Sister Wives 8: And Another One Down, Another One Bites the Dust?

[TuringMachine]

This is pure gold

Spoiler

 

 

[ifosterkittens]

Three wives have left Kody, and I got sucked back in! 

Season 17 Episode 1 It’s Over

STH- solo talking head

Recap last season, Christine packed Kody’s stuffed and moved it into the garage. Christine told Kody he wasn’t welcome in her bedroom. They split.

Kody tells Robyn he is going to have a conversation with Christine. Robyn asks if everything is ok. Kody tells her no, says a few days ago he discovered all his stuff in Christine’s garage. Robyn acts shocked and says Kody should sleep on the couch for a while. Kody said no he won’t sleep on the couch. Robyn says he should stay on the couch and work it out with Christine. Kody in a STH said he didn’t want to be sexist, but why does the guy have to sleep on the couch, and said it is the walk of shame.

Janelle and Savannah tested positive for covid; said she made it nine months (presumably January 2021). Janelle said her symptoms were a bad cold, and her boys already had it.

Kody in a STH said his feelings about Christine- ambivalent, galled by the situation, how dare she move my stuff; wants to know what she is thinking. Christine in a STH said Kody’s presence gives her anxiety. Kody asks Christine why she moved his stuff out and she said it was hard to see his stuff. Christine said when he told her he wasn’t attracted to her and didn’t want an intimate marriage Kody interrupts and said that wasn’t the call (response) for the situation. Kody denies telling Christine he didn’t want an intimate marriage. Christine tells Kody he said the intimacy was over, and he said no he just shrugged his shoulders. Kody in a STH said Christine had been telling family members she wanted to leave Kody a year ago, but hadn’t told him and he won’t fool around with a woman who is talking about leaving him. Christine in a STH said Kody didn’t just shrug his shoulders, that conversation was one of the most humiliating experiences of her life.

Christine tells Kody they need to be free of each other. Christine said it has been 10-12 years of bad, and Kody says no, Christine says for you (Kody) it’s been longer, and Kody said no for you (Christine) it’s been longer. Kody said to Christine she unraveled it all on him. Kody said he thought their lives in Lehi were beautiful, and Christine said it wasn’t. Christine asked him what happened in Lehi that made it difficult. She told Kody she asked for help and he said no. Christine in a STH said when she was pregnant with Truely (2010) she was overwhelmed, and working at night and Asypn was putting the kids to bed when she was ten years old. Christine asked Kody to put the kids to bed when she was working, and he said no. Kody in a STH denies it, and said she was asking for more than the other wives, not fairness. Kody tells Christine he doesn’t deserve all the blame for how the relationship is now. Christine asks Kody how many full days he spent with them before covid. Christine in a STH said once they went hiking, twice they went kayaking for a total of three days out of the 800 they’ve been in Flagstaff. Kody tells Christine he was regularly at Christine’s house for full days, he remembers them. Kody in a STH said he doesn’t have the same amount of play time as Christine does, he must work and has lots of responsibilities. He wondered what she does all day and said it isn’t cooking and cleaning.

Christine asks Kody why he insists on holding onto her. Kody tells Christine she is blaming him for him being turned off by her behavior. Kody tells Christine he bought the house and the furniture in it, and it’s his place too. Christine tells Kody but you don’t love me. Christine in a STH said this conversation is beyond embarrassing. Christine tells Kody marriage to him has been heartache and pain trying to be what he needed. Kody said everything but treat your sister wives with kindness and respect. Christine tells him she doesn’t know what he means by that. Kody in a STH said that statement makes him want to scream. He said her complaints and hatred of plural marriage broke his heart for years. He said Christine was a fantastic mother to Janelle’s kids but wouldn’t do that with Robyn’s kids. The reason he’s not attracted is because she isn’t loyal and feels betrayed. Kody tells Christine they married under circumstances that weren’t romantic, and Christine said they were for her. Kody tells her he didn’t know better, and she asks if he had known better and he paused. Christine said you wouldn’t have married me, and he said it felt like they were following destiny. Kody tells Christine he can’t respect her when she criticizes and undermines other people (sister wives). Kody said he fell in love with her because she treated other people great, and then she treated people badly and that messed with him. Christine in a STH said if she has to meet all his criteria for him to be attracted to her, she can’t be herself and it’s over. Kody asks Christine if she feels their relationship is salvageable. Christine said it’s over, how could he see it differently?

Kody tells Christine he wasn’t attracted to her when they got married, he felt pressured into the marriage and didn’t know better. Christine in a STH asks did he marry her out of obligation because their church doesn’t have arranged marriages. Christine said things were great for years, and Kody asks why it is easy to dispose of? Christine said because of ten years of heartbreak and sadness, her heart has been shattered. Christine asks why hold on it? Kody said it is irresponsible with their kids. Kody in a STH said it's bad timing and should try to reconcile for the kids. He said in the STH Christine has moved on, he is angry and feels pathetic. Kody tells Christine he’s struggled to keep the family healthy at sacrifice of himself. Christine tells Kody she defended him and he asks why he’d believe her. Christine tells him he doesn’t trust her and said that’s true. Kody tells her to stop blaming him, and she said ok. Kody tells Christine they have love and intimacy and he’s sorry it’s conditional as part of a plural family. Christine tells him a couple times a year doesn’t work for a marriage. Kody said that feels like an accusation. Christine said she was, Kody goes you are? Christine said I was, no longer. Christine said when she was secure and felt important their marriage was wonderful and then she was displaced and felt hopeless and got jealous for the first time. Kody said she never got over it (jealousy) and that’s the problem. Christine in a STH said he has a favorite wife and that’s how we got here, and apparently she’s not treating the favorite wife well enough.

Christine asks him in the present, where we are, do you want to be married to me? Kody asks if she wants to be married to him. She said no. Kody said he’s good with it, no one is a prisoner. Kody asks what now? Christine said she needs to move to UT and be near people who want to be near her. Kody said they have kids together and he needs access to them. Kody tells Christine the poison in their relationship is she wanted more than what she was getting. Christine said she doesn’t know how to stay in Flagstaff and Kody told her to grow up and do it. Kody said she can marry someone else and have them come to Flagstaff and become part of the family, don’t break up the family. Kody said he believes Christine has poisoned the kids against him. Christine said she learned during covid she can do it alone. Christine said Kody hasn’t been around for years since before covid. Kody disagreed. Kody in a STH said Christine isn’t a victim she lost her faith, religion and direction. Kody tells Christine the adult kids are telling him he’s neglecting everyone with his covid protocol, he said those neglected broke the covid rules. Kody tells Christine he knows people who live plural marriage that are happy.

Kody tells Christine he’s worried she takes Truely to UT (unfriendly state to polygamy), gets a boyfriend who wants some of their money, and with her, the boyfriend and the state of UT he loses access to Truely and all his money. He’s seen it happen to many other people. Christine asks that’s his biggest fear. Kody says Utah, a greedy boyfriend/husband, a user, and wants her to promise it won’t happen. Christine says it won’t happen. Kody asks promise? Christine said promise. Christine in a STH said Kody’s behavior is confirming she made the right decision. She said he’s not safe for her. Kody said to Christine you’re excited about getting out, and she said she’s heartbroken, but can’t stay there. Christine said she’s excited about hope for the future. Kody tells Christine it has been worse for Meri. Kody said he and Christine have had more romance in five years than him and Meri. Christine said she’d never want what he and Meri have. She doesn’t want what they have now. She doesn’t want things to be so hard for Meri and him, and said that’s so hard. Christine in a STH said why compare our marriage to his with Meri, compare it to his with Robyn. Christine said it has been hard being his wife, feel unimportant. She said their memories are different, and his time is his time. Kody said he’s been defensive since he saw his stuff moved out. Christine said it’s been heartbreaking for years, heartbreaking to ask for his help and presence and not get it. Kody said he sees it as never enough. She said seeing him being an amazing husband and dad who cares, helps, spends time with the kids, and it is hard. Kody said she’s comparing relationships and that’s the poison for twelve years. Kody said he felt like he were there, and dealing with someone who was constantly agitated. Kody said so for us plural marriage doesn’t work. Christine said for us marriage doesn’t work. Christine in a STH said she’s not as important as Robyn to Kody, and everyone knows it. Christine asks Kody why would he want her to stay? Kody said because he’s supposed to. Christine said but you don’t want me too. After a long pause Kody says I’m sorry. Christine said she’s sorry too.

[ifosterkittens]

SW S17 E2 Is There A Favorite Wife?

STH- solo talking head

Garrison got covid first, then Gabe, Janelle and Savannah. Janelle had symptoms of a bad flu for five days. Kody in a STH said he hides in the closet or garage to get away from everyone while everyone is schooling remotely. Kody in a STH said he’s processing the drama of the conversation with Christine from last week (last episode), the blame, what could have been, refusal to take accountability. He said he’s shocked and angry. He is having a difficult time taking Christine seriously, and wonders if she’ll change her mind. Christine in a STH said after asking Kody not to spend the night his presence at her house hasn’t changed, and Truely hasn’t noticed a difference. The wives in separate STH agree Kody is high energy, scattered, always going somewhere. Robyn in a STH said Kody is fair with his time, they don’t track it, and it is because they are struggling that they see the time split as unfair. Robyn in a STH said she has a nanny to help with the kids because it isn’t fair to ask Kody because of his multitude of responsibilities. Janelle in a STH said she knows Kody helps Robyn with the little kids, but on her (Janelle) days doesn’t see Kody until 6pm, not sure where he spends his day. Christine said she hikes and kayaks with her kids all the time. Once Kody brought Robyn’s kids to come kayaking with Christine and her kids because he was “babysitting” (Christine’s word) them. Kody in a STH said it isn’t normal for him to “babysit” (his word) his kids because he’s always working. Kody in the STH said it’s easier to pay $20/hour for someone to babysit vs lose $200/hour from his business (no description of said business). Christine in a STH said Ysabel and Gwen have said it is tough to see how broken Kody and Christine’s relationship is, vs his relationship with other wives. Robyn in a STH said Kody favoring her isn’t a new complaint, assumptions are made but not true. Kody in a STH will be able to go to Janelle’s house once they finish quarantine since they have all gotten covid. Christine in a STH said Kody’s actions (about covid protocol) are hurting the whole family. Robyn in a STH said Kody is at her house more because the other wives are traveling so much, and he’s stressed about those relationships, and it isn’t fun to have him around. Robyn said he’s angry and struggling, not himself, and he directs his anger at her. Robyn in the STH said she feels helpless because no one will talk or work with each other.

Kody and Christine talk a month after the big conversation (last episode). Kody in a STH said he thinks both are on the edge of losing their minds before the conversation. Kody views Christine as the passage to interact with his kids. Kody tells Christine he’s had introspection on how they shouldn’t break up and should fight for the relationship. He sees it as a paradigm shift, and thinks they are making a mistake. He wonders if it will damage the kids. Kody in a STH felt there would be a breaking point and they would go to counseling, not split. Christine in a STH said it has been months since the conversation about intimacy and should have expressed interest in therapy then. Kody asks Christine if she is relieved with her decision, and she says yes, and wishes she would have left in Vegas and never moved to Flagstaff. She also told Kody she thought they’d be together forever. Kody in a STH said three wives have threatened to leave the marriage. Christine in a STH saw polygamy as the only way since she was a kid, felt it was ok for marriage to be hard and accepted she would be sad. Janelle in a STH feels Kody and Christine splitting was inevitable and a long time coming. Meri in a STH feels if both parties in the marriage aren’t willing to fight for it not much can be done.

Kody tells Christine he is apologizing for being so angry in their last conversation. Christine appreciates the apology, and that he’s not mad in this conversation. Kody in a STH said he feels a major injustice is being done to him. Kody tells Christine he wants to get to the place where he can be happy for Christine to be happy and free, and Christine said that’s the sweetest thing he’s ever said to her. Christine in a STH wants to thank him for supporting her. Christine thinks it is healthy for the family for her to leave. Kody in a STH said he’s always said if you aren’t happy leave but didn’t expect it to become a reality. Christine in a STH didn’t know she would be ok being alone and not married but going through surgery with Ysabel showed her she could do it. Truely does not know Kody and Christine have split. Kody in a STH said Christine made a unilateral decision to leave him. Christine in a STH said she and Kody have been waiting for the other to be what the other person needed for 10-12 years, can’t keep waiting. Kody in a STH said he needs grief counseling; he can’t let go.

