Jon and Kate Plus 8 Official Thread - Part 8

[3prettyprincesses]

What is frustrating is her saying that they can't control what is broadcast on tv, however, they put themselves out there even knowing that private momemts, etc, could be shown to the entire world! If you truly loved your family, would you jeopardize their privacy? That's what I don't understand.

True, it's definitely not something I'd choose for me and my family for the very reasons you stated. But for Kate, she really seems to believe that this is the best way to provide. Jon used to be on board with it, then he wasn't and now he is again. I also think Kate knows that her 15 minutes will most likely be up soon so she's capitalizing now while the opportunities are still hot. Can you imagine Kate+8 still being on air in 5 years? I can't. And I'm sure Kate knows that too.

 

[DMRick]

And often being called a lover of Kate is also insulting. So I can understand why you would not like to be called a hater.

I actually haven't gotten the feeling from reading your posts that you hate or intensely disklike Kate (and reading people's posts is where we get the idea from, even if someone doesn't say the actual word), but that you are against the kids on TV and some of the things she says, and are for change in the industry (and I too would like to see changes). You actually put your money where your mouth is so to speak, and you don't watch what you think is a train wreck. I respect that in you. So, I could understand, if you don't hate her, you don't want to be grouped with those who do.

Yes, that is the meaning of hate..intense dislike. And if you go back far enough, several have said they intensely dislike her. I happen to hate over cooked brussel sprouts, btw, and won't eat them. If I intensely disliked Kate, I wouldn't watch the show or discuss her..what would be the point (IMO).

I also think that the accusation of hating or loving Kate is tossed around far too frequently by some people on this board. We don't divide neatly into those categories, and I find being called a "hater" quite insulting.

So while we are discussing semantics --

From Merriam Webster: Hate
Usage: often attributive
Etymology: Middle English, from Old English hete; akin to Old High German haz hate, Greek kēdos care
Date: before 12th century
1 a : intense hostility and aversion usually deriving from fear, anger, or sense of injury b : extreme dislike or antipathy : loathing <had a great hate of hard work>
2 : an object of hatred <a generation whose finest hate had been big business — F. L. Paxson>

Now, I had I ever met Kate, I might dislike her. I dislike over-cooked brussels spouts, but I don't *hate* them. I don't *love* properly cooked brusssels spouts either, I just like them.

However, I do intensely dislike many of her behaviors as she has demonstrated them on film and in the media, and her over-dependence on filming her children to support her in a fairly extravagant life-style. I wouldn't describe my feelings as intense hostility or extreme dislike, and they fall definitely short of loathing her as a person.

So, for the record, I really "over-cooked brussels sprout" many of Kate's behaviors. If I met her in person, I suspect I might "over-cooked brussels spout" her too, so am making no plans to meet her.

 

[Dee77]

Nicely said.
Now this post I can understand. So much of it is hard to understand, since we don't know what happens when they aren't on camera. As was said above, who knows what nice stuff we are missing? That TLC would rather not show, because let's face it, the show is pulling in the numbers just as it's shown and that's what they want.

Her mom and sister did come to DWTS, so why don't we see them at other times? Do they come and we don't see it, or do the paps just not take pictures of them there? Does Kate visit them and we just don't know it? Stuff to wonder about.

Careful Dee, I'm seeing a soft side of you

Edited to add, Dee, have you read on this CB especially around Mother's Day just how many families don't get along? Or have no support? I'm always amazed at the MIL and mom stories. It's sad how many don't connect well with their families. I can't imagine how bad that must make people feel.

Maybe the appearance of her Mom and sister on DWTS is the start of them repairing their relationship. (I didn't know it was them, I guessed it was female executives from TLC)

As for reading threads about issues with Moms and MIL's, well I intentionally avoid those. I had major issues with my MIL when I first got married but have now repaired that relationship, all for the better but I do realize that many issues are beyond repair. I am one of the lucky ones, we had a mutual reconciliation. It was not one side giving in.

