I See Stupid People’s (And She Does) Recap of the (Cough, Choke) “Wedding” Event
Nov 19th, 2008 by BohemianMoon
Submitted by: I See Stupid People
For those of you who have already tossed your telly’s out with the trash due to the never ending silliness that is the Gosselin “Wedding Spectacular” commercial, then hold onto your cookies. I’m gonna get down and dirty with the Wedding Spectacle– I mean Wedding Spectacular–recap. But first things first. That damn commercial!
OK, so it’s not a wedding, is it? That happened nine years ago. This is a renewal of vows ceremony, or “Sure, I’d marry Kate again because if I divorced her, I’d be losing more than my already missing balls. They didn’t call our old street a “Culled Sac” for nothing!”
The extras (could they be Jon’s long lost Hawaiian third cousins twice removed?) are all seated in their folding chairs. I wonder if they have ever even met Kate or the children. I dare say it will be the last time, unless they own the Grand Wailea. Relatives are a dime a dozen (and Kon has gone through quite a few coins already, but its only money, eh Kon?). Once they have been used as fillers or used for whatever will benefit Kon, it’s “Buh bye!” or in this case, “Aloha!”
Why are they calling it a “Wedding Event”? Didn’t these two get married nine years ago in a lovely ceremony attended by family and friends? Oh, yeah, that was when they had family and friends that would actually attend such a thing. Now we have the sickening TLC commercial that I swear runs every 3 and a half minutes, on every channel. Or so it seems. Jon, with his silly man-child grin, looks across at, at—a whole lot of hair! Oh wait, the wind is blowing and I see a smile and an eye (an evil eye, but an eye nonetheless). Her face says it all. “You will marry me again, Jon, and this time there is soooooooo much more at stake than just your testicles. Can you imagine the child support you’d owe?” I’ve got news for you Kate. A judge would give Jon these kids over you any day. Who is the primary caregiver? Ok, assuming the crew isn’t going to adopt the kids, let’s say Jon is. And who has more earning potential? Ok, let’s leave the kids out of this for a minute. Katie Irene! You are the weakest link! You go get a job and support the children you manufactured with this dolt! Jon, by going through with this farce, is just stating for the millionth time that he agrees to be belittled and degraded by his wife on national television for as long as reruns and syndication lasts.
Yes, it’s a beautiful life now, isn’t it? With 8 little cash cows, how could you say no? There’s a big world waiting—and you’ve got lots more places to visit on someone else’s dime. Well, on your kids’ backs, actually.
So now they are buying a vowel, I mean, renewing their vows in Hawaii. The place, where, if you believe them, they had planned to wed in the first place but their families couldn’t afford to travel there. Ummm…sounds like Kon couldn’t afford it back then either. So, of course, now that the family can afford to go….hold up….who are those people in the folding chairs? Where are Kate’s parents, sisters, brother, nieces and nephews, cousins, SISTER-IN-LAW, and Jon’s mother, brothers, etc. etc? Don’t make me mention friends. Unless Jenny the Nanny/ Helper is Kate’s new BFF. I know those older ladies adorning Kate with the necklace would love to strangle her with it. I know I would.
I somehow missed the episode of Say Yes to the Dress. So, I am quite surprised at her choice. I think I saw this on an episode of Project Runway when the contestants had to make a garment out of toilet paper. Or maybe, for old time’s sake, they used paper towel for that “something old” trend. I guess they must have prayed for it, and got Kleinfeld’s instead. Toss on a few sparkly things, and there you have a wedding dress. Damn. I said “wedding” again.
The kids look sweet, natch. But there’s Jon, a.k.a “Shamu” swimming through the commercial and ruining a perfectly good shot of a giggling Alexis. Yes, Alexis, your parents are really trying to convince the world they are so happy and totally in love. Well, that and the fact that you little ones will actually remember all of these freebies, er, vacations. You know the score, you smart girl. I’ll buy YOUR book in a heartbeat. You’ll need the money anyway.
Ack! There it is again! That song! Those yellow coats! Whoops, sorry, my mistake@ That’s actually Jon’s stripe down his back. KATE has the yellow coat on. So. Let’s get this show rolling. I. AM. SICK. OF. THE. HYPE. And those smiles are creeping me out!
Here we go, on with the show! (I’m writing as I watch. No VCR, DVR or TiVo for this cub reporter! )
As Kon gets the last minute details sorted, Jenny takes all of the kids on a walk around the resort. Brave Jenny. 8 kids. ALL BY HERSELF. The kids appear to be having fun, getting dirty, exploring, finding treasures. Then the low blood sugar hits, and OMG there isn’t enough cheese to go around. Leah (I think) throws her shared piece over Jenny’s head and stomps away. Niiice. They don’t respect Jenny. I’m sure Kon doesn’t respect her either, and it shows up in the kids behavior with her.
