S13.E11: You're a Fish Approver!

[Spike]

1 hour ago, gunderda said:

I thought the house was gorgeous, except I wanted to see more pops of that teal/aqua color that Jen loves. Like the color of her old stove (which was so freaking amazing). 

They maybe felt the 3rd floor would be a nice calm environment for the fish, with all hardwood floors and the kids running around it might cause a disturbance to the fish (??? i really have no idea but that sounds good lol)

I have heard that the “Nemo” clown fish are fragile and  need to be cared for by experienced hobbyists.  I hope they have a service take care of the tank.  

[JerseyGirl]

I don't understand everyone saying how cute Zoey is when she talks.

She's not cute, she's talking back and being disrespectful.  Would you think a 16 year old talking back to their mother like that is cute?!?

SMH

[gunderda]

1 hour ago, Spike said:

I have heard that the “Nemo” clown fish are fragile and  need to be cared for by experienced hobbyists.  I hope they have a service take care of the tank.  

I wouldn't be surprised if they did... especially since it's salt water and a large tank - and they probably don't have arms long enough to clean it properly. 

How do you clean a salt water tank?

58 minutes ago, JerseyGirl said:

I don't understand everyone saying how cute Zoey is when she talks.

She's not cute, she's talking back and being disrespectful.  Would you think a 16 year old talking back to their mother like that is cute?!?

SMH

Except she's far from being 16 years old....

[libgirl2]

3 hours ago, SMama said:

SGirl does not remember our time in China (16 mos old) but knows all about it through the pictures and videos we have. We made a poster collage of our trip, and at 11 years old she loves to point to the pictures and “tell us” what happened.

She met her only living great grandma when she was two years old and does not remember a thing. But she has pictures and video of GG singing to her and telling her how much she loved her. SGirl looks at those pictures and video with pride. Had we waited until SGirl was old enough to remember she would not have met her GG, since she passed away the following year.

SGirl does not remember her first two trips to Puerto Rico and Maui to visit grandparents. Again, pictures and videos have given her many hours of giggling about being a baby and being there. If we all waited until kids could remember we would not do anything until they are 10+ years old.

My parents took me to Europe when I was about 3 or 4. I was in Spain, France and Germany. I see pictures, but my only memory is of being car sick and barfing in the car. Still, I can at least say I went. 

6 minutes ago, gunderda said:

I wouldn't be surprised if they did... especially since it's salt water and a large tank - and they probably don't have arms long enough to clean it properly. 

How do you clean a salt water tank?

Except she's far from being 16 years old....

I'm sure they will hire someone to take care of it. 

[humbleopinion]

Pretty sure the fish guy who set it up the tank will be making periodic visits to care for the tank and fish...good publicity for his business....

[Chalby]

On 11/28/2018 at 9:53 AM, Cherrio said:

My guess would be a walk-in tub would be not up to Jen's style.  There is no disguising that door.  The tub they got screams very serious accident waiting to happen. I am average size with some ortho issues affecting my legs and I would be scared to death to use that tub, even with steps with all that marble.   The computerized toilet is ridiculous and perfect for people who love to boast ....look at my expensive stuff.   

Sigh... you are so right. It is all about appearances with Jen. Even her choice of gray paint throughout the home simply copies the stylish home magazines she's devouring. How many times did we hear Bill criticize having gray walls? Surely beige, butter, or taupe will come back in style. Give the guy a bone...

[Spike]

1 minute ago, Chalby said:

Sigh... you are so right. It is all about appearances with Jen. Even her choice of gray paint throughout the home simply copies the stylish home magazines she's devouring. How many times did we hear Bill criticize having gray walls? Surely beige, butter, or taupe will come back in style. Give the guy a bone...

Gray has been the rage for like five years.  It’s nearing its expiration date.  Kinda reminds me of filing cabinets and battleships.

[Chalby]

On 11/28/2018 at 12:10 PM, Cherrio said:

      Now, all of a sudden Will seems rather subdued.   He seemed sedated at the sleep study and on this episode seemed happy to sit or lay around ignoring everyone.

I only notice Will zoning out when he has a phone or ipad in his hands. I've seen where Jen has to take a tablet away from him because he's so engrossed in whatever he is playing. He gets very 'testy' (rude) if they disrupt his concentration.

