Life of 4 Footes

Creative Moment!

2012-02-09T12:39:00.001-07:00

See what i did with our pumpkins from Halloween!

It turned out really cute and it was a fun addition to our holiday decorations. i think its going to be a tradition in our family from now on. Tessa liked painting it with me.

Life is GOOD!!!

2012-02-01T21:35:00.001-07:00

Mallory got a fat lip after falling off the kitchen chair that she climbed into. (okay this wasn’t good)

We took the girls to the MKL parade in Mesa. Tessa liked the candy thrown and Mallory liked the horses!

We had a service project at our house. Men from our church and helped dig out all our rock along the fence line.

Thanks to dad and papa O, the stump got out!!!

The girls and I got to spend time with Grandma Peggy. We decorated her room for Valentine’s day.

The Best Christmas Ever…

2011-12-27T13:58:00.001-07:00

Mark and I agreed that this year was the best Christmas for our family. We were really good at staying to the budget for the girls…. sandbox to share, Tessa a leapfrog and Mallory a ride & pull wagon and other smaller things.

However, Mark did not stay to the budget for me! We said NO gifts except a stocking…. he bought me a beautiful charm bracelet and earrings. But the BEST Christmas present he got me was a video that he made for me about me. He interviewed friends and family. To me it is priceless! Mark got a stocking but he also got a video of the girls doing different things while he was away at Target (his 2nd job).

We had a wonderful time with family over a three day period. We were spoiled with generous gifts from parents/grandparents. Church on Christmas was wonderful, the spirit was amazing.

We started a new tradition of visiting the Temples Visitor Center on Christmas Eve. It was a great way to reinforce the true reason for the season with our girls and it really brought a wonderful spirit to Mark and I.

We couldn’t have asked for a better Christmas!

Dance Recital

2011-12-21T21:52:00.001-07:00

Tessa had her first dance recital. She was so excited. Her class danced to Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer. I was nervous for her because she had to be there two hours before for a dress rehearsal but Tessa did great. She was very proud of herself. Also her papas and grandmas enjoyed watching her.

New Family Pics

2011-11-21T15:24:00.001-07:00

We got family photos done the end of Oct. They turned out great! It has been a year… so the photos are a great reminder that we are surviving it and becoming a better family!

And like most family pictures at least someone isn’t looking!

Hula Girls

2011-11-01T13:42:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween!

The girls were hula dancers this year! Tessa did great going door to door until we finally let her have candy then she became less productive. Mallory had her first sucker and really enjoyed it. We also went to visit grandma and Tessa got to give candy to some of the other residences! It was a fun evening.

This cutie is 1 year old!

2011-10-27T13:45:00.001-07:00

We don’t know where the time went!

Mallory loved her Rainbow cake!

***I have to brag just a little i thought i did a great job

making her cake!***

Disneyland

2011-10-11T14:15:00.001-07:00

I really should have posted these before but my days go by so fast and i just never got is done. Anyway, we had an amazing time in Disneyland. Tessa is saving her money so we can go back. We did the whole park in 2 days and that was from opening to close each day. Then we did San Diego…the girls loved the ocean but it was cloudy and cold the whole time we were there. Hopefully, next time the sun will come out!

Tessa and Mallory loved the carousel.

Tessa loved anything fast and not dark. We rode the roller-coaster in ToonTown about 6 times. My parents and my Grandma came with us.

We waited 45 minutes to see Princesses and it was worth it to see Tessa’s face when she saw Belle.

It was cold on the beach but Tessa wouldn’t wear anything but her swimsuit. Mallory loved the shovel we brought to dig with and the water once she discovered it.

Tessa with a mermaid tail!

We also stopped at the San Diego Temple, so beautiful, and walked around. And went to the USS Midway Battleship…Tessa didn’t really like it but Mark and I thought it was neat!

We can’t wait to do it again!!!!

Someone loved….

2011-09-07T15:14:00.001-07:00

her 1st day at Preschool!

There are about 8 kids in her class. Her daddy and I are super excited for her. The teacher sent home a schedule for us and Tessa will be doing some really fun things including a Halloween Party with costumes!

**The card she is holding says “ I'm a Preschooler.” I have one for every grade level.**

Starting the School Year!

2011-08-28T10:52:00.001-07:00

Tessa starting ballet class this month and LOVES it! She is attended a traveling preschool one day a week that my aunt started and regular preschool Tues. and Thurs. starting in Sept. Tessa loves all the activities and asks every day “where are we going today?”

Crazy hair-dos in the tub after playing in the water outside.

This cute girl is 10 months! I can’t believe it. She is waking everywhere!!! Runs sometimes. Loves her sister and loves to play. Is getting better at signing bottle, more and done. Gabbers all the time and we are working on dada, momma, and Tessa. But she will probably say Annie first because that’s the dog and she loves the dog!

Mark took Tessa to her first ASU football game. They rode the train to the game and Tessa loved it. She also loved seeing Sparky!

She discovered the Quad! Mallory loved playing on it. She even stood up on it! My dare-devil!!!

Fun things…

2011-08-09T08:30:00.001-07:00

Playing with cousins

Playing with necklaces in crib

made delicious pizza on the grill

playing with toys

and the most fun of ALL….

