In 2011, the Sister Wives Blog started out as a place to talk about the TLC reality show "Sister Wives", Kody Brown and his wives Christine, Robyn, Meri and Janelle. Today we not only discuss the show, we discuss Polygamy in our society, and the public perceptions of the Mormon Religion. We discuss "Polygamy USA" and will be covering "My 5 Wives."
This blog is geared towards the adult reader, so please, no one under the age of 18 years. Thank you!
I think in that first pic with Christine and most of her pics lately, she looks really good. Something about her face is much more beautiful of late (except for the sad eyes and obvious change in demeanor since Kodouche's insensitive comments). Maybe it's just her recent weight loss. Anyone notice something that I'm missing like a new haircut, different makeup, etc?
When Janelle looks at Joe holding 2 of his wives..she almost has a look of longing..then she turns away quickly...she makes me sad for her..she needs her OWN husband..alot of people say..they don't feel bad for her, because she can just leave..but it's not that easy..with low self esteem..every women with low self esteem still has moments of strength..but it's all in vain, when she thinks about her life ..especially her kids..and her beliefs..she believes this is it..it's final.
I've been obsessing about whether or not Robyn is pregnant. She certainly looks pregnant here but I can't imagine she would be boogie boarding if pregnant. Is it just a pooch or could it be fertility treatments for being a surrogate. I don't think she actually would go through with being a surrogate and I don't have much knowledge about swelling while having those shots etc. Anyone here who could answer? Love this blog. First time poster :-)
What struck me as "unusual" was Robyn's comment that Meri, Christine and Janelle exercised, but that she didn't. Shw exercised before so why would she stop? There's a thickness about her waistline that just looks...unusual.
If Robyn was going to be a gestational carrier for Meri and Kody, she would not be using her own eggs. So the process of stimulating the ovaries to make large amounts of eggs would be on Meri and not Robyn. Robyn would just have to in sync with Meri's cycle and prepare her uterus for the transfer of embryos. That process is not as rigorous and I do not think it would cause the "swelling" around her abdominal area.
I totally agree. She also posted recently on twitter that she hoped Sol would go to sleep because they both needed the rest. I may completely be overanalyzing this family but SO MUCH is said "between the lines" and I felt that the comment about her needing rest was telling of....something...
her arms are pudgy too. I've never been PG but that just looks like good ol' fat to me. and how many times have we seen her wear that plaid shirt? jeez
Christine is a beautiful woman who doesn't realize her value. I hope she finds the strength to walk away from this unhealthy lifestyle and finds someone who will cherish her instead of use her. She clearly yearns for a loving relationship. Of all the wives she seems the most disillusioned to me.
Meri is 41 not 45. Statistically a woman at 41 should have viable eggs. However, a doctor would have to make that determination. You can put 2 women aged 41 next to each other and have a different prognosis for each one. Your chances decrease as you age, however it is not impossible. Long before fertility treatments, women got pregnant well into their 40s and had healthy babies. 3 of my own family members got pregnant at 42, 44 and 45 the old fashioned way and gave birth to healthy babies. You just never know.
Thanks to everyone for the in-vitro/egg info! I'm not ragging on Robyn because she is poochy. I'm poochy. However she very clearly WASN'T poochy at one point after Sol and now is very poochy in my opinion and I enjoy guessing what the circumstances could be :-) With this family, Ive learned that nothing is too far fetched and you NEVER KNOW what may come up that is mind boggling!
About the rental property - I was one who said that the property had 22 bedrooms, which was incorrect. It has 10 bedrooms and sleeps 22. Sorry about that! Thanks for catching that, Fake Fan!
On the previous page, DJ said, "Chantelle - I know a lot of surfer dudes, and Kody is an insult to surfer dudes everywhere!!! He's not even a surfer dude! He just thinks he is. It takes more than messy hair to be one! LOL"
You're right! Saying that Kody has a surfer dude [...] attitude IS an insult to surfer dudes everywhere. I should have said that Kody had a poser surfer-dude attitude or wannabe surfer-dude attitude instead.
Kody has failed at being a polygamist husband. As Bellarina pointed out, he doesn't know when to step in and resolve conflict between his wives and when to stay out of the conflict. It seems to me that he's more concerned about being liked than respected... or he figures that his wives getting along is not his problem and he doesn't much care how well they get along... which I think is also true for his children.
Kody is a babydaddy, not a father, and uses his religion to justify his actions. I'm surprised the babydaddy losers who show up on Judge Judy haven't figured out that Kody's brand of polygamy - along with all the Bleeding the Beast lessons - is perfect for them.
Not that the Brown wives are much better, really. They may be interested in Joe Darger but even if he was interested in adding new wives I very much doubt that they would be the women he'd choose to court. I can't imagine Joe wanting to add Brown chaos and menopausal status to his well-run, disciplined family.
Oh and BTW, has anyone noticed that the Brown wives aren't wearing the jewelry they're trying to sell?
I'm beginning to suspect there IS no real jewelry. They offer an overpriced product, then charge people ridiculous amounts for shipping and handling so, of course, NO ONE actually orders it. But they can pay themselves a handsome salary (actually paid out of their TLC money) for pretending to design and market it, so they're losing money and getting a great tax write-off. Almost as smart as welfare fraud and bankruptcy if you want to continue to do nothing and buy new houses.
Happy to be the nit picking detail person, Chantelle! :)
I was really hoping someone knew what the second floor plan was....or were the two side by side houses identical? The rental actually does look nice, if you wanted to do a big family reunion sort of thing....
In one recent epi. I saw Meri wearing one of their necklaces. I have also seen Brown fans post that they have bought the jewelry. Not many, most post they cannot afford it, but there are a few idiots that appear to actually be buying. I don't think there are enough buyers to actually provide one of the Brown women with a full time job, but I am sure this suits them fine, they can say they work and still take all there vacations.
This is what I'm saying about Meri's house -- the "hubby room" and the "wet-bar" are all tax write-offs. Yes, it will invite increased IRS scrutiny, but honestly, an audit is not that big of a deal as long as you have paperwork, a good accountant, and you realize that if you lose, you might have to pay more money. I'm also willing to bet that Robyn's "office" will be a tax write off as well for the the "jewelry" business. Given that they are in the entertainment business, they are already likely to be under increased scrutiny, since contracts and speaking gigs and 1099's (from something like the UNLV speaking engagement) practically invite it. (I'm in the entertainment industry, although in a small way.) Fortunately, my brother-in-law is a CPA and my husband is an attorney who took several classes in tax law and small business, and I have a great agent, so it helps our bottom line.
Christine and Janelle, on the other hand, will be the houses where children actually, you know, LIVE.
that is what I thought with Janelle, she seems so beaten down to me.. I bet she is a really nice person, I feel so bad for her. one day I hope she runs from this nightmare. (can anyone tell me how to put my name on this and not anonymous..)thank you
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I'm almost finished reading the Brown's book. I have the Darger's book here waiting to be read next. (Thanks to my public library.)
I'm in Meri's celebrity section. Three things she says show her dislike of her sister wives.
#1 - She had a hard time getting used to the camera being around. She's "not an actress - that is Christine". OUCH!
#2 - She'll never get used to people coming up to her in public saying she is their favorite wife. LOL
#3 - She was happy to have an opportunity to introduce herself to Matthew McConaughey since she's been a big fan. She says it's the reason she let Kody grow his hair long. She said "Robyn and Christine ruin the moment by acting like giddy 14 year olds around him!"
This book gives a picture of what a mess they are. I feel like it shows how none of the wives have ever had their needs met but yet they feel it's so wonderful! It's mind boggling.
Meri says she loves to look back at Season 1 (minus the honeymoon episode which she has never watched). She says it's great to see how much they have all matured. I feel like we've watched them all get more hurt, angry and depressed. What has gotten better???
What am I missing???
I just love Janelle. I would love to be her friend. I feel like she has gotten the short end of the deal her entire life. Poor thing!!!!
Rolling my eyes over Meri being anyone's favorite wife. Unless, of course, they are materialistic, greedy, selfish, bossy and phony.
I, too, would like to know Janelle. She is the most interesting of the whole bunch, but I just can't figure out how someone who is so logical could buy into this load of crap.
Michigander1969, I would like to comment about what you said about Janelle ( I feel like she has gotten the short end of the deal her entire life. Poor thing!!!!) I like Janelle, too, but I feel that she has 2 major issues that hold her back (and this is true for the other wives, too) from leaving this chaotic life and having a fulfilling, happy life: her low self-esteem and the 'religion/lifestyle' she has chosen....I think she could get help from a counselor/therapist for her self esteem problem, but nothing much will come of that if she stays in this religion....I believe that when you have self-esteem issues, you don't think enough of yourself to want something better in life, you don't feel like you deserve better, so you stay stuck where you are and the religion enforces staying where you are because of the whole 'planet' concept....I think it's really sad that this religion basically looks at women as breeders....but it's very interesting and ironic to me that Janelle's daughter, Maddie (who I adore!) is so outspoken and against polygamy....
So they're a fan of Matther McConaughey? I wonder if the SW has seen the movie Magic Mike yet?? They would definitely be gettig super giddy then....LOL
I just read their book. A bit embarrassed I actually spent $$ on what was really just a bunch of high school essays put together. It seems that Kody uses his religion to play the field while married. Courting when wives were pregnant? Really? Its like. Once their pregnant they've served their purpose so he starts looking for a new field to plow. Its so disrespectful to jenelle and Christine. No wonder they seem beaten down.
Well Meri WAS the favorite wife of many fans in season 1 and maybe even 2. She was for me, I'll admit that without hesitation. It wasnt until the house debacle and then some things I read in the book that I changed my mind and am no longer such a big fan.
I think Christine is just more nurturing and approachable with people. Out of all the wives I think she is the most transparent and sincere. I honestly see her as beautiful person and a loving mother to all the children.
So many religions are what they are to keep women in their place. Theirs is just another one. I think Jannelle was happy working in Utah, her life had real meaning within the confines of her religion. She doesn't have a purpose that has meaning for her now. Such a shame.
IMO, Mean Meri and Kodouche are narcisstic, abusive, psychopathic pathetic excuses for human beings. I have LOTS of professional and personal experience with people like them and it is VERY clear what their issues are and why they were drawn to this lifestyle. Sorry if that is too harsh for this site but I had to say it. I refuse to watch and enable this disgusting abuse of human beings.
I am so glad I found this blog - you guys all have such insightful things to say! I was a big fan of the show and thought they were a great family when they lived in Utah in one house. Enter Robyn and it just seems to have gone downhill from there. I will say I thought the contrast this week between the Dargers and the Browns was quite startling. First of all, the Dargers all live in one very neat, well-run house and the wives look terrific! It is obvious they take great pride in the appearance, are physically fit and genuinely seem happy. When you look at the Browns, you see polar opposites. The wives all look so down-trodden, worn down and just plain unhappy. Their world seems like chaos compared to the Dargers and their selfishness (Meri & Robin - I'm talking to you!) is startling! They are worried about such inane things as wetbars and extra bedrooms while their family is literally splitting apart. I also thought the look on Joe Darger's face was priceless when Kody explained the move to Vegas. Yes - I know I would pack up my entire family of 23 or so people, move to a brand new state with NO job and just wait for a large 10 bedroom house to fall in my lap. Who on earth even does such a thing?! I feel so sorry for the kids in the family. The only parent with any sense honestly is Janelle and I don't feel like she ever wanted to leave Utah. I wish they would go back there and back to just one house and live as a family - that was way more interesting. I just don't feel like I'm watching a family right now...
Janelle desperately wanted to leave Utah -- she claimed to be terrified at the time. I think she's a great actress (better than the rest) even though (let's repeat again) NO ONE has been arrested for polygamy only since 1972!!!! She claimed at the time that she couldn't sleep or function because she was so "afraid." This is the main reason I'm not convinced that the animosity between Meri and Janelle this season isn't manufactured as well.
Christine, on the other hand, was very very opposed to moving. (Sometimes that dingy exterior is smarter than we think!)
I think that Meri wanted to do what Kody wanted (although she was torn about uprooting Mariah) and Robyn was glad to go because it was a way of equalizing her relationship (since she didn't have a place within the household) and it was clear that Kody wanted to go and supporting him gave her more clout as a wife.
I know, or even two houses, Meri/Christine and kids and then Janelle/Robin and kids. Although no one would want to be paired with Meri. At least, it would have some sort of family atmosphere. Instead four separate houses and lives, can you imagine how boring it is when the camera's aren't rolling? Look what they have to do to contrive a show now.
GEML, I didn't think that Janelle was acting when she was scared; I thought she was actually scared. At the same time, her being so scared doesn't really make sense, does it? I don't remember the timing exactly, but if either Meri or Janelle lost their jobs and then Kody deliberately tried to scare Janelle, that would account for her being so scared.
If Kody did deliberately try to scare Janelle into moving to Las Vegas (and I wouldn't put it past him), then that would provide another reason for her checking out now.
Scared my ass!! That didn't stop them from making countless trips back & forth to Utah after they made a mad dash for Vegas....smh Scared to pay a heavy income tax from their TLC payday & scared to have to tithe the AUB such a large amount that's probably required of them. Which if they didn't that's pretty selfish of the Browns. After getting permission to marry Robyn & then getting sealed, they just don't feel like forking over 10% or how much ever is required of them. Kinda like totally stiffing a server or leaving 10% tip instead of the standard 15-20%...Even after getting great service.
I don't think janelle was scared about being arrested in Utah for polygamy. I think she was scared that coming out might trigger a criminal investigation into their finances. And since she pays the bills and probably "shifts" the money around, she would be the one doing the dealing with the auditors and paying the penalties.
I think Janelle just got whipped up into the hysteria of the moment about leaving Utah. When you have kids to be concerned about it is easy to start second guessing yourself and become really worried.
When all around you are going mad.....it is very difficult to stay logical and sane...
"Matured" to Meri probably equals "now have loads of money" or she equates matured with having her hair, nails, makeup, "better" clothes, and ugh self tanner done.
Agree Anonymous 5:34 pm!! Meri thinks she has 'matured'?? Is she serious??? After she has babbled, practically stomped her feet and threw a hissy fit because it didn't look like she was going to get her 'wet bar'??? That's mature behavior??
Mean Girl Meri has "matured" from NEVER apologizing in the past to now doing her passive/aggressive apologies where she paints herself as the self-righteous victim right behind the "i'm sorry BUT" part.
Meri's as grown-up as she's ever going to get. She's too frustrated and angry from years of this emotionally unhealthy plyg lifestyle and what's ever going to change it for her? She'll be worse once she's put out to pasture - which is coming up very soon.
Kody will be singing, "the old grey Mer - she ain't what she used to be . . . "
I have always wondered that too. I don't think it's been discussed much (except for the constant cold sores) but if I were a plural wife and my husband wanted to add another wife who was previously married to another man who was banging other wives you bet your boots I would want an std test. But these people would never answer a question like that.
Kody really showed how immature he really is when he told Joe Darger about his plan to move to Vegas. How he thought a massive house would be readily available. Joe Darger did well not to laugh in his face and say "loser" I would much prefer the Joe Darger school of plyg living to the Kody Brown chaos and mess!
Oh yeah, because these massive mansions with 10 or 25 bedrooms (I don't remember how many he actually wanted) are just sitting around waiting to be picked up for a song. Such homes exist - after all, that's what they rented with the Dargers - but they're not common. What an idiot.
I was shocked and impressed that Joe kept his reactions to himself. Joe is no dummy and he must see right through Kody's blustering and bragging so I imagine that it would have been difficult for him to not burst out laughing.
Caramel Brownie - I live in Vegas and I would be willing to do a drive-by. However, I only know where Meri lives. I don't even know where in Vegas the new homes are being built. Anyone else know? The area or name of the development?
For privacy and security reasons, please do not provide real life information in your comments on SWB. That would include addresses. Thank you in Advance!
I went on the TLC website and they have a new clip about the wives talking about their homes and the options they wanted. Meri just goes on and on and on about her hubby room and her wet bar. Sheesh, self-absorbed much? Somehow, Christine comes up with an idea for Meri to expand the space of the master bedroom for herself and now Meri has a ginormous master suite, too. I have to say that I am wondering if they are just yanking our chains now? I mean, come on!
That could be...it would be really funny if they intentionally put stuff in the show in order to set this blog off....like the tennis court...they couldn't even keep straight faces for that....
I just saw the clip; that's the third time they say "so today we're meeting with the developer" but wearing the same outfits in the "meeting" as the previous times! Just showing new parts of the conversations.. Come on!! The homes aren't THAT exciting. Why not just had one episode about that?
