S09.E08: The Truth Comes Out

[MV713]

At the time that Kody and Robin were "courting" Meri was also very skinny.  Just something  noticed during all their flashbacks.

[VedaPierce]

2 hours ago, Gothish520 said:

Very true.

I have known a few people like Meri. One was once a close friend, one is a family member that I have regular contact with, and one is a different family member's boyfriend. Thankfully, the family member is only mildly like Meri, and she recognizes and admits her behavior and is working on it. 

The friend however - I ended up having to cut ties, because I just couldn't take it anymore. I've heard from mutual friends that she behaved the same way with them and they had to end the relationship as well. These types of people will suck the life right out of you. They present themselves as wonderful people who would give you the shirt off their back, and they very well may, but then you better turn around and give your shirt, pants, and underwear, otherwise you are a rotten person who treats them badly. 

Everything that happens to them is 100x worse than what happens to someone else. Oh, how they've suffered! They give and give, and all anybody else ever does is take. They need constant validation. They are never happier than when someone new comes on the scene, someone who hasn't dealt with their passive-aggressive, me me me nonsense for years, someone who only feels sympathy and hugs them and goes on and on about how awesome they are and how worthy they are and blah blah blah. I witnessed one of these interactions first-hand and I nearly bit my tongue off trying to keep quiet and stay out of it.

Google BPD. I've had this toxicity in my life for years and can smell it coming a mile away. :(

[TurtlePower]

4 hours ago, Gothish520 said:

Very true.

I have known a few people like Meri. One was once a close friend, one is a family member that I have regular contact with, and one is a different family member's boyfriend. Thankfully, the family member is only mildly like Meri, and she recognizes and admits her behavior and is working on it. 

The friend however - I ended up having to cut ties, because I just couldn't take it anymore. I've heard from mutual friends that she behaved the same way with them and they had to end the relationship as well. These types of people will suck the life right out of you. They present themselves as wonderful people who would give you the shirt off their back, and they very well may, but then you better turn around and give your shirt, pants, and underwear, otherwise you are a rotten person who treats them badly. 

Everything that happens to them is 100x worse than what happens to someone else. Oh, how they've suffered! They give and give, and all anybody else ever does is take. They need constant validation. They are never happier than when someone new comes on the scene, someone who hasn't dealt with their passive-aggressive, me me me nonsense for years, someone who only feels sympathy and hugs them and goes on and on about how awesome they are and how worthy they are and blah blah blah. I witnessed one of these interactions first-hand and I nearly bit my tongue off trying to keep quiet and stay out of it.

All of this! I also cannot stand the constant need for validation by these types and their woe-is-me Facebook posts which then result in all the "poor you, you don't deserve this" comments. The only way to deal with them is to cut ties with them (because if you bring it up, you're "picking" on them). Then, of course, they become upset and can't figure out why everyone hates them or doesn't want to be friends with them anymore. They almost NEVER figure it out, they rarely look into themselves as the problem. 

Edited March 9, 2018 by TurtlePower

[kassa]

On 3/7/2018 at 3:35 PM, Gothish520 said:

But it's also interesting that both Janelle and Kody have expressed negative feelings about therapy - could it be that Meri is insisting? Janelle says she often thinks about drinking beforehand, and Kody flat out said he hates going.

But people like Meri often LOVE therapy - it's a place where they can talk about themselves endlessly, and can get the validation that they need from the therapist. 

I agree that certain kinds of people like therapy more than others, but in addition, Janelle and Kody (and Christine) have all been victims of Nancy's "exercises."  With Kody and Christine, it was the build the stone tower debacle, where Christine thought they were working on their marriage, and Kody thought they were working on their family.  And wasn't Janelle the one who stood way off to one side when she did the "Kody in the middle, now everybody else stand where you think you are in this family in relation to one another" exercise?  That one was some real Starting Over Iyanla vanzant bullshit.

In both cases, the women's true natures (Christine, enthusiastic and starry eyed, and Janelle, reserved and analytical), were put into situations where they had a choice between being honest or playing a role for tv.  They chose honesty, and got hung out to dry.

Because they're polygamists, maybe she uses team building stuff, but anybody who works in a dysfunctional work environment knows that you'd NEVER expose yourself in a genuine way in that sort of team exercise, because the fallout would be bad.  That leaves you with saying what the therapist/team builder wants to hear, stuff that can't be used against you (in real life or on line).

