Dillards at OSU Homecoming

 Israel Dillard, Jill Dillard, Derick Dillard, and Cathy Dillard Byrum

Jill, Derick, and Israel Dillard spent the weekend participating in Oklahoma State University homecoming festivities in Stillwater, Oklahoma.

Following in the footsteps of his late father, Derick Dillard wore the Pistol Pete mascot during his college years at OSU. (Click here for more details and another picture.)

This weekend, Derick joined other men on the Pistol Pete alumni float during the OSU "sea of orange" homecoming parade.

Do you think Israel will carry on the family tradition of Pistol Pete?

Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

Share Your Favorite Duggar Moments

In mid November, we will be taking a one-week blogging break (although we will hopefully be able to pop in a couple times to share a Duggar update.)

Just as we did when I (Ellie) took my honeymoon, we're asking our loyal readers to contribute content. This time, we want to hear about your favorite Duggar moment(s) from the past 12 years of reality TV. (Can you believe it's been 12 years?)

Any scenes from the original five specials, 17 Kids and Counting, 18 Kids and Counting, 19 Kids and Counting, and Counting On are fair game. Email your responses to us at DuggarFamilyBlog@gmail.com, and you might just see them on the blog! We will not share any personal information other than your first name. If you want to be referred to by a pen, let us know in your email.


Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Weekend Getaway & Birthday Celebration

Even with 19 children, it's important for a couple to find time to get away from the hustle and bustle and spend time alone. Here is a new snapshot of Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar on a recent weekend getaway. They enjoy wearing matching shirts, and this photo is no exception.

Yesterday was Joy-Anna Duggar's 19th birthday. Per Duggar tradition, she celebrated with the famous chocolate mess at MarketPlace Grill.

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Duggar #9 Turns 19

Wishing Joy-Anna Duggar a happy 19th birthday! Now that she has graduated from high school, Joy-Joy (as her family calls her) spends her days taking online Bible classes and helping out at home. Her future goals are to be involved in missions and politics, as well as to be a wife and mother. 

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

Bears and Airplanes

In these deleted scenes from Tuesday's new episode of Counting On, "The After Show," the Duggar siblings discuss two memories from season two which both include Joy-Anna Duggar.

The first is Joy's flying lesson with older brother John-David Duggar. When producer and cinematographer Scott Enlow asks if anyone would feel safe in an airplane with Joy as the pilot, Joy's response is comical: "I wouldn't even get into a plane with myself, right now."

The second scene involves Joy, Jason Duggar, a knife, and a bear. Jason says he "felt like [he] was Daniel Boone."

Photo/videos courtesy TLC

Jeremy Surprises Jinger (Again!)

In case you missed last night's show, check out this video clip of the moment when Jeremy Vuolo walks in the room to surprise Jinger. (Click here to read our recap.) Now we know y'all are a little disappointed that there wasn't a different special guest (in addition to Jeremy, of course). But we hope that watching this reunion puts a smile on your face.

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Baby Seewald to Arrive in 14 Weeks

Jessa Seewald is just shy of her 26-week milestone in her pregnancy with baby No. 2! The photo on the right shows her baby bump now, and the one on the left was taken when she was 25 weeks and four days along with Spurgeon.

The Seewalds say they might end up announcing the gender to their family (and to the world), but they also may choose to keep it under wraps until the birth, as they did last time around. What's your guess...boy or girl?

Photo courtesy theseewaldfamily.com

Recap: 'The After Show'

Counting On "The After Show"