We are getting close to VACATION!

someone is 9 months …

2011-07-26T10:28:00.001-07:00

and walking! Mallory is right on schedule because that’s when her sister started walking. She is everywhere and into everything. Here she is being silly and enjoying laying on her squishy. I will post video of her walking later!

an inspiring message

2011-07-13T14:36:00.001-07:00

so at the end of June we had stake conference. our stake presidency did something different for the adult session.. they each chose a Mormon Message to show and speak on. the stake president chose My New Life a message from Stephanie Nielson, many may know that she and her husband were in a horrible plane crash but both survived.

the message that was delivered was about trials! our stake president told how we all have trials but all are unique and if we put our trust and faith in the Lord remembering what is true and do what's right we can withstand that trial.

as i listened and watched the video the spirit testified of the truthfulness of the gospel and i know without a shadow of doubt that this is the true church and without it in my life i would be lost; that i am a daughter of God and I know what is important in life (its not my clean house but my eternal family with my husband and girls); how incredible it is to be a mother/wife even when there are days or times that are hard…. things could be harder!!!; and that attitude is everything…my attitude can make or break my day, my husband’s day, and my girls’ day. i hope i will remember this video on the days i feel i need help or better yet on the days i need inspiration!

I love my life with all its ups and downs!

i’m 3…

2011-07-05T12:27:00.001-07:00

Her dad and I can’t believe she’s 3. Where did the time go?

Tessa is very smart and likes to do “work” in work books.
She loves princesses and ballerinas.
She loves her sister but doesn’t always like to share.
She will be going to Pre-school in the fall. I think she will really like it.
She is ticklish everywhere.
She loves to cuddle at night.
She loves chocolate milk in the morning and has the biggest sweet tooth!
Her favorite color is pink.
She loves to go to nursery on Sunday.
She likes to climb on her dad when he is laying on the floor.
She likes to read books and when told to look at them by herself she responds with “i don’t know the words".
She calls QT the donut place and Target the cheetoh place because she usually get those there.
She loves to play with her cousins. She calls them her “friends”.
She can throw some pretty good tantrums.
She does good doing her chores.
She likes to get money and now has a piggybank to put it in.
She likes to help mom cook.
She is sometimes scared of new things.
She is very curious about things. WHY? is her favorite phrase some days.

Someone got glasses!

2011-05-28T09:27:00.001-07:00

This sweet and active little girl was going cross-eyed. After a very turbulent eye doctor visit, glasses were decided on to fix the problem. Hopefully, she won’t have to wear them forever but for now she needs them all the time. But she loves the pink frames and was excited to pick them up yesterday!

So Cute!!!

A lovely evening…

2011-05-28T09:21:00.001-07:00

Last night we celebrated the graduation of a good friend’s son. It was a wonderful evening with good food and fun company. This young man is very intelligent, happy and kind. He has an extraordinary mother who has raised him this way.

Thank you for letting my family share the night with you!

Our Summer Vacation…

2011-05-27T15:38:00.001-07:00

doesn’t start for a while….

…but we are ready!

7 months and an the move

2011-05-23T09:17:00.002-07:00

Miss Mallory is 7 months old. She can…

crawl…fast
eat…like a champ. She opens her mouth as wide as it will go. She reminds us of a baby bird.
thinks she can climb….no, no, no!
loves to play the toy piano and squeeze/bite her toy hippo
loves her big sister Tessa and our dog Annie
sleeps like a champ
is a happy and easy going girl

We can’t wait to see what she will do next!

this little girl is….

2011-04-21T14:01:00.002-07:00

6 months old today!

She likes to eat baby food. She isn’t crawling yet but she sure can move around the floor. She loves her big sister. And everything goes into her mouth. She sleeps through the night when she wants otherwise she takes a bottle and goes back to sleep.

She makes us smile and laugh everyday. We are truly blessed to have her in our family.

Tis the Easter season for…

2011-04-04T11:16:00.001-07:00

Bunny ears!

Mark was at Priesthood session for conference on Saturday night and Tessa needed something to do. After she made her ears, she decided that Mallory needed some. So we have to very sweet & cute bunnies at our home.

Having fun…

2011-03-24T10:20:00.001-07:00

camping in the front room… going on a bike ride…

eating chocolate…making summores for family night… playing in the bed…. putting Daddy to bed…. rolling away….

and playing with toys.

February Fun :)

2011-02-17T13:45:00.001-07:00

Mallory playing in her bouncer. I have to be careful leaving her in there b/c Tessa has gotten her out twice.

Tessa reading on a Sunday morning! Note the book she is reading. Her favorite thing is princesses!

Mark redoing our back porch before the new roof got put on. He had a fever and strep throat. What a trooper!

A New Year

2011-01-14T12:53:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful Christmas! Tessa and Mallory received a trampoline from Santa. Tessa adored her princess wand and Mallory liked her swing.

Life has been good so we can’t complain! We are back to life without the holidays. Tessa misses it thought. She asks when Christmas will come again.

But onto a New Year….

Tessa is doing great with potty training!

Mallory is 3 months on the 21st of January. We love having her in our family.

And Mark and I celebrated our 6th anniversary on the 7th of January. Sorry no picture!

1 month old

2010-12-11T15:58:00.001-07:00

Time has flown bye and Mallory is now a month old. She is changing every day. Mallory has the best smile and has even giggled twice. We don’t know why or for what but it was adorable. Tessa is a great big sister and really loves Mallory.

Our Girls

2010-11-06T12:29:00.001-07:00

Tessa was a princess and Mallory was a skeleton! Mark was a Dr. and I was a cook.