[Kohola3]

35 minutes ago, kassa said:

Because they're polygamists, maybe she uses team building stuff, but anybody who works in a dysfunctional work environment knows that you'd NEVER expose yourself in a genuine way in that sort of team exercise, because the fallout would be bad.  That leaves you with saying what the therapist/team builder wants to hear, stuff that can't be used against you (in real life or on line).

Amen to that.  Toe the company (or in this case, family) line or you are totally screwed.  Everyone knows what the leader/therapist wants to hear and what you should say to show loyalty.  Those things are a travesty in terms of honesty.

[TurtlePower]

2 hours ago, MV713 said:

At the time that Kody and Robin were "courting" Meri was also very skinny.  Just something  noticed during all their flashbacks.

Vegas hasn't done them any favors. Except maybe for Christine, they all looked healthier when they were in Utah. 

[Gothish520]

2 hours ago, VedaPierce said:

Google BPD. I've had this toxicity in my life for years and can smell it coming a mile away. :(

Oh yeah, I'm familiar with BPD! I know my ex-friend was in therapy, but I don't know if she was ever officially diagnosed. But I would wager a fortune that she was Borderline. My family member's boyfriend was also diagnosed as something (not sure what) and on meds, but he hated them. As far as I know, he's not on anything right now, isn't in therapy, and is just trying to deal with it on his own. 

The other family member is also in therapy and has made good progress. She was diagnosed as possible BPD, but at the very low end. She has come a long way.

[kicotan]

1 minute ago, TurtlePower said:

Vegas hasn't done them any favors.

Vegas tends to make it difficult for foodies!  I think I gained at least 10 pounds when I first moved there, what with all the fabulous options and for the love of everything holy~the buffets.  I'm not sure if they still do it, but at one point you could buy a 24 hour pass that would get you into all the buffets at the MGM owned properties.

Also, between May and October, unless you have a gym membership or want to do the indoor mall walking thing, it is hot as hell and outdoor activities that would promote weight loss are next to impossible, especially if you've not acclimated.

That being said, these folks KNOW they are in the spotlight and especially with Janelle and her "Strive" nonsense, they should be putting in a bit more effort not to come off as fat slobs.

[Gothish520]

7 hours ago, kicotan said:

Vegas tends to make it difficult for foodies!  I think I gained at least 10 pounds when I first moved there, what with all the fabulous options and for the love of everything holy~the buffets.  I'm not sure if they still do it, but at one point you could buy a 24 hour pass that would get you into all the buffets at the MGM owned properties.

Also, between May and October, unless you have a gym membership or want to do the indoor mall walking thing, it is hot as hell and outdoor activities that would promote weight loss are next to impossible, especially if you've not acclimated.

That being said, these folks KNOW they are in the spotlight and especially with Janelle and her "Strive" nonsense, they should be putting in a bit more effort not to come off as fat slobs.

I don't know how much money these folks are pulling in, but my husband and I always say that if we came into money, setting up a home gym would be one of the first things we would do. And if we really hit it big, a personal chef or food service to make us healthy, tasty meals. 

Of course, a home gym only helps if you actually use the equipment, and healthy meals are great as long as one restrains themselves from indulging in stashes of candy and pastry as well. And neither of us can make any promises!

Edited March 10, 2018 by Gothish520
spelling

[kicotan]

Whoops, I was wrong-not MGM, it is Ceasars properties.

" Passes can be purchased at participating Total Rewards® Centers (excluding Planet Hollywood) or at the cashier stands at any of the participating buffets - Caesars Palace: Bacchanal® Buffet**; Flamingo: Paradise Garden Buffet; Harrah's Las Vegas: Flavors, The Buffet;Paris: Le Village Buffet; Planet Hollywood: Spice Market Buffet®; Rio: Carnival World & Seafood Buffet®.**

** Upgrade your pass to include Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace and Carnival World & Seafood Buffet at Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino.

Bacchanal Upgrade cost: Brunch/Lunch $25/visit  Dinner $35/visit

Carnival World & Seafood Buffet Upgrade cost:  $25/visit irrespective of meal period"

One can also get a weekend pass:

"Weekend pricing is $74.99 plus tax. It applies starting at 11am on Fridays until 11am on Sundays. Hours of operation vary for each buffet."

