Jon and Kate Plus 8 -- A Balanced View

Changes

2009-08-12T17:59:00.000-07:00

I am grateful for all the wonderful people who have visited my blog as well as all of my followers. I have decided to turn my blog in a new direction and start writing (and yes it will get personal and yes it will probably make many mad) about Jon and Kate...their media hoopla and the websites that deal with them.

While I love the show I have been silent for the last 4 or 5 months because I really was at a loss of words about what to say about everything. Well...I decided to be forecoming and give my 2 cents impartial or not. Please stay tuned for the new website.

Thanks!!!

I don't know about any one else but this has been one hell of a week...

2009-05-29T07:05:00.000-07:00

Sorry about the long pause since Monday...but I am trying to absorb all the information that has been thrown into the media spotlight this week as well as winding the school year down. But let's begin with the season premiere this past Monday.

I don't know about you but all I can say is....WOW. I feel so sorry for the both of them...especially Jon. (I know...I know...) Your probably looking at the computer and thinking "are you serious?", yes I am. If they ever show the season premiere again (and you and I both know TLC will) look at Jon throughout the show. He looks like it is pure torture for him. I bet it probably does feel like it is prison. Now I want to make it very clear that I think Jon coming out of bars and being "whatever" with that school teacher is despicable and that he should for once stop thinking with his d*ck and more with his heart and mind. I really do feel and think that he is remorseful for what he did (IF he did anything at all) and resentful at what he has become.
Which brings me to Kate...I would say by the look on Kate's face there is so much more to this story that none of us will ever be privy to. My heart does go out to her...because as they put it in Gone with the Wind...hell have no fury like a woman scorned and Kate looked like she had been scorned. I am glad that she was able to admit to Jon that she had been hard on him over the course of their marriage. (But come on now wouldn't you if you had THAT many kids in THAT short of time.) Can I be real honest here for a moment??? And tell me what you think...was Kate more mad at Jon or the tabloids? My best guess...the tabloids and I can't say that I blame her. If my face was plastered all over the grocery store and my kids saw that my heart would break.

Now I have my own opinions about the show that I know will rub some people the wrong way...but I feel I would not be true to myself or my site if I didn't truly say what was on my mind. I felt if Kate was making herself the victim and painted Jon as bad as the Joker villain in the Batman movies. To be pissy because Jon needed a weekend off is just downright egotistical. I understand that the love is gone. I have been in a relationship were that has happened and it is sad when it happens. But to paint your significant other in the worse light possible when you can tell (tell me you guys saw it to) is trying to make things better only puts you in a worse light. I like Kate don't get me wrong...she is a stronger woman then I am to be able to go through this publicly but don't play the martyr role. It will only burn you in the end.

My husband watched the show with me and pointed out something in their interviews that I had not picked up on. He told me that it surprised him how much Kate threw Jon under the bus. He stated "Man...did you notice that Jon did not once talk bad about Kate in his interview and she bashed him in hers." Now my husband could care less about Jon and Kate but was surprised to hear that in the interviews. As for me...maybe I didn't listen as closely as I should but I saw two people who are running parallel to each other.

Now I have one more thought and then I will stop rambling. Jon and Kate use to be clearly in love with each other and while parenting does tend to get in the way of intimacy (and I just don't mean in the bed but being each others best friend too) in a relationship you have to work even harder to keep it going. In my opinion I think Jon and Kate let other things get in the way of it. I hope they will sort through all of it and find their way back to one another. I guess only time will tell and the next episode will show them actually talking to each other.

New season and a whole lot of unanswered questions ...

2009-05-24T15:38:00.000-07:00

So tomorrow begins another season of Jon and Kate ... some are excited while others are outraged. Me...I am indifferent. Well...to be brutally honest I am in the middle and kinda don't know where to stand.
While on one hand I understand why a lot of people are upset or rather looking at things in the negative. But I also believe in looking at the bright side of all situations.
I am a fan of Jon and Kate...I am a huge fan of the show but I want just want everyone to take their blinders of Kate off for a minute and look at the situation as a whole.
What I mean is don't get mad because a magazine is shining the G's in a negative light and praise the one's that only do positive ones. For me I think Kate is just as guilty as the others for spilling family stuff. I am not in anyway looking down on Kate...she is a lot stronger than most when it comes to a situation like this. But let's not assume that everything that comes of her mouth is liquid gold. Nor do we need to assume that everything she says is a lie either. I think that the best thing to do is to wait and see what they say.
As far as Kevins and Jodi go...words can not express appalled I was and totally disappointed in the fact that they came out with more innuendos and gossip than "truth". I personally could care less if Kate can bake or not. Nor is it news that she doesn't fold her laundry either. She (Kate) told us she didn't do it in the 3rd season. However I can completely understand if Kate doesn't want to have anything to do with them anymore. Believe me if my family ever did anything like that boy they better hope I never get to them.
And I still think that Kate should have cancelled her media tour. I really don't care if it had been planned since Thanksgiving of last year. With all that's going on I believe that Kate would have gained a whole lot more sympathy if she was shown goin home and activly trying to work on her marriage instead of going from show to show answering questionsand topping it off with a cover story. But that is just my opinion.

Tomorrow should be interesting. What do you all think will happen tomorrow night?

Were do I begin?

2009-05-14T15:40:00.000-07:00

Honestly....I have refrained from writing because well we all know that rumors are bound to come up but then this happened. All shit has hit the fan.

I personally think both Jon and Kate are wrong when it comes to this situation. I liked Kate as a person...really - I did and even to a certain point I still do...but...

I don't know...I think I am most irrated about the fact that she didn't go home when the shit hit the fan. Call me old fashion or cut from a different clothe...but my walk with God taught me that the needs of my family come first. Please don't think I am advocating that she "stand by her man" but if it should be something that she, God, and Jon need to deal with. No one else...not Oprah, Rachael Ray, or even Larry King.

This is just my opinion when I say this...Kate (if you do read this) Go home! Stop this tour and this whole nedia thing. Take time out to think about what brought you and Jon together in the first place.

I can't help to think that in all the rumors and controversy that some of it is true and that there is something awhole lot more to it then we will ever know. What do you all think?

(In the next few days I will give my take on the whole Jodi and Kevin interview.)

Did we really find out anything new ??

2009-03-25T06:21:00.000-07:00

The last two episodes were good...but boring. I am glad that the kids are getting out and exploring the world as well as spending time with Kate. It was nice to see her spending time with the kids by herself instead of being away. Of course I knew it would be the last 5 minutes of the show before they showed anything about the controversy and then they really didn't reveal anything that I didn't know before. (To tell you the truth...it was quite uninformative and a big tease.)

My husband was in the room and said quite bluntly, "This is what all the commericals about." And laughed. (He could care less about Jon and Kate, actually he hates the show. Not because of Kate, but because he thinks it is a silly show. Anyway... he has several times that Kate didn't seem bad in the beginning.) So that got me to thinking...when they were talking about Kate's style changing I wondered if it just wasn't her outfits that have changed through the years. I came to my conclusion (IMO) that yes Kate has changed. I still like the show and I still like Kate but I do believe that she has changed. (But doesn't everybody). Think about it. Are you still the same person you were 10 years ago, 5 years ago, or even 2 years ago? I know I am not. While some may like who I have changed into, others not so much. And I think that Kate and Jon are at that road. She has come from a (well to be perfectly honest...a frumpy, young mom who couldn't care less about what she looked or even smelled like) to a ...well how do I put this gently...as MILF. ( And you know you were thinking it too.) Now I am not sure if that is what she wants to be associated with or not but that can be what is perceived by some.

So it leads us up to were we are now. Jon not really knowing were he fits into all this. I believe that he would be happy being at a 9-5 job doing what he loves...working on and with computers. I mean yeah who wouldn't want to be home all the time when you have been working your butt off for I don't know how many years...but after being home and day after day your only interaction is kids and other moms (when you yourself are a dad) it can be hard. My husband went through this (being home all day with our youngest daughter when we didn't put her into daycare that day) and let me tell you it drove him nuts. Because he wasn't doing what he loved and I was gone all day everyday until 5:30. And on occasion he would let me know. (Not in a condescending way...but a way of just sharing his feelings.) And I understood...I wanted him to be happy. Maybe Kate should do the same thing.

My last point, and this is truly my personal opinion and observation. While I am glad that Kate has found something she loves doing and wants to continue doing I am surprised that with everything going on she has so many dates away from him and their family. While I DO NOT THINK JON HAS CHEATED, it is obvious that there are problems in their marriage. I believe that by making yourself more absent no matter how little the days are put a bigger wedge in your marriage. While I do not think they will fall apart...I do know that if whatever is coming between them will grow bigger and Jon might (and I do say might) look elsewhere for someone to listen to him. Whether it be on the Internet or locally...I believe they should take an extended break from the cameras.

But seeing as though they have already started filming season 5 I guess one can only hope.

What do you all think about what they said?

What do you all think?

2009-03-12T17:15:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the long absence....you know life has a tendency to well....be life. But I will have to say that I am working on a blog entitled (Truth vs. Fiction) about all the rumors swirling Jon and Kate. Believe it or not it is taking a lot longer than what I thought it would be when I am finished I will post it. Hopefully it will start some good discussions seeing what is happening lately with them. Anyway, I guess you all along with everyone else is seeing all the stuff coming out about Jon and Kate. I want to know what you think of it?

Me? Well...here's my two cents on the whole situation. I believe that Jon did a stupid act and that for a moment in time he thought he was back in college...a lot of guys I know who are thrust into a lot of responsibility in their early twenties tend to want to say "rebel" later on when they have a chance. I have no idea why and to me I think it is the stupidest thing to do (personally I believe they should take up something more recreational and no I am not talking about drugs...sports maybe). I believe that Jon acted like an a** and with that has to come to terms with the consequences that comes with his actions. (Please remember that this is just my opinion). With that being said I do think that it is unfair for others to be starting rumors. I mean put yourself in their shoes for a moment. Would you want other people talking about your marriage and what they think you should do? I know I wouldn't. No body's perfect and everyone makes mistakes...I just feel for Jon and the mistake he did make.

As for Kate...well I will have to say as a woman I feel bad for her. I mean I don't know how she feels but one could only imagine what she is going through. Sometimes the most strongest people can also be the most fragile on the inside. (No in no way am I calling her weak, but when it comes to certain emotions...maybe). We all want our marriage to work when go forth and become married but when you see it in jeopardy that can awaken feelings you haven't admitted or want to admit that you have to deal with.

So with that being said I just want to say to everyone out there in blog land...please think about the children for a moment. Whether you like or dislike Jon and Kate please remember that 8 other people are involved. Do you really think it would benefit anyone for them to part ways? My answer is no. Should they reconsider coming back for another season? My answer is yes...if Jon is feeling "lost" (really Jon...stop pouting and find something productive to do....build your "man cave" or "man barn" go out in and fart, watch TV, play pool, or what else to your hearts content but grow up and deal with your feelings as a man.) Stop the show and deal with the reasons on why you feel "lost". I do understand that as a man you feel you should be "providing" for the household like the bible says one should. But maybe this is the plan God has for you. If so, really think about other ways you can provide for your family. If it has to do with your wife being away so much then you and her need to deal with that. (I will stop talking to Jon like he reads this...but in case he does I just want some reasonable voices heard).

So I am really interested in wanting to know what you think?

Have you seen Confessions of a Teen Idol?

2009-02-08T10:55:00.000-08:00

I know some of you are wondering what this show "Confessions of a Teen Idol" have to do with the Gosselins. But as I watched this show at one in the morning with my son wide awake I began to think about a couple of things.

1. Will certain kids eventually come to hate their past?

2. Will they try to stay in the "public eye" because that is were they were in it as a child?

3. Will they grow up normal and never understand what the fuss was all about?

This particular episode was about each past idol talking to someone from their past and coming to turns with"why" their fame ended. Let me first say that all of these men were at one time at the height of all teen idol worship but eventually fell waist side (I think that is how you spell it) to the next newest thing. For me two of the former "idols" stuck out...Eric from the first Real World and Ray from 90210. (I was so addicted to that show when I was growing up...oh the days.) Anyway, what got me was how they each handled fame after it long past them. Then my thoughts turned to the kids and what many of the critics (though most are stuck on Kate and how much they hate her) are saying about the future of the kids. Will this show really hurt them in the future? Do these kids even know how much of an effect they are having on a portion of the country. (And I do mean really small portion...please don't feel offended because I am including myself in this portion.)

Well...after thinking about it for about a week (along with other real life stuff) I can honestly say that I don't know if the little kids will be affected or not. I know there are alot of people out there that think they will but I from what I have seen from cameras and from the interviews of Jon and Kate (because I actually listen to them and not make up what I thought I heard) the little ones at least won't be that affected as bad. I do however think that Cara and Mady will be affected to a certain degree especially Mady. While I am not fond of her meltdowns (mostly because they remind me of my own child's meltdown) I realize that Mady is a girl who loves attention yet at the same time needs reassurance about who she is and what she is doing. My oldest child is much like Mady. It's like Dr. Jekyll and Ms. Hide you love them and want them to sit in time out all at the same time. I guess I worry the most about this child.

If you were to type in her name on the Internet and see what pops up some of you would be horrified to see some of the stuff that is written about her. There are websites calling her useless, annoying, a b*tch, and anything else under the moon. I wonder if they (Jon and Kate) even let them (especially her) get on the Internet.

(Now this next part is total speculation on my part and I am thinking in context of how my child would react because she and Mady are so much alike). How is Mady's self-esteem? Is reason why she is acting out is not because of her classmates but because of what she might overhear parents of her classmates or teachers for that matter. I really do wonder if she says what she says because of all of the horrible things that are out there that are being said about her. I do wonder what Kate and Jon think of this. I know I have covered this subject before...but I think of Mommy Dearest when I think of Mady. Now let me explain why I say this.

Why I do believe that Kate is a good mother and is doing what she thinks is best Mady might see it completely different. Now I don't think Mady (because she is a child) doesn't understand all the blessings she is given and what life most likely would be like without the show. With that being said, it does seem like that she does like to rebel at the most inconvenient times because that is her way to stick it to her mother. (Now this is just speculation but I myself have been in the same position as Kate and am thoroughly embarrassed with what has come out of my child's mouth. )

So what do you think...will we be seeing any Mommy Dearest books in the future or will these kids grow up to be normal productive adults? Let me know.

Really how extreme can some get?

2009-02-04T03:46:00.000-08:00

I am a fan of the show. I like Kate and am glad that they moved were they wanted to. In all fairness I will say that when I looked at the previews the little green envy monster popped out because it is such a beautiful house (But not like the jealousy woolly mammoth of others.) I just liked the fact that it was big and open. A floor plan that my husband and I both desire to have or build (yes I said build because that is my ultimate dream and goal) when we start looking for houses or land.

