New Hairdos for the Duggar Girls

Last week, Jessa (Duggar) Seewald and Jinger Duggar headed to Freshair Salon in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Check out their new hairdos, courtesy of Catelyn Hooser (photos used with permission).

If you live in the area and like what you see, visit Freshair's Facebook page for contact information.

"Today Jinger and I decided to change things up..we trimmed her length, added some layers and framed it around her face! She is such a sweet girl." (Catelyn Hooser)

 Jinger Duggar

"Got the pleasure of doing this sweet girls hair today..we trimmed up her layers, as well as shaped it around her face." (Catelyn Hooser)

Jessa Seewald

Photos courtesy of Freshair Salon, used with permission

Family Resemblances

We think this photo of Josie is absolutely hilarious. She sure has spunk! Looking at the snapshots of the other Duggars, which family member(s) do you think Jim Bob and Michelle's youngest child most closely resembles?

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com/TLC/Scott Enlow/dillardfamily.com

Homeschooling Advice from Anna Duggar

Last year, we did a long interview with the gracious and humble Anna Duggar about homeschooling and parenting. Hope this excerpt is helpful for all the young homeschool moms out there!

Lily and Ellie: As a young mom, how have you navigated the homeschooling world?

Anna Duggar: After high school, I did an online Christian college program in early child education, but what has helped me the most has been taking advice from my mom, my mother-in-law, and other homeschooling veterans. It's great to learn from other women who are further down the road. I find women with teenage children who love the Lord or grandchildren who love the Lord, and I seek to learn from them. It's also important to realize that just because something worked for one family, that doesn't mean it's going to work for you.

Links to Anna's other interview responses:
Keeping kids quiet and still during church
Advice for first-time moms
Handling meltdowns in public
Anna's homeschool curriculum 
How to be a patient mom


Photos courtesy of TLC

Zika Virus Hits Central America

 Jill and Derick Dillard, Israel Dillard

As we announced earlier this month, Jill and Derick Dillard have been commissioned to serve with S.O.S. Ministries in Central America. The Dillards spent autumn studying Spanish at a language school in Guatemala in preparation for their entry into the mission field.

If you follow the news, you are probably familiar with the Zika virus outbreak. Zika virus was first reported in South America in May 2015 and spread to Central America in November.

Unfortunately, the three Central American countries in which S.O.S. teams are currently working--El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras--are now experiencing ongoing transmission of Zika.

The Dillard family

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), only one in five people infected with Zika experience symptoms--which can include fever, rash, joint pain, or conjunctivitis (red eyes).

The virus is primarily transmitted through the bites of infected Aedes mosquitoes, which means that using bug spray and mosquito nets will go a long way in containing the outbreak.

If the symptoms are mild, why is Zika such a hot topic in the news this month? The CDC reports that the virus, which can be spread from a pregnant woman to her unborn baby, has caused serious birth complications and brain defects.

Expectant mothers are encouraged to postpone travel to regions infected with Zika. Some countries have asked female residents to delay becoming pregnant, with El Salvador going so far as to advise women to wait up to two years to conceive.

For the time being, Jill and Derick Dillard wish to keep their location confidential, but please keep their little family, as well as others in Central and South America, in your prayers as they serve in regions where Zika is present.


Photos courtesy dillardfamily.com

Israel Dillard Almost 10 Months

As Israel Dillard approaches his 10-month birthday, let's see how much he's grown. Check out these adorable pictures of Jill and Derick Dillard's son, taken while sporting his Oklahoma State University monthly milestone stickers. (Derick earned his bachelor's in accounting at OSU, where he followed in his late father's footsteps as the school mascot, Pistol Pete.)

Don't you just love Israel's contagious smiles? Do you think he looks more like a Duggar or a Dillard?

Photos courtesy dillardfamily.com/duggarfamily.com

Statement from Anna Duggar

 Jessa Seewald, Anna Duggar, Meredith Duggar, Jana Duggar

Spurgeon Seewald, and Joy-Anna Duggar

Thrift store shopping trip, January 2016

This afternoon, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar posted a statement from Anna Duggar to their website.

