Vicki, I know you must get a MILLION plus one comments when you write these "blogs" and I know you are a busy bee but I wanted to leave a message for you anyway...whether or not you actually read it.

I have to tell you...I have been a fan of the OC Housewives since season 1. You are the "last one standing" from the first season...and I'm glad. I think you REALLY have SO MUCH going for you and I admire that. You have been divroced but you are now a HAPPILY married woman. Every marriage has it's ups and downs and I think you are representing all the relationship out there by expressing that. You don't say that you and your husband have a "perfect" marriage because what really is perfect? Like your husband said..."it's a marriage that works for you." I also admire how career oriented you are. You're a true business woman- extremely successful in what you do. I like seeing the "working" side of you even though the show tends to focus on the "drama" I think it's more of who you really are. Lastly, your kids seem like they have great things going for them. Again, you seem like a great mother teaching your children how to be able to be independent in this world and also teaching them about good morals and values. I loved the episode where you tried to set up your daughter Briana with that guy. LOL. Hilarious!

Anyway, thanks for ALWAYS giving us your thoughts on each episode b/c I know certain things can be misunderstood.

Vicki, Just wanted to say I respect and applaud your stand on being independent. Its been a long time coming, but you finally have a one up on the other girls. A simplistic, trustful, and modern relationship where you dont have to ask permission to go on a trip is great. Thanks for proving that there are some women who can believe and make their own choices as a respectful and secure woman. Thanks!

Vicki, I would like to know your story about how you became so successful having started from nothing. I am interested because I would like to build up my business but I don't know how to get it to expand. what quick advice can you past on to me to get started. I am a paralegal and I have, too often, people/public requesting my legal support assistance. I would like to make a business of it. Your advice is truly appreciated more so because you were not born rich.

Thanks, Margaret

While I was watching today's episode, I was telling my husband how smart, good wife and good mother you are. I truly admire you. I am a mom with 2 boys, also I am a preschool teacher, but I have been staying at home with my children for the past 5 years. Sometimes it's hard, because I was very independent before I was married. I love your relationship with your children and your husband. As well I feel a lot like you when it comes to friends, I guess that is one reason I don't have a lot, I give my heart for a true friendship and I don't like when people play you because they think you are nice, that means you are stupid?. I understand how you felt about Jeana, and I would have done the same. Keep being true to yourself, out all the housewives,you are my favorite. I actually watch the show because of you. Blessings.

Amen, sister.

Vicki,

I totally agree with you about being an independent woman. This is the 21st century. I can't stand this "we just don't want to be apart from each other"...I personally think that it shows a complete lack of trust in a relationship. If I were ever in a relationship where my partner needed to check my emails, facebook or cell phone, I could not last. If you truly love someone, you can spend time apart and not have to worry. I also commend you and Don...last season was tough to watch, but I am so happy that you are both putting in the time to get your relationship back on track! That is the sign of a true relationship that you are able to survive both the ups and downs...and can go to Flordia alone!

vicki & donn to both of you congrats on 15 years. vicki that is a job in itself and you should be proud of making it through those years and still being together, and having great kids who seem to be on the right path (they seem like the only grounded kids on the show) i have watched so many couples quit and just say that it is not worth it. and i thought after last season you guys would be singing the same old song. it is so insperational to see you both work through your issues and to see you filling eachothers "love tanks" again. i am watching the episode on the florida trip... OMG...vicki what is it with these husbands that won't let there wives out of there sight. donn i have to say way to go...by letting vicki take these "girl only trips" shows that you are a secure man...you know who your woman wants and that is you. my husband and i regulary spend time apart, he always goes hunting, fishing, camping at least twice a year with the guys and i always go to vegas "wooo hooo" at least once a year with the girls. it is healthy to spend the time apart. i find it makes us appritiate the time together so much more. and the homecoming is always enjoyable (right vicki). i know after i have been gone for a week my husband always has something special planned for us when i get home. anyway i just wanted to say great job you two on your work ethics, family ethics, and raising your childern. you guys are great keep it together and keep doing what you are doing. and donn, keep your chin up...yes vicki was tough on you last season but looks like she is making up for it this season. you sticking around and working it out with her is great it really shows how much you love her, and want to be with her. (which i am sure is all she really needed to know). but please don't change don't become one of these sickening needed couples.

