Sister Wives: Kody the Idiot Divorces Meri to Marry Robyn

[ViolaSebastian]

Sunday's episode was more of the same. Kody yelling at Christine for Christine being upset, Kody blaming her upset feelings on PMS, a new polygamist family the Browns go and meet. The wives look like sisters to me. They aren't related, but they look very alike. Mostly the episode was Kody attempting to appear macho. Janelle walked out on their dinner because Kody is an ass. I'm sure that's just Tuesday though in that family.

Yeah, I don't get the having two wives that look like sisters. Wasn't there one polygamist family where the guy was married to twins? Anywhoo, if I went into polyandry, I'd want two different looking men. Variety as the spice of life and all that.

[Bethella]

Yeah, I don't get the having two wives that look like sisters. Wasn't there one polygamist family where the guy was married to twins? Anywhoo, if I went into polyandry, I'd want two different looking men. Variety as the spice of life and all that.

Yep. He married one twin and their cousin on the same day. He married the second twin several years later after her first marriage ended.

[ViolaSebastian]

Yep. He married one twin and their cousin on the same day. He married the second twin several years later after her first marriage ended.

I'm just sitting here shaking my head at that. It seems that marrying sisters or cousins would add an extra dollop of complicated into an already byzantine situation. I know that in Islam, which permits up to four wives, it's considered taboo to marry sisters. That's probably for good, practical reasons. The competition between sisters is known to be fierce, and to have to tamp down that sometimes competitive relationship into a functioning family must be incredibly difficult. Heck, I know sisters that couldn't share a room or a sweater, let alone a husband. Plus, the kids would be siblings and cousins...which...yikes.

[Mama Mia]

I wouldn't want to do the husband sharing with a sister :ew:

But I think the actual household management/living/co-parenting would be much, much easier with a sister. At least for me. You'd already be used to sharing space and you'd likely have at least somewhat similar views on parenting, meals, traditions, cleaning etc..

Definitely not exactly the same, but probably within the same comfort range.

If it was me, I'd probably have more full on explosive battles with a sister, but short and without lasting resentment. Like any typical sibling fight. But a strange woman, for me, would be likely to make me really mad for a really long time.

[nelliebelle1197]

That is the Darger family and they could not get past a TLC special because they are all pretty emotionally and physically healthy and get along. I read their book and if I recall, one twin wanted Joe to marry her sister because the sister was the last, youngest and prettiest of multiple wives and was stuck isolated in freezing trailer with no money. Joe was apparently weirded out by it but I guess the porn power of twins won out. Or religion or something.

[Ellimenopy]

I think Meri's sense of entitlement comes from the fact that she is the first wife, the only legal wife and was kind or spiritual enough to share Kody with the other 3. That's just the impression that I get from her.

Yeah, I used to (still, I guess?) hate Meri, for her stupid selfish behavior, but I think the position she is in is awful. I don't think she's ever wanted to share her husband, even before she was infertile. She's always had self-esteem issues. I think the whole system is abusive to women and Meri really got the brunt end of the misogyny of it.

She could and should be gracious and loving towards her whole family, but really, apart from her huge house, her life sucks. So I just feel sorry for her instead of resenting her. She's a really emotionally immature person, but most emotionally immature people aren't put in such shitty situations and even if they are, they aren't put on tv to relive all their shitty behavior over and over again.

[snarkopolis]

You all are missing the important part. Meri is the LEGAL wife. When Christine, SobbinRobyn and Janelle's houses get foreclosed upon at the end of the TLC money train Kody can still go home again, to the one recognizable legal wife (and her wet bar).

[Mama Mia]

You all are missing the important part. Meri is the LEGAL wife. When Christine, SobbinRobyn and Janelle's houses get foreclosed upon at the end of the TLC money train Kody can still go home again, to the one recognizable legal wife (and her wet bar).

Why would any of the others homes be any more likely to be foreclosed on?

I understand they have two potentially working adults on that one title, but since neither Cody or Meri strike me as being particularly good with money ( to put it mildly), and neither seem to be steadily employed outside of the show -- I could see them actually being the first to lose the house.

