Alexis, you are fabulous! I love it that you and your husband are so in love that you can't bear to be apart from one another. I feel like that about my husband as well. We always cannot travel together since we both work, but he is never gone longer than 2 days.. and it drives me crazy!! I am also sorry to hear about your father. I lost my dad in September of 07'. Christmas is still the hardest for me. Hopefully when we are blessed with a baby, it will get better. I hope You and your family have a wonderful holiday season.

I just agree with Vicki's principle. She planned a trip for all girls. If you wanted to bring your hubbie...don't go. She didn't have Donn with her, therefore what fun would she have had on the sunset cruise, we seen how awkward it was for Lynn who was just BORED! Lynn made the best of it...but come on, who wants to just make the best of something? Vicki was standing up for herself. I applaud her for being strong and obviously she has no true friends in that circle!

vicki has never been my favorite, but after reading this blog i sure like her better than you. watch the end of the show and you will see lynne understood, all of you were paired up like teenagers. grow up and get some trust, you can do things without your husband. the show is housewives not spouses

When someone extends an inviation for an event you either accept or decline. If you and your husband need a vacation than you should plan one together - not impose on someone elses plans. If you received an invitation to a wedding you would not bring people who were not on the invitation - same rule applies here. It is your and your husband's choice not to travel apart which is fine; it is your marriage and your decision. However, if someone only invites you on their trip it is not right to bring him because of your personal philosophy. You can not impose your dogma on someone else. You should have declined. This is basic etiquette.

I love you! your my favorite on the show! You have morals that you are not afraid to hide and I admire that. Please do not let reality TV change that about you.

I just wanted to clear something up b/c I am confused. I thought that when Gretchen had dinner with you she mentioned that all the ladies were getting together for a GIRLS WEEKEND. You mentioned that you didnt know that it was no boys allowed but you told her that you wouldn't go to with the girls unless your husband went along. I was just confused...

I'm gonna tell you the same thing I told Tamra: If you don't want to travel without your husband, don't go on a girls get-away. It's very unfair to the girls that are there for some girl time and to have a trip solely about them. Futhermore, there is nothing wrong or un-Bibllcal about traveling or spending time with just your women friends--How many churches have women's retreats? Be real!

Alexis, you are my new favorite housewife! Your family is beautiful and you seem like an amazing wife and mother!

If you wanted to bring your husband along you should have declined the invitation to a "girls weekend". A "girls weekend" is just that, for the girls. Much of the drama that ensued could have been avoided if you and Tamara would have just declined the invite. (then again, I guess this show is about drama so....)

You and Tamara should have(and still should) planned a couples weekend.

My condolences about your dad. Christmas is a really hard time of the year for many people. Hug your family, say a prayer and know that your dad is watching over you.

Vicki was right on this one. She planned the trip to be girls only. If you didn't want to go without your husband, you should have declined. It was rude to bring the boys around.

You guys are entitled to bring your husbands, if she wanted no men, she would of stated that to all the wifes. A simple hey, i really wan it to be a girls getaway, blah blah etc and no men just us girls.. easy. Team Alexis

Alexis, you are such a doll. I love having you and Gretchen on the show! You've been a great addition. I think you and your husband have a strong bond. I may not agree with taking my husband everywhere I go.. but if thats your perogative, than who has the right to tell you different? And to add a few things.. Vicky didnt really plan a girls trip.. she was there on business, and took advantage of that situation. You all went out of the way to make something out of it. Secondly, you barely know each other!! It's not like you are all BFF's, because I think I would be a little anxious too about up and leaving my family just to hang out with a few catty women who will only talk smack behind your back the entire time!!!

xoxox

Alexis, Sorry about the loss of your father, and I hope your family has a Happy Holiday. Sometimes it's hard the first year after a death, but be grateful for your family and friends. While I understand your beliefs on your family/relationship etc. and it's very commendable....I really kind of understand Vicki in this situation. I get both sides of the issue, but it seemed like (at least from the show) that it was very clear that the men were not invited. I just think in the future it may be respectful if a call was made to Vicki from you/Tamara/Slade or whoever to ask if it's okay to bring spouses/kids whatever...just merely because the invitation was from her. No matter who paid. I don't think that's the issue. I think a lot of women (including myself) - like to have time away from their significant others to be silly, to have girl talk, to do things you may not do in front of your spouses or more importantly...other people's spouses (I wouldn't walk around in a robe and face cream in front of my friend's husbands, but I would in front of my girlfriens). It's about the whole group being comfortable. I just think in the future it would be gracious to thank Vicki, but not accept the offer to join her on a trip if it's going to sway from the original reason for the trip. If indeed it wasn't presented that it was a girl's weekend...then I could be wrong. But it really seemed like it was. And also, if you are in to doing couple things...why don't you and Tamara plan a couples weekend and invite Vicki? That way no one is left out, and you guys can have the kind of trip you want too. Just my suggestion...but it may work! Happy Holidays to your entire family!

