November 16, 2007
In this episode, you see me deciding to put my townhouse on the market. This was a tough decision for me for a couple of reasons. First, this was such a milestone in my life. It was the first major purchase that I had made other than my car, since my divorce. I had made something happen that I had been told would be impossible.
Buying my home was a big deal to me--a huge sense of accomplishment, so listing it for sale was difiicult. Also, I knew that I would get grief from Ashley, but since there was only one occupant, it wasn't making financial sense to keep it. As the real estate market was softening, I knew it was my last chance for awhile to make money off of it and that I had only a short window of time in which to do so. Ashley is approaching her 23rd birthday and is capable of having her own place.
Comments
Joe Black wrote:
Well talk about falling into an outhouse and come out smelling like a rose! That explains you to a tee! I think out of all the women on this show, you are the most humble and gratefull for having a change in your lifestyle. George seems to be a great guy and quite frankly I am not sure why he would complicate his nice life by extending his family with yours but that goes to show you that he probably is a very big hearted person and exactly what you need and deserve. So I wish you both well with your new lives! I hope your son has a reversal in his life but I think the only way for that to happen is through loving him as hard as you can. I have a 3 yr old and its amazing how even young little people know the difference between happy and mad! Try using the oppositie approach to your son and see if that makes any difference. I think a person of his age going through what he has gone through is a formula for tragedy later on! Stop that possibility now! Take him under your wings and show him how much he means to you! Hard work and hard to do, but necessary now! Best of luck! For an older chick, you are hot! But what makes you hot is your down to earth, humble self! Stay that way!
posted on November 16, 2007 at 1:53 PM
Tiffany wrote:
Your son is young and does not realize the hurt he is putting you through. One day he will have a child of his own and realize how much a parent loves their child, and realize how much you love him! I promise!
posted on November 16, 2007 at 2:03 PM
Matt wrote:
I have to say that of all the housewives stories yours is truly the most Cindarella-like! Deservedly so at that! I see a truly beautiful woman who has come into her own through the trials of a hardship through which no-one should have to endure. Endure it though you have (long as it may have been) you were forced to take your kids through the same journey... No fun for you to be sure, yet rest assured it WAS worse for them. I believe Josh was too young to fully ascertain what was happening, and worse still, what was to be. I went through a similar situation and can relate to Josh wholeheartedly, unfortunately. You may not have abandoned him, but I believe he feels that you did. He was acting out from the very getgo since the move which was wrong on his part! However, I believe that this was a cry for help or attention from what was undeniably nonetheless, a child. Wrong he was as a child, but he was a young boy and needed guidance and support not ramifications of either imprisonment, abandonment or both which he was too immature, sensitive and impressionable to understand and make due with. Often times we can make the arguement for tuff love as the standard in order to force our children to grow so that we can get on with our lives too. It has a time and place beyond the adjustments of the young coping with a severe lack of solidity in their lives. Particularly when these principals are being seen and said as "do or die" from our Pro-social models at such a crucialy young age with pre-seen problems to begin with.
posted on November 16, 2007 at 4:20 PM
Candace wrote:
I love the show & I love that things are going your way after such hard times. I have seen all of the episodes & you give hope to all the women out there! Can't wait to see more!
posted on November 16, 2007 at 11:47 PM
Mel wrote:
Lauri, I'm sure what you are going through with Josh is tough. It's like you have the bitter with the sweet--happiness with George, bitter with Josh. Josh obviously has to learn about life the hard way and on his own, like most of us at his age. Babying Josh would not do him any favors, he has to learn to be responsible for his own actions and live with those consequences.
I am happy for you finding George and can't wait to see the wedding episode--you deserve happiness! You truly come across as a nice person and I look forward to each episode.
posted on November 17, 2007 at 1:58 AM
Listen to Mother wrote:
Always a pleasure to see things moving in your favor. You are a delightful lady, with good sense and better values. Thank you for allowing us all along for the ride, even over the bumps!
