Jon and Kate plus 8
Posted
October 29, 2007 at
1:13 pm by
Jessica
If you haven’t caught an episode of TLC/Discovery Health’s “Jon and Kate plus 8“, it just may give you a little solace in the hardships of ones own parenting challenges. Jon (an IT Analyst) and Kate (a former nurse) Gosselin used in-vitro fertilization to help spawn 8 kids. One set are twins and the other six are from a subsequent litter.
Last season, I really liked the spunk coupled with the unconventional and imperfect parenting techniques used by Kate. Although she tended to run a tight ship, she was also human and threw political correctness to the wind when it came to the realities of having 6 toddlers and young twins only 4 years older than the sextuplets.
This season, I have to say, the reality parenting TV show has lost some of its charm with me. Although I enjoy, in a voyeuristic sort of way, watching parenting pained by temper tantrums and legal slavery by way of 6 more demanding children than I am left to deal with, I also have found Kate to be as bratty on occasion as her preschool broad.
In some ways Jon and Kate are very lucky. They have a cozy network of incredibly supportive family and friends who take and/or watch their children frequently. In the first couple of weeks of this season, I watched as Kate went to spa treatments, out to dinner with just her and her husband and plan a vacation by themselves in the Florida Keys. Personally, I know of very few 1.3 children families that are afforded so much free time as they are.
Another less than flattering observation I’ve made — Kate is not very nice to her husband Jon. While Jon is easy going and incredibly accommodating to his wifes idiosyncrasies, she is always snapping at him and making condescending remarks. Is it not enough that he spends all of his time at home helping with the children and goes to work on a daily basis to provide for his classroom of children and thus allowing Kate to be an “at-home mom”. Of course, I can’t imagine that 8 kids in childcare would be worth the effort of working outside of the home, but she always acts as if he is clueless and her life is so incredibly hard. Often times, she resorts to treating him like one of their toddlers.
One episode, Kate decided to hire a cleaning person. Through her exhaustive search, she finally settled on the one person who actually agreed to take the job on — so her prospects were limited. After the brave cleaning lady left, Kate then went around her house with imaginary white gloves, pointing out the hidden dust left behind. “Thanks for trying,” Kate said out loud, along with other rumbles of disappointment. The implication was that the cleaning woman was fired, not up to Kate’s high standards. Of course, you should get what you pay for, but cleaning after 6 toddlers and their bigger sisters, something is bound to get forgotten. Perhaps she should have cut the cleaning lady as much slack as she expects in return?
While Kate seems like a lot of fun and incredibly organized, it’s the little things — weird things — that seem to get her in a tizzy, like what shoes the older girls are going to wear to a carnival or if any of her family or friends puts her out by being one minute late. Sometimes you get the feeling that Kate is nothing more than a control freak, loving every challenge that comes her way, but at the same time, expecting others to reward her and recognize her for having it so tough, when in actuality, she really doesn’t. Sure, having 8 small children would drive the sanest person batty, it has also given them a much desired family and tv show. All in all, they have a pretty fortunate lifestyle.
As much as I like this show, I wish Kate would be less focused on herself and the indulgences of her children and complain less. Most families, even with less children, have their own unique challenges and have many other issues to deal with on top of it. Count your blessings Kate. You are not the first “over-worked” mother and you won’t be the last.
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Discuss on the blog comments or visit our Jon and Kate forums here:
http://www.imperfectparent.com/community/viewforum.php?f=205
Read more at the Jon and Kate site at Examiner.com
Tags: Discovery-Health, Jon-and-Kate-plus-8, Jon-Gosselin, Kate-Gosselin, Parenting, sextuplets, The-Gosselins, TLC, twins |
23,267 Responses to “Jon and Kate plus 8”
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22861. PJ
June 24, 2009 @ 11:58 am
PMB 356 sinking springs pa 19608 that partial address maybe is a private mailing address none USPS. Thats if your interested LOL who really cares right?? However there is one more possible address, LOL
22862. Lauren
June 24, 2009 @ 12:01 pm
For those of you who feel that Kate is the injured party and Jon is the rat who had affairs, how would you feel if it is proven that Kate gave Jon “permission” to have girlfriends as long as he was available for filming? I don’t think Kevin and Jodi Kreider would lie about that. Jon seemed very unhappy in Season 4. Now I’m wondering if it’s because Kate had moved on emotionally and physically to someone else.