Jon meets up with a few of his relatives who haven’t seen him in over 20 years. Nice to be such a close knit clan. It is so apparent that they only know Jon from the show. His very elderly Aunt says something like “He is more handsome than the man on TV.” And what was with that other weird exchange with Jon and his relatives? Them: “Thanks for inviting us. You DID know we lived in Maui?” Jon: “Oh, yeah.” Jon’s thought bubble: “We just never needed you to fill in and look like you are a part of our lives so we wouldn’t look silly renewing our vowels all by ourselves.” Quick! Someone tell Kon that there are way too many chairs out on the lawn.
One of the more telling moments of the show: Mady is supposed to be Kate’s Maid of Honor. She says “I don’t want to.” Kate interrupts with something like “Mady was so excited-“ only to be interrupted by a melting down Mady saying, honestly, “No I wasn’t, Mommy.” Ah, out of the mouths of babes (unfortunately no one every listens to them).
Kate tries to explain the reason “why” they are doing this (!?!). They will never remember the vows, you dolts. It doesn’t mean anything to them! Renewing your vows does not mean you won’t break up. Getting married is no guarantee either! Helllooooo! The divorce rate in this country is 50%! Kate says something like “Now that we have 8 kids it is so important to show them that mommy and daddy will be together forever.” (“Forever” means as long as Jon doesn’t find his scrotum, put his balls back in, and start banging someone who doesn’t treat him like he is just another one of the little money makers). Please, Kate. Grow up. I still look back to the fairy tale Kate of just 9 years ago. It’s not difficult to find her still here, just hiding it better under that streaked blob of face hair.
Cut to the showing of the kids’ clothes. Plain. Simple. Probably free. As in The Grand Wailea INVITED us to have a spa day. Although no company is mentioned, so maybe they actually did have to pay for the little kids’ clothes and the twin’s dresses. Betcha Kon wasn’t too pleased about THAT. Thrifty Jon buys the boys shirts that can be worn again. Good boy, Jon. Now, go sit.
The girls get ready for their spa day. Riiighhht. How eager did those spa ladies seem to see those little girls? No tips from them! And I agree with the sextuplet who asked the obvious: “Why do I need this?” It’s a robe, sweetie. Get used to your nouveau riche lifestyle. Or at least learn what one looks like so you can tell when Mommy is being pampered. Many little hands excitedly pick at the pretty bottles of nail polish. Kate takes the bottles from the little hands and replaces them with her choice. Mady is adamant that she wants blue. Kate hands her a more suitable blue. So why do we hear Kate say that she didn’t care what color they chose? Why was she saying “No! That’s too bright. Choose this one”?
The girls get their hair done, some in curls. Mady refuses and is actually allowed to be herself! Kate’s meds must have kicked in. Kate is worried about her own hair and makeup. At least someone had the good sense to tame the beast on the back of her head. A full can of Porcupine Ass Be-Gone and she’s all set to go. Jon handles the boys dressing needs, and unfortunately the camera man can’t seem to contain some creepy need to once again film all three of the boys in their underwear, and the editor shows it for every pedophile that tunes in each Monday night, hoping for a glimpse of this very thing. Good job Jon!
Commercial break…..Whoa….WAIT! That song…but…it’s not KON! Ask not for whom the bell tolls, Kon. Methinks your days may be numbered (or at least outnumbered by a family with more multiples). Kate, would you like a little Clomid with that wedding cake? Your one set of twins behind! Hurry!
Back from the break.
The girls are walking from chapel to the lawn, following some fire holder girls (?). Dammit, camera man! Linger on the crowd a bit. I’ve almost counted all of the guests. 11. And Jenny. I keep trying to count when the camera pans: 5 on one side, 6 or 7 on the other. So, let’s be generous and say a baker’s dozen attended. But whoa! Lookie loos in the background, as well as hotel staff, I imagine. This is becoming very, very sad. The kids are as rowdy as I’ve ever seen them. They are having fun but certainly don’t understand the meaningfulness (right Kate?) of the occasion. Yup. Memories aplenty here. Jon and Kate interrupt the preacher/minister and yell at the kids to go sit down. The congregation swells to double its size.
