Vicki, I understand your wanting your children to meet the man you are dating; however, don't you think a forced meeting when they already expressed their apprehension was inappropriate?

Good for you for supporting Brianna even though it was painful for you. I'm glad to hear she is having the big wedding and that you will get to participate in that afterall. We haven't seen much of Ryan but I hope he is a great guy because Brianna certainly deserves it. I hope as you watch these episodes you can see why Tamara and your kids were a little suspicious of Brooks. His comments about Mike and Ryan at the party were very odd. Maybe he was trying to be kind because he didn't want to say that Mike was a little rude to him (understandably, it was an awkward moment) but what he said, especially about Ryan who he doesn't know much about raised some red flags. Maybe he's uncomfortable around the cameras, maybe the stress of the night was getting to him, but I hope you can see why people were concerned in that moment.

I would think you could better gain the perspective to grow and heal if you took some time off from being in any serious relationship. If you grasp at Brooks because he provides things you missed in Donn you might miss the fact that he's not providing you everything you need either. i.e. you'll end up bouncing from one to the next because you're focusing on what's missing in each relationship at a time.

Brooks comes off as a used cars salesman..can't blame your kids for being aloof with hum

Vicki, watch your back with Brooks. It don't listen just right to me.

I never comment on blogs, but I feel like I have to... I think it's so wrong for you to be mad at Briana for eloping because you feel like she deprived you of something! It is her life and if she choses to get married it's her choice when and to whom! I have told my family many times that if I get married I'm eloping and I will let them know afterward because I don't feel the need for a big showy, expensive wedding. Congratulations to her and her husband!

Vicki is so controlling. She needs to let her daughter live her own life. Vicki is living hers, badly, so let her daughter, alone.

Tread lightly Vicki - there is a reason that your friends and family are suspicious of Brooks. Sometimes when we are in a relationship, we don't see it clearly, but others obviously do. He seems so phony. Listen to the viewers! We are smarter than you think. I wish you the best and sincerely hope everyone is wrong.

You love surprises, but don't like "bombs" ?!?!?!!?

How weird to send Mike off with Brooks alone the first time meeting him. Super awkward and uncomfortable for Mike, I'm sure. It seems like you really know now that their meeting should NOT have taken place at something like this.

Also, viewers may think more highly of Brooks if he stays off camera and you just tell him about us in your blog. I'm sorry but he is super creepy in the things that he says.

Vicki, Vicki, Vicki...are you having a nervous breakdown or a mid-life crisis? Either way, LOVE IS BLIND. Please open your eyes before it's too late, Lady!

God Bless you Vicki...I just wish your children understood more, just how lucky they are to have you for a mother. And I wish they would show you more respect. And stop singing Dons praises while they treat you like crap sometimes. Also...sorry hun, but Tamra is NOT your friend...please watch your back...you are hands down my Favorite housewife on all the shows...God Bless you Vicki...

Good blog. Direct and explanatory without being catty or self centered. Keep it up.

Vicki your kids are extremely insightful, I wish you would've listened to Briana and her thoughts on Brookes being an opportunist. I don't know if it's editing or what, but I have believed that from his first introduction. Mike was also right in that Brookes shouldn't have been talking about his sister's marriage.....he doesn't know them and they're adults. They weren't being disrespectful, they were being real. I think you're blinded by the attention he lavishes on you, so much so that you can't see his true motives. I think we'll be saying "I told you so" within the year. He's just too much and any person who constantly says what you want to hear, is NOT keeping it real. Sorry but that's realistic.

Vicky, I met my husband, knew him four months, eloped to Vegas, we are still happily married 31 years later. Everyone thought I was pregnant. Nope. We waited 5 years, We have a 25 year old son and a 16 year old son. My parents were mad.They got over it quick, they gave us money that would have cost to throw us a wedding. My in -laws threw us a huge reception, my jaw dropped. My husband has a big family. My parents are only children. I'd never had an aunt, uncle, cousins. Until I married my Italian husband. I was blown away he had 30 aunts and uncles and dozens of cousins.I was happy to have cousins,I had nieces and nephews my husband was happy to be called uncle. I remember a sister saying, "by the time I marry, you'll be divorced." She was wrong.BTW, I was only 18, my husband 22. He's a successful general contractor. I'm an insurance agent.Our first home in the SF bay area cost 80k.Those were the days. It was easy for a young couple to marry and become a home owner. Brianna is a grown woman with a career, she's old enough to make her own decisions. Her husband seems like a great guy, he'll treat her right. If he doesnt.Briana can make it on her own. You've are a wonderful mom. Youre kids are blessed to have you, as you are blessed to have them. You raised two college grads. No easy feat. You did it! You should be so proud.Ive watched this show from day one.From day one you have been my favorite on the show. You are a woman to be admired not just for your hard work ethics, but you made the time for your kids and instilled values and hard work ethics on to them. I know children from privileged homes. Often, they live off their parents money and never do anything with their lives. Cheers to you Vicky, God Bless.