• The Duggar siblings are in Nashville, Tennessee, with cinematographer and producer Scott Enlow. (This segment was filmed about eight weeks ago.)
• As the siblings watch a clip showing FLAME’s visit to Arkansas, Derick asks Ben whether he would be interested in making his own hip hop album. Ben says that’s not where his talents lie, but he does agree to “spit some bars” for the camera.
• Scott Enlow asks the Dillards to share the scariest moment they have experienced in Central America. “Every week, it seems like there would be different instances,” says Jill. One night, Jill and Derick heard a loud crash while they were getting ready for bed. Derick told Jill to take Israel into the bathroom, which is their safe room. The sound ended up being something that had fallen, but it definitely spooked the Dillards.
• Jessa says that when she is down in Central America visiting, she hears gunshots frequently. “I can’t imagine being home alone with a little one and hoping that your husband makes it back every night,” says Jessa.
• “We’re willing to take that risk because of what’s at stake,” says Derick. “We want to help those people. You’ve got to educate yourself constantly on the situation.”
• In a clip from the season, the Duggars announce that many of them don’t enjoy sharing food or drinks. “I think because there’s a lot of us in our family, that’s why we’re germaphobes,” says Jill. “Not the other way around.”
• The next topic is the siblings’ experience at survival camp. Jill says that her life down in Central America is similar to the surroundings at survival camp. She relies on her Eagle Scout husband for safety. 
• After watching a clip showing the newly redesigned guesthouse, the girls admit that their dad is often on edge about their renovation projects. They say he has to “warm up” to their ideas. "If we ever tell him we're going to redo something in the house, he's like, just don't paint my walls, don't paint my trims, don't paint my cabinets," says Jessa.
• The surprise guest turns out to be Jeremy Vuolo. He shows up at the studio with a bouquet of roses and completely catches his fiancée off guard. "Oh my goodness!" exclaims Jinger. "This is the best thing ever! I can't believe you."
• Jinger loves surprises and says that Jeremy is great at orchestrating them. "I enjoy a good surprise," adds Jessa. "And I try not to meddle too much, if I know that Ben's planning something and he wants to do something to surprise me."
• Jill, on the other hand, does not usually like to be caught off guard. "Her first reaction would be to get mad first because she didn't know, then she would be happy afterwards," laughs Jessa.
• Scott Enlow plays the clip where Jim Bob tells Jeremy how expensive Jinger's thrift shopping habit can be. Jeremy says that he and Jinger have similar styles, so it will be completely fine if she goes shopping, as long as she's frugal.
• Scott asks Jinger and Jeremy if they plan to start a family immediately after marriage. "We really are just looking to the Lord to see what he provides, and so, we'll see," shares Jeremy. "Expecting by the end of the year," Derick jokes. The look on Jinger's face shows that she's not too keen on that idea.
• Jeremy, Ben, and Derick watch the clip in which Jeremy asks Jim Bob for permission to court Jinger. "I don't have food on my mind," says Jeremy, reliving the moment. "I just want to talk to him, but he orders this big chocolate muffin. He's just chowing down on that thing. He's hungry."
• Jeremy discusses the courtship standards that he and Jinger came up with. "Jinger and I are both very affectionate," admits Jeremy. "It means a lot to have an arm around or something, and so that's how we express our affection. We have a clean conscience, as long as it's not leading us into impurity..."
• Spurgeon and Israel come on set for a few moments to say hi before Grandma C (Derick's mom) takes then back to another room to continue playing. 
• Next, Scott shows a clip from Jeremy's proposal. "I was just so overwhelmed with joy," says Jinger. "This is this moment I've...asked God for...I was just so grateful." Jinger plans to move her belongings to Laredo before the wedding so she and Jeremy can go straight there after the honeymoon.
• Jessa and Ben have put adoption on the back burner for the time being, but they say they would "love to add to [their] family soon" and "will see how God opens that door." The expectant parents plan to find out the gender of their baby, but they say they might not tell the rest of the family. 
• Scott asks Jill and Derick if a pregnancy could alter their plans to return to Central America. "Yeah, it does play into that," says Derick. "We can make all of our plans, but ultimately, God is going to direct our steps, and we rest in that." Jill says they are actively trying to have another baby and that she has taken many pregnancy test but is not expecting (yet).
• What's on the horizon for Jana? She recently purchased an old tattoo parlor and has plans to renovate it. "It's kind of been on hold, just because we have other projects..." she says. "Hopefully, maybe over the winter time we will start on that."
• Joy, who just graduated from high school, has been doing online Bible classes, although she does not plan to go to full-on college. 