They continue with the vows. Oh no he di’int! (wiggle head in that annoying preteen way). Jon just screwed himself by adding that I will always ask “how may I help you” crap. And he proves later on the couch that he wasn’t paying attention when Kate spoke: Loved the scripture, Kate. Kate: I didn’t have Scripture, Jon. He was so freaked out by the fact that Kate said they would be together for the next 90 years that he lost his mind for the rest of the ceremony.
Wow. It was a chaotic ceremony with the kids being out of control. Jon must have made certain that the lei’s around Kate’s neck emitted the smell of Prozac. She kept insisting that it was perfect, just the way she wanted and oh so meaningful, unlike their first wedding. Niiiice for the folks watching back home.
At the reception, both tables were filled. What can you say about a reception that was embarrassingly empty but for two tables? The wait staff and crew outnumbered the guests. All I keep thinking about is the amount of money spent on this spectacle. They could have done this at home with people who mean something to them helping to make it special. Oh, but PA is so yesterday, and family and friends are so over rated. Not to mention completely cut out of their lives. This is really sad. And for God’s sake can you make sure the little girl’s dresses fit? I do not want to see another strap falling off a four-year old, exposing her chest.
The cake cutting was just boring. Too much cake, not enough cake eaters. There was far too much meaning invested in the symbols: 2 flowers became 4, then 6 more then 10 total. Ugh. Cut the damn cake already. And that’s a wrap of the hyped up wedding/renewal/getting married again freebie vacation in Hawaii.
Or not quite.
Jon plays golf at 7am with a few relatives. They have to plug the amazing golf course. And now it’s time to plug the resort. I mean PLUG the resort. Because Kon wants to come back tomorrow. They keep plugging, hoping for another “invite”. Now we get a glimpse of the size of the suite. It was pretty huge, probably bigger than my house, square footage-wise.
Please wrap this show up now. That was embarrassing.
OMG! That song again. Now they have every TLC family involved!
I hate that song.
And I hate the Kon.
A full can of Porcupine Ass Be-Gone and she’s all set to go.
*spews coffee all over keyboard*
You just made my whole friggin’ decade!!!!!
Brilliant… just brilliant… How many times did Kate have to say, “It didn’t matter” about the polish or the hair or where they stood… The 4 year olds first pedicure… Are you kidding me??? The economy is in the toilet, people are losing their jobs in the droves and she is excited for 4 year old first pedicure??? How about showing them doing some social action, without the recipients being their parents. I love a pedicure- but I am 42 and my husband and I work - not live off the cuteness of our kids - but trust me - my kids are pretty damned adorable.
Also, why do you have to have a renewal ceremony to show kids that you are going to stay together forever… How about showing them - on a daily basis? My parents married 53 years - no renewal ceremony, unless it was during sweeps one year when I too young to know what that means…
Great recap ISSP~you nailed it girl! This episode just pushed them completely out of the realm of being anything close to relatable or a normal family on vacation. It made me so sad to not see people like Jodi or Beth there…just ‘family fillers’ who probably won’t be spoken to or seen for at least another 20 years. What’s the point of this show again?
wow ,that’s a little harsh to be quite honest..why do you even watch the show if it upsets you so much? I have issues with J&K and some of the things they do but you just totally trashed them without any regards to the kids whatsoever.
Hahaha - that was GREAT!
“A full can of Porcupine Ass Be-Gone and she’s all set to go. ”
LMAO!
You should send this to TLC. Love it.
Waaay to go ISSP!
What ever happened to a little mutual respect and kindness towards each other as a way to show your children you love each other and will be together forever? What about knocking off the “love-taps” and showing a united front when it comes to decisions and discipline, instead of arguing and then, as one stomps off (Jon), the other (Kate), turns to the camera and says something snarky about Jon. And for emphasis, she turns to the kids and says something snarky (again) about their father? Nice Kate!!
I do have a problem with believing that any one of the 8 kids actually came up and asked their parents whether or not they would be together forever. Unless of course, everyone of their school mates parents suddenly was getting divorced and it became the talk of the classrooms.
Was I the only one that could tell the kids were so concerned over their parents staying together forever that they stood, enthralled, outside the ‘circle of love’ absorbing the meaning of what was going on in front of them? Not!!
I did get a big chuckle out of the pathetic kiss at the end of the renewal ceremony. I am not saying that tongue would have been appropriate but it was painfully obvious that these two are not comfortable showing any physical closeness that again, might show their 8 kids that they love each other. The peck and the pat on the back was quite lame after all the excited build up and talk talk talk about how this was the wedding that meant so much to them. I was hoping to at least see Kate mouth the words, “I Love You” during the pat on the back sequence, but alas, she was probably already fixated on how she was going to seem interested in the 10 ‘guests’ whom she had never met.
