tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-91410189685867995032012-02-16T20:03:27.590-08:00Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.comBlogger771100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-11545624084911832672010-08-26T18:50:00.000-07:002010-08-26T18:50:02.239-07:00

Check it out!!!  www.aarsethfamily.com We will no longer be posting on this website so please make the switch over! We would really love to have your support on our journey to Ethiopia!

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-23793166183865637142010-08-26T15:00:00.000-07:002010-08-26T15:00:34.586-07:00

Someone put an offer on our house today!!!!!! Please pray for everything to work out smoothly! I am so excited and a bit impatient:)  YAY!!! Also, I think our new blog/website should be ready to reveal tonight! Sorry that we are having to switch you over to something new but apparently Blogger doesnt work too well in Ethiopia.  We are pretty excited about this new site though because it caters

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-56460968257967051212010-08-13T09:36:00.000-07:002010-08-13T09:48:57.873-07:00

We decided to take an impromptu trip down to Austin to visit our friends who just moved there by the lake. Just the kids and I went for a couple of nights since Paul had to work but we had a great time! Jackson and Olivia really enjoyed the boat:)

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-85756901509493802892010-08-09T11:31:00.000-07:002010-08-09T11:48:22.356-07:00

While you are patiently waiting for our new ministry website and blog I thought I would give you a glimpse into our lives here in Texas. Last week we went to the rodeo with the youth ministry and Jackson has been asking to go back every. single. day. since. Oh and I have misplaced my favorite camera ( don't worry, grandma and Josies, we will find it!) so you will have to forgive me for the

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-8921567516240684112010-08-05T06:57:00.001-07:002010-08-05T07:08:14.710-07:00

We are home but I am BUSY working on our new website, prayer letters, prayer cards, and everything else needed to start raising support!!! We are already in the "under one year time frame" so I better get to work! I know that the Lord will bring in what we need and I always pray like everything relies on Him but I work like it all relies on me! So stay tuned.......the new website should be up

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-14257435480878941192010-07-28T16:10:00.000-07:002010-07-28T16:13:44.358-07:00

We are currently having missionary training in Charlotte, NC and having a fabulous time reconnecting with all of our friends here. It has been an amazing week and it is only half way over! We are so excited to be able to share all the things we have learned this week with you very soon! Be on the look out because we will soon be changing this blog over to our ministry blog to Ethiopia! (Anyone

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-53822012667848653062010-07-18T11:42:00.000-07:002010-07-18T14:15:43.975-07:00

Ok so I know I said that I would post yesterday but the connection at Great Wolf Lodge was oh. so. slow. We were very blessed to be given this great weekend trip to Great Wolf to spend our very first family day and we really had a blast! (Most people call it Gotcha Day, as in the day we "got you" and while we like that, we really wanted to focus on how God has made our family special. We

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-54404928916370920352010-07-17T09:45:00.000-07:002010-07-17T09:58:20.511-07:00

I forgot to take a picture of the food because we were too busy digging in....most people don't really enjoy Ethiopian food but our whole family LOVES it. Good thing, huh? We are having a great celebration weekend and I will try and blog about our fun tonight and post it in the morning!!!

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-7771894631523554712010-07-13T15:55:00.000-07:002010-07-13T16:22:05.135-07:00

A year ago today we walked through these gates and our lives were changed..... So much about last summer is a blur, but every moment was worth all the waiting, preparing, and aching to have her home. This summer, this little princess is still just that a total princess. Yep, she has gone from what Almaz (the orphanage director) called the princess of Hannah's Hope to the princess of our family

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-37727475222248062392010-07-06T14:34:00.001-07:002010-07-06T14:50:33.156-07:00

"Do you see that puddle?""YES!"blurry but still cute

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-16858788244759559852010-07-04T17:01:00.000-07:002010-07-04T17:22:42.521-07:00

Jackson: Mom, why are we celebrating the end of July?Me: Well, we are celebrating the 4th of July not the end of July.Jackson: Oh........but why?Me: It's America's birthday.Jackson: Who's America?Me: That's where we live.....in the United States of America.Jackson: no, I live in Texas.Spoken like a true Texan.Jackson, Olivia and the cousins Jordan and TannerOlivia was enjoying mothering Jordan..

