Bringing Up Bates "Surprise! Kelly Jo's Big 5-0!"
- When Kelly’s 50th birthday rolls around, Gil tells her he is taking her on a romantic overnight. Little does she know that the kids are planning a big surprise.
- “Mom is turning 50,” says Lawson. “That just doesn’t seem right.”
- “Old changes every year,” states Jackson, wisely. “When you turn 20, 20’s not old anymore. Fifty is. When you turn 50, 50’s not old anymore. Eighty is. When you turn 80, you’re old.”
- When Mom and Dad finally pull out of the driveway, the kids kick it into high gear so they can get out of the house quickly. “Now honestly, I think the only key to being on time places is leave Mom and Dad behind,” says Tori.
- Erin, the head planner, thinks Kelly suspects something is up, but when she receives a phone call from her mom asking where she thinks Gil might be taking her, she realizes her mom is clueless.
- Erin and Chad, Zach and Whitney, and most of the siblings arrive at the cabin, located near Chattanooga. Erin assigns bedrooms and starts decorating, while Zach makes pasta for dinner.
- Gil sends a text to the kids saying he is five minutes away, but the kids tell him to stall. “There was a cemetery off to the left,” says Gil. “I said, ‘Hey, I bet there’s some Civil War people buried in there!’” That gives Erin enough time to assemble all the kids in the kitchen. The owner of the cabin greets Gil and Kelly at the door and pretends they have arrived at a bed and breakfast.
- When Kelly walks in and hears the kids shout “Surprise! Happy birthday!” she is completely shocked.
- The Websters arrive later. The next morning, every wakes up early and heads to the Tennessee Valley Railroad Museum to ride a train. Kelly says she has loved trains every since she was little. When her parents got divorced, her dad moved to Chattanooga and would take Kelly to the Chattanooga Choo Choo when she visited.
- The family meets up with the Keilens and enjoys a picnic at a local park.
- Later that evening, it’s time for presents. Kelly is blown away when she receives a new wedding ring from Gil. (She lost hers when she let Jeb play with it.) Then everyone shares praises and tears of joy. “It just got really emotional really fast,” says Nathan.
- To top it all off, the kids show Kelly a video featuring Brandon’s drawings and praises from the kids.
- "It was special for us to see that we had been able to give back just a piece of what she's done for us over the years," says Michael.
- "It was definitely the biggest thing that's ever been done for me by anybody, and the fact that they all did it together..." says Kelly.
Great episode! So sweet and special. Kelly has obviously made a huge impact in the lives of her children and grandchildren. The way she loves them is inspiring.
ReplyDeleteI have a question, though. The camera kept flashing to a young lady I didn't recognize. Family member? Or a new courtship perhaps? ;)
Do ya'll know who that unknown little lady in this episode was? Kelly said her Dad lived in Chattanooga for a while. Maybe she was some sort of kinfolk?
ReplyDeleteDoes anyone else think it's a little off that Gil is always so "thrifty" and careful with his money, but then goes out and buys Kelly Jo a new ring? I mean, I have nothing against her getting a new ring (of all people she deserves it) but considering all the talk Gil does about saving money, it seems odd that he goes out and spends extravagantly on something like this. I mean, we know they have money - just from pay of the show. I don't know, maybe it's just me who feels this way...
ReplyDeleteYou sound downright jealous. Thrifty doesn't mean Scrooge. He blessed his wife--what a beautiful example Gil has shown his sons and sons-in-law.
DeleteMaybe he is more frugal with the kids but for Kelly Jo he doesn't mind spending on her because she is his wife.
DeleteI think maybe he is generally frugal and thrifty for the purpose of being able to occasionally splurge on things like this. My father was that way--saved money on the day to day small things (especially when it came to items he bought for himself), so he could bless those he loved and others in big ways.
DeleteI think he is generally frugal and thrifty for the express purpose of being able to occasionally splurge on things like this. My father was that way--he'd save money on the day to day small things (especially when it came to buying items for himself), so he could bless those he loved and others in big ways.
