Alyssa's blog: A Bates style bash

Every Bates kid has special talents and strengths, and when you put them all together, they can throw one super party.  We were brought up knowing the importance of teamwork and just watching everyone come together to make my dad’s celebration come to life was really special.  They make it look easy because they have so much fun in the process. I used to get to be in charge of some of the party prep work that I see younger siblings doing now, and it’s really neat to see them growing up and enjoying those moments. I was so sad to miss out on this special celebration, because parties are a huge part of my family’s lives! This party was obviously extra special since it was celebrating my dad’s 50th birthday; I really hope you know how much I love you, dad! I still love calling you and talking over things with you, because you’ve always had such wise, comforting words that leave me feeling happy to say I’m you’re little girl! Thank you for being there for me through my growing years; I miss you!

Alyssa's blog: Bates Behind the Scenes

Although I wasn’t able to participate in tonight’s Q&A episode, I really enjoyed watching my parents and siblings relive memories and laugh together. We are big family with even bigger personalities, as I’m sure you could see tonight. It’s hard to believe the first season of Bringing Up Bates is almost over and we have all enjoyed sharing a bit our lives with you.

Alyssa's blog: Top Chef, Bates’ Style

I grew up learning a lot from Mama Jane and I take after her in a lot of ways, especially in the kitchen! I miss being around my family day in and day out so Thanksgiving was very special for me this year. I love helping in the kitchen, and of course, I love organizing (someone has to!) so I loved giving a helping hand wherever one was needed. I also loved Erin’s idea for the cake reveal! What a great, fun way for us all to find out that Erin and Chad are welcoming a little baby boy. One more Bates to love and cherish. We truly are blessed.

Alyssa's blog: On the Outside Looking In

I didn’t get to enjoy Brandon’s visit with the family, but it brought back memories of bringing John to my parent’s house for visits! It probably is a culture shock for a lot of guys, especially if they’re from a quiet, more reserved background. The moment they step into our home they have ten little hands pulling them over and asking to read a book or play! They have older boys tugging them to play basketball or football. They have a host of giggly girls peering on all sides hoping to listen to the courting conversations! It’s loud and crazy and busy, but I don’t think anyone leaves without feeling like there’s a big bunch of kids that love them! I’m glad I’m from a big family, and although there are crazy experiences that result from that setting, it made life fun and exciting! There are no secrets in our house, nor is there a lack of opinions and the new guy on the scene gets to hear them all!! I’m sure Brandon’s time with the family will be an unforgettable one!

Alyssa's blog: The Best Grandparents

Watching my parents be first-time grandparents to little Bradley is the sweetest thing ever! They make the absolute BEST grandparents, and I can’t wait for little Allie Jane to be born so that they can meet her! I am beyond happy for my parents that they get to be so close to Bradley while he is little, but I will definitely miss having them near me when I have my baby. Although, I know that they will be able to come visit a lot when our little Allie Jane is born.  Less than 8 weeks to go!
PS- Can we talk about how amazing Lawson did at the basketball game? I am so, so proud of him, and I can’t wait to see where his singing takes him. He is incredibly talented and his future looks so bright!

Alyssa's blog: What Would We Do Without FaceTime?

All I have to say is, I’m so thankful that FaceTime exists! Now that I live in Florida and far away from my family, video chatting has been such a lifesaver for us all to keep in touch. It has been especially helpful during my pregnancy… I know that talking to my mom (almost in person) is just a phone call away! It’s so cute when the whole family tries to video call; no one can seem to get a word in. I definitely miss being able to go to the house, but Florida has been a great new place to call home. I wish I could have been there for Bradley’s birth, but it was totally magical to watch it all on TV. Zach and Whitney make the best parents! I’m also SO incredibly excited for Erin and Chad… my big sister is going to be a mommy :)

Alyssa's Blog Pouchy Lip Disease

How cute is “The Pouchy Lip Disease” song?! I remember learning it and singing it when I was a little kid. We learned it from a children’s set of CDs called Patch the Pirate, and it works wonders for attitude adjustments! It makes the kids laugh and overcome the poutiness that may come when we all need to do something. I was bummed that I couldn’t be at this year’s singing performance, but it was fun for John and me to watch my siblings getting ready and singing together on TV. They rocked it! Let the pregnancy countdown continue!

Alyssa's blog: Cooking for 2.5

Jeb Bates

I’m glad to see my family making strides to eat healthier, but as the former go-to cook for my family, I have a confession to make… I’m pretty sure I could live on cereal alone! When I got married, one of the hardest things for me to do was to learn how to cook for two people instead of 21! Pretty soon though, I’ll be cooking for 3, or at least 2.5 with little Allie Jane on the way. She’ll be here before we know it and for that I’m grateful. We can’t wait to meet her; we love her so much already! I wonder if she’ll be a picky eater like her mama? Pregnancy countdown continues… :)

Alyssa's blog: Being an Older Kid

Trips to Meema’s house are always so fun, and I have such wonderful memories visiting her as a kid. She is an incredible woman and grandmother, and I look up to her so much! I was so disappointed that I missed out on this visit, but John and I were busy back in Florida, and there is never enough that we can do to prepare for having our first child!
As an older kid in the Bates family, it has always been my responsibility (along with the older siblings) to help out with the little kids. It was so much fun growing up in this family because I was incredibly close to my little sisters and brothers. I will absolutely be instilling these same values in my own family. I believe that this is the best way to a) be a tight-knit family and b) have well-behaved and responsible children. John and I will certainly be trying our best! Parenthood will be no easy feat, but the practice I have received as a Bates older kid has been priceless.

Alyssa's blog: From 21 to 2… This Is My New Normal.

To say that life in Florida is different from my life back at home would be the biggest understatement. For many people, it’s hard to imagine growing up with 18 brothers and sisters, but that’s all that I know! My family’s house is extremely loud and crazy, and in Florida it’s far quieter, especially since John is gone at work for most of the day. It took A LOT of adjusting to this slower pace in Florida! Before I got married, I would do a lot around my parents’ house, including helping with cooking and chores. It comes natural to me to cook meals for 21 people, so you can imagine what a change it is with only John and me in the house. It’s practically impossible for me to cook for just two people! I’m looking forward to God growing my family… As my pregnancy progresses, I’ve become very thankful for my years with my family, because it really gave me opportunities to prepare for our parenting days!


Check out Alyssa's pregnancy update tomorrow!

UP TV Alyssa's blog: Bun in the oven

Since moving to Florida after I got married to John, I hadn’t seen my family all together until Whitney’s baby shower! As I’m sure you can imagine, getting all of us 19 kids together in one place can be a bit difficult, especially after 3 of us are now married. I love living in Florida with Johnb, but I do miss being a car ride away from my parents and siblings. FaceTime has come in handy to keep in touch with everyone! The shower was such a fun and special time for us all to be together.

As for my baby announcement, I wanted to do something entertaining and creative, and I think I achieved just that with my “bun in the oven” shirt! It was important to me to make the announcement in person with my family, and their reaction was absolutely priceless! I guess my comments about no more coffee or rollercoasters was enough of a hint for some of my siblings… oh well! This journey has been such an exciting one for John and me and we know how blessed we are to be in this position.