Jon and Kate Plus 8 Official Thread - Part 8

[DMRick]

I don't think he's unfit, just irresponsible. I keep thinking of him walking with the kids in the woods and throwing away the stick. Then when one of the boys was going fishing with him and not likng the mud, he wasn't very nice to him. So I really don't seem him as being a patient dad. I've seen him do some 'nice' arm grabbing and dragging. Yeah, I think he's not always been ready for father of the year. He has a ways to go to match up with the gum incident however.

When he became the sahd, hadn't he been working for Beth's husband and that didn't work out, so it was a good time for him to be the stay at home parent, so Kate could travel with the book? Am I mixed up about that time frame? They made the show their jobs..I don't think he was employed at that time out of the house. I don't think he realized how hard it was, even with all the help they had.

He was fired from the job he had when when he used company time trying to find freebe's and discounts on the computer on the company time, when he was at work. He said he left because they wouldn't provide insurance, but his boss said that wasn't true. Is that also Kate's fault?

Didn't say he wasn't a loser at life, just that he isn't an unfit parent. When he is with the kids, he is a good father from what we have seen anyway. Not unfit anyway. Not as nasty as Kate used to be to them. As far as being unemployed, I think he was sort of unitentionaly set up for that by Kate. He had a job. She had them begging all over for stuff when she was expecting the 6 and looking for handouts and he was laid off. Then she wanted him home because we all know she has never been able to do it all herself. She made the show his job and he said he didn't want that. Then out of desperation and some sort of mid-life crisis and freedom from Kate he makes a @$$ out of himself and now he is basically unemployable. However, I woudl LOVE to see him on DWTS next!

 

[talulabelle]

I don't think he's unfit, just irresponsible. I keep thinking of him walking with the kids in the woods and throwing away the stick. Then when one of the boys was going fishing with him and not likng the mud, he wasn't very nice to him. So I really don't seem him as being a patient dad. I've seen him do some 'nice' arm grabbing and dragging. Yeah, I think he's not always been ready for father of the year. He has a ways to go to match up with the gum incident however.

When he became the sahd, hadn't he been working for Beth's husband and that didn't work out, so it was a good time for him to be the stay at home parent, so Kate could travel with the book? Am I mixed up about that time frame? They made the show their jobs..I don't think he was employed at that time out of the house. I don't think he realized how hard it was, even with all the help they had.

He was fired from the job he had when when he used company time trying to find freebe's and discounts on the computer on the company time, when he was at work. He said he left because they wouldn't provide insurance, but his boss said that wasn't true. Is that also Kate's fault?

I think they share equal blame for that. From what I saw on the show, and from what we have heard from her family, she was obsessed with getting freebies. I also saw that Jon was scared as crappola of her and he did what ever she said and did it while rolling his eyes. While I think he too enjoyed freebies and should have realized he shouldn't have been doing on company time, I'm sure that when he got home he had to report to Kate on what he had dredged up for her that day and had pressure from her on him.

 

[whitneyNC]

Remember, her parents did not support her decision to have the sextuplets and they were not there for her. How would that change you as a person to have no support from your parents? Her brother and sister in law turned on her and said horrible things about her for all the world to hear. Your marriage falls apart and your ex dates his "soul mate" and tells the world about it. If those things happened to me, I too might be a nontrusting person who puts up walls, therefore coming across as *****y.

She is not the nicest person I have ever seen, but she loves her kids, has stuck with them and is desperate to provide for them.

I don't remember ever hearing that her parents abandoned her over the tups? I heard Jon say he didn't want more than two kids. Kate says her parents kept the twins the whole time she was on bed rest and hospitalized which was practically the entire pregnancy. They also rallied the support of her father's church (which was Kate's church at the time). In the early specials the 24 hour a day help was all volunteers organized by her parents and sisters aside from the one state provided, part time nurse. In the early series Kate's brother and brother in law helped out some around the house, and we all saw how much her sister in law kept the kids (even sick ones for fee hair plugs!). Did her family turn on her or vice versa? We may never know.
Is she getting credit for sticking with her kids? As opposed to what? How can she be desperate to provide for her kids? Look how she lives. Look at all of the things that they have been given over the past six years. That cuts out so many routine expenses. Look at the tuition for the kids' school. Look at the house they live in. Look at her extensions! Never mind, don't look there!

Speaking of her hair...it looks so good grown out in that chin length, sling shot bob. Get rid of the weave!

 

[DVCisME]

I would like to see the tv show that they taped before Jon and Kate +8. The one that was mentioned in her book about how ungrateful she was when they redid her house. I think that would give us a good idea of what Kate was like before the tups.
I only remember hearing about it in her book. From what I remember it didn't sound like someone who was grateful, and it was from her point of view.

