Monday, December 12, 2016

Birthday Date with Joy and Austin

 Joy-Anna Duggar and boyfriend Austin 

We know we've been bombarding you with pictures today, but these are just too cute not to share. In celebration of Austin's 23rd birthday, Jim Bob Duggar, Michelle Duggar and Joy-Anna Duggar treated him to the Duggars' favorite birthday dessert: the Chocolate Mess at MarketPlace Grill. If you haven't been introduced to Austin, he is Joy's boyfriend. For those who are wondering, Joy turned 19 in October, so she and Austin are just under four years apart.

The Duggars are frequent patrons of MarketPlace Grill. Over the years, they have celebrated many birthdays, double dates, Valentine's Days, and other occasions with a trip to the restaurant, and they almost always order the Chocolate Mess.

We have to ask...have you been to MarketPlace Grill?

Austin, Joy Duggar, Michelle Duggar, Jim Bob Duggar

Photos courtesy duggarfamily.com

110 comments:

  1. They are just so sweet looking. I'm loving the way that he is looking at Joy with such love.

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  2. Does Austin know the Lord too?!!?!!?
    He looks like a great kind of guy!
    Congrats Joy for finding a great guy! You guys are in my prayers!😊
    Love you DUGGARS!

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    1. So what if he didn't "know the Lord," too. It would not make him a bad person, or unworthy of marrying Joy.

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    2. Being they follow the bible, the Bible tells us to not be unequally yoked with non believers. That's why I believe the above person asked that question.

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    3. Actually according to the Duggars views on marriage it would.

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    4. A believer and a unbeliever cannot live in harmony.

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    5. 2 Corinthians 6:14-16
      Do not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. For what partnership can righteousness have with wickedness? Or what fellowship does light have with darkness?

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    6. Ohhhh trust me, you do NOT want to be unequally yoked. That's part of the reason why I met a 25 year old who was in the process of getting divorced. His wife was one of those people who believed in God just enough to stay sober, and God was one of the four cornerstones of his sobriety. He also said when he met me, he could see that I was transitioning away from Agnostic and wanted to be along for the journey. Although we called it "Platonic", it was very much what Fundamentalist Christians call "Courtship" and those months are still treasured memories which helped build a strong foundation for our marriage.

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    7. Of course you can be happily married to someone of another religion or no organized religion at all! There are examples of that everywhere in life. Why would you think otherwise? To exclude someone's affection because of that means YOU lose out. Do you also require someone to have the same political convictions, music tastes, or food likes before you'll associate with them? Can't you get along despite differences? Mature and accepting people can. And BTW, "unbelievers" are not "wicked." Some of the most esteemed scientists, business people, and inventors in the world have been and are atheists. Do you use Facebook? Founded by an atheist.

      Please post this because the way some people here "bash" others who have different religious beliefs, or aren't religious at all, is tiresome. If the concept of no religion is so troubling, then those staunchly religious people should not avail themselves of anything that has to do with non-believers, including major portions of the Internet.

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    8. Anon@ 12:48p There was no bashing. Only quoting God's Word. We as Bible believing Christians believing Christians we are not to be unequally yoked with nonbelievers.Yes the word "wickedness" is harsh term but I believe Apostle Paul is referring to the attitudes and lifestyles that clash between Christians and non Christians. I'm truly sorry that the Bible offends people. I really am.

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    9. His parents run a Christian camp. I would strongly guess he's a Christian:-)

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    10. Unequally yoked? Until men have labor pains and push out 9 lb. babies through what feels like a nostril, that yoke will never be equal!

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  3. We don't have one here☹. But if we did we would definitely go there and try the Chocolate Mess. It looks yummy but I'd definitely want to share.🍨

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  4. Also I am glad Josh and Anna and their kids are back together again! Thank you Lord for bringing this family together again! Love you too Josh and Anna!💜

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  5. No. I have never gone to Marketplace Grill. Maybe one day God-willing I'll check it out whenever I get a chance to meet the Duggars/Dillards/Seewalds/Vuolos. (Man this list is going to get longer every year)

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    1. James, why such fascination with meeting the Duggars (or more)?

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    2. What's so funny, Anon 7:44?
      Well, Anon 10:49; I've come to see the Duggars as my Second Family, as it's my wish to have a family that has similar standards like theirs. #LoveTheDuggars #LoveJAD

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    3. James, do you see anything wrong in considering TV personalities to be your family? How about working together with the family you already have to raise the standards to what you desire? Or giving some non-Duggar girl a chance to build such a life with you? Just seems you might be hitching your hopes to an unreachable star, and nobody should bring disappointment on themselves like that. Build what you want with what you have...