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-87549460474479908362010-07-03T08:00:00.000-07:002010-07-03T08:00:00.362-07:00

What? You didn't know Santa was a fireman with a princess umbrella in the off season?

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-36703592938582473362010-07-01T12:22:00.001-07:002010-07-01T13:02:07.269-07:00

So part of getting ready for living in Ethiopia is selling our house! (Anyone need a house in a Dallas suburb? Seriously? Anyone?) We got this great rental house in the mean time and we are very blessed at how God has given to our family. Here is a tour of our first step in downsizing! (actually its a nice sized house and not really that much smaller than our other house but it doesn't have a

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-81544611227985245742010-06-24T19:50:00.000-07:002010-06-24T19:53:48.253-07:00

Yesterday I went back to the ENT doctor and he punctured my other eardrum and sucked out some of the fluid so I can hear again! I had this done on the other ear last week so now they both have been done:) I am not back to 100% yet. It still hurting a little bit and popping all the time but this all I can live with until it hopefully decides to heal. I go back in a month for a followup so

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-17101944647455260922010-06-22T12:12:00.000-07:002010-06-22T12:13:24.337-07:00

a few days late but you'll want to watch it.....it is pure awesomeness.Dad Life from Church on the Move on Vimeo.

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-89035809103267546502010-06-21T18:14:00.000-07:002010-06-21T18:18:59.465-07:00

Today is Day 12 of my horrible ear infection.....well it is no longer an infection but just fluid still in my ear. I have had an entire treatment of antibiotics, a steroid shot, and a hole drilled into my eardrum and fluid sucked out of my right ear. My left ear however is now the culprit and may need to also get the horrible drilling and sucking. It is not fun but neither is feeling like you

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-13640205753227382892010-06-15T21:37:00.000-07:002010-06-15T21:41:37.545-07:00

We have met some amazing people through our adoption of Miss Livi and one of the most amazing moms I have ever met is Kristi Johnson. She is a fabulous mom of 5 with the energy level of no one else on earth. She is truly inspiring with all she does and how she inspires others to adopt. Her daughter Lucy Lane came home from the same orphanage as Livi one year ago (just one month before Livi

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-65914868847416736182010-06-15T17:53:00.000-07:002010-06-15T18:08:27.698-07:00

Sorry I haven't posted in the past few days. I have a horrible ear infection (yes, apparently I am a two year old) and I feel like I am underwater. It is the most annoying feeling ever!! Hopefully tomorrow will be better.Today however, our fun summer playgroup (you can click here for posts from last summer on our old blog) went to the fire station for a private tour!! Some of the kids were a bit

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-29272540068694675072010-06-10T15:40:00.001-07:002010-06-10T15:48:30.289-07:00

Olivia started her first day of Tiny Dancers at the local rec center. She is oh so fabulous in her "toot toot."

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-69937027934267890962010-06-08T19:33:00.000-07:002010-06-08T20:10:50.825-07:00

Well, we are all moved in and I promise a tour of the new place is coming soon! The kids are easing into their new summer routine quite nicely. Here in Texas, it is the same temperature as the surface of the sun for most of the day so instead of going to bed at 7:30 like we do during the school year, we take long, late afternoon naps and get to stay up late (you know, like 9:00pm). This way the

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-18427309386961737892010-06-07T06:51:00.001-07:002010-06-07T07:41:03.906-07:00

Let's see we left off with snack time so here is big brother enjoying his yummy PBJthis was supposed to be a pink castle bounce house but because we had to reschedule due to the illness of 2010 we ended up with this cute hot air balloon onedecorating cupcakeslooks like this cutie enjoyed it huh?This is Livi getting her doll from Ethiopia. When we were there I shopped like a mad woman to get a

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-56955566881153326462010-06-06T12:24:00.000-07:002010-06-06T20:32:56.987-07:00

So I am too tired to upload all of these tonight so I will post pictures in parts since her party was that cool:) ha. We had a Candy themed party at a nearby park and all the kids seemed to really like it. Here is part 1:What candy themed party would be complete without a lollipop outfit with matching shoes?PBJ circle sandwiches and goldfish for the kidshot pink chinese boxes that say Thanks

