Jon and Kate Plus 8, Official Thread-Part 4

[3prettyprincesses]

There is no need for "vacations". There is plenty to do in the local area. It would be so much better for the kids if Jon and Kate focused on their relationship, got some long term counseling, and scaled back their new lifestyle. All 8 children will be much better off if their parents took some serious time to learn healthy and respectful ways to communicate, as well as reconnecting their loving relationship.
The vacations aren't going to really matter if there's a divorce, or continued separation. Jon and Kate really need to think about what's important. Those 8 kids deserve better than what they are getting now. It will be devastating to them if their parents divorce. It's not all about what makes Kate or Jon happy.

I agree. Kids are happy doing some of the simplest of things. Heck, we went to Disney this past Feb. and all my kids wanted to do was swim! They get excited if we go to the park or take a nature walk.

I remember Kate saying, "Well, if we don't accept these trips we could just sit around and stare at the walls." I don't know about you, but when we are home we just don't sit around and stare at the walls. Her priorities are screwed up IMHO.

Who could take all of those vacations in one year without a reality show? No one. Those kids have to be exhausted. We just got back from a 5 day trip and we are all dragging.

I remember her saying that too, that they'd just stare at the walls. She has said more times than I can count that she didn't have these "life experiences" as a child, she didn't have all the things Jon had growing up and so on. I understand wanting to give your kids things but at what sacrifice? Sure we could've gone on all the trips that J&K went on this year and then we could lose our house for not paying the mortgage, lose our cars for not paying them, lose our health insurance for not paying it, you get my drift. Her priorities are whacked. What are the kids going to remember? Tons of people in their little faces filming their "family vacations". I just don't see how giving them what she considers life experiences are worth the lack of privacy these kids have had and now the very real possibility of divorce.

I watched the episode, and I thought Kate spoke to Jodi very calmly (in the circumstances) - how exactly do you know Jodi was humiliated? I didn't see that part of the episode?

If Jodi was embarrassed it was because she knew she shouldn't have done it - I would have been mad too, there was gum on socks as well as on toys, Jodi wasn't the one who would be cleaning it all up.

Actually she was screaming on camera about how upset she was that they would be given gum. If I was the Aunt, I'd honestly be mortified to be talked about that way, especially when I was doing her a favor by watching 7 of her kids. So what if there was gum on all their socks? Gymboree will just give them 8 perfectly new pairs for free.

 

[Mom2Nick]

I remember Kate saying, "Well, if we don't accept these trips we could just sit around and stare at the walls." I don't know about you, but when we are home we just don't sit around and stare at the walls. Her priorities are screwed up IMHO.

Who could take all of those vacations in one year without a reality show? No one. Those kids have to be exhausted. We just got back from a 5 day trip and we are all dragging.

Yup! Some of the best things we did as a kid happened in our own backyard. We had bon fires, roasted marshmallows and slept in tents. We had pool olympics, played tracball, we all had mitts and would throw the ball around. Yes we had great vacations too but what made our lives fantastic was the EVERYDAY things we did together as a family.

 

[madge]

I also assumed they didn't know most of those people very well. Didn't they just move?

the children attend the same preschool as they did before the move.

 

[Ellen aka Snow White]

I think her point was that, if not for the show, in reality they probably wouldn't get to take vacations at all, or at the most very very few. I don't know, I don't fault her for that, and really I don't think anyone that gets to take vacations has a right to really fault her either. I don't, I personally wouldn't be willing to not take vacations, and not give my children a chance to experience vacations (Disney especially) if I knew there was a way to do it, but then again, I don't know that I can really say doing the show ect. is bad for the kids either. I don't know that I believe that it's going to traumatize them for life, or that it's really harming them at all, so I suppose if you're someone that believes it's "exploiting" the kids that you may feel differently. I suppose it has more to do with someone's opinion on the affect the show may or may not be having on the kids. If it is something bad that's going to traumatize them, then I'd agree that protecting them from being traumatized should obviously come before giving them vacations, but that doesn't happen to be my belief on the situation, so I don't see it as a problem, I see it as parents wanting to give their kids more than they had, and more experiences ect.

I agree with you - and I think we are in the minority here! The little ones don't know any different then having the cameras follow them - the crew is like part of the family.
Don't get me wrong - I don't like the direction the show has turned now.

Ellen

 

[Maggimus]

People love to say Jodi and Kevin should handle their disagreements off camera, well Kate sure didn't take this up with Jodi in private.

Kate was mad. She might have spoke out of turn, but she did speak to Jodi, herself, on the phone. That doesn't mean you go on TV and throw your family under the bus and deliberately do it for the world to see.

