#TBT: Grandma Duggar Babysits

In honor of #ThrowbackThursday, we have a cute video, filmed more than three years ago, to share with you all. While Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar attend a marriage retreat and the older Duggar girls speak at a birthday party, Grandma Duggar takes care of the younger kids.

"We're just your average kids. We're not the best kids."
-Jason Duggar

Photo/video courtesy TLC

'Counting On' to Return Soon

Have you heard? Counting On is set to return to TLC later this summer! We made the announcement alongside news of Jinger Duggar's courtship with Jeremy Vuolo, so it may have been just a little bit overshadowed...

Stay tuned for the premiere date, to be revealed soon. What are you hoping to see on season two of Counting On? The film crew has been filming during the break, in order to avoid missing out on any exciting footage.

For those who are wondering, the company that has produced the Duggars' show since the release of 14 Children and Pregnant Again is an independent organization that films numerous other reality TV shows.

So you can see how much the kids have changed since they first appeared on TV, here is a photo that was taken nearly 10 years ago.

Photos courtesy DCL/TLC, duggarfamily.com

Is Jill Pregnant?

 Jill Dillard, 13 weeks and 1 day pregnant with Israel

Since Israel Dillard's birth, via emergency C-section, in April 2015, fans have been eagerly awaiting another pregnancy announcement from Jill and Derick Dillard. Soon after her son's arrival, Jill told PEOPLE Magazine that her doctor expected her to be able to deliver her next child vaginally.

Are there any Dillard babies on the way? Jill and Derick recently shared that they are not expecting...yet. Since moving down to Central America last year, the couple has expressed an even greater interest in adoption. Rest assured that when an announcement is made, we will share it with you immediately.

Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

Memorable Mom Moments

We love this picture so much that we just have to share it. Michelle Duggar takes a break from the demands of a life with 19 children to play dolls with her youngest, six-and-a-half-year-old Josie Duggar. What are your favorite childhood memories of your mother?

Michelle Duggar and Josie Duggar

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Jeremy Vuolo's Testimony

For those who are eager to learn more about Jinger Duggar's boyfriend, Jeremy Vuolo, the 28-year-old recently created a video in which he shares his personal testimony. After giving a 10-minute introduction/mini sermon, Jeremy begins his testimony at 10:26.

Born on September 5th, 1987 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Jeremy aspired to become a professional soccer player from the time he was a young child. He played at the collegiate level at both Hartwick College and Syracuse University, while earning a bachelor's in business administration and beginning a master's in finance.

After playing on a professional Finnish soccer team for one year, Jeremy joined the New York Red Bulls and later the San Antonio Scorpions. Feeling called to enter full-time ministry, he ended his athletic career in November 2014. Jeremy was ordained into ministry on March 5th, 2016, and currently pastors Grace Community Church of Laredo, Texas.

Photo credit: Julia Myers/TLC. YouTube video credit: Grace Community Church of Laredo, Texa

Celebrating Anna Duggar

Wishing Anna Duggar a very blessed 28th birthday! During our interviews with Anna and the time we have spent face-to-face with her, we have always been encouraged by her strong faith, selflessness, and positive outlook on life. For those who have watched the Duggars' show and/or met the family, how has Anna impacted your life?

Photos courtesy TLC/Scott Enlow, duggarfamily.com, ja20.com

Exclusive Photos of Jinger & Jeremy

Have you heard the exciting news? Jinger Duggar is in a courtship with professional soccer player Jeremy Vuolo! (Click here to read more about the new couple and to watch their official TLC announcement.)

We know you are all eager to see photos of Jinger and her boyfriend, so we have a couple to share. For the full album, visit duggarfamily.com. These photos are property of duggarfamily.com and may not be used without written permission.

 Jinger Duggar and boyfriend Jeremy Vuolo

Jeremy Vuolo, Jinger Duggar, Michelle Duggar, Jim Bob Duggar

Dillards Celebrate 2 Years

Two years ago, on a sweltering June day, Jill Duggar and Derick Dillard became man and wife during a beautiful ceremony that was attended by 1000 of their closest friends and family members.

After spending one year in Northwest Arkansas, where Derick worked as an accountant for Walmart, the Dillards--along with their infant son, Israel--moved to Central America to pursue full-time missions.

