Jon and Kate Plus 8, Official Thread-Part 3

[MichelleVW]

Kate does what is best for Kate. You need to remove the rose color glasses you have on.

Kate did not marry Jon out of convenience. She stays married to him out of convenience. Whatever it takes to keep her house of cards together. That way she can wring every dollar out of their situation. I be willing to bet that they would have divorced long ago, if it were not for the show.

I don't have Rose colored glasses on. I know she is not perfect and I have never said that she was.

Unless you are Kate's BFF you have no idea why Kate is still married to Jon...only speculation.

 

[Mom2Nick]

Sounds like everything is done by May 14th,
are PA schools done by the middle of May?

As far as I know PA schools roughly have the same schedule as NJ schools. School starts after or right near Labor Day and does not end until Mid-June.

Kate is now a part time mother with that schedule. The burden of every day live (their version of it anyway) appears to fall on Jon and the invisible Nanny that they said they would never have. I am sure there is a cleaning crew as well..

 

[DreaGirl]

I could only find the schedule up to that point because Zondervan took down her speaking/book signing schedule from their website.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Whatever....Kate loves her kids and is doing what she thinks is best for them. It may not actually be the best but I'm sure in her mind as a mother, she thinks she is doing the best for them.

You think she married Jon out of convenience???

You know, I think Kate started out to be a mother who loves her kids more than anything and does her best for them. I really do believe that. But sadly as the ball has kept rolling for her financially she seems to have shifted her focus. In her mind she probably does think she's doing the best for them by writing books, traveling all over the country to promote them, doing various speaking engagements and so on. Her problem is that she is thinking financially what she thinks they need, not physically and emotionally. What I mean is in her mind she's raking in all this dough because she thinks her kids deserve it blah blah blah. What she doesn't seem to understand is simply that her kids just need her there at home. Stability and routine are what they need and not from the non-nanny either. It's a hard pill to swallow that she's still making all these appearances all over the country during such a difficult time for her family. We know that she doesn't need the money since CNN is reporting that they make $50,000 to $75,000 per episode. Again in the Larry King interview, she stressed how happy, safe and well cared for her kids are. How aware they are of how much she and Jon love them. The kids are her focus. How are we to believe that's really true when she isn't there? Geez, the sextuplets b-day is Sunday and where is she today? Arkansas. Where will she be after Sunday? Michigan. Sadly she's saying one thing and doing something completely different.

I don't think she married Jon out of convience though. She looked like she genuinely loved him. I believe he did too. However, she was determined to have more kids after Cara and Mady even though Jon was hesitant, he said he thought the world was designed for 4 (meaning he, Kate, Cara and Mady). And we all know the famous saying...we tried for 1 more and got 6! I think the stress of having sextuplets and twins would be difficult for any marriage but the show and being flimed has added an unneccesary layer.

 

[boettj]

I don't have Rose colored glasses on. I know she is not perfect and I have never said that she was.

Unless you are Kate's BFF you have no idea why Kate is still married to Jon...only speculation.

Michelle, just look at her schedule. When is she around to be just a mother? She isn't around. She's a part mother at best. Their kids are being brought up by a Nanny and Jon.


As far as their marraige goes, I only see it as one of convenience. I bet the conversation around the whole US magazine article went like this:

"Jon you are going to ruin our free ride. You had better get it together."

 

[MichelleVW]

In her mind she probably does think she's doing the best for them by writing books, traveling all over the country to promote them, doing various speaking engagements and so on. .

That is my point...I didn't say she was doing the best thing for her kids.. I said she probably THINKS that she is doing the best for them.

 

[boettj]

That is my point...I didn't say she was doing the best thing for her kids.. I said she probably THINKS that she is doing the best for them.

I am 50/50 after reading 3prettyprincesses's post whether it's her own desire for money or whether she really thinks she is doing what is best for the kids.

The reason I lean towards her pure desire for money is the following:

• If they are getting 50-75k per show, there is no need for her to do the book or the appearances. Unless they are tied to her contract.

 

[brockash]

Whatever....Kate loves her kids and is doing what she thinks is best for them. It may not actually be the best but I'm sure in her mind as a mother, she thinks she is doing the best for them.

You think she married Jon out of convenience???

