Jon and Kate Plus 8. Official Thread!!

[whitneyNC]

oops.

 

[MM27]

Weren't they related to the dentist somehow? Am I thinking of something else?

Jon's father actually owned the practice until he died. The dentist worked for him or was a partner or something. I have a feeling that they get some perks from her that they would've gotten even without the show because of the dentist's relationship with Jon's dad.

I also can see it from the "sheeple" point-of-view where everything is dandy and the family is perfect.

I hate that word.

 

[madge]

Weren't they related to the dentist somehow? Am I thinking of something else?

the dentist the kids saw in an early episode was a partner of Jon's dad's dental practice. I don't know if the one that did the teeth whitening was the same dentist.

If you watch the episode, the kids aren't rolling around in pain. Sure, they have some coughing, sick moments, but it also seemed like they enjoyed having the cousins and family over at their house.

At the beginning of the episode, when Jon & Kate left, they were very sick, VERY sick ... per Kate, Jodi, Jon, etc. on the show (drama, maybe?) But by the end of the show, they were well enough to play outside. Out of the 12 kids at Jodi's house ... I think they said 8 of them, a mix of Kate's and Jodi's, were sick.

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

you are right ... BUT. Just having a large number of multiples doesn't mean you're guaranteed donations, does it? Wouldn't you have to work that angle? Maybe not, I don't know. I only know people with twins and triplets, and they live like the rest of us. LOL.

And look at the McCaugheys and the Dilleys. We've talked about them before on this thread. They do yearly updates and are largely out of the spotlight. They chose how many endorsements, how much press, etc. was reasonable for their family. I find it interesting that the family people usually compare the Gosselins to is the Duggars - the only common denominators being having a TV show, and twins.



I agree with that, in theory ... it is good Jon & Kate have found a way to support their family. It's all the baggage that comes with it that bothers me.

What would they have done if there wasn't a TV show? They surely wouldn't starve... Kate is a nurse, Jon has IT skills... they would work it out like other families in this country.

Oops, I forgot to quote you!!

I think America is obsessed with these phenomenons (anyone else hear that song ). I honestly do think that anyone that has a large number of multiples will receive donations. Churches, parenting groups, etc. will do it, as well as your average joes who watch tv or read about them in the paper. I think because twins and triplets are a lot more common, they're don't receive the same attention as 5, 6, 7 children.

And this is just American demographics talking, but JK8 are a young, attractive couple. The kids are gorgeous!! Not only is the family aesthetically pleasing, they have the added difference of being a multi-racial family. I don't really follow "multiples tv," but aren't the rest of the parents older, white, pretty homogeneous?

I wonder how the other families are faring? Again, since they were older, perhaps they had a savings established whereas a young couple may not. I guess the Duggars have some other successful family business in place to support themselves? I also wonder if Jon and Kate both had taken jobs outside the home, would people be complaining that the kids were with sitters all the time?

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

Jon's father actually owned the practice until he died. The dentist worked for him or was a partner or something. I have a feeling that they get some perks from her that they would've gotten even without the show because of the dentist's relationship with Jon's dad.

I hate that word.

Yeah, I think it's kinda silly, too. It could easily be applied to both sides, but I decided to make up my own word for the ridiculous bashers (not those who post well-thought, logical arguments and thoughts contrary to JK8, but the completely ignorant, I believe everything on GWoP sort): GWoPpos, perhaps Gwops for short?

This thread is a great outlet for my argumentative side!!

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

Why on earth would I be jealous of the Gosselins? I have a husband that can actually support our family on his own. We don't need to sell our children, their images, or their privacy to make enough money to have "matching" furniture.I don't have OCD. My husband has spine. We respect each other and treat each other kindly. We have not lost all our friends and family over money. Our children grandparents ARE involved in our lives. We haven't sold our souls.

Remind me, WHAT is there to be jealous about?

I must have missed this. I do have OCD. What of it?? <-- me getting ready to spar

Joking aside, that post is way judgemental. I know several people who lead perfectly fine lives, and they do not have extended family in the picture. Just because it's different from you or what you deem as good, does not mean it's condemnable.

