Chronicles of Farmia

ABC's

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 20:20:00 +0000

This really needs NO intro...just a cute moment caught on camera...

Nice...

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Fri, 26 Sep 2008 14:19:00 +0000

This is a such a refreshing and non-self-focused approach to the all-too-common blog.

Operation Nice

Gotcha Day 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Wed, 20 Aug 2008 20:59:00 +0000

Two years ago today, our lives changed forever. A sweet little lady named Yang Fu Bin made her way 6 hours in a sweaty bus with so many other babies - all in matching outfits - was placed into our arms in a VERY cold hotel meeting room - and stared with her big brown eyes straight into our soul.

We will never forget that day - the day that the families that traveled with us were changed forever too.

Here is a video to celebrate that moment and the journey that came with it.

We love you Bin-Bin!!

Modbe for You, Modbe for Me

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Mon, 28 Jul 2008 12:56:00 +0000

Loyal Readers (ie All 3 of you :))

As some of you may already know, I have recently undertaken a new venture that I completely believe in.

Modbe Clothing is a modest clothing line and although for many of you, that brings to mind the ever-stylish denim jumper and possibly an array of turtlenecks, this hip and fun company has in their arsenal long-fit camisoles, capsleeve t-shirts as well as an array of retro-ish swimsuits!

I stumbled upon this line on a recent trip to Indiana where the youth minister's wife where we were had recently begun selling it. I loved the suits so much, I bought two. They are long in the torso and the best description I have is that you feel "strapped in." :) I ended up loving the jeans as well (made high in the back while still maintaining the hip low-front fit as to avoid an appearance of "crack" :)) and their camisoles and capsleeves. So, in a nutshell, I was a customer before I was a consultant. It took a lot of prayer and discernment to decide if selling this would be in God's plan for our family's life. I was overwhelmed in that time of discernment by the idea that our young ladies need this kind of option so badly!! THIS is the reason I do it. NOT to make a extra buck, but to spread the word that "modest" doesn't have to be a word our young people shy away from - or not understand the meaning of why it is important.

In addition, since I know quite a few of you are in the midst of creating and adding new little people :) they offer a great maternity line as well as a line for kids and the selection is awesome!

I would invite you to visit my website and see this for yourself! You can order online through the website, or, if you're feeling the urge for socialization and live close to the Denver area, we can set up a party at your house. You can see the website at:

https://www.modbeclothing.com/joiafarmer

One word of caution. We are at the tail-end of the summer line and when the new line of clothing makes an appearance in early September, I will create another post letting you know all about the new stuff!! However, UNTIL then you can still order some great swimsuits and essentials such as the camisoles etc. Take a look!!

Let me know what you think!!

Joia

Together with the Sisters again...

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:13:00 +0000

We were together again with some families who we traveled to China with and had dinner at our friend's house.

Miss Katelyn Mae

Cassidy Tao

Miss Ava - hey, little miss, you got a little somethin' right there...

Jack - and Mr. Larry

Jack's First Baseball Game

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 13:07:00 +0000

First EVER organized sport. He was on the KC Royals team and just received his end of the year trophy and a word from the coach that he was "the fastest on the team" and a "natural born athlete." Yep...we're proud.
Here is one of his first times to bat...

Indiana

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Wed, 23 Jul 2008 12:59:00 +0000

Our trip to Carmel, Indiana to visit some good friends.

One of the coolest lightning storms we've been through. The lightning flashed constantly for about 2-3 hours. Here is ONE of those flashes.

Fun on the lake on Sunday

Caed is very secure in his manhood.

Ava is prepared to fly away - but still doesn't want to look.

Trip to Louisiana

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 20:23:00 +0000

Long time - no write...I know. We have been a bit busy. First the trip to Baton Rouge...then to Indiana...then off to Steubenville Conferences for Mom & Dad. We don't like relaxing summers, apparently.

So rather than blog about EVERY trip (that would get long and tedious for everyone) - I am planning on posting the highlight pictures of the summer...with maybe a word or two...

These are our pictures of our trip to the great state of Louisiana!

The kids on the slip and slide. Ava, John William & Caed

We just GAVE her those beads...no flashing required.

Yes...we did eat these...yum!!

So Sad....

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:55:00 +0000

For all who have adopted and even those who haven't - this will break your heart.

http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5hCX0xYfGnwKXZ56bJKPQoZGnyBKgD90QGLL80

First Grade - Here I Come!!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Thu, 22 May 2008 13:48:00 +0000

Jack has graduated from Kindergarten....thankfully...we were really worried about his entrance into an ivy league college.

Okay, not really...but some parents had gigantic bouquets of balloons and big gifts for their little ones. Yet, Jack was complete with a Happy Meal and we were too...with the answer the question asked of him, "What do you want to be when you grow up?"

Watch the video...

