Tuesday, May 26, 2009

Jon and Kate Plus 8

Did you watch the premier last night? I generally watch it whenever I can catch it, but it's not the Duggars to me. I did, however, record last nights episode.

I'd seen the tabloid stories about Jon. I have a hard time believing what is in the tabloids untill I hear from the source. So I watched to see how much was true. Evidently, a LOT of it.

There's lots of talk about divorce. If you watched the show you could tell there are real problems in this marriage. It saddens me. This was a good family. From all appearances, they loved the Lord. Their marriage is almost over and the tabloids are still speculating and making life hard for them.

I know people say they put themselves here...but they never expected this. They had just had an amazing addition to their family and they wanted to document the journey. No way they ever thought they would be one of the top rated shows on TLC.

So I'm sad for them. I'm NOT going to read the tabloid reports. (I seldom do). I'm going to pray for their marriage.

Kate made a comment towards the end of the show where she basically said she has no idea what she can do to make things better, that she just doesn't get what's going on with Jon.

I sat here, with Jeff (my husband), and we began discussing it. Jon was making himself abundantly clear. He said, in his own words, that he has lost his identity. That he quit working for Kate, so she could do all her appearances and write books. But now, he was just Jon, Kate's husband. He also stated that she was always gone.

It seems so clear to me. Men ARE their careers. They ARE an engineer, or a teacher, or a firefighter. That is where they get their identity. Fixing this marriage seems so easy to me. Slow down on the appearances, be home for Jon and let him find a way to make money, to have a career, to be who he is. He's NOT happy just being Kate's husband. My husband wouldn't be either.

Did you watch?

18 comments:

Jen said...

I did watch and I have to say I too was sad after watching! I mean VERY sad! It's always heart breaking to see a marriage in trouble! I too am praying for them!

Diana said...

We've been watching a similar situation live and up close in our neighborhood, watching the pain of the children. I went through something like this when I was little... "As long as my kids ae happy and healthy..." They aren't can't be if there parents are divided and at odds. Dr. Phil says better to be from a broken home than live in one... hogwash... FIX it. My parents did, it can be done, but SHE has got to give him back who he was, let go of the glamour... you can see she enjoys the attention, even the paparazzi, has been enticed by it. The enemy is undermining marriage through wives, we as Christian women need to be on guard for our marriages, keeping the homefires burning if you will. Living life for reality TV is a recipe for disaster (I pray the Duggars be careful though their ducks all seem to be in a row). I feel so sorry for these children. Their mom has made an exchange that isn't worth the cost.

Kelly said...

I think that Kate kinda sorta pushed him to this in a way. But that's because of that awesome book I've been reading. I'm not saying this is Kates fault though. Its just that I can see their roles reversed, Kate is kinda the head of household. (can you tell I'm really trying not to offend here?) He's not the man in charge. He needs to reclaim it, and she needs to let him. I think that would fix everything. I think she needs to read the book I've been reading. Not that the title has anything to do with them, but there is a whole chapter on roles in the home, and I think that's all that they need. But on the other hand, I wonder if they are drawing this out a little for the show? I think I could do a whole blog post on this too LOL

holly said...

I think it is sad....I always liked how they bickered but said they still loved each other, and that worked for them. My husband and I bicker all the time, but it doesn't detract from our marriage. I haven't watched in a couple of years though, so I have no idea how they morphed. Being a celebrity is hard, and you do lose your focus. They need to just pull out of the limelight and get focused again. SAD....

The Royal Family said...

I don't watch, I have family that are avid watchers and talk about how she barks orders at Jon, I personally don't know since I haven't ever seen it, HOWEVER if that is the problem is seems like I agree my hubs would NOT be happy with that, his job is his identity and yes he has to get away from me just like i have to get away from him once in a while and I don't know MANY dads that are happy to spend all day with that many kids... my hubs would die, he doesn't have the patience... us mommies were built with that... (depending on the day)

*shrug*

Kristen said...

I don't watch the show, but it is sad that they are having issues :(

Unknown said...

I didn't watch...we don't even have cable. I think I've seen just one episode but from what I've heard in the media, they do need lots of prayer. God doesn't like to see anyone's marriage end, regardless of the circumstances!

Ashley said...