 

[DMRick]

From what I remember it didn't sound like someone who was grateful, and it was from her point of view.

I don't think she was thrilled when TLC decided the kitchen needed to be redone. I think she was fine with it the way it was, once she got that nasty fridge cleaned. I think TLC decided some of the things they were going to do, and that was that.

I never thought Jon was scared of her LOL. I thought Jon was like having a teenager in the house..one more kid to take care of. I think the freebee's was both of them, but he's the one who did it on work time.

 

[Dee77]

I recently found the threads ragarding Jon and Kate and chimed in on the one about him wanting to re-do the child support and custody issues. In that instance I think it makes sense for him to do that because with Kate's current employment and book coming out she is making a lot of money and is not giving him access to the kids the way I would think rational, loving parents should when one is away and they happen to be divorced.

As for the demise of this couple, I think they appeared to be appreciative in the beginning but very quickly Kate appeared to have an entitled attitude and taste in labels and the network exploited her demeanor to bring in ratings. I think if she ever looked at the episodes and saw how she came across, she certainly would not sign up for more however she did for several more years. This along with her separating herself from her family and his, plus their circle of friends and collegues etc shows me that she has a very selfish attitude and doesn't self reflect on how she comes comes across on TV and in personal relationships.

As for Jon, I think he was quite happy being a goofball, hands on Dad, taking care of the things around the house that Kate delegated to him but I lost any respect for him when it was brutally obvious that he had no backbone. What man sits back and just accepts being spoken to that way. I think both of them getting married so young didn't help any.

I actually used to watch the show and really enjoyed seeing the kids. As a Mom of only one child, not by choice but by nature, I was amazed at the family and felt like they were interesting (in the beginning) After a while I got so fed up with them but due to working overnights and nothing else being on TV I reluctantly kept up with the show, it made me so sad to see how they lost track of the basic needs and hopes they appeared to once have. Working overnights for me has been a welcome sacrifice that has given me the opportunity to do more with my DD while she is little but I will admit that if DWTS ever asked me to do their show I would have for half what they are paying the pseudo "star" Kate.

 

[DMRick]

According to Jon, he's been with the kids most of the time that she has been in CA. He said he spent 14 days while she was gone when DWTS first started, and we know he took over at Easter when she left. Perhaps he wants more say in when he'll see them, and he should have thought about that when he signed the agreement. Visittation, at least in NY can usually be solved in family court, if she is denying him. Maybe if he continues to live in the same town (he's living with his brother, does his brother live near the kids), he'll be able to see them and be with them even more, when he's not at work. If he even has a job.

Support money is not based on how often you see your kids. The court uses a formula, and at least here in NY, it's revisited every two years. The formula isn't based on what you may be making, but what your income tax form shows what your income was the previous year before you go to court. Her book may be a flop, she may end up with $100,000 after taxes. Jon may be making way more..according to him, he has several irons in the fire.

I recently found the threads ragarding Jon and Kate and chimed in on the one about him wanting to re-do the child support and custody issues. In that instance I think it makes sense for him to do that because with Kate's current employment and book coming out she is making a lot of money and is not giving him access to the kids the way I would think rational, loving parents should when one is away and they happen to be divorced.

 

[OhMari]

How long is Jon under contract with TLC.
It has to be coming up fairly soon.

 

[rileyroosmom]

Not to start a Duggar debate but genuine?? Give me a break. These people say their kids don't watch tv, yet they are supporting them by having them on tv. They started out as very conservative, relgious, sort of naive people. Now the kids wear name brand clothes (granted, from a second hand shop) the girls wear makeup and now they travel all over the place being exposed to all sorts of things. The 2 oldest girls are over 18. They don't attend college, don't have jobs, just stay at home raising their mother's children for her.

They really are no different than Kate. Michelle claims how much she loves her kids and it's all for them, but I NEVER see her do ANYTHING (other than have a baby hanging off her breast for feedings). The kids cook, clean, school and raise the younger ones while Michelle and Jim Bob blissfully walk hand in hand kissing each other every other second. They too have given in to the "Hollywood life" as they have now allowed designer clothes, makeup and trips into their lives. If the Duggars divorced tomorrow would people scream at her to get a job and then criticize her for leaving her kids? Would they expect her to give up her big house? I don't think so.

I think my point is that when given the chance to improve your life, be given more opportunities most people take it. Which is why there are more and more reality shows involving children. Everyone wants a piece of the pie and the easiest way to get it. Does all that make sense? lol

 

[whitneyNC]

I don't think she was thrilled when TLC decided the kitchen needed to be redone. I think she was fine with it the way it was, once she got that nasty fridge cleaned. I think TLC decided some of the things they were going to do, and that was that.

