I’m nonetheless learning from you, but I’m bettering myself. I actually love reading every part that's written on your blog.Preserve the tales coming. I cherished it!

the tattoo was done by jay wheeler. jaywheeler.com

Dear Gretchen;
I too fell in love with an older man who passed away. I still miss him everyday.
I understand your pain and wish u well. I am glad that u have met someone and are happy. Jeff would have wanted that. Good luck to u both.

Hi Gretchen!

I just have a couple of comments. I find it hard to believe that anyone could think badly of your relationship with Jeff when his children think so highly of you. If you had done the things you've been accused of or acted the way it's been gossiped, you wouldn't have such a wonderful relationship with Jeff's children. They would resent you and they would not have so much obvious respect and love for you. His kids love you - so you were good to their father, PERIOD!!!

Also, you seem to have such a sweet nature and I think you're adorable! You are a sweetheart and it shows through in the screen. Keep up the good work!

Honestly I truly believe that Gretchen is the best person out of all of them. I think she is a strong woman and she takes alot of crap from them. I have not seen one episode where Gretchen was wrong. I think that she is right all the time. She is good hearted and a genuine person. The way she was with Lynns daughter She was right. I just think that everyone seems to be mean to her and they have no reason what so ever to do this to her.. I love Gretchen and think that she definatly deserves to be with people more like her genuine and good hearted and honest..

Gretchen you are a treat to watch each week. I love how confident & empowering you are with everyday life. Your make-up line will be a success!!! Kudos to you Girl!!
Tracee

Gretchen, I have been a fan of the show since season one, I honestly believe that your love for Jeff was and still is sincere. The other housewives are really closed minded on that topic except Jeana she always had your back. I think you are such a BEAUTIFUL person inside and out you always have me laughing. I do agree with the housewives about Slade dont settle not that he isnt great but you are greater and deserve the best. He is a hottie have fun with him but use your head because your heart can play games on you.

Hello ma'am,
I seem to have a bit of the same problems as you, however without the money. I fell in love with my neighbor who just so happened to be 29 yrs older than me. Alot of time we heard that I was a gold-digger things like that. You see when we meet i knew my husband was sick, but we still continued our relationship. He spoiled me rotten! All I had to say was that i wanted something and usually when I came home from work it was at the house.
On 11/13/09 I found him not breathing in our bedroom. Started cpr, rode in the ambulance, stayed in the e.r. with him the whole time. Unfortunatly he didn't make it. He was 64(just shy of his birthday), and I am 36.
My step children are older and have been very supportive. However around town people just look and point. He didn't have a life insurance policy, he was retired so like i said earlier theres no money. But I know what you went through girl and trust me my heart goes out to you!!!!!!!!Take care & Be careful!!

i love the fact that i was on this episode, didnt know they were actually going to show me lol

Hey Gretchen! I'm 15 years old and am a huge fan of you. You are my favorite housewife:) But after last season and seeing you and Jeff and how you handled everything helps me a lot. My boyfriend of 1 1/2 years was diagnosed with brain cancer and beat it but a couple weeks ago we found out a new cancer came back. This new one is not curable and just seeing how you handled things gives me hope. You are a very strong woman and now I know if god doesn't give us a miracle I can do it also. Thanks for staying so positive and giving everyone hope who has known someone who has been sick.
Sincerly, Katrina

Gretchen, listen babygirl, people may say you moved on too fast, but life is fast. If you have found someone who cares about you and respects you,care about them and respect him.What people need to realize is God gave us all kinds of love. One doesn't stop cuz the other starts.
Do your thing

A Fan
Glory

Gretchen,
first off I want to say that you are the best one on the show and that I don't care what the others say I know you really and truly loved Jeff and I am soo sorry for your loss. And its a great thing that you are keeping in touch with his kids that keeps him alive in both of your lives and them and you both have someone to talk to about it if you need someone to talk to about him or just to listen!! But keep your head high and don't let nothing bring you down!

Gretchen you are most down to earth person on the show and the prettiest by far!! your not fake looking or should i say(fake) LIKE THE OTHERS ON THE SHOW!

