"Duggars Explore Central America" Recap

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

• Just a couple days before leaving for Central America, Jill got her braces off! 
• With more than 750 pounds of luggage, including over a dozen army bags overflowing with gifts, Jim Bob and the 11 oldest departed for their fifth mission trip to Central America. "It's fun helping people and...showing them love," said Jedidiah.
• Michelle had her hands full at home with the seven youngest and was thankful to the angels who came to lend a hand. Cousin Amy showed up one day with cleaning supplies and announced that she would be her Aunt Michelle's "maid servant." Anna's sister Priscilla came all the way from Florida to help entertain the little kids. 
• After spending a short time in El Salvador, the Duggars took a several hour bus ride to Honduras. They passed the time by singing, watching the scenery, and having friendly Rubik's Cube competitions.
• The Duggars spent the night in a church without working bathrooms or hot water but did not complain. The following day, the entire group set out on a three-mile hike up a rocky hillside to bring Christmas to a remote Guatemalan village. The journey wasn't easy, but you can bet that the people of Carisolito will never forget the day when a group of Americans hiked two hours to bring them gifts and share the love of Christ.

What did you think of the episode? Personally, we thought it was one of the best yet!

"Duggars All Aboard" Recap

On last night's episode of "19 Kids and Counting" Duggars All Aboard...

• The Duggars celebrated Joy-Anna's 13th birthday! Joy is a bit of a tomboy and enjoys leading the six boys under her but also loves hanging out with and learning from the older girls.
• Jim Bob stayed home with Jordyn and Josie and let Michelle enjoy an autumn train ride through the majestic Ozarks with the older kids. 
• There was a brief snippet of the October radio show interview we did with Michelle where you could hear host Nina Frye's voice and the two of us greeting Michelle. (Click here to listen to the full interview.) "This interview was one that I was looking forward to," said Michelle. Wow! That sure made us feel special!
• On the train, the Duggars witnessed a mock robbery. Masked men rode up on horseback, shooting fake guns, and pretended to hold up the train. The kids loved it! After the train ride, they all went out to ice cream.
• Back home, Jordyn was running around the house, entertaining her dad and Josie. "Jordyn loves to be helpful," Jim Bob told the cameras. "She went and got all the trashcans from the house and started bringing them to me. Sometimes she brings you things you don't need, but we're always very grateful to her." 
• When asked to make a statement about Joy, Jill took the opportunity to poke some fun at her little sister, while Joy hid her face. "I do remember changing her diaper," said Jill. "So I'm glad that she's not wearing diapers anymore. She's outgrown that stage, so now she can help change diapers. Now I can embarrass her."

"Duggars Act Out" and "Duggars Rock & Record" Recaps

On last night's episodes of "19 Kids and Counting..."

• A family from the Friendly Chapel, the church that "adopted" the Duggars while they were in Little Rock with Josie, came for a visit. A couple days later, Jim Bob and the older kids traveled to Little Rock to serve at Friendly Chapel's fish fry, an annual fundraiser for the homeless that attracts over 3,000 guests!
• Michelle headed off to record an audio version of 20 and Counting, the Duggars' first book. To the producer's surprise, she read the entire 228-page book out-loud in just two sittings! Did she get tongue-tied? At times, but the mom of 19 thoroughly enjoyed herself. "I think it was fun getting to read through the whole book," said Michelle. "It reminded me of all those neat memories." She brought Jim Bob along for moral support. While she recorded their first book, he edited their second, A Love that Multiplies. (Click here to pre-order.)
• Back at the house, the Duggar boys got new dos. The family saves $750 each year with home haircuts.
• Jill volunteered to stay home with Josie while the rest of the family took off to Eureka Springs to tour the set of "The Great Passion Play," the largest outdoor drama in the United States. Jim Bob and the older kids were thrilled to be given the opportunity to act as extras in the production.
• While she entertained Josie, Jill, who is interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, studied for a midwifery test. "It's a good bonding experience for me," said Jill. "I love babies, and Josie and I get to hang out together today."

Are you familiar with "The Great Passion Play" of Eureka Springs?

LIVE Interview with Jim Bob and Michelle!

Can't wait until next Thursday, when we go LIVE with Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar on Nina Frye's Living the Dream Mom internet radio show! Do you have a burning question for the Duggars? Post it here! Ladies, have you asked your husbands if they have any questions for Jim Bob?
And remember, if you think of a question while you're listening to the interview on February 10th at 10PM EST/9PM CST, don't hesitate to submit it to the live chat.

"Duggars Rock the Vote" and "Donating Duggars" Recap

On last nights' episodes of "19 Kids and Counting:"

• The Duggars enjoy assisting political candidates, and this Election Day, they had the unique opportunity to support their very own John-David in his race for Alderman. Jim Bob and the older kids spent the day in town, holding up "Vote Today" and "Duggar for Alderman" signs. It was cold and cloudy, but they were glad to help.
• When the polls closed, John-David was behind by only 59 votes, a great showing for such a young man. But John wasn't a sore loser. He went out of his way to congratulate his opponent and give him words of encouragement. Jim Bob predicts that this will be the first of many Duggar campaigns.
• In a visit to Josh and Anna's home, we saw little Mackynzie, the energizer bunny. Mackynzie inherited the night owl trait from Josh's family. Her "battery," as Josh puts it, is at 100% all day, and before they can put her to bed, Josh and Anna have to discharged it. Although she has a minimal vocabulary, this baby has no trouble communicating. As Anna puts it, "Her actions speak louder than words."  
• Business at both of Josh and Anna's car lots is going very well. 
• Joseph followed in the footsteps of Jana, Jill, and Jessa and became the fourth Duggar to get braces. 
• The Duggars were thrilled to have Dr. Charles Stanley, a preacher that Michelle has been listening to since age 15, over for a delectable dinner of tater-tot casserole. (Click here for the recipe.)
• Jim Bob and Michelle donated an old building on their lot to the volunteer fire department for training purposes. During the demonstration, Jana, John-David, and Jill learned all about fire safety. 
• Several of the older Duggars traveled to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, to serve at The Voice of the Martyrs, a ministry devoted to assisting persecuted Christians across the globe. The kids filled bags with Christian materials and attached them to parachutes, which will be dropped in Columbia.

Have you tried the Duggars' tater-tot casserole recipe? What did you think?