With all the new information coming out, it would be interesting to watch the re-runs of the past season and maybe catch some signs that were missed before.
22863. PJ
June 24, 2009 @ 12:07 pm
I saw that also Lauren…agree…
22864. Patty
June 24, 2009 @ 12:14 pm
A couple more thoughts…
Remember when Kate said Jon was the “bath giver?” I wonder who does the baths now? I wonder who does ALL of Jon’s chores now?
Did you see in the preview where Joel sat on one of the solar lights in the ground? I wonder if she whaled on him for that when they got back up to the house? She said to him, “Does that look like a chair to you?” When she could have said, “We don’t sit on those. Please do not do that again, OK?”
I am really scared for those kids. She’s got a short fuse and they know it. Just look at their faces. They may have financial security, but they aren’t happy most of the time.
I also noticed in the Crooked House episode when one of the guys was talking to Collin, Collin started to do his “happy dance.” I love that!
22865. Lynda
June 24, 2009 @ 12:23 pm
ambull said:
June 24, 2009 @ 8:04 am
Ambull, I have a hard time believing anything that comes out of Jon and Kate’s mouth, especially Kate. I think she is devious, conniving, I think she lies everytime it suits her purpose. For her to continually say everything is for her kids, is the biggest lie. If that were the case, she would have gone to counseling, would have stopped the show, or at the very least, put it on hiatus for X amt. of time, and fought to save her marriage. That is what any wife and mother, who truly wants her marriage to make it, would do. Trust me, I know I did. I say hiatus, as opposed to for good, because I realize there is no way Kate would ever give up the show or her current lifestyle.
The reason I believe Kevin and Jodi is because it “fits”. Whether it was Steve or someone else, Kate “redid” herself last fall. She started exercising and seeing a personal trainer (some suggested he was the other man) redid her clothing style, etc. A woman doesn’t do that for no reason. Timing-wise, it coincides w/what Kevin said about Jon coming to them w/the contract story, and his concerns that Kate was having an affair w/Steve, the bodyguard. Whom I notice, hasn’t been seen since the NC trip. I realize I am suspicious by nature, but I have to wonder if there’s a reason for that? I guess time will tell, if Steve ends up being the “other” man.
I put no stock in the rag mags. I’m 64, and wasn’t born yesterday. I think I have a sense of what is honest, what is apparent, what is contrived and what is lies. I take my clues from peoples actions and appearances, not from a stupid rag mag, and I suggest that there is someone Kate has in mind as Jon’s replacement. I realize that sounds cold, but I believe Kate really is that heartless. Call me what you will, but I believe Kate cheated well before Jon did, she just didn’t get caught. Again, time will tell.
Also, I agree w/what Mully said ” I think confronting someone like Kate, who is very strong and very domineering and very much in control, would be a very difficult task for Jon Gosselin”. I believe it, because I lived it. I was non-confrontational, tried to talk to a husband who was much like Kate, but it was like beating my head against a brick wall. This same husband, apparently believing that my easy going nature equaled stupidity, attempted to hide every asset we had earned and saved, in our 25+ yr marriage. He was going to divorce me and leave our 3 kids and me, with nothing. However, I unraveled his plan. To say it was a difficult, painful, gut wrenching few yrs. that ensued, is putting it mildly. Thus, my suspicious nature.
22866. mully
June 24, 2009 @ 12:28 pm
Awwww shucks guys! Thanks!
p.s. I want a lineup behind me tho in case she comes out swinging!
