Jon & Kate + Eight

I actually typed this post a couple of weeks ago. Since then, the Gosselins have gotten a lot of press over the fact that Jon has possibly been unfaithful and rumors of their separation. Now, the TLC commerical for next week's season finale is promising a major announcement, which I'm sure everyone thinks is that they are splitting up. For what it's worth, although I'm sure there is probably a huge strain in their marriage right now over everything going on, I think the announcement will be that the "fame" is getting to be a little too much for them and they are taking a break from filming or will have a reduced filming schedule. We'll see if I'm right. But, for now, here's the original post I wrote a few weeks ago ...

What do you think of this show? Jason and I have mixed feelings about it. Over the summer, we were addicted to it. We watched the new episode each Monday night and had it on our TV any time there was a rerun. I am amazed at how Jon and Kate manage a household of eight children. I do well just to handle one! Jason also bought Kate's book, Multiple Bes8ings, for me for Christmas and I really enjoyed reading it. Kate has a very strong faith, and this book is her testimony of sorts, in addition to the story of the sextuplets (I sound like I'm writing a review here, don't I?). So, all in all I do have respect for them because of the difficulties they've had to face and how they have handled them through their trust in God.

Now, on the flip side, we - Jason, especially - have a hard time watching the show now because of Kate's attitude and the way she talks to Jon. This is nothing new, but just seems to happen more frequently and intensely in recent shows. Sometimes, Jason will even suggest we change the channel, because it makes him so mad to watch her be so incredibly condescending. We recently watched an episode where they moved into their new house. Jon bought new shower heads (obviously from Bed, Bath & Beyond), and Kate ripped into him for it. First she belittled him for not using a coupon and then for not giving her the receipt from the purchase. Next, she followed him around the house and stood over him until he coughed up the receipt. Then, she gave him a speech like he was one of the kids and made him answer the question, "What is the rule about receipts, Jon?" I hear myself having conversations like this with my 3 year old child but not my husband! Another one that comes to mind is the yard sale episode where Jon forgets the kids' lunches at home (a recent rerun I've seen). Kate looks straight into the camera and belittles Jon (and men in general, by the way) because he forgot the lunches. You know, if I had 8 kids, I'd probably forget lunches every now and then, too. I'd probably be lucky to remember my own head most days. These are just a few of the bigger instances we've seen ... not to mention the every day snapping, ordering around, and fussing she does. We also think it's really not a good thing that she makes all of these condescending remarks right in front of the kids.

The funny thing is, we've had long conversations before between ourselves and with friends about whether or not Kate deserves our pity. Some people are on the side of the fence that she is managing a household of 10 people and is understandably stressed. I can appreciate that, but also believe she needs to show a little more respect to her husband who is her biggest helper and the only one who truly understands the life they are leading. If you notice, none of her other family members or friends are ever around any more, so I think he's the only one who's left! What do you think?