Grandma Duggar

Several of you have asked to see a recent photo of Grandma Mary Duggar. In May, she will turn 77, but we think she looks much younger than her age. (Keeping track of 20 grandchildren and almost 12 great-grandchildren must be the secret to staying young!)

Mary was born on May 26th, 1941, just seven months before the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the United States' entry into WWII. Her husband and Jim Bob's father, J.L. Duggar, passed away nine years ago on February 9th. Were he still alive today, Grandpa Duggar would be turning 82 on February 3rd.

Nicknamed "Super Grandma," Grandma Mary is dearly loved by her family. 

 Grandma Duggar and Josie Duggar

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Duggars Return in 27 Days

In just 27 days, the Duggars will return to TLC with new episodes of Counting On. The show left off in mid October with a detailed look at Joy and Austin Forsyth's wedding and a first look at Joseph and Kendra Duggar's nuptials.

Since the last season, Joe and Kendra, as well as Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo, have announced a pregnancy, and Josiah Duggar and Lauren Swanson have announced a courtship.

Are you looking forward to the new season? 

Photo courtesy TLC

Dillards in Texas

Jill and Derick Dillard, along with Samuel Dillard, traveled down to Austin, Texas, for a friend's wedding on Saturday. While in Texas, they also stopped in Laredo (230 miles southwest of Austin) to visit the Vuolos for the first time. John-David Duggar was the pilot.

 Samuel Dillard, Derick Dillard, Jill Dillard, Jinger Vuolo, Jeremy Vuolo, John Duggar

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

Photo courtesy jingerandjeremy.com

Interview with Amy

Most of you are familiar with Amy Duggar King, the Duggars' only cousin on Jim Bob's side of the family. She has appeared on the Duggars' TLC show over the years and has also been featured in spin off specials. Although her lifestyle differs from that of Jim Bob and Michelle's children, she says they were her best friends growing up and that she is still close with them.

Last week, Amy did an interview with a woman named Kate Casey, who hosts an internet radio program called Reality Life. If you are interested in hearing from Amy, you can visit Kate's playlist and click on Episode 85. Amy's portion starts at the seven-minute mark.

Please be advised that the interview contains a couple profanities and is not suitable for children. We have only listened to Amy's segment, so we cannot speak to the content in the rest of the interview.

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Jinger's Baby Bump

Just a few weeks after announcing their pregnancy, Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo are ready to share the due date. Baby Vuolo will be making his or her appearance in mid July, which means that Jinger is 15 weeks along and just starting her second trimester.

Jinger Duggar Vuolo

Photo courtesy jingerandjeremy.com

Meet the Duggars in New Zealand

For our readers who live in New Zealand and are eager to meet the Duggars before the return home to the States, this could be your chance. The family will be in Palmerston North on Friday, January 26th, speaking about their life and faith. A light supper will be provided, and an NZSL Interpreter will be present at the event.

Christian Community Church 
54 Pascal Street, Palmerston North, New Zealand 4410

Friday, January 26th

7:30-9:30pm UTC+13

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Josiah and Lauren

In case you haven't heard the big news, Josiah Duggar is courting a gal named Lauren Swanson. (Visit our post from earlier today to watch their announcement video.) Below are two snapshots of the couple from their time in New Zealand with the Duggars.

 Josiah and Lauren

Josiah and Lauren

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

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com/Josiah Duggar

Duggar Courtship News

Josiah Duggar is in an official courtship! Who's the lucky girl? It's Lauren Swanson, Josiah's "special friend" who accompanied the Duggars on their trip to Australia and New Zealand. Lauren is 18 and the oldest of eight, and her family has known the Duggars for years.

"I can definitely say I have found a great friend … even better than I could have hoped for or imagined," Josiah told PEOPLE. “I so appreciate Lauren’s Christlike character and tender heart toward others. She bring sunshine into the room and encourages everyone around her."

Watch Josiah and Lauren's relationship unfold on the new season of Counting On, which premieres February 26th. 

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Vuolos at The Varsity

Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo spent the weekend in Atlanta, Georgia, attending and speaking at the G3 Conference. They stopped by The Varsity, an iconic Atlanta fast food chain, for a meal. Have any of you been to The Varsity? Family owned and operated since 1928, it is branded as the world's largest drive-in restaurant.