Kody in a STH for thirty years he’s he kept the family safe, healthy, and together and Christine is shattering that reality. Christine tells Kody they’ll be friends. Kody in a STH said he’s not in the mindset to be friends. He’s married to two divorced women, he knows what their opinion is of the ex. Kody said it’s not complicated because Christine chose to leave, and Christine is saying it’s not just us. Christine asks if Kody is ok with her moving to UT. Kody said not really. Christine is planning on the Salt Lake area which is an eight-hour drive, and he sees it as unrealistic with the kids. Kody asks about St. George and Christine said gross.  Kody in a STH said according to his research men don’t win in divorce with kids (presumably meaning custody), and he’s disgusted by the idea of her moving. Kody asks Christine if they would be splitting if she didn’t need to go to Utah, and she said she doesn’t know, but doesn’t think they would last. Christine in a STH said she doesn’t want Truely to see what Gwen and Ysabel have seen with Kody being checked out with them, and not present. She wants to surround Truely with people who love and support her. Kody tells Christine Truely has a support system in Flagstaff but no access to it because of their not following the covid rules. Christine tells Kody they haven’t had a true community in Flagstaff. Robyn in a STH said the move to Flagstaff showed the lack of cohesiveness and unity in the family. Meri in a STH said they needed each other more when the kids were little, and relationships have changed over time.

Kody tells Christine he’s always loved her, but not been in love with her, and Christine finishes the sentence for a long time. Christine tells Kody he was her first love, and he will always be a part of her heart. Christine tells Kody she doesn’t want to burn bridges with the other sister wives, and feels some relationships will be fine (Janelle), others won’t (Meri and Robyn). Kody in a STH said he feels unmanly and weak and doesn’t want to discuss Christine leaving him with the other sister wives. Christine in a STH said Janelle knows the difficulties she and Kody have but doesn’t know she’s leaving. Kody asks if Christine should tell the sister wives without him, and she said she needs him there which surprises Kody. Kody in a STH wants Christine to admit she’s leaving for herself not because of him. He feels she’s justifying her decision and not owning her role. They agree to tell the wives. Kody in a STH said he’s in denial.

Ysabel is moving to North Carolina to attend a community college Maddie also attends. Christine in a STH said Ysabel needs her space and not be around the heaviness of Christine and Kody’s relationship. Maddie and Caleb lived with Janelle for a while in Vegas and Caleb and Ysabel got close during that time, and Caleb is excited for Ysabel to move to NC. Christine in a STH said Maddie was one of the first people she talked to after deciding to leave Kody to ensure she could be involved Maddie and her kids lives. Maddie said she’d always be a grandma to the kids, and it was a big relief for Christine.

Janelle in a STH said Garrison and Kody have strongly disagreed about covid protocols. Garrison bought a trailer to put on the side of Janelle’s rental while he saves up to buy a home. Kody in a STH said the trailer Garrison bought needs a lot of work so Garrison wasn’t living in it and then Garrison caught covid and spread it to his girlfriend, Gabe and his girlfriend, Janelle, and Savannah. Kody in the STH said Garrison called Kody a hypocrite, and Kody feels Garrison is the hypocrite who spread covid to the family instead of getting his own place. Robyn in a STH said she’s reached out to Janelle, Gabe and Garrison and asked them to work on things with Kody and has been shut down. Kody in a STH said some family members are saying covid is fake which is stupid (for once I agree with Kody). Christine and Janelle in STHs both said covid is real. Janelle in a STH said Garrison is military and was vaccinated.

Janelle in a STH said Garrison called Kody and said he was done with him because he didn’t like how his mom and their family (Janelle and her kids) was being treated. Christine in a STH said Janelle’s kids have been frustrated with Kody for years because they don’t like the way he treats Janelle. Christine in the STH said Janelle has repeatedly said she’s fine her relationship with Kody, but Janelle’s kids feel differently. Kody in a STH said he called Janelle and told her Gabe and Garrison must move out. Janelle in a STH said it’s funny because Kody’s not on the lease, only she’s on the lease. Kody in a STH said his covid rules have backfired. Janelle in a STH said Gabe and Garrison’s frustration with Kody isn’t limited to his covid rules. Janelle in the STH said Gabe and Garrison feel Kody preferred Robyn and spent more time with her since Vegas. Janelle in the STH said her relationship with Kody is adequate and works for her, but it doesn’t look like his relationship with Robyn. Robyn in a STH said the boys’ accusations are false, she doesn’t have power over Kody and if she had that power, she would have forced a sit down to compromise on the covid rules. Kody in a STH said the older kids have a club and you’re either in or not and Gabe and Garrison gossiped to Hunter and Maddie and got them to collude against Kody. Janelle in a STH said there are sides Meri, Robyn and Robyn’s kids and the other side that includes all her kids, and she’s feeling forced to choose. Meri in a STH said Mariah (now Leo) is not part of the fight about covid Kody is having with some of his kids. Christine in a STH said Kody appears heartbroken, like he’s drowning and consumed by burden with all the covid disagreements, and she feels bad for him.

Christine in a STH is trying to the get the kids situated. Ysabel is moving to NC, Gwen is going to get an apartment in town and Truely will move with Christine to UT. Ysabel tells Kody she was accepted to Pitt community college in NC, will spend two years there and then transfer into ECU. Ysabel said she’s moving in with Maddie and Caleb. Kody tells Ysabel he is excited but hates that she’s leaving. Kody in a STH said he thought Ysabel would stay in Flagstaff and wonders if she’s running from Kody and Christine’s situation. Christine tells Kody he can join them for the cross country move or fly out and help move Ysabel in they can adjust the plans to accommodate him. Kody wonders what the covid restrictions will be in August 2021 when they need to move Ysabel to NC and is unwilling to commit at this time. Christine in a STH thinks it will be great for Ysabel to be around Maddie and Caleb who are happily married. Christine in a STH said she and Truely will go through a transition period. Christine in a STH said she told Gwen she’s moving to UT in September 2021 and invited Gwen to join. Gwen is staying in Flagstaff and told Christine she wants her to be happy. Christine in the STH said Ysabel and Gwen both wish they had a better relationship with their dad, but ultimately feels it’s Kody’s responsibility to prioritize the relationship with the kids, not hers. Kody in a STH said he feels heartbroken Ysabel is leaving while they have a crummy relationship because of Kody and Christine’s turmoil; he said he’s trying to reach to her (Ysabel). Christine in a STH said it’s difficult Kody has been absent, but devastating to her daughters, and he’s missed the opportunity they (Ysabel and Gwen) are moving on. Kody in a STH said he’s tried to be the hero to his kids work hard, provide, be present and because of covid protocols he’s portrayed as the villain.

[ifosterkittens]

SW S17 E3 The Labors of Life

It would have been Kody and Christine’s 27th wedding anniversary, and Kody asked if they should post something on social media, Christine said no, and Kody in a STH saw this as the first sign Christine was serious about the split. Kody in the STH wonders when Christine will realize the life she’s attempting to create isn’t better than the life she has now. Christine in a STH said she doesn’t wear her wedding rings anymore; feels they are a noose. Kody in a STH said he needs trust to have intimacy and attraction. In the STH said he felt Christine was mean by unwinding polygamy, his whole life and purpose. Now he wishes he hadn’t been angry and worked on things. Christine and Truely are moving in September after Ysabel and Gwen have moved out for college, and she wishes she could move sooner to UT. Kody and Christine didn’t speak on their anniversary and it was another sign to him things are over.

The five adults have a zoom meeting. Schools are going to reopen, and kids can go back in the classroom. Kody in a STH feels Christine is trying to run the zoom meeting, calls it independent woman and feels Christine’s acting as though she doesn’t need to submit to the group. Janelle and Savannah are in NC visiting Maddie. Christine is in St. George, UT at Mykelti’s on baby watch. Robyn in a STH said Mykelti lived with her before she married Kody, and they are close. Mykelti invited Robyn to attend the birth. Mykelti is having a midwife and a homebirth. Christine said Mykelti is calmer than Tony and he’s not a fan of homebirths. Kody in a STH said during this zoom call while deciding on in person/remote schooling it is the kids spring break (~late March/early April 2021), and Kody prefers the kids all remain online. Janelle said Savannah will stay online. Robyn’s kids will all stay online (except Ari because she’s too young). Christine said Ysabel is a senior and wants to spend the last few weeks in person with her friends. Christine asks Kody what that means for Kody coming over with Ysabel attending school in person. Kody shrugs. Kody ultimately said it changes things for Christine’s house. Janelle in a STH said she feels bad for Ysabel having to choose between her father and her friends, and feels his approach is ridiculous. Kody in a STH said he feels Christine and Janelle are trying to pin him down, and he feels like they’re trying to catch him being a covid protocol hypocrite. Janelle asks Kody when he feels he can have a normal life. Janelle in a STH said she’s crossing a line but can’t stay silent.   

Kody in a STH feels Christine and Janelle are having a snooty attitude and mocking how he’s handling his covid protocols. Robyn in a STH understands Ysabel’s desire to return to school but finds it all (all is not specified) stupid. Ysabel and Gwen are in Flagstaff. Ysabel went into school for something, Kody asks Christine if Ysabel got a covid test so he could go visit Ysabel and Gwen. Christine said she didn’t know if Ysabel did, she’s 17, has the link to schedule a test, and can handle it herself. Kody in a STH said Christine would normally set up the appointment for Ysabel so he could see Ysabel. He feels Christine has all the information she can book the test and help him out. Christine in a STH said she’s in St. George, Ysabel and Gwen are in Flagstaff, she hoped Kody would reach out so they could get tested before a visit with him, but Kody didn’t reach out and make a plan. Christine in the STH said the girls won’t test daily hoping and waiting for him to call and say let’s get together. Robyn said she hadn’t officially decided but based on the conversation will have Solomon and Breanna continue being online. Kody said he requested Sol and Breanna remain online. Christine in a STH said Ysabel would love a call from her dad saying please don’t go back to in person school so I (Kody) can see you (Ysabel). Christine says she’ll tell Ysabel and she can make the choice. Kody in a STH said Breanna isn’t as social as Ysabel, and Ysabel has expressed it’s been difficult not to see her friends.

Janelle tells Kody she can see Ysabel in the backyard. Kody said that hasn’t worked during winter. Kody in a STH said it is inconvenient to meet outdoors because of the weather. Kody in the STH needs Ysabel to make her own choice and not have anyone be bitter about the repercussions of her choice. Janelle in a STH said it is difficult to not take him not visiting personally and feels he can visit in the backyard and call her. Kody in a STH said he makes an effort to visit with the smaller children, and is bitter with how unfair the situation is to him. Kody says teenagers don’t need him as much as the preteens do, and Robyn is sitting next to him clearly not agreeing with this statement, but not saying a word. Kody said Truely still engages him in conversation and that’s important for both. Meri in a STH said all of Kody’s kids need him. Robyn in a STH said she doesn’t want to criticize Kody, but she disagrees and feels kids need their parents for the rest of their lives. Janelle said she’s got to go. Christine in a STH said she has more questions than answers at the end of the zoom, and wonders is it all on Ysabel to decide to see her dad or her friends.

Meri is driving to see her mom. Meri’s mom Bonnie is in the hospital with a heart attack, she’s coding, and it doesn’t look good. Meri said she’s not ready to lose her mom, she’s only 76. Flashbacks to Bonnie. Kody said Bonnie’s the sweetest lady, a fantastic mother-in-law, and a blessing to all of them. While in route Meri learns her mom passed away. Meri in a STH said her mom was also the first wife and had hoped to grow old with her sister wives, but that didn’t happen (some of the wives left). Janelle in a STH said she had a lot of affection for Bonnie, and their culture reveres matriarchs. Christine in STH said her mother left the church and no one including Christine knew what to do with her. Christine said Bonnie always pushed her to reconcile with her mom. Robyn in a STH said Bonnie was very welcoming. Meri said she doesn’t know what to do, what life looks like without her mom or the future of the BnB. They all expressed sincere feelings about Bonnie.

Mykelti is in labor in St. George, UT on April 3rd- a couple days late. Robyn attended via zoom call. Mykelti and Tony have a couch interview and Mykelti said her dad isn’t there because she thinks it would be weird if he was there for her giving birth, felt it would be uncomfortable. Mykelti said she’s close with Christine and Robyn and not close with Janelle and Meri. Christine in a STH said she’ll always love and respect Robyn for her relationship with Mykelti. Mykelti said she moved in Robyn when she was courting Kody, lived with her for a few months to help with the kids, and is still close with Robyn and her kids. Christine in a STH said she doesn’t know how much Robyn knows about her relationship with Kody. Kody did move his stuff out of her (Christine’s) garage. Tony’s mom Maria is also present for the homebirth. Meri had a homebirth. Janelle had three hospital births and three home births and preferred home births- said the recovery was easier. Christine had five home births and a hospital birth with Truely. Robyn had all homebirths; Aurora was born in a pool of water. Tony is worried he’ll drop the baby. Christine in a STH she would be fine with Kody being there if Mykelti wanted him there. Robyn in a STH said Tony is working as hard as Mykelti with the delivery rubbing and pushing her back. Robyn said Mykelti can’t do a contraction without him. Mykelti’s water broke on the toilet. Christine and Robyn agree it is difficult to see Mykelti in pain.

Christine is keeping Robyn in the loop on all the progress and sharing pictures of the head pushed out a bit. Avalon’s heartbeat dropped because the cord was wrapped around her three or four times according to Christine. Christine in a STH said Mykelti and Tony are an incredible team. Once Mykelti dilated to 10 cm she pushed for ten minutes before Avalon was born. Christine in a STH said she was there for Maddie’s two births, and it was harder to see Mykelti in pain than Maddie in pain, but the love for the grandbaby born is the same. Truely said she has so much hair! Avalon Asa Padron was born on April 5, 2021. Bonnie Barber (Meri’s mom) 1945-2021.

