Monday, June 29, 2015

'Thank You, Michelle!'

We hope you have enjoyed hearing about how the Duggars have impacted our readers. Ellie's wedding week is almost over, and then we will resume posting regular Duggar updates.

This story is from Sally W:

Listening to the advice that Michelle would give to her daughters if they developed an eating disorder gave me exactly what I needed to hear to end my relapse into compulsive overeating. She advised finding a loving, spiritual person to lovingly hold them accountable for their behavior daily.  I did just that and was able to end a very painful bout of self destructive eating with the help of others and God.  I have tried for years to stop this debilitating habit, and I want to thank her for being so honest and open. Without her advice, I might still be spiraling downward to an early death. Thank you, Michelle! I hope you are back on the air soon.

Saturday, June 27, 2015

Dillards' Big Announcement


Jill and Derick Dillard are headed overseas. The Dillards have had a mission-focused marriage since they tied the knot in June 2014, and they have a strong desire to serve the Lord in a foreign country. Earlier this year, the opportunity arose from them to begin making plans to pursue that dream. Derick recently left his job as a tax accountant at Walmart, and he and Jill are headed overseas with three-month-old Israel Dillard in July. At this time, the Dillards have chosen not to reveal where they will be serving.

Jill and Derick begin their courtship in Nepal, November 2013


Photo courtesy of duggarfamily.com

Friday, June 26, 2015

'The Duggars Are Wonderful'

Our family is in wedding mode this week, so we are unable to post live updates. We have been sharing stories of how the Duggars have impacted our readers. This one comes from the Garner family:

The Duggers have greatly impacted our family. They have and continue to be a light in this dark world. My children--18 months, 4 years old, 6 years old, and 11 years old--have looked forward to our time together watching them. We have learned wonderful information on how better to raise our children in a Christian home. While we are not perfect, as well as the Duggers never claimed to be perfect, we are so grateful for the Grace of God who covers our lives! The Duggers are wonderful!

Wednesday, June 24, 2015

'We are Meant to Forgive and Move Forward'

Today's story of how the Duggars have impacted our readers comes from Brenda P. 

I've been mostly immobile since August of 2013 with an MS Diagnosis and discovered I very much had been left to accept that my whole life just took a 180ยบ turn. Anger is a big part of it. I came from a loud and not so kind household. There was love, but there was yelling and more. Much more. Including pretty much exactly what I've heard Josh did. Plus I was beaten on a regular basis.

I've been watching the Duggars for 10 years. For religion or politics, not at all; I have my faith and nobody can change it. But I was learning so much that I couldn't learn from my own family, such as how to be soft-spoken more, how to discipline in a more loving tone, and how to be more understanding of the other person's limitations. I fell in love with the kids. I wanted to see Jessa and Ben's baby reveal and watch Jessa with her first pregnancy. I wanted to see Jill and Derick during their first year as parents to Baby Israel, who she spent 70 hours in labor with and then had to have a C-section. I wanted to see Jill's little sisters learn how to care for Baby Israel.

We are meant to forgive and move forward and hand it to God and correct our mistakes. The Duggars are doing exactly that. By the girls speaking out, I've been involved in discussions where a few of us women spoke up about what happened to us when we were kids and a lot about forgiveness. Just Jessa and Jill speaking out has helped many women. The Duggars were helping me relearn how to handle my temper, thanks to MS. I was soothed by Michelle's voice.

I own videos and books, but I wanted to keep growing with them.  And in my world where everything just keeps getting taken away from me, this one was the straw that really hurt that camel's back. I was just so very hurt and disappointed for the Duggars and selfishly for myself, too. 

That's how the Duggars have affect my life, and I'm sure if I had more time I could come up with more.


Our family will be offline during the week-and-a-half surrounding Ellie's wedding (June 20th-July 1st). During this time, we will be posting the stories you emailed to us about how the Duggars have impacted your lives.

Monday, June 22, 2015

'May God Bless the Duggars!'

The second story of how the Duggars have impacted our readers comes from Sarah W.

