Katie's Career Goals

What has 18-year-old Katie Bates been up to? Last year, she was enrolled in the one-year Bible program at Crown College. In May, we posted about her dream to be a nurse, but when the fall semester kicked off at Crown, she made the decision to follow in Josie's footsteps and study cosmetology.

"Last minute this semester, I decided to sign up to do the cosmetology program," Katie explained on last night's episode. So what happened to nursing? She is still hoping to attend nursing school after finishing cosmetology school, which takes most students two years to complete. Stay tuned to see what what Katie ends up pursuing as a long-term career!

Photo courtesy of UPtv

Trace's Career Plans

We have watched Trace Bates graduate high school and complete the Bible program at Crown College, and now he's starting his career. What are his plans? He is following in older brother Zach's footsteps at the sheriff department. Trace will be 22 in February, while Zach tuns 30 today. Stay tuned for more details.

Trace Bates and Zach Bates

Photo courtesy of Trace Bates/thebatesfamily.com

Katie and Trace

With all six of her older sisters either married or courting, Katie Bates is the oldest Bates daughter who is still single. At age 17, she is in her last semester of high school and is taking dual enrollment classes at Crown College. Trace, age 21, has also been taking courses at Crown.

 Katie Bates and Trace Bates

Photo courtesy of Trace Bates/thebatesfamily.com

Bates' Classmate Missing in Knoxville

We hope you all had a fantastic weekend, whether you watched the Super Bowl or spent your Sunday doing other things. Yesterday, we received troubling news about a student at Crown College, the school that many of the Bates siblings either attend or have attended. We ask you to join us in earnet prayer.

Blake Smith, a 20-year-old student at Crown, has been missing since Saturday afternoon, when he was last seen leaving work. From there, he returned to his dorm room for a short time and then headed out to Admiral Farragut Park, where his parents say he was likely taking a hike. Blake posted a photo of the Tennessee River to his social media page, making that his last known location.

Later, his car, cell phone, and some of his belongings were found at a construction site in Blount County, where Zach Bates attended the police training academy.

According to the Knoxville News Sentinel, Blake's family suspects foul play. A missing persons Facebook page has been created to provide updates. Those with any information should contact the Knoxville police at 865-215-7000.

Double Bates Birthday, Take 3

 Alyssa, John, and Allie Webster

Every year, the Bates family celebrates four double birthdays. Today, Carlin Bates is turning 19, and Allie Webster is turning two.

Currently attending Crown College, Carlin enjoys cooking, singing, playing piano and violin, and working with the children at the Bates' church. She is very animated (as viewers have noticed), and her family says she is full of initiative. Her favorite foods are Mexican and Japanese, and she is currently in the "get-to-know-you" stage with boyfriend Evan Stewart (no official courtship yet).

Allie Jane was an easy baby but has turned into a busy, talkative toddler. She loves her little sister, Lexi Mae Webster!

Carlin Bates

Photos courtesy of UP

Erin and Chad's Big Announcement

Erin (Bates) Paine and husband Chad Paine have finally reveled the big surprise that they hinted at in mid September. We know you all are on the edge of your seats, so we won't keep you waiting. Erin has just released her third CD, Comfort & Joy.

Erin, Chad, and Carson Paine share the details in the following YouTube video:

The CD includes 12 Southern gospel Christmas arrangements (listed below) that feature the talented Erin (Bates) Paine on piano and well-known bluegrass musician Andy Leftwich on fiddle and mandolin.

Comfort & Joy is available for purchase on the Bates family website, CD Baby, and iTunes.

For those of you who live in the Bates' neck of the woods, the family is hosting a CD release party on Friday, November 6th, at Crown College in Powell, Tennessee.

Comfort & Joy

1. Let it Snow
2. God rest Ye Merry Gentlemen
3. Joy to the World
4. Away in the Manager
5. Silver Bells
6. Go Tell it on the Mountain
7. Frosty the Snowman
8. It Came Upon a Midnight Clear
9. Jingle Bells
10. Silent Night
11. Marshmallow World
12. Hark the Herald Angels Sing

Photography courtesy of tarynyagerphotography.com/Chad Paine