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-81712566661638524412010-06-04T15:25:00.001-07:002010-06-04T15:55:44.965-07:00

Yes, we are all moved in and unpacked and well, I am exhausted! Moving is such hard work!!! We have a few more things to do to get completely done but we are finally able to let the kids roam without fear that they will be toppled by boxes never to be heard from again:) I hope to be able to post the pictures from livi's party this weekend. But I'll leave you with a few tidbits I learned

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-16360567209923053292010-05-26T08:00:00.000-07:002010-05-26T08:00:05.623-07:00

We are almost all packed up and moving this weekend! God has blessed us with a very reasonably priced rental house to have while we make our transition over to Ethiopia! The best part for me is that it is so reasonable that we get to move in and then put our house on the market! Yep, no having to keep it spotless with my little ones running rampant! Please pray with us that our house sells

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-26477816871371109862010-05-23T12:12:00.001-07:002010-05-23T12:52:51.623-07:00

Happy Birthday to our sweet, sweet angel. We are so blessed to have you in our family. We love you more than words can express. You make our days joyful and our hearts full.The first time we saw your sweet face.First time togetherfirst time in a big girl bedfirst kissThe last 10 months of watching you grow into a little lady have been amazing. We pray that the Lord blesses us with many more

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-1307854350209073862010-05-21T10:53:00.000-07:002010-05-21T11:00:36.084-07:00

Well it started last Friday night....Jackson woke up throwing up. Saturday he spent the morning throwing up every. twenty. minutes. That afternoon he and I decided to miss Daddy's graduation (he just got his masters! yay daddy!) and head to the ER for some much needed fluids by IV. After 5 long hours we were home and feeling better. Sunday, he had his energy back but instead of throwing up it

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-56658145880048818152010-05-18T09:08:00.001-07:002010-05-18T09:12:48.140-07:00

No tot school in our house this week. Jackson has some nasty virus and has been throwing up for 4 days. Yes, you read that correctly. FOUR. LONG. DAYS. My washing machine and I are about to go on strike from this nasty virus. We want it out! Out and far away from my precious babies! Olivia, thankfully, has not caught it and is very stir crazy since we have to play quietly since brother is

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-48694029888254995532010-05-16T08:00:00.000-07:002010-05-16T08:00:04.284-07:00

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-59574358234917710152010-05-15T08:00:00.000-07:002010-05-15T08:00:03.893-07:00

Last week there was a promotion for free mini golf for a year for the first 100 people! You bet we were up early on a Saturday morning to get in line! 8:30 AM we pulled into the parking lot and by 9:30 we were the proud owners of 4 passes! We were number 70-74 in line!And did you know that you can sign your kids up to go bowling for free all summer long? 2 free games every day! Just go to http:

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-22737450474927479142010-05-14T08:00:00.000-07:002010-05-14T08:00:00.729-07:00

I'm just not there yet!My friend Darci got this awesome shirt for Mother's Day.I think she was a little freaked out by me taking a picture of her shirt with my phone and then saying I would post it to my blog!

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-36931914523971977132010-05-13T10:00:00.000-07:002010-05-13T20:34:18.097-07:00

This week I am going to focus a little more on what Olivia gets to do during Tot School. Her time is significantly less since we normally do our school time during her nap but she is really getting the hang of playing with things the correct way so I am trying to find a good time to focus solely on her. Her is a video of her sorting things!edited: I just watched this and for some reason it

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-2107207180271831892010-05-12T16:56:00.000-07:002010-05-12T15:26:16.051-07:00

Two weeks ago we were able to go down to Austin to meet some wonderful, and hopefully life long friends! Troy and Amber were down in the trenches with us when we were adopting Olivia and they were adopting her buddy Silas. In fact, I was in the middle of emailing Troy when we got "the call!" I don't remember exactly what I was emailing about but I remember in the middle of a sentence typing

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-8594670739254292002010-05-08T11:26:00.000-07:002010-05-08T11:27:38.333-07:00

A friend of mine sent me this video since I have now joined the club..... Enjoy!