Mallory Joyce is here!!!!

2010-11-01T20:19:00.001-07:00

She weighed 7lbs 3 oz and gave us a pretty good scare. Mallory decided to swallow some fluid during delivery which caused her to have difficulty breathing. She was admitted to the hospital and given antibiotics and by Saturday (Oct. 23rd ) we were able to go home. Mallory and I are doing well and all of us are adjusting to new baby!

T minus 2 days

2010-10-19T12:57:00.001-07:00

We are ready, we are not ready but here she comes! For a few weeks now Tessa has been telling me “Mommy, your tummy is big!” That’s hard truth coming from a two year old. Well, in just two days my tummy won’t be so big and I’ll have a beautiful baby girl to hold. :)

Tessa was trying to make her tummy big just like mine!

Can you say “Princess”!

2010-09-27T12:57:00.001-07:00

Tessa is really into dressing up right now. She loves to pretend that she is a princess. She will dress up and walk around the house saying “bibbity boppity boo” or she asks her dad or I to dance with her. So when I saw a flyer at Superstition Springs Mall for “Princess Night” I knew we had to go. She had a great time! There was face painting, pictures with Cinderella and Bella, and a goodie bag. Tessa wouldn’t pose in the pictures without me so I got to join in the fun. It was so funny because Tessa didn’t talk about the princess dresses; she wanted to see their shoes. Mark was a good sport about the whole thing and it ended up being a fun family night activity.

A MONTH TO GO!!!!!!

2010-09-21T13:57:00.001-07:00

We are officially in countdown mode.One month from today (Sept. 21st ) the newest addition to our family will be here! I am so ready to see her face and hold her.

I have gotten stuff ready but I fill like I should be doing more!

?!? Bad Mommy ?!?

2010-08-14T16:48:00.001-07:00

This is how I found Tessa sleeping one afternoon. She had been in her room purpose to be napping but instead she was playing. I wasn’t about to give up nap time. I figured she could at least have quiet time in her room if not a nap. After an hour and a half she got quiet and this is where I found her asleep.

Big Lake 2010

2010-08-03T07:57:00.001-07:00

We just returned from camping on Sunday. The weather was cool but a little too much rain. Tessa had a blast playing outside with her cousins and did pretty well sleeping in the pop-up trailer. (Thanks Cody and Carla for the use of it. It was nice not being on the ground.) Mark enjoyed 4x4ing it in all the mud puddles. Tessa liked shooting Daddy’s paint ball gun.

But why is it after camping you need a vacation from your camping vacation! Oh well, next year will be an adventure with 2 kids.

Happy Birthday Tessa!

2010-07-09T12:18:00.001-07:00

I can’t believe that you are two years old. You keep me and your dad on our toes and always in amazement of what new things you will do and say.

Tessa playing with her kitchen set and apron that she got on her Birthday!

Proud of Myself

2010-06-30T15:39:00.001-07:00

I went to the doctors on Monday and everything is going great with the baby. But I must toot my own horn for just a moment …I have only gained 6 to 7 lbs with this baby and I am 22 weeks pregnant. Thank heavens for swim lessons with Tessa and the YMCA!

Enjoying Summer

2010-06-16T14:10:00.001-07:00

Well, I thought it was time to update our blog. I’m not very good at keeping it current and you probably get tired for looking at the same pictures. SORRY!

So let me update you! Summer is underway and I am really enjoying it. Tessa and I took the first two weeks of summer and did swim lessons. We’ll take another two week session starting later this month. She loves the water and loves jumping in from off the side. She is just like her Daddy! We have been organizing her room and finally got her a “big girl” bed which she loves. It was a beast to put together but looks great. Tessa is very excited to show it off to anyone who comes over.

Mark has been busy at work but things have been going well for the swim season. We had the chance this past weekend to go to Pinetop. Tessa and I went up on Friday with my parents and Mark came up Saturday because of work. It was a quick trip but the weather was beautiful. Tessa loved feeding the squirrels and playing outside. She got sick early Saturday morning but by Saturday night was feeling much better. But poor Grandma O got thrown-up on at least twice. Sorry Mom!

I have also decided to fix up our hall bathroom before Baby #2 comes and I am excited to get started.

Daddy’s GIRLS

2010-05-29T12:45:00.001-07:00

So we are 95% sure that our second baby will be a girl! Mark will officially be out numbered. We will check again in June just to make sure but the Dr. said that what he was seeing was a little girl. We are very EXCITED!

Mark’s first statement was “this baby just got a whole lot cheaper.” I don’t know how true that will be but it will be nice not to have to buy so many things this time. Tessa’s things are practically brand new. But now the battle over her name begins! Mark and I are not agreeing about his name choice and I don’t really have a favorite one. Mark is trying to get Tessa to call the baby by HIS choice so I better hurry and find a name that I like or else.

Besides the baby name battle, we are doing well. Mark is very busy now that the swim season has started. Things will stay busy until the first of August for him but busy is good and you can’t complain about having too much work right now! I finished school on Thursday and won’t be returning to a fulltime position. The last day was bittersweet. But I plan to substitute at the school I left and within Mesa District. I’m really excited to be a stay-at-home-mom. Tessa is growing like a weed and developing her own personality. I can’t believe that she will be 2 in July.

Our Exciting News!!!!

