Whenever a man's friends begin to compliment him about looking young, he may be sure that they think he is growing old.

I think that you are a great father and you did your best with Tamra but some women dont want to act like they are married. Goodluck.

Have your cake and eat it too! Your mistake was that you wanted to have a HOT looking wife who was submissive and old-fashioned. That's contradictory. You can't have a wife who looks like a Playboy Bunny and expect her to act like June Clever. The fact that Tamra had already been married so young and divorced should have been your first clue. All you saw was her beauty and now you're paying the price for being shallow!

simon you are gorgeous and if your wife doesnt appreciate you of course you will have no troble moviving on, but as a fan to your show and not being a back stabber to tammara whom i love inside and out , her self being and beauty im honesty saying that you simon got carried away with vicki and oppsesses for god sakes why let some one else ruin you and your kids like , be a lion and and roar!!!!! dont feel less a man and just walk away your wife loves you and at your age , Respectfully work it out and just stay away from your enimie , love always a true to heart mom and wife at 39 lisa m. avalos luv ya !!!!

simon
i think youre soooo sexy seriously
ur like a sexy macho older guy thats my type
once you leave tamra youll know where to go~!

Simon, Vickie is 100% right about you. You do control your wife and you are a crybaby. Tamra complains to Vickie about you and Vickie tries to defend her therefore your wife put Vickie in your marriage. Tamra is 2 faced. She talks about you, to Vickie, behind your back then doesn't back Vickie up when you are around. You say how you have a great marriage and Vickies marriage is unstable... hello, your wife said your marriage sucks and Vickie and Don have the strongest marriage. He is a real man, not like you other sissy's who have to follow you gals around. Tamra should dump your girly ass and find her a real man like Don!

simon, i think that your wife just lost a very good man i also whant to let you know that i respect you so mach more now that i know what i know never change the way you are i love you keep it up good luck 2010

Simon,

Not only are you level headed, you stay true to your convictions amid what be massive chaos with filming, and all the BRAVO drama/editing that spins the truth for ratings. I applaud you; I don't know that I'd be able to handle what you're going through. Good lukc in 2010!--my

Simon, it's important to stay grounded in your marriage. There is this old Greek saying, "Show me who your friends are, and I will show you who you are. Don't let others get too close to your relationship because there is jealousy and envy and they will do anything to destroy what you have." It seems Tamara has the issue with you being "her boss" but that's because she's looking at the other housewives and comparing. Remember, the wise man built his house upon the rocks and when the rain came tumbling down, it stood strong. There are other couples who built their house on sand and straw and their house may be holding up for now, but it will come down someday because there is no stron foundation. I agree with your values 100%!

Simon, I hope you have looked at all these comments here after people have read your blog. I have Never and I mean NEVER seen 100% of comments be in a positive light no matter what or who the blog is about. That has to make you feel good, as it should!

So keep it up, hope to hear more from you in the future. No reality show can be easy, just keep doing what you are doing. We like ya!

a Montana Mom!

Simon,

If you watch Top Chef, I swear you could the Villagio's (sp), third brother!!!

Simon brings a calm rational perspective to the show. He's just that equilibrium that it needs and sharpens the contrast between what's normal and what's not. Way to go Simon.

Simon, don't stop being yourself and you rock on your views of Ryan. Tough love is hard but someone has to do it with Ryan. Tamra is lucky to have you as the rest of your family. You keep things in perspective despite the cameras rolling. Someone has to remain grounded. Good luck with all of your business deals.

It was nice to hear from you. This really makes me wish you were on the show more, but like you said, the "drama" is what gets shown and women are better at giving the "drama." It was very sweet how you supported your wife in this blog. I think you 2 are a classic case of "opposites attract." (My husband and I are the same.) It keeps life interesting but it can also mean "war" sometimes! At least life is not boring though!

Very nice, Simon...

I appreciate your candor and the love (and tough love) that you have for your family.

Take Care

Simon, it was so refreshing getting a male's perspective! I agree with everything you said and respect you a lot for your etiquette and morals. I hope Ryan will as well in the future. You seem like such a great husband and father and Tamra is lucky to have you.

P.S.- Don't let Vicki's comments get to you. From what I've seen all the seasons according to Vicki-everybody else sucks and she's perfect. Just ignore her!

Dear Simon,
I think you're the only one on the show who is fully self aware! No offense to your wife. But you seem to be "editing" while the cameras are rolling and thinking ahead of everybody else. That's a good thing! You appear to be a loving husband, smart person and hard working guy.
Nice blog. Good work. Hang in there!

Great blog Simon! I think you're awesome and I totally support your view on parenting! You are doing a great job. You have great morals and I love how much you love your wife and kids.

Thanks for sharing with us!

Thank you for posting a blog! What a pleasant surprise!

I support your tough love stance with your son. I raised 3 children as a single parent and when having a lot of problems with my then 14 yo son, a friend and her husband recognized that guilt was dictating my parenting with my son. These were natural parents, only having ever been married to each other and they took the time to let me know how they struggled with their son under their more "ideal" circumstances. It helped me tremendously.

