Jon and Kate Plus 8. Official Thread!!

[sha_lyn]

I don't think I understand the second part of your ETA. The church is paying the fee and passing the plate to offset whose costs? Jon & Kate? Do you mean travel expenses or something?

The fee the church has paid to J&K

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

that link I posted didn't work, but this one should:
http://www.ccf-ag.org/

there is a picture of JK8 on the right hand side of the page. this is what is says about the event:

We are excited to be hosting the cast of "Jon and Kate Plus 8" on Sunday, September 14 at 10:00 am. Completing the requested information below will pre-register you for this event. We are asking only those within a 15 mile radius of the church to pre-register and attend, as there is limited seating available. Thank you for understanding. This event is free, but please come prepared to give in a love offering toward the Gosselin’s.

The Gosselin's what? I'm a grammar nazi.

I don't think I understand the second part of your ETA. The church is paying the fee and passing the plate to offset whose costs? Jon & Kate? Do you mean travel expenses or something?

I think she was asking if the church was collecting to cover the speaking fee.


Also, I was watching the Wednesday marathon, and part of the "Gosselin Mission Statement" was to give back because the had received so much. Does that put your mind at ease, Madge? Hehe!! They may not highlight it, but it's definitely on the family radar.

I was thinking, too, just because they consign does not mean they don't donate, as well. I do a consignment sale in the spring and fall, and I'll consign the name brand (Gap, Eddie Bauer, CrewCuts), like new (or never worn/played with) items, and donate the rest of the (still wearable, still playable) clothes and toys. The sale also gives the option to donate any items that don't sell. Just a thought...

 

[barkley]

to my mind the gosselins opened themselves up for discussion of their financial situation long before their television series aired. by choosing to publicly disclose their stating in a medicaid appeal that they believe that society is responsible to help support their children, the gosselins (imho) opened themselves up to scruitiny and public discussion from those they call upon to provide said financial support.

the gosselins could have chosen like the clear majority of medicaid appelants to not seek out the media and publicize what would have been kept sealed in confidential court records. instead they opted to solicit media attention, made their appeal public and hoped of garnering support such that the adminitrative law judges hearing the case would be swayed. their choice backfired on a p.r. basis, and dating back to before the begining of their show the public began made strong statements regarding their personal and financial choices.

i think for many of us we simply grow weary of hearing the repative discussions by j&k about how much it costs to raise a family of that size, and what sacrifices they have to make/what they must go without-yet we repeatedly see episodes that entail even short partial day trips (pottery, toddler gymnastics, activies bus...) that obviously they are not drawing from their own financial resources for. some would argue that we only see a small portion of the gosselins life, to which i would have to respond-even if we are only seeing a small section of their life, how representative is it of what they purport to be an extreemly financialy taxed existence when that small portion reflects more frequent and costly activities than the average family can expect to experience over the course of several years (wdw trip, utah trip, sesame place trip, impending hawaii trip....all reflected in the course of less than a year and a half).

 

[sha_lyn]

the gosselins could have chosen like the clear majority of medicaid appelants to not seek out the media and publicize what would have been kept sealed in confidential court records. instead they opted to solicit media attention, made their appeal public and hoped of garnering support such that the adminitrative law judges hearing the case would be swayed. their choice backfired on a p.r. basis, and dating back to before the begining of their show the public began made strong statements regarding their personal and financial choices.

I agree with you to an extent.
IMHO Kate just has a really bad way of expressing things. Just look at the yard sign or the statement that was on the website for prime examples. The fact is that they would have had insurance if Jon hadn't been laid off when Kate was PG with the 6. I'm hoping what was really meant by the medicaid statement was that they had paid into the system so they had "earned" the benifit of tapping into it.

 

[Momvic5]

I was thinking, too, just because they consign does not mean they don't donate, as well. I do a consignment sale in the spring and fall, and I'll consign the name brand (Gap, Eddie Bauer, CrewCuts), like new (or never worn/played with) items, and donate the rest of the (still wearable, still playable) clothes and toys. The sale also gives the option to donate any items that don't sell. Just a thought...

