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My Favorite Day of the Season

May 22, 2018, 2:07 pm
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Although it's still technically spring for another four weeks, I'm officially in summer mode because my summer FabFitFun box just showed up! I love being a #FabFitFunPartner.

FabFitFun is a subscription box that has been all over Facebook and Instagram. Once you subscribe, you'll receive one to your doorstep each season. It's a blast to open the box and look through all the beauty, lifestyle, fashion, and fitness products. The total retail value of the items is over $200, but the box sells for a fraction of that.

To see what's inside the 2018 summer box, check out my unpacking video below. If you would like to order a box of your own, enter the code ELLIE at fabfitfun.com to get $10.00 off. I was invited to be a #FabFitFunPartner, which means I receive the box for free in exchange for my reviews. All opinions are my own.

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Zoey Webster, 8 Weeks Old

May 23, 2018, 8:12 am
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Today is Zoey Webster's eight-week milestone! We just love this new photo of her adorable smile.

Zoey Webster and Alyssa Webster
Zoey Webster and Alyssa Webster

Photo courtesy of Alyssa and John Webster
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Websters Celebrate 4 Years

May 24, 2018, 8:49 am
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Today is Alyssa and John Webster's wedding anniversary. They married four years ago during a dreamy, pink and blue ceremony. Alyssa was 19, and John was 24. Happy anniversary to these two lovebirds!

Alyssa Bates and John Webster

Alyssa Bates Webster and John Webster

Alyssa and John Webster


Photos courtesy of Alyssa and John Webster
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Everly and Zoey Meet

May 24, 2018, 4:47 pm
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This week, several of the Tennessee Bates traveled down to Florida to visit the Sunshine State Bates (also known as the Websters). Among them were Erin Paine and her three kids. Zoey and Everly are two days apart and are eight weeks old, and this was their first time meeting. The girls won't remember it, but their moms sure had a blast.

 Alyssa Webster, Everly Paine, Zoey Webster, Erin Paine

The four older cousins had a great time, too. Carson and Allie are one month apart, while Brooklyn is five months older than Lexi.

Carson Paine, Allie Webster, Lexi Webster, Brooklyn Paine
Carson Paine, Allie Webster, Lexi Webster, Brooklyn Paine

There were plenty of baby snuggles to go around!

Kelly Bates, Zoey Webster, Addallee Bates, Everly Paine
Kelly Bates, Zoey Webster, Addallee Bates, Everly Paine

Photos courtesy of chadanderin.com
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Win a Mumbelli Infant Bed

May 25, 2018, 9:39 am
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 Calling all moms, moms-to-be, or anyone who needs a gift for an expectant mother. I recently heard about the Mumbelli and was immediately intrigued. A baby's transition from the womb to the outside world can be rough, as they are forced to leave the surroundings they have grown accustomed to and adapt to a new way of living. But Mumbelli can help. A womb-like infant bed with an adjustable foot insert, Mumbelli allows your newborn to feel more safe and secure and thus get better sleep.

I have seen many positive reviews of Mumbelli, and Alyssa Webster is among the moms who love it. I am thrilled to be partnering with Mumbelli for a giveaway. Upon receiving my Mumbelli in the mail, I was highly impressed by the level of quality with which it is made. In a day when manufacturers constantly cut corners to increase profits, quality is something that I value.

The Mumbelli infant bed has a removable cover that can easily be laundered in the washing machine, and it comes with a carrying bag for travel. No need to lug a huge bassinet over to the in-laws' house when you go for a visit! It is soft to the touch but still firm enough to be safe for your baby. My husband and I are looking forward to starting a family, and we cannot wait to use our Mumbelli!

Mumbelli is sold on the Mumbelli website, as well as on Amazon. You can follow Mumbelli on Facebook and Instagram (@mumbelli.official).

To enter for a chance to win a Mumbelli, follow the prompts on the Rafflecopter widget below.


a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Honeymoon & Courtship Episode

May 26, 2018, 6:49 am
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In two weeks, the Bates will return to UP with all-new episodes. (Next week is another supersized rerun.)

The show will feature Tori and Bobby Smith's honeymoon, as well as Kelton Balka's courtship proposal to Josie Bates. We posted a promo video earlier this week, and below is the written summary.