 

[Dee77]

I agree, this post was nicely worded! Yes, some moms aren't overly affectionate. My grandmother was like that with my mom yet with us, she was always hugging and kissing us. Go figure. Maybe Kate will be that way with her grandkids?

I do tend to think there is some kind of unresolved issue with her family as well. She has (not so tactfully) made comments about how things that happened in her past upset her. Things about her dad and unfinished projects, etc. Who knows what those family dynamics were. But I do find it sad that for whatever reasons, both sides seem to be missing out. Especially, as you said, given the birth of the sextuplets and divorce.

Kate and I are different as well. But I can appreciate the fact that she has way more kids than I do and is doing (in her mind) what she thinks is best for her family. And I think she loves those kids dearly. Sure she's made mistakes with the kids (gumgate comes to mind) but the difference is hers are broadcasted on tv. I remember on Larry King Live she said that she and Jon have no control over what is shown unless it's something detrimental to the kids. Once it's in the can, it's airable. How good would we moms look during one of our mistakes with our kids? It wouldn't be my finest moment I'm sure but it also doesn't mean I don't love my kids because I love them more than anything.

We are all trying to do the best we can as Moms. I don't know about everyone else, but I am always thinking about how to change and re-work a lot of what DH and I do as parents. For instance, our DD is an only child, not by choice but by unforeseen biological reasons. With her being an only, we are always trying to make sure we aren't raising her to be a "typical only" meaning "spoiled." She is very sensitive and time outs were crushing to her spirit so we tried other options. Every child is different and they can't be lumped into one nice and neat category that one way works for all. This is where I think Kate's actions will backfire. Her children are individuals above everything else and she needs to start treating them with that in mind.

 

[mousey]

We are all trying to do the best we can as Moms. I don't know about everyone else, but I am always thinking about how to change and re-work a lot of what DH and I do as parents. For instance, our DD is an only child, not by choice but by unforeseen biological reasons. With her being an only, we are always trying to make sure we aren't raising her to be a "typical only" meaning "spoiled." She is very sensitive and time outs were crushing to her spirit so we tried other options. Every child is different and they can't be lumped into one nice and neat category that one way works for all. This is where I think Kate's actions will backfire. Her children are individuals above everything else and she needs to start treating them with that in mind.

This is the part of the Gosselin kids that I really feel sorry for them. Eight kids sharing Mommy is tough enough, but when they are made to perform as a set of twins and tups that takes away their individuality. I remember one episode where one of the boys was sick and one of the girl tups was holding the basin for him to vomit in. Those moments is when you want Mommy and maybe Mommy was the one doing it all day and the camera caught this one instance, but that is the instance that people remember.

 

[Buckalew11]

Sigh, this thread is getting to me. Kate is damned if she does, damned if she doesn't. Jon is glossed over even though he should probably win the idiot of the year award. I'm really trying to figure out why I personally spend so much time discussing a family I don't even know. Yes, Kate does things that I might not agree with. But it's like she can't do anything right. She doesn't get credit for anything. Has it occured to any of us that there is not a 24/7 camera or reporter with Kate detailing her every move? We don't live there. Do we see her kissing her kids goodnight, or helping with homework or making the kids a special dessert? Just because we don't see things like this happening, doesn't mean it's not. Her every motive is questioned. It's baffling to me that she can't even wear her clothes without criticism. Do we all think we're such better people? I have made mistakes as a parent, haven't we all? Yes, I know Kate is putting herself out there but it just seems wrong to be so darn critical. Can't we cut her any slack? Do we really think she cares nothing for her children?

Sigh, I'm ready for the rebuttals to what I just wrote.

Here, here!! Great post.

I read, I agree, I disagree, I ponder, I applaud, I hit the back button.

I so agree with what you are saying. Personally, I've had moments such as the ice cream moment (although I didn't use the words, "she's ruined", lol) and gumgate. Does losing my temper (which I promise you is bad and I try really hard to keep in check) mean I do not love my dd? Gosh, I hope not. I can't even imagine what I'd be like with 8 little children under the age of 10--would I beat them or something? nope. But I'd probably lose my temper every other episode and people would rip me a new one.

