text:
Jon and Kate take the kids to the Strasburg Rail Road, not far from their Pennsylvania home, to ride a train pulled by Thomas the Tank Engine at an event called Day Out WithThomas.
All Aboard
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Once again, how many times can we watch these people go on vacation? I was talking to a colleague in Prague a few days ago and apparently they'd had the chance to see a Jon and Kate marathon while here on business. This person commented on the fact that she couldn't believe normal American families have so many vacations and disposable income. I had to tell her that the Gosselins are NOT normal and unrepresentative of what "normal American" families are.
Cripes....I can't afford to take my two children to A Day Out at Thomas.
Will the Gosselins get the whole train to themselves?
It bugs me that the show isn't about their day to day life anymore - always a project or a destination. They do more than my kids do, and I only have three!
- LeeAnn said...
I can't wait to see this episode. We went to Thomas a few years ago and loved it!
See Kate scream. See Kate yell. See Kate be mean to Jon. See Jon with his tail between his legs. See Kate be total a bitch. See Kate spoil the fun for everyone. There you have it - a "pre-recap."
All they ever do is go on trips anymore. I loved going on road trips, to amusement parks, etc. with my family when I was little but if we had to do it ALL. THE. TIME. like the Gosselin kids I'm sure it would lose it's luster after a short while. It's frustrating having to leave your safety zone (home) every other day, not that they have a safety zone.
And another thing: I saw a commercial yesterday with a Dad and his son playing with water guns being silly and it was for the website fatherhood.com which is about how to be an effective father. It made me realize what an absentee father Jon is, even though he's around 24/7. Yes, he plays with the kids sometimes but he doesn't ever really seem genuinely engaged or even enjoying it. He seems more like he wants all the positive praise from the internet while Kate plays the villain. It's totally immature to compete with your spouse for accolades from strangers. Just one more way this family is totally screwed up :(
*EVERYONE* who has young children and lives in Lancaster County takes their kids to see Thomas at the Strasburg Railroad.
We took our son to see Thomas a few years ago and the parking lot was immense! People come from surrounding states to see Thomas. The lots are so full and far away they take you to the actual railroad on school buses! It will be interesting to see how the Gosselins handle the crowds.
From the Strasburg Railroad website (http://www.strasburgrailroad.com/day-out-with-thomas.php) this episode must have been taped sometime between June 14-22.
If your child LOVES Thomas, I would highly recommend going. We didn't ride a train pulled by Thomas. Instead we road a much cheaper train. Our son was only 2 at the time so once we were on the train he didn't realize that we weren't being pulled by Thomas and still got to see Thomas.
The Christmas trains at the Strasburg Railroad are very nice and I'd recommend them. They also have train rides before Halloween that can drop you off at a pumpkin patch.
This show is becoming unbearable to watch. It's the same show week after week, only the location of the outing changes.
Could TLC/Figure8 cram the Gosselin freebie gravy train down our throats a little more? Every week we get to see the Gosselins go somewhere for free and then get special treatment while there. Oh goody.
I always wonder what causes a change in the line-up. Wasn't tonight the "property search" episode? It doesn't even look like property search is scheduled for the next four weeks.
Anonymous said...
See Kate scream. See Kate yell. See Kate be mean to Jon. See Jon with his tail between his legs. See Kate be total a bitch. See Kate spoil the fun for everyone. There you have it - a "pre-recap."
Or see Kate do the exact opposite of the above as part of TLC damage control. It's laughable how this show has become so predictable. Episode scenerios may change from week to week, but one thing that is always predictable is Kate's behavior. It's either bad for drama and ratings or she is on her best behavior in an attempt at damage control!
i imagine the thomas trip will be mobbed with a million other kids. will ordinary kids miss out on a ride because the gosselins will have a "special" ride without kids who aren't on the show?
- FIONA said...
Anonymous said...
See Kate scream. See Kate yell. See Kate be mean to Jon. See Jon with his tail between his legs. See Kate be total a bitch. See Kate spoil the fun for everyone. There you have it - a "pre-recap."
August 4, 2008 5:46 AM
My choice for comment of the week!
Priceless, short and sweet, and dead on!
"Could TLC/Figure8 cram the Gosselin freebie gravy train down our throats a little more? Every week we get to see the Gosselins go somewhere for free and then get special treatment while there. Oh goody."
I have noticed over the past few weeks that TLC has not been airing any preview commericals for J & K + 8. TLC has really been pushing the commericals for their new Tuesday line up, but there seems to be an absence of J & K previews. IMO, TLC is intentionally withholding previews for upcoming episodes based on viewer feedback, and episodes will air accordingly. Hence the obvious removal of the 'Property Search' episode that was previously scheduled to air and in the past, the rescheduling of the 'Hair Transplant' episode. When a television show has become so predictable that viewers can summerize and critique an episode before its aired, and producers know this, the show has truly reached the meaning of 'jumped shark'! As is the case with J & K + 8.
Just a quick comment from Lynn's comment about how interesting it'll be to see 'how the Gosselins handle the crowds'at Strasburg Railroad....I don't think they ever have to handle crowds...at Sesame Place, it seemed like they didn't have to wait in any lines, they were able to ride the coaster 3 times in a row, they were given a vacant area to eat lunch in, and no other kids were around when they went to visit Elmo...the only place I think where there were other kids was the little sprinkling can wading pool, and even then, there was plenty of room for all...
I'm from Lancaster County too. This isn't a vacation for the Gosselins, they live nearby. Living here it's one of those things you just do with your children. Most families in the area go to Strasburg at some point while they are growing up. I have a feeling they may have filmed before it opened or after it closed as that place is insane with crowds. It would be hard not to have others filmed which I think they can't do right?
- xsandlapper said...
I just want to see how Kate handles cinders. ;-)
See Kate scream. See Kate yell. See Kate be mean to Jon. See Jon with his tail between his legs. See Kate be total a bitch. See Kate spoil the fun for everyone. There you have it - a "pre-recap."
Or see Kate do the exact opposite of the above as part of TLC damage control.
But the thing is, even when they're trying to do damage control, Kate screws it up by acting like she always does. She just can't contain her bitchiness even when she tries.
Anon said: It bugs me that the show isn't about their day to day life anymore - always a project or a destination. They do more than my kids do, and I only have three!
I think what we are seeing and will be seeing are "trip" or "outing" shows almost exclusively. This format helps to "hide" the fact that Aunt Jodi, Beth, etc. are no longer in the kids lives. Also, TLC may think this type of format minimizes the fact that the tuplets are getting old and not toddlers anymore.
This week, the trainwreck takes place on an actual train! ;)
"This format helps to "hide" the fact that Aunt Jodi, Beth, etc. are no longer in the kids lives. Also, TLC may think this type of format minimizes the fact that the tuplets are getting old and not toddlers anymore."
I totally agree! It is a creative ploy on behalf of TLC to hide the fact that the Gosselin household is anything but 'typical' or relatable. The solution to this problem is capturing the Gosselin family on film outside the home participating in various activities ie amusement parks, at the beach, vacationing etc.. creating a viewer response of, 'awwww how nice that J & K are spending quality time with their children'' and 'isnt it wonderful to see the children getting out of the house and having fun'. The skeptic in me, and many others will most likely agree says, ' another TLC scripted episode that involves dragging the kids to yet another all expense paid destination with cameras still being shoved in their face'.
Ok the train wreck comment has to be comment of the week
- Serena said...
Ok the train wreck comment has to be comment of the week:
It will be the first of next week's nominated comments!
They are on the train car all bt themselves! All the other cars on the train were stuffed with people.
Also, the picture with Thomas? No one else gets to cross the barriers for a picture with Thomas like that.
Argh... I would have loved to be there that day. I would have followed them around and asked the employees, "May we also have our picture taken like they did? May we also have our own private Thomas car?"
- Thesaurus Rex said...
I am writing this as I watch the episode so I apologize if it's tangenty and rambly...
Good god, what IS it with these parents and their rigid, out of date, stereotypical gender roles?!?! "We're going to see Thomas the Tank- the boys will like it..." "Every boy knows Thomas the Tank." WTH? Girls can't like trains? And you can already see the trickle down to the twins. I noticed an inherited (no doubt) disdain for Joel coming from Mady.
Lovely that they got a whole [insert freebie here] to themselves on such a busy day! Dragging girl tup along while her pants are falling down?! She couldn't even stop to help her crying child pull her pants back up! I'm not shocked at all but it was just so heartless. GUESS WHAT KATE: Kids get embarrassed, too! Oh nobody wants to ride with you, Kate? Shocking! I laughed and laughed as the twins blocked the doors to their carts with their hands! It annoyed me when Mady tried to help a girl tup with her falling hair and got yelled at for it (of course).
K: Jon we have to trade kids, some other kids want to go up front!
J: Okay bring them up.
K: No, you bring them back here.
Just how lazy and selfish can one person be?!?! Jon is no saint as I've said before but I don't blame him for having a short temper sometimes because HE DOES ALL THE WORK. Although I did notice Jon's arm on the back of the couch again.
I wonder if Mady kind of knew that water and electronics don't mix and that's why she kept spraying the camera with water and laughing. Go Mady!
Things I did like:
-Collin and the house he built for his diney
-Aaden's head poking out of the train
-The older girls running around, playing with the squirt fans with the little kids
Sorry for the novel!
Some observations:
They had train cars all to themselves--this NEVER happens at the Strasburg RR during the summer--unless it's pouring!
They marched through barricaded-off areas and through the shed area at the back of the Strasburg station, were visitors normally aren't allowed.
By the way, Mady rocks. She should have her own show--it would be eons better than this!
The peppy, cheery music score has been cranked up and seems to be functional in drowning out the sniping of our two Bickersons in the van near the end of the program.
Love the fact that they HAD to "interview" a Sratsburg volunteer--he seemed so awkward, and only came up with the fact that the kids were well-behaved.
Kate manipulates the rigid gender roles in this family so that they benefit her. I watched the trip to the organic farm, and actually heard Jon insist that the girl tups had to have their shoes put on first because "girls go first in this family." That's been said ad nauseum over the years.
And in the Gosselin universe, only boys like trains and golf.
But boys, or at least Jon, is supposed to also dress and bathe his kids, and clean the house. How come those aren't considered girls jobs?
Oh right -- Because then Kate would have to do them.
One other note about the Thomas the Train excursion. Could they have sounded any less gracious for the freebie they got?
- xsandlapper said...
ITA with Lynn! These people are NOT royalty! I hate to think that some kids didn't get a ride or had to wait for hours due to the greedy Gosselins.
UGGGH! Why do I watch this show?!?! I am so disgusted by the way they so openly discuss their distaste with the boys. I wanted to smack Kate as she laughed as Jon imitated the boys. As a mother of two very active/messy/ happy little boys, (ages 3 and 5) it offends me that they think boys to be such a hassle. I never imagined I would have boys, I know nothing about sports, enjoy cleanliness, played with Barbies till I was 14...(you get the picture) But, unlike Kate I put my issues aside to get down and dirty with them, and am constantly suprised and amused by the things they do. But enough about me, back to tonights show- The moment that put me over the edge was when Kate mentioned Joel was not in the picture they took and then his beloved daddy imitated and made fun of him on national telivision. Just how is that going to affect him when he see that some day? I've always had a soft spot for Joel since he seems to be an underdog so this really ticked me off. I feel for these children. How can people defend these maniacs?
- MrsRef said...
I thought they were very rude in mocking the Railroad guy who was explaining about the history of the rail car. We did not have trouble with the windows because my kids knew to sit in the seat and behave. I can't stand the way Kate pulls the kids along, she does this everywhere they go. I'm surprised she hasn't pulled an arm out of the socket. Jon does this to and it drives me nuts.
I don't know. I enjoyed this episode. I thought it was more real than recent episodes. The Gosselins are celebrities - if my family was there that day I would have taken a picture of the Gosselins in front of Thomas the Train. It doesn't bother me.
It was funny when Kate said nobody wanted her to sit with them. A big part of me said 'right on!' but a small part of me went 'awwww'. The next scene they showed her looking back and smiling at her children. I loved Kate in that one scene. She acted like a mother who loves to see her children having fun. And at the end of the show when she kissed Aeden before he went in the house, it touched me. Like I said at the start, I enjoyed this episode. Sure she should have handled Alexis's falling pants better, but overall I thought Kate didn't appear as condescending or mean.
I find it more and more difficult to sit through an entire episode of J & K + 8. The ramblings of J & K on the couch are getting to be too much. Just shut up already! I would rather see and hear the children tell their story, in THEIR own words!!
