Questions for Michelle Duggar?

Next Friday (March 9th), Michelle Duggar will be live on Daytime with Donna, an internet radio show produced by Toginet. And here's the best part: callers are welcome!

The show will run from 2:30-3:00 PM EST. We will provide the details on how to listen and call in, next week. Toginet also has a live chat feature, which allows you to participate in the conversation online.

Can't listen live?  Post your questions here, and we will forward them to the hosts of the show. They will do their best to get answers.

Recap: "Music with the Duggars" and "The Duggar Twist"

On tonight's new episodes of 19 Kids and Counting...

"Music with the Duggars"

• The show opens with the Duggars' nightly Bible time. Everyone is gathered in the master bedroom for fellowship, study, and prayer.
• The following day, the family pitches in to prepare for their trip to Missouri. "We are so grateful for Jessa's gift of organization," says Michelle. "She gets us packed, organized, and usually everything is there." Six-year-old Johannah is Jessa's helper. 
• Meanwhile, Grandma Duggar and Deanna, Jim Bob's sister, help Amy pick out a professional outfit for her upcoming performance. "Lately I've had some really, really amazing opportunities," explains the vivacious Duggar cousin. Her mother helps with the music, and Grandma handles the business aspect of Amy's budding career. 
• After performing and speaking at Fresh Grounded Faith in Springfield, Missouri, Jim Bob and Michelle and the children stop off in Branson to hear Amy sing "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" (click here to listen) at Little Opry Theatre.
• "Amy is a very beautiful young lady," says Uncle Jim Bob. "I think she's really going to go places."

"The Duggar Twist"

• Jim Bob and Michelle retreat to their bedroom for a radio interview with Big Dan, a legendary DJ from their childhood who is still on the air today.
• Michelle makes a surprise phone call to Genessa, a thirteen-year-old cancer patient and devoted fan of the show, and invites her to come meet the family. (On February 10th, Genessa lost her battle to the disease. We know that the Mikolajski family would appreciate your thoughts and prayers.)
• At Auntie Anne's Pretzels, the Duggars learn the art of pretzel-rolling. That same afternoon, the family partners with Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation to raise money for childhood cancer. Of course, it wouldn't be a Duggar fundraiser without a little friendly competition. At an outdoor mall in Rogers, they split into teams and set up five lemonade stands, each trying to convince passersby that theirs has the best lemonade. Providing refreshments to over five hundred customers, the Duggars collect $1,000. Click here to learn more about Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation.

"19 Kids and Counting" Tonight

Tune in to TLC tonight for two new episodes of 19 Kids and Counting. (Video previews below)

At 9:00 PM EST/8:00 PM CST: 19 Kids and Counting, "Music with the Duggars"

The Duggars are heading to Branson, Missouri, for a speaking engagement and musical performance. We'll also catch up with Cousin Amy and learn more about her budding music career. And later, everyone is in the audience when Cousin Amy performs live onstage! 

At 9:30 PM EST/8:30 PM CST: 19 Kids and Counting, "The Duggar Twist"

The Duggars are back to doing what the Duggars do best: serving others! In this episode, the family visits a pretzel shop and helps raise money for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, an organization aimed at fighting childhood cancer.  

*Come back to the blog after the shows for a recap.  

Amy Duggar on Today Show: Confirmed

It has been confirmed that cousin Amy Duggar will be on NBC's Today Show on Tuesday morning to discuss the recent extortion plot and her budding music career. Will you be watching? 

If you can't tune in (or are one of our wonderful international readers), we will let you know how you can watch the segment online after it airs.

Where in the World?

The Duggar Family Blog has readers from across the globe. Where are you from?

Duggar Match-Up Game

Between Joy-Anna and Johannah, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have six boys: Jedidiah, Jeremiah, Jason, James, Justin, and Jackson. Can you tell them apart? We have added their pictures in a random order below. Give it a shot, and post your guesses as a comment.

Jessa vs. Jinger

Although Jessa and Jinger Duggar are thirteen months apart, people often mistake them for twins.

"Those two have always been together," explains Michelle on "Deep Dish Duggars." They're...best friends."

"Our personalities just kind of click," says Jessa.


Like all sisters, the girls also have their differences. Jinger is heavily into photography and takes photos for the family's personal album and website. Jessa is passionate about teaching and chooses to spend her days helping homeschool the younger Duggars.

According to Jinger, "Jessa is pretty matter-of-fact...She has an opinion, she'll tell you, in a nice way."

"[Jinger] doesn't want to hurt anybody's feelings," explains Jessa. "Her stories always have lots of details." "Too many," admits Jinger.

