"Duggar Daddy on Duty" Recap

On last night's episode of 19 Kids and Counting...

• Michelle and Jinger took Josie to the pediatrician for her well-baby checkup. Developmentally, Josie is thriving, but she caught the virus that made its way through the Duggar household. "Even though we were trying diligently to wash our hands and keep anyone out of the room, she manage to get it," explained Michelle. The doctor put Mommy's fears to rest when he assured her that Josie would be as good as new in no time.
• The Duggars are known for their big heads, and Josie's is no exception.
• Clear the roads! Josiah recently turned 14, the magical age that every kid in Arkansas eagerly awaits. Why? Because they can learn to drive! He studied like crazy and passed the written exam on his first try, so Jim Bob took him out on the road to put his knowledge to the test. Josiah is too short to see over the dash of the 16-passenger van, but Jim Bob came prepared with a pillow. Josiah did great, but he jokingly accused his dad of being a backseat driver.
• While Jana and Jill took the kids grape-picking and Michelle accompanied Jinger and Jessa to the dentist, Jim Bob babysat Jordyn and Josie. The highlights of the morning included Lincoln Logs and watching Jordyn give kisses to her baby sister. He did a fabulous job. "It's like Mr. Mom stepping in," said Michelle. "The kids love Daddy."

Do you remember learning to drive?

"GrandDuggar First Birthday" Recap

On tonight's episode of 19 Kids and Counting, "GrandDuggar First Birthday"...

• Josh and Anna took Mackynzie to Florida to visit Anna's family, where Mackynzie took her first steps! They spend a day at the beach, and Josh learned to surf from Bill the soundman. He swallowed enough water to fill a fish tank but had a blast. Mackynzie's highlight of the day was eating sand. Mmmmm, tasty!
• Josh and Anna went with Anna's dad, a volunteer chaplain, to minister to a group of women in prison. Anna, who grew up helping out in her father's ministry, has learned the importance of being real and sincere. She told the ladies about the pain of her recent miscarriage. What carried her through was remembering to give thanks to God in all circumstances.
• Anna threw a huge party for Johannah and Mackynzie's birthdays, which are three days apart. The theme was Noah's Ark, and guess who was given the task of making a Noah's Ark shaped cake? Cousin Amy! Desperate, she called on Jinger for help. Both girls rarely cook, and although the Duggars have celebrated 284 birthdays, neither of them had ever baked a cake. But what looked like a disaster soon turned into a magnificent work of art. With the added touch of a colorful backdrop, courtesy of the boys, this was the best Noah's Ark cake I have ever seen.
• All the kids put on animal costumes, and the party began. "I was talking with Mackynzie a little bit ago," announced proud father Josh, "and she told me this is her best birthday she's ever had."
• But this won't be Josh and Anna's last time celebrating a first birthday, because they are expecting another child! How did the rest of the Duggar clan take the news? Some were speechless, others knew the announcement would come sooner or later, but all were thrilled, especially Grandpa Jim Bob and Grandma Michelle.

When was the last time your family celebrated a first birthday? 

"Duggars on FIRE" Recap

On last night's episode of "19 Kids and Counting:"

• Fans were able to see the Duggars' church fellowship in action. They meet in a vacant house with several other families for Bible study, to share a "pot-faith" meal, and to visit for several hours. "The food's usually one of the best parts," said Jim Bob, chuckling.
• Josh and Anna explained their thoughts on early education. They have already begun to teach Mackynzie because she enjoys it, and they know that it will set her up for success.
• "I am ready for another baby whenever God chooses to bless us with one," announced Anna, while Josh looked a little unsure.
• Jana and Jill needed uniforms for the formal, EMT side of the volunteer fire department. Anna, an expert seamstress who made all the bridesmaids dresses for her wedding, helped them turn unisex pants into skirts. 
• Jim Bob raved over his daughters' new outfits. He called them Mackynzie's "fire aunts." Hahaha!
• "Was more material leftover?" Jim Bob asked the girls. "I saw the little boys running around with some headbands."
• The Duggars explained that they are not judgmental in regards to clothing; it is each person's choice. 

What are your beliefs on early childhood education? Do you send your kids to preschool?

What do you believe regarding clothing?