[ifosterkittens]

SW S17 E4 And Then There Were Three

STH- solo talking head

Christine in a STH said Avalon (Mykelti and Tony’s daughter) looks just like Tony. Christine said Tony wants to hold her constantly and cut into her Oma time. Now Christine needs to tell the wives she’s leaving Kody. Kody in a STH said they bought Coyote Pass three years ago and he still plans to build there, but Christine leaving may change that. Janelle’s rental is being sold. Kody said to define the property lines they need to pay off the land, and Janelle wants to build something small she can move into in six months and live in a RV in the meantime. They bought four lots, had planned to divide it into five lots. Janelle is out of her rental in two months.  Kody wants Janelle to rent, Janelle put money down on the RV she wanted. Kody said it’s probably a good idea, Janelle said there’s only one in the country (model she wants). The RV will be shipped to UT, but they need a truck to haul it, and Kody’s truck can’t haul it. Janelle says they’ll buy something to haul the RV in the next week or two. Kody in a STH said Janelle made the choice to get the RV, it wasn’t their choice and he’s clearly not thrilled about staying in the RV. Janelle said she’s excited but having panic attacks, but she wants to be bold and make the property happen. Kody asks Janelle about Gabe and Garrison. Janelle said Gabe’s going to get an apartment and Garrison will put his trailer on Coyote Pass. Kody in a STH said he’s being supportive, but this the lack of plan is nuts. Janelle asks Kody if he’ll stay at the trailer with her, and he said sounds like a luxury vacation. Kody in a STH said Janelle sometimes worked with him, sometimes against him, Christine was fairly compliant until she wanted to move to UT and they didn’t and then she became very independent. He said Meri worked well with him pretty well, and Robyn’s whole goal was to work together with the family. Kody feels all the wives have a breaking point where they no longer consider the other sister wives’ needs, do their own thing and he said Janelle has done it before. Janelle said the RV forces them to build on the property. Janelle in a STH said thinks Kody doesn’t always listen when she speaks and is acting like buying the RV is new information.

Footage from last week’s conversation with the five adults discussing the kids going back to in person vs continuing online. Kody in a STH said Christine complains he’s never there, Ysabel can go to school, she’d rather see her friends. In the STH he said he didn’t create the problem and don’t be mad at him for having standards. Kody said he would go to hang out with Truely and Ysabel and they would go to bed while he was there. Kody in the STH said he’ll be there for Ysabel when she needs him, she can call him anytime. Christine in a STH said she’s sad and nervous to tell the sister wives she’s leaving. Janelle in a STH said buying the RV was impulsive and out of her nature. The five adults gather at Janelle’s so she can tell them about the RV. Janelle said it is exciting and terrifying she bought a 5th wheel. Christine in a STH said it sounds like her definition of hell, but it’s what Janelle has always wanted. Flashbacks to Janelle talking about her love of camping and wanting to live in an RV. The 5th wheel is two bedrooms two bathrooms. Christine in a STH said does it only seem crazy to me? Meri in a STH said Janelle should do what she wants to do, but she wouldn’t do it. Robyn in a STH said it sounds miserable to her. Christine in a STH laughing when she recounts Janelle saying she bought the 5th wheel sight unseen.

Janelle tells the adults she’s planning a year in the RV and hopes to start building in the next 2-4 months. Kody says they hope to build a casita on the property by December. Janelle is moving in the 5th in May. Meri in a STH wonders if Kody is on board with the plan. Meri in the STH said Janelle has wanted to put a bathroom out on the property and jokes it’s an expensive outhouse. Janelle said this will make her be bold, and may fall flat on her face, but she’s going to do it. Kody said there’s no water or electricity. Janelle tells them she has to buy a truck to pull it- requires a one-ton truck to pull it. Kody in a STH laughs and says Janelle bought a cart without the horse. Kody in a STH this is a dumb idea, exciting but dumb. Kody tells the adults it feels like a step in the right direction instead of buying Janelle’s rental and tying the money up. He’s excited about the view. Christine in a STH says she needs to tell the adults she has no intention of living on the property and doesn’t want her piece of property. Kody asks the adults to pray and get thoughts going to pay off the property.

The adults gather outside at Christine’s so she can tell them she’s leaving. Christine said they used their phones to film the conversation so it remains private for now. Christine tells the adults she’s leaving. She said it’s a hard decision, but she needs to choose happiness, joy, and peace. She now has hope. Robyn said was worried this was what she was going to say. Robyn in a STH said she’s in shock, said it’s not computing. Meri in a STH said it’s a big announcement and is processing. Janelle in a STH said she knew is was coming, but still hard to have it happen. Christine said she is moving to UT, and asks if Janelle wants to rent her house. Janelle says wait a minute. Kody asks if Janelle’s need to move prompted the discussion with the sister wives. Christine said there is no good time to have this discussion. Janelle said it isn’t a surprise, because of her discussion and texts with some of the kids.

Janelle asks what about the kids? Christine said the kids will maintain their relationships with the other kids. Meri in a STH doesn’t think it will be that easy. Janelle tells Christine she was the fabric of everything and wonders what things without her look like. Janelle in a STH said Christine watched her kids while she worked, has been around for so long and is as big a part of her life as Kody is. Robyn asks if they are sure. Kody squints. Christine says yes. Robyn in a STH said she’s been through a divorce, and knows what it means, and they’re all connected and wonders if she understands what she’s saying. Robyn wonders is Kody going to let it happen. Robyn in the STH said her divorce still affects her kids. Janelle asks how they will unravel things. Christine said it isn’t unraveling, it just looks different. Meri said it isn’t that easy. Janelle asks about Truely. Christine said she thinks Truely will be fine, she’ll miss them, and it will be hard. Janelle asks will Truely ever come back? Kody said you can’t take her from me; we will have shared 50-50 custody. Kody in a STH said they haven’t discussed custody yet, but he won’t let Christine just take Truely. Christine tells Kody she would be taking Truely and Kody said he never agreed it was ok she was moving, they just talked about it. They disagree on how their conversations went. Kody in a STH said Christine didn’t ask him if it was ok to not stay at her house, she told him. Christine didn’t ask him if it was ok to move his stuff into the garage, she just did it. She didn’t ask to move to UT with Truely, she told him. Kody tells Christine he can’t just take Truely and wonders what her intention was. Christine in a STH said she finds it ironic now he wants to be involved with the kids, now that’s she leaving. In the STH Christine said Kody could have had 50-50 time the whole time they lived in Flagstaff, but he wasn’t around and doesn’t get 50-50.

Kody in a STH said Christine forgets what Christine signed up to be part of with plural marriage. Christine said we’ll figure out holidays and birthdays. Janelle says she worries about Truely, Solomon, and Ari. Robyn nods. Christine said Truely is closest to Aspyn, Mitch, Mykelti, Tony and Paedon. Janelle in a STH doesn’t see how Truely would come back for a long period of time. Janelle asks there will never be another Christmas. Christine says she doesn’t know. Kody in a STH doesn’t know why Christine feels the need to move because she visits her kids in UT all the time. Robyn asks does Christine want to be done with the rest of the adults. Christine said no. Robyn asks does Christine want to move out on the property and Christine said no. Robyn in a STH is still in shock and it feels wrong Christine won’t be her sister wives, worries about the future. Meri in a STH said Christine wasn’t that happy in Utah, said she was angry and reserved and put on a front. Meri finds it disappointing. Kody asks what she gains by leaving. Christine said an incredible support, community, her parents, other plural families. Kody says you are leaving plural marriage, they aren’t part of their church anymore, how do you get plural community? Christine said family. Kody in a STH said he doesn’t know why Christine needs to move because she’s not part of the plural community, or their old church, so either she wants to date some guy in UT or get away from him so his stink isn’t on her so she can date. Robyn asks if Christine believes in plural marriage now? Christine said it works for people who wants it to work for them. Christine said if they have a testimony they should live it. Robyn asks do you? Christine said no. Kody in a STH feels their bad times in their marriage is the reason for Christine’s change of heart on plural marriage. He was spread thin and she needed a level of attention and that lead to this point.

Robyn asked if Christine and Kody had a good relationship would she stick around? Christine said I can’t answer it is difficult to imagine having a good relationship with him. Christine in a STH knew when she was younger plural marriage was the answer, but now sees God as the type of parent she is that doesn’t want his kids to be sad and unhappy. Kody said he’s mad and angry, but it is the honest place, and not worth killing themselves to redeem the marriage like they did in Vegas. Christine said it’s been worse here than in Vegas. Kody tells the adults he’ll be the head of his household again and won’t be circumvented in that. He said if everyone conforms to patriarchy, he has bitterness from trying to make everyone happy and not having the family he planned and designed. Janelle in a STH said she didn’t know she signed up for patriarchy, that wasn’t what they agreed on in the beginning. Kody in a STH said Janelle did sign on for patriarchy, she agreed he would be the head of the family. Kody tells the adults if it is too awkward, and he doesn’t feel like the head of the house he won’t have the whole family together. He won’t waste time on people who don’t respect him. He’s disappointed in how he’s managed things and said he should have taken the reigns along the way, but because he felt their independence was important, they lost their unity. Robyn in a STH said it will rock their family if they aren’t careful and hopes they all take it seriously.

[gustava]

8 hours ago, ifosterkittens said:

Kody tells the adults he’ll be the head of his household again and won’t be circumvented in that. He said if everyone conforms to patriarchy, he

Can’t believe he used the P word, but guess I shouldn’t be surprised.

[ifosterkittens]

SW S17 E5 The Last Family Gathering

STH- solo talking head

Kody in a STH said he feels separated from his family, but he has other problems ie getting Janelle’s RV to Coyote Pass. Robyn in a STH quoting Janelle or Kody saying they needed to buy a truck to move the trailer, and Robyn’s response was no, you don’t. Kody in a STH he bought his brother’s truck from his brother’s widow, and it gives him joy, and can pull the RV. Kody tells Janelle he loves his brother’s truck, but doesn’t have a daily use for it, so Janelle says she’ll drive it. Kody then says he doesn’t want it used in a soccer mom capacity, and Janelle says then don’t complain it won’t be used daily. Janelle in a STH said it’s a big truck, but she’ll figure it out with time and practice. Robyn in a STH seems skeptical Janelle can drive the truck. Janelle in a STH said she’d like to build a casita which is a detached garage with a living space above it. Currently it is May 2021, they move at the end of June 2021 and hopes to break ground on the casita by the winter. Kody in a STH complains he doesn’t want to put his stuff in storage, so he has to move it to Robyn’s house. Christine in a STH said Kody has a lot of stuff in Vegas he had four of everything. Janelle in a STH said to comply with county rules the RV will need to be moved every 4 months, to a different parcel. Kody in a STH said they shouldn’t have bought the RV because it needs moved often. Kody tells Janelle to ask her sister wives for permission to use their property. Janelle in a STH said this is classic Kody he’s totally on board with a plan and a few days later he points out a bunch of problems with the plan. Janelle in the STH feels she doesn’t need the sister wives permission because they’ve all agreed, and she doesn’t have time. Meri in a STH wonders what if she doesn’t want the RV pad where they pour it on her property. Kody in a STH feels Janelle is making solo decisions, and Janelle in a STH feels Kody isn’t acting as her husband in this conversation. Janelle and Kody meet some experts (their job title was not defined) to look at Coyote Pass and discuss placement of the RV and the future house sites.

Meri is processing how to live without her mom, and her sudden passing. Meri shut down the BnB temporarily. Meri said Kody asked why she (Meri) didn’t just move up to the BnB, and Meri said that wasn’t her intention. Robyn in a STH said she doubted Kody meant to be insensitive to Meri but he processes out loud, thinks out loud and it can be scary and insensitive. Christine in a STH said Meri has repeatedly been abundantly clear she never planned to live at the BnB it was simply to get it back in the family. Meri in a STH said she and Kody started their family, they had plans, and Kody loved her, and now he’s trying to send her off to the BnB. Kody in a STH said Meri shares the burden of the BnB now that Bonnie has passed, and he gave her a solution that she lives at the BnB and run it herself. Kody in the STH said they don’t interact much as a family. Meri in a STH said the adults need to decide if they want to work together and heal their relationships and come together or do they not. Meri wants to reassure the family she isn’t going anywhere. Meri said she is lost and feels empty.

Kody in a STH feels Janelle didn’t spend much time looking for a rental and decided herself to get the RV. Janelle and Kody are going to look at the RV, and Janelle doesn’t want to film the reveal. Janelle thinks it is big and Kody feels it is small. Robyn and Meri in separate STH agree they wouldn’t want to live in an RV. A culvert is put in on Coyote Pass. Kody in a STH would still like to build five houses on Coyote Pass and use his lot and Christine’s lot for rentals that would provide for their retirement. Kody in the STH said he’s in the anger phase of divorce and his life is in limbo with Christine leaving.