Vicki, I just want to say that I'm so happy to see you and Donn doing so well! I was a little worried that you were going to get a divorce after last season. There are so many divorces these days. I'm so proud of you for not giving up easily! Congrats to you both and I wish you the best for years to come!

P.S. By you guys working it out (especially on tv)....... you give other marriages hope! Thank you!

Vicki you are so my favorite housewife! I think some of those other women are beyond ridiculous. Meanwhile, you work hard, you have a wonderful family that respects and loves each other, and marriage to be proud of. I would only be in the kind of relationship that you and Donn have and you two have the kind of bond that will last. Controlling relationships always blow up in both parties faces and I think that it's sad and pathetic that the other housewives and their husbands judge your marriage. Keep doing what your doing because clearly you are doing things the right way!

I want to say first off I think your awesome! It seems to me your the only housewive that has there life together! You work hard and it shows. I also like Don he seems like a real person who truly respects you. Unlike some of the other husbands on the show! Also you look great this season!!!! Keep it up Vicki!

Vicki,

I agree with your stance on relationships and the need for independence 100%! Those who state their significant other "can't" do something is ridiculous.

Never change because your fabulous!

Vicki,

I totally admire your tenacity when it comes to your work and children. I too feel independence is paramount. I was raised by a strong independent woman, so it bothers me sometimes when husband is like "you're not going there by yourself or you can't take are kids there." Granted, our kids are two and three and can be a handful, but he needs to chill a bit. I feel sometimes when a spouse tries to control another spouse it just masks insecurity and the "controller" sometimes does because they have issues of betrayal or abandonment from the past.

Glad to see you and your hubby doing well. Your kids seem like great children, evidence that you've done a great job raising them.

Vicki;

When I saw the episode where the husbands went golfing & eventually sat down for a drink/chat was interesting. Don & your marriage seems to be the normal one. There's an equal & trusting partnership between you both. You allow each other to be individuals, this I feel adds so much to keep a marriage alive and healthy. You mentioned in your blog how your mom relied on your dad & after his passing she was for the most part lost without him. I saw this same thing happen in my family when my parents divorced 15 years ago. My dad did everything & sadly this became one of the reasons they divorced, lol he couldn't deal with the high maintenance woman he created. He treated my mom like a princess, he made all the important decisions and all she had to do was be the perfect executive's wife, perfect stay at home mom & be his personal trophy. Now granted she had no problem with it & felt it was her duty to do so. He created more of a ownership/daddy thing between them then a marriage. When they divorced she had no clue how to survive on her own, she had to learn everything. Today 15 years later she has come a long way. However whenever she has what in her eyes is a major decision she still can't handle it. She'll turn to my brother and I for help, she's sadly still looking for daddy to help her.

I see that same ownership/daddy mentality going on with Jim and Simon concerning their wives, wow talk about a déjà vu moment lol.

Have a great week Vicki

Brac

vickie you where my favorite from day one I liked that you had your own business, and that you were into you childred and family. I was a little sad how you treated Don last season, but glad its all good now. Keep doing you and taking care of your family, let them say what they want about you and don, but you guys will out last the rest. I could not stand for a man to tell me that i could not go somewhere with out him But to each his or her own. b.blessed and keep growing your business for you encouraged me to do my own thing. thanxs watching you in nyc alex

As much as I've disagreed with you over the season of the housewives, this is something I am completely on your side about. Everything you said is what I believe. I love my fiance as much as anyone can love someone but we trust each other and enjoy a life outside our relationship. I think it's healthy to have girl's trips and have some time without your partner. It makes you realize just how great you have it sometimes. You go away from your partner, of course you're going to miss them, but that's ok! It's ok to miss someone. I don't get women who can't travel or be apart from their men, it's just so foreign to me. I think you're being real this season and I am so happy you and Don are doing well because he seems like such an amazing guy. Congrats on 15 years!

Love the ring you created to celebrate 15 years with your hubbie. Remember that Simon is not Tamra, so don't blame him and keep your friendship with Tamra intact. Also, I thought Simon was kind, explaining to Alexis's husband that your marriage is "different" (not the other description) and that it works for you. I'm so glad you and Donn are working hard to keep a difficult marriage (lots of traveling for work) going. Happy Holidays!