Which got me thinking about why is it that people are most happy when they see another person settle or not try to better themselves? I mean I look at my family...I am one of the few people in my families generation that went to school to get a degree. I am one of the two or three that went on to get my masters degree. And now I am in the process of starting on my PhD. Now I didn't divulge this information so I could get a pat on the back or a "well isn't she smart". I said it because there are some in my family that want me to fail. Not because they are mean but because I chose to rise out of the status quo and want to do better. I want to be able to live "comfortably" and not have to worry about money. I want to go on vacation and see some of the great wonders of the world, but if all my husband and I do is settle then what's the point. Some of my family don't understand that and that's fine, but like Kate says, "It's our life" and we will do with it whatever we please. So (I am back on subject now) what I don't understand is when Jon and Kate do the same they are being manipulative...or living off the back of their kids. Now I may not agree with showing them taking a dump on TV but I do understand why. Just like I understand why they are doing the show. They want to better themselves and as Kate has said before "I don't have to worry about how we are going to pay for the lights this month." And for that I say...go on sister do your thing.

Then I got thinking (sorry I was up early and had nothing else to do because you know we all only get one channel and because the remote was across the room and my infant son was playing I couldn't change the channel so I was forced to watch an episode :} )about what some people have said on different boards that have popped up on Jon and Kate. Why is that people are so jealous of these two? Is it because their life is so miserable, their job is so torturous, that they want others to wallow in their pool of misery too? Sorry but I hate to be the one to tell you, but I am not going to hold myself down and stick with the status quo because that is what everyone else is doing or what my family has done in the past. I get it...some of you out there just don't like them....get over it. I really don't feel like reading how you and 30 of your closest relatives all lived in a 500 sq. foot home and lived like Bear (off of Man vs. Wild) and ate fresh dew for breakfast, caught your lunch by hand and ate it after making the fire by hand and then settle into some tree bark for dinner because heaven forbid you would spend the money you make on food...let alone healthy food. (By the way and this is totally off the topic but I totally love watching Man vs. Wild but not as much as Survivorman. I know strange isn't it...I am not one of those totally obsessed fans that has to write down every second of the show. I actually like to use my remote and see what else cable has to offer. I mean they have over 300 channels yet some would think there is only one.)

And while I am on the subject of the new house...Why would anyone care that this woman got a new fridge? So what? If I had the money I would. I am just now realizing that my kids are growing up way too fast and can go through a box of cereal in 3 days if I let them. (And that is when they are just eating it for breakfast.) My point being is that it is not just her and Jon. They have eight kids to provide for and let me tell you when your kid hits a growth spurt (because mine is in one now) they can eat you out of house and home. So if the woman wants to get a sub-zero fridge than so be it. And why does it matter that she had someone move her stuff in. I will have to say that if I had enough money I would have done the same. I only got a professional moving company to carry the furniture from my previous place to the new one, but stopped short of movers.

In essence when it comes to Kate does it really matter? Do people care that much about her life or is it just another thing to bitch and moan about? What do you think? How extreme do you think people will get before someone truly crosses the line?

Kinda Scary...

2009-01-27T06:00:00.001-08:00

Sorry for the long absence...but when motherhood and a whole lot of snow and ice call...you know what I mean. Anyway, I have been checking out the blogs over the week and have come to the conclusion that the Internet especially certain blogs can be really scary.

So...I know you are asking what do you mean? For those who have recently been on GWOP and seen the comments on the new house and the old house you know exactly what I mean. (By the way...am I in no way of turning this blog into a bash session against GWOP but some of the things I saw made me think about certain things.) I understand that Jon and Kate put their life on TV (and really put themselves out there when it comes to the crazies) but I don't think they or any of us for that matter would think that people would become as obsessive as some have. I mean certain stuff on that blog has gone beyond anti-Gosselin and non fans voicing their opinions to literally becoming stalkers and that is really scary.

When it comes to the show most people fall into one of two categories...you either love them or hate them. For those that dislike them it may be due to different reasons but I feel it crosses the line when you literally google people to the point that you pull up all their real estate information. (Yes I do understand that it is public record...but really how scary is it that anyone can go online and pull up anything from your home purchase to if you have any court records.) I for one really don't care if Moses came back and brought the house for the Gosselin's and is selling it in his name...they don't deserve anyone looking up that information. Or for that matter putting a link up to where their old house is and compare it to the other houses in the neighborhood. (Although I thought the site was both cool to find homes and creepy at the same time.) I also was very creeped (I have no idea if that is a word or not) about people zooming in on pictures at the old house to see stuff that may or may not be there. And also to see what is exactly on the post it notes. (Do you really hate a person THAT much that you really need to see if they left dirt in the corner or if it is really scripture they wrote?) That's just darn right nutty to me. (The movie Misery with Kathy Bates kept playing in my mind the entire time I was strolling through different threads.)

I guess what I am trying to get at is what's the purpose? What do you get out of picking out all the faults of Kate or the way she left her house? Is the prize patrol waiting for whoever comes up with the wittiest remark? I understand that Kate can be a bit over the top (i.e. the fridge at the new house) but that doesn't bother me. Maybe because my dad is like that and to a certain degree it has rubbed off on me. (I am procrastinating perfectionist...I have no idea how I have become it but its hilarious to see when I get in one of my "Kate modes".) To scrutinize every detail..to nitpick and research all this information to do what with? I am really scared for the Gosselins. I mean for people to say "oh...I know where that is..." or "I should drive down to the open house and let them know..." Are you kidding me? What the h*ll are you expecting them to say when you get there? Thank you? How about trespassing (even though I guess it wouldn't be unless they stayed after being asked to leave) or even harassment (because you and me both know they would cause a scene. One in which I would personally bring popcorn and a lawn chair to watch. To see crazy people in action is pure entertainment.) And no I am not calling people who write on GWOP crazy (but I will go as far as to say I do believe that some of their elevators stop on the 4th floor and don't go all the way to the top).

I am at a loss of words as to how to describe this. What do you think? Do you think I am overreacting or are some people crossing the line?

Maybe Having Grandma Out of the Pic Is a Good Thing.

2009-01-17T09:12:00.000-08:00

I have been thinking about this post for a couple of months now. It has been sitting in my draft box just staring at me. I really wanted to address this back in October when Multiple Blessings came out but held off because a lot of questions still loomed in my head. Then I read this exert from Kate's book (posted online of course)...

"While emotions ran high in the nursery, life at home was wrought with stress. We were still staying at my parents house (which Kate says was very close to the hospital) and I longed to regain ownership of my days, my girls, and my life! I wanted to be "Mommy" again. I hated feeling that they had drifted away from me, and like a mother hen wanting to collect her chicks, I wanted them under my wing, if not under my roof. Jon saw my need and made a phone call to a social worker in the NICU explaining our situation. By the Grace of God, and the diligence of the social worker, we were told we could move into the Ronald McDonald House."

Then I saw Jon's interview on Baby Mama's site (click here to see it) and I really started thinking. After finding Kate's sister blog (look at me...I feel like one of those GWOPpers snooping around. Man...when I get going in my journalistic mode watch out now...) I had to write this. Well that and the fact that I was on that site the other day and my blood really started boiling after reading how some "reporter" wanted to do an in depth piece on the Gosselins and would "love" to talk to any friends and neighbors of the G's from GWOP only but I will save that for another post because that story will really get me off topic. So anyway...

I thought about Jon's comments on his family and Kate's. While I do think that he went a little too far with the information he gave (which goes to show that he isn't like most celebrities which state..."Look at me!! Look at what I am doing!!! But don't bother asking me what I do in private even though I flaunt it in public!" Sorry Hollywood just irritates me sometimes...which is probably why I watch so many reality shows. Go figure!!) I believe that it did give deeper insight to why we don't see many people on the show and why Kate isn't talking to her parents. Do I think we will ever know to what extent and why...no but then again it is none of our business. Of course there will be others on GWOP who say that because they chose to make their life public then we should know every little detail down to how many times they go to the bathroom or grocery store. Who cares?? Like I stated in a post before...it is all about the perception of reality. And the perception is not always clear or accurate. But with ASSumptions running around it just seems like the blind leading the blind. But back to the topic at hand...

While many may agree or disagree with how Jon handled the situation or why the grandparents aren't in the picture I for one understand why him and Kate are doing what they are. And contrary to popular belief it will not hurt the kids AS LONG AS Jon and Kate tell them what they need to know about the situation in regards to keeping it simple because of the age they are telling it to. I am sure at some point in time the kids will know the full story and while they may try to have a relationship with their grandparents I am not fully sure if that will happen. How do I know??? I am currently going through this with my own grandmother. Without going into grand personal details, my own my father and his mother barely spoke to each other if at all when I was a child. I remember clearly being told that the woman (who I consider my grandmother) that raised my father was my grandmother. While I do know who my paternal grandmother is I do not "know" her nor do I care to get to "know" her. She has made no attempts to contact me or my family and only ask about me or my children every once in a blue moon. Did it scar me as a child...no and while as an adult I do wonder from time to time why she chooses to be very close to her other grandchildren and not me and my brother I really don't care. That might be the same way for the Gosselin children. Does it matter whether or not the grandparents in their life are blood related? To me no...my children have "sudograndparents and sudo aunts and uncles" galore and they seem fine with it. I am guessing that the Gosselin's probably do see Jon's side of the family and while they may not see Kate's I think they have a full understanding why. So why the vocal minority of naysayers out there go on and on about how Jon and Kate keep them from their family. Who knows...maybe its to turn more people against them. But unless you have concrete evidence to the contrary ...maybe it is a good thing grandma ain't in the picture. (Oh and let me throw it out there because I am also experiencing this...maybe they aren't close because of opposing religious views. It can happen and believe me you don't want to be accused of being a sinner just because you choose to wear makeup or not follow the bible literally.)

I think about all the times Kate says she wants to make memories and family traditions I understand why. Though my mom had it...my father did not and he was all about that. He is still all about keeping the family together and calls me once or sometimes even twice a day. I understand this because when you grow up not having it you crave it as an adult and vow not to let it happen to your family. My husband is the same way but for different reason. (I tell you what...if TLC ever did a show about a dysfunctional family mine would be d*mn near the top. If you call having loony tunes and weird situations that should only happen on TV happen to my family then yea...give me a show...I'll show you a dysfunctional money grabbing family with all kinds of faults. And I am only talking about the extended family here. Let's not get started on the immediate family.)

So to end this very, very, very, long post. Here's a question for you..do you think Jon went to far and why? Or do you think he had a right to answer every question the way he did?

What Does It Mean To Be A Good Mom?

2009-01-10T17:11:00.000-08:00

I am standing in my kitchen stirring Mac and Cheese for dinner (which is already an hour late) looking around and asking myself...would anyone consider you a good mom? This question comes from many discussion blogs that I found today. (By the way...I wasn't searching for the blogs but for a cheaper calendar like Kate's. While I do like the one she has I AM NOT willing to pay $50.00 for one like hers. I just do it...especially since I am at home right now and we only have one income coming in. But anyway...) They weren't talking about whether Kate is a good mom...but this question that keeps getting people into bitter debates with one another.

I think the main part of this discussion deals with two main sides. One side admires Kate and the other loathes her (or have a strong dislike). As I was reading these comments from others on the board I couldn't understand what made people so fired up until it hit me when I was standing in my kitchen. If there were cameras in my house at that very moment what would people say? (Let me paint a picture)...I am in baggie sweats and a tank top standing in a small kitchen in desperate need of a sweeping and mopping. There is a sink full of dishes overflowing onto the counter. I have greased spilled on my counter from food. There are toys scattered about the living room, kitchen, and dining room. I sigh as for the fourth time in the last 20 minutes my 3 year old ask for a drink. I am trying to help my 5 year old read a book meanwhile my 5 month old is crying for me to nurse him. I am fuming at my husband because we just had a fight over whether the kids should be in the kitchen when I am cooking. All the while I have a load of laundry that needed my attention a while ago. My hair is not done and no I haven't had a chance to bathe today. So what does that say about me? Am I a good mom? What would people think of me if they saw that I loose my temper way more than I should (and way more than Kate I might add), make my kids redo their toy baskets (yes I dump the toys out if they are not in the correct bin). Would people think I am over obsessive about certain things and just plain lazy about others?

Which brings me to the heart of many discussions about Kate. Is is abrasive, ocd having b*tch or is she a woman who really is in control (sometimes a bit too much), very organized, and knows how to keep her house in order? Do I admire Kate? I don't know. I watch the show all the time...I am a fan of the show. Do I always agree with how she talks to Jon or what she says about the kids...no...but I am just as guilty of doing that as Kate. I guess I am on the admiring side. Not the get on your knees and worship but a wish I could be at that level admiration. I admire the fact that she has a schedule and ACTUALLY keeps it. (Something I am struggling with and hopefully will get by the end of this month.) I admire that she doesn't procrastinate and gets things done right then and there. (I am a huge procrastinator and I hate that). I love the fact that she is organized. Something I am in the midst of doing. Now can I accomplish everything I just mentioned...sure and then some but its like trying to find the end of a rainbow. I see it but the end is not coming anytime soon. Do I feel the need to worship this woman...no but then again there are people out there that do and I tell them go ahead that's just not me.

I really need to know...what constitutes being a good mom? Is Kate a good mom? Am I, are you? What makes you a good mom?

I have a question...

2009-01-07T09:04:00.001-08:00

Ok...let me be the first to thank you Sandy for your comment to Sharla. I for one don't care if you like the Gosselin's or GDNNOP but don't act like a 1o year old and start to call out names. But then again...I am glad that my little blog gets under your skin. While you fume I laugh. And believe me I am not the only one doing that...

So I saw the YouTube post on another blog about J&K and my first reaction about some of the commentary was (and I am ashamed to admit it) funny. Because I sometimes think Kate gets on Jon and has his giggle berries in a cup. But then again some women are like that. I will have to say that I did get very upset when they started to get on the kids or talking about how Jon should rid himself of them. I get it...its funny to insinuate stuff like that but when you look at today's headlines and see that people are actually doing stuff like that (Susan Smith in NC and the Andrea Yates of TX) I for one stop laughing. And reading story after story of child abuse or how people starve their children or one story which made me cry for days (which is very unlike me) about sexually and physically abusing a 4 month old child make me fume and thankful that people who have a lot of children like Jon and Kate actually take care of them. I don't agree with her saying its the states responsibility of taking care of them. But instead of going on welfare and refusing to work she and Jon did something about it. Not everyone will agree with what they did...but d*mn it they took responsibility.

I guess my anger is with those who choose to make fun of the kids. I don't see how Jon and Kate do it. I will have to say that I admire them when it comes to that. Because if it were me and people were dogging my kids out by calling them murderers, homosexuals, or rugrats then all bets are off. I wouldn't care what you call me if you disagree with me but you leave my children out of it. They are innocent little beings who have not said anything bad about anyone. Yet because of peoples dislike of Jon and Kate feel like the kids are fair game. If you wonder why Mady and Cara are not happy or aren't seen on camera much I'll tell you why...they probably read all kinds of things about them. I mean how do you explain to your child (an 8 year old no less) the reason why people say rude and ugly things about them even though they never met them. I have to give Jon and Kate props. If I saw my child getting drug through the mud then you wouldn't have to worry about not knowing how I feel. Because let me tell you I would let all know so much, they would have so many tapes on YouTube you could take your pick. I mean Jon and Kate really do live by the commandment of loving thy neighbor no matter how bad they treat you. I am sorry but I am not that far along in my walk with Christ that I wouldn't take action if people stooped to the level of talking about my children.