Hi Gretchen! I just wanted to start off by saying you are by far my favorite housewife. Though i am starting to like Alexis as well and I think its great that you have a true friend there. I know how hard it can be when it feels like everyone is against you. One of the reasons I wanted to write to you is becasue I feel like I have some things in common with you. I know personally how hard it must have been for you dealing with Jeff's cancer becasue I also have cancer. I have stage 4 angio sarcoma, which if you know about cancer means I sadly will only have a couple years left. This makes me very sad becauses I have an adorable 5 year old son. I love my son so so much and I know I'm going to miss him so much and I know he will miss me as well. It was great to see you still having contact with Jeff's kids. I think that is so important for you and for them. I bet it would've meant a lot to their dad that you all keep a good relationship. I think you are a beautiful person and you should stay true to yourself. No matter what anyone especially Tamra says about you I hope you know there are people out there who truely believe in you and want you to succeed. As for your new relationship with Slade I really hope it works out for you. No matter how long after Jeff you started seeing him isn't the point, the point is if he makes you happy and he appears to do just that. I think Jeff would've wanted you to move on and be happy. I think it's great that you still keep your memories of him and your little shrine with his ashes. Moving on is one thing but its great that he is still alive in your heart! I know you get tons of responses to your blog and i have always wanted to write to you so I really hope you read your comments. I also love that you write such long blogs you should keep that up it really helps to understand things and feel connected to you and the show. You write really well to. You make it an interesting story. Truest me I have a degree in English and I really think you know how to make a story interesting. Anyway i've rambled on enough and I know you are a busy lady I just wanted to tell you I think you are great adn you have someone in your corner! Good luck with the rest of the season.

Gretchen, I've been watching the show since season I and had the privilage of talking to Viki via email about getting into her line of business. I enjoyed when you became a part of the OCHW and found your story & life to add another dimension to the show. Having said this, I want to say that your the pain of losing the love of your life DOES come out as being GENUINE. There isn't an OCHW that I dislike because you are each genuine in your own sense of the word. However, for the first time, I am going to write on a blog in support of YOU. I feel that one of the other OCHW has slandered not only you but Jeff's memory. I have absolutely no tolerance for such behavior in these circumstances. Allow me share a small part of my life. I was left paralyzed 22 years ago at the age of 17 due to a car accident. It has been the greatest loss of my life with the exception of losing grandparents on both sides of my family. I live with not being able to feel or move anything from my chest down, but debilitating medical issues. My most recent being merely a week ago when I was taken to the hospital for low blood pressure and fainting only to learn my liver enzymes were elevated. I never know if today will be my last or the first day of the rest of my life. I put myself through college with two degrees - Psychology & Political Science. I am married to the most patient & giving man who spoils me more than I could have ever dreamed. I have four beautiful daughters ranging ages, 19, 18, 12, & 10. I wish I had more than 3,000 characters or I would share more but I want you to know that I have learned the more achievements you have in life, the more others are quick to judge. Some of those people will hate, slander & destroy your spirit...IF YOU ALLOW IT. Take this moment to rise above the negativity. I'm proud of how you have distanced yourself from Tamra. Keep it that way or you will fall prey to the aura of unhappiness she is experiencing in her life. I've lived it and will put you in my prayers tonight because I don't want you to live it. Look me up under Lisa Spencer Denison on Facebook. I'd be happy to share more. You are an angel.

Gretchen, you are awesome, I believe that you did love jeff and that you werent cheating on him at all.. Tamara just needs something to make her feel important. I believe that you reacted to jeffs passing as alot of people do. They dont really make smart choices due to the overwhelming saddness in there heart. You have made mistakes but who hasnet. You truley seem to be changing into a very mature woman. I love the comments on the views of all the other housewifes and your honesty is key in friendships. They will prolly have some smart comment like dont tell me how to raise my child you have none, but gretchen you have been a child of a mother and father and I believe that plays a big roll when you have children of your own or have opinions about raising children.. You are my favorite of the show and believe me if you keep on the right track and earn others respect with your honesty you will go far in this life..... cant wait to see the show tonight

Gretchen, You are so sweet! Even under major pressure you are still all class...unlike someone else on the show. Who might I add is redic jealous, sooooo obvious!

I find it so funny that people are complaining about long blogs.. don't read it then! People like to make negative comments, but its like you don't have to watch the show or read the blogs!

Gretchen, don't listen to them about the blog being to long!!! I hate the short blogs that just skim over the issues. I love that you put time into yours and really enjoy reading them. I repeat DO NOT shorten your blogs lol.

Gretchen-
You are a true beauty; all those women on the show are SO jealous of you.

Gretchen.. I feel for you... think you are beautiful, feel bad for some of the ways that Tamara has treated you... but you really write way to much on your blog... you don't have to go into so much detail.