6 minutes ago, Spike said:

Gray has been the rage for like five years.  It’s nearing its expiration date.  Kinda reminds me of filing cabinets and battleships.

LOL - Really? You just made my day. Imagine the horror when Jen realizes she's out of style.

[sATL]

9 hours ago, JerseyGirl said:

I don't understand everyone saying how cute Zoey is when she talks.

She's not cute, she's talking back and being disrespectful.  Would you think a 16 year old talking back to their mother like that is cute?!?

SMH

Just thinking about other TLC kids who are +/- their (zoey and will) age and how they respond to their parents / other adults...and how they acted towards adults on camera.  Blayke Busby (and her cousins), Josie Duggar, Saylor, Wales and Bridge Waldrop, Eliot Jones... trying to remember the Gosslin kiddo when they were that age.. hmmm

Sounds like Will and Zoey have set a new standard.

Edited December 1, 2018 by sATL

[Cherrio]

51 minutes ago, libgirl2 said:

My parents took me to Europe when I was about 3 or 4. I was in Spain, France and Germany. I see pictures, but my only memory is of being car sick and barfing in the car. Still, I can at least say I went. 

Omg, that is my story too ! I was 5 years old.  We went to Europe for months and my strongest memories are of how many times and where we were when I threw up.  The only other things I remember is insisting on this very fancy birthday cake in Paris. It looked wonderful, but tasted like shit.  Then my mom getting a bit drunk at the Tuborg beer factory and my dad accidently driving down the Spanish Steps.   I think a lot of those memories are probably from hearing about them more than actually remembering.   My dad singing though to this day is a constant wonderful memory thru my life. His changing lyrics or adding words to instrumentals....we still sing them to this day.  Gordeeva and Grinkov , the famous figure skating pairs teams won their first Olympics to many of those songs he sang. So, when I watch those tapes I sing along.  

while you are at it, watch their long program too, its so beautiful. (1988)            Sorry to get carried away with my post.

27 minutes ago, Spike said:

Gray has been the rage for like five years.  It’s nearing its expiration date.  Kinda reminds me of filing cabinets and battleships.

I agree, plus its tricky to find the right shades.   I have to include turquoise too, its been done. over done and should be out now.      I think the only way to tone down that home is to add some muted shades of green in accent pieces and get rid of a lot of the upholstered stuff.

[gunderda]

55 minutes ago, Chalby said:

Sigh... you are so right. It is all about appearances with Jen. Even her choice of gray paint throughout the home simply copies the stylish home magazines she's devouring. How many times did we hear Bill criticize having gray walls? Surely beige, butter, or taupe will come back in style. Give the guy a bone...

Meh... most guys I know don't care... or have horrible taste - so I say, Go Jen, you do that gray!  And when she gets tired of it she's got more than enough money to change it to a nice light blue. 

At least it's not white... I have some family members that like the beach house style and their walls are all white. Bright white. Every.Single.One.   It drives my artistic brain crazy. 

[Spike]

10 minutes ago, gunderda said:

Meh... most guys I know don't care... or have horrible taste - so I say, Go Jen, you do that gray!  And when she gets tired of it she's got more than enough money to change it to a nice light blue. 

At least it's not white... I have some family members that like the beach house style and their walls are all white. Bright white. Every.Single.One.   It drives my artistic brain crazy. 

Do they hang surf boards too?

[gunderda]

16 minutes ago, Spike said:

Do they hang surf boards too?

In one house - no, they pretty much hang nothing, or just random shit randomly.  I've only see the other house once and can't remember what decor was on the walls but I don't recall any surfboards ;) 

[Libby]

Bill's father thinks that he's a comedian, just like Bill. Some people like that personality, I personally don't care for it.

As far as purchases go, Bill seems to think that the more expensive, the better. It doesn't matter to him if it is ridiculous or not. Jen buys a lot of stupid things, but not because they are expensive or flashy. She just likes things.

I think that sometimes Jen gives in to Bill to make him happy. Other times she holds firm when he's being stupid.

Bill was very poor as a child, thanks to his father. Consequently, to him the bigger and flashier the better, no matter what.