The mom of four, who is currently living with her in-laws in Northwest Arkansas, shares that while she is still struggling, she has been encouraged to see God draw near to her and strengthen her faith during this difficult journey. Here is her statement:

Many have asked how I am doing. So many have asked that it's actually humbling and touching. 2015 was the most difficult year of my life. Yet, amazingly I’ve found that in my own life crisis God has drawn near to me ("He’s near to the brokenhearted” Psalms 34:18) and my faith has been more precious to me than ever before. 

Just recently I visited Josh. It was an important step on a long difficult road. I want to thank all of you for your prayers and your messages of hope. I can never express how your kindness and prayers have brought encouragement when I needed it most—outpacing the grief and discouragement at every turn.

I trust that God will continue to show His love and tenderness toward us and bring beauty from ashes—somehow—as only He can do. Please continue to pray for me, Josh and our children.”

-Anna


Photo and statement courtesy duggarfamily.com

Joseph Duggar: Career Update

Joseph Duggar, who turned 21 yesterday, has completed his year-long program at The Crown College of the Bible, which he started in January 2015. The school is located in Knoxville, Tennessee, and is also where siblings Nathan Bates and Tori Bates currently attend classes.

Throwback: Joseph and Jinger

Joseph is now back home in Arkansas. Following in the footsteps of his parents, he aspires to pursue a real estate license, as well as a commercial driver's license (CDL), which a few of his older siblings have already acquired.

In addition to driving the Duggars' bus, a CDL will allow Joseph to operate rigs, such as dump trucks and rollbacks. He will use his certifications to work in the Duggar family business, which is in its 5th generation.

Building the Duggar house

Jim Bob Duggar buys fixer-uppers, which he and his adult children, as well as son-in-law Ben Seewald, remodel to either rent or resell. (Ben is researching options for Seminary and hopes to move forward this year.) They also maintain the family's existing commercial and residential rental properties.

Over the years, the Duggars kids (who are now adults) have learned a variety of skills in the areas of construction, plumbing, electrical work, and interior design. You may remember watching them build their 7,000-square-foot home in Raising 16 Children and 16 Children and Moving In. The Duggars have been working to perfect their craft in the nine years since completing that project.


Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

Duggar #7 Turns 21

The Duggar kids are growing up before our very eyes! It's hard to believe that the seventh-oldest of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's 19 children is already turning 21.

Joseph was only nine years old when "14 Children and Pregnant Again," the first special featuring his family, aired on TV. Happy 21st birthday!

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

Ben Seewald Chats with FLAME

Ben Seewald recently sat down with FLAME, a Christian hip hop recording artist, to discuss racial tension in the United States. Check out his interview below:

Video courtesy theseewaldfamily.com

Duggars in Little Rock (Photos and Video)

Yesterday afternoon, thousands of pro-life advocates, and even some individuals who support abortion, gathered in Little Rock, Arkansas, for the 38th Annual March for Life. Among them were more than a dozen members of the Duggar family, including Anna Duggar and her kids

Check out these photos of the event:

The Duggars and several friends gather at the Arkansas State Capitol 

2016 March For Life

 Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar pose in front of the Arkansas Capitol

 Jim Bob and Michelle

Michelle Duggar snaps a photo with two young girls at the March For Life

Click here to watch a short news video on THV11.com. (Look for the Duggars at 1:27.)

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

Duggars: Then and Now

We hope you enjoy scrolling through these then-and-now snapshots of the Duggar family. Who do you think has changed the most?

 Left: Michelle Duggar with newborn twins Jana and John-David Duggar in 1990

Right: Jana and John in 2015

 Left: Grandpa J.L. Duggar with infant twins Jedidiah and Jeremiah Duggar in 1999

Right: Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar with Jed and Jer in 2015

 Left: Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar with infant Josie Duggar in 2010

Right: Jim Bob, Michelle, and Josie, 5, in 2015

Left: Jinger Duggar and Joseph Duggar in 2011

Right: Jinger and Joseph in 2015

 Left: Joy-Anna Duggar, 9, chauffeurs baby Johannah Duggar around the house in 2007