Which brings me to the subject of "why are they on TV then?" Because like a lot of people out there are like Kate and want to make sure they have lights or heat or food. Yes she's made a lot of money...but at the same time she's also open herself up to alot of judgements and criticism. When I sit back and listened to those two dj's on YouTube this morning I don't think I would have had as thick of skin as Kate or Jon. I don't know if I could take seeing my child crumble when reading all the hateful things said about her. Because if truth be told she does act a lot like Mady. But she is a cute and very sweet child. (She just has a flare for the dramatics.) So could I really listen to people say.."she's on the computer all the time..." or "boy does she let the laundry pile up..." or " boy does she look frumpy...she could have at least did her hair." I don't know. But if it meant that I wouldn't have to worry about whether to pay rent or buy groceries then yea...I would. I would show that I am a short tempered, frumpy, control freak, who really wants to live without having to lie awake at night trying to re-figure my budget over and over again to be able to make it through the month.

So am I living in a dream Sharla? No...because I don't believe Kate and Jon are destitute and no I do not believe they are claiming to be. Am I living in a dream when I think I would do the same thing? Yes...because until you have been in the situation where you have to choose whether to buy diapers and feed your family or pay a bill then shut your mouth. Yes I said it and meant it. I have been there and let me tell you if a company showed up at my doorstep then and asked me...my answer would be "hell yes. When can we start?" Until you know what's it like to have to go an entire month on $50 or less with an infant child and a toddler then BE QUIET!!! They did what they had to do and now they have to listen to people call their kids name. But then again those are the same people who "child advocates". I may not like what they do all the time but I stop when it comes to the kids.

So...(as I step off my soapbox...sorry about going off) I want to know the answer to all those who are in "protest" of Jon and Kate or all of those who love them...are people crossing the line when it comes to the Gosselins...especially their kids? Or is everyone fair game since they are in the public eye?

Oh...Sharla...just to let you know that I am laughing as I write this part "I know you are...but what am I?" I'm sorry but I had to say it...since as adults we LOVE to stoop to childish behavior because that is after all what your doing? Right? (Sorry guys...but I had to do it. I just couldn't help myself. ;} )

The Perception of Reality...

2009-01-02T18:17:00.001-08:00

Hi all!!!! First let me say Happy New Years!!!! (even though I am like 5 days late...sorry ) Hope all is well on the home front, I don't know about anyone else but I am wrapping up making my resolutions for the year. One of mine is to try to blog everyday. (Yea...it didn't go so well last year but I am hoping for a change this year. Anyway, I was looking at past J&K episodes and I began to think of what some people were writing on various blog sites about this family not being "normal" or "relatable" or any of that and I began to wonder.

I think some people think when they see the word "reality" that it is suppose to mean "real". For example, when The Real World came out, I was only in middle school but I was a very hardcore fan. I mean I didn't miss an episode...I even watched the marathons and reruns every chance I got. But here's the thing people...I never once thought "oh so that's how twenty year old's live." I never thought "so that's what happens when you move out of your parents house." I will be the first to admit that I am addicted to reality shows and I especially love the ones that show me a glimpse into someone else's life (And no I am not some old woman who has 20 cats that live with me). I think that is one of the main attractions I had to this show. It showed me that I am not alone with being neurotic about certain things and that I am not the only person that goes at it with my husband. Yes I am a mother who does yell when all my kids are around...because its so loud and that is the only way to be heard. But its more than that...reality shows are like an escape for me. And not for one minute do I say..hey wait a minute...that's not real.

I for one like Kate. She's a typical ball-crushing, say what's on her mind, makes no qualms about it Type A personality. You'll either love her or hate her. I love her...but I get her. And I do think that many people don't give her a chance. And as far as her show goes. I take it as that. A show...sure we saw her flabby belly in the beginning and of course she didn't wear makeup all the time nor did she dress nice but I guess that is on of the perks of seeing yourself on TV each week. Because I will have to say if I saw myself on TV each week the way I dress sometimes at home I think all of you would think that I either need to buy some new clothes or stop wearing my old high school stuff. (And just to let you know...I haven't been in high school in over 10 years.) Even my husband has gotten on me about buying new clothes and changing my hair.

Now am I going to go and get a "Kate style" haircut...no but I do want it shorter because quite frankly I don't have time to prim and care for my hair when I have 3 young kids running around.
I mean I don't think I could truly relate to her from the beginning. I think it was just interesting to watch. And I still do...now do I care for all the commericals they do...no and I hope they stop but to say that they were an "average" family is stretching it a bit. I think an "average" family usually consists of one or two kids a husband and a pet of some sort. Having six kids at once is not relateable...not by a long shot. But this conversation is for another blog. (One that is one GDNNOP I might add and it is a really good one. You go girls keep it up!!!)

As for the who's in and who's out in 09...speak for yourself Washington Post. I for one love Jon and Kate and while I do tune in to the Duggars there's something that is not connecting for me. They remind me of the people off the Wizard of Oz. Their always so happy...d*mn it I would be to if I had 16 other kids taking care of my babies. I mean the "buddy system" is nothing more than a free babysitting service if you ask me. However there is one Duggar that I really like. The little toddler girl (to tell you the truth I really don't know her name...all I know is that is that she will probably be the Duggar to go Goth.) That little girl is very strong willed and doesn't take a kind no for an answer. She has her own set of rules and by golly no one is going to get in her way. Boy...she really gave it to the mom when they where in NY at the park.

So to end this entry (which by the way is all over the place...sorry for that) I am just came from the TLC website and from looking at the episodes...even though the cameras shoot all year around Jon and Kate have only shot 72 episodes. I know I know...there are some out there crying foul...but when you break them up in years which they are filmed they are doing anywhere between 25 to 30 episodes a year. Out of 12 months (52 weeks, or 365 days) if you really look at it they don't have that many episodes. Many shows reality or not usually are near their 100 episode come year 4. So I guess that's not too bad...but then again I haven't had time to let it marinate so my opinion my change in the next couple of days. Anyway look out for a new episode tomorrow. See ya then!!!!

Merry Christmas!!!!!

2008-12-24T18:35:00.001-08:00

Hoping you all are in your own winter wonderland today!!!!!

Have a Merry Christmas and I'll see you all in blogland after the Christmas

and my daughters birthday!!!!!

Recipes of Jon and Kate Plus 8

2008-12-19T13:04:00.000-08:00

I am sorry for those who have been emailing me for the recipes that are featured on the show. Due to the holidays and just life in general I am busier and more scatterbrained than ever. So I have decided to write down all the recipes and link it on the main page for everyone.

Monkey Munch

9 cups Chex
1 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup butter
1/4 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cup powdered sugar

Put cereal in large bowl. Melt chocolate chips, peanut butter, and butter on stove or in microwave. Remove from heat or microwave and stir in vanilla. Pour over Chex cereal, put mix into a large plastic bag. Mix in powdered sugar and shake well to coat. Spread mixture evenly on wax paper and allow to cool.

Peanut Butter Play-Doh

Equal parts:
peanut butter
honey
powdered milk
(can be measured out to be anywhere from a 1/2 cup to 2 cups)

Knead all ingredients together until smooth. If needed add in a dash of flour for texture.

Sticky Buns

1/2 cup sugar
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
3/4 cup butter or margarine, melted
2 cans (16.3 ozs) Pillsbury Grands Homestyle refrigerated buttermilk biscuits
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, if desired
1/2 cup raisins, if desired

Heat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease 12 cup fluted tube pan. In large plastic food storage bag, mix sugar and cinnamon. Separate dough into 16 biscuits; cut each into quarters. Shake in bag to coat Arrange in pan, adding walnuts and raisins among the biscuit pieces. Mix brown sugar and butter; pour over biscuit pieces. Bake 28 to 32 minutes. Turn upside down onto serving plate; pull apart to serve. Serve warm.

Tomato- Onion Salad

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoon balsamic vinegar
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
4 large tomatoes, thinly sliced
1 medium size sweet onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil

Put first 5 ingredients in a large bowl. Arrange tomato and onion slices in rows in a serving dish. Sprinkle with chopped basil, and drizzle evenly with marinade. Cover it and let it stand at room temperature for at least 2 hours.

Korean Beef Bulgogi Recipe

Beef, sliced cross thin
2 tbsp. soy sauce
1 tbsp. sugar
1/4 tsp. black pepper
Onions, chopped in 1" pieces (about 4 nos.)
Garlic, peeled/crushed (about 3 nos.)
1 tsp. ginger root, grated
1 tbsp. dry sherry
1 tbsp. red pepper flakes
1 tbsp. peanut oil
1tbsp. sesame oil
1/2 tbsp. sesame salt
(To make sesame salt combined 1 tbsp. sesame seeds, 1 tbsp. salt)

Mix soy sauce, sugar, sesame oil, sesame salt, pepper, onions, garlic, ginger, dry sherry, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Add the beef, mix well and marinate for 1/2 hour up to 2 hours. Heat grill or grill pan on the stove to medium high. When hot, apply oil to beef pieces and grill meat until nicely brown on both sides.

Kate's Meatloaf
(makes 10 slices)

2 pounds organic ground beef
2-3 eggs
Finely chopped (I use food processor on pulse) celery, onion, green pepper, carrots- about 3/4-1 cup of each.
About 1½-2 cups of breadcrumbs- Italian seasoned if on hand. Otherwise, plain works too. May need more breadcrumbs depending on the consistency of the meatloaf.
About 3/4 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese (whichever's on hand).
About ¼ to ½ cup ketchup.
About 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning
About 1 teaspoon of garlic salt

Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and divide equally into two separate meat loaves. Add a squirt of ketchup to the top of each in a zig-zaggy design. I cover with foil and bake in either a meatloaf pan or a glass bread baking dish at 350 degrees for about an hour (depending on oven) or until bubbly and center is no longer pink.During the last 15 minutes or so, I remove foil covering and finish baking uncovered.When there's leftovers (usually I have about half a loaf left over) I put a slice between wholegrain bread with some mayo and ketchup swirled together (a la French dressing!), and a slice of lettuce and tomato too for a delicious meatloaf sandwich for the next day!Yummy!Recipe courtesy of Kate Gosselin.

Henry's Pancakes
Pancake Recipe: Kate's Measurement X3
1 1/2 cup Flour 4 1/2 cups
2 tsp Baking Powder 6 tsp
3/4 tsp Salt 2 1/4 tsp
2 Tbsp Oil 6 Tbsp
1 1/2 cups Milk (add more if needed) 5 cups
1 Egg 3 Eggs

Mix all the dry ingredients together. (I usually sift mine, it makes the pancake fluffier). Make a well in the middle of the dry ingredients. Set aside. Mix all the wet ingredients together. Pour the wet ingredients into the dry and mix together. Than using a 1/4 cup or 1/3 cup measuring cup pour batter onto a non-stick skillet or griddle. If you want to pour it out that's fine too.

Chicken and Cheese Steaks

1 loaf french bread cut in half and split open
1 tbsp. vegetable oil
1/2 lb. skinless, boneless chicken breast cooked , cut into strips
1 small green OR red pepper cut into 2" strips
1 medium onion , sliced
1 15 oz can of tomato sauce
1 pkg of sliced mozz. cheese

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Meanwhile, heat oil in skillet. Add chicken and cook until browned, stirring often. Remove chicken. Add pepper and onion and cook until tender. Return chicken to skillet and heat through. Spoon chicken mixture on bottom bread half. Then cover with tomato sauce. Finally top each half with mozz. cheese. Place in the oven and bake for about 10 minutes or until cheese is melted. Top with remaining bread half if desired. Cut into quarters.

Makes 4 sandwiches.

I will update these as I find them!!! In the words of Alton Brown...try them and remember they are all really GOOD EATS!!!

It doesn't matter what they do...

2008-12-16T19:00:00.000-08:00

Okay I wasn't going to publish this blog. I intended for this one to remain private and just be a personal b*tch session for myself to gripe, but I must say that...well I just thought others might share the same thoughts.
I thought with the holiday coming up and all the joy that I have I would like people to lay off the Gosselin's back. I thought about this the other day after a comment was made disagreeing entirely with me. (I am so excited I finely got the other side "mad" about something.) Sorry but I just think personally that it is hilarious that others who are so determined to bring down Jon and Kate can't even be happy that they were giving back. So let my b*tching session begin.

So can I first say that NOT everything Jon and Kate do is for damage control. And while I understand that were they were staying and the flight would have made a healthy donation whose to say that they didn't make a donation. If they were to say it on air, people would be all over them (like a raccoon is with a garbage can) and saying they only did it because they were being filmed. It's like d*mn if they do, d*mn if they don't. I just don't get it. Would people be more happy if they took the Greyhound (which there is nothing wrong with that) and kept themselves and the kids in the Bates Motel and walked to the hospital. We have no clue if they paid for all of it or not. I am assuming that they did. But we all know better than to assume because when we do we make ASSumptions that makes ourselves look like the first three letters in the word. Anyway...

My other gripe that I have is the fact that people were all over the Gosselin's for going to a children's hospital and not the local soup kitchen. I for one am not going to get all over the Gosselin's for not giving locally when I myself have not volunteered at a local soup kitchen myself. (Wouldn't that be like the pot calling the kettle black?) I give to the local toy for tots and toys for the holidays drive. I also show my kids the importance of going through our cabinets and donating food to the local food pantry for families in need for the holidays. But can we really assume (there's that word again) that the Gosselin's didn't? Again, just because they didn't show it doesn't mean they didn't do it.

The other thing that is really crawling under my skin is all the hullabaloo over Kate taking the kids to KMart to shop. Of course she's going to take them to KMart. I mean come on now. She's the spokesperson for KMart...how would that look her going into Walmart and saying "We love it in here...the prices are the lowest around." It's like Micheal Jordan wearing Calvin Klein underwear even though everyone knows he is a spokesperson for Hanes. I mean really.

And finally...to anon who wanted to justify why I should hate Jon and Kate. I am a fan of both shows (LPBW and J&K+8) I was just pointing out the fact that everyone on GWoP are quick to say that LPBW all you see is them around there house and not traveling all over the place. And I POINTED out that you see them on many trips as well. We all have different types of occupations and while some may not agree with Jon and Kate on the outside I bet if one of the major three networks or a big time cable network emailed them and offered them a show for about $15,000 to $20,000 an episode they wouldn't be so harsh on them. And don't give me any of that "I have morals" crap. If your family needed it (which many families now a days do) you mean you could turn it down and your husband say "honey you did the right thing." (Yea right!)

I'm through...and boy do I feel better. Don't hate me or call me names because I like the show. NO I am not crazy and YES I can see through the fog. While I may not agree with everything Jon and Kate do...at least I am not throwing stones at them.

And remember people in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.

The Gosselin's give back and end the year with the greatest gift of all...giving.

2008-12-16T16:41:00.000-08:00

I can't believe it's already a week and some days before Christmas. I don't know about anyone else but holidays always increase my anxiety, stress, and well my thinking for that matter. But in all this stress watching this week of Jon and Kate really brought me back to the reason why Christmas is one of my favorite holidays.

I am very glad that they highlighted St. Jude's Hospital this week as well as teaching their children how to give. I have yet to go to the hater sites because I really don't want to get annoyed with any spin that they may put on this. I really liked this episode. I don't know about anyone else but it really warmed my heart to see the kids buying and wrapping gifts to all the children who are at St. Jude. Jon and Kate really put forth the effort to show their children the meaning of Christmas and that is always good to see. I am trying to teach my own the importance of giving through Toys For Tots this year. My middle child has really gotten into this.