Edited November 30, 2018 by Libby

[Foghorn Leghorn]

Bil likes to show off their money and has the attitude of mine is bigger than yours!  That happens to make his wife extremely happy too and she allows Bill to talk out of the side of his mouth about how much everything is costing and like he controls the purse strings...no doubt he likely handles the money (more because he has the time) but Jen likely brings in a great portion of it.   Combination of growing up poor.  I am not sure Jen grew up in the lap of luxury either with all the surgeries she had it must have set her family finances back a bundle too.  

[Chalby]

2 hours ago, sATL said:

Sounds like Will and Zoey have set a new standard.

I agree with you. It seems that Will and Zoey are so accustomed to being considered adorable and entertaining, they feel any group of adults milling about is solely for their purpose. I've noticed both kids have no problem interjecting their views into adult conversations (that don't always concern them) and Zoey has a new habit of telling people not to talk, or move, or whatever until she dictates otherwise. I don't recall other families stopping whatever they are doing because a child is ordering them to, "Listen to me..." On the other hand, I have to give both kids credit for being able to sit still and entertain themselves when something important or serious is occuring (e.g. travelling) Hopefully Kleins will find a happy medium because the bigger Will gets, and the more assertive/aggressive he behaves towards his mother - and gets away with it - the more unbearable and unlikeable he will become.

[Libby]

3 minutes ago, Chalby said:

Hopefully Kleins will find a happy medium because the bigger Will gets, and the more assertive/aggressive he behaves towards his mother - and gets away with it - the more unbearable and unlikeable he will become.

Zoey will become unbearable and unlikable too. She won't be 5 and adorable forever.

[Chalby]

1 hour ago, Foghorn Leghorn said:

 That happens to make his wife extremely happy too and she allows Bill to talk out of the side of his mouth about how much everything is costing and like he controls the purse strings...no doubt he likely handles the money (more because he has the time) but Jen likely brings in a great portion of it.  

I have always been mildly amused at Bill's complaints of the cost of things, while dropping hints that they have 'expensive' tastes. I just never saw Bill as the breadwinner in the family. Even his pet store required Jen's mother as a $$ partner. He has evolved considerably from the time he and Jen were dating and he didn't have two nickels to rub together. But now they are living the good life while he pines for expensive sports cars. Hmm...

[Chalby]

3 hours ago, gunderda said:

Meh... most guys I know don't care... or have horrible taste - so I say, Go Jen, you do that gray!  And when she gets tired of it she's got more than enough money to change it to a nice light blue. 

At least it's not white... I have some family members that like the beach house style and their walls are all white. Bright white. Every.Single.One.   It drives my artistic brain crazy. 

I guess I'd like some of Bill's input because I just find the colours too cold for my taste. I really liked their last home, and I don't mind this one (on the outside). I find that Jen knows exactly what she wants installed, but her current selections just don't 'feel' like their home/style. It's like she's choosing items for display, rather than to be lived in.

Edited December 1, 2018 by Chalby

[Spike]

39 minutes ago, Chalby said:

I have always been mildly amused at Bill's complaints of the cost of things, while dropping hints that they have 'expensive' tastes. I just never saw Bill as the breadwinner in the family. Even his pet store required Jen's mother as a $$ partner. He has evolved considerably from the time he and Jen were dating and he didn't have two nickels to rub together. But now they are living the good life while he pines for expensive sports cars. Hmm...

Remember in the early seasons he and a friend had a junk mail — ahem direct marketing — business. I wouldn’t think the pet store would be all that profitable as he didn’t run it himself but hired a manager.  The bulk of the money is likely from TLC and Jen’s salary.  

[Cherrio]

42 minutes ago, Spike said:

Remember in the early seasons he and a friend had a junk mail —

Taken to human beings thread

[Absolom]

1 hour ago, Libby said:

Zoey will become unbearable and unlikable too. She won't be 5 and adorable forever.

Not at all since in the real world, she's already 7.  :)  She was 6 and acting, talking, and sounding 4 so I'm curious to see at 7 if she moved up to 5 or to 6.

[pdlinda]

7 hours ago, JerseyGirl said:

I don't understand everyone saying how cute Zoey is when she talks.

She's not cute, she's talking back and being disrespectful.  Would you think a 16 year old talking back to their mother like that is cute?!?

SMH

Zoey's speech is impossible for me to understand.  Sometimes I see the closed captioning and can't match what the caption says she's saying and what I hear.  Will's speech is a bit more understandable; however, I recall them saying he had a problem with hearing and goes to a speech therapist.  