Thursday, June 7
8pm: Tori's Winter Wonderland Wedding 
9pm: A Heavenly Honeymoon & A Courtship Countdown NEW!
After a picture-perfect wedding ceremony, Tori and Bobby head out for their honeymoon. Upon arriving in California, the newlyweds take a romantic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway and set sail for a picturesque boat ride on Monterey Bay. But after Tori has a video chat with her Mom and Dad, will she feel homesick for Tennessee? Meanwhile, the courtship countdown is on! Now that Gil and Kelly Jo have granted Kelton permission to officially ask Josie to court, he begins to put his plan in motion. After taking Josie on a scenic tram ride and ice skating adventure in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, will Kelton finally take a leap of faith and ask her the “big question?” And later, Tori and Bobby continue their honeymoon adventures in Yosemite National Park.


Photo courtesy of UP
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'It's Just Me and You'

May 28, 2018, 1:20 pm
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We’ve seen their wedding, and now it’s time to watch them take their West Coast honeymoon. As Tori and Bobby Smith leave the church in the video below, the fact that they are married and alone together for the first time starts to sink in. Bringing Up Bates"A Heavenly Honeymoon & A Courtship Countdown" airs next Thursday, June 7th.

Photo/video courtesy of UP
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Bates' Memorial Day Photos

May 29, 2018, 11:09 am
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Memorial Day is a great reminder to honor those who have died serving our country, knowing that without the brave men and women who have fought, both in recent wars and in battles that took place more than 200 years ago, America would be a very different place. Did you do anything to celebrate those who have given their lives for our freedom?

Below are a few snapshots of the Bates from Memorial Day weekend.

Brooklyn Paine and Carson Paine
Brooklyn Paine and Carson Paine
(wheelbarrow made by Chad Paine)

Whitney Bates and Kaci Lynn Bates
Whitney Bates and Kaci Lynn Bates show off their red, white, and blue

Carlin Bates and Evan Stewart

Photos courtesy of chadanderin.com, Zach and Whitney Bates, Carlin Bates, thebatesfamily.com
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Eye Love You Day

May 31, 2018, 7:02 am
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new episode of Bringing Up Bates

Tonight's episode of Bringing Up Bates is a rerun, but next Thursday and the Thursday after, UP has some exciting new content in store for viewers.

June 7th will bring Tori and Bobby Smith's honeymoon and the start of Josie Bates' courtship. And on June 14th, stay tuned for Kelly's eye surgery and the Bates'"growing old together" Valentine's Day celebration. (Click here for a sneak peek at their costumes.) Scroll down for a video preview of "Eye Love You Day" and written episode summaries.


Thursday, June 7
8pm: Tori's Winter Wonderland Wedding 
9pm: A Heavenly Honeymoon & A Courtship Countdown NEW!
After a picture-perfect wedding ceremony, Tori and Bobby head out for their honeymoon. Upon arriving in California, the newlyweds take a romantic drive along the Pacific Coast Highway and set sail for a picturesque boat ride on Monterey Bay. But after Tori has a video chat with her Mom and Dad, will she feel homesick for Tennessee? Meanwhile, the courtship countdown is on! Now that Gil and Kelly Jo have granted Kelton permission to officially ask Josie to court, he begins to put his plan in motion. After taking Josie on a scenic tram ride and ice skating adventure in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, will Kelton finally take a leap of faith and ask her the “big question?” And later, Tori and Bobby continue their honeymoon adventures in Yosemite National Park.

Thursday, June 14
8pm: A Heavenly Honeymoon & A Courtship Countdown
9pm: Eye Love You Day NEW!
Tori and Bobby’s wedding might be behind them, but Kelly Jo isn’t slowing down! She’s finally getting eye surgery to correct her vision. But how will the Bates household hold up while she’s in recovery mode? Meanwhile, 'tis the season for love, as the family preps for this year’s “I Love You Day” festivities. Will the “growing old together” theme lead to some unexpected costumes? And will the single Bates boys finally secure a seat at the table for the couples’ dinner?
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Interview with Carlin Bates

May 31, 2018, 5:54 pm
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In a recent interview with TV Insider, Carlin Bates discusses the latest Bates happenings, her relationship with Evan Stewart, and what it's like to film a reality show.

Carlin and Evan have been courting since August 2017, which means that a Bates-Stewart wedding might not be too far away. Carlin admits that she and Josie downloaded Pinterest when they each started dating and that they are "pinning stuff left and right."

