Duggars Going Down Under!

For all of our faithful readers who live in Australia and have been eager to meet the Duggars, the family is finally making a trip Down Under! We know that a few of you ran into Jinger and Jeremy on their honeymoon, but this time, they are participating in a public event.

Last January, Gil and Kelly Bates, along with daughter Carlin Bates, visited Australia, and in just a few weeks, the Duggars will follow suit.

Saturday, January 13th, 2018
Meet the Duggars in Australia
1pm-5pm
Kilsyth South Baptist Church
382-388 Liverpool Rd, Kisyth South, Victoria, Australia 

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and 14 of their children will share their thoughts on family life and homeschooling, followed by tea and fellowshipping. This is a public event.
RSVP by January 6th to info@iblp.org.au

The event will kick off the 2018 family conference, which runs from January 14th-17th in nearby Lilydale, Victoria. The Duggars will be guest speakers at the conference. Visit the IBLP website to register.

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

New Music From Ben's Sister

In February 2016, Ben Seewald's younger sister, Danielle Seewald, kicked off her music career with her first EP, "New Take."

Now, almost two years later, Danielle is releasing two Christmas singles, "White Christmas" and "O Come, O Come Emmanuel." The links to purchase the songs on Amazon, iTunes, and Google Play are below. You can also listen to previews on those sites.

Fun fact: Andy Leftwich, a close friend of the Bates, is Danielle's producer. He also plays violin and guitar on these tracks.

"O Come, O Come Emmanuel"
     Amazon mp3
     iTunes
     Google Play

"White Christmas"
     iTunes*
     Google Play

*When this post was written, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel" was not available on Amazon mp3.

Image used with permission

Dillard Thanksgiving Photos

In addition to celebrating with the Duggars, Jill and Derick Dillard also had a Thanksgiving meal with the extended Dillards. Scroll down to see snapshots.

 Jill and Derick Dillard, Israel Dillard, 

extended family, Derick's brother Dan Dillard, Dan's wife Deena Dillard

Dan and Deena with Samuel Dillard

And here's a photo of Jill and the boys at home, doing laundry. Don't you just love Sam's chubby cheeks?

Jill Dillard, Israel Dillard, Samuel Dillard

Photos courtesy dillardfamily.com

Duggar Thanksgiving Photos, 2017

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar hosted a Thanksgiving meal attended by most of their children and in-laws, including Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo, Joseph and Kendra Duggar, Josh and Anna Duggar, Jessa and Ben Seewald, and Jill and Derick Dillard. A few weren't able to make it, and some were present but are not in the group photo.

 The Duggar family, Thanksgiving 2017

John-David Duggar, Jinger Vuolo, Jana Duggar

Photos are property of duggarfamily.com and may not be used without written permission. Visit duggarfamily.com to view the full album.

Vuolos with Mom and Dad Duggar

Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo have been spending time with Jinger's family this Thanksgiving. We just love this snapshot of the two of them with Jim Bob and Michelle!

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

Photo courtesy jingerandjeremy.com

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to our American readers! We hope you have a relaxing day celebrating with family and friends.

Jinger's Christmas Decorations

5 weeks until Christmas! Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo are celebrating their second holiday season as a married couple, and their home is already decked out in festive decor. Here are a few snapshots:

Photos courtesy jingerandjeremy.com

Jill and Joy

Joy-Anna (Duggar) Forsyth and Jill (Duggar) Dillard have always been close. Growing up, Joy was Jill's buddy, and the two were inseparable. When Jill tied the knot, Joy was standing next to her as a bridesmaid, and when Joy said 'I Do,' she chose Jill as her matron of honor.

Jill and Joy at Joy's wedding, May 2017

Jana, Jill, and Joy, April 2014

Photos courtesy dillardfamily.com, duggarfamily.com

Duggar Bloopers

Over the years, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar have told multiple "messy baby" stories. Like the time when toddler Jana Duggar tracked an entire roll of toilet paper around the family's 900-square-foot house. Or the time when two-year-old Josh Duggar found a container of Petroleum Jelly and rubbed it all over himself.

With two young boys, Jill and Derick Dillard are experiencing their own "messy baby" scenarios. The other day, two-and-a-half-year-old Israel Dillard had some fun with a tube of diaper rash cream...by putting it in his hair. Even after a few washes with dish soap, his golden hair was still greasy.

Israel Dillard

Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

37 Duggars and Counting

 Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar

Last week on our Bates blog, we posted a breakdown of Gil and Kelly's ever-expanding family. Since that post, one of the kids announced a pregnancy, so the Bates are now 34 members strong.

In comparison, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar celebrated 33 years in July and are quickly approaching 40 family members. They have...