Let's see how well you can tell the two apart. Who is in the top picture, and who is in the bottom picture?

Recap: "Josh & Anna Check-In" and "40 Kids, Oh My!"

On tonight's new episodes of 19 Kids and Counting... 

"Josh & Anna Check-In"

• According to Josh, "Michael is...super relaxed." Anna says he takes after Dad.
• Both Mackynzie and Michael are currently in diapers, but Mackynzie is on the road to potty training. "The motto around our house is 'If you see a water puddle, it might not be a water puddle,'" jokes Josh. 
• Although Josh encourages his wife not to feel compelled to use cloth diapers all the time, Anna can't help but feel guilty when putting her children in disposables.
• Anna plans to homeschool her children and has begun teaching Mackynzie the basics (shapes, letters, etc). 
• The flexibility of being his own boss allows Josh to spend mornings with his family. He often takes out his violin and has Mackynzie play along on her pretend instrument.
• At the car lot, business is slow. After opening his first lot five years ago, Josh felt the need to expand and leased a second location. Shortly after, the bank forced him to leave the newly acquired property, and the entire family banded together to move over fifty cars to the Taco Lot (Shown on "Duggars in the Zone"). The bank has recently given Josh the opportunity to purchase the original second location for a lower price than he had previously offered, so it's time to move again!
• Mackynzie has her hair cut for the first time at a local cosmetology school. While a friend of Anna's trims the two-year-old's hair, Mom keeps her daughter entertained with candy and iPhone games. 
• Later, Anna takes her two children--as well as Johannah, Jennifer, and Jordyn--to a play park and experiences life with five little ones. "It was a little...stressful," explains Anna. "I would love to have a large family if we're able, but...I'm glad it takes at least nine months for each child. That way I can slowly work into this."

"40 Kids, Oh My!"

•  Forty: that's how many kids are present when the Vanderhoffs come to visit. The Vanderhoffs have a total of twenty-one children; nine are biological and the rest adopted. Several have special needs. The family is bunking with the Duggars while they close on a house nearby.
• A typical Sunday at the Duggars' home church goes like this: The service opens with hymns, includes a message and prayer, and culminates with a potluck. The little ones do not usually make it through the entire message, so Michelle takes them to the toy room to expend their energy.
• Michelle heads to Little Rock with Jana, Josie, Jedidiah, Jeremiah, and Jason. The highlight of the mini vacation is spending time with Cindy, Michelle's best friend of 39 years. As kids, the girls did everything together. From cheer-leading camp to RV trips, the two were inseparable. To this day, they talk and text daily.
• While in Little Rock, Michelle speaks to a group of mothers at Fellowship Bible Church. According to the mom of many, the Duggars receive enough speaking engagement requests to be busy every day of the year. They accept only a small number because family comes first.
• Back in Tontitown, Jim Bob teaches Justin and James to bargain at a local pawn shop. Their purchase? A ride-on Jeep for Justin's ninth birthday. 
• Justin celebrates his special day with Hudson Vanderhoff--who is turning twenty--thirty pizzas, and a massive cake. 

Watch the Duggars help the Vanderhoffs move into their new home:

Two New Episodes Tonight

Tune in to TLC tonight for two new episodes of 19 Kids and Counting. (Video preview below)

At 9:00 PM EST/8:00 PM CST: 19 Kids and Counting, "Josh & Anna Check-In"

It's a special milestone for Mackynzie as she gets her very first haircut! Will she be able to sit still or will it be a hair-raising experience for all? Meanwhile, Josh and Anna give us the latest updates on their car lot and baby Michael!

At 9:30 PM EST/8:30 PM CST: 19 Kids and Counting, "40 Kids, Oh My!"

It's rare to find a family as big as the Duggars! Watch two big families collide when the Vanderhoffs visit the Duggars. And while Jim Bob is home playing host, Michelle hits the road to visit her best friend of 39 years and speaks at a Moms' Meeting.

Duggar World Tour Photos Part 2

In December, we posted photos of the Duggars' world tour (click here to view). We have added another batch of pictures from their trip across the globe below.
Click each photo to view a larger version.

 Justin Duggar

 James Duggar

 Jennifer Duggar

 James Duggar

 Jinger and Jennifer Duggar

 Jim Bob and Jessa Duggar

Joseph Duggar

 Jinger Duggar

 Duggar family and crew

 Duggar family 2011

 Jinger and Jill Duggar

 Josh and Mackynzie Duggar

 Jessa Duggar

 Joseph and Jessa Duggar

 Jedidiah and Jeremiah Duggar

Jana and Josie Duggar

Video: Michelle Duggar at CPAC 2012

Two weeks ago, Michelle attended CPAC (Conservative Political Action Conference) in Washington D.C. and was a panelist on "The 'Right' View." We have posted footage of that discussion below.
 

