Jon and Kate Plus 8, Official Thread-Part 3

[Coconuts]

No kidding! I can probably quote verbatim every Spongebob, Handy Manny, Imagination Movers and Mickey's Clubhouse episode!

I ABSOLUTELY can quote full episodes of the above, and probably J&K+8 too, since that is pretty much the only thing TLC shows!

 

[barkley]

I don't recall anyone on this thread accusing Jon of cheating on Kate. I think that was the gossip mags/shows. I think he has been accused here of making poor choices. He has admitted to going to an off campus house party with college kids; not a good choice most would agree for a thirty something married guy. I'm just sayin'.

I also think it is interesting that you think they'd be struggling to get by without the series, and that they are now (because of the show) not "stressed to the max." I don't see it that way at all. I think they would be fully capable of giving their kids a great life (financially speaking) using their skills as a nurse/IT guy (?) and having the occassional ad, endorsement or special show without the stress of the uber scrutiny they have put themselves under. Just my opinion; no rumor mongering here. Lastly (I promise) I always laugh when someone posting on a blog site accuses other posters of having nothing better to do with their time!
Ha-lar-ee-ous!
Happy Easter you guys; enjoy the holiday weekend.

i agree with you on the financial aspect. i think esp. now when the kid's are in school (i'm guessing the little ones attend k at least half day-not sure what the norm is in their neck of the woods) while they could'nt afford the kind of lifestyle they've become accustomed to-they would be far from i perceive as struggling.

i remember when jon worked for the govenor's office and i thought that was a tremendous opportunity. traditionaly when you work for government your health and dental insurance is such that it makes no difference if you have one child or 20-it's a flat rate (at least it's been that way at the government agencies dh and i have worked for and the ones we looked at in other states we considered moving to) that in and of itself is a tremendous cost savings over the higher cost/pay per participant plans that are popular with private employers. life insurance is generaly a basic no contribution benefit-and you can get some killer deals where you up the coverage for much less than you'de pay for a private plan. long term disability, child care financial assistance-and down the line (a HUGE perk for some state's employees) up to 50% off college tuition for their children attending state colleges and universities can make working for a government employer a huge financial windfall. the added benefit is with many agencies you walk in from day one with all your legal holidays on and up to 3 weeks vacation, 12 days sick (that you can use for your kids) and 3-5 days of personal leave-i had co-workers that, with the exception of summer vacation never had to have childcare for their kid's day's off during the school year.

while jon might not be able to rake in the big bucks in private industry for it (they tend to only look to the applicants that have a college degree) he could make a decent salary with some very cost saving benefits, and kate being a nurse could take down a very good salary in an industry that she could conceivable arrange a schedual that once those kids are all in school full time could preclude the need for any type of childcare.

i think that while "yes" it would be expensive to raise 8 kids i know people raising this many if not more and they are doing it in a manner no one could fault them for-kids are well fed, well clothed, want not for medical or dental care and absent of regular childcare. they may not be doing the big vacations or constant outings/activities that j&k seem to think that everyone does if they only have one or two kids (which is not the norm i've known or seen) but they enjoy the periodic ones they do-and moreso their lives seem much less stressed than what i perceive the gosselins to currently be.

 

[madge]

did anyone hear the jon gossip about him partying with college girls?

which gossip? is there new gossip? or the same gossip from 2 months ago?

 

[3prettyprincesses]

which gossip? is there new gossip? or the same gossip from 2 months ago?

You know that's old news! I saw the pictures too and Jon did look purty drunk, he had that glazed over, red faced, much too wide grin! Personally, I think the pictures in and of themselves were harmless as it looked like fans from the show. However, I'm thinking I'd have a few choice words with my DH if he went out to the local bar and partied it up with college chicks!

BTW, how many of you all are planning to tune in for season 5?

 

[madge]

BTW, how many of you all are planning to tune in for season 5?

I will, if for no other reason than to be an informed poster on this thread.

 

[MichelleVW]

I will, if for no other reason than to be an informed poster on this thread.

Yep, we would miss you if you left!!

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I will, if for no other reason than to be an informed poster on this thread.

Ha-ha! You are too funny! Heck, you're usually the one with all the good information! Yes, please stay informed!

We'll always be able to recognize your posts by your

 

[barkley]

in honor of easter i must ask-

do they make organic peeps????? (i remember someone posting that there is such a thing as organic "fluff").

 

[OhMari]

I think Kate called the fluff organic, because she put organic peanut butter or organic strawberries in the fluff.

Marshmellows are sugar, corn syrup and oil.
I just saw a commercial that defended corn syrup and it said it was organic, since it was made out of corn.

 

[madge]

in honor of easter i must ask-

do they make organic peeps????? (i remember someone posting that there is such a thing as organic "fluff").

a healthier peep that I suppose could be made organic...

http://www.evilmadscientist.com/article.php/peeps

 

[DMRick]

I plan on watching them. I think the show is a good oportunity for the kids to have money set aside for college costs. I do think Kate is a bit rough on Jon, but I have no idea what TLC isn't showing us. Maybe Jon gives it right back, but viewers tend to not want to see a man being rough on his wife. Maybe Jon doesn't care and that gives Kate a way to vent...picking on Jon.