There was no need for that one scene last episode ie. They could have shown mpre of the vacay. It was like the drove down, the assigned rooms, the kids went to a cafe, and they had dinner. The end. One day vacay??
Hell at this point, all I wanna know is are they ACTUALLY GONNA BE MOVING INTO THEM! They did say by the end of this year right? Well, they have a lil over 3 wks to move in by their own deadline. I mean dang, this was filmed 5-6 months ago? I've asked before, but didn't get a response. I'm hoping that one of SWB posters that reside in Vegas can drive by the Browns rentals they're currently living in about the 1st or 2nd weeks of January 2013 & then give us an update.
From the meeting with the developer scene - those houses just look like big old empty sterile barns to me. No features, moldings, etc. Blaaahhhhh. They will all need a couple of hundred $ to fill them up with furniture. And the saga.....drags......on......
I live in Vegas and do know where all the rentals are located. I can tell you that as of last week, they were still living there. I know that they said they wanted to be moved by Christmas so I will check again in the next few weeks and let you all know! =)
Hi. Real LVHouseWife....Please do. It is getting pretty darned close to Christmas now. I would need more time to prepare for Xmas and get things in order. I think you are onto something.....keep us posted girl!
That pretty much sums up most of Vegas' home options... plain big barn or plain little barn. You also get desert landscaping which consists of rocks and more rocks.
I know that when I commented before that I thought Christine was lying when she said they didn't get the houses, some people thought Christine would never lie. She supposedly "dropped her head" when she said it which I think is a "tell" that she was lying. Guess we will just have to wait and see. Also, if Janelle reads this, I want her to know that she has raised such terrific kids, that she should be so proud of herself. Maybe knowing that so many people she doesn't even know see her tremendous worth will help her.
I love when Kody tried to fit in with everyone, OH lets find out where the cooking will be done...Misery Meri sure shot him down. NO lets find out where everyone will sleep..
I have to say Joe is creepy but seems to have everything in control, his kids respect him and his wives do also...something Kody will never get.
Okay, NOW I see it. I never particularly noticed 'the belly' on the show, but I do see here what everyone is talking about. It could just be the clothes she is wearing, though?
Speaking of- I was looking back through older pictures trying to decide how much Janelle has lost. Sometimes she looks REALLY heavy and sometimes she doesn't and I wonder how much of it is her clothes?
She DID look so tired and unhappy last show. It was probably a lot of work for her and not very much help. :-/
Ok. One of my friends had invitro and the hormones to get her body ready for her baby caused her to gain weight. I am thinking that is why Robin may be a bit heavier. I can't see her on a boogie board if she was expecting. As for her swimsuit, it didn't seem to show any more cleavage than Meri's did in Mexico.
As for her swimsuit, it didn't seem to show any more cleavage than Meri's did in Mexico.
Very true, however, Meri, Robyn and Christine all wear the triple layer shirts with a top layer baby doll shirt and preach that "Modest is Hottest". Not to mention how Meri told Mykelti to change her top because she was showing too much, and even Kody got on Mykelti's case for wearing what he considered inappropriate clothing. So I find it hypocritical for these 2 women to preach modesty but not practice it when in bathing suits. At least Christine kept 'her girls' under cover.
Right on Cynical Jinx! Anyone think that maybe the comment from the Darger wife about only Christine snuggling was a passive aggressive shot to the Browns? Although I think most of the Browns would be too dumb and self-centered to realize it...
If they wore what was appropriate for the activity they would never wear the layered look baby doll mess long sleeves in Vegas summers so why is it okay on the beach. They have body suits to surf in. Why not wear one of those if they really believe their modesty mantra. They are on tv after all even if their ratings arent that great.
I'm on Team Janelle too. I think she really checked out was after they shot down the fitness center. She had clearly done a lot of work with a very realistic (it sounded) business plan and projection, scouted out the site, had an interested partner, crunched the numbers, and so on, and they all just said no with barely a thought and fawned over Robyn's fugly jewelry. My bet is that they rejected it because 1) it looked like real work, and 2) the plan realistically showed that you don't make an immediate profit when you start your own business. Kody is always looking for the get-rich-quick-with-no-work scheme. I'd love to be their MLM upline. I mean, whatever happened to the real estate agent thing. Oh yeah, that's right, real work. Anyway, I think Janelle just lost her spark after that.
Also, new poster here, and loving this blog :). I can't explain why I'm addicted to this train wreck, but my husband was like "Oh great, now you found a BLOG???" LOL
Shelby - I had a brief conversation with Janelle at one of their LIV presentations earlier this year (while the previous season was still airing) about whether or not they were moving forward with the fitness center. She said that it was on hold because it required a lot money up front. She seemed a bit defeated because she said she was really excited about it. We spoke about my reservations about buying their LIV products because I have gluten intolerance and couldn't be 100% sure their products were gluten free. We chatted about that for a while and when I followed her on Twitter, she followed me back. I sent her a direct message and she remembered exactly who I was and asked how my gluten free diet was going. She is very nice and personable and listens to you when you talk to her.
Also, forgot to add, but anyone else notice that of the 3 original wives, it was Janelle who had the bad credit? Not "oh I have to PAY for water?" Christine or "I deserve it all" Meri. I think Janelle continually took one for the team, covering their other expenses while sacrificing her credit. I mean, she was the one with the real job and the one who paid all the bills. She should have the best credit of all of them. (maybe this was already discussed, sorry)
I don't know that Janelle necessarily had BAD credit, as much as appearing over-exended. If Meri or Cody were applying for home loans individually, as opposed to as a married couple, they may have had the same issue. The house in Utah, with its two mortgages, is in Janelle, Kody, and Meri's names.
I agree to an extent. I think it's because the bills were put primarily in her name (since we know she was the primary breadwinner) and anything that fell behind, hit her credit.
I am not on the Janelle love train. She allows Meri to structure the decision making in her favor, and Janelle should counter to protect her kids. Janelle assigned Logan the chores of waking up and cooking for his younger siblings when Meri should have taken on that responsibility. Janelle also allows the money to be split evenly according to 4 families, when instead there should be considerations for the sizes of each family. Janelle should be a better mama bear!
I see your point. But I think she has such a bad taste in her mouth from the early part of the marriage where her and Meri were having issues, that she's assessed that her part of the family running autonomously (away from Meri at least) is a much more loving environment. Logan is such a responsible young man that I think he'd want to step up even if he didn't have to. I do so wish she'd be more demanding of a proportionate entitlement for her kids though.
Did anyone notice that the Dargers have a store on their website, too? Not ready yet, according to the message at the top but coming soon. Lots of kid stuff. Much cheaper than MSWC but I really expected more from the fashionable Darger wives. I watched the newest video on TLC and Marynsaid that she needed a lot of room for all the shipping she will be doing for their business. Sounds like Janelle is going to concentrate on real estate and not on MSWC. Good choice, Janelle. I think you will do just fine! Team Janelle.
But at least the items are hand crafted by family members so for me its better than MSWC. It's like what you'd find at a craft fair, and not that expensive. Its down to earth and simple.
About JD and the 1st wife status ..that wife would have a legal state marriage license and be the legal wife with the legitimate children...that is probably the one that he asked and said yes 1st, also most likely placed the ring on her finger 1st at the ceremony ...
In Mormonism this is an important position, back in the day she had to give permission for later wives ...
TAR - But Joe said he proposed to both of them at the exact same time. So given that, I'm still curious to hear out of their own mouths how they decided who was to be first wife.
"In our culture, age is given a lot of respect. Alina, like Joe, was twenty and I was nineteen, so Alina’s marriage took place first. She also is Joe’s legal wife. I was the witness at their civil ceremony, which took place weeks later before a judge.
Did I resent not being chosen as the legal wife? Not at all. People who do not belong to this faith put more emphasis on the notion of who’s first and legal than we do."
Adams, Brooke; Darger, Alina; Darger, Vicki; Darger, Valerie (2011-09-13). Love Times Three: Our True Story of a Polygamous Marriage (pp. 59-60). Harper Collins, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
I was thinking maybe because her dad was more reluctant to have his daughter live this way. I think maybe Joe was thinking that if Alina was the 2nd wife, and therefore not legally married to him, her father could come by when/if he changed his mind about his permission and take her away
thanks, CJ. that definitely answers my question. ;') But i would argue w/her that only SOME people who belong to their faith don't put that much emphasis on the notion of "legal wife/first wife" status. We all have found out MERI certainly does and Kody validates it with his wimpy leadership w/her and the others. MERI RULES the Brown household for dang sure!
I'm sorry, but I've read dozens and dozens and dozens of books of polygamy and pretty much every single one of them places significant importance to the order that women are married in. It isn't "people who do not belong to this faith" who put more emphasis on this fact, it is PEOPLE IN THAT FAITH. First and foremost, because most Americans 1) don't know that it exists 2) probably just think it's icky if they do know that it exists and 3) don't really care.
After all, Joseph Smith's own first wife cared very, very deeply about it. How many times has Meri told us that she's first wife? Read any book on polygamy that you want -- you'll know who the first wife is. She will tell you!!!
So even if I were willing to take her at her word that she cares "not at all" -- she ruins her own argument in the next sentence which is patently untrue, so now why should I take her own personal statement as true?
GEML - i, too, have read and researched alot on the different mormon sects of polygamy and you. are. correct. The wives who have left (both first wives and subsequent "lower" levels) ALL tell the same story of how important FIRST WIFE is. The kids who leave also validate this. The ONLY wife that ever comes CLOSE to competing with FIRST WIFE is the CURRENT last wife!! ;')
I will be SHOCKED if Mariah goes for anything BUT First Wife as taught by Mother Meri provided she actually does practice polygamy like she currently says she intends to do.
Dargers are currently spotless cause their warts just haven't been publicly exposed yet. It took awhile for all of Browns to start coming out, too. I doubt that Dargers collectively have quite as much dirt on them tho as Browns do.
Who knows?? Maybe that was Alina's dad's stipulation he gave that he would support PJ marrying his daughter and her younger cousin at the same time PROVIDED Alina was guaranteed the important First Wife legal position. Also, the older age thing makes some sense in the tie breaker as well. I wonder what their exact age difference is anyway. I wouldn't think it's more than a year at the most.
<< Janelle assigned Logan the chores of waking up and cooking for his younger siblings when Meri should have taken on that responsibility. >>
Having read the book, I get the impression that she did not WANT Meri to take care of her kids. Seems like Meri has always been a cold bi-atch, and I recall there was some accusations of Meri not treating Christine's children properly. I have not seen her give one child affection on the show except for Meriah.
Every book i've read and interview i've listened to, the plyg kids and sister wives who've left ALL state that this is very common in polygamous households. Invariably, due to the passive-aggressive behavior this lifestyle brings, alot of sister wives take out their frustration on another wives kids. so sad but definitely reality. Janelle was smart to protect her kids from Meri and let Christine be the one to "mother" them in her absence. None of the teens seem to be close at all to Mean Girl Meri and they all seem to just tolerate the spoiled, bossy and self-righteous clone of her - Mariah.
It wasn't that she didn't treat them properly. It was that Christine didn't like how Meri punished them. Each parent, even in their lifestyle, has their own way of doing things which include raising their kids. Obviously the Darger's are more of a combined front in this as they showed (and said) on the show than the Brown's.
I'm sure all the kids know and accept that Daddy has his 2 faves - Mariah and King Solomon. Behind those 2 are Robyn's 2 little girls that sadly cling on him constantly. This family's effed up every which way but loose.
Some have speculated that the long-shirt-under-too-small-shirt thing is to cover their Mormon garments. It was very clear in this episode, however, (see above photos, even...) with Meri's skintight white almost see through underlayer shirt that there are no "garment" sleeves under that shirt.
I think Robyn is just getting her BFF...Brown Family Fat.
It seemed in this episode that finally they bigger wives are losing some of the weight. Janelle was looking good, even Christine. The previous episode must have been shot some time before this one. Now if they could just stop the HD close-ups of Meri's acne scars and her W.C.Fields bulbous nose...ugggghh! Pleeeease!!!
I was watching Our America the other day because they reran the polygamy episode and I'd never seen it. It was interesting and I learned more about polygamous families than I have during multiple seasons of Sister Wives. The Brown family has certainly not done those who choose to practice this type of lifestyle any favors. We should have guessed they'd ultimately shun family in favor of the individual way back when...remember the pumpkin patch outing? Each person had to have their own pumpkin. I remember thinking at the time 1) Jesus, do they all get their own Christmas trees, too? Their own Thanksgiving turkeys? Why not have a family pumpkin? 2) What a splurge! I know when we get pumpkin patch pumpkins, we spend a lot. It just showed a lack of budgeting and a love of frivolity. 1 family pumpkin, maybe have a contest where everyone draws a design and they vote for their favorite, then take turns carving. $10, way more family and wallet friendly. I know that was awhile back and it may seem out of place to mention it now but I am amazed what I failed to see foreshadowed. Talk about 50/50 hindsight! Stuff like that were the babysteps to multiple homes and wasteful spending habits.
...Or...if you *neeeed* that many pumpkins, plant ONE darn pumpkin vine in the spring! They had all that outdoor space at the last house, and even these LV houses have enough room for a pumpkin vine to be part of the landscaping of EACH house, rental or not! You will get plenty of pumpkins from one vine. Their idea of frugality seems to only mean buying industrial processed food on sale and that's ALL.
I've watched this show from the begining, and the more I watch, the more convinced I am that Meri is a spoiled, selfish, bully. Before Robyn and the show, I get the distinct impression that Janelle made the money, Christine looked after the kids, and Meri just took. She's a taker.
I get really irritated when she starts crying whenever anyone even comes close to questioning her "entitlements"... Shes like a spoiled child who cries and acts hard done by when daddy dares to suggest she doesn't really need something she's demanding.
Her selfishness is especially stark juxaposed to the selflessness and practicallity of Janelle. It broke my heart to listen to Janelle talk about trimming her house budget and not needing extra bedrooms while Merri insists on a McMansion for herself and her one kid.
A couple times I've caught myself wondering if Meri is really infertile or if she took birth control behind Cody's back... She wouldn't be the first to do that. I don't buy that she really wants a housefull of kids - I remember her saying she wanted 8! That way she could avoid the responsibility of children and play the "poor me" card about it, and continue to hoard the family's resourses for herself. Her wishy washy attitude about Robyn's surogacy offer seems to me like she is stalling for time until it is biologically too late. I don't think she wants more kids. I don't think she ever wanted them, in a real way.
Interesting thoughts. I don't know that I believe that Meri is taking birth control, but I totally agree that she never really wanted children in a real way. She could have had IVF any time. Kody is more than willing to do it. But she was always against it in the past. Now she's supposedly considering it. What changed??? Besides getting a reality tv show. If she were really, truly dedicated to having more children, having Robyn as a gestational surrogate should have been a no-brainer, particularly because of their supposed closeness and love as sisterwives, blah blah blah. Well, since they are living in separate houses, she really would have to do the child-rearing herself. Neighbors in a cul-de-sac are not the same as the house they lived in in Utah.
Plus the infertility makes her blameless. I mean, you can't criticize an infertile woman without looking like a jerk. But every time it comes up, Meri plays the infertility card. How convenient.
I think the Kodster and Meri Meri are a perfect match. They really needed to recruit some baby making labourers to look after them in their "lifestyle". Janelle the income supplier/money manager/baby maker and Christine the nanny/baby maker. Perfect! .......I wonder what the motivation was to take on Sobbin Robbin? That one I haven't worked out yet.
I think Robyn was brought in to have babies once Janelle and Christine were done. I also wonder if the courtship was key in them getting the TLC show, since that was the focus of the first season. I have seen documentaries with polygamists who seem a whole lot more grounded than the Browns and would make a much better example... so I wonder if they didn't persue the courtship angle in order to edge out competition for the show.
Someone was talking about Meri's passive-agressive apologies... YES! They drive me nuts too. I remember the "I'm sorry if I took something you thought was yours, Janelle" one, shooting daggers out her eyes and barely keeping her forked tounge in. The thought of sacrificing any of her own whims for the needs of her family is just so foreign to her that she can't even understand that Janelle wasn't even talking about herself but was talking about the family's needs.
