Wednesday, January 31, 2018

January Recap

The Bates family has celebrated three birthdays: Gil, Michaella and Lexi Mae.

Bringing Up Bates returned on January 4th. This season is schedule to have 26 episodes making it the biggest season.

We have had many updates from the family. There was an update from nine Bates children and Kelly's eye surgery.

Erin and Alyssa are just three months away from welcoming their daughters, Everly and Zoey. Michaella gave an update from her journey to motherhood on Bringing Up Bates.

Bobby and Tori have been married for one month and gave an update about their moving plans and career update.

There were two courtship announcements from Carlin and Josie Bates.

Tuesday, January 30, 2018

Preview: Erin's surprise takes the cake

Erin reveals unexpected news to her husband, Chad; Whitney balances motherhood with her new career as a realtor; Whitney gets advice from her new boss; Trace practices basketball drills with his college buddies.

Monday, January 29, 2018

All about Lexi: 12 months old

Happy 1st Birthday Lexi Mae! 
On January 27, 2017; John and Alyssa announced the birth of their second child. She was born on January 26, 2017.

Alyssa shared that her daughter's nickname is Mae Mae. She is very laid back and loves to cuddle.

A few days ago, Lexi Mae celebrated her first birthday. This past month, she celebrated her first New Years. This past year, she found out that she will have a new little sister, coming in April 2018, and a new little cousin, also coming in April 2018.

February Monthly Episode Preview

Erin's surprise takes the cake
February 1, 2018
Erin reveals unexpected news to her husband, Chad; Whitney balances motherhood with her new career as a realtor; Whitney gets advice from her new boss; Trace practices basketball drills with his college buddies.

The best is Yet to come
February 8, 2018
While Tori is eager for Bobby to pop the question, he is struggling to come up with the perfect proposal plan, so he turns to Gil and Kelly Jo for advice.

TBA
February 15, 2018
A life full of surprises with the Bates family of 19 children in Tennessee.

TBA
February 22, 2018
A life full of surprises with the Bates family of 19 children in Tennessee.

Saturday, January 27, 2018

Bates Family Live: A New Courtship

We are excited to share the live chat that the Bates had on January 25th.
 

Update on Kelly

Happy Saturday everyone! We have been getting a lot of questions about Kelly. Kelly ended up getting eye surgery to correct her eye vision. The surgery was a little more involved than what was expected. The family has said that they had a skilled doctor and Kelly is recovering well. Michaella came down from Chicago to help cook and take care of the kiddos at home.

February Birthday Cover

It's time to reveal our February Birthday Cover. This month the family has two double birthdays.
 

Friday, January 26, 2018

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Recap: Sun Day, Fun day

The family is getting ready for the Solar eclipse. Knoxville was set up for a near-totality experience. They are planning to have a party. Kelly wants to make sure that the kids know that it's dangerous to look up at the eclipsed sun without eclipse glasses. Addallee says that it's not a party unless Kelly doesn't give a lesson about what you should or should not do.

Brandon gives a quick science lesson about what they will be seeing. They load up to hit the road. They arrive at one of Erin's friend's house who has a pool. The friend and her husband has a snow cone and a cotten candy machines. Kelly says that it's a perfect recipe for a party and a big mess
Lawson reveals that it's tough for anyone when they invited the whole mob over. It's super gracious thing to do but it goes from nice and calm to a zoo without fences or cages.

The family sets up a inflatable slide to enjoy. Zach is unable to make it since he has to work but Whitney brings the kids to enjoy the party.

When it begins, the family grabs their glasses and are amazed by the sun. Erin thinks that there were some people that were over the top excited and her brother-in-law, Brandon, was one of them. Brandon had his camera out the entired time and tried to take photos.

The temperature drops down and the wind slows down, Lawson said that it was a little creepy right then when they could hear the crickets and frogs going off.

Katie reveals that they could see a couple of stars in the sky at 2:30pm.The whole family agrees that the eclipse was unforgettable event.

Brandon and Michaella are off to their doctor appiotment with Dr. Vick. He is the families's OB/GYN. Michaella says that it's the last thing that they are going to do and then take a break. Kelly says that there is a little bit of hope but also a lot of nervousness too.

Dr. Vick preforms a hysterosalpingorgram which is a diagnostic procedure to find out if there is a tutal blockage that be hindering any pregnancy that the couple could have. Brandon and Michaella have had exams and the doctors could not find any reason why a pregnancy would not work. It was found out that Michaella is hyper-ovulating.

