Duggars #10 and #11 Turn 20

Today, the second to last day of the year, is the final Duggar birthday celebration of 2018, and it's a big one. Twins Jedidiah and Jeremiah are 20 years old! Happy birthday, Jed and Jer. Today is also Zach Bates' 30th birthday.

 

Jedidiah Duggar and Jeremiah Duggar

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, Joy and Austin Forsyth

Duggar Grandkids at Silver Dollar City

Michael Duggar, Meredith Duggar, Marcus Duggar, Mackynzie Duggar

The Duggars are big fans of Silver Dollar City--located near Branson, Missouri, only two hours from their home in Arkansas. During Christmas break, they made a trip there with most of the clan, as well as some extended family.

Above is a photo of Josh and Anna Duggar's four oldest kids on one of the children's rides. We know there will be comments about the girls' jeans, so we want to add a note from Anna. She says, "From the time Mackynzie has been a baby, I have always allowed our girls to wear jeans instead of leggings in the winter--the long coat is covering [Mackynzie's] dress."

Photo courtesy Josh and Anna Duggar/duggarfamily.com

More Photos from Central America 2018

We have more photos to share from the Duggars' trip to Central America which they returned from just days before Christmas. December mission trips to the countries of El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras have become a holiday tradition for the Duggars.

They have also visited during other months of the year, but this annual trip is unique because they are able to bring Christmas gifts to and share the Christmas story with residents of remote villages.

Jim Bob Duggar

 

Michelle Duggar

 

Michelle Duggar, Johannah Duggar, Jennifer Duggar, Jana Duggar, Jordyn Duggar

 

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar

 

Group photo

Photos are property of duggarfamily.com and may not be used without written permission. To view the family's full Central America 2018 album, visit their website.

9-Year Blogging Anniversary

Jinger Vuolo and Felicity Vuolo

 

How was your Christmas celebration? The day after Christmas is also very special for us because it is the day we published our first post on this blog.

The year was 2009, and season three of the Duggars' reality show--called 18 Kids and Counting at that point--had just come to a close. Josie Duggar was only two weeks old and was fighting for her life in the NICU. (Her emergency birth would air on January 31st, 2010.) Josh was the only married Duggar sibling, and two-month-old Mackynzie was the only Duggar grandchild. Things sure have changed since then!

We are thrilled to be entering our 10th year of blogging about about the Duggar family, and we are grateful to all our loyal readers from across the world.

       Sincerely,
       Lily and Ellie
       Your faithful bloggers

The photo above was taken in Pennsylvania, where Jinger and Jeremy Vuolo are spending Christmas with Jeremy's family.

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

Photo courtesy jingerandjeremy.com

Jim Bob and Jenny

Merry Christmas Eve! Thought we would share this new photo of Jim Bob and Jennifer, taken on the Duggars' annual Central American mission trip, which they returned from only a few days ago. This year, Jim Bob and Michelle went with Jana and some of the younger children.

Jim Bob Duggar and Jennifer Duggar

Central America, December 2018

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

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Duggar #6 Turns 25

Wishing Jinger Vuolo a very happy 25th birthday! Jinger has been a wife to Jeremy Vuolo for just over two years and a mom to Felicity Vuolo for five months.

 

Jinger (Duggar) Vuolo

Photos courtesy jingerandjeremy.com, duggarfamily.com

Duggar #18 Turns 10

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's second youngest child has entered the double digits. Happy 10th birthday, Jordyn!

Jordyn-Grace Makiya Duggar

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, theseewaldfamily.com

Felicity Waves Hello

In two days, Felicity Vuolo will officially be five months old. Check out this new photo of Jinger and Jeremy's little munchkin. We think it looks like she's waving to the camera.

Felicity Vuolo

 Photo courtesy jingerandjeremy.com

Cousin Amy's New Clothing Store

Jessa Seewald visits 3130 Clothing

For those who have been asking for an update on Duggar cousin Amy King, she has just accomplished something big that warrants a blog post. Today is the grand opening of her new boutique, 3130 Clothing!

Located in the Duggars' hometown of Springdale, Arkansas, 3130 offers women's clothing of all shapes and sizes. The name is based on the Bible verse Proverbs 31:30 ("Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.") On the store's website, Amy shares that her mission is to "shine a light in Arkansas, our online presence and the world" and to "show women their beauty shines from within." 

Congratulations to Amy and her husband, Dillon! What a huge accomplishment. 

Photo courtesy theseewaldfamily.com

Birthday Dinner for Jordyn and Josie

In celebration of Josie Duggar's 9th birthday (December 10th) and Jordyn Duggar's 10th birthday (December 18th), Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar took the family members serving on a mission trip in Central America out to a local Pizza Hut. While it may not be the choice meal for adults, this restaurant is the perfect place for a children's birthday party.

