Message from Grandma and Grandpa Duggar

"It's the greatest feeling in the world to know that as a couple, that God has given you a creation that's...the two of you put together."
-Jim Bob Duggar

Grandpa Jim Bob and Grandma Michelle Duggar are thrilled that Joy and Austin Forsyth are expecting Duggar grandchild No. 10. Here is their video message to the couple. For those who have asked, Joy turns 20 in October, and Austin turns 24 in December.

If you enjoy this blog, be sure to check out Ellie's other blogs (NashvilleWife.com and BatesFamilyBlog.com).

Photo/video courtesy duggarfamily.com

Grand-Duggar #10

We know that many of our wonderful international readers are unable to view the videos that we post directly from the TLC website, so here is the YouTube version of Joy-Anna Duggar and Austin Forsyth's baby announcement clip. The new season of Counting On premieres in less than two weeks (Monday, September 11th, at 9pm ET/8pm CT on TLC).


If you enjoy this blog, be sure to check out Ellie's other blogs (NashvilleWife.com and BatesFamilyBlog.com).

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Joy's Baby Bump

Have you heard the big news? Joy and Austin Forsyth are expecting! Their child will be Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's 10th grandchild. The parents-to-be have not yet shared the due date, but stay tuned. You can click here to watch their video announcement.

Joy-Anna (Duggar) Forsyth turns 20 in October

If you enjoy this blog, be sure to check out Ellie's other blogs (NashvilleWife.com and BatesFamilyBlog.com).

Photo courtesy Joy and Austin Forsyth

Baby Forsyth on the Way

Just three months after becoming husband and wife, Joy-Anna Duggar and Austin Forsyth are ready to announce that they will soon enter parenthood. "Before we even were married, we were praying that God would give us kids, and [we are] so thankful that he has," says Joy in the video below.

"I hope that our child is pretty much just like their mother, selfless and always serving and loving people," adds Austin.

If you enjoy this blog, be sure to check out Ellie's other blogs (NashvilleWife.com and BatesFamilyBlog.com).

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Someone's Expecting!

Joy and Austin are expecting! More  details coming soon. ( Technical difficulties)

Time with Mima

Now that the Dillards have returned to Arkansas indefinitely, the boys will be able to spend plenty of time bonding with extended family. Israel and Sam sure do love their Mima (pronounced "mee-muh").

In today's society, there are many different titles for grandparents. What do you call the grandmothers and grandfathers in your family?

Israel Dillard (2 years, 4 months) and Samuel Dillard (almost 8 weeks)

with Cathy Dillard Byrum (Mima)

Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

Joseph and Kendra to Wed Soon

 Joseph Duggar and Kendra Caldwell

It won't be long before wedding bells will be ringing for the Duggar family once again! Can you believe that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar will soon have six married children? It seems like just yesterday when all the kiddos were minors living under one roof.

Joseph Duggar and Kendra Caldwell have been engaged for almost 14 weeks, and their big day is quickly approaching. Out of respect for the couple, we will not be sharing the date just yet, but rest assured we will post plenty of pictures and footage after the fact.

 Joseph Duggar and Kendra Caldwell

Photos are property of duggarfamily.com and may not be used without written permission. Visit the Duggars' website to view more engagement pictures of the happy couple. Engagement photo shoot is by Elizabeth Joy Photography. 

Dillards Fundraise for Missions

Cross Church College worship event at University of Arkansas
Attended by the Dillards, August 23rd

We have continued to keep you updated as the Dillards begin new ventures in ministry. Two weeks ago, we shared that Jill and Derick had become involved in leadership with the college group at Cross Church, and just a few days ago we announced Derick's enrollment in the Cross Church School of Ministry.

Derick just set up a fundraising page through a site called Pure Charity, with a donations goal of $6,500.  He says the money will enable him to fulfill his call to ministry during the upcoming year, as he is involved in the School of Ministry residency.

Derick plans to take trips for "Gospel advancement and humanitarian work in Northwest Arkansas, North America, and abroad."

Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

Duggar #8 Turns 21

Wishing Josiah Matthew Duggar a very happy 21st birthday!

Photos courtesy TLC/TLCme, duggarfamily.com

Derick Joins School of Ministry

As most of you know, Jill and Derick Dillard have recently become involved in college ministry at Cross Church in Northwest Arkansas. Well, it was just announced that Derick, along with a group of about 20 other men and women, has joined the Cross Church School of Ministry, "a one-year residential ministry experience that prepares leaders for life, ministry, and Gospel advancement globally."