Right: Johannah Duggar, 8, holds infant Marcus Duggar in the same baby carrier

 Left: Jana Duggar, 17, plays piano with newborn Jennifer Duggar in 2007

Right: Jana, 25, gives Israel, 5 months, his first piano lesson

 Left: Jim Bob Duggar poses with Josiah Duggar and Joy-Anna Duggar in 2007

Right: Joy and Josiah in 2015

Left: Justin Duggar, 4, in 2007

Right: Justin, 12, with nephew Israel in 2015

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, Duggar Family Fan Blog

Duggars Attend GOP Debates

 Jim Bob Duggar, Michelle Duggar, and Josie Duggar support Huckabee in Arkansas

May 2015

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar took a trip to Charleston, South Carolina, to attend last night's Fox Business GOP Presidential Debates.

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee, a close friend of the Duggars, was one of three candidates to take part in the undercard debate, which began at 6:00pm ET. The primetime debate kicked off at 9:00pm ET and featured the seven leading GOP candidates.

The Duggars, who relocated to Little Rock during Jim Bob's term in the Arkansas House of Representatives beginning in 1999, believe that Christians have a duty to shine their lights in the political arena. It was the family's involvement in politics that eventually led to their appearance on reality TV.


Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Huckabee Reaffirms Support for Duggars

During an event in Clinton, Iowa, earlier this week, a woman with an agenda and a strong dislike towards the Duggar family wrongly accused presidential Mike Huckabee of supporting child abuse.

Even though she interrupted him multiple times and ate up five minutes of his Q&A session, Huckabee stood his ground and reaffirmed his support for the Duggars.

(The video is embedded below. We advise you not to visit the direct YouTube link, as the comments are vile and inappropriate. The video was not uploaded by us, so we do not have control over the comments.)

Organization Tips from Michelle Duggar

Michelle Duggar has said that organization is not her strong suit, but as the mother of 19 children, she has learned the importance of maintaining order in her home.

To keep the house tidy and prevent dust from building up, she prefers shelves with doors rather than open shelves. Although de-cluttering can be a complex process in the Duggar home, Michelle makes a point of doing it regularly.

What organization tips do you have to share?

Sleeping Baby Spurgeon

We just love this picture of Spurgeon Seewald. He's two months old and getting cuter by the day.

Spurgeon Seewald at two months

Photo courtesy theseewaldfamily.com

Duggar Twins Turn 26

Wishing Jana Duggar and John-David Duggar a blessed 26th birthday!

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, TLC/Scott Enlow

TLC Considers a Duggar Series

The Duggar family was mentioned during the Television Critics Association (TCA) winter 2016 press tour, a two-week event that runs through January 19th in Pasadena, California.

The TCA, an organization that represents more than 220 professional journalists who cover television in the United States and Canada, holds two press tours annually in order to give its members the opportunity to interview and network with TV executives, producers, and actors.

As we announced in August, TLC's decision to cancel 19 Kids and Counting cost the network approximately $19 million.

Last Thursday at the press tour, TLC Executive Vice President and General Manager Nancy Daniels fielded questions about the possibility of bringing members of the Duggar family back to network programming.

"We just aired a three-part special before the holidays that did very well," said Daniels, confirming our report about the success of Jill & Jessa: Counting On. "The audience cares about these girls."

When asked if TLC plans to launch a full series featuring the married Duggar girls, Daniels' reply was promising: "We’re still talking and considering it, but we have not made a decision yet."

Would you like to watch an entire series of Jill & Jessa: Counting On? Click here to write a message to the Discovery Communications Viewer Relations team. Your comments matter.


Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

A Letter to Anna Duggar

In September, we posted a letter to Anna Duggar, written by a blogger named Dana, who calls herself a "fellow traveler." (Click here to read.)

We received such an influx of comments (nearly 500) from ladies who were incredibly encouraged by Dana's sincere words of advice, that we have decided to post another letter. This one comes from a wise blogger named Lori Alexander, whose joy is to teach women how to be godly wives and mothers.

Dear Anna,

Truthfully, I debated whether or not I should even write this letter. I can't even begin to comprehend the pain you must be going through. I grieve with you along with many in the body of Christ. I've been mentoring women for ten years so I am simply going to encourage you with counsel from our Creator. I try to use biblical wisdom since it is our only source of Truth.