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-10725389181768287912010-05-07T08:00:00.000-07:002010-05-07T08:00:04.121-07:00

So some of the most asked questions I get are directed to how stinkin' cute Olivia is, and while I can only point to her Creator as to why that is so, I can answer some of your burning questions on how I maintain that sweetness:)Where did you get that outfit/hair bow/shoes, etc.?What, this old thing?Well, I did not get them anywhere. We are blessed by a wonderful GiGi who spoils them rotten and

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-15173510385413169342010-05-04T13:16:00.000-07:002010-05-04T13:52:45.261-07:00

Tot School was a little sporadic last week since we had lots of fun things to do like the Gladney Skittle. We decided to do a few baseball themed things since some friends of ours were taking us out to see the Rangers beat the White Sox (Daddy's favorite)!Some people have wondered about how we "do" tot school and how much preparation it takes. I may try and do more of a post on this sometime

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-56861265527547393422010-05-03T08:00:00.000-07:002010-05-03T08:00:03.880-07:00

Well I told you it's been a crazy week, right? We have been super busy with lots of fun things.....and well buying a minivan, which I wouldn't classify under fun:) What was fun was that Paul's work donates to the Gladney Adoption Agency (not our agency but still a great one!) and every year we get to attend one of their annual fundraisers at Six Flags for free! They provide dinner and a night

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-4524653473593130932010-05-02T08:00:00.000-07:002010-05-02T08:00:00.071-07:00

Why am I so happy?Because my brother and I hiked and hiked....through the dangerous woods and creek* by my GiGi's house......to see a mama duck andher 9 sweet ducklings!*editor's note- or complained about dirt through the lush and beautiful landscaping

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-20711780631279593622010-05-01T15:10:00.000-07:002010-05-01T17:09:48.515-07:00

Yep, for those of you who guessed minivan, you are correct! Who knew I would be 26 and driving this bad boy around?? Oh, and I don't laugh at you other moms that drive minivans, I just, well, have to get used to the idea......I'm sure you understand.Finances are crazy and a hard point for lots of families and couples. It sure was for us for a long time.....well it is still is hard but we have

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-53115021495906134012010-04-29T13:24:00.000-07:002010-04-29T13:29:23.191-07:00

I just went out to the mailbox and instead of junk mail found a free sample of Similac (uhh thanks for the reminder, jerks! ) and a more happy piece of mail from AGCI (our adoption agency) saying they are refunding a nice 1,000 dollars of our adoption expenses! I am pretty stoked! Gotta love it when you get money you weren't expecting! On another note.....I am now the proud owner of something

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-11796842195836155852010-04-25T08:00:00.000-07:002010-04-25T08:00:03.786-07:00

We were blessed with some free tickets to the arboretum so we packed a lunch and headed out to meet some friends. It was a great morning and Jackson slept ALL afternoon which he doesn't do very often anymore. However, he was up until 9pm as well but it was worth the nap I also go to take!Jackson took this picture of Ferdinand the Bull.He loved all the open space to run! I have 25 pictures of him

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-27954133175027477482010-04-23T08:00:00.000-07:002010-04-23T08:00:08.654-07:00

Ah, Tot School. It is the first thing to go when things get crazy around here. It is a shame because it is my kid's favorite part of the day, but it is so much easier to just tell them to play with their toys than plan out meaningful play for them. But when it is gone for too long, we all get a little antsy with days on end of free time. We have gotten some really great new learning toys

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-39159472463027332182010-04-22T08:00:00.000-07:002010-04-22T08:00:06.008-07:00

Some of you may know that we work with the Junior High youth ministry at our church. They are a great group of kids and Paul and I really enjoy ministering to them. Well, this Saturday we are having a HUGE church-wide garage sale to benefit our youth program. If you are in the area, you may want to stop by for some great deals!Huge Garage SaleSaturday, April 24Trinity Bible Church400 W.