And while the Bates seem to be consumed by relationships and weddings, they still have over a dozen younger kids who are nowhere near marriage. Carlin tells TV Insider about a conversation that took place among her family members: "Last week, we were all talking about weddings, and my little sisters were like, 'We are already booking our colors, so nobody can take them since there are so many girls.'" But if you think about it, with 19 children, it will definitely become increasingly difficult for the little ones to plan a wedding that is unique.

Carlin ends by expressing how excited she is for all the new milestones taking place in the Bates family. "We love that not only we get to share it together, but the world gets to be a part of it and be alongside us for the different roads that our journey leads us," she says.

Those were just a few snippets from Carlin's lengthy interview. Visit the TV Insider website to read the entire thing. And stay tuned for an interview with Josie Bates next week.

Photo courtesy of Carlin Bates/thebatesfamily.com
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Love is in the Air

June 2, 2018, 7:32 am
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Tori Bates and Bobby Smith honeymoon

Next Thursday, get ready for two romantic Bates storylines coming your way on an all-new, one-hour episode of Bringing Up Bates.

Tori and Bobby Smith enjoy their first days as a married couple with a trip to Yosemite. And back home in Tennessee, Josie Bates and Kelton Balka take a step that will bring them even closer to the altar. Check out the sneak peek video below.



Photo/video courtesy of UP
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Next Stop: Honeymoon!

June 4, 2018, 8:58 am
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Josie and Carson

June 5, 2018, 6:26 am
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The Bates kids love spending time with their nieces and nephews. Gil and Kelly Bates currently have eight grandchildren (two boys and six girls) with one on the way in November. With two potential Bates weddings coming up in the near future, that number will likely continue to grow each year.

Carson Paine and Josie Bates
Carson Paine and Josie Bates

Photo courtesy of thebatesfamily.com
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Tori and Bobby Drive the CA Coast

June 6, 2018, 7:15 am
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Tori Bates and Bobby Smith honeymoon

"You know, I have the best view though from here. I get to see you and the ocean!"
-Bobby Smith

After flying into San Francisco, Tori and Bobby Smith grab a car and go for a drive along the Pacific Coast Highway. They are blown away by the beauty. As you await tomorrow's new episode of Bringing Up Bates, check out this promo video:


Photo/video courtesy of UP
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Honeymoon/Courtship Photos

June 6, 2018, 12:10 pm
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Are you looking forward to tomorrow's new episode? You're going to love it! Below are a few snapshots from the show, both of Kelton and Josie's courtship proposal and Tori and Bobby's honeymoon.








Photos courtesy of UP
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Kelton's Late Mother

June 7, 2018, 6:43 am
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Kelton Balka

"When I was thirteen, my mother actually passed away giving birth to my youngest sister, Kerstin. That was a really, really difficult time for our family, the hardest thing I've ever been through."
-Kelton Balka

This evening on Bringing Up Bates, watch as Kelton Balka carries out his courtship proposal plan. The big day has an added layer of sentimentality because it involves doing something that brings back memories of his parents' marriage and his late mother. Watch the video below, and be sure to come back to the blog after the episode for my written recap and Fan File clip.



Photo/video courtesy of UP
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'A Heavenly Honeymoon & A Courtship Countdown' Recap