Ava Eats...

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Fri, 16 May 2008 01:45:00 +0000

So, we just spent 6 days in Baton Rouge with some good friends while Brad and Gene ministered at a parish mission. (more pictures to follow of this trip)

And so, Ava, our brave little adventurous eater of anything non-green or resembling of a vegetable ate...

Crawfish Stew and rice!

you go, little miss...

Houston...we have a loose tooth

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Thu, 15 May 2008 00:28:00 +0000

I know some of you who know we don't have dental insurance were tempted to think it was Brad or I...but...it's not (thank the Lord)...

JACK HAS A LOOSE TOOTH!! And, really, not just Houston should know about this.

Pictures to follow...

Sunday Morning

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Mon, 14 Apr 2008 20:27:00 +0000

No need to say anything else...

Good Review - Wait, MORE than good

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Thu, 10 Apr 2008 14:12:00 +0000

A couple months ago, I uploaded my CD to a website called CD Baby. It is the leading website for independent artists and brings the capability to Joe Schmoe to download my CD from iTunes.

Yesterday, I received this email:

"We love your "JOIA FARMER: Before & Afterlife" CD so much that we're
featuring it in our Editor's Picks section from now on.

We're REALLY picky about what we feature. We get about 200-250 new
albums a DAY coming in here now, (about 200,000 total), and yours is
one of the best we've ever heard.

HERE'S OUR REVIEW
The opening riff from "Water & Air," the first track on this strong
sophomore album, begins quickly, jumping into a steady and pressing
tempo that is flush with intention, clearly building to something. A
few bars later, the drums push things forward a bit more, making way
for the vocals, which mark the moment when this record really takes
off. This is Christian rock, if you have to classify it as such, but
get this: it actually rocks. Farmer lets her voice loose but locks in
on melody, climbing on top of tumbling bass lines and driving guitar
riffs, belting out lyrics that avoid cliche and embrace sincerity.
With a backing band that can jump from steady chugging beats to
funkier, more feel-oriented numbers (check out "Live For You"), she
has a rock solid foundation of sound to springboard from. It all
works, and she finds a way to maintain a spiritual message in her
music while never losing sight of the power of the music itself."

Yay....

And on that note, I want to plug a friend's new album. Matt Maher really sprung onto the major christian music scene when Chris Tomlin covered his song "Your Grace is Enough." Well, he just released his newest CD "empty and beautiful" yesterday and I am impressed! It is really and truly, in my opinion, his best.

You can google and buy it pretty much anywhere OR download it off of iTunes.

Train Ride - Ava EATS...

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:34:00 +0000

On Friday evening, my sister, Brandi and her husband, Tyler were in town with the cutest Ladd nephew, Jude. They came for Tyler's birthday to see a concert downtown and stay at a hotel - and generally get out of small town McCook, NE.

One of the last minute ideas we had was to take the LightRail downtown and have dinner with them. 40 minutes on a train was starting to worry me once we boarded the train, but except for the fact that the Rockies game had just ended once we got off the train and there were drunk people as far as the eye could see - we had a great time!

So fun! A Train!

The end of the ride. When does this thing ever stop?!?

Aunt Brandi & Ava

And here it is. AVA EATS #2. We went to an Indian Restaurant. Ava ate Chicken Tikka Masala (all over her face), Naan, and part of the indian dumpling we had. She is SO multicultural...

Haircuts, Pirates and Cheese - OH MY!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Fri, 04 Apr 2008 19:12:00 +0000

The last 24 hours have been rough on Caedmon.

First, a 102 degree fever yesterday morning that left him less than his usual mischievous self. Then, last night, while playing with his Uncle Ty, he threw himself somewhere in the vicinity of the couch (no one saw this occur) and obtained for himself a nasty shiner. This morning was the most traumatic, the most horrifying and the most terrible thing that has happened to Caed. It was a haircut. (insert dramatic music here) The moment I dropped his little caboose in the chair, he screamed. I'm sorry that didn't quite describe it...he actually SCREAMED!! And writhed like a madman - it took three of us to hold him down. It took about 5-7 minutes and a lollipop to get it over with -
but I'm pretty sure it took 5 years off of my life.

Caed, a black eye (his right - your left) and newly buzzed head
(Don't let the smile deceive you)

And because I took a picture of Caedmon, Ava (the Cheese Monster) attacked the camera.
If you can't tell - she is screaming CHEESE!!

And that brings me to Jack. Whose Hero persona changes by the week. This week its a combo. Prince Caspian AND the Man in Black (princess bride).
Don't ask me why he is wearing a white t-shirt.

Life is an adventure...

SpiderGirl

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Sat, 29 Mar 2008 14:42:00 +0000

Who says girls can't have muscles?

