Valentine's Day 2018!

Happy Valentine's Day! 

Finding Peace

Kelly talks about Nathan and Ashley and compare the relationship between Gil and Kelly. Nathan revealed that Gil and Kelly broke up a few times before getting back together.

Who knows they could be getting back together?

Most asked questions

We were asked a few questions on our facebook page after posting our last Most asked questions blog.

What if the kids don't want as many kids as Gil and Kelly had and chose birth control?
Gil and Kelly support their kids on how they chose to live their lives outside of marriage. 

 who will be the next to announce a new grand-baby?
Only time will tell

Recap: Training Wheels and Trick Saddles

Since Judson is turning five, Gil and Kelly decide to surprise their son with a new bike. Judson has been on training wheels so his older brother, Warden, convinces him to try without it. Judson is not sure about it at first.
The Paine family and Tori is headed to Nashville to record Erin's Christmas CD with their friend Any Leftwich. Chad and Erin have been saving money for a CD before Carson was born however they ended up changing the plan due to Carson's early arrival.
Erin loves music and loves to encourages others. During the recording, Kelly brings Lawson and Callie to cheer Erin on. Both Chad and Kelly praise Erin on the talent that the Lord had given her.
On the second season finale, the family met with Dixie Stampede and they promised to stop by the house to teach the boys some skills. The day is finally here and bring Ashley and Shadow to teach them at the ranch that the family owns.
After the boys learn the tricks they hit the town with horse. Shadow is surprise that the boys run that town and are full force.

Recaps: Brandon Pops the Question

Brandon decides that it's time to plan the big proposal and calls Gil to tell him his plans. The family all love Brandon and it's time for him to pop the question.
Brandon wants her to have something special and brings sketches to Harrington's Fine Jewelry in Chicago to design.
The engagement ring has a big stone to represent that God is the center of their relationship and has their initials.
 Brandon decides that it's time to text her to tell her that he is heading up to DC and will be with his sister. Michaella heads to her parents to find out if she can go. Gil suggest that she surprises and she makes arrangements to stay with Angie but not tell Brandon. Michaella doesn't know that he is planning something big.
Gil and Kelly decide that they want to go to DC so that way they are there. The day before they are schedule to leave, they get a text from John saying that Alyssa went into labor. They rush to leave for Florida.
Alyssa gives birth and released on the same day. Gil and Kelly get to meet their new grandbaby, Allie Jane, the next day. Kelly is surprised on how good Alyssa looks after giving birth.
    Gil and Kelly head over to DC for the big event. Michaella arrives to find Brandon not there since his sister sent him on an errand.
Since Michaella arrived on Sunday, Brandon spent the whole day sightseeing with his sisters and Michaella. Brandon is getting nervous but knows that she will say yes. He makes the final plans for the proposal.
    Meanwhile, the kids figure out that their parents are not in Florida and put together what is going on and are thrilled that their sister is getting engaged.
Brandon and Michaella head to the Cherry blossoms at the Jefferson Memorial at sun rises. Brandon said that he has to leave for a few hours to some work and hands her the first clue.
Michaella says that he is thoughtful and is touched that her boyfriend planned something for her while he is gone to work.
Michaella has Brandon's sister to take her around the city while Angie and Christy are helping behind the scenes. Michaella gets a video from Brandon at each spot that they are at.
Finally Brandon is waiting at the last spot with the flowers and ring.
Brandon has three things to tell her "The first thing is: I love you. The second is: I want to spend the rest of my life with you. And the third is a question: Will you marry me?
Michaella says yes to the proposal and the couple shares a few hugs before the parents come out of hiding.
Brandon and Michaella are planning their wedding for August 15th

Recap: Future in-Laws?