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    4. First of all Lily and Ellie I want to apologize for straying off topic. SuperJames526 I suspect you are still quite young, so I want to encourage you to not put so much faith in these families. Not because I think they are bad people but like the rest of us,they are human, capable of making mistakes. I don't know your story or your family situation but I suspect it is not ideal. I do want to encourage you to pray for your family members. Christmas is a great time to make amends. I also want to encourage you to not spend Christmas alone if you can't or don't want to be with your family. Perhaps you can visit a nursing home armed with Christmas cards or you could be a secret Santa to a hurting family. This comment is longer than I wanted it to be.Sorry! I will be praying for you and your family. Merry Christmas.

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    5. Superjames, please listen to the wisdom of the elders on this blog. Don't throw away what you do have while wishing for something you can't have. I hope the Duggars are protective of their privacy when it comes to fans trying to reach them or meet them. Would you blame them for that? Wouldn't you do the same thing?

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    6. Dear James,

      There are millions of good families in the world. You won't find them on TV. You might not always find them at a church. But there's one place you WILL find them: Volunteering. I guarantee you of that!

      I challenge you to become a volunteer with some sort of program in your community and start mingling with these great families and their children in real life. You'll see! You'll be doing good for others, and in the process, you'll feel better yourself.

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    7. Thank you for your concern, Regina and Anon. 11:32. But sadly for the past 3 years, the Duggars have been the main source of Hope for me; which is why I wish to meet them one day. Which will be rather difficult since I live in Ecuador, and my chances of meeting them are really slim. #3rdWorldIssues

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    8. James, the hope you need will not be found on a TV show. You have to find it somewhere else. But it's out there! Life has rich goodness. If you see it starting, nurture it. Connect with those around you who have happiness in their lives. People are waiting to help you. You just don't realize it yet because you're focused on something else. If you need someone to talk to, find a counselor, a mentor, or a wise older person who will listen. Even your "3rd world" must have them, and who better to understand how you feel than someone facing the same social issues you do?

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    9. Thanks for your advice, Anon. 5:41. Unfortunately, there are no volunteering programs where I live.
      I see your point, but it looks like it'll be a long time before I find one of those types of families here.

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    10. Thank you, Anon. 11:50. But my Hope is not found on their Show; I specifically referred to the Family itself. The reason it's difficult for me to find a counselor, mentor, or elder to talk to is because the mentality here isn't the same as in the U.S. Sadly, only I seem to suffer from the "social issues" in my area.

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  6. I haven't been to the Market Place Grill. I don't think we've got one here in Spokane Washington.

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  7. just look at his face when he's looking at her isn't that cute?
    Happy birthday Austin!!🎉🎈🎈

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  8. I am so happy for this young couple. Joy is a lovely girl. She is humble and very honest.There appear to be pretense about her. She is different from the older sisters who want the fame and the money that comes with fame. The best to you Joy ! God Bless!!

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    1. Which Duggar girl wants the fame and the money? You spoke to her or them,and she or they told you this?

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  9. I thought a while back one of the Duggar boys was in a courtship? What happend with that?

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    1. That relationship broke up about the time the Josh scandals came to light. But Marjorie is still hanging out with the Duggars, so who knows.

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  10. I am so happy for this young couple. Joy is a lovely girl. She is humble and very honest.There appear to be no pretense about her. She is so different from the older sisters who want the fame and the money that comes with fame. The best to you Joy ! God Bless!!

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    1. I wouldn't be so quick to assume any of the girls are out to claim "fame or money". They receive so much hate andcriticism, for being Christians, I can only believe they are trying to be an example for other young Christians, and share The Word with others who may be lost, and may not have the knowledge contained in the Bible, and how Faith and understanding can begin, by finding a good church, and start fellowshipping with other believers. The entire Duggar family, needs a lot of prayer, to keep them strong, and for God to give them protection against evil. Amen!

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    2. Tamera Campbell-
      Surely you do not mean that anyone who does not go to a "good church" is somehow evil. I simply cannot buy the notion that a loving God would write off people who are not self-proclaimed Christians. The only criticism I have read about the Duggars has less to do with being Christian, and more to do with the many hypocritical actions they have taken in the name of Christianity.

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    3. Tamera I agree with you. They definitely need prayer to stay grounded in the Word. I'm sure they do have fellowship with other believers. They have been an encouragement to me and I'm not a young Christian anymore. Thanks Tamera for your comment. I want to let you know my daughters have been encouraged by the Duggar young ladies example of modesty and living a life that honors Christ.

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  11. Thank you for sharing. May God bless your entire family. Merry Christmas to all.

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  12. Wow, Joy-Anna does not look nearly as dressed up as Austin or her parents. It seems like she could have tried harder on her appearance.

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    1. I think she looks great and is even wearing a shirt with his name on it. They're at a very casual place.