Josh and Anna on Purity and Dating

Last week, Josh and Anna Duggar spoke to an Arkansas youth group about purity and dating. They also shared how they met and fell in love, as well as stories from their lives leading up to marriage. We have posted the video below.   

Video no longer available

Snapshots of the Duggars

We know how much you all enjoy seeing pictures of the Duggars! Check out these snapshots.

Jinger, Jill, John-David, and Jessa Duggar 

Perform with Zach and Tori Bates

Jim Bob fixes Johannah's hair

Anna, Mackynzie, and Amy Duggar

Jinger and Jessa Duggar

Jackson Duggar

Jackson, Josie, and Justin Duggar

Jessa Duggar

Jinger Duggar

Jinger, Jessa, Jana, Jordyn, and Josie Duggar

Jordyn Duggar

Josh and Anna Duggar

Josie Duggar

Justin Duggar

Josh and Mackynzie Duggar

Anna and Michael Duggar

Anna and Michael Duggar

Jessa, Josie, and Jim Bob Duggar

Mackynzie Duggar

Mackynzie All Mic'd Up!

Watch Mackynzie get fitted for a mic, and hear her loud and clear for the first time. We all know that kids say the darndest things, and this GrandDuggar is no exception. Get ready for a laugh!

Thanks to one of our readers for sharing this video.

Duggar Montage

One of our loyal readers took the time to create this beautiful collage. Click the center to view it blown up.

Michelle: "We Would be Open to More"

In an interview with Rebecca Dube from Today Moms, Michelle Duggar answers the big question: Are the Duggars still "counting"?

Video no longer available

"Duggars Planning the Future" Recap

On tonight's episode of 19 Kids and Counting, "Duggars Planning the Future,".....  

Landscaping

• Jim Bob calls a meeting to explain the next family project: planting a few dozen fruit trees in the yard. "When my dad pages over the intercom...with so many kids, it can take us...twenty to thirty minutes to gather," says Jana. 
• After a trip to the nursery, the Duggars are ready to begin work, but not until the guys fire up their "man toys."
• "[My dad] couldn't do it without using every piece of equipment that he has," informs Jill, laughing. The Duggars own one backhoe, one bulldozer, three lawnmowers, one tractor, and the list goes on!
• "It might have been a little overkill to use all this machinery," admits Jim Bob. "But it sure was a lot of fun!"

Speaking Engagements

• Michelle and the five eldest girls speak to the women of a nearby church. The older boys are also out, so Jim Bob plays Mr. Mom at home with the seven youngest (James through Josie).
• The first order of business is fixing the girls' hair. While working on Johannah's, Jim Bob remarks "It's all ratted! What's wrong with your hair?" Daddy's heart is in the right place, but everyone agrees that Mommy and the older girls are the ones to call for hairstyling.
• The next task is picking out clothes for the day. Jim Bob's solution? "Let's put this right over what you've got on." Surprisingly, everyone comes out looking alright.

Farmland Adventure

• The entire family (including Josh, Anna, Mackynzie, Michael, and cousin Amy) heads to the Farmland Adventures. The day is spent traipsing through a three-mile corn maze and enjoying the livestock. 
• Nine of the Duggars follow the map and make it through the maze. In the words of Amy, the remaining sixteen get a "corn-fused.
• While holding a baby goat, Jim Bob hollers to Michelle, "I think the Parsons have almost as many kids as we do!"

Pregnancy Check-Up

• At a thirteen-week appointment, Dr. Amy Sarver attempts to find the baby's heartbeat on a Doppler machine. When that fails, she prepares to take an ultrasound. 
• "At that point, I thought my heart was going to stop," expresses Jim Bob. He and Michelle are relieved when Dr. Sarver gives this news: "Michelle's baby was just really active today...Sometimes it's just difficult to catch it in one spot."
• Michelle understands the risks of bearing children in her condition and has been taking extra care to keep her body in shape. Since September 2010, she has been working out regularly on her Landice elliptical.

Any Duggar courtships in the works? Pointing to Michael, Jana tells TLC: "This is our latest boyfriend."

Recap Soon!

Working on the recap of tonight's show. Will be ready soon!

~Lily and Ellie

Duggars at NBC Studios in NYC

This morning, Jim bob and Michelle Duggar are at NBC Studios in New York City. They will be interviewed on the Today Show soon.

Happy Valentine's Day!

~Lily and Ellie

Duggars on the Today Show!

