Alexis, You have been my favorite this season and I think you brought great values to the group. I feel like the cast keeps getting more dramatic as the seasons continue and you have been a breath of fresh air! As being from Kansas City, I will have to say I was offended by your comment about Missouri. I am actually from Kansas, but you know what I mean. I am glad you addressed it in your blog, and I understand what you were saying it just came out wrong. I grew up in a small town in Iowa and I know how it can be. Maybe I would have made the comment as well, who knows. I hope you decide to do another season. I enjoy your facebook videos too!!! All around...thank you for being...YOU! :-)

Good for you, Alexis. This is the first time I have EVER written a comment on these blogs, but I wanted to commend you for using the opportunity of reality TV to learn about yourself and make adjustments, if you feel they are necessary. It is refreshing to hear somebody acknowledge when they've made 'mistakes' rather than to continue to defend, defend, defend. If this show has given you a different perspective on yourself - and if it will help you moving forward to be a better woman, mother, and wife - then it sounds like it was all worth it. Well done.

Fantastic blog Alexis. Excellent attitude about all.

Hi Alexis As Christians, you know we will be under the microscope. People don't understand that EVERY Christian is in a growing relationship with Christ, from babes to continuously striving to be what HE has made us to be. We change from glory to glory. Wherever you are in you walk shows the way you handled yourself with what you were given during the season. You have such a awesome privilage to be able to see yourself on camera and be able to realize how people can be and how to pray for them. Whenever we proclaim to be of the Father we MUST come prepared. We don't ever want to turn people off from Christianity, we are to bring them to the gate, even if that means turning your face for them to slap your other cheek. Scrutiny comes from Christians that were not well prepared to handle situations in the public eye. Thank God for the ones He truely calls to be Our voice because they will have an annointing to speak Truth gracefully and peacfully.

Much better. I stopped watching the show early in the season, but caught a little of the finale (I was waiting for NY to start). I really did not enjoy watching you but from this blog, it appears as though you realized how negatively you came across. All lessons are valuable, even those learned through something as trite as a reality television show.

All the best....

Alexis, If I'm being completely honest, there have been times when I've watched you on the show and have felt that you say some very shallow and self-absorbed things. That said, reading your blog has been an eye-opener. I REALLY respect the fact that you seem to have taken this experience to really learn about yourself and are open to improving yourself. You own up to your mistakes and seem to judge yourself by the same standards as others. How refreshing!!! And, as I look at this season, it's clear to me that you aren't two-faced. Even though I live in the midwest, as a stay-at-home mom who is into fitness and looking my best, I think I probably have more in common with you than I would have thought had I not taken the time to read your blog. Thanks for clarifying your take on things, and all the best to you and your family.

Where was your light blue sweatsuit from that you wore the morning you took your mom to get her plastic surgery? It was soo cute!!

There is nothing more refreshing than a person admitting to their shortcomings and trying to make it better. I think you have been an awesome example of a human with Christian values this season. Just because you are a Christian doesn't mean you will be PERFECT and never fall short. I think a lot of people who have commented, "judged" you for your Christianity (sad thing is that a lot of them were Christians) should remember that a Christian is person who falls, gets back up, repents and strives to do better the next time. Good luck on everything!

Alexis, I love how close you and your husband are. You seem like you are the most normal couple out of the lot

Alexis, Brava! You are the ONLY housewife who not only recognizes a mistake but you apologize and correct it!

You're an amazing person and its a shame that you have to explain each and every thing that you do. People seem to pick on you for every little thing, every word, every outfit, every hairstyle....its absurd!!!

You see yourself objectively and try to make yourself better! You're a very lucky woman, intellegent and you have a beautiful family. God Bless You!

Well - I've come down on you in past comments, but this was a good last blog. I think we would all learn about ourselves if we were televised.I can read between the lines, though. I think Vicki has so many outstanding, admirable traits, but she is not good at humility or self insight.

I hope Tamra doesn't get a rap for middle man issues. I think she also admires many aspects of Vicki, but sees her weak areas as well. Tamra should not have addressed them at lunch in front of you, however. Vicki is too threatened by you to take Tamra's comments constructively. No group attacks in the future! I was sickened by the comments Gretchen made to Lynne at your home. It was not constructive of her to basically insinuate that Lynne's worth as mother ended at delivery.