I could be totally wrong, but I would swear that I heard Jon say that they donate to Goodwill. If I am remembering right, I think it was on the episode where Jon is talking about a sweater that he had worn and then hated after seeing himself in it. He said they normally donate to Goodwill but that sweater was so ugly they trashed it. I hope I am remembering something Jon said and not confusing it with someone else.

 

[barkley]

I agree with you to an extent.
IMHO Kate just has a really bad way of expressing things. Just look at the yard sign or the statement that was on the website for prime examples. The fact is that they would have had insurance if Jon hadn't been laid off when Kate was PG with the 6. I'm hoping what was really meant by the medicaid statement was that they had paid into the system so they had "earned" the benifit of tapping into it.

she said her belief of why society was responsible was based on modern medicine's promotion of fertility drugs which can lead to multiple births.

maybe it's just me, but i have difficulty with that kind of reasoning. does that mean that just by virtue of something being available and promoted by an industry, a person who chooses to take avail of it with no thought and planning to the long term financial implications should expect that they will be provided for through tax payer dollars?

 

[disneychrista]

Regarding the "love offerings" do we know, as a fact, that this is something the Gosslin's require and not something the chruch's are doing on their own. It seem that when one church (business) does something others want to follow suit. In our town we have a lot of business with signs thanking firefighters for all their help with the recent fires. It started at ONE business and as spread like wild fire (pun intended) to other business. The same could be true about these "love offerings."

 

[barkley]

Regarding the "love offerings" do we know, as a fact, that this is something the Gosslin's require and not something the chruch's are doing on their own. It seem that when one church (business) does something others want to follow suit. In our town we have a lot of business with signs thanking firefighters for all their help with the recent fires. It started at ONE business and as spread like wild fire (pun intended) to other business. The same could be true about these "love offerings."

if they are smart tax wise they would'nt require it in writing (but could strongly insist on it as a portion of the program). the practice of love offerings by individuals vs. a payment by a church can be looked at by the irs as individual monetary gifts-and the individual monetary gift limit before taxation occurs is substantial enough that it could exempt all funds from consideration. their other practice of selling photos of the kids has been reported on other web sites as a given at pretty much all of the church events. those $20 per photo earnings i have to imagine are subject to different tax laws (unless of course they set it up such that the photo is a 'gift' with a minimum $20 donation which throws in back into the charitable or gift category).

can't speak to the gosselin's arrangement but my kids have attended private christian schools associated with churches and both the schools and churches often entered into agreements wherein a given speaker's appearance was at no charge so long as the church agreed in advance to do a 'love offering' at the event or (in the case of when the focus audience was children) at preceding church services.

 

[ALittleDisneyFan]

Just saw this on my AOL today window.... The title really got my attention!

The Taping
Of a Shrew

TV Mom of 8 Won't Let Kids Get Dirty,
Often Slaps Hubby: Unfair Portrayal?

http://www.parentdish.com/2008/07/25/jon-and-kate-are-they-good-enough-parents-for-tv/

 

[kristy5k]

Morning...

Several have mentioned the "GWoP" board. I am new to the Jon and Kate forums. What does GWoP mean? Sorry to be so dumb LOLL!

Kristy~!

 

[bjgrazi]

Morning...

Several have mentioned the "GWoP" board. I am new to the Jon and Kate forums. What does GWoP mean? Sorry to be so dumb LOLL!

Kristy~!

Gosselins with out pitty

 

[GeorgiaPeach8]

Just saw this on my AOL today window.... The title really got my attention!

The Taping
Of a Shrew

TV Mom of 8 Won't Let Kids Get Dirty,
Often Slaps Hubby: Unfair Portrayal?

http://www.parentdish.com/2008/07/25/jon-and-kate-are-they-good-enough-parents-for-tv/

Oh, I wondered if anyone else had read this! Is this guy serious...the Duggars as role models...this people are really out there. Have you guys seen the "swimsuits" they make the girls wear.

Also, I read the recent episode recap from GwoP. Wow--talk about out there. The recap and hateful comments went on longer than the episode. I think the author has gone around the bend!!

 

[madge]

The Gosselin's what? I'm a grammar nazi.

I was an English major ... I thought the same thing. LOLOL

I think she was asking if the church was collecting to cover the speaking fee.