DeleteNot odd at all!!!! We have 10 children, and have to be super careful with our money, but my sweet hubby just boughtme a new wedding ring in August for our 25th because I lost the diamond out of my original 4 yrs ago! We norally would never spend that kind of money 😊
DeleteWhy in the world would the original poster be jealous @anon 5:28? That's a silly thing to say. The people on here are mostly
DeleteChristian but then you attack a commenter on being jealous? Just because she expressed her opinion? What a shame! I'm disappointed in some of these "christian" Commenters who point the finger at others without looking at themselves first. I think the original poster was just stating that we are always hearing Gil talk about how he doesn't like to spend money. We all know how many times he said it - when Kelly jo wants to throw baby showers or buy gifts - or even just recently with the baseball court. Then he goes out and spends a hefty amount after almost passing out once when his wife went thrift shopping. Of course, I just want to state that I'm not jealous. Hopefully no one foolishly accuses me of that. *eyeroll*
Come on, guys! He "taped" the car back together but spent a 4-figure amount on Kelly's ring? This family isn't lacking for money. Just the show is sufficient.
DeleteIsn't that the purpose of being frugal -- to have the money available when you really want or need something?
DeleteHer son lost her wedding ring when he was playing with it. I noticed right away that she didn't have a wedding ring on and thought that was odd. It would be strange if he didn't go out and buy her a new ring when she didn't have one anymore. They may be making good money from the show, but it is obvious looking at their house that they don't live extravagantly.
DeleteI didn't know Kelly-Jo's parents had divorced when she was young.
ReplyDeleteThat sounds like a fun time for Kelly and the whole family.
ReplyDelete@Lily and Ellie, who was that girl in the episode of Kelly Jo's birthday? she was in a scene in the kitchen and in the living room when Kelly got her ring. I haven't seen her before on the show. Also when will it be officially that Tori and Bobby are courting? The next episode?
ReplyDeleteI believe Bobby wanted to ask her but Gil told him not so fast lol.
DeleteI think Bobby will ask Tori on the next episode
DeletePlease show a picture of Kelly Jo's birthday ring!! How special and thoughtful:)
ReplyDeleteYes, please!!
DeleteDid any of the girls help Gil pick the ring?
DeleteGood greif! I cried though nearly the whole episode! This was one of the sweetest episodes I've ever watched. Great job kids!(and Gil)
ReplyDeleteAmazing Grace was so beautiful. Reminds me of my family get togethers.
Watching last night's show. The girls singing Amazing Grace gave me chills. Happy belated birthday Kelly, you have such a beautiful family!
ReplyDeleteIt was a great episode.
ReplyDeleteThe "unknown girl" in the episode is Chads younger sister. Not really sure why she's there;)
ReplyDeleteMaybe she came to help with their kids since Erin was so busy running the surprises for her Mom? If so, it's nice she didn't expect her own sisters to automatically babysit but arranged for a helper.
DeleteIs Amazing Grace the only song these families know how to sing? Couldn't FOR ONCE they sing a song that isn't some kind of hymn? It gets boring. Yes, the did sound good.
ReplyDeleteBefore their show, this family was starving, having to borrow grocery money from their son to make ends meet. Their house was falling down around them. Now, he (OR TLC) purchases a cluster diamond ring set that's up in the 4 figures. One can't save that much money cutting down on the gas bill. We can estimate just how much these two get paid for each episode.
They get paid a lot. Thousands per episode. Same as the Duggars--whom people always ask how they,too, live such wealthy lifestyles when nobody works. Their "job/work" is reality TV stars. Both families hit the mother load financially. What was ( poverty) is not now. No different than the eccentric poverty stricken computer nerd living in his parents garage who suddenly becomes a billionaire with the newest technology. They usually move out of the garage and buy a few Rolex watches too.
DeleteMaybe that's their favorite song? It sure is packed with meaning.
DeleteWhat bitter disinformation.
DeleteBTW - Brining Up Bates is not on TLC.
And good for them making money on a TV show that makes other people happy.
Lord knows we need something like that these days.
Hymns are beautiful and honoring to the Lord!