Alexis, If you have to constantly stop to think about what you are going to say, your responses will not be honest. Maybe once in a while we all say things without thinking, but time after time it is just who you really are. I am not certain why you are on the show. There was no "story" for your life. We didn't see you do anything with your children, a career or even charity so I don't get it.

Thanks for the blog. We have something in common. Words come in my head... I don't take time to process them... they just pop straight out of my mouth. I suppose in an attemp to be funny. I know what kind of person I am. But sometimes the things I say are not what I should be saying. It didn't take being on tv to realize this. Both you and I should start speaking slower. Its very diffcult for me. Good Luck to you... :) I enjoyed watching you, your husband and children. You have a beautiful family. We are sisters in Christ. I'm looking forward to getting to know you better next season. I love the fact that you can admit when you are wrong and apologize. God Bless You and Your Family

Alexis -- At first, I wasn't sure if I liked you but after watching the show I've decided I love you. You have way more class than any of the other ladies and I'm definitely against Vicki for the way she treats you. I may not agree with some of the things that you and your husband do nor do I have as many of the blessings in my life as you do but I feel a stronger connection to you than any other housewife. While I'm not involved in a church nor do I pray or am religious in any way, I do appreciate the fact that you are so open with your religion and aren't afraid of what people might think about it. All in all, you go girl!

I really have enjoyed watching you and your family in the new season of RHOC. You have really brought a positive and refreshing spin on the show and We're really excited to see you in the seasons to come! Sad it is all over now...

I have to say my absolute favorite thing about you is your ability to admit you make mistakes. I love that you have insight related to being a "work in progress" as we all are (and will always be)! I myself am always working on being the best christian wife and mother that I can be. It can be such a difficult task alone. I can't imagine opening my walk up to the public for judgement. 2 books I have found very helpful are "A Wife After God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George, and "His Needs Her Needs" by Willard Harley. Both support taking care of your physical appearance as a way of honoring God and your husband, which I know you take a lot of heat for! I think you come across as a great woman who tries to do what is right! Keep it up! I am praying for you girl!

The thing I like best about you is your willingness to admit you make mistakes and are a work in progress-as we all are. I am a christian wife and mother who is working on living a life that is pleasing to HIM. I fail everyday but also make strides in the right direction. I can't imagine opening that up for the public to comment freely on. I do see differences in you that you should be proud of. 2 books I have found very helpful are "A Wife After God's Own Heart" by Elizabeth George and "His Needs Her Needs" by Willard Harley. Both support that taking care of yourself physically is a way to honor God and your husband (I know you get a lot of heat for that!) I don't think being a christian means you are perfect or have to let people walk all over you. It seems some see it that way, but that is their journey not yours. I am praying for you girl! Keep your eyes on HIM!

Hello Alexis,

You are a great addition to the cast of Orange County. I think your mother looks amazing! She was beautiful before and stunning now. I also grew up in a small midwestern town and totally GET what you are saying. Anyone from a small town (especially from the heartland) that now lives in a big metropolis with a very fast paced life should also get your intended message. It is a very different way of life. I don't know why people find it so easy to judge others just because they are blessed with beauty, wealth, a great relationship, great job or great family, but it is often the case with those who are unhappy in life. The judgement always seems to focus on the area in a person's life that is lacking. Stay confident and don't let the insecurities of others get you down. You are a stunning, sincere and clearly still a sweet midwestern girl at heart who just so happens to be living the dream in the OC. Stay true to who you are! You have the right attitude and I will be looking forward to seeing you on RHOC next season!

Your mom was so right in teaching you that golden rule, "If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all". It's hard for people to be mean and judge when you "kill them with kindness".

Here are two others all the RHOC can live by:

1. Every moment of everyday, act like the person you WANT to be.

2. There is no greater sense of personal peace than when treating others the way you want to be treated.

BLESSINGS!!!

Alexis, The more I read what you have to say, the more endearing you become. It takes a fearless person to submit to such scrutiny & stay centered on what's really important.