Meri's sence of fairness and entitlement is just so at odds with what she claims to be her belief system. She has no empathy. She sees other people's needs only in the context of how they affect her and she thinks anything that is given to one of her sister wives absolutely must be given to her too - no matter that Christine and Janelle have to divide that between 7 people each while Meri only has 1 child to share with. And even crazzier is that she doesn't feel the same "equality" in contribution as she does when it comes to resourse division... While Janelle made all the money and Christine did all the child care (pre-show) Meri seemingly felt no compultion to contibute in any real way whatsoever. The most frusterating thing is how little insight she seems to have. She really thinks she is hard done by and entitled, and that her bullying is missunderstood... I think she's even convinced herself that her abuse of Janelle is Janelle's own fault. I honestly can't stand watching her anymore.
Oh - good point. Yes indeed - Sobin Robyn is the new breeder. I think you have got it right. Regarding Meri Meri..quite contrary..she absolutely needs to have one up on the other wives in every way. She feels entitled.
Here's some image damge control for ya. A couple of days ago, Mykeltie tweeted: "Daddy daughter's date w/ @realkodybrown @mariahlian @MaddieR_Brown @AspynBrown"
But not sure if they stayed in or actually went out to watch the movie tho...I'm guessing they stayed in since the movie ELF was mentioned & that has been playing on Cable for about a week or so now. I just wonder if Kody actually watched the movie w/ them or dozed off on the couch like he usually does...Lol
So why is it ok to show ur boobs when ur at a very PUBLIC BEACH & U know that it's gonna be filmed for America to see, but you can't wear a single short sleeve T-shirt during the summer? That just makes no damn sense. Also, why does Kody have to wear long sleeve shirts too? It just seems like that's all he wears too.
Robyn's normally very small chested and right now has her nursing boobs on. I think she's pretty happy with them in their full rounded state and she knew that the religious Darger women would all be showing swimsuit cleavage. So she rationalized it and went for it and the camera men were more than happy to make sure the world got to see them. Might be their only time to be shown off to everyone. ;'p
I doubt that man has a single tattoo. He was Mormon before the calling to be a plyg. My Mormon girlfriend's husband is in a rock band that plays alot of fairs around Utah and he doesn't have tats. It's just not something most Mormons do (tats I mean).
What is amusing at this point is that it is quite possible that SWB and other blogs like it are literally helping to keep SW afloat. Even bad, negative PR is like dirty, crumpled money....it all still works !!!
Their sell-by-date expired last season when the bullsh*t got so deep they should have included a free shovel with each book purchase.
Now they have to reframe and/or rehash history and play their assigned roles to keep the show going. I can picture Kodster yelling.... "Okay, now everyone, come on....practice your lines...and *action* !!!
And frankly, I could picture Baldy Joe doing the same thing when/if their turn comes..only his yelled *action* will be MUCH louder and forceful!!!
I'm thinking the same thing. I won't be sad if it goes the way of all the Jersey shows: RHNJ, Jersey Shore, Jerseylicious, etc. Craziness is compelling for a little while, but quickly becomes tedious if not tiresome. While I am still kind of interested to see how SW plays out, I have no interest in seeing more of the same from another plyg family, no matter how different the styles. Actually, not much different than a diet of pizza and chocolate; kinda fun at first, but the crappiness quickly makes you crave a salad.
When Christine said they didn't get the houses could she be talking about the first homes, the ones from the last season where they were flying the white kites?
I am thinking the individuality you mention and also creativity are important values to the Browns. I imagine if the Brown Web site listed individual interests of each child(as Darger site), a wide variety of interests would be represented.
Janelle has expressed the tension with the religion this poses, as Logan chooses colleges she's conflicted between once more encouraging the necessity she sees of Logan making his own choices, and her worry that she may not have adequately influenced him in her faith. Naturally a parent with a strong faith hopes with the Old Gospel song (Johnny Cash?) "May the circle be unbroken ... ."
Maybe this will be considered while hammering out a "mission statement".
1. Space (and the courage) to dream. ( A Brown strength)
2. Ability to plan, forming decisions which make those dreams happen. (The Darger strength)
Why are new comments not allowed on allowed on older blog posts? I liked 'magic undies'' comment about the girls next door not focusing on Hugh hefner making the playboy mansion seem like a fun sorority. I saw an episode of that once & almost wanted to live there but I would NOT want an 80 something yr old bf. Gross. I too would be interested in what the sister wives do when Kody is not around if they do anything together. Oh and Meri's "I could marry that" comment was just EPIC! On another note, I just have to say I think I could share a husband with the right women but I wouldn't want a million kids though!
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If I had to pick between the two Joe vs Kody - I'd definitely go with Joe. He is might type of guy. A family guy, organized, and obviously knows how to have his kids respect him enough to obey and yet, love him at the same time. I like how he takes charge.
Kody's comment about how his wives take charge... uh, dude, your wives take charge because you obviously can't and don't know how to. Kody lost his "head of household" a long time ago.
I love the Darger family. Period. The can actually function! I'm not plyg but if I was, I'd want to marry into that one! For sure! Now onto our lovely wives... I have been watching this season with a fresh and open mind.
Meri is a complete nincompoop. If I hear the words "Wet" and "Bar" one more time I may pull my hair. I'll just make a drinking game and call it even. Deal?
Janelle is very likeable as stated by others many many times but this lady just needs to pull herself up by her bootstraps and either needs to buckle down with the family or get the heck out of dodge. This is life she has chosen, now make some decisions.
Christine is glowing this season. She seems to have her own opinions and expressing them without fear. I see her making eyes at the Dargers but I don't think it's envy as much as it's "how can we [the Browns] get ourselves to the stage. I think Christine is working on get her family w/out her family knowing it.
Robyn is growing me. She might say and do some pretty STUPID things but I don't think she knows which way is up half the time. And who knows, maybe her parents were complete sh_t heads and she just doesn't have no idea how the real world works. Either way I think one day reality (no pun intended) is going to hit her in her face and she'll figure it out. Side note: she looking very boobilicious in those photos and she looks like shes enjoying that water a little TOO much! wink wink.
Does anyone else besides me just watch this show with half an eye now? You know like when you're bouncing back and forth between folding towels and changing cat litter? The best part of the show is Cynical's updates. ; ) Yes, that was a hint.
The beach vacation episode really showed such a difference in the two family's attention to health. The brown kids are mildly obese and will struggle with health and weight issues as adults. Al lowing ur kids to eat such unhealthy food is serious neglect IMO
I still have yet to watch the Plygcation, but I've really enjoyed reading everyones comments! FYI, The tankini that Robyn has on with the black shorts is a MATERNITY 2 piece. The top is from Motherhood Maternitys own line which does come with matching bottoms. It is from their summer 2011 collection. I sadly know this because I had purchased the same swim suit during my last pregnancy....
Yeah...I've never had a child, but my absolute most favorite t-shirt is a maternity t-shirt with "Be a Buffy, Not a Bella" printed on it. It was only available in maternity or teeny-tiny tank, and I had to have it... She probably hasn't bought a new suit since last summer, and if she does/did have a little tummy pudge, maybe she felt more comfortable in a generously cut suit.
Though I hardly consider myself a trend setter or fashion icon, I would like to think that I am a very fashion forward person. The Brown women IMO lack all fashion sense, and the fact that I had the same swim suit as Robyn makes me cringe a little bit. I do find it interesting that Robyn would be wearing maternity anything at this point, if she wasn't pregnant. I know after the birth of my babies I was so glad to pack up those maternity clothes! We have speculated a lot on this blog if she is or isn't pregnant. We know she likes to shop, why wouldn't she use this as an excuse to go out and buy a new swim suit for this? Victoria Secret also carries swim suits which I'm Robyn is well aware of :)
So I finally had the chance to watch the latest episode! YAY.
My thoughts: The grass is always greener on the other side.
I agree the Brown wives were very vocal about liking the way Papa Joe runs the Darger family.
But I think the Dargar wives conform to a more legalistic/complementarian relationship and thus would not vocalize anything that would be a "dig" at their husband.
I know Meri Brown and also her sisters. It is quite interesting to read al of your conclusions about her. I'd say your right in the money. She and her sisters have absolutely HORRIBLE behavior!! They were not raised in a way that promoted good behavior at all. Just had to say...interesting! Meri's selfishness is outrageous! And ut is clearly written all over Janelle's face. Kody favors her terribly. Grow a backbone please!!!!
I was curious about the holiday ornament. When I looked on the web site, it stated it was already sold out. Could that many people actually be buying it or do you think there was only like 10 made? Most sites list a backorder date when it will be available again and I didn't notice that either.
As for Janelle, she could just be tired rather than depressed.
Regarding Janelle looking tired/and or depressed in photo above. I think a beach vacation holds very little interest for a very over weight person. I am a size 14 and hate getting into a suit so I can sympathize. It would just be a hot, sandy drag. An hour would be fine......
Yeah, I know how you feel...I love the beauty of a quiet beach at sunset, but could care less for all the half-naked people and the ensuing clamor that you find during the day. Never really understood why these groups and lots of churches that go on about modesty turn around and have beach trips or pool parties.
You are right Handlebar ponytails.....It might be an opportunity for the men to lear at the girls and women in their churches, to preview the next breeder, or just get an eyefull when they would otherwise wouldn't.
I wonder who makes these excursion decisions? The Men likely.
Also on the new clip on the TLC website is Janelle talking about the home office she wants and then says “lots of realtors work from home”. Um, ok but she passed that test several months ago and none of us have seen any indication that she has a license (and we do have super sleuths here on SWB). So she passed the test 6 months ago and hasn’t taken the next step? How very Brown-like of her.
Re: the second beach house. If the picture of the beach houses on the previous post actually shows the two houses they rented, then the house linked to in the last post is the one on the right and the other house is the one with the glass brick on the left. It also has 10 bedrooms and sleeps 23 but has a slightly different floor plan.
Someone mentioned on the last thread's comments that 2 of the 3 Darger kids that have married are also in polygamist marriages. I can only find internet updates that show they have one married daughter but she is not in a polygamous marriage but MAY someday find herself in one up the road.
Also, the update on Caleb is that he has joined mainstream mormonism and PJ says he's very saddened about that and that Caleb will not be embracing their polygamous lifestyle.
So these parents say PUBLICLY that their kids have a choice but the kids KNOW their parents won't be happy about it if it's not the only and real RIGHT choice based on their lifelong indoctrinated religious beliefs.
There is no way all these children have any idea if they want to live a "Plural lifestyle", if they have never fallen in love with someone, then they REALLY don't know that feeling (Im talking about the girls here)...to fall in love with someone and share deep, personal feelings and actions with them and to EVEN THINK that some other women is going to come along and share probably the same with your husband...I'm sorry, but the thought of that is disturbing to me...and that does not make me weak, as that does not make a plyg wife stronger by any means.
Being "saddened" by the choices of your child is different than saying they have a choice. I would be sad if my son didn't grow up and do things and believe the way we do them now but I won't love him less and I won't separate him from the family.
I actually read on the Dargers blog that all three wives and Joe attended the ceremony or whatever it is called when Caleb joined the mainstream LDS church. Let's be honest, evey parent wants what is best for their kids and if you really believe in your religion than you would hope that it's the faith your children choose too. I'm sure the kids do know that their parents will be sad if they don't live polygamy. But at least they also know, as shown by all the adults showing up to support Caleb and claim him as their child, that their parents will at least be supportive of whatever faith they choose to fulfill their spirtual needs. My mom was sad when I became an adult and told her I wasn't Christian. But that doesn't mean she doesn't support me or resents me for my choice or for choosing to raise my kids in my faith. I hope my kids stay in our faith but if they don't, I will still support them. I think that most parents would.
That was me. You found probably old news on their daughter Laura Darger. Her husband comes from a polygamous family as well, if I'm not entirely mistaken and they either want to or already have a polygamous marriage. The other daughter Amanda Darger is in a polygamous marriage right now. She is a part of the Second Ward (the Centennial Park folks). We will see her and her marriage in the show on December 18.
On the Darger blog site, under the OUR FAMILY tab, they list their kids individually and their updates and ages all look current. But they only show 2 daughters that are married w/the one who's had a son - Darger's first grandbaby. Nothing about either daughter in a polygamous marriage. But maybe they feel that's not their news to share if they are.
But I still don't see a third kid listed as married.
Long time reader...first time blogger...love the site!! Completely off topic, but I have to ask...Why does Mari wear everything (I mean everything) two sizes or more too small? It looks like she raids the little girls closets! I know it's petty, but is it modest to bulge?
I think that Meri has gained a lot of weight and clothes that used to fit her don't anymore. And there is probably a little bit of denial going on, a little bit of a money situation and maybe she wears what feels comfertable. I know after I gained weight I took me years to realize that what I though made me look skinnier (therefor was more comfertable in) was actually extremly illfitting.
Meri does look like she has gained a lot of weight. I can't imagine the skin tight clothes she wears are comfortable. They certainly are very unflattering. If there is enough money in the budget for vacations, furniture, new cars there should be money for new clothes!
This is my first time posting here, but I've been watching sister wives since the beginning and reading this blog after every new episode for the past year. I love this blog! Thanks everyone for always weighing in and being respectful of everyone's opinion. I just rewatched the latest episode. I noticed a couple of things... 1. Meri is worried about decorating her house 2. Kody says they will potentially never heal from sharing a kitchen 3. Kody says their kitchen is their domain and they have to be free to express their personality 4. Kody says they weren't communicating and being kind enough to share the kitchen and they still aren't there 5. Meri- "janelle feels like I abused her" 6. Janelle- "its a personality difference." 7. Meri- "I was raised in a way where I could say how I felt and I could say what I wanted. That ended up feeling and looking abusive." "I have a louder voice and a stronger voice" Translation:: Meri wants what she wants when she wants it. Others opinions or feelings don't matter. Kody sticks up for Meri and listens to Meri not Janelle. Kody allows Meri to run things and be the abusive wench that she is. Its quite sad really. Kody making excuses for paying for 4 houses, 4 water bills, 4 electric bills, etc all because one of his wives can't live peacefully with anyone else. Janelle is trying to smooth things over by saying its Meri's personality but what that really means is "Meri its not that you were acting like a biatch, you are a biatch!"
I think this show was put on the air way back when to show a polygamous family and the original story line was Kody brining in another wife. However, little did TLC know that they show would last longer than the first couple seasons. So after the baby they ran out of fuel. Now they are trying to create drama and story lines. Definitely has jumped the shark at this point. I just watch for the train wreck.
So right on. What the dangers showed us is how it all falls on the man to make this work. When the man is full of excuses and thinks money can fix everything and is dumber then a rock it is no wonder the Browns are the failure that they are
I think what the Dargers show is that in order to be successful, everyone has to be on the same page. I think mission statements are cheesy as hell, but if they get everyone to sit around the table and really think about what their priorities are as a family and then decide on the best way to make those priorities happen, then it's a good thing. The Browns do nothing more than pay lip service about the plyg family being for the children when it's obvious that everything they do, from the four houses because they can't live together, to the unequal distribution of money (sorry Meri, but yes, you deserve less--after all, if it's truly about the kids, then the money should be divided according to child, not wife), to everything else discussed. The Dargers live like their children come first. I loved that the one Darger wife was truly confused as to why the Browns wouldn't share a kitchen in order to keep their kids together. The only Brown willing to sacrifice anything for the kids is Janelle. I don't think you need a just a man to make this kind of family work if everyone is on the same page with the same priorities.
"I loved that the one Darger wife was truly confused as to why the Browns wouldn't share a kitchen in order to keep their kids together."
And I loved how the Browns skirted around the conversation with their "well that's great that it works for you but be careful not to push it on us" crap... Kody and Meri just don't get it. I agree that the only Brown willing to sacrifice anything for the kids is Janelle, although I think Christine and even Robyn would get on board. Meri is just plain selfish. Her decorating comment was so telling, as was the Dargers' reaction to it. For a second I thought they were going to ask her if she was serious. I kinda wish she would have.
I think this episode really highlighted the differences between a polygamous family who's actions are driven by their faith and deep belief in their religion (the Darger's) and a family who seems to be in the lifestyle either just because it sounded fun, or it was expected of them, or just don't really understand why they are living the way they are (the Brown's).
The Darger wife acted shocked that Meri would be so concerned about decorating when the issue of decorating would interfere with the raising of the children and intrude on the harmony of the family. "Just let it go" she said, and if you were committed to this religion, her position makes sense, whereas Meri's "but I want to decorate MY way" just seems selfish and not harmonious with the religion.
Poor Janelle has had her self esteem pounded into the ground so badly, she can't recover. She seems unable to extricate herself from this "marriage" and resigned to her fate as the scape goat and black sheep of the family. That is profoundly sad.
As much as I think the Darger's are doing all they can to live their religion to the best of their ability, and by all appearances are very successful at it - I hope they DON'T get their own TLC show. To have Figure 8 or TLC or whoever invade this family and create drama and problems simply for the sake of ratings would be a travesty of the worst kind.