22867. churchbear
June 24, 2009 @ 12:37 pm
Kate has alienated tons of people who would love to be part of their lives especially her own parents, Jon’s mother (his father is deceased) and other family and friends. And THEN she sits there the other night all teary eyed saying “I don’t want to be alone….I don’t want to be alone…..but I’ll do what’s required.” She doesn’t quite get it unfortunately that she’s the reason she’s alone. I also wish the camera hadn’t so often shown the dirty bottoms of her bare feet.
22868. Lillyann
June 24, 2009 @ 1:00 pm
Stopping by to say hello to everyone! Kinda sorta stepped back from all the Gosselin drama. We’ve been busy…vacationing to Baja and Montana and are getting ready to leave again shortly. Ahhhhh, the luxury of retirement, LOL!
I didn’t go back and catch up. (too many pages) so I hope everyone has been ok. Did see that Ambull popped in
Lauren, hope your niece is doing ok
Mully, wedding coming up soon?
Luvs, off to see my daughter in a few wks and I am beyond excited. It’s been a looooooong three months since I’ve hugged her!
Stacey, Love ya!
I see weird characters also, LOL! Just glad it’s not my computer.
Hugs to all
and welcome all newbies!
22869. Lauren
June 24, 2009 @ 1:14 pm
Hi, Lillyann! Hope you had a wonderful vacation. Montana sounds lovely to me right now. I vacationed there several years ago in the fall and still think about that little resort town, Red Lodge. I remember as we drove out of town on our way to the airport, I was turned all the way around in my seat, trying to remember exactly how beautiful it was.
Sara’s back in Colorado, living with her boyfriend and his parents. She’s going to deliver a baby boy in September and seems very happy about that. She does complain A LOT, but even though she’s going to be a mother, she’s still, after all, a 16 year old kid. LOL Her dad has disowned her, but is collecting those Social Security checks every month to “support” Sara. He’s a real piece of work.
Glad to have you back!
22870. PJ
June 24, 2009 @ 2:22 pm
I think I have been here almost a month now…. hmm wow doesn’t time fly!!! It’s the good company though honestly!!! Lynda, I agree, I guess when we have had it happen to us, it becomes so much clearer, and closer, than for someone who maybe never was married, or married and no children etc. I am sorry, that was a bad experience you had thank goodness you were able to figure him out on what he was doing!…
22871. PJ
June 24, 2009 @ 2:37 pm
Just curious, is everyone still praying?? Just curious,… I have been.
22872. SummerFun
June 24, 2009 @ 2:41 pm
Um…I didn’t say that I know OF her because of where I am geographically located.
I know her because we are both members of the same school community.
When it comes to this situation, and when you know what I know, it’s really difficult to have a heart where the parents are concerned. My heart, however, bleeds for these children, which is why I actively pursued (am pursuing) the privacy rights (child labor laws) for these children.
22873. SummerFun
June 24, 2009 @ 2:54 pm
Oh, and for what it’s worth (not that my two cents makes any difference), I don’t know anyone who speaks kindly of the woman. Nobody! If she’s not the devil incarnate, then she’s his personal assistant.
As far as his being released from slavery, I call a spade a spade, (no pun intended) and that’s exactly what he was. As I said before, it takes two to tango, and neither one of them is parenting material, but I think that the man took about as much as he could and finally had the cajones to put his foot down. If you take the emotional humilitation that was shown in national television, and multiply it several times, that’s what went on in that home when the cameras were turned off. It’s too bad that the crew is under a confidentially agreement, or the books that would come out of this would sell like wildfire.
Absolutely, although I would hope that after the spanking episode was caught on camera, she would be really, really careful about what she does, knowing that CPS might be watching. However, if the gumgate episode was as bad as Julie described, heaven help those kids. Hopefully the not-a-nanny (ies) will be there to intervene because Jon’s not going to be there to mediate or extinguish her explosions.