Jana Duggar and Michelle Duggar

 

Josie Duggar and Jordyn Duggar

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

Austin Turns 25

Wishing Austin Forsyth a very happy 25th birthday!

Joy Forsyth, Austin Forsyth, Gideon Forsyth

Thanksgiving 2018

Joy Forsyth, Austin Forsyth, Gideon Forsyth

March 2018

Joy and Austin Forsyth

February 2018

Joy and Austin Forsyth

Flying with Austin's dad, December 2017

Joy and Austin Forsyth

Honeymoon 2017

Joy Duggar and Austin Forsyth

Wedding, May 26th, 2017

Joy Duggar, Austin Forsyth, Michelle Duggar, Jim Bob Duggar

Celebrating Austin's birthday 2016

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com, Joy and Austin Forsyth

dUGgarLY Sweater Party Group Photo

On Saturday, we posted a few snapshots from the Duggars' first annual ugly sweater Christmas party (the dUGgarLY Sweater Party). A good number of family members, and even some of the Duggar siblings' in-laws, attended. Jim Bob and Michelle are currently on a mission trip in Central America with Jana and some of the younger children.

Duggar Ugly Sweater Party

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

Duggar #19 Turns 9

Today is Josie Duggar's 9th birthday! When we started our blog almost nine years ago, she was just a few weeks old and was fighting for her life in the NICU. Today, she is a spunky, happy, and healthy child. Happy birthday, Josie!

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party at the Duggars'

Have you ever attended an ugly Christmas sweater party? Jim Bob and Michelle, Jana, and a few of the younger Duggar children are on a mission trip in Central America, but the Duggars back home threw an ugly Christmas sweater party at the "big house." Their get-together included Italian food, a baking competition, a white elephant gift exchange, board games, and lots of ugly sweaters.

Grandma Duggar, Michael Duggar, Anna Duggar, Mackynzie Duggar,

Mason Duggar, Josh Duggar, Meredith Duggar, Marcus Duggar

Jedidiah Duggar, Jason Duggar, Jeremiah Duggar

Joseph Duggar and Kendra Duggar

John Duggar and Abbie Duggar

Photos courtesy theseewaldfamily.com

Dillard Update December 2018

Jill Dillard and Israel Dillard

It has been several weeks since we have posted a Dillard update. Derick Dillard is nearing the end of his first semester at University of Arkansas School of Law. He is in the midst of final exams, which began this week and run through next week. Israel, three-and-a-half, and Samuel, 17 months, are as adorable as ever.

Israel Dillard, Samuel Dillard, Jill Dillard

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

Photos courtesy dillardfamily.com

Duggars Arrive in Central America

For the Duggars, December mission trips to Central America have become an annual tradition. They arrived at their destination yesterday and are ready to start serving with S.O.S. Ministries. This time, Jim Bob and Michelle both went, and they brought some of their younger children along.

Duggars in Central America, December 2018

 

Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar in Central America, December 2018

Since we started blogging about the Duggars in 2009 (nine years ago!) we have posted dozens of photos from their many missions trips to El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. For fun, here are a few throwbacks:

 

Joy-Anna Duggar in Central America, 2016

 

Jim Bob Duggar in Central America, 2014

 

Jana Duggar, Jessa Duggar, Jinger Duggar, Jill Duggar

Central America 2013

Joy-Anna Duggar and Kendra Caldwell in Central America, 2013

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

'John-David and Abbie's Wedding' Recap

For those who were unable to watch the preview of John and Abbie Duggar's wedding on TLC, we have written an extended recap. It is also still available on the TLC website.