 Jinger (Duggar) Vuolo and Jeremy Vuolo

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

Photo courtesy of jingerandjeremy.com

Duggars Mourn the Loss of a Friend

Three days ago, the Duggar family lost a dear friend. Clark Wilson went home to be with the Lord after a two-year battle with cancer. He--along with his wife, Denise--knew both the Duggars and the Bates.

As a contractor, Clark was quick to use his talents to serve others. He and his family of 11 helped the Duggars build their house more than 12 years ago, and they helped the Bates add onto their house in 2008. We know that Denise and the family would appreciate your prayers during this difficult time.

Details of Duggars' Trip to Australia

 Duggar kids in Australia

Now that the IBLP Australia Family Conference is over, Jim Bob and Michelle and the kids will be speaking at a similar conference in New Zealand that is going on from now until Monday. We have enjoyed hearing from those of you who have been able to meet the Duggars during their time Down Under.

One of our readers who attended the conference in Australia shared a few details:  

The Duggars who went to the conference were Jim Bob, Michelle, Jana, Josiah, Josiah’s special friend Lauren, Jedidiah, Jeremiah, Jason, James, Justin, Jackson, Johannah, Jennifer, Jordyn, Josie, Tyler (nephew), and family-friend Laura.

The Duggar children all worked as leaders to various children’s groups throughout the week, sat on the children’s panel answering questions, and gave family singing performances. Some sang in the youth choir. They gave out a copy of their book to each family and would sign if asked.

Michelle and Jim Bob gave "scream sermons" (exact term used by the reader who attended the conference) and panel sessions, and both ran separate mothers, fathers, and couples prayer sessions in that mornings and had one-on-one time with everyone, giving advice, guidance, and prayer!

They were such a blessing!

*If you have met the Duggars in Australia or New Zealand and wish to share about it, post a comment or email us at duggarfamilyblog@gmail.com.


Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Tour Joy and Austin's House

At the request of their fans, Joy and Austin Forsyth have filmed a video tour of their home (embedded below). You'll also have a chance to see a glimpse of Joy-Anna's growing baby bump!

Photo/video courtesy Joy and Austin Forsyth/duggarfamily.com

Next Stop New Zealand!

 Josiah Duggar, Jim Bob Duggar, Jedidiah Duggar

The Duggars are having a blast in beautiful Southeast Australia. It has been an unusually cold winter at home in Arkansas, but in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, temperatures have reached 100F (37C).

The Duggars got a kick out of the fact that McDonald's is called "Macca's" Down Under. The family's next stop is New Zealand, where they will speak at the IBLP Family Conference that begins January 18th.

A handful of our readers met Jim Bob and Michelle and the kids at Kilsyth South Baptist Church, after hearing about the event on our blog. Will any New Zealanders be able to attend the conference in Marton?

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

Photo courtesy Josiah Duggar/duggarfamily.com

Joy and Austin's House

Joy and Austin Forsyth's fixer upper house has come a long way since we saw it on Counting On just before their wedding. Jim Bob and Michelle and most of the unmarried kids (everyone but John) celebrated Jana's 28th birthday in Australia, while the married couples got together at Joy and Austin's house, along with Kendra's family, to honor John-David's special day.

Joseph and Kendra Duggar, Jill and Derick Dillard, John-David Duggar, Austin Forsyth

Photo courtesy dillardfamily.com

New Photos of James and Jer

We know you enjoy seeing updated photos of the Duggar siblings who aren't in the spotlight as much as some of the others. These snapshots of 16-year-old James and 19-year-old Jeremiah were taken at a wildlife park in Australia that the Duggars visited over the weekend.

 James Duggar

 Jeremiah Duggar

For comparison, below are photos of the boys when they were young.

James Duggar with Justin Duggar, 2010

Jeremiah Duggar, 2011

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

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

G'Day Mate!

As most of you know, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar and the majority of their children are currently in Australia. Everyone but the married couples and John-David was able to go along. The Duggars also took their nephew Tyler and a couple friends with them.