Jim Bob's 50-page Questionnaire

Tonight's new episode of Counting On is sure to be interesting! The Duggar siblings sit down with cinematographer and producer Scott Enlow, who has been working with the family since the early days of their reality TV show, to recap season two and chat about what it means to be part of the supersized Duggar clan. (Schedule and new sneak peek video below.)

Now that Jeremy Vuolo has been shown in a preview for tonight's episode, do y'all still think he is the surprise guest, or do you think TLC has someone else in store?

Tuesday, October 25
7:30pm ET: Jessa's Announcement (Recap)
8pm ET: The After Show (NEW)
The family comes together to relive some of the most memorable moments from season 2. Plus, before the reunion is over, there is a surprise guest in store for the cast. 

11pm ET: The After Show

Photo/video courtesy TLC

'Counting On' After Show

Tomorrow evening on a new episode of Counting On, the Duggar siblings meet up with cinematographer and producer Scott Enlow in Tennessee to look back on season two and discuss the future (video clip below). And before the show is over, a surprise guest arrives on set! Who do you think it will be? Go ahead and post your guesses as a comment.

Will this be the season finale? Nope! The network still has more footage to share. (Stay tuned for more info.)

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Engagement Rings & Missed Flights

"We should just go drive over there and then just pick them up."
-Josie Duggar

We have two TLC webisodes to share with y'all on this beautiful Saturday morning. In the first one, Michelle Duggar and the kids are bustling around trying to finish decorating the guesthouse before the Dillards arrive.

When the Duggars receive word that Jill and Derick missed their flight from Dallas to Arkansas, six-year-old Josie Duggar formulates a plan, telling Joy and Michelle that they should just go pick the Dillards up from wherever they are. The little cuite doesn't quite understand how far Texas is.

In the second video, Jinger and Jeremy part ways after their New York City rooftop engagement. When Jinger returns home, her dad and siblings rush over to admire her princess cut ring.

Photo/videos courtesy TLC

Baby Waller is Here!

Last night at 7:29pm, Priscilla (Keller) Waller (Anna Duggar's sister) and husband David Waller welcomed their third child. Phillip Andrew Waller weighed 9lbs 7oz and measured 22 inches long.

In the video below, watch siblings Davia Lynn Waller (turns two in November) and Paul William Waller (turns four in March) meet brother Phillip for the first time.

Video courtesy davidlovespriscilla.com

25 Weeks Pregnant with Baby Seewald #2

"We were both excited and surprised [to find out I was pregnant] because Spurgeon was just a little over six months old. For my sister-in-law Anna and for my sister Jill, they didn't get pregnant right off...and so, I guess I'm built more like my mom."

-Jessa Seewald

In mid-spring, Jessa and Ben Seewald found out that they were expecting another child. Fourteen weeks into the pregnancy, they broke the news to the rest to the rest of the Duggar family, as seen on Tuesday's episode of Counting On.

The young couple says they are looking forward to having two kids who are only 15 months apart, but they also understand that being parents of two babies will present plenty of challenges and new adjustments (video clip below).

For those of you who have kids who are close in age, what were some of the greatest challenges you faced when your children were infants and toddlers?

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Waiting for the Dillards

 

In this video clip from last night's episode, the Duggars head to the regional airport to surprise Jill, Derick, and Israel Dillard, who are coming home for a four-month visit. "Nobody wants to miss out on this," says Josiah.

The group is all smiles as they patiently wait for the Dillards to appear at the top of the escalator. While Jim Bob and Michelle and some of their older kids have made visits to Central America over the past 10 months, many of the younger Duggars have not seen Jill and Derick since last October.

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Doubling the Love Photo Shoot

Did you catch last night's new episode of Counting On? (If you missed the show, click here to read our recap.)

Jessa, Ben, and Spurgeon Seewald take pictures for their birth announcement with photographer Jinger Duggar. When Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar receive one of the snapshots in a frame, they are both ecstatic.

"Are you kidding?!" Mama Duggar exclaims. "Oh my goodness!" It takes a few minutes before the younger Duggars understand what's happening, but once everyone has figured it out, they all express their joy.