 

[madge]

I wonder how the other families are faring? Again, since they were older, perhaps they had a savings established whereas a young couple may not.

The McCaughey dad did the speaking circuit for a while ... and they chose some endorsements. I think they were pretty young when they had their children, though. I believe their house has been paid for, as well. I think Kenny McCaughey found the speaking circuit wasn't for him (not sure what the reason) and went back to a day job.

No idea about the Dilley's. I think I read they downsized their house. They have a MySpace page.

I guess the Duggars have some other successful family business in place to support themselves?

The Duggars had money before they had children. They've made wise financial choices, in addition to TLC showcasing them on TV. They also don't pay taxes (I've read) because of religious exemption. Their house is their church.

I also wonder if Jon and Kate both had taken jobs outside the home, would people be complaining that the kids were with sitters all the time?

Many families have parents that both work. Jon could work during the week, Kate could work on the weekend. Is it ideal? No. But the kids wouldn't be with sitters all the time.

 

[Family Fun Mom]

You must have missed my rephrase...that's ok. I said most people who were looking to have that procedure done would take it if offered.

I did miss the rephrase. I'd say I agree with you there.

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

I did miss the rephrase. I'd say I agree with you there.

No prob, Bob. It's easy to get lost when the thread gets so big!

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

On a sort of on topic note, I bought almost a cart full of organics for the week to see if I feel any different, health-wise. Target had some coupons for the Annie's Bunnies crackers, and I got some AB mac and cheese. I also got some Amy's burritos. I used to eat those when I went through my vegetarian phase in middle school. Delish! I got some other stuff, too. We also usually get our meat in bulk because one of the people who rents our land is a cattle farmer, and he gives us his ORGANIC laughing beef. I don't much like the taste of beef in general, but when it's not been processed, it tastes really, um, beefy. I'm a chicken and fish gal, myself. I was definitely craving some crab legs during the 4th episode. Anyway, we do a little organic here and there, definitely patronize the farmer's market, but I'm wondering if a mostly organic diet will make any difference.

 

[madge]

Oops, I forgot to quote you!!

I think America is obsessed with these phenomenons (anyone else hear that song ). I honestly do think that anyone that has a large number of multiples will receive donations. Churches, parenting groups, etc. will do it, as well as your average joes who watch tv or read about them in the paper. I think because twins and triplets are a lot more common, they're don't receive the same attention as 5, 6, 7 children.

I think you're right, to a certain extent.... in that larger multiple births do attract more attention.

But.

If you don't want the attention, you wouldn't encourage it .. right?

A website with an extensive prayer list, including a 15 passenger van and how to donate to the twins' preschool tuition? And over time, requests for a Christian publisher because "Many, many, many people want to read our story. We would like to put it in print for you!!!" and (not so?) subtle hints about how small their house is ...

And if you didn't want all that attention, you wouldn't agree to do the Martha Stewart, Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Phil, Oprah Winfrey shows ... or sign on with TLC to do a episodic series.

And this is just American demographics talking, but JK8 are a young, attractive couple. The kids are gorgeous!! Not only is the family aesthetically pleasing, they have the added difference of being a multi-racial family. I don't really follow "multiples tv," but aren't the rest of the parents older, white, pretty homogeneous?

I agree about the demographics ... but at least one of the other multiples shows has an African American family.

 

[Camster0307]

the dentist the kids saw in an early episode was a partner of Jon's dad's dental practice. I don't know if the one that did the teeth whitening was the same dentist.

It was the same practice that did the whitening. And if I remember correctly - wasn't Jon getting it per the dentist's advice; then Kate jumped in and said she wanted it too? Which I'm sure the bashers will now say how greedy she was to want in on the free whitening. I don't blame her though - if my hubby was having his teeth whitened; I'd want it too.

With that being said, I didn't like that they chose to make an episode out of the experience. I thought it was boring; don't know what the thinking behind that one was!

 

[TotalSnowWhite]

I think you're right, to a certain extent.... in that larger multiple births do attract more attention.

But.

If you don't want the attention, you wouldn't encourage it .. right?