• "It was a very quick transition from bachelor status to now very much not a bachelor," says John. "It's been a wonderful transition so far, and I'm not looking back."
• John and Abbie met earlier this year (although they say they have known of each other for several years) when Jim Bob and Michelle were speaking at a church near Abbie's hometown. They started texting, became boyfriend and girlfriend, and announced their courtship to the Duggars--all within two weeks of meeting each other. "They were just blown away," John says of his family's reaction to his relationship news. Joy started crying tears of happiness.
• "It was pretty much love at first sight, although we didn't realize it was love at that moment," says John. "Not infatuation, that's not the right word." "I'm pretty sure you were infatuated," responds Abbie. "Ya, I was kind of infatuated," admits John.
• Abbie Burnett is from Stratford, Oklahoma, and is the fourth of eight children (five girls and three boys). She has worked as a nurse for one year and has a passion for geriatrics.
• Within just two months, John and Abbie were engaged at an airplane hanger in Texas. Like past Duggar couples, they save their first kiss for the altar.
• On their wedding day--November 3rd--John and Abbie arrive at the church (Ada First Baptist Church, where they met) together. Jana is a bridesmaid, as are Abbie's sisters.
• Jim Bob and Michelle more than approve of the match and are thrilled to watch their eighth child get married. "I love Abbie," says Michelle. "She is so sweet, and I know that she is just the perfect balance in John's life. It's so cute to see them together."
• Abbie's parent's (John and Cheryl Burnett) are excited, as well. Her dad really enjoys having a first look with his daughter before the ceremony. After walking her down the aisle, he gives her away, on behalf of himself and Cheryl, "with joyful hearts and our fullest blessing."
• We posted John and Abbie's vows last week. You can view them by tapping here. During the unity candle ceremony, Josiah and Lauren Duggar sing a song that has been a long-time wedding tradition for the Burnett family.
• During the ring exchange, the pastor admits that he has no idea where the second part to Abbie's ring is. "At some point, it's going to show up," he says, chuckling. "We're not quite sure when because this is your family." The younger Duggar brothers fly the ring over to the stage on a drone.
• When it comes time to kiss the bride, John kisses Abbie's hands, arms, and forehead (while she laughs and smiles) before going in for a long and passionate kiss on the lips. The pastor introduces them as "Mr. and Mrs. John-David Duggar," and they exit the sanctuary with shouts of joy.

Official Burnett-Duggar Wedding Photos

We just can't get enough of John-David Duggar and Abbie Burnett's beautiful wedding! Below are our three favorite photos from their special day. It sure was a lovely event. If you missed the couple's vows, we posted them earlier this week. For those keeping count, this was the eighth Duggar wedding.

Abbie's bridesmaids

(Jana Duggar is on the far right)

Jim Bob Duggar, Michelle Duggar, Grandma Duggar, 

and Duggar kids watch the wedding from the audience

John and Abbie Duggar cut their wedding cake

First photo is courtesy TLC. Last 3 photos are property of duggarfamily.com and may not be used without written permission. Additional Duggar wedding photos can be found on the Duggars' website. Photo credit: Lori Blythe Photography.

John and Abbie's Vows

For those who were able to tune in to John and Abbie Duggar's wedding last night on TLC, what did you think? (In case you missed it, it was the same segment that is available on the network's website--the links can be found here.)

The bride and groom wrote their own vows, so we thought we would type them up and share them with you all:

John's Vows:
I, John, take you, Abbie, to be my cherished wife for as long as we both shall live. You are my virtuous woman. All the things on Earth pale in comparison to you, and my heart safely trusts in you. By God's grace, I will love and cherish, honor and respect, encourage and lead you by my example.

I will rejoice with you when you are happy and comfort and wipe away your tears when you are sad. I give myself wholly to you, Abbie. By God's grace, I will hold nothing back and be faithful, keeping my eyes only for you.

I will love you unconditionally and without reservation. I purpose to lead our family as I follow Jesus, wherever He may lead us. I purpose to kiss you when you least expect it, at the most inopportune times and the most random places we may be in the world, just because I love you so much. I look forward to spending each day and growing old with you. I love you, Abbie.

Abbie's Vows:
I, Abbie, take you, John, to be my beloved husband for as long as we both shall live. 
You are a gracious gift to me sent from God. You are above and beyond anything I have ever dreamed of, and I am honored and humbled to have you as my husband.

I will rejoice with you when you are happy and comfort and wipe away your tears when you are sad. I give myself wholly to you, John. By God's grace, I will hold nothing back. I will be faithful and guard my heart, keeping it only for you.

I will love you unconditionally and without reservation. I will go where you go and lodge where you lodge...and fly where you fly. Your people will be my people because your God is my God. I will take your name as my new identity and will forever stay always right by your side. I look forward to spending time together and growing old with you. I love you, sugar muffin.

Photo courtesy TLC

Duggar Wedding #8 Airs Tonight

John Duggar and Abbie Burnett have been Mr. and Mrs. for three weeks. This evening at 10 ET/9 CT, TLC is airing a 30-minute episode featuring their Oklahoma wedding. If you can't tune in during that time, the network will re-air the show three times (late Tuesday night and early Wednesday morning). Full TV listings can be found on our Showtimes page. You won't want to miss this Duggar wedding episode!

We know you all are wondering when the new season of Counting On will begin. TLC still has not announced the date, but we will let you know as soon as they do.

For a preview of the wedding, take a look at our post from last Wednesday.

Photo courtesy TLC

Turkey in Texas

What did our American readers do for Thanksgiving? Joy-Anna and Austin Forsyth celebrated in Texas with some of Austin's extended family. And yesterday, Gideon turned nine months old. We think he looks a bit like cousin Israel Dillard in this photo.

Joy (Duggar) Forsyth, Austin Forsyth, Gideon Forsyth

Photo courtesy of Joy and Austin Forsyth/duggarfamily.com

Happy Thanksgiving 2018

Happy Thanksgiving to our American readers! We are thankful for all our blog followers.

