Something We've Never Done Before | Keilen Corner

We did something this year that we’ve never done before, something that put us in the Christmas spirit… earlier than normal. We invite you to join us as we celebrate the season by getting our Christmas tree, decorating together, and enjoying a Christmas version of “how well do you know your spouse?” (a game that got us thinking and laughing as we guessed each other’s Christmas favorites). Also, we recently got to spend some time with the Balkas enjoying Dollywood’s beautiful Smoky Mountain Christmas! In the busyness that often comes with the holiday season it was refreshing to slow down, laugh, and spend time with family. Looking at all the lights and hearing the carols definitely sparked the Christmas spirit… a time of joy and gratitude for the gift of Jesus Christ!

[@ChristineElizabeth-zj1ht]

I have to say that your KZbin channel is one of my favorites.... you both appear really approachable and really open and honest and you have tackled some tough topics. I really look forward to it ---- you make me smile and laugh and think & trust God a little bit more❤

[@Mammaj1963]

Same here, I look forward to them every week. Out of all the Bates chanel,,they are my favorite

[@KeilenCorner]

Thank you so much for your kind words!

[@RitaHarper-q8f]

I love watching! I smile the whole time!

[@jenniferfitzgerald8970]

I still hope and pray God gives you children of your own but, I can't help but remark how awesome it is of the two of you to invest yourselves so deeply in the lives of your nieces and nephews! God is smiling because of your love for them!

[@user-np6wq1tx9c]

Michaela, you are absolutely stunning! Inside and out. God bless you and Brandon.

[@karenschabow2558]

You two are so precious! I look forward to your videos. You are such a wonderful example of a Godly couple. Thank you for sharing Christ in your life! My husband & I have been married 42 yrs & love the Lord. Christ is the center of our marriage. Continue sharing His greatness! 🙌

[@KeilenCorner]

Thank you so much for your kind words! Wow! 42 years is such a beautiful testimony of love! Congratulations!

[@alsc1806]

Your love for each other is beautiful. It shines through.

[@ellyne3863]

Your vlogs are the best. They bring me so much peace. Thank you!

[@lanatrapp1589]

You guys are such a sweet couple. How special to go to Dollywood with Josie and her family. God bless you abundantly

[@MelbBev]

How lucky is your family have two amazing people care for them. The joy on your faces with your nieces and nephew was precious.

[@shalynletteer9063]

That was such a great podcast!! My fiance that passed away 24 years ago he and I bought a new ornament each year to save for our house. I still have them and I put them all over my apartment. You guys are such an amazing couple and I truly believe that Jeff and I would've been a couple like you two!!

[@jukes243]

God has given you two a very special assignment. Aunt and Uncle to those precious littles. I would love to see the bible cover Brandon designed for you, Michaela (I enjoy his art work). If that is too personal to share, I understand. Thanks for taking us along. MERRY CHRISTMAS! everyone.

[@paulabeaman5586]

What a sweet precious treat with the Balka family!!! ♥️ The children are absolutely precious!!! 🩷🩷🩵 I hope you both had a wonderful Thanksgiving!!! 🤎🤎

[@vickymosser5542]

You two are the sweetest couple...your videos are so uplifting..this old mamaw really enjoys them❤

[@KeilenCorner]

Thanks so much!

[@Patty-mt3le]

David Phelps singing O Holy Night gives me chills!

[@christiabreeden7777]

Love David Phelps!!

[@suesmith776]

He has the best voice ever!

[@ZHab336]

Your videos are refreshingly different, thank you.

[@suesmith776]

Love the tree and decorations!

[@marydavis2070]

Wonderful guys just wonderful.❤😊

[@kimbaggatts981]

I absolutely love you two and you seem like best friends as well as husband and wife. The way you love and talk about God is my favorite. I love how you love God😊

[@JBIRDRN8]

Your tree is beautiful!you are the best Aunt and Uncle!! They are so blessed to have you!