2010-04-10T14:19:00.001-07:00

We are expecting baby #2! I am due October 31st. By that time, Tessa will almost be 21/2 years old (I think that’s good spacing). So far I am feeling good expect at night…very nauseous and tired by 8:30 or 9pm. We don’t know what it is yet but are planning to find out.

Mark has been telling Tessa that “mommy has a baby in her tummy”. This causes Tessa to try and look for it!

Learning New Things

2010-02-20T20:45:00.001-07:00

Sorry that so much time has passed since my last update. Life gets busy....mostly because Tessa is keeping us on our toes but we are doing great! Mark and I are doing well at work and keep finding new things to do in our home. Tessa's vocabulary is really developing and so is her imagination. She loves to dress up and its fun to catch her talking to her animals/dolls. On President's day we went to the WildLife Zoo in Litchfield. Tessa had a great time feeding giraffes and other animals. She didn't want to leave. She rode in a wagon and had a great time! It was a fun family outing.

Christmas

2010-01-12T21:06:00.001-07:00

We had a wonderful Christmas and made lots of great memories. Tessa did Secret Santa with her cousins. It was so fun to see her excitement each night when the doorbell rang. I had 2 weeks off from teaching and Mark had a 1 to 2 days off the week Christmas and then the week of New Year’s . We got really spoiled! Christmas morning was so much fun! Tessa got a slide from Santa, an electronic cat from Papa & Grandma Foote and a stuffed dog and a little tikes car from Papa & Grandma Oliver. Tessa’s grandma Peggy got her a rocking horse. It makes noises and moves its head. It took Tessa a few days until she would sit on it but she gave it loves and touched it right away. Needless to say she did not go without! Mark got me tickets to see Reba i concert. That was a total surprise. Mark got an external hard-drive for the computer. He was happy and you would have to ask him what the hard-drive is for because I don’t know. I look forward to next Christmas with all its memories!

Fam Pics

2009-11-23T21:35:00.001-07:00

Dust, Dust and More Dust

2009-10-17T11:02:00.014-07:00

If you can't catch by the title, our house has been a little dusty of late. Starting the last week of September, Mark ripped out our kitchen cabinets and discovered that we had mold. It wasn't a big ordeal to get the mold out but it wasn't something that was planned in our kitchen remodeling. But Mark worked really hard and got the cabinets out and the moldy wall replaced all in a day.

However with no kitchen, we had a few days of eating dinner at Grandma and Papa Foote's house, cooking in the microwave or toaster-oven, and doing dishes in the bathroom sink.

(I really missed my kitchen sink!!!) Then on Thursday of the same week, cabinet installers came and installed our cabinets in one day. We loved that but not the dust that was leftover.

The installers were very careful and cleaned up well but there is no way to control dust as it filters in every direction. In the end after cleaning up dust, dust, and more dust, Mark put in a temporary sink and hooked back up the stove and dishwasher. Yeah! I have a sink again!

We lived with the temporary kitchen until the week of the 12th when the guys came to install the countertops. The countertops are gorgeous and the guys did an amazing job but yet again there is dust! However, this dust took two days to clean up and is still evident in places even though I have cleaned and cleaned that spot. The granite dust is just super fine and went everywhere!!

In the end the kitchen is done and looks beautiful!

Before!

After!

But now on to the back yard!..........

With winter coming, Mark is trying to get the backyard hole filled in so we can plant grass. He rented a tractor to scoop all the dirt that he dug out into a dump-trailer (that didn't dump once at the dump so him, his friend and my dad had to shovel it out by hand). NOT FUN! He also order good dirt to fill in the hole. This dirt removal and dirt filling-in took the whole day. Thank you Dad and Cody for helping!

Tessa is 15months now and talking a lot. I got to be home this week with her because of October break at school and I loved it.

Home Improvements

2009-09-13T09:32:00.006-07:00

So the last few weeks have been filled with home improvement projects! WHAT FUN!! We bought new kitchen cabinets, are trying to get the backyard fixed up, and painters come tomorrow to paint the outside of the house.

The kitchen cabinets are very old and need to be updated but the house really needs to be repainted. Mark said he would rather install cabinets than paint the house so that is the game plan. Mark plans to install the cabinet himself (we know someone who can give him some pointers) and by the end of the week the house will freshly painted. I am thrilled about the house but not looking forward to the amount of time it will take to get the old cabinets out, new cabinets in, and the counter tops on but I know that the kitchen will look amazing once its done. I just really want the kitchen done before the holidays.

The backyard is another project WE get to do! When we first saw the house there was a broken-down underground spa in the backyard. The bank had someone break it out and we were so happy that we didn't have to do it. But there was some re-bare exposed and as we dug down to cut it we discovered that what had been broken out was just tossed inside the spa. Mark with a little help from me and ours dads dug all the dirt out. You could imagine all the junk that was thrown inside instead of hauled away.

Tessa is getting bigger and getting really good at climbing. She has been sick the past week and half with a cold and cough and on Friday we found out that she has an ear infection. Our nights have not been so restful.

Getting into the Groove of Things

2009-08-19T20:11:00.001-07:00

Well, summer is over for me! Back to Work! It was been a little stressful organizing our schedules for who drops of Tessa and picks her up. But Mark is a big help and my mom tries to help when possible. Luckily Tessa is with two really great people while we're at work!

Before I went back to work, we went camping. Tessa LOVED to be outside and in the DIRT. The first night sleeping was hard and long after almost two hours crying ( i don't know if it was b/c it was a strange place or she was cold) she finally slept but mom and dad sort of slept. Grandma and Grandpa O had lots of fun with her.