With regard to your son, surely you can see how he needs your support now more than ever. If you are able (and all good blessings onto George for his support...) Josh perhaps needs a deal, of sorts, from his new blended family. Couldn't you invite him to live with you for an arranged amount of time (how many months lost?) and with sensible goals? He is your son, and surely no dummy. What does he want to "do" when he grows up? How do you see him supporting himself? What are his strengths? Allowinging him the opportunity and support to reach his optimum abilities will ensure happiness for you both. I would definitely suggest cutting him some slack, however, sometimes kids who cannot rise to the occasion break our hearts. Survival is the key, and the answer to adversity in general. I would love to see Josh make his life work for him, and for you as well. All the best of luck in everything. When will we see more of your jewelry? Are you still pursuing this avenue? Never a dull moment!
posted on November 17, 2007 at 7:59 PM
TCR wrote:
Lauri
Thank you for showing your emotion in your story about Josh. Your hurt is very real. I am going through a similiar situation with my daughter and I understand how other adults can use a misguided child for their own purposes. But I want to thank you so much for sharing your story with everyone. You are making a difference. Your story makes me, as a mother, feel so much less alone. Thank you.
posted on November 17, 2007 at 9:26 PM
Mary wrote:
Lauri, you're my favorite 'Housewife'. I wish you all the best in life with George and your new extended family. Hang in there when it comes to Josh. As a Mom of two young adults, I can tell you that things do get easier.
posted on November 18, 2007 at 7:14 AM
Michelle wrote:
You keep saying how hard your life was previously but Im not sure if you know the definition of a hard life. I think it's a little insulting to people who truly have it hard. Owning a townhome in a rich area and being able to go out to dinner and whatnot does not in anyway resemble a hard life. I think you are a nice person but you need a lot of perspective.
posted on November 18, 2007 at 7:14 PM
Annette wrote:
Lauri I admire you so much! I think you are an awesome mother and you and George finding each other is truly such a love story! Iwish you the best of luck.
posted on November 18, 2007 at 7:51 PM
Rhonda Jeffers wrote:
You are by far my favorite housewife. Alot of folks were hating on you when you met George and he gave you those fabulous gifts. It's pretty obvious that you guys have a genuine connection. Congrats and I am very happy for you. You have always been humble and your sincerity has landed you a great man! Regarding your son.....what's to say teenage rebellion. He is just feeling left out - this to shall pass.
posted on November 19, 2007 at 1:39 PM
Margo wrote:
Lauri, I love your clothes & your style. Some women feel that once they reach a certain age and have kids that it's okay to let themselves go and give up on sexy. I'm glad that you represent the women in our age group that dress and carry themselves with confidence. I am married and I have a daughter who's twenty-five. Because I've taken care of my figure over the years too, we often dress alike. I loved one of your tops so much that I googled until I found it. Love the show-love the fashion.
Good luck this season.
posted on November 19, 2007 at 5:21 PM
Tonya wrote:
Lauri,
I have really enjoyed watching you grow and come full circle. Congratulations to you and George for successfully blending two families. I pray that Josh will learn from his past, and mature into a fine young man worthy of your trust and respect. Shame on George's ex for using him for her own agenda. How hurtful! Oh, well, it's a shame that some cannot move on and find their own happiness. I wish you and your family nothing but happiness and good health. Happy Holidays, Lauri! You deserve this happiness!
posted on November 20, 2007 at 12:22 PM
Gigi wrote:
No doubt you are the best of the housewives...I simply think your great. Only think though? Got to watch those tight pants on film...get a look baby girl. Your smart, your pretty, you got heart......coming from Anna Nicole Smiths close friend? Thats a lot of big compliments. Try pastel pinks and light lavenders for this wedding and stay away from peaches, they will go really well against that georgous skin of yours. Nice care pumpkin, I prefer my silver cobra..but your doing real well sweetie. From a native California blonde born here in the OC and about the same age? Best wishes for a happy, long marriage.
posted on November 20, 2007 at 12:56 PM
gigi wrote:
Oh I forgot to add Lauri, I'm one of Playboy's phenominal women of the web. I've been interviewed by him and know him very well and his daughter. Now if we could just get you into a Stevie Nicks look with skirts and cute hats...something....unique that says "Despite this superficial wealth of O.C. and the people living in a bubble here and fantasy land? I wasnt born wealthy like that but I am unique." That you are...would be really neat to see you become a star of your own half hour show and a actress. Nothing makes me happier than seeing someone who wasnt born into a silver spoon life, be blessed into that...its so superb.
posted on November 20, 2007 at 1:01 PM
cat wrote:
lauri, i believe that you and george will have a long and loving marriage. you are perfect together. the love that you feel for each other shows in your faces. it is wonderful to see! give josh time to "grow up". it will happen. he is at a stage in his life where he is still a child but thinks he is a man. time is a wonderful healer.
posted on November 20, 2007 at 1:46 PM
Gail wrote:
Lauri,
You deserve all the happiness with George. I hope you can reach out to Josh and, perhaps, he should be living with you and George. George would be a good male role model for Josh. He does not need strangers helping him who may not have his best interest at heart. You, as his mom, have that. Good luck.
posted on November 20, 2007 at 4:00 PM
Rene wrote:
Lauri.....what happened to your jewlry design business that you were starting up with your friend??? That was "pre-George" I believe. QQN
posted on November 21, 2007 at 12:51 AM
Jerry wrote:
I want to tell you and your family,things will get better with Josh in time.You have had to make some hard choices for him,I for one was in Josh's postion,my mother in yours,I couldn't understand why my own mother would ask me to leave? it turns out some people need to experince the hard way in life.my mother asking me to leave was the one thing that saved me!