I think they are all being paid enough to keep the homes, if they were smart. But I think Janelle is likely the only one who will actually budget carefully and keep earning outside income. I think right now any " jobs" they have are just because reality show people need to be shown doing something to earn a living - other than what they are obviously doing to earn a living. But I think Janelle will actually put effort into squirreling away money now, and working outside the show on off-times and the second it looks like it's going down the tubes she'll bust butt getting a full-time paid job. Or an actual business.

The rest I think ( except maybe Christine , but I don't think she seems very smart with money) will live way beyond their means, be in denial about needing to get new jobs, and rely on Janele to figure out a plan.

My idle speculation is that when the show is over they'll end up with two houses -- with Meri and Robin in one and Janele and Christine in another. Because Rovin and Meri are so damn whiney they'll probably end up with the larger home as well. Kody will be at that house except to see the kids.

[socalrules]

Have their ever been any reports as to what the monthly mortgages actually are? I wonder if the reality show ended, if they could actually get jobs that would pay the mortgages and the everyday bills. I doubt it. These are people that were struggling when they only had to pay the mortgage on the triplex in Utah. Other than Janelle, I don't think any of them have any education or skills that could lead to a well paying job that would come close to continuing the lifestyle they have now.

[Mama Mia]

Have their ever been any reports as to what the monthly mortgages actually are? I wonder if the reality show ended, if they could actually get jobs that would pay the mortgages and the everyday bills. I doubt it. These are people that were struggling when they only had to pay the mortgage on the triplex in Utah. Other than Janelle, I don't think any of them have any education or skills that could lead to a well paying job that would come close to continuing the lifestyle they have now.

I don't know how much they are making from the show, but saw an estimate of $50,000 an episode. That would give them around a million a Season. If they have a brain between them they are putting as much of that as possible into paying off the houses. If the show lasts 2 or 3 more Seasons they should be able to do it. Although, I'm thinking, if I ran their lives 8-) ,is after the show they should pay them off, move Robin and Meri into one house. Janelle and Christine and the 7 or 8 of their kids who would still be at home into one house. The houses are gigantic, they could have 3 or 4 kid rooms divided by age and gender, and still each have their own room. Keep one house for all the staying home/returning/visiting young adults and sell the fourth. If the things got tight they could sell the young adult house too.

[JHeathen]

Besides the wet bar, Meri had to have French doors instead of sliding doors to the back yard. If I remember correctly, Robyn gave her money from her house budget because she didn't ask for all the upgrades. Meri's house cost the most of all 4 houses.

From shots inside the house, it looks like she only got one French door at least, instead of two.

[JHeathen]

I seem to remember two episodes early on where we saw Kody and Meri drinking on a date (an anniversary?) and Kody and Robyn drinking on their honeymoon. The drinks looked alcoholic but suppose they could have been virgin daiquiris or something similar

Also, I think when the wives all took a trip together and went allegedly dress shopping (even though they only went to normal-size stores when 3 out of 4 of them are plus-sized... :angry-banghead: ) they ate lunch at some place with beers but they made a point to say something like the waitress said we had to try these....and then sipped and did not like.

[Cassia]

Has there been any mention of Meri going back to college like she said she was? I'm assuming no...

[BrownieMomma]

Why would any of the others homes be any more likely to be foreclosed on?

I understand they have two potentially working adults on that one title, but since neither Cody or Meri strike me as being particularly good with money ( to put it mildly), and neither seem to be steadily employed outside of the show -- I could see them actually being the first to lose the house.

I think they are all being paid enough to keep the homes, if they were smart. But I think Janelle is likely the only one who will actually budget carefully and keep earning outside income. I think right now any " jobs" they have are just because reality show people need to be shown doing something to earn a living - other than what they are obviously doing to earn a living. But I think Janelle will actually put effort into squirreling away money now, and working outside the show on off-times and the second it looks like it's going down the tubes she'll bust butt getting a full-time paid job. Or an actual business.

The rest I think ( except maybe Christine , but I don't think she seems very smart with money) will live way beyond their means, be in denial about needing to get new jobs, and rely on Janele to figure out a plan.

My idle speculation is that when the show is over they'll end up with two houses -- with Meri and Robin in one and Janele and Christine in another. Because Rovin and Meri are so damn whiney they'll probably end up with the larger home as well. Kody will be at that house except to see the kids.

I would totally not want to be Janelle at that point. I cannot imagine having to be in the position of being smart enough to work and save money to care for my own children, then see the children, the brothers and sisters of my own kids, suffering. What a hellacious place to be.

