Tuxcat

Last year was my first and you all told me I'd be back. Ugh so here I am. I think they are going to use a lot of different lighting schemes and virtual special effects/green screens maybe instead of big huge elaborate backyard set designs. I mean I know they already used a lot of that - but it might be everything this year. Also I don't want a comp right off the bat at the live event. That's when it went downhill for David and I'm nervous for him.

Honestly VK's body is more suited for this ballroom. Really showcases her legs and she doesn't have to hoist them up in the air like with lyrical. She's leg heavy. And that looks good here!

I do not have a dance background (other than being on this forum for so long) and like many of you, I notice that she dances heavy and cannot hold her positions... What baffles me, is that her Instagram page is FULL of over the top praise. "OMG!!!..." Do I see her dance differently because I've learned to look through the lens of a dancer (by picking things apart and analyzing..)? Does the general public just not see what we see? So many people are acting like she's the greatest dancer ever and I cannot see it. She's fine. But not great.

Absolutely agree. I do wonder if their publicized objective for show group ("best dancer") is different from their real objective. In general, are they still operating with the antiquated view that show group isn't really about just picking attention grabbers. Are they still picking USO type favorites (even though they don't do USO anymore). Meaning, did she make it because she's a tall blonde with legs for days?

Thats exactly it! I could never put my finger on it. It just looked heavy. But you've stated it perfectly!

Weighing in to say I agree with those who are annoyed by the social media posts flaunting these happy get togethers. So many people have been affected in one way or another and it just screams selfishness when you advertise your close contact fun times. The issue always boils down to personal desires vs public responsibility. When I hear arguments like young people aren't at risk for dying, "I'm not worried" or even the "death rate's declining," I know that they are only looking at themselves in this equation. Absolutely happy to hear the death rate is declining (for now). Given the fact that we have gotten somewhat better at protecting our nursing homes, and more vulnerable people, alongside the fact that hospitals and doctors are learning how to better care for COVID patients, alongside some people actually employing the use of masks and safe practices- you would expect the death rate to go down. But we are still at risk for overwhelming our healthcare system - and flu season is also upon us. If we don't work to reduce COMMUNITY spread, we are shooting ourselves in the foot in a few months. People forget. It's not about the COVID patients being in the hospital. It's about the number of COVID patients using bed space and resources that would ordinarily be used for other types of patients. The system as a whole becomes strained. So to all the young ladies, having a good time and not really caring much about their own health - that is fine - but please stop posing at least. I actually really want to be a fan. I just can't get over how heavy her dancing is.

A lot of moms do this on social media. They think complaining about toddlers and babies will bond them perhaps. To be honest, I used to talk in this manner when my kids were young. For some reason I thought it was the right way to communicate. At some point, I realized that my pessimistic attitude was off putting. I didn't understand that at the time but looking back, there were knowing glances or extra long pauses when I may have said a bit too many negative things. Now I know why. It's certainly ok to commiserate but if you don't work to find the beauty in your children, they will grow anxious and defeated before their lives even really begin. I wish someone would have told me this when I was younger. I wish someone would tell Maddie. It's quite obvious that Axel in particular is loved, but not celebrated and enjoyed.

Meri lived a sheltered life and was brought up in the culture of polygamy. At age 19, she would have no idea of what her feelings and true beliefs might actually be even in the first 3 years of marriage. I'm sure she knew she felt jealous, unhappy, and bitter. But I doubt she would be able to form and communicate a mature opinion about what those feelings might actually mean. I don't believe she defrauded Kody. I do believe she was confused.

FWIW I think it's possible that Maddie and Caleb chose the birthing center - 2 hours away from home - because of its association with UNC. The midwives at that center are affiliated with UNC and have a working relationship with this major hospital. While they didn't know abut FATCO, they did know there might be a problem, and therefore they were close to UNC just in case. I think that's a reasonable responsible decision. While deliveries at UNC, could also be unmedicated, it makes sense that Maddie felt more comfortable with the center. It's quite important for a woman, who wants a low intervention birth, to be in a comfortable and familiar setting. I didn't see anything wrong with what the midwives did or said - with the exception of them telling Maddie to go home at 4-5 centimeters. And I'm not sure she was in fact told that? I can't recall - and it might be that editing was involved. For the midwife that said "sometimes babies wait" - this is actually true due to the fear tension pain cycle. No, moms cannot "hold a baby in." But there is something to be said about a woman who is so stressed, tense and scared, that the labor does slow down. It's not the baby doing it of course - but it is an evolutionary part of the process. Back in the day - you don't give birth with a saber tooth tiger around. You move to safer ground.

I believe she justified wanting a larger 6 bedroom house because the plan is for the girls to also live at home while they attend college.