Vicky clearly extended a girls only invitation. How hard was that to understand?, (it was really rude and presumptious of you and your husband) Like other people said here if you needed a vacation with your husband take one (just the two of you). Or you should have just not gone. I wonder if my comments will even get posted

Alexis, You, Jim, Simon, Tamra, Gretchen and Slade were WRONG. It was a girls weekend, not a spouse weekend. You said you did not know it was a girls weekend, but you did cause the showed it on TV. You & your spouse should plan a trip for yourself if you want couple time. You just should have told Vicki NO about the trip. How disrespect of you all.

I really like you.

I adore you and your husband. Thank God you are on the show this season. You are actually one of the true Housewives of Orange County.

Alexis, Vicki had every right to be upset about " the boys" joining the weekend. It was Vicki that invited everyone to Florida. I believe I heard her say that she was in Florida for a business trip and invited the rest of the house wives to join her at it's conclusion. I also remember hearing Gretchen telling you Vicki's intentions for the trip and the two of you getting into a discussion about you and your husband not being willing to travel without each other. So, I think you are being dishonest when you protest that you had no idea it was a girls weekend. You seem like you're looking for conflict!

I don't normally post comments on blogs but I feel very strongly about this subject and I do hope you read your comments. I personally think what you, Tamra and Gretchen did was wrong. If you feel the need to bring your husbands with you everywhere you go you should have politely declined the girls trip. It was called a "girls" trip for a reason and I'm sure both she and Lynne felt very uncomfortable without their significant others there as well. It's not as if you ladies didn't understand what she was trying to do or the episode was edited to make you all seem like the bad guys. She was very clear that she wanted a ladies only trip with her castmates. You were all very wrong and I would hope at the reunion show at least one of you will show some class and apologize.

Didn't Gretchen and you discuss the fact that it was a "Girls Weekend" in last weeks episode? I thpought it was very clear that's what it was. If there was any question about that I think it would have been proper etiquette to call Vicki and ask her if this was just a girl event or if spouses were also invited. On a side note, I don't have any friends whose husbands don't "allow" them to go away without them. Watching you and Tamra and the way your husbands were made me feel like I was watching something from the 1950s. Hell would freeze over before my husband told me I wasn't allowed to go away without him - get some backbone and self esteem ladies!!!

My marriage is way different than yours and I know every marriage has a different dynamic but WOW. I am a fellow Christian and I know a lot of people who take the biblical roles of "husband" and "wife" very serious but your husband seems as though he is using that as a cop out to just control you. I guess if your ok with it then thats what works for you. But you must understand that you can be a God fearing person who has a wonderful healthy marriage and still spend time apart...which is very much needed in ALL healthy relaitonships

Alexis:

I really love the fact that you stand out from the group in that, at least you are not afraid to speak your beliefs, in particular with regard to the things of God. I really, really commend you! My only concern, as it pertains to being a Christian is the number one thing that have to remember are more likely to judge you by what you “do” than what you “say”. Although judging is always frowned upon, but when you say you are Christian, you have to understand people are going to watch how you handle situations. When you handle situations in a positive manner, this can and will lead others to believe and accept the God you say that you believe in. But when you handle things in a negative way, that’s when the judging comes into play. Although as Christians we all know that were are not blameless and/or sinless. And people should look to Christ who is our example and not YOU or Christians for that matter. Unfortunately this still doesn’t change the “world’s” perspective of Christians. This is the reason why the Bible clearly states that we are to be blameless before man. I said all that to say … instead of “saying” you are Christian, just ensure your actions would be pleasing before God. Meaning, if you think that God would honor someone, dressing is skimpy clothing, taking alcohol shots, and showing all the goods that should only be shared in the bedroom between husband and wife, then continue doing what you do. But if you can’t honestly say that God is getting the glory in and through your actions … then you should take a hard look at how you “act” instead of “speaking” …