Anyway, even though this was another show about them traveling, this to me was very different. And I don't know about anyone else but I was so glad to see Beverly. ( I am so glad to see that it was pointed out that she MOVED and that Kate had not kicked her out of the kids life to because she didn't fold the clothes right.) It was good to see the kids bonding with Beverly and her husband.
Kate, I can understand your frustration with wanting to wrap gifts and get them over with at the same time having to deal with the kids wanting to play with them too. It was nice to see her letting go and trying to let everyone be involved no matter what was happening.

I do have a lot more to say, but I will leave that for another entry that I am in the middle of writing. Anyway, I really can't stop talking about how much I like the episode. I am really looking forward to watching it again tomorrow night. I hope they show the other Christmas shows closer to Christmas. I love the episode were they carol and open gifts. It reminds me of my family. (The eating, cooking, and opening gifts part. Not caroling...if my family and I went caroling only the dogs would join in. Yes we are that bad :). )

Did you like this episode or was it just a typical "look at me" episode? (I guess you already know my answer.)

Are You Serious???!!!!!...

2008-12-10T16:21:00.000-08:00

Is it me or is anyone else sick of hearing about how we should protest certain companies and items? Is anyone else besides me tired of reading about how we should write to these companies and let them know who Jon and Kate really are (like that is going to help the situation seeing as though I really don't know them myself). So I decided to try out this "protest" thing out for one day when I was out buying Christmas gifts and groceries. And all I can say is that I hope my children like clothing and certain preschool toys because my choices were limited.

I mean if people really want to boycott everything or anything the Gosselin's have they probably should give up on buying anything at all because its a loosing battle. So anyway...back to my protest of any and all things Jon and Kate. I first would like to say that I am a fan of P&G and their products. I am also a fan of KMart so my choices are limited. Anyway, I went to Walmart (not only because of my little "protest" but also because I like it) and started to pick out my items non P&G. To make a long story short my family would be missing out on medicine we have been taking for years and cereal that we love to eat just because Kate is the spokesperson for the company. So I will just say that the protest was a bust because I love my products too much to care who is trying to sell them to me. It's not like I protested KMart because Martha decided to lie and sale stock. I didn't become holier than thou and say "how dare KMart do such a thing!!"

I mean really people...who cares who is trying to sell it to you it doesn't mean you have to stop liking a product you've trusted for numerous years. I mean how silly can you be after 30 or more odd years of buying a product stop because Kate is suddenly the spokeswoman. I am not a big fan of some celebrities but that doesn't mean that I have to stop buying the product. How ludicrous is that? I am going to stop buying my husband Bick because I don't agree with how Tiger Woods is living his life?

And I don't know about anyone else but I am quite tired of seeing people bash Kate and the company and author whenever there is an article written about her and what she is doing. I for one think she is marketing herself to be an organized, multi-tasking moms. And I know there are a lot of moms out there that want to be that. As my friends use to tell me when I am a kid " Don't hate congratulate!" she is making the most of her situation and I can't fault her for that. Who wouldn't if given the opportunity. If a PR person for General Mills ever saw how much cereal I buy to keep up with how much my kids eat, you might be seeing me in your weekly circular telling how great they are.

I will stop before I go into a whole new rant about articles and other stuff. But I want to ask my fellow readers...are you tired of people telling you WHO you should stop BUYING stuff from and WHO to write to? Or do you agree with the other boycotters?

This is really bugging me...

2008-12-09T15:17:00.000-08:00

Hi y'all !!!!! Can you believe it...I am actually writing again today. I know its hard for me to believe it too. Anyway, I was coming on here to write about what I saw last night that had me thinking and going hmmmm when I went over to the website of GWOP. I usually visit the site when new stuff pops up and when they have a recap of the episode. And after grinding my teeth at the opinion loaded and sometimes spiteful recap I try to be non opinionated with my own site.

I'm sorry friends but I can no longer do that. I have tried...and I am still trying but the comments I see are just down right hateful. I don't understand it. I like Jon and Kate and I love the show. Do I always agree with what they do on the show no...but then again I didn't necessarily agree with who won Amazing Race either but you don't see me dogging them out. I just don't understand it. So I am in the process of putting up a new blog site (actually I have been trying to do it for about 4 or 5 months now but that is besides the point). I have written a recap about the latest show. In fact I have written two recaps...one is just a plain synopsis of the show and another one is a more humorous (not hateful) recap of the show. Please let me know what you think. I would love to be able to give fans and nonfans a non-partial view of the show. Here is the link. ( Sorry its not up and working now...stay tuned)

So back to my problem. What I don't understand is why people who hate the show watch it to complain about it and pick it apart. Now I will have to say ( I am mumbling this I want you know ) that I have to agree with some of the concerns that a few of the people had to say. Here are a few.

Brushing teeth-- I do understand the importance of letting your child brush his/her own teeth but if your kids are anything like mine they like the tasting the toothpaste more then using it to brush their teeth. Yes I am one of those parents who still brush the teeth of their 5 and 3 year old. I do this because I see that their teeth aren't clean but their breath smells minty fresh. So yes I do see how this is necessary. Especially if your kid is like mine and can go through a toothbrush in 3 weeks because they like to chew on it thinking this is the way they can quickly brush their teeth. ( Sorry but I am not about to keep buying new toothbrushes every 2 to 3 weeks because my kids like to go through them so quickly. I care about their teeth more then having them being able to say they "brush their teeth somewhat without mommy's help.".)

Bibs-- Well...it depends. My three year old is very messy and always (and I do mean always) gets sauce on her when we have spaghetti. But on the other hand she as well as the tups need to learn to keep their food in their mouth, on the table, or on their plate. I do have to agree (shocker isn't it) that at 4 1/2 the tups do need to stop wearing bibs. Mess or not they have to learn that they need to learn how not to get anything on them without having a bib on them.

Language Development--This one has me torn. I would like to see Jon and Kate correct them when they do say something incorrect because as a teacher it irks me when parents play into the kiddie-baby talk. But on the other hand, as a parent I understand that each child develops differently. My oldest kid talked very clearly when she was 4 and 4 1/2. In fact she learned to speak so clearly my husband and I couldn't get her to shut up. However, my youngest daughter still can't speak as clearly as she ought to be at the age of 3 1/2. I am worried and I do work with her, but as a teacher and quoting a pediatrician here "every child develops differently and at different paces." I am closely watching my kid and I hope that Jon and Kate are doing the same. I am sure though that if there was a language development problem a teacher would have definitely brought it to their attention by now.

But my biggest gripe is the fact that people on that blog tend to blow things out the water. It starts out with people saying that Kate set the twins up for failure to how "dare" she let them tend to six kids why she sits back and drinks Mai Tai's laughing at them. Come on people!!!! The twins wanted to do it and they let them do it. Succeed or fail at least they were given the chance to see what it is like to be a mommy.

Okay I will now step down from my soapbox and "troll" (LOL) around sites seeing what other people think of the show.

Ohhhhh...before I go I would like to say that I have recently become a fan of the show Little People Big World and I see no difference in the trips they take or the ones Jon and Kate take. (Except for the fact that Jon and Kate openly state that some...alright most trips are free.) But that show (LPBW) shows the Roloffs going on various trips too. They don't always stay at home. So what's the difference? I still find myself watching someone going on a trip whether its on J&K or LPBW.

Do you see a difference? I would like to hear your take?

The twins try to be Kate for a Day...with little success

2008-12-01T15:47:00.000-08:00

Again I apologize for about going AWOL (Thanks Stephanie for the correction) on you guys but when motherhood calls I must put on the cape and wear it proudly. That and the holidays really got me stressed, disorganized and really off my game. Is it me or are there other moms out there that get totally scatter brained when things aren't in order, on a schedule, and organized. ( Kate...if you can hear me I understand why you must be organized and in control). I love my life and my family but dang if they don't depend on me to do EVERYTHING. I feel like they would be lost if I was gone for a day...wait a second they are. (I found that out the hard way when I went out of town on a church retreat.) But back to the world of J and K.

Sorry for the 2 or 3 week lapse but I have to be honest with you guys I had a serious case of Jon and Kate overload. I had to escape. I mean between my kids wanting to watch every episode that comes on the boob tube and that da*n beautiful life commercial I really had to step away. Then when they (TLC) decided to show a marathon of Jon and Kate I was done. I love the show, I love watching Jon and Kate but I just needed a break. However, I found myself missing them and needing to feel the void that was left in my life ( just kidding...though I am ready to get back to blogging about everything Jon and Kate.) Speaking of blogging...I know I said that I would try to write everyday or every other day, well it seems like the minute I said it everything started to hit at once and being the procrastinator that I am I put this off. But no more. I again am sorry and will blog and try to check my email often. But enough about me...

So to talk about what I really came on here to blog about. Well the first being tonight's show. God bless the twins. They tried didn't they? But to tell you the truth I don't know if I could have handled that many kids either. I know I could handle breakfast and everything, but trying to keep them occupied the whole day...well that would be another story. I would probably have put out a few board games and well...to be honest I would have put on a movie and plopped them in front of it. Sorry but Spongebob, Dora, Diego, Veggietales, whoever I feel comfortable with would be put on and watched while I cleaned and prepared to do a craft activity with. And I have to be honest I don't see my son as the real crafty type. So there goes that activity in a couple of years.

Anyway I don't know about anyone else but I found myself cringing with annoyance at this episode especially with Mady. God bless her, I really mean it, but her whining drove me up a wall. Now before you let your claws out let me explain myself and what I mean by this. My 5 year old has a birthday coming up and seems to be going through some type of growing pains. So she has turned into a combination of Mady and Cara...okay let me clarify she has become a bit of a Mady. She likes to control her younger sister and often whines, yells, and gets mad when something doesn't go the way she planned it. I am currently trying to find the patience not to go crazytown and take her with me. But I guess hearing that whine which is very familiar in my household drove me up a wall. However I do have to give them both credit for trying. They really tried hard. And it can be hard sharing the "mommy" duties with each other because they both seem to be very competitive. I found it very funny when they didn't want to clean up the messes after breakfast or the art project. The kiddie side of them really came out. It was cute because I see my kids doing the same thing. I hope they really do have a new found appreciation for what Kate does during the day. Contrary to popular belief I do think that Kate does do work around the house and it is tiring.

Okay so I am deviating from the topic but I must say this. I think whether you have 2 or 8 kids its tiring to cook, clean, clean up after them, do clothes and all the other things around the house. Being a mom is one of the toughest and hardest jobs out there. And I truly believe that you really understand what parenthood is all about when you have 2 or more kids. I hope some people do not take it the wrong way, but when I had just 1 kid it was truly a piece of cake. I mean really how hard is it to clean up after one kid. Now two...you really have your hands cut out...don't get me started on three or more you might as well give it up unless you have a system for keeping your house immaculate that you haven't shared yet.

Soooooo....back to the episode. I took some notes (I know I know...try not to shoot me) since this blog is so long already I will open with one and then hopefully ( fingers crossed) I will write about the others tomorrow. Here is the first note I took:

1. High Chairs-- Okay...I love Jon and Kate and I really love the kids...but come on the tups are 4 years old and in pre-school do they really need to still sit in high chairs? I think it is about time they sit in chairs at the table. No I don't think it is hurting or stunting their developmental growth...I just think it is unnecessary.

What do you think? Is this necessary or do Jon and Kate need to let them go?

Happy Belated Thanksgiving !!!! Sorry for the Flake Out!!

2008-11-29T17:34:00.000-08:00

I am so sorry about flaking out for awhile. But the holidays came and I feel like I am literally living in my kitchen. I am sorry for those who have emailed me and not receiving a response. But I hope everyone had a fun and fulfilling holiday. And I hope everyone got everything they wanted if they went shopping on Friday!!!!

Talk to you all soon.

Jon and Kate Take the Plunge...Once Again

2008-11-18T05:45:00.000-08:00

Last night's episode was...well it lived up to the hype but it was also sort of a let down. In my opinion I think it was TLC that seemed to make the public believe that it would be an ultra-exclusive wedding. However, it was just the opposite. It was a casual wedding, which is what I am seeing a lot of days with couples who want to renew their vows. I thought it was cool that Kate was so laid back when it came to the wedding and even getting ready for it. Kudos to her. I thought for sure she would have at least one freak out, but it was nice to know that Kate said to h*ll with it and just let the kids be.

I will have to say one thing...I don't know about anyone else but I am ready for a vacation at Hawaii. And I want to stay there. I know, I know... I'm just a sheeple for saying that. (Off topic for a moment...please don't talk about how Kate makes up words because for the life of me I have no unearthly idea what the h*ll a sheeple is...anyway) Well you want to know my response to that...baaaaaa. I don't care whether your a fan or not, you have to admit that the resort they stayed at was beautiful and the scenery was gorgeous. (I would have golfed with Jon the next day and I don't even know how to golf...let alone hold a club.) And even though the ceremony was not ultra extravagant I am kinda glad it wasn't. I know Jon and Kate said they did it for the kids, but I think they did more for themselves then anyone else. I think with all that they have been through these past few years, I think that they wanted to reassure themselves not everyone else that their in it for the long haul. And it was nice to see their relatives from Jon's side to see them and the kids.

And contrary to popular belief I do not think that Jon and Kate were ungrateful to have their relatives there. I think it is quite the opposite. Not all people are touchy feely. And while Kate and Jon do show their affection to each other and the children it is nothing like the Duggars or other TV families. Want to know the reason why?...This may surprise you but not all families are touchy feely and lovey dovey. (I know shocking ain't it? And really is feely and dovey really words? Apparently not according to Webster.) I come from a family that loves each other very much but just because we don't hug each other every 5 seconds doesn't mean we don't. And as someone on another site pointed out...different cultures show affection differently. Not less just differently.

This was a great episode and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I wonder when the new season will come on and what will the season opener be about. Will it be them moving into their new house...or the yard sale? I am guessing the yard sale, but who knows. What I do know is that when the ratings come out I am sure Jon and Kate will be near if not at the top. And while I feel like I am beating a dead horse (which I think we are doing a lot lately because some seem to believe it will give one more breath...) I once again have to say that as long as viewers pour in good or bad TLC will continue to run the show regardless of what articles are out there. It is only when there is a decrease in ratings is when they will pull the plug.

And just one final note before I leave...I watched the other show...twins, twins, and sextuplets. I am not sure what to think of this show. I will definitely tune in next week. I like the husband and wife interaction, it is similar to the way my husband and I interact with each other. Though I do not think it will steal the thunder of the Gosselin's because they truly are in a league of their own. (And I can hear it now...their awful parents for exploiting their handicapped child.)

So what do you think of the wedding? Were you expecting so much more or was that just what you had in mind?

Jon and Kate Take Over Hawaii

2008-11-06T07:31:00.000-08:00

Sorry for the long absence but motherhood took over for awhile. However I have not forgotten about Jon or Kate or their Hawaii episodes. I will have to say that I don't know about anyone else, but I am ready for my stay in Hawaii. (The problem is it is that it is light years away. But a girl can dream.) Anyway, I really loved this episode. Actually I loved to past episodes. Maybe its because of the awesome hotels they stayed at or maybe it was the water and water slides (because I am addicted to water slides). This episode was quite nice and a very good lead up to next week.