Edited March 9, 2018 by kicotan

[Mindthinkr]

Even though they have the TLC money coming in, I don’t think that it spreads very far. There are home mortgages,  children to clothe and feed as well as gas, utilities, make up, and all the other extras that we all know about and pay for ourselves.  I have seen a lot of people trying to deal with weight issues in my profession. I have seen some common denominators. The cheapest foods that are out there have small to little nutritional value. They only fill people up for so long. Especially if it’s sweet or contains sugar. When people begin to crash from the sugar high they go to replace it right away with another sweet treat. Another thing that I see is that foods that have a lot of carbohydrates (like pasta, potatoes and rice) are fairly cheap and if someone isn’t working out or has a high metabolism these foods can tend to make them gain weight especially belly fat. Foods that are healthy such as fresh fruits and vegetables are not cheap when you are feeding a big family. People also like the convenience of easy to make or premade meals. Again a lot of additives, sugar and salt. Most folks do not take the time to soak beans overnight and then cook them for hours on the stovetop. Eating naturally takes commitment and time. They have chores, children to watch or school, laundry and cleaning to do. I think this might be the base for why this family has put on the poundage. Their diet blows. Have we seen them drinking a lot of sodas? Even when taking a large family out to dine (regularly but probably not seen on camera) it’s more likely that they hit the dollar menu at some fast food place than some sit down dinner place (although I will concede that there are cheap and good buffets in Las Vegas). It doesn’t surprise me that they are overweight. Between their diets, some degree of laziness and lifestyle that they lead they are predisposed to continue to add on the pounds. I’ll stop harping now. 

[Kyanight]

34 minutes ago, Gothish520 said:

And if we really hit it big, a personal chef or food service to make us healthy, tasty meals. 

I say that every time I buy a lottery ticket (for the big one!)

[TurtlePower]

4 hours ago, kicotan said:

Vegas tends to make it difficult for foodies!  I think I gained at least 10 pounds when I first moved there, what with all the fabulous options and for the love of everything holy~the buffets.  I'm not sure if they still do it, but at one point you could buy a 24 hour pass that would get you into all the buffets at the MGM owned properties.

Also, between May and October, unless you have a gym membership or want to do the indoor mall walking thing, it is hot as hell and outdoor activities that would promote weight loss are next to impossible, especially if you've not acclimated.

That being said, these folks KNOW they are in the spotlight and especially with Janelle and her "Strive" nonsense, they should be putting in a bit more effort not to come off as fat slobs.

Totally understand. We moved out of the Vegas valley last summer and relocated 45 min away in AZ. The traffic has become a nightmare from what it was 10 years ago and between people and the crime, no thanks. We still come in for shopping though. 

I've never been to a buffet in town but I know there are easy eats everywhere and with the heat, it tends to drive people indoors versus the beauty and allure of being outdoors in Utah. 

Edited March 10, 2018 by TurtlePower

[CassinaFaye]

6 hours ago, kicotan said:

Whoops, I was wrong-not MGM, it is Ceasars properties.

" Passes can be purchased at participating Total Rewards® Centers (excluding Planet Hollywood) or at the cashier stands at any of the participating buffets - Caesars Palace: Bacchanal® Buffet**; Flamingo: Paradise Garden Buffet; Harrah's Las Vegas: Flavors, The Buffet;Paris: Le Village Buffet; Planet Hollywood: Spice Market Buffet®; Rio: Carnival World & Seafood Buffet®.**

** Upgrade your pass to include Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace and Carnival World & Seafood Buffet at Rio All-Suites Hotel & Casino.

Bacchanal Upgrade cost: Brunch/Lunch $25/visit  Dinner $35/visit

Carnival World & Seafood Buffet Upgrade cost:  $25/visit irrespective of meal period"

One can also get a weekend pass:

"Weekend pricing is $74.99 plus tax. It applies starting at 11am on Fridays until 11am on Sundays. Hours of operation vary for each buffet."

Sadly, for the most part, none of the buffets are worth spending that much money for even for a single go, much less more than once in a 12 month period.

2 hours ago, TurtlePower said:

Totally understand. We moved out of the Vegas valley last summer and relocated 45 min away in AZ. The traffic has become a nightmare from what it was 10 years ago and between people and the crime, no thanks. We still come in for shopping though. 

I've never been to a buffet in town but I know there are easy eats everywhere and with the heat, it tends to drive people indoors versus the beauty and allure of being outdoors in Utah. 

