Gretchen, You continue to be a bright light on this show. You are beautiful inside and out and I think this has really been highlighted this season. Keep that light shining!

Gretchen,

First off I need to say, normally you are not one of my faves. That being said:

What you did with Alexa was totally appropriate and a good idea. You called Lynne, you told her your purpose for the shopping trip and she thought it was a nice gesture.

Lynne is apparently a little lost in that head of hers. She means well, but there wasn't anything that you did or said that was out of line or different from what you told her you had planned.

So good for you!!! If her daughers says she is depressed and then Lynne blows it off..shame on her. Alexa even cried when you talked to her...then rats you out to her Momma. If that isn't an attention seeker what is.

I support you on this one all the way!

I have never added my 2 cents to a blog, but I wanted to tell Gretchen that it was very generous of her to want to reach out to Alexa and how disappointing it was to see how it was portrayed. Teenage depression is a very serious issue and should not be dismissed as "drama queen" stuff. I thought the way she called Lynne to ask if she would mind and then told her that she would tell her what was going on was very generous! Sometimes it is hard to talk to a parent and an outside perspective can be refreshing. How sad that Lynne agrred to such a generous offer and then her own insecurity made her turn the situation around. Alexas has been portrayed to be suffering from depression and begging for someone to talk to. How sad that when theo opportunity arose to have someone to listen to her she chose to backstab the one person who wanted to listen.

I love you, but then you had to mention Rick warren, who visited Uganda and is friends with the people in power there, who made this new law to kill or imprison all gay people.Evenif you know a gay person and don't report them, then you too willgo to prison there. Rick has traveled there many times, at least 14times, and his hands are not clean. I could'nt read the rest of your post after you metioned you went to his church. To me he is the ultimate hypocrite.

I think it was nice what you were trying to do for Alexa. However, I think the girl is craving any attention and she says whatever is necessary at the moment. She plays everyone around her. The bottom line is she needs to grow up and we already saw that was difficult for the older sister, and now she's become the drama queen.

Unfortunately, it never works out when people try to help other people with their bratty kids.

Gretchen, I just love you to death, you are absolutely my favorite person on the show. Now as to the conversation you had with Alexa and how both she and Lynne reacted to it, I think they are both taking what you did way out of context and making a big bad deal out of what I thought was an act of friendship and careing. Besides, you had already told Lynne you were going to talk to Alexa and I think she should be gald to have a friend that cares enough about her and her children to take the time to try to lend an ear. I know my friends and I have done the same thing with eachothers children from time to time. I just wish people would just stop trying to put you down all the time and really understand what a good person you are and what a good friend you would be to them if they just gave you a chance and stopped being so judgemental. Hang in there girl...you're doing great and good luck to you and Slade this year!!

Gretchen I just wanted to say thank you. I watched the episode with the ladies in Florida and you all made my night. Thank you for putting the past in the past even for a brief moment and give us viewers a glimpse of something that even with all the problems you all have had a sense of something that may or may not be able to be recreated but was worth watching and really fun.....I know things change and seeing next weeks preview doesn't look good but it was a great episode.....Thank you again.

If you really cared for alexa then you would of done this in private but no you did this on national tv and you put her on blast without her consent. Unfair to a teen girl. It's obvious this moment was about you trying to look like a saint but it's obvious to most of us you are so self absorbed you would humilate a teen girl. Then you bash her in your blog, sorry Gretchen teen girls are not fair game to attack on blogs. hmmmmm

You were absolutely right to try to help Alexa and Lynne was so wrong to try to make you look like a bad person. Lynne is a woman who will do and say ANYTHING to appease her kids, this will get her and her kids in trouble one day. I'm just shocked that it hasn't yet. Good for you for not ignoring the signs and trying to do something to help!