I am sure that their wedding will be one that will be debated for quite awhile on the blogs long after it is over but I have to admit that TLC is doing one heck of a job drawing in an audience. (I can't get away from the commercial for it, not that I want to because I love the song that goes with it.)

But back to the Hawaii episode. I will say that I rather enjoyed the things the kids got to do. I love the fact that Joel pretended he had a boom mic. And it was really cool that the girls got to make leis and learn the hula. My girls want to do it, but since we're in the middle of Fall but I might have a Hawaiian Day with them and we make fake hulas drink tropical drinks and do other fun (indoor) things. But that is nether here nor there. I was very glad to see them do things that both age groups like to do. But I was most surprised with Mady and how easily she made friends on the beach. I hope the girls she was talking to really wanted to be her friend and not just get on TV. That would go through my head a lot as a parent. But they seemed to really be enjoying each others company.

Another thing that really got me was when the kids got invited down to do cookies and Kate said that Mady had to stay behind because of her behavior. I really had to applaud her for that. I have a child like Mady (personality wise) and while it can be very frustrating to deal with I think Kate is right in removing her from any potentially rewarding experience. And contrary to popular belief by many blogs against the Gosselin's this is not Mady's attempt to get off camera nor is she a victim. I truly believe that Mady is a 8 year old ( I think she may have been 7 at the time) who really believes in getting what she wants no matter what and I also believe that she truly doesn't realize the camera is there when she has her meltdowns therefore we really get to see her in a raw state. (Meaning we get to see her do what we see our children do). But I also believe that Kate and Jon have asked the camera people to refrain from taping it. Which I for one am glad to see. I hate to admit it but I wouldn't be surprised if one of Mady's classmates came across what is being written about her and teased her about it. I pray not though.

Back to the show, I know that many people out there are pretty upset at the treatment the Gosselin's got at the hotel. I for one am not. Hey let me get some of that treatment. And you got to admit, the hotel probably wants to show off some of its best features and what better way to do it then to let the Gosselin's do it and show it on camera. Whether they are entitled to it or exploiting are completely different subjects. But come on here, if a company offered you something for free there is usually something attached. Whether you have to wear a t-shirt or put a bumper sticker on the car, that company will find a way for you to promote them. Isn't that business. I don't care what the naysayers think and the whole "moral" issue about how they wouldn't do it in a million years. As many would say "I'll believe it when I see it." Meaning you can talk out the side of your mouth if you want to about how you wouldn't do it, but if that hotel called you today and told you that your name had been drawn and you would get all the same things as the Gosselin's your telling me you wouldn't take it? I want to know. Would you or wouldn't you? Why?

And for the record...I would :)

PLEASE REMEMBER TO VOTE!!!!!

2008-11-03T06:02:00.000-08:00

I am trying to get this one out earlier rather than later. Please do not forget to vote tomorrow. This is an important election and no matter whether you are Republican or Democrat, man or woman, black or white...it is important to let your voice be heard!!!!

The New House...

2008-11-03T06:00:00.000-08:00

All I can say about it is...well is that I can't wait to see it! I bet it is large, roomy, and isolated. If I were them that would be a little slice of peace knowing that I have a house that is big enough for all of us and the loons are not able to drive by the house and try to catch pic's of us.

I hope that this house is not the one pictured on GWoP because if it is then I feel real sorry for the Gosselins. I mean they (Jon and Kate) didn't try to hide the fact that they were looking for a house. And Kate even hinted around to it when they did viewer FAQ.

I hope that we can all be happy for them. I am happy for them. I for one can't wait to see the kids go running around the property. Also...I just have to say that personally I can't wait to see the inside of the house. I love the layout of the current house except for where the master bedroom is (But that is just a personal thing for me.) Anyway, all I can say congrats Gosselins and happy moving. Try to make it stress free!!!!!!

So What Do You Think About Kate on the 700 Club?

2008-11-01T12:49:00.000-07:00

Ok...so I have been trying for the last 15 minutes to upload the video from youtube onto my site so you could just click on it, but after a frustrating time I just said forget and put the link up. ( Man...now I understand why I never thought to put up video before and let me tell you I commend anyone that does.) So here is the link.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SR_d2fZ4TPI

Well I have seen the edited version and the longer version on CBN. I have to say that I am very tempted to buy their book. The only problem is I know my husband won't let me. So I am hoping that my favorite online book store (Albris) will have it for sale soon. (BTW...and this is totally off topic but if you ever need to find a new, used or out of print book this is a great site to go to.) Anyway, her interview really touched me. I never knew she was as sensitive as she came across on the screen. Now don't get me wrong or miss read me here. I am not saying Kate is cold and uncaring...actually I think she is just the opposite. I think that she is very caring and probably hides how she is feeling in order to not get her feelings hurt. (I know exactly how that is because I have been there and believe me after getting hurt you grow a very thick skin and your lips tend to get loose...LOL something I am working on.) I thought it was a pretty good story.

I use to watch the 700 club and still tune in when a good story is on, but I do have to agree with a lot of people when they say that Pat Robertson rubs them the wrong way. I for one always felt guilty when I didn't or rather couldn't give and then you here them say if you do then you will be blessed and those that don't...well you see were I am going. But the show does bring a lot of people to the faith and hopefully Kate's interview will too. I think the interview really showed a side that we the viewing public rarely see. And it makes me think that maybe Kate has a type of dry sense of humor that most don't get. I am not taking up for her because I don't know her...but I know what it's like for someone to tell you that you don't care about your kids (in my case it was the classroom of children I was teaching.). It hurts...but you don't want the other person or people to know you are hurting. Just because you aren't touchy feely doesn't mean you care any less then a person who is. It is hard believe me but sometimes you do have to take the high road. And man is it not easy!!! (Believe me when I tell you my tongue has a mind of its own and the high road is not the path that I take sometimes, but that's for a different blog).

I guess the point in all my babbling is that in my little ol' opinion I think that Kate has two sides to her. The one that we see is her strong Type A personality which is wanting things perfect and having to have it her way. And then I think she has a more vulnerable side that we don't get to see so often. No I don't think her going on CBN hurt her or that she is a nutcase because she is talking about her religion and her relationship with God. We all have our own personal relationships with God (or not) but I think it is wrong for some to judge her and her appearance. I actually think that by her going on CBN she is going to actually help the show because she just got a whole new audience to tune in. I mean she just tapped into a whole new demographic and they may not even care about the Internet and what is said on it. And for those who are writing CBN and telling them who Kate "really" is. I hate to be the one to tell you, but all they are going to do is pray for you and delete the email. (I know that must burn up some people out there...but you see that's what some of us Christians do. We love instead of hate...don't you just hate that? Or should I say love that?)

And let me just say on a side note without going into different ideologies that whether or not Kate and Jon show their religion on tv is something they must deal with internally. I don't think that they must be like the Duggars. Think about it...if they were would we really tune in? Probably not. We don't know if the kids say their prayers at night. We don't know what scriptures are posted around the house. We don't know if they (meaning Jon and Kate) do bible study together before they go to bed. We won't know. And maybe TLC is choosing to put some of that on the cutting room floor because there are other things that are more juicy to show. The point I am trying to make however long that may be is that we shouldn't judge whether or not Jon and Kate are "Christian" enough or whether or not it's Christian for them to get "freebies".

And one final note (I promise) I don't think people should judge Jon for going to the Salvation Army either. There may be times when we all are down on our luck and need some assistance. If you never have the need to get it...please stay blessed and be thankful. But don't look down on those that do. (And I'm not saying that everyone does...please don't think that). But really...think about how hard it must have been for Jon (who was probably making a decent amount of money) to have to go the Salvation Army and ask for help. Heck it's hard for my husband to admit that we may need help in these upcoming months. But I am thankful for food pantries and the Goodwill, and the Salvation Army. Please don't think that I am feeling pity for the Gosselin's...oh contrare as they say. What I am saying is that I understand.

So now that my daily thesis is over...what do you think about Kate on the 700 Club? Do you think she was sincere...or was she just playing to the camera?

Happy Halloween!!!

2008-10-31T18:03:00.000-07:00

I know this post is like a day late and a dollar short but I just hope everyone enjoyed their day/night with their family. I hope all children were safe and no one got anything of suspicion. Even though my family and I don't celebrate Halloween my children dressed up and played with kids their age and had a good ol' time. (And the best part is yet to come...50 to 70% off all my favorite candies...time to stock up!!!!)

Sorry for not blogging this week, but I promise to get back to blogging daily or every two days starting tomorrow. (Plus I have like four unfinished blogs that I need to finish and post.)

The Most Anticpated Episode Yet...

2008-10-23T15:46:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is a big day for the Gosselin household (even though the actual event happened months ago). I can see the wedding now in my mind (even though it will be much prettier on TV). I am excited. I am also very interested in what other not so happy "non" fans have to say. I am assuming that they will nitpick over every little detail and take all the fun out of the episode.

I can't wait to see all the kids dressed nicely and who all came out to their wedding. I hope their family and friends in Hawaii come to hush those naysayers that say that they have cut everyone out of their life. I have to admit that I am becoming more a Kate fan every week. I think I am seeing another side to her. I side that is more free and a lot less controlling. I think that took a lot of letting go on her part and says a lot about her. I have yet to read the book but am in search of it now.

No doubt there will be many people chatting it up in blogshpere the moment the show comes on and I no doubt will be one of them. But hopefully most will comment on the beautiful ceremony and not snippet about what was done or little things like Kate's makeup. I hope we can all be glad that after 9 years( I think that is right) Jon and Kate can say proudly that they are happily married and renewing their commitment to each other. I knew people I went to school that were "happily married" only to get divorced 2 years later and they didn't even have children. I am glad to see they are really staying together through thick and thin when many couples would crumble under the pressure.

I am sure I am not the first, but hopefully I am not the last..Congratulations Jon and Kate...may you stay strong for another 10 or more years!!!

One, Two, Three Strikes Your Out At The Ol' Ball Game!!!!

2008-10-22T06:23:00.000-07:00

Jon Takes Them Out To The Ball Game!!!

I wanted to try something different and add a picture but to be honest I am not sure what copyright laws are for the types of images you can find in the web. So after a half an hour trying to decide whether or not to upload the Philadelphia Phanatic, I decided not to. But anyway, this episode is about Jon taking his kids to the a Philly baseball game. I am not going to go into the details of this because I am trying to get my recap blog going so you can find recaps of all the episodes there. ( I hope I can write all those before the next century...but we'll see.)

Anyway, I was glad to see Jon take the boys out for some father son bonding, but I was also glad to see that Cara was able to go too. I can tell she is really a sports person and enjoyed the game. The boys seemed to not really be interested in the game that much, which I can understand. I never went to a game as a kid, but just remembering having to sit through my brother's rec league game was enough for me.

But I am glad that they were able to take the game in from the sky box. That is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and yea, the kids would have had more fun in the stands, could you imagine Jon trying to keep up with them while people are yelling at them like they are celebrities. I bet that would probably freak the boys out and probably made Cara wish she'd stay at home. But that was cool that the met so many people and got to run on the bases.

Not much to talk about on the episode, it was a fun event filled day. And for goodness sake Kate was not on medication. She seemed not very interested (Sorry Kate but you did). And while it was silly for her to ask if the hot dogs were organic (can you see that in the ballpark...an all organic stand. I am sorry but that is funny to me. I can hear it now..."Get your 100% organic beef hotdog on whole wheat organic buns! Come and Get it!") I am sorry but you go to ballgames to spoil your appetite and diet. (Or is that only me?) Anyway, the reason I say she wasn't on meds is because I have a friend who is very, very, very, girly and very much an indoor girl, and believe it or not she ask the same questions about all sports. And yes, I can see how she didn't wake up when Jon came in. He probably had to carry all the kids up to bed therefore, he was probably quiet so he wouldn't wake up the other kids.

Overall, good episode and interesting. What do you think?

Here We Again....Look They're On CNN Now!!!

2008-10-19T13:20:00.000-07:00

Ok...I was having a little fun with the title but anyway...I was doing my usual updates when I saw the Paul Peterson clip on CNN. Wow a somewhat hard news story on the Gosselin's...NOT. Look I was in the journalism field for quite a while and I know the difference between a hard investigative story and a story filler (sorry Paul Peterson but that's what it was. If it was a busy news day this story would have been bumped. Meaning it would have been dropped from the line up of what goes on air.) But that's not the beef that I have with this news story. Don't get me wrong, this story was presented well and even researched, but there wasn't anything news worthy. My beef (okay that word is not what I really should use here) problem is a better word. Okay my problem with this story is that Paul Peterson was talking about the probable exploitation of the children. Well, I do see what he is saying about seeing the children naked and sitting on potties, he makes no new claims and even stated that IF there was "mistreatment" he would definitely be on it.

So my question is...where is the problem? Oh I see those poor kids are treated so badly I mean how dare Jon and Kate take them on a trip to Hawaii or to Legoland in San Diego. What kind of parents are they?!!! My problem lies with the fact that over the past year and half I have seen three big child stars make huge mistakes and not once did I see Paul Peterson advocating for them. Where was he when Britney Spears was in the ocean with her bra and panties or giving herself a buzz cut. Where was he when she was shopping at 1 am in the morning and taking off her clothes in front of the world. Did I hear him chime in when Lindsay Lohan was speeding down an interstate chasing a former assistant with Cocaine in her pocket? Or what about Jamie Lynn Spears having sex and becoming pregnant at 16? I didn't hear not one word from him and they are in the ENTERTAINMENT FIELD. Come on!!!!!

I am not against what Mr. Peterson is doing, but I am wondering what his motives are behind this. There are so many children who are in the entertainment field that we should and ought to be concerned about. While I do think the Gosselin children should take some time away from the camera and just breathe I do not think we should become a lynch mob h*ll bent on bringing them down.

I have my concerns about what the show is doing to them, you can see it on poor Cara ( who by the way was not shown close up on the Fox interview.) I think she really needs a break. But that's for Jon and Kate to decide not the viewing public. I have said it once (well many times now...) I'll say it again if a TV company wanted to film me and my family even if it was for $2000 dollars an episode I would say yes. (If you can't tell I'm like "greedy" ol'Kate I am secretly asking for my own show LOL...) But seriously I would definitely set boundaries which Jon and Kate may or may not have set when they first started the show. Who wouldn't? As a stay at home mom in these difficult times I would love to not have to worry about putting my kids in daycare for me to work in order to just get by. (But that's a story for another blog i.e. Trials of a Soccer Mom) What I am getting at is that Kate and Jon believe they are doing something that is beneficial for their family and even if I think they need time off every once in awhile, it's their final decision to make.

Paul...I understand your concern but before you go on the talk show circuit show me some evidence of mistreatment. That's it for my two cents. What do you think?

Do You Think The Kids Need A Break?

2008-10-17T16:52:00.000-07:00

I am trying to write more often instead of every couple of days and one of the things that I was thinking about over my usual cup of coffee (extra strong and hot for my aching throat) was how sad Cara looked on Thursday. Now don't get me wrong I know that Cara is not a morning person and that they probably had to get up at 5 am to be in the studio by 7am (or earlier depending on the time they were suppose to be on the air). But she seemed to be more than tired.