Baby #2 is due February 2nd, 2017, so he/she and Spurgeon will be only 15 months apart. Stay tuned for a possible gender reveal. The Seewalds have not yet decided whether they will share the news or keep it under wraps until the birth like they did with Spurgeon.

Here are a few of the pictures that Jinger took during the photo shoot:

Photos courtesy Jinger Duggar/DCL

Recap: 'Jessa's Announcement'

Counting On "Jessa's Announcement"

• After the big proposal, Jinger and Jeremy join the Seewalds and Michelle, along with Jeremy's friends James and Luis and their wives, for dinner at a Korean BBQ restaurant. "I have always loved New York City," says Jinger. "Jeremy's proposal was out of this world."
• Although the food is different than anything the Duggars have tasted, they really enjoy it. 
• "This dinner together definitely is an amazing way to wrap up the most memorable trip ever," says Jinger.
• When Jinger, Michelle, and the Seewalds return home, everyone welcomes them with hugs and plenty of "oohs" and "ahhs" over Jinger's engagement ring.
• Jim Bob is absolultey thrilled for his daughter. "Was it more than a sidehug?" he jokingly asks Michelle. "There were a few moments," the mom of 19 responds, laughing.
• "We're so happy for you and Jeremy," Jim Bob tells Jinger. "We love y'all, but we're going to miss you. That's going to be very difficult."
• Later, Jessa and Ben prepare for a special photo shoot with Jinger. "Ben and I are excited to announce that we are having another baby," Jessa tells the camera. "We were both excited and surprised because Spurgeon was just a little over six months old. For my sister-in-law Anna and for my sister Jill, they didn't get pregnant right off...and so, I guess I'm built more like my mom."
• Jessa is 14 weeks pregnant. (With Spurgeon, she and Ben shared the news with the family at 12 weeks.) Some of the older girls have already guessed that Jessa is expecting. Jill asked point blank via video chat about a week after Jessa and Ben found out. 
• In the photo that Jinger takes of the Seewalds, they are holding a "Doubling the Love, February 2017" chalkboard sign. (Jessa's due date is February 2nd, so Spurgeon and Baby #2 will be 15 months apart.)
• "I've always loved having siblings so close in age," says Jessa. She and Jinger are only 13 months apart. 
• Down in Central America, Jill and Derick are packing for their first trip home in 10 months. Israel happily points out family members in photos as Mom and Dad finishing getting everything ready. 
• Several friends accompany the Dillards to the airport to see them off. "We're planning on being down here long-term and continuing to work as long as God has us down here," says Derick. 
• Now that Israel is mobile, traveling is difficult. On the airplane, Jill convinces him to nurse and take a nap, but he is still wound up.
• Meanwhile, Jill's family puts the finishing touches on the guesthouse, which has a swimming pool, and makes a bunch of "Welcome Home" signs.
• When asked what she has missed most about Jill, Josie responds: "That she's been gone for like almost a whole year, so we haven't gotten to see her in a long time. I've been waiting for this day."
• Jessa and Jana have a slight disagreement over the decorations in the spare room. "Jana, she doesn't really show it, but I think she is a little bit nervous about getting the house done in time and making sure Jill and Derick love it," says Joy.
• All the Duggars, as well as Derick's family and some friends, head to the airport to meet Jill and Derick. Everyone starts cheering as the Dillards come down the escalator.
• Jill and Derick approve of Jana's renovations to the guesthouse. "Jana is so creative, and she's always been that way," says Jill. "I think she's got a future in interior design," adds Derick. 
• "I could see Jana opening up a home decor business," agrees Joy. "We'll see," responds Jana. "Maybe someday."
• "[Jill and Derick's return] is something we've been looking forward to for a long time," says Josiah. 
• The following day, Jessa, Ben, Spurgeon, Johannah, Jennifer, and Jordyn come over to watch Israel while Jill and Derick go on a date for the first time in 10 months.
• Their date consists of a trip to the grocery store, where they are thrilled to pick out their favorite foods that they haven't had in nearly a year. Some of the other Duggars share what they would eat if they arrived home after spending 10 months on foreign soil:
• Anna: Chicken nuggets and lemonade
• Joy: Italian food
• John-David: hamburger or fried food
• Jedidiah: hot dogs
• Jeremiah: a pickle
• Jinger: salad
• At the end of the show, the Seewalds host an ice cream social for Jessa's family, including Grandma and Aunt Deanna. While everyone is gathered around the living room, they present Jim Bob and Michelle with a gift bag. "I love gifts," Jim Bob chuckles. "Is it my birthday?"
• The Duggar parents pull out a framed picture from the Seewalds' recent photo shoot, and they figure out the announcement immediately. "Ahh!" Michelle exclaims. "Are you kidding?! Oh my goodness!" The family is ecstatic. 
• Josiah approves of the announcement photo. "I'd probably do that someday, with little Josiah Jr. hanging on my leg there," he says. 
• When Michelle finds out that Jessa has already been pregnant for 100 days, she is impressed. "How in the world could you keep that a secret?" she questions.
• "The Duggars are multiplying once again," comments Jinger.
• "It won't be long before it's just like, 'Wait a minute, I know you're my nephew, but what's your name?'" jokes Anna.
• "Ben and I want a large family, and...we really want to adopt," shares Jessa. "And so we might end up with 19 kids, but I won't be giving birth to 19 kids. I mean, I don't foresee that. I don't know, maybe I'll surprise myself."
• At 14 weeks, Jessa and Ben haven't decided whether they will keep the gender a secret or announce it. 
• "There's a lot going on," says Ben. "I don't see it slowing down anytime soon."