22874. SummerFun
June 24, 2009 @ 2:59 pm
Whose address is this?
22875. Lillyann
June 24, 2009 @ 3:02 pm
Thank you for the welcome back, Lauren
I am so happy that Sara is back in the states! I said many prayers that she would come home safely…thanks for updating me
Montana was gorgeous! We stayed at a fishing resort about 30 miles or so from Helena. My husband goes fishing there every yr with his fishing buddies and wanted me to see the Missouri river and the lodge where he stays. It was great. I don’t fly fish but we did float the river (in a boat) and it was so peaceful and beautiful. Ate and drank too much, though.
I am having a difficult time wrapping my head around the very public way all the drama (Gosselin stuff) is being played out…I find it unbelievable that Jon and Kate seem oblivious to how all this is affecting the kids. Hell, they are on every news program and on all the mags, tabloids, etc. It’s all so sad. Jon has definitely *had it* and I don’t think he will be looking back. In my opinion, there should of been no season 4. (or whatever season it is) It bothered me when the kids were playing outside in their new crooked houses and one of the boys said they were going to *play interview* Sheesh, whatever happened to hide and seek, etc!!! It’s certainly *their life*
isn’t it. Kids have tender spirits and I pray Jon and Kate tend to the nurturing and stop this madness.
Ok, nuff of my rant, LOL! Off to do the dreaded laundry.
22876. Lynda
June 24, 2009 @ 4:21 pm
Summer, I read somewhere that a confidentiality agreement was null and void if, in this case, the crew were to see something harmful to the kids and possible violation of the law, if theydidn’t report it. Is it a law in PA that one must report a sighting of a child being harmed? I would think no matter what the crew would feel an obligation to report it, but I guess that would mean kissing their job goodby.
22877. Debbie M.
June 24, 2009 @ 4:58 pm
I do not claim to know what’s going on in either of their minds. I can only speak from my own personal experiences. I’ve lost several people I loved due to being bitchy and mean. It seemed that I would turn into someone that I myself didn’t even reconize I would be lied to or feel betrayed and that would trigger this other person inside of me and it would be like a switch would be flipped. I’m not giving any excuses because there are none but, I can understand pushing people away even while loving them with all of your heart. I’m 33 years old and alone due to this behavior. We all need to pray for these people because there is hope! I guess what I’m trying to say is despite the past because of the children there will always be a future in some way for Jon and Kate both of them can change but, only if both of them are willing to take the time and make the effort I still see some love between them.
22878. Lillyann
June 24, 2009 @ 5:04 pm
sorry for cluttering up the board, just testing to make sure i am not notified by email everytime someone posts. the box is unchecked.
stacey i may need your help, lol
22879. PJ
June 24, 2009 @ 5:08 pm
Hey Linda, I left all the divorce laws of that state some place back in this blog… it will answer your questions…As far as a child being harmed that is anywhere is the USA.. Hey, said way back in other entries, Celebrity life styles give you a bit of an upper hand..$$$$$$ Those dollar signs talk, and it is to the network, and to both these people in question.
22880. PJ
June 24, 2009 @ 5:11 pm
Opps sorry for spelling your name wrong Lynda…:(
22881. ambull
June 24, 2009 @ 5:12 pm
Lynda,
I don’t want to blockquote, it’s too big…
Let me say that I agree with what you’re saying and I’m not on Kate’s “side” or really defending her actions. I’m disturbed and objectional to Jon’s careless, unemotional, excited attitude regarding this divorce. It just throws me for a loop that he would just walk away…whether she’s a witch or not. I think he got his rocks off with this affair and that sums it up…did she push him that way, more than likely!