Jodi & Kevin were wrong in going to the media. I think Jodi, especially. She is married into the family-- she isn't blood. Kevin should speak to his sister, or about his sister, and only Kevin. Jodi seems to take the lead in every interview-- and you can tell some of this is fueled by jealousy (or so it seems). Jodi seems to be filled more with 'hate' than 'concern'. Also- they said that this CANNOT stop-- they don't see how it possibly can-- then why are you going on TV like this? Don't talk about Jon & Kate-- talk about Reality TV laws and only that...

And for the record, I think Kate dresses cute!

 

[Embel]

Regarding Gumgate- It's been a while since I've seen it, but I recall it as Kate saying that Jodi said the kids got into the gum. I don't think we could hear Jodi's explanation since they were on the phone.

It seems like a silly distinction, but on Monday's episode Joel says what's paperazzi & Kate says Joel said there's the paperazzi. A few misremembered words can make a big difference.

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

In regard to the party, I don't think Kate was rude, actually, she just seemed "out of place" and not quite sure how to act. She knew the paparazzi were in the woods and I personally feel that she was enjoying the attention because she kept pointing them out, but I still think she just didn't know how to act.

Then she was around a bunch of people whom she most likely didn't know and she knows the scandal that's floating around the mags that everyone there has most likely read or at least heard about, so it's a bit of a strange situation for her, I'm sure. Also, there's your husband there who you think (or KNOW) may have had an affair, and perhaps she herself has had one, who knows? So, imagine how uncomfortable THAT must have been!

You could totally see that she was angry that he was in her line of vision. She was eating something and he walked up beside her and she started raking the crumbs off of her hands really fast and loudly, while trying to act as if she doesn't see Jon next to her. Then she begins to lament loudly about how cold it is and she wants her jacket, then sprints off in front of Jon to go fetch it, still pretending to ignore him.

I just think she felt a little ill at ease, and maybe perhaps playing herself up to the cameras a bit. She did a lot more personal interactions with the camera and cameraman, again though, i think simply b/c she didn't know too many others.

 

[dairyou]

Can someone explain how they will incorporated the episodes they already taped? For example the Emeril episode. Are the shows we are or will be seeing new because of all the stuff going on with them?

 

[tyedye]

I believe that is part of Kate's beliefs is that without the show their 8 children would not have the positive experiences that they have had. I know with a family of 4 it is hard to take trips - I don't think there is enough budget tips to make it possible for a family of their size!

I think that a family of 8 could go on vacations if the parents worked and saved for those trips. They have taken lots of trips that without the show they probably wouldn't have taken, but I feel there are lots of places they could go that wouldn't cost nearly as much as the places they have gone to.

I don't know much about the show Table of 12, but he works and they just started their show, so I don't know what they did up until they got the show, like if they've ever gone on vacation or other outings.

If they were to stop filming after this season, I don't know how much the younger kids would remember by the time they are teens. They would remember what they've been told and maybe because it's all been on film they would watch and remember, but my kids don't remember when we lived in our former house and that was only 5 yrs ago when they were 6 and 8. I would not like it if my kids' memories were of camera's filming them all the time if I were the parent.

I know that Kate and maybe Jon too has said that the little kids have had camera's in their house since as far back as they can remember. I have also seen on a episode Kate say that the kids like watching the dvd of their show.

I only saw bits and pieces of this episode but yesterday on our cable they re-ran the one where Jon and Kate were getting their finances in order in case something were to happen to them, did anyone see this? They discussed who they wanted to take the children and whoever they said agreed to take all 8 of them, did anyone see this and know who it was?

Also in this episode they talked about when the kids would get the money and because I wasn't paying full time and attention to the tv I missed if they set up some type of trust fun or what? Did anyone see this episode and know more details? I was thinking that maybe this episode was about them setting up accounts with the money they are making from the show but from I saw, that wasn't mentioned.

 

[wdwmom0f3]

The whole thing just makes me sick, but I can't stop watching. I wish that they could get some outside help, but i think the damage to Jon is done and I'm not sure that he could ever go back. It's a shame, but I think it would have ended this way with or without the show.

I know this is off topic but did anyone else notice that the footage of Jon and the girl driving away with him on the passenger side. Was that not the same car that he was in at the birthday party? I think it was, and that girl was driving his car. I was just wondering.

 

[madge]

In regard to the party, I don't think Kate was rude, actually, she just seemed "out of place" and not quite sure how to act. She knew the paparazzi were in the woods and I personally feel that she was enjoying the attention because she kept pointing them out, but I still think she just didn't know how to act.

Then she was around a bunch of people whom she most likely didn't know and she knows the scandal that's floating around the mags that everyone there has most likely read or at least heard about, so it's a bit of a strange situation for her, I'm sure. Also, there's your husband there who you think (or KNOW) may have had an affair, and perhaps she herself has had one, who knows? So, imagine how uncomfortable THAT must have been!