Fun with the Rogers

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:42:00 +0000

It is a rare occurrence, yet a good one, when you "get" to spend time with friends - and even when you don't see them, say, everyday - it's been a year - you can pick up where you left off. These are true friends.

Not to mention, they went through the trouble of documenting and blogging about it.

http://therogerszoo.blogspot.com/

Easter 2008!

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 13:35:00 +0000

Easter Basket Fury

Mara-Bunny

HE IS RISEN!!

Our second favorite holiday (Christmas being the first)...a time of renewal and joy...

We attended church in the morning and spent the afternoon with loved ones. As you can see, it is almost impossible for us to get a picture when one of the kids isn't 'in action.'

Santa Fe Excursion

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Mon, 24 Mar 2008 22:53:00 +0000

Last weekend, I had the fortunate privilege to hit the road with my sisters in on-the-road ministry. We journeyed the 5 hours to Santa Fe, NM where we luxuriated (is that a word?) at the Inn and Spa at Loretto. It was an awesome time of laughter, fun, relaxation and car troubles. I haven't been able to find the words to describe the entire weekend - just snippets. Here are those snippets:

1. It's really funny to tell your female roommate that you are willing to spoon with them :)

2. Enterprise Rent-a-Car's, Chad, is a now a broken man.

3. It is possible to have too many Joia Farmer's in the world.

4. It is ENTIRELY possible that out of the four of us women - I would be the one to get the man to massage me at the spa.

5. A bath is better with a fruit plate.

6. The largest turquoise nugget is less than impressive.

7. When you tell someone you are going to a TAPAS restaurant - make sure you emphasize the fact that there are no L's in that word.

8. There is nothing more fun that to go the Georgia O'Keefe museum with a bunch of giggling women.

9. Guacamole is better made table-side.

10. Journaling SOUNDS fun.

11. A miraculous staircase is also very magical.

12. A surprise bridal shower at the Olive Garden lunch rush is WAY more fun with tiaras and a large sprinkling of purple heart-shaped glitter.

13. There is nothing like starting the trip dressed to the nines and ending it in a junkyard.

See my friend Anne Marie's posts... one of the funniest people I know (who I also did spoon with)...She's got one of the best (and most entertaining) blogs around.

http://www.getoverthetop.com/chronicle/

Ava Eats...

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:43:00 +0000

So, I've decided to post an occasional update here and there about what Ava WILL eat.

The girl has decided that ANY fruit and vegetable not in pureed form is not worth trying. In addition, anything green, remotely green or with green specks is an immediate 'no.' Yes, it frustrates me...but I refuse to let the negative rule!! So, I will only be posting the new things that shock and surprise me that she will eat.

Today's surprise: Guacamole.

Bogged down by the thought of Blogging

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Fri, 21 Mar 2008 17:40:00 +0000

Man, I stink at this blogging stuff. I promise I will get better - those three of you who might still check this blog - because there really is so much to say.

Two Farmerling birthdays. New Countertops, furnace and dental work going right along with the possibility of returning to a 9-5 job. A girl's trip to Santa Fe. And Easter - one of my two fave holidays.

More to come...

People who gave AKA Affirmation Circle

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Sat, 26 Jan 2008 00:01:00 +0000

9 days in the same sleeping quarters, buses, planes and small huts with the same people could get annoying...but luckily we were traveling with some stellar people. And, now we miss them. Yes, like a bad summer camp movie, I miss my friends. Here is a tribute to those who gave of themselves.

From Clockwise Top Left to Right (besides us):

Elaine: Mom of two. Diocesan Youth Director. Fierce advocate for the poor complete with a cute giggle. Non-complainer.

Rox: Mom of Gene and two others. Retired and now professional advocate for those who need advocating. Fast talker and fast learner. Mama of the group and owner of the hairdryer that somewhat saved my life in Chimbote.

Lindsay: Walking encyclopedia and compliment-giver. Fellow Barista and considering her options for the future. Great conversationalist and iPod listener. Caring, generous, loving and one of two (she's a twin).

Jessica: Fellow music-lover. Teaches piano and violin. Optimist and adventurous eater. Devoted daughter of God and a beautiful tall drink of water. Also, one of our resident translators and volleyball players.

Kim: As you will notice from her picture, distracted probably trying to translate something for us. Mental therapist for at-risk youth and legislative assistant for the Puerto Rican congressman. Awesome laugh and contagious optimism.

Kris: Gorgeous smile. Advocate for missing and exploited children. Hard worker and not afraid to get a little dirt on her. Bearer of bobby pins. Master of sand tic-tac-toe and skin-peeling. :)

Kristy: Manages a law office...but Sweet. I'm pretty sure possesses most the attributes of Mary. Unassuming presence with a great smile and a tan to match. A true heart for kids and a ready tear for mourning with those who mourn.

