Author |
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Erniesgirl
Member
06-26-2006
| Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - 4:02 pm
I think if Amy were to try and teach Zach just one important adult skill right now to make him more of a "catch" with the ladies it would be "Zach, close your mouth while you are eating". Honestly, if I went out with a fellow with his table manners, it would be one date and one date only.
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Texannie
Member
07-16-2001
| Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - 5:32 pm
that drives me crazy too, ernie!!!!
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Kathyb
Member
05-17-2006
| Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - 5:46 pm
Seamonkey - that's an excellent point: Mike standing in for Matt as a parent substitute. I bet that kept a lot of pressure off Matt.
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Sabbatia
Member
08-15-2005
| Tuesday, November 17, 2009 - 6:31 pm
I think that many changes are happening in their lives right now and Matt and Amy are having trouble coping with them. First, the kids are growing up, and Matt is like my BIL where he suddenly realized this and decided to be a more "hands on Dad"....which irritates Amy because she's used to it being the other way. Second, even though Amy never says it, I think she is concerned about his health. I think that deep in the recesses of her mind, she's afraid she's gonna end up with a "fun farm" and no Matt, or a bedridden Matt.I think that's why she is always concerned about money. She's worried about what the future might bring. I'm sure Mikes sudden death didn't help with her fears. I also think she's afraid for Zack. They have gone to a private school all this time and the real world can be a BIG difference. She knows how tough it can be out there. Counciling might help then get through these things. When things are changing, you have to go through it together...and change together or there just isn't much left.
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Twiggyish
Member
08-14-2000
| Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 3:14 am
Great posts Sabbatia and Sea. Jake's really got an attitude. I agree he is going to be the troubled one, and I think it started when Mike died. I applaud Amy getting firm with him. He has that, "I'm entitled".. attitude that some kids get. The older kids remember when there was less money, but Jake has grown up with money and may not remember being without it, and being famous may be playing a role, too. I know Amy and Matt do try to keep the kids grounded, but Jake may be the stubborn one.
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Lilfair
Member
07-09-2003
| Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 6:24 am
I see Jake as kid that leaves the home and ends up being the one that is least close to the family as an adult. I think he's always gotten the short end of the parenting stick as far as praise and attention. I think Mike saw that and really stepped up for Jake. Mikes passing was devastating to the entire family but Jake was the youngest and had less coping skills. I think that Amy's obsession with not having enough money for the future is a bit overkill. God forbid something happens to Matt and she finds herself alone. I have to believe Matt has set up some sort of finances if that happens. This might be a dumb question but what sort of life insurance policies are available for someone in Matt's condition? The farm has a lot of value too. I wish Amy would just enjoy the present day more and worry less. Time may be short, for sure....so don't waste time worrying. Their finances could be a lot worse....just ask those people unemployed right now, people living in cramped housing, people losing their homes. I'm not feeling sorry for their financial plight. I think Matt has done well for himself and the investment in the farm and the land will carry them through. I have the feeling that Amy is not happy period with Matt. And I think Matt isn't happy with Amy. But I see an underlying love for the family that will get them through what appears to be a tough time for their marriage.
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Ophiliasgrandma
Member
09-04-2001
| Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 8:45 am
For many years I worked in personal insurance. Concerning Matt's condition from birth...we had a saying in regards to people with poor health...you can't buy fire insurance when your barn is on fire. I would have doubts that he has any personal life insurance. I think he would be considered uninsurable by most companies.
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Happymom
Member
01-20-2003
| Wednesday, November 18, 2009 - 8:47 am
I haven't seen the shows this new season. Isn't Jake 12? A lot of 12 year olds have attitudes at times. At times, not. Most turn out just fine. We didn't see the twins at that age. I remember an incident with Molly once. Matt told her to pick something up or whatever. She had an attitude for sure. It was a little struggle. Look what a great kid she seems to be. Every kid has their moments.
