Jon and Kate Plus 8 official Thread, Part 2!!

[Jaxs27]

Maybe she had a coupon, and I would yell at my husband too if he bought something we had a coupon for and didn't use it.

She doesn't need a coupon, it's all free.

 

[barkley]

i have to wonder what it would be like for those little ones if the cameras went away and the money stopped coming in.

unless they've saved like crazy there's no way those kids are going to be treated to constant amusement park visits (let alone with special treatment), fabulous family vacations, and constant fun outside the home excursions and activities. and this is the life these kids have always experienced. their mindset has to be that this IS "normal", that all kids are on the constant go to fun places and fun events-that there are always "helpers" or "nanas" or sitters available to help mom and dad supervise you.

they've lived their lives as the center of attention-played with and fawned over by the production staff. what will life be like for them when they are faced with noone being so interested in them that there every move has to be fillmed, they don't turn on the tv and see either themselves or the parents on, they don't walk into a store and see their faces plastered across dvds?

you hear former (b listers, "has been") actors and celbrities talk about how addicting the attention was, how they want to be "back in the game" to feed some kind of need they developed for it. you see the repeat participants on the schlocky realitiy shows interviewed and they say that despite getting embarrassed about what they are doing and getting "negative attention" that they are driven to reexperience that attention. in both cases you have people who knew that what they were doing was separate from their personal lives-with the gosselin kids it's been their whole lives during very formative years. exiting it would have to be a very confusing experience and i suspect whatever type of private life the family tries to create would be far from what any of us would perceive as "normal".

 

[newtodis]

Well, Ann Taylor is a bit pricey. LOFT is a sister store that is a bit cheaper and a little younger/more casual. Kind of like how Old Navy is to Gap.

I really like LOFT and shop there a lot. The clothes are made well and they fit. Most stuff is appropriate for work or out and about. Hard to find that at other stores. There sales and coupons are pretty good. I don't spend a lot of money on clothes, and I shop here a lot so trust me, the prices can't be too bad.

Like I said, she was definitely in the LOFT store in Wyomissing. You could see the OFT on the window and I know that store (and shopping center) well since I shop there all the time.

Like I said, I'm not that familiary with them so I totally believe you. I don't think we even have one near us for me to check out...maybe on one of our drives back to MI

It looked like the store was empty (to me) when she walked in. And also, didn't the manager greet her or something? It must have been staged.

I posted a video yesterday from a GMA story on the TLC families. Kate said (I'm almost positive) that they sit down and "plan" what they want the show to be then they go do that - at least that's what I got from it. So, to me that says, I want to go shopping and get the kids spring clothes; ok you TLC people, make that happen (I'm sure that's not really how it goes but maybe something like it). I would hope they have a say in what they're doing and what's being taped since they wanted to start out using it as their families memories. I loved the older episodes where Kate had her camera right out along with everyone else taking pictures at all of the different things.

I'd also like to see the kids be "interviewed". I think they're old enough now that if they want to, to be more a part of the show and share their thoughts and feelings - especially Mady and Cara. I love to hear kid's opinions of things. I know it would sell me a lot more if an honest little kid said the "best thing" was going/doing/having whatever. From the comments some of the kids have made, it doesn't sound like they're into the latest greatest toy so I'd really like to hear their thoughts on the outings and what was fun and what wasn't. The "downside" is you can't always control what the kids say (of course that's what editing is for if it's not appropriate).

 

[puffkin]

I just read in an article that their new house was 1.3 million!!! Where they live, it must be a mansion.

I live near them. I would have to say that a bulk of that cost was for the land. They have like 30+ acres from what I understand. Don't get me wrong, there house appears to be huge, but you wouldn't believe some of the developments around here with mc-mansions like that. What makes their home different is the land (and outbuildings) which command a higher price than that same home in a development.

 

[barkley]

Like I said, I'm not that familiary with them so I totally believe you. I don't think we even have one near us for me to check out...maybe on one of our drives back to MI



I posted a video yesterday from a GMA story on the TLC families. Kate said (I'm almost positive) that they sit down and "plan" what they want the show to be then they go do that - at least that's what I got from it. So, to me that says, I want to go shopping and get the kids spring clothes; ok you TLC people, make that happen (I'm sure that's not really how it goes but maybe something like it). I would hope they have a say in what they're doing and what's being taped since they wanted to start out using it as their families memories. I loved the older episodes where Kate had her camera right out along with everyone else taking pictures at all of the different things.