Alexis it doesn't matter who paid for the trip. If you had basic manners you should know that if you didn't want to go without your husband you should've declined. If someone invited me somewhere wether it be a party, wedding etc... believe me I would know who to invite and how many people I should bring. You always have a right to decline. Also I don't blame Vicky for not going on the cruise with you guys. You have two men on there that despises her (Simon,Slade). Plus your husband is getting an earful of hurtful things that are being said behind her back from her so called friends..... Im sorry but what I saw you portray and what your trying to convey in your blog is not very Christian like. If you put yourself out there and up to the so called "Christian Standards", don't be suprised when people call you out on them. Nobody is perfect, we are all humans and all humans make mistakes.

Alexis,

First let me say how truly sorry I am about your father's passing. I know how the first Christmas, (Easter, Thanksgiving), is without your loved one. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas this year and are able to celebrate your dad's memory..and to keep alive all the wonderful memories you have of him around the holidays....that really helps.

I do agree with you. God, what is wrong today that women who choose to stay home, be moms, and raise their children are still being eviscerated for it. You wanted to do it, and no one should be criticizing you for it. Vicky just seems like she thinks of herself a little too high and mighty because of her business.

I want to commend you on the way you carry yourself on the show. You seem like a genuinely warm and kind person. Those are traits you cannot act out, but shine through the camera.

God bless you and your family for a very Merry Christmas and a healthy and Happy New Year.

I too lost my father last October. Its really difficult getting past this, but has only been not quite 2 months. Glad you have a supportive husband and family.

Alexis, When she called Tamra on the show, she did tell her that it was a girls trip. Tamra could have told her that she did not travel without Simon and you have already stated that you don't travel without yours, then Vicky should have been told that the husbands were going, specially Slade. Or at least asked if they could go so it could have been turned into a couple weekend. I am sorry about the loss of your father.

Hi Alexis; I just want to say I am sorry for your loss of your Dad, I lost my Dad 5 years ago and my Mom just in June so this is going to be a very sad christmas with out parents or grandparents. This year is not the same nor will probably the rest of the years to come. I have two brothers and one sister and none us are getting together this year which breaks my heart. I think during the holidays you need your family around you.

Hope you have a Merry Christmas!

Alexis, You are by far my favorite housewife!! I love that you stand up for yourself and you have respect for yourself. I think Jim could really teach the husbands on the show how to be a real supportive spouse. Thanks for showing the world that there are still families who still have family morals and believe in God. Peace and Blessings!

I Love Your Husband and His Values ! He's a guy's guy and I find that sexy (just like my man). Merry Christmas Alexis & Family !

Grow up girls! If there was a boys only golf weekend or a hunting cabin that your men wanted to go to, no one would even think to invite you ladies! I think Vicki had every right to be upset with ALL of you who's controlling husbands came along. You watch, in a few years you will all be screaming, "Get away from me, I need some alone time." Don't lose sight of the importance of hangin with the girls - ONLY!!!

what

Alexis, you and the other girls were sooooo wrong for bringing ur husbands. You guys were making fun of Vicky for not being a better sport when the husbands arrived. It was so childish. FYI- it was a girls weekend. What is so hard to understand about that. You gals are with ur husband for the rest of the year. Grow up. There is nothing wrong with being apart from ur husbands. You shouldn't have gone and impose ur plans on VIcky. I'm in Vicky's side!!!!!

You are a breath of fresh air! I am so tired of the Housewives always trying to be someone they are not. You seem to just be you. I LOVE it! You are beautiful, smart, funny and honest without being rude.

BTW, can you offer exercise tips in some of your blogs?

Alexis, I too have a great marriage and prefer to spend most of my free time with my husband and kids. However I still enjoy a girls weekend 1-2 times a year and my husband would never deprive me of that. I do have to side with Vicki on this one since I would never even think of bringing my husband on a girls weekend and would be shocked if one of my girlfreinds brought theirs along. A great life and marriage is balancing time for your husband, kids, self and freinds!!! By the way - you look fabulous - it surprises me you do not expect the same from your husband.