Crap, Jon didn’t even seem too interested in greeting the two groups of guests, I mean family, as they arrived. Talk about an uncomfortable exchange.
Who wants to bet the off island guests were also treated to free rooms at the GW as well as free airline tickets? Did the number crunchers who have attempted to estimate the total outlay for this farce think to add that into the total outlay for this renewal spectacular???
Even the two of them dancing was hard to stomach. They are just not comfortable being that close to each other.
Which I guess is perfect now that they have 5000 or 6000 square feet of home. They can sequester themselves in opposite ends and deal through the intercom. It would be about as personal as what I witnessed last night on TLC.
OMG!!!! That was so right on it’s crazy!!! You just made my day with that recap. Kate looked like she was doped up through the whole ceremony. Did they not even TRY to tell the kids that they needed to be still and quiet through the ceremony? That was a complete train wreck. And did you notice how through the whole show, Kate kept emphasizing how she wasn’t concerned with how the kids were acting or what color they picked out for their toes? It’s like she wants to prove to the world that she’s not controlling anymore. Too LATE Kate! Everybody hates you now. You STILL come across as a tensed up shrew.
I’ll admit I didn’t watch the episode (why raise my blood pressure?) but I really hope now that its over their stupid “beautiful life” commericials will get off my t.v. Seeing them all fake smiling at one another makes me sick. If they had been planning and saving for 9 years for this renewal of vows it would be one thing but I think the truth is its a ratings ploy and that makes me sick. My family just got back from a 3 week trip to Australia that we had been saving for for 8 years. Was it a smart thing to do in this economy? No, but I don’t regret it because the memories were priceless. Thing is what memories of this vacation are the Gosselin kids going to have? Camera men following them around, having to meet the production schedule. Sad, very sad.
I thought it was kinda sweet. There are plenty of things about Kate (and Jon too, for that matter) that bug me, but this was cute. And I love the Is Kamakawiwo’ole music. So it was all donated. Lucky them. Wish it were me.
***The peck and the pat on the back was quite lame after all the excited build up and talk talk talk about how this was the wedding that meant so much to them.****
My thoughts was “is that it??”
The kids were adorable as usual but I did have a problem with them showing the boys getting dressed. Why can’t TLC see that this stuff is just not necessary? Are you trying to attract pedophiles to your network?? I’m starting to think so.
The guests were strangers. COMPLETE strangers. They could’ve hired them and we wouldn’t know the difference. That was sad that they had NO ONE from PA but not a shock to any of us.
I think I’m done with the show. After watching Twins, Twins, & Tups I just think TLC is going down a dangerous road and I no longer want to be a part of it. I don’t need to know MORE kids bowel issues. TLC is just becoming a gross channel. I’m done. I can live w/o “what not to wear” because I couldn’t afford anything on that show either. Get real, TCL.
Correction - Iz (with a Z, not an S) Kamakawiwo’ole
LMFAO @ can of Porcupine Ass Be-Gone . Yep, this recap was 10 times the fun of the fake wedding and the fake relatives. I’ll bet all the Gosselins “loved ones” belong to SAG. And they’re probably all pissed at their agents because they were told they were going to be extras on Denise Richards It’s Complicated. They were like, wtf? Who are these buffoons? I’m pretty sure I’ve seen those old ladies in a Depends commercial. Or maybe that was Kate. She looked lobotomised. She probably just saw the promo for the show after this one and went into shock that someone else has a more magical uterus.
ISSP- Great job!
Glad I did not watch. Saved me from going to bed nauseous. The whole vow renewal/”wedding,” was a sham. Just another attempt by TLC to boost failing ratings. An effort to try and convince everyone that these two still even remotely care about each other. Something you definitely wouldn’t see by watching the show. Why nine years….and two months? Many couples wait until ten years. Why not wait another ten months? Oh yeah, but by then, no one will care about this couple or this show, if it is still going on. By then, they might have even had to actually pay for this themselves. Why do that? It just has so much more meaning if someone else is picking up the tab. What’s a ceremony without family and friends? A lot of couples elope or choose to do this in private, and that is fine, if that is what you want. These two obviously wanted people there. But who, they have no family or friends left. Not one! They have simply disposed of all of them. Very sad. So, in a last ditch effort to have someone there, in comes a group of basically total strangers. Why not just go and recruit people off the street for that matter. Hmmm, let’s contact Jon’s long lost relatives, after all they are right here in Hawaii. Hey great idea! What a joke. Keep convincing yourself Kate that this is exactly what you wanted. You might as well believe it, cause no one else does.