I'd also like to see the kids be "interviewed". I think they're old enough now that if they want to, to be more a part of the show and share their thoughts and feelings - especially Mady and Cara. I love to hear kid's opinions of things. I know it would sell me a lot more if an honest little kid said the "best thing" was going/doing/having whatever. From the comments some of the kids have made, it doesn't sound like they're into the latest greatest toy so I'd really like to hear their thoughts on the outings and what was fun and what wasn't. The "downside" is you can't always control what the kids say (of course that's what editing is for if it's not appropriate).

that's one of the things i enjoy about the duggar's show-they interview even the younger ones (and the camera guys will sometimes even ask something of one of the younger ones mid filming). i also like it when they are filming something and all of a sudden it changes over to the "duggar cam" perspective where one of the kids is filming the same scene. it's cute when it's when of the younger ones and they are focusing on something that the adults or older kids would'nt even notice, and it's rather sweet when one of the older ones is filming almost identical footage as the camera crew but then catches sight of one of the little ones doing something and focuses on them.

 

[ead79]

I haven't watched the new episode yet, but I feel sad for Jon and Kate.

I know we don't get to see the entire story, but I really dislike the way Kate speaks to Jon. I can't imagine how frustrating life can be for Kate at times, but it seems like all she knows how to do is belittle Jon. I truly believe that a husband needs to feel respected to feel loved, and Kate just doesn't seem to be willing to give him that respect. Even in the past when she's admitted that her tone was wrong, she always seems to attach a "but" to the scenario about how her tone was at least partially justified in some way by Jon's behavior.

I'm not saying that Jon is faultless in every situation, and I'm not a Kate-hater, but their relationship dynamic is heartbreaking to me. A wife's words have power, and Kate needs to take that responsibility seriously. In the earlier episodes it seemed like it was Jon and Kate tackling things together, it seemed like they had a much better relationship dynamic. Now it seems like Jon has lost all sense of himself, and I think that Kate's lack of respect is a huge part of that.

Obviously I'm just on the outside looking in, and I only get to see what TLC lets us see, but what I see worries me. I would hate for them to split up.

 

[MichelleVW]

She doesn't need a coupon, it's all free.

and honestly I could care less if she has her own free personal shopper to go out and pick out all her free clothes.....

 

[schoen]

Hi All. I am generally a lurker, but last night's episode makes me want to comment.

First, If I was going to be going on Oprah I would for sure be buying new clothes for me and my family. It is a big deal! Oprah! Even if you have done it before. Oprah is no joke, and I would want some new clothes for that.

Also, in the fashion and tv world ann taylor loft is like walmart. If she was shopping at Ralph Lauren or Burberry it might be excessive.

Also, I do feel bad for Jon, but I also feel bad for Kate. They are at odds, and it is not an easy situation to get out of. Jon isn't so happy, but Kate is elated. His career isn't what he wants, and she loves hers. It is a tough situation. Neither of them should have to sacrifice what makes them happy. They are going to need to work this out. The answer isn't stopping Kate's career in it's track. That will only make them both unhappy. Tough stuff. I do not envy them.

 

[madge]

i have to wonder what it would be like for those little ones if the cameras went away and the money stopped coming in.

unless they've saved like crazy there's no way those kids are going to be treated to constant amusement park visits (let alone with special treatment), fabulous family vacations, and constant fun outside the home excursions and activities. and this is the life these kids have always experienced. their mindset has to be that this IS "normal", that all kids are on the constant go to fun places and fun events-that there are always "helpers" or "nanas" or sitters available to help mom and dad supervise you.

they've lived their lives as the center of attention-played with and fawned over by the production staff. what will life be like for them when they are faced with noone being so interested in them that there every move has to be fillmed, they don't turn on the tv and see either themselves or the parents on, they don't walk into a store and see their faces plastered across dvds? you hear former (b listers, "has been") actors and celbrities talk about how addicting the attention was, how they want to be "back in the game" to feed some kind of need they developed for it. you see the repeat participants on the schlocky realitiy shows interviewed and they say that despite getting embarrassed about what they are doing and getting "negative attention" that they are driven to reexperience that attention. in both cases you have people who knew that what they were doing was separate from their personal lives-with the gosselin kids it's been their whole lives during very formative years. exiting it would have to be a very confusing experience and i suspect whatever type of private life the family tries to create would be far from what any of us would perceive as "normal".

it might be harder for the twins than the sextuplets, since they're older. but you know what? kids are resilient. if the home is happy, and it's handled with care .. I'd like to think they could transition to a new normal. I think it's unrealistic to think that the Gosselin family could return to obscurity. But, looking at the McCaughey and Dilley families, I think they could find a new normal.

as for the money, other than Jon & Kate (and the accountants) no one will know how much $$ takes to maintain their current lifestyle, nor will we ever have any idea how much they've saved. Is it enough to live on for a while while they get it together? I'm not so sure the solution is as simple as Jon and/or Kate getting a regular job like regular people. At least not in the immediate future. Stopping the show doesn't necessarily stop the gravy train -- there are still speaking engagements, endorsements, book & video deals. Without the show, I don't know how marketable Kate is on her own. She may have visions of a talk show host, but she is a terrible public speaker.

with all this said, I think last night's couch deal had some genuine moments, but I'm skeptical. It was edited to death, and filmed some weeks ago. I think it's a marketing/publicity stunt to leave people wanting more, and to generate excitement for the return of season 5. That's why I'm curious about the timeline of all this .. they were already filming episodes for the new season before last night's episode. It was announced on Oprah & at Penn State that season 5 is a go. We're expected to believe Jon & Kate will breach the contract and halt production just a few weeks later? Possible, but not likely.