The Duggars are scheduled to be interviewed on NBC's Today Show on Valentine's Day (February 14th). Will there be a big announcement, or is it just an update? We will have to wait and see! The Today show airs at 7:00 AM in most timezones, but be sure to check your local listings. 

When exactly will the Duggars be on? The Today Show does not usually announce the exact time. The interview might take place during the first half hour, or the network may choose to increase the hype by airing "teasers" and saving the actual segment for later on.

If you can't tune in (or are one of our wonderful international readers), we will let you know how you can watch the segment online after it airs.

Less than 48 Hours!

Less than 48 hours until the premiere of the sixth season of 19 Kids and Counting! 

What's in store for this week's episode? Watch as the Duggars landscape, visit a corn maze, and attend speaking engagements. The entire family is grieved when informed that Michelle's pregnancy has ended in a miscarriage. 

19 Kids and Counting, "Duggars Planning the Future" starts on Valentine's Day at 9PM EST/8PM CST. Only on TLC.

On a scale of 1-10, how much are you looking forward to the Duggars' return?

New Photos of the Duggars

Check out these pictures of the Duggars' recent endeavors. Click each photo to view a larger version.

 Duggar family with Rick, Elizabeth, and John Santorum

Jedidiah and Joy-Anna at Auntie Anne's

Jinger and Joseph

Jim Bob and Michelle with Johannah and Jackson

Raising money for Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation

Jill and James running the lemonade stand

Jana and Jackson

Jedidiah, Joy-Anna, Josiah, Jeremiah and friends

Jason drumming up business for the lemonade stand

Watch Duggars Perform at Wedding

Looking for a relaxing Saturday afternoon activity? Watch David Waller and Priscilla Keller Waller tie the knot! Their wedding was last weekend, and we have posted the full recording below. The video opens with a musical performance by the Duggar family. Enjoy!


David Waller's Wedding from Robert Staddon on Vimeo.

Update: Duggars' Political Travels

The Duggars are continuing to show their support for presidential candidate Rick Santorum. As Jim Bob and Michelle flew out to Washington D.C. to speak at CPAC 2012, their 19 children headed to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to campaign.

Video no longer available

Bates Family on TLC

When season six of 19 Kids and Counting (premieres Feb. 14th) comes to a close, TLC will introduce another super-sized family. Who could that be? None other than Gil and Kelly Bates and their 19 children!

People Magazine has confirmed that the one-hour special will air on March 27th.

The Duggars and Bates are close friends with similar values. While Jim Bob and Michelle have stayed true to the letter "J," Gil and Kelly have chosen names from A-Z.

Duggar Family lineup: Josh, 23; Jana, 22; John-David, 22; Jill, 20; Jessa, 19; Jinger, 18; Joseph, 17; Josiah, 15; Joy-Anna, 14; Jedidiah, 13; Jeremiah, 13; Jason, 11; James 10; Justin, 9; Jackson, 7; Johannah, 6; Jennifer, 4; Jordyn-Grace, 3; Josie, 2. 

Bates Family lineup: Zach, 23; Michaella, 22; Erin, 20; Lawson, 19; Nathan, 18; Alyssa, 17; Tori,16; Trace, 15; Carlin, 13; Josie, 12; Katie, 11; Jackson, 9; Warden, 8; Isaiah, 7; Addallee, 5; Ellie, 4; Callie, 2; Judson, 1; Jeb, 8 days. 

Duggar No-Fail Dinner

Deciding what to cook for dinner is a task that every mommy is faced with. During our July 2011 interview with Michelle and Anna Duggar, we asked Michelle for one easy, no-fail dinner that she makes often. Her response? Chili Frito Pie (recipe below).

"The children love it, and it's good for you," explains Michelle on Nina Frye's Living the Dream Mom radio show. "The beans and the chilli have the protein...the iron and fiber. Everybody likes it, and it's so fast."

"When you're in a hurry and you don't have anything planned, or if you've got a large number of people coming over, it's very inexpensive. We open up a giant can of the chili beans, throw in some ground beef that's already been cooked and seasoned...It's ready in fifteen minutes."

That's another Duggar tip for quick meals on the go. Prepare ground beef ahead of time, and store it in the freezer for easy access.

Click here to view more delicious Duggar recipes.  

Chili Frito Pie

12 (15 oz) cans Mexican style chili beans

2 bags Fritos™

4 c. shredded cheddar cheese

2 small containers sour cream

*Ground beef (optional)

Warm beans in large pot. Serve over Fritos™ with cheese and sour cream. Easy family favorite.

Serves 20.  

Two Hours of Duggar!