Through the procedure, a bit of the blockage is able to be clean out. Dr. Vick reveals at least one of the tubes is now open. He wants her to wait three cycles before doing potential surgrey.

Michaella knows that each step has been a blessing and seeing how God has direct and open doors. Michaella has been having a hard time and just focusing on all the postives to think about the benfits. Michaella says that they have gotten closer. Brandon reveals that he is proud of his wife and she has been a trooper through it all.

Bringing Up Bates airs tonight!

Everyone knows what Thursday means, we have a brand new episode of Bringing Up Bates!
Be sure to check out our preview Tuesday to find out what this week's episode is about. Also be sure to check out yesterday's big announcement. We will be sharing our recaps from both the new episode and live show either later tonight or tomorrow.

Wednesday, January 24, 2018

Big Bates News!

Last night on our facebook and instagram page, we announced that the Bates family have big news and that is....
Josie and Kelton announced today that they are officially courting. Check out the couple's announcement that UP TV shared this morning by clicking here.

Congrats to Josie and Kelton

Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Preview: Sun Day, Fun Day

In anticipation of the total solar eclipse, Brandon gives the Bates kids an interactive science lesson, demonstrating how the moon blocks the sun.

Michaella turns 28!

Happy 28th birthday Michaella

Monday, January 22, 2018

New photo of Carlin, Kaci, and Brooklyn

Yesterday, we shared a new photo of Carlin Bates. Today we are sharing two new photos. The first one is with Brooklyn. The second one is with Kaci and Carlin.

 

Sunday, January 21, 2018

New photo of Carlin Bates

We recently shared a new photo of Carlin Bates. Many of you know that earlier this month, she announced her courtship with Evan Stewart on the season premiere of Bringing Up Bates.

Saturday, January 20, 2018

All about Kaci: 19 months old

Happy 19th Month Birthday Kaci Lynn! 
 
This past month, she celebrated her second Christmas and New Years with her family and friends. She also celebrated her father's birthday.

In just five months, we will be wrapping up all about Kaci when she celebrates her second birthday.

Friday, January 19, 2018

9 Bates Updates!

The Bates family have been quite busy that we thought that it would be wonderful to share a few things of what they have been up to.

Zach and Whitney are working on their house. As their latest update on Facebook, they just chose the cabinets and counter-tops for their new home.

Chad and Erin are a little over three months away from welcoming their third child, a daughter, in late April 2018. John and Alyssa are three months away from welcoming their third child, in early April 2018. It will be interesting to see if they have the girls close together.

Trace shared on Instagram that he just started a new semester at Crown College yesterday. Katie is in her last semester of high school and just started at Crown College.

Josie recently graduated cosmetology school last semester and passed her licensing exam. She had a job interview and is waiting to hear back.

Bobby and Tori are living in apartment while Tori finishes up her classes in May. We are so excited to share that Bobby and Tori are moving to Nashville. Bobby has gotten a job at Bible Baptist while Tori hopes to use her teaching degree at a local Christian school. She just started student teaching in a first grade classroom on Monday.

Lawson has been working on his music for 4-5 days per week. He and Nathan are currently on a mission trip.

Nathan spends his time working with his father in the tree business and teaching flying lessons. He also has been doing mission trip.

All about Lexi: Seven Days until One!

In just one week, we will celebrate Lexi's first birthday! We can not believe that she is almost one! 
Lexi Mae with Alyssa and Allie
Be sure to check out her first birthday cover and her eleven month update!

Recap: Bobby's happy Camper

Special Note: We have been getting asked to do recaps from the live shows and we will start doing them next week. We haven't decided yet if they will be attached to the recaps or if they will have their own post. We will keep you update on our facebook/twitter page! 
 
Tori is super excited that her boyfriend (Bobby Smith) is moving up to Tennessee! She hopes that everything is going to be easy. Judson thinks that Bobby is just moving up here so he can marry and start kissing.

Zach and Whitney head over to the camper to meet Tori. Bobby will be staying at the camper that their family friend is letting him stay there. Chad and Erin arrive to the camper to make signs with Tori.

Next up is Josie, Kelton and Jackson to the camper. Kelton looks at the leak under the sink and ends up replacing it.

Gil reveals that raising the girls has been a bad dead since there is a chance that there are three weddings in the future as Tori, Carlin and Josie.

Before leaving Flordia, Bobby heads to get the ring that he had made for Tori. The store is the place that his father got his mother's engagement ring. Bobby is blown away by the finished product.