 

[madge]

that's one of the things i enjoy about the duggar's show-they interview even the younger ones (and the camera guys will sometimes even ask something of one of the younger ones mid filming). i also like it when they are filming something and all of a sudden it changes over to the "duggar cam" perspective where one of the kids is filming the same scene. it's cute when it's when of the younger ones and they are focusing on something that the adults or older kids would'nt even notice, and it's rather sweet when one of the older ones is filming almost identical footage as the camera crew but then catches sight of one of the little ones doing something and focuses on them.

I've read some the JK8 camera crew now works with the Duggars. JK8 used to be much sweeter in that same way, IMO.

 

[puffkin]

A little off topic, but if anyone watches Toddlers and Tiaras, one of the little girls on tonights episode is from Wyomissing (same basic area as J&K and me). I am interested to see the show because pageants are not common at all in this area.

Our little corner of the world is really a hot bed for reality tv

 

[EdiePA]

I don't usually post on this thread, but how many times did they say that John was at his mother's? Wow! Over and over and over. Okay, we get it, but it did seem like they were harping on that theme a little too much.

Edie

 

[MegaDisney]

I feel the same way. I got the feeling from last night's show that Jon is sick of it all and wants a normal life again. He looked so sad and depressed and it looked like he was forcing himself to be cheerful during the interview part. (We all know that he's a sportsy guy and yet at the Globetrotters he seemed rather passive.) If my husband made comments to me like that about feeling lost and such, I'd be a little alarmed! Kate was oblivious and just kept saying she loves what they're doing. Listen to your man, he's telling you serious stuff. The show has obviously drained him and put a strain on their marriage. If I were Kate, I'd take that VERY seriously. Money isn't everything. She has a beautiful family, a healthy family too which isn't always the case with sextuplets. I hope they step back and look at the road they've traveled to get to this point and reasses. Bitterness in a relationship can destroy it lickety-split. I really want to see them succeed, not financially but as a married couple and parents.

I completely agree with this. I think Jon is taking a step back and looking at the bigger picture here. I think he is feeling conflicted between doing the show and the show providing VERY well for his family, and the consequences to all their lives because of the show. How could anyone not see during the interview scenes how unhappy he is? And not only that, Kate's reactions to him were horrible. He tried to compliment her on her clothing, and she makes fun of him. When he was talking about how he was feeling about doing the show anymore, you could tell she was doing her best not to roll her eyes at him- she could barely let him get a complete sentence out. And don't even get me going on the (lack of) body language between the two of them.

I just think Jon is screaming for some type of help at this point. I'm sure he realizes that of course it's his fault that things have gotten to this point. However, I think he is trying, right now, to make better decisions for his family. He has had enough, Kate has not.

So what do they do? Can he be "forced" to do the show? If he feels really strongly about it can he make the decision and say enough, I'm not doing anymore and neither are my children? Wouldn't that be interesting, especially if he has signed on for another season, but is now having second thoughts. If he wanted to pull the kids from the show but Kate didn't, what would happen there? I don't think it's beyond the realm of possibility that this could happen, if he feels strongly enough.

 

[madge]

and honestly I could care less if she has her own free personal shopper to go out and pick out all her free clothes.....

I didn't think a thing about that, either. I expected it to come with the territory. KWIM?

 

[longstangetrip]

She doesn't need a coupon, it's all free.

Some people just don't get that everything they do is free. It doesn't matter one bit to me if they get free haircuts, clothes, trips, dogs, insurance, toys, food, tickets to events, gas for their excursions, electricity for their studio lighting etc. It is a fact and acting like they are paying retail and clipping coupons doesn't make them any more believable. Did you see the clothes Kate picked out for her and the kids? It was way more than what they were wearing to appear on Oprah via satellite. Yes, both stores appeared to be closed as did the art experience. Were there other people at the museum? Lots of bona fide celebrities and their kids interact with the common folk. We hear and see it all the time. Some times since there is no entourage and camera crew, people don't even notice. That is not how the Gosselins roll.

Why does Kate think nanny is a bad word? She said, "Our helper's here, well her hours vary" (meaning she's here a lot but I don't want to say it). Calling her a helper sounds so demeaning to me. She is not 12, she's an adult with a childcare career. The little girls' hair looks so cute since she has started. It's not in their faces as much. Jenny tried to keep their hair up too. I know this is a job in itself!