6 married kids (Josh, Jill, Jessa, Jinger, Joseph, and Joy)
0 children who have announced courtships or engagements
5 unmarried adult children (Jana, John-David, Josiah, Jedidiah, and Jeremiah)
4 teenagers (Jason, James, Justin, and Jackson)
4 kids ages 7-12 (Johannah, Jennifer, Jordyn, and Josie)
9 grandchildren ages 4 months-8 years
1 grandchild on the way (Joy and Austin)
6 children-in-law (Anna, Derick, Ben, Jeremy, Kendra, and Austin)

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Duggar Birthday Tradition

 Justin Duggar, November 2017

MarketPlace Grill is one of the Duggars' favorite places to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries, first dates, and other milestones. Yesterday was Justin Duggar's golden birthday, and he chose to take part in a Duggar birthday tradition. Any guesses as to what that might be? (The picture above is a bit of a spoiler.)

As part of his 15th birthday celebration, Justin ordered the chocolate mess sundae at MarketPlace. Over the years, the Duggars have indulged in quite a few chocolate messes. Not only is it a Duggar favorite, but it's known throughout Arkansas as being one of the state's tastiest desserts. The glass is actually dipped in chocolate--what's not to love about that?

For those who have asked if the chocolate mess is "forced" on the Duggar kids or if they are "allowed" to choose a different means of celebration, we assure you that they are free to select a different restaurant. In fact, we have posted many photos of such birthday celebrates.

To see how Justin has changed this year, check out this photo of his 14th birthday chocolate mess:

Justin Duggar, November 2016

Two weeks ago, Spurgeon Seewald celebrated his second birthday with his first taste of chocolate mess. (Good excuse for Jessa and Ben to order their favorite dessert...after giving Spurgeon a few bites, of course.)

 Spurgeon Seewald, age 2

Spurgeon enjoyed his taste, although his reaction was a bit subdued. How many choco-holics do we have out there who think they would enjoy this dessert?

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, theseewaldfamily.com

Duggar #14 Turns 15

Wishing Justin Duggar a very happy golden birthday! Hard to believe this little Duggar, who was only an infant when the family's first reality show aired, is already 15 years old.

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, dillardfamily.com

Henry Goes to Starbucks

Henry Seewald is now nine months old, which is around the same age that older brother Spurgeon Seewald was when Jessa and Ben announced that they were expecting Henry. (Jessa found out she was pregnant when Spurgeon was just over six months old.) We hope this photo will brighten your day.

Henry Seewald sitting in a [parked] car

Photo courtesy theseewaldfamily.com

Derick's Statements

 Derick Dillard, Israel Dillard, Samuel Dillard, Jill Dillard

Summer 2017 

Since posting TLC's statement about Derick Dillard's future on Counting On two days ago, we have received more than one thousand comments from our readers. Many have asked that we post Derick's specific statements about the TLC show I am Jazz.

On August 2nd, referring to I am Jazz, Derick stated the following:
"What an oxymoron... a 'reality' show which follows a non-reality. 'Transgender' is a myth. Gender is not fluid; it's ordained by God."

On October 26th, Derick wrote an article titled "American Progress, Through Understanding and Unity" and posted it to his website.

On November 9th, in response to a question about his October 26th article and his August 2nd statement, Derick stated:
"I pity Jazz, for those who take advantage of him in order to promote their agenda, including the parents who allow these kinds of decisions to be made by a child. It’s sad that people would use a juvenile this way. Again, nothing against him, just unfortunate what’s on TV these days. Jazz is being taken advantage of, as part of a larger agenda. I really have nothing against the kid and wish him all the best in life. I just hate seeing him used this way."

Many have asked how Derick would treat a person who is homosexual or transgender. In response, Derick has stated that he would not treat such an individual any differently than anyone else.

Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

Forsyths Celebrate Veterans Day

Joy-Anna (Duggar) Forsyth is approximately 23 weeks pregnant with her first child. She and Austin spent Veterans Day with Austin's grandfather, an Army veteran.

Joy and Austin Forsyth with Austin's grandfather, an Army veteran

Veterans Day 2017

Joy's baby bump is comparable to the size of Jill's when she was at the same stage in her pregnancy with Israel.

Jill and Derick Dillard with Derick's mom and brother

Thanksgiving 2014

And here's a photo of Jessa at 22 weeks pregnant:

Jessa Seewald, summer 2015

Photos courtesy Joy and Austin Forsyth, dillardfamily.com, theseewaldfamily.com

Derick Pulled from 'Counting On'

 Jill and Derick Dillard

TLC has released a statement regarding Derick's future on the show. For those who are not aware of what "personal statements" TLC is referring to, Derick has publicly shared his views against transgenderism, while mentioning the TLC program I am Jazz, which follows the life of transgender teen Jazz Jennings. Here is the statement:

We want to let our viewers know that Derick Dillard has not participated in Counting On for months and the network has no plans to feature him in the future. We want to reiterate that Derick's personal statements do not reflect the views of the network. TLC is proud to share the story of Jazz Jennings and her family and will continue to do so.


Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

Duggar Trivia 10.0

It's the weekend! We're celebrating with some Duggar trivia. Post your guesses in the comments section, and we will reveal the correct answers in a couple weeks.

