Lawson's blog: Not enough time to make it rhyme

I really wanted to do something special for dad, so I thought about putting some of his old sayings and qualities into a song. It’s really hard to get words to fit into a song based on things he has said and done, especially on short notice! I loved the tune, but wasn’t real comfortable with the song, so I was gonna scrap the whole idea…but my siblings reminded me that the thought that was put into it would really touch dad’s heart! So, there you go…I pulled an all nighter! It definitely isn’t something I’d put on an album as undeveloped as it is because of the mad rush to get it done in time  lol, but it really made all of us stop and think about the things that make dad special. If I could pick who I’d hope to be like, It’d be you, Dad! And that’s the name and message of the whole song: “It’d Be You, Dad!”

Lawson's blog: Bates Debate

The toughest question we had to answer? I’d say it was “who is the most outgoing,” because ALL the Bates are outgoing in their own ways. Whether it’s Carlin and Tori with their enthusiasm, or Nate’s sense of humor….the answer is still being debated!

Lawson's blog: Road Trip!

I think the highlight for me was finding out that Erin and Chad were having a baby boy. It’s always exciting when a new Bates is added to the mix and I just know that Erin will be an amazing mom. She has been taking care of little Bates’ kids her entire life! Aside from the football, the crafts and the general craziness that comes from every holiday gathering, this moment was very special for our entire family.

Lawson's blog: Talk about Nerves...

If you had said a year ago that I’d be singing the National Anthem in front of 15,000 people, I surely would have said you were crazy! It was such a huge honor and truly a dream come true to sing at the University of Tennessee’s Men’s Basketball game. We are big fans, so I was so excited to not only attend the game, but also to have the honor of singing the National Anthem. It meant beyond the world to me that my family was there to support me. If you didn’t know how sentimental my dad is… now you know! I have never sang at such a large event, so I admit I was a little nervous, but it was totally worth it to see the crowd’s reaction. It was also exciting to watch a live game with the whole family (and yes, they won! Go UT!) Huge thanks again to my family for supporting me while I pursue my singing career dreams!

Lawson's blog: Call Me Uncle Lawson

How is it that three of my siblings were all expecting babies at the same time?! Nothing like putting the pressure on me and the other siblings ;) Nathan served up some serious truth in tonight’s episode. Jokes aside, I couldn’t be happier for Zach and Whitney. I might be biased, but Bradley is the most adorable little nephew and I’m proud to be his uncle. Not to worry, I’ll be the uncle who gets Bradley the funny t-shirts (sorry in advance, Whitney!).

Also, if tonight’s episode was any indication, let it be known that a secret cannot be kept in the Bates family! No matter how big or how small, these 21 mouths cannot be kept closed. Just remember that

Lawson's blog: Rehearsal Time

You would think after all of these years that helping out with family rehearsals for our singing performances would come easy. You would be wrong! It’s one thing when I’m doing my solo singing projects, but when we all get together to rehearse, it gets a bit crazy! It’s fun for me to help out and help lead rehearsals, but trust me, I still get worried as to how it’s going to all turn out. We aren’t all musically inclined… but we make it work. I always tell my siblings “if you mess up, do NOT quit!” My biggest worry is that some of them start laughing on stage. They get serious cases of the giggles, and I’m never sure when they are going to start or stop!

For me, the only time when I finally get comfortable is when I get on stage. I know that I’m in the right place and doing the right thing once I’m on stage. However, every minute leading up to that moment is complete chaos. It all seems to usually work out in the end when we’re on stage…  Great job, family!

Lawson's blog: I Thought I Had Problems…

I am super excited to share with you about a new project I have been working on over the past six months. I would say this project has had a greater impact on my life than anything I have worked on so far. Over the last few years, I’ve been able to go on several mission trips where I have seen some of the poverty, suffering, and hardships that more than 90 percent of our world faces daily. Over 100 million people are homeless; Thousands of children die daily from disease or malnutrition and there are over 153 million orphans worldwide (www.worldorphans.org). These are just a few heartbreaking statistics that show the reality of suffering that happens in the world today.

I have come to realize the things we often complain about are nothing in comparison to some of the challenges others face, and this is what inspired me to write a new song, Problems (which will be the first single on my upcoming second album). A music video of this project is also currently in the works!

Comparing my small problems with the hardships others face daily, changed my whole perspective and created a desire to help raise awareness for needs around the world. I hope this song will inspire listeners to look for ways they can reach out to those who are hurting, not just around the world, but in our own communities.

Each of us know people who have lost loved ones, or who suffer with illnesses, or who face discouragement and loneliness. I hope this song will challenge listeners to take a closer look at how they can make a difference.

If you’d like to listen or download my latest song, check out the iTunes link! https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/i-thought-i-had-problems-feat./id961835350

Lawson's blog: Budgeting King

If there’s one thing that I’ve learned from my parents, it’s how to budget! My dad is the king of budgeting. Seriously, who else could save over $1000 at a store? It’s pretty impressive, I do have to admit. I’ve caught a bit of the budgeting bug from him. I’m trying to be wise with my money and learn to save for the future. The key word here is “trying”… it’s hard work!
It was a bummer that I missed out on this trip to Meema’s. We love spending time with her in North Carolina, and I can be the first to tell you that we are a huge handful when we visit. She is so sweet, but she is definitely exhausted by the end of our visits. Who can blame her?! 21 houseguests are a lot to handle, even though it’s family ;)

Lawson's blog: Backseat Driving

Let me tell you: Watching Tori and Carlin behind the wheel as I am in the backseat is NOT my idea of fun. I put my life at stake for those two! Okay okay, that may be a bit of an exaggeration. Our family definitely lacks good drivers (I, of course, am the only good driver). My assessment of my sisters’ driving: Tori is good, but rough around the edges, and Carlin is more confident than she should be. I’m proud of both of them for getting their licenses, but still to this day I will not let Tori live it down that she backed up into the trailer when she was still in the driveway. I must say though, they’ve both gotten a lot better at driving since this episode. Thank goodness!

Lawson's blog: The thing about rules…

Rules… we need lots in a family this big…lol! ! I realized that the rules my parents put in place were for our protection. They explained the reasons for the rules well and we had opportunity to see the results- both good and bad- in the lives of others who made choices to follow rules or to not follow them. My parents rules have helped each of us older kids be prepared to move out on our own, start families, and make wise choices. I think my brother and sisters who have already gotten married and moved out have been doing a really great job. They don’t hear me say that often, so I hope they’re reading this! Won’t happen again soon, ha! I’m sure I will face new and difficult challenges when I am in a courtship, but until then, I’m happy to say that I haven’t broken (too many) rules ;) Mom and Dad, hope you’re reading this too!