Bobby and his parents arrive to Tennessee and Tori is on cloud nine. Sheri reveals that they have been apart for so long and now it will be the best thing for them to get to know the family better.

Tori helps him unpack and she asked him where the ring is. Bobby plays it cool and jokes about not talking about ring.

Bobby and his parents head over to the Bates home and gives them a tour before they have to leave. Gil says that neither parents were quite ready for a tour. Tori reveals that her mother loves the house to be clean and prefect.

The family is happy to have Bobby in Tennessee before the engagement and wedding. The couple makes plans for their future. They know that there could be a chance that their ministry will leave them out of Knoxville when she graduates in May 2018.

Gil says that he is glad that Bobby is moving up here to give them a chance to know him better. It also gives him a chance to know the kids better. He seems pretty happy about it and so he (Gil) is grateful.

Wednesday, January 17, 2018

The Little Bates Remodel!

The little Bates family are finishing up remodeling their first home. We have a few new photos of Bradley and Kaci being a helper that we know that you would enjoy! Be sure to check out Zach and Whit's house update.

Tuesday, January 16, 2018

Preview: Bobby's Happy Camper

Bobby finally makes the big move to Rocky Top, Tenn., so he can be closer to Tori; before he touches down in Tennessee, he stops by a Florida jewelry store to pick up Tori's engagement ring.

B & T: One Month Anniversary!

Happy One Month anniversary to Bobby and Tori (Bates) Smith!
For the past four weeks, we have shared weekly updates for the newlyweds and many questions have come up for the couple.
Many of you have asked when and if Bobby and Tori will share honeymoon pictures and currently there is no word. The chances are that the honeymoon was filmed and they have to wait to share.
Also many of you have asked about if they are going to post more on instagram and we don't know. They might do it so we are going to have to wait and see. We should all be thankful for when they do post.


Monday, January 15, 2018

All about Lexi: 11 days until one!

In just eleven days, John and Alyssa's second daughter will celebrate her first birthday! Be sure to check out her first birthday cover that was posted right after her eleven month update.
Lexi Mae
We will see you later this week for her seven day countdown. 

Sunday, January 14, 2018

Flashback: Alyssa at 28 weeks pregnant

Alyssa is a little over 28 weeks pregnant with her third daughter and shared a baby bump photo which we posted on our blog. We thought that it would be wonderful idea to share her other 28 week baby bumps with Allie and Lexi.


Here is the one that she was pregnant with Allie Jane:
 Here is the one that she was pregnant with Lexi Mae:

Saturday, January 13, 2018

B & T: Four weeks of marriage

It's hard to believe that Bobby and Tori have been married for the past four weeks. Bobby shared on Thursday's night live chat that they got home on Monday from their honeymoon. We do have a new photo of the couple along with Josie, Kelton, Lawson, Carlin and Evan.
Many of you have asked why we do weekly updates of the newlyweds. Back when Brandon and Michaella got married, we decided that the first month, we do weekly since the couple had shared many photos of their honeymoon. We hope that Bobby and Tori will update their Instagram very soon.

We will see you on Tuesday for their first month of marriage.

Friday, January 12, 2018

Bates/Smith Wedding photos #4


Bobby and Tori will celebrate their first month of marriage in four days. Many have asked for more wedding photos from their special day! Special Thank you to Taryn Yager and family friend Courtney for these amazing photos!






Thursday, January 11, 2018

Recap: Decorating Dilemmas and Job decisions

Kelly and Erin head to help Michaella decorate her new place since Brandon and Michaella have moved out of their apartment. Brandon reveals his one rule about the family coming to help them that Michaella has to like it to keep it. Brandon likes modern decor but Michaella has chosen a country/farmhouse theme.

The girls head to the fabric store to make curtains. Kelly's ideas are different than both Michaella and Erin's but the girls don't find a fabric to make for the curtain. Kelly reveals that she is just there for the ride.

While the girls are decorating, Michaella gives an update about her journey to motherhood. She has been with a specialist for over a year. They have been a lot of test and have one more to do. They want to have it done by Dr. Vick.

Michaella reveals that they have one more procedure that she can have done and if that doesn't work, the couple will take a break and enjoy their marriage and start the journey again later down the line.
Brandon arrives home and they all head out to go bowling. Erin reveals that her mom was the only one to have bumpers up and Erin agrees because of her age. Kelly was surprised at her daughters competitive spirit was Michaella did not like the fact that her sister beat her.