Observation: I found J & K 's demeanor at the train station to be extremely stand offish and insulting. It appeared that they made every attempt to keep 'bystanders' as well as the viewers at a distance.From their constant wearing of sunglasses to their intense un inviting body language ie walking straight ahead, no eye contact and making zero attempt to acknowledge anyone within their immediate field of vision. I found it extremely ridiculous that they 'decided to' visit a popular tourist attraction during the summer months but were taken aback at how many people were there. As if the other people were infringing on their space. IMO, J & K have very unreasonable (and undeserving) expectations in that they expect businesses to make special accomodations for them simply because they are J & K Gosselin and have 8 children. I find their desire for preferential treatment insulting and fault many of these businesses for placating to their demands! Perhaps if J & K actually paid out of their own pocket for all these special trips they would get a better understanding of what it is like in the 'REAL' world and respect their fellow 'family man'. Their pompous attitude that everyone should step aside and accomodate their every whim is wearing very thin on this viewer!!
I haven't seen the show yet but sounds like the tups are lucky to have Cara and Mady as sisters.
- iluveeyore said...
I haven't even seen the show yet. (I'm afraid to watch until I see the snark, so I can brace myself.)
As to one of the tups having her pants fall down... Has anybody else noticed how "large" the tups clothes always seem to be? Both the boys and girls seem to wear stuff that is too wide and too long. That would be understandable if Kate were paying for the clothes. She might want to buy clothes that would last for two seasons/years. But, since the clothes are free, why in the world are they often falling off the kids?
In all the episodes of J & K, they have never made mention of or have we seen the milkweed/Monarch butterfly hatching. If I remember correctly, Kate said they have been doing it for two years and have let go approximately 10 butterflies. In tonight's episode, the milkweed/butterfly hatching is suddenly the focus and centerpiece of their dining room table. Of ALL the episodes that have aired to date, the TLC producers, and J & K for that matter, never once thought that the idea of the children releasing butterflies would make for an entertaining and memorable episode!!
I noticed that not even Hannah wanted to sit with Kate this episode. I also noticed that the tups got new booster seats. I wonder why, considering their Radian car seats are considered safe through 65 lbs, or somewhere around there. The tups certainly have not outgrown those car seats.
"And in the Gosselin universe, only boys like trains and golf."
I do not think this statement is true. I heard Kate say on the show tonight that next time they need to take the big girls to play putt putt golf because they would enjoy it!
Wow on the damage control-where to start? With Kate of course! "We're doing projects all over the place!" She can't even complete a sentence anymore without looking at Jon on the couch-and what's with the new cutting back to the couch all the time in between shots? I see Jon's arm is back. Everything just seemed so obvious. Just a passing comment that minature golf was suggested for the girls? Hardly. I lost my concentration for a little bit as I white-knuckled my way through Aaden's head out the window. I have a spirited 2 year old and Aaden was giving me a HEART ATTACK! Not Kate though-no jumping up unless maybe a bird crapped on his clean shirt. "Nobody wants to ride with me" is too obviously funny, so I'll go with her yelling at Jon that the boys were "aimlessly standing". WHAT? :)
I did not get to see tonight's episode. At exactly 8:01 pm here in the Chicago area, the power went out because of severe thunderstorms. Kate had just said, "Why doesn't anybody want to ride with me?" (or something along those lines) and then - zap. From the tone of tonight's Monday Night Snark Fest, I'm prepped and ready for the re-run. God - Hannah's pants really fell down? Kate is such a bitch.
Rachel I noticed that too with the carseats. The Radian are top of the line and were given to them for free. Hmmm...
It wasn't Hannah's pants, it was Alexis' pants.
I know the Radians were donated to them about a year ago.
A member of a very popular parenting website contacted Sunshine Kids and the gosselins to help them get the carseats. it was probably at leat a year ago.
But it was back in the day when I thought they were struggling to get by.
Maybe it's a hassle to harness 6 kids in now.
- Sera said...
I haven't watched the ep yet, but will in a bit.
To play devil's advocate here (taking away fact they get all this stuff for free) maybe the reason we are seeing so many outings is that the kids are older and the family is partaking in normal summertime rituals.
I mean, I remember when it was March break, my aunt would come down into the city with my cousins (they lived up north, we lived in the city) and stay for the week. Then my mom and my aunt would take us places like the Zoo, the Science Centre, museums, etc etc...that was totally normal...
- Thesaurus Rex said...
God - Hannah's pants really fell down? Kate is such a bitch.
They didn't fall all the way down but they were falling down and girl tup was obviously terrified of embarrassing herself. Kate was literally dragging her along and scolded her a bunch of times before she finally asked her what was wrong. She attempted to pull girl tup's pants up WHILE THEY WERE STILL WALKING which wasn't working. Jon stopped and helped her as Kate bellowed "I pulled them up a hundred times, we can't stop walking right now!" or something to that effect.
- Mimi to 3 said...
Did you all notice that even though Kate was obviously toned down a bit, she just still had to get her comment in about Jon's weight? That came when they were talking about getting the kids home for lunch and that they never forget a meal, no matter what they are doing. She then said, "They get that from you". She can't resist. I admit, she looks really good, but the outside is such a sham for what is inside and I doubt very many people could stand to be in the same room with her, much less married to her. How ungracious they were to the guy on the train.
AHHH Im traveling and no TLC in the hotel!! I have the DVR set at home - OMG no one wanted to sit with Kate??? I can't wait to see it! Priceless!!
'Ok the train wreck comment has to be comment of the week:
serena said: It will be the first of next week's nominated comments!'
Serena, don't forget to add nanasez's comment:
"I swear, these people go all the way around the block to get next door."
The best thing ever said on this show (not just this epi) was when Kate said something like "No one wants to ride with me. Why doesn't anyone want to ride with me?" And Jon's response was "Because you're a grouch!" Truer words were never spoken! I laughed and laughed!
Mady is really a wonderful child! They should give her more credit. She may very well be the smartest member of their family! Everything she did on this epi was great. She's pretty much saying to them "You want a show? I'll give you a show!" She WAS this episode. Loving her so much right now!
And my last comment (or rather, question) is to Kon and TLC. Damage control much?
Kristin, that's a good theory except for the catch that these boosters are harnessed boosters, so they still have to harness the tups in. I wonder if they got the new seats because the Radians were in Kate's fender bender?
pokie said...
I don't know. I enjoyed this episode. I thought it was more real than recent episodes. The Gosselins are celebrities - if my family was there that day I would have taken a picture of the Gosselins in front of Thomas the Train. It doesn't bother me.
I see what you're saying, Pokie. But it sort of makes me cringe that the Gosselins are viewed that way. I know, it's semantics, but "celebrities" are people who are celebrated for, oh, i dunno, their talent, their contribution to society, their accomplishment. But these people having done none of the above other than contributing to the population. They are the "flavor of the month" and the month has gone on too long. They're on TV so they're "celebrities"? So everyone with a reality show is now a "celebrity". whoopee. The Gosselins are nothing more than average Joe's who, through the help of fertility treatments, ended up with two sets of multiples. Nothing more. Nothing extraoardinary here. Nothing that would warrant the preferential
treatment they receive while in the presence of mere mortals. If they were just the slightest bit gracious, the slightest bit humble under the circumstances instead of brimming with a sense of entitlement then we might, just might be with them just a tad.
It makes me cringe that it seems okay to some that paying guests at a public event should be held behind barricades while these two opportunists parade their family - in front of said paying guests, no less - for experiences the mortals will not get because they didn't win the fertility lottery. Witness the same during the zoo episode: No one else gets the private behind the scenes tour. No one else gets their own tram. When my family visited the Mystic Aquarium a few months back, it was $79 per person to pet a penguin and children under 5 were not allowed. I don't know how the Pittsburgh Zoo does things, but I would think that there's a reason toddlers aren't allowed near penguins.
Barbara said: How ungracious they were to the guy on the train.
We know that Kate is a spoiled, mean, and ungrateful brat. Didn't Charlene and Kenton teach her anything? Did they really create this monster or did Kate's free will kick in and decide, "I choose to be a bitch - I'm entitled." Treating anyone in a demeaning and ungracious manner is so appalling and uncalled for. While I did not see this episode (with the guy on the train), it is a safe bet to say that not only did Kate burn her bridges in Reading, but now in Elizabethtown and all of Lancaster County. And - nothing will change when they move to their Mcmansion in NC. ALSO - if Charlene has any human feeling at all, she has to be horribly embarrassed and depressed by Kate's behavior. I did notice over the last week that the institution where Charlene works has removed her picture and contact info from their website. Everybody else in her department is shown as always. I know Charlene is still working there - did her picture and info come off because she's being harassed? What is wrong with this family???
I did not think it was strange that they did not want Kate to sit with them. Cara and Mady were each in one of the carts with the kids. Cara and Mady are at the age where it is just not "cool" to be with their parents. They just wanted to be alone. I remember when I was that age and I don't know how my parents dealt with me...I was a handful!
Anon 8:16 said: "celebrities" are people who are celebrated for, oh, i dunno, their talent, their contribution to society, their accomplishment. But these people having done none of the above other than contributing to the population.
Anon, don't you know, we're talking about Kate Gosselin and her "amazing uterus" here! Maybe she should will her "amazing uterus" to the Mutter Museum in Philadelphia for the edification of future generations.
- Jenn said...
We asked for change and we got. Let's try and embrace that change and hope for the best.
They are the flavor of the month alright, and it's leaving a bad taste in my mouth.
- SororitySister said...
Did anyone else notice that Kate yelled at Jon to hurry up when the kids were getting off of the train and that to many of the kids were standing there behind him for to long. Here is a thought Kate why don't you get off the train first and help Jon or stand with the kids once they are off the train instead of yelling at Jon to go faster. I guess a little common sense is to much to ask for.
I too noticed tonight that the tups got new booster seats. This bugs me because their old car seats, Radians, are good until 65 lbs or 80 lbs, depending on the model. I think the Gosselins have the 65 lbs model. Radians are some of the safest seats on the market and the Gosselins got them for free because someone donated them. Anyway, I seriously doubt that any of the tups have reached 65 lbs.
However, I do have a few theories. One theory is that when Kate got into that fender-bender, all the Radians were in the car and Kate decided that it was no longer safe for her children to be in those seats. Another theory is that someone donated the booster seats not knowing that the kids still hadn't outgrown the Radians and Jon and Kate, not knowing much about car seats, decided newer is better and opted to put the kids in the newer seats.
I can't say for sure which it is since I don't know which car Kate was driving during the accident, I don't know how serious the accident was, etc. I seriously hope my first theory is correct and that the car seats changed out of concern for the children's safety. Because If I was in their position and I had perfectly good Radians, I would rather keep the kids in the Radians.
Rachel said: I wonder if they got the new seats because the Radians were in Kate's fender bender?
Speaking of that fender bender hit-and-run, what is going on with that? Is leaving the scene of an accident - hit-and-run some level crime in PA? At least a ticket or do you have to go to court? In any case, Kate will maintain her usual attitude - not her problem. No personal accountability for anything. You know, what if a serious accident occurred - an accident with one of the kids (e.g. a la Jacob Roloff with the trebuchet)(God forbid) or to Aunt Jodi or one of her kids? Would Kate just say, "We don't have time to deal with that." Really, I can hear her saying that. I've said it before and I will say it again - there is some level of sociopathy with her. Disturbing.
I too noticed tonight that the tups got new booster seats. This bugs me because their old car seats, Radians, are good until 65 lbs or 80 lbs, depending on the model.
However, I do have a few theories. One theory is that when Kate got into that fender-bender, all the Radians were in the car and Kate decided that it was no longer safe for her children to be in those seats. Another theory is that someone donated the booster seats not knowing that the kids still hadn't outgrown the Radians and Jon and Kate, not knowing much about car seats, decided newer is better and opted to put the kids in the newer seats.
The kids have been riding in Graco Nautiluses (which are very wonderful seats for kids their age and will last them for a long time since they convert to a high back booster & a backless booster after that. They also have a 9 year expiry.
The Radians have been used in the white van in previous episodes. I know the Nautys have been there for a long time now. They used rented ones on the ski trip and got the new ones right after that for the black van.
Kate had a car accident? Were the kids with her?
- Jenn said...
God - Hannah's pants really fell down? Kate is such a bitch.
They didn't fall down, she just said they were.
- Jenn said...
I do agree with Kates observation on tattling... so anoying for any parent.
- Jenn said...
And I noticed.... NO STROLLERS!