I never thought Jon was scared of her LOL. I thought Jon was like having a teenager in the house..one more kid to take care of. I think the freebee's was both of them, but he's the one who did it on work time.

I think she may have been referring to the old, old, old house. They have been in 4 since the tups were born less than 6 years ago...plus the temporary, donated Hershey time share by the hospital.

 

[whitneyNC]

Not to start a Duggar debate but genuine?? Give me a break.

I don't love the Duggars, but find them fascinating and definitely genuine. They walk the walk after talking the talk. We'll laugh at ourselves before you can. No bad accounts of dealing with any of them that I've heard. Are they typical? No way, but I think that's pretty cool. Are they humble and grateful? It appears to me they are. But, there is no such thing as reality TV!

 

[DMRick]

I think she may have been referring to the old, old, old house. They have been in 4 since the tups were born less than 6 years ago...plus the temporary, donated Hershey time share by the hospital.

I only knew about the three (there was a fourth house they owned since the tups were born?) ..but yes, I knew she meant the first house. I was just commenting on the fact that sometimes the stuff she gets isn't something she asked for, but what TLC thought would make a good show. I hardly think it was her idea to get the solar panels.

I think the Duggars are a nice family too, but I see no difference in if we are just talking about the kids being used from them or K & J. They may be nicer, but they still wouldn't be on TV, if they didn't have the kids. Not everyone agrees about their parenting skills either. And they were much smarter in letting TLC what could or couldn't be shown on TV.

 

[whitneyNC]

I only knew about the three (there was a fourth house they owned since the tups were born?) ..but yes, I knew she meant the first house. I was just commenting on the fact that sometimes the stuff she gets isn't something she asked for, but what TLC thought would make a good show. I hardly think it was her idea to get the solar panels.

I think the Duggars are a nice family too, but I see no difference in if we are just talking about the kids being used from them or K & J. They may be nicer, but they still wouldn't be on TV, if they didn't have the kids. Not everyone agrees about their parenting skills either.

Yes. They lived in a little one story house that the tups came home to after they were all released from nicu. This is the one that the church (I think?) remodeled the kitchen. This was the one with all the post its, bottles and bouncy seats. This is where the first special was shot. All the volunteers were there for that one. It appeared very small; probably around 1200 sq.ft.

They then lived in the split level when they did the one year old special. At this house, we were blessed with seeing Kate's belly aka jowels of a dog. This house had the big gated playroom on the bottom floor, she hated the layout (I understand).

Then they moved by Jodi and Kevin in the brick cape cod (I love that house), then the big, big estate!

 

[cheermom1]

Not to start a Duggar debate but genuine?? Give me a break. These people say their kids don't watch tv, yet they are supporting them by having them on tv. They started out as very conservative, relgious, sort of naive people. Now the kids wear name brand clothes (granted, from a second hand shop) the girls wear makeup and now they travel all over the place being exposed to all sorts of things. The 2 oldest girls are over 18. They don't attend college, don't have jobs, just stay at home raising their mother's children for her.

They really are no different than Kate. Michelle claims how much she loves her kids and it's all for them, but I NEVER see her do ANYTHING (other than have a baby hanging off her breast for feedings). The kids cook, clean, school and raise the younger ones while Michelle and Jim Bob blissfully walk hand in hand kissing each other every other second. They too have given in to the "Hollywood life" as they have now allowed designer clothes, makeup and trips into their lives. If the Duggars divorced tomorrow would people scream at her to get a job and then criticize her for leaving her kids? Would they expect her to give up her big house? I don't think so.

I think my point is that when given the chance to improve your life, be given more opportunities most people take it. Which is why there are more and more reality shows involving children. Everyone wants a piece of the pie and the easiest way to get it. Does all that make sense? lol

Just to let you know they do let their kids watch tv it is just limited.

 

[madge]

How long is Jon under contract with TLC.
It has to be coming up fairly soon.

May? I think that's right :: too lazy to Google ::

 

[madge]

Not to start a Duggar debate but genuine?? Give me a break. These people say their kids don't watch tv, yet they are supporting them by having them on tv. They started out as very conservative, relgious, sort of naive people. Now the kids wear name brand clothes (granted, from a second hand shop) the girls wear makeup and now they travel all over the place being exposed to all sorts of things. The 2 oldest girls are over 18. They don't attend college, don't have jobs, just stay at home raising their mother's children for her.