Christine is hosting a graduation party for Ysabel. It is a world theme because Ysabel wants to travel. Christine in a STH said she and her girls are doing party preparation and Kody calls Ysabel to hang out before the party instead of offering to help with party prep. Christine said everyone has been tested for covid or vaccinated so the crowd will be able to hug. Christine in a STH she Truely still doesn’t know she’s leaving Kody at the time of the party. Janelle in a STH said her kids know and Gabe and Garrison are saying they’ll just visit Christine in UT. Robyn in a STH said she told all her kids and they are sad. The Flagstaff crowd gathers for the party. Kody in a STH said he's under a cloud of sadness.

Ysabel in a STH said she saw the divorce coming, she’s sad about it, and hopes her mom can find someone who makes her happy. Mykelti and Tony in a couch interview Mykelti said she was relieved when she learned Christine was leaving Kody and said they aren’t happy and not in love. Tony said he thought it was inevitable, and he can’t imagine any man being perfect enough to have four wives. Kody in a STH said he has a strained relationship with some of the kids, and doesn’t feel he gets the respect he should, and he’s not ok. Kody in the STH said he’s at the party but he’s in a funk with bitterness and loneliness with his family. Ysabel’s party is a combination of 18th birthday and high school graduation. Kody in a STH made a comment about it being a sweet 18, based on the sweet 16 when the girl turns 16 but has never kissed a boy- this was not confirmed by Ysabel. In the STH he said you should find a relationship with trust before being driven crazy by sexuality. Ysabel in a STH said the party felt like the family before covid. Aurora plays the guitar while Christine sings Unwritten everyone else joins and it brings Ysabel to tears. Ysabel in a STH said the party was a success.

Robyn in a STH wishes Christine and Kody would decide they should fight for their relationship. Meri in a STH wonders why they can’t work on their family issues, and feels she’s devoted to it, but said not everyone is. Janelle in a STH said she’s not optimistic they will have a lot of gatherings like Ysabel’s party in the future. Christine in a STH said she thinks Kody is realizing he hasn’t spent enough time with Ysabel. Kody in a STH still wonders if Christine will really leave and said he’s struggling with regret and frustration. In the STH he said Christine leaving has made him question plural marriage, his faith, his religion, and the message they had about functional polygamy when it’s now so dysfunctional.

[ifosterkittens]

So I'm binging SW to do these recaps, and ya'll I'm on the verge of yelling at Kody through my TV which won't change anything, but might make me feel better? 

SW S17 E6 Telling Truely

STH- solo talking head

Christine tells Kody she thinks they should talk to Truely together. Kody is reluctant to and, in a STH, holds out a silver of hope they will reconcile and due to his denial doesn’t want to tell Truely yet. Kody tells Christine he should take Truely a few days at a time and the reason he hasn’t is because he’s been so busy. Kody in a STH said he wants Truely to come to Robyn’s so she is in his environment. Kody said he wants her three to four days a week and will get her a bed; Christine said she wants her to have her own bedroom. Kody said they’ll work it out, and Christine says thank you. Christine in a STH said she’s all for Truely going with Kody to Robyn’s, so she can spend time with Kody and Robyn’s kids. In the STH Christine said she wants Kody to have a great relationship with all her kids. Robyn in a STH said she believes in miracles and thinks there is a possibility Kody and Christine work things out at some point. Christine tells Kody she isn’t looking forward to telling Truely, but she must because she needs to know. Kody feels it’s a lot for a ten-year-old, and Christine politely corrects 11. Kody in a STH said he’s delaying telling Truely and hoping to find a way to get Christine to stay in Flagstaff so it’s easier to spend time with the kids. Janelle in a STH said she doesn’t see anything that would keep Christine in Flagstaff and understands her desire to be near her kids. Christine tells Kody he needs to move the rest of his stuff out of her garage, she’s started the packing process. Kody in a STH said he didn’t give Christine permission to move his stuff to the garage and he doesn’t want to move it out of the garage. In the STH he feels be giving his wives control over their lives he has no control over his own life.

Kody asks Christine if she wants the food storage, and Christine said it is the family’s Kody can have it and she’ll start over. Kody said part of it is hers. Robyn in a STH said food storage is taught in their church in case the end of the world comes. Christine in a STH said the food storage is to feed your family when the economy collapses or the second coming of Christ. Kody in a STH lists natural disasters. Meri in a STH said she didn’t have any food storage, but she keeps extra water. Janelle in a STH said her mom and grandma did it. Christine in a STH said she’s not part of the Mormon faith, not part of their church, and doesn’t know where she stands religiously. In the STH Christine said she will no longer live in fear and believes she needs food storage. Kody in a STH said he feels Christine has backstabbed him and is hostile and is rushed. Christine tells Kody for her it wasn’t a rush and has moved slowly to accommodate him. Christine tells Kody she would have moved over summer and told Truely months ago. Christine agrees to wait to tell Truely so she plays fair with Kody.

Janelle and Kody picked up the RV and drove it to Meri’s BnB and spent the night at the BnB. Janelle in a STH said Meri’s BnB is rumored to be haunted, but she didn’t see a ghost and thought the BnB was peaceful. Meri in a STH said they didn’t pay so they didn’t get breakfast. Kody said he liked the room and offered to buy the room from Meri. Meri reopened the BnB since her mom passed and has a friend who is running things for the summer. Kody in a STH said he doesn’t want to live in the trailer. Janelle in a STH said Kody won’t be away from Robyn’s little kids for more than 2-3 days so trips are confined to that period. Kody said he needs to get home to rapid test before seeing Robyn’s kids. In the STH he said he appreciates the wives who support his covid protocols. Meri in a STH said their husband/wife relationship has not improved. Kody in a STH feels his relationship with Meri is good, but not one of a married couple. In the STH he acknowledges it isn’t fulfilling for Meri, and he no longer feels betrayed by Meri. Janelle in the STH said Gabe an Garrison rented apartments. Getting the RV placed and set up is a process. Kody in a STH reiterates Janelle made the decision to the RV herself.

Gwen in a STH said she’s bisexual. Christine in a STH said when Mariah (now Leo) came out as gay she thought so is Gwen. Christine in the STH said Gwen teases Christine about being partially gay because of her female celebrity crushes on Blake Lively, Kelly Clarkson and Emily Blunt. Christine in the STH said she’s heterosexual and 90% of Gwen’s humor is inappropriate and makes people uncomfortable. Christine in a STH said Kody got Ysabel a car. Ysabel is only taking clothes, and will live with Maddie, and share a bathroom with Evie. Christine in a STH said she invited Kody to drive with them cross country and would accommodate his schedule, but he isn’t coming. Kody in a STH said he spends most of the time with Ysabel is drawing her out of her shell, it’s a lot of work, and he doesn’t know why she doesn’t open up to him. In the STH Kody guesses Ysabel is hurt he didn’t attend her surgery, but said other people depended on him, and would have gone had it not been during covid. He said Christine has the kids ear, he does not. Ysabel in a STH said her relationship with her dad “is fine”. Ysabel in the STH said she’ll miss her mom more and doesn’t think she’s close with Kody. In the STH Ysabel said she’s adjusted to them getting a divorce, feels they don’t deserve to be happy and doesn’t want them in a loveless marriage. Gwen in a STH said she’s not excited for Ysabel to leave, and they got closer since they moved to Flagstaff. Ysabel in the STH said she hopes her relationship with the other parents remains as it is now, she wants all the moms and kids.

Meri, Christine and her daughters, Robyn and her kids gather to see Janelle’s new RV. Christine in a STH said she’ll be supportive of Janelle and what she wants to do, but she and her daughters are concerned about Savannah. Christine and her daughters agree this is totally what Janelle would do. Janelle in a STH said living in the RV isn’t the first best choice, she’s doing it so she can move forward with building on Coyote Pass. Janelle in a STH said she would be surprised if Kody, Robyn and Meri actually build on Coyote Pass. Meri in a STH says she lost her excitement about building on Coyote Pass. Robyn in a STH said it’s her dream to build on Coyote Pass and they didn’t expect the hold ups like having to pay off the land first. Janelle’s RV battery didn’t charge and it is necessary to run most of the RV so she’s a bit discouraged, and currently has no hookups for water, septic or power. Janelle in a STH said no matter what Christine thinks about a situation she will cheer you on. Christine asks Savannah if she’s excited. Savannah said yes once she learned it had two bathrooms. Christine in a STH said she’s impressed with Savannah’s attitude. Savannah’s room has some bunks and a pretty good size for an RV. Kody in a STH said he will shower somewhere else because Janelle’s bathroom is too small, and has no room for him to bring a suitcase. Janelle in a STH said she has two dogs, her dog and her mom’s dog. Kody said they’ll live outside of the RV and Janelle said no. Kody feels dogs shouldn’t be in the bedroom and said she’ll have to choose. Janelle in a STH said she’ll choose the dogs, he’s there every 3-4 days. Meri in a STH said early on in the marriage Kody, Meri, Janelle and Christine lived in a bedroom mobile home and it was cramped. Christine in a STH said she doesn’t think Kody will be happy with the RV and is nervous for Janelle, and sees it as a potential excuse for him to stay at Robyn’s not Janelle’s. Kody in a STH said Robyn makes it convenient for him to be at her house and reinforces his relationship with the kids. Robyn in a STH wonders will the RV bring Janelle and Kody closer or exacerbate Kody’s frustration. Kody in a STH said if he isn’t around much a wife feels marginalized and like the victim. He feels Janelle made this decision to get the RV which is inconvenient to his lifestyle and she has to live with the consequences.

Across the scene appears: “Due to the sensitive nature of this topic, Christine spile to Truely off-camera about leaving Kody.” Christine in a STH said she was talking to Mykelti on the phone, and Truely overhead Christine say she’s excited to move. Christine had planned to talk to Truely with Kody, but since Truely overheard it, it needed addressed right away. Christine in the STH told Truely yes they were moving, but just her and Christine, not Kody. Truely asked if they were getting a divorce, and was heartbroken and crying when Christine said they are already divorced. Christine said in that moment when Truely asked she decided they were divorced since there is no formal paperwork because they never legally married and no official date on paperwork. Christine wanted Truely to see it was a done deal and things had already changed, but said Truely admitted she hadn’t really noticed. Kody in a STH said if his relationship is bad with his younger children it isn’t always his fault because Christine is telling the story well dad is never here anyway. In the STH Kody feels Christine needs excuses to justify leaving and has set up this narrative (he’s never around) for quite a while.  Christine said Truely went to her room and cried, and it will always be the day remembered as the day she broke Truely’s heart, and now she must tell Kody Truely knows. Christine in the STH said she knows it is the right decision, but it’s still difficult.

[ifosterkittens]

SW S17 E7 The Failed Priest

Kody driving to Oklahoma to officiate his friend’s wedding. He’s enjoying being by himself and having time to reflect. Janelle in a STH is interested in his choice to travel with his covid protocols. Kody in a STH said he stayed home for 15 months, Janelle and Christine didn’t, and they aren’t getting together as a family now, and it isn’t because of covid, and feels Janelle’s comments are a “gaslighting fallacy.” Kody in the STH said he traveled with Janelle the previous week for her niece’s wedding. Kody in the car says Robyn was supposed to come but had to take care of the kids. Christine in a STH thinks Kody will do a great job officiating but wonders about covid, wonders will Kody mask or will the crowd have to follow Kody’s rules. She said no that’s ridiculous. Robyn in a STH hope Kody heals or finds answers on this trip and said he’s been angry.

Christine asks Truely on camera how she’s feeling about the divorce and move. Truely said the first day she was very upset, but now she’s fine. Truely said she noticed signs they weren’t as happy but didn’t really know. Christine in a STH said Truely says she’s ok, but she’s 11 and needs time to process. Truely in a STH said she reached out to Aspyn and her grandma to discuss the divorce. In Truely’s STH she said the realization everyone else knew before her felt like a betrayal. Christine asks Truely was it easier to know they were already divorced? Truely said yes but wished it hadn’t been kept a secret from her, and only had three months’ notice they are moving. Truely in her STH said she was hurt and betrayed to be last to know by these decisions when it affects her the most. Christine in a STH said she thinks Truely is trying to be ok with the divorce, but her voice catches, is sad, and it is the first of many check ins. Kody in a STH feels Christine has been unfair to him, marginalized him in her conversation with Truely, and that he feels they are blowing him off. Kody in the STH said he came over the day after Christine told Truely to talk to her and he feels either she dealt with it well or buried the emotions. Truely in the STH said her dad came over, asked her you found out about the divorce, she said yes, he said ok, and according to Truely the conversation didn’t go beyond that. Kody in a STH is surprised Truely isn’t more shocked and devastated about the divorce and moving, but glad she’s ok. He doesn’t understand why Christine needs to move. Christine offers Truely the master bedroom when Gwen moves out so she can have it for a bit, and she passed. Christine in a STH wants to get Truely excited about the move.