[MMEButterfly]

14 hours ago, SabineElisabeth said:

Reasonably sure Jennifer doesn't also partake of cocaine, benzos, and muscle relaxers before taking a soak, as did Whitney the night she passed away in the bathtub. 

Jennifer is a smart woman, quite cognizant of her physical limitations, and extremely cautious as a result. Jennifer also has money. I am certain that if Jennifer felt unsafe using the tub, it would have been replaced. Seriously, I don't think Jennifer is going to meet her demise in that bathtub....

Agreed!  Barbara seems like a really lovely woman.  Something about her comes across to me as very comforting, as well.

Several posters have wondered why they didn't install a walk-in tub. I've known persons with disabilities who have bought them, then removed them. You must wait in the tub until the water drains completely. You get serious goose bumps.

[sATL]

5 hours ago, Libby said:

Zoey will become unbearable and unlikable too. She won't be 5 and adorable forever.

There's got to be a cutoff for "adorable" - otherwise one day she will be 7, 10, 15 she's still perceived as adorable, which is sounds like she is a toddler. Just thinking back to the earlier laundry list of TLC kiddos in her age bracket, as much as their parents give accolades about them, I don't think"adorable" is a adjective they will use, at  Zoey's age, for their kids. Ma Duggar will say "she's so sweet " , though. I guess one way to see the difference in a toddler adorable and a school age adorable , is for Zoey to be in a scene with her peers, doing something that isn't heavily orchestrated by the Kliens (thinking back to that birthday tea party held in a major hotel ballroom).  Maybe a younger sibling would make Zoey act a little closer to her age.  Also, the other TLC children do spend time with other children (sibilings and/or family mbrs), I get the feeling Zoey thinks she is a 'mini adult' and is kinda lost in acting like a 6 year old.

6 hours ago, Foghorn Leghorn said:

Bil likes to show off their money and has the attitude of mine is bigger than yours!  That happens to make his wife extremely happy too and she allows Bill to talk out of the side of his mouth about how much everything is costing and like he controls the purse strings...no doubt he likely handles the money (more because he has the time) but Jen likely brings in a great portion of it.   Combination of growing up poor.  I am not sure Jen grew up in the lap of luxury either with all the surgeries she had it must have set her family bundle too.  

I didn't follow this show at the beginning, but I would love for the 4-6 grands to expand upon just how they handled , financially, the surgeries and other medical costs, including the long hospital stays while working a full time job. There might be a budgeting lesson for all of us there. You hear of stories where someone who has a major illness, goes broke, loses their 401k,  , multiple mortgaged home and/or declares bankruptcy. If the grands, somehow managed to avoid those financial woes  until Bill/Jen were  able to pay for their own healthcare upkeep, then that is a story they should share. 

Yes, medical ins while employed was in some cases, better 30 years ago (lower out of pocket, lower group premiums, more choices in plans, and smaller deductibles) . At first I thought maybe they had a best HMO in the world, to limit out of pocket, but then Jen would mention going to specialists clear across the country (the hospital in NJ), and didn't think HMOs back then had that kind of global coverage. From what I remember, you had to pick/use a facility that was "on the list".  Just exactly what did the 4-6 grands do for a living when they were in their working years ? even if they had a 80/20 plan, unless they had a large disposable income, a week long hospital in a children facility can easily set one back a few pennies. And before FMLA became law, and now with work at home situations, some jobs weren't too friendly back then about taking multiple time off of work to to care for a healing loved one.

Edited December 1, 2018 by sATL

[riverblue22]

I think Zoey is the cutest kid I've ever seen on reality TV.  She cracks me up, and reminds me of my youngest daughter when she was little.  She would just talk and talk and carry on these monologues (mostly with herself) but you still had to be ready for questions.  I think Zoey is a very bright child and is going to have great success in her life.

As the kids get bigger, Jen just looks smaller and smaller.  I noticed when they went to the fish store only Bill could open the door,  Jen would have not been able to open that door and I imagine that is a very common problem for her.  I guess she always has to think ahead, especially is she is alone.

[alegtostandon]

On 11/28/2018 at 8:27 PM, Bryce Lynch said:

 

This was not a quote for this show, sorry, could not get rid of it. 