The kids have been riding in Graco Nautiluses (which are very wonderful seats for kids their age and will last them for a long time since they convert to a high back booster & a backless booster after that. They also have a 9 year expiry.
Oh, okay. I didn't know much about about the Graco Nautilis, but I just visited the Graco website and I'm glad to learn the kids can be harnessed in the Nautilis up to 65 lbs, just like in the Radian.
Kate: "Nobody wants to sit with me"
John: "Because you're a grouch"
- merryway said...
I also started off loving this series, but now mostly my jaw just hangs open when I watcj. Now, we just watch them go places. The fun before was watching them try to cope with so many children the same age. How ungrateful Kate portrays herself to be as they are all forced to listen to a few minutes of history. These poor kids never interact with any other children on these outings. My little girl loves being able to say hello and make instant friends with other children her age when we're out and about. Do they ever go to story time or a public play area with other children. The are so isolated. Why watch these secluded children go and do things that other children only get to do once or twice a year. I love the kids. It's just getting harder to watch each weak. I was wondering if during the potty training of the boys if anyone else was bothered that she left Colin sitting on the potty before nap time Then turned the lights off after she told him to go to bed after he finished. It just seemed so sad to leave him sitting there in the dark.
I love reading all the comments. Also hasn't this woman heard of art smocks? They have ones that are long sleeved and lightweight plastic, easily scrunched and portable. It would be so easy.
- April said...
Watching Kate literally makes my skin itch. UGH.
Why doesn't Jon invest some of the money they take a buy a backbone??
tinlady97 said:
i imagine the thomas trip will be mobbed with a million other kids. will ordinary kids miss out on a ride because the gosselins will have a "special" ride without kids who aren't on the show?
Every train they were on, they were on by themselves. Kate and Jon both commented on how many people were there and how crowded it was. Every time they showed the kids in the trains, half the car was empty. It was ONLY them. What do you think?
I posted a few times under anonymous, hoping this one works with a name...
Anyway, this is the first time I have actually taken time to write things down as I watched the show. I have to say overall I liked this episode.
The first thing that really jumped out at me was when Jon was calling the tups to come outside and he said each of their names rather than just saying something like "come on, all of you!" I think saying their names makes them more individual. I don't think that had been mentioned yet, but that really stuck out to me. Kudos to Jon on that.
I also have to say that as a teacher I agree with Kate about the the tattle tale stuff. I ask my students "Is someone bleeding or dying? No? Go sit down." Of course I will listen if there is a real emergency...I always hear what they have to say first.. but "He is looking at me" is not something I can listen to all day long!
I am glad that Kate mentioned that she thought that they needed to do something for the twins soon. I hope she follows through with that.
Lastly, I hope it was a reality check that no one wanted to sit with her!! HAHA!!!
Just one comment about their special priveleges everywhere. I remember seeing a behind the scenes type of show about reality shows once and they talked about how the production staff had to run around behind every scene and get releases from every person in teh shot to be seen on TV. If they couldn't do this, they had to post special notices on the premises of wherever they were that filming was going on and anyone entering the area was giving consent to be filmed.
I tend to think that their isolation such as riding an individual train partially has to do with this reality.
Just saw the show. I do think that the producers are exercising damage control. None of the children wanted to sit with Kate at one point. Cara looked really pissed off that Kate went and sat in her cart.
I had peeked here before seeing the show, so I was watching the train conductor at the end. His comment: Well it SEEMED (my emphasis) that the kids are well behaved. All the while shrugging his shoulders and shaking his head. Then Jon's comment at the end, "we do better with the educational activities." I think that someone threw a major hissy fit.
Well I think that this will be my last show. I've already stopped watching the reruns. It just seemed joyless until the very end when Cara and Mady were running around with the fans and misting bottles. The previews for next week gave me the shudders.
Some people didn't really believe that they had a sign in their yard (the dont talk to us, blah, blah, blah sign) but you could see it when the camera was following Maddie when she was spraying it.
Every episode I watch seems to take the Gosselins further from reality. I try to view the show by hoping to see the children enjoying themselves in whatever activity TLC, Figure 8, and/or Jon and Kate has decided to send them on. I try to ignore the Jon and Kate moments and the damage control. There seems to be a formula, Jon and Kate Plus 8 go on a trip or some sort of outing.
I need to jump on the soapbox for a minute. Sometimes the gender roles they are teaching their children drive me crazy. I feel like they are creating limitations for their children. I get upset when Jon and Kate describe the boys as being slower or imply that because they are boys they just aren't as smart as the girls. Aaden, Collin, and Joel are wonderful, playful, smart little boys. The girls see how Kate treats Jon and will grow up thinking that they can belittle and "love tap" their spouse. The girls will grow up and think nothing of being unable or unwilling to take out the garbage, fill the car with gas, or drive hither thither and yon. The girls are seeing their mother sit in her chair and bark orders to her husband. How soon will we start seeing the twins and the girl sextuplets doing the same thing to the boy sextuplets. The little boys are being taught that girls go first and they aren't seeing their father stand up for himself. It is no wonder that Joel once referred to himself as Daddy's girl and Collin's worse insult is to call someone a boy. Who would want to be a male in that household? I'm jumping off now.
I was glad to see Mady stick up for herself and say that she was trying to help her sister with her hair and not messing it up. Mady often gets the short end of the stick, like at Dutch Wonderland when Colin was being stubborn and was holding everyone up on the slide. She was trying to nudge him forward because you could see there was a log jam of kids and all Kate did was yell at Mady. Way to speak up for yourself Mady!
- Unknown said...
Anon 8:59 PM,
I too heard some woman say "look, there's Jon & Kate Plus 8!!" with an excited sound in her voice when they first got there and just like you said, Kate looked toward the girl real quick and then turned her head back & started walking faster. Very sad she has to behave this way. Why does Kate think their show is such a hit on TLC? Because of THE FANS (or at least the ones that are still left).
Kate said they have been doing it for two years and have let go approximately 10 butterflies. In tonight's episode, the milkweed/butterfly hatching is suddenly the focus and centerpiece of their dining room table.
The truth doesn't walk with either Kon, so I don't believe they've been hatching butterflies for two years. In fact, when it comes to Katie Irene especially, I go with what Mary McCarthy said of Lillian Hellman: 'Every word out of her mouth is a lie, including and and the.'
If my 7 year old didn't LOVE this show, I wouldn't watch it anymore...seriously. However, she adores the 'tups & we tune in every week :) Let me tell you, even though my daughter is 7, she says how mean Kate seems and how awful she is to Jon. Isn't that terrible? That a SEVEN YEAR OLD can pick up on the behavior? *shakes head*
Oh...and this?
"No one wants to ride with me. Why doesn't anyone want to ride with me?" And Jon's response was "Because you're a grouch!"
Not only was *I* laughing hysterically, but my daughter nearly fell off the couch she was laughing so hard. HILARITY!
The quality of the show has gone down since Jodi and Beth were removed. As a viewer, I enjoyed the seeing the everyday, regular interactions that friends and family have. Now all you see is trip after trip, which is boring. I also noticed a tension in Jon and Katie that wasn't there before. I first noticed the change in the show a month or so ago. I couldn't understand where everyone had gone. When I went on the net for answers, I was so shocked. How are they going to explain Beth's absence when she is the co-author of their upcoming book. Why was Kate so dead set against giving everyone a small stipend? She may just have killed the golden goose by being so small minded. She needs Jodi, Beth, and their families on the show. That's part of what made it a hit! News flash to Jon and Kate: YOU ARE NOT THAT INTERESTING ALONE!!!
green said: 'The little boys are being taught that girls go first and they aren't seeing their father stand up for himself.'
I have to disagree with this statement. I see nothing wrong with telling the boys that girls go first. To me it's old-fashioned common courtesy, akin to holding the door open for a lady or letting a lady exit the elevator first. I'm with Jon on this one.
Ahh, the butterflies. They did have jars on the table last sumnner but they were never acknowledged. They can be seen in re-runs shot at that time. Carla collected the future critters and put them in jars for the Gosselin kids so that they could grow butterflies.
"I thought they were very rude in mocking the Railroad guy who was explaining about the history of the rail car."
Yes, that is something my family would LOVE to hear. And then they mock the poor man. Sad.
Oh, but they do like "educational trips." Um, hello??? They guy WAS trying to educate you!
This has really upset me from the start of their shows. Stop pushing the juice as a healthly drink for the kids!!! Kate even puts it in their sippy cups. Anything you read about children's teeth tells you how bad juice drinks are. I think they said that Kara and Maddy already have cavities. They are so young! People think that juice is a healthy drink, but it is not. Also, since that one little boy has so much trouble going to the bathroom (when they were picking out beds-that was the worst show-he was really sick and Kate ignored him), he needs more water, not juice! I would think Kate being a nurse would see that. They even talked about his bathroom problems on other episodes. I realize the juice company sponsers the show, but it is at the cost of their children's health. That's my two cents!
Does anyone know if Jon and Kate ever fixed the hole that their children made in Jodi's wall when she was babysitting them? It always bothered me that Kate was so upset about the gum on the clothes, but just passed off the hole as no big deal. When children break something, parents should make sure that it is fixed and/or replaced. I thought Jon and Kate acted like it was no big deal, I think Kate rolled her eyes. I would have died if my kids made a hole in someone's wall. And I certainly would have fixed it. The kids should also have apologized. What is that woman thinking? Oh, that's right, only about herself!
Anon 11:01 said: How are they going to explain Beth's absence when she is the co-author of their upcoming book.
They will explain this just like they explain everything else - with a lame and idiotic excuse. For example, Kate explained away Aunt Jodi's absence by saying, "The kids got tired of going there." Does she think we are that stupid??? She pulls these "answers" out of thin air and it doesn't matter whether it even sounds rational or not - in Kate's mind it's good enough. As to Beth's absence on the book tour, I'm sure Kate will address that with something like, "Oh, Beth is busy with her family." Lame. I think the book's appearance will be the end of Kate Gosselin and the Gosselin Gravy Train. When you do interviews as part of a book tour, the interviewer can ask you anything within the context of the book. Kate has opened herself up to questioning, in other words. Now, she may not be going on Larry King Live (boy - I'd love to see that, though...)but she will have to answer questions and if she comes up with responses that she constantly pulls out of her ass, then maybe even the sheeple will scratch their heads. I keep thinking back to the "A Million Little Pieces" by James Frey fiasco.
Can anyone get their hands on the list of J&K's TV scheduled appearances to promote the book? Wouldn't it be great if viewers could call in their questions? Doubt it will happen, though.
Anon 1111:01 said: She needs Jodi, Beth, and their families on the show. That's part of what made it a hit! News flash to Jon and Kate: YOU ARE NOT THAT INTERESTING ALONE!!!
Yes!!! The thing that made the show interesting was the mix of people - Jodi and her family, Beth and her family, Nana Janet, Carla and her daughter, Beverly, etc. Where are all these people now??? Kate fired them!!! This field trip thing every week is getting old already!!! It can't last with this kind of format every week.
I see nothing wrong with telling the boys that girls go first. To me it's old-fashioned common courtesy, akin to holding the door open for a lady or letting a lady exit the elevator first. I'm with Jon on this one.
My objection to this thinking is that courtesy isn't about gender, it's about kindness and concern. Just like you hold the door open for someone laden down with packages, regardless of the gender. Or you let the elderly man have the seat on the bus, regardless of whether you are a woman.
Jon is parroting "girls first," taught to him by Kate, because it's a concept that somehow girls are the weaker sex - unable to pump gas, unable to take out garbage, unable to go hither, thither, and yon (unless it's to a spa), uninterested in science or engineering, but always interested in art. Those are stereotypes that the Gosselins are perpetuating when they repeat "girls first." It's not so much whether or not Colin opens the door for his sister, but whether his sister would think to open the door for him.
We want to empower our sons and daughters to be courteous to everyone, to think of others first, regardless of gender. It won't make Aaden less of a courteous man if he has his shoes put on before his sister Leah has her shoes donned. But it may skew his idea of what girls can and can't do.
- Serena said...
These poor kids never interact with any other children on these outings. My little girl loves being able to say hello and make instant friends with other children her age when we're out and about. Do they ever go to story time or a public play area with other children. The are so isolated.
Being isolated is the whole point when you're growing up in a bubble. The only difference between the Dionne quintuplets growing up in a glass display room and the Gosselins is that the Gosselins' bubble has wheels.
Anonymous said...
"I thought they were very rude in mocking the Railroad guy who was explaining about the history of the rail car."