[@KeilenCorner]

Thank you so much! We love them so much…nieces and nephews are truly a gift!

[@Bev-s1g]

You are such a precious, godly, loving, and giving couple. Always thinking of others. I’m praying that the Lord will bless you with a child very soon. I fast for my son and daughter-in-law to have a baby and I’m adding you to my fast that the Lord will bless you also with a child.

[@ittybitty4014]

This was such a cute idea!

[@jackiemontogmery125]

Your videos are always fun and a blessing to watch. I love how your faith shines in you both. Have a Happy Christmas! Long time follower of the Bates family. Grammy from Texas

[@KeilenCorner]

Thanks so much for watching! Merry Christmas to you too!

[@lt1827]

O Holy Night is my favourite as well. Blessed Christmas to the two of you and everyone in this chat.

[@donnakytle6595]

Love seeing you spend time with your families!!! Wishing you a Blessed Christmas 🎄. May we always focus on true meaning of Christmas. Thankful for all God's Blessings in our lives.May we use the gifts,and talents he has blessed us with to bless others.May we reach out to those who may not be so blessed,especially homeless,those who have no family,children,and elderly who are in need of blessings.

[@suewilson3044]

Thank you for sharing your game with us and your outing with Josie and her family, thoroughly enjoyed watching it. You are such a beautiful couple.

[@KeilenCorner]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@janmiles6262]

Beautiful couple, you are both so genuine and sweet!! You mentioned the Cherry Blossoms, it reminded me of when Brandon planned asking you to marry him, it was while the Cherry Blossoms were in bloom❤

[@KeilenCorner]

Aww! One of my very favorite memories!

[@ValerieNewcomb-n2b]

The Christmas wreath treats and a ton of pies must be a Michigander thing 😂. Literally describing my family get togethers! Merry Christmas! We love your sweet videos ~ they are always so encouraging!

[@Susie-n1f]

you two are one of the sweetest couples EVER!

[@marianne362]

The Christmas tree looks beautiful in your lovely, peaceful home! Wishing you and your families a very Merry Christmas!🎄✝️🙏

[@n2creativity-ccladee640]

When my kids were young, during Advent our main meal every night was red, white, and green.

[@chessyharris6200]

❤ The two of you are such an inspiration. I look forward to your blogs. ❤

[@justkathy8943]

It must be a Michigan thing- many pies at the holidays, always a tradition. Cute video!

[@TheEricksonGang]

You both are just so sweet & Genuine. I love your hearts you both pour out so much to your Families & others. I have never been to Dollywood but feel I have following you both, Carlin & Evan and your parents Gil & Kelli Jo. It was fun watching the kiddos expressions and how much they enjoyed it too. I hope you both had a Great Thanksgiving. Thank you so much for sharing I thoroughly enjoyed it.

[@bethpittsiirjdjdb1028]

Thank you for the video. Playing the game was so funny love seeing the girls at Dollywood. Merry Christmas ❤

[@thetapequeen5489]

What an enjoyable video!

[@paolamontes6508]

What a special video!

[@cjohnson3550]

I appreciate seeing you all enjoy celebrating Christmas with your family. The game was fun. Merry Christmas!!😊

[@leenalewis8922]

You're both too cute and I had a good laugh. Thank you for sharing. My your Christmas be full of love, joy and laughs.

[@KeilenCorner]

Thanks so much for watching, and Merry Christmas to you too!

[@victoriadunnett4745]

This was fun!!! Oh holy night is my favourite too❤️,i thought it might be michaela's. Its funny how sometimes we just know our spouses answers,other times,its a curve ball!

[@anitabeckett1403]

Beautiful family, God bless

[@bowed305]

You two are great. My nephew and his wife are headed to Dollywood next week, and I can't wait to hear their stories about it when they get home.

[@janetkt-ut]

Loved hearing your favorites! And yes, we all need to slow down, take a breath and remember what this season is all about. 🙏🏻Thank you for another great video.