Vicky, I liked watching you and Donn in this episode. It was great to see how you both enjoy each other's company.

I don't think it was fair of Simon saying you guys were not "normal". Simon and Tamra should really think twice about claiming what is 'normal'... From what I see on the show, you and Donn are laughing and smiling when you are talking. They are constantly at each other's throats.

There are many, many viewers that understand not being tied to your spouse's side. It just doesn't work...

Vicki, I am so happy you & Donn are having a better year. Just had to say that I think there is nothing wrong with your marriage and contrary to what Simon says, y'all are normal. My husband & I have been together for over 15 years and our #1 rule is to not control each other--we travel together and separately and it's all good. A marriages foundation has to be built on trust--it's too bad when I hear the other ladies talking about how much trust is in their marriages, but honestly, actions speak louder than words.

YOU GO LADY!!! If i had planned a girls weekend and my girlfriends husbands said i'm going because me and my wife never go anywhere without each other i personally would have said, Okay you and your husband can go to Florida together but the girls that i invited w/out the spouses will be hanging out alone. One more thing...Good for Donn for saying he is not going on the trip and that the men weren't invited and he can find something else to do,besides sitting around worrying abt See ya next week because I will be watching. CHILINFLORDIA

Vicki...thumbs up for you....Your whole ora this season is mind blowing. You really have changed (in a good way).

I totally agree w/ you on relationships. Being w/ someone 24/7 is too overwhelming. Its good to have some space and give yourself a chance to miss each other, to breathe. I already have a father I dont need another. I am good. LOL.

I just don't understand what you have against women who love their husbands and want to be around them all the time. It's when married couples spend time apart that affairs happen. I am a very independent woman, but I do not go to bars or travel anywhere without my husband. I don't see why you have to go all nuts when the other women bring their husbands along. I hardly ever see you spend any time with Don so maybe you should involve him in YOUR life. You both seem like business partners and not like a married couple because if you were both in love with each other then you would want to spend every chance you had with each other!

First of all congrats on your 15 yrs. of marriage with Don. I feel that you are right on every thing that you are saying. May God Bless You and your family.

Vicki you are my SHERO!!! I usually don't agree with you much , but this 100%. Tamra & Alexis are being controlled, whether they see it or not. I will say this if they like it, I love it! It works for them. Me personally not so much. I think it is healthy to be apart and spend time with girlfriends or just yourself. Women can be wives, but independent too...My husband would never invite himself to ladies night. Really Jim & Simon...Trust is key.

Vicki, I agree with you 1000%. When I hear these women talking I think to myself, "What century are they living in??" It sounds to me like the 19th! I can't imagine any man in 21st century America telling his wife she can't travel without him - it's just plain weird.

Vicki, I could not agree with you more, you've always been my favorite housewife, and I think it's because we have the same beliefs. To be competely dependent on someone is not the way to live at all. Not only for the emotional reasons but the practical reasons as well. Like you said writing checks, driving, etc. daily life! I do think that Simon and Jim are controlling and it's insecurity on their part. I'm so happy for you and Donn that you guys have worked it all out! You both seem so much happier!

Vicki, you drive me nuts a lot of the time but on the independence and marriage points, I could not agree with you more. It would not work me either to be in a marriage where my husband would not allow me to travel without him, and *especially* for ladies-only trips. Thank god I have a husband who encourages me to spend time with my women friends, and that he has guy friends that he likes hanging out with too. Couples who always HAVE to be together and have, like, "only spent one night apart in 20 years" (or whatever) seriously creep me out.

Vicki,

Been watching the show from the beginning....I admire your work ethics and how you raised your kids. You are highstrung....I can relate my husband is you and I am like Donn. We have been married 21 years and have two kids as well. All I can suggest is to concentrate on your husband right now. My kids are about the same age as yours, we love them but now we are just mentors to them. Like I tell my hubby all the time......just chill out....I'm sure Donn has said this to you as well.....It's the truth. You guys have been married too long to let this relationship go. Bring out the strengths in each other... the weaknesses will always be there, some go away some don't. Have a great Christmas!