To me one of the most telling moments of the episode was when the Darger wife was talking to Meri about decorating. I noticed that during that episode the Dargers mentioned "sacrifice" more than once...Where's is Meri's sacrifice in any of this?....It just comes so natural to Meri and the Brown wives (but ESPECIALLY MERI) to always think of ME ME ME first and how everything that happens affects ME ME ME...You see very little sacrifice..They are all independent, as Kody pointed out but not in a good way..a more "I need to get me some before someone else gets it" type of way...How does this fall into line with being a loving, harmonious, highly religious and spiritual family? Even Christine, who usually seems practical said something about "going big or go home"..talking about the plans on her big home....How about NOT making this all about how big you can go or how much you can grab and start some sacrificing and saving because your 15 minutes of fame is at about minute 13.5...
Please, Meri, quit crying..it's old already and no one is buying it or feeling bad for you because you sit and think you deserve a big house instead of just moving your ass into one of your sister wives houses and HELPING THEM ...
All along I have felt the Brown's are not interested in living as ONE family....I still don't get Kody's explanation of each woman needing their own kitchen...Because why again? They are selfish and can't work together? Why are you polygamous again?
I also agree with earlier posters how so much of it might be just acting to keep people like us talking and keep the ratings going...
*sigh* I can't believe I'm actually kind of going to defend Meri...in earlier shows they showed her sewing for the kids and I think stuff for the houses too. Maybe she wants a hubby room to sew? Now I DO NOT understand why one of the 3 unused bedrooms couldn't be used for that, but I do understand the need for a sewing area. I make a LOT of clothes for my kids (especially my daughter) and the majority of gifts that I give are handmade. Right now, I only have a teeny tiny desk in the corner of our master bedroom for all of my stuff and it is miserable when I'm working on several projects at once, or even just one large quilt. I would LOVE a sewing room and that is on my list of "wants" for our next house, but it certainly won't be a deciding factor because it isn't a "need".
As far as Janelle's checked out attitude, of course I'm not a medical professional, but I wonder if she is on any sort of antidepressant. After our first was born I had a moderate case of PPD so my doctor put me on an antidepressant. It turned me into a total zombie. I was really just numb to the world so my doctor & I decided it would be best if I didn't take it (I have absolutely nothing against them, it just didn't work for me). But I recognize that zombie-like attitude that Janelle seems to have so often. I could be totally wrong. Anyone else think this may be the case? I certainly wouldn't blame her for needing an antidepressant!!
I'm an avid sewer,also. I sew everything from wedding gowns to tailor jackets. A sewing area is great BUT should someone that doesn't appear to want to work, has filed bankruptcy, and has children that need the necessities of life be entitled to their special area?
I think Janelle is tired, worked for all those years suporting all those people and has Misery Meri harping at her all the time.. I wonder if she will ever leave?
exactly. And what the heck is she doing with all those extra bedrooms??? I just don't see how she can keep a straight face and insist that she is entitled to all this in the spirit of "fairness"
I totally agree, but there are so many people on here who have made it sound like a hobby/sewing/crafting room is pointless for ANYONE. I do understand why someone would want one. Does she "deserve" one? Absolutely not. But if, for example, she was planning on making the majority of the clothes for the younger kids I could see why she would want a dedicated space for that. Dedicated space being space already available, not adding an extra room onto an already obscenely large house for ONE PERSON since that's now many people will be living there in 6 months.
I guess should have made myself more clear. I definitely do not agree with her getting extra space when it's taking away from others who actually need the space.
You must be referring to my comment above. Like I said up there, I'm not ragging on her for "just having had a baby or 4 and OMG, she has a pooch!" I've had a gazillion pregnancies and births and I get it, POOCH! I'm specifically wondering why after Solomon was born there was a period of time when she DIDN'T have a pooch(some reported that she looked incredibly thin at some show?) and now she has a very pronouced one. She is supposedly still breast feeding so she hasn't stopped and gained weight from that. Not fertility shots like said above. Maybe just regular ole fat? IMO, it's not, it's .... different and I wanted other opinions on that. With this whole surrogacy thing looming over, maybe they are pregnant with Kody and Robyn's baby and don't want anyone to know, is she boogie boarding while pregnant, miscarriage, speculation welcomed.
I see that some of you find the Dargers a successful family. Hm... I am not so sure. I wouldn't appreciate that my husband took all decisions and didn't allow me to argue with them. As I suspect the Dargers live. At least the Brown wives are not afraid to tell their opinion, that's good.
The, of course, one has to choose your battles, but is that the case with the Dargers? Or have they decided to be quiet because that is how they live? No, I am not yet convinced that they are so happy and harmonic as it seems on the surface. "Big, bald and intimidating"? Nah.
There are alot of marriages even without the religion aspect that the wife simply become submissive. I think most of us have known people that way. It's just how they are. I don't see the Darger wives as being submissive in that way. I suspect they voice their opinions, in private, in a respectful manner.
What works for one family wont necessarily work for the next. That arrangement wouldn't work for me but I know some who it works very well for.
Agreed! What makes him more qualified to make the decisions? His penis?
Also, I think it's odd that the kids used the word "intimidating" to desribe him. That's not a good word, you shouldn't have to be "intimidating" to be respected.
I'm sorry this is going to be a long post. I haven't had time to read all of the comments so here are my thoughts and frustrations with this week's episode.
Is Jhanelle the only logical Brown? WHY do Kristine's kids all need their own rooms? I shared a room my my 2 sisters and sometimes just one of them growing up and it was a blast! And we weren't poor or anything. I don't get it. Why the need for so many rooms? Jhanelle needs to get out these people are bringing her down. Jhanelle needing less rooms/Meri needing more... wth?
A tennis court!???? Are you effing serious?? Ok people. In Vegas you barley even have yards!!! I live in a $150,000 house and my side and front yard(no back yard) is the size of my tiny kitchen. Las Vegas just doesn't have yards. Especially not yards for a tennis court! They are flipping insane!! I've never even heard of someone asking for something like that.
Was this whole episode supposed to be about how amazing and good looking the Darger's are and how overweight, unorganized and chaotic the browns are? I can't stand Joe. I still think his wives are way too nice and good looking for him. He doesn't even deserve just one of them. How did he get all 3? I've read the Darger's book and it's pretty obvious that they have their stuff together and are doing this for religion but they still creep me out. A lot!
When joe said "don't tell me 8 and we leave at 10, I'll be really irritated" I wanted to slap him through the screen. Who says stuff like that? Especially to someone you don't really know super well. I'm the same exact way as him but I would not say that to someone (except to maybe a family member) There are more tactful ways to get your point across about needing to leave on time than being a rude, pompous ass about it. I loved Jhanelle making fun of him though. That would have been me. He's rude.
It was pretty obvious the whole episode that Kristine and meri were like "how the HELL did we marry kody. Why didn't we marry into a family like this?" Kody was so jealous. I loved when he left and all the wives laughed at him. I bet that secretly pissed him off so bad.
Joe taking control of the rooms was pretty normal. With that many people I don't know who wouldn't do that?
Robyn is such a biotech for telling on the girls for checking out the Darger's. on national TV. Rude, Robyn. Rude.
Welfare fraud....? Really Kody?
Robyn saying "omg my sisterwives all work out. The only person who doesn't work out is me" what was up with that? I wonder what kind of questions the producers were asking.
I can't believe Robyn's boobage! I've got a swimsuit that covers up my Goodies more than that.
When the wives talk about affection it makes me sick. I just can't imagine not being able to hold my husband's hand or kiss him anytime I want without hurting someone else's feelings. I feel like their lives are a nightmare. Just a creepy/ sad and dark nightmare full of emptiness and uncertainties. Makes me sad because most of them deserve so much better but they just don't know it.
I loved the kid's conversation. The brown kids don't respect kody because he makes promises that he never keeps. Joe's kids respect him because he is probably like a normal parent and follows through on his words and actually makes things happen instead of just hoping that they will Happen. Maddie is so pretty and smart. I can't wait to read her book one day!
Merri still doesn't feel like she did Jhanelle wrong. Instead of saying "I know that at one point I was abusive to Jhanelle in the kitchen" she says "Jhanelle feels like I abused her" she's not sorry.
Good job kody for not listening for your innocent and abused wife. This is another reason why polygamy doesn't work. No matter what happens in this life my husband will always always have my back. He'll always stand up for me and take my side. He tells me everyday that I am his #1 priority. He's my very best friend as I am his. These women don't have that and it's sad.
Kody trying to be careful with his words so he's not sexist... Haha too late for that one dork.
Jhanelle looks so tired and done with it all. She just doesn't care anymore. I really think that she doesn't give a flip about ANYTHING.
Also, Things in the preview like Kristine saying "it's going to be a competition the whole time" and Robyn saying "when wives have to share a house there can be destruction" those two things stood out to me a lot but weren't shown in the actual episode.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Dargers got their own show then we'll get to see them fall apart at the seams. It looks like they have it all together but there's just no way that they're lives are smooth sailing.
When this series started I thought that maybe it would provide a better understanding of polygamy and the lifestyle associated with it. While the first season tried to reasonably accomplish this, subsequent seasons have done nothing but glorify a morally corrupt lifestyle.
My post is not to offend anyone who continues to watch this debaucle, but to inform others that wish to stop the further greed that this 'family' is benefiting from due to the very existence of this show. These people do not wish to 'educate' about polygamy. Their singular goal is to exploit their children in order to benefit financially. To me, this is unacceptable and disgusting.
Why is this show still on? Due to people like ourselves who continue to watch this train wreck. I do not care about the adults. But the children will emerge from the train wreck bloodied and wounded beyond any chance of healing.
If we truly care about the innocent, we must do our part to stop this. The advertisers who pay to support this show are the ones who contribute to the continued battering of these kids. If you want to help these children, send these advertisers a message. Below is a link where you can voice your concern for their welfare. Sponsored by the American Decency Organization, we can send a message to the advertisers.
Again, I do not wish to offend anyone, but 'Sister Wives' only provides a one-sided view of polygamy, and their main goal is to support their lifestyle, not to inform. How can I support a show when the 'King' of the family does not even legally claim his own blood. Mariah is the only child who legally he calls his own. It is sad, and I am mad.
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Did anyone notice when one of the wives (sorry not sure who it was) said that they dont show affection, they like it behind closed doors...this was when Joe had his arm around one of his wives. I really wonder if Kody shows his wives any affection, like Janelle, I feel so sorry for her. you know Kody a woman likes a hug once in awhile, or just for you to walk by and touch her, sad that he cant even do that to them.
I just finished the Browns' book. Janelle said she has gotten better about telling Kody what she needed. She said Kody told her HE wanted more affection from her. She must by nature not be a touchy feely person.
I am sure all you SW experts will shake your heads at me, but can anyone tell me the ages of each wife? Just curious as to the difference in ages. I am interested to see if Kody adds more wives that are younger and younger. And if he does, how convenient that "God" would "call" him to a young wife....I guess in the population of Planet Brown it would make sense. For all it's worth, I wish Janelle would get out of this harmful, abusive relationship, but I doubt she will unless there is some major motivating factor that comes up. :(
When Kod said he was ready to drop a load of cash to get Mari a baby whose money is it. 20k or 30k. How do they split it. Janelle shouldn't have to pay for Maris I infertility.
Sorry - the computer I'm on is giving my a Java error when I try to reply.
In answer to those who replied to one of my earlier posts, the Roloffs are the family from "Little People, Big World." They're another family in a unique situation (two dwarfs with 3 normal-sized children and one dwarf). They started out as just interesting to watch, and the money and fame really seem to have changed them. The husband and wife seem to be barely able to stand each other, and it's sad to watch another train wreck unfold.
They're not nearly as messed up as the Browns (IMO), but television exposure via TLC doesn't seem to have done them any favors.
Re: The houses: How can a family of 17 keep such a big secret? Especially in the world of facebook, twitter and google earth? This blog has lots of people trying to figure it all out. I say kudos to the Browns/TLC for honestly keeping this a secret…I find it fascinating that not even one of the pre-teens or teens would blab to a friend (or a cousin, there are hundreds of those!) who would tell their parents, etc…when you think of all the people sworn to secrecy on it….I think this might be the Brown Family’s biggest accomplishment yet. They are all probably hanging out in Meri’s hubby room and wet bar, toasting all of us ‘fans’ who are searching for them!
Great shots! Must agree with a former poster that Robchin is showing quite the "boobage", for being so modest!
ReplyDeleteDo the browns have a dress code about keeping g their arms covered? They looked so silly at the beach in wet long sleeves.
DeleteJanelle is getting so tired..:(
ReplyDeleteBig balled and intimidating..good gracious alive!
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to mention this was clarified on another page.....he said big, bald (as in no hair), and intimidating.
Delete: - )
This big balled and intimadating was totally meant as a joke..I should have put..just kidding, or lol..after the statement..;)
DeleteI think in that first pic with Christine and most of her pics lately, she looks really good. Something about her face is much more beautiful of late (except for the sad eyes and obvious change in demeanor since Kodouche's insensitive comments). Maybe it's just her recent weight loss. Anyone notice something that I'm missing like a new haircut, different makeup, etc?
DeleteWhen Janelle looks at Joe holding 2 of his wives..she almost has a look of longing..then she turns away quickly...she makes me sad for her..she needs her OWN husband..alot of people say..they don't feel bad for her, because she can just leave..but it's not that easy..with low self esteem..every women with low self esteem still has moments of strength..but it's all in vain, when she thinks about her life ..especially her kids..and her beliefs..she believes this is it..it's final.
ReplyDeleteShe also probably thinks...my kids would want to stay with their father as long as he has this show "Sisterwives". I'm stuck!
DeleteI've been obsessing about whether or not Robyn is pregnant. She certainly looks pregnant here but I can't imagine she would be boogie boarding if pregnant. Is it just a pooch or could it be fertility treatments for being a surrogate. I don't think she actually would go through with being a surrogate and I don't have much knowledge about swelling while having those shots etc. Anyone here who could answer? Love this blog. First time poster :-)
ReplyDeleteWelcome!
DeleteWhat struck me as "unusual" was Robyn's comment that Meri, Christine and Janelle exercised, but that she didn't. Shw exercised before so why would she stop? There's a thickness about her waistline that just looks...unusual.
If Robyn was going to be a gestational carrier for Meri and Kody, she would not be using her own eggs. So the process of stimulating the ovaries to make large amounts of eggs would be on Meri and not Robyn. Robyn would just have to in sync with Meri's cycle and prepare her uterus for the transfer of embryos. That process is not as rigorous and I do not think it would cause the "swelling" around her abdominal area.
DeleteI totally agree. She also posted recently on twitter that she hoped Sol would go to sleep because they both needed the rest. I may completely be overanalyzing this family but SO MUCH is said "between the lines" and I felt that the comment about her needing rest was telling of....something...
Deleteher arms are pudgy too. I've never been PG but that just looks like good ol' fat to me. and how many times have we seen her wear that plaid shirt? jeez
DeleteMaybe Robchin doesn't think there is anything wrong with boogie boarding while pregnant? She doesn't seem to be the brightest bulb in the box.
DeleteHahaha, I was wondering if anyone else noticed that plaid shirt too.
DeleteWould it be too far fetched for her to have been pregnant, had a miscarriage, and now is pregnant again?
DeleteWould Meri's eggs even be usable at age 45?
DeleteLets give Robyn a break on her tummy pooch. This was her fourth baby! My "baby" is 32 and I still have a kangaroo pouch!!
DeleteChristine is a beautiful woman who doesn't realize her value. I hope she finds the strength to walk away from this unhealthy lifestyle and finds someone who will cherish her instead of use her. She clearly yearns for a loving relationship. Of all the wives she seems the most disillusioned to me.
DeleteMeri is 41 not 45. Statistically a woman at 41 should have viable eggs. However, a doctor would have to make that determination. You can put 2 women aged 41 next to each other and have a different prognosis for each one. Your chances decrease as you age, however it is not impossible. Long before fertility treatments, women got pregnant well into their 40s and had healthy babies. 3 of my own family members got pregnant at 42, 44 and 45 the old fashioned way and gave birth to healthy babies. You just never know.
DeleteThanks to everyone for the in-vitro/egg info! I'm not ragging on Robyn because she is poochy. I'm poochy. However she very clearly WASN'T poochy at one point after Sol and now is very poochy in my opinion and I enjoy guessing what the circumstances could be :-) With this family, Ive learned that nothing is too far fetched and you NEVER KNOW what may come up that is mind boggling!