Are You Comfy?

2009-07-29T16:22:00.003-07:00

This is how I found Tessa when I checked on her during nap time! She eventually turned herself around and fell asleep.

Birthday Fun

2009-07-07T09:38:00.005-07:00

So Tessa is officially one year old. We celebrated on the 4th by going swimming at my aunt's house and having dinner. It was warm at 4:00pm when we started (next year I'll know to start later) but it was really fun. The pool felt great! Tessa got clothes, a movie, toys and more toys all of which she enjoys.

I attempted to make her a ladybug cake and it turned out okay for my first attempt at making a cute cake. She wasn't so sure about eating it. She really just put her hands and feet in it. However, she did like the cookies on it.

1st Birthday

2009-06-23T09:42:00.004-07:00

Where has the time gone?

A week from this Saturaday Tessa will be 1 year old.

We can't believe it!

Getting Settled

2009-06-14T17:25:00.003-07:00

Well We have been moved in for a couple of weeks now and the dust in finally starting to settle. I still can't find the drawer with the spoons when I need one but it won't be long now before I figure it all out. the house is coming together nicely all the pictures and other decoration are up and there are really no more major project for the inside of the house. The outside is another issue though, We have spent the last couple of nights cutting bushes and trees and we even took a big load to the dump. It is starting to come together, but it is getting hot so some of those projects might have to wait.

Tessa is getting more independent everyday. She has decided that she can climb and now when the step stool come out she thinks it is a must to climb it. We took her to the park the other day and she decided to climb the stairs on the jungle gym as well. She has also discovered a new game, which we don't know where it come from because neither Tara or I have ever played it with her. she will act like she is going to hand you something, and then right before you grab she will turn around and run away (giggling the whole time). It quite cute.

Tara is enjoying being home for the summer and is trying new things with Tessa, they just started going to a music class at the library. But Tara has discovered the "Twilight" books and she is already on the third book and she started last week. Getting settled in Scottsdale has been hard because we are going into our busiest time of the year, but I have really enjoyed working with the people there and I have a great staff. We do a theme each year for the pools and my pool's theme this year is the 80's. They do a costume contest each year so even though I Hate dressing up, i took one for the team and dresses as the guys from Miami Vice. ( I only put that in because Tara would have posted the picture anyway).

Unpacking a New House

2009-05-27T16:54:00.008-07:00

On Saturday, Mark, Tessa, and I moved into our 1st house. We were able to move everything in one day with the help of parents, Mark's brother Jacob and Mark's friend Cody. (The pics are of Mark and Tessa practicing their moving skills.) We love the extra space and it is nice but weird to come home to a place where you don't have to share the parking spaces. I have begun hanging up things and decorating because I can't stand to be unorganized. Mark's mom was impressed that I was able to organize my kitchen before everyone left on Sat. Tessa loves the new house and all the extra moving room. She walks everywhere and has said goodbye to crawling.

Besides moving on Sat. Mark started his new job in Scottsdale on Tues. He is really excited for the new opportunities that Scottsdale holds for him.

Tessa and I start swimming lessons on Monday at Kino.

Nuestra Casa (Our House)!

2009-05-03T20:35:00.004-07:00

Well, if the rumors have not gotten to you by now, then you must be living under a rock, because within five minutes of walking in to the church building this morning about half the congregation knew we have just purchased our first home! Tara and i have been trying to keep it under wraps until everything was finalized, and we did pretty good on not telling anyone.

We got our keys on Friday and have been busy last night and today trying to get everything going so that we can move in later in the month. We are going to be painting, replacing some doors, and putting in fans. It is mostly cosmetic stuff but we want to do it before we get in or it will never get done. We will post later with our adventure in projects.

Sorry we don't have a picture of the outside but here are some pics of the inside.

PS. HOLY CRAP!!!!! Tessa will be 10 months tomorrow!

Easter and all its fun

2009-04-17T20:21:00.005-07:00

Well, Easter has come and gone. We had a very busy Easter day between church and three different places to be all before bedtime. Tessa had been sick on that Friday but fortunately felt better on Sunday. She wasn't 100% but she was a good girl and made it through the day. She looked so pretty in her dress and her bow (my first attempt at bow making) was liked by all. The Easter bunny brought Tessa a little walk-n-ride bike and books. Thank goodness for theONCE UPON A CHILD store!!

The Friday that Tessa got sick was the same day as her 9mo. check up. I'm happy to report that she is a healthy 21.6lbs and 29in. long. Tessa was very brave when they gave her her shot and checked her iron. She didn't cry!

Mark is really busy with the city of mesa and I am so looking forward to a nice if not long weekend. We also have a busy and exciting upcoming May so every minute of relaxation is appreciated.

Tessa = Adventure

2009-03-31T21:36:00.004-07:00

Family Fun

2009-03-21T15:01:00.011-07:00

So I have completely enjoyed my spring break! I loved being home with Tessa for the week and am looking forward to the summer time. To start my break off my mom and I had a garage sale. While setting out signs, I was able to get my last piece of bedroom furniture; my mirror. I found the mirror at another garage sale. I paid $5 for it and it looks great! That night Mark and I went to the Temple and dinner. It was nice to go out by ourselves and we need to be better about attending the Temple.

