Lots of pictures Part 1

January - August

Wow!  It has been a most amazing year in 2013!!!! 

We began the year with sending Elena to Rexburg Idaho to begin her life as a college student.  She had some great adventures along the way and best of all has now completed 2 semesters.  It is good to have her home and now she is diligently searching for a job.

The kids and I had a spontaneous trip to Kentucky to see Kelli, Rob & Blake.  We enjoyed snow for our spring break while visiting with them.  We also enjoyed a week with Kelli and Blake in Texas during the month of May.  Thanks Rob for sharing!!!

Jeff and I had a wonderful week in April visiting LasVegas.  He had a big conference with work and I'm grateful I got to attend.

Our summer has been amazing.  We enjoyed a trip to Philmont for the LDS Leadership Training week.  It was a great experience and we loved being around such wonderful people including Sister Wixom, the General Primary President and Brother Beck, the General Young Men President.

We have our first broken bone, thanks to Aimee with a fall on roller blades.  Kacie and I enjoyed girls camp.  Grandma Petersen, Julianna, Thomas and I took a trip to Idaho and Utah.  The rest of the summer has been enjoyed by swimming, relaxation, movies, friends and strength & conditioning camp for Allan.  Next week band camp will begin

Aimee's 7th birthday

Visiting Kelli - swimming at the YMCA - note Allan is taller than Kelli now.

Enjoying Kelli's place

Aimee loves strawberries

Grandma and Blake

Snow - Darin loving it

Allan enjoying the snow too

Foster Family Reunion.  Enjoying the Easter egg hunt

Thomas 2nd birthday.  Enjoying the day with lots of friends

Thomas loves Allan's trombone

Kacie's Prom

Thomas and Blake enjoying piano time

Happy 80th birthday

cousins having fun

Happy Birthday Kacie

Our Family Banner for Philmont

Aimee's broken arm.  5 days before Philmont

Allan induction into National Jr. Honor Society

At Philmont

Allan leading the flag ceremony

Allan with Brother Beck (General Young Men President)

Enjoying 4 square

Allan getting ready to leave for overnight camp and hike

Darin and Aimee - dressed for Primary Parade at Philmont

Darin ready for flag ceremony

Aimee with her sling

Darin with Sister Wixom (General Primary President) & Brother Beck

 

Kacie returns from a 5 day mountain treck

I have definitely found one of my weaknesses - blogging!!!!

So please forgive my long delays, I will and I'm constantly trying to do better.  I love reading my children's blogs and I love the way blogging keeps us connected together - so I'll never give up and I'll keep trying my best to overcome this weakness of mine!!!!

First of all,  MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYBODY!!!

I love this time of year and the wonderful feelings you get and the kindness of everyone around me.

Here are pictures I would put on my Christmas card to everyone

Jeff & Jodi Foote Family - November 2012

Halloween 2012

Jared, Julianna & Thomas

Rob, Kelli & Blake

Brian & Janet's wedding - April 28, 2012

Allan & Darin

Brian & Janet - Happy, Eternal Love

October

Wow!  I have been busy and my poor blog is the last thing to ever get up dated

I have been enjoying substitute teaching and learning so many new things about myself and getting out of my comfort zone to enter into strange schools, different types of classes and face new kids that I have to make a connection with in such a short time.  I have taught in many special ed settings and been able to teach many different grade levels.  The thing I love most are the kids.  Children are incredible and I love watching their faces and seeing the good in them.  

Allan had a great game this week.  He sacked the quarterback, did an amazing job blocking for the guy running with the football to make a touch down, and made a 45 yard run which was10 yards shy of a touch down.  Needless to say, his mamma was soooooooo proud of him.

Darin and Aimee have been decorating pumpkins for school projects.  Darin made a Harry Potter and Aimee made Clifford.

Elena, Kacie and I enjoyed a girls night out (Aimee was not interested) and went to see the High School play - A  Mid Summer's Night Dream.  It was lots of fun.