DeleteAbout the rental property - I was one who said that the property had 22 bedrooms, which was incorrect. It has 10 bedrooms and sleeps 22. Sorry about that! Thanks for catching that, Fake Fan!
ReplyDeleteOn the previous page, DJ said, "Chantelle - I know a lot of surfer dudes, and Kody is an insult to surfer dudes everywhere!!! He's not even a surfer dude! He just thinks he is. It takes more than messy hair to be one! LOL"
You're right! Saying that Kody has a surfer dude [...] attitude IS an insult to surfer dudes everywhere. I should have said that Kody had a poser surfer-dude attitude or wannabe surfer-dude attitude instead.
Kody has failed at being a polygamist husband. As Bellarina pointed out, he doesn't know when to step in and resolve conflict between his wives and when to stay out of the conflict. It seems to me that he's more concerned about being liked than respected... or he figures that his wives getting along is not his problem and he doesn't much care how well they get along... which I think is also true for his children.
Kody is a babydaddy, not a father, and uses his religion to justify his actions. I'm surprised the babydaddy losers who show up on Judge Judy haven't figured out that Kody's brand of polygamy - along with all the Bleeding the Beast lessons - is perfect for them.
Not that the Brown wives are much better, really. They may be interested in Joe Darger but even if he was interested in adding new wives I very much doubt that they would be the women he'd choose to court. I can't imagine Joe wanting to add Brown chaos and menopausal status to his well-run, disciplined family.
Oh and BTW, has anyone noticed that the Brown wives aren't wearing the jewelry they're trying to sell?
I'm beginning to suspect there IS no real jewelry. They offer an overpriced product, then charge people ridiculous amounts for shipping and handling so, of course, NO ONE actually orders it. But they can pay themselves a handsome salary (actually paid out of their TLC money) for pretending to design and market it, so they're losing money and getting a great tax write-off. Almost as smart as welfare fraud and bankruptcy if you want to continue to do nothing and buy new houses.
DeleteHappy to be the nit picking detail person, Chantelle! :)
DeleteI was really hoping someone knew what the second floor plan was....or were the two side by side houses identical? The rental actually does look nice, if you wanted to do a big family reunion sort of thing....
In one recent epi. I saw Meri wearing one of their necklaces. I have also seen Brown fans post that they have bought the jewelry. Not many, most post they cannot afford it, but there are a few idiots that appear to actually be buying. I don't think there are enough buyers to actually provide one of the Brown women with a full time job, but I am sure this suits them fine, they can say they work and still take all there vacations.
DeleteThis is what I'm saying about Meri's house -- the "hubby room" and the "wet-bar" are all tax write-offs. Yes, it will invite increased IRS scrutiny, but honestly, an audit is not that big of a deal as long as you have paperwork, a good accountant, and you realize that if you lose, you might have to pay more money. I'm also willing to bet that Robyn's "office" will be a tax write off as well for the the "jewelry" business. Given that they are in the entertainment business, they are already likely to be under increased scrutiny, since contracts and speaking gigs and 1099's (from something like the UNLV speaking engagement) practically invite it. (I'm in the entertainment industry, although in a small way.) Fortunately, my brother-in-law is a CPA and my husband is an attorney who took several classes in tax law and small business, and I have a great agent, so it helps our bottom line.
DeleteChristine and Janelle, on the other hand, will be the houses where children actually, you know, LIVE.
Kody won't settle for anything less than Hearst Castle or Mar-A-Lago next time!!
Deletethat is what I thought with Janelle, she seems so beaten down to me..
ReplyDeleteI bet she is a really nice person, I feel so bad for her.
one day I hope she runs from this nightmare.
(can anyone tell me how to put my name on this and not anonymous..)thank you
When you're finished with your comment, click on the arrow at the end of the 'Select Profile' box. Select Name/URL. Just type what name you want to use in the Name: box. You don't have to put in a url address. Then just click 'Continue'
DeleteHope this helps you!
I'm almost finished reading the Brown's book. I have the Darger's book here waiting to be read next. (Thanks to my public library.)
ReplyDeleteI'm in Meri's celebrity section. Three things she says show her dislike of her sister wives.
#1 - She had a hard time getting used to the camera being around. She's "not an actress - that is Christine". OUCH!
#2 - She'll never get used to people coming up to her in public saying she is their favorite wife. LOL
#3 - She was happy to have an opportunity to introduce herself to Matthew McConaughey since she's been a big fan. She says it's the reason she let Kody grow his hair long. She said "Robyn and Christine ruin the moment by acting like giddy 14 year olds around him!"
This book gives a picture of what a mess they are. I feel like it shows how none of the wives have ever had their needs met but yet they feel it's so wonderful! It's mind boggling.
Meri says she loves to look back at Season 1 (minus the honeymoon episode which she has never watched). She says it's great to see how much they have all matured. I feel like we've watched them all get more hurt, angry and depressed. What has gotten better???
What am I missing???
I just love Janelle. I would love to be her friend. I feel like she has gotten the short end of the deal her entire life. Poor thing!!!!
#2 - She'll never get used to people coming up to her in public saying she is their favorite wife.
DeleteNow that is HILARIOUS.
It is hilarious she thinks that.
DeleteRobin says she knows she comes in last in the list of favorite wives. LOL
Rolling my eyes over Meri being anyone's favorite wife. Unless, of course, they are materialistic, greedy, selfish, bossy and phony.
DeleteI, too, would like to know Janelle. She is the most interesting of the whole bunch, but I just can't figure out how someone who is so logical could buy into this load of crap.
Michigander1969, I would like to comment about what you said about Janelle ( I feel like she has gotten the short end of the deal her entire life. Poor thing!!!!) I like Janelle, too, but I feel that she has 2 major issues that hold her back (and this is true for the other wives, too) from leaving this chaotic life and having a fulfilling, happy life: her low self-esteem and the 'religion/lifestyle' she has chosen....I think she could get help from a counselor/therapist for her self esteem problem, but nothing much will come of that if she stays in this religion....I believe that when you have self-esteem issues, you don't think enough of yourself to want something better in life, you don't feel like you deserve better, so you stay stuck where you are and the religion enforces staying where you are because of the whole 'planet' concept....I think it's really sad that this religion basically looks at women as breeders....but it's very interesting and ironic to me that Janelle's daughter, Maddie (who I adore!) is so outspoken and against polygamy....
DeleteSo they're a fan of Matther McConaughey? I wonder if the SW has seen the movie Magic Mike yet?? They would definitely be gettig super giddy then....LOL
DeleteI just read their book. A bit embarrassed I actually spent $$ on what was really just a bunch of high school essays put together. It seems that Kody uses his religion to play the field while married. Courting when wives were pregnant? Really? Its like. Once their pregnant they've served their purpose so he starts looking for a new field to plow. Its so disrespectful to jenelle and Christine. No wonder they seem beaten down.
DeleteWell Meri WAS the favorite wife of many fans in season 1 and maybe even 2. She was for me, I'll admit that without hesitation. It wasnt until the house debacle and then some things I read in the book that I changed my mind and am no longer such a big fan.
DeleteRE: #1
DeleteI think Christine is just more nurturing and approachable with people. Out of all the wives I think she is the most transparent and sincere. I honestly see her as beautiful person and a loving mother to all the children.
I don't think Maddie is outspoken against polygamy, just that she doesn't want it for herself. Subtle difference, but an important one.
DeleteSo many religions are what they are to keep women in their place. Theirs is just another one. I think Jannelle was happy working in Utah, her life had real meaning within the confines of her religion. She doesn't have a purpose that has meaning for her now. Such a shame.
DeleteGEML, I agree. She's said numerous times that it's just not for her. Big difference from saying she's against it for everyone.
DeleteIMO, Mean Meri and Kodouche are narcisstic, abusive, psychopathic pathetic excuses for human beings. I have LOTS of professional and personal experience with people like them and it is VERY clear what their issues are and why they were drawn to this lifestyle. Sorry if that is too harsh for this site but I had to say it. I refuse to watch and enable this disgusting abuse of human beings.
DeleteI am so glad I found this blog - you guys all have such insightful things to say! I was a big fan of the show and thought they were a great family when they lived in Utah in one house. Enter Robyn and it just seems to have gone downhill from there. I will say I thought the contrast this week between the Dargers and the Browns was quite startling. First of all, the Dargers all live in one very neat, well-run house and the wives look terrific! It is obvious they take great pride in the appearance, are physically fit and genuinely seem happy. When you look at the Browns, you see polar opposites. The wives all look so down-trodden, worn down and just plain unhappy. Their world seems like chaos compared to the Dargers and their selfishness (Meri & Robin - I'm talking to you!) is startling! They are worried about such inane things as wetbars and extra bedrooms while their family is literally splitting apart. I also thought the look on Joe Darger's face was priceless when Kody explained the move to Vegas. Yes - I know I would pack up my entire family of 23 or so people, move to a brand new state with NO job and just wait for a large 10 bedroom house to fall in my lap. Who on earth even does such a thing?! I feel so sorry for the kids in the family. The only parent with any sense honestly is Janelle and I don't feel like she ever wanted to leave Utah. I wish they would go back there and back to just one house and live as a family - that was way more interesting. I just don't feel like I'm watching a family right now...
ReplyDeleteJanelle desperately wanted to leave Utah -- she claimed to be terrified at the time. I think she's a great actress (better than the rest) even though (let's repeat again) NO ONE has been arrested for polygamy only since 1972!!!! She claimed at the time that she couldn't sleep or function because she was so "afraid." This is the main reason I'm not convinced that the animosity between Meri and Janelle this season isn't manufactured as well.
DeleteChristine, on the other hand, was very very opposed to moving. (Sometimes that dingy exterior is smarter than we think!)
I think that Meri wanted to do what Kody wanted (although she was torn about uprooting Mariah) and Robyn was glad to go because it was a way of equalizing her relationship (since she didn't have a place within the household) and it was clear that Kody wanted to go and supporting him gave her more clout as a wife.
I know, or even two houses, Meri/Christine and kids and then Janelle/Robin and kids. Although no one would want to be paired with Meri. At least, it would have some sort of family atmosphere. Instead four separate houses and lives, can you imagine how boring it is when the camera's aren't rolling? Look what they have to do to contrive a show now.
DeleteGEML, I didn't think that Janelle was acting when she was scared; I thought she was actually scared. At the same time, her being so scared doesn't really make sense, does it? I don't remember the timing exactly, but if either Meri or Janelle lost their jobs and then Kody deliberately tried to scare Janelle, that would account for her being so scared.
DeleteIf Kody did deliberately try to scare Janelle into moving to Las Vegas (and I wouldn't put it past him), then that would provide another reason for her checking out now.
Scared my ass!! That didn't stop them from making countless trips back & forth to Utah after they made a mad dash for Vegas....smh
DeleteScared to pay a heavy income tax from their TLC payday & scared to have to tithe the AUB such a large amount that's probably required of them. Which if they didn't that's pretty selfish of the Browns. After getting permission to marry Robyn & then getting sealed, they just don't feel like forking over 10% or how much ever is required of them. Kinda like totally stiffing a server or leaving 10% tip instead of the standard 15-20%...Even after getting great service.
I don't think janelle was scared about being arrested in Utah for polygamy. I think she was scared that coming out might trigger a criminal investigation into their finances. And since she pays the bills and probably "shifts" the money around, she would be the one doing the dealing with the auditors and paying the penalties.
DeleteI think Janelle just got whipped up into the hysteria of the moment about leaving Utah. When you have kids to be concerned about it is easy to start second guessing yourself and become really worried.
DeleteWhen all around you are going mad.....it is very difficult to stay logical and sane...
Caramel Brownie, well said!!! I agree!
Delete"Matured" to Meri probably equals "now have loads of money" or she equates matured with having her hair, nails, makeup, "better" clothes, and ugh self tanner done.
ReplyDeleteAgree Anonymous 5:34 pm!! Meri thinks she has 'matured'?? Is she serious???
DeleteAfter she has babbled, practically stomped her feet and threw a hissy fit because it didn't look like she was going to get her 'wet bar'??? That's mature behavior??
Mean Girl Meri has "matured" from NEVER apologizing in the past to now doing her passive/aggressive apologies where she paints herself as the self-righteous victim right behind the "i'm sorry BUT" part.
DeleteMeri's as grown-up as she's ever going to get. She's too frustrated and angry from years of this emotionally unhealthy plyg lifestyle and what's ever going to change it for her? She'll be worse once she's put out to pasture - which is coming up very soon.
Kody will be singing, "the old grey Mer - she ain't what she used to be . . . "
I am pretty new to this blot. Love reading it. I'm obsessed with this family. Cant look away but really want the insanity to end!!
ReplyDeleteJust wondering have u already discussed possibility of std's ?? Personally I'd be very worried.
I have always wondered that too. I don't think it's been discussed much (except for the constant cold sores) but if I were a plural wife and my husband wanted to add another wife who was previously married to another man who was banging other wives you bet your boots I would want an std test. But these people would never answer a question like that.
DeleteOMG, I hope that is a PRIORITY for them and all who practice polygamy and add another person??!!
DeleteKody really showed how immature he really is when he told Joe Darger about his plan to move to Vegas. How he thought a massive house would be readily available. Joe Darger did well not to laugh in his face and say "loser" I would much prefer the Joe Darger school of plyg living to the Kody Brown chaos and mess!
ReplyDeleteOh yeah, because these massive mansions with 10 or 25 bedrooms (I don't remember how many he actually wanted) are just sitting around waiting to be picked up for a song. Such homes exist - after all, that's what they rented with the Dargers - but they're not common. What an idiot.
DeleteI was shocked and impressed that Joe kept his reactions to himself. Joe is no dummy and he must see right through Kody's blustering and bragging so I imagine that it would have been difficult for him to not burst out laughing.
Caramel Brownie - I live in Vegas and I would be willing to do a drive-by. However, I only know where Meri lives. I don't even know where in Vegas the new homes are being built. Anyone else know? The area or name of the development?
DeleteHi Everyone,
DeleteFor privacy and security reasons, please do not provide real life information in your comments on SWB. That would include addresses. Thank you in Advance!
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I went on the TLC website and they have a new clip about the wives talking about their homes and the options they wanted. Meri just goes on and on and on about her hubby room and her wet bar. Sheesh, self-absorbed much? Somehow, Christine comes up with an idea for Meri to expand the space of the master bedroom for herself and now Meri has a ginormous master suite, too. I have to say that I am wondering if they are just yanking our chains now? I mean, come on!
ReplyDeleteThat could be...it would be really funny if they intentionally put stuff in the show in order to set this blog off....like the tennis court...they couldn't even keep straight faces for that....
DeleteI just saw the clip; that's the third time they say "so today we're meeting with the developer" but wearing the same outfits in the "meeting" as the previous times! Just showing new parts of the conversations.. Come on!! The homes aren't THAT exciting. Why not just had one episode about that?
DeleteThere was no need for that one scene last episode ie. They could have shown mpre of the vacay. It was like the drove down, the assigned rooms, the kids went to a cafe, and they had dinner. The end. One day vacay??
Hell at this point, all I wanna know is are they ACTUALLY GONNA BE MOVING INTO THEM! They did say by the end of this year right? Well, they have a lil over 3 wks to move in by their own deadline. I mean dang, this was filmed 5-6 months ago?
DeleteI've asked before, but didn't get a response. I'm hoping that one of SWB posters that reside in Vegas can drive by the Browns rentals they're currently living in about the 1st or 2nd weeks of January 2013 & then give us an update.
Update coming soon ;)
DeleteFrom the meeting with the developer scene - those houses just look like big old empty sterile barns to me. No features, moldings, etc. Blaaahhhhh. They will all need a couple of hundred $ to fill them up with furniture. And the saga.....drags......on......
DeleteCorrection to my last statement....should have read it before I pushed the ol button!LOL!
DeleteThey will each need a couple of hundred thousand $$$ to fill up these barns with furniture.
LOL! I was going to ask where they could get enough furniture to fill those houses for a few hundred $$ ;)
DeleteI live in Vegas and do know where all the rentals are located. I can tell you that as of last week, they were still living there. I know that they said they wanted to be moved by Christmas so I will check again in the next few weeks and let you all know! =)
DeleteHi. Real LVHouseWife....Please do. It is getting pretty darned close to Christmas now. I would need more time to prepare for Xmas and get things in order. I think you are onto something.....keep us posted girl!
DeleteGot to Get Me -
DeleteThat pretty much sums up most of Vegas' home options... plain big barn or plain little barn. You also get desert landscaping which consists of rocks and more rocks.