I'd certainly be cutting those types of moments from my show. So my show would definitely be less "reality" for sure! One thing for sure is that I never, ever talk to my DH the way Kate talked to Jon. I'm not sure what he'd do to me but I'm darn sure not gonna push it! However, regrettably, if I'd have married the right person, I'm sure I'd be the type to say something that mean to the man--I can see the ToysRUS thing happening. Should I know better? Absolutely. And thankfully I do and don't treat my DH that way. I sorta tried it when we were first dating and he laid the law down quickly. I got the message very quickly and I hope the same for Kate if she chooses to ever start dating again.

 

[3prettyprincesses]

Maybe the appearance of her Mom and sister on DWTS is the start of them repairing their relationship. (I didn't know it was them, I guessed it was female executives from TLC)

As for reading threads about issues with Moms and MIL's, well I intentionally avoid those. I had major issues with my MIL when I first got married but have now repaired that relationship, all for the better but I do realize that many issues are beyond repair. I am one of the lucky ones, we had a mutual reconciliation. It was not one side giving in.

I hope it's the beginning of a reciprocal, supportive relationship too. I can't imagine not having my mom and sister in my life, especially during the hard parts.

We are all trying to do the best we can as Moms. I don't know about everyone else, but I am always thinking about how to change and re-work a lot of what DH and I do as parents. For instance, our DD is an only child, not by choice but by unforeseen biological reasons. With her being an only, we are always trying to make sure we aren't raising her to be a "typical only" meaning "spoiled." She is very sensitive and time outs were crushing to her spirit so we tried other options. Every child is different and they can't be lumped into one nice and neat category that one way works for all. This is where I think Kate's actions will backfire. Her children are individuals above everything else and she needs to start treating them with that in mind.

I think that's what being a parent is about... re-working, recognizing mistakes, learning from them and doing the best you can to raise your child in a safe and healthy environment. And you're right, there isn't a one size fits all method for that, each child is different and may require different measures. I can attest to that with my own.

This is the part of the Gosselin kids that I really feel sorry for them. Eight kids sharing Mommy is tough enough, but when they are made to perform as a set of twins and tups that takes away their individuality. I remember one episode where one of the boys was sick and one of the girl tups was holding the basin for him to vomit in. Those moments is when you want Mommy and maybe Mommy was the one doing it all day and the camera caught this one instance, but that is the instance that people remember.

I actually agree with that, the Gosselin kids aren't a package deal. I'm not sure Kate sees that she favors the little ones more. And you're right, when even one of your kids is sick, all they want is Mommy. I know for me, when my kids get sick (first one is vomiting, next day another one is and so on) it's hard to divide that attention up evenly. It always makes me feel bad because I want them to feel better but it's difficult when 2 are vomiting at the same time and my youngest is on the couch crying for me to hold her. For the record, I'm horrible with vomit, it makes me gag and my eyes water!

Here, here!! Great post.

I read, I agree, I disagree, I ponder, I applaud, I hit the back button.

I so agree with what you are saying. Personally, I've had moments such as the ice cream moment (although I didn't use the words, "she's ruined", lol) and gumgate. Does losing my temper (which I promise you is bad and I try really hard to keep in check) mean I do not love my dd? Gosh, I hope not. I can't even imagine what I'd be like with 8 little children under the age of 10--would I beat them or something? nope. But I'd probably lose my temper every other episode and people would rip me a new one.

I'd certainly be cutting those types of moments from my show. So my show would definitely be less "reality" for sure! One thing for sure is that I never, ever talk to my DH the way Kate talked to Jon. I'm not sure what he'd do to me but I'm darn sure not gonna push it! However, regrettably, if I'd have married the right person, I'm sure I'd be the type to say something that mean to the man--I can see the ToysRUS thing happening. Should I know better? Absolutely. And thankfully I do and don't treat my DH that way. I sorta tried it when we were first dating and he laid the law down quickly. I got the message very quickly and I hope the same for Kate if she chooses to ever start dating again.