If J & K for once participated in these types of activities with OTHER PARENTS , the parents that saved and paid with hard earned money , they would come to realize that the other parents are interested in what is being said, ie the train guy !!!! Just because what the train guy was saying did not appeal to the tups and twins age group what he was saying was significant to the activity at the time! Obviously he was not informed to 'dumb down' his presentation. If J & K do not have the intellectual fortitude to grasp the significance of what this guy was saying, perhaps they should stick to twirling around in tea cups.
J & K have become all consumed on these activities with their sense of entitlement and the filming of a J & K + 8 episode that they lost all appreciation and respect for their fellow man/woman and the 'outside world'.
SororitySister said...
Did anyone else notice that Kate yelled at Jon to hurry up when the kids were getting off of the train and that to many of the kids were standing there behind him for to long.
From what I heard it was Jon telling Kate to wait and not let the kids get off the train, even though some were already exitting, because he didnt want the kids to be standing alone at the bottom. If that were the case , perhaps Jon SHOULD HAVE got off his ASS, communicated his intentions to his wife and been at the bottom of the train steps PRIOR to his kids exitting the train! In typical Gosselin fashion, barking out an order equals communication thus resulting in chaos and confusion.
In response to:
"I admit, she looks really good,"
You cant hide bitchiness behind bangs!! Regardless of what Kate looks like on the outside, she is the same ugly, coniving mean bitch on the inside.
And as the saying goes, God dont like ugly!
Just a few comments:
-My guess as to why the Gosselins had a car to themselves is because they also come with a camera crew.
- The shows producers should show more of the twins. I find them both to be beautiful, smart, and entertaining.
- I am so SO tired of the whining and crying. The tups are four now, they need to TALK.
-How cute is Colin?
- Alexis: she has always been my favorite tup but last night I found myself a bit concerned. She seems - well - disturbed. There seems to be absolutely NOTHING that doesn't cause her to melt down. She is ALWAYS bitching about something and her reactions are out of proportion to what is happening. I had no problem with Kate ignoring her whining about her shorts falling down. Why? Because they werent'. She just wanted to bitch. Just like she cries up a storm about having to pee every two minutes. If she were my kid, I'd be very inclined to check her and check her good. As my mom used to say, I'd give her something to cry about.
- The tups are old enough now for the world to not have to revolve around them. It's time for Cara and Mady to get some attention, even if it means that the tups have to be, EGADS, bored for a minute or two.
That's it.
"Sometimes the gender roles they are teaching their children drive me crazy."
We also get the film footage stereotyping boy vs girl play as the boys were playing in the rain water from the eaves. To which Kate replied, (paraphrase) 'why do boys do that', 'boys are just so dirty and gross'. A child playing in water on the driveway is just that CHILD'S PLAY!! There is absolutely no biological predisposition that dictates how or what a boy, or girl wants to play. There is no difference in the boy tups playing in the water on the driveway and the twin girls playing with their fan powered squirt bottles! Kate's theory on gender roles is simply absurd to say the least. Thing is, she has no problem with a husband that is home all day doing what many would consider 'women's work'.
Anon 5:10 said: J & K have become all consumed on these activities with their sense of entitlement and the filming of a J & K + 8 episode that they lost all appreciation and respect for their fellow man/woman and the 'outside world'.
Yes!! And I find it totally ironic and downright hypocritical that their family mission statement reads that their number one duty is to "tell people about God's love." These people are a piss poor example for just about everything resembling virtue!!!
Jennifer said...
And I noticed.... NO STROLLERS!
August 4, 2008 9:08 PM
I don't think strollers are permitted at the Thomas events. At least at ours, they weren't. We are in Illinois.
If she were my kid, I'd be very inclined to check her and check her good. As my mom used to say, I'd give her something to cry about.>>
Ummm what? I thought we were about advocating freedom and happiness for these kids, not advocating physically abusing them.
I was completely put off by J&K's rudeness towards the conductor of the small train at the end. But he was just doing his JOB....oh wait, J&K know nothing about jobs since they both gave up working to become media "darlings" (yes that is sarcasm LOL). I still felt bad for the poor man. If I were conducting that train I wouldn't have let them sit up front after the way J&K acted.
Another thing, why do these kids always have screaming fits? The child on the train (can't remember but I think it was Hannah) sitting with Mady when her hair came undone and she came undone too. The way she was crying and hitting herself (pounding her fist on her knee) was really disturbing. I mean sure, some kids have temper tantrums and you deal with them firmly but the Gosselins kids seem to have melt downs all the time. Maybe it's time for J&K to stop preening themselves and start deal with their kids emotional issues.
Pokey said: It was funny when Kate said nobody wanted her to sit with them. A big part of me said 'right on!' but a small part of me went 'awwww'. The next scene they showed her looking back and smiling at her children. I loved Kate in that one scene. She acted like a mother who loves to see her children having fun.
I disagree. She turned and gave a forced smile and a "yayyyy." Whoohooo. Go Kate. What a model of motherhood.
I was thrilled that none of the kids wanted to sit with her, and even put their hands out to keep her from entering their cars. That speaks volumes.
She is not a mother who "loves to see her children have fun." She is a mother who loves to see her children make their bank account go "ka-ching."
I have some issue with the Hannah hair situation last night. I found it somewhat disturbing to watch 4 year old Hannah literally fall apart hysterical because Mady touched her hair. Mady said she was only trying to help. But the way Jon scooped up and proceeded to kiss and coddle Hannah you would have thought Mady caused harm to the child. I understand Hannah is 'weird' about her hair, something I personally dont understand at all, but Jon didnt have to yell at Mady the way he did. He could have also explained to Hannah that Mady was only trying to help and wasnt trying to hurt her. Why does this child, at age 4, have such 'weird' (Jon's word) issues with her hair? To the extent that having her hair touched results in a complete traumatic breakdown?
- MrsRef said...
Back to the train guy giving the little talk - the twins are old enough to understand some of what he said. We did the railroad when my middle daughter was around 8. We actually rode on the hello dolly car. That ride resulted in us watching the movie to see the car we had ridden on. When she was a senior in high school, they did Hello Dolly and guess what, she remembered being on that car AND the scene we had watched in the movie. Sometimes kids take in and remember way more than we realize. As for the comment upthread about someone saying there's Jon and Kate, if you want to be anonymous, then don't put your life on Tv once a week. Actually it more than once a week, they are on everyday in our market at least twice a day. I don't get recognized when I go out!!!!!!!!!!
I just watched the new episode, and agree with the people mentioning the way they pull their little arms, but one thing (of many), that really bothers me is something I noticed a while ago, and in the NE pic, the way they grab them by the head, I noticed Kate more than Jon doing it, but they must do it a lot, since they automatically flinch, even if they aren't getting pulled by the head.
But K is right, they are getting their own opinions and attitudes, it showed when no one wanted to ride with her on the train.
Another thing was when she was taking thier pic, they smile, and stop, smile, stop, like little robots doing a job. They seemed like they had a decent time on the trains though.
- Jenn said...
I see nothing wrong with telling the boys that girls go first. To me it's old-fashioned common courtesy, akin to holding the door open for a lady or letting a lady exit the elevator first. I'm with Jon on this one.
I also agree with this. We are teaching my 4 year old son that when he and his sister are together that it is the polite thing to do to let the ladies go first. We also teach him other manners, like sharing, along with this. I don't see anything wrong with teaching him to treat a girl like a lady... hopefully when he's older he will appreciate it.
- merryway said...
Re: the guide on the train. Kate was so rude with the look on her face. She should have told her children to listen that they were talking about the train. It takes practice to sit still and listen at that age. She could have paraphrased it for her kids and told them it was a train used in a famous movie. Instead she just showed her children that it was fine to be rude if you're not interested. I feel for those guys when they have to talk and no one listens. I loved Maddy chasing the camera with the squirt bottle. Did anyone else think the kids look bored on this outing? I couldn't figure out if they were bored or just quietly taking it all in.
I keep wondering how she's going to relinquish her control to let the tups go to preschool. They will be so happy to be in the real world.
This site is wonderful, brings out a lot of concern about the show. IMO, we probably should not view "Jon and Kate plus 8" as any normal American family. They have been modified for the sake of ratings. I find th show do help to fulfill some of my fantasies. eg, having 8 kids with only 2 pregnancies, getting help and freebies just by voicing it out loud, meeting famous talk show hosts, and starred in my own music video(yikes!maybe not the music video)
On top of that, I don't have to deal with the kids' tantrum, allow a group of camera crew in my house, live in a fishbowl and criticize by this website on how I raise my kids. All I need to do is to stare at the tube, maybe fast forward the bickering part between Jon and Kate and leave with the memory of the kids' cute moments.
I have no problem with them getting special treatment at a park or having a personal chef to prepare meals. IMO, this family has already paid their price.
To Anon 6:30 - My 4 year old son has major head/hair issues too, and I have no idea why. Cutting his hair is a major event and we're lucky to get through it. Some kids just have an issue with it!
These poor kids never interact with any other children on these outings.
I noticed when they were in their church pre-school group, they were the only kids interacting with certain instructors. I know that the production crew has to keep other kids away due to privacy and such, but maybe they should give the little kids some alone time so they can build social skills with OTHER kids their age, not just their brothers and sisters. I know this was only one episode, I just worry that since they're always filming, this is more of the case than not. These kids are going to get to kindergarten and not know how to interact/share/play with kids that don't share their DNA. They say twins have this problem growing up. Now it's going to be times 6!
I also agree that we should see the Cara and Mady more. Everyone loves the tups, but J&K have this show because they have TWO sets of multiples, not just one. I worry that the older girls are going to grow up with resentment and tire easily because everyone pays so much attention to their younger siblings and not them. They're special too.
I thought I saw one of the girl tups sitting in a regular non-harnessed booster next to a boy tup in a harnassed booster in the "jon cooks Korean episoide. They are riding in the car going to the Asian grocery store
April said...
Watching Kate literally makes my skin itch. UGH.
Why doesn't Jon invest some of the money they take a buy a backbone??
I nominate this one for next week's comment of the week! Way to go April!
- sistah2 said...
" Why does this child, at age 4, have such 'weird' (Jon's word) issues with her hair? To the extent that having her hair touched results in a complete traumatic breakdown?"
..because her mother has taught her that if your hair is not perfect, the world will end. Kate has instilled her shallow phobias in her kids.
WAIT!! - So we are now saying that the show isn't interesting without the helper people Kate had?? Oh, okay so when she was getting help people complained that this woman can't do anything for herself. Kate is now doing things herself (as far as we know) and we are complaining again. Gosh, these people don't do anything right. Also, this episode was damage control...Let's remember, they did not film this live so this was filmed in mid June when Thomas was in Strasburg.
I used to watch the show all the time, but some of the behaviors of Jon & Kare started bothering me. I found this website when I was trying to get some answers... thank you for such great conversation! I didn't get to see the entire show, but I did see the preview where no one wanted to sit with Kate- I almost blew iced tea up my nose! LOL! I hope the kids stand up to her more.
I just wanted to add to your discussion about gender bias. I was a girl who played with Hot Wheels, Legos, and trains. I excelled in math and science, and I majored in civil engineering in college. My husband is a great writer and artist (not so great at math). and I DO take out the trash and fill my own gas tank! Our eldest son (7-years-old) loves his cars, trains, etc. He bought me a Barbie for my birthday a few years ago(he says because I am a girl) and loves to play barbies with me. One of his best friends is a girl. I think it is important not to let kids think toys or activities are 'boy things' or 'girl things'. They should be able to decide what they like for themselves. How does Kate know if one of the girls may have the mind of a great scientist or one of the boys is a budding artist? My son LOVED going to the pottery place to paint. Jon&Kate should stop this bias and open the kids up to all experiences, not just ones they feel are 'gender specific'. Never know, one of the girls could be a future olympic athlete!
About me: My 7-year-old and I would always watch the show. My husband was offended by Kate's actions pretty quickly, so he always found something else to do when the show was on. My 7-year-old relates to the show because he is Cara and Mady's age and we now are the parents of twin 8-month-old boys. At the beginning, it made me feel better about myself seeing Kate handle a household with 8 kids, knowing just one set of multiples has got to be easier. But eventually, I too was a bit put off about her attitude towards Jon and her kids. Thank you for this blog- it has really opened my eyes.
It was Alexis -- not Hannah -- who had the hair meltdown on the train. I think that as Alexis gets older, she acts more and more like Mady.
And, it was Jodi's daughter, Lissy, who was responsible for the hole in the wall.
- Thesaurus Rex said...