I agree with AndreaLyn - she couldn't have said it more perfectly. Watching this episode just shows that having money does not mean you have manners, as evidenced by your behavior in this week's episode. You knew it was a girl's weekend from you lunch with Gretchen but decided to be rude and bring your husband. You really should learn to have some etiquette and decline

I agree that you should have graciously declined the invitation. Tamra and Gretchin would have gone alone too but felt peer pressure from the new kid on the block. Vicky and Lynne have been married for a lot longer than u and Jim and they both seem to have healthy marriages and well-balanced kids. You imposed your own view of what (short) marriage is, and that was not fair.

You guys are wrong to invite the boys. Vicki is right! Her trip, weekend, and plans so I think you owe her an apology. Actually the trip was presented to you as a girls trip and you did know because it was on my TV. Don't try to right your wrong here on the blogs. But for the sake of arguement even if you didn't know your husband sure did during GOLF!! I'm not a big VICKI fan...but I must say Season 5 she is one of my favorites. She does something nice for you girls and you stabbed her in the back.

Good job for telling Vicki how it is. I liked you from the begining you and your husband are great together and your relationship is your personal life. So thanks for sharing it with the world.

I totally agree with Vicki! It is absolutely ridiculous that you cannot leave your husband for 3 days to go vacation with the girls. Even you tell your husband on the show "You are being very controlling dear..." and I couldn't agree with you more.

I TOTALLY agree with the blog from "Housewives-lover on 12/18." You KNEW it was going to be a girls' only trip because you and Gretchen discussed it at lunch. The camera doesn't lie. Of course, if you and you hubby spent your money to take a trip, you can do as you please. However, since she planned the trip, you should have honored her request or planned a couples' trip instead. I'm not a big fan of Vicki's, but I totally agree with her on this one.

You guys were totally wrong and you tried to justify it by trashing Vickie. I am also confused because I saw the episode where you were told that it was a girls trip. If you don't travel without your husband then you should have declined.

Hi Alexis,

It takes a princess to know a princess! You are my new favorite housewife!!! You have an absolutely beautiful life! Vicki is my least favorite so I'm glad to see you stand up to her in your blog, she is just jealous when she is not the center of attention and someone younger and hotter takes it away from her: Jo, Gretch, and now you. Although I don't agree with having to travel with my hubby all the time, it obviously works for you both, and to each his own. Can't wait to see more of you!

Sorry for the loss of your father - been there, done that and it is rough.

I do think all of you were disrespectful to Lynne on the boat. Couldn't you have kept your PDA to yourselves while she was there? It was like you were all in a contest to see who could show the most PDA.

And you do need to get your story straight. You knew it was a girl's weekend. Gretchen told you. The camera doesn't lie.

Here is a tip. If you always tell the truth, you don't need to have a good memory.

You are an amazing mom and have much to be proud of... It is so sweet to see the love between you and your Husband... Glad to see you on the show....

Not sure anyone ever labeled you "Mrs. Nice" but in any case you were wrong in this instance. It was a girls getaway, if that is not agreeable to you then don't go, really is that simple.

Alexis, I think your morals and convictions are to be admired! The fact that you live what you believe and are proud to be the "Proverbs 31 wife" speaks volumes. CHOOSING to live life along side of your spouse does not show you being controlled, I feel it shows quite the opposite. It shows that you are independent of what the world says you should do and choosing to experience life's pleasures with your spouse. I know God has a plan for our marriages and our lives, but so does the enemy; you are to be applauded for protecting your marriage and standing your ground. Many blessings to you and your beautiful family.

alexis- u are a breath of fresh air! good point about vicki not wanting to be the 3rd wheel yet going out to dinner with another couple,,,,,hmmm

If you're not comfortable being away from your husband and kids, then don't go. Girls weekend means just that...the girls! Money obviously doesn't buy manners. PS.... does your husband ever say anything nice to you or anybody else?

You know what my husband says when I want to take a girls trip?? Which I do maybe once every three years. He says "Go, have a great time, you work hard with the kids and the house and keeping me happy and you deserve it. I will take care of everything at home. Go enjoy!" Now that is a real man and I have so much respect for him. By the same token, if he wants to go on a golf weekend, which he has done only once in 17 years of marriage, I completely support him. I don't know if it is because you and Jim have been married only 5 years, or if you both have infidelity in your past but something seems amiss.

Alexis, I think you are an inspiration to mother's everywhere. You manage to look absolutely gorgeous while taking care of husband and family. I think yours and Jim's relationship is just fine and works great for you too and that sparks jealousy in other people. I hope you and your family have a wonderful Holiday.