SpiderGirl

Who says girls can't have muscles?

Fun with the Rogers

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!

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

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...

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

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

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....