Kody said he hasn’t written the wedding vows and is struggling with what to say at the wedding he is officiating. Kody in the STH said he’s panicking because he spent the drive focusing on the demise of his marriage with Christine and is in a bad place. Kody officiated Madison and Caleb’s wedding. Christine in a STH said it’s interesting Kody is officiating a wedding when their marriage failed, his marriage with Meri isn’t great, and his marriage with Janelle is rocky. In a STH Kody said he’s only partly to blame if he does a poor job officiating. Kody’s friend Brian is getting married and has a STH and he said he met Kody 26 years ago and attended three different events where Kody brought one wife, but a different wife each time, and Brian said you change wives like I change shirts? Kody said no I have three wives, and Brian said as long as he didn’t have to have three wives that’s fine. Janelle in a STH said Kody has worried if he is the right person to officiate and feels like a failure. Robyn in a STH said Kody said maybe Brian is making a mistake getting married which surprised Robyn, and she said he is in a dark place. Kody in a STH said he asked Brian are you are sure about getting married, and Brian said, he was sure.

Kody is officiating the wedding asks the bride if she is nervous, she said she is, and he said he was too. Kody in a STH said he used to be a minister and is the high priest of his family. Kody in a STH said he is a failed priest, he’s been defrocked because his wife is leaving him. As part of Kody’s officiating he tells the couple they can’t change each other. In the STH Kody says you need to accept your spouse for the person they are, not who you want them to be. Robyn in a STH said Kody waits to the last minute, waits for inspiration to strike and it stresses her out, and he usually does a great job. Christine in a STH said Gwen is mad and Ysabel is heartbroken to heart Kody is officiating the wedding. Christine in the STH said Ysabel asked how could Kody justify officiating the wedding but not coming to her surgery. Kody in a STH said Ysabel’s surgery would have required him to be away from home and work for 6-8 weeks which wasn’t possible. He was out of town for four days with Brian’s wedding. Christine in a STH said now she’s mad, she looks livid. Kody in a STH feels this is another justification to make him the villain. Christine in a STH said she can’t respect Kody and the choices he’s making. Kody in a STH said the lack of love is for a reason.

The RV needs to be leveled again. Kody comes to help, Janelle and Gabe are there too. Janelle in the STH said there’s a huge learning curve with the RV, it’s the best and worst of both worlds. She’s hauling water in by hand, getting electricity from a generator, and doesn’t really know what she’s doing. Christine in a STH said she lives a mile from Janelle now, and sees her all the time. Janelle does her laundry at Christine’s house. Robyn in a STH said she goes out to Coyote Pass frequently (she has a bench) to envision the family on the property and never sees Janelle when she’s there which she thinks is weird. Robyn in the STH hopes Janelle can get the family out on the property and said that is her dream. Gabe and Kody clash while trying to level the RV. Kody in a STH said Gabe doesn’t know what he’s doing. Gabe in a STH said he and Kody don’t talk as much since the covid fight; Gabe said he feels Kody is tired of putting in the effort to have a relationship and he doesn’t know what he did wrong. Kody in a STH said Gabe not understanding what is going on/wrong isn’t the issue Gabe gaslit him with the covid rules. Janelle tells Gabe she thinks Kody is overwhelmed (while they are trying to level the RV). Christine in a STH said she hasn’t discussed it yet, but she would like to keep her house whether it is proceeds from the sale of it or rent, and Kody can keep the lot on Coyote Pass. Janelle in a STH said the RV has turned out to be much more difficult than she imagined. Kody said he’s tired and needs a break from trying to level it.

Kody goes to Christine’s to talk. Gwen plans to finish college in Flagstaff. Gwen hasn’t been able to meet as many people in college, and line up roommates because of covid. Kody asked if Gwen is vaccinated, and Christine said yes. Christine doesn’t want to displace Gwen, so suggested she get two people (in addition to Gwen) to rent downstairs, and Christine can lock the upstairs door (guessing they have an inlaw suite setup) so she has a place to stay when she brings Truely down.

Christine asks Kody what he thinks of her proposal. Kody said he doesn’t know what to think. Kody in a STH said he needs time to process the situation so he can make the right decision. Kody tells Christine is they sold the house they could pay off Coyote Pass, and Janelle could build. Christine in a STH said if she sells her house she’ll keep the proceeds for her next house, not Coyote Pass. Kody in a STH said it’s their house, the family bought the house, it’s not solely Christine’s house. Christine asks if they sell her house how it would work because she would get some of the money. Kody said they’d sell Christine’s house, pay off Coyote Pass, and have a quick claim where she sells them her lot. Kody in a STH said he and Robyn gave Christine the money for the down payment for the house and that money should come back to Coyote Pass, Christine has only been paying the mortgage, and couldn’t qualify without the down payment from Kody and Robyn. Kody said it was a good idea to rent and Christine having the upstairs room makes sense. Christine said she’ll make an area for Truely in the room, and Kody said no he’ll get her a room in the house (Robyn’s) so Truely stays there. Kody tells Christine they need a child custody agreement in place or the state will take Truely which surprises Christine. Kody in a STH then said he got creative with the child custody agreement so he doesn’t get screwed. Kody said they need the child custody agreement they’ll say 50-50 and work out the details in time otherwise you get a lawyer and the government involved and the lawyer takes all your money. Christine in a STH sees this as Kody doesn’t trust her. Kody in a STH said no he doesn’t trust Christine. Christine doesn’t think they need to get a lawyer involved, Kody said they’ll likely need a lawyer to write it up, he’ll ask around. Kody wants to get the child custody agreement in AZ, doesn’t want to involve UT at all even if Truely’s living in UT. Kody in a STH said the state of UT hates him, he put egg on their face, and is worried the state will team up with Christine. They agree Kody will think about it. Christine in a STH thinks they don’t need a lawyer since they aren’t legally married, but feels if Kody’s getting a lawyer she’ll get one too.

[ifosterkittens]

My current foster cat (she's pregnant) is not a fan of my watching SW because I'm yelling at the TV (at Kody, and sometimes Robyn). Don't worry she's getting extra treats!

SW S17 E8 Hang on With Me

STH- solo talking head

Christine and Kody are going through Christine’s garage. Kody in a STH said he thought they’d divide their assets in half but Christine has already sold off some of their stuff. Christine tells Kody she wants to sell her house, keep the profit, and he keeps the property. Christine in a STH said women in polygamy don’t’ typically have assets in their name, and Kody in a STH said the assets are in the women’s name if the husband goes to prison for cohabitation. Christine in a STH said if he wants to split things 50-50 everything that is has his name on it including Robyn’s house comes into discussion which doesn’t make sense. Christine’s realtor said her house would sell quickly, Kody said maybe you should sell, Christine asks really and Kody says ok. Kody said that will work nice and clean (presumably Christine keeps the sale of the house, he gets the property). Christine said she’s thrilled he agreed, and it has kept her up at night. Kody in a STH said he agreed to the deal but it’s not the most fair outcome. Janelle in a STH said she thinks Christine keeping the proceeds from the sale of her home is fair and makes it clean and easy. Janelle said Christine and Robyn both got family money to buy their homes, and what Christine gets back from the sale of her house is on par with the value of Christine’s lot. Christine tells Kody she is selling her bedroom furniture and starting over with her bedroom.

Janelle in a STH said the trailer was a rude awakening, but she loves being on the property. Janelle has to fill eight containers to fill her water tank and that last 1.5 days if used conservatively. Kody in a STH said he won’t gloat or say I told you so to Janelle with all the unexpected challenges of living in the trailer. Janelle in a STH said Savannah is struggling, and not sure it is sustainable.

Robyn goes to Meri’s to discuss Christine leaving. Robyn said it’s weird. Meri said she’s frustrated and angry. Robyn said it affects all of them. Robyn in a STH said it does affect us. Janelle in a STH said she’s not sure they still have a family. Meri in a STH said Kody didn’t fight for Christine or for her (Meri). Meri tells Robyn she feels betrayed and can’t imagine how Kody’s doing. Robyn said he’s a mess. Robyn in a STH said Kody now questions her, he struggles to trust her (Robyn) and everyone else. Robyn in the STH said Kody has marriages he needs to maintain, he needs to get over his anger and focus on the marriages he has before he loses them all. Kody in a STH said he needs time to be sad and angry about his divorce. Meri asks Robyn why Christine would come into the family if that was what she was going to do, and not talk to Meri first. Christine in a STH said she agreed to be a sister wife, an equal wife. Meri in a STH said for years she felt Christine was a dear friend, more than just a sister wife for years. Kody in a STH said she was an equal, Christine wanted to be more than an equal and wanted to be loved without giving love. Meri said she’s taking it personally and won’t cry because she’s pissed. Janelle in a STH said sacrifices aside, why would you tell someone to stay if they are unhappy? Robyn tells Meri when Christine told them it was like she released the relationship; Robyn said she recognized it. Meri said it is familiar, she saw him give up on them. Kody in a STH said he didn’t give up on Meri, the relationship wasn’t stable, and they can get along but not be together. Meri tells Robyn people always ask her she stays with Kody, and she prays and meditates on it, and always comes to peace on her decision. Robyn tells Meri she’s grateful she is still there. Meri and Robyn agree they need to rebuild. Robyn in a STH said is watching what she wanted with a plural family be destroyed.

Robyn in a STH said she’d never do anything that would hurt the family and wishes the family saw that. Robyn in a STH said she would not blame Meri is she walked away, but it would devastate her. Robyn in a STH said she’s asked Kody what if the situation was reverse (one wife multiple husbands) and he doesn’t want to talk about it or think it through. Kody in a STH said a bunch of brother husbands would play video games together and high five each other. Robyn in a STH said Kody’s brother husband’s perspective is nonsense because he gets funny about her ex. Robyn and Meri agree it will mess with the kids. Meri said she asked Christine what her kids thought and Christine said they’re all for it, and Robyn said that means they are hearing one side of the story and Meri agreed. Kody in a STH said the only people who have asked for his side of the story are Meri and Robyn and maybe Janelle. Christine in a STH said the only sister wife who reached out was Janelle, if the others were concerned why not reach out? Meri asks Robyn was this coming before the move to Flagstaff, and Robyn said yes she talked about this before Flagstaff. Robyn and Meri agree Christine hasn’t been happy for years. Kody in a STH before Robyn joined the family they had dysfunctional relationships but worked together for the sake of the kids. Robyn tells Meri she wishes Christine would build on the property and date in Flagstaff. Kody in a STH thinks Christine is fleeing to UT to live near family and find a new husband. Robyn in a STH said she’s never struggled as much with Kody as she is now.

Brian (Kody officiated his wedding last episode) and Kody have been friends for 25 years, business partners for 7 years and were in Reno, NV at a sportsmen show (his word). Brian in a STH said he was glad Kody care enough to ask him he was sure he wanted to get married.

Christine sold her bedroom set. Kody in a STH said it broke his heart she sold the bedroom set. Christine said she reflected on all the good times and bad in that bed, all the babies born on that bed. Kody in a STH said he feels like a pathetic divorce denier, and Christine’s excitement with moving forward is driving him crazy. Christine in a STH hopes to find love again, is attracted to her and wants to marry her. Christine in the STH she’s rather be alone and love herself than be in a loveless marriage.

Ysabel, Truely, and Christine are driving across the country to NC. Gwen in a STH said Ysabel’s her favorite sister, not sure she can say that, but they’re close, and it won’t be the same. Kody in a STH said he didn’t think the kids were exposed to marriage troubles in Vegas, at least not from him, but for years before covid he’s heard from others Christine is talking about leaving. Truely in a STH said you have no idea how cramped the car is! Kody in a STH said he wouldn’t travel with Christine at this point. Ysabel in a STH said Kody can’t be away from the kids for that long, and covid is still present. Christine said the hardest thing is her kids don’t have a good relationship with their dad, he doesn’t know them, and they don’t know how amazing he is. Kody in a STH said he’s spread thin because he has 18 kids. He wonders what happened to him, his life, and his purpose. Ysabel pulls out of the driveway and starts crying not knowing when she’ll next see Kody. Ysabel said she’s sad she didn’t get to say goodbye to Janelle’s kids, Ari and Sol one last time.

[Cults-r-us]

On 12/12/2022 at 1:08 PM, viii said:

I'm curious to see what Meri will do. She's been clinging to Kody for so long that I don't think she knows how to separate herself from him. She also doesn't seem capable of reading social cues because Kody is so clearly finished with her and openly says they have a platonic, not romantic, relationship. That's good and dandy when it was four wives, but now that two have forked off, now it's just Meri sitting by the sidelines, watching Kody and Robyn? It's suddenly a lot more creepy and sad than it was before, and that's saying a lot. 

I think it's been a game of stalemate. Kody says because of their religion (which they do not practice and from which they were expelled (good for you, AUB!)),  he cannot divorce Meri. So Meri has been playing a long game. Kodi has been publicly saying, on national TV, he is no longer married to Meri. So what can Meri do?  Meri is in the clear. She can be an AUB martyr wife, tell the cameras she only hopes to reconcile with this narcissistic, corrosive prick, not give him any more money, live her best life, and, gloriously, not have to be friendly to Robin.