Right on Vikki! You are absolutely right. You invited these women on a girls only trip. I can't imagine bringing my husband (or having to ask my husband permission to go!) on a girls only trip that one of my friends planned. I get that everyone has their own marriage. But, for whatever reason if you can't possibly leave your husband for a short trip, then don't accept an invitation for a girls only weekend! I haven't seen the episode yet, but I would be really stunned, hurt and angry if my friends did that to me (I would also think that they were a little weird). Especially, if I didn't invite MY husband. It's kind of like inviting someone to a wedding, and then they bring thier own guests! Shame on them.

Hey Vicki,

I want to start by saying that I have loved you throughout every single season! Who would have thought that you would have received so much criticism throughout the years for being a strong, smart, independent woman?! You've raised 2 great kids and own a very successful business...That might be why Simon is so threatened by you(or it might be because you're not hurting financially like he is). You and Donn havea great relationship! I enjoyed watching you pick out his ring. Anyway, I hope you have a great Christmas and New Years, and don't let anyone bring you down :)

I love you this season - finally! I'm glad you're relationship is working. Don's a great man.

I don't have a comment for Vicky, I have a question, what type of manicure do you get? I absolutely love how natural your nails look. They look clean and classy without being too white like the french manicure tends to.

What's wrong with your husband flying with you, sharing a room with you, yet doing separate things during the day? Why can't there be a balance? Personally, I'd be upset if my spouse wanted to go somewhere and demand to be ALONE, without me. You can achieve independence without excluding them. I've did it. My husband doesn't mind at all if I go somewhere alone..Fly for the day to visit a friend etc.. BUT, when it comes to flying across the country for a few days? Hell no, I'd WANT him to be with me. I love him too much to exclude him..just saying.

Its nice to see a nicer side of you and that you are really trying to build a better marriage with Don. I love the fact that your a go getter, but this nicer side of you is so wonderful to see!

I really wanted to let you know how happy I am for you that your marriage is doing so well. You both appear to love each other a great deal and you make each other happy. The fact that you respect each other's boundaries as a person is something I find very refreshing. I wish you and your family nothing but the best for the future.

Vicki, Thanks for standing up for marriages based on mutual respect. I was with a controlling man in college, and I never married him, THANK GOD! I am in a marriage similar to the one you are in now. Alexis is going to say "ENOUGH" down the road.

I have not agreed with you on all of issues but on this one I back you up 150%. If the wives felt like it was not healthy for them to go on vacation without their husbands then they shouldn't have gone. I felt it was very inappropriate for them to just invite their husbands. I am recently married and I consider my husband my best friend. It sucks when he has to leave for whatever reasons and I can't go but it happens. People are different so what marriges work are going to be different. I don't think that has anything to do with the fact that this was a girls' night out and the wives so have told their husbands that and if they chose not to go in the end because of that it was their decision.

Hi Vicki,

When your parents were married it was a different time. I am sure Alexis and Tamara are very independent and they know how to buy a car and write a check. What they have in their marriage is a mutual respect for their partner. My husband and I don't travel separately because he's my best friend and when we travel that's who we want to travel with. Its not a matter of one controlling another or not trusting the other person. Personally, if I wanted to travel with my girlfriends like you, I would have stayed single. You seem to have issues from your past that drive your future and impact your relationships.

You are very wise. It is refreshing to see a successful woman on t.v. who has a real relationship with her husband. You and Don are the most relatable on this show. No marriage is perfect. I appreciate you for sharing your difficulties with the viewers. That is what marriage is all about. It is work. These other women speaking about how "perfect" their marriages are...they are sadly mistaken. No marriage is perfect. As much as I love my husband, people are people and you never know what the future holds. Out of the all the women, you are the only one who can support herself without having to depend on a man. Don is also wise in staying away from girls weekend. He seems like a laid-back and calm person, which complements your busy self quite nicely I imagine! Thanks for being real and pay no attention to the comments those "dependent" wives make about you.

OMG! You should be soooooooooooo happy you are married to Don (who I love). I have the same marriage as you. I take about 3 -4 girls trips a year and my husband knows how important they are to me. He takes a ski trip ever year with his friends and I am happy for him. Respect and love are all about letting each other having fun with friends. TAMARA AND GANG ARE MISSING OUT ON A GREAT RELATIONSHIP.

I have never been a fan of yours until now. Thank god for Don.

Merry Chirstmas.

I really do think that you should give Gretchen a chance. I think that you all have more in common than you think. She seems like fun. She tried to be friends with all of you at first, but you and Tamra went out of your way to be mean to her. So, Gretchen withdrew just like any other normal person. And its really none of Tamra's nor your business who she dates. Once you realize that, I think that you all would be good friends.