June 7, 2018, 7:00 pm
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Bringing Up Bates"A Heavenly Honeymoon & A Courtship Countdown"
  • The wedding is over, and Tori and Bobby are off on their honeymoon. They fly into San Francisco and immediately grab a car and head to the Pacific Coast Highway. They stop at the Natural Bridges State Beach to eat sandwiches. “The first few days of our honeymoon, it really felt like we had snuck off somewhere and we were about to get caught at any second,” admits Bobby.
  • Back home, Carlin and Josie discuss how odd it is to be the oldest sisters in the house.
  • Tori and Bobby go on a private boat ride in Monterey Bay, and they sail past a large group of sea lions. After the excursion, the newlyweds have a FaceTime chat with Gil and Kelly, who are a bit down in the dumps now that Tori has left the house.
  • To celebrate Tori’s birthday the following day, the Smiths check out beautiful Yosemite Valley. Bobby arranges for them to take a sleigh ride through a pine forest, complete with hot apple cider. “Going from courting and being engaged…always being careful that you’re not too close…to all of the sudden, in a split second you’re married and you can do whatever in the world you want, it’s just a really big difference that happens in a second,” says Tori. Bobby brings the birthday to a close with Tori’s favorite meal--steak--cooked together at the couple's mountain condo.
  • Meanwhile, Kelton meets his dad, Michael Balka, for lunch to discuss the courtship proposal. The plan is to spend the day in Gatlinburg.
  • When Kelton was 13, his mother passed away while giving birth to his youngest sister, Kerstin. (Kelton is the oldest of five.) “That was a really, really difficult time for our family, the hardest thing I’ve ever been through,” says Kelton. “My father has literally dedicated his life to pouring into me and his other four kids, and that’s part of the reason that me and him have such a close-knit relationship where we talk about everything. My father has built his whole life around carrying out my mother’s wishes in raising us.”
  • To prepare for the big day, Kelton gets permission from the city to string lights on Emerets Cove Covered Bridge in Sevierville. His father and brother Carson help him.
  • Next, it’s time for Kelton to surprise Josie. He shows up at the house with roses a few days before Josie was expecting everything to go down. “I was super nervous walking up,” says Kelton. “I have never done a courtship before.”
  • Josie, Kelton, Gil, Kelly, and Michael head down to Gatlinburg. They take an aerial tram up a mountain to the Ober Gatlinburg Ski Area.
  • They go ice skating, and Kelton jokingly gets down on one knee. “I told him we should skip courtship and propose,” says Josie. “If it had been in my pocket, it would have happened, but I didn’t have it,” explains Kelton. “But it’s okay because it’s coming,” replies Josie. “It’s coming soon.”
  • After ice skating, they drive over to the covered bridge. Josie and Kelton get out and walk under the bridge, while the parents watch from the car.
  • Kelton shares some heart-felt words with Josie: “You know that I have had very strong feelings about you for a long time, and today one of the things that I love most about you is that you absolutely are my best friend. I love your sweet spirit and your tenderness for other people. I love your diligence and even your determination to succeed, that those who don’t know you well might not even see. I really love your green eyes though, and I love this little beauty mark that you try to tell me that you hate because it’s beautiful. But above all, I love your heart. I want to make a commitment to you tonight to pursue your heart, and I brought you a gift tonight to help remind you of my commitment to pursue your heart. I love you, Josie Bates. Can I have your heart?”
  • Kelton pulls out a diamond heart necklace, and the two of them enjoy a romantic hug.
  • The parents are elated. “Twenty-five years ago, two days ago, my wife and I got married, and then we came to Gatlinburg for our honeymoon,” says Kelton’s dad. “It was just amazing that it all just kind of lined up like that, and it made it seem somewhat surreal.”
  • “My father and mother were truly, deeply in love,” says Kelton. “My father has told me my whole life that his prayer and his dream for me would be for me to find someone that meant as much to me as my mother meant to him, and I don’t know how anyone could mean more to me than Josie does.”
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New Website and Summery Giveaway

June 8, 2018, 6:10 am
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Some of you may have seen the post on my Duggar blog, but just in case you haven't, I (blog author Ellie) want to share my big announcement with you. It involves a giveaway, so you'll want to keep reading.

My lifestyle blog, NashvilleWife.com, has a brand new look! My goal with the new layout was to make the site more user friendly and less cluttered. Rather than redesigning what I already had, I started fresh and built a new blog from the ground up.

To celebrate, I'm running a summer-themed giveaway. To enter, visit me at NashvilleWife.com, and while you're there, drop me a note to let me know what you think of the new website. I value your feedback. Hurry; the giveaway ends Sunday evening.

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Fan File: Episode 721

June 8, 2018, 12:20 pm
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Did you catch last night's new episode? To hear a little more about "A Heavenly Honeymoon & A Courtship Countdown," check out my Bates Fan File segment below. For those who haven't heard, this season, I have been partnering with UP to provide Bates fans with a discussion of each new episode.



Photo/video courtesy of UP
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The Smith's New Home

June 9, 2018, 8:15 am
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Tori Bates and Bobby Smith apartment

Bobby Smith: "Before we got married, I was really trying to do everything I could to start making it kind of like a home for us."

Tori (Bates) Smith: "It was definitely a bachelor's apartment."

The Bates' work has paid off! While Tori and Bobby are on their honeymoon, Gil, Kelly, Erin, and some of the other Bates girls sneak into their apartment to decorate. When the newlyweds return, they are stunned. Watch their reactions in the video below.



Photo/video courtesy of UP
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