I call liar, liar, pants on fire. Seriously, Robyn, do you not think we've been watching season after season of these other wives complaining about Kody's neglect of their marital relationships and children?

[Cults-r-us]

On 12/14/2022 at 9:26 AM, noseybutt said:

If we are offering available fundie women as tribute to Kody, I would suggest Shoshana Pearl.

I would love to see Michael Peral, stroke and all, kicking the ass of Jody Brown if he talked to Shoshanna in the abusive manner in which he talks to his other wives.

[Letgo]

1 hour ago, Cults-r-us said:

I think it's been a game of stalemate. Kody says because of their religion (which they do not practice and from which they were expelled (good for you, AUB!)),  he cannot divorce Meri. So Meri has been playing a long game. Kodi has been publicly saying, on national TV, he is no longer married to Meri. So what can Meri do?  Meri is in the clear. She can be an AUB martyr wife

 

I have questions! If the Browns have been kicked out of the AUB what religion do they follow now? Since they left Utah they’ve not had a church to attend so nothing much has changed if their church doesn’t want them. Kody has been pretty anti-polygamy recently so is he more mainstream LDS? Not that they’d want him!
AUB or not, Kody doesn’t need to divorce Meri. She already divorced him. Unless the family has some type of financial/legal agreement in place Kody has no actual obligation to Meri. Their only child is an adult so no child support. He has stated repeatedly that he has no interest in a relationship with Meri and he’d be happy if she remarried. Will Meri reconsider now that two other wives have left? There is no family relationship now, other than with Robyn’s kids. The children of Christine won’t be around much without her. Janelle may stay in Flagstaff but are any of her kids close to Meri? From what I recall on the show, Gwendlyn is the only one close to Meri. So what IS Meri’s long game? Why stay now? She can still be friends with Robyn and be close to her kids, whether “married” to Kody or not. If she stays what is she getting out of it?

[marmalade]

Money from the show? Does she have an occupation outside the home? She should be doing something if her only offspring has flown the coop. 

[Natalie22]

5 hours ago, Letgo said:

I have questions! If the Browns have been kicked out of the AUB what religion do they follow now? Since they left Utah they’ve not had a church to attend so nothing much has changed if their church doesn’t want them. Kody has been pretty anti-polygamy recently so is he more mainstream LDS? Not that they’d want him!
AUB or not, Kody doesn’t need to divorce Meri. She already divorced him. Unless the family has some type of financial/legal agreement in place Kody has no actual obligation to Meri. Their only child is an adult so no child support. He has stated repeatedly that he has no interest in a relationship with Meri and he’d be happy if she remarried. Will Meri reconsider now that two other wives have left? There is no family relationship now, other than with Robyn’s kids. The children of Christine won’t be around much without her. Janelle may stay in Flagstaff but are any of her kids close to Meri? From what I recall on the show, Gwendlyn is the only one close to Meri. So what IS Meri’s long game? Why stay now? She can still be friends with Robyn and be close to her kids, whether “married” to Kody or not. If she stays what is she getting out of it?

So I think the challenge is you are looking at it from a non-polygamous view point.  Remember, it is very typical in their culture to not have a legal marriage. That Meri legally divorced Kody doesn't impact the sealing they had done - they were still as married as they were before in the eyes of their religion. Even in the LDS faith, a divorce does not cancel your sealing to your spouse; you need to submit a separate petition to the church to be unsealed. I am guessing the AUB has something similar and neither Kody nor Meri have ever asked for them to be unsealed. So when they talk about getting divorced, they really mean unsealed in the temple. So from a religious point of view (and you hear them kind of talk about this with Christine when they ask is she really divorced if she didn't petition their church), Kody has actually not done anything to divorce Meri. He may say he doesn't love her, doesn't want a relationship, but that isn't the same as an official divorce. Apparently it is looked down upon if a man divorces his wife, so Kody's plan seems to be to try to make Meri so miserable that she asks for the divorce and Meri hasn't given in. Given how religious both her parents were until they died and that she still has a number of siblings in the AUB, I'm guessing Meri's choices have more to do with religious indoctrination than her current lived experience

With regards to no kids liking Meri, I think we haven't necessarily seen a ton of evidence for that. The only one who seems to really dislike her vocally is Maddie, but Gwen didn't given the impression that none of the kids liked Meri. I think the older boys got along better with Meri than maybe some of the older girls, but remember that Ysabel stayed at Meri's for a bit and Gwen said in a tick tock video she liked Meri. 

[ifosterkittens]

13 hours ago, Letgo said:

I have questions! If the Browns have been kicked out of the AUB what religion do they follow now? Since they left Utah they’ve not had a church to attend so nothing much has changed if their church doesn’t want them. Kody has been pretty anti-polygamy recently so is he more mainstream LDS? Not that they’d want him!

This is one of many questions I wish they would answer! When they left Utah and moved to Vegas for a while (not sure how long) Kody lead home church, and I think the clip I watched last night said that was 2013 (so far fewer live streamed church options back then). If the whole family or even just Robyn's family did home church weekly or monthly led by Kody they would have filmed it. 

 

12 hours ago, marmalade said:

Money from the show? Does she have an occupation outside the home? She should be doing something if her only offspring has flown the coop. 

Meri must get money from the show. She used to sell LuLaRoe leggings, and for a while she was very successful. LuLaRoe has fallen out of popularity (fantastic documentary about them on Amazon), so if she still sells them, it isn't nearly as profitable as it once was. Janelle and Christine are both selling Plexus. The Browns have been involved in MLMs probably since before the show started. Meri has the BnB which she was able to buy from her money (not the Brown family pot) so if there is any profit from that she could have that as a source of income. I doubt Meri has a typical 8-5 because that would impact her availability to film for Sister Wives. 

[ifosterkittens]

SW S17 E9 A Polygamist Divorce

Christine, Ysabel and Truely took six days to drive to NC. Christine loves the trip and Truely complained the car was small and cramped. Christine in a STH said Truely has leaned on Ysabel since learning of the divorce. Ysabel in a STH shares her concerns of living away from her mom. Truely doesn’t want to move. Ysabel in a STH said she’s excited to see a healthy relationship between Maddie and Caleb and is glad Truely will get to see that with Aspyn and Mitch and Mykelti and Tony. Ysabel in a STH said Maddie and Caleb making room in their lives and home for her is the kindest thing anyone has ever done. Christine said Hunter lives in Baltimore and tells everyone visit Maddie and Caleb and he’ll mee them there. Ysabel in a STH said the past year has been difficult, a lot of change, and she prefaced it with it’s not a bad thing, but Christine depended on her. Ysabel in a STH said it’s difficult to see her mom in a sad state the last year, and things were tough. Christine in a STH said she told Ysabel she’d visit in a month, and Ysabel said no wait until Christmas, or she’d go back with Christine. Ysabel in a STH said she thinks it’s good for her and Christine to live without each other and not rely on each other so much. Christine in a STH said changing the family dynamics by her moving does keep her up at night. Christine said she need to tell the wives and Kody she’s moving next week.

Meri in a STH said she’s been traveling between Flagstaff and Parowan frequently to keep up with the BnB. Meri’s BFF Jenn is going to run the BnB for the summer. Meri met Jenn in Vegas, and Jenn was a dear friend through the whole cat fishing fiasco. Kody in a STH said Jenn is loyal to Meri, he doesn’t know if Jenn gives Meri good advice, and he concedes Meri needs a good friend because she isn’t close with her sister wives. Meri in the STH said Jenn dropped everything when Bonnie died to help Meri and it feels good to matter to someone. While filming with Jenn Meri is wearing a shirt that says “So Apparently I’m Dramatic”.

Christine’s house is on the market. Christine in a STH said Truely is sad they’re moving but has chosen to be ok. Christine in a STH said she and Truely have been back for three days but Kody hasn’t come to see Truely so he hasn’t seen Truely for 2.5 weeks, and they moved Gwen without him. Kody in a STH said he doesn’t want to go to Christine’s house, and his bedrooms (he didn’t say Robyn’s) are full. He claims it isn’t about not wanting to see his daughter, it is because he doesn’t want to see Christine. Christine’s house is now under contract. Christine in a STH said Mykelti is looking for a place for Christine and Truely to live in Utah. Christine in a STH said it won’t be a clean break because of the kids. Christine is starting over at 49, she got married at 21. Christine hopes her sister wives don’t hate her for leaving.

 Meri in a STH said she’s hurt and feels betrayed that Christine doesn’t see value in their family. Kody in a STH said he’s angry about just about everything- Christine moving his stuff in the garage, asking him to move out of Christine’s house, selling Christine’s house, moving to Utah. The adults gather at Christine’s house and Christine tells them the house is under contract. Janelle said yay, which frustrated Kody. Christine found a house in Utah in three days and is moving next week. Robyn in a STH said she feels like she was pushed out of an airplane. Kody in a STH said he won’t tell Christine he has undying love for her and ask her to come back because he doesn’t even like her now. Meri in a STH said there’s nothing to say and wonders should she say congrats on leaving the family. Meri in the STH said she’s not jealous of Christine, she could leave if she wanted, but she wants to stay and see if Kody will work on their relationship.

Janelle asks how’s Truely? Christine started to say Truely was upset about moving, and Kody said Truely was more upset by moving than the divorce. Kody in a STH said when Christine told Truely they were getting a divorce she was upset, but by the time Kody talked to her (he said it was a day later in a previous episode) Truely felt different and he wonders what Christine said to Truely to make Truely ok with the divorce. Christine in a STH said Truely talked to Aspyn and Ysabel about the divorce after she found out, didn’t say much to Christine the day she found out. Kody said Truely told him Christine and Kody were divorced and Kody said that was news to him. Christine asks how is that news to you? Kody in a STH said there was no official agreement, no papers were signed, and they didn’t go to the church leaders asking for a divorce. Robyn tells the group you must ask the church for a divorce; you need the church’s approval. Robyn in a STH said Christine claiming to be divorced invalidates their beliefs in spiritual marriages. Robyn in the STH said per her understanding until Christine is physical with another man she isn’t divorced. Janelle in a STH said Christine has left the faith, so the rules don’t apply to her anymore, why would she need the church’s approval? Christine’s mom left her dad, got a legal divorce, and left the church when Christine was 19. Christine in a STH said she and Kody didn’t have a legal contract, and neither belonged to the religion (her word) anymore. Meri in a STH said she and Kody aren’t legally married anymore, but still considers them married. Kody in a STH said he doesn’t consider himself married to Meri; he said if she wanted to marry someone else, he wouldn’t fight her on it. Kody in the STH said he doesn’t feel he and Meri and functional or that he’ll be safe emotionally with her. Kody in a STH said his relationship with Meri unraveled for years, Christine just kicked him to the curb.

Kody tells the group he’s sorry it dragged out so much, and Janelle disagreed and said it shows they tried. Janelle said the most important thing is the have a cohesive group of kids and Kody said they aren’t. Kody in a STH said Mariah, Paedon, Dayton, Aurora and Breanna don’t fit in well with the family. Kody argues three of Janelle’s kids are close to three of Christine’s and that’s it. Janelle in a STH said Kody has Robyn’s same view that Robyn’s kids were slighted, and she doesn’t know why and feels the kids all interact all holidays and aren’t shunned. Kody in a STH said Janelle and Christine speak on behalf of their kids, the kids don’t bring the issues to him. Kody in the STH said Robyn and her children communicate with him, they involve him. Janelle hopes they’ll figure out how to be grandparents and loved the opportunity she had to spend with Avalon (Mykelti’s daughter) over the summer. Meri in a STH said they haven’t functioned as family for years, beyond Christine and Kody’s issues.

Kody in a STH said he heard the rumor mill Christine was thinking of leaving so he asked Madison, and Madison confirmed Christine’s been talking about leaving for a while. Kody said this to the group, and Christine said when you hear things through the grapevine you aren’t getting the whole story and should address the source. Christine said the kids asked her why she stayed, why she didn’t leave. Kody in a STH said he was always present and involved and the kids wouldn’t mention leaving to Christine unless she told them she was in a loveless marriage. Kody asked who, and Christine said she won’t expose them, but several kids asked her. Robyn asked Christine why the kids asked. Christine said because they saw how separate we are in Flagstaff. Robyn said that’s the culture of their family group not her relationship with Kody. Christine said the kids also saw the length of time she and Kody struggled and said they noticed in Vegas they weren’t close anymore. Robyn said in Vegas, that’s a lie. Robyn said she remembers the conversations in Vegas and suggested Christine and Kody were faking it in Vegas. Christine in a STH said now she’s being accused of lying? Christine in the STH said she and Kody struggled in Vegas and her kids saw it. Robyn in a STH said Christine is saying all the marriages except hers were struggling in Vegas and that’s not true. Meri in a STH said she thinks Robyn misunderstood what Christine said. Christine said they tried in Vegas, Janelle said she knew there were problems for a long time, and Robyn said she didn’t know. Janelle in a STH said clearly Kody and Christine have struggled for years and now they are trying to invalidate what’s she saying and making it sound like her leaving was a decision made on a whim. Christine said she and Kody had conversations the previous year and Robyn cuts Christine off and says they don’t communicate well so she doesn’t see how it was legitimate. Christine said she feels they’ve communicated better the past six months but Kody doesn’t agree, said she’s made unilateral decisions. Kody in a STH said Christine has made all the decisions alone to kick him out, to divorce, to move and she feels powerful in her decisions and feels that’s her communicating. Robyn told Christine she (Christine) said the only good relationship in Vegas was Kody and Robyn and that’s not true. Christine said she never said that, and Robyn said that’s what she heard. It becomes clear to the group Robyn misunderstood and that’s why she used Janelle’s relationship as an example. Janelle in a STH said she doesn’t want her relationship used as ammunition against Christine. Robyn in a STH said she must have been confused.