Ugh, Utah is not much better depending on where you live.  The beauty is better in some places, but the environment is worse.

[the-grey-lady]

I've been reading all of these comments that say, "Meri, leave," and I'm nodding my head, but honestly...hasn't she already left? She's operating two businesses completely out of the family sphere, she doesn't seem to know what her sister wives are doing at a given time, even when they're celebrating an important milestone, Kody doesn't visit her house, etc. In what way is she even really a member of the family? Maybe previous posters are right, and Meri really does want to rekindle a real relationship with Kody, but she seems wholly unwilling to do any work to get that relationship, not limited to but including being honest about her relationship with "Sam" and actually ASKING KODY if there's a chance for them to be a real couple. How does she expect this change to occur? Magic? Pyramid power? A seance? 

And Kody isn't any better. He tells the camera that he has zero interest in ANY type of authentic relationship with Meri, and yet he tap dances in the therapy session and strings Meri along. If you really feel that way, jackass, that your marriage is effectively over, THEN SAY THAT. You just look like a coward now. What does the facade of the "relationship" give either of them? I suppose Meri gets her outsized share of the family money pot, and Kody gets to bloviate and brag on every street corner about how he has four -- count 'em! Four! -- wives! Oh...I guess I answered my own question. What a miserable way to live.

Edited March 10, 2018 by the-grey-lady

[CassinaFaye]

On 3/7/2018 at 1:45 PM, sharkerbaby said:

I thought most if not all states had medical requirements in order to attend public schools.  It seems like almost every year I'd get a notice that before my kids could start the school year they needed proof of this or that medical exam and/or vaccine, and good gracious if they were involved in a sport - it was even more involved.  My pediatrician wouldn't give a medical sign off of anything without a full check-up so even if I did have an aversion to doctors, in order to be in the public school system my kids had to go in at least one a year.   Plus my daughter received a scoliosis check during her gym class for I think 5 or 6 contiguous years.   They've been in the Vegas public school system plenty long enough to have had these checks and balances in place.

 

1

In regards to this....I had kids in the Clark County School District for 3 years (elementary through high school) and none of my kids ever had a year where they had to get any sort of medical exam, just proof of shots.  I believe they did eye exams as well, but  I don't remember anything in regards to anything medical but specifically not a scoliosis exam.

[TurtlePower]

9 hours ago, the-grey-lady said:

I've been reading all of these comments that say, "Meri, leave," and I'm nodding my head, but honestly...hasn't she already left? She's operating two businesses completely out of the family sphere, she doesn't seem to know what her sister wives are doing at a given time, even when they're celebrating an important milestone, Kody doesn't visit her house, etc. In what way is she even really a member of the family? Maybe previous posters are right, and Meri really does want to rekindle a real relationship with Kody, but she seems wholly unwilling to do any work to get that relationship, not limited to but including being honest about her relationship with "Sam" and actually ASKING KODY if there's a chance for them to be a real couple. How does she expect this change to occur? Magic? Pyramid power? A seance? 

And Kody isn't any better. He tells the camera that he has zero interest in ANY type of authentic relationship with Meri, and yet he tap dances in the therapy session and strings Meri along. If you really feel that way, jackass, that your marriage is effectively over, THEN SAY THAT. You just look like a coward now. What does the facade of the "relationship" give either of them? I suppose Meri gets her outsized share of the family money pot, and Kody gets to bloviate and brag on every street corner about how he has four -- count 'em! Four! -- wives! Oh...I guess I answered my own question. What a miserable way to live.

 

Right? SHE'S STILL THERE, posing for photos. And on her twitter account, people are asking her if she's happy because she appears so sad on tv. Granted, the filming was a year ago (or more). I'm waiting to see how she responds to these questions/"attacks" on the family. She sometimes states it's no one's business but, lady, you're crying on television for lord's sake.

Annnnd this is where we all come full circle with the Meri-Go-Round.

Edited March 10, 2018 by TurtlePower

[Sandy W]

44 minutes ago, TurtlePower said:

Right? SHE'S STILL THERE, posing for photos. And on her twitter account, people are asking her if she's happy because she appears so sad on tv. Granted, the filming was a year ago (or more). I'm waiting to see how she responds to these questions/"attacks" on the family. She sometimes states it's no one's business but, lady, you're crying on television for lord's sake.