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Erniesgirl
Member
06-26-2006
| Monday, November 30, 2009 - 5:57 pm
I got an email from Matt today: A warm hello to you & yours.....I hope this newsletter finds each of you healthy and in good spirits! Another fun pumpkin season is behind us ....Every season has its own unique feeling and this year it was how much our family enjoyed meeting so many of YOU. A heartfelt thank you to the thousands of wonderful visitors we had. Papa & Honey (my folks) who greeted guests in our Western Town, kept track of where everyone traveled from. We could not believe we had visitors all the way from Hong Kong, Italy, Canada, Australia & more. We had guests from every state in the USA (except Delaware), too. It was truly humbling! Today... as Fall moves silently into Winter, it is the perfect time for our family to reconnect with one another and take inventory of the past six years of our lives. With the filming of just over 200 episodes under our belt we feel the magnitude and accomplishments of this journey more than ever before. Currently we are not in production and are taking a much needed (and may I add) well-deserved break from the hustle of our oftentimes hectic filming season. The show continues to air to a world-wide audience and we will be forever grateful to our loyal fans who have stuck by us. We are also blessed with the seemingly never ending stream of new viewers to Little People Big World. Both Amy and I sincerely thank you and take to heart the feedback (both good and bad) that you have given to us over the years. Keep it up! We are so excited about the current season that is being aired and hope you're looking forward to so many more episodes thru Spring 2010.... Family Updates! Amy and I are enjoying and making the most of this unique quiet time. We realize more and more how essential spending uninterrupted time together is. It is wonderful to just catch up with each other and plan private evenings going out to dinner or a movie. We also continue to help & advocate for little people everywhere. Hot on the heels of her hugely successful golf charity event (I am so proud of her), Amy continues to bolster her Amy Roloff Charity Foundation (check out her upcoming cruise) www.amyroloffcharityfoundation.org. I'm busy working on a local Grant for CoDa www.coda-lp.org that would ultimately provide customized bikes for Little People Kids who cannot afford them. Wish us luck! Both Jeremy and Zach are busy taking a variety of college courses and seem to have re-found their academic focus (even getting grades to be proud of)! Zach's one true passion remains his job teaching & coaching youth soccer. Could Zach own & operate his own business (perhaps sooner than anyone might think)? Jeremy recently got bitten by the "photography" bug and is seriously thinking about how to infuse this hobby into his plans for the future. Molly knocked out yet another quarter of straight A's !! There is not much she can't do when she puts her mind to it. She is enjoying her newfound freedom that comes with being able to drive (but true to her nature, she can most often be found here at the farm absorbed in a good book or baking something delicious in the kitchen with mom). And... the baby of the bunch... Jacob George. Never a lack of being a BOY in his system. (LOL) As the youngest, he's had to work extra hard to find his place but just like his brothers and sister he won't stop until he's made his own mark on our family journey. Jacob and I spent the entire day together just last week and he was so incredibly helpful to me. He continues to grow by leaps & bounds on all levels. Farm Updates.... -- Need a unique holiday gift idea? Check out our new "cool" pumpkin soldier items! And.....during the month of December, "Our gift to you" ....Get a FREE Roloff Farms Logo safety clip light with minimum purchase of $30.00 or more. (visit our on-line store at: www.mattroloff.com/shop for details). --"Private Farm Tours" ~ With so many visitors traveling from far away & with encouragement from the local visitors bureau we have decided to extend our Golden Pass Private Farm Tours. Please visit our website at www.mattroloff.com for more information. -- Speaking Website Launch ~ The honor of speaking to groups, universities & corporations across the country allows me to share my personal stories & messages of hope & resiliency. It also enables me to connect face to face with so many of you that inspire me. Though still under construction...be sure to visit my new speaking website at: www.mattroloff.com/speaking. From our house to yours... we wish you a very happy, beautiful & blessed holiday season. Spend time making memories with those you love most! Matt
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Reader234
Member
08-13-2000
| Monday, November 30, 2009 - 7:22 pm
I loved the scenes tonight at the Dude Ranch - but it was really hard to watch Matt be so distant with the family - they really have bonded with Amy - and to see her cry was really hard to watch. (she cried or teared up at the end when they were doing a 'confessional' of her talking about how Matt left 2 days early)
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Seamonkey
Moderator
09-07-2000
| Tuesday, December 01, 2009 - 12:13 am
Enjoyed the shows but felt sort of sad too.
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Ophiliasgrandma
Member
09-04-2001
| Tuesday, December 01, 2009 - 8:14 am
Same here, but that was filmed months ago and Matt's newsletter made things sound a lot better. They are trying.
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Mgmriver
Member
04-27-2009
| Tuesday, December 01, 2009 - 9:09 am
I'm a little confussed as to why Matt left early. I thought Amy said they knew he was going to leave early....did she mean it was planned for Matt to leave 2 days early or did she mean "they knew" because he's cut his family vaca time short before? I think it's always a good sign when people acknowledge that they are going through rough times, maritally speaking. It's the nature of the beast...the underlying love and friendship should win out in the end. I really like Matt, he's my favorite Roloff.
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Brenda1966
Member
07-03-2002
| Tuesday, December 01, 2009 - 9:16 am
I think they knew he would leave early, because he always does. Seems like a predictable pattern. I agree that I think it's a good sign that both Matt and Amy see they have some issues that need to be worked on, decisions that need to be made and both seem willing to look at those issues. I have hopes they will come to some kind of relationship that works for both of them.
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Bidasea
Member
08-04-2005
| Tuesday, December 01, 2009 - 9:57 am
I also felt very sad watching this episode. I really like both Matt and Amy. I think Matt is a Type A person, and four or five days of relaxing is all he can handle. He would probably be better off if he said he would fly in and meet them a few days into their family vacation. They would all be happy to see him, and he wouldn't have to make excuses as to why he had to leave them before the vacation was over. There are just so many things that Matt can't do because of his health. I think he just loves business, and finds it a joy to spend time on. Good thing, because if he didn't they wouldn't be taking all these wonderful vacations.