I know that when I commented before that I thought Christine was lying when she said they didn't get the houses, some people thought Christine would never lie. She supposedly "dropped her head" when she said it which I think is a "tell" that she was lying. Guess we will just have to wait and see. Also, if Janelle reads this, I want her to know that she has raised such terrific kids, that she should be so proud of herself. Maybe knowing that so many people she doesn't even know see her tremendous worth will help her.
ReplyDeleteI love when Kody tried to fit in with everyone, OH lets find out where the cooking will be done...Misery Meri sure shot him down. NO lets find out where everyone will sleep..
ReplyDeleteI have to say Joe is creepy but seems to have everything in control, his kids respect him and his wives do also...something Kody will never get.
Okay, NOW I see it. I never particularly noticed 'the belly' on the show, but I do see here what everyone is talking about. It could just be the clothes she is wearing, though?
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of- I was looking back through older pictures trying to decide how much Janelle has lost. Sometimes she looks REALLY heavy and sometimes she doesn't and I wonder how much of it is her clothes?
She DID look so tired and unhappy last show. It was probably a lot of work for her and not very much help. :-/
JANELLE, You have SO MUCH SUPPORT out there, LEAVE that circus! You are so much better than that. I wish you could see your worth.
ReplyDeleteDid anyone read this entry on the Darger's blog?
ReplyDeletehttp://lovetimesthree.com/plygcation-with-the-browns-on-sisterwives/
The snuggling thing about broke my heart. 5 parents, and only one likes to snuggle? :(
Ok. One of my friends had invitro and the hormones to get her body ready for her baby caused her to gain weight. I am thinking that is why Robin may be a bit heavier. I can't see her on a boogie board if she was expecting. As for her swimsuit, it didn't seem to show any more cleavage than Meri's did in Mexico.
ReplyDeleteAs for her swimsuit, it didn't seem to show any more cleavage than Meri's did in Mexico.
DeleteVery true, however, Meri, Robyn and Christine all wear the triple layer shirts with a top layer baby doll shirt and preach that "Modest is Hottest". Not to mention how Meri told Mykelti to change her top because she was showing too much, and even Kody got on Mykelti's case for wearing what he considered inappropriate clothing. So I find it hypocritical for these 2 women to preach modesty but not practice it when in bathing suits. At least Christine kept 'her girls' under cover.
Right on Cynical Jinx! Anyone think that maybe the comment from the Darger wife about only Christine snuggling was a passive aggressive shot to the Browns? Although I think most of the Browns would be too dumb and self-centered to realize it...
DeleteIt is a bathing suit. Wear what is appropriate for the activity.
DeleteYou're right. She should be wearing a bathing suit bottom instead of those black shorts.
DeleteIf they wore what was appropriate for the activity they would never wear the layered look baby doll mess long sleeves in Vegas summers so why is it okay on the beach. They have body suits to surf in. Why not wear one of those if they really believe their modesty mantra. They are on tv after all even if their ratings arent that great.
DeleteDid anyone notice the comment that Kody said about welfare fraud? (not sure if someone else meantioned it already or not).
ReplyDeleteI was wondering too. I am a bit behind on my reading here but just watched the episode and that comment stuck out to me.
DeleteI'm on Team Janelle too. I think she really checked out was after they shot down the fitness center. She had clearly done a lot of work with a very realistic (it sounded) business plan and projection, scouted out the site, had an interested partner, crunched the numbers, and so on, and they all just said no with barely a thought and fawned over Robyn's fugly jewelry. My bet is that they rejected it because 1) it looked like real work, and 2) the plan realistically showed that you don't make an immediate profit when you start your own business. Kody is always looking for the get-rich-quick-with-no-work scheme. I'd love to be their MLM upline. I mean, whatever happened to the real estate agent thing. Oh yeah, that's right, real work. Anyway, I think Janelle just lost her spark after that.
ReplyDeleteAlso, new poster here, and loving this blog :). I can't explain why I'm addicted to this train wreck, but my husband was like "Oh great, now you found a BLOG???" LOL
Shelby - I had a brief conversation with Janelle at one of their LIV presentations earlier this year (while the previous season was still airing) about whether or not they were moving forward with the fitness center. She said that it was on hold because it required a lot money up front. She seemed a bit defeated because she said she was really excited about it. We spoke about my reservations about buying their LIV products because I have gluten intolerance and couldn't be 100% sure their products were gluten free. We chatted about that for a while and when I followed her on Twitter, she followed me back. I sent her a direct message and she remembered exactly who I was and asked how my gluten free diet was going. She is very nice and personable and listens to you when you talk to her.
DeleteAlso, forgot to add, but anyone else notice that of the 3 original wives, it was Janelle who had the bad credit? Not "oh I have to PAY for water?" Christine or "I deserve it all" Meri. I think Janelle continually took one for the team, covering their other expenses while sacrificing her credit. I mean, she was the one with the real job and the one who paid all the bills. She should have the best credit of all of them. (maybe this was already discussed, sorry)
ReplyDeleteI don't know that Janelle necessarily had BAD credit, as much as appearing over-exended. If Meri or Cody were applying for home loans individually, as opposed to as a married couple, they may have had the same issue. The house in Utah, with its two mortgages, is in Janelle, Kody, and Meri's names.
DeleteI agree to an extent. I think it's because the bills were put primarily in her name (since we know she was the primary breadwinner) and anything that fell behind, hit her credit.
DeleteI am not on the Janelle love train. She allows Meri to structure the decision making in her favor, and Janelle should counter to protect her kids. Janelle assigned Logan the chores of waking up and cooking for his younger siblings when Meri should have taken on that responsibility. Janelle also allows the money to be split evenly according to 4 families, when instead there should be considerations for the sizes of each family. Janelle should be a better mama bear!
ReplyDeleteI see your point. But I think she has such a bad taste in her mouth from the early part of the marriage where her and Meri were having issues, that she's assessed that her part of the family running autonomously (away from Meri at least) is a much more loving environment. Logan is such a responsible young man that I think he'd want to step up even if he didn't have to. I do so wish she'd be more demanding of a proportionate entitlement for her kids though.
DeleteDid anyone notice that the Dargers have a store on their website, too? Not ready yet, according to the message at the top but coming soon. Lots of kid stuff. Much cheaper than MSWC but I really expected more from the fashionable Darger wives. I watched the newest video on TLC and Marynsaid that she needed a lot of room for all the shipping she will be doing for their business. Sounds like Janelle is going to concentrate on real estate and not on MSWC. Good choice, Janelle. I think you will do just fine! Team Janelle.
ReplyDeleteYes, I saw that. It is positively awful (as is MSWC). Shame really.
DeleteBut at least the items are hand crafted by family members so for me its better than MSWC. It's like what you'd find at a craft fair, and not that expensive. Its down to earth and simple.
DeleteAbout JD and the 1st wife status ..that wife would have a legal state marriage license and be the legal wife with the legitimate children...that is probably the one that he asked and said yes 1st, also most likely placed the ring on her finger 1st at the ceremony ...
ReplyDeleteIn Mormonism this is an important position, back in the day she had to give permission for later wives ...
TAR - But Joe said he proposed to both of them at the exact same time. So given that, I'm still curious to hear out of their own mouths how they decided who was to be first wife.
DeleteThis is from their book Love Times Three.
DeleteVicki:
"In our culture, age is given a lot of respect. Alina, like Joe, was twenty and I was nineteen, so Alina’s marriage took place first. She also is Joe’s legal wife. I was the witness at their civil ceremony, which took place weeks later before a judge.
Did I resent not being chosen as the legal wife? Not at all. People who do not belong to this faith put more emphasis on the notion of who’s first and legal than we do."
Adams, Brooke; Darger, Alina; Darger, Vicki; Darger, Valerie (2011-09-13). Love Times Three: Our True Story of a Polygamous Marriage (pp. 59-60). Harper Collins, Inc.. Kindle Edition.
I was thinking maybe because her dad was more reluctant to have his daughter live this way. I think maybe Joe was thinking that if Alina was the 2nd wife, and therefore not legally married to him, her father could come by when/if he changed his mind about his permission and take her away
Deletethanks, CJ. that definitely answers my question. ;') But i would argue w/her that only SOME people who belong to their faith don't put that much emphasis on the notion of "legal wife/first wife" status. We all have found out MERI certainly does and Kody validates it with his wimpy leadership w/her and the others. MERI RULES the Brown household for dang sure!
DeleteI'm sorry, but I've read dozens and dozens and dozens of books of polygamy and pretty much every single one of them places significant importance to the order that women are married in. It isn't "people who do not belong to this faith" who put more emphasis on this fact, it is PEOPLE IN THAT FAITH. First and foremost, because most Americans 1) don't know that it exists 2) probably just think it's icky if they do know that it exists and 3) don't really care.
DeleteAfter all, Joseph Smith's own first wife cared very, very deeply about it. How many times has Meri told us that she's first wife? Read any book on polygamy that you want -- you'll know who the first wife is. She will tell you!!!
So even if I were willing to take her at her word that she cares "not at all" -- she ruins her own argument in the next sentence which is patently untrue, so now why should I take her own personal statement as true?
The Dargers are all PR and spin!!!!!
GEML - i, too, have read and researched alot on the different mormon sects of polygamy and you. are. correct. The wives who have left (both first wives and subsequent "lower" levels) ALL tell the same story of how important FIRST WIFE is. The kids who leave also validate this. The ONLY wife that ever comes CLOSE to competing with FIRST WIFE is the CURRENT last wife!! ;')
DeleteI will be SHOCKED if Mariah goes for anything BUT First Wife as taught by Mother Meri provided she actually does practice polygamy like she currently says she intends to do.
Dargers are currently spotless cause their warts just haven't been publicly exposed yet. It took awhile for all of Browns to start coming out, too. I doubt that Dargers collectively have quite as much dirt on them tho as Browns do.
Who knows?? Maybe that was Alina's dad's stipulation he gave that he would support PJ marrying his daughter and her younger cousin at the same time PROVIDED Alina was guaranteed the important First Wife legal position. Also, the older age thing makes some sense in the tie breaker as well. I wonder what their exact age difference is anyway. I wouldn't think it's more than a year at the most.
Delete<< Janelle assigned Logan the chores of waking up and cooking for his younger siblings when Meri should have taken on that responsibility. >>
ReplyDeleteHaving read the book, I get the impression that she did not WANT Meri to take care of her kids. Seems like Meri has always been a cold bi-atch, and I recall there was some accusations of Meri not treating Christine's children properly. I have not seen her give one child affection on the show except for Meriah.
Every book i've read and interview i've listened to, the plyg kids and sister wives who've left ALL state that this is very common in polygamous households. Invariably, due to the passive-aggressive behavior this lifestyle brings, alot of sister wives take out their frustration on another wives kids. so sad but definitely reality. Janelle was smart to protect her kids from Meri and let Christine be the one to "mother" them in her absence. None of the teens seem to be close at all to Mean Girl Meri and they all seem to just tolerate the spoiled, bossy and self-righteous clone of her - Mariah.
DeleteIt wasn't that she didn't treat them properly. It was that Christine didn't like how Meri punished them. Each parent, even in their lifestyle, has their own way of doing things which include raising their kids. Obviously the Darger's are more of a combined front in this as they showed (and said) on the show than the Brown's.
DeleteI'm sure all the kids know and accept that Daddy has his 2 faves - Mariah and King Solomon. Behind those 2 are Robyn's 2 little girls that sadly cling on him constantly. This family's effed up every which way but loose.
DeleteSpeaking of Mariah, was she on the vacation? I did not see her and I don't think she was at the teen visit to the hamburger place.
Deletehopefully, the teens all just decided to ditch her self-righteous butt. ;'p
DeleteSome have speculated that the long-shirt-under-too-small-shirt thing is to cover their Mormon garments. It was very clear in this episode, however, (see above photos, even...) with Meri's skintight white almost see through underlayer shirt that there are no "garment" sleeves under that shirt.
ReplyDeleteI think Robyn is just getting her BFF...Brown Family Fat.
It seemed in this episode that finally they bigger wives are losing some of the weight. Janelle was looking good, even Christine. The previous episode must have been shot some time before this one. Now if they could just stop the HD close-ups of Meri's acne scars and her W.C.Fields bulbous nose...ugggghh! Pleeeease!!!
I was watching Our America the other day because they reran the polygamy episode and I'd never seen it. It was interesting and I learned more about polygamous families than I have during multiple seasons of Sister Wives. The Brown family has certainly not done those who choose to practice this type of lifestyle any favors. We should have guessed they'd ultimately shun family in favor of the individual way back when...remember the pumpkin patch outing? Each person had to have their own pumpkin. I remember thinking at the time 1) Jesus, do they all get their own Christmas trees, too? Their own Thanksgiving turkeys? Why not have a family pumpkin? 2) What a splurge! I know when we get pumpkin patch pumpkins, we spend a lot. It just showed a lack of budgeting and a love of frivolity. 1 family pumpkin, maybe have a contest where everyone draws a design and they vote for their favorite, then take turns carving. $10, way more family and wallet friendly. I know that was awhile back and it may seem out of place to mention it now but I am amazed what I failed to see foreshadowed. Talk about 50/50 hindsight! Stuff like that were the babysteps to multiple homes and wasteful spending habits.
ReplyDeleteI agree with you! I've been thinking the same thing!
Delete...Or...if you *neeeed* that many pumpkins, plant ONE darn pumpkin vine in the spring! They had all that outdoor space at the last house, and even these LV houses have enough room for a pumpkin vine to be part of the landscaping of EACH house, rental or not! You will get plenty of pumpkins from one vine. Their idea of frugality seems to only mean buying industrial processed food on sale and that's ALL.
DeleteI've watched this show from the begining, and the more I watch, the more convinced I am that Meri is a spoiled, selfish, bully. Before Robyn and the show, I get the distinct impression that Janelle made the money, Christine looked after the kids, and Meri just took. She's a taker.
ReplyDeleteI get really irritated when she starts crying whenever anyone even comes close to questioning her "entitlements"... Shes like a spoiled child who cries and acts hard done by when daddy dares to suggest she doesn't really need something she's demanding.
Her selfishness is especially stark juxaposed to the selflessness and practicallity of Janelle. It broke my heart to listen to Janelle talk about trimming her house budget and not needing extra bedrooms while Merri insists on a McMansion for herself and her one kid.
A couple times I've caught myself wondering if Meri is really infertile or if she took birth control behind Cody's back... She wouldn't be the first to do that. I don't buy that she really wants a housefull of kids - I remember her saying she wanted 8! That way she could avoid the responsibility of children and play the "poor me" card about it, and continue to hoard the family's resourses for herself. Her wishy washy attitude about Robyn's surogacy offer seems to me like she is stalling for time until it is biologically too late. I don't think she wants more kids. I don't think she ever wanted them, in a real way.
Interesting thoughts. I don't know that I believe that Meri is taking birth control, but I totally agree that she never really wanted children in a real way. She could have had IVF any time. Kody is more than willing to do it. But she was always against it in the past. Now she's supposedly considering it. What changed??? Besides getting a reality tv show. If she were really, truly dedicated to having more children, having Robyn as a gestational surrogate should have been a no-brainer, particularly because of their supposed closeness and love as sisterwives, blah blah blah. Well, since they are living in separate houses, she really would have to do the child-rearing herself. Neighbors in a cul-de-sac are not the same as the house they lived in in Utah.
DeletePlus the infertility makes her blameless. I mean, you can't criticize an infertile woman without looking like a jerk. But every time it comes up, Meri plays the infertility card. How convenient.
Does anyone know if the "sister" that visited with the baby is a sister wife?
DeleteI think the Kodster and Meri Meri are a perfect match. They really needed to recruit some baby making labourers to look after them in their "lifestyle". Janelle the income supplier/money manager/baby maker and Christine the nanny/baby maker. Perfect! .......I wonder what the motivation was to take on Sobbin Robbin? That one I haven't worked out yet.
DeleteI think Robyn was brought in to have babies once Janelle and Christine were done. I also wonder if the courtship was key in them getting the TLC show, since that was the focus of the first season. I have seen documentaries with polygamists who seem a whole lot more grounded than the Browns and would make a much better example... so I wonder if they didn't persue the courtship angle in order to edge out competition for the show.
DeleteSomeone was talking about Meri's passive-agressive apologies... YES! They drive me nuts too. I remember the "I'm sorry if I took something you thought was yours, Janelle" one, shooting daggers out her eyes and barely keeping her forked tounge in. The thought of sacrificing any of her own whims for the needs of her family is just so foreign to her that she can't even understand that Janelle wasn't even talking about herself but was talking about the family's needs.