Vicki- I sincerely hope that you have had time to reflect on your reaction to Briana's news. Being in the military, serving in Afghanistan, gives you a perspective that cannot be fully understood, except my someone like your daughter who's literally stared death in the face. This life, something your daughter has always clearly respected over the years, is difficult and leaves much uncertainty. My soon to be husband is special forces, and while we've both served for nearly the last ten years, the entire time we've known each other we've lived a life of continuous separation and stressful situations, including me trying to plan my fall wedding right now from deployed location in the middle east. All in the effort to make our families happy. It's extremely common for military couples to elope, and later have formal ceremonies, because being married and having that precious time together is more important than the show involved. Often times, we wish we would have- because having that connection and spiritual commitment when you're staring down the worst things you can imagine makes life that much more bearable. Your daughter and her husband i'm sure can relate. Congratulations to her, I've watched the show from the beginning, and have just a couple years on your daughter age-wise, but I have to say I respect her & the woman she's become. I hope you really are proud of her for living life rather than just waiting for it to happen around her, time together is an extremely precious gift.

Vicki you used to be my absolute favorite on the show, now I just dont know. First off I think it was very selfish of you to call your daughter selfish for not wanting to go foward with a huge wedding. Remember she did say that they wanted to have a big wedding, but later. I think you should be able to trust your daughter and know that she did not go and elope to hurt you. And finally I do not blame Briana for the way she reacted towards Brooks, you should have picked a private place to finally get them to meet. This has been done to me and it did not end well, to this day me and my step-mother do not have a good relationship and it has been over 10 years when my dad decided to introduce her to me in front of everyone at a family function and automatically expected me to like her.

Vicki,

I am 36 and recently got married at the Courthouse. I didn't want a big wedding because my father died years ago and my mother died shortly after. They both had cancer and died at a young age. I would kill to have a mom like you. Briana takes YOU FOR GRANTED. You adore her and I cry every time you speak about her. You are always by her side. I told my fiance at the time that I can't have my father walk me down the aisle and I don't have a mom to plan a wedding with. I cried at the Courthouse because even though it was the happiest day of my life, it was also my saddest. I think you need to show this to Briana. She has a mother who loves her and so many people around her who adore her. You can't take things for granted in life. I adore you Vicki and wish you nothing but the best.

You need to take a good hard look at Brooks, especially since your children feel the way they do. Open your eyes Vicki!

Your friends are "spot-on" regarding Brooks, Vic. This is so obviously not this man's first rodeo when it comes to vunerable women in a comfortable financial position. The only thing Brooks could do to make it more obvious is hang a neon sign on his back that says "PLAYER". We totally understand your drive to defend this man at this juncture of your life, Vic....but C'mon! If you refuse to acknowledge the ironic similarities between Brooks and Slade (whom you have judged, juried, and hanged many times) then it will be impossible to have any empathy for you when this guy destroys all trust and faith you have in the male species. Good Luck! Sandy G.

Im not one of your faves Vikki..i find you have many covers..BUT..im genuinly happy that your a happy lady at last and working through things.

I hope you take your mantra onboard about your GF's...its their life too..so i hope you dont interefere in their lives.

If they happy as friends, so should be for them and let them get on with it.

Mainly Gretchen, which i think was big of you to be so nice to her at her Pussycat doll venue.. Well done you.

Im no lover of Slade, but if Gretchen is happy..then so be it...as a friend all you can do is be there when yoiur freinds need you in their hour of need.

I hope you carry on this no drama in your life mantra. Life is difficult enough and too short for as you call it...Toxic enviroment.

I wish you well iun your future happiness Vikki .

You have such a beautiful lovely daughter and such a nice son.