Kody tells the group they spent the past 12 years trying to show the world their family is legitimate. Kody in a STH said they’ve worked hard to get the public to accept their family, and Christine’s decision to divorce him invalidates what they’ve worked for. Christine in a STH said she knew the decision to leave Kody is a public one and wondered would she be considered a liar and a fraud. Christine in the STH said she did her best, and that’s all she could do. Christine in the STH said she’s a mom first and couldn’t stay married when there were favorites to a person breaking her kids’ hearts, and she chose to stand with her kids, takes a big breath, says God and walks off her STH.

[Jrodseyeliner]

Ok the tell all is a bit confusing it is hopping between all 5 adults in their interviews and it doesn’t feel cohesive yet. But it also hasn’t addressed any of the things that have us wanting to throw things at the TV. 

[ifosterkittens]

SW S17 E10 The Knife in the Kidneys

STH- solo talking head

The five adults conversation from last episode at Christine’s house continues. Christine tells the adults a year ago she got to the point where she didn’t think she could stay with Kody but hadn’t made plans to leave, and wouldn’t wish her relationship on any of her friends. Kody says to Christine she said she didn’t want to be married anymore when they were discussing moving to Utah (after polygamy was decriminalized). Christine said she thought at the end of that conversation that Kody was open to moving to Utah. Flashbacks on Christine being surprised Kody didn’t support the move to UT. Robyn asks Kody was he open to moving to UT, and he said he didn’t want to move but liked the idea of living in UT. Christine said she thought he was open to the idea of moving to UT. Janelle asks is it bigger than that, and Christine said absolutely. Christine said it was only one piece, but she thought he was open to it when they discussed it, and then he wasn’t and she felt alone.

Kody tells Christine her mantra was it’s about the family not the man, and he feels it became about the man not the family and that’s the source of his anger. Kody tells Christine he’s frustrated she wouldn’t invest in the family and was only interested in what he could do for her. Kody thanks Christine for coming into the family and helping him with the mess he was in. Meri in a STH said that comment stings because it’s likely directed at her and her jealousy. Kody then thanks Christine for “ripping off the band-aid quickly” because their relationship wouldn’t work if it was all about him even though she claimed it wasn’t. Janelle in a STH said that’s a low blow and Christine has always been there for the kids. Janelle in the STH said Christine needed more from her relationship with Kody and it never materialized, and Christine made the decision not to be miserable anymore. Kody tells the group Christine coming into their lives was a favor, and her leaving is a favor. Robyn has an audible sigh. Robyn in a STH said it’s awkward for Christine and Kody to discuss their relationship in front of the group, but is glad they are talking and hopes for a miracle of reconciliation. Christine goes to respond and Kody says no just think about what he said. Janelle in a STH said Kody is saying he doesn’t want a rebuttal he just wants Christine to listen, and she doesn’t recognize this new patriarchal Kody.

Christine said she loved the family, having sister wives, but a strong marriage with Kody was an important part, and she didn’t have it. Christine in a STH she’s all about the big family, she hosted the family events, and her house was always open, but that doesn’t address her marriage to Kody. Christine said she’s been heartbroken for years. Kody she because she doesn’t look at the big picture, only looks at herself. Christine asks if he thinks she didn’t stay as long as she did for the big picture. Kody said he guesses she did. Kody in a STH said he’s now at the point of screw it, he’s upset and isn’t sure what’s going on with him. Kody in the STH said at the core he feels he, some of his other kids and some of his wives are being rejected by Christine after all the effort he’s expended.

Kody said his relationship with the adult kids is off and asks Christine if she’s been talking to the adult kids. Christine said rarely, no one wants to talk about it; she feels the relationship with the kids is off over covid not her. Kody in a STH disagrees says BS and feels Christine is complaining about her relationship with Kody to all the adult kids and has been playing games for years. Kody says he doesn’t know why he’s so angry and Christine said it’s sad, and Janelle said she’s seen Kody grieving. Janelle in a STH said he’s grieving, that’s why is quicker to anger. Kody tells the adults he’s angry because he invested everything, he had into something that failed. Kody in a STH said he did his duty as a husband to hold her hand and kiss her but it wasn’t out of love and said Christine stopped loving him years ago, and he’s upset about the breakup of the family. Kody tells Meri she looks like the bird that ate the mouse but won’t say anything. Meri asks what he thinks she wants to say? Meri in a STH said she has plenty of thoughts, but nothing that is her position to comment on. Kody in a STH said he knows Meri is leaking emotionally and is looking for someone to throw him a life raft. Kody tells the crowd it will be the last discussion, and he’s the only one saying something. Christine said you’re not the only one saying something. Robyn tells the crowd she’s struggling and will do better another day. Robyn tells the crowd she thought they could work it out, be cohesive, but not today. Kody in a STH said Robyn has gone through the divorce with Christine with him, and he feels Robyn is also being rejected with the divorce. Robyn said she is angry and is mourning and doesn’t mean to push Christine away. Christine said she gets it, and that it’s difficult. Kody in a STH said he’s in a difficult plural life partly because of Christine and it’s been difficult partially because of Christine, and Christine is leaving.

Robyn asks what Christine wants to do with the relationships that aren’t so great, wants to know if Christine is interested in trying to work things out or needs space. Christine said for now she needs some space. Robyn in a STH wonders if it will be easier for Christine to have a relationship with Robyn and her kids after the divorce. Christine said she seems them gathering for family reunions, and Robyn asks if that is all and Christine said yes, for now. Christine said as far as the adults she and Janelle are close, but she isn’t with the other adults and needs it to remain that way for now. Meri in a STH said her thought was leave the conversation, no point in being there anymore. Meri in the STH said she’s seen Christine not accept Robyn and the disdain she has for Meri over the years, and it is clear Christine doesn’t plan to repair it. Meri in the STH said it hurts, but glad to know where Christine stands.

Kody tells Robyn Christine has treated her (Robyn) like dirt since the beginning, and that’s why he’s angry. Kody stands up and said he’s pissed because Christine didn’t try to have good relationships with the other wives. Christine said it’s not true. Kody tells Christine she wanted to renegotiate their relationship but wouldn’t work on her relationship with the sister wives. He yells it’s the knife in the kidneys, and he made sacrifices to love her and it’s all wasted. Kody said he’s asked for accountability and she didn’t take any. Kody snaps his fingers when he says Christine said she’s divorced, she’s leaving, Kody you are out of the house instead of investing in the relationships. Kody said marriage is a call to be better than you are and plural marriage is a higher call. Christine said she never tried to treat anyone poorly. Kody said she did, and Christine said she’s sorry and didn’t mean to. Kody yells she admitted to it and wouldn’t correct it and the result is a broken family. Kody said she’s trying to take the kids, and Christine said no. Christine in a STH said she’s tired and there’s no point in trying to argue point by point. Kody said thanks for coming you were a blessing and thanks for leaving--that’s the silver lining he can find. Kody walks off. Kody in a STH feels for 14 years he’s sucked it up and tried to be a loving husband and wanted to speak his mind since she’s leaving.

Kody in the STH said he wanted to clarify it is Christine’s fault, not his. Janelle gives Christine a hug. Janelle in a STH doesn’t wish to pick sides but feels Kody was harsh. Kody in a STH is disappointed in the sympathy Janelle has for Christine during the divorce while he feels he’s received no kindness or empathy from him. Christine said she tried and Janelle said it’s just emotion. Meri in a STH said Kody’s response is not just emotions and she’s glad he said it. Christine in a STH said if the sisters are upset with her they should talk to her. Robyn in a STH said early in her marriage she learned expressing frustration with a sister wife to Kody didn’t work and he responded with anger. Kody in a STH said for two years Christine has complained about her sister wives to him, and she didn’t want to live in one house with them. Robyn confirms with Christine she wants space, and Christine agreed. Robyn said sorry to see you go and walked off. Meri walks off. Robyn in a STH said she’s tried over the years with Christine and was met with rejection. Meri and Robyn hug in the driveway, Robyn is crying. Christine in a STH said she feels leaving is the right decision and is sorry about the mess.

Kody in a STH said he had a meltdown last week at Christine’s and is trying to move forward with the other wives. Janelle in a STH plans to move forward with the property. Janelle tells Kody she can’t get electric for an empty lot and is not sure what that means for winter in the RV. Janelle in a STH said she got her permit in mid-August for the RV, has four months before she has to move it, currently two months in, and planned to move to Christine’s lot for the next four months. Janelle tells Kody she’s willing to try winter in the RV. Robyn in a STH said winter at Coyote Pass is harsher, more snow than in town. Janelle tells Kody Savannah is settled. Janelle in STH said the goal is the house (casita) is built for the start of Savannah’s senior year in almost a year. Kody in a STH they must pay off the property to move forward with Janelle’s build, and they don’t have the money. Janelle tells Kody she’s determined to succeed. Janelle in a STH said Kody’s never been happy with her housing in Flagstaff. Janelle in the STH said the second was bigger but wasn’t as nice which bothers Kody, and Kody has a nice house at Robyn’s and currently she has nothing. Kody in a STH said Janelle won’t compromise with him and does what she wants. Janelle in a STH said if she wanted to leave now she has nothing, nothing for her kids, her hands are tied. Janelle in the STH said all her assets have someone else’s name on them. Janelle in the STH said they used family money to buy Christine and Robyn’s house and wishes it was now her turn. Kody in a STH said they had the money for Robyn and Christine’s houses they don’t have the money now. Kody in the STH said he’s become agreeable and says yes to things and it is the result of his divorce with Christine. Kody in a STH said he needed a place so he could invest if relationship with Janelle and Savannah but it’s too late because Janelle got the RV. Janelle in a STH said she’s asking everyone honor the commitment they all made to pay off the land.

Ari and Sol went to in person school for the 2021-2022 school year. Ari is in kindergarten, and Sol is in 4th grade. Breanna and Savannah are seniors in high school.

[apandaaries]

Scattered thoughts on the interviews:

Kody is somehow the biggest asshole to be depicted on TV. It’s amazing. He’s right down there with josh Duggar, somehow. Kody’s alienated his sons, abused his wives, treated (almost) all his kids like dirt. I suppose at least his abuse is of the legal variety, unlike some TLC patriarchs, but that is a low, low bar.

He also seems convinced he’s charming enough to usurp Christine’s role as gorgeous victor over belittling circumstances by telling more blatant lies about some false jealousy over Meri. 

Robyn got a make up artist who only hated her a little bit. Whoever did her face fixed those awful brows but didn’t blend the eye shadow. 😂 

Robyn also got the memo that her tears don’t work for a wider audience. I get that some folks cry more often than others, but her tears definitely seem manipulative. I’m not a cryer (not necessarily a good thing), so there is a part of this that just escapes me. I honestly don’t understand how she cries so much, so often, and at so little provocation.

Christine and Janelle are glowing, articulate, emotionally aware and caring people. Two Queens are emerging from these ashes. On a deeper level, we get to watch Kody’s two most neglected wives realize their worth and value. Bittersweet, since we know they spent over 2 decades with Kody chipping away at their self-esteem.

Finally: is Kody on something? He seemed tipsy/drunk in earlier scenes, but this weird tongue maneuver? The panting and the “pick me”? Reaching out aggressively and touching the host’s leg???

Much as I respect the host, I honestly think the producers should have selected a male host. Kody does not respect women. He shouted at her to retract a statement last time, and now this. That’s unacceptable. 
 

Ultimately, Kody reveals to the audience that he thinks he has far more power than he does. This will be his downfall, and I’m happy for that. He can only control those who want to be controlled, or “run their will to his,” or whatever the fuck he said. So that knocks out Christine and Janelle. Sobyn Robyn will remain by his side as long as it’s advantageous, and Meri needs a lot of therapy before she can appreciate her worth...which means she’s still basically a dog around to be kicked or praised, depending on Kody’s mood. 
Kody’s final words are so interesting: love means nothing; respect is everything.

