RebeccatheWriter

I can't see Bobby becoming a person like Hugh Hefner with seven bleach blonde girlfriends. However, I do find the leaving the church to be suspicious. Even if he left voluntarily under less than ideal (no notice or in the middle of a busy time) way, churches typically (not always) announce the leaving of an employee and wish them well publicly. "The Lord has called Bobby and Tori Smith back to her home." However, that silence says something. I could see him having a fling or even just spending too much time with one woman but not a slew of them. Fundy definitions of things are very odd. I know that the narrative has changed that Tori was shy and hated the camera and that is why they did not appear on the show as much after they returned to Anderson County. However, that doesn't really fit with what we saw of Tori in previous shows, including 19 Kids and Counting, as well as United Bates of America and early seasons of Bringing Up Bates. If she was shy, she did a great job of hiding it for 10 or so years. Lazy and apathetic, yes, but not shy.

Yes. He had plans to start his own plumbing business or take over his uncle's business. He learned how to be a plumber from family and then went to school to study business.

I'm guessing they know too. I think she may have learned from Erin and Alyssa who both are having or had a boy after a long wait. Alyssa, especially, has been criticized a lot for how she has reacted on camera to her first boy and how she has ignored the girls. When Erin did the gender reveal for Finley and Alyssa for Maci, there were many who interpreted their reactions as disappointed. Josie may not want that kind of criticism or critique or is being savvy about it.

That cracked me up about Erin. She kept asking about Tori (who was a newlywed at the time) and telling whoever to go over and knock loudly because they were probably asleep. I said to myself that they were probably in bed but that sleep was questionable.

I know they were saying they were going to sell it, but I don't know if they did.

I saw that. They aren't wrong. I am considering a move across the country. If I do that, I'm buying a new car instead of chugging along in my current car that is up there in mileage. Since I am moving (potentially) to a very green/ecofriendly place, I am looking at electric cars and such. I am doing well in terms of money so I don't worry too much about payments, but a Tesla is not a splurge I will make. I think Carlin/Evan and Whitney/Zach are in for a rude awakening if and when we have an economic downturn. There has not been a recession or worse with influencers being a thing. Frankly, I don't see most influencers lasting out a time when people are counting pennies. The boutique will suffer too. Clothing stores (other than children) decline during such times because people make due with last year's styles for one more year. I am sure it is fun to work with your husband (personally I'd go crazy) all day/every day. But that also means that their income isn't diversified at all. If the company fails to make a profit for whatever reason or the rent goes up on their warehouse/store, those two families are going to be scrambling. Zach and Whitney might be saving a little (they made a big car purchase too and have more mouths to feed), but nobody is convincing me that Carlin and Evan have saved a dime. Mr. I don't like to get dirty, Evan, is going to be hating life as an electrician if he is able to find a job in a bad economy. Zach is going to have to go back into law enforcement full time and/or hustle to cut some trees. Both of them are going to find it harder than when they were doing it before. And Carlin's going to have to get really creative to sell some $100 eyelash serum.

I am laughing (not that I wish the animals bad things) at Chad's dramatically sad tone and the oh so sad music in the background. Then cut to video of the children explaining what happened. Then there is Chad driving the children around with Carson/Charles hanging on the outside of the vehicle. That was a disturbing moment for me given I know of accidents that occurred when someone was hanging on the outside of golf carts, gators, or similar vehicles falls or loses their grip. One lost his foot when it tangled up with the wheel/tire. Another had multiple injuries in a similar situation.

With Carlin's complaints of headaches, dizziness, etc., I am not sure rides like that are the best solution. I get that you don't want to stop your life because of what might happen, but I for one get triggered on certain rides. Not smart. From my many times at Dollywood, I will say the cinnamon bread is the best thing there. It's meant for a small family to pull at and eat sort of like monkey bread but less messy (somewhat - lots of butter and cinnamon). Most people put the icing on it or dip it in the preserves, but I think it is good without it. It typically comes in sections of four. My girls are older now so we each have a section and fight over the fourth section. When they were little I would give them each a bite so that they weren't wanting mine.