Terrific recap. Couldn’t stop reading it.
I only got to watch the first half. Hubby woke up and wanted to watch WWE (as it is much more realistic as J+K) But did anyone else notice that while Jenni was giving the kids snack there was a big Hawiian guy in the background with his back to the scene? Bodyguard perhaps?
Thanks, ISSP! I do not watch the show any longer - hardly even turn on the TLC station, so it’s nice to “hear” how the wedding went. Cute as the kids may be, I’m starting to lose interest in them -even in the recaps. Sad.
So - what was the song? Sure hope it wasn’t the “Over the Rainbow” by Isreal somebody or other.. Is theatwho Iz is? (no pun intended). That’s too bad - what a way to ruin a great song.
TLC has a new show about multiples, huh? I can hardly bear the thought. Well, perhaps once they trump Kon, Kon will come out and say how reality TV ruins lives.
Yes, it was “Over the Rainbow” by Iz. I LOVE that version. The first time I heard it was the day Tim Russert died. The CNBC studios had a gorgeous rainbow that day and they showed a picture while they played this song.
I WILL NOT let Kate ruin this song for me. It’s Tim Russart’s song, NOT Kon’s wedding song. I’ve been telling myself this all day.
Great job ISSP. People like you keep me from wasting an hour of my time. I haven’t watched the show in a number of months and don’t really miss it since people like you write these marvelous recaps.
My take on the “mommy and daddy will be together forever” business is that the kids are seriously stressed that mommy will kick someone else out of their lives. Who’s left? Daddy. I hope that Pennsylvania is a state that puts the best interest of the kids first in custody situations because I really can’t see this marriage lasting too much longer. 4 years tops.
I only got to watch the first half. Hubby woke up and wanted to watch WWE (as it is much more realistic as J+K) But did anyone else notice that while Jenni was giving the kids snack there was a big Hawiian guy in the background with his back to the scene? Bodyguard perhaps?
Connie, I pointed him out to my husband. The rest of the show, we’d both point out when we saw people with their backs to the activity. ‘Struggling family,’ indeed!
Iz’s Over the Rainbow was the eToys song, which prompted me to buy the CD. Then “ER” used it when Mark Greene died, and that’s what it is to me. I did like hearing Bruddah Iz throughout the show.
Here I sit, needing leg surgery that only two doctors in the US perform-one in Hawai’i. I’ve got to save up for most of the cost, because insurance will only cover the doctor and hospital bills. Airfare alone for a family of 4 runs about 6 grand!
I still watch Monday Night TLC, but man, I was already steamed when they got on the plane to Hawai’i, because I’ve calculated a budget trip to get there for surgery and it’ll be 12-15 thousand. Then to add all the other luxury things they were comped and they easily had a six figure trip.
If I hear Kate talk about how tight their budget is, or how they are struggling again, I am hobbling up to that mansion in Pennsylvania and knocking some sense into her.
why the heck do people watch this show if they hate it so much? It’s pathetic and laughable. If the economy is so in the toilet, why don’t you get off your ass and do something rather than write drivel about a show you don’t like.
People who trash John and Kate are JEALOUS, JEALOUS, JEALOUS. Time to get a life people.
#19 Terri~
What am I jealous over Terri, please, pray tell ?
Great re-cap..I don’t even watch the show anymore..just read the blogs..they are more entertaining.
#19- Terri
If you are such a fan..why read a blog that is obviously not a fan site?
Let’s contact our long lost relatives!! Why didn’t Jon offer to take along his Mom and her new husband to visit the ole homestead?? Looks like they were definitely - ‘rent a relative - complete strangers’!!
The morning after - a 7 am tee off - on his wedding nite????
Empty chairs, no people, just our little family.
The PA group took a bye on this one. Hope they enjoy their first holidays in their mansion on the hill overlooking the common folk.
No relatives or friends.
To quote another blogger - ’stick a fork in - they’re done!
Yay ISSP! That was great! “Buy a vowel”…lol
Should I expect to see ISSP’s recaps on this blog regularly now?
#25 K.C.~
I would LOVE that! Hey ISSP, no pressure, eh, but a what do ya think? Your fans want to know!
I’m jealous that I can’t sell my kid’s childhood? I don’t think so.
Why when we criticize to people jump to the conclusion that we’re “jealous”. Jealous that Kate has a man with no balls? Jealous that Kate’s kids like ANYBODY better than her? Jealous that I’ve never been to Hawaii?? Ok, THAT part is true but I would never sell my daughter’s privacy for my pleasure.
#24 Louise~
I know. How sad.