You could totally see that she was angry that he was in her line of vision. She was eating something and he walked up beside her and she started raking the crumbs off of her hands really fast and loudly, while trying to act as if she doesn't see Jon next to her. Then she begins to lament loudly about how cold it is and she wants her jacket, then sprints off in front of Jon to go fetch it, still pretending to ignore him.

I just think she felt a little ill at ease, and maybe perhaps playing herself up to the cameras a bit. She did a lot more personal interactions with the camera and cameraman, again though, i think simply b/c she didn't know too many others.

that's a pretty good assessment of the party, I think.

and as far as interacting more with the camera people .. she probably knows them better than most of the party guests.

 

[DMRick]

I agree with you. I think the only thing I would add, is I think without the show/money/vacations, the marriage would have been over much sooner. I can't imagine Jon not being able to have the freedom and money to do some of these things. I think he would have continued to have a very spotty employment record, and would not have been happy staying at home while Kate worked (as a nurse). They would not have been able to afford all the help they do have, and if he has a problem with all he feels he has to do now, it would (IMO) have been much worse.
I realize that divorce is a horrible thing, but I don't think that is all the kids will remember about their early life. I think they will remember the Carolina trip, and Utah and Hawaii. After all, when on these trips, that does seem to be when their dad was the happiest. Again, just my opnion.

I think her point was that, if not for the show, in reality they probably wouldn't get to take vacations at all, or at the most very very few. I don't know, I don't fault her for that, and really I don't think anyone that gets to take vacations has a right to really fault her either. I don't, I personally wouldn't be willing to not take vacations, and not give my children a chance to experience vacations (Disney especially) if I knew there was a way to do it, but then again, I don't know that I can really say doing the show ect. is bad for the kids either. I don't know that I believe that it's going to traumatize them for life, or that it's really harming them at all, so I suppose if you're someone that believes it's "exploiting" the kids that you may feel differently. I suppose it has more to do with someone's opinion on the affect the show may or may not be having on the kids. If it is something bad that's going to traumatize them, then I'd agree that protecting them from being traumatized should obviously come before giving them vacations, but that doesn't happen to be my belief on the situation, so I don't see it as a problem, I see it as parents wanting to give their kids more than they had, and more experiences ect.

 

[DreaGirl]

I for one and glad that Jodi and Kevin are speaking out for the kids. They said this morning that the kids have said that they don't like the cameras around all the time. Obviously their parents aren't paying attention to what that aspect as the cameras keep rolling.

Kevin has said that he has attempted to talk to Kate and that he got no where. I don't see why Jodi can't talk to her regarding a troubling situation just because she isn't "blood". I know if I saw something going on with my nieces and nephews I would talk with my sister-in-law. Just like if I saw something going on with the neighbors I would talk with them also, I care about children. Blood or not.

Someone upthread (sorry it is moving fast) said that it is okay because the kids have always had cameras around. Why is that okay? I grew up with two parents that smoked. Is that okay? I asked them to stop when I was around 8-9 and they both did. Some children are around abuse from the minute they are born, is that okay? That is their normal. Obviously none of those things are okay. These kids have no voice and it is obvious (at least to me) that their parents are not looking out for their best interest. Unless you consider matching clothes and fancy vacations their best interest. I consider a healthy relationship between their parents, a loving non-stressful environment, and privacy in their best interest.

I hope Jodi and Kevin keep talking to whomever will listen. More relatives should be screaming from the roof tops about this charade.

 

[madge]

Can someone explain how they will incorporated the episodes they already taped? For example the Emeril episode. Are the shows we are or will be seeing new because of all the stuff going on with them?

I'm pretty sure the shows will be shown as they're taped... they're new episodes because it's season 5, not because of what's happening. as far as I've read, there's a possibility TLC may incorporate the marriage troubles into episodes filmed later in the season, but nothing definite.

 

[DreaGirl]

Also in this episode they talked about when the kids would get the money and because I wasn't paying full time and attention to the tv I missed if they set up some type of trust fun or what? Did anyone see this episode and know more details? I was thinking that maybe this episode was about them setting up accounts with the money they are making from the show but from I saw, that wasn't mentioned.

They were setting up a will and discussing when the children would get money if they both passed away.

 

[DMRick]

Also in this episode they talked about when the kids would get the money and because I wasn't paying full time and attention to the tv I missed if they set up some type of trust fun or what? Did anyone see this episode and know more details? I was thinking that maybe this episode was about them setting up accounts with the money they are making from the show but from I saw, that wasn't mentioned.

If I remember correctly, from what another poster said after she watched the show, the kids would not get their money until they either graduated from college or were 30. Jon also said in January that they had set up a corporationg, but I haven't been able to find that on line.