They really are no different than Kate. Michelle claims how much she loves her kids and it's all for them, but I NEVER see her do ANYTHING (other than have a baby hanging off her breast for feedings). The kids cook, clean, school and raise the younger ones while Michelle and Jim Bob blissfully walk hand in hand kissing each other every other second. They too have given in to the "Hollywood life" as they have now allowed designer clothes, makeup and trips into their lives. If the Duggars divorced tomorrow would people scream at her to get a job and then criticize her for leaving her kids? Would they expect her to give up her big house? I don't think so.

I think my point is that when given the chance to improve your life, be given more opportunities most people take it. Which is why there are more and more reality shows involving children. Everyone wants a piece of the pie and the easiest way to get it. Does all that make sense? lol

I wouldn't use the word naive to describe Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar. Spending time in politics would take that away from a person The children's clothes may appear more mainstream, but it's still pretty similar to the styles they've always worn ... except the big, round collar blouses. the girls don't wear those anymore.

As for their lifestyle, while I don't agree with it, the Duggars have always had the older raising the younger sibling philosophy. That's not new. Michelle teaches the children their jurisdiction skills, home schools them, and nurses babies. That's the only way I've ever seen her.

As for how people would react if Jim Bob & Michelle divorced, I don't think anyone could speculate on that. IMO, if Michelle started running around Little Rock in designer clothes, getting frequent mani/pedis, tanning, buying an expensive car, daily trips to Starbucks, enrolling the children in private schools, etc .. then absolutely YES. I say she should get a job to support that lifestyle.

Ironically, the outward appearance upgrades to the Gosselin lifestyle appear to be related mostly to Jon & Kate. The children are still wearing the same Gymboree clothes and crocs shoes that they've had for a while. They're riding the same small bikes given to them by Ellen.

 

[cheermom1]

I wouldn't use the word naive to describe Jim Bob & Michelle Duggar. Spending time in politics would take that away from a person The children's clothes may appear more mainstream, but it's still pretty similar to the styles they've always worn ... except the big, round collar blouses. the girls don't wear those anymore.

As for their lifestyle, while I don't agree with it, the Duggars have always had the older raising the younger sibling philosophy. That's not new. Michelle teaches the children their jurisdiction skills, home schools them, and nurses babies. That's the only way I've ever seen her.

As for how people would react if Jim Bob & Michelle divorced, I don't think anyone could speculate on that. IMO, if Michelle started running around Little Rock in designer clothes, getting frequent mani/pedis, tanning, buying an expensive car, daily trips to Starbucks, enrolling the children in private schools, etc .. then absolutely YES. I say she should get a job to support that lifestyle.

Ironically, the outward appearance upgrades to the Gosselin lifestyle appear to be related mostly to Jon & Kate. The children are still wearing the same Gymboree clothes and crocs shoes that they've had for a while. They're riding the same small bikes given to them by Ellen.

Just to add a little here, the Duggeres ONLY buy used so all their clothes you see them wear are used. I have seen them in our resale shops around. The kids even said on the show when they had an out fit given to them that it was a treat as they never buy new clothing. They save most of their money. I really think this is a very good idea as I do the same with my kids and my dd is a cheer leader and I buy all her clothes used and she has NEVER had a problem with her peers as they have NO idea. If you know what you are looking for it can appear that you spent a LOT more than you really did.

 

[kidshop]

Just to add a little here, the Duggeres ONLY buy used so all their clothes you see them wear are used. I have seen them in our resale shops around. The kids even said on the show when they had an out fit given to them that it was a treat as they never buy new clothing. They save most of their money. I really think this is a very good idea as I do the same with my kids and my dd is a cheer leader and I buy all her clothes used and she has NEVER had a problem with her peers as they have NO idea. If you know what you are looking for it can appear that you spent a LOT more than you really did.

Aren't the littlest kids wearing this season's Gymboree line? And Josh is always wearing name shirts I've heard (aeropostale). I think these are product placement clothes so, no technically they aren't buying them...except with their privacy.

 

[DMRick]

The kids even said on the show when they had an out fit given to them that it was a treat as they never buy new clothing. They save most of their money. .

I think that is sad. I assume the kids are helping to make the money, and I just don't think having something that was just yours, should have to be a treat. Nothing wrong with used, and my kids wore their fair share, but getting something no one else wore, wasn't so unusual to be a treat. Saving money is good..but I thought it was sad when they showed the kids buying clothes and they were so excited to get new.

 

[cheermom1]

I think that is sad. I assume the kids are helping to make the money, and I just don't think having something that was just yours, should have to be a treat. Nothing wrong with used, and my kids wore their fair share, but getting something no one else wore, wasn't so unusual to be a treat. Saving money is good..but I thought it was sad when they showed the kids buying clothes and they were so excited to get new.

I see what you are saying but at the same time they do buy other things that are for just each child. Remember when they bought a new bike for one the kids for his b-day?