I did find a great deal of sadness in that episode. And while it is so easy to snark (and easy to since the whole fiasco is so ludicrous, not to mention damaging), it was clear to anyone watching that episode that the “family” was brought in simply for this staged event which, IMO, was shallow and without any true meaning. But how could it be meaningful? It wasn’t real.
And that is the saddest part of all.
Taken from the GWOP website today. The ‘newspaper article’ blog.
You decide whether to post this. After the Pennmommy fiasco……..
If true, I sure would love to know what was on the gift list sent to the relatives. Love your blog.
Syl
“Anonymous said…
My husband and I were guests at Kate and Jon’s wedding that took place last summer. I know it was on the television recently and I just wanted to clear up a few things. Prior to this event we never met Kate or Jon or any of their children but being that they are family we felt a special kinship towards them. A couple of months before the event we received a mailed invitation which also included a separate print out of appropriate gifts to give. I personally did not feel that was a very loving thing to do but I understand that this is something brides sometimes to do ensure that they not receive duplicates. Please keep in mind that we like many native islanders are living on a fixed income and do not have the kind of funds necessary for such extravagances. There were many scenes from the wedding that were not televised on the special. Many of the women went up to Kate and we did try to embrace her and congratulate her. Instead of smiling and accepting our words she shunned us. We also tried to show Jon a native dance however we were told by a member of the staff that put their special together that it was not a good idea. We had hoped to keep in touch with Jon as well as his wife and children however we have not heard anything from them since they left the island. We do appreciate that they thought of us and invited us to the ceremony and we also thank the hotel staff who was kind to everyone. One of the banquet ladies actually came to my table and spoke to us many times just to make small talk which was sweet.
11/19/2008 9:49 AM”
I agree with most of the post but. ..
Can you really be made at one of the tups for throwing cheese? They are todldlers, they have temper tantrums. It has nothing to do with respect, it’s how all little kids act.
And while I agree that the Gosselin’s have lost all contact with family, it is hard to stay in touch with people in Hawaii. How can they be a close-knit clan when there is an ocean seperating them? I’m not close with some of my relatives who live in the same city as me.
Kate can’t win either. When she does something ‘right’ like let Mady chose to not get her hair done, you have to make a comment about it.
Anyway, I know it seems like I’m being overly critical of your review..but I enjoyed it otherwise.
The topix/elizabethtown site had a distant Hawaiian relative write in to say although they had never met the g’s, along with an invitation a suggested gift list. They were treated nicely by hotel staff and
ultimately snubbed by kate. True to form.
When it all goes down - it’s everyone elses fault but theirs.
Opps!!! I goofed - it is GWoP not topix site. Sorry!!
#25 KC and #26 Bohemian Moon,
Thanks for the compliments (and to all of you who have commented, good and bad, thank you too!). It was fun and a challenge. I had one shot at it, as I don’t have a DVR, TiVo or even a working VCR so I was watching and typing at the same time and praying I didn’t miss anything. I am in a different timezone than most as well. The show aired here from 10-11 pm, so I knew I had to get ‘er done and posted before midnight! I really wanted to be snarkier, but under pressure, well, it just doesn’t flow as naturally as it usually does. I think I will stick to spontaneous verbal beatings with the “smart ass stick” when necessary
Most importantly, let’s hope there will not be any more recaps. Hopefully, someone comes to their senses before another episode is even considered.
#30 Jenna,
Anything I post here (or anywhere) is open to criticism and comment.
I disagree with you, though: the sextuplets are four years old, not toddlers. And they are always shown being very naughty when they are with Jenny. I don’t know if it was Leah or Alexis, but whoever threw the cheese was having a hissy fit because she had to share. She was mad that Jenny had broken a piece of cheese in half. Followed by the stomping off in a huff, well, that was quite the display. See the entitlement bubbling up?
I commented on Kate allowing Mady to just be herself because it is such a departure from her usual controlling self. And Kate continually told the viewers that she didn’t mind the chaos, the non-structure, the disarray. OK, Kate. Once was enough. I didn’t believe you any more the 10th time you mentioned it than I did the first.
I think the internet is a great way to stay in touch with my European relatives. Oh, and the telephone works too. And the occasional letter for Great Aunt Tessa. She looks forward to the kid’s school pictures every year. It isn’t that difficult if you care about your family and want them to be part of your life. Even the ones in the same city. My 79 year old father is even on Facebook so he can keep up with his relatives far, far away. AND he’s on MSN, and Skype (although I do admit that was a mistake, introducing him to that. My laptop “rings” continuously!)