After a month's worth of trips for Jeff in September, he has stayed busy preparing for this weeks Stake Conference.  

Julianna and I are running tomorrow is a 10K run supporting the research in finding cures for cancer.  It is my first run to do and I hope the weather cooperates.  It should be lots of fun.  Elena and Kacie are preparing to enter another 5K run in December.

I also have loved, loved, loved having Thomas with us during the week while his mom and dad are busy with work and school.  What a treat for Grandma Jo (I'm seriously thinking to make things easier for everyone to become Nana Jo - I'm a Texas Grandma and Nana is what Texans say)

Happy Birthday Brian

 

Happy Birthday Brian!!!!

This is Janet's awesome cake she made for Brian

We Love You!

Good Foote Life

Life is good in the Foote Family.

We enjoyed our trip to Kentucky and spending time with Kelli, Rob & Blake.  It was great to be there for Rob's White Coat Ceremony.  We are so proud of him and happy that he is loving dental school.  He will be a great dentist!  It was also special to be there for Blake's blessing.  Kelli and Rob are so blessed to be living in a beautiful part of the country and to be in such a wonderful ward.  Oh how we miss them, but know they are planted where the Lord wants them to be for now.

School has started and everyone likes their teachers.  First day of school went smooth for everyone except for me.  So here I am backing out of the garage early Monday morning, taking the kids to school and I smashed the side mirror on the driver side of my new car against the side of the garage.  I had to put a smile on my face, quickly duck tape the mirror so it wouldn't fall off and do my best not to put a damper on anyone's day.

Aimee's report for the first day was that school was epic!!!!!   That's a big word for a little girl to use and I'm just glad she enjoyed it.

Darin loves his teacher.  She is really nice, but he still has a hard time wanting to leave home and spend his whole day at school.  I told him if he was really good and had a smile every morning for the rest of this week, he could stay home on Monday.  I also told Aimee if she could pull her loose tooth out this week, she too could stay home on Monday.  My plan was working great and I was the best mom in the world, until Allan heard about it and gave me a look as if I could really be that mean and play this joke on the kids.  So Thursday afternoon, I had to confess to my cunning play and that Monday was a holiday for them.  At least Darin went to school happy for the week, but Aimee is still hanging on to that very, very loose tooth.

Allan is enjoying 7th grade.  He did not get all the electives he wanted, one being Spanish for 7th grade.  (by taking Spanish both in 7th and 8th grade, he could earn a year's credit of Spanish for high school)  However, on Friday he and many other students were called to the councilors office.  Several spots had just opened for the Spanish class and so they had all the students who wanted into the class, put their student number in a bowl.  They drew names and Allan's number was chosen.  He was sooooo happy.   (there were about 30 students wanting into the class and only 7 names were chosen)

Kacie is enjoying driving the car to school.  That only happens this week because Elena will have the car for her nanny job.  I will get to be taxi driver again or on the days I sub, she get's to drive me to school and then I'll walk home with the younger two.

Kacie pulled off a wonderful surprise birthday party for Elena on Saturday.  We had several friends come over and enjoy hamburgers and then they went to a park to enjoy sand volleyball.  Following that everyone cleaned off by jumping into the pool.  The party ended with the enjoyment of Skinny Cow ice cream sandwiches. Ü

Yes, my Elena is 18!!!!!  It is humbling to think I now have 4 adult children.  She got her lap top and is so happy and ready to start school.  Monday her nanny job begins with a little boy who is 8.  She is looking forward to making some money for college.  Right now she is also dog sitting for the week for 3 dogs while their parents are away.

Brian has a birthday on Monday.  It is such an awesome birthday that the nation is celebrating it with a holiday Ü  Happy Birthday Brian, WE LOVE YOU!!!  (we also adore Janet - she made him an awesome birthday cake out of candy bars. - yum, yum)

Jared stays busy with his classes, but seems to love it.  He has grown a beard!!!  Luckily he promised to shave when he's asked to speak in church - that will be in two weeks.  I keep hearing Grandpa Petersen's voice telling me how awesome he looks. 