Based on their convoluted logic and perspective, they misunderstood that they were supposed to request it/get it scheduled. They were under the assumption that it would be done for her. My interpretation is that the neurologist probably said something like, "we've done all we can do at this point and are not finding any signs or problems that would result in what you are experiencing. The only thing left would be an in-patient EEG over several days. That might help us capture one of your seizures on the machines." Carlin and Evan assumed that was what was going to happen and went on their merry, recording way. Carlin really isn't a great advocate for herself. She lacks the natural curiosity about herself or her kids. When Zade's tests came back high in lead, she mentioned that the doctor said it could affect his IQ among other things. She blew it off as him maybe needing extra help in school if that happened. She was confused about what his next appointment would be requiring. As someone who went through a lot of tests and switching to different specialists because the last one said it wasn't his/her/their area, I get that it is annoying. Doctors do speak hypothetically sometimes. When they thought I had a heart issue (turned out to be brain), the doctor mentioned a tilt table test. He said that one might help in the diagnosis. I said, "great sign me up." A month went by and I went in for my follow up. I had been calling to schedule the test and was told that the orders had not come through. In front of the doctor again, I asked about the test. He looked at his notes and didn't see anything about it. Then he said, "that might be a good test to see what's going on with you. Would you be willing to do that?" WTH? I'm an overeducated and well-read woman. I can't imagine that Carlin would be as persistent about such things.

Zade isn't that verbal yet, which is pretty normal for second children who have people speaking for him. Layla wasn't that verbal either at the same age, if I remember correctly. I think Carlin and Evan did the Sissy thing for Zade, if that makes sense, as they speak for him to her. "Brother wants Sissy to give him the ball." I think that Carlin picked up on it from Whitney who referred or refers to Kaci as Sissy, especially when it was just Bradley and Kaci. There were times on the show that Whitney would call Kaci Sis or Sissy. Layla is probably figuring it out in her head why most people have one name that Carlin/Evan call them and a different name for her to call them. Pre-K is one of the ages where that becomes evident. Why is he Daddy to me when Mommy calls him Evan? She wouldn't be able to explain it but she may think she needs to identify as her relationship rather than as her name - Sissy makes sense to her.

Yes, Layla has picked up on Sissy as her "name" probably because Zade may have a hard time saying Layla. It could be solved pretty easily by explaining to her that is what your brother calls you but to us you are Layla. Evan has said recently in a video that he was homeschooled too. I think his upbringing was conservative but not nearly so much as hers. I noticed that she would have episodes of crying and panic about him leaving her all day for work. She claimed to have anxiety about going to OB/GYN appointments for Zade because she was alone when she got the bad news they were going to deliver Layla early (not how it was portrayed on the show, but okay). I'm not a MD (PhD but no medicine), but I think that part of her issue is brought on by anxiety and stress. I say this as a person who has cataplexy without narcolepsy. If I become overly emotional or stressed I will fall down. I am aware so I'm not passing out. I was put through MRIs, heart tests, EEGs, etc. It was all coming back with no problems, but my issues persisted. It was finally diagnosed because I was in the doctor's office awaiting results and I overheard a nurse say something about how she didn't think there was anything wrong with me. I got upset and was going to walk out because I felt like a fraud. It happened in the hallway where they could all see. I don't see Carlin's issues as the same, but I would be surprised if there wasn't a tie with her emotions and mental state. I think they are both playing house and just trying to give the impression they know what they want in life and what they are doing. I understand that Carlin was apparently taking pics and video for Whitney's labor and delivery, but Evan needed to be home with the kids. They clearly don't get the idea of boundaries. Carlin was at one point on the bed with Whitney. It was shades of Katie's labor and delivery again where if you didn't know of the family you would have thought Evan and in this case Zach were a couple and Whitney was a surrogate for them.

I was expecting a sexed up version of the original Mickey Mouse Club with Tyra in glitter across her boobs.

That was my favorite performance for JoJo and Jenna. I don't like either of them, but for the first time this felt like they were dancing as partners and not just next to each other in similar costumes. They played Lion King music for her runway strut out so that's my guess.

Agreed. I realize there are exceptions to rules and certainly when she first tested positive I was supportive of him getting a fair shot by dancing with someone else and using that practice footage that particular week. And if there was a way to do it I am all for that. However, there seems to be a lot of jumping through hoops to get him to compete. Most of the pairs had styles of a tango or cha cha. He got jazz, which could be done more easily in separate spaces. This just becomes quite problematic in the long run. On another note, some of the stars were really reaching for their Spears connection. Some of them needed more mental gymnastics to make work than others.

I agree. I was a bit unsure when he tested positive too given some past "rules." However, they both tested positive and say they feel up to doing it. So no issue from me.