Oh Terri,
You got busted cloaking over on another blog so you found your way over here. I hope you learn to stick to one name and one point of view but whatever that may be, you really need to learn a new word besides “jealousy”.
It was obvious that Kate didn’t bond with the relatives or really care that they were there.
Although, any one of us could have written that and we would have said the same things. Notice that the writer didn’t say anything about the kids. She could’ve mentioned they were cute or something.
On a side note, while reading back some of my posts I realize that I was rushing and not properly proofreading. I have a few kids here (not all mine) and with noises and interruptions, sometimes me tipe lyk A dummee.
Somebody else met them recently.
http://high-five.net/?p=421
Interesting blog entry from someone who went to a speaking engagement of theirs:
http://high-five.net/?p=421
#38 Chris~
Thanks!
#30 Jenna~
First and foremost, thank you for your comment, it is appreciated.
As for the children and their behavior, I too have questions about it. I am gobsmacked every time I hear or read someone say that the children are well behaved. They are not, but that it due to NO fault of their own. Children learn manners and appropriate behavior from parental and caregiver modeling/teaching. What I see constantly from the Gosselins are time outs in which the scream at the child to go to time out, and that is it. There is not follow-up/after talk with the child regarding why their behavior was inappropriate and what steps/strategies the child can take to help quash that same behavior in the future.
As the fact of the matter, both Jon and Kate stated on a show a few months back that oftentimes one of the other children will come up to them and ask if their sibling can be let out of time out. Kate stated that most times they do not even remember why the child was in time out and to write down why would “take too much time”.
The result?
The bratty behavior that we see time and time again from these children. They don’t know any better because no one has taken the time and consistency to teach them.
In the “wedding” episode, Jenny did nothing when Leah (?) threw the piece of cheese and stomped off. Well, did nothing that we saw anyway. What IS for sure is she did not immediately call the tup on her behavior, what is what she should have done. I obviously do not know what Kate and Jon have told her inre: discipline, but I saw none. I rarely see the children disciplined properly on that show, and that is one more sad fact of these children’s upbringing that is sorely missing.
And that is a shame.
#37 Fx~
Thanks to you too, it is appreciated
Looks like Chris and I were reading the same things!
fxfanatic~I love that song and I was doing the same thing throughout the episode…telling myself I would not associate it with J+K!
To whoever was calling our dislike of the show jealousy…nope, just not gonna cut it anymore as ‘the standard thing to throw at people who object to what happens to the kids’ or ‘those who refuse to give Kate a break’…For me this arguement falls right there with those who resort to making fun of how someone spells or makes errors in their comments when a better arguement can’t be thought of!!
At #34 and #40
I hate that I’m arguing on here, but…
Jenny is a babysitter. Babysitters don’t usually discipline kids that much. I babysat kids for 3 years and when I tried to discipline them, they didn’t listen. Young children don’t like to disciplined by people who aren’t their parents. I’m not saying that it’s okay that she threw stuff and stormed away, but young kids have tantrums ALL the time. I work in a grocery store and see kids get upset and yell and scream because they can’t have a cookie, I see them throw things. It’s not unusual for kids to behave like that so I don’t think that a four year old having a temper tantrum is a direct result of the Gosselin’s parenting abilities.
I do agree that the timeout system they have is not working, but that’s not really what I was talking about..
And the whole thing about them not staying in contact with family is really silly to me. I’m close with my family, but some of my friends only see their relatives at 10 year family reunions. I don’t think it’s fair to be critical of the fact that they haven’t kept in touch with their relatives in Hawaii. I know that they’ve shut off contact with everyone living near them in PA, but that’s a whooole different ballgame. Anyhow, I just don’t think you can critcize the family members for not keeping in touch. Family doesn’t always stay close and I don’t think it’s fair to judge them when we don’t know the whole story.
#44 Jenna~
They didn’t even know these relatives. At. All. I find that odd to invite people that you don’t know at all to witness sacred vows. I certainly did not get the impression that these were family members that the Gosselins really kept in touch with. The entire fiasco was so awkward and contrived you could cut same with a knife.
As for discipline, I find that odd that you feel that a nanny or babysitter do not discipline kids. How are caregivers supposed to enforce the discipline measures put forth by the parents or the guardians of the child/ren? A child should be allowed to run and act wild/defiant when with a caregiver? Good luck in pre-school or elementary school. If kids haven’t been disciplined by that time, they certainly will be once they enter school. And I am oh so sure that the teacher will love that parent for not disciplining their child or allowing the child the upper hand when with a caregiver.