Vicki~ I have been divorced and widowed. To compare the two, as you did in your blog really offedned me. With a divorce you are choosing to end an unhappy chapter in your life. I do not deny it is difficlult to start over and say good bye to what was at one time an important time in your life is fair, however when my husband died in a car accident on his way home from work one day, the man that was my world was pulled from this earth. I was as in love with him the the day he died as I was th eday I married him, if not more. My world exploded and it was not my choice to end that relationship. You need to think before you speak and this is only one example I am giving you of what comes out of your mouth that offend people. I'm soory Donn didn'e fill your love tank and I am happy you have found someone that does but never compare that to dealing with the death of a loved one.

Are you still friends with Tamara? The way she talks about Brooks in the interviews (the truth by the way), I cannot believe you still are because if the truth is not according to Vicki you discount it.

Vicki I too had a daughter who eloped with someone I did not care for. After crying my eyes out for a week, I came to the realization that I wanted a relationship with my daughter. I made the effort to accept and move on. You have to do the same. It is not about you. It is about Brianna and her happiness and you need to take a step back. She is an adult. Treat her like one. You treat her and speak to her like she is 12. Let her grow up and you need to move on. Brooks is not the guy for you. He may be the guy for "right now" but not forever. Even your fans know this. He is just wayyyyy to phony. Sorry girl.

I am so sick and tired of you trying to sell us stuff. Stop it. If we want to buy anything we know what to do.

Vicki, congratulations to Briana and Ryan. Your daughter seems to have a great head on her shoulders!!

Ah Vicki , I really felt so bad for you ... Brooks does have a tendency to lay it on a bit "thick". You can really tell how much your children love Don . I think they are feeling a mixture of concern for you and loyalty to Don. I am sure in their minds , Brooks is the enemy. You have wonderful children who love you dearly !You are blessed ! Let it ride....

Brooks may very well be a nice man, but as a viewer I tend to agree with your castmates. There is something off about him. Maybe it is just that Brooks is trying too hard, but his comments tend to come off as disingenuous. I know you are a smart woman, but don't be clouded by love. Should the two of you get married, keep all funds separate. Have Brooks sign a pre-nup. He just strikes me as a con artist. On a different note I felt your pain when Brianna announced her marriage to Ryan. I have a daughter as well and I look forward to planning her wedding when she is older. I do admire how you took the news in stride and supported Brianna in her choice.

Brooks may very well be a nice man, but as a viewer I tend to agree with your castmates. There is something off about him. Maybe it is just that Brooks is trying too hard, but his comments tend to come off as disingenuous. I know you are a smart woman, but don't be clouded by love. Should the two of you get married, keep all funds separate. Have Brooks sign a pre-nup. He just strikes me as a con artist. On a different note I felt your pain when Brianna announced her marriage to Ryan. I have a daughter as well and I look forward to planning her wedding when she is older. I do admire how you took the news in stride and supported Brianna in her choice.

I guess I don't understand the backlash that Brooks is getting. If he watched the show at all he knows that the girls can be a tough crowd to please. Between that, being on camera and meeting the kids for the first time, I really think he is just nervous and wants to make a good impression.

Vicki, your daughter made a great point last night. If it were Gretchen in the same situation you would judge too. You deserve everything that is happening to you. Brooks really seems like an opportunist and I hope you marry him and find out what you are making a mistake and realize Donn was a real man. This won't be posted anyway

Congratulations on Brianna's marriage and coming baby. Every one deserves to be loved, enjoy it...it looks lovely on you. And you should in a wierd twisted way be PROUD of Michael and Brianna being guarded and standoffish with Brooks because they got their common sense from their momma. Brianna was right in her interview you would be questioning too. Best of luck!

Vicki, I think you are a terrific mother. I can only imagine how you felt about Brianna eloping. You are doing the right thing, even though it stinks you are there for her. I think you and Brooks make a very cute couple and he seems to adore you. Good luck with everything!!

As a mother myself of 2 young ladies, my heart just broke for you when Brianna told you she got married. It is a mothers greatest desire to help her daughter plan her wedding. I hope you are in a better place today. On to Brooks and your children. I can totally sympothize with them about the awkwardness. My mother and stepfather divorced 3 yrs ago after 32 yrs of marriage and my sisters and I were all devastated. By the way, we are all in our 40's. My mother left our father for another man and expected us to welcome him with open arms ( not that you did that ). Baby steps were needed. I am sad to say for my mothers sake that he passed away 9 months after they got together. He was her highschool sweetheart. Your kids will come around. They may not be thrilled about Brooks, but hopefully they can put a smile on their face when they"re around hime. Good luck to you. Oh, it is a very nice change to see you wives all trying to get along. Refreshing for a change instead of the drama.

