New Episodes?

Just got word from TLC about the premiere date for the upcoming season of 19 Kids and Counting. The network has been shooting and editing like crazy and is aiming to air new episodes in March.

Filming Frenzy

2014 is fast approaching, and the sooner the New Year arrives, the sooner new episodes of 19 Kids and Counting will air on TLC. The network has yet to nail down a date, but they told us to assure our readers that the Duggars will return soon. Filming is underway, and not just in Arkansas. The crew is currently visiting Josh and Anna Duggar in Washington D.C. Here are a few snapshots:

 The crew takes time out to play with Mackynzie and Michael Duggar

Michael Duggar interviews "Uncle" Jim and sister Mackynzie Duggar

Mackynzie Duggar shows off a picture of Noah's Ark that she drew for Josh

All About the Duggar Girls

As we announced on Saturday, Growing Up Duggar is now available for preorder. Written by Jana, Jill, Jessa, and Jinger, this will be the third book published by members of the Duggar family. 

Author Bios
Jana, Jill, Jessa, and Jinger Duggar appear with the rest of their family on TLC’s 19 Kids and Counting, which airs weekly and is now in its seventh season. The Duggars have been guests on dozens of national TV shows, including NBC's Today show, Good Morning America, The View, Inside Edition, Jimmy Kimmel Live, and The Dr. Oz Show.

Jana, 23, has a passion for children. She has gone on numerous mission trips and volunteers at local ministries that care for kids. Currently studying to be a doula, Jana coaches other women through labor and assists them after childbirth. In her spare time, this Duggar enjoys playing piano duets and investing in the lives of her siblings, including twin John-David. Like the other Duggar girls, Jana has been a leader for young women on IBLP's Journey to the Heart, a 10-day retreat in the upper peninsula of Michigan.

At 22 years of age, Jill is studying to be a midwife. Both she and Jana spend their days checking up on pregnant mommas and assisting at births. The social butterfly of the family, Jill is easy-going and loves taking time off to hang out with her younger brothers and sisters, whether that means running errands or making dinner together. You will often find her counseling girls via phone, text, email, or in person. She enjoys playing harp and violin, spending time outdoors, and loving on little ones. Jill has been studying Spanish and hopes to someday use those skills to share the hope and love of Jesus with the people of Latin America.

Jessa, 21, is talented at playing several instruments, with guitar as her current favorite. She can hear something once and the next thing you know, she's up in the girls' room picking it out on an instrument. In her "spare time" she enjoys reading interesting books, memorizing scripture, discipling friends, and hanging out with her fam. Jessa has the gift of organization and loves using it. Whether she is de-cluttering a storage area, packing for a trip, or corralling the little ones, if she gets involved in a task you can be sure it won't be done halfway. Jessa recently entered a courtship with Ben Seewald, and the two are enjoying getting to know each other via texting and family visits.

Jinger, who will celebrate her 20th birthday in December, is full of energy--that is, when she has a cup of coffee in hand. She has become quite the photographer and loves practicing her skills with her siblings while picking up helpful tips from other professional crews that often come through the Duggar home. Jinger can probably make more facial expressions than anyone in the whole family and loves jammin' in the living room. She has a passion to reach the world for Christ, so it's not uncommon to see her stop and pass out gospel tracts in a grocery store or at a resale shop.

Keeping Up with the Bates Family

If you are an avid watcher of 19 kids and Counting, you  have probably met Gil and Kelly Bates and their 19 children. Family friends with the Duggars and featured on several episodes of 19 Kids and Counting, the Bates started in a four-week TLC series called United Bates of America, which was canceled in October 2012.

Here are a few Bates family updates. Visit our page about Gil and Kelly and their clan to read more, or check out Kelly's blog.

Alyssa Bates said "Yes" to John Webster's offer of courtship on November 6, 2013, just three days before her 19th birthday.

Erin Bates and Chad Paine, engaged in August 2013, tied the knot on November 2nd. The couple had been courting since January.

On September 12, 2013, Zach Bates proposed to Whitney Perkins, a girl he had been courting since July. The wedding is planned for December 14th.

*Photo Credits: Gil and Kelly Bates family