The Duggars return to TLC in six days! Season six (click here for video preview) kicks off on Valentine's Day (February 14th).

9PM EST/8PM CST: 19 Kids and Counting, "Duggars Planning the Future" 
 In the hour-long season premiere, watch as the Duggars landscape, visit a corn maze, and attend speaking engagements. Later, an emotional moment occurs when Michelle and Jim Bob go in for a routine pregnancy check-up.

The following Tuesday (February 21st), tune in for another hour of Duggar:

9PM EST/8PM CST: 19 Kids and Counting, "Josh & Anna Check-in"
Mackynzie has her hair cut for the first time, and Josh and Anna update the world on Michael's milestones.

9:30PM EST/8:30PM CST: 19 Kids and Counting, "40 Kids, Oh My!" 
While Jim Bob and the kids enjoy a visit from the Vanderhoffs (a family of 23), Michelle catches up with a childhood friend and shares her heart at a mothers' convention.

Introducing...Jeb Colton Bates!

On February 1st, Kelly Bates gave birth to a baby boy, weighing a healthy 7 pounds, 8 ounces. After several days of discussion, the family has chosen the name Jeb Colton.

Jeb has spent the first week of his life in the NICU, but doctors expect that he should be headed home to meet all 18 of his eager siblings soon.  

"Due to an excessive amount of amniotic fluid and a very quick descent through the birth canal, he ingested a lot of fluid," writes Kelly on the Bates family website.

 

Gil and Kelly Bates now have 19 children (10 girls and 9 boys). Combined with Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's 10 sons and 9 daughters, that is a grand total of 38 kids (and counting)!  

Visit the Bates' website to see photos.

Woman Arrested for Blackmailing Duggars

An Iowa resident by the name of Teresa Hunt has been arrested for blackmailing the Duggar family. The case is being reviewed by the FBI.

In a letter to Discovery Communications, Inc., Teresa demanded that the network cancel TLC's 19 Kids and Counting or pay her $10,000, according to the Quad City Times. If they did not comply, she threatened to release "intimate" photos of a member of the Duggar family.

The Des Moines Register has since confirmed that the cast member of which Teresa claimed to have revealing photos is cousin Amy Duggar. The pictures apparently show Amy with a 56-year-old musician.

In response to the accusation, Amy affirms that the man is simply a family friend who has been supporting her music career.

For more information, visit the Quad City Times and the Des Moines Register.

"19 Kids and Counting" Season 6 Preview

Season 6 of 19 Kids and Counting premiers in ten days! (Click here for details.) Thanks to one of our loyal readers for sharing this preview: 

Duggar Returning February 14!

Guess what?! It looks like the Duggars are returning on February 14th! The episode subject has not yet been released, but we will keep you posted! The time will be 9PM EST/8PM CST.

Watch Priscilla Keller's Wedding

Tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, watch Priscilla Keller (Anna's sister) tie the knot with David Waller. You might even catch a glimpse of the Duggars! Live streaming starts at 1:30 PM EST on the couple's website, DavidLovesPriscilla.com.

*New episodes of 19 Kids and Counting return to TLC on February 14th at 9PM EST/8PM CST. Click here for details.

Around the House with Michelle Duggar

Take an extensive tour of the Duggar home with Michelle!

Upcoming Duggar Appearances

The Duggars have a busy February and March planned! They will start off in Washington D.C., pass through Virginia, head over to Illinois, and travel back to Arkansas.

Friday, February 10, 2012

At 3:25 PM, Michelle Duggar will speak at CPAC 2012 (Conservative Political Action Conference). The conference runs from February 9th-12th and will be held at the Marriott Wardman Park in Washington DC. The topic of the speech will be "The 'Right' View."

Click here for a copy of the agenda.  

Visit the CPAC website for ticket information.

* Schedule subject to change.

Saturday, February 11, 2012
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar will speak at the Love for Life Conference in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Click here to register.

Cost: 
$69 for couples and $39 for individuals (if registered by February 9)
$99 for couples and $59 for individuals (when registering at the door)
$10 for full-time students

March 16-17, 2012
Michelle will speak at the Hearts at Home National Conference in Normal, Illinois. The conference will be held at the Illinois State University Bone Student Center (100 North University Street).
Click here to register. (Register by February 15th and save.) 

March 23-25, 2012 
Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar will speak at the Fort Rock Marriage Retreat at Fort Rock Family Camp in Combs, Arkansas.
Cost: $275
Click here to register.

Giveaway Winner: Take Two

The original winner of our Life at the Pond giveaway did not respond.

The new winner is...

Jennifer Y.

Congratulations, Jennifer!