I really do think that you should give Gretchen a chance. I think that you all have more in common than you think. She seems like fun. She tried to be friends with all of you at first, but you and Tamra went out of your way to be mean to her. So, Gretchen withdrew just like any other normal person. And its really none of Tamra's nor your business who she dates. Once you realize that, I think that you all would be good friends.

Hey Vicki I just wanted to tell you that you are my fav housewife on the show. You are One classy lady. I have watched the show from season 2 and you I respect the most, you have worked hard to get where you are at and it seems this season that all the housewives and their families are having troubles in these hard financial times and I am sure that you and your family are too, but it seems to me that you are the one that prepared the best. I am 34 and a single parent and I know how hard it is for me to make ends meet in these troubled times. I love the way you parent your kids are some of the best matured young adults that I have seen latley. I also love the fact that you are not afraid to speak your mind. I hope you and your family have a blessed and wonderful holiday season.

Vicki, I think that you are a strong, independent, and classy lady. Your children are very lucky to have a mom who cares about their future so much. I have watched this show since it first started and each year you prove to be more of an influence than the prior year. You have raised your children to work hard and achieve their own success in life. I watch how the other housewives glamourize depending on their husbands or other men to support them. As a mother to a young daughter, I love that you depict how a woman can be independent, but still have a wonderful relationship with her spouse. Your children will always have respect for you. Keep doing what you are doing. BTW...I love how you dress. :)

YOU ARE TOTALLY RIGHT ON VICKY. MARRIED COUPLES DO NEED TO DO THEIR OWN THING. IT'S HEALTHIER. I DON'T TAKE MUCH TIME APART FROM MY HUSBAND, BECAUSE I DON'T HAVE THE FINANCES TO GO ON GIRLS' TRIPS, BUT I WOULD LOVE TO AND BECAUSE MY HUSBAND FULLY TRUSTS ME, HE WOULD HAVE NO PROBLEM WITH ME DOING SO. I GREW UP IN A CONTROLLING CHILDHOOD, AND YOU ARE RIGHT, I DON'T WANT TO GO BACK TO THAT TIME. HMMMM??? DO YOU THINK THAT'S WHY TAMRA IS JEALOUS OF GRETCHEN BECAUSE SHE HAS FREEDOM THAT SHE IS "NOT ALLOWED" TO HAVE? Just saying....

There is nothing wrong with a girl spa trip especially when you are on a show portraying wives not husbands. Simon and Jim both seem to have control issues with their spouses but I suspect they also want camera time. You should turn the tables on them Vickie!

I just want to say your daughter is one of the most grounded children on the show and is really a credit to your and Don's parenting.

Vicki, you're an awesome business woman. You organized the Florida trip around your own personal business/tax deduction! But you were home alone with young children too, so please be a little kinder to Tamra. Your advice isn't helpful since she is doing exactly what you did when you had young children ~ Tamra's staying home.

Vicki, you are by far my favorite housewife from the O.C. The only time i had issues with you were when you were mistreating Don, but now that has been resolved and you two look happier than ever.I love your independence and your work ethic.Your kids seem wonderful. You and Don did a good job raising them.The other housewives will never be on your level. Not as long as they have to get permission from their husbands to do anything.They are too dependent on their spouses.Its going to cripple them in the end.Keep being the strong,independent go-getter you have always been.

Vicki, How great it is to see the "nicer" side of you! It so compliments your strong side. I totally get your perspective of marriage. I'm 56 yrs and have been happily married 36 yrs. I think what makes it work is giving each other their own space and independence. The best way to keep love is to set if free. I couldn't agree with you more on the girl's vacation issue. The men weren't invited, plain and simple. They shouldn't have been there. I understand and respect the fact that Tamara and Alexis can't travel without their husbands. Simply, they should have declined the invite. If you had wanted a couple trip, it would have been presented as such. Keep working on the "nicer" personality. It's a joy to watch. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a healthy, prosperous, new year!

I agree with what you said about independence and trust in a marriage, and I hope Michael and Brianna will learn those things, too. I haven't admired your self-absorbed and judgmental behavior on the show in the past, but I do admire your statements about marriage. Good for you.