Photo courtesy dillarfamily.com

Vuolos in the Path of Harvey?

 Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo with nephews Spurgeon and Henry Seewald

The Texas coast is bracing for the arrival of Hurricane Harvey, projected to make landfall late tonight as a Category 3 hurricane. Experts are predicting catastrophic flooding and are warning that the storm could be the worst the state has seen in decades.

What does this mean for Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo? Laredo is about three hours from the coast and is not in the direct path of the storm, although the town is expecting a few inches of rainfall. Officials are working around the clock to prepare to provide shelter to evacuees from areas where Harvey will hit hardest. We know that the residents of the Texas coast and surrounding areas would appreciate prayer as they weather this storm.

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

More of the Vuolos in LA

Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo have been in Los Angeles, California, for the past several days. Last night, they sat in on Dr. Steven J. Lawson's class on Expository Preaching at The Master's Seminary, an education facility founded by Pastor John MacArthur.

 Jinger and Jeremy with Dr. Lawson

Photo courtesy jingerandjeremy.com

Vuolos at Grace Community

Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo took a trip to Los Angeles, California, this weekend. They toured the Getty Villa and visited Grace Community, the church of world-renown pastor John MacArthur.

There, they met Pat Daly, North American manager of Banner of Truth. He told Jeremy that he would love to have him at the organization's annual Ministers' Conference, an event held every spring in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, that is focused on enriching pastors and worshiping God. As a former professional soccer player, Jeremy would be a perfect fit for the soccer match that takes place one evening of the conference. But, of course, the soccer match is not the focus of the conference.

Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo with Pat Daly

Photos courtesy jingerandjeremy.com, Pat Daly

Josh and Anna in Illinois

Yesterday afternoon, Josh and Anna Duggar and their two oldest kids, Mackynzie and Michael Duggar, flew up to Rockford, Illinois, with pilot John-David Duggar. Jim Bob Duggar, Josiah Duggar, and Justin Duggar also went along.

Yesterday evening, the group attended a Patch the Pirate show at North Love Baptist Church. Patch the Pirate is a series of children's audio recordings by Majesty Music that teaches character qualities and biblical truths. The Duggars have been long-time fans of Patch.

Anna will soon deliver her fifth child, a son.

Josh Duggar, Anna Duggar, Jim Bob Duggar, Josiah Duggar,

John-David Duggar, Justin Duggar, Mackynzie Duggar, Michael Duggar

New Blog Header!

A couple weeks ago, we put out a request for a new blog header, and we are very grateful for the many responses we received. (Thank you from the bottom of our hearts!) The header that we chose has been added to the top of the blog.

What do you think? Please be sure to let us know if you are unable to see the entire thing (located at the top of the blog) of if there appears to be anything else wrong with it on your screen. 

Newlywed Duggars Go Traveling

The two Duggar newlyweds are making memories with their husbands. Joy and Austin Forsyth traveled to Little Rock for the 2017 Arkansas Young Republican Convention....

 Joy-Anna (Duggar) Forsyth and Austin Forsyth

...And Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo met up with friends at the Getty Villa in Los Angeles, California. The Getty Villa is a museum where folks can learn about the ancient societies of Greece and Rome. Has anyone been there? 

Jinger (Duggar) Vuolo, Jeremy Vuolo, and friends

Photos courtesy Joy and Austin Forsyth, jingerandjeremy.com

Izzy and Spurgie

It seems like just yesterday when the Seewalds and Dillards welcomed their first children into the world. If you have been a long-time reader of our blog, you probably remember seeing baby pictures of both Israel Dillard and Spurgeon Seewald.

Well, each of those boys now has a younger brother and is no longer a baby. These new pictures show just how much cousins Israel and Spurgeon have grown! (For those wondering, the wooden toys that Spurgeon is playing with were purchased used for less than $30 at Rhea Lana's children's consignment event. They were a gift from Jessa's family.)

For those who haven't heard, Jill and Derick are now doing college ministry with the church where their wedding took place. (Click here for details.)

 Spurgeon Seewald, 21 months

Israel Dillard, 2 years 4 months

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, theseewaldfamily.com

Dillards Do College Ministry

 Derick Dillard, Jill Dillard, Israel Dillard, Samuel Dillard

Now that the Dillards have recovered from Samuel Scott Dillard's C-section birth, they are jumping back into full-time ministry. (For those who missed their recent announcement, they have chosen to remain in Northwest Arkansas indefinitely rather than return to Central America.)