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-8188211973946077412010-04-19T08:00:00.000-07:002010-04-19T08:00:04.806-07:00

On Saturday, a few of my friends and I threw the cutest baby shower for my sweet friend Amanda. I know what you are thinking, that I am a glutton for punishment. I was a little worried that I might cry but really it was so much fun. I love being with these girls and I am just thrilled for Amanda so it was all good. So anyways, she isn't finding out what the gender is so I knew exactly what I

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-57042469799421068742010-04-17T08:00:00.000-07:002010-04-17T08:00:02.347-07:00

So for a while I have wanted to teach my kids hymns. The service we go to at church is wonderful and they are getting plenty of contemporary praise music there and on the radio, but something about the hymns make me happy. Maybe it is all the wonderful theology in them or maybe it just reminds me of our old church, but I love them.I have Joni Eareckson Tada's Hymns for a Kid's Heart (we only

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-52498381378143461602010-04-15T08:40:00.000-07:002010-04-15T08:42:39.659-07:00

"Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us."

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-62869926307015698472010-04-14T07:00:00.000-07:002010-04-14T07:00:07.374-07:00

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-76499284972252508562010-04-13T06:00:00.000-07:002010-04-13T06:00:11.169-07:00

One year ago we got "the call". I had waited so long to hear our those sweet words from our case worker. "I have a little girl to tell you about." She said that she was a bit older than the other babies but still within our parameters. I didn't care. "She may have a slight delay." My heart sunk but it didn't matter, I knew that this was the child God had chosen for us. As she continued, it

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-22451729052486718372010-04-12T16:30:00.000-07:002010-04-12T12:17:00.995-07:00

Yes it is true. We have been pretty sad over here at the Aarseth house lately so I did what any woman in her right mind would do in a depressing state with swirling hormones.I turned to sweets.And not just any sweets.......these bad boys:I won't tell you how many bags I have eaten in the last two weeks.....and I won't tell you that I have actually finished an entire bag in a sitting of Grey's

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-51196852013776600082010-04-11T12:00:00.000-07:002010-04-11T12:57:08.395-07:00

This Sunday, my friend Darci and I presented Compassion International to our church. If you read this blog much, you probably know how much I love Compassion so when Darci approached me about doing a Compassion Sunday, I loved the idea. Here is what Compassion's website says about it:The purpose of this special, one-day event is to draw the attention of the Church to the needs of the world’s

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-72890563390333573902010-04-10T08:00:00.000-07:002010-04-10T08:00:03.972-07:00

So I was reading over at Happy Girl Hair, which is my favorite hair site and probably the only reason Olivia isn't ashamed to go out in public, and they were sharing about a brand new hair product that you adoptive families out there may love! It is called Give All For Love.Give All For Love specializes in all-natural beauty products. We use the highest quality organic ingredients straight from

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-51570946779274659132010-04-09T10:54:00.000-07:002010-04-10T18:34:47.197-07:00

Ok so you all know that I LOVE Compassion International, right? If you go to my church you will see me sportin' my new compassion t-shirt and standing behind a table full of gorgeous children that need to be sponsored THIS SUNDAY! If you don't go to my church, well you should because it is great.....or you could just help support Compassion by clicking here on this link to read all about

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-85846225337033222382010-04-08T13:59:00.000-07:002010-04-08T14:22:55.132-07:00

Did you know that in Ethiopia, approximately one million people are suffering from Podoconiosis, a debilitating and disfiguring disease caused by walking barefoot in volcanic soil? Podoconiosis is 100% preventable with basic foot hygiene and wearing shoes. Through everyday encounters with domestic poverty, we are reminded to appreciate having food and shelter, but most of us all but forget

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-9088833583824874182010-04-08T08:33:00.000-07:002010-04-08T08:33:00.302-07:00

Jackson had his Easter Party at school and Olivia and I were able to attend, or I mean plan and run since I am the room mom! Ha. Jackson's class made cute little bags to use to hunt there eggs and Mommy forgot something for Livi to use so I had to improvise with a empty gift bag I happened to have laying around in the car. I will remember that the next time Paul tells me my car is a

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-68705020174088655182010-04-06T08:00:00.000-07:002010-04-06T08:00:01.861-07:00

My precious Baby Soup,I am so sorry that you will never be able to lead the life we all expected you to live. I don't have any of the answers to all the questions swirling around in my head. But I do know that even though you were so small we had a great connection and a great love. Most of the time our love connection was through morning sickness and cravings for fried food and ice cream, but

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-25626839472633933802010-04-04T17:43:00.000-07:002010-04-04T17:56:46.129-07:00

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-31010579320449982252010-03-27T09:42:00.000-07:002010-04-05T19:39:27.498-07:00

A few days ago we had a sonogram that showed that we had lost our baby. Please pray for us during this time as we try to heal and move forward from this awful nightmare.