Let's take a trip down memory lane...

Jill and Derick had their first phone conversation in March 2013. Derick was in Nepal doing humanitarian work, and he and Jim Bob Duggar were prayer partners. It was Jim Bob who, upon realizing that Jill and Derick had similar life goals and personalities, set the two up.

Starting in August 2013, Jill and Derick began communicating via text, email, Skype, and telephone. In November, Jim Bob and Jill flew to Nepal for two weeks. After seeking guidance from the Lord and counsel from Jim Bob, Derick asked Jill to enter an official courtship.

Derick returned home to Arkansas in January 2014, upon completing his two-year term in Nepal. At the end of February, he asked Jim Bob's permission to propose and then popped the question to Jill on March 29.

Happy 2-year anniversary, Dillards!

Photos courtesy dillardfamily.com, TLC, TLC/David Welker

Another Duggar Courtship!

Hot off the press...We are thrilled to share two exciting Duggar announcements with you all!

First off, Jinger Duggar is courting! Secondly, Jill and Jessa: Counting On returns to TLC later this summer (premiere date to be announced soon).

Jinger was introduced to her boyfriend, Jeremy Vuolo, in May 2015 by her sister Jessa Seewald and brother-in-law Ben Seewald. Following a mission trip that both Jinger and Jeremy went on, Jeremy asked Jim Bob Duggar's permission to pursue a friendship with Jinger. The two are now officially in a courtship.

"We are very excited to begin this journey together," Jeremy tells PEOPLE Magazine.

After attending Syracuse University, Jeremy, who is 28 years old, played professional soccer for the New York Red Bulls and the San Antonio Scorpions. He recently stepped away from athletics to enter full-time ministry and is currently serving as the pastor at a small church in Laredo, Texas.

Meet Jeremy in the video below:

Photo/video courtesy of TLC

Dugger Update and Video

We're back! We have missed sharing the latest Duggar updates with you all, but the break was definitely a good idea. My (Ellie's) wrists are still sore, so I plan to complete my blogging tasks in short intervals throughout the day.

We know you are all wondering whether the Duggars will return to TV. Unfortunately, TLC has not made any announcements regarding the future of Jill and Jessa: Counting On. In the meantime, the film crew hopes to keep the tape rolling so they don't miss any important story lines.

The network recently posted a video that we know you all will enjoy. Jinger Duggar recently shadowed Lisa Mac, a local Northwest Arkansas photographer who took photos of the Dillard family soon after Israel Dillard's birth (video below).

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Allie Meets the Duggars 3 Times

Allie, a loyal reader, has met the Duggars three times. Here is her story:

The first time I met the Duggars was in 2013. I drove 10 hours to Iowa for a Labor Day picnic at the Bontragers' farm, which was open to the public. Somehow I convinced my mom, a friend, and my friend's mom to make the trek with me.

I remember pulling up to this farm in the middle of nowhere and the first Duggar I saw was Justin Duggar, and I started hyperventilating. We got out of the car, and the first one we met was Jinger Duggar, except I was so nervous that I called her Jessa! In fact, the entire time I thought I had met Jessa, and when we left I was looking at the pictures and realized it was Jinger! Whoops! I barely talked to her because I was so nervous. I just got a picture and quickly ran away! Not my best moment...

After Jinger, we met Jana Duggar and Josie Duggar, and again, I didn't really talk to them, as I was so nervous.

Next I met Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, and I was so excited! They were so nice and just as kind as they seem on the show. They couldn't believe we had driven so far, and they just kept saying "God bless y'all."

After talking with them for a while, we found out Michelle's brother worked with my aunt - so cool! After listening to Jim Bob and Michelle speak and hearing the family sing, we were running out of time - it was a 10 hour drive, and I had school the next day. So we quickly met Joy Duggar and Josiah Duggar, as well as John Duggar. 

My mom and I talked to John a bit about his fire and police work, as my dad is in the same line of work. Time was ticking down, and we really had to leave, but Joseph, one of my favorite Duggar members, was playing football with a big group of guys, and I hadn't met him yet. I told my mom I really wanted to meet him, I mean, we had come all this way.