They've had nights before that focused on one artist. There was Stevie Wonder night for example. There was also a half of a night (one round) with music by Michael Jackson. There may be others, but it isn't really a new idea. Britany's got some good music though and enough of a catalog to offer a night of dancing. Her issues with mental illness have been seen in other artists and should not preclude her music from being featured. Slave 4 U is the one that seems the most problematic though.

I always appreciated Tyra as a model because she had a woman's body. She had boobs and a butt. She wasn't overly conceited as a model and actually had some skill and talent as an actress. With more training she could have been a really good actress and maybe even better than good. As a host on ANTM she went from mentor and good foil to Janice Dickenson's antics. Then it went downhill. She became gimmick after gimmick. Instead of mentor and teacher she was belittling others and painting herself as this queen and expert. I believe it was the "all star" season where she started promoting her book and before that her talk show. She reminds of the girls who were popular in high school and are now mixed up in MLM schemes. She'd friend you on Facebook just to try to get you involved and sell you some stuff. Her comments prior to this season about Olivia missed the point completely. From my interpretation of events, Olivia was complicit in her parents' deceptions. She posed for the dang pictures. Tyra said there is more to the story. Fine...then tell the story. Because right now I'm seeing dancing around the story. I'm seeing a spoiled little rich girl who didn't even appreciate what she had. I think that DWTS isn't exactly a great way to go for redemption. Maybe try and provide a scholarship or study for a chance to really go and make something of yourself in college. Most of all I am agitated that Tyra of all people is telling me I'm wrong for my opinion. I am rooting for Suni but gotta get past that emotion barrier. Granted so far we have seen her dance a jive and a cha cha. Those are not the most emotional dances ever. I'm not a fan of Jo Jo or Jenna so together it is like the pairing from you know where for me. I'm praying for no rhumba from them. Not because of the girl girl pairing but because Jo Jo still looks like a kid and that would be squicky with anyone. Loving Mel C. She wasn't a favorite of mine going in, but she is a beautiful dancer. Also I am enjoying the Miz. I keep flashing back on his Challenge days on MTV and thinking about how he would throw a tantrum each time he failed a mission - throwing furniture, etc. I hope that doesn't happen on DWTS. The right person went this week. And other hosts have done it in the past but I hate when Tyra asked him how he was feeling. Why not ask if you're going to want to learn more or if you're eager to show your new skills to your friends, etc. Like being a lawyer or a reporter, you don't want to leave that big of an opening for someone to talk trash.

There were a few more mitigating factors in Kim's issue. First, she had a stroke and was hospitalized for 3 days. So that would have put her release at Thursday. She had not, according to her partner, learned the entire dance even after a marathon rehearsal in Atlanta that Saturday. If I remember correctly, crews didn't film her rehearsal in Atlanta and the only footage was of parts of the dance recorded on a phone. Doctors had not cleared her to fly and she was not scheduled to receive that clearance for a few days more. So it really left the show with not much of a choice since it was not known if or when she could return California and the extra expense of hiring a new crew or sending a crew to Atlanta. It was considered by the producers to allow her to dance in Atlanta and stream it to show the judges. However, that raised more issues because you have others on the show who have to travel extensively for their day jobs and probably would have done better if the same accommodation was afforded to them. With COVID protocols, the rehearsal space is recorded without camera crews being in there. That's why there is more voice over and not "raw footage" with audio. Sundays used to be dress rehearsal day. Each couple had the opportunity to have their full dance taped (with or without costumes). I think they still do some of this but the couples are scheduled to come in at certain times versus everyone show up to test and rehearse every part of the show.

I get it. I know how the rules should work. But it's a big leap to say they do work all the time. Privacy breaks are not uncommon. I've been the victim of that more than once during hospital stays. But I'm not trying to argue with you. I am simply saying that I do think security and privacy does play into some decisions that some of the girls make. Erin and Whitney seem to have no issue with an audience of dozens when they give birth. We learned with Josie when she was pregnant with Willow that she seemed to want a more private experience and did not even have it filmed for the show. Unlike Carlin who posts real time content, Josie typically posts things after the fact. I personally think they are quite foolish for being as open as they are about other things. Names of businesses and phone numbers. Even the outside of their homes and the city where they are located. At least some of them show some common sense regarding not telling the world where they are at vulnerable times. No, that's not true. Tenova North Birthing Center is the name of the labor and delivery unit for the hospital she went to in Powell, TN - close to Knoxville. It's just what they call that particular wing and floor. It is part of the hospital. https://www.tennovanorthknoxville.com/maternity-care-services