As far as another load of dirty laundry that Kevin and Jodi decided to air…eh, I’m not sure. Here is my thing…Jon was humilitated and most likely mortified by the outting of his affair. He went public with a statement apologizing gravely to his family. I’m not sure about you, but any sane person wanting to salvage their reputation and not appear to be this horrible cheating husband/father would say, “Hey she did it first, or, She made me sign a contract” or SOMETHING along those lines. Instead he’s apologizing and now facing the cameras knowing all of America knows he cheated.
I’m NOT saying she didn’t cheat or make him sign a contract, I just find it odd that HE is keeping mum about it…ya know?
As far as the “rag mags” go…don’t get me wrong on that either, I’m the first one to pick it up and sink right into it…I just don’t believe everything I read.
HI LILLYANN!!! How the heck are you? I sure have missed you and others on here! I hope you’re enjoying your summer.
Hi to you Lauren
, if this is the same Lauren that was on a while back!
22882. PJ
June 24, 2009 @ 5:23 pm
It’s an honest shame that animals seem to be protected more than children… I have witnessed it!!! My little step children, when I married the second time, and the last. They would cry not to go home.. even the baby, when she was still in a carrier, really!! wWe discovered many very bad things that would actually warrant them not being in that home, but we couldn’t get them out:( Long story and won’t go there but I know, if you don’t have enough money, you can’t save them and if you have to much and can pay the Gate Keeper, they won’t get saved either.. Long ago in this blog ( well not that long.. seems) the Joan Crawford situation came up… Those children never ever had peace…sad
So.. my heart goes out to the children #1 and I still pray the parents will come to their senses, even in this mess…As I have said before, they may not, so be it but give only quality LOVE to your children… Not a back seat, with no water, no attention, when needed, and so on and so on….Those are small examples, in the big picture of all of this.
22883. PJ
June 24, 2009 @ 5:56 pm
I have been a bit depressed lately… will admit it.. the anniversary of my youngest brothers death will be in 4 days, and made an annual ( had another blog that was stolen) tribute to him on the blog… many tears:( He and I were almost 13 years apart. It was so many many years ago, but that doesn’t erase the memories…my love for him.. You know.. I cannot remember, any outings that much with him.. although we had many..I remember that I was the one that found a birth mark on one of his tiny toes when he was first born! Mom thought it was dirt
Even as young as I was, I knew it wasn’t dirt lol.. ( must have been the medicine she had been on for pain) Other things I do remember are, hugs, and close talks!!! He was only 5 years old when I married the first time.. and a little sweetie… I remember him chasing our car as we drove away… If I knew then what I know now ( as I have said that phrase more than once here)I would have gotten out of the car and would have run to him, holding him tight, and telling him I would be back!! We have to as humans… keep that contact with each other, hug till it hurts almost..laugh till we cannot laugh anymore, be there for each other no matter how long it takes if they need it… show affection, caring, sharing, and be so interested in what the other has to say, how they feel..Cause when you don’t have it anymore… you cannot replace it or take back anything, no matter how much you long for it… Sorry for going on, crying at the moment.. its been omg about 27 years, however.. I miss him, love him, and will see him again one day.. I pray so …
22884. luvs
June 24, 2009 @ 6:09 pm
Hi Lillyann
It sounds like you had a great time!
Hi Ambull! Nice to see you!
Check this out….it was very interesting to watch Kate at the vow renewal knowing what we now know. I almost get the feeling that she was genuinely thinking she could change but I honestly think there is something wrong with her personality where she has to be in control and can’t help being such a bitch. I mean she must know what a bitch she is just by watching herself on television and 95% of the viewers agree she is really rude to her husband…so what gives with her? The other theory I have about her is that she sort of “snapped” when she had the tups and realized she all of a sudden had 8 kids. She has said that deep down inside she has a deep desire to provide for her kids and I think that instinct just went too far, she thought more about the money and the material things she could give her children more than her marriage. Remember when she and Jon took the twins to the American Girl store in NY? She said that it made her so sad to think that she wouldn’t be able to do the same for the tup girls. I don’t know…just thinking out loud..
