Recap: The Purity Rings

Lawson is getting ready to sing the National Anthem for many people at the University of Tennessee. He reveals that when he told his parents, they did not know if it was going to work but Lawson made it happen for him. The family heads to the game to support Lawson since it is their first major sporting event as a big family.
Lawson reveals that he is nervous about this and did amazing. His family was super proud of him and reveal that the crowd loved his singing.
Back at home, Carlin is surprised when she gets flowers and dress to go out to a dinner with her parents. Carlin is super excited about it since it means that she gets to spend some time with her parents without her brothers and sister. Gil reveals the gift that he got his daughter which was a purity ring. Gil and Kelly hope that their daughter will remain wholesome and pure until her wedding date.
Kelly knows that Carlin will start forming friendships with guys and start a courtship when she finds a guy that she really likes.
    "For us, a purity ring is something we have given our girls, just as a symbol for them and a reminder for them to keep their heart pure and to put God first in their life and to save themselves for marriage," says the mom of 19.
The family heads to Zach and Whitney's house to see how they are doing with their new life as parents. Zach reveals that his wife is an amazing mom and loves seeing her with Bradley. Whitney says that her husband is excellent father.  The family is there to help with dinner and spending time bonding. Kelly hopes to get together every other Friday night to spend time and they all agree.

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

Welcome Grandbaby Bates

Zach and Whitney's baby is due in less than 2 weeks, but the nursery is nowhere near ready! Lucky for them, there are plenty of Bates to lend a hand. As Whitney's due-date nears (and passes!) the whole family gets anxious to meet the newest addition to the ever-growing clan. Later, Erin shares surprising news with her parents.

Chad and Erin's interview part 2

OkMagazine: Have the Duggars given you advice on how to handle the fame?
Erin: We learn from many people. The Duggars have certainly been an example for their family and have encourage them to be real.
OkMagazine: Do you appreciate the comparisons to the Duggars or do you wish people would see you different?
Erin: There is a lot of similarities with the family since they both 19 kids and homeschool. They are conservative and work hard on family and faith.
OkMagazine: What is the difference between the shows Bringing up Bates and 19 kids and counting?
Erin: the difference between personalities, and the chores.
OkMagazine: Will the Duggars be on your show and vice versa?
Erin: Since both families are close friends and see each other a lot. There is wedding bells keep ringing. As for them being on the show and Bates being on 19 kids and counting, you will just have to watch
OkMagazine: What can we expect from your family in the new year?
Erin: We are looking for Alyssa's baby to be born in April. I am working on a new CD. There might be wedding bells for Michaella and Brandon and there are more adventures with the family

New family photos!