Without saying it even once you've managed to take that high road that Vicki ( parroted ad nauseaum) hasn't traveled once.

You & Gretchen made it a great season.

You seem happy and that's all that matters... Don't listen to all of the negativity that people comment to you and your family. God put you out there as an example, and Christian's ALWAYS get ridiculed because we are held on such a high podium when it comes to God. It's great to see a marriage with actual values on t.v. America needs many more marriages like yours and Jim's!!:)

Alexis, I have to agree with FLA Viewer. I truly enjoyed reading your blog this time. You are much deeper than the show gives you credit. I understand that the producers probably cut things out and try to make us think one thing and its not really fair. I see their point that they are trying to get good ratings, but you just showed me and everyone else out there reading your blog that you are truly a very nice person, a good person who loves being a Christian and loves her family very much. And I love how you joke about yourself. Hopefully next year the show will let that side of you be seen on the screen. Until next season, have a blessed and happy year.

Alexis- I just wanted to say a) I loved your dress. How fabulous. b) How awesome of you and Jim to get on TV and not forget about your values and relationship with God. I sometimes forget to invite people to church with me. After watching the two of you, I realize that I need to step up & speak up. God is alive, well and performing miracles on a daily basis. I need to do my part more as well. Also I find it really interesting in your final blog that YOU chose to "take the high road" that was very much untraveled by your fellow cast mate all season. KUDOS FOR BEING YOU!!!! :)

You are intelligent and well spoken. It is amusing to me that you are so put together, intelligent, and have an organized thought process, and all Vicki, the "one who works" can do is walk around as a blubbering mess, throwing out half baked insults. Keep confronting and addressing the half baked crap, and people will see her for what she is.

You are so precious, I love you, your family and your devotion to Jesus. Please stay with the show as you are the first REAL housewife Ive yet to see. Stay real honey .

Alexis, the off the shoulder dress you wore on teh finale was spectacular!!! Who is it by? Gorgeous!

great dress at the bar-b-q...who is the designer? where did you get it? love it!!

You mom would have never got the procedure if she didn't want it. She looks great and I know it makes her feel good. Although I've been rough on you on past blogs due to your dealings with Vickie, I am glad that you are finally realizing that you don'y want to be a mean girl and that you are taking your mom's advice not to say anything unless it's nice. Your mom truly seems to have a nice spirit about her, so try to be more like her in the good ways shes raised you. I think she shold be the next housewife on the show!

What more can you say? I wasn't really a fan at first but your humility is endearing and the truth is anyone would have a difficult time seeing themselves in a public mirror like you have all had to endure - it has broken up friendships and ended relationships. But, in the end, if you can take positives from any experience and commit to growing, which you obviously are, how can you go wrong. Much love for you on your journey.

Is your comment "and be the same five years later" a dig at Vicki?

I have to admit i did not like you, since the NJ comment, I called you classless but however after reading this blog I have to apologize we all do and say things in life but for you to admit it in your blog and want to change is comendable...your fsith however is impressive, I loved the brunch with your pastor and gave a very positive view of Jim and yourself...till next season wishing your family well

You come across different on the show than your blog. I know the 2o minutes is only a glimpse of your real life but I still find it hard to believe. I do think you were right on calling vikki out though. Good luck and God bless from Texas

SO you learned you need to take states out of your commentary whether it is New Jersey or Missouri or whatever the stereotypes cost you some don't they? Well, good for recognizing.

Love the veiled ribbing of Vicki in this blog regarding able to watch your actions and learn: "I don't understand how someone can have an opportunity like this and still be the same person five years later." That was priceless and glad I bothered to read all 3 pages to find this gem at the end.

This is for Alexis,

I was born in raised in Missouri and was very offended when you started saying how plain Missouri women are on national television. I have been to California a few times in my life for vacations and to visit family and I seem fit right in with everyone else in my Missouri clothing with no problems. High heels and fancy dresses do not make you any better or a different person inside. You should be proud of where you came from and by the way not all women in Missouri wear plain jeans and t shirts all the time.