I hope Josh sees it that way one day too. just try and support him when he starts to make the right choices,everytime he trys to do the right thing it is one step closer to it sinking in.. there is a saying "keep comming back untill you get it right" that is so true! hang in there and be strong! good luck and god bless to your family.
posted on November 21, 2007 at 2:18 AM
lavonne wrote:
Lauri,
You are a good person and you love your family. Give Josh time and he'll come to realize that you love him and was only trying to be a loving, caring parent. He's hurt now but over time he'll come back to you. Congrat on your wedding to George. George is a good man to take your children on. Best of luck to you and yours.
posted on November 21, 2007 at 11:40 AM
Jason wrote:
Laurie,
You have come a long way. I am happy to see George takes care of you but for godssake quit being so flashy. Enjoy and be humble at the same time because as you know it can all be taken at any time. As for your son Josh, ease up. He is so young and really clueless. I mean we all were at that age right? A reform school may have made him a bit resentful towards you. Some children, and yes I mean myself included, had to learn the hard way. He will be just fine, keep George in his life as a father figure, spend more time (that means taking him on vacation), and show him lots-o-love.
posted on November 21, 2007 at 12:41 PM
Brittney wrote:
First I want to say that you, Lauri, are definately the hottest housewife! I also wanted to say that you don't deserve to be treated baddly by your children. I'm only 19 and I've been pretty close to Josh's situation. I had some of the best parents in the world and I still acted out and disrespected them. I think that Josh will come around and realize how bad his choices were. I hope you can continue to show him that you'll always be there for him until that day.
posted on November 21, 2007 at 1:10 PM
leslie ackerman wrote:
Lauri, Help!!! You guys turned me on to the BH beauty line (the mask and the zink, and dry skin cream...I'm out, and cannot find it anywhere anymore :( Any suggestions??
posted on November 21, 2007 at 3:47 PM
Brenda wrote:
Hey Lauri,
I understand it hurts that Josh has chosen to go live with George's ex, but I am just wondering where you expected for a 13-14 year to go when you kicked him out as discipline, back to Juvenile Hall?
posted on November 23, 2007 at 1:12 AM
Mish wrote:
Hi Lauri!
I just started watching the show today (marathon on Bravo) and I have to say that you are my FAVORITE person on the show! I just wanted to leave a message about your daughter since I am currently watching a show about her living in your townhouse rent free. It was pretty gross that she had cat feces all over your home. Also, it seems as though she has a blatant disrespect of you in terms of your authority as her mother.
I really believe that you need to exercise tough love. The fact that you allowed her to live on her own, rent free shows how generous you can be. However, her abuse of your kindness is inexcusable. Also, she needs to realize the importance of an education and work towards completing a college degree. These days you will not be able to find a good job if you do not have higher education - a high school diploma does not count.
I'm only 28, but I think a lot of younger people there days do not realize the importance of respect and working hard now so they have a great future later.
Anyways, take care! Just remember that you are awesome and what you say as a mother really should go, especially when your kids are so disrespectful to you.
posted on November 24, 2007 at 5:05 PM
maria wrote:
Hi, Lauri so far i'm loving this season so happy for you can't wait to see your wedding.. as for your son's situation as a mother i totally feel you but take it one day at a time k.. by the way don't know if you still have your townhouse i love the color on your walls in livingroom area do you happen to know name of color thanks..... take care
posted on November 26, 2007 at 3:48 PM
mark wrote:
As for tatto's...it's like anything else you add or enhance on your body. Face lifts, hair extensions, or breast enhancements. Once can look at these features on a person and say..." I could not see myself touching that person" So, when your giving your comments to the public about the girls getting tatto's, look at your ownself!