22 hours ago, Spike said:

Gray has been the rage for like five years.  It’s nearing its expiration date.  Kinda reminds me of filing cabinets and battleships.

We are remodeling a house to sell that was left to me to.  Mr Tostandon wants to paint the walls gray, someone told him that's the rage now.  I refuse to, I don't like it. 

21 hours ago, Cherrio said:

 

I agree, plus its tricky to find the right shades.   I have to include turquoise too, its been done. over done and should be out now.      I think the only way to tone down that home is to add some muted shades of green in accent pieces and get rid of a lot of the upholstered stuff.

Remember, there are 'Fifty Shades of Grey'. Sorry, couldn't resist 😋

Jen's bathtub made me claustrophobic

[Spike]

4 minutes ago, alegtostandon said:

This was not a quote for this show, sorry, could not get rid of it. 

We are remodeling a house to sell that was left to me to.  Mr Tostandon wants to paint the walls gray, someone told him that's the rage now.  I refuse to, I don't like it. 

Remember, there are 'Fifty Shades of Grey'. Sorry, couldn't resist 😋

Jen's bathtub made me claustrophobic

The tub reminded me of the baby that fell down the well in Texas.  

[sATL]

24 minutes ago, Spike said:

The tub reminded me of the baby that fell down the well in Texas.  

Maybe it was the filming.... just how deep was the tub ? sorry, all I could think of was doing a cannon ball..

[Jeanne222]

1 minute ago, sATL said:

Maybe it was the filming.... just how deep was the tub ? sorry, all I could think of was doing a cannon ball..

It's pretty deep for a little person like Jen.  It goes straight down.  It does have a seat but if she was unable to turn off the water it would cover her head when full.  I'm kind of suprised she chose that one because she seems to be on top of most things.  Maybe it was there when they bought the house.  I bet it goes soon.  Scary looking thing when you think of a slip.  I also don't know how she will ever climb out of it. 

Something like this only round but deep. 

[Foghorn Leghorn]

Jen said the “well” was as deep as she is tall.  I don’t think she will be filling that up very much although she said she likes a good soak when she comes home from work..that is not a soaking tub if you have to stand up in it!  Imagine her feet in slippery bath bubble water, her bones are brittle even more so from the chemo she had too...she can slip and easily break an already fragile bone.  

Edited December 2, 2018 by Foghorn Leghorn

[lookeyloo]

I am 5'2" and the bathtub we have in this house is too big for me.  Not too deep, too long.  I don't enjoy a bath in it, because if I lean agains the back, I have no place to brace my feet and slide down.  Sadly, I don't use it.  We aren't about to gut the bathroom at this point for a shorter tub.  I had the perfect one before we moved, though.  the son who lives here built his house and the bathtub we used before we moved here is very deep and it was a problem for me to even climb into it just to shower.  I gave up and use the walk in shower in another bathroom.  I can't imagine Jen thinks this is a good idea for herself.  She is so tiny she can soak in a foot of water much more safely, but, then again, it is her choice.  I wouldn't be surprised if in a year or two there is a big bathroom reno we are treated to.

[Spike]

38 minutes ago, lookeyloo said:

I am 5'2" and the bathtub we have in this house is too big for me.  Not too deep, too long.  I don't enjoy a bath in it, because if I lean agains the back, I have no place to brace my feet and slide down.  Sadly, I don't use it.  We aren't about to gut the bathroom at this point for a shorter tub.  I had the perfect one before we moved, though.  the son who lives here built his house and the bathtub we used before we moved here is very deep and it was a problem for me to even climb into it just to shower.  I gave up and use the walk in shower in another bathroom.  I can't imagine Jen thinks this is a good idea for herself.  She is so tiny she can soak in a foot of water much more safely, but, then again, it is her choice.  I wouldn't be surprised if in a year or two there is a big bathroom reno we are treated to.

Can’t you put something between your back and the back of the tub?  Sort of like how people use throw pillows if the back of the chair or sofa is too deep?  Of course you wouldn’t want anything that would absorb water but maybe some sort of plastic or rubber insert.  That way your feet would touch the other end.

[Libby]

I am 5 feet 8 inches tall and 59 years old. I have no orthopedic issues. There is no way that I would buy that tub. Even with railings and steps, it looks like an accident waiting to happen to me.

I think that the tub has a very poor design. Bill must have convinced Jen to buy it because it was the most expensive.