Vickie, you are so right that if you are happy then that's all that matters. Why is it not the same for Gretchen. You have been on her case for years. Give but can't receive. Also you chose to bring Brooks onto the show, you did not have to. He is doing a pretty good job of making a fool out of himself. Really in five minutes and a bit drunk, he can tell that Michael and Ryan are good kids. Wow. but again......if you are happy nobody else should care.

"As long as you're happy, the your friends should be happy" and interfere with your relationship w/ Brooks! You're absolutely correct. You should now take your own advice and back-off from interfering in everyone else's relationship, because they are happy and it's none of your business.

Practice what you preach.

Brooks is painful to watch and listen to and I'm from the DEEP SOUTH... He is the epitome of creepy. But, you deserve him!!! I bet Donn was watching this episode and saying a thousand prayers that you are no longer his wife.

Vicki to did a very good job supporting Briana! Kudos for you.why is the Tamra and Briana both have the "same" idea about your boyfriend. They say they don't know what is his JOB!!,maybe you need to tell them so can live you alone and peace...

Vicki, I have one daughter and I know how you must feel. I have may heart set on her wedding day. Should she do this I would be crushed. You are very strong and smart woman take care of you now the kids are grown.

Vicki, When the Housewives OC first aired, I really connected with you. I am a cosmetologist also, know how hard that job can be, and what it's like to raise children on your own. However, how you've reacted to various things on the show, I now feel that you make everything about you. Especially with the children: Briana's surgery, marriage. And when Mike went off to college and you "surprised" him when you dropped in unannounced. It's not Vicki's world and we all live in it. Respect your kids and give them "their" time!

Did I hear Brooks correctly with this quote: "I love him like he's my own son." What????? Next stop, Creepy Town....I felt like I needed a shower after watching Brooks talk to you and Tamra about your sons. They both seem like great kids, but it takes quite a bit more to truly know someone enough to characterize them the way he did. Seems like a creepy attempt into a mother's heart. As ditzy as she can sometimes be, Tamra picked right up on that. I so enjoyed watching Brianna on this episode. She is a witty, balanced, beautiful and together young lady. And from my edited for television view, she and her husband seem happy and well suited for each other - despite your self induced pity party over what their eloping has taken from you. What I saw in Ryan was a husband trying to be supportive of his new wife in an uncomfortable social setting.

Brooks is very weird. He can't even be honest to you about he and Mike's first "talk". Mike and Briana both were very uncomfortable with Brooks and I don't blame them. He is just very odd, and the things that come out of his mouth are so fake!!

Vicki, Everyone wants you happy. Just do what you would do before entering into any business relationship, check it out six ways to Sunday. Don't rely on anyone's words. Investigate!!!!

Wine is not a cocktail.

Go with your gut, trust your own instincts & feelings. You are a grown woman, and in a perfect world, our children would love our spouses as much as we do, that's not always the case. What should always happen though, is respect. Mutually! Best of luck to you all!

Yes, Vicki, at the end of the day it is your life and being happy should be all that matters. But, this philosophy goes for everyone else including your daughter.

I have been through a divorce and years of dating. I personally don't think it's smart to jump from the "frying pan into the fire". Both you and Tamara have done that and I think it takes time to reflect, process and clarified where you've been and where you're going before you start another serious relationship. Your relationship with Brooks is all too serious at this point in your life and I too doubt Brooks' authenticity and sincerity. Have fun, date but no reason to commit at this juncture. I also strongly agree with others that you are a bully and you find a way to make everything about YOU. The worst such example was when you were driving Briana to the hospital for her surgery and acted as though you were going to vomit. REALLY??? Was it necessary to burden your daughter further with putting that on her when SHE is the one that is in need of strength and emotional support from those around her?? Your role was to emotional hold her up, encourage, support, love...IT WAS NOT TO BURDEN HER FURTHER WITH YOUR FEARS, CHILDISH REACTIONS, AND TALK OF YOUR ABILITY TO COPE OR NOT COPE. My advice Ms. Vicki is to slow down and reflect and try to be a better person before you start moving forward fast trying to fill gaps in your life with people rather than filling it with self awareness. You'll make a better partner and make a better choice in partner when you're not so obnoxiously focused on your "bucket".

I think Vicki's love tank is full of sugar. And we all know what happens when sugar get's in a tank. No a GOGO. COME ON SUG GET REAL WITH YOUR WITH YOURSELF.

Brooks said he loved Michael as if he were his son. They had only a few sentences between them. Sorry, but that is weird and screams con artist.