So my mom, being the embarrassing mom she is, went on the sidelines of the game and yelled Joe's name. He stopped the game and came over, and we got our picture. Still one of the most embarrassing moments of my life, but so worth it.

In 2015, I attended a Bates event (Erin's CD release party, which fans were invited to) and had the opportunity to meet Joseph again. Luckily, I didn't have to interrupt a game of football this time. It was cool meeting him in this setting because there were very few fans there, so I was able to talk to him on a normal level. We talked only briefly, but he was super nice and seemed like he wanted to know about me.

I was also able to stay after the event and help clean up, and it was really cool helping him clean up - like such a normal activity I was doing with Joe Duggar. This was my favorite meeting because I didn't feel like a fan as much as I felt like a friend.

Lastly, I met them in April at the Bates' graduation party, also open to the public. I got to meet Joe, Jana, Jessa, Spurgeon, John, Joy, Jed, and Justin. The Duggars at this event seemed very reserved - more so than the last time I had met them. They were still so nice though. I didn't really talk to them besides introducing myself and asking for a picture, but it was still an awesome experience. 

My favorite was meeting Jed and Justin because it seemed to me the way they responded that maybe they don't get recognized or at least asked for a picture as much as the older kids. Justin seemed so excited to introduce himself to me and shake my hand - I loved it.

It was awesome meeting the Duggars. Such an amazing life event. They are a joy and as genuine as they seem on TV.
Photo courtesy of reader

Rebekah Meets the Duggars

A reader named Rebekah shares her encounters with the Duggar family...

Ever since I first saw the Duggars on 18 Kids and Counting when I was a freshman in college, I had a huge desire to meet them. It wasn't until 5 years later in 2014 when the opportunity finally came. I first met Josh Duggar when he spoke at a Massachusetts Family Institute event in Lexington, Massachusetts. 

Then a month later, I was blessed to be able to go with a friend to Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, to one of the stops on the Growing Up Duggar Book Tour. It was so exciting to meet the entire family, and they were all so sweet. 

When I finally met Jim Bob and Michelle, I had the courage to ask Michelle for a hug, and she gave me one! It was such a dream come true to meet the Duggars, and the icing on top of the cake was that I got to be on the show in the episode when Derick proposed to Jill. :D (I was in one of the background shots of the book tour.) I love the Duggars so much!

I moved to Springdale, Arkansas, back in October, and I haven't run into the Duggars at all. I've just seen Grandma Duggar at the post office and at Braum's, and I've driven by other Duggars at various times. 

Photo courtesy of reader

Katerra Meets the Duggars in TN

Katerra and her family met the Duggars at a book singing event in Chattanooga, Tennessee...

I had the opportunity to meet most of the Duggar family in 2014 at a book signing. I was so excited because I am a HUGE fan (literally speaking as well, as I was 7 months pregnant with my 3rd child at the time). 

There were well over 1000 people at this particular signing in Chattanooga. It's worth noting that I am not an easily excitable person by nature with this sort of thing. High strung and emotional about most things yes, but excitable about upcoming events or the like, no. But the second we got to the mall and I saw their big bus I like to have died!

We got in the store and as I stated, it was filled to capacity. I went to the restroom first, and I saw one of the Query girls with Jordyn, Josie, and Jennifer. They were pretty quiet and shy at that point. 

The family came into the store a good while before they were scheduled to, I'm assuming because there were so many people there. I thought that was very kind of them. They sang a song as a family and began signing books. 

First I met the four oldest girls, and they were so sweet and kind and very excited to hear of our pending arrival :) Jill and Jana were especially sweet. As we moved our way through the family that was there, they were all kind and very gracious. I made a comment to Jedidiah about him saying "my pleasure," and he replied that his mom had a chart up, and every time they were  heard using kind words such as "my pleasur," they got a sticker. My children are all still very young, but a boy that old even admitting his mom still put stickers on a reward chart for him was so genuine and kind. 

When we got to Jim Bob and Michelle, I literally just lost it. I just started crying and couldn't stop. She is so so so sweet and personable. They spoke with us for several minutes as they had everyone else in the line. They asked us our names and told us a little about their family. We shared with them what their family had meant to ours, and Michelle suggested we get a picture. Sadly I'm awful with electronics and can't find it right now. It was a pleasure to meet them, and they were all as sweet and kind as I expected. My husband and I were very impressed.