I'm not saying there isn't a deal with US. However, depending on the timing of the birth yesterday, US could have already had things ready to go then and not wait for today. I just think a bit of security plays into it. Some of the girls have been a little savvier than others. No, they aren't J-Lo or even Kardashian level celebrities. However, they are known and do have some strange fans. They also don't have security teams. A former friend of mine is semi-known for her former acting gigs. She is a sister of a celebrity. A lot of people wouldn't know her but if she had a camera crew following her they would assume. They would also think they know her from somewhere. When she had her first baby she was in labor and a curious person who was more a fan of her sibling walked right into the room where she was in labor and started asking her questions and wanted a pic with her, etc. The woman told people (think early days of TMZ) and people were calling the hospital asking for details on the baby, claiming to be family, and asking if the celebrity sibling had visited or was going to visit. It was insanely scary. For the second baby the hospital execs even stepped forward and said they wanted a security plan. While I can't imagine stalking anyone, let alone the Bates, we know that these girls and guys end up with people sending them and their kids gifts, trying to get invites to the wedding, wanting personal notes from the three that own the boutique, etc. I know there was a story about some lower level reality personality who said she never thought about it either. However, she gave birth. Her husband went to get food. She takes a nap and wakes up to two strangers in her room taking pics of the baby. Things are more secure now but people are still crazy. There are probably half a dozen. It wouldn't take much for someone to figure it out.

It does occur to me that some of the Bates and other reality tv families might delay announcing by a day or two for security reasons. You wouldn't want a crazy follower or fan showing up to meet you, bring a gift, etc. So it might be a strategic thing of announcing right as mom and baby are released. I seem to remember something about they limited who was in the delivery room still but afterwards they could have more visitors. I don't know the timing on Jadon's O2 dropping but it could be that they were planning to be there when they were admitted to a room and then things happened. I know a woman (wouldn't call her a friend) who takes newborn pics at the hospitals near me. She is allowed to do photos in the regular rooms but not in labor/delivery areas.

Monday, June 14.

I give the married daughters a little pass on their decorating. Most of us did our own experimenting with decor. We had dorm rooms in college or first apartments that were filled with hand me downs and rejects. I remember being so proud of my couch that I bought with my own money. It was white with splotches of pastels (hello 1990s). I had it for years until I was watching 16 & Pregnant and one of the parents of the teen mom had the same couch in her run down crack house looking trailer. I knew I had to get a new couch then. To me it speaks to this idea that these girls go from daughter to wife, lover, homemaker, decorator, cook, and mother all in the span of a year. Most of us went through experimental phases. These girls are suddenly allowed to dress how they want, have sex, kiss, go without chaperones, pick paint color and furniture, etc. They are going to make mistakes. So long as the mistakes are with fashion and decor, I'm cool. Just don't put anyone in danger.

I don't recall him criticizing Josie or Carlin. However, he did say the stuff about Tori's hair plans and was rude while Michaela was shopping for her dress...calling one of the ones that she liked a Grandma dress.

In Season 9 Episode 1, Josie gives birth to Willow. They were doing their couch interview about the experience. At one point Josie was struggling and passed out. She said that she woke up to Kelton crying/bawling. The nurses, etc. encouraged Josie to get an epidural, use pitocin, or have them break the water at that point because she was having such a rough time and it was lasting so long (36 hours at that point). She and Kelton (per Kelly Jo) asked for time to discuss it. Then Kelton does part of the interview and says, "The epidural was one of the scariest parts for me because that is one of the factors that actually resulted in them not being able to catch the signs that led to my mother's death." Gil then interviews and says that he and Mr. Balka were in the waiting room and that Mr. Balka was nervous too (presumably about the epidural), as the last labor and delivery he was at was when "his wife went to be with the lord." I don't know if the epidural masked the symptoms for Kelton's mom. However, I can understand if that is what he was told from a young age then he probably does truly believe it. From their talking heads, it didn't sound like he had encouraged her not to get one. She spoke a few times about seeing the fear in his eyes and not wanting to add to it. I can imagine it was scary for Kelton to watch his wife be in so much pain and struggling - reportedly passing out more than once - and thinking that the suggested remedy for that was the one thing that you had been told contributed to you losing your mother. I know they had a doula for the last birth. I think they would have benefited from some birthing classes that discussed pain management from a scientific and logical standpoint. Kelton (and Josie) should have been in a setting to ask questions about the process before she had been in labor for 36 hours.