Mark worked really hard this week (9-5) training kids to lifeguard but we were able to have the evenings and Saturday to be together. We did a picnic at Freestone Park on Saturday and fed the ducks. It was a beautiful day! I got some fun pictures of Tessa. She is getting so big and has found her voice. She goes around the house yelling mama but I don't know if she's wanting me or just yelling. She is doing really well with her eating and for the most part is on a good schedule.

After the park, Mark made an above ground sprinkler system for our small backyard. He wanted the grass to be nice so that Tessa could play in it. He cut down all the weeds/grass and has new grass seed and fertilizer to put down. But Mark said that if he was going to do the grass he wanted to do the sprinkler system. I said go for it but keep it under $50. The sprinkler system and cutting the grass took about 2 hours but looks good and works well.

Spring break was fun and relaxing. I am ready to get the school year over so I can be home again with Tessa during the day but not quite ready to go back to work. Isn't that how is always goes?

Clicking and Waving

2009-03-12T08:24:00.003-07:00

Our newest tricks!

Where does the time GO!

2009-02-24T21:19:00.002-07:00

Life is busy, exciting, and changing. Mark and I are staying very busy working and running after Tessa. Mark is working at the city and putting in some late nights training lifeguards. March is a crazy month for me at work. Everything seems to be due!! Tessa is as beautiful and happy as ever. She is crawling faster, eating baby food, getting another tooth, and thinking about standing. Besides the crazies life is wodnerful and beautiful and we have so much to be thankful for that I wouldn't change anything. I'll be glad when April comes and is less crazy. I'm also looking forward to summer. Not the heat but Mark and I would like for me to stay at home. As of right now, Mark will work full-time and I'll get to be with Tessa. I hope that our plan works out.

New Experiences

2009-01-20T20:32:00.003-07:00

Well, Mark's wish of wanting Tessa to crawl has come true. She is officially a crawler and into everything. Each day she gets a little faster. Tessa has also decided that she is big enough to pull herself up and will try it on just about anything. Mark is regretting his wish at this point and I feel it will only get worst.

Tessa had her 6 month check-up and is growing like a weed. She is a healthy 19.3 lbs. and 26 in. long. Tessa loves to play in mommy and daddy's room. She is usually happy. Tessa makes us laugh and smile all the time. She has started baby food as of Monday and so far likes squash. Its funny to watch her make faces.

Mark and I celebrated our 4 year anniversary on Jan. 7th. We went out to dinner and a movie while Tessa played with grammy and papa. I can't believe how fast the time has gone by. Mark and I think that in four years together that we have accomplished a lot; both graduated ASU, got jobs, became parents, and lost a job (Mark's still looking); but through it all we love each other more than on the day we got married.

Christmas is Over and 2009 is Almost Here

2008-12-30T20:51:00.010-07:00

Our first Christmas as a family was great. We were able to see all of our family and got way too much stuff to have to fit into our apartment. Tessa had her picture taken with Santa at a church primary activity. Santa was her Papa Foote. She liked him especially his beard.

Tessa Opening a Christmas Present!

On Christmas Eve, we went to Mark's parents for Mexican food and lighting of the luminaries. Christmas Day started bright and early thanks to Tessa but two hours later she was ready for a nap. Tessa didn't really want to open her presents but was very happy to attack the other presents and tried to eat/rip them open. Between her grandparents and great-grandmas, Tessa is set for toys and clothes for awhile. Mark enjoyed opening his drums and had them assembled by 8:30am. I am getting use to them! Tessa made the Christmas great by perfecting her crawl. It is not a pretty crawl but she gets were she wants to go. All in all it was a memorable Christmas! We plan to stay in on New Year's Eve but we wish everyone a Happy New Year!

Here is Tessa Crawling.........Sort of.

Christmas Countdown

2008-12-13T20:56:00.004-07:00

I am so happy that the weather has finally decided to change. It feels like Christmas now! I am really looking forward to the two week break from teaching. The time off could be longer but I can't complain at least I get a break. Mark will be taking a few days off during the Christmas and New Year holiday which will be very nice. I know that Tessa is still very little but it has been so much fun to have her here this Christmas. Mark and I can't wait for Christmas morning because Tessa has discovered that paper makes noise and she can eat it. We plan to stay in town and be with family for the holiday which is what I prefer. If it snows someplace close, we might go see it.

At the end of November, we had our first family pictures taken and they turned out great. The photographer got some beautiful shots of Tessa in her Christmas dress and her parents don't look so bad either.

It's begining to look a lot like Chirstmas!

2008-11-30T09:51:00.007-07:00

Well Thanksgiving is over and the fun of Christmas is here. Yesterday we set up the tree and put Christmas lights on the outside of the apartment. Tessa Has been uninterested in the decorations except that the lights and tree seem to capture her attention. We even went to the Tempe light parade, it was fun and Tessa was good until the parade started, I think it was just too loud and too much going on, she finally fell asleep about the time the parade ended. It was fun anyway

Tessa was really excited for Black Friday, so much so that she decided to eat the ad.

We also started trying to feed her Rice Cereal, The Doctor said to start so that she gets used to the idea of trying to eat something off a spoon and swallowing. The first attempt was quite funny and so being the compassionate person I am I decided to tape it!!!!