I don't think so.(I could be wrong) I read it as there was no admission fee, but be prepared to make a donation, instead. (I assume that the church is absorbing the cost of the speaking fee.) That says to me - we're more concerned with giving Jon & Kate a nice donation at the end of the speech, so we're only hitting you up for money once. LOL. That may not be the case at all ... I'm somewhat cynical about churches AND Jon & Kate, so the combination of the two

With all that said, I have a feeling this was one of the speaking engagements set up before the switch to professional representation .. so there's no way to know what the church is paying to have Jon and Kate speak. This church is in Pennsylvania, they may have personal ties to Jon & Kate. I don't know.

ETA: Barkley's post about the love offering makes sense to me.

Also, I was watching the Wednesday marathon, and part of the "Gosselin Mission Statement" was to give back because the had received so much. Does that put your mind at ease, Madge? Hehe!! They may not highlight it, but it's definitely on the family radar.

That does make me feel better ... but I think it would go a LONG way for JK8 image to do something BIG that gives back to the community. I want to see it. (I know, I'm selfish that way ) They are in desperate need of some good PR these days.

I was thinking, too, just because they consign does not mean they don't donate, as well. I do a consignment sale in the spring and fall, and I'll consign the name brand (Gap, Eddie Bauer, CrewCuts), like new (or never worn/played with) items, and donate the rest of the (still wearable, still playable) clothes and toys. The sale also gives the option to donate any items that don't sell. Just a thought...

I can see that line of thinking, because I do the same thing. And I consign things that people have given to me, after they've been worn and outgrown.

But. But. The part I can't get past is that SO much (if not all) of what the Gosselins have has been given to them. They are making $$$ on the show and the speaking engagements ... they are more than just regular folk, now. It really sticks with me that they have a garage FULL of shoes - and I wonder what they do with them when they're outgrown.

I ran across a newspaper article & blog from 2005. Before JK8 were the household names they are now. IF it's true - even if half of it's true ... I put a little more stock in stuff like that because it's old and it's local... but I know there's spin in everything.

 

[GeorgiaPeach8]

Also, the chores episode was on last night. Did anyone notice that when the kids put their dirty clothes in the hamper the sign Kate made for it had the blurred censor thing over it?

 

[Camster0307]

she said her belief of why society was responsible was based on modern medicine's promotion of fertility drugs which can lead to multiple births.

maybe it's just me, but i have difficulty with that kind of reasoning. does that mean that just by virtue of something being available and promoted by an industry, a person who chooses to take avail of it with no thought and planning to the long term financial implications should expect that they will be provided for through tax payer dollars?

What do you have difficulty understanding? That she shouldn't have kept all the babies if she knew it was going to be hardship financially?

Do you apply your logic to couples that have prenatal testing and find that the child they are carrying may have birth defects and complicated medical issues? Should those parents be left high and dry by the state if they decide to continue the pregnancy and have a child with long-term special needs? Due to advances in medical technology, not only are special-needs children living longer lives; their families are now able to care for them in their own home rather than having them "institutionalized" as was done years ago. But caring for these children at home takes alot of money, and believe me, private insurance doesn't even cover HALF of what it takes. But, based on your logic, these families knew what they were getting into and therefore the taxpayer's money shouldn't go to their children's care either.

I understand where Kate was coming from with her arguement; but like a pp said, she may not have said it the right way.

 

[purplegirl247]

That does make me feel better ... but I think it would go a LONG way for JK8 image to do something BIG that gives back to the community. I want to see it. (I know, I'm selfish that way ) They are in desperate need of some good PR these days.

Unfortunately, J&K are in a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't situation now. If the next episode showed them donating all their old clothes, shoes, linens, dishware, etc., in preparation of the move we're all anticipating, what would happen? Would people throw up their hands in relief and admit that J&K are giving back to their community? Prolly not. Prolly people would roll their eyes and say they were *only* doing it for the publicity. Even if J&K donate stuff all the time and just aren't ever filmed, no one would believe them, y'know?

 

[madge]

Unfortunately, J&K are in a damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't situation now. If the next episode showed them donating all their old clothes, shoes, linens, dishware, etc., in preparation of the move we're all anticipating, what would happen? Would people throw up their hands in relief and admit that J&K are giving back to their community? Prolly not. Prolly people would roll their eyes and say they were *only* doing it for the publicity. Even if J&K donate stuff all the time and just aren't ever filmed, no one would believe them, y'know?