Our family will be offline during the week-and-a-half surrounding Ellie's wedding (June 20th-July 1st). During this time, we will be posting the stories you emailed to us about how the Duggars have impacted your lives.

I have grown to love the Duggars over the past year I've watched their show. I have seen every episode, and it has become my absolute favorite show. I am deeply saddened that it has recently been taken off the air. The Duggar family has inspired and encouraged me to be a better person and to serve the Lord and others better.

Jim Bob and Michelle are such amazing parents. They have inspired my husband and myself to be more patient and better parents to our son. They have encouraged us to bring up our children in the way of the Lord. They have helped us to learn the importance of being more respectful to one another in our marriage and teaching our son to respect and love others, as well. 

We are so thankful for their family and their TV show. It is the only reality show I allow my young son to watch. I know that I never have to worry about it being inappropriate for anyone in my home to watch. 19 Kids and Counting is about the only show on TV that is positive and about a Christian family with a love for God and their faith. They have shown the world how to serve the Lord fearlessly and how His blessings, mercy, and forgiveness are never ending. The Duggars have had such a positive impact on my life and my family.

I will be absolutely heartbroken if the show is canceled for good. I support the Duggars 100% and am praying for the whole family during this time. I am also praying that TLC would please bring back my favorite show, 19 kids and Counting, and continue to allow the Duggars to bring joy, love, and happiness to their fans. May God bless the Duggars!

Saturday, June 20, 2015

'I Wish this Show had Been on 30 Years Ago'


Our family will be offline during the week-and-a-half surrounding Ellie's wedding (June 20th-July 1st). During this time, we will be posting the stories you emailed to us about how the Duggars have impacted your lives.

The first is from a reader in Escondido, California:

We are a family of four with a 23-year-old son and a 25-year-old daughter who was born with cerebral palsy and autism. To most folks, she might seem very “normal,” but she has many learning challenges. Although she is able to read, she doesn’t really absorb the meanings of the words or the content. 

The only book she has ever read (aloud) from beginning to end, is A Love That Multiplies. She used to read it to me while we were driving to her special school, and I did my best to encourage discussion after each paragraph, but typically, that’s when I lose her attention.

The combination of the TV episodes, along with that book, have served as a mentoring that she can understand and apply to her life. She has probably watched every episode at least 100 times! We currently have over 100 episodes on our DISH DVR. 

She has heard about Jesus her whole life, and we have always tried to instill Christian values in her, but truly, the Duggars have been able to convey the Bible teachings in a way that she can absorb, better than many other approaches we have tried. They have been a HUGE blessing to our family and friends. 

When I am stressed, I often turn on an episode to hear Michelle speak; she is so inspiring and so calming. I wish this show had been on 30 years ago! What an awesome mentor she is. Our daily prayer is that this wonderful family stays strong through the challenges they face and that they know there are millions of people like us who love and cherish them and their show.

Wednesday, June 17, 2015

Still Courtin'

For those of you who have been waiting for an update on Josiah Duggar's courtship with Marjorie Jackson, we have one to share. Their relationship is progressing well, and they are enjoying every chance they have to spend with each other. And who knows? There might be another Duggar wedding in the not-so-distant future.

Josiah Duggar and Marjorie Jackson

Photo courtesy of duggarfamily.com

Tuesday, June 16, 2015

Duggar Updates

What are the Duggars up to this week? Let's take a look!

Yesterday, Michael Duggar, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar's second-oldest grandchild, celebrated his fourth birthday. Josh and Anna and their three (soon to be four) kids are currently in Arkansas spending time with Josh's family.

 Josie Duggar and Mackynzie Duggar watch Michael blow out his candles

Jessa Seewald hit the 20-week mark, which means she is halfway through her pregnancy.

Jessa Seewald, 20 weeks pregnant
 
Jessa and Ben received this video of Baby Seewald at their recent ultrasound appointment.


Over the weekend, the Duggars took several of their children to a restaurant for high tea. 