Annnnd this is where we all come full circle with the Meri-Go-Round.

Thank you for Meri-Go-Round TurtlePower,  perfect description.  Meri won't jump off the carousel until the last strains of the TLC calliope music fades and dies.

[Gothish520]

11 hours ago, the-grey-lady said:

I've been reading all of these comments that say, "Meri, leave," and I'm nodding my head, but honestly...hasn't she already left? She's operating two businesses completely out of the family sphere, she doesn't seem to know what her sister wives are doing at a given time, even when they're celebrating an important milestone, Kody doesn't visit her house, etc. In what way is she even really a member of the family? Maybe previous posters are right, and Meri really does want to rekindle a real relationship with Kody, but she seems wholly unwilling to do any work to get that relationship, not limited to but including being honest about her relationship with "Sam" and actually ASKING KODY if there's a chance for them to be a real couple. How does she expect this change to occur? Magic? Pyramid power? A seance? 

And Kody isn't any better. He tells the camera that he has zero interest in ANY type of authentic relationship with Meri, and yet he tap dances in the therapy session and strings Meri along. If you really feel that way, jackass, that your marriage is effectively over, THEN SAY THAT. You just look like a coward now. What does the facade of the "relationship" give either of them? I suppose Meri gets her outsized share of the family money pot, and Kody gets to bloviate and brag on every street corner about how he has four -- count 'em! Four! -- wives! Oh...I guess I answered my own question. What a miserable way to live.

I can only speculate as to Kody's reasons and motivations, but I would think the biggest reason for not flat-out kicking Meri to the curb would be the religious aspect, as well as the children. Regardless of how we the viewers see it, my guess is that their faith is important enought to them that they wouldn't just cavalierly throw away a spiritual relationship. Although I certainly believe that Meri was ready to do so at one point. She got slapped in the face by reality and now wants to backpedal hard, but Kody is not having it. But I don't think he wants to be seen as the bad guy who casts Meri out of the family for good. It's not like in monogamy, where you live together and have to present yourself to the world as a couple 24/7 - with so many houses and so many other wives and kids, it's easy enough to avoid the person for long stretches. Despite Kody's flaws, I don't think he is a callous and unfeeling man. And despite all of the problems between the wives, I don't think the others are gleefully whispering in Kody's ear, egging him on to dump her. 

With that being said, it would not surprise me if the thought hadn't crossed one or two minds *cough* Janelle *cough*

[AZChristian]

2 hours ago, Gothish520 said:

I can only speculate as to Kody's reasons and motivations, but I would think the biggest reason for not flat-out kicking Meri to the curb would be the religious aspect, as well as the children.

I think his only motivation is that he and she are still co-owners of Meri's house.  Only way he can kick her to the curb is to buy her out.  Current market value of the house is about $600,000.  Where's he gonna come up with $300,000?  I doubt she's going to give him a discount to half the original sale price (about $450,000, so he'd have to come up with $225,000).  

But if he does buy her out, she could pay off the balance on the B&B!!!  

[Sandy W]

45 minutes ago, AZChristian said:

I think his only motivation is that he and she are still co-owners of Meri's house.  Only way he can kick her to the curb is to buy her out.  Current market value of the house is about $600,000.  Where's he gonna come up with $300,000?  I doubt she's going to give him a discount to half the original sale price (about $450,000, so he'd have to come up with $225,000).  

But if he does buy her out, she could pay off the balance on the B&B!!!  

IIRC  they all went into the homes with little or no downpayment.  I believe the builder carried the mortgages on an interest only plan, with a balloon payment on a specified date.  That date may have come and gone by now and they may have arranged loans through a conventional lender, based on the fact that they now have equity due to the rise in value.

Unless Meri has been dumping the proceeds of her LLR income onto her mortgage, she probably only has equity of half of the present market value, less original mortgage and real estate and legal fees.

IE:---present value, $600,000 less original mortgage $450,000 = $150,000.  Split with Kody, nets her $75,000.  Still a sizeable chunk of change to pour into the B&B if/when Kody buys her out or they sell the property to someone else.

Edited March 10, 2018 by Sandy W

[AZChristian]

2 hours ago, Sandy W said:

Unless Meri has been dumping the proceeds of her LLR income onto her mortgage, she probably only has equity of half of the present market value, less original mortgage and real estate and legal fees.