A website with an extensive prayer list, including a 15 passenger van and how to donate to the twins' preschool tuition? And over time, requests for a Christian publisher because "Many, many, many people want to read our story. We would like to put it in print for you!!!" and (not so?) subtle hints about how small their house is ...

And if you didn't want all that attention, you wouldn't agree to do the Martha Stewart, Ellen DeGeneres, Dr. Phil, Oprah Winfrey shows ... or sign on with TLC to do a episodic series.



I agree about the demographics ... but at least one of the other multiples shows has an African American family.

Oh, I have no doubt they want the attention. I was just pointing out that they would have probably gotten free stuff, opportunities whether they had a show or not to those who think they just did the show for the goods.

See, I'm so not up on my multiples culture. If I end up having to do fertility and have multiples, I am coming here first for donations!!

 

[Camster0307]

Oh, I have no doubt they want the attention. I was just pointing out that they would have probably gotten free stuff, opportunities whether they had a show or not to those who think they just did the show for the goods.

See, I'm so not up on my multiples culture. If I end up having to do fertility and have multiples, I am coming here first for donations!! :laughing:

madge and I are starting our own website - get in line!

 

[madge]

Oh, I have no doubt they want the attention. I was just pointing out that they would have probably gotten free stuff, opportunities whether they had a show or not to those who think they just did the show for the goods.

I agree, I think they would have gotten freebies & donations ... but, you don't think Jon & Kate did the show for the freebies? I doubt that was the only or main reason, I'm sure the overall paycheck had to be a major motivating factor. I'm certainly not up on TV production, but wouldn't they know going into it that there would be perks that they'd get as a result of appearing on a multi-episode series (as opposed to a one-time special)? Wouldn't that affect your (generic, not TotalSnowWhite specific) decision to do the show?

I hate speculating. There will never be concrete answers. Ever. Drives me nuts.

 

[ksjayhawks]

The McCaugheys' house and furnishings were donated. I think Kenny Sr found that the speaking engagements did not last as long as he thought they would. I believe he and Bobbie both work at a factory in Des Moines. They have stayed pretty down to earth with the kids.

I think the Dilleys had financial troubles and had to downsize their house.

 

[TanyaLovesPooh]

OK, let me rephrase...most people who were looking to have that kind of procedure would take them up on the offer.

Do you honestly think they knew these free things would come their way? Yes, the money would be good, they may get TLC to cough up some change for outings, etc., but who does that thinking "I bet a plastic surgeon's wife will watch and give me a free tummy tuck..."

Even if they hadn't done the show, they would still have received an outpouring of donations and a lot of press. It comes with the territory of having a large number of multiples.

I was also thinking that someone mentioned that her husband worked for a living to support their family, etc., etc. Can you imagine how many hours one parent would have to work in order to make the money to support a family of ten?? I'm willing to bet the poster who said that doesn't have a large family to support. I know how much I work to support my small family, and I still don't get to spend as much time doing family things as I'd like. It's pretty smart that they've found a way to earn a very good living and still get to be at home a lot of the time.

All that being said...
I could be completely off the mark with what I think there family dynamic is, but so can each of you posting on this board and others. The only things we know that have actually happened in their family are the things we've seen with our own eyes on the show. The articles, blogs, videos, mystery posters, etc. are all hearsay.

I totally agree!!

 

[floridaminnie]

The Duggars? Or the other family that was featured in the late afternoon. I hadn't seen them before.

Wasn't the druggers. A different family. A normal family!

 

[mousetravel]

I agree with some PP's that she is making subtle hints to get some free stuff. What irritates me is her & her camera: "I hate this camera...darn camera..."
Maybe she's hoping someone from Kodak or Canon are watching?? Hint Hint!!

 

[madge]

I agree with some PP's that she is making subtle hints to get some free stuff. What irritates me is her & her camera: "I hate this camera...darn camera..."
Maybe she's hoping someone from Kodak or Canon are watching?? Hint Hint!!

Sony, as it turns out Her Canon S1 (maybe S2) was replaced by a much smaller Sony at some point. Maybe it was a gift. LOL.