Duggar Celebration x3 (Tonight on TLC)

An all-new episode of Counting On premieres tonight at 8pm ET/7pm CT on TLC.

Following their New York City rooftop engagement, Jinger Duggar and Jeremy Vuolo head to a Korean BBQ restaurant to celebrate (sneak peek video below). Later, the Dillards make the trek back to Northwest Arkansas, where they are met by a crowd of people and thrown a huge surprise party. When the entire family is assembled together, Jessa and Ben make an exciting announcement.

Will you be watching? What news do you think the Seewalds will reveal?

Tuesday, October 18
7:30pm ET: Proposal in the City (Recap)
8pm ET: Jessa's Announcement (NEW)
11pm ET: Jessa's Announcement

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Duggar Wedding #4 Coming Soon

Jinger Duggar and Jeremy Vuolo have been engaged for 12 weeks. That's the exact length of Jill Duggar's engagement to Derick Dillard and even longer than Jessa Duggar's 11-week-and-two-day engagement to Ben Seewald.

So when will wedding bells be ringing for this new Duggar couple? Jinger and Jeremy have chosen not to make their wedding date public. They decided from the start to do their celebration a bit differently than Jill and Jessa did. Rather than hosting a huge event with more than 1,000 guests, the future Mr. and Mrs. Vuolo desire for their special day to be shared only by family and close friends.

When do you think Jinger and Jeremy will tie the knot? Post your guesses in the comment section. :)

 Photo courtesy TLC

Duggar Snapshots October 2016

What have the Duggars been up to this week? Scroll through these photos to find out!

Mackynzie Duggar turned seven on October 8th, and Johannah Duggar had her 11th birthday on the 11th. To celebrate, the youngest Duggars did crafts at home, had lunch at Chick-fil-A, and went roller skating.

 Jordyn Duggar, Johannah Duggar, Josie Duggar, Mackynzie Duggar, 

Jennifer Duggar, and an extended family member

 Johannah Duggar, Josie Duggar, Jennifer Duggar, Jackson Duggar, Jordyn Duggar,

Mackynzie Duggar, Jana Duggar, Jason Duggar, and an extended family member

When Josie turns seven on December 10th, these three gals will be the same age until Jordyn's eighth birthday on the 18th: 

 

 Josie Duggar, Mackynzie Duggar, and Jordyn Duggar

Mackynzie Duggar

And here are the two birthday girls!