Julianna had a blessing come her way with a job opportunity at the North Central Baptist Hospital.  She will be able to work on the pediatric floor and is so happy for this opportunity.

My blog is long today, but I hope you've enjoyed reading the good life of the Foote family

Love to all of you!!!  

3 Mile Victory

It is a day of celebration - I jogged three miles today without stopping!!!!  That is huge success for me.

We learned today that the new principal for Encino Park is Mr. Hind.  Aimee is not happy having a man for a principal.  He will have his work cut out for him to win any love from her.

I so love my life.  I love my family, I love being a mom, I love being a daughter, I love being a wife and most of all I love being a grandma.   

I love the gospel of Jesus Christ.  Their is so much joy in keeping the commandments and  trusting in the Lord in all things.  Give ALL your burdens to Him and He will bless you and give you the strength to face each trial in life and you will find peace and joy.

 

Joyous July

Once again I must say wow to how fast life zooms by.

We are so blessed to have Jared, Julianna and Thomas here in San Antonio.  They have worked so hard getting their home organized and let me just say how beautiful it is.  Julianna has even made time to make some delicious strawberry and mixed berry jams to share - absolutely delicious!!!

Kelli and Rob have blessed our family with the birth of their son, Blake Jeffrey Lindeman on July 5, 2012.  We are so happy to have him here.  I greatly enjoyed the opportunity to go stay with Kelli and Rob for several days.  They have a beautiful apartment and are so blessed to have many wonderful friends who live close by.  They are going to be awesome parents!!!!

Blake was home for a week, but due to a nasty urinary infection he has been hospitalized for several days.  The good news is that he is coming home - hopefully today.  Many, many prayers have been offered on his behalf and boy will that family be happy to all be home together again.  We can't wait to visit in August for Rob's white coat ceremony and Blake's blessing.

Elena and Kacie are enjoying a week up at girls camp.  Oh, how I miss not being there, but there is a season to everything and I sure enjoyed my years of serving as the camp director.  My new opportunity of service will be as Cub Master to the young boys in our ward.

Jared will have his white coat ceremony on Sunday and is looking forward to the start of his medical schooling.  Julianna has had a couple of interviews with an assisted living facility close by and we are hoping for a job opportunity for her.  I have enjoyed running with Julianna the past few mornings and even though my legs ache, it is good to run again.

The rest of the family has enjoyed a July full of Fiesta Texas, Landa Parks and lots of swimming at the pool.  For all you roller coaster fans, the Rattler at Fiesta will be closing down the beginning of August. 

June - Going, going, almost gone

June 2012 is soon to be history.   I can't let the month go by without posting about the wonderful month it has been.

Summer is here!!!!!  The first two weeks flew by.  We are enjoying Fiesta Texas, swimming, playing mine craft, reading, doing chores and sleeping in.  (Well let's just say, mom enjoys when the kids do their chores and the kids enjoy when mom let's them sleep in.)

I've started my awesome, wonderful, annual routine list for the summer and YES we will do it the whole rest of the summer - I never give up on it, I only get distracted and then we modify it daily Ü

Kacie had a wonderful trip with Grandma Petersen and enjoyed the opportunity to drive.  She is now my sweet 16 girl and on July 6th she will get her license.

Darin made it through cub camp.  He made several bulls eyes with archery and bb guns.  He will earn lots of arrow points and belt loops awards.

Elena will get her wisdom teeth out next Wednesday the 27th of June.  She can't wait to have it over with.

Next week Allan will experience his first scout camp.  Dad is going to join him for the first two days.  The temperature is to be 100+ all week long.

Kacie will also enjoy next week at E.F.Y.  She is so looking forward to it.

Aimee and her friend Anna Payne are enjoying having lots of play time together.  She also is finding joy in reading.