ITA that the twins could've absorbed some of the history the train conductor was talking about. When I was little (I'm only 23 now) my parents took me and my brother all over the country! Sure we went to amusement park, frequently actually, but they never hesitated to take us to "educational" attractions. We went to St. Augustine where we saw the oldest schoolhouse and the fort, Tennessee where we went to Graceland and the Grand Ol' Opry, Canada, museums, art galleries, and on and on. I don't understand what the issue is with LEARNING something. Again, J+K don't strike me as very intelligent people anyway so I'm really not surprised.
I thought the episode was pretty tame compared to some in the past. The thing that struck me was I could see Kate getting visibly upset at the crowds. She mentioned it, and Jon said he hated it because Kate hated it. I think that's part of her "condition", whatever it is, ( her ocd, cleanliness, people). I think it's exacerbated by their stardom, as in people want to stop them and take their pictures and talk to the kids wherever they go. Hence you see her hurrying along, head down, pulling the kids to get away from their fans. I kept thinking, poor little rich, lonely, kids. They have to be isolated even while doing normal, fun things. Bodyguards are next.
I guess my point is, it's sad. If they had kept the show to a minimum instead of diluting the market, they could have made money AND kept a piece of their privacy and normalcy. Yes, multiples always attract attention, but you don't see or hear much about the Dilleys or Macaugheys because they knew when to say when for the sake of the kids.
I'm NOT a rabid "KHater," but I'm fascinated with this show and the extremes of emotion it evokes in viewers. I know I'm constantly stunned by Kate's remarks and always wonder what heights of cluelessity she'll hit on the next program. I'm often hope that she's playing this up for the camera and she perceives that all these pithy comments are just adorable--coming from her. Nope, I suspect she really is just floating somewhere out in the ozone.
One remark that jumped out at me occurred when the happy family unit was sitting in the gorgeous 19th Century passenger car. She pawed the wood paneling and said something to the effect of "Oh. This is a quality train!" Then she looked up at the fixtures and said, "Oh--house lights!" Meaning--lights that are used in houses. News flash--you guys grew up and still live in what most of the country considers the antiques capital of the world--close to where my husband and I also live. You mean you've never been aware of anything like this before? Look around you!
The other thing that irked me was her reaction to the brief (possibly edited) history lesson of the "Hello Dolly" train car. It's featured prominently in the famous film. Strasburg is EXCEEDINGLY proud of this car, and in fact, I believe they only run it on special occasions--so this was an honor. My DH and I helped clean this car years ago when we volunteered at Strasburg, and my husband photographed it for them. It is just stunning in "real life." To hear Miss Kate flick the information off like a bug on her shirt t'ed me off. Please, please, please. Start exposing your kids to history and don't push it away. They are old enough to start retaining it, and you live in an area so rich in heritage. There's loads to be learned and maybe the twins will even develop an interest or hobby out of it now.
Peace out!
I think that Kon are doing a lot of advertising for all the places that are featured on their show. The thomas the train, the zoo, the trip to Utah, the sesame place episode. This family has turned into a walking commercial. When is this all going to end? I would not go to any of these places because I do not like the way that Kate treats her family or her spouse. Why would I give money to any of these companies who condone this woman's behavior.
Might I add that this show is so boring now, that all they do is take free trips. How selfish is it to show them get everything for free when many families are struggling to make ends meet. Families with jobs I might add. TLC would be better off with choosing a random family and filming them taking an all expense paid trip. That would actually be more enjoyable to watch then watching these free-loaders week after week.
Just a thought: Maybe Kate doesn't like crowds because, with having 8 children, they make her nervous. She could just be afraid for the children's safety. I know that it makes me nervous when my family and I are in a crowd of people, and I only have two children. Again, just a thought....
That is really sad that you would deny your children and yourself fun places to go "because you do not like the way that Kate treats her family or her spouse." Grow up...The places they have been are fabulous. Your right they are walking advertisments, however I know for a fact that the episode where they took Joel on his special day to HOH, they nearly tripled their usual numbers for the weekend after that episode. Companies LOVE this and this won't stop until the Gosselin's are off TV.
Mady needs to respect Alexis as far as the whole hair thing is concerned. It doesn't matter that Mady was trying to help Alexis. Alexis didn't want it. Mady needed to be taught that you respect other peoples boundaries. I think Kate handled it fine. I wouldn't be surprised if Mady knew it would bother Alexis to do that. My 6 year old daughter does it to my 4 year old all the time. But then she claims "I was only trying to help".
Princemee said: "On top of that, I don't have to ...allow a group of camera crew in my house, live in a fishbowl"
The Gosselins don't have to, either. They choose to. Big difference.
- FIONA said...
I thought they were very rude in mocking the Railroad guy who was explaining about the history of the rail car. We did not have trouble with the windows because my kids knew to sit in the seat and behave. I can't stand the way Kate pulls the kids along, she does this everywhere they go. I'm surprised she hasn't pulled an arm out of the socket. Jon does this to and it drives me nuts.
August 4, 2008 7:00 PM
Did you hear her tell Joel, to walk with a purpose. Kate is sooo uptight.
I thought it was the height of rudeness to talk badly about the train guy giving his speech about the history etc....See, it bored Kate....but this was something Mady and Cara would find neat that movie stars had been in the car. And it was a learning moment for the tups to see things thru the big sister's eyes for once. She was just incredibly thoughtless.
Hated the gender crap again as well....geez she has NO CLUE. My daughter loved her buddies trains, and new who Thomas was.
Of course no one wants to ride with her. The kids know that Mother=no fun!
I too was just sick about the way Mady was treated for trying to help her sister's hair. Are the twins supposed to help or not...? Again, inconsistent and not clear. Was it really necessary for Jon to berate her over it. God, this poor child must feel so unloved. Does she do ANYTHING well enough for KON?
I am tired of the trips TLC/Figure 8. We don't care! We are done!
Ummm what? I thought we were about advocating freedom and happiness for these kids, not advocating physically abusing them.
I don't know WHAT you are about, but I never said ANYTHING about physically abusing the kids. I said that I'd "check" her for her behavior (as in discipline - I realize that this is foreign concept, which is why most people's children are unbearable to be around). Discipline and abuse are two separate words.
And thanks to the poster who pointed out that it was ALEXIS who had the meltdowns. People here supposedly care so much about these kids, but apparently they haven't, IN YEARS, taken the time to actually tell them apart.
And I have to disagree with the poster who said that Alexis is acting more like Mady. Mady at 4 was articulate and she was reading. Alexis can't say a single sentence that doesn't need subtitles.
I may be wrong but I thought the clock on the wall said 9:00 when they were getting ready to go to the train. It seemed like they were practically dragging the kids along the whole trip. Then they talked about getting back for lunch and nap time. What was the big hurry. Alexis' shorts did look o.k. while she was walking but she did look uncomfortable. I wonder if her underpants were what was falling down. I also thought it was Alexis that was having the meltdown over her hair, I could be wrong. Mady, Alexis and Colin are my favorites. I guess because they are the blacksheep.
- FIONA said...
Both the boys and girls seem to wear stuff that is too wide and too long. That would be understandable if Kate were paying for the clothes. She might want to buy clothes that would last for two seasons/years. But, since the clothes are free, why in the world are they often falling off the kids?
HATE to give Gymboree ANY PR, but their clothes are designed to fit a range of growth. They come with grow cuffs, let down buttons in dresses, overalls etc.
I think the boys clothes fit cute...I like the bigger, looser fit on them.
But Hannah is almost a size bigger than Leah I would guess, so Kate probably gets one size for all, and they run XXS to 12 years.
I am surprised she accomodates the one larger little girl, (no dis on her size), while making the little girls where clothes too big! I am sure she could ask GYMBO to send a different size or 2. It would not surprise me for Kate to ask that!
- FIONA said...
It just bugs me how she calls everything "projects"....it is just coloring. A project is not what they do. For Kate, it is a PROJECT. Wait till she has 6 Science Projects to do!!!!
And family outings are "field trips"? She is so wonky!
Her kids are like a walking ad for Gymboree. I guess that's the point, huh?
- MrsRef said...
I have issues with crowds, I apparently had these issues even when I was little. It is a family joke that there are "more than 5 people" near me. That said, I try to avoid situations that cause that reaction. Good thing I don't have a production schedule to meet. These people made a choice to open their lives to the public - the public is who makes them "celebs" and they have let it go to their heads. There was no reason to be so rude at the railroad and yes kate, people will notice you if you have an entourage following you! Get over yourself.
I actually backed up and reviewed when I heard the "there's Jon and..." by a bystander. Watch again, her face is showing anger- as in "how dare you address us???" I was kind of surprised that Figure 8 left that tidbit in there, but so telling for those of us who have had the blinders taken off.
- xsandlapper said...
Anonymous said...
"Just a thought: Maybe Kate doesn't like crowds because, with having 8 children, they make her nervous. She could just be afraid for the children's safety. I know that it makes me nervous when my family and I are in a crowd of people, and I only have two children. Again, just a thought...."
August 5, 2008 9:17 AM
When they are taping there are at the very least 3 or 4 crew memebers with them. They get the royal treatment everywhere they go. She should be scared of anything except maybe herself.
"so when she was getting help people complained that this woman can't do anything for herself. Kate is now doing things herself (as far as we know) and we are complaining again. "
Kate isnt doing anything herself. The absence of Aunt Jodi, Beth and the other familiar faces we have seen caring for the children in past episodes have all been replaced by fully compensated paid individuals that are now on the J & K payroll.
- FIONA said...
I tend to think that their isolation such as riding an individual train partially has to do with this reality.
August 4, 2008 9:48 PM
Good point....and I bet getting people to sign a permission to be filmed for this show is very difficult.
- xsandlapper said...
She shouldn't be scared of anything except maybe herself.
Sorry about that.. That's what I meant.
- FIONA said...
pokie said...
green said: 'The little boys are being taught that girls go first and they aren't seeing their father stand up for himself.'
I see no reason for girls first in this house. I think taking turns would probably be best...Jon doesn't take it any further than that tho. The whole gender thing and what boys like to do vs girls and the comments made by KON are just going to confuse the kids even more.
Fact is, Jon and Kate are pretty poor at parenting. I cannot imagine who skewed the values of these kids will be.
J&K plus 8 were spotted in San Diego this week, I can imagine what "trips" they went on....Legoland, SD Zoo, SeaWorld....the list goes on
- FIONA said...
Anonymous said...
Ahh, the butterflies. They did have jars on the table last sumnner but they were never acknowledged. They can be seen in re-runs shot at that time. Carla collected the future critters and put them in jars for the Gosselin kids so that they could grow butterflies.
Funny, I never have seen them and have seen the reruns several times. Can you point out which of the reruns?
- FIONA said...
was thrilled that none of the kids wanted to sit with her, and even put their hands out to keep her from entering their cars. That speaks volumes.
I am not sure why that thrilled you. It just makes me sad. This is the mother of 8 kids who don't want to be around her. My God, someone please step in and counsel this family-or group of people that live together.
I don't like to state names about the kids...but if it was my daughter that constantly needed to pee, I would have her checked by a speicialist for UTI's. I mean we never see toilet paper, they just get up and go....
- Serena said...
J&K plus 8 were spotted in San Diego this week, I can imagine what
They were most likely on a layover on their way to Hawaii, where they will "renew" their wedding vows for an upcoming episode.
I've been reading some of the comments here for the Thomas the Tank engine episode and have a few thoughts.
First, about the gender roles. I'm feeling sorry for the children. I have issues with that myself and my two three year old boys. It took a long time and a big effort for me to agree to get a kitchen set for them because that is a "girl" toy, but male friends of our family who are chefs reminded me that both boys and girls cook. Enough about myself. Kate mentioned that the girls play with "boy" toys and vice versa. I hope she doesn't yell at them or say not to do it because until a child is about 5 or 6 he/she hasn't really developed a gender identity yet. It's "I see a toy, I like a toy" not "that's a boy toy."
Second, about seeming standoffish at the railroad. I only have two children and get nervous in crowds with them, making sure I know where they are. I can't imagine the anxiety of walking through a massive crowd with six preschoolers to watch and two older girls as well. The cynic in me would be like "are any strange perverts looking at my daughters because I'm watching my younger children" and I would be nervous. I'm going to give them the benefit of the doubt on this one. They might have just been nervous maneuvering through such a large crowd. And the kids might get scared in such big groups….I know mine can get nervous if there are a lot of strangers around.
Next, having the train car to themselves. Can you only imagine the logistical nightmare of having to get signed releases for every other person in that car in order to air them on TV, or to blank out all their faces? And I don't want my children's faces on TV – there's no way you would have seen us in that car. Maybe it was just to make things easier. Or maybe in some way it was arranged to get them in, get them out and then have the rest of the day be somewhat "normal" at the rail yard without all the TV cameras and hoopla. I'm sure TLC negotiated that with the people at the Strasburg Railroad.