 Mackynzie Duggar and Johannah Duggar

Do you remember hearing about Jana's garden on a recent episode of Counting On? Earlier this week, she recruited the younger kids to help harvest sweet potatoes.

 Jackson Duggar, Mackynzie Duggar, and Jordyn Duggar

In celebration of National Take Your Parents to Lunch Day, Joseph treated his mom to a meal at MarketPlace Grill, the family's all-time favorite restaurant.

 Joseph Duggar and Michelle Duggar

Jinger and Jim Bob also spent a few days in San Antonio, Texas, with Jeremy Vuolo and his dad, Pastor Chuck Vuolo. 

 Pastor Chuck Vuolo, Jinger Duggar, Jeremy Vuolo, and Jim Bob Duggar

With Jill Dillard home from Central America for a four-month visit, the older girls have enjoyed catching up on much-needed sister time. 

 Jessa (Duggar) Seewald, Joy-Anna Duggar, Jill (Duggar) Dillard,

Jana Duggar, and Jinger Duggar

And here's a photo of Spurgeon sitting on the Duggars' basketball/volleyball court. He turns one year old in just three weeks!

Spurgeon Seewald

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

Jana Duggar's Redecorating Project

In addition to Jinger Duggar and Jeremy Vuolo's engagement, this week's episode also features Anna Duggar and the other Duggar siblings (two videos below).

Jana Duggar heads up a redecorating project at the family's guesthouse, a home next door that Jim Bob purchased a year ago. Jill, Derick, and Israel Dillard will live there during what they expect to be a four-month visit (October-December).

What do you think of the girls' last-minute decision to use old wood slabs to create a decoration for the wall above the couch?

Photo/videos courtesy TLC

Jinger Duggar's Engagement (Photos)

We just can't get enough of this couple! Watching Jeremy Vuolo's romantic, New York City rooftop proposal to Jinger Duggar definitely brought tears to our eyes. (Can anyone else relate?) Here are a few snapshots of the special moment:

Jinger and Jeremy arrive on the rooftop to the sound of a cellist and guitarist playing "Come Thou Fount." Jinger still has no idea that her boyfriend is about to propose.

With the New York skyline, including the Empire State Building, in the background, Jeremy drops down on one knee. "Jinger Nicole, will you marry me?"

A look of sheer shock comes over Jinger's face. She is speechless for a moment and then gives an enthusiastic "Yes!"

 "Are you serious?" she exclaims. "Babe! I can't believe it. I don't even know what to say." 

 "Yes is good enough," responds Jeremy. "Yes is all I need."

The couple enjoys a few moments together, admiring the ring and exchanging I love yous. Jeremy asks Jinger how she likes the sound of what will soon be her new name, Jinger Nicole Vuolo. Jinger says she is thrilled.

Mom Michelle Duggar joins Jinger and Jeremy on the roof, giving her daughter a long hug and expressing her joy.

The Duggar mom also embraces her future son-in-law.

Jinger and Jeremy film a short announcement clip for Counting On before heading out to celebrate with Michelle, Jessa, Ben, Spurgeon, and Jeremy's friends.

Photos courtesy TLC/DCL

A Heartfelt Hug From Mama Duggar

"Seeing everybody come up and realizing that they all knew about this all along, I was shocked that they did not let it out before. This was definitely by far the most memorable trip in my life."
-Jinger Duggar

Yesterday, we relived the moment when Jinger says yes to Jeremy Vuolo's offer of marriage. Today, let's take a look at what comes next, including the heartfelt hug that Mama Michelle Duggar shares with her newly engaged daughter (video below).

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Video: Jinger Says Yes

"As we're walking up the stairs, about to go out onto the roof, my heart started beating faster and faster."

-Jeremy Vuolo

Did you miss last night's episode? Or maybe you just want to relive the romantic moments leading up to Jinger Duggar's New York City engagement. Either way, be sure to take a look at our written recap, and check out the video clip below.

On the day of the proposal, Jeremy attempts to divert any potential suspicion that Jinger might be feeling by nonchalantly asking if she wants his photographer friend to take a few pictures of them on a rooftop at sunset. Jinger happily agrees, but as rain starts to fall later that afternoon, Jeremy wonders if his carefully hatched plan will work.