Hey gretchen u are so hot and I luv how u are always so happy u should text me sometime @ 601 670 6508 thanks lol =) and if u have a blackberry pin me 308c8e4a

@TJG

Gretchen...just keep it short and sweet you always write way to much on your blogs no one cares that much I promise.
************************************************************

Are you serious with this post!? Why would you waste your time to post on someone you do not like....WHY! Because, you really do care.

I like Gretchen and her Blogs gives you behind-the-scenes of what happen and I LOVE it! Besides what point of this post? Does it make sense to waste your time to post about someone who you really do not care about? When you do such things you look stupid. I promise you do!

Gretchen, You keep being the person you are now, don't get into the drama that is on the show. I have took care of my father when he was dieing of cancer and I did it by myself so I know what you went through. As long as you find love and embrace it you will find true happiness. We will keep watching, we love the show.

Gretchen...just keep it short and sweet you always write way to much on your blogs no one cares that much I promise.

I just want to say that it is wonderful to see that you are still close with Jeff's kids. The tatto of his father was beautful. I think that Tamra needs to pay more attention to her husband and kids instead of worrying about what your doing with your life. Your new man is sexy and hot. I hope everything works out for you. No matter who you end up with Jeff will always be in your heart. I am sure that this is what Jeff would of wanted instead of you being alone. Which I am sure you never will be you are so beautiful. Hotter than any of the other women.

Gretchen:

You are so refreshing and honest. Since my x hubby died (2004), his wife has had nothing to do with our sons (26/32). She always treated them as though they were a headache when they visited so my sons were not surprised they hear nothing from her now (they married when our sons were 3/10). But it does hurt...I'm glad you are not that way and have went out of your way to maintain a relationship with Jeff's kids. It does mean alot to them, trust me.

As far as the other housewives, they are only jealous. You are all they wish they could be. Keep your chin up and always be you!

You are beautiful and very wise. Don't let them take your fun spirit!!!!

7 carrots!... love it! LOL...

Hi Gretchen, You have such an amazing personality and i think that everyone deals with loss in their own way good or bad! Who are we to judge. When things get rough know that there are many viewers on your side. You seem so sincere and for that I really like watching you on the show. I hope Slade brings you happiness but i know that you will land on your feet no matter what life throws your way. Keep smiling, stay positive and listen to your mom...

By the way you look FABULOUS all the time (makes me jealous truth be told!)!!! SO I’m 32 years old and you are my inspiration...I am working out twice a day 3-4 times a week I lost 30lbs and trying to lose another 30-40lbs. How do you keep in such AMAZING shape??? Help GIRL help!

Gretchen....you really inspire me. You love life, your beautiful & you are always happy. Just keep being Gretchen!

Grethchen-I loved seeing you visit Jeff's kids. They obviously love you. Please keep talking to them about speeding....they need some guidance on that.

Gretchen,

LOVED the blue dress from this episode. Where did you find it? You have a lot of super cute dresses.

Gretchen, I truley believe in you and I think it is wonderful that you not only stick to your beliefs but you show your feelings. You are a true inspiration. I love watching you on the show and look forward to the rest of the season. For you and Lynn, things will get better. You both are GREAT people and true to yourselves. Good people are hard to find in today's society, but I know things will work out.

Thanks for keeping me smiling!

Hey Gretchen,

Hey girl.

I am from Myrtle Beach, SC. I just wanted to let you know that you are the same kind of person that I am and guess what??? No matter where you live, you can only be "YOU"! You don't have prove who you are to "ANYONE! I think that you are a beautiful person inside and outside and you have shown so many aspects of yourself, which, most people do not get. Do you belong in Orange County with a bunch of women that can't relate to who you are, which is your "truth"!! I am so much like you, which is why I write to you.....DON'T EVER CHANGE, ADAPT OR COMPROMISE WHO YOU ARE JUST TO FIND THAT YOUR FRIENDS HAVE A BUNCH OF KNIVES IN YOUR BACK.....ONLY BECAUSE THEY ARE SO JEALOUS THAT CANNOT FIIGURE OUT THAT WHAT THEY WANT TO DO IS WHAT YOU ARE DOING AND THEY CAN'T....BECAUSE THEY ARE MARRIED!!! If they looked like you and had your personality, what would they be doing??? God knows but you ust stay focused on who you are and what you feel. NEVER, EVER LET ANYONE OR ANY WOMEN MAKE YOU FEEL THAT YOU ARE LESS THAN WHAT YOU REALLY ARE!!! K?