Hey, Gretchen! I think it was great of you to reach out to Alexa. It seems she's a bit troubled. I can't believe that she talked about it in that way to Lynne, though. Alexa opened up a bit to you in the store and she even cried to you, for heaven's sake, so I don't understand why she would claim to her mom that you "ambushed" her. She conveniently left out the part where she cried. Her crying to you definitely shows that something isn't right and she needs someone to talk to, which clearly isn't her mother. Unfortunately, Lynne and her other daughter, Rachel, have to interest in listening to Alexa. Lynne is so wrapped up in preserving whatever looks she feels she has left, that she makes no time for her daughter who clearly needs her. If Lynne gave up half of her workout and used that time to focus on Alexa, her daughter would be in a better place. Good on you for trying!

You had no right to put Alexa on display like that she is underage and it's a hard enough time for a girl to have the likes of you putting her on display like that. This was you thinking it would make you look good. You first hurt her feelings by not taking her shopoping as a friend and then you put a very personal matter in her face with cameras. I was so mad and I don't care about you background you have no clue. My teen son and all his friends no matter how perfect their parents are get depressed from time to time. If I gave in to all my sons depressed moments, he would never know how to pull himself out of funks. A teen can be depressed one hour and happy the next. We as parents are here to be supportive, help but also help them help themselves. We as parents can not make all things right for our kids and if we did then they will never survive in this world. When I get moments of being depressed I pull myself out of it and I am thankful my mother didn't try and fix all my problems growing up or I wouldn't have survival skills. Lynn and hubby seem like good parents, shame on you.

Ummm.... a little sensitivy here. These people (with children, I may add) are going through a tough enough time without you pouring salt on their wounds. Let it go already....!!!!

Love it, Gretchen Christine! Love the fact that you realize that you don't have to answer to anyone but God! Amen and Amen!!! Seek ye 1st

It seems no matter what you say or do the other women want to jump down your throat. I dont get it. You are a sweetie pie. You couldnt hurt a fly. I can see you have all the good intentions in the world but these women choose for some reason to flip your words and actions around to make you the bad guy. You keep doing what your doing and dont change a hair on your head.

Honestly Gretchen I don't get why everyone is always making you out to be the bad guy. I truly believe you are sincere in your actions. I think you are the most honest housewife of them all. Just be yourself and forget about the others and their continual bad talk.They need to take a good look at themselves and stop blaming you.

I was a fan of yours until this blog. Now I see the light. Let me give you some advice:

#1 NEVER KICK A WOMAN when she's down--you should have learned that last season because of what happened to you. Tamara has children, you commenting on the state of her marriage is really low. We don't need you to highlight her problems and to set her hippocracy on display, those things tend to happy anyway. You should have kept quite about the emails you were cc'd on, if you didn't find it necessary to bring those up at the height of your fight with Tamara, why bring it up now?

#2 IT WAS A GIRLS ONLY TRIP and you knew that. Don't try to lie about it now. You had a conversation with Alexis before you went, and a conversation with Slade while you were packing that it was a trip for Girls, so for you to now say you had no idea, is a load of crap. TIP: Viewers don't like to be lied to, we saw what happened don't try to make us believe otherwise...it makes us think that if you can lie about something that is so obvioulsy clear then you can lie about anything.

Go read Simon's blog from after he saw the show yesterday- it's sad. The poor man was in the dark about a lot until we all saw it. Tamra is crap.

That made me SOOO mad when alexa & lynne were talking at the gym. Im mainly mad at lynne...she totally threw you under the bus!!! I wouldnt blame alexa, like you said she isnt going to be honest with her mom bc lynne always just blows off what she says so she doesnt even bother to be honest with her anymore.

I think you are wonderful! You truely showed how much you care about people in this show and in the past shows. You choice to help/talk to Lynne's daughter showed that you do not discriminate when it comes to you helping people. She will not say it to her Mom and her Mom may never accept it, but you really did touch her heart and your words play out in her head. At that moment, in the gym, she was again, reaching out to her Mom! I am not saying that Lynne is a bad Mom, she just does not see the whole picture from the outside. Yes, teenagers do have ups and downs with their emotions, but we need to recognize that sometimes there is an underlying message. As Far as Tamara and Simon... Who Cares, clearly they are not people I would want to have dinner with or go out with. The reason that they cause so much drama is because they need something to talk about, they can not talk about their lives. They are so unhappy with the reality of their lives and have remained unfocassed with their marriage that they may never be able to repair it. Again, Gretchen, you are wonderful, you are always smiling and I only wish the best for you!

