Arkansas couple proud parents of 17!(THE GOODNESS OF AMERICA)

It has been said that only upon becoming a parent do we really appreciate the many sacrifices our own parents made for us. It has also been said that love does not divide but multiplies. By those standards, the seventeen children of Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar of Tontitown, Arkansas, may someday nominate their parents for a special "Family Medal of Honor" for their love and sacrifice.

The Duggars' newest arrival, Jennifer Danielle, was born on August 2. Her older siblings range in age from big brother Joshua, who is 19, to older sister Johannah, who is two. All 17 of the Duggar children have names beginning with "J."

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And, at an age when many parents decide to "retire" from having more children, Jim Bob, who is 42, and Michelle, who is 40, are ready for as many more as the Lord will provide. "We are just so grateful to God for another gift from him," said Jim Bob in an AP interview. "We are just so thankful to him that everything went just very well."

As for Michelle, she told reporters: "We'd love to have more," indicating a preference for more girls, since they are currently outnumbered in the Duggar family by 10 to 7. "We love the ruffles and lace."

The Duggar family are home-schoolers, and each older child is assigned a younger "buddy" or two to help with chores and with school lessons.

Contrary to the popular view, having ...