IE:---present value, $600,000 less original mortgage $450,000 = $150,000.  Split with Kody, nets her $75,000.  Still a sizeable chunk of change to pour into the B&B if/when Kody buys her out or they sell the property to someone else.

Disclaimer:  I am neither a realtor nor a math genius.

Wouldn't the present value be the number we'd work from?  If the value is $600,000 and the original mortgage was $450,000, each party in a community property divorce would be responsible for half of the $450,000.  I doubt that much of that amount has been paid down, but let's give them a little bit of credit and take it down to a $400,000 balance.  So wouldn't they would both be responsible for $200,000 of the debt?  If Kody wants to buy her out, wouldn't he have to pay her $200,000 to get her name off the deed?  And she'd probably want half of the "appreciated value" of $150,000 more than they paid for it, so THEN Kody would have to pay her the $75,000 ABOVE his assumption of her $200,000 half of the mortgage.  Or she'd work from the $200,000 "profit" above what was still owed on the mortgage ($600,000 - $400,000), and she'd want $100,000.

Or am I totally confused?  (That IS a possibility.)

[Kohola3]

27 minutes ago, AZChristian said:

I am neither a realtor nor a math genius.

Neither am I so I wouldn't even try to speculate.  On one hand, I can see Koodie paying every cent he has to get rid of Sad Sack.  On the other hand, she already owns the place so how the heck did she pay for it?  I don't believe for a hot minute it was from LuLaNo.  So did the Sheep Wives all cave and let her have her "dream" from the family funds?  

Hell, I'd pay off her house just to not have to ever see her again.

[Gothish520]

36 minutes ago, Kohola3 said:

Neither am I so I wouldn't even try to speculate.  On one hand, I can see Koodie paying every cent he has to get rid of Sad Sack.  On the other hand, she already owns the place so how the heck did she pay for it?  I don't believe for a hot minute it was from LuLaNo.  So did the Sheep Wives all cave and let her have her "dream" from the family funds?  

Hell, I'd pay off her house just to not have to ever see her again.

If it's true that Meri keeps all of her money from LuLaRoe...I'm not sure how I feel about that. Shouldn't all income go into the family coffers? She demanded the same size house as everyone else, and several extras, even though it was just her and Mariah. Every other money-making venture goes to the family, yes? I wonder how this is all working.

Edited March 10, 2018 by Gothish520

[Sandy W]

39 minutes ago, AZChristian said:

Disclaimer:  I am neither a realtor nor a math genius.

Wouldn't the present value be the number we'd work from?  If the value is $600,000 and the original mortgage was $450,000, each party in a community property divorce would be responsible for half of the $450,000.  I doubt that much of that amount has been paid down, but let's give them a little bit of credit and take it down to a $400,000 balance.  So wouldn't they would both be responsible for $200,000 of the debt?  If Kody wants to buy her out, wouldn't he have to pay her $200,000 to get her name off the deed?  And she'd probably want half of the "appreciated value" of $150,000 more than they paid for it, so THEN Kody would have to pay her the $75,000 ABOVE his assumption of her $200,000 half of the mortgage.  Or she'd work from the $200,000 "profit" above what was still owed on the mortgage ($600,000 - $400,000), and she'd want $100,000.

Or am I totally confused?  (That IS a possibility.)

I am no math genius either, but this is how I see it...Meri takes her half of the equity in the home, let's say they have $200,000 in appreciated value.  Kody comes up with $100,000 to buy her out.  Kody is still left with a $400,000 mortgage but he now owns the $200,000 equity (unless he re-mortgages, to get the money to pay her out, in which case the mortgage amount he owes is now $500,000).  In effect, Kody is paying her $200,000 by now assuming the full amount of the mortgage. 

If we consider it this way, suppose they sold the property to a buyer for $600,000, they would divide the $200,000. profit and both would be on their merry way.  The mortgage company is still owed $400,000 and the new buyer either assumes that mortgage or discharges it... one way or another the mortgagee is satisfied an neither Kody nor Meri are encumbered.

I could be totally confused too AZ, maybe a specialist in the field could help us out here.  WAIT!  I've got an idea, maybe FT could help us muddle through this.

[Kohola3]

6 minutes ago, Gothish520 said:

I wonder how this is all working.

The Meri Brown Rules of Banking - what's yours is ours and what's mine is........mine.