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Ophiliasgrandma
Member
09-04-2001
| Tuesday, December 01, 2009 - 10:15 am
Here is the dude ranch where they stayed. They even feature Matt on their front page: http://www.rockinrranch.com/ PS, it's a heck of a long way from the Salt Lake City airport.
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Happymom
Member
01-20-2003
| Tuesday, December 01, 2009 - 10:51 am
I haven't seen any of the eps. this season. Did any of them say on camera that they are having marital problems?
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Ophiliasgrandma
Member
09-04-2001
| Tuesday, December 01, 2009 - 11:43 am
Yes, both Matt and Amy allude to the fact that they are going through a tough patch.
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Brenda1966
Member
07-03-2002
| Tuesday, December 01, 2009 - 11:46 am
Yes, they've both said some very specific things to the camera. Amy seems the most broken up about it, even stating they may be at an all time "low". Matt seems more accepting of it, as a bump in the road that they will get over. Amy was even in tears last night. Real tears. It's all coming across as very real and honest.
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Ophiliasgrandma
Member
09-04-2001
| Tuesday, December 01, 2009 - 11:57 am
I wonder if subconsciously she is pulling away from him because his health and physical abilities are deminishing and she is scared of losing him.
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Brenda1966
Member
07-03-2002
| Tuesday, December 01, 2009 - 12:00 pm
That certainly could be part of it. Also mourning the loss of having him as someone who would travel with her, go and do those things she likes to do and she is still physically able. Not only is he not always interested, he's getting to the point where he's not physically able.
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Lilfair
Member
07-09-2003
| Tuesday, December 01, 2009 - 12:19 pm
My memory is a bit hazy on the actual words they've said but I think Amy has definitely had words to that effect and so has Matt and their daughter has mentioned that when her parents "go at it" she has to tell them to stop. The twins have mentioned their parents aren't getting along and I'm pretty sure the Zack blames it on Matt. This is one close knit family and I think they'll survive this period. Even though they've found fame and maybe fortune for being on TV they appear to have feet firmly planted in reality. I think marital discourse happens periodically within a marriage. It's how the couple deals with it that matters. I think Matt and Amy have a core love that will out last this period of feeling less than happy with their marriage. And I think they want to work on it, they aren't pretending all is wonderful for the cameras. I worry more about couples that put on a front that their marriage is wonderful all the while everyone but them sees it as less than wonderful. Then one day one of them wakes up and thinks crap this marriage sux , and quickly files for divorce.
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Seamonkey
Moderator
09-07-2000
| Tuesday, December 01, 2009 - 3:59 pm
Amy's charity foundation: http://amyroloffcharityfoundation.org/
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Seamonkey
Moderator
09-07-2000
| Tuesday, December 01, 2009 - 4:23 pm
I suspect it is because of the show that they are getting the freebies, not necessarily because of Matt's current business income but of course if Matt wasn't Matt.. and all that means, they'd have never had the TLC show, or the popularity.. so one way or another Matt and Amy being who they are has brought what it brought to them in terms of "stuff" and experiences. But as Amy and the kids seem to be saying lately, sometimes it matters more to spend the time together, even if it isn't in an exotic locale. And at least they acknowledge that they have different personality types.. however it isn't like one is gogogo and the other is naturally sedentary because they both go for things, as I see it, but Matt likes to be the one in charge.. in charge of planning activities, and directing them, which he is on the ranch, often to the consternation of Amy since he seems to bust open any schedule that might have been set up.. like replacing floors right when a huge number of people are showing up for a holiday and though others have to be flexible to work around Matt, he's not quite so flexible and that can have costs people wise.. not just when the kids might have needed him.. for instance when Mike went to the hospital, they were planning something huge, but Amy cut right through to the heart and she went to the hospital right away and she was able to comfort Mike before he died and say goodbye, when his own family was still on the way. Sometimes it is physically impossible to do that sort of thing, say if Matt had been out of state, but he was not, yet he still missed that opportunity to say goodbye to a man who had undoubtedly been one of the most devoted friends to him and who had mentored all of the Roloff kids in so many ways. Sure, Matt made the touching tribute speach that was shown on the show, but he missed the private chance to touch the man and friend. I don't know what Matt got out of that, but it just reminded me of what I already knew and what Amy expressed, don't put those things off, and know your priorities. I do agree that they are letting this air in public and maybe not putting on a front (though I read Matt's "newletter" as a bit of glossing over.
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Happymom
Member
01-20-2003
| Wednesday, December 02, 2009 - 12:55 am
Thanks everyone. I hope they'll be ok. They have been married quite a long time, they've most likely hit rough patches before and have practice dealing with them.
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