TIME IS FLYING BYE

2008-11-24T21:14:00.003-07:00

I can't believe that it is Thanksgiving already! I am looking forward to having a few days off. Mark will be able to take Wed. off and spend it with Tessa. Some quality father-daughter time!! Our Thanksgiving Day is completely booked. We will be attending 3 dinners and then coming home to crash. I really hope that Tessa does okay with it being such a crazy day!
Tessa is now 4 months and ever changing. She has two bottom teeth coming in and luckily has not been fussy. Mark and I didn't even know that she had them coming in until Grandma Foote said something. Tessa is also rolling just about anywhere she wants which is fun. She has a beautiful smile and an adorable laugh. She's a keeper!
Mark and I are staying busy with work, church, and Tessa. Unfortunately, Mark will not be working with the City of Mesa after Jan. 9th due to budget cuts. Mark and I were really disappointed but we know that everything will be okay. He is currently looking for other jobs. On a happier note, Mark and I went on a date this past weekend. It was nice to get away for a few hours and just be with each other.
Well, I hope that everyone has a great Thanksgiving!

Halloween

2008-11-01T21:00:00.003-07:00

Tessa's first Halloween was lots of fun (even if she didn't know what was going on). We went to a church dinner and then made the rounds to see family. But when 7:30 came Tessa was ready for her bath and bed. Tessa was a flower for her first Halloween. I got the idea off the internet and my mom helped me with the sewing since I don't sew. She didn't mind the costume but every once in a while her hat would fall down and she would start to eat the flowers. Mark thought that Tessa shouldn't have worn the hat and just gone as a weed because she is growing out of her 3to 6 month clothes. All-in-all it was a nice first holiday with our daughter.

Schnepf Farms

2008-10-26T16:49:00.003-07:00

On Saturday, we went to Schnepf Farms for our fall activity. There is something not right about going to pick a pumpkin and being able to wear shorts. Too Warm! but none-the-less it was a fun day. My parents went with us, so it was a whole family affair. Mark and I rode on some rides (yes we did feel alittle stupid). We got some great pictures of us together. Tessa did really well even though she had a cold. We bought two pumpkins; one big and one Tessa's size. Hopefully we will get the big one craved by Tuesday.

To Everyone, have a fun Halloween!

Into the Swing of Things!

2008-10-19T20:41:00.002-07:00

Well, life is busy in the Foote's house. I am back at work and enjoy my students. We are going to the AZ Fair this Thursday;can you say exhausting! Mark is loving his job but waiting to hear what the budget will look like so he can plan the swimming events. Tessa has discovered how to roll over and anything that is good or interesting goes in the mouth.

This Saturday we are going to Schnepf Farms which should be really fun. Mark and I have never been. We thought it would be a fun Fall family activity. I am looking forward to it!

Oh, so BIG!

2008-10-03T20:28:00.002-07:00

Well, Mark and I have decided that life is good! We both have jobs that we love, a beautiful daughter (who usually sleeps through the night) and each other. We couldn't ask for much more.

This was my first week back at school and it was very hard to leave Tessa Monday morning. I had to kiss her goodbye and leave for work before I started to cry too much. I did survive and so did Tessa.

Mark and I can't believe that Tessa is 3months old on the 4th of October. Time has flown bye! We couldn't live without her and wouldn't want to, but we do miss our sleep. We are planning to visit Schnepf Farms to celebrate Tessa's First Halloween. I'll post those pictures later.

We Got an ANSWER!!

2008-09-11T08:52:00.002-07:00

Mark was told yesterday that he got the job at the City of Mesa. We are soooo excited! He's not sure when he will officially start in this new position but he does have the JOB. He has worked so hard and is really excited that he got his "dream" job.

Tessa's Blessing

2008-09-10T09:11:00.003-07:00

On Sunday, Mark blessed Tessa at church. It was a very special experience. Mark was very nervous but he did a wonderful job. Lost of family and friends were able to attend. We had 9 members of our family stand with Mark as he blessed Tessa. They barely fit on the stand but they made it work. She was a very tried girl when we got home. She didn't sleep through Sacrament meeting like she usually does because everyone wanted to hold her.

Two Months and Growing

2008-09-03T08:24:00.003-07:00

Well, it has been two months since Tessa was born. Where does the time go!! She is growing so fast. Tessa is starting to smile more and she makes the cutest sounds. She makes us laugh everyday.

Mark and I are doing well. I have about 3 weeks before I go back to work. I have mixed feeling about going back. I want to see my students but I worry about leaving her. Luckily, Tessa will either be with my mom, my aunt, or a friend from church. Mark is waiting (as patiently as possible) to interview with the City of Mesa (hopefully Tuesday). We pray ever night that he gets the jobs.

We are just going day to day and enjoying most every minute. We are looking forward to Sunday because Mark will bless Tessa. We have invited family and close friends. It will be a special day! You only get to bless your first baby once and we can't wait.

Well, to everyone we love you and hope that you are doing okay. Talk to you soon!

More Swimming

2008-08-15T20:34:00.006-07:00

She loves bath time and she is starting to kick her feet a lot! she is also smiling a lot, sometimes at us or sometimes just into space but we think it is cute!

She likes to go swimming

2008-08-09T17:18:00.002-07:00

She seems to really like to do this and if it makes her happy we do it!

3 weeks old

2008-07-24T09:42:00.003-07:00

Well, time flies when your not sleeping! Tessa will be 3 weeks old on Friday. Mark and I can't believe it. Tessa is doing really well. She is eating about 4oz. every 3 to 4 hours and at night she will sleep between 3-5 hours. When she does wake up, she is starving! Tessa loves to sleep with her hands by her face or above her head. She enjoys taking a bath as long as mom is quick about it. Tessa thinks that she is a big girl; she won't sleep in the crib next to our bed. She is Miss Independent and sleeps in her room.

