As I delve deeper into the fascinating world of these extraordinary individuals, I find myself captivated by their unique stories and the remarkable lives they lead. The Duggar family, particularly the younger generation, is a testament to resilience, unity, and an unwavering faith that is truly inspiring.
A workday surprise.
Jana Duggar, who usually keeps her early romantic life quiet, has become more open about her relationship with husband Stephen Wissmann since their marriage on August 15. Now, the star of “Counting On” is disclosing more details to her followers.
Back in August, I decided to pull off a little surprise for my then-boyfriend, Stephen. In a video posted on YouTube, you’ll find me and three pals cruising over to catch him off guard at his workplace. It was all part of the fun before we took our relationship to the next level by tying the knot.
Since the business owner frequently travels for work due to installing irrigation systems, Jana decided it made sense for her to go visit him. While speaking with Stephen via FaceTime from inside the car, Jana intended to surprise him by showing up unexpectedly. However, she encountered a small hiccup—she couldn’t locate him. It turned out that he was on the opposite side of a vast field and had to drive across to meet his girlfriend (who later became his girlfriend).
“Oh my word. You’ve gotta be kidding me,” Stephen exclaimed. “Made my whole day.”
The pair gave each other big hugs as Jana teased, “I said I missed you!”
As an overjoyed admirer, I tag along as the future husband and wife embark on a shopping spree to Lowe’s, humming tunes by the enchanting Michael Buble in the background. We delve into some DIY projects, adding our own unique touch to their upcoming nuptials, and let’s not forget the playful Ring Pop proposal – a moment of pure laughter and joy! The camera catches a glimpse of Jana’s sparkling new ring, and my heart melts with their love.
Beyond sharing insights about her personal experiences, Jana’s YouTube channel is brimming with home improvements and guided tours, such as the tour of her Tiny House, which she shared a month prior to her wedding in July.
After getting married, the couple shared they planned to relocate to Nebraska.
Previously, Jana told People that the small home we purchased is currently under renovation. She mentioned it’s an enjoyable process for us.
The couple share a rich past, having crossed paths for the first time 13 years back, specifically during a snowy episode when Stephen’s family found themselves as guests at the Duggar residence in Arkansas.
The daughter of Jim Bob Duggar and Michelle Duggar expressed that she had moved more slowly regarding the matter, but over time she appreciated his character, his return, and his continued love for her despite everything. She acknowledged the size and chaos of their family, and admitted to enduring many things. However, she was amazed at how few people do what he does, caring about her so genuinely.
For more about the Duggar family, read on.
Originally a pair of high school sweethearts, these parents of 19 children (and grandparents to more than three dozen) began their journey together.
Michelle mentioned that she felt “rescued” at the age of 15. On a particular night, Jim Bob was conducting house visits as part of his Baptist church’s outreach efforts. A friend had tipped him off that “a girl from school who had recently found faith and is a cheerleader” lived at the Ruark family’s residence, so he paid them a visit.
They extended an invitation to Michelle to attend Sunday school at their church, and Jim Bob mentioned he had prayed to God that they could guide each other spiritually—however, it seems Michelle didn’t find their initial encounter particularly noteworthy. A year afterwards, Michelle applied for a position at the frozen yogurt store owned by Jim Bob’s parents. In a letter posted on their family blog in 2017 to celebrate Jim Bob’s birthday and their 33rd wedding anniversary, Michelle recalled the moment she met him: “You stood behind the counter where I was working at the cash register, and you introduced yourself. You were timid but charming! I don’t recall much about that conversation, except that you eventually gathered enough courage to ask me if I would accompany you to your junior-senior banquet!”
After attending a dinner with him at Shiloh Christian, it was their subsequent discussions about the Bible for hours at her parents’ house that made her realize their bond. As Michelle puts it, “Our hearts were united then.” They graduated from high school in May of 1984 and got married in July, with Michelle being 17 and Jim Bob being 19 years old.
The couple dedicated themselves to God and each other for the long run.
Jim Bob was previously a state legislator, representing the sixth district in the Arkansas House of Representatives from 1999 to 2002. During his tenure, he served as vice chair of the House Corrections and Criminal Law Subcommittee. He attempted to secure a seat in the U.S. Senate in 2002 but was unsuccessful in the primary. In 2006, he also failed to become the Republican nominee for Arkansas State Senate District 35.
The duo, who are both real estate agents with valid licenses, have been actively involved in conservative movements, which is a part of their lifestyle. They gained both support and criticism from the reality TV series “19 Kids and Counting,” first aired in 2008 as “17 Kids and Counting.” The show drew strong advocates and detractors due to their involvement. A robocall Michelle made in 2014, urging people to vote against an anti-discrimination ordinance in Fayetteville, sparked controversy when she warned about the supposed risks of allowing transgender individuals to use restrooms that align with their comfort. This call led to a petition on Change.org requesting TLC cancel their show.