ITA. She has always come across to me, as someone who truly loves her kids, just as I do. Do I make mistakes? Of course, just like any parent, however I, and honestly I think Kate as well, do what I think is best for my kids. Not everyone may agree with me or you or Kate, and there are times that it may not be what's best for them, but at the time we think they are. Kate has never came across to me as one of those parents who doesn't want to be a parent, isn't a good parent ect. I think she's absolutely doing what she thinks is best for her kids. I think she has always been and still is very concerned about providing for them finacially, and while we may see that it's not worth what it may (the show) or may not be doing to the kids, I think she truly feels it's best for the kids. Maybe not ideal, but given the situation, what's best for her kids. I think she has a huge fear of not being able to provide for them, or not being able to give them things she thinks they should have and the experiences she wants them to be able to have (as she's stated multiple times, that she didn't when she was a kid.) Like I said, noone is saying if it is or is not worth it, however there's not a doubt in my mind that she loves her kids more than anything in the world, and that she's doing what she thinks is best for them.

 

[MichelleVW]

I am 50/50 after reading 3prettyprincesses's post whether it's her own desire for money or whether she really thinks she is doing what is best for the kids.

The reason I lean towards her pure desire for money is the following:

• If they are getting 50-75k per show, there is no need for her to do the book or the appearances. Unless they are tied to her contract.

I don't believe she is purposely sacrificing her children for her own selfish monetary desires.....

 

[brockash]

Michelle, just look at her schedule. When is she around to be just a mother? She isn't around. She's a part mother at best. Their kids are being brought up by a Nanny and Jon.


As far as their marraige goes, I only see it as one of convenience. I bet the conversation around the whole US magazine article went like this:

"Jon you are going to ruin our free ride. You had better get it together."

So what, do you know how many part time parents (at best) there are out there? That's life; is it ideal??? Of course not, but it is life. Ppl. have to go away and sacrifice for their jobs ALL the time, she is no different, and I don't know why ppl. try to act like it's fine for the rest of us to be part time parents (at best) but if Kate does it, then she doesn't love her kids and doesn't care about them Kate was a full time only mom of 8 kids for years, while Jon worked. Jon's not working, and she feels the need to provide for her family, and yes she's making more money than most of us, but I'm sure she feels it's what her family needs (since she never knows when it'll all go away.) Yes, she's said many times that she loves what she does...hmmm instead of critizing her, why don't we congratulate her on finding something she enjoys and is able to make money at???? I really enjoy my job, and I'm sure most ppl. would like to enjoy their career. Also, in all honesty we really have no idea how much she's home or not, although I'd bet my money that in reality I'm sure she's home more than a good amount of other career driven parents.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I am 50/50 after reading 3prettyprincesses's post whether it's her own desire for money or whether she really thinks she is doing what is best for the kids.

The reason I lean towards her pure desire for money is the following:

• If they are getting 50-75k per show, there is no need for her to do the book or the appearances. Unless they are tied to her contract.

Zondervan is the publisher for her books. They are a Christian publisher too. I would think that even if she were under contractual obligation for book promotions, they'd be VERY sympathetic considering the scandal she and Jon are wrapped up in right now. They have a reputation to protect as well and the book Eight Little Faces is filled with Bible verses. I'm thinking they'd give her the option to back out of the rest of her book appearances but I'm just speculating here. Just a thought...

 

[Skatermom23]

I don't believe she is purposely sacrificing her children for her own selfish monetary desires.....

I agree and she knows that this fame won't last forever and what then? The kids become teenagers (who incidently cost a bloody fortune) and then comes college. I see her as a women trying to make the most she can now to secure the future for the family.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

So what, do you know how many part time parents (at best) there are out there? That's life; is it ideal??? Of course not, but it is life. Ppl. have to go away and sacrifice for their jobs ALL the time, she is no different, and I don't know why ppl. try to act like it's fine for the rest of us to be part time parents (at best) but if Kate does it, then she doesn't love her kids and doesn't care about them Kate was a full time only mom of 8 kids for years, while Jon worked. Jon's not working, and she feels the need to provide for her family, and yes she's making more money than most of us, but I'm sure she feels it's what her family needs (since she never knows when it'll all go away.) Yes, she's said many times that she loves what she does...hmmm instead of critizing her, why don't we congratulate her on finding something she enjoys and is able to make money at???? I really enjoy my job, and I'm sure most ppl. would like to enjoy their career. Also, in all honesty we really have no idea how much she's home or not, although I'd bet my money that in reality I'm sure she's home more than a good amount of other career driven parents.