My mom was from a huge family..makes this one look like beginers. Based on what I know from that, I think Kate does a great job. My grandmother hit the road and left the 22 or so of them in the care of my grandfather..she very well would have lost her mind if she stayed. She never looked back, remarried and had no more children. I think Kate really shows she loves her kids, and if she can get out from under the whole of it, to sell some books, good for her. If it was Jon going out to push his book, no one would give it a second thought.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I think Kate called the fluff organic, because she put organic peanut butter or organic strawberries in the fluff.

Marshmellows are sugar, corn syrup and oil.
I just saw a commercial that defended corn syrup and it said it was organic, since it was made out of corn.

Oooh, I love Fluff! I grew up on Fluff and peanut butter sandwiches! We even used to put it in our hot chocolate. Organic fluff? That doesn't seem possible!

I plan on watching them. I think the show is a good oportunity for the kids to have money set aside for college costs. I do think Kate is a bit rough on Jon, but I have no idea what TLC isn't showing us. Maybe Jon gives it right back, but viewers tend to not want to see a man being rough on his wife. Maybe Jon doesn't care and that gives Kate a way to vent...picking on Jon.

My mom was from a huge family..makes this one look like beginers. Based on what I know from that, I think Kate does a great job. My grandmother hit the road and left the 22 or so of them in the care of my grandfather..she very well would have lost her mind if she stayed. She never looked back, remarried and had no more children. I think Kate really shows she loves her kids, and if she can get out from under the whole of it, to sell some books, good for her. If it was Jon going out to push his book, no one would give it a second thought.

When the show first started, Jon gave it right back to Kate when she nit-picked him. I thought it was so hilarious to watch the exchange between them during that. Kate was freaking out over the kids making a mess while pumpkin carving or something like that and Jon was like, Kate RELAX! Good point though, I wonder if TLC edits out the parts when Jon nips back at Kate. Interesting....

 

[barkley]

I think Kate called the fluff organic, because she put organic peanut butter or organic strawberries in the fluff.

Marshmellows are sugar, corn syrup and oil.
I just saw a commercial that defended corn syrup and it said it was organic, since it was made out of corn.

i've seen that commercial too and was just it reminds me of the propoganda ones that are for 'veridian dynamics' the company the character 'ted' in 'better off ted' works for

 

[longstangetrip]

I think the commercials you are referring to say high fructose corn syrup, is made from corn, and fine in moderation, just like sugar. Because it is cheap, it has gotten a very bad rap. I think they call it all natural (which it can be) not organic. Could corn syrup be organic? Sure. Organic has nothing to do with being nutritious or healthy. Organic has a loose definition in the food industry but essentially anything can be labeled that way that is grown without any chemical fertilizers, pesticides or fungicides. Organic does not equal healthy. Organic equals expensive!
We best be eating up the high fructose corn syrup if you want to support American farms. It is a food crop that is not imported! I guess the corn growers did the commercials you mentioned.
The Gosselins going green, is very much like the Gosselins eating organic...a bunch of fluff.

 

[MichelleVW]

I think the commercials you are referring to say high fructose corn syrup, is made from corn, and fine in moderation, just like sugar. Because it is cheap, it has gotten a very bad rap. I think they call it all natural (which it can be) not organic. Could corn syrup be organic? Sure. Organic has nothing to do with being nutritious or healthy. Organic has a loose definition in the food industry but essentially anything can be labeled that way that is grown without any chemical fertilizers, pesticides or fungicides. Organic does not equal healthy. Organic equals expensive!
We best be eating up the high fructose corn syrup if you want to support American farms. It is a food crop that is not imported! I guess the corn growers did the commercials you mentioned.
The Gosselins going green, is very much like the Gosselins eating organic...a bunch of fluff.

I've seen those commercials too...what I heard about the high fructose corn syrup is that it kind of messes with your "full" meter and you tend to eat more. I may be way off base and that may be something else I am thinking of, but I swear I heard it somewhere. Too lazy to google it right now!!

 

[madge]

I saw the Ladies Home Journal cover at Target this morning ....

Seeing the magazine in person, I'm almost 100% positive that picture was taken before Mady got braces. Mady's smile looks like the smile of an 8-year-old girl, not photoshopped perfection (if that makes sense ).

I was not prepared to see Jon's dirty bare feet on the cover, though. Ick.

 

[longstangetrip]

I've seen those commercials too...what I heard about the high fructose corn syrup is that it kind of messes with your "full" meter and you tend to eat more. I may be way off base and that may be something else I am thinking of, but I swear I heard it somewhere. Too lazy to google it right now!!

That may very well be true, I don't think it has much nutritional value. I just hate for one product to be singled out as the complete ruination, but it happens. If people want to talk all natural we have the coca plant, poppy plant, hemp plant...they are all natural too. Occuring in nature= not always good.

