202 Magazine September 2013 Edition September 2013 | Page 33

for her / 202 INSPIRATIONAL MOM /
Interview by wu Jessica Parsons

Behind-the-Scenes

Get to Know 3TV’s Tess Rafols
202: Who and what lives in your home? (family & critters, names and ages) Tess: Myself, hubby Vic, our triplets, Cooper, Jaxon and Zoey (age 4) and our Labrador Retriever named Cleveland, as in the city where my husband’s from. 202: How do you juggle work and triplets, what’s your secret? Tess: I have an amazing support system! Right now, my husband and I have opposite work schedules so that we can be with the kids as much as possible. Plus, my parents and sister are a huge help. It’s also great to work for a company that is understanding and supportive of family needs. The real secret: parenting multiples is the harder job! But definitely the most rewarding. I am blessed on both ends of family and career. 202: What’s the best thing about having triplets? Tess: Triple the hugs, kisses and love. 202: What’s the most challenging thing about having triplets? Tess: Triple the tantrums! LOL. Luckily, that doesn’t happen often. The biggest challenge is dividing your time between each of them and giving equal attention. Oh, and also, triple the expenses! Glad to be over the baby stage of diapers and formula. 202: Best part about working at 3TV and bringing the news to viewers? Tess: It’s not so much as bringing the daily news, but making a difference in a person’s life because of a story I get to tell. 202: Best vacation ever? Tess: Two vacations top my list: Hawaii in 2004 on my honeymoon with my husband, and then Cleveland, Ohio this past summer. I know, doesn’t sound exciting. But this was the first airplane trip the kids could really remember and enjoy since flying as infants. Plus, they had the best time visiting with my husband’s family. Now, everday they say, “I want to go to Ohio.” 202: Organization that receives most of your volunteer time? Tess: Arizona Humane Society. I’m a huge animal lover, and I co-host a telethon every year for this great non-profit. Plus, we feature a “Sunday Sweetheart” adoptable pet on our show every weekend. 202: What’s the strangest thing in your purse? Tess: A blinking bouncey ball 202: Favorite ‘pamper yourself, ’splurge item? Tess: A massage! 202: Favorite date night restaurant? Tess: Amalfi Pizzeria in South Chandler- best homemade Italian food! 202: Best thing about living in Arizona and your East Valley neighborhood? Tess: Love the East Valley! There are so many kid-friendly places to go to and I love the warm, suburban feel, it reminds of me of where I grew up in Southern California. We’ve made wonderful friends since moving out here in 2004. Plus, my parents are nearby. Arizona is now truly home. 202 33

Tess Rafols is anchor and host of 3TV’s top-rated weekend show, “Good Morning! Arizona.”

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Tess Rafols with husband Vic and triplets, Cooper, Jaxon and Zoey.

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202magazine.com / SEPTEMBER 2013 / 202 MAGAZINE