DeleteI'm so happy God has provided for them so well! He blesses those that bless Him 😉
There are copyright laws that prevent them performing most songs without having permission from the writer/publisher of the song, so they do hymns like "Amazing Grace" that are in the public domain and can be performed with no other permission required.
Deleteeach person gets paid ,and why make a comment like that. 19 kids and counting got their money that way as well the difference is this family is real duggers covered up so much pretending they were so perfect.
DeleteFirst of all, Amazing Grace is considered probably the most popular Christian hymn there is. What's wrong with singing hymns? They have been given talent by God, and they wish to praise him with it. No, it does not get boring hearing them sing it (or other hymns), but they have sung many other songs on the show other than it. I don't know where you get your information about them starving before the show. Their show is not on TLC, it is on UP. Not sure how you know how much the ring cost. You can't tell just by getting a glance from the TV. There are rings that look expensive, but aren't. However, it is not really anyone's business how much it cost. He owns his own business and has for quite some time, so I do not know why you assume all their money comes from the show, but even if it did, so what?!
DeleteIt isn't true that their house was falling down around them. They were on the Duggars' show, and the Duggars helped them build onto their original little house. That was before they had their own show. If their son gave them money for groceries, I doubt it was borrowed. I gave my parents money for groceries and supplies when I lived at home. It wasn't a loan. As an adult, you should contribute to the family's income until you move out on your own. Amazing Grace is a beautiful hymn with a beautiful message. Look up the story behind it, and you will have an appreciation for it or at least maybe understand why it is a beloved hymn.
DeleteLily Ellie when is Lawson's concert episode going to be?
ReplyDeleteSomeone should have written a notice prior to the show starting: "Tissues required" - It was so touching and heart felt - I had tears rolling down during the last 10 minutes.
ReplyDeleteI too am curious about the "girl" we had never seen before and also curious why Nathan was in Mississippi
(as Kelly Jo mentioned when she saw him).
Wonderful episode - just wonderful
@anonymous 8:23 there is a clip on Instagram that Nathan has been helping folks rebuild after a hurricane hit Mississippi. @Lily and Ellie can you please confirm that the unknown brunette in the episode is Chad's young sister.
ReplyDeletePerhaps the diamond ring is a "lab created" diamond ring bridal set, which is 90% cheaper than natural diamonds, but they are diamonds never the less. I would hope so.
ReplyDeleteYou hope Gil gifted Kelly Jo a ring with fake diamonds? Just when I was beginning to think the ridiculousness of all the posters judging Gil for spending money on an "extravagant " gift couldn't get any worse.
DeleteAs I understand it most on this blog are Christians; Christian women presumably. Yet, there is so much jealousy ( yup, I happen to agree with 5:28 who was lambasted for saying the "J" word about Christians) about a diamond ring a husband gave his wife....now hoping they are not even authentic diamonds! My goodness! Didn't the Lord say a husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the Church? He gave his all...the very best! Why is it so difficult for so many on here to wrap their minds around one diamond ring?
DeleteWhy do you hope Kelly Jo's ring is lab created? Honestly, what possible motive could you have for that unless you paid for it? Why not just be really happy she has a beautiful new diamond ring from her husband who adores her? I have a lot of diamond jewelry given by my husband...including a diamond tennis bracelet that was just shy of 5 figures. We are not wealthy, but comfortable. It pleases my husband to see me ( a housewife) wearing such lovely jewelry. It's his "love language " so to speak. Not once did any of my family or friends "hope" they were lab created. They just complemented how beautiful it is...with a little teasing about being the sparkliest toilet scrubber, floor mopping, car pooling Mom on the block--LOL:)
Deletejust love this family, she works so hard its a good show teaches a person what a real family is.
ReplyDeleteKelly is one of the sweetest mother's out there. She is very blessed. Their. Children adore them and they adore their children. What love they show to each other. Truly blessed.
ReplyDeleteWhat a testament to Kelly Jo's character and impact on her family, that they would want to do such a meaningful thing for her birthday! This was a great episode.
ReplyDeleteHappy belated birthday Kelly! This was such a lovely show😄
ReplyDeleteLove this! Thanks for sharing this update.
ReplyDelete