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com23tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-12453507690729102010-03-24T11:06:00.000-07:002010-03-23T11:16:28.673-07:00

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-20258119913802566692010-03-22T19:30:00.000-07:002010-03-22T19:30:00.217-07:00

We had to cut our camping trip a bit short due to the rain.....which was good since it then snowed after that. It is weird how it was 75 one day and snowing not even 36 hours later. So we just stayed one night instead of two and the kids still had a blast!the big boys made a boat out of duct tape and a little wood.Jackson and Livi had to ride in the boat too....although they stayed on

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-51628228883080133412010-03-22T11:55:00.000-07:002010-03-22T11:55:00.362-07:00

Bingham Academy from DC on Vimeo.

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-53547814463486949952010-03-21T17:30:00.000-07:002010-03-21T17:30:00.409-07:00

So as we move forward, more details are getting firmed up. So I thought I would answer some of the common questions we are getting.So what exactly will you be doing there?Paul has accepted a position at Bingham Academy in Addis Ababa. He will teach computer to the jr. high and high school students there. We are really excited about this opportunity since Addis is home to the African Union and

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-77648245012537344032010-03-21T10:26:00.000-07:002010-03-21T10:37:40.882-07:00

that is as far as he got folks.....and as he was going in, little missy decided to venture outmaybe they look so miserable because of their Texas snow gear.......pajama pants and rain boots:)

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-40493559595565021952010-03-20T17:42:00.001-07:002010-03-20T17:45:27.061-07:00

My comments have not been working right for the last few days so I just found all the advice you all sent for my strong willed baby today! Thank you for all your encouragement and suggestions! We will definitely be taking them to heart and working through.....but praise God, the last week has been so much easier than the week before. We still have a lot of work to do but I think she was

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-6809691389145228302010-03-18T16:51:00.000-07:002010-04-05T19:39:52.709-07:00

How your baby's growing:Your new resident is nearly an inch long — about the size of a grape — and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-76183288536465653742010-03-16T21:10:00.001-07:002010-03-16T21:10:38.175-07:00

Ok, well this is funny and also super frustrating.....I try not to laugh and try not to get mad all at the same time. I normally don't blog about my parenting problems but in an attempt to make this blog more authentic and really show all the sides of parenting here I go.......I have hit a wall. After 5 years of preschool teaching and 3 years of being a mommy I have finally hit my wall. I love my

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-7369321100236354592010-03-15T10:54:00.000-07:002010-03-15T10:58:49.601-07:00

Jackson and Livi love watching this video so many times each day that the other day I heard it on the radio and started singing these lyrics instead.....gosh it is nice to be a mom:)

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-72360883137460191032010-03-13T20:00:00.000-08:002010-03-13T20:00:02.173-08:00

We had Jackson's party at a nearby farm and it was so much fun. My little man loves tractors so it was John Deere tractor themed. I will post my favorite pictures here but if you want to see how the whole event went down you can click on the Become a Fan on Facebook button to the right to view the picture album of Jackson's 3rd Birthday Party.We started out with a fun petting zoo.Then the

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-86326722084104751562010-03-13T07:41:00.001-08:002010-03-13T12:31:56.050-08:00

3 years ago today I became a mommy. It was one of the happiest days of my life. I can not believe my baby is turning 3 today! Jackson is such a sweet boy and I love watching him grow up into a little boy. He is caring and snuggly but also energetic and inquisitive. He loves to find out how things work, he might be a future engineer....although right now he wants to be an airplane pilot when he

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-30686974627877714592010-03-12T18:41:00.000-08:002010-03-12T18:41:00.580-08:00