Buy you wife the book "Love Must Be Tough" by Dr. James Dobson and encourage here to read it. ANYONE could benefit from reading it, it is very helpful in learning about boundaries.

I respect and believe in the evaluation and regard you have of your wife and understand she makes for controversial television viewing but seriously she needs to get over Gretchen. I would "cause" her to get over it. If you have to pull rank, cause her to be too busy, whatever. It isn't healthy for your family. Sometimes I shake my head at some of the things Tamra says. As an adult I can't relate and it isn't healthy for any of you.

thank you again for the blog,
duffy1958

I am so glad you posted this---somehow makes you more human and likeable. Question for BRAVO---why can Simon post but Slade can't? Maybe it has been answered already!

Simon, you are the handsomest! And I can see how much you love, love, love your wife and 3 pumpkins. But can't you please forget Ryan's many faults and help him? Tough love didn't work. Ryan is so clearly looking for someone to give him advice. You're educated and worldly. Tamra is just in over her head. Please step up and be kind to Ryan now. He's trying and needs sensible, worldly advice but there's been no one giving it to him. Please do something before it's too late for him.

Good luck to you and your businesses.

I too am glad to hear from a real husband! and what better husband than you!
One thing I would like to comment on, as it brought me to tears last night because I was in the same boat as you and Tamra.
I too have a son from my first marriage, tensions were high during those teenage years were my son resented my new husband. In his immature inexperienced eyes no one was his father but his bio father and no one was good enough for me. If my husband and I so much as bickered, my son would side with me, and when my husband was tough on my son, I would side with my son. Needless to say this caused a huge rift and hurt feelings. I feel Tamra's heartache and pain.
It took some time, and some serious brushes with the law, but i finally got tough with my son, exactly what my husband suggested seveal times before. It was hard for me to do but ultimately it worked. My husband also extended the olive branch to my son, and told him, when your gone (college, marriage or jail) do you want your mom to be alone? who do you think will take care of her? who will keep her company?
It was a compromise both ways, and very hard for both of us.
Just keep in mind you are the adult, and instead of sitting around waiting for an apology, pick up the phone and take him out for a heart to heart, your a good man Simon, with morals, ethics and responsibility and thats exactly what this young man needs to see and hear
Good luck in all that you and your family do

Thank you Simon! Please tell us why your wife wanted to be a part of this program. I love the show, but I am curious as to what motivates a family to put up with this kind of intrusion into their private life? Love your blog!

Simon, I think I'm in love with you now.

No, seriously. I always liked you. Always thought you were way handsome, too. But your well-reasoned, tempered blog just affirmed that my hunch about you was right. You are a class act.

Say, could you give a good-looking blonde like myself on what attracts a man? What attracted you to Tamra when you met her. I know you were in a nightclub. Was it mostly sex appeal. I'm afraid that at 44 years old, that's just not my bailiwick (being out in a nightclub attracting men.) What now, at our ages, would you find attractive in a woman? I'd really like to find someone like you. (And where do I go to find him, too?)

Please keep blogging. I really like hearing what you have to say.

Simon u gave him chance after chance......your wife needs to C that!!!

Thank you, Simon! I really enjoyed your first blog. I can now understand how much taping viewers miss and what may be chosen to air for dramatic purposes.
It's a pleasure to see a tiny glimpse of you. I think you and Tamra have a lovely family. Chivalry isn't dead! That's great!
Best wishes!

CLASSS ACT ALL THE WAY! you guys seem to have a good relationship and understanding of one another. I wish you the best!

Simon you rock in so many ways. People seem to forget about "editing" and that they're going to show us what they want us to see. It's so obvious that you're a loving protective MANLY MAN! You're awesome.

I can't sleep either when my husband is out of town. It's not just you, I don't think anybody who's married likes sleeping alone. Doesn't mean we're controlling, it's just out of our comfort zone.

Simon..
you probably do not read these messages but I feel compelled to write.

I can entirely appreciate what you and your family are going through. It seems that when finances are strained the first thing that starts to go is your patience level with your spouse. My husband and I are feeling the same pressures. We own a small construction co. and always did the right thing and are now struggling to not lose everything. We are constantly on edge with each other. I see that with you and Tamra and wish you the best of luck getting through it.
I was brought to tears myself when Tamra started crying about losing the house as it is the only place your kids have ever known. I am at the same exact spot...struggling to save my house for my 2 & 3 year old babies.
I am sure you will pull through this as we all will...and hopefully be better people for having done it.

Simon, So glad you are blogging now. It's nice to hear from the husbands, especially one who is so stable. Stay as you are Simon, you seem to be the only constant and one with common sense.

Simon - You are a class act all the way. I have thought that from the beginning! Stay who you are and don't apologize or defend yourself - it's not necessary! As for Vicki...consider the source!!! Love ya, Handsome!!!

Just a couple of things I thought of while reading this blog post:

Don't worry about what people think. They don't do it very often.

and

Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you respond to it"
Lou Holtz

What happens......
that is momentum of Life's blood.

Choice of responding ~ priceless.

I can change how I respond to anything, anyone, any behavior. What I can not change is any other.