Now I know some of you might bash me or say "hey I thought you were a Jon and Kate fan". Well I am, but at the same time I also notice stuff that makes me go hmmmmm. Cara seemed like she just didn't want to be there. And while I understand that we all have our off days, maybe the twins should have more of a choice on whether or not they want to be there. They are getting up there in age (I think they are 8 now) and let me tell you, kids at that age can be down right cruel to each other. It doesn't matter what type of upbringing they have. Kids can sometimes take a 180 degree turn when parents aren't around. Maybe they really are starting to have a hard time at school with the other children. Maybe the other kid's parents aren't real big fans of Jon and Kate or have seen some of the websites out there. Maybe the other kids have overheard their parents complain about Jon and Kate and their so called "free ride". (Okay now I am really starting to dive into conspiracy theories here but think about for a minute.)

Now I do feel like Mady has kind of gotten used to the fact that she is on TV and may like it, I think Cara is the total opposite. I think it gets under her skin that her classmates know the intimate details of her parents marriage and her life at home (This is just my opinion). But then I am also wondering if she has stumbled onto blogs like these. I don't care what some people think, a child can work the Internet very well at that age, not to mention the fact that they are also teaching children how to use the Internet in computer classes these days. What if she stumbled upon these sites one day because she is curious and sees not only what people are saying about her parents but about her and her siblings. (I know another theory, but I have a lot of time on my hands).

I guess the main point of my blog is...well is it just me or do Jon and Kate need to take a vacation at home? Meaning take a week or two off from filming or traveling and just hang out. Or have family time with everyone without the cameras one weekend. Please don't think I am asking Jon and Kate to stop filming because that is their choice and who am I to yell stop at them when I would probably do the same thing. Yet if I am on TV and see that the camera is staying clear of my oldest because she looks sad, I would definitely let the film company know that we need a vacation camera free to let everyone let their hair down every once in awhile.

But maybe its not just the camera filming all the time or the Internet...maybe (oh this thought just hit me) maybe its not neither but rather the crazy people out there that yell out to Jon and Kate and the family when they are out in the public. Maybe its the crazies that yell "There goes Jon and Kate" or "Stop milking your kids". You know there are people who say it, so sad that people would stoop to this level but they do. Maybe it's the public that is freaking her out or making her not really want to do these things anymore.

Or maybe she just had an off day. We all do, and we all have our theories as to why Cara looked the way she did on Thursday. I pray that she was just having an off day, but if by chance she wasn't then I pray and I think that Jon and Kate will step back and look to having some quality alone time with her and the others (without the camera there.)

Well enough with my theories...what do you think...do you think she had an off day or do you think the kids need a break (without the camera) for a week or two?

Mr. Mom, Preshool, GMA and More...

2008-10-16T19:22:00.000-07:00

I'mmmm baaaack. Well I never really left, but I right when I decided to blog a little bit more, I catch the flu setting me back even further from blogging. I'm still getting over it, but I really wanted to write this blog. So if it seems like its all over the place, just know that I am a little bit drugged up. But anyway, I don't know about you but it seems like its Gosselin's all over the place this week. From the Women's Convention in Orlando to GMA on Thursday. And for some reason I can't seem to get enough of them.

The Mr. Mom Episode

First the episode of Mr. Mom. I personally think Jon did a good job by himself. He really worked well with the kids. And before all the child advocates get all upset, when Jon was telling the kids to "get" the monster he was...well he was being a boy. My husband is like that with my girls (which I sometimes hate) and he can't wait to do it with our son when he gets old enough. That's just the way we are. My husband believes that boys should be tough and can't wait to play football with him. But before I get off the subject totally, back to Jon. I think he really realized that being a mom is a hard job. He does do a lot when Kate is around, but to do what he usually does on top of Kate's duties was probably an eye opener. My favorite part of the show was when he said that he would have the kids buy their lunch, but because Kate packs their lunch he took pictures of what he needed to put in their lunchbox. Typical male (LOL) My husband does the same thing or says just let her buy lunch. But I thought overall he did good, and boy did he look relived when Kate came back. That was a good episode.

Da Ta Da...The Tups Go To Preschool!!!!!!

And of course they showed the episode that has been talked about all summer long. All we kept reading about in these blogs are if the tups are in preschool. Well...yea they are. Their school is over an hour away, they go three times a week and for two hours. I wondered what Jon and Kate did during that time and its nice to know that they try to get their grocery shopping done, run errands, etc. It is also good that they are sending them to a church based preschool that the girls went to. I personally think it shows that they liked the program and just because they have money doesn't mean they have to send the tups to some fancy preschool. The tups seemed excited and loved their backpacks they were carrying. I guess all and all it was a good episode. I figured they wouldn't show us what they did during the day. Some people don't understand why they would travel an hour to go to preschool, but if your church has a good program than why not send your child there. Personally for me I would do the same thing. If our church had a preschool or daycare program I would definitely send my children there. Because I would know the staff and I would know what they would be teaching. However I wouldn't get my kids those book bags. Don't get me wrong they are cute, but darn it if I'm going to spend money on a backpack that thing is going to at least last until the 4th or 5th grade. Call me cheap if you want to but in these hard times I am trying to cut corners anyway I can, plus when my oldest was in pre-k last year she went through 3 book bags in the first couple of months. I want something that is durable and will last. But then again I wonder if Kate is willing to spend a good amount of money on book bags for 6 four year olds. I could see if they were 6, but not at four. Anyway...

Segements on GMA

I didn't catch the first segment on GMA, but I did catch the last two. There's not too much to tell about them. They asked about the blogs and why they decided to do a TV show. Jon and Kate answered in a very politically correct way. On the last segment, Kate made a meatloaf recipe that she does for her family. It seems like a pretty cool recipe because it hides veggies in it. And I am always looking for a way to hide veggies into food. But anyway, I put the recipe below for anyone who wants it. I also have the recipes for tomato and onion salad, Jon's beef recipe, monkey munch, edible play dough, as well as for sticky bread. Just leave me a message in my email and I will send it to you.

Kate's Meatloaf

(makes 10 slices)

Ingredients
2 pounds organic ground beef

2-3 eggs

Finely chopped (I use food processor on pulse) celery, onion, green pepper, carrots- about 3/4-1 cup of each.

About 1½-2 cups of breadcrumbs- Italian seasoned if on hand. Otherwise, plain works too. May need more breadcrumbs depending on the consistency of the meatloaf.

About 3/4 cup shredded or grated Parmesan cheese (whichever's on hand).

About ¼ to ½ cup ketchup.

About 2 teaspoons of Italian seasoning

About 1 teaspoon of garlic salt

Mix all the ingredients together in a large mixing bowl and divide equally into two separate meat loaves. Add a squirt of ketchup to the top of each in a zig-zaggy design. I cover with foil and bake in either a meatloaf pan or a glass bread baking dish at 350 degrees for about an hour (depending on oven) or until bubbly and center is no longer pink.
During the last 15 minutes or so, I remove foil covering and finish baking uncovered.
When there's leftovers (usually I have about half a loaf left over) I put a slice between wholegrain bread with some mayo and ketchup swirled together (a la French dressing!), and a slice of lettuce and tomato too for a delicious meatloaf sandwich for the next day!
Yummy!
Recipe courtesy of Kate Gosselin.

Well I have rambled enough and I hope I have made sense. I am trying to blog more so hopefully I will be on in the next couple of days and blog about more Jon and Kate drama.

Mean Girls Taken to a Whole New Level

2008-10-11T11:54:00.001-07:00

Happy Saturday everyone!!! I was just doing my usual round of reading when I came across some very interesting reads at various blogspots. To say the least I was rather upset. Not a boiling mad, or ready to rant, but upset as in school teacher upset. It reminded me of what I used to see when I taught elementary school. It would start when one kid told on another, and being pissed off the other kid would make fun of the kid that told and tried to get everyone else to make fun of them. This thought made me think of the movie Mean Girls. If you haven't seen it, you should especially if you have a little girl. Because although the movie is funny and engaging, you really see how mean and cruel girls (or women) can be to each other.

I mean do we really have to be so crude with each other just because we have differing opinions or we "outed" someone on the Internet. For the life of me I thought we were all adults. What we're all disagreeing about is kinda stupid if you think about it. Seriously...the U.S. is on the brink of its first serious financial crisis since the Great Depression, people are loosing their homes everyday, our young men and women are giving their lives for us and we're about to vote in a president who will hopefully get us out of this mess and all some of us can do is snark about is the fact that Pennmommy was "outed" as a fake and how pissed they are about it. Come on...some families are trying to figure out whether or not they can put food on the table or if they will have enough money for gas this week and yet another site pops up making fun of people. Come on...grow up!!!

I think we can learn something from our children nowadays. We always tell our kids...don't be a bully, don't pick on people...yet here some are doing the exact opposite. What do they tell their kids when the kid walks in the room while they are laughing and saying, "Take that."

Why is it that some of us forget that we are talking about a TV show. Let me repeat that...A TV SHOW. None of what we say or do on the Internet is going to change Jon and Kate's mind. Why can't we just suck it up and admit to take the show at face value and not get so involved as to whether or not they photoshopped their picture. Or pouting in the corner because PennMommy is a fake. Why don't we practice what we preach to our children. To not bully, or call names, or make fun of people, but take these blogs as good honest grown up discussions among adults. I mean its gone from a lively debate to being outright vicious.

While I enjoy writing this blog I am concerned about someone taking this blog very seriously. What I mean by that is that I hope no one is offended by what is written here. I am writing my own two cents as part of a bigger discussion. I hope whoever reads these blogs continue to do so... I want you to and please feel free to leave me a comment. I enjoy reading them and writing back. I do not take the negative comments to heart because like so many other blogs this is my opinion..,please tell me yours.

Sorry if this sounds like a rant...I don't want it to be and I hope it didn't come off this way...but the latest blog really made me think about how we are treating each other. (And yes I do remember that I said that I would not say PM's name again...but I had to in order to make my point. I hated the fact I had to go back on what I said in a previous blog.)

Can we get back to discussing the show...the original reasons for these blogs in the first place?

Back to the bloggings of Jon and Kate

2008-10-08T08:57:00.000-07:00

Sorry about taking so long to write again...so much drama and not just on the Internet. Life just keeps on getting interesting.

Anyway, I like so many others saw Jon and Kate last week on Regis and Kelly. I will have to agree with everyone else that the pencils were not a good idea. But I think (IMHO) that the production assistants didn't think the kids would actually pick up the pencils. Which is stupid because every little kid I know will definitely pick up a ginormous pencil and try to use it. ( To write with or as a weapon depending on the child). But I do not think it was done on purpose, or last minute. Contrary to popular belief, shows actually start prepping for their guest at least one week in advance if not more. I believe that the person who chose those "props" didn't have any children and thought the set would "look" more kid friendly. But overall, I think Jon and Kate did a good job. I can see they were a little preoccupied with their kids and what they were doing. Which is a good thing instead of letting them run wild. (Which is a blessing to see, because I have been around some parents who let their kids run wild then get mad when ask them to reign them in.) Anyway, there was not much of anything that they talked about. I kept wondering why Kelly said she admired Kate so much. Don't get me wrong, I love the organizational tips she (Kate) gave out on their website, I have really put them into practical use, but overall I think she's like any other stay at home mom. The only difference between me and her is her bank account ( and the fact that she has 5 more kids) okay so there are some big differences but still. I guess that's why I feel relateable to Kate. She seems like a person I could call on the phone complain about my day, and know she understands what's it like to keep more than one child at home all day under the age of 5. Okay, maybe I am going a tad bit overboard, but I think Kelly put on the flattery's a little too much. But Jon and Kate didn't seem to show any stress over what has been said of them. And that's a good thing.

Which brings me to the People Magazine spread. I would have loved to have brought it, but since I am being overly conscious of what I spend my money on now a days I just looked at it while in line at the grocery store. It seemed to be a pretty good article, and I can understand what Kate is saying about online and the comments being made. I know I get defensive if someone doesn't like what I wrote, but hey I am glad that people are reading it and having something to say about it. It seems to be that it can't bother her too much or something would have been said or done by now. Anyway, I am hoping I will be able to splurge on the Good Housekeeping magazine when it comes out. Not because the Gosselin's are on the cover, but because they usually have some great Thanksgiving recipes. That was a great cover to be on. Guaranteed exposure with the holidays coming up and everything.

As far as Kate and Jon in Birmingham. I thought it was a good Q&A. They seemed relaxed and like everyday people. I can see why they are uncomfortable about being celebrities. They have never claimed to be experts in anything, yet people ask them like they are. To be honest, if my son is not potty trained by the time he is 3 1/2, I'm going to the doctor not Kate. I love Kate and think the M&M thing is a good incentive. I've started doing that with room cleaning for my girls, and the results have been 75% good so far. (I'm still working on the other 25%, but that's just plain stubbornness from my girls). So I understand why Kate seemed a little bit loss. It's like if someone came to me and asked me about potty training a little girl. Even though I did potty train two, they trained in completely different ways. My oldest took longer, and my youngest was afraid of the toilet for about a month (the flushing sound got her, still does when we are out.)
But neither Jon nor Kate seemed uptight or ready for it to be over with. Yes, I know we only saw bits and pieces, but if their behavior was really horrible don't you think we would have heard about it now. I know there would be at least one person dying to tell the world "we were right they are uptight and not appreciative". Thanks pinkcupcake for sharing even though it wasn't meant for everyone's eyes. And I am sorry you had to take it down.

Finally, the show on Monday. Even though the net was much more interesting on Monday, I did see bits and pieces of the show. It was not as excitement filled as I thought it would be. It was quite boring, and reminded me of any picture my family tries to take and we only have 5. Next week looks to be hilarious with Jon being at home by himself. I bet those kids don't know what to do with themselves (in a good way). Just like my kids do when I am not there. Just thinking about how bad my girls hair look when I get back is enough to make me laugh.

Anyway, now that the net saga about the other blogger is over, I hope we (me included) are a little bit more skeptical about "insider" knowledge when it pops up all of sudden. At least for me, until someone like Paul Peterson or any other real child advocate cries foul...we all should remember it's just a show.

The Last 24 Hours

2008-10-07T08:48:00.000-07:00

I was about to blog about Jon and Kate being on Regis and Kelly, the most recent episode, and their publication in People magazine but man...that all seems quite a bit trivial after finding out the truth about PennMommy.

I will be the first to say thank you to GDNNOP for bringing out the truth about PennMommy. I am quite appalled and pissed with myself for personally thinking she/he or whoever the person is for having an ill child. I am sorry but for anyone who is a parent regardless whether you are a mother or father you do not want to see your child sick or in pain. I remember when my little girl went into surgery (it was minor and what was called a routine surgery) but all her father and I could think about is the fact that we could not be by her side. Thank God she came out okay and recovered quite quickly, I can let you know for a fact that I didn't think about anyone or anything else until she was fully recovered. And some stupid blog was the last thing on my mind.

I am not going to judge anyone who wants to stick with PennMommy, but I would ask that you consider the facts. Even Julie took down her support of PennMommy. I hate the fact that everyone was prey to this hoax. I was more into this then the TV show last night (which was pretty good from the parts I saw).