It was disheartening to hear Lynn and her daughter talking about you that way. It was almost shocking to hear the "bull honkey" coming from their mouths. You went about it in the right way, talking to Lynn first, and Alexa was so lucky to have such a caring adult in her life like you. I've liked Lynn, but she really has her head in the sand it seems.

Thanks for your insight Gretchen. I think you did the right thing with Alexa. Funny how doing the right thing can sometimes backfire. Best of luck!

For the most part, I find you to be an attention junkie but, regarding you and Alexa, I believe your intentions were good; I think you really did want to try to help her. The editing tried to make you look like an a**, as did Lynne and Alexa. They were both obviously insecure in revealing that much about themselves.

Gretchen...you are one of my favorite housewives, but this blog post is not one i'm too fond off. First off, I am actually starting to feel a little bad for Tamara, I am starting to wonder if alot of her actions were because of you unhappy marriage with Simon. It appears she may have been doing / acting according to what he expected in regards to yours and hers situation. Now, don't get me wrong, Tamra does talk behind other peoples backs...but I have noticed much more this season that ALL OF YOU are talking behind each others back at one point or another. I think if the situation was different and she didn't have simon around making her feel like to needed to be perfect and better than everyone as he seems to feel he is, the friendship you guys had would be in a different place right now.

In regards to Lynne and Alexa, I think you did the right thing...apparently Lynne has forgotten what it is like to been a teen and you definitely DON'T want to talk to your parents...but apparently it doesn't seem alexa will talk to you too much as she thinks you are "old too" which is laughable. Lynne needs to realize you weren't questioning her parenting..just seeing if an outsider might be helpful for alexa to open up. I'm sorry, but at 17 i was not going to a party and asking if I could have a beer? ARe you serious? Lynne will thank you in the long run..especially after seeing the episode.

Regarding your comments about Vicki, I think you should have kept your comments minimal and to the extent of wishing them happiness. I agree that Vicki hasn't always been nice to Donn, but I think she realizes he is a good man, and their marriage works for them. To each their own... you needn't make additional comments.

Please stay true to yourself and try not to talk about other's relationships too negatively. I hope that you have made a good choice with being with Slade..as he does come across a little bit hungry to just be on TV. So please be careful.

Still your fan! Janet

You did the right thing Gretchen! Lynne may think that Alexa is just feeling hormonal, but the effects of hormonal changes can still lead to devastating consequences, and ignoring cries for help is irresponsible. Regardless of Alexa's reaction, she now knows SOMEBODY wants to be there for her.

Gretchen, I like the new grounded you! You seem to really see what is going on with the other girls this year. I also was very confused by the Lynn, Alexa conversation. You did call for permission first before you spoke to Alexa and Lynne was acting like she had no idea you were going to go there. As far as Tamra and Simon, they probably need a time out from the show to get a clear vision of what their future is going to hold. The blame game is just not going to cut it. You did not cause this divorce but they sure want to put you on the hot seat. Stay strong, it looks you will be taken on another wild ride.

I was HEATED by the way Alexa talked about you to her mother. You were just trying to help; to be a young voice of reason and a mentor. I'm sorry, but Tammy IS a bad parent.

I think Alexa does need someone to talk to and I think your heart was in the right place, but why did you have to do it on camera and why are you continuing to talk about it on your blog? This attention to her problems is extremely embarrassing for a teen and you shouldn't be talking about her at all in such a public forum!! Also, next time you want to help a teen, just be there for them and let them bring up their issues with you first. That was very confrontational and not especially effective when talking with teenagers.

Gretchen,

I don't believe that you were out of line to talk to Alexa. You informed Lynne about what you would be discussing with Alexa, so there shouldn't be a problem. As far as Tamra and Simon go, I too laughed during their conversation. Everything Simon complained about had to deal with his own wife. I already knew that he was controlling, but now I see he is also delusional. I did feel bad for Tamra though because it is so apparent how depressed she is from her marriage.

