.

Michelle was in her second trimester and looking forward to the arrival of Duggar baby #20 in April. If you have ever lost a child, you understand the sorrow that the family is feeling. Please keep them in your prayers.

Downhill Skiing: Duggar Style

Last winter, the Duggars traveled to Colorado and went downhill skiing for the first time. Watch this video, and let them tell you how much they enjoyed it!  

Video no longer available

Do you plan on going skiing this winter?

19 Kids + 700 Pounds of Luggage

Can you imagine traveling with over 700 pounds of luggage? And that's just checked baggage! When the Duggars embarked on their three-week journey overseas, they filled the belly of the airplane with a whopping 24 bags. Inside those bags were 260 outfits, 78 pairs of shoes, 70 baby bottles, and 40 hair bows (plus three strollers and four car seats).  

When traveling by air or by car, how many bags does your family usually pack?

Gift-A-Verse

It's no secret that the Duggars love to serve others. This Christmas, they are partnering with The Seed Company to give the gift of God's Word, and you can join them! A donation of $26 will translate a verse of the Bible into a new language.
Hear Jim Bob and Michelle explain more about Gift-A-Verse in the following video:  

Gift-a-Verse from John Andersen on Vimeo.

Quote from Michelle

On Sunday's episode, Michelle shared her heart with viewers regarding Josie and the new baby...

“I know that these challenges with Josie are different than anything that we’ve ever experienced before. And realizing that we’ve been blessed with another baby, I am still going to be on alert for Josie because she is definitely one that needs a little bit more care. But at the same time, I’m taking care of me and the new baby that God has given us and just trusting that we’ll make it through.”

New Episodes in 2012!

Unless TLC has a surprise up their sleeve, new episodes of 19 Kids and Counting (soon to be 20 Kids and Counting) will return in 2012. For a schedule of reruns, visit our Showtimes page. 

Are you looking forward to the return of the Duggars?

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.