[@KeilenCorner]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@alisonmccorkle]

Y’all are the best ❤god bless

[@deannadunn3371]

Oh, I really loved your game that you played. You two are so special and I love watching you on your website. Hope to see many more if I don’t see you I wish you both a happy and blessed Christmas.

[@KeilenCorner]

Thanks so much for watching and for the encouragement! Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@Nunyabusiness82777]

You two are just so sweet! I just love your channel! ❤️🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@ruthwarren8685]

Oh how I love Dollywood at Christmas!❤️🎄 Your Bible sounds lovely. Mine is quite old, well used but I don’t want a new one. I have so many notes, dated prayer requests written it it…. My most precious possession for sure! I think a new Bible cover would be good though. I love your Christmas question time! Thank you for sharing your sweet life! You two are such a blessing to everyone who knows you! ❤️❤️

[@KeilenCorner]

Yes Dollywood is so special at Christmas time! Brandon’s Bible was falling apart from love and use and the same company where he bought mine rebound his beautifully. Scriptura.co is the website. The restoration process took about a month and they did a masterful job!

[@darlenethompson9325]

I just love your videos. Thanks for sharing.

[@normadelacruz3055]

You guys are so sweet. God bless you both.❤

[@AngelWoodle]

This might be my favorite video yet! Great job guys!

[@KeilenCorner]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@AB-sf1ls]

Now one of you is gonna have to sing us Brandon’s mom’s Luke 2 song. 😊

[@rmechelle4230]

I enjoy your videos so much! Have a blessed Christmas!

[@joannbowers3180]

I love your KZbin channel! You are both so engaging and so extremely family oriented. I wish you both a wonderful holiday season. God bless you both.

[@KeilenCorner]

Thanks so much! Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@debbievanhorn1256]

Ahhh. Strawberry pretzel salad is my all time dessert too. Ive even had it for breakfast..😂

[@teresabeamon9650]

I love the Grinch as well.

[@kcotjo]

Hello from the middle of Nebraska! Your Q & A for one another was so cute! Looks like wonderful memories were created at Dollywood! What a special place to visit during the Christmas season. You both are always in my prayers!! God Bless!!!

[@KeilenCorner]

Thanks for your prayers! It was so fun! We made some special memories!

[@connieploeger3704]

What a great video! Yes as i am sure the Michigan Family has told you it had been really cold here (and probably snowy where they are)

[@carolwhisenhunt7504]

I just love you both. Y'all are precious. Have the best Christmas ever!!!

[@KeilenCorner]

Thanks so much for watching! Merry Christmas to you!

[@marlasturgill8306]

I would like too say, you two are a Beautiful Blessing from God! Thank you for sharing all that you do!!! I enjoy all your videos, you both are great teachers and you really leave us wanting more of Jesus so thank you!

[@blossombolton9829]

I like your coordinated outfits.

[@estellarodriguez7435]

I loved this one ❤ 🎄

[@Stephanie0517]

This was a fun video. I love that you got to make special memories at Dollywood with your family. Going to look at the Christmas lights is defintely my favorite tradition. The weather in Michigan turned cold and snowy this weekend. It's been in the mid 20's and we've had snow flurries all weekend. Happy Thanksgiving! 🍁Thanks for sharing another great video! 🙂

[@jeaniemilam3539]

What a beautiful job you did decorating for Christmas. I love your Christmas game. Thank you so much for taking the time to share your thoughts and experiences with us.

[@ArthurBadger-ms8xx]

Merry Christmas to you both.

[@pickypants9696]

Pretzel Salad for the win! I like raspberry with a ton of frozen raspberries added to it. The flavor is so much more pronounced! ❤️😋

[@reetayoung]

Enjoyed!

[@nicolegordon129]

Strawberry pretzel salad and cornflake cookies- interesting & creative. I’m curious as to the recipe for strawberry pretzel salad. You two are the sweetest! Blessings. I hope you had a beautiful Thanksgiving. The tree and decorations look lovely.