[Ellimenopy]

I would totally not want to be Janelle at that point. I cannot imagine having to be in the position of being smart enough to work and save money to care for my own children, then see the children, the brothers and sisters of my own kids, suffering. What a hellacious place to be.

Worse, she'll probably be roped into being provider for all of them again. I hate Janelle the most out of all of them. She's sweet and practical and yet she's hitched her star to Kody & co? She's barely smart by comparison if she's keeping company with that crowd.

[Rachel333]

I know Janelle has actually worked, but Christine took care of Janelle's kids as well as her own for years while Janelle worked during the day. I think she homeschooled them for a while, too.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that just because Janelle had a job doesn't mean she's the hardworking one and the other wives are lazy.

[gustava]

I know Janelle has actually worked, but Christine took care of Janelle's kids as well as her own for years while Janelle worked during the day. I think she homeschooled them for a while, too.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that just because Janelle had a job doesn't mean she's the hardworking one and the other wives are lazy.

In Utah, Christine and Janelle functioned like any two couple family, with a SAHM and a breadwinner. Mari had only one child, and did have at least a part time job at some point. Sobbin' wasn't around.

[JHeathen]

Has there been any mention of Meri going back to college like she said she was? I'm assuming no...

Looks like yes. On Jan 18 she tweeted: "Meri Brown @MeriBrown1 · Jan 18

"@CookieLuvinMom: @MeriBrown1 You previous talked about going back to school. Did you go back and if so what is your major?" Yes! Psychology "

[Mama Mia]

I know Janelle has actually worked, but Christine took care of Janelle's kids as well as her own for years while Janelle worked during the day. I think she homeschooled them for a while, too.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that just because Janelle had a job doesn't mean she's the hardworking one and the other wives are lazy.

Good point. Thank you for pointing that out.

I don't think Christine seems lazy - taking care of all those kids is hard work. She just seems a little less financially savvy, to me.

That's why I think she and Janelle would make a good team in one house. Probably paid off mortgage, Janelle providing income and Christine being the stay at home mom. They both seem completely over the Meri/Cody/Robin clusterfuck of stupid. But I think wouldn't want to go full- out and divorce.

Of course, they all could be completely different in real life.

[toejamflipflop]

I am sure that Christine was getting welfare before the show. She didn't work and was not legally married to Kody. She was a perfect candidate. She could even claim she didn't live with him because the property was broken down into three units. No way could they support all those people with with Janelle and Kody's full time jobs and Meri's part time job. The mortgage and food costs alone would wipe them out. I remember in one of the first episodes Christine proudly showing off her huge pantry of food. No way was that not bought with food stamps. I always thought they left Utah because of some type of allegation of welfare fraud.

If they start losing the houses, I think that Meri and Kody will be the only ones who keep their house. Kody's name is only on Meri's house. I don't see him wanting to downgrade. Janelle will be smart enough to try and get rid of her before she loses it but Christine and Robyn will be out of luck. Kody always seems to take care of Kody first. I do not see him just walking away from his mini-mansion.

After they moved into their houses I read somewhere that Robyn had some outstanding bills and that whoever she owed was going to put a lean against the property til she paid up. I think I read it on Jinx's Blog. I bet those bills got paid real quick when she whined to Kody about them and how she may lose the house. When the show first started didn't Kody and Janelle work full time while Meri only worked part time? It looks as if Janelle is still the only one working Full time. Robyn thinks she works by doing Sister Wives Closet which hasn't made money since they started it up. It was Robyns braintrust with Meri encouraging her to start it up. I got the feeling and still do that Janelle thought it was frivolous to start up a business with very little product and high cost merchandise. I wonder how Robyn pays her mortgage payments and that goes for Christine and Meri. Janelle has already said she pays her own mortage. Janelle should offer Christine a deal and she and Christine should pull up stakes and get away from Kody, Meri and Miss Robyn.

[JHeathen]

By Robyn's outstanding bills, so you mean the Victoria's Secret bills she worked with some financial advisor on the show to get forgiven?

Yes, when the show started, Kody & Janelle worked full time and Janelle worked loooong hours. I think Meri was part-time; she worked with troubled youth in some capacity.