Lisa :)

Gretchen, you are the only reason i watch the show. keep your head up and don't let anyone tell you how you should be living your life. i love you and wish you the best....:)

Hi Gretchen,

I wanted to let you know that I think you are really sweet and i'm sure really fun to be around! I do have to tease you about the way you spelled "carrots" it's carats! Although, I'm sure Alexa would have loved to get a 7 carat carrot! lol Keep being strong, don't let the mean girls bring you down!

I am TEAM GRETCHEN all the way!! I won't bash any of the other housewives (it's too easy!) You have such a kind heart and get hurt so easily but you'll toughen up especially with all these women trying to tear you down! I know you loved Jeff, you seemed very genuine when you were going through the old stomping grounds. My hubby had cancer and fortunately I still have him, so when you were under the gun for going to Bass Lake and so on I was like someday you'll experience this, then come talk to us! You need the down time because you have to stay strong. I wish you only happiness and I'm ALWAYS routing for you!
Stay strong and keep being yourself mistakes and all, we as viewers respect that more than putting on a front of everything's perfect!

Gretchen!!!!!

Please tell me if you eat healthy/how you do your hair! It always looks perfect and your makeup always looks perfect. How?!? I seriously can not understand!

Hi Gretchen, you have the biggest heart on the show.
But I do have a couple of things I have to say.

1. I live in Michigan and the job market is very rough.
15.1% umemployment. So I would be surprised if Jill was working.
2. Would love to see you working on the show as a real estate agent, I think it would give you more credibility.

Keep on living. Sassy Sandy

I LOVE THE SHOW!!! GRETCHEN UR MY FAV!!!! WHEN JEFF PASSED AWAY MY FRIENDS AND I CRIED OUR EYES OUT!!! OUR HEART AND PRAYERS WAS WITH YOU. GOD BLESS YOU. YOU JUST ROCK.

Why doesn't Lynne blog ???????????? I don't see any new blogs from here !

Gretchen!!!!
I love you! you are so amazing, I love the show and am so glad you are back for another season despite all the bull**** you have gotten from (well......... we wont mention any names) you are def the HOTTEST housewife:-) Im so sorry about Jeff and all you have been through Im so happy for you and slade. Im getting my hair done tomorrow and i went online to print off a picture to take to the salon w me , Would I be human if i didnt want hair like yours! stay with the housewives we love watching:-) Nicky

Gretchen - I just want to let you know what a breath of fresh air you are. You are BY FAR my favorite Housewife. I completely agree with you about judging other people. If you don't live their life, you can't imagine what they are thinking and feeling. I think you are so kind and sweet and that people can learn a lot from you. Thanks for being YOU.

I was wondering what brands your work out clothes are? You always look so adorable...even when you're working out. Can you tell me what brand you typically purchase for your workouts? Thanks!

hey Gretchen, im happy you and Slade found love,I see your having some finacial trouble i may have a solution for you if you are interested email me at ckrivera30@yahoo.com but only if you are looking. thank you Cynthia ... PS.. love the show

The fact the Jeff's kids adore you is very telling! It is not often that kids love their Dad's new addition.

Gretchen as long as you stay true to yourself no one can take that away from you....You are a down to earth woman and I like that about you....People throw stones at other people because they are not happy with there life.....And who cares if Jay is just a friend or not they could have changed their numbers to stop the calls, as long as you where honest with Jeff then it doesn't matter... I don't believe there is a law against women having male friends or male friends having female friends...You can look at the menu all you want when you start ordering from the menu then you have a problem.

Gretchen,
Hi! I'm watching the episode where you visit Michigan to see Jeff's kids. As a college student myself, I think it's important that you be more than a "friend" to Jeff's daughter. She really looks up to you as a role model. She said you're like a mother to her so be there for her as if Jeff hadn't passed away. Also, don't listen to Tamara! She's had a hard life. You have had it easy so she makes things harder than they need to be. I'm really excited for you! Have fun!

Grrrrr...my wife and I were in Las Vegas the week before Thanksgiving. It would have been fun to see two of the "Housewives" tearing it up on the dance floor. Absolutely loved the "Jeff" tattoo and wonder where it was done. I live near Northville and want a portrait of my daughter. Keep on "bein SASSY"