When they return back to the house, the girls stay up to finish the house. Michaella loves the outcome of the house which makes Brandon happy.

Chad and Bobby are heading to work. Chad has offered Bobby his job at the metal recycling facility as he is helping at the family's church. Chad has been offered a new job at a local builder since he has been into it for a while.

Tori and her little sisters pick up Bobby to go get some ice cream at the Chunky Monkey. Tori asked Bobby when he is going to propose and if he has looked for rings. Bobby asked her if she has ever heard of a surprise before. They change the subject.

Alyssa's 28th week baby Bump!

Alyssa is now 28 weeks pregnant and is just starting the third trimester which means that she has 12 more weeks until her due date, April 2nd! 

For those that don't know, Alyssa is due on April 2nd to welcome her third daughter, Zoey Joy.

Wednesday, January 10, 2018

New Photo of John and Alyssa

We shared this photo on our facebook page on Saturday and wanted update the blog a new photo of the couple.
It is hard to believe that John and Alyssa started their courtship just three days before Alyssa's 19th birthday and now they have been married for almost four years. They have two children with one on the way due on April 2, 2018.

Tuesday, January 9, 2018

Preview: Decorating Dilemmas and Job Decisions

Michaella and Brandon move out of their one-bedroom apartment and into a new house; Kelly Jo and Erin pay the young couple a visit to lend a hand with decorating their new space; Chad offers his job to Bobby.



Zach and Whitney's house Update

Zach and Whitney announced in early December that they brought a new house and are remodeling right now. Whitney shared an update of the house on her instagram and facebook page.

Whitney said: So for those asking, here are a few pics of the new house reno journey so far. Several walls have been torn down, beams put in, arch built, floors taken out, new drywall, lighting, etc. including bedrooms & bathrooms..🙈😯 (what were we thinking😆) We have spent every day Zach has had off work working till close to midnight and most evenings going over to work as soon as he went off duty to get as many hours in as we could to get the job done! 🙌🏼 Getting to be by Zach’s side through every step/project in this process has yes, been quite challenging BUT brought us together so much more as a couple and taught us so much! ❤️ Buying a house was a huge step, but taking on a full reno was huge leap.. however, making this house a home TOGETHER has truly been more rewarding than we could have ever hoped for!! (even through different opinions on style or going home covered in sawdust and insulation😂) We still have the kitchen, floors, and paint left, but we finally see the light at the end of the tunnel!!🙌🏼🎉 So stay tuned!! #makingprogress #memories #ourlittlehome



 We will keep you updated on the new house progress.

Monday, January 8, 2018

New photo of Carlin Bates and Evan Stewart

Fresh off of their courtship announcement, Carlin and Evan shared an updated photo of them. The couple started their courtship in Early August! 

Many of you have asked if there is a way to get Evan's song to Carlin and it's on I-tunes.

 

Sunday, January 7, 2018

New photo of Erin (Bates) Paine

We shared this photo of Erin Paine on our facebook page at the end of last week and thought that you would all like to see an update photo of her.
Erin is currently in her fifth month of her third pregnancy and shared a baby bump photo in late December.
 

Saturday, January 6, 2018

All about Brooklyn: 17 months old

Brooklyn is now 17 months old!

She just celebrated her second Christmas with her family and friends. Her mom shared a new photo of her and her family on both Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

She is just a little under three months from meeting her cousin and sister in April and can't wait to meet them.

She witnessed her aunt (Tori) get married to Bobby on December 16th!

third week of marriage

Bobby and Tori returned to Florida to have a second celebration of their December 16th wedding with the family and friends in Florida. There has not been any photos released of their honeymoon but just give it time.
We will see you next Saturday for their final weekly update.

Friday, January 5, 2018

Bates/Stewart Courtship announcement

We are so excited to share that Carlin Bates and Evan Stewart are announcing their courtship in last night's episode.
Carlin and Evan marked the 8th courtship that we have announced on our blog. We can't wait to show more updates on this couple. 
Congrats to Carlin and Evan!
 