 Jennifer Duggar and Josie Duggar

 Jordyn Duggar, Johannah Duggar, Jana Duggar

 Johannah Duggar

Josie Duggar

Photos and video courtesy of duggarfamily.com

Sunday, June 14, 2015

Jinger Duggar's Testimony

Ben Seewald has a passion for sharing the Gospel. In the following video, he prompts his sister-in-law Jinger to tell the story of how she became a Christian.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Michelle and Jana

For those of you who have been requesting more photos of Jana, we have one to share. Here is a recent picture of Michelle Duggar and Jana Duggar. Michelle's daughters have been quoted multiple times sharing how thankful they are to have her as a role model. They consider her one of their closest friends.


Photo courtesy of duggarfamily.com

Thursday, June 11, 2015

19 Weeks!

Jessa Seewald had her first ultrasound yesterday, at 19 weeks and 3 days. Baby Seewald is due November 1st, which also happens to be Jessa and Ben's one-year wedding anniversary. The Seewalds have not revealed whether they plan to announce their baby's gender.

Baby Seewald at 19 weeks, 3 days

Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Share Your Story

How have the Duggars impacted your life? Email us your story at DuggarFamilyBlog@gmail.com, and it might appear on the blog! We plan to post them during the two weeks surrounding Ellie's wedding (June 20th-July 1st). During that time, we won't be able to post live updates or moderate comments, but based on the emails we have already received from readers, we know these stories are going to be worth reading.
Duggar family at Yosemite, 2006
 
 The Duggars visit Michelle following Jordyn's birth, 2008

Duggar family, 2010

Tuesday, June 9, 2015

Pictures of Israel

It's hard to believe that Israel Dillard is already two months old. Check out these adorable pictures:








 Jill Dillard and Israel Dillard

Grandma Cathy Dillard Byrum with grandson Israel


Photos courtesy of duggarfamily.com

Sunday, June 7, 2015

Jessa: "We're Not a TV Family"

Scroll down to watch part three of Jill and Jessa's interview with Megyn Kelly on The Kelly File. (Click here to watch previous segments.)


Video courtesy of Fox News

Israel is 2 Months Old!

The day after Jill and Jessa appeared on The Kelly File to discuss the trial their family walked through more than 12 years ago, Jill and Derick Dillard celebrated their son's two-month birthday. Doesn't that adorable smile just melt your heart?

Israel David Dillard 

Israel is wearing an Oklahoma State University onesie. Click here to read our post about why OSU is so dear to the Dillards' hearts.

Photo courtesy of duggarfamily.com

Saturday, June 6, 2015

Jill: 'I See it as a Re-Victimization'

In part two of their interview with Megyn Kelly (video below), Jill and Jessa explain the shock and anger they felt when their juvenile records were released. As Jim Bob and Michelle said during their interview on Wednesday night, the Duggars believe there is a good chance that the media had an agenda. "I know that the tabloids that released this, they are used to exploiting women," says Jill. (Click here to watch part one of the interview.)


Video courtesy of Fox News Insider

Interview with Jill and Jessa Part 1

"I do want to speak up in [Josh's] defense," Jessa told Megyn Kelly last night on The Kelly File (video below). "In Josh's case, he was a boy, a young boy in puberty, and a little too curious about girls. And he made some bad choices."


Video courtesy of Fox News Insider

Friday, June 5, 2015

Jill: "They Can't Do This to Us"

Tonight on The Kelly File, Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald responded to those who are calling their family hypocrites. "We have never claimed to be a perfect family," said Jill.