But let me end this short blog by stating that there were some familiar bloggers on PennMommy's site that are now apart of their own private blog with PennMommy. I started to think that maybe this blogger called "PennMommy" was apart of some elaborate setup to get the blogs really going because there really isn't much that can be said about Jon and Kate's behavior because no one besides Jodi can really say. Maybe this was intended to keep the talk going just a little while longer. You know how some people just keep picking because they have nothing else better to do...maybe this was just that. The fact that GWoP isn't really talking about it, only the people who are in the private blog with PennMommy are is really interesting.

I am taking down the blog about having PM's son in my prayers because as a Christian I really meant it. But to have been preyed on and probably laughed at is something I will not stand for. I will not utter this person's blog or even acknowledge their presence. Call me what you like, but I don't have time for petty sh*t like that. And even though I may comment about it on the other blog...this blog is officially PennMommy free.

Now let's get back to talking about Jon and Kate...the original reason I started this blog.

Answering Questions (The Viewer FAQ Episode)

2008-10-02T02:28:00.000-07:00

This past week was an interesting week for the show. They (Jon and Kate) answered many viewer questions. They didn't touch the hot topics floating around the Internet, but their answers satisfied me the same. I know there are many people who were not happy they didn't answer the questions about exploitation and having permanent lighting in their house. But I was looking back at past episodes and saw that they had touched on them in some form or other.

I for one really don't care to hear how much money they have, or if they have lights permanently in their home. I also don't want to know about their family drama (especially after the whole pennmommy blog). I don't want to know what they do with the so called "love offerings" (which are really speaker fees and anyone who has heard someone at their church speak would know that, and know that it is optional to give). I also don't really understand the need to address the "freebies" situation. As I have already pointed out, in the world of TV if your show is hot businesses are going to want to advertise on your show. It's a no brainer. Hey if I had a hit show about my family and someone offered me a free stay in Key West I would jump on it and tell the camera crew they could watch me sleep if that's what it took for me to be able to take my kids on a nice vacation.

Look, we are in America, the land of opportunity. Why not take the free promotional? I don't want to hear about taking the high road, or having morals. If your boss came to you and said you would get a $2,000 bonus for wearing the company t-shirt and telling everyone how great the company is, your telling me you wouldn't?....Yeah right and I'm related to Donald Trump. All I'm saying is that we shouldn't get caught up on what these people have after all it's just a reality show. Think about it, the Duggars are doing the same thing. They are not on TV just for the fun of it. They are business people just like Jon and Kate and at the end of the day both families are looking out for their future.

With that said, let me just give my opinion about a couple of the topics they discussed.

Adaen's Glasses.
First of all, I think Adaen is so cute with his glasses on and even cuter when they are off. He is probably near-sighted if he has to sit close to the TV. I know because I am near-sighted and can't see worth a lick without my glasses. It's cute the way he forgets them. I wish I could do the same, only I'm as blind as a bat without mine. But it's good to see that they are trying to make him more responsible about keeping up with his glasses. I taught first and second graders who couldn't even remember to put them on.

Which brings me to the next point: hitting, especially in the head.
Many may think that young kids don't hit in the head. But I hate to burst your bubble, if you have more than one child and they are close in age they will hit. It's instinct. I'm not condoning it, its just a fact of life. When I taught kids, they hit each other. With pencils, books, fists, feet, anything close to them. One child even hit another child with a block. (I had a very tough class the first year I taught.) It was not the parents fault. Most of the parents did discipline their kids, it's just that for some kids that's their way of "sticking it to the other child". Crazy and not the most healthy way of working out problems, but again they are kids and kids will be kids.

Freebies.
What more can I say? As one person put it, you have to pay for your marketing before you reap the benefits. As for these places they are probably reaping the benefits a thousandfold. And if a couple of hundred people boycott, then another thousand will attend the place because Jon and Kate visited therefore off setting those little hundred. It's all about the green. And if their is green to be made by these companies they will advertise.

Gas Station Floor vs. Hotel Floor
I have to agree with everyone else on this one. I find the gas station a very gross place. I have hand sanitizer in my car to wash my hands after getting gas. The thought of what is on the ground little makes me sick to the stomach. Not that a hotel room is any better. Between worrying about dirty sheets that have bed bugs, and other gross things in a hotel I think I will just lock myself in my home. (Oh who's kidding...I'm out the door every morning to see what's new at Walmart.) I understand Kate's phobia...I still think it's silly but I understand it.

The BRATT diet.
Interesting diet because I always wondered what they gave them when they were sick. It makes total sense, and I think I may start using that myself to help my kids.

Moving.
I think they will be moving in the upcoming episodes otherwise they would not have been that secretive. Plus when you look at their upcoming TV schedule there is one Monday night that is just labeled Episode 23 even though the next week they talk about what is going to happen. I am happy for them. Believe me, if someone gave me a free mansion or a 4 bedroom house I would jump on the opportunity.

It was kind of an informative show and a good look back at the children. Even though they didn't tackle a lot of the burning questions by many I don't feel they need to or should. I think we should all take this show at face value and just enjoy it as is. Think about it, do you really see people blogging over Survivor, SuperNanny, or Big Brother the way we do this show? Not saying I'm going to stop writing because I rather enjoy it, I'm just saying maybe we shouldn't all turn into P.I.'s and try to unravel the truth. Let's just enjoy the ride. It's looks like its about to be a pretty interesting one.

PM's Son is in My Prayers

2008-09-29T06:53:00.000-07:00

Having spent much of the day in blog world and writing two blogs myself I wake up this morning to hear about PM and her family.

I wish that on no one and I will be praying for them today. I just had my first son and I also have two beautiful daughters that I would give my life for. I cannot stand to see them in pain, let alone go through what he is going through. I pray God will bless the family and allow her son to wake up with no trauma at all.

I agree with some of the other sites, lets talk about the positives of the show and what made us all tune in to watch in the first place. Let's just take a pause from all the bickering and just pray for her son's speedy recovery.

What made you start watching the show or like the show?

I'll start. I was intrigued by 2 parents raising 8 kids and talking to each other like my husband and I do with just 3 kids (or rather 2 with one in the oven at the time I started watching.) So how about you?

The Power of Words

2008-09-28T11:50:00.000-07:00

In the middle of the Privacy blog I had an epiphany of this blog. The power of words. Do you remember when you were little and someone one was picking on you and you said, "stick and stones my break my bones but words will never hurt me." But as one teacher told me..."Words do hurt and you must watch what you say."

I think that is more than true when it comes to conversations that we have about Jon and Kate. I think that it is one thing to talk about how you may or may not have handled that situation, but it is another when you start saying that they are intentionally putting one of their children in harms way or hurting their children.

Every parent has the right to discipline their child the way they see fit, but we as observers must remember what we say when we see it. It's one thing to say something when you see a parent wailing on a kid, and quite another when you see a parent sit back and do nothing. I do not want anyone to think that I am saying that Jon and Kate spank their kids or abuse them. From what I have seen on TV, it is quite the opposite. They use time out and stern looks to get their point across. (If only that would work in my house....sigh the thought of it is lovely.)

But anyway...the point I am trying to make is that we are all adults here and we should practice what we would tell our kids. It's not nice to call each other names and it's not nice to assume or insinuate things if we don't mean them or mean for them to be taken the way they are. But this is just food for thought.

Invasion of Privacy

2008-09-27T08:16:00.000-07:00

These last 24 hours in "Blog World"have been quite interesting. I am not sure what I make of it or if I should. It started with PennMommy's site and now GWoP. I am currently at a loss of words.

I had a whole another subject that I was going to talk about, but now it seems a bit loss in the grand schemes of things. I understand what a lot of people mean when they say they are done with this whole he said, she said. They are tired of reading about everything Gosselin. What started out as blogs about the show have now turned nasty. Lying, CPS, and everything else under the sun is being mentioned. I don't know where to begin sorting all of it.

Even though I did not agree with what PennMommy's blog turned into, when it first started I have to admit that I was very much intrigued by it. Someone on the "inside" knows what really happened. And even though I hate to admit it...I hung onto every word she said which my me question or begin to dislike the show. But stepping back I now know I feel as though I was nothing more than a "peeping tom" for a lack of a better word. Wanting to know every juicy detail and counting down as to when the latest "evidence" would be posted. I am ashamed of myself for having become involved like that and invading the Gosselin's privacy. Because that is what I did, what a lot of readers did. We were curious but I feel in our quest of curiosity we stumbled into invading the privacy of not only Jon and Kate but the kids as well.

There are skeletons in everyone's closet and granted no one would want their aired, just because the person is on TV (movie star or reality star) it doesn't give anyone the right to stone another person for his/her skeletons. Just like politicians, Jon and Kate chose to live the public light and have the consequences that come along with it. But really...if their was any real cause for concern I believe it would have been handled quickly because they are in the public light and we as spectators expect it. Take the whole Paris Hilton jail episode. I mean they cut into our daily TV shows to show her going to jail. (Come On !!!!) But I digress...

I am glad that she took her site down. It was beginning to become a bloody battleground and there didn't look like a winner was in sight. I think the final straw for everyone was when CPS came up into the conversation. I believe that (IMHO) that, that was when everything crossed the line. As a mother of 3 I would be mad as h*ll and ready to go to a lawyer. In my mind, I would be thinking..who the hell are you to tell the world whether or not CPS was called on me and why did you feel the need to call them in the first place.

Now I do not know if Jon and Kate spank their kids or give them a pinch on the arm when they are out in public and do not behave. But as controversial as spanking is, it is a private matter that parents must decide whether or not they choose that form of discipline. Now I don't care who you are or who you work for, if you see a child in harms way you will feel the need to report it (even the camera crew). And I seriously doubt TLC would hide it or turn a blind-eye. In the end they would only be hurting themselves.

I heard that PennMommy's son had a turn for the worst. I feel horrible about it and am praying for him to make a full recovery. I am glad she doesn't have the burden of a blog hanging over her.

As for GWoP...I am surprised it is under investigation (yes...I know!!!). In the past I wondered why it was not, but lately it seemed as though they had cooled their heels a bit. I don't know if the question of CPS came up...but I give Bloggers props for CTA. (For those who don't know what it means...it stands for Cover Their (or you can say Your) A**.)

Well...I am left speechless for a moment until the next episode or new blog is created. Right now I am still trying to wrap my head around all the events that have taken place.

I would love to hear some takes of what or if anyone thinks any privacy was invaded?

It's All About the Benjamins Baby!!

2008-09-24T19:49:00.000-07:00

Just like Sean "P. Diddy"Combs said in his song.."It's all about the Benjamin's...What". At the time I thought he was doing what all rappers do...talk about how much money he has. But when I step back and take a look at the situation in regards to Jon and Kate this song actually makes sense.

As I do my reading (which is not daily due to my hectic schedule with the kids) I came across a website that talked about writing to sponsors and getting them to stop doing the show. I hate to tell you something kids...it ain't gonna work. I was in the TV biz for 6 years and there is one thing I can tell you for sure...the more you talk about it (good or bad) if its making money it's not going anywhere.

That's the way TV works. Why do you think ER stayed on so long or why shows like K-Ville, Men In Trees, Shark, Las Vegas won't be back for another season? It's all about ratings and money. And the more people tune in the more advertisers will too.

Jon and Kate are well aware of that fact. The V-Tech commerical is a prime example. Hey they came to them and probably pitched a good deal because demographically this show reaches 18-34 year old mothers. Hey I liked the game console they promoted myself, however I won't buy it for my kids. Not because "Kate got it for free" but because my kids already have a V-Tech. It's the older verison, but the games are cheaper and they are still learning. There is no way I would stop buying my kids educational games or an educational game system just because the Gosselin's got it for free. That's stupid! (No I am not calling anyone stupid...just the idea of not buying it stupid.) Come on think about it...would you rather your son play a game on V-Tech and learn about his numbers and the abc's or play Grand Theft Auto and learn how to car jack someone and talk to a hooker. Think about it.

As for the other products. Just because they show them on the show doesn't mean you have to get them. Juicy-Juice is a good juice and I do like for my kids to have it..but if Kroger's, Food Lion, or even Walmart has a sell or cheaper juice I am going to buy that. Not because the Gosselin's got it for free but because it fits in my budget.

What I am trying to get at is that many supporter's or sponsors of the show only see the bottom line and that is green. And when there is no more green there is no more sponsors. That is the way society works. We live in a captialistic one and it thrives on it. And in these times unless you are an oil company you are not sitting pretty and will take what you can get even if it does come with some negative press.

Just a Balanced Viewpoint

2008-09-24T19:31:00.000-07:00

I got a comment the other day from a blogger who thinks that I am supporting 2 websites over the others. Well...yes I am. Because a) I enjoy the level-headedness of those blogs and b) No one is bashing what Kate is wearing or saying that she is a lier.

I try my best to read any and all blogs out there that have something to do with the show because yes I am a fan...but not a fan that is fanatical. I like the show. Just like Survivor, Big Brother, Making the Band, I Want To Work For Diddy, Keeping Up With the Kardashisans (sorry if I spelled it wrong) and countless other shows. I also love the Food Network even though I don't care for many of their stars.

What I am trying to say is that no I am not in cahoots with the other websites, I just feel like they try their best to bring a balanced view to the table like me. And I enjoy reading their articles, instead of shaking my head and trying to figure out why people have this much hatred toward a person they don't know. I read pennmommy's blog and I have commented on it. You can sroll lower and see the article I wrote. (It's called a "A 'Penn'y For My Thoughts") I will not go into any comments right now or on her site because her child is gravely ill. I will continue to pray for his speedy recovery.

With that being said...please feel free to come back and comment...but read all the posts not just the one on negative blogs. I do not agree with Jon and Kate on a lot of their parenting styles...but I will not say they are bad parents or dog them out for the choices they make.

Take it or leave it...but its my blog and I think it's a fair one at that.

Aunt Jodi

2008-09-18T10:58:00.000-07:00

First I would like to apologize for any name calling I have done on my blog. Saint a fellow blogger brought this to my attention and I humbly apologize for it. I did it in the heat of the moment and that was not what I intended this site to be. Please excuse my behavior.

I keep seeing people talk about Aunt Jodi and why she is no longer on the show. And making her into the victim. While I do not think she is a victim, but rather in a bad fight with family I do think there are good plausible reasons that she is no longer on the show. I feel bad for her because she looked very pitiful on her video. (Let me clarify that statement by stating that by pitiful I mean really, really sad. I feel for her. I don't see my nephew for certain reasons ((that will remain private)) and I can completely sympathize with Jodi.)

I actually wondered why I no longer saw her on the show myself a couple of times. But looking back at previous episodes I am began to see something that I didn't really recognize before. The first time I saw it was when Kate took two of the tups to the eye doctor. When Jodi dropped off the kids it looked like Kate seemed to be annoyed with her interacting with the kids. Now it could be that Kate was having a long day, but you could tell that Kate was ready for Jodi to leave. Then when the kids were having their one on ones you could tell by hints that Kate and Jodi both seemed tired after the fifth kid. But I salute them both for keeping it up. Then when Jon went to get his hair transplant when Jodi comes in the first thing she says is, "You can't tell its morning out with all these lights on." I don't think Jon paid attention to her or heard what she said, but if you look closely you could tell there is tension. There was less smiling and less chatting than before. I think that was that was probably was the beginning of the end of their friendship. I hate that.