Kate and Jon's sarcastic comments about the history of the rail car. If you're not a train buff then this would be boring to you. IMO Kate and Jon were thinking of themselves, and not of the Strasburg Railroad and the publicity they could get from this story. Barbara Streisand was filmed on that car? That's something cool to see. Instead of being snarky about it, they could have just smiled for the few minutes and been done with it. Plus the volunteer on the car giving the history has no way of knowing if Kate and Jon were railway buffs. If he didn't share that story and they were buffs then he would have gotten in trouble. I just think Kate was not seeing the big picture here.
I kind of felt bad that none of the kids wanted to be with Kate. As a mother it hurts when your child tells you that he doesn't want to be with you or would rather be with his father. But that's a four year old being a four year old. You can't take it personally. I don't think the kids were thinking "mommy is so mean we don't want her" it was more like "let's get mommy going and tell her she can't sit with us – that will be fun."
I don't think it's fair to say I hate this family or that their children are going to be scarred for life because of being on television. Yes, they might have some issues especially as they go to school and have to mingle with "average" children. Can you imagine it as they hit middle school and someone brings to class the "I have a weiner" episode at Crayola? It's a really fine line that the family and producers have to walk to give the viewers "entertainment" but also to protect their personal space. I don't think that the children are being allowed to be children. Everything they do is on camera and that isn't fair. Can you imagine the stress they might feel – I better not misbehave because it might be caught on camera."
If what is being said about the Gosselin family crying poverty but having lots of money is true then that is my issue with Kate and Jon. I don't begrudge anyone wanting nice things, or having money, or being able to take their family on vacation. But please, please, PLEASE don't cry poverty if this isn't the case. That's disrespectful and deceitful. I wouldn't watch the show or not watch the show if they came out and said that they have some money now and things are more comfortable for them and their family. But just come right out and say it.
Honesty. That's what the original premise of the show was, I think, an honest look at the day in the life of a family facing challenges raising eight kids. And we don't see it anymore on this show. It's one big script of what the producers and family think the public wants to see. Not me. Show me the kids fighting over the blue crayon or the last cookie. That's a real day in the life.
My sister and I watch the show from our respective homes and hop on the "hotline" during commercial breaks. She heard the bystander comment "There's Jon & Kate +8." I missed this, but annoyingly watched the Shrew shuffle the cuties through the people as if they were being pelted by foreign objects. If the Shrew doesn't like crowds or the attention of having famous children (all of this, of course, her own doing), she should pull the plug on the show, move and let the kids grow up in annonimity. Of course, this means Jon would have to get a job, God forbid! And, while I am ranting, since when did "standing there" have an aim? Additionally, the only time I've seen a four year old "walk with a purpose" is when the ice cream is coming down the street!
I also agree that watching the family get the royal treatment and freebies is getting old, especially with the price of gas, food, etc. Don't get me wrong, I love those kids and do not begrudge them. However, just yesterday, a father and his two children were combing my sister's neighborhood for aluminum cans. They saw she had some in her recycle bin and they politely asked if they could take them. You see, this family was searching for aluminum cans so they could save up for a trip to Disney World! Now THERE's a family I want to see on TV getting a freebie! These children will know the value of saving and earning such a reward, not having everything handed to them because mommy and daddy don't want to work!
I along with many of you have been a fan of the show and Kate and Jon but now that I see what direction the show has turned I have completely changed my opinion of them. Thank you for opening my eyes to this, because I don't feel bad for Kate and Jon anymore, I just feel bad for the kids. It's sad to see how they don't appreciate what they have and what they get and they just are greedy and ungrateful now. What I would like to know is that one day, TLC will cancel the show and all the promotion/free stuff will stop and how will they handle it? Jon should have kept working because what will he do when the ride comes to an end? They should appreciate it now because after the show ends, no one will want to give them handout and hear them speak at speaking engagments any longer. They are in for a rude awakening and unfortunatly the kids will suffer the most when it happens. But maybe in a way it will be a good thing for the kids because they will learn that nothing lasts forever and you can't rely on everyone supporting you, that you have to be responsible and take care of yourself. Its an easier lesson to learn when your younger then older, which is doesn't look like Kate has ever had to experience yet.
This episode was disturbing on so many levels.
The episode began with Joel doing the intro. I dearly love this little fellow but his speech was nearly unintelligible. Other than ridiculing this dear boy, what is KON doing to help him? Something tells me they are not doing anything for him.
What kind of people ridicules their own flesh and blood on an ongoing basis? It is obvious Kate has very little use for her three sons. But the treatment of Joel breaks my heart. He deserves love, nurturing and guidance. Instead, his own parents ridicule him every week on national TV.
I did not see any appreciation from KON to the railroad people who rolled out the red carpet for them. I was embarassed for Kate, her comments and behavior were rude, haughty and ungrateful. That poor railroad employee. Since I was embarassed, was TLC embarassed? They should be.
Why is this family getting rich off these kids? Why am I watching?
I just hope TLC never sends them overseas. I don't want to see any Ugly American scenes with KON in a foreign country. It is embarassing enough to watch them in their own back yard.
The Radians are top of the line, I have them for the triplets I nanny. They harness up to 65 lbs, and the tups haven't outgrown them yet. The new Graco Nautilus seats were apparently also a gift and showed up in a rental van when they were on vacation. The Nautilus also harness up to 65 lbs. I have heard Kon mention that "now they have enough car seats for both vans" so I doubt the issue was the Radians not being cool enough anymore or anything like that...more the fact that moving car seats back and forth isn't fun. (And moving them frequently really isn't safe because the more times you uninstall and reinstall, the more opportunities you have to make mistakes).
I found this episode to be weird... first off, it seems like Kon has been reading viewer comments and is making some sort of effort to be kinder and hand out more hugs to the boys...to let us all know they are doing projects and what not. But all that seemed fake and forced. Like they actually noted bad comments and only pretended to be doing better for the cameras as of late.
Another weird thing was Jon...he was grouchier than usual while at the Train Station. Not sure what happened behind the scenes, but I'm sure it wasn't pretty.
Thirdly, the episode was rather...uneventful. Even my BF stated "I don't really feel like I watched an episode...nothing really happened".
My last comment is on the Train Conductor who was teaching the kids about the history of the train... Kon mocked him like "who cares" ...then later on the couch stated they like EDUCATIONAL outings, and they're glad if they kids can LEARN SOMETHING. Then why were you fussy about the "lesson" train dude was offering?
I see several webkinz pets around the house, so I know the Gosselin kids must use the computer and do webkinz activities. They just don't show that on the program. I think that it is probably the same for reading. I bet they do it, but it just would make interesting TV. Why would people tune in to watch them read to their kids?
As for "projects" - my son's kindergarten teacher actually encouraged the parents to refer to as many activities as possible in terms of a "project" because it makes the children feel very grown up and "working on a project" would indicate that this is a task that is to be completed. Just coloring in a coloring book is an open ended activity.
As for the hair thing... Alexis should have been reprimanded for her melt down. Mady was trying to help. She was asked at the beginning of the day to be a big girl and help out with the little ones. Don't tell Mady that she is responsible for watching Alexis and then tell Alexis that she doesn't have to cooperate with Mady. You are setting Mady up for failure. That being said... I would NEVER put a 7 year old in charge of a 4 year old in a public setting!
I am assuming that the family got a free day at the train museum in exchange for the free advertising. So shut up and let the guy talk for a few minutes about the prized gem in the train collection. Kate, Jon, and the twins could all learn a little something and the little ones can have a nice exercise in patience.
I think the storms/power outages were someone's way of telling me not to waste my time on this farce any longer.
I cannot imagine if this is appropriate but if Dew, Manda or any of the great re-cap artists take requests: I would love a re-cap of Valentine's Day. That was my personal "A-ha, the lies just never stop" moment. We learned earlier that Jon and Kate saved up money for a clothing spree as their "Christmas gifts" to each other. Then she got a camera. Then she got a waffle-maker. And NOW the little angel lets slip Daddy also got a fancy watch! I begrudge them nothing, really, it's the friggin' lies they are selling that gets my goat. Yes it took me that long to catch on, but I did get there. (Sorry to ramble - I needed to vent.)
- Nancy said...
Mady needs to respect Alexis as far as the whole hair thing is concerned. It doesn't matter that Mady was trying to help Alexis. Alexis didn't want it. Mady needed to be taught that you respect other peoples boundaries. I think Kate handled it fine. I wouldn't be surprised if Mady knew it would bother Alexis to do that. My 6 year old daughter does it to my 4 year old all the time. But then she claims "I was only trying to help".
August 5, 2008 9:31 AM
Well said. I, too,thought the parents handled the situation just fine. I don't usually have a lot of praise for J&K, but they did good this time.
- Thesaurus Rex said...
Maybe it was just to make things easier.
Maybe... You know what would be even easier, though? If they didn't have a show/production schedule to prevent them from interacting with other people than their own family.
Fiona quoted me, "I was thrilled that none of the kids wanted to sit with her, and even put their hands out to keep her from entering their cars. That speaks volumes." then replied, "I am not sure why that thrilled you. It just makes me sad. This is the mother of 8 kids who don't want to be around her. My God, someone please step in and counsel this family-or group of people that live together."
I was thrilled to see the kids respecting their own feelings enough to reject their narcissistic excuse for a mother. They don't want to be around her for a good reason. And yet there are still people who defend her and her actions, and how "hard it must be for her."
I keep thinking that every week is TLC saying, "Look, people, she keeps getting worse and worse. NOW are you convinced?" and there are still defenders. Well at least her kids are standing up for themselves and realizing she's not all she's cracked up to be. Kudos to them.
"What kind of people ridicules their own flesh and blood on an ongoing basis? It is obvious Kate has very little use for her three sons. But the treatment of Joel breaks my heart. He deserves love, nurturing and guidance. Instead, his own parents ridicule him every week on national TV." anonymous 11:02
AMEN to that! Sometimes I wish I could jump into the tv and give that little guy a hug and tell him how great he is! I never here them say anything positive about him. :(
- iluveeyore said...
On the day the Gosselins went to the park and had ice cream for dinner (!), as Joel was sliding through a tunnel, Kate announced "Joel is coming out of his shell."
We had never heard that Joel was in a shell.
Total non sequitor.
I was just wondering...if Jon and Kate go to Hawaii and renew their marriage vows, is it possible that it will be just about them--and the children will be at home?
Just wondering.
Either that, or everyone will be included with the kids dressed like little flower girls and the boys in little suits. Just a thought.
Why would they be renewing at this time, people have asked. It has to be damage control. They will probably say that it's 10 years since they met or something.
Take a good look at the body language in that chair when they sit together. Please note, that although people do shift around to get comfortable and stretch their muscles, in general, the legs crossing AWAY from the other person means that you are shutting them out.
I sent an email to them, asking for more of Jodie on the show. Their site claims that they read all the emails. Also, I asked them to please update their site, as far as the ages of the kids and the "no college funds" set up yet.
In response to the "crowd control" comments...Did anyone notice that in a few shots of the family you can see their nanny and what I'm guessing was a "tour guide" from the railroad? In one shot where the family is saying hi to Thomas you can see two women standing by the fence and when they come into the camera shot they turn their heads, trying to remain unseen. Then in anther shot of the family walking around the railroad one of these same women is leading the way for the family. So, I'm guessing that it couldn't have been too stressful for them to walk around the event. They had their nanny there and probably an assigned guide to escort them from place to place.
It is obvious that Kate has her favorites. Poor Cara and Joel don't have a chance, and now she has excluded them from anyone that might actually show them love. I thought it was sad that both Jon and herself had to be there for the girls' special days, but the boys, well, she could care less. I did notice on the latest episode, how she shoved Joel around by his head. Another thing that bothered me was the cupcake episode. This bakery graciously opened just for them on the day they were closed. She snapped at the poor woman just because she didn't want them making a mess. So these poor kids can't even enjoy decorating their own cupcakes, just because she is too lazy to change their clothes. All I keep thinking is that they will all be in school soon. So maybe they won't be so warped after all.