I’d truly love for him to have to talk ALL this out with his adult sons. All the boys who’ve watched their mothers  been mistreated and neglected while he carried on with a grand love affair with Robyn. Kody had a fucked up relationship with his father, and he’s replicating that with his sons. I no longer need them to beat Kody’s ass (though he deserves that). I’d be pleased watching Kody trying to explain himself to men he (sorta) helped raise about why their moms deserved the shit he served them. I’d love to see Kody try to weasel out of that with men who know him, his behaviors, and kept receipts. 

ETA: speaking of generational trauma... Kody better get right with his sons and daughters in this lifetime. 

Edited December 19, 2022 by apandaaries

[Cults-r-us]

22 hours ago, Letgo said:

I have questions! If the Browns have been kicked out of the AUB what religion do they follow now? Since they left Utah they’ve not had a church to attend so nothing much has changed if their church doesn’t want them. Kody has been pretty anti-polygamy recently so is he more mainstream LDS? Not that they’d want him!
AUB or not, Kody doesn’t need to divorce Meri. She already divorced him. Unless the family has some type of financial/legal agreement in place Kody has no actual obligation to Meri. Their only child is an adult so no child support. He has stated repeatedly that he has no interest in a relationship with Meri and he’d be happy if she remarried. Will Meri reconsider now that two other wives have left? There is no family relationship now, other than with Robyn’s kids. The children of Christine won’t be around much without her. Janelle may stay in Flagstaff but are any of her kids close to Meri? From what I recall on the show, Gwendlyn is the only one close to Meri. So what IS Meri’s long game? Why stay now? She can still be friends with Robyn and be close to her kids, whether “married” to Kody or not. If she stays what is she getting out of it?

In the AUB religion, apparently, wives get some sort of brownie points for suffering. Meri's suffering is not for naught. 

As for what is their religion now? Some combo of the cultural aspects (for example, cultural Catholics may not eat meat on Fridays, even though they no longer practice Catholicism. The cultural behavior of a religion may become part of a family culture despite leaving the religion) of the AUB and the the ideas of family cultist, Kody Brown. Complaints about family members not following their faith are made when Kody Brown doesn't like a family membet's behaviir/choices.

[noseybutt]

I am curious if Kody (and others) are still clinging to the doctrine of their own planet in the afterlife.

(Sartre’s No Exit should be required reading for these people.)

 

[ifosterkittens]

SW S17 E11 The Worst Goodbye

STH- solo talking head

Janelle and Christine meet to discuss last episode’s discussion. Christine in a STH said she was shocked at Kody’s aggression towards her treatment of Robyn. Janelle tells Christine Kody’s been sitting with these emotions and they came pouring out in a terrible manner. Janelle tells Christine Robyn understood Christine was saying she’s done with Robyn and her kids forever. Christine said that’s not how she meant it. Janelle says to Christine they’ve both talked crap about each other to Kody over the years, said harsh things to one another, but are at a different better place now. Christine tells Janelle she considers her one of her best friends. Kody in a STH said Christine has trashed Janelle for four years on the one house issue. Kody in a STH claims to be asking Janelle for a better relationship now and feels Janelle is focusing on her friendship with Christine. Meri in a STH said she doesn’t consider Christine a sister wife now that Christine’s not married to Kody. Janelle said her kids have Christine at the forefront of a lot of their memories, Christine created most of the holiday traditions, and they are struggling to be in both worlds and don’t want to choose sides. Christine said she doesn’t want people picking sides. Janelle in a STH said she’s pulled equally to both sides. Janelle in the STH has a duty to her family, Kody, Meri, and Robyn, but also wants to spend holidays with Christine and Christine and Janelle’s kids. Janelle feels she’ll have to choose a side.

Christine said Kody said when Truely found out about the divorce get Truely covid tested weekly so he could take her every weekend to Robyn’s. Christine said Truely will spend a few hours but doesn’t want to spend the weekend. Janelle asks if Truely could come back for the summer and Christine said she doesn’t think she’d last the whole summer, possibly a weekend. Kody in a STH said he’ll have to travel to see Truely and feels there will come a time when Christine will no longer bring her to Flagstaff. Janelle asks Christine if she’ll remarry. Christine said someone else, not Kody right? Janelle chuckles. Christine said she’s open to the possibility. Janelle in a STH said Christine is 50 and healthy, she shouldn’t be alone for the rest of her life if she doesn’t want to be. They agree it is a whole new life for Christine. Kody in a STH said he’s heartbroken, and wonders if it is because he’s not dealing with his emotions.

Janelle in a STH said she’s having trouble keeping the RV level which causes problems with the sewage tanks. Kody in a STH said Janelle handles the constant RV challenges well, but they don’t bring out the best in each other when working on the RV issues. Kody in a STH said their relationship is antagonistic they are not working together. Kody in a STH doesn’t feel he and Janelle are being realistic or honest in their communication about the RV; he doesn’t feel Janelle put any effort into finding a rental. Janelle tells Kody she has six weeks left on the RV permit. She has found a six-month rental in town (during winter) and would return to the RV in April. Kody in a STH feels she found this apartment without even talking to him. Janelle in a STH said Kody wanted Janelle to buy Christine’s house, was clear he hated the trailer, and is now opposed to moving into the six-month rental. Janelle in a STH said she did find a rental, did what suited her because if she waited on him to solve the problem it still wouldn’t be solved.

Mykelti found Christine and Truely a house, and Christine is telling Truely they are moving in a week. Mykelti and Tony will help them move. Truely said she’s fine and didn’t expect it to be so soon. Christine in a STH feels Truely is handling things well and is checking in with her often.

Mykelti, Tony and Avalon came to help Christine move, but first they are spending a day with Robyn and Robyn’s kids. Tony said Robyn was the only one to accept his relationship with Mykelti at the beginning. Christine in a STH said Mykelti supports her (Christine) 100% and Mykelti supports Robyn 100%. Robyn thanks Mykelti for visiting and hopes that they can maintain their relationship and Mykelti told Robyn she’s still one of her moms, and Tony said and a grandma. Kody said he feels it has affected his relationship with everyone. Kody in a STH said he’s always bad cop and said his relationship is strained with a lot of his kids. Robyn asks Mykelti how she’s doing with everything with Christine. Mykelti said the situation is sad, and she’ll support Christine in what she wants. Kody asks how long Mykelti and Tony have known. Mykelti doesn’t give an exact timeline but said Christine has been talking about it for a while and has discussed what most do the highs and lows of a relationship. Kody in a STH said he doesn’t want to talk crap about Christine and is ashamed he’s asking how long have you known. Tony said Christine hasn’t been in the best place for a while now. Mykelti said didn’t know her parents were separating for that long. Kody in a STH said he’s angry, wants to blame, and wants to break something. Kody wonders if he was the last to know, and Mykelti said he’s always the last know. Mykelti and Tony had a couch interview and Mykelti said her dad had to know they haven’t been in a good place for years, Tony said sometimes a person is in denial and doesn’t want to see it. Mykelti tells him they’re ok, they aren’t getting divorced. Kody tells Mykelti he’s angry but doesn’t want to push her to pick sides. Mykelti in her couch interview said it is important to Christine she have a good relationship with her dad. Mykelti reiterates her relationship with Robyn doesn’t change because of Christine. Robyn in a STH is hurt that Christine doesn’t want a relationship with her.

Mykelti, Tony, Garrison and Gwen are helping Christine get the moving truck loaded. Gwen in a STH was relieved about the divorce. Gwen in her STH said she felt they should separated before the move to Las Vegas. Mykelti has her mom has a lot of stuff. Christine and Truely will live twenty minutes from Mykelti. Christine in a STH said Mykelti is in charge, she can read Christine, see what needs done and do it. Christine said it is bittersweet to be leaving the house, hard to be in her room. Christine will be 45 minutes from her dad, mom and siblings. Christine tells Mykelti she was on the phone with her dad and he said welcome home, and she cried. Christine in a STH said her dad was sad when she said she was leaving Kody because her dad loves Kody. Mykelti asks Christine is there any final goodbye with the family, or will they dump toilets on their lawns. Christine said no, and Mykelti thinks there should be some final goodbye. Christine said Mykelti can reach out to the Flagstaff family, but don’t pressure anyone. Mykelti in a STH thinks Christine and the rest of the Flagstaff family will regret leaving without a goodbye.

Mykelti in a STH said she doesn’t want a divide in the family and hopes a farewell sendoff can help bridge that gap. Robyn in a STH said she hadn’t planned on doing a goodbye to honor Christine’s wishes, but Mykelti called and asked her to come. Kody, Robyn and all the kids except Dayton came over. Kody said it’s raining and he’s leaving in five minutes. Kody in a STH said it’s an awkward moment and feels wrong. Kody in a STH doesn’t want to see Christine or even her house again. Janelle and Gabe join the sendoff. Gabe in a STH said he’s not sad about Christine’s divorce, he’s sad she’s moving. Gabe in the STH said he’d move if he was Christine. Meri in a STH said she was at her BnB during the sendoff. Mykelti in a STH said it’s awkward, it’s tense, Kody, Robyn, and Christine don’t want to be there. Kody asks Truely if she’s happy to be moving, she said yes, he asks if she’s sure and asks where’s her smile. Kody says no smiles, ok. Kody in a STH feels Christine could have stayed in her house and Gwen and Ysabel may have stayed at Christine’s. Kody in a STH feels out of control, in a bad state of mind. Christine thanks them for coming. Mykelti thanks them for coming and said they’re all still a family, said there’s no one to blame, and remain family. Janelle thanks Mykelti for saying what was in her heart. Christine, Mykelti, Avalon, Tony, Truely, Gabe and Janelle on one side, Kody, Robyn and her kids on the other with space in between the two. Ari asks Christine why she and Kody broke up. Christine said they weren’t in love anymore, but they can still hang out. Ari yells have dates, and Christine said that doesn’t fix everything but thanks. Kody give Truely a hug, tells Ari only he can hug T, and tells T he loves her, and they can video chat. Christine in a STH said the hardest part was how angry Robyn’s kids were. Robyn in a STH said her kids weren’t angry with Christine, they’re devastated. Christine thanks them for coming, and cries when Janelle hugs her. Christine in a STH said the final sendoff wasn’t what she wanted, and it was worse than she expected. Christine in a STH said it was the worst goodbye she’s seen.  

[ChickenettiLuvr]

On 12/13/2022 at 8:41 AM, Cults-r-us said:

I'll try to summarize. Christine and Kody were activists to decriminalize polygamy in Utah and became known in the community. They were all in on the polygamy lifestyle advocated by their church AUB and hoped to showcase its benefits when the opportunity for the show came along. 

Meanwhile, there were struggles in Kodyville. The magnitude of Kody's narcissistic personality only became known to the SW audience over years of watching the show and a lot of the struggles between the wives were due to his shit stirring and triangulating. People are objects to him, to which he has no attachment or loyalty, good for how they make him feel in the moment. His relationship to the past is mostly rehashing and nursing grievances. That is why, for example, he can appear to have had a good relationship with Janell for nearly 3 decades, but reject her in a blink, because of how he feels at this moment. He is a person of the now.  He had 13 kids with the unfavored wives. He did nit "disown" Gwen and Mariah for coming out.

The Browns may have entered polygamy with stars in their eyes, but nearly immediately there were problems.  Some of the struggles included Meri dealing with infertility, a painful issue for a person in a fertility cult. There were power conflicts between the wives, with Meri bullying Janell to the point she took her kids and left but eventually reconciled. Poor planning and money management led to financial hardship and bankruptcies. Financial scarcity was a real problem for this large family in its early days.

Kody, always the victim, now says polygamy was foisted upon him, and not a lifestyle he wanted.

Eventually Janell and Christine found their groove, with Janell working and Christine homemaking and home-schooling their large brood. They had hit their stride living together in one house when Kody put destruction of their lifestyle in motion by marrying Robyn, who as you noted, was 10 years younger with her own agenda, which began with secretly targeting Christine.

Kody is erratic and impulsive, not one to consider the needs or wants of others or to look at the big picture when making decisions. This led to two moves that ended up isolating family members and causing the family to be the fractured mess you see today. He punishes family members who "betray him" (i.e. make him feel out of control) by withdrawing love, affection and sexual intimacy.

He isolated from the non-Robyn family during covid with poorly communicated rules he (Robyn, the puppeteer) invented. A year and a half later, he continues to rage and punish his family members over them not following his "rules".

Christine leaving made him feel completely out of control, causing him to demand his wives prove they're in and demote Janell to Christine's old job of family scapegoat. The benefit of Kody's covid isolation from his family is his wives and kids learned their lives are easier without him in it, although this realization has come about with a lot of emotional pain. It is excruciating to watch these children realize they do not matter to their dad.

As an aside, if Meri wants Kodi's attention, she should leave. It would make him feel out of control if she presented it as her own idea.

 

Thank you for the EXCELLENT summary of this entire mess!  (... wondering if there is a way to "pin it" somewhere for a bit to help others follow along ...)

[eeyore_chick]

Unrelated to the rest of the Brown-drama, I was pleased to see that the network make-up artists fixed the Horrid eyebrows of Robyn's

Edited December 19, 2022 by eeyore_chick
typo