The city council approved the ordinance.
The eldest child of the Duggars, Josh, came into the world on March 3, 1988. Similarly, he took up a conservative activist role and advocated for the Family Research Council.
In 2015, records from his past as a police officer emerged, detailing accusations against him of molestation, which included his sisters Jessa and Jill. Notably, Jessa spoke out in defense of her brother during an interview with Fox News that June, stating that the allegations being made against Josh were “exaggerated and untrue.” She emphasized this point because she was one of the victims herself.
Despite his confession of infidelity, his spouse remained loyal to him. In 2016, when he entered a rehabilitation facility, his parents viewed it as the initial critical move towards recovery and healing. The family consisted of three children—daughter Mackynzie (born October 8, 2009), sons Michael (June 15, 2011) and Marcus (June 2, 2013). When the scandal surfaced, Anna delivered their fourth child, Meredith, on July 16, 2015, coincidentally the same day TLC canceled “19 Kids.” Their fifth child, Mason Garett, was born on September 12, 2017. Maryella Hope came into the world on November 27, 2019, and their seventh baby, Madyson Lily, arrived on October 23, 2021.
In a federal indictment filed in April 2021, Josh was charged with a count apiece of receipt and possession of child pornography. He pleaded not guilty on both counts. In 2022, Josh was found guilty on both counts, and sentenced to 12 and a half years in prison.
Not long after the birth of Josh, Michelle discovered she was expecting another child, unfortunately experiencing a miscarriage. As they mourned this loss and sought divine guidance, it was revealed to them that twins were imminent.
She shared that it was like receiving two blessings at once, which she expressed to Love to Know. “God was sending us a message of hope and guidance,” she continued. “We’re continuing to grow and learn. It’s quite extraordinary, as I breastfeed my babies, but my children are born so closely together. This is just another example of the unique ways God has chosen to work in our lives.”
John-David and his sister Jana were born on Jan. 12, 1990.
Following a long-standing acquaintanceship over several years, John-David and Abbie had a quick courtship, culminating in their marriage on November 3, 2018. Their first child, Grace Annette Duggar, was born on January 7, 2020, and they were blessed with son Charlie Duggar in September 2022.
On his 30th birthday in January 2020, John-David’s twin wrote him a heartfelt message admitting, “Ever since we were young children, people would ask us if we had the ‘twin connection’. You know, the sensation of feeling what the other one is feeling or knowing what the other one is thinking… Well, John, I used to deny it, but now I can truthfully say that the day little Gracie was born, I shared in every bit of your joy, so perhaps there really is something to it!”
Jana went on saying, “It’s delightful observing you and Abbie in your parental roles! You both seem so natural at it! The same traits that have made you an exceptional sibling will undoubtedly make you a fantastic father.”
Meanwhile, Jana observed as 11 out of her 18 siblings tied the knot before she met Stephen Wissmann – a man whose sister Hannah Wissmann is married to a former TLC star’s brother named Jeremiah. She feels that everything that happened, including finding love with him, was part of God’s plan.
In an interview with People in August 2024, just before her wedding, Jana expressed that she hasn’t always grasped the overall plan, but trusts that God knows what is best for everyone. As a result, she decided to get married later on. She elaborated that if everyone’s lives were identical, life would be monotonous because each person’s story unfolds uniquely.
Born on May 17, 1991, I find myself following a romantic path similar to that of my parents’. One fateful Christmas in 2011, Derick, who hailed from a location approximately 45 minutes away, happened to drop by our family home during his church group’s caroling session. This serendipitous encounter marked the beginning of our beautiful love story.
Jim Bob served as a matchmaker, facilitating a connection between Jill and Derick. Through regular email and Skype conversations, they grew fond of each other. In November, Jim Bob and his daughter paid a visit to Nepal where Derick resided, and their bond deepened further. As time passed, Jill and Derick continued to develop feelings for one another. In February 2014, Derick asked Jim Bob for Jill’s hand in marriage, which was granted. They exchanged vows on June 21, 2014, and have since become proud parents to three boys—Israel, born on April 6, 2015, Samuel, born July 8, 2017, and Frederick, born July 7, 2022.
In the month of April, 2024, Jill disclosed that they had experienced a miscarriage during their anticipation of their first daughter with Derick.
As a lifestyle advisor, I’ve had the pleasure of following the journey of a duo who graced our screens on the shows “19 Kids and Counting” and subsequently “Counting On.” However, it was in 2017 that their paths took a different turn. My friend Derick, a beloved cast member, found himself departing from the show following some remarks he made about another TLC reality star, the remarkable Jazzy Jennings, which were perceived as being disrespectful towards the LGBTQ+ community. This event certainly sparked discussions and served as a reminder about the importance of respect and understanding for all individuals.