I absolutely agree.

the wolves at GWoP would eat them alive over it all. no doubt. (but it would make me feel better. LOL)

While I still have my issues with JK8, I'm just about finished reading over there. The anger over there is getting out of control, IMO.

 

[ClarabelleCowFan]

Oh, I wondered if anyone else had read this! Is this guy serious...the Duggars as role models...this people are really out there. Have you guys seen the "swimsuits" they make the girls wear.

I must have missed that episode. Got a link?

That does make me feel better ... but I think it would go a LONG way for JK8 image to do something BIG that gives back to the community. I want to see it. (I know, I'm selfish that way ) They are in desperate need of some good PR these days.

Definitely!

What do you have difficulty understanding? That she shouldn't have kept all the babies if she knew it was going to be hardship financially?

Do you apply your logic to couples that have prenatal testing and find that the child they are carrying may have birth defects and complicated medical issues? Should those parents be left high and dry by the state if they decide to continue the pregnancy and have a child with long-term special needs? Due to advances in medical technology, not only are special-needs children living longer lives; their families are now able to care for them in their own home rather than having them "institutionalized" as was done years ago. But caring for these children at home takes alot of money, and believe me, private insurance doesn't even cover HALF of what it takes. But, based on your logic, these families knew what they were getting into and therefore the taxpayer's money shouldn't go to their children's care either.

I understand where Kate was coming from with her arguement; but like a pp said, she may not have said it the right way.

I never thought about that but it makes sense. to you!

I agree that Kate has a bad way of expressing herself. I can totally understand some of what she does but the way she expresses it comes off as rather witchy.

For example - the sign in the yard. I have NO DOUBT they have several cars daily drive by to GAWK at their house. As we have seen on the show they spend alot of time outside on their front lawn and in the driveway. Think about what we as parents would do if someone we did not know stopped and knew our children by NAME and were trying to talk to them. I know I would FREAK and pull the kids back inside. I am sure that sign was posted out of exasperation after numerous cars drove by and who knows how many people saw them outside and thought they could stop and talk to them. I don't blame Kate for NOT wanting strangers at her house, in her yard or talking to her children. Yes the sign is obnoxious but other than standard "No Trespassing" signs what could she have done to get her point across?

The episode with Collin and the gum on the bear - well who among us hasn't gotten flustered with something our own children has done and said something out of anger or frustration that they didn't mean but that instantly hurt their children? I'm guilty of it and I would bet most parents have done something similar at one time or another whether they will admit it or not. Kate's bad moment just happened to be caught on camera for the world to see.

As far as them giving back - well I agree that would be a great example for their children but honestly if I were in their shoes I would be socking away every dime I was earning from the show, endorsements and even the sale of the outgrown kid's stuff because they have to know that their extended "15 minutes of fame" will end as suddenly as it began and if they aren't smart with their $$ now then they will be struggling in the future.

 

[AprilShowers]

I missed anything about a sign in the front yard. What does it say exactly?
I can honestly say I would freak out as a mother too if strangers came into my yard and talked to my children.

Not a HUGE Kate fan here, but I sure wouldn't want all my faults and foibles broadcasted for everyone to see either!
Love, love, love the kids. We loved watching the Sesame Street episode. DDs kept asking why we didn't take them there when they were little! (They still want to go anyway and they're 12 & 14)

 

[madge]

I must have missed that episode. Got a link?

I don't think the Duggars talked about modeling the swimsuits on any of their shows. I think it was on their website? Let me check.

:::does quick google search::::

:::notices Duggar family has new website::::

It looks like the bathing suit company has been removed from the Duggar favorite links/sponsors portion of the website. The company is called Wholesomewear.

As far as them giving back - well I agree that would be a great example for their children but honestly if I were in their shoes I would be socking away every dime I was earning from the show, endorsements and even the sale of the outgrown kid's stuff because they have to know that their extended "15 minutes of fame" will end as suddenly as it began and if they aren't smart with their $$ now then they will be struggling in the future.

a very valid point.