Meri's sence of fairness and entitlement is just so at odds with what she claims to be her belief system. She has no empathy. She sees other people's needs only in the context of how they affect her and she thinks anything that is given to one of her sister wives absolutely must be given to her too - no matter that Christine and Janelle have to divide that between 7 people each while Meri only has 1 child to share with. And even crazzier is that she doesn't feel the same "equality" in contribution as she does when it comes to resourse division... While Janelle made all the money and Christine did all the child care (pre-show) Meri seemingly felt no compultion to contibute in any real way whatsoever. The most frusterating thing is how little insight she seems to have. She really thinks she is hard done by and entitled, and that her bullying is missunderstood... I think she's even convinced herself that her abuse of Janelle is Janelle's own fault. I honestly can't stand watching her anymore.
Oh - good point. Yes indeed - Sobin Robyn is the new breeder. I think you have got it right. Regarding Meri Meri..quite contrary..she absolutely needs to have one up on the other wives in every way. She feels entitled.
DeleteHere's some image damge control for ya. A couple of days ago, Mykeltie tweeted:
ReplyDelete"Daddy daughter's date w/ @realkodybrown @mariahlian @MaddieR_Brown @AspynBrown"
But not sure if they stayed in or actually went out to watch the movie tho...I'm guessing they stayed in since the movie ELF was mentioned & that has been playing on Cable for about a week or so now. I just wonder if Kody actually watched the movie w/ them or dozed off on the couch like he usually does...Lol
Gee..the daughters even have to share their "date" with him too????
DeleteSchnazermom... perfect. Kody has date night every night. Even with his kids
DeleteSo why is it ok to show ur boobs when ur at a very PUBLIC BEACH & U know that it's gonna be filmed for America to see, but you can't wear a single short sleeve T-shirt during the summer? That just makes no damn sense. Also, why does Kody have to wear long sleeve shirts too? It just seems like that's all he wears too.
ReplyDeleteMaybe Surfer Dude is covered in tats ??
DeleteYou know.....acquired before he got the "calling."
Robyn's normally very small chested and right now has her nursing boobs on. I think she's pretty happy with them in their full rounded state and she knew that the religious Darger women would all be showing swimsuit cleavage. So she rationalized it and went for it and the camera men were more than happy to make sure the world got to see them. Might be their only time to be shown off to everyone. ;'p
DeleteI doubt that man has a single tattoo. He was Mormon before the calling to be a plyg. My Mormon girlfriend's husband is in a rock band that plays alot of fairs around Utah and he doesn't have tats. It's just not something most Mormons do (tats I mean).
DeleteWhat is amusing at this point is that it is quite possible that SWB and other blogs like it are literally helping to keep SW afloat.
ReplyDeleteEven bad, negative PR is like dirty, crumpled money....it all still works !!!
Their sell-by-date expired last season when the bullsh*t got so deep they should have included a free shovel with each book purchase.
Now they have to reframe and/or rehash history and play their assigned roles to keep the show going. I can picture Kodster yelling....
"Okay, now everyone, come on....practice your lines...and *action* !!!
And frankly, I could picture Baldy Joe doing the same thing when/if their turn comes..only his yelled *action* will be MUCH louder and forceful!!!
I'm thinking the same thing. I won't be sad if it goes the way of all the Jersey shows: RHNJ, Jersey Shore, Jerseylicious, etc. Craziness is compelling for a little while, but quickly becomes tedious if not tiresome. While I am still kind of interested to see how SW plays out, I have no interest in seeing more of the same from another plyg family, no matter how different the styles. Actually, not much different than a diet of pizza and chocolate; kinda fun at first, but the crappiness quickly makes you crave a salad.
Deleteyeah, i'm ready for the next update to be given in 5-10 years on a "Where are they now?" kids/adults one hour segment. that should suffice.
DeleteWhen Christine said they didn't get the houses could she be talking about the first homes, the ones from the last season where they were flying the white kites?
ReplyDeleteThose were the same lots as we see this season.
Delete... re., individual pumpkins
ReplyDeleteI am thinking the individuality you mention and also creativity are important values to the Browns. I imagine if the Brown Web site listed individual interests of each child(as Darger site), a wide variety of interests would be represented.
Janelle has expressed the tension with the religion this poses, as Logan chooses colleges she's conflicted between once more encouraging the necessity she sees of Logan making his own choices, and her worry that she may not have adequately influenced him in her faith. Naturally a parent with a strong faith hopes with the Old Gospel song (Johnny Cash?) "May the circle be unbroken ... ."
Maybe this will be considered while hammering out a "mission statement".
1. Space (and the courage) to dream. ( A Brown strength)
2. Ability to plan, forming decisions which make those dreams happen.
(The Darger strength)
Why are new comments not allowed on allowed on older blog posts? I liked 'magic undies'' comment about the girls next door not focusing on Hugh hefner making the playboy mansion seem like a fun sorority. I saw an episode of that once & almost wanted to live there but I would NOT want an 80 something yr old bf. Gross. I too would be interested in what the sister wives do when Kody is not around if they do anything together. Oh and Meri's "I could marry that" comment was just EPIC! On another note, I just have to say I think I could share a husband with the right women but I wouldn't want a million kids though!
ReplyDeleteHi Brooke!
DeleteThere is a glitch on blogger (the blog system) that prevents any additional pages of comments to load. After 200 comments, the 201st comment goes onto page 2, which never loads. The comment will be lost.
Please feel free to post your comment on this discussion page so everyone can see it and respond!
If I had to pick between the two Joe vs Kody - I'd definitely go with Joe. He is might type of guy. A family guy, organized, and obviously knows how to have his kids respect him enough to obey and yet, love him at the same time. I like how he takes charge.
ReplyDeleteKody's comment about how his wives take charge... uh, dude, your wives take charge because you obviously can't and don't know how to. Kody lost his "head of household" a long time ago.
I love the Darger family. Period. The can actually function! I'm not plyg but if I was, I'd want to marry into that one! For sure!
Now onto our lovely wives... I have been watching this season with a fresh and open mind.
Meri is a complete nincompoop. If I hear the words "Wet" and "Bar" one more time I may pull my hair. I'll just make a drinking game and call it even. Deal?
Janelle is very likeable as stated by others many many times but this lady just needs to pull herself up by her bootstraps and either needs to buckle down with the family or get the heck out of dodge. This is life she has chosen, now make some decisions.
Christine is glowing this season. She seems to have her own opinions and expressing them without fear. I see her making eyes at the Dargers but I don't think it's envy as much as it's "how can we [the Browns] get ourselves to the stage. I think Christine is working on get her family w/out her family knowing it.
Robyn is growing me. She might say and do some pretty STUPID things but I don't think she knows which way is up half the time. And who knows, maybe her parents were complete sh_t heads and she just doesn't have no idea how the real world works. Either way I think one day reality (no pun intended) is going to hit her in her face and she'll figure it out. Side note: she looking very boobilicious in those photos and she looks like shes enjoying that water a little TOO much! wink wink.
Got it wrong there Dani - Meri Meri quite contrary is in charge. Nothing like a few tears to drive your point home.
DeleteDoes anyone else besides me just watch this show with half an eye now? You know like when you're bouncing back and forth between folding towels and changing cat litter? The best part of the show is Cynical's updates. ; ) Yes, that was a hint.
ReplyDeleteA picture's worth a thousand words. Janelle's face says it all. *big depressing sigh*
ReplyDeleteThe beach vacation episode really showed such a difference in the two family's attention to health. The brown kids are mildly obese and will struggle with health and weight issues as adults. Al lowing ur kids to eat such unhealthy food is serious neglect IMO
ReplyDeleteI still have yet to watch the Plygcation, but I've really enjoyed reading everyones comments! FYI, The tankini that Robyn has on with the black shorts is a MATERNITY 2 piece. The top is from Motherhood Maternitys own line which does come with matching bottoms. It is from their summer 2011 collection. I sadly know this because I had purchased the same swim suit during my last pregnancy....
ReplyDeleteMaybe off topic, but.. I'm sorry Y, "sadly"?
DeleteI can't suspect a pregnancy based on that...I only just finally ditched my maternity swimsuit this past summer...when my youngest was 2 1/2...LOL.
DeleteRobyn isn't pregnant. She looks like any other mid 30-something woman who has given birth to FOUR kids.
DeleteYeah...I've never had a child, but my absolute most favorite t-shirt is a maternity t-shirt with "Be a Buffy, Not a Bella" printed on it. It was only available in maternity or teeny-tiny tank, and I had to have it...
DeleteShe probably hasn't bought a new suit since last summer, and if she does/did have a little tummy pudge, maybe she felt more comfortable in a generously cut suit.
Though I hardly consider myself a trend setter or fashion icon, I would like to think that I am a very fashion forward person. The Brown women IMO lack all fashion sense, and the fact that I had the same swim suit as Robyn makes me cringe a little bit.
DeleteI do find it interesting that Robyn would be wearing maternity anything at this point, if she wasn't pregnant. I know after the birth of my babies I was so glad to pack up those maternity clothes! We have speculated a lot on this blog if she is or isn't pregnant. We know she likes to shop, why wouldn't she use this as an excuse to go out and buy a new swim suit for this? Victoria Secret also carries swim suits which I'm Robyn is well aware of :)
So I finally had the chance to watch the latest episode! YAY.
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts: The grass is always greener on the other side.
I agree the Brown wives were very vocal about liking the way Papa Joe runs the Darger family.
But I think the Dargar wives conform to a more legalistic/complementarian relationship and thus would not vocalize anything that would be a "dig" at their husband.
Couldn't agree more!
DeleteI know Meri Brown and also her sisters. It is quite interesting to read al of your conclusions about her. I'd say your right in the money. She and her sisters have absolutely HORRIBLE behavior!! They were not raised in a way that promoted good behavior at all. Just had to say...interesting! Meri's selfishness is outrageous! And ut is clearly written all over Janelle's face. Kody favors her terribly. Grow a backbone please!!!!
ReplyDeleteI was curious about the holiday ornament. When I looked on the web site, it stated it was already sold out. Could that many people actually be buying it or do you think there was only like 10 made? Most sites list a backorder date when it will be available again and I didn't notice that either.
ReplyDeleteAs for Janelle, she could just be tired rather than depressed.
Janelle could also be tired of being depressed. ;')
DeleteRegarding Janelle looking tired/and or depressed in photo above. I think a beach vacation holds very little interest for a very over weight person. I am a size 14 and hate getting into a suit so I can sympathize. It would just be a hot, sandy drag. An hour would be fine......
DeleteYeah, I know how you feel...I love the beauty of a quiet beach at sunset, but could care less for all the half-naked people and the ensuing clamor that you find during the day. Never really understood why these groups and lots of churches that go on about modesty turn around and have beach trips or pool parties.
DeleteYou are right Handlebar ponytails.....It might be an opportunity for the men to lear at the girls and women in their churches, to preview the next breeder, or just get an eyefull when they would otherwise wouldn't.
DeleteI wonder who makes these excursion decisions? The Men likely.
Also on the new clip on the TLC website is Janelle talking about the home office she wants and then says “lots of realtors work from home”. Um, ok but she passed that test several months ago and none of us have seen any indication that she has a license (and we do have super sleuths here on SWB). So she passed the test 6 months ago and hasn’t taken the next step? How very Brown-like of her.
ReplyDeleteCOuldn't agree with you more!
DeleteRe: the second beach house. If the picture of the beach houses on the previous post actually shows the two houses they rented, then the house linked to in the last post is the one on the right and the other house is the one with the glass brick on the left. It also has 10 bedrooms and sleeps 23 but has a slightly different floor plan.
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteSomeone mentioned on the last thread's comments that 2 of the 3 Darger kids that have married are also in polygamist marriages. I can only find internet updates that show they have one married daughter but she is not in a polygamous marriage but MAY someday find herself in one up the road.
ReplyDeleteAlso, the update on Caleb is that he has joined mainstream mormonism and PJ says he's very saddened about that and that Caleb will not be embracing their polygamous lifestyle.
So these parents say PUBLICLY that their kids have a choice but the kids KNOW their parents won't be happy about it if it's not the only and real RIGHT choice based on their lifelong indoctrinated religious beliefs.
There is no way all these children have any idea if they want to live a "Plural lifestyle", if they have never fallen in love with someone, then they REALLY don't know that feeling (Im talking about the girls here)...to fall in love with someone and share deep, personal feelings and actions with them and to EVEN THINK that some other women is going to come along and share probably the same with your husband...I'm sorry, but the thought of that is disturbing to me...and that does not make me weak, as that does not make a plyg wife stronger by any means.
DeleteBeing "saddened" by the choices of your child is different than saying they have a choice. I would be sad if my son didn't grow up and do things and believe the way we do them now but I won't love him less and I won't separate him from the family.
DeleteI actually read on the Dargers blog that all three wives and Joe attended the ceremony or whatever it is called when Caleb joined the mainstream LDS church. Let's be honest, evey parent wants what is best for their kids and if you really believe in your religion than you would hope that it's the faith your children choose too. I'm sure the kids do know that their parents will be sad if they don't live polygamy. But at least they also know, as shown by all the adults showing up to support Caleb and claim him as their child, that their parents will at least be supportive of whatever faith they choose to fulfill their spirtual needs. My mom was sad when I became an adult and told her I wasn't Christian. But that doesn't mean she doesn't support me or resents me for my choice or for choosing to raise my kids in my faith. I hope my kids stay in our faith but if they don't, I will still support them. I think that most parents would.
DeleteThat was me. You found probably old news on their daughter Laura Darger. Her husband comes from a polygamous family as well, if I'm not entirely mistaken and they either want to or already have a polygamous marriage. The other daughter Amanda Darger is in a polygamous marriage right now. She is a part of the Second Ward (the Centennial Park folks). We will see her and her marriage in the show on December 18.
Deletethanks, Kat, but also who is the third child of theirs you mentioned that's married now? (but not a polygamist.)
DeleteOn the Darger blog site, under the OUR FAMILY tab, they list their kids individually and their updates and ages all look current. But they only show 2 daughters that are married w/the one who's had a son - Darger's first grandbaby. Nothing about either daughter in a polygamous marriage. But maybe they feel that's not their news to share if they are.
DeleteBut I still don't see a third kid listed as married.
Long time reader...first time blogger...love the site!! Completely off topic, but I have to ask...Why does Mari wear everything (I mean everything) two sizes or more too small? It looks like she raids the little girls closets! I know it's petty, but is it modest to bulge?
ReplyDeleteWhew...feel better!!
I think that Meri has gained a lot of weight and clothes that used to fit her don't anymore. And there is probably a little bit of denial going on, a little bit of a money situation and maybe she wears what feels comfertable. I know after I gained weight I took me years to realize that what I though made me look skinnier (therefor was more comfertable in) was actually extremly illfitting.
DeleteMeri does look like she has gained a lot of weight. I can't imagine the skin tight clothes she wears are comfortable. They certainly are very unflattering.
DeleteIf there is enough money in the budget for vacations, furniture, new cars there should be money for new clothes!
that is what I thought, I would keep tugging at my tops if I had to wear them 2 times to small...
DeleteThis is my first time posting here, but I've been watching sister wives since the beginning and reading this blog after every new episode for the past year. I love this blog! Thanks everyone for always weighing in and being respectful of everyone's opinion.
ReplyDeleteI just rewatched the latest episode. I noticed a couple of things...
1. Meri is worried about decorating her house
2. Kody says they will potentially never heal from sharing a kitchen
3. Kody says their kitchen is their domain and they have to be free to express their personality
4. Kody says they weren't communicating and being kind enough to share the kitchen and they still aren't there
5. Meri- "janelle feels like I abused her"
6. Janelle- "its a personality difference."
7. Meri- "I was raised in a way where I could say how I felt and I could say what I wanted. That ended up feeling and looking abusive." "I have a louder voice and a stronger voice"
Translation:: Meri wants what she wants when she wants it. Others opinions or feelings don't matter. Kody sticks up for Meri and listens to Meri not Janelle. Kody allows Meri to run things and be the abusive wench that she is. Its quite sad really. Kody making excuses for paying for 4 houses, 4 water bills, 4 electric bills, etc all because one of his wives can't live peacefully with anyone else. Janelle is trying to smooth things over by saying its Meri's personality but what that really means is "Meri its not that you were acting like a biatch, you are a biatch!"
I think this show was put on the air way back when to show a polygamous family and the original story line was Kody brining in another wife. However, little did TLC know that they show would last longer than the first couple seasons. So after the baby they ran out of fuel. Now they are trying to create drama and story lines. Definitely has jumped the shark at this point. I just watch for the train wreck.