Oh yeah Blind Gossip is reporting that JOn is pissed she filed first and that someone might be PREGNANT!!!
http://www.radaronline.com/exclusives/2009/06/flashback-jon-kate-pledge-their-lasting-lovetwice
22885. Lauren
June 24, 2009 @ 6:13 pm
One and the same, Ambull! Glad to see you here.
PJ, I don’t think it gets any easier year after year. I don’t know the circumstances surrounding your little brother’s death, but he must have been very young. You more than likely bonded with him in an almost maternal way. Just think of a happy little boy forever in a little boys’ heaven. He’s not in any more pain, and he wouldn’t want you to have pain. Will be thinking about you as you get through this anniversary.
22886. PJ
June 24, 2009 @ 6:37 pm
The reason I even mentioned what my last entry is, besides my brothers passing, is the heart ache I feel for this young family….they don’t know it right now obviously, that one day, the children will remember things, that at the moment don’t seem so important to Jon and Kate… but in those little minds, things are churning….and will surface one day….What a price to pay for fame, and fortune, at the expense of these little people.. if we, that have been there done that could only drill into others heads, the life lessons… However, if that would be possible, the world would run to perfectly I suppose. It still feels though, my hands are bound so tightly I cannot reach them.. and see all this run right in front of my eyes into some dark crack. How many of us have tried to tell a teen, during puberty years, things that would help, and in return get yelled at ” You don’t know me, I am almost grown, I know what I am doing” Maybe some of you have heard it, and maybe not…
LOL…or many other common and most likely shared comments that come from their mouths…and in your mind you think, if I could only make them really HEAR what I am saying, would save them so many thousands of hours of soul searching in their future. That is a bit of how I feel with Jon and Kate.. they are not listening, and the many repercussion that others will and have suffered by their deaf ear. That is probably the most frustrating of it all.. at this time.
I suppose then, we wait, watch and maybe say…” I told you so ” and listen to hours of so many lives trying to express feelings that will come out.. Only speculation…
22887. Valerie
June 24, 2009 @ 6:38 pm
Luvs, You make a good point. I think that when Kate was pregnant with the tups and she realized that this was for real, she became terrified of not being able to provide for them. I think her main goal was that they not be denied anything. She lost focus of what was really important. I remember the American Girl episode and she was such a different person back then. She was always very domineering, but she has gotten worse as time goes by.
Ambull, Hi - Glad to see you back. I have also wondered why Jon didn’t defend himself more regarding the accusations of his having a fling with Deanna. If such a contract does exist, why isn’t he using it against Kate. I don’t think he has any actual proof about whether she is involved with Steve or not. I think it is just a suspicion on his part. Probably true, but a suspicion all the same.
PJ, I am so sorry about your little brother. I know you think of him year round, but anniversaries are always the hardest.
My son died almost 8 years ago and I think of him every single day, but the actual day on the calendar just brings everything back like it was yesterday.
22888. luvs
June 24, 2009 @ 6:41 pm
Valerie, my heart always breaks a little when I think about how you lost your son.
((((HUGS))))
PJ - So sorry to hear about your brother. I have lost so many in my life, it never gets easier.
((((HUGS))))
22889. SummerFun
June 24, 2009 @ 6:51 pm
Who is pregnant?
22890. PJ
June 24, 2009 @ 6:51 pm
Thanks Lauren, sorry for going on about it.. I don’t hurt I just miss him…. and a yearly remembrance!
My brother was 16 years old and got like a cold at first on a Wednesday.. by the next night, he was not himself, didn’t really know where he was.. he was flown to a hospital, that could take care of him or try… I met my family there, we all had to drive several miles to be with him. He died on Monday from encephalitis. There was no time to say Goodbyes..He didn’t know us by the time I got there… Will stop with all this now… One day will post on my blog, how I know he is ok…:) and or tell you all here:) I just go through this each year… A time to remember, and it still brings tears, even all the happy times we had!!! A good thing!