I don’t know what it is, but just like Wordgirl, I am drawn to yet repelled by Jo.n & Ka.te Pl.us 8. Actually, I’m more drawn to it rather than repelled.
I’m sure part of it is the whole Asian bit; as Jo.n is half-Korean. And I’m sure it’s the whole twin fascination thing I’ve always had. Except it’s not really the twin “look-alike” thingy … it’s more the science aspect of it. The whole nature vs. nurture thing. It’s just frickin’ amazing to see how all eight children who share such strong genetic traits have such distinct and unique personalities.
And I’m sure the whole “repelling” part of it is simply the fact that Hubby & I can’t experience even one-eigth of what they have. While I’d love to have a household full of kids, I’d be happy with even just one. As in one of the eight Go.sselin children. (I’d love to take Cara or maybe Aa.den or Hannah …)
I can’t quite be angry at Jo.n and Ka.te. After all, they also had issues trying to conceive. Like myself, Kate was diagnosed with PCOS. However, unlike Hubby & me … she and Jon were successful. Obviously.
So yesterday after Hubby left to go back home, I was left to my own devices. And seeing that I finally got cable in the bedroom, I promptly plopped myself in front of the TV and started to flip channels. I finally settled onto TLC and watched a marathon of Jo.n & Ka.te episodes.
Like a moth to a flame … (Or more appropriately, like a fly to a bug zapper … )
As I watched the episodes, there happened to be one particular commercial that would run in between TV breaks. And it got to me … Every. Single. Time.
Perhaps it was because I was missing my husband. Perhaps it was because I was watching a show that involved raising children. Perhaps it’s because it was because this commercial reminded me about something I will never be able to experience.
Or perhaps it’s because as much as I wish I could give my husband that gift … that moment in life … I will never be able to.
And that breaks my heart …
You know… like you, I’m both fascinated and repelled by Jon & Kate… But here’s the thing… I fascinated by the whole idea that some could have popped out that many kids… but Kate really really really irks the hell out of me. I cannot stand her. I want to just cut her and tell her stop being such a superbitch.
Yeah… that’s what I want to do.
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LOL! I know what you mean. She can be such a bee-yotch. But then I have to completely laugh at Jon because he sits there and takes it … very much like a typical Asian dad who is all “tough” on the children, but then takes a backseat to his wife on day-to-day issues.
xoxo
Em
You know, every time I watch that show, I am struck by how domineering and bullying and mean Kate is. She truly is. And I’m always surprised that Christians make such a big deal out of her, because she’s, well, about as unlike the Christian ideal of a wife as you can get.
And I can understand a bit of your pain. I gave my hubby a son that died. Not so great either.
This just isn’t how it should be.
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It’s funny, because at first that really bugged the heck out of me, too. But then I had to chuckle at the fact that Jon just sits there and takes it. It’s always a big joke in our family/culture that the man is the one who earns the living, but it’s the woman who wears the pants in the family. And in their family, that is definitely the case.
But seriously, I think it’s more the nature vs. nurture thing I love about it. How can 8 kids be SO completely different than one another is amazing. And I absolutely adore Cara … while I’m completely bothered and annoyed by her twin, Mady.
The commercial … I must admit is very effective for what it’s advertising. But yet, yeah … it certainly hurts. If things could only be different for all of us going through such grief ….
xoxo
Em
can’t watch the show but I can feel your pain.
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Thanks, Luna.
xoxo
Em
I love this show. I can even handle Kate. Every once in a while, she gives a glimpse of being truely happy and in love with her family, and those times make it all worth it. I think I’m Ok with it, though, because they’ve gone through IF and so they get it, you know?
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It *is* those moments of happiness and love in that family that gets me every time. And quite honestly, I’m happy that Kate brought infertility into the public eye. Even though some people see it as a “negative” result, having that many children, I personally see it as a dedication to how much having children meant to her and Jon. And if *I* had to make that sort of decision (elective reduction), I’d make the same one she did.
xoxo
Em
Dh & I watch the show occasionally, with both horror & amusement. I always thought I could handle twins, but anything beyond that…!! The kids are adorable, but I am soooo glad I don’t have that responsibility…!! I know a lot of people find Kate to be controlling & bitchy, but seriously — if YOU were the one responsible for running a household of 8 children, including SIX toddlers…?!?! I think you’d have to be a bit of a drill sergeant to get anything done.
I can remember one show where Jon & Kate were on the couch responding to viewers’ questions. Kate said she was amazed at how many people ask how THEY can get themselves some mutliples too. She just shook her head & said, “We’re a fertility nightmare,” & emphasized how incredibly blessed they are that all their children are healthy. (I’ve also heard her say that there were originally 7, but she lost one along the way.) I respected her for that.
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I think that’s what erases all those moments where you see Kate being so overwhelmingly anal … the fact that she does NOT take what they’ve been given in life for granted. And you’re right … how can you not be a drill sargeant with all those kids?!
xoxo
Em
I’m sorry about the BP and all the rx hassles, Emily. That’s just wrong. I hope you’re feeling better.
I guess there are some dilemmas I miss thanks to my lack of cable. It would be tough, to watch or not to watch this one…
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Thanks, Shinejil. And it’s probably a *good* thing you’re without cable. I think of all that I could be doing instead of sitting in front of the boob tube …
xoxo
Em
On the commercial: ((((((HUGS)))))) 🙁
On the show: I tivo it. It’s one of my guilty pleasures! My favorite is Hannah…then Aaden. My least favorite is Mady…then Kate! 😛
Hope you’re feeling better!
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Thanks Rochelle … And isn’t there something about Aaden that’s so adorable? I just love how he’s the little professor!
xoxo
Em
I wrote a longa$$ message and then the computer gobbled it up.
In a nutshell, I wonder how much of a total and complete bitch I would look like on TV because I think they pick up on that. I think Kate is cool and I loved her honesty about her front butt last season (pre-tummy tuck and vow renwal in Hawaii). Funny enough, I don’t really care to watch the kids so much as I really enjoy watching Jon and Kate interact with the kids.
The commercial – makes me cry like a baby. I am right there – exactly there with you and it sucks girl.
How are you feeling? I miss you and when are you coming back to SD?
XOXOXOXO-kara
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Awr …. Kara, I miss you too!!! And trust me, with this cold weather here in the Midwest … SD sounds good right about now.
And you’re so right about what creative editing picks up on in the show … I’m sure they’d focus on the worse parts of me (like nose-picking, et al) and show it over and over again … LOL!
xoxo
Em
That commercial kills me everytime too. Shameless advertisers pulling at our hearts like that. It’s hard enough finding time to do my makeup once a day – no way I’ll have a minute to touch up after watching this tv spot!
Oh, and LOL at the bug to the bug zapper that is “Jon & Kate Plus 8”. I have a mini-crush on Jon because he’s so cool and sweet!
Thanks for sharing. Cari from Two Under Two. Whew!http://2under2whew.blogspot.com/