As you'll see in the video, the rain stops just in time, and Jinger is completely shocked when her boyfriend drops down on one knee and pulls out a ring.


Photo/video courtesy TLC

Recap: 'Proposal in the City'

Counting On "Proposal in the City"

• Jinger, Michelle, Jessa, Ben, and Spurgeon are visiting Jeremy's parents, Chuck and Diana Vuolo, in New Jersey. The Vuolos live a short distance north of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. "Jinger's always a very happy person, but since she and Jeremy have gotten together, you can just tell that she's head-over-heels in love," says Jessa.
• Jeremy takes Jinger, Jessa, and Ben kayaking at a nearby lake. Jinger wears board shorts, while Jessa borrows a pair of sport shorts from Ben. "My sisters and I typically wear skirts, but there are certain activities where it's more appropriate to wear something else," shares Jessa. 
• "I love the fact that Jinger wears dresses and skirts," adds Jeremy. "I think she's absolutely beautiful, but it was kind of cool seeing her in shorts getting on the kayak."
• The following day, everyone drives 2.5 hours north to meet Grandma and Grandpa Vuolo, who live near New York City. 
• Grandma gives Jinger a big hug and tells her how much she loves her. She has a blast showing Jinger some "embarrassing" baby photos of Jeremy, which Jinger says are "adorable." "If by adorable you mean overweight, a little cross-eyed..." comments Jeremy. 
• Jinger learns how to prepare meatballs from scratch from Grandma Vuolo, who confesses that her husband is the Italian one and that she didn't learn how to cook authentic food until after marriage. Everyone loves the meal, especially Jeremy. 
• Jeremy scores skybox tickets to a Red Bulls professional soccer game. (He was previously a goalkeeper for the team.) Jinger enjoys walking out onto the field and having dinner with Jeremy's friend Luis, who is the current goalkeeper, and Luis' wife Cara. 
• The next morning, Jeremy leaves the engagement ring with Luis, who will deliver it to the proposal location later that evening.
• Jeremy, Jinger, Michelle, Jessa, Ben, and Spurgeon head into New York City for the big day! Both Jinger and Jeremy like the Big Apple. "I definitely enjoy all the hustle and bustle," shares Jinger. "I love the diversity."
• To throw Jinger off, Jeremy's photographer friend James offers to take last-minute pictures of the couple on a rooftop at sunset. 
• As the sun begins to set on a rainy evening, chaperone Ben heads to the rooftop with Jinger and Jeremy to do the "photo shoot." Jeremy becomes very nervous that the rain will ruin his plans. He prays a fervent prayer, and by the time the big moment arrives, the sky has cleared up. 
• "As we're walking up the stairs, about to go out onto the roof, my heart started beating faster and faster," admits Jeremy. He and Jinger arrive on the rooftop to the sound of a cellist and guitarist playing "Come Thou Fount," a song that is very special to the couple. 
• "I don't think she quite put it together what was going on," says Jeremy. "It wasn't until I really got down on one knee that I think it hit her what was happening." 
• "Jinger Nicole, will you marry me?" A look of sheer shock comes over Jinger's face as Jeremy pops the question. "Yes!" she responds, still wide-eyed. "Are you serious? Babe! I can't believe it. I don't even know what to say." 
• "Yes is good enough," responds Jeremy. "Yes is all I need."
• Ben comes out of the shadows to congratulate the newly engaged couple, and he and Jeremy start telling Jinger about all the prep work that went into the special moment. "I am so amazed, now hearing all the pieces of the story," says Jinger. 
• Michelle, Jessa, and Spurgeon arrive on the rooftop. Jinger shares a long, heartfelt hug with her mom. "Oh, Jinge!" exclaims Michelle, through laughter and tears.
• Back in Arkansas, Jana calls a family meeting to discuss her plans to renovate the guest house for Jill and Derick's return. "I like organizing things, but people is a little more of a challenge for me," says Jana.
• Jana shares her to-do list with her siblings. (She is very much a list-oriented person.) "Whenever Joe and I actually go and finally get married, we're already going to have all the experience with the honey-do list," jokes John-David. "We're used to it."
• Bubbly Anna comes over to see how the project is going. Putting the $45 piano that the Duggars picked up at an auction to use, the Duggar daughter-in-law plays a snippet of "Joy to the World," using one finger. She jokingly tells Jana that she has been practicing hard.
• "We have a really good relationship with Anna," shares Jana. "She really is just like one of our sisters. We get to see her quite often. They don't live too far away."
• "Jana has been such an encouragement and such a rock this past year of my life," comments Anna. "She is such a treasure, and she will make an amazing wife one day. But selfishly for right now, I am so thankful that I have had her as...someone to laugh with, cry with, pray with."
• Down in Central America, Jill and Derick are preparing for their trip home. "We will be planning to come back in about four months, Lord willing," says Jill. "We have possibly a couple weddings while we're back, so that could change things, depending on the wedding dates."
• The Dillards say they will miss the dear friends they have made on the mission field.