Good blog Gretchen. Maybe Simon should have Tamra take the lie detector test as she is denying all the accusations in his divorce papers???!!!! It goes to show that not even all the damage control he tried to do for his wife in his blogs could save his marriage. As for Lynne, take this as a lesson that with some friends, no matter how hard you try to help them, sometimes they need to go through challenging times with their loved ones on their own to finally appreciate your kind gesture.

Thanx for your blog. Regarding Tamra and Simon, they are just plain crazy and really need to focus and their family instead of you. Regarding Lynne, she is just wierd to me and as you can cleary see the apple does'nt fall far from the tree. Alexis totally flipped the script on you for absolutley no reason. That's just crazy. What is the world coming to when being a good friend turns into drama. I wish you and Slade the best in life and love.

Hi Gretchen, Happy New Year to you- keep smiling, and good things will come to you. Forget all the back stabbing and negativity. You are loved by all of us. Stay strong and beautiful!

Can't wait to hear the news!!! You seem to be such a sweetheart!

Gretchen you are just so positive. Everything that comes your way, you twist it to try and make the best happen. It doesn't matter if it's about Tamara, Lynn even Vicki. Just stay true and you...that's why we watch. You flush the crap out!

Gretchen, I love watching you on the show. I'm so glad you are so happy and especially honest =) Please stay the way you are, always!

~Ashlee - Kentucky

Gretchen...I thought that what they showed of your comments to Alexa, you were completely genuine and interested in her well being. I was kind of shocked to see Alexa and Lynn's discussion in the gym. I thought they were way off base. I know you are on a TV show, but maybe if you would have spent time with her off camera, they wouldn't have questioned your motives.

Love the show!

My kids are grown now, but It is my best friends who helped me get through very difficult teenage years. I am thankful and my bestie reached out to my teen daughters when it was obvious my relationship with the teens were difficult and trying. It takes a COMMUNITY to raise a child. Lynne should open her eyes and close her mouth unless it is just to simply thank you for your efforts! You did the RIGHT thing!

Michelle

Gretchen, I agree that you did the right thing with Alexa especially being concerned with the signs she was giving. Lynne may think that she is doing the right thing by trying to be her kids friend instead of being their parent but she is wrong. I too would be more appreciative if one of my kids was having problems and a friend noticed it if I didn't, the important thing is making sure the child knows they have someone to talk to. As for Tamra and Simon, all I can say is I wish them well with whatever they decide to do. Don"t change to please others and stay true to yourself. I wish you and Slade all the best you make a great couple.

OMG! are u pregnant!!!???

Love you!! Love the show!!!!

Good luck!!

Gretchen- Although at times I think you're annoying as heck! (Who's not?!) I think that you going out of your way to talk to Alexa and offer your support was from your heart and you meant nothing wrong by it.

I have a 13 year old daughter with whom I've very close, however, as she matures and gets older I will no longer be the person she will feel most comfortable talking to. I hope she has someone to go to when she needs to. I have amazing friends and I know that they will all step up and be there for her. When they do, I will be grateful that someone cares enough about me and my child to be a mentor and a friend.

If Lynne has a problem with it, it's because she knows that she's not being a good support system or role model for her daughter. And it embarrasses her that you know that.

Gretchen, I cannot believe you speak of Simon like he is a loving adoring husband and Tamra is the spouse to blame. She mentioned her unhappiness in other scenes to other people because Simon is oblivious and not willing to listen. He believes their marriage is/was a certain way and has made numerous comments of how happy and perfect they are/were.

You should really try to view the situation as an outsider and not through your hatred for Tamra.

Gretchen.....You are absolutely my favorite!! On that show, I think you are the most down to earth person and by far the best looking "housewife"!!! I like the fact you haven't caved and gotten plastic surgery,you even look younger than Alexis; she always looks like she's ready for a Playboy photo shoot, not very wholesome looking. On a different note, I too was astonished by what Alexa said. When I was Alexa's age, I really wish that I had someone to talk to and keep me from making several bad decisions. I'm 37 now but the 16 year-old girl still in me, says thank you to you for making the effort to reach out to another young girl.