In 1 Peter 2, we are told of the sufferings of Christ and we all know how horrible they were; none of us can imagine the pain and suffering He endured especially since all the sins of the whole world that have ever or will be committed {adulterers, addictions to pornography, homosexuality, liars, fornicators, gossips, etc.} were laid upon Him in our place for all who call upon His name. He himself bore our sins in His body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness. By His wounds you have been healed. For you were straying like sheep, but have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of your souls {1 Peter 2:24, 25}.

The next chapter begins with the word "Likewise..." and it addresses wives. Just as Jesus suffered, wives may suffer under a disobedient husband. Your husband has been terribly disobedient and you have suffered greatly. Jesus understands your pain. He has been there. He is with you now for He promises that He will NEVER leave you nor forsake you.

This chapter goes on to explain to wives who are married to disobedient husbands that they MAY win them without a word by their chaste behavior. From what I have watched of you {this is simply going to my observations of the small glimpses I've seen of you on television}, you appear to be a godly woman with a meek and quiet spirit who loves her husband. If you are, I will encourage you to

continue on trying to win him without a word by your godly behavior since no man's methods can improve upon the Lord's. However, it is NOT your responsibility to make Joshua into a godly man as I wrote extensively in my post about wives NOT bearing the responsibility for their husband's godly behavior. We are ALL given a free will to choose to walk in the Spirit or to walk in the flesh and your husband chose to walk in the flesh. This chapter in I Peter goes on to encourage women to continue to be in subjection to their husbands without ANY fear in verse 6; just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

A good friend of mine whose husband was deeply addicted to porn told me she believed the lie that her husband looked elsewhere because she wasn't good enough, pretty enough, sexy enough or because her body is not what it used to be before she bore children. Most women are highly insecure about their appearance and a feeling of inadequacy is almost always their first line of defense. Your husband did NOT fall so deeply into sin because of you but because He allowed the enemy a foothold in his life long before you were married.

I was encouraged yesterday to hear a report that you would not seek divorce. I have never encouraged a woman to get divorced and I never will since marriage is a model of Christ and the church and He will never divorce us. He continues to be faithful, even when we are not. Please, don't hold onto bitterness but forgive as the Lord has so graciously forgiven us. It may take a lot of time and prayer but with Christ ALL things are possible. This will be a huge witness

to a watching world of God's patience and love for His children the church. You are showing Christ's love and forgiveness to a wretched sinner as we all once were before being washed in His blood and made new creatures in Him. He now even calls us saints!

You are not alone, Anna. There are many men throughout the centuries who have fallen into sexual temptation and sin. This is definitely their battle but this doesn't give your husband an excuse for his sin. It is a good thing that this evil was exposed since sin grows in the darkness but we know that God disciplines those whom He loves. We will pray that this is God's discipline on your husband's life to turn it around and be sold out for Jesus.

There are many women who are praying for you and grieving for the pain you are in. We will continue to cover you, your children and the whole extended family in prayer for it hurts them all. Continue to rest in the Lord's loving arms and seek solace and guidance from Him and His Word. God heals the brokenhearted as well as the broken. He is a good and just God. You are a beautiful woman and God will walk with you through every step of this journey. He most likely will be carrying you.

In Christ's love,
Lori Alexander

Visit Lori at lorialexander.blogspot.com.


Photos courtesy TLC, duggarfamily.com

Dillards to Serve with S.O.S.

Derick Dillard, Jill Dillard, and Israel Dillard in Central America, 2015

Upon returning to Central America in mid October, Jill and Derick Dillard spent several weeks studying Spanish in a Guatemalan city. Their education has prepared them to take the next step.

S.O.S.--which stands for Seekers of Souls and is the ministry that the Duggars have partnered with during their many trips to Honduras, El Salvador, and Guatemala--has recently added Jill and Derick to its team. (Click here to view more pictures of the Dillards in Central America.)

Here is a segment from the most recent S.O.S. newsletter: 

Jill Duggar serves in El Salvador, 2008

It is SOS's privilege to introduce Derick and Jill Dillard to the Latin mission. They will come alongside Alex Lara, our Director of Missions for Latin America, to assist, preach, and engage the new regions. We have prepared, trained and now appointed them. Derick will focus on the men and young people, while Jill will focus on women and children ministry. Both of them will help with strengthening and encouraging married couples, which is mostly neglected in the Latin world, and they have already led a group from the church to a new region to preach the gospel.