In the Amazon Prime Video documentary titled “Shiny Happy People: Duggar Family Secrets“, which debuted in June 2023, Jill and Derick pondered the contentious issues and religious views related to her family that were depicted in the series.
Jim Bob and Michelle’s fifth child was born Nov. 4, 1992.
As a lifestyle expert, I’d put it this way: Back in 2013, I crossed paths with Ben through our shared faith at church, and he started pursuing me in a manner reminiscent of yesteryears – an unfamiliar yet charming approach to romance for many viewers. You see, my past relationships were never discussed publicly before we took the big step towards engagement. In an exclusive interview with People, my father, Jim Bob, explained that courting is all about getting to know one another in a group setting, where both families spend quality time together and we set shared goals to determine if we’re meant for each other. This differs from dating, where couples often spend private moments alone, which can sometimes lead to more physical intimacy before marriage.
In August 2014, Ben asked for Jessa’s hand in marriage and proposed. They shared their first moment as a betrothed couple by holding hands. Their wedding took place on November 1, 2014. When Jessa was pregnant with their first child, the show 19 Kids and Counting was taken off the air, and TLC aired a special focusing on sexual abuse to enlighten viewers about the topic. The special starred Jill and Jessa, who later became the stars of their own show, Jill and Jessa: Counting On, that winter. This series eventually expanded to include other Duggar siblings as well, becoming known simply as Counting On.
Jessa and Ben had their first son Spurgeon on November 5, 2015, followed by Henry on February 6, 2017, Ivy Jane on May 28, 2019, and Fern in July 2021. Sadly, Jessa experienced a miscarriage during the 2022 holiday season. However, she was blessed with her fifth child, George, in December 2023.
The sixth Duggar child was born Dec. 21, 1993.
Jinger and Jeremy first crossed paths while engaged in religious work in Laredo, Texas, and their romantic relationship began in the year 2016. They exchanged vows on November 5, 2016, which happened to be the nephew Spurgeon’s birthday, but considering they were part of a large family with 19 members, significant events often coincided. Soon after their wedding, there were whispers about the possibility of a pregnancy.
In a year’s time, we expect to have established ourselves, continuing our work in ministry right here in Laredo. Our goal is simply to serve the Lord in whatever capacity we can. This was expressed by Jinger on a June 2017 episode of Counting On.
On July 19, 2018, their child named Felicity was born. It was in May of the same year when they announced that Jinger was expecting another baby, but tragically she had experienced a miscarriage the preceding fall. In November 2020, Evangeline Jo joined their family as their new addition.
On January 20, 1995, individual number 7 was born. Leveraging the romantic atmosphere, Joseph decided to pop the question to Kendra (a lady he met at church) during his sister Joy-Anna’s wedding in May 2017, after only a few short months of dating.
Joseph confessed to People magazine that he was certainly anxious prior to proposing, yet he wasn’t concerned about her refusal since she had expressed, “I’m merely waiting for you!” After the proposal, Kendra shared her feelings, stating, “I’m overjoyed and stunned. There are so many things I want to express, but I’m just shocked.”
Since then, I’ve been blessed to become a dad to an amazing brood! My little treasures include Garrett, born in the heart of June 2018, my sweet Addison who joined us in November 2019, and my two daughters Brooklyn and Brooklyn (yes, two Brooklyns!), who graced us with their presence just a month apart in February 2019. Last but not least, my youngest son Justus was born in May 2023. What a wonderful journey parenthood has been so far!
Eighth in line, Josiah was born on Aug. 28, 1996.
A mere few months following the public revelation of his relationship with Lauren, they officially announced their engagement in March 2018. In a statement, he shared that the location where he proposed to Lauren was the very same spot where her parents had been engaged. This property holds great significance due to its rich family history, making it a particularly meaningful place for Lauren.
Michelle, her future daughter-in-law, expressed her affection in a family blog video post, saying, “Lauren is truly special to us, like a precious jewel.” Jessa and Ben also extended their congratulations, along with a chocolate treat shaped as x’s and o’s. Holding up the sweet reward, she hinted, “I think you two might be saving your first kiss for your wedding day, but if you visit here, we’ll share this…”
Josiah and Marjorie Jackson had a courtship back in 2015 which didn’t last, and they parted ways during the summer of that year. In an interview with People magazine in March 2016, Josiah mentioned that they enjoyed their time together. He explained, “We were just trying to follow God’s guidance on everything. Marjorie felt it wasn’t the right moment for us then, so we took a break for a while.”