I have no idea what is true here but here is the latest US article:
http://www.usmagazine.com/news/kate-gosselin-gave-jon-a-five-dollar-daily-allowance-2009265?page=6


I laughed when I saw the $5 a day allowance, because that was before the show and at that time, I bet money was tight. I think $25 is a pretty good amount of money to fritter away when at work LOL.

I have read the story about the van before, and at that time, was told Kate turned it in on a newer van, and didn't realize it had been given with strings. So, who knows anymore who is getting paid to say what and what is the truth.

 

[MICKEY4EVER!]

that's a pretty good assessment of the party, I think.

and as far as interacting more with the camera people .. she probably knows them better than most of the party guests.

That's what I was thinking, too.

 

[tyedye]

They were setting up a will and discussing when the children would get money if they both passed away.

That makes sense, even if they did set up some kind of account for them from the money made on the show, it shouldn't be shown since it's suppose to be a reality show on their life not about making money.

Won't the younger kids be in school in the fall?

 

[happygirl]

I for one and glad that Jodi and Kevin are speaking out for the kids. They said this morning that the kids have said that they don't like the cameras around all the time. Obviously their parents aren't paying attention to what that aspect as the cameras keep rolling.

Kevin has said that he has attempted to talk to Kate and that he got no where. I don't see why Jodi can't talk to her regarding a troubling situation just because she isn't "blood". I know if I saw something going on with my nieces and nephews I would talk with my sister-in-law. Just like if I saw something going on with the neighbors I would talk with them also, I care about children. Blood or not.

Someone upthread (sorry it is moving fast) said that it is okay because the kids have always had cameras around. Why is that okay? I grew up with two parents that smoked. Is that okay that? I asked them to stop when I was around 8-9 and they both did. Some children are around abuse from the minute they are born, is that okay? That is their normal. Obviously none of those things are okay. These kids have no voice and it is obvious (at least to me) that their parents are looking out for their best interest. Unless you consider matching clothes and fancy vacations their best interest. I consider a healthy relationship between their parents, a loving non-stressful environment, and privacy in their best interest.

I hope Jodi and Kevin keep talking to whomever will listen. More relatives should be screaming from the roof tops about this charade.

They aren't doing this for the kids sake. I'm sorry you don't bash a child parent how is that helping this kids?? Jodi and Kevin are nothing but low life scum who are trying to cash in on Jon and Kate fame. They were okay with everything as long as they were in on the show. They have said many times they haven't spoke to Jon and Kate in over a year. This kids love being on this show you can tell. I'm sorry Jon and Kate are abusing this kids in the least

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

I've said that before too...after the twins, Jon was content but Kate got the baby itch for more and convince Jon to try again. The fact that he had a sketchy employment history would have made me think twice before trying for more. Plus Kate knew that she would most likely end up with twins again since she was using fertility drugs too. That's why I laugh when they say on the show "we decided to try for 1 more and got 6".

With fertility treatments (IUI, especially, since you have no idea of what will take), multiples are a chance but not a guarantee (or even a good chance). It's probable that one receiving IUI will have one child (or often nothing will take, unfortunately).

Holy moly! I can't keep up with our little thread anymore!

Any hoo, I still think that Jon did not have a problem with the show or the way Kate treated him until he got his photo taken the 1st time (in Feb?) with female "fans" at the bar. That seems like when his problems with being photographed everywhere he goes and the show started. Just my opinion.

I agree with that. He sure likes all the perks that come with it. At one point didn't he even say he liked having the crew there and Kate didn't?

That was your choice to make, but J&K are not uncommon in their wish to have children at a young age....I don't criticise them for that at all. And again, they are not alone at wanting to have more children, the twins were 2, it's a fairly common age gap.
And as with any fertility treatment, whilst having multiples is a risk, a lot of people do only have 1 child as a result of treatment. 1 healthy pregnancy is the goal of any fertility treatment. So I don't see them as being selfish or unrealistic at all.
They made their choices - very common and normal choices, you made yours, again a normal choice nowadays, but just because you wouldn't have made their choice, don't label it selfish.

Amen to that!! What a horrible remark to make, especially with all the young mothers on the DIS. Motherhood is the complete opposite of selfishness, IMO.

I think Jodi was humiliated because she has since said so; I don't think she was spoken to calmly or civily at all in the original episode.

You're right, Jodi didn't have gum on a sock or lovey. She just had her entire house in disarray and a whole knocked in a bedroom wall. When Jon came to pick the kids up, he didn't offer to clean up, have them pick up the dress up mess, or fix the wall.

I also don't think she knew what she was doing was a huge no-no. She was around the kids all the time, and is a mother.

Please don't think I think Jodi is faultless all around, I don't by any means. I think the whole situtation is messed up.

I've seen the original, as well, and did Kate not calm her voice down as soon as she got Jodi on the phone? Yes, she sounded frustrated, but she wasn't ranting at Jodi.