The most apparent thing that stood out to me about the Thomas the Train All Aboard episode was that Jon finally found his voice - it's been hiding in his pants with his balls. Jon spoke up to Kate more in this episode than I've seen in the past. One blogger commented he seemed grouchy. I saw Jon as more assertive (or irritated) and pushed back to Kate more. Letting Kate know the reason the kids didn't want her to sit with any of them, and when they were leaving Strasburg, Jon yells to Kate "buckle your kids" and repeats it again, "just buckle your kids!" He's actually sounding more like Kate. OMG not 2 of them! The banter and laughter on the couch seemed fairly matched this time, Jon using Katisms and adding to her comments rather than combating them, and joining Kate in making fun of the railroad spokesman. Albeit the couch scenes seemed painfully tense between them, the show remains still entertaining to watch - how much worse can Kate get and what outrageous thing is she going to do or say next? I think Figure 8 Films is banking on this (Kate's behavior) and looks to KON as their "cash cow." And is providing for them as such. Unfortunately there are 8 children learning bad behaviors from their parents - resolving family/friend issues by cutting them out, nastiness to each other, the neighbors and friendly folks in the community, irritability, condescending remarks, lack of patience and love to the children, ungratefulness, and on and on - as every smart blogger here has commented on. By producing JK8, its such a farce for Bill Hayes, prez of f8f to say, "We hope we can help make the world a more understanding place through the telling and dissemination of these stories. We believe we can make a difference if we try." HEEELLLLOOOOOO!
This is just a heads up on the episode airing next week, called "Heading South." I did a little research and I predict the Gosselins are going to Corolla, NC on the outer banks. There are wild mustangs that roam the beach. But, here's the most interesting piece (from Wikipedia): there are only 500 residents in Corolla (population increases in summer with arrival of vacationers). If you want to purchase property in Corolla, it goes for $500,000 - just the land. From what I gather, Corolla is pretty sedate - I wonder how they will take to their new white trash neighbors (J&K and brood). Not to mention their "entourage" and a film crew!!!
- Serena said...
This is just a heads up on the episode airing next week, called "Heading South." I did a little research and I predict the Gosselins are going to Corolla, NC on the outer banks.
Considering that this episode was originally titled Looking for Property...
and considering what we posted in this earlier blog entry regarding Jon and Kate relocating to North Carolina and why they might be doing that...
and considering that we have a confirmed sighting of Jon and Kate in North Carolina recently...
and considering that North Carolina is well-known for its light houses and wild horses...
yeah... I think you're right. I don't know if it is Corolla exactly, but it's definitely North Carolina.
My guess for the property search was Figure 8 Island - owned by you guessed it. Located outside and near Wilmington, NC, and Wrightsville Beach, its a secluded, gated community of 440high-end residental homes, with rentals starting near $1m. Realty agent page describes the island "known for lighthouses, sand dunes and wild horses." But that describes most of coastal NC. I didn't want to add this because you know the saying of assuming... but had to add on here anyway. On the Thomas episode, I noticed the boys were wearing t shirts that said "first in flight" or something like that. So that's from Kittyhawk. More to come.
- merryway said...
But, here's the most interesting piece (from Wikipedia): there are only 500 residents in Corolla (population increases in summer with arrival of vacationers).
Wow, they'd be even more secluded in that small town. How far would it be to the preschool? Would it be too much trouble? Would a paid crew member shuttle them? Or, would it be just easier to bring in tutors. I just can't see her letting them go. What would the show be then? How long can they keep showing shows of them just going to amusement to amusement.
I can't imagine not making the inevitable chit chatting with other moms on these outings when the kids automatically start talking to other kids. Jon could certainly do with some talking to other dads for a reality check. What about a show where Jon gets a man's night out? Maybe if he got his testosterone up he would put an end to his public humiliation.
I'll say it again..ART SMOCKS!!
- April said...
Anonymous said...
The most apparent thing that stood out to me about the Thomas the Train All Aboard episode was that Jon finally found his voice - it's been hiding in his pants with his balls.
I noticed two things last night during the new episode "All Aboard"
#1 Kate's complete disregard for the fact that Hannah had an issue with her behind (pants riding up or something like that) jerking her down the sidewalk by the arm, yelling at her?!? I would think that Kate would be more sympathic to issues like this, seeing as I am sure that the stick up her rear end gives her problems occassionally.
#2 Did anyone other than myself notice Kate's deliberate attempt at showing affection in to Aaden when she literally had to stop him and drag him back to her to give him a kiss when she was sending him in for naptime?? She must be reading the blogs.
The poor kid acted like he had NO idea what to do...has mommy never shown such affection before?!?!
"I said that I'd "check" her for her behavior (as in discipline - I realize that this is foreign concept, which is why most people's children are unbearable to be around). Discipline and abuse are two separate words."
As a 5th grade teacher in a small city, I totally agree. Many children nowadays are unbearable to be around. You see those kids acting up at wal-mart and the mall? Parents have no control over them? It's the same way in the classroom. I know some children are wild at home and perfect in the classroom. That was me as a kid. However, all children need some form of discipline. Not punishment or abuse, but discipline.
- Unknown said...
I nominate Anonymous 6:34 pm for next week's COMMENT OF THE WEEK:
"Jon finally found his voice - it's been hiding in his pants with his balls".
HA HA, Loved it!
- Serena said...
janet - OK, I've added that comment to the list of nominations for next week, thanks.
There is an article at
WASHINGTONPOST.COM entitled:
For This Brood, It's Chaos Times 8
It is about J&K+8 and the "crazy life" they live..It states in the article that:
"Upcoming episodes this season will feature the couple renewing their wedding vows in Hawaii and the sextuplets starting preschool"
WTF!! A normal family living a normal life my rear end. I don't know about the rest of you all, but I only have 2 kids, 1 income and there is no way that I'd ever dream of jetting off to Hawaii...wonder who's footing that bill?
- Serena said...
There is an article at
WASHINGTONPOST.COM entitled:
For This Brood, It's Chaos Times 8
We recently published this blog entry concerning that very article.
"Jon finally found his voice - it's been hiding in his pants with his balls".
I would agree with this, except that I firmly believe that Jon's balls are nowhere on his person.
And if Jon's voice were hiding in the same place as his balls, it more likely would be echoing from the bottom of Kate's purse.
- Sera said...
Anonymous said...
I sent an email to them, asking for more of Jodie on the show. Their site claims that they read all the emails. Also, I asked them to please update their site, as far as the ages of the kids and the "no college funds" set up yet.
August 5, 2008 5:31 PM
Good for you except they've said in the "Answer Viewer Emails" episode that any emails that seem even remotely negative, they delete them before they even finish reading them. Soooooo you probably won't receive a response, nor will they have even read the entire email you sent. Shame.
- Unknown said...
Anon 8:02 PM,
I noticed that too when Kate pulled Aaden back toward her when he was going in the door to the kitchen to give him a kiss and I immediately thought to myself "she's doing that FOR THE CAMERA because she knows they're filming and she has to do damage control!!" It was such an awkward thing and it was blatantly obvious what she was doing.
- SamanthaGrace said...
I feel the need to point out that both Jon and Kate thanked Mady for trying to help Alexis with her hair. And I don't see any reason why Alexis should be reprimanded for freaking out about it. Some people don't like their hair touched when it's pulled back. I've had long hair most of my life, and I frequently wear it in a ponytail. My older brother thought it was funny to mess with it, and it drove me nuts. Even when someone was trying to help me, I didn't want them to mess with my hair. That was just me, and I'm sure it's just the way Alexis is. (On a side note, I'm STILL wondering when they're going to move Alexis back to the little girls' room.)
I don't think there's anything wrong with the way they treat Joel. Jon is always saying that he and Joel are really close, and we often see them playing around. Like when they needed to get up to go somewhere--I forget where--and Joel pretended to be asleep so that Jon would come up and he could surprise him. And when someone--I think it was Jon's trainer?--asked the boys their names, and Joel said something like, "I'm Daddy's son." Does that sound like a boy who feels unloved?
I'm sure by now the kids have realized that Kate can be a complete bitch when she wants to be. But still, my heart went out to her when nobody wanted to sit with her. That's got to hurt, no matter who much of a bitch you are.
Has anybody else noticed that Hannah is spending more and more time with Jon, and less with Kate? At the cupcake-making session, Hannah asked for her Daddy to sit with her. On pretty much all the rides at Strasberg, she was sitting with Jon. In the old episodes, it was a rare moment when Kate wasn't holding Hannah; now she's most often seen with Leah and Alexis in her arms. Hmm...
I am so disappointed that Jodi will no longer be on the show. I was really appalled by the whole Gum incident and how Kate handled it. Just like when the kids were rolling in the grass she freaked out. Let them be kids not little robots. Kate always says we are not perfect parents then why does she expect her kids to be? I agree she is very mean to Jon and is setting a bad example. J&K says awhile ago that thy were working on their own bad behavior towards each other but so far I haven't seen a difference. They are still yelling at one another and the kids. Is a leisure day at the railroad station where u and your entire family got in for free that stressful. If Jon no longer works why do they always give the impression that they are on a tight schedule? How about just enjoying the day? No we have to drag our kids along by their arms and rush them. It doesn't make any sense to me. I used to think Kate's behavior was funny but now I am down right getting disgusted!
As a lurker here, I felt I had to speak up. I was offended when J and K made fun of the trainman. Growing up, my dad served as a voluntary conductor/motorman at a trolley museum in CT on the weekends, and part of his job, after taking the various trolley cars out on the 3 miles or so of track, was having to just speak a little bit about the history of whatever particular car they were on before switching the poles. Most people would be nice enough to sit and listen and shush their kids because they actually appreciated just how fascinating it could be. They could have just kept their mouths shut and appreciated the fact that they could set the basis for actual learning by just making the kids listen to actual facts. Even at four or five my siblings and I used to understand at the very least that these cars were very old and sometimes had been to cool places and done incredible things. My sister and I went back last year after 20 years and being old enough to finally understand what my dad and his colleagues were talking about and appreciate it.
- Weed said...
I watch this show faithfully but I wonder how much harm that's doing by boosting their ratings and TLC keeping it on the air but it's like a car wreck - you just can't look away. The kids are beautiful but something is definitely OFF. I never cared for the way Kate treated Jon or the kids (Mady and the boys especially) nor for the way she double-talks. She should actually LOOK at the episodes and try to keep her "stories" straight. This season I can see the difference in the tups - they are never going to be able to cope with the real world if their parents continue this charade they call reality. And Kate has gotten worse, if that's possible - although in the last few episodes she seems a bit calmer on the couch - whether that's the result of medication or actually taking the complaints of the viewers to heart for fear of the gravy train stopping. This show just makes me so sad - I was in an abusive marriage trying to raise my daughter and work two jobs (did get out of the marriage, 2nd husband is a dream come true) so if I hear Kate complain about being exhausted ONE more time I think I'll reach through the screen and snatch her bald :-) Sorry to ramble but I just needed to vent over this show. I really enjoy reading this Blog - it's great. I see next week that both episodes at 9 and 9:30 are NEW.
Thanks for listening and I look forward to reading more comments from everyone.
I was one of the posters that commented on the Alexis hair situation. Although my post incorrectly named Hannah as the child with the 'weird' (Jon's word) hair issue. My post did not suggest that Alexis be reprimanded for having issue with her hair being touched. In handling the situation, Jon could have explained ie, COMMUNICATED to Alexis that Mady was only trying to help by fixing her hair. Mady was designated by J & K as helper that day.
This episode gives new meaning to the phrase, "riding the gravy train".
I feel sorry for all those poor kids standing and waiting to get on the train, their memories being watching a privileged few having a whole train to themselves. Sad.
This was such a boring episode to me. Day Out With Thomas is so much more than just riding the trains. They have all sorts of fun things for kids to do there. The kids just seem underwhelmed by the whole thing. Most little kids are just thrilled to see Thomas. The two things that bugged me: Jon and Kate's rudeness about the one engineer talking about Hello Dolly and Kate's refusal to stop and help Alexis fix her pants. Even if you thought that about the engineers speech most normal people have a little tact that they display where they don't insult the nice people who just gave them a free day at DOWT. I think the problem with the shorts falling down is that it seems that all 3 girls are wearing the same size clothes but they aren't built the same. Hannah has a bigger frame where Alexis and Leah are thinner. I'm sure that getting them clothes in the appropriate sizes would cause so much more work while doing laundry and getting them dressed.
I agree! The way they treated the conductor was SO rude! I just cringed at how they reacted to him both there and in the interview seat. Do Kate and Jon ever look at the bigger picture at how these experiences can serve as learning opportunities for their children?? They could have taught patience, kindness and thoughtfulness not to mention the fact that there are 9 billion people on this planet and just get ready to hear a lot of things that you don't really want to hear but you should always be gracious and kind in return. Kate, just once, why don't you say, "Children, this nice man is talking to us about the train, you need to be quiet and listen to him." They won't learn if you never hold the standard up to them. It just really bugs me, b/c Jon and Kate are just going to produce more thoughtless, self-centered people who think they can mock and disregard what someone else is saying just because its boring and interferes with lunchtime!