I think boettj's point was that they don't need the money. Just by doing the show ALONE, they are making millions of dollars. And let's not forget what Kate says the show allows her to do, stay at home. She has said this herself. The books/speaking engagments seem like an extraneous outlet for HER, in my opinion. She has been quoted that she loves her life, loves what they're all doing and would love to have her own talk show.

Nobody is slamming part time parents either. Most (not all) part time parents who work have to do so to make ends meet. That is not the case with Kate as we all know. Do you realize that just in season 4 alone, she and Jon together have made nearly 3 million bucks? Doesn't sound like they are hurting for money which is why some of us here are so baffled as to why she's writing books and touring the country to promote them.

 

[boettj]

I agree and she knows that this fame won't last forever and what then? The kids become teenagers (who incidently cost a bloody fortune) and then comes college. I see her as a women trying to make the most she can now to secure the future for the family.

I can understand she has expense coming up such as college. However, consider that CNN has stated they make between 50,000 and 75,000 per episode. Considering that season 4 had 40 episodes that is 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 just for the show per season.

 

[brockash]

I think boettj's point was that they don't need the money. Just by doing the show ALONE, they are making millions of dollars. And let's not forget what Kate says the show allows her to do, stay at home. She has said this herself. The books/speaking engagments seem like an extraneous outlet for HER, in my opinion. She has been quoted that she loves her life, loves what they're all doing and would love to have her own talk show.

Nobody is slamming part time parents either. Most (not all) part time parents who work have to do so to make ends meet. That is not the case with Kate as we all know. Do you realize that just in season 4 alone, she and Jon together have made nearly 3 million bucks? Doesn't sound like they are hurting for money which is why some of us here are so baffled as to why she's writing books and touring the country to promote them.

I think it's all about your perspective. In all honesty, most ppl. don't necessarily only work to just "make ends meet." They work to make their ends meets (just like Kate) but in all honesty, most ppl. that are "part time parents" don't necessarily have to be. They're doing it to make their ends meet, and what they've come acustom to as their way of life (just like Kate.) Sure right now, they make a lot of money (also have a lot more expenses than I do,) but Kate's not stupid, she knows none of it will last for ever, and I'm willing to bet the show ends long before her speaking engagements, book writing ect. It's all in perspective. I don't think there's anyway that if they quit the show right now and the speaking (or even just one of them) that they'd be able to keep the lifestyle they have right now (just like me or other ppl., just for me on a smaller scale.) Almost everyone can live more modestly than they are, but they and Kate choose not to for a number of reasons, and I don't think it makes them love their kids any less, I think most if not all do it for their kids. Don't get me wrong, as an outsider looking in, I can say they may need to take a break for a while (although really I have no idea what things are like at home ect.) but I think to say that Kate's only doing these things for herself, is blantantly incorrect, at least as I've always seen things when watching the show and following their story.

 

[DMRick]

I see Kate as a person who is taking advantage of what she realizes could be a short term thing. Airplanes go in two directions, and I have no doubt that she is not out for weeks at a time, but is coming home in between engagements. If a man was doing the same thing we wouldn't give it another thought. She has made provisions for her children..it's called their dad. It seems to me, he's not living up to his part of the bargain. He no longer had to go out to work, and he should be doing everything he can to make a nice stable home for his kids.

 

[madge]

Kate did not marry Jon out of convenience. She stays married to him out of convenience. Whatever it takes to keep her house of cards together. That way she can wring every dollar out of their situation. I be willing to bet that they would have divorced long ago, if it were not for the show.

I think there is a certain amount of truth to this statement. It's better for them financially (for both of them) to stay together. Without the money? Who knows?

 

[3prettyprincesses]

I think it's all about your perspective. In all honesty, most ppl. don't necessarily only work to just "make ends meet." They work to make their ends meets (just like Kate) but in all honesty, most ppl. that are "part time parents" don't necessarily have to be. They're doing it to make their ends meet, and what they've come acustom to as their way of life (just like Kate.) Sure right now, they make a lot of money (also have a lot more expenses than I do,) but Kate's not stupid, she knows none of it will last for ever, and I'm willing to bet the show ends long before her speaking engagements, book writing ect. It's all in perspective. I don't think there's anyway that if they quit the show right now and the speaking (or even just one of them) that they'd be able to keep the lifestyle they have right now (just like me or other ppl., just for me on a smaller scale.) Almost everyone can live more modestly than they are, but they and Kate choose not to for a number of reasons, and I don't think it makes them love their kids any less, I think most if not all do it for their kids. Don't get me wrong, as an outsider looking in, I can say they may need to take a break for a while (although really I have no idea what things are like at home ect.) but I think to say that Kate's only doing these things for herself, is blantantly incorrect, at least as I've always seen things when watching the show and following their story.