Recap Coming Soon

Since starting our blog almost seven years ago, we have been able to share recaps immediately after each show airs for all but a handful of episodes. Last week we were on vacation, and technical difficulties prevented us from posting our recap. This evening, I (Ellie) have a work dinner with my husband, so the recap will again be delayed.

Sorry about that! I assure you that this won't become the norm. Feel free to share your thoughts on tonight's episode via the comments section. :)

If you missed tonight's sneak peek video, click here to watch.

Photo courtesy TLC

Jinger Meets Jeremy's Soccer Pal

"Jeremy is getting very excited as the day approaches. He's remaining very calm so Jinger won't catch on. I don't think she has any clue what's coming."
-Jessa Seewald

Today is the day! Jeremy Vuolo is fixin' to propose to Jinger Duggar on this evening's episode of Counting On. In order to pull off the perfect New York City rooftop engagement, Jeremy enlists help from family and friends.

In the sneak peek video below, Jeremy introduces Jinger, Michelle, Jessa, Ben, and Spurgeon to one of his closest friends, New York Red Bulls goalkeeper Luis Robles. (Jeremy was also a goalkeeper for the Red Bulls before joining the San Antonio Scorpions.) Be sure to watch Counting On "Proposal in the City" tonight at 8pm ET/7pm CT on TLC.

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Johannah's Golden Birthday

The world watched Johannah Duggar's birth on the premiere of "Raising 16 Children," the second reality TV special featuring the Duggar family, in March 2006. Today, Johannah Faith is celebrating her golden birthday. Hard to believe she's 11 years old. Have a blessed day, Johannah!

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, TLC/Scott Enlow

Cancer-Free For Two Years

If you have been following our blog for a while, you probably remember hearing Jill and Derick's devastating announcement when they found out just two weeks after their engagement that Derick's mom, Cathy Dillard Byrum, had been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

When the couple's June 21st wedding rolled around, Cathy was unable to attend the rehearsal dinner. In the absence of his dad--who passed away in 2008--and mom, Derick's younger brother Dan spoke on behalf of the family, telling Derick how proud they were of him.

By God's grace, Cathy was miraculously able to make it to the wedding ceremony. She arrived in a wheel chair directly from the hospital, accompanied by husband Ronnie. Despite the chaos of pulling off an outdoor wedding reception for 1,000 guests, wedding planner Sierra Dominguez selflessly put much of her energy into ensuring that Cathy was able to stay close by her son's side throughout the celebration.

Derick's mom remained focused on God throughout her illness. Two-and-a-half years after the initial diagnosis, we rejoice with the Dillard family as they thank God for Cathy's health. The mother of two and grandmother of one has been cancer-free for two years!

In honor of the important milestone, Cathy pulled out the dress she wore to Jill and Derick's wedding, although the cancer survivor says it fits much better now that she has gained 25 pounds.

Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

Oldest Duggar Grandchild Turns 7

Wishing Mackynzie Duggar a very happy 7th birthday!

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, Josh and Anna Duggar, TLC/Scott Enlow