[Foghorn Leghorn]

And he can collect on the accident insurance!!!!  LOL. 

[CousinAmy]

The house seems to have lots of open space "living room" but at the expense of the functional rooms - like the kids' bedrooms which are fine for now, but as teenagers they will want more personal space. And their kitchen things might not all fit in the pantry? Why buy a huge house without a huge pantry and storage? 

I couldn't tell if they have a cooktop that is average height as well as the custom height one. Since we know Jen doesn't cook much, I assume the nanny/housekeeper/chauffeur/pool cleaner/laundress will be doing most of the cooking, but that won't be comfortable with the custom fixtures. I would have made sure that anyone who stays over will able to use the kitchen, too. 

Don't get me started about the Royal Staircase leading up to the front door. All the grandparents are over 60; I hope they all have remotes to open the garage doors to access the elevator. Believe me, knees will go before you know it. There are just too many stairs and steps in that house.

[readheaded]

22 hours ago, riverblue22 said:

I think Zoey is the cutest kid I've ever seen on reality TV.  She cracks me up, and reminds me of my youngest daughter when she was little.  She would just talk and talk and carry on these monologues (mostly with herself) but you still had to be ready for questions.  I think Zoey is a very bright child and is going to have great success in her life.

As the kids get bigger, Jen just looks smaller and smaller.  I noticed when they went to the fish store only Bill could open the door,  Jen would have not been able to open that door and I imagine that is a very common problem for her.  I guess she always has to think ahead, especially is she is alone.

I was thinking this and how it might be dangerous for Jen to stay alone during an emergency like a hurricane.

[Jeanne222]

3 hours ago, Spike said:

Can’t you put something between your back and the back of the tub?  Sort of like how people use throw pillows if the back of the chair or sofa is too deep?  Of course you wouldn’t want anything that would absorb water but maybe some sort of plastic or rubber insert.  That way your feet would touch the other end.

What a great idea.  They have those bathtub rubber pillows.  Could use two or a blow up floatie folded in half!

27 minutes ago, CousinAmy said:

The house seems to have lots of open space "living room" but at the expense of the functional rooms - like the kids' bedrooms which are fine for now, but as teenagers they will want more personal space. And their kitchen things might not all fit in the pantry? Why buy a huge house without a huge pantry and storage? 

I couldn't tell if they have a cooktop that is average height as well as the custom height one. Since we know Jen doesn't cook much, I assume the nanny/housekeeper/chauffeur/pool cleaner/laundress will be doing most of the cooking, but that won't be comfortable with the custom fixtures. I would have made sure that anyone who stays over will able to use the kitchen, too. 

Don't get me started about the Royal Staircase leading up to the front door. All the grandparents are over 60; I hope they all have remotes to open the garage doors to access the elevator. Believe me, knees will go before you know it. There are just too many stairs and steps in that house.

Oh I agree.  Just answering the door requires up and down!

[howiveaddict]

23 hours ago, riverblue22 said:

I think Zoey is the cutest kid I've ever seen on reality TV.  She cracks me up, and reminds me of my youngest daughter when she was little.  She would just talk and talk and carry on these monologues (mostly with herself) but you still had to be ready for questions.  I think Zoey is a very bright child and is going to have great success in her life.

As the kids get bigger, Jen just looks smaller and smaller.  I noticed when they went to the fish store only Bill could open the door,  Jen would have not been able to open that door and I imagine that is a very common problem for her.  I guess she always has to think ahead, especially is she is alone.

I think Zoe is adorable too. I don't find her rude, but a typical 5 year old. She's smart too. I prefer her any day to the stepford Duggars.  

[SabineElisabeth]

On 11/30/2018 at 8:08 AM, bichonblitz said:

I wonder what Jen really thinks of Bill's dad. It would be very difficult to have any respect for that man. 

Jennifer's dad left her mom, as well (for his secretary, IRRC).  Jennifer was in medical school, I think it was, when Judy and Dave remarried.  

On 11/30/2018 at 4:38 PM, Libby said:

As far as purchases go, Bill seems to think that the more expensive, the better. It doesn't matter to him if it is ridiculous or not. Jen buys a lot of stupid things, but not because they are expensive or flashy. She just likes things.

I think that sometimes Jen gives in to Bill to make him happy. Other times she holds firm when he's being stupid.