1. What town do Jim Bob and Michelle live in? Springdale/Tontitown
2. What is Grandma Duggar's first name? Mary
3. What is Michelle Duggar's favorite ice cream shop? Braum's 
4. What sport did Jinger's husband play professionally? Soccer 
5. How many of the children got engaged outside of Arkansas? 2 (Josh and Jinger) 
6. In what country did Derick purchase Jill's engagement ring? Israel
7. Which Duggars went on a month-long mission trip to Southeast Asia in 2010? Jana and John-David 
8. What was Michelle's father's first name? (Hint: The Duggars have since reused the name.) Garrett


Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Duggars in Texas

We are well into November, and although chilly temperatures are expected, many regions in the United States are experiencing colder-than-normal weather. In Laredo, Texas, where it's usually in the mid-70s this time of year (about 23 degrees Celsius), it's currently in the low 50s (about 11 degrees Celsius) and cloudy. Jinger Vuolo is bundled up!

For those wondering where Laredo is, it's in southern Texas, along the Mexico border. Joy and Austin Forsyth were in Texas last weekend, and they met up with the Vuolos in Dallas for a friend's wedding. Jinger played music with Ashley Salyer, the gal who was previously courting Nathan Bates.

Jinger (Duggar) Vuolo

Photo courtesy jingerandjeremy.com

Are the Duggars and Bates Still Friends?

Joy-Anna Duggar and Carlin Bates

Big Sandy Family Camp, 2014

Several of you have asked if the Duggars and Bates are still close friends, even though they don't appear on each other's reality TV shows. We posted a response, with pictures, to our Bates blog, and we invite you to click here to be redirected to that post. While you're at it, feel free to browse that blog, as well as our Facebook page.

Hope you are having a wonderful day!

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Meet the Vuolos in PA

Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo will be traveling to Pennsylvania for a public event next Wednesday, and they want to meet you!

The event is the Make An Extraordinary Difference Gala, and it will benefit the organization Swan 4 Kids. Founded by Jeremy's mother, Diana Vuolo, SWAN 4 Kids provides "life-changing intervention for children whose parent(s) have a history of incarceration by mentoring them through the disciplines of music lessons and performance."




Wednesday, November 15, 2017
Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo to attend the Make an Extraordinary Difference Gala
Benefiting SWAN 4 Kids
6:00pm–9:00pm EST
Best Western Premier Eden Resort & Suites
222 Eden Road, Lancaster, PA
Tickets: $60 per person or $550 for table of 10
Tickets available at SWAN4Kids.org
Hurry--tickets only available through TODAY

Photo courtesy jingerandjeremy.com

New Dillard Family Photos

The Dillards celebrated the arrival of fall with a family photo shoot on the University of Arkansas campus. Little (or should we say big) Samuel is already almost four months old.

Jill (Duggar) Dillard, Derick Dillard, Samuel Dillard, Israel Dillard

Jill (Duggar) Dillard and Samuel Dillard

Photos are property of dillardfamily.com and may not be used without written permission. Additional photos can be found on the Dillards' website.

Forsyths in Texas

Joy and Austin Forsyth are enjoying married life. They recently took a trip down to Texas, the state where Austin lived before moving to Arkansas with his family about 15 years ago. The newlyweds watched a rodeo, which runs ever Friday and Saturday evening at the Fort Worth Stockyards. Have you ever been to a rodeo?

Joy-Anna (Duggar) Forsyth and Austin Forsyth

Photo courtesy Joy and Austin Forsyth

Grand-Duggar #6 Turns 2

One day after his mama's birthday, Spurgeon Seewald is celebrating a birthday of his own. Happy 2nd, Spurgeon!

Photos courtesy theseewaldfamily.com, duggarfamily.com

Duggar #5 Turns 25

Wishing Jessa (Duggar) Seewald a very happy 25th birthday!

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, theseewaldfamily.com

Message from Kendra's Parents

Happy Friday! Just realized that we never shared this video message that Kendra's parents, Paul and Christina Caldwell, filmed for Joe and Kendra on their wedding day.

Kendra is the oldest of seven children. Aside from Lauren, the second oldest, Kendra has a little sister, who was her flower girl, and four younger brothers.

Photo/video courtesy duggarfamily.com

Love is in the Air

In honor of Throwback Thursday and Jessa and Ben Seewald's three-year wedding anniversary, we are sharing two clips from their European honeymoon, which included stops in Paris, Rome, and Venice.

Dining in Paris, France

Gondola Ride Through Venice, Italy

Photo/videos courtesy TLC

Seewalds Celebrate 3 Years

Happy 3rd anniversary to Jessa and Ben Seewald! Three years ago, Jessa Duggar and Ben Seewald pledged their love to each other during a beautiful wedding ceremony on a chilly, November afternoon. Take a look back at this clip from their special day.

Photo/video courtesy TLC