Most recently, Jill and Derick have become involved in C3, the Cross Church College Ministry. Not only is it where were Jill and Derick were married, but Cross Church is a very special place for the entire Duggar family for a number of reasons. (To find out why, click here to read a post we wrote three years ago.)

For those who have asked what will happen to Dillard Family Ministries, the entity is being discontinued, and Jill and Derick will no longer be accepting donations through it.

Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

Dillards Help at Sorority Recruitment, College Cookout

Jill and Derick Dillard, who recently announced that they will remain in Arkansas indefinitely, are serving college students in their area. This week, they joined the Cross Church College Ministry (C3) and the University of Arkansas Baptist Collegiate Ministry to help at a cookout and minister to girls at sorority recruitment.

 Jill Dillard and Israel Dillard serve with C3 at sorority recruitment

Derick Dillard and Israel Dillard at the C3 cookout

Photos courtesy dillardfamily.com

Duggars Return in 26 Days

Guess what, Duggar fans? In less than four weeks, the Duggars will return to TLC with new episodes of Counting On!

Scroll down to watch the promo video (in a format that all readers can view) and see snapshots, and click here to read the season summary.

What are your hopes for season three (premieres Monday, September 11th, at 9pm ET/8pm CT)?

Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo

Joy and Austin

 Joseph Duggar and Kendra Caldwell

Jana Duggar and Joy Duggar

Jim Bob Duggar and Joy-Anna Duggar

Photos/video courtesy TLC

Michaela and Brandon Keilen

We interrupt our regular Duggar posts to share a post from our blog about the Duggars' long-time friends, the Bates. Michaela Bates and husband Brandon Keilen are celebrating two years of marriage today and had these beautiful photos taken by photographer friend Taryn Yager.

Recently, the Keilens have ministered to many by opening up about the struggles she and Brandon have had with infertility.

Photos courtesy tarynyagerphotography.com

Jinger's Jordans

The athleticism of former professional soccer player Jeremy Vuolo is rubbing off on Jinger Vuolo. She recently got her first pair of Air Jordans. Hers are Retro 7s.

Jinger (Duggar) Vuolo

Photo courtesy of jingerandjeremy.com

Duggars at a Wedding

Jinger Vuolo and Jedidiah Duggar at the wedding

The Duggars attended a wedding yesterday, but it wasn't a Duggar wedding. Church friend Nawon married her sweetheart, Cole. Click here to view the video of the beautiful, God-honoring ceremony on YouTube.

If you look closely, you'll see some of the Duggars (including Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar, Jinger Vuolo, Joy and Austin Forsyth, and Jill and Derick Dillard) in the wedding party, on the video at the end, and in the audience. You'll also see Austin's sister Meagan and her husband.

Photo courtesy jingerandjeremy.com

Kendra Caldwell Turns 19

We had a busy day yesterday and were unable to post, but we want to wish Kendra Caldwell a very happy 19th birthday! She's a godly young lady who lights up the room with her smile. She and Joseph Duggar are counting down the days until they are husband and wife.

 

 Kendra Caldwell and Joseph Duggar at Joy and Austin's wedding

Kendra Caldwell and Joseph Duggar, engagement

Photos courtesy Lissa Chandler Photography/DCL

Israel v. Samuel

Hard to believe Samuel Scott Dillard is already one month old! Here's a new photo of little Sam, as well as one of big brother Israel David Dillard at one month old. Do you think they look similar?

 Samuel Dillard, 1 month old

 Israel Dillard, 1 month old

If you enjoy this blog, be sure to check out our other blogs (NashvilleWife.com and BatesFamilyBlog.com).

Photos courtesy dillardfamily.com

Dillards to Remain in Arkansas Indefinitely

Derick, Israel, Samuel, and Jill Dillard

In a new ministry update on their website, Jill and Derick Dillard share their plans for the future. Rather than return to Central America, the family of four will remain in Northwest Arkansas indefinitely.

Jill and Derick say they are grateful for the financial gifts that they have received while working in Central America and the many prayers that have been lifted up in their honor.

"During our time working with SOS Ministries over the past 2 years, we have witnessed God transforming the lives of many involved in the gang community and positively influencing the lives of young people for the sake of the Kingdom," they write. "Through numerous efforts of community development, skills training, sports outreach, and local church ministry, a strong foundation has been laid that [we] believe the Lord will continue to grow for many years to come."

One month after Samuel Dillard's C-section delivery, Jill and Derick announce that they are being led by "much prayer and counsel," "through a number of circumstances" to work as full-time missionaries of the Gospel "within the context of Northwest Arkansas."

Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

Henry at 6 Months Old

 Henry Seewald, 6 months old, and Spurgeon Seewald, 21 months old

Born on February 6th, Henry Wilberforce Seewald has just passed his six-month milestone! By 11 weeks, Henry had nearly doubled his birth weight of 8 lbs, 11oz, something that many babies don't do until around six months. Now, he weighs in at just under 20 lbs. The average range for baby boys his age starts at 16 lbs, so he's at the top of the curve.

 Henry Seewald, 1 month old

 Henry Seewald, 2 months old

 Henry Seewald, 3 months old

 Ben Seewald and Spurgeon Seewald with Henry Seewald, 4 months old

Henry Seewald, 1-5 months old

Photos courtesy theseewaldfamily.com

New Photo of Joy and Austin

Joy-Anna and Austin Forsyth have been married 10 weeks. Here is a new photo of the couple, taken at a Bible conference that they just attended together. They both were at the conference last year, but at that point, they weren't even courting.

When they started their relationship, Joy and Austin had been family-friends for about 15 years. Joy had her eye on Austin for about four years (and kept it under wraps) before he started showing interest in her.

Joy-Anna (Duggar) Forsyth and Austin Forsyth

Photo courtesy Joy and Austin Forsyth

New Duggar Videos

Happy Monday! We know that some of our readers are unable to view the videos that we post directly from TLC.com, so we make a point of sharing them again once they are uploaded to the network's YouTube channel. Here are some of the latest:

Duggar Siblings Discuss Joy and Austin's Engagement

Jessa Seewald on Life with 2 Kids

Is Jinger Vuolo Pregnant? The Duggar Sisters Want to Know

Austin Forsyth asks for Joy Duggar's Hand in Marriage

Photo/videos courtesy TLC

New Blog Header

Calling all graphic designers! If you are interested in helping us design a new blog header, email us at DuggarFamilyBlog@gmail.com.

Jennifer's Birthday Celebration

Jennifer Duggar turned 10 years old on Wednesday. On the evening of her birthday, she celebrated with a family dinner at Cracker Barrel.

Jennifer Duggar and Israel Dillard

She also had a party with her peers at Lokomotion, a family fun center that has go-karts, bumper cars, mini golf, bumper boats, lasar tag, and an arcade.

Jennifer Duggar with friends and family

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

New Photos of Baby Samuel

It's hard to believe that tomorrow is Samuel Dillard's four-week milestone! Isn't he just an adorable little guy? Israel looks pretty excited about his new little brother.

 Jill Dillard, Israel Dillard, and Samuel Dillard

 Samuel Dillard

Photos are property of dillarfamily.com and may only be used with written permission. Click here to view the full album of Samuel's newborn pictures.

Jim Bob to Speak at Fort Rock

Jim Bob Duggar is scheduled to speak at a men's camp put on by an organization called Courageous Men of the Word (CMOW). The event will be held at Fort Rock Family Camp and Retreat Center, which is owned by Joy-Anna (Duggar) Forsyth's in-laws, Terry and Roxanne Forsyth.

Jeff Danker, a bow hunter featured on The Sportsman Channel's "BuckVentures," will join Jim Bob Duggar as a guest speaker at this year's conference, which will focus on Ephesians 6. Attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite handgun, bows, and arrows. The CMOW retreat runs from Wednesday, August 9th, through Saturday, August 12th. The costs before taxes are below. Click here to register on the Fort Rock website.

Adults 16 years and older: $175
Children ages 5-15: $125
Children ages 4 and under: Free

*Prices include meals, lodging, and activities. 

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Crown of Beauty Giveaway

How would you like to win a book featuring relationship advice from Jill (Duggar) Dillard and Jessa (Duggar) Seewald? Beauty Boys and Ball Gowns: The Best of Crown of Beauty Magazine includes highlights from interviews which this online magazine for Christian teen girls has done over the years, as well as additional articles from various authors on the topics of purity, modesty, and more.

Other books included in the giveaway are Secrets of Royalty: 31 Day Devotional for Teens, and The Coronation, Livy Jarmusch’s newest novel. The Coronation tells the story of a large, European homeschool family with a fun twist; they’re heirs to a modern-day, European throne.

All three of these books are geared towards teen girls, and we (in partnership with Crown of Beauty) will be giving away one paperback copy of each title.

Follow the prompts on the Rafflecopter widget below for your chance to win Beauty Boys and Ball Gowns, Secrets of Royalty, or The Coronation. At the request of Crown of Beauty, this giveaway is only open to residents of the United States.


Photos are property of Crown of Beauty Magazine