I would agree that there are part time parents who HAVE to work to make ends meet and there are part time parents that WANT to work to bring in extra money. Some parents enjoy being outside the home because they want an outlet or whatever. Some do so because they need to pay the bills. It's all very relative to each family. I wonder why Kate is doing it? Perhaps she really has deluded herself that the kids NEED her to do this for them. I'm sorry but what they need is for her to be home taking care of them. The college argument doesn't hold any weight either...the Lt. Governor of PA set up college funds for all 8 of the Gosselin kids. He even encouraged people to contribute to it. So, I'm thinking college expenses won't be a problem AND there's nothing wrong with the kids making their own $ or taking out loans. J&K aren't obligated to pay for all of it, in my opinion.

I don't question whether or not Kate loves her kids, I think she does. However, her focus has shifted or more accurately, been blurred. Their life is spiraling into chaos and she still thinks the show/book tours are important. She'll keep marching on. That's a dangerous attitude to have toward your family, in my opinion. Part of the problem is that Kate is still trying to perpetuate this image of her staying home to care for all 8 of her kids yet she wants to tour the country to promote books she wrote and would love to have her own talk show. She can't have it both ways, you know? The show ALONE generates their income. All the books, tours and speaking engagements are extra. Just my 2 cents worth...

 

[Kathi OD]

There are lots of us who are part-time parents, whether for financial reasons or not. Whether to work and be a part-time parent, or be a SAH parent is a personal decision that no one else has a right to make for us.

That being said...It surely seems as though Kate wants to have her cake and eat it too. She says that the best thing about her job is that it allows her to be at home with the children. HULLLLO!!! When you're traveling the country giving speeches and promoting your book, you are NOT at home with the children. If anything, your job has ended up requiring you to be away from your children more than you would have had you been a pool nurse, or one working 2nd or 3rd shift. Of course you wouldn't be making as much money, but your job isn't really about the money, or is it?

As for the gossip rags...I feel for them. Any couple going through marital problems, regardless of who's "fault" it is, or whether they are real or perceived, is going to be stressed.

 

[boettj]

I think it's all about your perspective. In all honesty, most ppl. don't necessarily only work to just "make ends meet." They work to make their ends meets (just like Kate) but in all honesty, most ppl. that are "part time parents" don't necessarily have to be. They're doing it to make their ends meet, and what they've come acustom to as their way of life (just like Kate.) Sure right now, they make a lot of money (also have a lot more expenses than I do,) but Kate's not stupid, she knows none of it will last for ever, and I'm willing to bet the show ends long before her speaking engagements, book writing ect. It's all in perspective. I don't think there's anyway that if they quit the show right now and the speaking (or even just one of them) that they'd be able to keep the lifestyle they have right now (just like me or other ppl., just for me on a smaller scale.) Almost everyone can live more modestly than they are, but they and Kate choose not to for a number of reasons, and I don't think it makes them love their kids any less, I think most if not all do it for their kids. Don't get me wrong, as an outsider looking in, I can say they may need to take a break for a while (although really I have no idea what things are like at home ect.) but I think to say that Kate's only doing these things for herself, is blantantly incorrect, at least as I've always seen things when watching the show and following their story.

They don't have much in way of expenses other than the house. Their trips are paid for, they are flooded with letters asking what people can send them. The van was donated to them. Which is fine with me. However, I am not going to just accept that she does the speaking tour and book tours to just meet her quality of life. If that is the case, then it lends to my arguement that Kate does what she does for Kate.

Neither 3prettyprincesses or myself ever said she does not love the kids. What I stated was the Kate does what she does for Kate. Making the kind of money they do for just the show is far more than most do for an anual income. The average income in the USA in 2007 was $50233, and the average income family does not get the freebies that Jon and kate receive. They on the other hand made between $2,000,000 and $3,000,000 per season. (not sure about each season. This is based off numbers that CNN provided. I am sure they didn't make that in season 1.) You can hardly claim hardship there. Nor can you suggest that they spend much in the way of expenses. That is only one season. They are now getting ready for season 5.

As far as the marriage goes, I am making speculation. My DW and I have gone through some rough times, and we keep moving on for love. In the case of Jon and Kate, if they get divorced the show ends. I don't see TLC airing a show about Kate plus 8. Maybe I am wrong.