You are a amazing woman. Anyone would be lucky to have you as a girlfriend. I agree with you and what happened last night with Alexis and Lynne. Hopefully, they will watch the show and see the truth.

Awwww! I do ♥ you so much! Last night's episode blew my mind when Alexa and Lynn tried to pull that crap. It actually made me mad. Maybe Lynn was still on pain meds? Who knows...however. Keep being you and your take on things, bubbly personality, and giant heart are very refreshing!

About Alexa- I think your heart was in the right place, but I can understand why Lynn and Alexa were put off. I'm sure you'll understand it better if you have a child later. Alexa probably feels like she doesn't know you well enough to confide in you so much, and that it's betraying her mother. Lynne, like most of us parents, doesn't want to be questioned on how she's raising her daughter. Subtle would have been better in this situation- offering to spend time with Alexa with no agenda or heavy conversations. That way you could get to know her and if she felt comfortable talking to you, she would.

Gretchen I luv you but you are way off base re: Vicky creating the drama by going out to dinner w/another couple but not wanting to go on the cruise. Going out to dinner w/a couple to network (they were probably business associates) or someone you don't see very often (cuz she was in FL) is WAY different than going on a romantic couples sunset cruise. I would have done the same thing she did if I were along on that trip solo.

Gretchen -

I thought it was really nice that you chose to take time out of your own schedule to take Alexa shopping and try to give her an opportunity to have someone older to talk to about her problems/depression and what she's going through. I thought Lynne was ok with it since you called and asked her first. When Alexa and Lynne talked about your discussion with Alexa I couldn't believe that Alexa said you were trying to get the pressure off of you - I too was like HUH? I'm sure she said whatever she felt her mother wanted to hear because like you said, it's hard to tell your mother how you really feel. I thought Lynne was totally overreacting when she said she wasn't sure if she could trust you. I think she is just insecure as a parent. It was pretty rude that she said you didn't know what you're talking about because you don't have kids. You don't have to be a mother to know how to raise kids, it just takes common sense which I hate to say I think Lynne is sometimes lacking when it comes to her children. She has major blinders on and when one of her daughters comes home pregnant or overdoses on drugs, or gets caught underage drinking she will understand why you were trying to step in and help.

I'm glad that you let all of this roll off your back.

Sincerely, Rebecca

Gretchen you are awesome and picked a great guy in Slade you go girl

Traveling on a 'girls trip' is great- not only is it important to bond & re-connect with your girlfriends, but it allows you independence without your man which can be a time for reflection and greater appreciation for the man in your life. However, people clearly have different perspectives on the whole 'girl trip' concept and that opinion and decision made by respective couples SHOULD BE RESPECTED regardless of another's opinion. Vicki should accept and respect that everyones relationship is different and comparing her relationship to that of another housewife is ludicrous because we all know each of the housewives relationship (with their man) are very different. Each have a unique dynamic that is reflective of each individual's personality. And Vicki, gezz, such unnecessary drama, but then again thats what makes good TV i suppose.Then again, I think ya'll are still entertaining when your getting along, supporting each other and lifting each other up!

You seem very genuine. You also seem very insightful and well spoken. I wonder if you are actually writing these blogs yourself or with help. It is interesting that you state you have a college degree, especially when these things can be confirmed. IN MY OPINION you actually sound truthful in that. Im sure someone somewhere will research it though. The truth always comes out one way or another.

Gretchen...I do like you and think for the most part your heart is in the right place but I would have really liked to see you take a little bit of a higher road on the whole Tamra / Simon thing this week. Reaching out to Tamra (I know, she's def. not your best bud by any means) and saying that you are sorry for her marital strife puts you on the higher road but to stay there you just need to stop with that. Who really cares what Simon and Tamra talk about...it's pretty obvious at this point that they are a little ungrounded so I don't think you need to address anything they have said about you - who cares, really. I think you sometimes set yourself up for these types of attacks on your character so I think you really need to toe the line of the high road to make yourself portrayed a little differently. I do like you and think you are a sweet girl...I guess I just wish others saw that in you as well.