Bill was very poor as a child, thanks to his father. Consequently, to him the bigger and flashier the better, no matter what.

 

On 11/30/2018 at 5:54 PM, Chalby said:

I just never saw Bill as the breadwinner in the family.

He has evolved considerably from the time he and Jen were dating and he didn't have two nickels to rub together.

When Bill and Jennifer started dating, he was considerably better off financially than she was.  At the time, Jennifer was driving an old SUV and couldn't afford to replace it, so Bill bought her a new Audi (and he was driving one himself, and also owned his own home).  Bill might not be a physician, but he did graduate from NYU with a degree in biology and from all accounts, was rather successful in his career.  Now, it appears he and Jennifer have decided that his career will take a backseat to hers and consequently, he works less and I'm guessing makes less with the pet store than Jennifer does as a doctor.  That seems to work for them, and it doesn't mean Bill isn't just as entitled to the fruits of their hard work because he's earning less and handling more of the responsibilities for managing their home/raising the kids.

23 hours ago, sATL said:

TI didn't follow this show at the beginning, but I would love for the 4-6 grands to expand upon just how they handled , financially, the surgeries and other medical costs, including the long hospital stays while working a full time job. There might be a budgeting lesson for all of us there. You hear of stories where someone who has a major illness, goes broke, loses their 401k,  , multiple mortgaged home and/or declares bankruptcy. If the grands, somehow managed to avoid those financial woes  until Bill/Jen were  able to pay for their own healthcare upkeep, then that is a story they should share. 

Yes, medical ins while employed was in some cases, better 30 years ago (lower out of pocket, lower group premiums, more choices in plans, and smaller deductibles) . At first I thought maybe they had a best HMO in the world, to limit out of pocket, but then Jen would mention going to specialists clear across the country (the hospital in NJ), and didn't think HMOs back then had that kind of global coverage. From what I remember, you had to pick/use a facility that was "on the list".  Just exactly what did the 4-6 grands do for a living when they were in their working years ? even if they had a 80/20 plan, unless they had a large disposable income, a week long hospital in a children facility can easily set one back a few pennies. And before FMLA became law, and now with work at home situations, some jobs weren't too friendly back then about taking multiple time off of work to to care for a healing loved one.

Their book talks a bit about the financial issues both parents faced due to Bill and Jennifer's medical needs as kids - especially Jennifer, as her surgeries and treatment were a lot more extensive than Bill's.  Dave and Judy both worked, and Aunt Barbara watched Jennifer quite a bit.  IRRC, Aunt Barbara might have even lived with them for a while.  Regarding the out of state medical treatment, they explain it was covered by insurance because the treatment Jennifer needed simply was not available locally.    

On 11/30/2018 at 2:34 PM, sATL said:

Just thinking about other TLC kids who are +/- their (zoey and will) age and how they respond to their parents / other adults...and how they acted towards adults on camera.  Blayke Busby (and her cousins), Josie Duggar, Saylor, Wales and Bridge Waldrop, Eliot Jones... trying to remember the Gosslin kiddo when they were that age.. hmmm

Sounds like Will and Zoey have set a new standard.

Yikes!  To compare Will and Zoey to the Gosselin kids.... To be clear, I don't blame the Gosselin kiddos for their behavior;  Kate and Jon were/are, IMHO, awful together and awful individually, and it's no wonder the kids acted out.  Nonetheless, I did move on from their show pretty quickly, because watching actually made me anxious.  And I don't watch mindless reality tv to feel anxiety;  I either watch it because it's "feel good" tv (e.g. The Little Couple), or because it's just straight up entertaining and a snark goldmine (e.g. 90 Day Fiance).  In any case, as I've said before, I don't think Will and Zoey are particularly badly behaved, and while Zoey was a bit hyped up at the pet store, I find that understandable given the circumstances.  Zoey also seems to have a thing about no boys being allowed in her room;  this episode isn't the first time we've heard that, as she kicked Will and another kid out of her room for that reason on an episode from last season (or the one before that, maybe).  I personally don't equate things such as her fondness for announcing "no boys allowed" with being disrespectful or talking back. 

[BitterApple]

I think the kids are cute in small doses. I could spend an hour with them, but they'd drive me crazy after a while. I liked them much better before they became aware of the cameras and started playing up to them. 