As I have stated before that I did not see the point of Jodi's sister's blog and I still don't. I believe that family business should stay in the family. No sense in airing dirty laundry because all it does is stink. However, I do believe that Julie does have Jodi's best interest at heart, and maybe Jodi asked her to stop.Which is why she never updated it since the beginning of the month. Except for the National Enquirer article. We will never know, and you know what happens when we assume. We end up making an a** of ourselves. But I have to feel for Aunt Jodi. I have nothing against her, in fact I actually applaud the way she parented the tups and her own kids when they were in her care. She got down on their level and really talked to them one on one. I understand and even envy that. I never got that as a child, therefore I rarely do that with my own kids. Now that doesn't mean I am a bad parent or that I don't talk one on one with my kids. In fact I love cooking and baking with them. I relish taking them one on one to their extracurricular activities by themselves and nursing my newborn son. I guess that is why I can't just jump on the "Kate is a terrible parent" bandwagon. Because in some instances I would have reacted the same way. Let me give you some examples.

1. Mady and her temperament. From the episode "The twins turn 7". Mady had a bad day at school, came in, kicked a balloon and stomped off. Kate handled it much better than me. My oldest child is much like Mady and if she came in and did that after I spent all that time preparing for a party I would be pretty ticked. (My oldest gets her temper from me..do you see were I am going.) I would have handled it totally different. But Kate brushed it off and stated that Mady was just Mady.Which by the way, I commend Kate for not flying off the handle. I think Jodi would have handled it differently and probably in a more personal one on one way because I think that's her personality.

2. Another example is when they where at the beach house and the girls kept eating the strawberries even after Kate asked them to stop at least 4 times. She yelled at them. They stopped. I can't say what she did was bad because I would be calling myself a hypocrite. I would have done the same thing. and as a matter a fact I have. Now I don't think that makes me a bad parent nor Kate. But someone like Jodi probably would have done it completely differently. Probably not with yelling.

Let me just state that I don't always agree with Kate and her parenting style. I believe that if you are outside with your kids, play with them. They grow up so quickly. Savor the moments. But I don't want anyone to think that I am letting Kate get away with some of her behaviors. She's quirky. I think Jodi was well as Beth were one of the few people that understood Kate and all her quirks. Off topic, I have a friend that is about if not more quirky than Kate. She has to have things clean. She can't stand clutter. And when I mean she can't stand it...she can go through a room like a Tasmanian devil and toss stuff like no one I have ever seen. She cusses like a sailor and has a very smart mouth. (Which can get her in trouble). You either love her or hate her. I have learned this is who she is and she is not changing for no one. I think Kate is the same way. I believe that Jodi did come across more loving than Kate and it probably did bother Kate. I hate to hear the falling out had to do with money. Money is not worth it. My husband and I found that out first hand after we moved over 300 miles away from our familiar surroundings.

I hope they are able to patch things up soon, and the kids will grow up knowing their cousins. I didn't have that chance because my parents chose to move away from family and not go home often. But that was due to certain reasons. My main point is that I know what it's like not to know your cousins and it sucks. Hands down it is not good. I pray they come to a compromise.

An Eye for An Eye--Literally...

2008-09-16T18:03:00.001-07:00

Have some gotten so in tuned to what Jon and Kate are saying lately that they are willing to debate the bible with one another? Or even state that they J&K don't know it. Or aren't Christians?

Or have we literally taken a verse out of the old testament and put it into use today? In Exodus 21:24 it states (paraphrasing)"...if there is further damage than you must give life for life- eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand..." (from The Message Bible). Is what we are doing today no different than what they were doing during the time of Moses? Only we are doing it with words. Some have resorted to name calling and stalking each other on emails to get their point across. Is this the way we should be acting? I am not sure. This has me thinking. But that conversation is for another post for another time. I have gone completely off the subject.

When watching the show I do from time to time here them talk about their faith and going to church. (And while I am glad TLC doesn't show the churches name) I am sadden to here that extra measures have to be taken at these speaking engagements because people are making threats. Jon and Kate have chosen to speak only at churches or conferences that are religiously oriented. I commend them for that. It takes guts not to go into the public arena but to stay with churches. And while I think they should give their love offerings to charity who is to say they are not anonymously. I read what people had to say about them. You can find one recap of the speaking engagements on GDNNOP and another on My Jon and Kate Plus 8 fan website. (I hope I am able to put up links to these soon.) I understand they stayed away from the sticky questions and while I am not sure if they pre-approved the questions I do think they as well as the pastors wanted to keep the speaking engagement positive. (We need it nowadays).

But as I end my thoughts on this quick post because I am afraid I may go deeper and way off task I would like to say that I have heard many state that Jon and Kate can't be Christians because Christians wouldn't do that. Christians would speak up and this and that. But maybe Jon and Kate are deciding to look at "an eye for an eye" differently. Maybe they are looking at it as it is written about in Matthew 5:38-42 which states" Here's an old saying that deserves a second look: 'Eye for eye, tooth for tooth.' If someone strikes you, stand there and take it. If someone drags you to court and sues the shirt off of your back, gift wrap your best coat and present it. And if someone takes unfair advantage of you, use the occasion to practice the servant life. No more tit for tat stuff."

Something to think about.

A "Penn"y For Your Thoughts

2008-09-16T18:01:00.000-07:00

I have been busy today to say the least, but a blogsite from a "insider" has me thinking. I hate to keep harping on these sites, but after taking a half hour this morning (and a lot of coffee) my mind was reeling about what to write about. So I have about three posts I hope to get out tonight. Sorry this is just the journalist in me, but man can some bloggers make it really easy to write about stuff.

There was a post about ethics and good memories about the Gosselin children. While I enjoy the fact I could read about this moment, it was the comments that made me actually gasp out loud and sit back and think. The thoughts turned from critiques to name bashing. I understand why the moderator closed the comment section, but what I don't understand is why this mod felt the need to keep the site going. Just by posting another blog and insinuating things about a private situation is like pouring alcohol on an open wound.

I don't know about anyone else, but I keep getting the nagging suspension that the moderator is feeding off of the bad vibes because of her own experience. I know how easy one can get sucked into the negativity and start to think about all the little things that got on your nerves. I am sure that Kate probably said things that grated on a person nerves and while one may be able to shake them off, after talking to others one starts thinking differently. But come on, do you really have to egg on some of these fanatics. Yes I said it. Fanatics! The ones who seem to think that it is their sole purpose on Earth to stop Jon and Kate come H*ll or High Water. But what they don't know is that everytime they watch the show or speak out about it, it is the production company and the film company that is laughing all the way to the bank. Not Jon and Kate. Don't you think the TLC loves the controversy. I am not saying that they don't love the kids, but come on. Those negative blog sites are bringing in more and more people. Thus, more and more ratings!

But I digress. I guess my main gripe is that today's main post is about another website and what Kate said on it? So what???? I thought the main point of the blog was to tell the world your own personal experience? Isn't it up to people like me and countless others to post what Kate said or didn't say? If you ask me, I think some feelings are still hurt from the other day and the comments that were said.

But seriously, when will people grow up and move on? It's a show. We don't know if they are there all the time. We don't know if they are telling her and Jon what to say. We don't know if the children are "traumatized" as some have called it. We just don't know. And obviously the people in the neighborhood don't seem to bothered by it (which is surprising and worth taking note of) then why should we. I understand what Paul Peterson is saying. And while I understand what he is trying to do, I do not see script people, or the countless others it takes to make a daily TV show. I doubt they have lights permanently installed in their home. (Though if they did that would be a huge breaking point in selling their house...just think of the holes those lights would have caused by the drilling.) Anyway, what I am saying is I hope and pray that the cameras aren't there all the time, and while I don't care to see them sitting on the potty it is what it is.

And I understand that people get hurt. I know what its like to tossed aside like a rag doll after helping. I got thrown under a bus once. A co-worker of mine used me until she got what she wanted and then she threw me under the bus and then had the bus go in reverse and go back over me again. But what I learned from that experience is that you can't trust everyone and that you should keep your guard up and not get too invested until you know for sure that they are you are truly sure they are your close friends. Meaning that if a neighbor or someone in my community has 2, 3, or 6 babies tomorrow I would help knowing that there will come a time when my services are no longer needed. Now I don't agree with how Kate went about telling the volunteers, but at the same time if I had 1o or more people coming in and out of my house I would probably ask So and So to tell others if they see them that we got it. That's just me. Time is precious and something that goes by very fast. If I sat on the phone and thanked every person who helped me after my first child was born I would just be getting off the phone. It is what it is!!! Don't harp on it.

Remember we reap what we sow...and that includes blogs.

In Support of Jon and Kate Plus 8

2008-09-14T07:40:00.000-07:00

I just blogged about negative websites this morning. And after making my daily visits, (yes I know in essence I am supporting them by visiting their sites) I have made up my mind to go public. With what you may ask? With my support of the show Jon and Kate Plus 8.

In the beginning I was a huge fan of this show. I still am. I watch it everytime it comes on and even record it to go back and watch later. As of the last two weeks I was indifferent to the show because of all the sites I had been visiting, but after thinking about it and talking to my husband about this subject I made up my mind. I made up my mind to not be a follower but rather to lead my own path even if it goes against the louder voice.

I am standing up and saying that yes I am a fan. I am a big fan. I love the show and the kids. I love looking at how they are growing and seeing the developmental cycles that each child is going through. No I do not think that any of them will have any emotional trauma when they grow up as long as they don't go to any of those hateful sites. While I do not always agree with Kate's parenting style, I see alot of myself in her. (By the way, my husband does too and he's only seen the show twice.) I laugh about this because I understand her frustration about certain things.

I don't think that it is right for anyone to begrudge this family because they are blessed. Hey, they got someone interested in doing a show on them. And having 2.5 million viewers tune every week is saying something. Am I mad that she got to go to Disney World for free or to Utah for free? No. If anything I would tell them to take it. It's a once in a lifetime opportunity, who wouldn't take the chance. Also I have not seen them mention in the recent months (except on reruns) that they do not have the money to do certain luxuries. And Kate is quick to admit if they were not given it free it would be hard for them to do it for ten people. I believe it to be true. Going to Disney World is expensive for 4 people let alone 10.

I understand some of you think they are making a living off of their children, but if that was the case, then why are they on TV airing their own faults as well. They would only put on their kids. I will admit that if a film production company showed up on my doorstep tomorrow and asked to tape my family and our struggles on a one person income then I would say sure for a small fee. I would not turn away money from different companies that would want me to promote their stuff. I would be the first one on camera to say "Give your kids Juicy Juice...It's good for them." I would do it because I know that it was helping my family financially and I am going to provide my children with a better future. But to sit up here and say you wouldn't take a $20,000 dollar check because it is wrong to promote a V-Tech game system because people see your kids playing it on TV is just plain dumb.

Sorry to get off subject, but really you can say what you want when your in the lynch mob, but silently I bet your thinking something else. Hey say what you want, but stand up for you believe in and I believe that Jon and Kate are not getting a fair shake and I am a fan of the show. I would do the same for my family.

Negative Blogspots

2008-09-14T07:38:00.001-07:00

Over the past few weeks I have been looking at different negative blog spots which I will not promote on my blog that have issues with Jon and Kate. Unfortunately when it comes to the issues that they have I find that most if not 90% of them are trivial. There are blogs about the t-shirts they wear (which I happen to like) and about how much blush Kate has etc.

I have found one site that is trying to bring neutrality to the subject. It is called "The Gosselins Do Not Need Our Pity". I like this site because the people may like or not like the Gosselins there is no name calling or mudslinging to their point across. I commend this blog for trying to bring a fair balance and I feel that the other blog spots are not giving them a fair shake. If you would like to check it out you can go to http://gosselinsdonotneedourpity.blogspot.com/.

With that said, I would like to throw in my own two cents about three sites in particular. One is made by Jodi's sister. Whom may have inside knowledge nor not. But I would like to say that if she were in my family and felt the need to tell the world about MY personal business I would cut her out as well. It is not anyone's business what goes on inside the family. My parents taught me that long ago. And if her sister was so hurt by this, then why isn't Jodi blogging. My personal belief is that Jodi wants to let this go but no one around her (i.e. her sister) is letting it go. As for the others that say they are "close" to Jon and Kate, I am sorry if you got your feelings hurt but as a teacher once told me "grow thicker skin and grow up". It is harsh, but true. If you get mad everytime someone hurts you, you will never grow as a person. It happens. Get over it. If I cried foul everytime someone wasn't greatful for what I did for them then I would never grow as a person or as a Christian. As for the other hateful site out there. There's not much I can say. Those people are mean, vindictive, and obviously want to personally attack the Gosselins. To make fun of the kids and talk about trivial things such as what they are wearing, makeup, etc. does nothing for child advocacy. They can spout off that they have PhD's, Masters, etc. But having one myself, I would never reduce myself to this type of name calling or letting anyone do it on my site without reminding them what the site was intended for.

Lastly, I would like to commend another site that I found. It's called My Jon and Kate Plus 8 website, it can be found at http://theanti-gosselinswithoutpity.blogspot.com/. This site reminds me of why I began watching the show in the first place and why I fell in love with the show. Please take the time to visit these two sites and hopefully you will see why you fell in love with the show too.

The Show that is Jon and Kate Plus 8

2008-09-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

This is my first blog and I am new to the world of blogging, but I want to throw in my two cents about the show Jon and Kate Plus 8. I remember stumbling onto the show and thinking how neat the couple was along with their 8 children. I tried to catch it when I could, but after becoming pregnant I tuned in a lot more.

I like the show, but I want everyone to be painfully clear that I like the show just like I like other reality shows. I do not know the Gosselins nor do I care to know them. But I have to say that I feel for these people and their kids. There have been some hateful sites out there that seem to be dedicated to bickering and complaining about their parenting skills as well as how they treat their kids.

Now don't get me wrong, having kids is no picnic in the park and many parents especially young parents don't always see things the way the generation before us did, but for some sites to do episode recaps and harp on what a person is wearing is really petty.

Anyway, I will not get off topic anymore. I realized as I was visiting these sites that all people have two sides of them. One is a public side and the other is a personal side. Unforenately for Jon and Kate we the viewing audience get to see both sides. I am sure that most of you would agree if you think about it, you too have to different sides. I am sure you are not cut throat with your boss as you are with some bloggers or your children.

I just want to throw my two cents out there and try to accomplish what other sites have started out doing but got pulled away. I will do episode recaps, but in a fair journalistic way. And before anyone tries to say that I am not a journalist, I want everyone to know that I worked as a journalist for 6 years before becoming a teacher. Now I am in the counseling field. I know how to look at a show and take into account all different view points as well as a production standpoint.

I will blog about other things and my life because I believe that this is sort of a theraputic way of getting things off my chest. Please check back in from time to time get a Jon and Kate update. I would love to hear what you think. Shoot me a comment!!!

The Gosselins-- A Balanced View

2008-09-12T09:32:00.000-07:00

I started this blog with an intention to bring a more balanced discussion of the show Jon and Kate Plus 8. This is neither a pro or con Gosselin site, but a site were people can come and discussion certain episodes as well as other issues.