Morgan Meets Joseph and the Seewalds

Morgan, a reader of our blog, met Joseph and the Seewalds. Here is her story:

When I met Joe, I was actually going to a small concert for Lawson Bates in South Carolina, and Joe happened to be there. He's a great guy, and he's nice! When I met Jessa and Ben, it was at a Southern Women Conference . They talked about many different things, and we got to meet them afterwards. She was still pregnant with Spurgeon, and her baby bump was so cute. :) I hope I can meet more of the Duggars one day!

Photos courtesy of Morgan

Johnna Visits the Duggar Home

Back in 2009, Johnna spent a day at the Duggars' house for home church and lunch....

Seven years ago, I was living in Missouri and traveling a lot. I had seen some of the Duggars' show and had just read their first book. In the book they mentioned having home church and pot faith each Sunday and stated that anyone was welcome. I had a trip planned and was planning to spend a Saturday night in Fayetteville, so I thought I would find out if in fact just anyone was welcome. 

I sent an email to the address listed in the book and quickly received a reply from Jim Bob. He gave me his phone number and told me when I got to town on Saturday to give him a call and he would give me directions to their home. We decided to go ahead and stay in Springdale, and I did as Jim Bob had asked and called when we got there. 

He gave me directions and said he looked forward to having my family join the next morning. On Sunday morning, we stopped and bought fruit and vegetable trays to take for the lunch. At that time there was no gate/fence around the property. We drove in. We rang the bell at the side door, and Michelle greeted us with a smile, invited us in, and talked with us as if we were old friends. 

Jordan was in a bouncy seat on the bar at the pretty kitchen. Mrs. Query was sweeping the floor, and Jennifer was finishing up her breakfast. We made ourselves at home as the family continued to get ready and other guests began to arrive. A young man took prayer requests and praise reports.
Josh led the singing, and a family friend who also was Grandpa Duggar's Doctor during his last days brought the message. 

Afterwards we went through the buffet line that the older girls had set up, and we ate. My daughter was the same age as Johannah, so she took up with her. We stayed several hours and fellowshipped with everyone. 

Anna was in the early days of her first pregnancy and was having sickness. They had not shared the news with the public at that point. I visited with her and Josh a bit. Everyone just acted as if we belonged there. I never wanted to be a fan. I wanted to be a friend, so I did not ask for pictures. It just didn't seem appropriate.
 
Not long after, things got really big for them, and home church was no longer at their home. They didn't answer many emails, phone numbers were changed, fence and gates were put up. When they stopped being able to be just an average family, I quit watching the show. I chose to remember the Duggar family that I spent the day with as opposed to the people that they later became.

Emily Meets the Duggars

A reader named Emily met the Duggar family at a political rally...

I was very blessed to have been able to meet not all but some of the Duggar family at the Stand 4 Family Rally in Louisiana, part of the #FFFTOUR14 in 2014! It was an amazing rally, and being able to meet a good couple of them was awesome! We love their love for God, their generous hearts, and all they stand for. It was a great experience, and I wish more than anything to meet them again one day. Here are some photos with some of the Duggars I met.

 Jim Bob Duggar

 Anna Duggar

 Michelle Duggar

 Jana Duggar

 John-David Duggar and Jeremiah Duggar

Jessa and Ben Seewald

Photos courtesy of reader

Sharon Meets Grandma Duggar

We received dozens of stories from readers who have met the Duggar family, and we look forward to sharing them with you all. This one comes from a reader named Sharon:

Last August, my husband, grandson, and I were at Braum's Ice Cream Shop and Burger Restaurant in Springdale, Arkansas, when who walks in but Grandma Duggar! I gathered my courage and approached her in the grocery section. She was precious! 

We talked for about 10 minutes. I sat back down with my family, and she completed her shopping and went to her car. The next thing I know, she is standing at our table giving me a photo of the Duggar family. One for me and one for my best friend, whom I had mentioned during our talk. What a sweet, kind, and loving lady! I will always treasure our encounter.