We are all looking forward to having Thomas and his parents move down here.  Their house is ready!!!!!

Amazing April - Magnificent May

You know it's been to long since your last post, when your own kids - Kacie & Elena start complaining about me not updating my blog

So here we go, April has come and gone in a whirl wind, but it was the most amazing whirl wind to ever hit!!

We have been soooo blessed to have the marriage and sealing of Brian and Janet.  To also have all of our children home with us.  It has literally been Heaven on Earth here in the Foote home.

Jeff had a big convention up in Forth Worth the beginning of May and I enjoyed being with him for 4 days straight.  

Mother's day was spectacular.  I was forced by Aimee to stay in bed so she, dad and Allan could make breakfast for me.  It was delicious.  I am so blessed to have such wonderful children.  From Jared all the way down to Aimee.  I also love my children given to me through marriage - Julianna, Rob and Janet.  They are as precious to me as my own children are.  Thank you all for making me the happiest mom on Earth!!!  Being a Grandma to Thomas is the most thrilling thing ever -  just keep those grand babies coming Ü

Now to top it all off, my birthday was great.  I don't like getting older, but I do enjoy celebrating coming to Earth and getting to experience all the wonderful things that take place.  Apple pie and ice cream made a great celebration for us.

For one week, I am the oldest of all.  So listen to me with all my wisdom - Love each other, work hard, stay close to the Lord, forgive quickly, laugh, and enjoy the adventures that come your way and you will find great happiness and peace in this life.

The following are a few awesome pictures of the wedding

Busy, Busy, Busy

You can tell when life is too busy and I let several weeks go by without posting.

Life is busy but good!!  We enjoyed a wonderful Foster Family Reunion last week in Madisonville.  It was a wonderful day - no fishing, but we all enjoyed visiting, eating and singing.  Grandma Petersen came with us and enjoyed the country living that occurs out on Arnold Foster's land.

My preparations for camp is in full swing.  Two Steppin' Home is our theme this year and it is going to be a great year.  I have awesome kids who put up with my camp songs and often requests them when we are traveling in the car. Ü

The inspections and approval of Jared's & Julianna's home is completed. It is a great home and we are so excited and recognize the hand of the Lord in inspiration, timing, and quickness that everything occurred.

Aimee did it!!!!  She can ride her bike !!!!  Thank you Kacie for your loving support and expert teaching skills!!!!

Darin had his first rain gutter regatta - he won one race and had a mighty fine looking boat!

Allan is enjoying the Hunger Game books - we went to see the movie last night and it was a lot of fun.  We even got to see some teenagers get kicked out of the movie.

Kacie's choir made sweep stakes in their UIL competitions.  Way to go Kacie!!!!  We are a few month away now from her getting her license and so driving practice is going full speed ahead.  She also got the highest grade in her class on a Chemistry exam.  She received a 93 and the next closest grade was a 74.

Kacie shared with me a comment made by one her teacher this week.  Kacie's teacher is one of the sponsors who works with the National Honor Society kids and Elena was in getting some of her service hours turned in.  This teacher then tells Kacie that she needs to be just like her sister because she is so smart. That made both girls and their mom feel so good. Ü

Elena is putting out job applications left and right now.  She has been busy with lots of babysitting and has taken on the job of teaching swimming lessons.  She's been involved in a lot of service including school projects and going out with the missionaries.

Jeff has been super busy with work and church.  He went to help a family move last night and due to miss communications, I missed out on a date night with him.  He is a great man and I love him soooo much!!!

Here are some videos of the house we are looking at for Jared and Julianna

TREK

Elena & Kacie - Home Depot parking lot, this is the beginning

 We survived the TREK!!!
Before the youth started, your Dad encouraged them to have an M&M experience.  (Magnificent & Marvelous)  They all had that!!


We will be getting more pictures to share later, but in the mean time, enjoy these Ü

Kacie - ready for an incredible journey

Elena - all smiles and determined to walk all the way!