Seeing what "fame" has done to the Gosselins, the Roloffs, and the Browns, I think TLC's new slogan should be:
ReplyDeleteTLC - destroying America, one family at a time
(And yet I continue to watch!)
Sorry, but who are the Roloff's and what happened to them?
Deletewhat happened to the Roloffs?
Deletethey were from Little people Big world..
DeleteSo right on. What the dangers showed us is how it all falls on the man to make this work. When the man is full of excuses and thinks money can fix everything and is dumber then a rock it is no wonder the Browns are the failure that they are
ReplyDeleteI think what the Dargers show is that in order to be successful, everyone has to be on the same page. I think mission statements are cheesy as hell, but if they get everyone to sit around the table and really think about what their priorities are as a family and then decide on the best way to make those priorities happen, then it's a good thing. The Browns do nothing more than pay lip service about the plyg family being for the children when it's obvious that everything they do, from the four houses because they can't live together, to the unequal distribution of money (sorry Meri, but yes, you deserve less--after all, if it's truly about the kids, then the money should be divided according to child, not wife), to everything else discussed. The Dargers live like their children come first. I loved that the one Darger wife was truly confused as to why the Browns wouldn't share a kitchen in order to keep their kids together. The only Brown willing to sacrifice anything for the kids is Janelle. I don't think you need a just
ReplyDeletea man to make this kind of family work if everyone is on the same page with the same priorities.
"I loved that the one Darger wife was truly confused as to why the Browns wouldn't share a kitchen in order to keep their kids together."
DeleteAnd I loved how the Browns skirted around the conversation with their "well that's great that it works for you but be careful not to push it on us" crap... Kody and Meri just don't get it. I agree that the only Brown willing to sacrifice anything for the kids is Janelle, although I think Christine and even Robyn would get on board. Meri is just plain selfish. Her decorating comment was so telling, as was the Dargers' reaction to it. For a second I thought they were going to ask her if she was serious. I kinda wish she would have.
I think this episode really highlighted the differences between a polygamous family who's actions are driven by their faith and deep belief in their religion (the Darger's) and a family who seems to be in the lifestyle either just because it sounded fun, or it was expected of them, or just don't really understand why they are living the way they are (the Brown's).
ReplyDeleteThe Darger wife acted shocked that Meri would be so concerned about decorating when the issue of decorating would interfere with the raising of the children and intrude on the harmony of the family. "Just let it go" she said, and if you were committed to this religion, her position makes sense, whereas Meri's "but I want to decorate MY way" just seems selfish and not harmonious with the religion.
Poor Janelle has had her self esteem pounded into the ground so badly, she can't recover. She seems unable to extricate herself from this "marriage" and resigned to her fate as the scape goat and black sheep of the family. That is profoundly sad.
As much as I think the Darger's are doing all they can to live their religion to the best of their ability, and by all appearances are very successful at it - I hope they DON'T get their own TLC show. To have Figure 8 or TLC or whoever invade this family and create drama and problems simply for the sake of ratings would be a travesty of the worst kind.
To me one of the most telling moments of the episode was when the Darger wife was talking to Meri about decorating. I noticed that during that episode the Dargers mentioned "sacrifice" more than once...Where's is Meri's sacrifice in any of this?....It just comes so natural to Meri and the Brown wives (but ESPECIALLY MERI) to always think of ME ME ME first and how everything that happens affects ME ME ME...You see very little sacrifice..They are all independent, as Kody pointed out but not in a good way..a more "I need to get me some before someone else gets it" type of way...How does this fall into line with being a loving, harmonious, highly religious and spiritual family? Even Christine, who usually seems practical said something about "going big or go home"..talking about the plans on her big home....How about NOT making this all about how big you can go or how much you can grab and start some sacrificing and saving because your 15 minutes of fame is at about minute 13.5...
DeletePlease, Meri, quit crying..it's old already and no one is buying it or feeling bad for you because you sit and think you deserve a big house instead of just moving your ass into one of your sister wives houses and HELPING THEM ...
All along I have felt the Brown's are not interested in living as ONE family....I still don't get Kody's explanation of each woman needing their own kitchen...Because why again? They are selfish and can't work together? Why are you polygamous again?
I also agree with earlier posters how so much of it might be just acting to keep people like us talking and keep the ratings going...
Loving the blog, btw...Such interesting views!!!
*sigh* I can't believe I'm actually kind of going to defend Meri...in earlier shows they showed her sewing for the kids and I think stuff for the houses too. Maybe she wants a hubby room to sew? Now I DO NOT understand why one of the 3 unused bedrooms couldn't be used for that, but I do understand the need for a sewing area. I make a LOT of clothes for my kids (especially my daughter) and the majority of gifts that I give are handmade. Right now, I only have a teeny tiny desk in the corner of our master bedroom for all of my stuff and it is miserable when I'm working on several projects at once, or even just one large quilt. I would LOVE a sewing room and that is on my list of "wants" for our next house, but it certainly won't be a deciding factor because it isn't a "need".
ReplyDeleteAs far as Janelle's checked out attitude, of course I'm not a medical professional, but I wonder if she is on any sort of antidepressant. After our first was born I had a moderate case of PPD so my doctor put me on an antidepressant. It turned me into a total zombie. I was really just numb to the world so my doctor & I decided it would be best if I didn't take it (I have absolutely nothing against them, it just didn't work for me). But I recognize that zombie-like attitude that Janelle seems to have so often. I could be totally wrong. Anyone else think this may be the case? I certainly wouldn't blame her for needing an antidepressant!!
I'm an avid sewer,also. I sew everything from wedding gowns to tailor jackets. A sewing area is great BUT should someone that doesn't appear to want to work, has filed bankruptcy, and has children that need the necessities of life be entitled to their special area?
DeleteI think Janelle is tired, worked for all those years suporting all those people and has Misery Meri harping at her all the time..
DeleteI wonder if she will ever leave?
exactly. And what the heck is she doing with all those extra bedrooms??? I just don't see how she can keep a straight face and insist that she is entitled to all this in the spirit of "fairness"
DeleteI totally agree, but there are so many people on here who have made it sound like a hobby/sewing/crafting room is pointless for ANYONE. I do understand why someone would want one. Does she "deserve" one? Absolutely not. But if, for example, she was planning on making the majority of the clothes for the younger kids I could see why she would want a dedicated space for that. Dedicated space being space already available, not adding an extra room onto an already obscenely large house for ONE PERSON since that's now many people will be living there in 6 months.
DeleteI guess should have made myself more clear. I definitely do not agree with her getting extra space when it's taking away from others who actually need the space.
Robyn is not pregnant. She looks like what she is-- a 30-something woman who has given birth to FOUR kids.
ReplyDeleteYou must be referring to my comment above. Like I said up there, I'm not ragging on her for "just having had a baby or 4 and OMG, she has a pooch!" I've had a gazillion pregnancies and births and I get it, POOCH! I'm specifically wondering why after Solomon was born there was a period of time when she DIDN'T have a pooch(some reported that she looked incredibly thin at some show?) and now she has a very pronouced one. She is supposedly still breast feeding so she hasn't stopped and gained weight from that. Not fertility shots like said above. Maybe just regular ole fat? IMO, it's not, it's .... different and I wanted other opinions on that. With this whole surrogacy thing looming over, maybe they are pregnant with Kody and Robyn's baby and don't want anyone to know, is she boogie boarding while pregnant, miscarriage, speculation welcomed.
DeleteI see that some of you find the Dargers a successful family. Hm... I am not so sure. I wouldn't appreciate that my husband took all decisions and didn't allow me to argue with them. As I suspect the Dargers live. At least the Brown wives are not afraid to tell their opinion, that's good.
ReplyDeleteThe, of course, one has to choose your battles, but is that the case with the Dargers? Or have they decided to be quiet because that is how they live? No, I am not yet convinced that they are so happy and harmonic as it seems on the surface. "Big, bald and intimidating"? Nah.
There are alot of marriages even without the religion aspect that the wife simply become submissive. I think most of us have known people that way. It's just how they are. I don't see the Darger wives as being submissive in that way. I suspect they voice their opinions, in private, in a respectful manner.
DeleteWhat works for one family wont necessarily work for the next. That arrangement wouldn't work for me but I know some who it works very well for.
Agreed! What makes him more qualified to make the decisions? His penis?
DeleteAlso, I think it's odd that the kids used the word "intimidating" to desribe him. That's not a good word, you shouldn't have to be "intimidating" to be respected.
I'm sorry this is going to be a long post. I haven't had time to read all of the comments so here are my thoughts and frustrations with this week's episode.
ReplyDeleteIs Jhanelle the only logical Brown? WHY do Kristine's kids all need their own rooms? I shared a room my my 2 sisters and sometimes just one of them growing up and it was a blast! And we weren't poor or anything. I don't get it. Why the need for so many rooms? Jhanelle needs to get out these people are bringing her down. Jhanelle needing less rooms/Meri needing more... wth?
A tennis court!???? Are you effing serious?? Ok people. In Vegas you barley even have yards!!! I live in a $150,000 house and my side and front yard(no back yard) is the size of my tiny kitchen. Las Vegas just doesn't have yards. Especially not yards for a tennis court! They are flipping insane!! I've never even heard of someone asking for something like that.
Was this whole episode supposed to be about how amazing and good looking the Darger's are and how overweight, unorganized and chaotic the browns are? I can't stand Joe. I still think his wives are way too nice and good looking for him. He doesn't even deserve just one of them. How did he get all 3? I've read the Darger's book and it's pretty obvious that they have their stuff together and are doing this for religion but they still creep me out. A lot!
When joe said "don't tell me 8 and we leave at 10, I'll be really irritated" I wanted to slap him through the screen. Who says stuff like that? Especially to someone you don't really know super well. I'm the same exact way as him but I would not say that to someone (except to maybe a family member) There are more tactful ways to get your point across about needing to leave on time than being a rude, pompous ass about it. I loved Jhanelle making fun of him though. That would have been me. He's rude.
It was pretty obvious the whole episode that Kristine and meri were like "how the HELL did we marry kody. Why didn't we marry into a family like this?" Kody was so jealous. I loved when he left and all the wives laughed at him. I bet that secretly pissed him off so bad.
Joe taking control of the rooms was pretty normal. With that many people I don't know who wouldn't do that?
Robyn is such a biotech for telling on the girls for checking out the Darger's. on national TV. Rude, Robyn. Rude.
Welfare fraud....? Really Kody?
Robyn saying "omg my sisterwives all work out. The only person who doesn't work out is me" what was up with that? I wonder what kind of questions the producers were asking.
I can't believe Robyn's boobage! I've got a swimsuit that covers up my Goodies more than that.
......continued from last post.
ReplyDeleteWhen the wives talk about affection it makes me sick. I just can't imagine not being able to hold my husband's hand or kiss him anytime I want without hurting someone else's feelings. I feel like their lives are a nightmare. Just a creepy/ sad and dark nightmare full of emptiness and uncertainties. Makes me sad because most of them deserve so much better but they just don't know it.
I loved the kid's conversation. The brown kids don't respect kody because he makes promises that he never keeps. Joe's kids respect him because he is probably like a normal parent and follows through on his words and actually makes things happen instead of just hoping that they will Happen. Maddie is so pretty and smart. I can't wait to read her book one day!
Merri still doesn't feel like she did Jhanelle wrong. Instead of saying "I know that at one point I was abusive to Jhanelle in the kitchen" she says "Jhanelle feels like I abused her" she's not sorry.
Good job kody for not listening for your innocent and abused wife. This is another reason why polygamy doesn't work. No matter what happens in this life my husband will always always have my back. He'll always stand up for me and take my side. He tells me everyday that I am his #1 priority. He's my very best friend as I am his. These women don't have that and it's sad.
Kody trying to be careful with his words so he's not sexist... Haha too late for that one dork.
Jhanelle looks so tired and done with it all. She just doesn't care anymore. I really think that she doesn't give a flip about ANYTHING.
Also, Things in the preview like Kristine saying "it's going to be a competition the whole time" and Robyn saying "when wives have to share a house there can be destruction" those two things stood out to me a lot but weren't shown in the actual episode.
I wouldn't be surprised if the Dargers got their own show then we'll get to see them fall apart at the seams. It looks like they have it all together but there's just no way that they're lives are smooth sailing.
When this series started I thought that maybe it would provide a better understanding of polygamy and the lifestyle associated with it. While the first season tried to reasonably accomplish this, subsequent seasons have done nothing but glorify a morally corrupt lifestyle.
ReplyDeleteMy post is not to offend anyone who continues to watch this debaucle, but to inform others that wish to stop the further greed that this 'family' is benefiting from due to the very existence of this show. These people do not wish to 'educate' about polygamy. Their singular goal is to exploit their children in order to benefit financially. To me, this is unacceptable and disgusting.
Why is this show still on? Due to people like ourselves who continue to watch this train wreck. I do not care about the adults. But the children will emerge from the train wreck bloodied and wounded beyond any chance of healing.
If we truly care about the innocent, we must do our part to stop this. The advertisers who pay to support this show are the ones who contribute to the continued battering of these kids. If you want to help these children, send these advertisers a message. Below is a link where you can voice your concern for their welfare. Sponsored by the American Decency Organization, we can send a message to the advertisers.
Again, I do not wish to offend anyone, but 'Sister Wives' only provides a one-sided view of polygamy, and their main goal is to support their lifestyle, not to inform. How can I support a show when the 'King' of the family does not even legally claim his own blood. Mariah is the only child who legally he calls his own. It is sad, and I am mad.
If you wish to send e-mail to the advertisers, please follow the link:
http://americandecency.org/take_action_form.php?message=221
Thank you
Did anyone notice when one of the wives (sorry not sure who it was) said that they dont show affection, they like it behind closed doors...this was when Joe had his arm around one of his wives.
ReplyDeleteI really wonder if Kody shows his wives any affection, like Janelle, I feel so sorry for her.
you know Kody a woman likes a hug once in awhile, or just for you to walk by and touch her, sad that he cant even do that to them.
I just finished the Browns' book. Janelle said she has gotten better about telling Kody what she needed. She said Kody told her HE wanted more affection from her. She must by nature not be a touchy feely person.
DeleteI am sure all you SW experts will shake your heads at me, but can anyone tell me the ages of each wife? Just curious as to the difference in ages. I am interested to see if Kody adds more wives that are younger and younger. And if he does, how convenient that "God" would "call" him to a young wife....I guess in the population of Planet Brown it would make sense.
ReplyDeleteFor all it's worth, I wish Janelle would get out of this harmful, abusive relationship, but I doubt she will unless there is some major motivating factor that comes up. :(
@Shelby
ReplyDeleteI think the Browns should go to this page to help determine the financial needs of each family within the "family"...
http://jobs.utah.gov/customereducation/services/foodstamps/qualify.html
After all, their real Bible was the welfare program for so many years. If welfare factors in family size, they should take that as the Word of God.
When Kod said he was ready to drop a load of cash to get Mari a baby whose money is it. 20k or 30k. How do they split it. Janelle shouldn't have to pay for Maris I infertility.
ReplyDeleteSorry - the computer I'm on is giving my a Java error when I try to reply.
ReplyDeleteIn answer to those who replied to one of my earlier posts, the Roloffs are the family from "Little People, Big World." They're another family in a unique situation (two dwarfs with 3 normal-sized children and one dwarf). They started out as just interesting to watch, and the money and fame really seem to have changed them. The husband and wife seem to be barely able to stand each other, and it's sad to watch another train wreck unfold.
They're not nearly as messed up as the Browns (IMO), but television exposure via TLC doesn't seem to have done them any favors.
Thank you for the reply! I know of the show, but didn't know that was their name. Sad!
DeleteRe: The houses: How can a family of 17 keep such a big secret? Especially in the world of facebook, twitter and google earth? This blog has lots of people trying to figure it all out. I say kudos to the Browns/TLC for honestly keeping this a secret…I find it fascinating that not even one of the pre-teens or teens would blab to a friend (or a cousin, there are hundreds of those!) who would tell their parents, etc…when you think of all the people sworn to secrecy on it….I think this might be the Brown Family’s biggest accomplishment yet. They are all probably hanging out in Meri’s hubby room and wet bar, toasting all of us ‘fans’ who are searching for them!
ReplyDeleteAnon above asks: When Kod said he was ready to drop a load of cash to get Mari a baby whose money is it. 20k or 30k. How do they split it.
ReplyDeleteAnswer: With the finite resources that Janelle inherited from her family and Christine's extra grocery money.