Jackson had Circus Day at preschool yesterday. We had a lot of fun playing all of the circus games:)The ring of fire!he made it out safely!Bean Bag Toss- I was in charge of this game it got a bit chaotic but they loved it.no line, it was a bean bag tossing free for allhmm just noticed that he isn't even on the balance beam in this picture....ha.there we go that is better.strong manending the

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-17091881293304447952010-03-12T09:00:00.000-08:002010-03-12T08:41:59.041-08:00

Here is what we did in Tot School this week!We practiced fine motor skills with tweezers and pom pom ballsLivi is starting to get the hang of Tot School.Jackson helped me bake the cake for his cupcake bites.We practiced matching capital letters and lowercase and also practiced saying the names and sounds of the letters.Jackson got a new, fun Mickey Mouse matching dominoes game. It comes with 6

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-67240695608575864452010-03-11T17:26:00.001-08:002010-03-11T19:11:23.841-08:00

UPDATED: You can find out some more information here on this blog and be sure to keep an eye out on the US State Department website for official changes and information.Ethiopian Federal CourtI wish I had the time I used to to follow everything that is happening in Ethiopia, especially regarding adoptions. Somehow time is something I have very little of right now.....hmmm.Today I found out that

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-91272343536672172652010-03-11T13:34:00.000-08:002010-03-11T14:18:13.179-08:00

Yesterday I made these for Jackson to take to his preschool class for his birthday. I can't believe my baby is almost 3!They are cakeballs that look like cupcakes...so they are chocolate with cake in the middle if you aren't up on the cakeball hype. You can check out all the amazingly cute cakeballs, cake pops, cupcake bites at bakerella.com Just be careful, you will have a strong urge to

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-34694526949078892252010-03-09T14:55:00.000-08:002010-03-11T14:48:59.833-08:00

UPDATED: Sorry if the video wasn't working! Whitney Pratt is the winner!Congratulations! Email me at raising3babesinthe3rdworld@gmail.com with which shirt you want, your size, and address and I will order it for you! And for all of you that still want one for yourself just click here. Oh, and I am so touched by how all of you generously give to those in need and sponsor so many precious

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-444257810604062962010-03-02T06:53:00.000-08:002010-03-02T07:02:18.527-08:00

Melissa Hill over at A Long Way From the Theta House is giving away a book and cd set for one of my favorite speakers, Mary Flo Ridley! Actually, I have only heard Mary Flo speak once but that was all it took for her to climb to the top of my list! She speaks about talking to your kids about......well er, s-e-x. You see, I went from hiding in the corner in the fetal position with my fingers in

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-86975803922866163532010-03-01T18:49:00.000-08:002010-03-01T19:02:08.238-08:00

So I received some comments from some close friends, laughing at how we call Olivia the Destructor. You see, they know how deceiving that spunky, cute little girl can be. So this got me to thinking...yes, I know this can be dangerous.....but in the midst of preparing for missions, who better to entertain us than this face:We will start off with a bang.About a week ago I was doing Livi's hair in

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-16609688420054920762010-02-27T15:45:00.001-08:002010-02-27T16:35:03.217-08:00

Wow....you have to read this blog post @ It's Almost Nap Time. This is how I feel from deep within my heart for my sweet children......I pray the Lord will help me to live out this spirit and desire and pass it along to my little lovebugs.

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-55252821581727578572010-02-26T20:27:00.000-08:002010-02-26T21:16:07.933-08:00

Well, tot school hasn't made much of an appearance since Livi has been home but we have been trying to work it into our days more often the last few weeks. If you don't know what Tot School is you can hit the button below to find out all the details but basically it is a homeschool curriculum for preschoolers that focuses on learning through play. Jackson loves it and Livi is......well, she has

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9141018968586799503.post-20483683694612702432010-02-25T18:34:00.000-08:002010-04-10T18:35:13.187-07:00

Welcome to my brand new blog! I am so excited about all the changes coming up in our lives and how God is moving and guiding us. We are thrilled to be able to share with you as we embark on this new journey.....so what's all the big news?Well, I am sure by the title you can tell we are now expecting our third little babe! Baby #3 is expected to make his or her arrival sometime in October and

Paul and DeeDeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11379859517975476731noreply@blogger.com46