On June 30, 2018, they got married, and they said their wedding day was “perfect” to People magazine. Their first daughter, Bella Milagro, was born on November 8, 2019, a name meaning “miracle baby,” after the couple experienced a miscarriage in October 2018. They added another daughter, Daisy, to their family in 2022, and a son named Ezra joined them in May 2023.
The ninth Duggar sibling was born Oct. 28, 1997.
For a span of fifteen years, she considered Austin as her friend before he expressed his romantic interest in her. After this development, they moved swiftly, with Austin proposing in February 2017 and their wedding taking place on May 26, 2017, at Cross Church in Rogers, Arkansas (the memorable occasion when Joseph proposed to Kendra). Their son, Gideon Martin Forsyth, was born on February 23, 2018.
In 2019, Joy-Anna suffered a pregnancy loss with a baby girl at 20 weeks along.
On Aug. 21, 2020, the couple welcomed daughter Evelyn Mae Forsyth.
The couple’s third child, son Gunner James Forsyth, was born on May 17, 2023.
Jim Bob and Michelle’s second set of twins were born on Dec. 30, 1998.
In February 2017, it was announced that Jed had been interning at his father’s former workplace, the Arkansas State Capitol, working for the House of Representatives. At just 21 years old, he is now running as a candidate for State Representative in District 89, with a focus on prioritizing Springdale’s conservative principles. He tied the knot with Katey Nakatsu after a year of courting in April 2021. Their family expanded with the birth of their son, Truett, in May 2022, followed by their daughter, Nora Kate, in June 2023.
Jeremiah, a qualified aviation instructor, is married to Hannah Wissmann, and together they have two children: Brynley, who was born in December 2022, and Brielle, born in February 2024.
Duggar child No. 12 was born on April 21, 2000.
In January 2017, it was reported by the Daily Mail that Jim Bob aided Jase in purchasing a $33,000 fixer-upper located in Prairie Grove, Arkansas, which is approximately 30 minutes from the Duggar family’s main residence. Consequently, he established his own construction company. However, despite this new endeavor, he still found time to assist Jed with his campaign.
He went Instagram official with girlfriend Maddie Grace Jones in July 2024.
Charmed No. 13, James arrived on July 7, 2001.
On my 19th birthday in 2019, my mom penned down, “He’s the ‘funcle’ – the coolest uncle around here, and all the young lads around can’t help but admire him and aspire to be like him. I’ve always known James to be a whiz at nearly anything he puts his mind to. As a kid, we’d often discover James tinkering with our household appliances. He’s the one who’s always eager to disassemble, understand, reassemble… and occasionally, with some unique tweaks thrown in for good measure!”
This year, I put in tremendous effort to earn my CDL, and now, I find myself proficient in handling large trucks and complex machinery. I eagerly anticipate the exciting opportunities that lie ahead as God guides me through the future!
No. 14 arrived on Nov. 15, 2002.
And from the department of growing up so fast…
In September 2020, Justin made their relationship with Claire known to the public. They became engaged in November of the same year, and on February 26, 2021, they tied the knot.
Here with his big sister Jill, Jim Bob and Michelle’s 15th child was born May 23, 2004.
On his sixteenth birthday, Michelle, Jackson’s mother, commended his wit and mentioned that she was aware of his impatience to obtain a driver’s license.
Duggar baby No. 16 was born Oct. 11, 2005.
Reflecting on Johannah’s 15th birthday celebration in 2020, I penned, “This girl is vibrant and sociable, thriving on meeting new people, a trait that I find utterly endearing.” My heart swells with affection as I see her younger sisters idolize her like a celestial body, and I can’t help but feel eternally grateful to the universe for bestowing upon me the privilege of being her mother.
17th was the title on August 2, 2007. When the show was simply known as “17 Kids and Counting,” Jenni held the position as the youngest member of the family.
Now, OMG, she’s a teenager.
Michelle expressed that Jennifer is reliable, devoted, and full of joy when her niece turned thirteen. Everyone adores her, and she’s often found carrying one of the kids because they don’t want her to let go! Moreover, Jennifer has a deep affection for animals and diligently looks after hers daily. Recently, she even helped care for a brood of seven baby bunnies!
Here on the right, the penultimate Duggar child was born Dec. 18, 2008.
2019 saw Jordyn-Grace being described by her mother as an extroverted young lady who finds it easy to connect with anyone, while her laughter consistently adds joy to our days.
19 Luckily, numbered as No. 19, currently cradles his niece Meredith. She entered the world three months early on December 10, 2009, tipping the scales at just 1 pound, 6 ounces. Josie, despite her early arrival and small size, spent a significant six months in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Fortunately, she’s thriving marvelously now.
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2024-08-29 13:51