John the 'Glitter Guy'

"I've actually become more of a glitter guy because she's a glitter girl."
-John Duggar

John and Abbie couldn't have looked any happier on their wedding day if they tried. This bride and groom were just so joyful to be getting married! Have you seen the 20-minute preview that TLC uploaded? The links are in our post from yesterday morning, and we shared a few highlights yesterday afternoon. How do you think John and Abbie Duggar's wedding compared to the other Duggar weddings?

Photo/video courtesy TLC

The Not-So-Little Duggar Girls

Johannah Duggar, Jordyn Duggar, 

Josie Duggar, Mackynzie Duggar, Jennifer Duggar

With Christmas just around the corner, the Duggars want to help you with your Christmas shopping. The four youngest Duggar daughters, plus niece Mackynzie, are pleased to offer a sale on their new CD, Happy Heart. If you buy two or more, you'll get them for just $10 each (a savings of $2 per CD). Visit the family's website to purchase.

On another note, can you believe how grown up these five Duggar girls are looking? They are still the "babies" of the family, but they sure don't look the part. Johannah just turned 13, Jennifer recently celebrated her 11th birthday, Jordyn and Josie will soon be 10 and 9, and Mackynzie turned 9 in October.

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com

John Duggar: 'I'm Not Looking Back'

John and Abbie Duggar

 

"It was a very quick transition from bachelor status to now very much not a bachelor. It's been a wonderful transition so far, and I'm not looking back."
-John-David Duggar

Bachelor 'til the rapture no more! John Duggar is a married man, and he's thrilled about his new relationship status.

John and Abbie's wedding preview is now available on the TLC website and TLC Go app. (The links are in our previous post.) Below are a few highlights from the preview, but we still recommend that you watch it for yourself, either by signing in with your TV provider or tuning in live to TLC on November 27th or 28th. (TV listings are on our Showtimes page.)

Abbie Burnett is from Stratford, Oklahoma, and is the fourth of seven siblings. She has worked as a nurse for one year and has a passion for geriatrics. "...I just love little old people," says Abbie.

John and Abbie met earlier this year (although they say they have known of each other for several years) when Jim Bob and Michelle were speaking at a church near Abbie's hometown--Ada First Baptist in Ada, Oklahoma. They started texting, became boyfriend and girlfriend, and announced their courtship to the Duggars...all within two weeks of meeting each other.

"[Abbie] is just...perfect for [John]," says Jana. "...I approve."

Within just two months, they were engaged at an airplane hanger in Texas. Like past Duggar couples, John and Abbie saved their first kiss for their wedding day. "The first kiss is definitely a highlight, but it's not the biggest highlight of the day," says John.

The wedding takes place on November 3rd at the place where John and Abbie's relationship began--Ada First Baptist Church. Abbie wears a dress designed by Renee Miller of Renee's bridal. Abbie's father leads the couple in their vows. Surprisingly, Abbie's father's name is John. (Her mother is Cheryl Burnett.) While the couple lights the unity candle, Josiah and Lauren Duggar sing a song that is a wedding tradition for the Burnetts. 

After the vows, some of John's younger brothers fly Abbie's wedding ring to the stage on a drone. Joe catches it and hands it to John. When it comes time to kiss the bride, John kisses Abbie's hands, arms, and forehead (while she laughs and smiles) before going in for a long and passionate kiss on the lips.

Watch John and Abbie's Wedding NOW

As promised, John-David  Duggar and Abbie Burnett's wedding preview is now available on the TLC website and TLC Go app (links below). You will be required to sign in with your TV provider. For those who don't have TV service, TLC will air the wedding preview during a special 30-minute episode on November 27th and 28th. Visit our Showtimes page for listings.

John and Abbie's Wedding Part 1
John and Abbie's Wedding Part 2

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

Photo courtesy duggarfamily.com/John and Abbie Duggar

John and Abbie's Wedding Video

Soon after John and Abbie Duggar's November 3rd wedding, Us Weekly announced that a preview of the big day would be available on the TLC website today, November 20th. That video has not yet been released, but we will let you know as soon as it is.

Photo courtesy TLC

Justin Through the Years

Justin Duggar 2018

It’s no secret that the Duggars love MarketPlace Grill, especially the chocolate mess sundaes. It only takes one glance at this dessert to tell why. They’re certainly not the healthiest things on the planet, but they sure are tasty.

Some of the Duggars select other restaurants for their birthday meals, but MarketPlace is a popular choice. We happen to have photos of Justin Duggar and his birthday chocolate mess from the past three years, and we thought it would be fun to share them. He sure has matured since his 14th birthday!

Justin Duggar, 2017

 

Justin Duggar, 2016

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com