During part of their first mission assignment, Jill and Derick will be joined by Levi Schadt, son of S.O.S. Ministries founder Mike Schadt.

We know that the Dillards and Levi would appreciate your prayers. To financially support their work and the work of many others in the Americas, Africa, and mid-Asia, visit SOSHope.org.


Photos courtesy dillardfamily.com, TLC/Scott Enlow

Amy: 'I hope [Josh] gets the help he needs'

If you have been keeping up with our blog, you know that 2015 was a difficult year for the Duggar family. Amy (Duggar) King--niece of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar--shares her thoughts on her new website.

The Duggar cousin was at a wedding dress fitting when the news of Josh Duggar's pornography addiction and marital unfaithfulness broke. "I was completely shocked just like the rest of the world," she writes in her post. "Rage came over me, sadness crept in, and reality [set] in that the person I had known my entire life turned out to be a fraud and a complete stranger."

Less than three weeks after Josh confessed to being "the biggest hypocrite ever," Amy married Dillon King. Josh had already checked himself into a long-term care facility, but the rest of the Duggar family attended the wedding.

Amy was touched to see Anna at the event. "I gave her a huge hug right before I walked down the aisle, prayed with her, and left her and my Aunt Michelle a letter on their chairs," shares the Duggar cousin.

"I hope [Josh] gets the help he needs," Amy told PEOPLE. 

The months that followed brought much-needed relaxation for Amy and her new husband, until she received heartbreaking news via a Christmas text from her father. As we shared last week, Amy's father has filed for a divorce from Amy's mother (Jim Bob's sister, Deanna).

Despite the trials that she and her family have faced in 2015, Amy (Duggar) King has determined to "shine for Jesus" in the coming year, putting emphasis on prayer, forgiveness, and acts of service.

Photos: Dillards in Central America

The Dillards have been busy since returning to Central America in October. They were stationed in Guatemala, where Derick attended language school while Jill was tutored at home.

When they weren't studying, Jill and Derick spent time sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ with members of their community. (Cute little Israel helps break the ice when meeting new friends.)

What's next for the Dillards? Jill and Derick are beginning their first mission assignment in a new location. More info to come.

 Jill Dillard, Derick Dillard, and Israel Dillard witness to a Central American family

Jill Dillard and Israel Dillard hang out at home

Photos courtesy dillardfamily.com; used with permission. Click here to view more.

Spurgeon's 2-Month Milestone

Spurgeon Seewald is two months old! Baby Seewald, whose nickname is Quincy, was born November 5th weighing 9 lbs 11 oz and measuring 21 1/4 inches long. Jessa and Ben Seewald deliberated for almost a week before deciding on a name for their firstborn son.

Check out these adorable snapshots, and watch a video update from the Seewalds (below).

The many faces of Spurgeon Seewald

Photo courtesy theseewaldfamily.com, Video courtesy TLC

Israel's First Pickle

Israel Dillard is just two days away from his nine-month milestone! Watch Israel's reaction as Jill and Derick Dillard feed their son a pickle for the first time (YouTube video below).

If you have been following the Duggars for a while, you've probably heard about their pickle obsession. Click here to watch Jill and her buddy team make homemade pickles and here to view Jason Duggar's recipe for "quick pickles." The Duggars also enjoy slices of fresh cucumbers spritzed with vinegar.

Video courtesy dillardfamily.com

Huckabee: 'I never defended Josh'

 Mike Huckabee with several members of the Duggar family

January 2015

When accused of supporting Josh Duggar, Republican presidential candidate Mike Huckabee sets the record straight, telling Iowa radio host Simon Conway during an interview in late December that he has never defended Josh Duggar's actions (interview segment embedded below).

Huckabee states that he finds Josh's dishonesty to be "absolutely, hideously wrong and despicable." However, he still stands by Jim Bob and Michelle and the rest of the Duggar family, saying that they are "wonderful people."

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com