I absolutely love you Alexis!!! You are still one of my fav's :)

Che

alexis, thank you for being a beautiful, and positive representation of a christian woman. you seem to be kind to the other ladies, and manage to stay out of all the drama (from the little bit i have seen). i appreciate too that you recognize the beauty of God's order in the home, and you seem unfazed by the comments that imply you husbands speaks down to you. we know the joy of a marriage centered around God, and the quiet confidence that comes from allowing our husbands to be the head of our homes. may your journey continue to be blessed. anita

In almost one breath you say that you were happy to hear everyone's comments so that you could go to the reunion show with ammunition only to then say that you talk too fast, don't think before you talk, and you plan to only say nice things. "Ammunition" is generally associated with war, Alexis. So, which is it? Are you going to continue to attack your peers, or are you going to watch your tongue? Don't get me wrong, Vickie DEFINITELY needed to be taken down a notch or two and everyone has the right to advocate for themselves. Just do think before you speak and try to anticipate how it will be received.

Alexis, I loved watching you this season on the show ! you are a big inspirtation to me. I love the way you raise your family and husband you are such a good mom and wife. You always stay out of the drama with the other housewives which is always a good thing haha.

I'm glad you wrote your blog, I wasn't much of a fan but your blogs great & it explains a lot!

I am very impressed with your blog. I was a hater, I admit. I was really hard on you. But I started really feeling differently as the season went on. As a matter of fact, I found myself feeling a little defensive for you when Vicki continually called you a 'bitch' and other things. You were so excited for the end of season party yet others were making nasty comments about you and Gretchen. Tamra was upset at Simon but still able to muster up some snarky,stinging words. You did well. You have shown humility and grace which goes a long way with people. I agree that arrogance is when some (V & T) continue to feel thay can look down on others and thrive on judgmental barbs. You have a new fan. =)

OK as a working Mom I am relying on your fashion sense, I have no time for this. You had a fabulous dress on at the final party black and white silk off one shoulder, where did you find it I have googled, searched, everywhere, please though I live in NJ I don't want to look like a housewife of NJ. time is of the essence, I have a party to attend.

As a native of St. Louis, I cannot relate to your derogatory comments about girls/women from Missouri. Growing up, my friends and I were very interested in fashion, and probably spent way too much time getting ready to go out. :) And, my mother could have given 'Jackie-O' a run for the money. You need to think before making such sweeping generalizations. Or, do all people from Hannibal do that?

Bravo! You have a great heart, and a great family, and it was a joy to watch you this season. You were a breath of fresh air. I'm praying for you and your family as you might be going through some scrutiny right now. God bless!!!

Alexis, You are just what this show needed!

Alexis,

I love you and think you are great. I can't stand it when people say mean things to you because you are the one who focuses on improving yourself! You have a good heart and try hard. The mean comments people make are unnecessary.

I will miss watching RHOC, but i wont miss hearing your voice every episode. You need to be more like ?Vikki, she has class.

I appreciate your honesty, and your ability to try to rise above the drama! We are all on the same journey in life. It's nice to see someone on reality tv striving to better themselves! I think your devotion to your family is inspirational. You are on the right path!

alexis.you are sweet and pretty and my fav on the O.C. housewives.you keep saying you are sorry for things you say.you are humbble and if the people watching can not see that they do not know what it means.the coment on missouri i am headed back there this summer my family and i miss springfield alot our church has growned so much you and jim would like.you did not say anything wrong.people just want to pick on you.stand up for you.do not change to make other house wives happy.i think you make the show i watch because your on. i like you for a reason we can be kind but do not let people beat you up! i am from california but i love springfield missouri!i am your biggest supporter i am here for you bevy!

A babysitter for grown teenagers? For real?

Alexis, You are such a beautiful person inside and out and i think everything you have said about taking care of yourself and making your husband happy and taking care of your kids is right on! I think Vicki is just jealous of you and your family! Stay strong and positive!

You agree that "If you don't have something nice to say, don't say anything at all." yet a few sentences later, you're obviously getting a dig in on Vicki referring to not understanding how someone can have an opportunity like this and still be the same person five years later. You make no sense. You're glad you have ammunition going to the reunion show, but want to be the peacemaker. You blog seems to insinuate that you want to rise above it, but it's you can't resist putting people in their place.