Kids need consistency. The idea in discipling a child is for it to be consistent, with a full follow through, no matter where the child is or who the child is with. I see bratty kids act up all of the time in public. I have seen parents give in in a second, or a few minutes, and I have seen parents deal with the behaviour then and there by taking appropriate measures to deal with. Obviously the former is the easy way out and does nothing for the child. The latter? Much harder. One really doesn’t have to guess which children are the better behaved.
I do feel that part of a good parenting strategy is to not put your children in situations which are inappropriate for their age in terms of behaviour and expect them to behave well. This, unfortunately, is something that the Gosselins (and many parents) do constantly. It is unfair to the child, as is lack or refusal of parents to learn strategies (and follow through with them) that will lead to successful parenting in terms of child rearing.
Jenna #44~
I also have to say that Jenny is more than just a ‘babysitter’. She is more of a nanny-and as such she is responsible for not only taking care of the kids, but also for acting a surrogate parent when J+K aren’t present. She is with them a good deal of the time and the kids should respect her and obey the things she tells them to do. These children obviously don’t even respect/obey their own parents which indicates discipline is something lacking in their every day lives. I do not envy Jenny and having to deal with that many unruly children at once!
As for the family who attended the ceremony-I would think you would have to admit it was rather odd to have people who equate to pretty much total strangers just ‘appear’ for what is supposed to be a very private, sacred moment. Why did they not spend several days with the family getting to know them and spending time with them? Perhaps then it wouldn’t have seemed so awkward and contrived all for the sake of television ratings!
Oh, and I have family all over the world and we stay in touch periodically even if it’s just to say hello-in this high-tech, internet age it really is not that difficult and can be done quite easily. It only requires that you actually care enough to do so!
My theory is that the Producers of the show WANT all this controversy surrounding Jon & Kate because it keeps people talking about it, and therefore people will tune in even if it’s just for curiosity’s sake. One clue to this was the fact that they did not edit out Jon’s relative’s statement of, “Did you know we live here on Maui?” If the Producers wanted it to look like these were closer relatives, that statement would never have been shown because they’d know it would be taken by the viewers as being embarrassing to Jon. But if they leave it in, we all talk about it on blogs and such, and it keeps the show being talked about.
#47 Joyce~
This is true Joyce. I don’t think anyone would dispute that, and the Gosselins allow that editing which is, IMO, just one more indication of what money whores they are.
The Gosselins allow all of the editing, and have from the beginning.
As long as they are around, I will still blog about how despicable they are.
#45 and #46..
I promise this will be the last thing I say. ..
I agree with you that the relatives they didn’t know shouldn’t have been invited to the wedding. It clearly was a way for them to have more than 2 people at the wedding. I agree 100%, but I just don’t think it’s fair for us to criticize them for not keeping in contact.
And I just can’t believe such a big deal is being made of the fact that a child threw something on the ground and stored away from her babysitter. Honestly, it’s not that big of a deal. Sure, Jenny should have said something a bit more. and yeah, they need consistant discipline, but it’s not like Alexis was screaming and kicking and having a full-blown meltdown. She threw something on the ground. The whole thing was blown WAY out of proportion. Your equating a four year old throwing cheese on the ground and storming away to the Gosselin’s parenting abilities as a whole. Yes, they have a great deal of trouble pareting, but this tantrum is not reflective of their parenting. Every child has tantrums.
#49 Jenna~
You don’t have to promise that this is the “last thing you say”. I enjoy a good discussion with someone that have differing views than I. If I always conversed with persons that thought the exact same as myself, my world would be pretty narrow. Narrow worlds, IMO, produce narrow minds, which is a scary prospect, indeed
I am unsure of where people were critizising them for not keeping in touch. To my knowledge, I wasn’t. My critisism lied in the fact that they obviously did not know these distant relatives - and the awkwardness of the situation was clearly apparent. Also it was clear that they did not have a meet and greet or time taken to get to know any of them prior to the ceremony. As such, the entire episode was a staged mockery and a feeble attempt for the Gosselins to claim that they have family still in their lives. It was clear that they don’t.
As for the behaviour aspects of the children, I would agree if these were isolated cases. One could even claim editing is at fault, and perhaps to a slim point that would be valid. However, for us to see it in the first place, it had to have happened. The childrens are consistantly ill behaved, and as I stated in one of my first posts, this is not their fault. It is due the lazy, poor and seeminly non existant discipline practices on the parent’s and caregiver’s part. All children have tantrums (wait till they are teenagers!), but consitant and effective discipline practices will lessen and keep those tantrums to a minimum. These children are also 4.5 years old; the are not toddlers any longer.
As always, I thank you for your comment