Kelton's birthday post

Kelly Jo posted 

Happy 31st Birthday, Kelton (one day late)! I got so excited when I began to research the meaning of your name! It’s such a fitting description of you; God definitely gave your parents insight as they chose it! It has a British & Scottish origin, & it means “keel town,” a seaside town where settlers made keels for sailing boats. That might not seem like a significant thing until you look up what a keel is & what its function is. “It acts as the backbone of the boat & is absolutely essential for keeping the vessel upright, preventing it from tipping over, & stopping it from being pushed sideways by the wind. It provides stability & lift.” When you apply this description in a spiritual sense, it’s a perfect description of YOU! You’re so wise, mature, well-rounded, focused, determined, skilled, thoughtful, & helpful. You are leadership material through & through, & you want to please God in your life, your family, & your business… & in the process, it’s easy to see how you bring stability in the lives of all those around you, keeping them balanced & upright. Your middle name Edward is also a mirror of your life, having an Old English origin, it means “wealthy guardian” or “prosperous protector.” We know that our true riches are not earthly riches, but are rather, the riches of God’s grace & His gift of eternal life. Your life as a protector & guardian, points people to that truth- the only real hope & help! Thank you for being such an incredible son-in-law, husband, father, friend, business man, & Christian! ❤️

Dakota's birthday posts

Kelly Jo posted a sweet birthday post to her grandson as he celebrated his first birthday. 

Happy 1st Birthday, Dakota James (one day late)! You’re such a happy baby, with such a bright smile! I look at you & have flashbacks of your dad as a boy! I see so much resemblance, & your joyful personality reminds me of him too. Your 1st name is from Native American origin, meaning “friend.” And your 2nd name in Hebrew means “to follow after,” & it has the connotation of “strength & protection.” In Latin it means “May God protect.” These names offer a perfect prayer for your life: May you be a friend of God, following after Him & enjoying the protection & strength He brings! And I can’t wait to watch you growing up & living out such a beautiful prayer! You’re a special young fellow, & as you get older, I hope it’ll be more & more clear to you just how loved you are- by God & by all of us! ❤️

New double birthday

Happy birthday Kelton and Dakota!

Kelly has confirmed that the baby boy's name is Dakota and he was born on July 4th.

Happy 1st birthday Dakota

Kelly has shared when Jackson and Emerson's little boy was born.

He shares a birthday with his uncle, Kelton, and Papa Bill.

Lawson and Tiffany are moving

We have some exciting news to share. 

Lawson and Tiffany are moving to Florida with their two boys. 

More photos from Warden and Kaybrie's wedding

We have new photos of Warden and Kaybrie's wedding photos. The couple got married in a private ceremony with the help of family members. It was Kaybrie's wish to have her father walk her down the aisle before he passed away.

July Birthdays

It's time to release our July birthdays cover photo.

William Bates (July 19), Willow Balka (July 19), Sarah Bates (July 12), Kelton Balka (July 4), Lawson Bates (July 27), and Dakota Bates (July 4)