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

Happy Monday! We have been faithfully blogging about the Duggar family for six-and-a-half years, and we have enjoyed every minute of it. We are incredibly honored and humbled to have hundreds of thousands of readers from across the globe, with a total pageview count of 128 million.

Those who follow my (Ellie's) blog (NashvilleWife.com) know that I am struggling with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. I really appreciate all the prayers, well wishes, and advice.

To prevent my condition from worsening, I will be taking a two-week blogging break. During that time, I will still be in the loop, and if there are any big Duggar announcements to be made, I will write a quick post.

In the meantime, I have pre-scheduled ten posts, which means there will be a new one up almost every day, so be sure to check the blog regularly. I am praying that this break will put me on the road to recovery, and I look forward to returning in a couple weeks.

Please feel free to e-mail me at DuggarFamilyBlog@gmail.com if anything comes up during my break. Thank you for being such loyal readers!

June 2016: Duggar Updates and Snapshots

What have the Duggars been up to? We have a handful of snapshots and updates to share with you all!

Two weeks ago, the family traveled to Big Sandy, Texas, for Jeremiah's graduation from ALERT Academy. ALERT, which stands for Air Land Emergency Resource Team, equips young men to serve in emergency situations.

At 17 years old, Jeremiah completed Basic Training, a nine-week course that can be followed by two advanced training courses. The program focuses on developing personal discipline, responsibility, attention to detail, endurance, teamwork, and healthy spiritual habits. Recruits also learn a variety of outdoor skills, including basic camping, ropes, knots and rope systems, lashing, and land navigation.

 Twins Jedidiah and Jeremiah Duggar with Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar

Here are a few snapshots of the other Duggar kids:

 James Duggar and Joy-Anna Duggar

 Joy-Anna Duggar and Jinger Duggar

 Meredith Duggar, Justin Duggar, and Jackson Duggar

Check out these selfies taken by Joy-Anna on a recent trip to Central America...

And last but not least, here are a couple photos of Jackson Duggar's 12th birthday celebration. It's no surprise that he chose to celebrate with a Chocolate Mess from MarketPlace Grill.

 Jackson Duggar with Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar

Jackson with Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, Jason Duggar,

Jana Duggar, and Josie Duggar

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

Find Israel's Great-Grandma

 Jill and Derick Dillard with Derick's mom, Cathy, and Cathy's adoptive mom

Those who are dedicated viewers of the Duggars' show have probably heard Derick Dillard mention that his mother, Cathy Dillard Byrum, was adopted. That is one of the reasons why Jill and Derick are hoping to adopt kids of their own. You may also remember Cathy mentioning around the time of Israel's birth that he is her third known blood relative. (The other two are Derick and his brother Dan.)

The Dillards are on the lookout for another one of Cathy's blood relatives, her birth mom. Her name is Joyce Perry, and she was born on December 9, 1925, and has lived in Texas, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. Israel Dillard has met his great-grandma Duggar, and Jill and Derick are hoping to have him meet another "great."

With help from others, the Dillards have located the gravestone of a Joyce Perry who passed away in November 1992, and they are currently looking into the possibility of that being the same Joyce Perry who is Cathy's birth mom. Regardless, the Dillards say they would like to know more about Cathy's birth family.

Cathy's adoptive mom, Grandma Vergie, passed away in November 2014 (see picture above).

Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

Submit Your Story

Calling all blog readers! Have you met one or more members of the Duggar family? Email us (DuggarFamilyBlog@gmail.com) a description of the time you spent with them, along with any pictures you took, and we might just post it to the blog. Ready, Set, Go!

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Marcus Turns 3

Happy 3rd birthday, Marcus Duggar! How many of you watched Marcus' birth on 19 Kids and Counting?

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, ja20.com

Jessa: 'I have learned so much from Anna'

"I have learned so much from Anna, just watching the way that she loves her kids... It's just been such a blessing to me, as I'm stepping into mommy-hood myself, to look to her as an example and learn from her."

-Jessa (Duggar) Seewald

In the following deleted scene, Anna Duggar and Jessa discuss Meredith and Spurgeon's latest milestones. Did you know that Jana Duggar and Joy-Anna Duggar both learned to walk at nine months? But Jana's twin, John-David Duggar, took a little longer to become stable on his feet.

Photo/video courtesy TLC