I think it is dangerous for both the husband and the wife to lose their own identity in any relationship. Neither one should have to give up who they are for the other. They should bring out the best in each other and thrive b/c they are together. I think both Jon and especially Kate have lost sight of their main focus - their children - and have let money, fame, and greed take over. Sad.

Stopping by from SITS!

CarlaC said...

I don't watch. I saw the first few episodes back in the beginning but never really liked their style. I prefer to see big families that seem calm. They always seemed hectic and chaotic in some ways especially how she did bark orders at him. It is sad that they are in this situation now. I have no idea what the tabloids are saying since I don't pay attention to tabloids. I feel for them. These children will suffer greatly if they are divorced. Besides Kate needs Jon she may have the $ now to hire help but being a single mother with 8 kids is going to be difficult regardless. Hope they can work it out.

Amy said...

I did watch. This has been a favorite show for my girls. I was not going to let them watch it because last year they just watched their vow renewal and we talked as a family about how divorce is not an option. And now a year later the show has dramatically changed. We watched it together and then we had the opportunity to talk about divorce again. Considering they are 6 & 8, I am not sure how much they understand, but I told them all we can do is pray for their marriage and I know that they will.

The Kooky Queen--Rachel said...

Oi, honestly, I watched a few episodes when the series first aired and I couldn't stand it simply BECAUSE they were so horrible to each other. I hated how mean they were to each other. I gave me anxiety watching them interact! I feel bad for those kids!!!

H.K. said...

I used to be a big fan of the show. I watched their documentary before they became a series and was excited, I loved the chemistry between them & the love they had for the kids, even their bickering, I thought was cute.

I stopped watching the show during the 3rd of 4rth season after a Christmas episode in which Kate said that viewers email them asking what gifts they can give their children. I thought at this point Kate would say that they are fine and don't need gifts. She didn't! Kate said, "Who am I to turn down these offers from strangers, so I gave them a list."

I knew that they were already making tons of money from each episode and was astonished that they still accepted gifts from people, instead of telling people to donate it to other children who needed it.

I did however see the premier episode and was saddened to see that Kate looks like she wants to continue with the show and Jon looks like he wants to quit. There doesn't seem like any reconciliation at all. This is a prime example that money & fame doesn't bring happiness.

Lena said...

i didnt watch the show, but did see bits and pieces here and there. i agree with most of the commenters, the husband is the leader in the family, thats how God created us as a family. Kate as a wife, has the solution in her hands, but i dont think she wants to fix the marriage. too sad for them.

Amy said...

I do have a new family blog. I have a second blog that I write about my faith journey. I have only been doing that one in 2009, as well. I am really trying to write again and I have found blogging is a great place to do it. Thanks for visiting my site. I have a lot of work to do, but I wanted to get started and learn as I go.

Amy said...

I do have a new family blog. I have a second blog that I write about my faith journey. I have only been doing that one in 2009, as well. I am really trying to write again and I have found blogging is a great place to do it. Thanks for visiting my site. I have a lot of work to do, but I wanted to get started and learn as I go.

Jen said...

I did not watch the show but I have read a lot about it. You make some excellent points. I think that Kate needs to take a long hard look at her life and realize what she is loosing for this fame and money.

Andrea said...

I've never watched (we don't have cable. :) ), but I've heard about them...how heartbreaking that things are falling apart for them!

Kathy said...

Dare I step up on my soap box?

The cynic in me keeps wondering if this is just a plee for ratings. I know that sounds horrible..but they have already gotten puppies, renewed their vows, gone on vacations....

I did cry when I saw the tabloids because this is a real family and divorce is horrible (God does say he HATES it) I was also sad that I let my nine year old daughter watch once in awhile. I have worked so hard to keep my own marriage together and sanctifying and surround us with role models and now I let this sneak in. My daughter will be pained by their divorce.

I agree TOTALLY with what you said about husbands at home etc. My husband suffered a work related back injury am few years ago. he was out of work for three years and is now working part time. I am at home. We get a lot of flack on why I dont just go support us.

Im frustrated too with the Kate bashing. I dont want to be her BFF. I don't agree with most of their means and methods. BUT she is who she is and honest and upfront about it. Yes, she is a clena freak she is very matter of fact and not always warm and cozy about it. BUT you get that wihtin minutes of meeting her. Jon knew what he was getting himself into and he made a vow to God.