I agree, Janelle was SO not on board with the MSWC jewelry because she's NOT STUPID. She wanted them all to invest the money in a fitness facility (you know, a potentially lucrative business...) and even had a partner lined up in their trainer. But MSWC sucked all the investment capital away, and she ended up backpedaling on the air and saying that the gym would cost too much because all the equipment was so expensive and there wasn't enough money left. It amazes me how these five grown adults just jump into rash decisions willy-nilly without doing extensive research. Especially when so many peoples' well-being is at stake.

I have been wondering if the major renovation going on at the Utah house is to UN-do the apartments and make it into a one-family house. Flooding, blah blah blah, they are lying liars who lie so who knows? I also figure that the two girls going to college in Utah are getting in-state tuition rates by using the Utah house address fraudulently.

[gustava]

I also figure that the two girls going to college in Utah are getting in-state tuition rates by using the Utah house address fraudulently.

I think they are too well known for that.

[Trynn]

Actually, in their book Kody and Meri both wrote that SHE was the one who convinced Kody to get into polygamy. At some point, at least according to her, she DID want this.

[samurai_sarah]

ETA: Tl;dr: Kody and Christine talk past each other. Sorry, didn't realize that I'd written a novel.

I only managed to watch the episode in which Kody and Christine argue about his friend. It irritated me so much I had to come vent. Here are two people, who clearly aren't communicating (not that the others are better). I normally don't like Christine much, but have felt sorry for her in the past, when Kody said stuff like that he wasn't attracted to her. Ouch! This just made me feel even sorrier for her.

From where I'm sitting, it seems clear to me that the issue is less the friend (Ken) as such, but that she's feeling that Kody neither supports her, nor has her back. He doesn't even understand why she was hurt by the anti-polygamy statements in the first place.

Kody grew up mainstream-Mormon and joined later. He wasn't raised in the mindset that the whole world tries persecuting him. He actively chose this, probably knew that he'd face disagreement, and was prepared to deal with that. And, he always strikes me as the sort of guy who believes that actually all men are secretly jealous of him, for being such a stud.

Christine comes from a long line of polygamists. Granted, the AUB is more worldly than the FLDS, but if I'm not seriously mistaken the divide between polygamist groups in Utah at the time of the Shortcreek Raid, was less pronounced. I can't recall where I read it, but as far as I'm aware the memory of police action against poly families engendered a deep distrust of the law, and the "outside world". Christine also seems to be the most fervent believer (if a reality tv show is anything to go by).

To me, the situation reads that she is feeling under attack and being persecuted for the very essence of who she thinks she is. Someone is attacking everything she was raised with, everything she believes in, and potentially threatening her family. I'm not saying Ken is actually threatening her family, I'm saying that she may feel that way since she was probably raised with a distrust of outsiders.

Now her husband, rather than having her back, like he normally does during polygamy chat, talks and debates, insists on keeping a friendship alive with someone she considers "anti-Christine and family". And instead of trying to understand where she's coming from, Kody blames her for not seeing his point of view. So, he's taking "her enemy's" point of view, over hers, and joining the attack. Yeah, that's not going to resolve the issue. At that point, you can write as many "mission statements" as you want, it's not going to help. This isn't a family-issue, it's two people talking past each other. Get professional help?

With my apologies to all real psychologists, I rest my arm-chair psychologist's case. :embarrassed:

[FundieFarmer]

Now her husband, rather than having her back, like he normally does during polygamy chat, talks and debates, insists on keeping a friendship alive with someone she considers "anti-Christine and family". And instead of trying to understand where she's coming from, Kody blames her for not seeing his point of view. So, he's taking "her enemy's" point of view, over hers, and joining the attack. Yeah, that's not going to resolve the issue. At that point, you can write as many "mission statements" as you want, it's not going to help. This isn't a family-issue, it's two people talking past each other. Get professional help?

This, this this this this this! This. He's not even trying to understand her, and then he wonders why she's upset. He's not required to agree with her- by far and away, nobody agrees with someone all the time- but the least he can do is make an effort to understand. Instead he runs around wailing that he's the persecuted one and doesn't want to (insert mocking tone of voice here) "tell my friend I can't play with him unless he apologizes to my wife for hurting her feelings".

Come on, Kody. You're not in kindergarten (you said it first) but your words and actions sure seem like it.