Jon and Kate Plus Eight Minus Six Equals One of the Most Random Fun Things Ive Done in Awhile

Yes! As in Jon and Kate Plus Eight. TLC? Monday 8pm CST? Im sure you all know who Im talking about. You have to - only one of the best shows ever.

OK seriously though, I loved the show before, but there is something about actually meeting the people that makes you more, um, obsessed wouldnt honestly be stretching it.

Jon and Kate and Mady and Cara came to Lucedale MS (how did they decide Lucedale? I would love to know) to Rocky Creek Baptist Church. My friend Sarah Beth and I drove over there, and met my friend Candice and her friend Lindsay. It was great to hear their story, and share in their witness. It really puts everything into perspective: Kate at one point talked about the kids' projectile spit up episodes, and I had to sink back in my seat and feel a little guilty for harping on my ONE child's reflux issues....try reflux time SIX. geesh how did they do it?? It was also interesting to hear how TLC chooses to leave out the real truth of their lives - that they are Christian. There was one episode recently that showed them going to church, but that is about it. Everything else is edited out, to "appeal to a more general America" (excuse me?), according to TLC. This is why Jon and Kate have felt the calling to travel around the country and share their real experiences, their real lives, in their entirety, with all their fans. It was such a touching and relatable evening (I guess as relatable as it could be, I dont have twins and then sextuplets, but the whole parent thing is enough to draw a bond).

THEN, we got to MEET them. Yes. We donated and contributed to the kids college funds for a little "Photo card" that they signed for us. Kate asked who to make it out to, and I said Bennett without even thinking twice. Then I laughed to myself bc Bennett will probably not only have no earthly idea who they are, but as a boy will most likely not give two hoots about it. But Bennett it was. And Kate said: "you know Aunt Jody? (she always helps out and keeps the kids for them)" and I said "Yes" and she said "her little boy is named Bennett - they call him Benny" and I was like "Oh yeah! I know him." But I dont know him. But its like I do. Because I watch their show. How creepy is that? But I am not creepy I promise. Kinda like all you people and stalkers out there who read my blog, and all the blogs I read. Its amazing how you feel like you really KNOW someone in this way. I think thats why we all do this and this blog thing is such a hit(?).

Its nice to see/listen/read about someone elses story out there and think "I did that too!" or "Wow if you can get through that, then I can somehow work up the strength to get through this" or "Well maybe ____ isnt that bad" or "good advice! Ill try that" or "Man I have alot to learn."

My husband thinks its borderline crazy how much I love to blog and check blogs (when I have the time). Its so hard to explain why I love it so much, and I guess it is just always nice to know there are other people out there, all over the place, sharing in the same heartache, joy, peace, love, trials, uncertainty, and faith that I am. And I dont find it creepy that other people are learning to care about my family just through reading this blog. I think we all need all the prayers and kind thoughts we can get.

Just know I will be returning the favor

......so......watch Jon and Kate Plus 8! :)