posted on November 28, 2007 at 5:50 PM
Tammie wrote:
Laurie,
I posted a long message under another forum, but strictly speaking about sons, I wanted to post here for you as well. My son just turned 16 in August, and I think he is amazing. However, we had an ordeal a couple of years ago which ended up in court and counseling and a whole variety of life-affecting complications which I will not name here. I think you are a good mother, and I understand how difficult it is watching your son go through everything. I am impressed with the grace you have displayed whle allowing your life to be so openly displayed on TV, through such a tough time. I agree with you 100% plus. Adults who use children to manipulate and abuse each other, are completely repulsive to me. I know people who care more about their own agenda than they do their children, and as you said, it's just wrong. Children deserve better than that. Just let your son know you live him and include him in your life. You made a great decision to stand firm on the terms with which he could live with you. Again, I have an immense amount of respect for you. Keep up the good work, and enjoy your amazing new life.
posted on December 8, 2007 at 12:41 PM
christine wrote:
Hello Lauri,
I just wanted to say THANK YOU. My family and I saw you and George today at Quatro Cafe....you were so nice. Thanks for taking a pic with us..even though you were having your meal. My family and I just moved to Newport and so far we LOVE it. I just started watching your show recently.. I watched the marathon. You are my favorite housewife! If you ever need another REAL Houswife...look me up! ( lol ) I guess I am one now! : )
Take care...all the best with your family.
Christine
posted on December 9, 2007 at 4:06 AM
Kelli wrote:
You seem like a nice person, but gosh, I don't know how many times you have mentioned the money! I hope that isn't what you're all about and that you truly love George. Money is not everything - you flaunt it way too much. Also, I don't like tattos either, but Amen to Mark's comments above!!
posted on December 10, 2007 at 6:15 AM
sabrina31 wrote:
laurie-i love the show and watch it all time. you are my favorite,and i think you are doing a good job as a mom. your son will realize things when he gets older. when your a teenager you think you know it all and that bubble will pop as maturity sets in. he knows that you love him and in the mean time girl have fun with planning that wedding. as you know your kids will grow and go and always enjoy them as much as you can but enjoy your husband!!!!!
posted on December 10, 2007 at 1:52 PM
Trina wrote:
Im so happy for u and George, i just love u on the show and u absolutely make this show worth watching!! Good luck with everything!
posted on December 10, 2007 at 3:33 PM
April wrote:
Hi Lauri, You have grown so much since you first started the show. I love how open you are to constructive criticism. You are doing a good job with your kids and I love your new man. He is so down to earth and genuine. I will soon be a orange county house wife with not as much money. lol but it is still fun to watch the show. One thing I do notice is your lives are a bit over the top and I notice from the show that the rich kids have a disadvantage. I do think that kids that have to struggle a bit are much more responsible and have a better sense of the world around them. Money can mess up ones morals and idea's of how the world turns. These kids aren't bad kids but maybe more self centered.
posted on December 12, 2007 at 11:40 PM
beth wrote:
Laurie, I have to say you come across as very real and grateful on tv. Do not forget that money does not buy happiness. I believe you will be happy. I also wanted to say that Ashley needs to grow up and get a grip. She thinks she is going to live like a princess without any sweat and tears? Come on, she annoys me with her selfishness sometimes.
posted on January 12, 2008 at 11:16 PM
joy wrote:
Laurie,
you are one of my favorites. after the wedding episode, which i guess aires, jan 22nd? i hope you will let us all know how things are after the honeymoon.( maybe post some honeymoon pics on the site . . .) i was really happy to see that you asked ashley to be your maid of honor. it was obvious it meant so much to her, and your new blended family seems to fit so well together. i hope that things are better with josh. i wish you and george, all of the very best and i hope to see you back next season! it's always fun to see what will happen next, and i always hate to see the last episode of the season. best wishes! joy
posted on January 14, 2008 at 7:12 PM
Kimberly wrote:
Hi Lauri
Your wedding was beautiful. The love that you and George have for each other certainly shows. I wish you and your family the best. I am dedicated to the "Housewives" show and hope to see more of your fairy tale world as you begin to make new memories. Also, keep us posted on your career and jewelry venture.
Best Wishes, Love, & Joy
posted on January 25, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Jessica wrote:
Lauri your such a sweet and special person and your love for your children is sooo strong and I admire you for that. I have been down the road Josh was on and it is no fun, but I learned a LOT from my mistakes!
1st big purchase, a house. I know the feeling, we just bought our 1st home on 4acres in the country and it's a HUGE accomplishment!!
Love you girl
crazy girl louisiana
posted on January 27, 2008 at 7:34 PM
Rochelle wrote:
Lauri, i love watching you I think you are a great mother and you deserve happiness . I wish you and george everlasting happiness.
posted on January 29, 2008 at 2:17 PM