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    2. I do also find it awkward that he's dressed up with a tie on and she has a hoodie. But you're right I never noticed the shirt has his name on it. Maybe she did that to be cute for his birthday :)

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    3. If it's such a casual place, then why is Austin wearing a tie ?

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    4. Michelle isn't "dressed up;" she's wearing her uniform of collared, button-up blouse, long denim skirt, black trouser socks, and rubber crock shoes. The only thing that changes is the color of the top.

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    5. Anon@12:06pm he probably is wearing a tie because he really wanted to look nice for her. I suspect he really likes her. And as far as Joy supposedly isn't "dressed up" she looks very nice, not that is anyone's business.

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  13. Just the way that Austin looks at Joy is so cute! You can tell he really likes her.

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    1. Ikr? I love the way he looks at her.

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    2. They make a really nice couple :). What matters is how they feel for each other and by the photo, I'd say he is in love :)

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  14. I think that Chocolate Mess should be nicknamed Death by Chocolate! The Chocolate Mess would satisfy my chocolate cravings for a year that's for sure. Reminds me of a kid's story called Chocolatina. It was a favorite in our family. 🍖🍫🍦. I wonder if Austin and Joy were able to finish that thing.

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  15. Austin is not that young. I thought he was around Joy's age.
    They make a really cute couple those two and Joy looks so happy. I've never been to the market place grill.

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    1. I wonder what Austin does for a living.

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    2. I believe he works for his family business, similar to the Duggar (/Seewald) sons. They have a Christian family camp. I'm sure it brings in lots of revenue, to support his parents' family and also now his. I would have never considered running a family camp to be a good way to earn a living. I guess that shows me.

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    3. His parents run that camp. The parental business. Does that sound familiar??

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    4. If the Camp Supports for his father's Family, it doesn't mean that it will Support Austin's future Family as well.

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  16. Bombard away Ellie!!!
    I always enjoy reading each and every post 💌

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  17. At least, it seems like he really appreciates Joy. He has a very kind and loving expression on the first photo. I hope they take their time.

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  18. I hope this guy had a nice birthday, but he's 23? Sorry, I'm not buying Joy and Austin. Something's off here.

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    1. What do you mean??

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    2. I think what Anon 6:37 is saying is that this Courtship is rather similar to the Courtship that aired at the end of 19 Kids and Counting. #Staged_Planned_Real?

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  19. I'm so happy for Joy Anna. I hope that she gets engaged for Christmas!

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    1. Lol. OK now you are just trying to ruffle some readers feathers 😂

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    2. What is it that Anna said once? As a Duggar, once you turn 18, you could be 6 months from an engagement and not even know it? Something like that

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    3. I think it would be amazing if they got engaged for Christmas! What a fun time of year for something like that! I think I read somewhere that they started their courtship in August, so that would be 4 months. And they have known each other since they were little kids, so it wouldn't really be rushing things.

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    4. That would be kind of quick! But it seems like the Duggars usually already know that they will probably get engaged when they start a courtship. And Austin said that they had known each other for 15 years, I think. So that's a long time, and they probably already know each other really well. Maybe he was just waiting for her to graduate from high school before asking her to court him.

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    5. I hope she does not get engaged right away. She's way too young.

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  20. Austin is looking at her so sweetly. He looks like a man in love for sure. I am excited for the new couple!

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  21. Joy is one of my favorite Duggars. Happy birthday Austin. God bless Austin and Joy.

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  22. Her shirt says Austin! That is too cute.

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  23. I see Austin's name on Joy's shirt in first picture. In second picture Michelle looks tired and ready to go home but forcing out a smile. Maybe long day.

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  24. I've been to The Market Place Grill and met Joys boyfriend at Fort Rock Camp!! They are both awesome! Their family is so sweet! So happy for Him and Joy :)

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  25. My parents would not have been pleased if just after graduating high school I was dating a man finished with college. They certainly wouldn't be treating him to birthday ice creams.

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    1. At Joy's age, I wouldn't have even considered such an "older" boyfriend. Nor would boys that age be interested in someone Joy's age. Four years is a big gap at that stage in life!

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    2. Most parents wouldn't, but these kids have probably been raised differently than you and I.

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    3. They're only 4 years apart, plus they've proven to be more than happy to marry off their daughters.

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    4. That is not a big age difference. If a parent has a problem with 4 little years age difference with an adult child since they are at 18 one it them just not trusting they raised there kid right. Lucky my parents new they did and had no problems with my man being 27 and me 19 when we started seeing each other 18 years later still together. Have some faith in your children's choices they just might surprise you.

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    5. Are you serious? 19 and 23-perfectly normal. You people are really nitpicking.

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    6. My husband and I started dating when he was 23 and I was 19. We just celebrated our 24th anniversary last month.

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    7. "Only 4 years" at that age in life is a huge difference. Like saying a 5 yr. old and a 9 yr. old are "only 4 years" apart.