Tessa Lorraine Foote has arrived!

2008-07-15T17:52:00.005-07:00

We are pleased to announce that our daughter has come into this world safe and sound! I went to the hospital on Wednesday night to be induced but made no progress until Friday morning when my labor finally started. At about 8pm, I was ready to start pushing but after two hours it was clear she was not going to fit. So we opted for a c-section and at 10:34pm on July 4th, Tessa Lorraine Foote made her arrival. She was and is beautiful! It was without a doubt one of the most nerve racking and sweetest moments of my life. I love being a mom and Mark is great dad!

Just a Waiting Game!

2008-06-19T09:12:00.003-07:00

Well, according to our doctor all we are waiting for is her to decide that she is ready to come. Mark tries to talk her out every night but so far she is not having any of it. I am still feeling good except that with this horrible heat my hands have gotten a little swollen.
The Baby Shower was on June 7th and then it took a whole week to recover...getting everything washed, put things away and getting the few things that we needed but didn't get. I think that we are at least organized and as ready as we can be.
Mark has been working really hard at the city but is really enjoying it. Some weeks it seems that he is never home at night and then there are weeks like this one that he is only gone for one night. It always nice to have him home in the evening. I substituted the first week of June but haven't gotten any other calls.
So all in all we are doing very well. We are just waiting!!!

More Ultrsound Pictures

2008-05-19T21:00:00.003-07:00

We went to get a 3D ultrsound the other day. It was on the weekend of mothers day and we got a really good deal. It was fun, but we feel like we sort of cheated, we got to see her but we still c an't have her for another couple of weeks. but it feels much more real now.

Now Not Quite Presenting

2008-05-02T08:55:00.003-07:00

Well Here she is, sort of. We got to do a 3D ultrasound the other day at our doctors appointment.

Havasupai

2008-04-24T10:08:00.003-07:00

I just got back from Havasupai, which is a little village at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. I went there for my outdoor pursuits class, it was our final, it is an 11 mile hike in to the campgrounds, where you have these beautiful waterfalls with crystal clear water.

We Are Nesting

2008-04-09T21:53:00.006-07:00

Well T-Minus 3 months until little-foote arrives. we are calling her little-foote right now because we don't know what the heck to call her. We have three names that we both really like and then we have 3 or 4 each that we like but the other is not so fond of. Right now the three we are down to though is Tessa, Ella, and Audrey. What ever the heck we end up calling her, her room will be ready. I think we are nesting a little bit, or we are just really excited, it is probably a little of both. We have the room all done, we have the crib and the crib bedding, and the dressers, the room is painted and decorated. We are not ready for any of the other things but her room is ready.
Tara is getting more and more pregnant with each day and it is fun to watch, but she is starting to get uncomfortable at night and that is no fun especially because she has to go to work and fight with kids all day. Other than that we are just ready to get rolling with this whole parenting thing.

Almost There!!!

2008-03-18T21:47:00.005-07:00

Well just about one more month until graduation!!!! ( I am not excited at all if you can tell ) Tara is starting to get bigger but she looks good. The baby is sitting up high and so Tara is trying with all her might to not have to buy bigger pants, but I hear a little more grunting as she puts them on everyday. Other than that we are good and just excited about becoming parents.

Litlle by little

2008-03-10T17:04:00.007-07:00

Well we are getting more and more ready to have this baby. The baby's room (It is more a corner of the room, my office and I get the other corner, but I am sure that will not be for long) is finally coming along, we finished painting on Saturday and we even got the crib put together, it turned out really good. We did stripes of Pink and pink, just two shades, and I went and bought a laser level to be able to do it faster, and wow that made it much easier. Well enough of my rambling here are the pictures.

2008-02-16T09:22:00.003-07:00

Life is busy and just keeps getting busier. We were able to go on a date on Friday for Valentines. It was my year to be in charge and I took Mark on a progressive dinner. Mark had to solve a crossword puzzle to go from place to place. It was really fun!

Our next doctors appointment is on the 25th and I can't wait because I want the doctor to say that it is a girl one more time and then I'll start washing baby clothes. My mom and Mark's mom are supplying us with baby clothes quit nicely.

I'm really excited to become a mom; nervous but excited!

More Ultrasound Photos

2008-02-03T20:39:00.001-07:00

Here are new Ultrasound Photos of the Baby, as of 1-22-08

Thoughts from Mark

2008-01-30T22:12:00.000-07:00

Well the first month of the year is almost over, and what a crazy month this has been. Well if you didn't already know Tara and I are expecting, and this past month we found out that we are going to have a little girl. Before we found out what we were having i was set on having a boy, and I think that was what i was really ready for. Everyone had been having boys, and I think I really wanted a boy,so that I could do all that boy stuff with him. When we first found out it was a girl I felt my anxiety level go up instantly. i am not disappointed, i was just ready for a boy. Now that I have had some time to let it soak in, I am more excited than ever. It has made it much more real, and I am looking forward to the next few months and then with even more anticipation the birth of our daughter.

These are the dressers we got for the baby's room

Our Ultrasound Picture

2008-01-30T21:25:00.001-07:00

IT'S A GIRL!!!!

Some of the names that we like are

Tessa

Lilly

Grace

We also Like Ella but lots of people have used that one lately