I thought last night was a new low if in fact Jon was doing what appeared to be speaking from his heart in order to build anticipation for the new season starting in six weeks. Could she really be that happy and loving her life if he is that miserable? It's her husband. Kate has said over and over if a family member doesn't want to continue they won't. What happened to that?

 

[mommytobug]

Ok, who was the person asking ??'s? You know the other producer has been with the kids a long time and they loved her. They also loved Scott the camera guy, remember Aaden wanted to name the dog Scott. I also noticed their camera crew was with the Duggar's.

 

[brockash]

Alright, so here are my feelings about last nights show

The painting and Kate choosing the colors really didn't bother me, especially since they're being hung in the house. It probably would have been a good idea to explain it to the kids, but she may have, who knows, and it really didn't seem like the kids cared one way or the other.

I thought these two episodes, really showed Kate interacting more with the kids and to me, it looked sincere, like she was really enjoying them and having a fun time.

The set was moved into the new house months ago. There was an episode that explained how they had "fooled" everyone and moved the old set into the new house and were doing the interviews in the new house, so I really don't think they were doing the interview in the old house last night.

The thing that did stike me as odd, was the hair cut thing. Kate making Cara get her hair cut shorter than she wanted, and not letting Hannah get her hair cut shorter like she wanted, seemed a little off to me and controlish, however now that I've said that, my son half the time thinks he wants his head shaved completely, and well I don't let that happen, so

The thing with Jon and Kate wanting different things is just sad, but reality, and honestly I'm not sure why everyone's just blaming Kate for this. I mean, first I don't really think anyone's to blame, they just want different things, and many ppl. go through this. Why do Jon's wants top Kate's? -I mean to pp's comments on the thread, not in reality, because I'm guessing there will be a 5th season. I agree, that I don't think Jon seems to have a problem with the perks of it, I think he just doesn't like the negatives of it, and I totally agree that his real issues seem to be about Kate doing more/getting more attention/"working" more outside of house ect. Also, with Kate she seems to have always had a huge thing with giving her kids many many more oppurtunities than she was given (she's said that since day one,) and she thinks the show is what has given them the oppurtunity to do a lot of things that they would have never been able to do otherwise, in which she is correct. Whatever their issues together and idividually are, I'm just hoping they get them all worked out.

I didn't get the Allstate thing at all. No idea what they were trying to do there.

Also, I didn't see or hear mention of the dogs at all last night, which seemed a little odd to me.

 

[Grumpy's Gal]

The show has become a sad commentary on people who are willing to do just about anything to get what they think will make them happy. Jon is the first to admit it. Kate's not happy. The kids seem like lost souls, but they are wealthy...So in 15 years, will we be seeing the kids on the cover of supermarket tabloids....that's where this is all leading.

I am curious to see when these kids grow up and have kids, how they will treat their kids........

think about it. They won't even know what a "normal" childhood is.

 

[maxie]

Some people just don't get that everything they do is free. It doesn't matter one bit to me if they get free haircuts, clothes, trips, dogs, insurance, toys, food, tickets to events, gas for their excursions, electricity for their studio lighting etc. It is a fact and acting like they are paying retail and clipping coupons doesn't make them any more believable.



Lots of bona fide celebrities and their kids interact with the common folk. We hear and see it all the time. Some times since there is no entourage and camera crew, people don't even notice. That is not how the Gosselins roll.



I thought last night was a new low if in fact Jon was doing what appeared to be speaking from his heart in order to build anticipation for the new season starting in six weeks. Could she really be that happy and loving her life if he is that miserable? It's her husband. Kate has said over and over if a family member doesn't want to continue they won't. What happened to that?

1) How do you know they don't pay for the haircuts and clothes? Isn't that the same hairdresser Kate used a few seasons ago?


2) There were kids in the museum. It was not closed for them. As for the art place it looked like a small room. Probably gets booked for small groups.


3) Didn't appear that way to me at. Seems like she was upset and worried that her spouse was unhappy. They said several times that they would be discussing things. Why does a couple need to decide their future in a 10 minute interview in front of a camera? She seemed very compassionate and loving towards Jon to me.

 

[brockash]

call me crazy, but I was irritated by the "art teacher" last night. A real art teacher would never say no, don't do that, don't touch that, get your hand off, or force your hand to make a handprint. I really feel it's not the childrens' art if their mother picked the colours and the "art teacher" strongly influenced your painting.

Ok, ready to be flamed now

I will say I agree. I didn't think Kate choosing the colors was really an issue at all, but yes the art teacher's seemed just rude. I kept thinking, my gosh if I was paying someone (yes I'm sure they weren't paying, but) to let my kid do artwork and they spoke to my kids like that, I'd be pretty upset. Seemed pretty weird to me, and if I lived in the area, I'd make a mental note that we wouldn't be visiting them.