Best wishes to one and all.

Was glad to read "your side" Simon. I'm not sure how I would react if I had cameras parading through my life all the time,oh...I WOULDN'T do it. But while the editing this year is a bit rough on you, I think you are a "real" man/husband/father, who is trying to protect his younger children and indulge the "child" in his wife. Thank goodness you are there to balance it all out. Keep loving them, and keep blogging!!

Simon,
You are one of the good guys! I enjoy the balance you bring to the show. You and Geana have a lot in common, you're above the superficial drama and are "good people".
Tamra knows it and she's a very lucky woman!
I look forward to the rest of the season. Hang in there, it's all good.

I love you Simon, and I hope Tamara can appreciate the man she has. I do not think you are controlling, but strong, a man! A very attractive man, that just wants a lady in the streets and a freak in the bed. Goodluck with your marriage, but if it does not work out, I will be waiting.

Hugs and Kisses

I just want to say thank you for sharing things from your perspective. You really come across as indifferent this season and I get freaked out thinking about you guys suffering in your marriage. I love the show and your blog has won me over... Thank you!

Simon please don't let that be the last blog with us.
I await your return!

Hugs to you!

Hi Simon, glad to see you blogging.I never thought you were controlling.Tamra has a mind of her own, that's for sure.I know she loves you and you love her and that says a lot.I know it puts stress on people when they're hit by this economy.We have been hit hard ,but we'll all get through it with patience and love.Sometimes people need a little help by counseling just to get through. It's amazing what we can learn to live without when we have to. Keep blogging as I enjoy the "male" take on things.

A man who truly loves and can handle Tamra? Simon, you've got to be a pretty strong character to take on that assignment! Yes, Tamra is beautiful and charming no doubt. But honestly, she does seem pretty "high maintenance" both relationally and shopping-wise.

Still, despite popular belief, the Public LOVES folks on reality shows who can actually hang onto their marriages! I am rooting for you and Tamra! Lord knows, we are all tired of seeing reality show participants getting ugly about their spouses after they become famous (i.e. Jon & Kate; etc.) Just (genuinely) stay in love and stay close....and we will keep on watching!!

Simon,

I agree with everything you said, forget Vicki!! We think you are great and just want the best for your family. Ignore all the other idiots who think otherwise. I do think Tamra needs to take it back a few notches and be a bit nicer, no reason to argue with people just get along already and maybe she could appreciate what she has instead of what she can't buy at the moment. No more spoiling her Simon, just live life with quality.

Don't worry Simon (and Tamra), you never came off as "controlling" and Tamra never came off as being controlled. Personally, you 2 have always been my favorite couple because ironically, I felt that there was no power struggle or imbalance between you two. I truly believe that you're looking out for Tamra which I suppose can be misconstrued into being controlling but that's what husband and wives do...especially when one spouse is thrust into spotlight and more vulnerable so I commend you on trying your best to keep things in order. And OH YES, the pot sure did call the kettle black!! haha too funny...
Interesting twist I'd like to throw in...I remember an episode where a "certain someone" was out of town last season and accompanied by another castmate, and getting a little too close for comfort with other men if you ask me!! I found "her" actions so disrespectful and inappropriate for a married woman. If THAT is what she thinks is normal, then yea I guess you must seem out of this world and controlling to her!!!! hah wow, some people...
Best of luck to you and Tamra

you are a true class act! Bravo!

Hello Simon,
Thanks for playing for us on tv. I always felt the things you've said to Tamra were valid things, things that needed to be said, but that you could've used a softer touch. I think we can see the glimpses through the seasons of the love you both share for each other and your family. They aren't the central focus. 'tisn't the '50s you know!

Thank you Simon for a great blog! My husband and I have a similar relationship, the ups and downs are hard enough without cameras documenting them! I can only imagine~ Hope you and Tamara can work through the difficult times ahead...You have a beautiful family!

WOW! I love what you had to say Simon. In a world where metrosexual is the cool way to be,you are being a real man. Not some control freak,but a REAL man. Your wife does pretty much what she wants to,adn you just shake your head. I can relate to that too. my husband shakes his head alot! Your wife is my favorite on the show,as I can relate to her the most.
Thanks for saying what you did. I wish you the best.

Love the Simon! You've always appeared so mysterious on the show, but now I feel like we have a bit more insight into the real Simon. You're not only HOT but a supportive husband and father...all of the qualities any woman is lucky to have. Good job Tamra for picking such a gem!

I really enjoyed your blog..I just started to watch the show...was never much into reality...and i guess the drama is the hot spot...But I think Tamara and you handled everything so well...you come across as a real family...I respect and could not agree more about what you said about "Control" Your family represents alot of what moine does...never explain yourself...people that judge don't matter and people that matter don't judge....god bless you and your beautiful family... Looking forward to watching the next episode

Thanks for blogging Simon....at least SOMEONE from the show is!!!

Simon - always liked you - now even more. You never need to explain yourself - and the last person you ever need to worry about is Vicky. You keep your marriage strong - take care of your family just as you do. You guys are funny - great - and real. Take care.