In honor of their trip across the world, we're sharing a throwback video from Jinger and Jeremy's Australian honeymoon. 


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

Photo courtesy TLC

Duggars in Australia

The Duggars have just arrived Down Under! As we announced several weeks ago, they have speaking engagements in both Australia and New Zealand.

Michelle and Jordyn are all smiles after having survived the long flight.

 Michelle Duggar and Jordyn Duggar

How much luggage does it take for more than a dozen Duggars to go Down Under? Lots!

 

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

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

Twins Turn 28

Wishing Jana and John-David Duggar a very happy 28th birthday!

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

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, TLC

Baby Forsyth

Joy-Anna and Austin Forsyth are approaching their eight-month wedding anniversary, which means it won't be long before they welcome their first child into the world. Baby Forsyth is due around the beginning of March, and although the expectant parents could have found out the gender weeks ago, they have chosen to be surprised.

When do you think the little grand-Duggar will arrive, and do you predict it will be a boy or a girl?

Joy and Austin Forsyth

Photo courtesy Joy Duggar and Austin Forsyth

Jim Bob and Mason

Mason Duggar, who made his grand debut on September 12th, is about to turn four months old. In the photo below, the fifth-born spends some time chilling with Grandpa Duggar. Mason won't be the youngest Duggar grandchild for long--three more Duggar babies are due to arrive by the end of the summer!

Jim Bob Duggar and Mason Duggar

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

8-Year Blog Anniversary

On December 26th, 2017, the Duggar Family Fan Blog turned eight years old. Over the past eight years, we have written more than 3,300 posts, but somehow it still feels like just yesterday when we chose a name for our corner of the web and started sharing all the latest Duggar updates.

As we celebrate this anniversary, we want to say a big thank you to all our faithful followers--those who have been with us from the beginning and those who have only recently started reading our site. You are the reason why we do what we do.

We would love to hear how long you have been reading and where you are reading from, so feel free to share a comment.

Here's to another eight years!

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

YouTube Clip of Vuolos' Big News

Hope all our blog readers are having a wonderful weekend. For those of you who are unable to watch videos that we post directly from the TLC website, we have embedded a YouTube clip of Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo's recent pregnancy announcement below.

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Duggars Rejoice Over Pregnancy

As we announced yesterday, Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo are expecting their first baby later this year, and their little girl or boy will be the 12th Duggar grandchild.

In the video below, Jessa and Ben Seewald, Joy and Austin Forsyth, Josh and Anna Duggar, and Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar share their excitement in a video message for the Vuolos.



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

Photo/video courtesy duggarfamily.com

'Counting On' Returns in February

This just in...

Following the exciting announcement of Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo's pregnancy, the Duggar family has another tidbit of news to reveal. New episodes of Counting On return to TLC Monday, February, 26th!

Photo courtesy TLC

Baby Vuolo on the Way!

After 14 months of marriage, Jinger Duggar and Jeremy Vuolo are ready to move on to the next stage. They're expecting a baby! The elated couple has not yet announced their due date, and they haven't found out the gender. Hear from Jinger and Jeremy in the video message below.


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

Photo/video courtesy TLC

Photos: Duggars and Bates in the Bahamas

A couple weeks ago, we shared a video message that Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar filmed with Gil and Kelly Bates while on vacation in the Bahamas. The trip was in celebration of the Bates' 30-year wedding anniversary, and the four friends were flown to the island by pilot John-David Duggar.

Jim Bob said that he was pleasantly surprised when Michelle wanted to go parasailing. Below are a couple photos.

 Jim Bob Duggar and Gil Bates

Kelly Bates and Michelle Duggar

Photos are property of duggarfamily.com and may not be used without written permission. Click here to view the full album on the Duggars' website.

Duggar New Year's Celebration

As they have in the past, the Duggars had a big bash last night to celebrate the end of 2017 and the start of 2018. They enjoyed food, games, and fellowship and continued their tradition of "praying in the new year." Many family members and friends were in attendance, including a handful of Bates.

The group played Bible Jeopardy, spoon frog, and a game where you put your head back and try to move a cookie from your eye to your mouth without using your hands.

How did you celebrate New Year's?

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