Welcome to the Bates family blog! Gil and Kelly have been married since 1987 and have nineteen children. Twelve of their children have been married. They have thirty-two grandchildren. They have four children and eight grandchildren in heaven.
Wednesday, January 23, 2013
A very duggar christmas
While in Oklahoma for Christmas, we drove with the Paine family 2 hours to see the Duggars! What a special reunion with treasured friends! We are so thankful for the impact others have made on our lives!
Sunday, January 20, 2013
Christmas in Oklahoma
Christmas break gave us an opportunity to spend time with Chad’s family. The Paines beautified the lodge we stayed in with lights and holiday decorations. Chad had even purchased a swing to place on the porch and had painte
d it white to resemble the swings at Erin’s college.
d it white to resemble the swings at Erin’s college.
When we arrived, we were given a tour where we saw a host of beds laden with name tags and gifts. Erin’s, of course, bore the largest gift (in fact, it was the largest teddy bear we’d ever seen!!) along with a dozen roses to add to the collection!
And can Mrs. 
Paine cook… Wow! We were treated to one feast after another! Then there was “spiritual food,” enjoyed at Dr. Paine’s Bible studies (including hands-on illustrations to excite the little ones!) Of course, there were late nights and laughter, games and talks, long walks and sweet fellowship!
Paine cook… Wow! We were treated to one feast after another! Then there was “spiritual food,” enjoyed at Dr. Paine’s Bible studies (including hands-on illustrations to excite the little ones!) Of course, there were late nights and laughter, games and talks, long walks and sweet fellowship!
We had so much fun spending time together, and we feel doubly blessed that God has knit our hearts so closely with the Paine family. We know we have much to learn from their gentle, humble spirits, as they have already been such a tremendous spiritual encouragement!
Friday, January 11, 2013
How Chad and Erin started their courtship!
A Special Day!
December 4, 2012 was a special day at
our home… It’s the day Chad Paine asked our daughter Erin to court (a pre-engagement stage of their relationship)!
our home… It’s the day Chad Paine asked our daughter Erin to court (a pre-engagement stage of their relationship)!
Chad showed up at Erin’s college on the last day of classes bearing a dozen long stemmed roses and an invitation to a dinner date that evening!
Next, the 
elated couple drove to Gatlinburg where they rode the skylift to the top of the mountain. Overlooking the beautiful lights, on their ride down, Chad asked Erin to court. They spent precious time together at a restaurant where Chad had prearranged for candlelight and a table overlooking the river. He presented her with a beautiful double-heart necklace… needless to say Erin was speechless!
elated couple drove to Gatlinburg where they rode the skylift to the top of the mountain. Overlooking the beautiful lights, on their ride down, Chad asked Erin to court. They spent precious time together at a restaurant where Chad had prearranged for candlelight and a table overlooking the river. He presented her with a beautiful double-heart necklace… needless to say Erin was speechless!
We couldn’t be more excited to watch God work in their 
relationship and we are so happy they have chosen to share their special moments with family and friends.
relationship and we are so happy they have chosen to share their special moments with family and friends.
We ask for your prayers as they seek God for direction over the course of this new year!