Kacie & Kayla with the 1st of 3 shirt they made for the Trek

The YO Ranch was beautiful.  Prior to getting to this spot, the youth had an incredible ravine to cross.

Here comes the handcarts

It was wonderful being there with the youth.  Kacie and Elena did great!!!  The first day after about a mile of walking, they made Elena stop.  She obeyed with a smile, but inside a little sad.  It made her all the more determined to walk the whole way on the next two days which she did!!!

The most incredible experience came on the 2nd day when all the men and boys in camp were sent to serve missions.  The girls were left to pull the handcarts by themselves for several miles.  Each handcart had 3-4 girls pulling it.  At the end of the women's pull, these girls had to pull the handcarts up a steep, rocky cliff.  The boys and men were lined up along the cliff and they were not allowed to touch the handcarts or help in anyway.  They just had to stand silently and watch. 

As the first group of girls struggled, it tugged at your heart and made you cry.  When they got to the top, they turned around and ran down the hill to help the next cart along the way.  You had girls running back and forth helping cart after cart.  Most of the men and boys were crying as they watched this event take place.  It was a powerful example of service and knowing there are times when we have to be the Lord's hands to help others along the way.

When Elena's group when up the hill, her new "brothers" were sobbing knowing how bad her knee was and yet, she was able to help pull that cart up the steep embankment.


It was truly a Magnificent, Marvelous and Miraculous experience for all!!

BIG WEEK

It is Spring Break Ü

To begin the week, Allan and a few friends braved the coolness of the pool and went swimming bringing home our first sunburned boy.

Tamiflu to the rescue for my little Aimee has the flu.  We got medicine and the doctor was so kind to inform me that when and if the others come down with the flu, just call him and he will prescribe more Tamiflu for the family.

TREK!!! Dad, Elena, Kacie and I are on our way to the YO Ranch up near Kerrville, TX.  It should be loads of fun and the weather is forecasted to be cloudy all week with no rain and temperature in the 60-80 range.  I've posted pictures of our buckets which contain our life possessions for the week and Elena relaxing this morning playing Mario Sunshine before she gives up the comforts of home and leaves our faithful watch dog to care over the remaining family along with Grandma and Grandpa Foote.

One cool family history story to share...  It turns out that on my Grandpa Petersen's side of the family, Andrew Rose, who was baptized by the Prophet Joseph Smith, was on the same wagon train going West with Warren Foote who is on your Dad's side of the family.  Warren Foote was the captain over 100 and Andrew Rose being in his 70's, died along the trail just before they reached Winter Quarters.  At the time of his passing, the wagon train was in desperate need of meat and when they stopped to bury Father Rose as they referred to him, they were able to find lots of buffalo. Ü

Catch Up Events

The last two weeks have been full of exciting events.  Kacie received a 1st division rating on both of her solo and her ensemble the beginning of this month.  Darin discovered that we finally have a tree he can climb in and enjoyed the warmth of the Texas sun. Aimee took pleasure in relaxing on a nice blanket in the yard and Elena just enjoyed life in general.  We miss Yoko, but I found some pictures as she enjoyed riding on a trailer loaded with her belongings and her packing her bags for her trip back to Hong Kong.

 

 

 

 

Wow!  Time is flying by on me.

Yoko, our dear friend who has been staying with us, is back in Hong Kong.  We pray that all is going well for her.  She will be going to Provo in the fall to begin the PhD program in Psychology. 

My YW Camp meeting was a wonderful success and the girls are fired up about our Two Steppin' Home theme.

Elena and I took our trip to Dallas to meet with Dr. Cooper.  While traveling up, I had my first tire blow out experience.  It was 7:30 in the morning and raining.  We got to the side of the road and I was so grateful to have road side assistance come and fix our tire.  We were also blessed to be 13 miles away from the nearest discount tire.

We learned that a meniscus transplant would not be a good fix for Elena's knee, but the doctor made a couple of other suggestions that we are following.