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?
Mar 20, 2009
Jon & Kate + Eight
Posted by The Burleys at 9:00 AM 7 comments
Mar 17, 2009
Blogging
What has happened to the blogging world out there? Nobody's blogging anymore, nobody's commenting anymore ... is anyone still reading anymore? I used to look at my blog list and see several people who had updated within the last few hours. Now, as the days drag by, I'm seeing weeks and months before the next update occurs. People, do you not know I check your blog every day? Lame, I know, but really - I love reading what's going on with your lives. Seriously, I'm even addicted to the lives of some total strangers out there. And, believe it or not, I learn things from you. Some of you are not just entertaining, but you are incredibly insightful, and I love how you make me think about things. I don't have anything to think about when you don't update for weeks on end! Even the people I would call "professional bloggers" - you know, those people who get thousands of hits and hundreds of comments each day - are not blogging as much as they used to. They're "taking breaks" or "giving attention to more important things." Oh, blah, blah, blah ... what's more important than keeping your adoring blog readers happy and satisfied? Your kids? P'shaw! (In case you didn't realize it, you're supposed to "get" the sarcasm there!)
Is Facebook doing this to everybody? I know it's much easier to quickly check everyone's Facebook status or glance at their recent pictures instead of sitting down and actually putting some thought and creativity into a blog. And, although I haven't done it, it's GOT to be easier to put your pictures on Facebook than here on Blogger. An advanced trigonometry test is easier than that. I understand the attraction, because I do like to periodically lurk around on my husband's account just to see what you all are doing/thinking/tired of/hating/loving/etc. at any given moment of the day. But, at this point, I'm still sticking to my guns and not joining the Facebook world. I have my reasons, and the biggest is I just don't wanna. So, here's my plea: Comment every once in a while so I know you're still there. Post a picture or two on your blog so I know what you, your hubby, your kids, your dog, cat, fish are up to. Tell me what's been going on in your life. I miss you.
Posted by The Burleys at 9:59 AM 13 comments
Mar 14, 2009
Answers To Your Questions!
Here are the answers to the questions that were asked about me:
This was the hardest one for me to answer! I guess the thing I am most proud of is my cooking ability. I love to get in the kitchen and make great-tasting things. I love to cook for other people, and I love making them happy with yummy food. I am not an all-star chef by any means, (I still have plenty of kitchen snafus!) but it is a skill I have that I feel like I am pretty good at.
Posted by The Burleys at 2:15 PM 3 comments
Mar 7, 2009
Getting to Know Me!
OK - I am honestly a little nervous to do this because I'm scared you guys are going to leave me hangin' and I'll come off looking pretty lame! However, I was tagged here to do a "getting to know me" post, so here goes! What are you dying to know about the Burley family?
1.) Are there any questions you have always wanted to ask about me or our family? I thought this would be a great way for anyone who does not know me/us that well to ask the questions lingering in the back of your head. I will be answering your questions one week from today!
2.) Also, I would love for you to post the things you think you do know about me/us.
Posted by The Burleys at 1:11 PM 4 comments
Mar 3, 2009
Camryn's Birthday Party
On Saturday, we had a huge birthday party at our house. This year was really fun because Camryn was old enough to pick the theme for her party and take a part in some of the planning. We had a princess party for our little princess, and everyone had a great time! We were also excited because this was the first time many of our friends from Anderson and some family members were able to see our house. It was very special to all three of us to have everyone we love so much under one roof helping us celebrate! Camryn got lots of great gifts, including more princess stuff than we even know what to do with! And, with all the clothes she got, she will definitely be the best dressed child around this summer!
The very pretty birthday girl
A family shot right before the party started
Our wonderful friends, Sarah Ellen & Jeff, who stayed the whole weekend and helped us with EVERYTHING!
A few of our great friends who traveled from Anderson for the day - Thomas, Stephanie, Emily, & Sarah
With Aunt Lindsay & Uncle Justin
Camryn and her Aunt Alison
Camryn & Caleb
What a little cutie!
Posted by The Burleys at 6:00 PM 6 comments