Jill and Jessa on FOX

Here is the first batch of quotes from Megyn Kelly's interview with Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald:
  • Jill, 24, and Jessa, 22, join Megyn Kelly on The Kelly File to set the record straight about what happened in their family in 2002 and 2003.
  • When this incident occurred, Jill was 12, and Jessa was about 10. "We didn't choose to come out and tell our story," says Jill. "This wouldn't have been our first choice." But Jill and Jessa say they want to clear up the information that is circulating about their family, which they say is mostly untrue.
  • "I do want to speak up in [Josh's] defense," says Jessa. "In Josh's case, he was a boy, a young boy in puberty, and a little too curious about girls. And he made some bad choices. But really, the extent of it was mild, inappropriate touching."
  • Jill and Jessa say none of the victims knew what Josh had done until Josh confessed to his parents. They were too young to understand what had happened, and some had been sleeping when it had happened.
  • Jill says she was sad and shocked when her parents sat her down and told her what had happened. Then, Josh asked each sister for forgiveness, individually. It was each girl's decision whether they wanted to forgive, and they chose to.
  • Not long after, Jim Bob and Michelle sent Josh away. The girls say they were sad to see their older brother leave.

Jill and Jessa Set the Record Straight

In the following preview of tonight's interview, Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald tell Megyn Kelly that they want to set the record straight about their family. Tune in to The Kelly File on the Fox News Channel tonight at 9pm ET/8pm CT to hear from Jill and Jessa, who identify themselves as two of Josh Duggar's victims.

Thursday, June 4, 2015

Josh's Victims Speak Out

Yesterday evening, Fox News anchor Megyn Kelly sat down with Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar during The Kelly File to discuss the painful situation the Duggars walked through more than 12 years ago. (Click here to watch video clips from the interview.)

Tomorrow at 9pm ET/8pm CT on The Kelly File, hear from Jill Duggar Dillard and Jessa Duggar Seewald, two of Josh's victims. "They don't have a right to do this," says Jill in the clip below, her eyes wet with tears. "We're victims. They can't do this to us."

Wednesday, June 3, 2015

Duggars Speak Out

This evening, Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar joined Megyn Kelly on Fox New to share the facts about the difficult situation the family walked through more than 12 years ago. Based on the interview, it is clear that the media has grossly misrepresented the situation.

For those of you who were unable to watch, video clips are available via Fox News Insider. The first segment is embedded below, and the links to each additional segment are in blue. (Note: This interview covers mature content that is not suitable for all ages.)

Clip 1: Megyn Kelly asks the Duggars if their Christian beliefs made them a target



Clip 2: Why did the Duggars agree to do a TV show given their family's past?

Clip 3: How did Jim Bob and Michelle choose the officer to whom they surrendered their son?

Clip 4: Did the Duggars feel that they were having to protect their daughters at the expense of their son?

Clip 5: The Duggars discuss their young daughter who was victimized

Clip 6: The Duggars share their reaction to Josh's confession

Clip 7: Jim Bob and Michelle reveal how they learned about Josh's actions

Video courtesy of Fox News Insider

Quotes from the Fox Interview

Here is the first batch of quotes from Megyn Kelly's interview with the Duggars, which aired this evening on the Fox News Channel:
  • Jim Bob: "Our son violated God's principles of doing some improper touching. That was terrible. What Josh did was inexcusable but it was not unforgivable."
  • Jim Bob makes it clear that a pedophile is "an adult who preys on children." Josh was a 14-year-old child who preyed on children.
  • What's next for the Duggars? Jim Bob: "I don't know if the rest of our family should be punished for the act of one of our children.
  • The Duggar Dad says his family is "fine whether they film us or not." They say they plan to go on with their lives.
  • Jim Bob says this was an "unprecedented attack" on his family and that the information about Josh's actions as a teenager "was released illegally."
  • Jim Bob says he is not sure why the press is targeting his family instead of the ones who illegally released the records.
  • "Hopefully justice will be served on the ones who released juvenile records," says Jim Bob. He says he does not want this to happen to other children.

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Duggars on Fox Tomorrow

Tomorrow (Wednesday) at 9pm ET during The Kelly File, Megyn Kelly and her Fox News team will join the Duggars at their home in Arkansas for an exclusive interview. Additional footage from the interview will air Friday at 9pm ET, also during The Kelly File. In the video below, Megyn Kelly shares how she plans to approach her conversation with the Duggars. (Note: the interview will air on Fox News Channel, also called FNC.)

Grand-Duggar #3 Turns 2

Join us in wishing Marcus Anthony Duggar a happy 2nd birthday!