[@SHAVEYSGIRL]

I look forward to your videos. This was a great one. You are both so sweet. I loved Dollywood. I was there this time last year on a tour from Canada. I would move to Tennessee in a second. Thank you for such wonderful content. God Bless.

[@barbararjacobs1740]

I enjoy your KZbin channel. Keep it coming :-)

[@rebekahdove424]

How fun!

[@jeanr502]

So sweet, just love seeing your videos!!! ❤❤❤

[@MM-d289]

That’s so cool! My two favorite Christmas carols are “O Holy Night” and “O Little Town of Bethlehem.”

[@pamelabell5897]

🌲MERRY CHRISTMAS TO Y'ALL 🌲

[@Laura-hb8jt]

Y’all are so sweet. I love your channel.

[@susansmith6680]

I enjoyed learning about you both.

[@behappy6513]

Blessed holiday

[@sherrylee1072]

God bless and Merry Christmas

[@Mammaj1963]

You two are perfect for each other

[@brendawilder1379]

Always enjoy your videos. ❤

[@marthacreighton8582]

Have a wonderful Christmas god bless

[@cathywilson6692]

What a sweet video ❤ I hope ya'll have a very Merry Christmas

[@KeilenCorner]

Thank you so much! Merry Christmas to you too!

[@christiabreeden7777]

Have yall ever done a video on how yall met??..Love yalls channel its so precious

[@angelalong4573]

Strawberry pretzel salad is my favorite also

[@Angel-wolfe]

😊 You two are the cutest! 💗

[@denisebotting6598]

Merry Christmas wishes to you both. I’m loving your sharing vlogs.

[@KeilenCorner]

Thanks so much! Merry Christmas to you as well!

[@dianamiller2567]

I absolutely love you both 🫶🫶

[@luanngordon8639]

No one sings o Holy Night like David Phelps. I attended Jason Crabbs' Christmas Tour last night(Nov 30). He comes close to singing it as well as David.

[@loribernardo4024]

Hi Brandon and Michaela! I have to say I love your channel! But you can't be telling us your favorite foods when you're not giving us the recipes! How about a few cooking videos of your favorite things to eat before Christmas? I'm sure I wouldn't be the only one that would enjoy that!

[@emilyfoster8220]

I love watching your videos!!! You seem like you would be good friends

[@donnakemp-drysdale4309]

I would love to hear the family sing Luke 2 Perhaps a thought for future content.

[@erinkelly1234]

fun family time

[@AnayhiasMimi]

Yea its 21 here in Michigan burrrrrrrr

[@amymcstowe7027]

I love Hazel snuggled with you

[@oldnavyluver83]

❤❤❤

[@delilahcruse214]

💗

[@Mamaw65]

Hi. I’d love to see a video of Brandon making strawberry pretzel dessert. I made it one time and it flopped 🤣

[@harborspringsgirl]

Glad to hear you went to Michigan to get your tree! We have gotten 6 inches of snow today up in northern Michigan so it’s beginning to look like Christmas. God bless!!

[@louloulouable]

Could you put up a recipe for strawberry pretzel salad? Sounds interesting!

[@KeilenCorner]

I will try to record Brandon making it this Christmas and share the recipe!

[@darlenecorcoran2892]

i was playing along with you two (lol) trying to guess and was sure i had the favorite gift brandon got for michaela right. her wedding ring!

[@sarapohl742]

Since you guys are fans of paddling you should try dragon boating. You can go watch the races in the summer for free. Basically take a picnic to where the race is sit back and enjoy the race.

[@KeilenCorner]

This sounds like so much fun I’m going to have to look it up. I’ve never heard of it.

[@Lilliebug01]

💛

[@annamullins4238]

Luv'd this time w you 2 2day. PLEASE consider do'n a video of y'all make'n the Strawberry Pretzel Salad and the Corn Flakes Cookies ... I've never had them and would luv 2 learn how 2 make them.😊