Thursday, January 4, 2018

Recap: The 4 Cs: Carat, Clarity, Carlin and Courtship

The family is quite busy to celebrate both Josie's 18th birthday and Carlin's courtship proposal which is happening in one weekend.
Jackson reveals that it's hard for the family to keep one secret but having two secrets to keep was a different story.
Hoping to keep Josie from finding out about her birthday, Kelly, Alyssa, Kelton and two friends head to take Josie shopping and ice cream. Gil and Kelly have chosen not to allow any of their children to start a relationship until they have their 18th birthday making this birthday important for Josie and Kelton.
Michaella heads to the house along with Papa Bill and Mama Jane. They have also other family and friends there creating Josie to be one shocked girl when she arrives home.
Erin knows that her sister is super excited to turn 18 and she can have a boyfriend. The only thing is that she and Kelton have been boyfriend and girlfriend before her birthday. She is already in college.
Bobby is getting ready to move up to Tennessee but first he stops at Jewelers Trade Shop. This place holds a special place in the Smith family since it's the store that his father brought his mother's ring at. Bobby showed the jeweler a photo that Tori had said she liked the ring. The Jeweler reveals there are 4Cs of diamonds-- clarity, cut, color and carats. The fifth C is the price of the ring.
Bobby is moving up in about two weeks which gives the jeweler about two weeks to finished the ring but says that he can do it.
The next morning, Carlin believes that The Bates and the Stewarts families are heading to the lake but Evan arrives at the house with roses and a clue. She quickly changes and the couple heads out for a scavenger hunt with both parents.
    The first stop is a lunch on a cruise ship on Tennessee River.
    The second stop is at the church where Carlin teaches Sunday school. They are met by both the little kids singing a love song.
    The third stop is at Erin's house where they enjoy some dessert and refreshments with a few of the married couples. Erin reveals that her sister is just beaming since she played matchmaker for the couple
Evan presents Carlin with a scrapbook which features photos of the couple and is made by him and one of his sisters.
The last stop is the Norris Dam which is Carlin's happy place. Before they get there, the family sets up the table and a big purple box and keyboard for music.
Evan puts a blindfold on her and steps behind a tree while she takes it off and opens the box. Out comes balloons and a key. Evan comes back out and sings the song that he wrote for Carlin.
Carlin starts crying as she unlocks the box and finds a bracelet. He asks her to accept the gift of his heart which she accepts.
Kelly reveals that she was thinking that it should have been saved for the engagement. Gil is not so excited about it.
The families come out for a hug. The couple are thrilled that they can hold hands. They seal their courtship with a meal.
The family heads to dedication of their building since their congregation has been in different buildings for the past four years. They have the Stewart family open the service.

Bringing Up Bates Returns tonight!

We are so excited to share that season 7 starts tonight. We shared a preview on Tuesday! 
Be sure to check out our recap later tonight!

Wednesday, January 3, 2018

Grandbabies 1st birthday cover recap

 Lexi is about to celebrate her first birthday in a little over three weeks away. We posted her first birthday cover back in December 2017. We thought that it would be wonderful to take a look back at the past five grandbabies first birthday covers.
Allie Jane

Bradley Glivin

Carson

Kaci Bates

Lexi Webster

Brooklyn

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Countdown to Zoey: Three months to go!

It is hard to believe that Zoey is due in three months. I know that last month, I said that we have five months but I was off a month on our countdown and I apologized for that.

Alyssa is currently six months pregnant with baby Zoey and we can't wait for her to arrive! 



 

Preview: The 4 C's: Carat, Clarity, Carlin & Courtship

Evan has the green light to officially court Carlin, he puts his courtship proposal plan in motion; Bobby makes a stop at a jewelry store in Florida; Josie celebrates a milestone birthday.

Monday, January 1, 2018

Gil turns 53!

Happy 53rd Birthday Gil!


January Monthly Preview

Birthdays:
* Gil Bates
* Michaella (Bates) Keilen
* Lexi Webster

Pregnancy Updates:
* Zoey: Three months to go
* Everly: Three months to go

All about Grandbabies:
* All about Brooklyn: 17 months old
* All about Lexi: Eleven Days until One
* All about Lexi: Seven days until One
* All about Kaci: 19 months old
* All about Lexi: 1 year old

Bringing Up Bates:
* Preview
* Recaps
* February Monthly Preview

Wedding weekly anniverisary:
* Bobby and Tori's 3rd week of marriage
* Bobby and Tori's 4th week of marriage
* Bobby and Tori's One month of marriage

Other Blogs:
* Carlin and Evan's official courtship announcement
* Grandbabies 1st birthday recap
* February Birthday Cover
* Double Birthdays coming soon

Happy New Year!

Hello 2018!

We are so excited that it's now 2018! We are so excited that this new Year will bring new grandbabies and possible weddings. We also have Courtship News which is coming soon! Bringing Up Bates is returning on January 4th!

The family is currently celebrating Gil's 53rd Birthday!