[Gramto6]

I watched 7 Little Johnstons last week and noticed a stark difference in the way the kids respond to their parents. Twice during the episode Trent called out to one of the kids (different one each time) and their immediate response was “Sir?” Acknowledging him right away and obviously listening for what he had to say.  I don’t see Will or Zoey showing that sort of respect.

[sATL]

6 minutes ago, Gramto6 said:

I watched 7 Little Johnstons last week and noticed a stark difference in the way the kids respond to their parents. Twice during the episode Trent called out to one of the kids (different one each time) and their immediate response was “Sir?” Acknowledging him right away and obviously listening for what he had to say.  I don’t see Will or Zoey showing that sort of respect.

agree. I left them off of my TLC kid list only b/c they are a older than Will & Zoey.  they do seem to know when enough is enough. cameras or not.

Edited December 2, 2018 by sATL

[Gramto6]

2 minutes ago, sATL said:

agree. I left them off of my TLC kid list only b/c they are a older than Will & Zoey.  they do seem to know when enough is enough. cameras or not.

I don’t think that sort of respect was started being taught when the kids were older, that started when they were young, probably younger than Will & Zoey now...

[lookeyloo]

4 hours ago, Spike said:

Can’t you put something between your back and the back of the tub?  Sort of like how people use throw pillows if the back of the chair or sofa is too deep?  Of course you wouldn’t want anything that would absorb water but maybe some sort of plastic or rubber insert.  That way your feet would touch the other end.

I have tried lots of things - pillows that attach to the back - not thick enough. Too many things float and hard to control. A two liter bottle of water at my feet even with the pillow - not enough. Hard to lie back and just relax. I even looked at devices for babies to shorten the tub. I don’t think they would work in this shape tub. 

[sATL]

1 minute ago, Gramto6 said:

I don’t think that sort of respect was started being taught when the kids were older, that started when they were young, probably younger than Will & Zoey now...

true. the teaching starts young.. really as soon as the misbehavior starts.

I meant though - were the Johnston's on air when their kids were 5-7 yrs old? I only discovered them about 2 years ago.  I remember the rest (vaguely the Gosslins) when they were 5-7. 

Here's an example - Blayke and her cousins were having a "good time" playing with food in the store while shopping for Thanksgiving. Her mom , calmly explained that is not acceptable and they stopped. Now Zoey ???

Even though it could be perceived as cute - I didn't care for Zoey playing the little game that she was not buckled in her car seat and the scence when she pulled Jen into another area to discuss the library shelf build out. The first case, getting in the car seat is not playtime -get in and let's go. In the second case, Jen did exaplain what was going to happen, and that should have ended the discussion. No need of pulling and adult into a side room.

[Honey]

When Will is too wild, people aren't happy.  When Will is too subdued, people aren't happy. 

SMH

[JJ1]

Wow! I just discovered this forum and - gotta say - I’m surprised by all the criticism of Will and Zoey. Yes, I’m sure they can be a handful. But MOST kids their age can be a handful.  And remember, we only see what the producers think it interesting enough to put on the screen. 

But what I’m impressed with is that both kids seem to be totally flourishing after having a rough start to their lives. They are curious, smart, love their extended family and their animals. I’m thrilled to see them doing so well.

[Honey]

1 hour ago, JJ1 said:

Wow! I just discovered this forum and - gotta say - I’m surprised by all the criticism of Will and Zoey. Yes, I’m sure they can be a handful. But MOST kids their age can be a handful.  And remember, we only see what the producers think it interesting enough to put on the screen. 

But what I’m impressed with is that both kids seem to be totally flourishing after having a rough start to their lives. They are curious, smart, love their extended family and their animals. I’m thrilled to see them doing so well.

Not all of us are critical of Will and Zoey, just like not all of us are jealous of Jen and Bill's money.  Hope you stick around here for a while.

Just so I'm not off topic.  I think it was a good choice to NOT put the aquarium on the main living floor.  There are so many windows that it would be difficult to keep the algae out of it, due to all of the sunlight. 

Edited December 2, 2018 by Honey

[Jeanne222]

I love little Will and Zoey.  Those two have come so far.  You can just feel the love they have for Bill and Jen.  They seem secure and we'll adjusted even in public places with the stares.  I hope they continue to grow in love and confidence!