Michael and her parents are headed to Chicago to meet Brandon and his parents. Meanwhile Chad and Erin go over to the house to help with the younger ones while they are gone.
Brandon's family live in Michigan however when Brandon and Michael get married, They will live in Chicago since Brandon works there.
Gil hopes that they can have some Chicago pizza and they head over to Giordano's. Both Kelly and Michael are hoping that Brandon will propose soon while Gil is a little more laid back. Kelly knows that Brandon has been thinking about engagement since it's been on theirs.
The couples head to an art shop where they paint a piece of potty.
During lunch, Brandon decides to chat with Gil to get his permission to asked Michael to marry him. Brandon gives Gil the date and Gil won't tell Kelly because she will give it away to Michael.
During their meal, Kelly pulls out the calendar to see when Brandon wants to pick a date for the wedding and he jokes that he is planning one on Valentine's day 2015.
Back home, Chad and Erin have the kids prepare to redo Gil and Kelly's room as a surprise. Chad and the boys work on refinishing the furniture while the girls decorate. The kids are surprised to find that Erin wants them to use their food to make animals. Their dad doesn't like to waste food and the kids know that he would not approve this choice.
Gil and Kelly return home to find their room redecorated and love it. Gil sits the family down to talk about the special talk that he had with Brandon but won't reveal anything.

Special Thank you!

Gil and Kelly Bates are so thankful for all of you that tune in for the first season of Bringing Up Bates. They are currently filming their second season. 

 The second season's premiere date has not been release yet. We do know that it's going to be sometime in June. We will keep you updated on the premiere date.

What do you expect to see in the second season?

Photos: Mexico trip!

Speaking engagments

Gil and Kelly have upcoming speaking engagements and we are so excited to share all the important details

On April 21 to 24
Gil and Kelly  head to Big Sandy Texas to speak at the 2015 family conference.
Click here to register

On May 26 to 29
Gil and Kelly are heading to Nashville to speak at 2015 family conference
Click here to register

On June 30 to July 3rd
Gil and Kelly are heading to Sacramento, CA to speak at the 2015 family conference.
Click here to register
They will be joined by Jim Bob and Michelle Duggar (video) and David and Priscilla Waller

On July 21 to 24
Gil and Kelly head to Twin Cites, MN to speak at the family conferences
Click here ot register

Recap: The Bates go to Flordia

The family shows up at John and Alyssa's home. John and Alyssa do their best to keep their home very clean and they know what with the family coming, it's going to be new change.  Kelly wants all the kids to mind their manners.
Alyssa reveals that she found out that they were going to have a baby girl that is due in about four weeks. The family is super excited to have another grandchild. Kelly is so excited to have her first granddaughter.
John and Alyssa offer Zach and Whitney to sleep in their guest room since they have Bradley
John wants to have the family wait for a month after Allie is born but the kids are not happy.
Since Alyssa asked her father to check out the tree in her front yard, Gil brings his supplies and helps out while the girls cook.
The family heads over to the beach for the first time in seven years which means that the youngest ones haven't been to the beach at all and this will make their first time.
Many of the kids have their wholesome wear for the girls while the boys swim in trunks and shirts. The family ends up in the water.
The family heads over to the Aquarium where they meet Winter who is start of Dolphin Tale and Dolphin tale 2 which everyone is excited about.
The family then heads to get fresh oranges and then ends the show with riding on a monster truck that is huge!

Zach's blog: Michaella Goes a Courtin’

I was so glad that Brandon was able to spend a few weeks with the family.  I know how important it is to establish strong relationships with family members and that takes time and involvement. It was a little easier for me and Whitney, because she lived close by and we were able to get together with family members often. On Brandon’s case, living far away doesn’t allow as many opportunities to bond, and often on visits the focus is naturally to spend time with Michael. So I think it was wise for my parents to an a trip just for the purpose of giving time for him to spend time with the rest of the family. Once he gets married, they are likely to move, so this time together will be treasured memories.

Name that Bates!

Gil and Kelly sit down and answer questions with their daughter Tori in the newest episode of "Name that Bates". Check out what on their first date.