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    8. My hubby is 5 years older and our first date was my 17th birthday. I asked him out. We met at work. We've been married 35 1/2 years. Many different norms out there people. Some are ready younger than others plus some date older. I was always mature for my age. Only ever dated one kid my age. Hubby treated me 10 times better than the kid my age.

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    9. My husband and I met when I was 19 and in college and he was 26, out of college, and working. We got married at 20 and 27, so 4 years, even at that age is no big deal.

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    10. At 19, I met my husband who was 25. 10 years later, we are married, and I am pregnant with our second child. And we couldn't be happier! We loved each other since day 1, it was obvious to me that he was the man of my life, the father of my children.

      4 years is really not a big deal, if they want the same things in life.

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    11. I have to agree that 4 years between adults (which is what they both are) is no biggie if you have the same goals in life. I met my husband when I was 18 and he was 24, and we are happily married. Guys tend to mature at a slower rate than girls. (That is medically proven.) Joy also seems to be more mature than her 19 years.

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    12. It's the first boyfriend of any kind! That's a big age gap when you're inexperienced in these matters.

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    13. It looks like they both were raised in similar environment and the families know each other. I think Joy said they knew each other since childhood? Joy appears to be more mature than most 19yr olds.

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  26. Does anyone notice that on joys shirt it says Austin? ☺

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    1. Looks like an Austin Texas souvenir tee shirt,,,neat that it has his name on it too ❣😬❣

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  27. Happy birthday!!! How sweet Jim Bob and Mitchell get to celebrate in Joy's happiness!

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  28. The outdoorsy, tom girl found her outdoorsy guy. Awesome

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    1. How much outsoorsy-ing do you recon Joy will be able to do? She'll have the first baby by the time she's 21, at this rate.

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    2. Oh please! There are lots of things mothers can do at any age. I have a friend who is an olympic skier and trains with her 5 children.

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    3. Ha - the Duggars aren't exactly known to strap babies on their backs and go hiking. Maybe thru a thrift store, but not a mountain trail.

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    4. True, 9:05. Then they move somewhere where they have to have a/c and wi-fi or everyone panics.

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  29. Happy for Joy and Austin, they make a nice couple. But Austin looks older than his years and the resemblance to Jim Bob is hard to miss. Hope they have a long courtship, no need to rush into marriage.

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  30. How nice! Austin is a very good looking man

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  31. My first boyfriend was 4 years older than me....it wasn't a huge deal for us, but I'm glad I didn't have the expectation to marry him!

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  32. What does Austin do for a living? Did he go to college? He looks like he's smitten!!

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    1. And why shouldn't he be smitten?

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  33. Happy Birthday Joy!! You are a beautiful young woman. May God bless and guide you in the years to come!

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  34. Wishing you a year of blessings.
    HAPPY BIRTHDAY AUSTEN
    Joan,Marion and Marilyn

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  35. I am a Christian wife so I am in no way trying to start some kind of feminist war. However, I have noticed that women in this particular denomination seem to totally give up their entire identity when courting and married. Why isn't there any balance? Why doesn't Austin have a shirt with Joy-Anna's name on it? Why doesn't JimBob have pictures building Michelle!s ego? Why don't we hear what Jinger wanted Jeremy to wear for their wedding? It's literally all about the men and their wants, likes, dislikes etc. God's Word says husbands and wives are to submit one to another...it's not one sided. Just an observation.

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    1. What does Austin do for a living and how will he support a wife?

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    2. Joy's shirt is a picture of Texas with the word "Austin"- just a funny coincidence

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    3. Well it wasn't a coincidence 10:35, but a very deliberate choice. It's as if he's claiming his property already. I agree with 9:22...very one sided. I'm so thankful my husband and I are equal partners. When I compliment him it's out of sincerity not out of some antiquated ideology that his ego needs to be continually built up. My goodness I wouldn't be able to tolerate such insecurity in a man! He, too, knows I am just as capable of a full time career( outside the home)...interact daily with members of the opposite sex without causing them to sin( not my responsibility anyway) help raise our children etc. We are a Christian couple who fully understand we are equals in Christ and equals in the marriage covenant.

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    4. I think you are making too many assumptions. All healthy relationships have give and take. I am sure that Jinger had a say in what Jeremy wore. They obviously don't show every minute of every day on the shows. The married men often speak highly of their wives.

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  36. Cute couple but the family does not seem to value its non married courting children why can't they spend more time with Jana or other children who are of marriage age

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    1. I'm sure they're working on finding the proper marriage deals for the others. Gotta keep the show going!

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    2. This family is all about marriage and pregnancy and babies.

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  37. They probably do but the older ones might not want to be photographed and posted online. That would be my guess.

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  38. There sure are too many judgmental armchair quarterbacks that are posting here. Let them enjoy their happiness.

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