Laura: Tattoo artist. My space-mate for 9 days. Calm, peaceful and loving. Open-minded to things that aren't familiar. A true artist who wears the same proudly. Originator of the term "thongist," and contagious giggler.

Gene: One of my bosses. Last but certainly not least. Close friend couldn't describe it. Resident veteran. Information processor. Mountain-climbing-bus-terrifying savior. Wonderful organizer and personal trainer in poverty-witnessing. Love.

Jack: Rockstar extraordinaire. Tryer of all foods. Survivor of developing country animal attacks. Friend of those who need friends.

More later....

Home but Unfinished

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Fri, 25 Jan 2008 03:13:00 +0000

Yesterday we saw a bit of the wonderful city of Lima, capital of Peru. We then flew through the night back to the States, ran through Houston airport to make our connection, barely made it, two and a fourth more hours in the air, followed by a four hour car drive (round-trip) straight from the airport to pick up Caed and Ava from Grandma Cheryle. (We were so blessed to have Grandpa Randy & Grandma Cheryle take excellent care of them so we could be a part of this experience.) Needless to say we are exhausted. The story is far from being told as it should, so even though we are back in Colorado, stay tuned for the rest of the experience (including more pictures, more perspective on the slums of Chimbote, Our Lady of Guadalupe Espresso, skulls underneath Lima, and a place where you can make contributions to the church that will directly benefit the people of Chimbote). Thank you for your prayers and continue to keep Fr. Jack, those he serves, and all those who go without basic human necessities today in your prayers!

Last Work Day in Chimbote

noreply@blogger.com (Brad & Joia) — Tue, 22 Jan 2008 03:41:00 +0000

OK, so even from Peru we have heard of your complaints about pictures being loaded. The problem is with our software to resize the pictures, and we can't load large size ones due to slowness of the internet connection. We can do it with Gene's help on his laptop, but by the time our day ends and I begin writing, everyone is exhausted and in bed already. We haven't had the luxury of spare time in the morning to do this and siesta time has been consumed with needed rest. Don't worry, they are coming.

Today was our last day in Chimbote and it was a full day of work. More room and roof building and repair in the hot Peruvian sun. Even just standing around can be tiring at times. We directly did significant construction in three homes and bought materials for repairs in a fourth. In each situation the families were there and we had plenty of interaction with them and the construction workers hired by the church. These people are wonderful... they are an inspiration!

At times we experienced a frustration of having to just stand around and wait... sometimes because it was a portion of the job that had to be completed before moving on that didn't require group effort, sometimes because there was only one person who how the job needed to be done and forthcoming steps weren't communicated well (or at all). There were times toady and previously when it felt like a lot of waiting and watching the locals work. This was frustrating to everyone in our group because we saw how much needed done and didn't want to waste time, we didn't come here to just stand around... we wanted to be useful. In those moments I learned a lot. Being "useful" is not our mission here. We have to get over ourselves and realize we're not the first group to come here (they've been coming regularly for decades), and we certainly won't be the last (a group of 24 from all over the US arrives tomorrow). Our time here is helpful... this sort of mission is invaluable and many more people need to get out here, but there is more involved than just "work". We are here being educated in this reality of the world in a way no multi-media presentation can get across, not to fix everything in a few short days... Yes, it is absolutely important to address with passion and full energy the effects of poverty while working to eradicate the causes of it!! But it is also important to have an encounter with a person, with a people... to tell their stories, to PRAY for them, and to know the world is better for having them in it, and to come away with more conviction and passion to change what should never be allowed to happen to another human being.

I also learned to re-evaluate my sense of "usefulness" in the moment. While "just standing and waiting" you can still pray! They also proved to be great opportunities for conversation with the other people in our group. (And if I spoke Spanish it would have been an incredibly rich opportunity to hear the stories of the families we met.) It is also more important to let the homeowner step in front of you and take over without being offended by them. It is their home, let them own it. Give them the dignity and ownership they deserve in the project. (Not to mention letting the workers make sure the job is done right. It's one thing for me to tire myself out, get all sweaty, pat myself on the back for feeling "useful", but quite another to make sure these families have a properly constructed home, built as they desire to meet their needs that they will spend their days and nights in long after I'm half a world away.) Eventually I came to enjoy standing in their homes, putting my muscle into it when I could, but also silently praying while in that physical location. NEVER underestimate the power of your prayer!

Tomorrow we have another l-o-n-g bus ride to Lima. We'll have a day to see that city, and then back to our homes... at least physically.

Dirty and in love. Site of our house re-building. This is someone's bedroom.

View of Chimbote from Our Lady of Perpetual Help

This is Quiara (pronounced like "Kee-ar-ah"). She was the almost 3 year old who charmed us while we worked on her home. Behind her is her mother's stove and kitchen. Please take a moment to pray for her mother who struggles to raise 3 children while taking care of her ailing mother.