Yup, I've had moments that would've been very embarrassing had a film crew been taping me! I'm pretty sure I've shared my ESPN Zone story where I had a total meltdown and yes, it was due to blood sugar! I'm serious.

Anyhow, it did make me cringe to hear the way she spoke to Jon, like the proverbial 9th child. He let her treat him that way and she had such a domineering personality that it just kept happening. A recipe for disaster if you ask me. I really try not to speak to my DH that way but I'm guilty of slipping up and luckily he still loves me!

 

[Dee77]

Now I think I have heard everything. Radaronline has a story that says that Kate and the kids got a chicken coop and an Amish farmer helped them put it together. This is all for the next episode of Kate Plus 8. Talk about the opposite end of the spectrum compared to an all expenses paid trip to Discovery Cove.

 

[Buckalew11]

But remember, there was an episode where they went to an Amish farm or farmer's market and and they loved all that. I'm not surprised they're making an episode out of it. I love to go to WDW and do nice things etc. but just yesterday, no kidding, I said we had the perfect place at our new house to have a few chickens and a chicken coop.

I had fresh eggs last year for the first time ever and could really tell a difference! PS--does anyone remember THAT thread last year where someone didn't want to eat an egg that wasn't from the grocery store, LOL. It was a hysterical train wreck!! lol

 

[DMRick]

Yours is a great post too. Our kids didn't come with instructions, and I'm sure I've messed up (I know I have). I'll give Kate the same grace I was given. I'd give it to anyone. I guess since she has choosen to be on TV, it gives us the right to comment, but I figure most of us have had her moments, the only difference is, she can't hide hers.

If she does meet someone else, and it's the right someone else, I would hope their relationship would be much differen than her and Jon's. I don't think people who really love each other would show the disrespect they showed to each other.

I so agree with what you are saying. Personally, I've had moments such as the ice cream moment (although I didn't use the words, "she's ruined", lol) and gumgate. Does losing my temper (which I promise you is bad and I try really hard to keep in check) mean I do not love my dd? Gosh, I hope not. I can't even imagine what I'd be like with 8 little children under the age of 10--would I beat them or something? nope. But I'd probably lose my temper every other episode and people would rip me a new one.

I'd certainly be cutting those types of moments from my show. So my show would definitely be less "reality" for sure! One thing for sure is that I never, ever talk to my DH the way Kate talked to Jon. I'm not sure what he'd do to me but I'm darn sure not gonna push it! However, regrettably, if I'd have married the right person, I'm sure I'd be the type to say something that mean to the man--I can see the ToysRUS thing happening. Should I know better? Absolutely. And thankfully I do and don't treat my DH that way. I sorta tried it when we were first dating and he laid the law down quickly. I got the message very quickly and I hope the same for Kate if she chooses to ever start dating again.

 

[DMRick]

when even one of your kids is sick, all they want is Mommy. I know for me, when my kids get sick (first one is vomiting, next day another one is and so on) it's hard to divide that attention up evenly. It always makes me feel bad because I want them to feel better but it's difficult when 2 are vomiting at the same time and my youngest is on the couch crying for me to hold her. For the record, I'm horrible with vomit, it makes me gag and my eyes water!

I also think, if it's the time so many were throwing up, that Kate was also sick. That was a hard show for me to watch..I don't do well with vomit either.

 

[DMRick]

Now I think I have heard everything. Radaronline has a story that says that Kate and the kids got a chicken coop and an Amish farmer helped them put it together. This is all for the next episode of Kate Plus 8. Talk about the opposite end of the spectrum compared to an all expenses paid trip to Discovery Cove.

At least they can eat them, if they don't want them any longer .
I hope they don't name them. Never name your chickens, that may be part of the chicken noodle soup!