[Absolom]

It's half the presumed equity.  So get the house appraised subtract mortgage balance and divide by 2.  No fancy math required.  Source:  relative is a family law specialist.  Other factors can come in, but that is the basic way of handling it.   Couples can agree on a different split if they wish for reasons of trading off another asset.

[Libby]

At this point, I don't think the adults in the family care what Meri does. As long as she doesn't cost them any money and they don't have to listen to her whine, she can do whatever the heck she wants. I think that they just prefer to pretend that she doesn't exist.

I don't think Kody will spend the money to buy her out. He'll just continue to ignore the fact that she is even there. Except when the show is filming, then they have to pretend that they care if she's even alive.

Edited March 11, 2018 by Libby

[Kohola3]

12 minutes ago, Libby said:

As long as she doesn't cost them any money and they don't have to listen to her whine, she can do whatever the heck she wants.

Again, she got what she wanted, she bought the inn.  SO where did the money come from?

[Libby]

5 minutes ago, Kohola3 said:

Again, she got what she wanted, she bought the inn.  SO where did the money come from?

My guess would be either money from her mother or a mortgage in Meri's name only based on her 1/5 of the TLC income. Probably a combination of both.

[ginger90]

In a more recent review on Facebook (just a few days ago), it is said how great  Bonnie is. So, the woman they all said would suck at such a thing is there. My bet, her money went toward the purchase.

[DakotaJustice]

12 minutes ago, Libby said:

My guess would be either money from her mother or a mortgage in Meri's name only based on her 1/5 of the TLC income. Probably a combination of both.

her mom sold her house in January if memory serves.  Two bits says most of the profit (if not all) went into the B&B.

[Pickleinthemiddle]

5 hours ago, Gothish520 said:

If it's true that Meri keeps all of her money from LuLaRoe...I'm not sure how I feel about that. Shouldn't all income go into the family coffers? She demanded the same size house as everyone else, and several extras, even though it was just her and Mariah. Every other money-making venture goes to the family, yes? I wonder how this is all working.

I'm thinking over the years that Meri took more than her fair share of the family money and only begrudgingly helped out occasionally with family bills.  When they moved to Vegas, she moved into a rental in a nicer neighborhood, that cost as much as the other wives who had more kids.  As it was Kody and Janelle had to cash in their retirement accounts and barely had enough to get into the rentals.  Meri should have opted for a cheaper smaller house.  

[xwordfanatik]

12 hours ago, Pickleinthemiddle said:

I'm thinking over the years that Meri took more than her fair share of the family money and only begrudgingly helped out occasionally with family bills.  When they moved to Vegas, she moved into a rental in a nicer neighborhood, that cost as much as the other wives who had more kids.  As it was Kody and Janelle had to cash in their retirement accounts and barely had enough to get into the rentals.  Meri should have opted for a cheaper smaller house.  

But, but, but, where is she supposed to put all of her imaginary kids?  Selfish to the core is Meri.  If I had her to put up with, I'd probably be Janelle's size, too.  

[Mindthinkr]

12 hours ago, Pickleinthemiddle said:

I'm thinking over the years that Meri took more than her fair share of the family money and only begrudgingly helped out occasionally with family bills.  When they moved to Vegas, she moved into a rental in a nicer neighborhood, that cost as much as the other wives who had more kids.  As it was Kody and Janelle had to cash in their retirement accounts and barely had enough to get into the rentals.  Meri should have opted for a cheaper smaller house.  

Not that I agree with this but...

I think perhaps Meri thought that a lot of their “common” money was going to the many mouths to feed and dress that her fellow sister wives had, so she thought that (to keep the financial getting even) she deserved a bit more than they got. I’m also not stating that I agree with this. To be a true good sister wife you can’t be selfish and would care more for the greater good not just yourself. 

[Sandy W]

6 minutes ago, xwordfanatik said:

But, but, but, where is she supposed to put all of her imaginary kids?  Selfish to the core is Meri.  If I had her to put up with, I'd probably be Janelle's size, too.  

This ^^^is what seems to be at the root of Meri's Misery.  Once she lost her status of HBIC, she plunged even deeper into self gratification.

 My understanding of how polygamy should work would be that each member of the family would contribute to the common good to the best of their abilities.  Christine contributed 6 passports to Kody's Kingdom and was the home schooler and nanny so Meri and Janelle were free to work and contribute financially to the family coffers.  Janelle did her part in the early years by producing 6 kids, working full time as well as maintaining the family finances.  I believe that Meri worked only part time in the early days so she would be free to accompany Kody on business trips, when he actually had a job.