I don't think there's anything wrong with the way they treat Joel. Jon is always saying that he and Joel are really close, and we often see them playing around.
I see something very wrong when Kon sit on the couch and make fun of Joel's lisp. I don't remember Jon's saying he and Joel are close. I do remember Jon's saying that Joel is 'abnormally attached' to him.
When Jon is very old and, in addition to being sans testicles, is also sans hair, hearing, eyesight and teeth, he may wish for Joel's being attached to him by even the slightest thread of affection.
I see I'm not the only one horrifed at the Gosselin's rudeness toward the kind conductor's efforts. I plan on comtacting Strasburg Railroad in support of this gentleman. If anyone else is interested, their general e-mail address is
Fiona, I wonder if they call them "field trips" and "projects" because she's going to use them as part of a homeschooling curriculums? I never homeschooled, but have heard people that do, refer to things they've done in that manner, although they really were teaching their kids. Can anyone that homeschools expand on this?
- Sharla said...
Kate has said that the tups will attend the same pre-school/pre-K program that the twins attended. It's held at their church's pre-school three days a week. I think Kate is just picking up on some school lingo now that the twins are in school. We know how Kate latches onto words.
- FIONA said...
Boy, you know it. I would never have called my outings with my child as a field trip, inless it was an actual one, from school. It just bugged, but is really nothing in the scope of Kon.
Yep, we all need to email the train place and let them know WE enjoyed the little history lesson!
BTW, great addition the Missing Children link.
OK, I couldn't even read the WP article because I looked at the picture first. ALL of the kids look absolutely miserable. J&K are the only ones smiling. That IMO spoke VOLUMES...
Also, on an unrelated note, I have to say something about Kate that drives me NUTS - contradictions. The comment she made when Jon was making dinner about how she is a true chef and doesn't have to follow a recipe. In the episode about Monkey Munch she was reading a recipe and on Pancake Breakfast Saturday she was reading a recipe. And, she only feeds her children healthy organic meals - like the All Natural Fluff we had to hear about numerous times but when they were at Sesame Place or one of their other free trips they had fries on their plates. Then she lets them have ice cream for dinner but won't let them have birthday cupcakes (after being threatened all day not to get dirty with cameras in their faces).
Oh well, there are many more but that's my two cents.
- Mimi to 3 said...
In response to Lynn upstream: My daughter homeschools my grandchildren and they do have field trips occasionally. Usually, they are tied in to what they are studying at that time. But I just don't see Kate homeschooling. First, she doesn't have the patience to do it and second she is soooooooo exhausted already, how could she possibly do it? It really is a very labor intensive job -- but so very worth it, IMO.
slappyfrog, I agree about the train conductor. Here he was in the private car, doing his job and giving them a nice private tour and speech and free publicity for Strassburg Railroad. I bet he told all his pals he would be on TV, and was probably all excited to watch it. Can you imagine his anger and embarrassment when he heard these selfish two going on and complaining about it? Yes, we know the 4 year olds weren't interested. Keep that to yourselves, don't say it on TV. Jon and Kate came off as ungrateful, and so far from reality and the "common man".
- W&MGrad said...
It is obvious that Kate has her favorites. 08.05 6:16
I was thinking about this. Yes, she does have her favorites, but I see that changing. It used to be Hannah was the one who was Mommy's helper and then, well, she developed an attitude ("like the big girls.") Now, it seems Leah is the favorite of the girls.
And Collin was a trouble maker until Kate realized that he likes to put things away, therefore saving her time. All of a sudden, the dialogue around Collin changed and that's about the time I noticed more negativity around Joel (who was pretty much ignored before).
In reference to the Joel being loved comments. How many mothers would sit there and say "One day a woman is going to fall in love with his looks and then realize how clueless he is." Yeah, okay, I definately want parenting tips from this woman. And making fun of your child's speech impedements on national TV for your own sick pleasure instead of working with him on it in private shouldn't have any longterm affects. Did you catch the episode recently where Jon said to Joel "Yes, you are my son and I Love You." I guess he's been reading blogs too. Why do companies continue to give these people freebies. All they do is complain how they have to walk through crowds of paying customers, how it is such a hassle to get them there. They mock hard-working employees, which they would no nothing about. If I wanted exposure for my company, I believe I would find a more deserving family.
Someone previously posted "I don't think there's anything wrong with the way they treat Joel".
I respectfully disagree.
My original beef with Kate was that she appeared to play favorites, some tups treated better than others. She seemed to prefer the girl tups to the boys and Hannah over everyone. Discipline was doled out in uneven fashion.
Joel did not appear to be on Kate's radar. She pretty much ignored him.
She called Joel the forgotten tup on one of the first specials.
Then Joel Gate aired and I was totally shocked at how poorly Joel was treated. He was 3, vomiting, feverish and Kate yells at him for soiling the comforter. Then he is placed on the laundry room floor and the door is closed when Jon gets home from work.
At no time did I see Kate love or comfort him.
Her main concern seemed to be the laundry issue.
Putting a vomiting, feverish 3 year old on the laundry room floor, then closing the door appears to be neglectful parenting.
And Kate is a nurse.
KON constantly makes fun of this poor boy. They ridicule his speech, his interests, his style of play.
Never in my life have I known parents to publicly ridicule a child in this fashion. And KON does it on national TV virtually every week.
I do not recall any scenes in which Kate hugs, nurtures or loves Joel.
Jon spends time with his boys. Joel worships his Daddy. Unfortunately, Jon joins in the Joel bashing and ridicule sessions.
Joel totally breaks my heart. He is the sweetest little guy. He deserves love, nurturing and guidance.
Joel got a raw deal in life. He will be in my heart forever.
"I see I'm not the only one horrifed at the Gosselin's rudeness toward the kind conductor's efforts. I plan on comtacting Strasburg Railroad in support of this gentleman. If anyone else is interested, their general e-mail address is
While I agree that Jon and Kate were incredibly rude and ungrateful I am not going to email Strasburg railroad. They wanted to jump on the gravy train and get some free advertising just like all the other people that give Jon and Kate free things. If they didn't do their research to see how Jon and Kate act on their show that is their own fault. I am sick of this undeserving family getting so many freebies and special treatment. If they want to give someone free admittance and special train rides why not choose some kids with cancer or a terminal illness? Those are the kids that deserve it.
I would hate to be one of the patients in Kate's wrath. She wouldn't know bedside manner if it hit her in the face. I understand she used to work for a dialysis center. Can you imagine these poor people. "Yeah, Yeah, you are dying, whatever, now let's talk about me."
Hello - I have been reading this blog for about a month and feel compelled to comment. While it has opened my eyes to many different viewpoints, I do have some reservations about it. My sister and I are big fans of the show and continue to watch it (as obviously many of you do). We have discussed in the past how different Kate can be, but have always said "But we don't have families of ten" so we can't judge. Kate is very particular about things, but I am impressed with how smoothly the house runs with that many children running about. I don't know if I had a film crew in my house that I would be proud of every moment they captured. I understand that people feel as though the kids are being exploited, but I guess I did not think of it that way. My first thought was that it must cost a fortune to raise six kids and they probably started out needing money. That said, it certainly sounds as though they are now going a little overboard. It's still an interesting show and I'll continue to watch. By the way, I am a parent, but not a "perfect" one.
"The kids just seem underwhelmed by the whole thing."
I'm guessing the kids were underwhelmed as they've been doing A LOT of day trips. My kids get the same way and then we know we need to back off (DH and I love to do day trips). When we spent some time overseas, my older two and I did many 'field trips' while my husband was working. It got to the point they would look at exhibits for a short bit and then ask for lunch and the gift shop. They were probably close to the twins and tups ages.
'And as the saying goes, God dont like ugly!'
I bet God loves us all, even those you consider 'ugly'.
I am from NC and have to comment on the theories about where Jon & Kate were while they here:
1) Figure 8 Productions does not "own" Figure 8 island. The island has about 400 homes that are privately owned - and I know this because I go there and know people who own several homes there. Nobody "owns" the island. I can also tell you that I don't think there is any way that the residents of Figure 8 are going to allow filming of this type on their island.
2) It definitely looks like the Gosselins spent time in Corolla or Duck. The wild horses are in Corolla and there are 2 lighthouses in the area - Cape Hatteras and Currituck. There are tons of things to do here and it is considered to be a top vacation spot for families - especially those from NC, PA, OH and NJ. The First in Flight t-shirts probaby came from Kitty Hawk Kites and they probably visited Kitty Hawk or the dunes of Jockey's Ridge in Nags Head.
3) However, I doubt that they would be moving there - it is pretty far away from Figure 8's production office and not that easy to get to, and there is that nasty part about hurricanes being a common threat - something that I can't imagine Kate being too happy about with her new "McMansion".
4) My bet is that they have been looking at property in the Chapel Hill/Carrboro area. Close to Figure 8 Productions (based in Carrboro), exceptional school system, and many, many educational opportunities. This area is also surrounded by UNC - Chapel Hill and Duke University. Property costs are not that high and you can build custom homes cheaper than in PA. This is the area where John Edwards built his 28,000 sq foot, $6 million home. I am sure Kate has her eye all over that (note to Kate - the Edwards paid for their house themselves).
5) I am hoping that this is not the case (the Carrboro move). This is where I live in NC and I cannot stand the thought that I will now have to deal with the Gosselin family hijacking my child's camp experiences, swimming lessons, day trips to the parks, going to the pumpkin patch, etc. If they can learn to wait in line with the rest of us then I will overcome my objections and welcome them to me beautiful (but right now very hot & humid) state.
6)Oh, and Jon & Kate, can you please make sure that Aunt Jodi & Kevin come to visit? I really like them and would love to meet them!
- Rachel said...
This is in response to the person who sees nothing wrong with how Kon treats Joel.
I personally see lots wrong with making fun of your child on national television. I see lots wrong with having your sick child lay on the laundry room floor. I don't know why poor Joel is treated so badly, but I think it needs to stop. I think Joel is just as worthy of love and affection as every other child.
"Jon finally found his voice - it's been hiding in his pants with his balls".
I would agree with this, except that I firmly believe that Jon's balls are nowhere on his person.
I agree. From what I can tell, Kate has posession of them. ;-)
- merryway said...
When they go to these places, why are they always in a rush? She hurries and drags them. I was so surprised by her attitude on the Fourth of July episode. They were using a walking rope where they all hung on. When Jon told Kate she had been pulling them, her only response was "well, they were slow". It's got to be stressful to rush from site to site. No memories of nice leisurely strolls for these tikes. I'm also guessing they don't indulge in twilight walks around the neighborhood.
What's the hurry?
I cannot imagine if this is appropriate but if Dew, Manda or any of the great re-cap artists take requests: I would love a re-cap of Valentine's Day.
I can recap Valentine's Day next time it comes up on my Tivo. Don't know when it is though.
- merryway said...
If they did take twilight walks around their neighborhood, do you think Kate would carry the sign from their yard? She might as well have been carrying it during this episode.
Check this site: it´s the PR firm for J&K: http://mediamotionintl.com/. I´m new in this, I don´t know if you had post this before,
Whether it is damage control or not, the Gosselins seem to be having fun and trying to make some changes. Are they perfect, certainly not. Do they have more work to do on their manners, relationship etc, absolutely...but don't we all?
I did think that they were rude in talking about the train guy giving the educational talk.
Also, A Day Out With Thomas is not a vacation by any means. It is a lot of fun and we do it every year with out kids.
As a viewer, I would like to see more of the "day in the life", that is why I started watching. However, I don't think that their "field trips" are all that uncommon or over the top. We take our family to different musueums, attractions etc several times a month. We definetly do more in the summer to take advantage of the nice weather. However, I don't think that every outing needs to take place at an "attraction".
I have seen several comments about Jon not having a job and I am wondering how you are sure he does not work for Bob anymore? What ever happened to Beth?
Day Out With Thomas is so much more than just riding the trains. They have all sorts of fun things for kids to do there. The kids just seem underwhelmed by the whole thing. Most little kids are just thrilled to see Thomas.
We attended this event for seven years straight. My kids, girl and boy, both loved it.It was amazing the first time my son saw Thomas. I will never forget that trip. I thought the same thing about them being underwhelmed. They have so much more than just the train ride. It's unfortunate that J & K can't enjoy the kids or the activities they are forcing on them.