 

[Buckalew11]

At least they can eat them, if they don't want them any longer .
I hope they don't name them. Never name your chickens, that may be part of the chicken noodle soup!

I name everything--well, not flies...

I don't want chickens to eat, I just want the eggs! I suppose DH could kill and dress a chicken (eww)--he does it with ducks etc. (eww again)

I hope Kate says they are just for the eggs. lol

 

[mousey]

My friend lives out in the country and had a chicken coop. Her beginning chicks were actually mailed to her. They grow pretty fast because it seems like your feeding them all the time. Very, very messy. They took the grown chickens to an amish farmer who butchered them. This lasted a few times and they ended up giving it up. I will have to ask her if and how many eggs they produced. Her kids hated the thought of eating the chickens.

 

[Buckalew11]

my friend's son had quite a few (4 or 5) and he'd get a dozen easily. Sent me home with a dozen one night and I think there was plenty for them also. They didn't eat the chickens though.
He got rid of them also. He's got cattle now. A lot of cattle.

 

[DMRick]

I had trouble on my grandparent in laws farm, eating the chickens for Sunday diner (something that usually happened after a hit by car). But I guess if they get tired of them, or it proves too much work (because I don't think TLC thinks about the afterwards part of these types of shows) they won't have to send the chickens back to the trainers. We all know that Kate is great at soups LOL.

That said, I think it could be a fun thing to watch, but I find it hard to believe Kate and the kids would do the long term clean up.

I name everything--well, not flies...

I don't want chickens to eat, I just want the eggs! I suppose DH could kill and dress a chicken (eww)--he does it with ducks etc. (eww again)

I hope Kate says they are just for the eggs. lol

 

[Buckalew11]

Me either. And probably not me either, LOL.

Last year my friend's were out of town for 2 weeks and we took care of things around their house. DD hated going over there to the chicken coop to get the eggs! I have FOB so I wasn't going in there, lol. So since I have FOB, why would I even think about having a few chickens? I dunno either...

 

[Dee77]

My shock with the chicken coop is the cleanliness or lack thereof. Who takes care of the dogs? They're back right?

 

[MAKmom]

It funny you are discussing fresh eggs we drove by a house today with a sign saying fresh eggs. I told DH I was afraid to buy them. He said you buy them from the Amish, but this is at a farmers market. How long can fresh eggs be kept without refrigeration?

 

[DMRick]

How long can fresh eggs be kept without refrigeration?

Found when I googled:


That's a good question. As you probably know, many cultures around the world eat unrefrigerated eggs without getting sick. Many variables account for this. In some countries for instance, people shop frequently—even daily—rather than storing food at home. So the eggs they buy are freshly laid and quickly consumed.. However, they also do not store eggs for long periods of time -- they usually buy and consume them quickly.

Refrigerating eggs is not only a matter of safety, however. It's also the best way to keep eggs fresh. It's estimated that eggs age more in one day at room temperature than they do in one week in the refrigerator. And as eggs age, some of their cooking qualities are affected. The yolks and whites become thinner and more prone to breaking when you separate them. You'll also find these eggs harder to poach, as thin whites spread quickly throughout the poaching water instead of clustering around the yolk. And you may notice a large dent in the fat end of hard-cooked eggs. This happens as moisture and carbon dioxide evaporate from the white, allowing air to enter through the porous shell and enlarge the air space.

So how long are unrefrigerated eggs edible? I don't know. It all depends on the temperature of storage and the health of the chicken (did the chicken pass on salmonella). If we give refrigerated eggs 3-5 weeks of edibility and unrefrigerated egg ages 1 week for each day out of refrigeration we can probably say 3-5 days of unrefrigerated storage. However, there are no guarantees that it will remain safe. That's why we recommend refrigeration -- to lesson your chances of illness and to lengthen the storage time.

I hope this has helped. If I can be of further assistance, plesae let me know.

Carol C. Schlitt
Extension Educator, Nutrition and Wellness
Univeristy of Illinois Extension