Once Robyn arrived on the scene and usurped Meri, she had nothing to rest on her laurels about, minimal financial contributions, no legal standing and only one child (not her fault, as she makes everyone aware).  All the Hobby Lobby signs in the world won't make her into the Strong Woman she perceives herself to be.

[booboopbedoo]

On 09/03/2018 at 8:52 AM, xwordfanatik said:

I'm sorry (not really) but Robyn has never been "hot" by any stretch of the imagination. IMO of course, the Hapsberg jaw kills it.

She always reminded me of that dude in Family Guy... Giggity Giggity

[Chris Knight]

On 3/4/2018 at 7:24 PM, KateHearts said:

What the HELL is going on with Kody's hair? He looks psychotic.  As far as the concern about the scoliosis?  There are so many much, much worse things to over-dramatize.

He looks like Shirley Temple.

[answerphone]

9 minutes ago, Chris Knight said:

He looks like Shirley Temple.

That's an insult to cute Shirley Temple ?

[Galloway Cave]

I caught the end again as I tuned in for the next episode and heard Ysabel say that with the alternative treatment and new brace she didn't think she would need the surgery now, especially if she kept up with the exercises. So she seems to have drunk the kool-aid being fed her by the Minnesota folks. Hopefully her back doc can get her back on track.

[DakotaJustice]

22 minutes ago, Pickleinthemiddle said:

I'm thinking over the years that Meri took more than her fair share of the family money and only begrudgingly helped out occasionally with family bills.  When they moved to Vegas, she moved into a rental in a nicer neighborhood, that cost as much as the other wives who had more kids.  As it was Kody and Janelle had to cash in their retirement accounts and barely had enough to get into the rentals.  Meri should have opted for a cheaper smaller house.  

The cul-de-sac had only the two home plans to choose from.  

[sharkerbaby]

16 hours ago, DakotaJustice said:

The cul-de-sac had only the two home plans to choose from.  

I think pickleinthemiddle is referring to when they first moved to Vegas and were renting while they looked for homes and waited while they were being built.  Meri was across town in the largest of the 4 rentals.

[Absolom]

16 hours ago, DakotaJustice said:

The cul-de-sac had only the two home plans to choose from.

It's confusing.  Meri did opt for a rental a mile away from the other wives.  Her distancing definitely was beginning back then.  The cul-de-sac houses where they are now only had one home plan to choose.  There were options to the one basic plan that could be selected, however.

[Pickleinthemiddle]

3 hours ago, sharkerbaby said:

I think pickleinthemiddle is referring to when they first moved to Vegas and were renting while they looked for homes and waited while they were being built.  Meri was across town in the largest of the 4 rentals.

Yes I was talking about the rentals they lived in for several years.  Her home was in a nicer neighborhood and just looked a little fancier than the other homes.

[lexington11]

On 3/4/2018 at 9:23 PM, Kohola3 said:

Well, with the number of kids in the various litters, I bet none of her parents noticed anything.  Poor kid.

Absolutely.  Talk about setting her up for failure.

These are the same parents that didn't catch on that Truely was seriously ill until Aspyn had the common sense both parents lacked and alerted them that something was off with her sister, so it's not unlikely that they'd fail to realize that Ysabel was having back/spine issues until the medical screenings at school caught it.

[Mindthinkr]

4 minutes ago, lexington11 said:

These are the same parents that didn't catch on that Truely was seriously ill until Aspyn had the common sense both parents lacked and alerted them that something was off with her sister, so it's not unlikely that they'd fail to realize that Ysabel was having back/spine issues until the medical screenings at school caught it.

Selfish much or just too many kids to really care about them individually? 

[andromeda331]

I don't know. Remember Logan was making his siblings breakfast before school until viewers questioned it and then suddenly Christine was making breakfast for everyone. They never did explain why Christine wasn't doing that anyways since she was up making breakfast for her kids and Kody. Why wasn't she if she was the one wanted to be the stay at home mom?   

[ginger90]

Perhaps Janelle’s kids liked toast !

[Gothish520]

On 4/20/2018 at 7:29 AM, ginger90 said:

Perhaps Janelle’s kids liked toast !

Hahaha!