Gill and Kelly Jo Bates On How They Fell In Love

written by Gil and Kelly Bates

If you had asked us 31 years ago, when we met in Anderson, South Carolina, what the future would hold for us, we could have in no way imagined the joy we are getting to experience now.

We met at Anderson Junior College (Currently Anderson University) in 1984. We were first introduced by a friend, but really began to form a friendship after we joined a campus ministry team that traveled to churches to sing, testify, and preach. Before long, glances were being exchanged and admiration was growing. It was in chemistry class that sparks began to fly. I was the chemistry lab assistant, so Gil cunningly decided to ask for some extra tutoring after class. I was certainly attracted to his humor and outgoing personality, but most of all, I was fascinated by his desire to love and serve God.

We began dating seriously in the summer of 1986 before transferring to Carson Newman College in Jefferson City, Tennessee. By Christmas the following year, we stood before an altar exchanging wedding vows and committing our lives to one another.

Little did we know that 27 years later we would have 19 children! We have a sign hanging in our house that reads, "It all began when two people fell in love." That love has deepened over the years, and this Valentines Day we are reminded of the treasure we have in our relationships: with each other, with our children, with our friends, and with The Lord.

May this holiday be a time to celebrate and show gratitude for the special people in our lives!

By Gil and Kelly Jo Bates

By Gil and Kelly Jo Bates

Happy Valentine's day!

Happy Valentine's day to the Bates family and all of the fans! Today marks Zach and Whitney's second Valentine's day as husband and wife. Today also marks Bradley's first Valentine's day. Today marks Chad and Erin's second Valentine's day as husband and wife. Today also marks John and Alyssa's first Valentine's day as husband and wife.

Zach's blog: Project Starters

Just like Nathan said, my brothers and I can definitely be labeled as “project starters”… whereas Chad is definitely the project finisher. While I was still living at my parents, I tried to help out as much as I can, since I was the oldest. However, while Whitney was pregnant and now that we have Bradley, I can’t always make it over to the house to help out. I’m definitely grateful for Chad being another helping hand when it comes to helping out with my younger siblings!

It was so fun that Whitney and I were able to participate in the singing engagement before little Bradley was about to arrive. We both enjoy singing, and I got to play a little backup guitar at the music festival. Now that we have Bradley, I bet you can imagine that there is a lot of singing in our house!

Recap: Nashville Son

The family is getting ready to plant a garden. Kelly and Gil are excited to be planting healthy garden. Gil and Kelly work on where they were going to put the garden. Gil thinks that their valley would be the best place due to where the water rolls down the hill. Kelly reminds her husband that the water comes from the sky and lands everywhere.
Kelly and her supporters to give in to the good attitude and asked Gil to build the playground for the little kids. Kelly reveals that when there is a difference of opinion that the family tries to stop and give the opinion. Kelly feels that there was some hard feelings about the garden. Gil gets ready to plow the land and prepare for the garden when Chad shows up to help the family.
Meanwhile, Lawson heads to Nashville to record a new song that was recently released. Lawson reveals that he took up a hobby a few years ago.  Lawson reveals that some of his songs were about his experience growing up and others.  Lawson reveals that he is nervous about the new song but he has a full time job as landscaping business but he is focusing on his music.
When he first gets to Nashville, Lawson meets with Joyce Martin for practice vocal training. Lawson heads to record his song with Ricky Skaggs. His new song is called problems and is song with Rachel Leftwhich which is Rick's niece.
Lawson heads over to talk to the president of Daywind Records Ed Leonards. After he is done with recording and the meetings, Lawson heads to the house.
Kelly reveals that she and Gil had no musical background and can't read a note. They wanted to have their children to learn music and so they can used it for a ministry.
Lawson, Nathan and Trace are asked who they think will be the next one to be married. Nathan thinks that it will be Lawson or Tori. Lawson adds that the girls like to jump early at leaving the house.
Kelly reveals that courtship is the biggest topic in the family since the kids like tease each other about their future husband or wives.
Lawson reveals that his parents are forcing the kids to get into courtship before they get married or the other way around. They pretty much tell their children to make their own choice and have promise to support, encourage and advise them.