I think Robyn is competing for "Best Mother" in her mind. Christine's kids seem somewhat flighty like her - fly by the seat. Janelle's sons all leave without looking back. Her daughters, depressed in their early years, also seek quick independence. Meri likely thinks Mariah is the winner in the "who's the most successful contest." But Robyn keeps her kids close to the nest. Orderly, methodical, reserved, in the "perfect" Homelife she's created. Do you think the wives do compete for the "best mother" award?

Real honesty time. I do this when I'm overwhelmed. Living out of a basket now and then isn't the worst thing in life. I feel for Janelle. I don't think its laziness. Laziness is a sign of something else. Look at the signs. Low motivation. Unfinished tasks. Fairly bright but unable to stick to and succeed in a career. Doesn't get angry with Kody or really doesn't even care to be with him - because her expectations are extraordinarily low. Avoids conflict of any kind. I'm guessing she binge eats. What do you see? Depression? ADD? Anxiety? All of the above?

True. The other three wives were there with Maddie and it was the first grandchild. It had to sting. That I understood. Now Meri's grumpy over the top reaction or failure to understand why she was iced out - that I don't understand. IIRC Maddie was working for <Meri when she was pregnant with Axel. Their real falling out occurred after Axel was born and Maddie was selling Lulu... Am sure there was bad blood before but thats when it came to the surface. None of the relationships are helped by Mariah - who seemed to feed the "us vs meri" mentality.

I certainly agree that she's behaved like a bitch for most of the series. But lets remember she married Kody at age 19 . Then her brother's wife married her husband. I'm sorry but you can't tell me that these intertwining polygamous relationships don't mess with someone. Your personality continues to form as you are an emerging adult. She was 19 and married to a narcissist who compares himself to Jesus. She's a bitch in large part because he made her one. YES!

I know Meri has her issues but to be honest she is correct in her feelings - even if she brought them on herself. Her walls are up because the family does NOT like her. It's obvious in their body language, their conversations, and their made for TV moments. She has acted selfishly and harshly in the past and the older kids do not have a good relationship with her. Maddie and Mariah did - but they too recently had a falling out with her. So now literally everyone except for Sol and Ari hate Meri. Meri does have good relationships with other people. Perhaps Kody does need to explore that. One usually gives what one usually receives. Meri is a bitch in the family because she's been treated as a bitch. No doubt this began when Kody married her. The core culprit? Kody! Kody is a terrible narcissistic human being with no regard for honor, sensitivity, compassion or a willingness to grow -- one must ask themselves... Why is Meri still in this family?

thank you! Irks me so much. Maddie, you aren't in labor until the contractions don't go away no matter what you do. Periods of contractions are normal - but if the periods come and go -that's not labor.

Do interns edit this show or something? How many times do we need to hear Robyn say that she doesn't want to buy. How many times do we need to hear Kody say that he doesn't want to rent. I really just watched this?

interesting. what is the real reason he divorced meri to marry Robyn? He could have married Janelle or Christine- why Robyn?

The land, the view and the 4400 square feet. I agree - it's not an extravagant over the top mansion but it looks pretty luxurious inside when you compare it to Janelle - and even Christine really.

Ugh so Meri went from one mansion to another. Figures. Yes, Gabe and Savannah must be a little peeved sometimes. Janelle just doesn't really care which is a good life role model (at least in not getting caught up in material things). But teenagers would likely have a hard time seeing their "siblings" living in much nicer abodes. I think they will likely do this something like that. Robyn's house looks very nice. I don't see her moving again anytime soon.

Agree.

So Robyn buys a gorgeous house with gorgeous views. Ever wonder if the other kids get a little jealous of Robyn's kids? Where did Meri end up?

Robyn is really an interesting person. She feels that God will guide her to the perfect 6 bedroom house. I wonder if she believes this because its a reward for her suffering. She suffered in her first marriage. He children are high needs... She sacrifices herself and gets the "leftovers and table scraps." What is more interesting though is how the other wives buy into it. "Let's get Robyn her big house because we need a house to gather in." Really? You gathered in the Lehi house just fine and there were more kids at that time. Makes no sense. All for drama. But the drama falls flat. That horrible gloomy music in the background makes it even worse. These people don't know the meaning of the word suffer.

Just because I have no life, I went back and looked at the floor plans. Meri and Christine's apartments look identical the way its drawn but when you do the tour, Christine it appears actually has more space pushed out the back and under the stairs. I think she has 1 extra bedroom.

That's true. Never meant that you couldn't express your opinion. Just meant that for me, I can't do it. Special needs can mean so many different things. He likely graduated with honors because she provided an enormous amount of scaffolding. He may not be able to self regulate enough to succeed in school or work on his own. But you're right - we can't really know whats true and whats not. And she is opening herself up for scrutiny. I guess I just have a soft spot for that particular topic.