I saw the Ladies Home Journal cover at Target this morning ....

I was not prepared to see Jon's dirty bare feet on the cover, though. Ick.

They're rusty! Does PA have red mud?

 

[newtodis]

Good luck cleaning the house with little ones! I always feel like it's so unproductive but my DH says I'm fighting build-up! Still it's hard with 3 little girls and Barbies, Polly Pockets, dress up clothes, American Girl dolls and blocks everywhere!

Yes...I'm always stepping on bouncy balls and Cars cards. It was really unproductive - you really couldn't tell I spent two days cleaning!

Have a great Easter too! My kids are fairly bursting with excitement for Sunday to come. I love when company comes to visit but I hate the cleaning up beforehand! Does that make me a bad hostess??

Certainly does not make you a bad hostess! It's nice to have people over. I just hate cleaning before and after!

I agree, I love this thread! It's really enjoyable to read and I appreciate the courtesy everyone shows to each other. We've got both sides able to dialogue and express their thoughts about J&K and the little kiddos.

Now, here's what I should be doing right now instead of lurking on the disboards... It's like Expedition Everest in my basement!

I know just what you mean!

Completely OT but...I HAVE A NEW TICKER!!!!!!!! YEAAAAAA!!!

YAY for you - another girl's weekend with Kate?

Jon & Kate had help when they started their show... there were neighbors and volunteers coming into the house.

It's interesting to note that people have seen Jon/Kate at some of these events, the ones where Kate talks about how she's doing it on her own .. and they all say there's an entourage with her/them. Heck, Kate doesn't travel alone anymore... there's usually security or publicity people with her.

I wouldn't think it would be safe for her to just go out on her own these days. There are too many nutty people in the world - even if she just took someone so she wouldn't be "alone" all the time.

I think mine isn't too far off from yours ...

WOW a J&K DIS meet....maybe I'll have to change my trip dates so I can play too!

You free dining people! I'm jealous!!

We're going again this year too....it's a good deal for us and grandma flies down from MI so it's a great little mini vacation for us and a great tradition we're getting into with her.

ask your BFF Kate to come along .. maybe she'd pick up the bill!

I'm almost embarrassed to admit that I should have 3 tickers going right now. I'm going on a girl's weekend in 2 weeks, our family trip later this year, and I found out Wednesday that my DD dance class will likely be dancing at WDW next summer. WDW in June .. not crazy about that

Wow! Lucky you!! Of course, we were at Disney 4 times in the past year so I guess I'm not much better than you!

Hmmm, I wonder if Kate feels she still needs to be very aware of where/what her kids are doing during outings. What I mean is, sure she may have helpers, but mentally she probably still feels like she needs to know who has what child and what they're doing, who's going to the bathroom, etc. I know that would exhaust me if I had 8 kids, 6 of which are little.

For us, we've gone to amusements parks (Dutch Wonderland just like in an episode of J&K) when ours were little and even though my sister came to help out, I still felt I needed to be aware, watching, etc. By the end of the day, I was pretty tired.

So, ya she's got some helpers but considering her controlling nature, I'll bet she really IS exhausted after outings. She and Jon always say that it's an ordeal to get them all organized on their trips and such. Know what I mean?

I would think (being a mom) that she feels some level of responsibility for everyone - I do when we go places (from Disney to the beach to the grocery store) but only allow my children to go with people I fully trust. J&K need to find and bring those people with them (if they're not already doing so) on these trips to take some of the stress off of themselves and let the "helper" that has those two or three kids worry about who has to go to the bathroom or whatever. I think that would help a lot. I still check in with whoever's with me (we're generally all together so it's not hard) and watch/take pictures/whatever of both of my kids but sometimes just having someone else to help with one of them helps ease a lot of stress.

I know what you mean, Disney & Noggin should have a ticker running across the bottom with "real world" news.

That would be great!

Organic does not equal healthy. Organic equals expensive!
We best be eating up the high fructose corn syrup if you want to support American farms. It is a food crop that is not imported! I guess the corn growers did the commercials you mentioned.
The Gosselins going green, is very much like the Gosselins eating organic...a bunch of fluff.

I absolutely agree with your comments here! Organic isn't anything "fancy" but there's been enough hype to demand a higher price

I also agree we should be buying stuff grown locally and here in the US - we need to take care of our own!

LOVE the "bunch of fluff" part!

Hope everyone had a nice Easter!!!

 

[madge]

They're rusty! Does PA have red mud?

rusty? is that what it is? seriously? it's gross .. and really, if they were photoshopping Mady's braces, then they should have done Jon's feet.

I have no idea about the red mud. I thought that was a southern thing.

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

I saw the Ladies Home Journal cover at Target this morning ....

Seeing the magazine in person, I'm almost 100% positive that picture was taken before Mady got braces. Mady's smile looks like the smile of an 8-year-old girl, not photoshopped perfection (if that makes sense ).

I was not prepared to see Jon's dirty bare feet on the cover, though. Ick.

Did you go to Target for Easter clearance? 'Cause that's what I'm about to do.