Nashville son preview!

Budding country singer/songwriter Lawson Bates heads to Nashville to meet with a record label executive and a vocal coach, while Kelly, Gil and the younger kids start planting a fall garden. But with so many people offering their opinions, the task doesn't go as seamlessly as Kelly thinks so she calls for back up.

Zach's blog: Learning from the Best

Believe it or not, being part of a television show isn’t always easy. Sometimes it’s hard to re-watch moments you’ve lived or to know that people see one small piece and think it’s the whole puzzle. On the other hand, it’s pretty cool to know that we have a time capsule filled with some of the most special moments of our lives because of the show. It’s been a wild ride that’s for sure. One of the moments I’m most looking forward to re-living this season is the birth of my son Bradley. One of the questions Whitney and I get asked a lot is if we’ll raise Bradley the way my parents raised us. Well, I can tell you one thing… my parents are experts at raising kids! I certainly wouldn’t be the Dad I am and intend to be without their training and guidance. Another question we get asked is if we’re going to have 19 kids like my mom and dad. The truth is… right now we have one very little and very special boy we get to be parents to and we’re having the time of our lives doing it. And if you’re wondering if I think my parents have gone soft and have ‘Grandparent Syndrome’… for Bradley’s sake and the other grandkids soon-to-come… I sure hope so!
Whitney and I couldn’t be more excited for the big news in tonight’s episode but I’ll let Erin share that. :)

Coming up "Bringing up Bates: Train up"

The younger kids get a lesson on "Train Up," Gil and Kelly's method for discipline, and take 11 of them shopping for the ultimate test! Erin takes a trip to the doctor hoping for some good news.

Recap: Courtship and Marriage

It's time for the second episode of Bringing up Bates. This week we are getting to know Brandon and Michaella, Zach and Whitney, John and Alyssa, and Chad and Erin.
Gil and Kelly know as their kids are getting older, they are going to figure out what works for them and their new family.  Kelly knows that all of the kids are going to make different choices that they did not make while raising them. Zach and Whitney have decided that they would let Bradley watch Pooh Bear even through Zach's family, there was no TV growing up.
Erin decides that she wants to invite Warden, Ellie and Callie over to her house for dinner and spend the night since she is not used to being by herself through out the day. Since Chad and Erin got married, Erin greets her husband with a hug and kiss when he gets home. He later heads into the kitchen with Erin and her brother and sisters. Erin has learned to eat more healthy and the family is not used to it.
After they were married, John and Alyssa moved to Florida. It's hard for Alyssa since she is so used to them being there.  Gil reveals that it's hard having his daughter away since he wants to be there for her.
Michaella is getting ready for her trip with Brandon who is in Texas. Michaella meets up with her friend, Amber, who is going to chaperone the trip. When Michaella surprise Brandon with hugs. He did not know that she was coming to see him.
            Gil and Kelly revealed their hopes for their children during their courtship. They want to make sure that their kids keep Christ in the center of their relationship and to remain pure. They would also want to make sure that the kids wait to save their first kiss on the wedding.   
Gil and Kelly revealed they did not save their first kiss for their wedding neither did Zach and Whitney. Zach and Whitney did tell their parents about their first kiss. They hope that Zach's brothers and sisters do not follow their footsteps.
Michaella and Brandon hope to save their first kiss for their wedding but they do give frontal hugs when they greet each other and say goodbye.
Zach and Whitney head for her last doctor appointment for their son. They are able to see a very clear picture of Bradley's face during the ultrasound.
Chad and Erin head to their doctor to find out why they keep having miscarriages. The doctor runs some test and tells Erin that she needs to take an aspirin every day as well as extra frolic acid in hopes to keep the pregnancy. Chad and Erin are ready to start trying for their first child.