Church Field Day

Yesterday was our Church Field Day. I guess you could call it a "Field Night" because we did it in the evening.

But I thought you might want to see some pictures from it.

They grilled hotdogs and hamburgers for supper. Afterwards there was a jumping contest, an obstacle course, a turtle race, 200 meter dash, and volleyball. 

Brittany and me waiting...

Lydia and Elaine told me I needed to take a picture of the K-State fans.

This swimming pool was part of an obstacle course

My age group is being showed how it is done.

 While we were waiting to play v-ball, some of us decided to make a pyramid.

 Ta-da! the finished product before it broke down. 

I'm on the bottom in the blue and brown stripe shirt. My little sister, Addy, is on the second level from the bottom on the far left.

I had a pretty good time...

~Susanna

Honoring Parents

 The other day I had to write an essay on the topic of honoring parents. I thought you might enjoy it.

Honoring Parents

“Children, obey your parents in the Lord” for this is right. Honor thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”  (Ephesians 6:1-3)
    Honor means: 1) a source of credit or distinction: 2) high respect, as for worth, merit, or rank: 3) such respect manifested: 4) the privilege of teeing off in golf before the other player or side, given after the first hole to the player or side that won the previous hole. and 5) being respectful in word and action. The Greek word for honor means “to revere, prize, and value.”
Honor, spelled “Honour” in the Bible, means in this case would be number 5) “being respectful in word and action”. I think it would also include doing what they ask you to do, known to most people as “obeying”.
    In Colossians is says; “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto they Lord” (Colossians 3: 20) In Exodus is was given as one of the Ten Commandments. “Honour, thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.” (Exodus 20:12)  It’s not saying that if you honor your parents the days will seem very long (as in time wise), but it means that you will live a long time and be happy.
    Donna Otto says, “The ten commandments are not ten suggestions. All of us resist being told what to do. No one in the world wants to be told what to do be anyone (parents). But God is our parents. He gives them for our good. He says of you do this, I know what will happen- you will be blessed”. Here is another quote on obeying: “Only the believer obeys, and only the obedient believes. “  (D. Bonhoeffer)
    Solomon, whom God called the “wisest man on earth”, even talks about what will happen to you if you don’t honor your parents in Proverbs. “The eye that mocketh at his father, and despiseth to obey his mother, the ravens of the valley shall pick it out, and the young eagles shall eat it.” (Proverbs 30:17) And in chapter one, verse eight; “My son, hear the instruction of thy father, and forsake not the law of thy mother:” Also, in chapter thirteen, verse one; A wise son heareth his father’s instruction: but a scorner heareth not rebuke.”
    So, even if we don’t want to “honor” our parents, we are suppose to because it is God’s will. We don’t have a choice weather we want to do it or not. Here is a quote about God’s will: “How often do we seek by prayer to discover and to know the will of God? Instead of asking Him to do his will, instead of turning to Him and saying, “Thy way, not mine, O Lord, However dark it be.” We simply ask Him to do our will and to carry out our desires.” (Martyn Lloyd Jones)
    Here are four applications of how you could (and should) honor your parents. 1) By obeying what they say and ask with the right attitude and right away, weather we like it or not. 2) Since honor also means “respect”, we should respect them to in the way we talk and act. One way is to thank them when they do something for you. 3) Another thing you could do is looks for ways to help them, especially when they look like they need help. Or even when they don’t need help, they might like it.  And lastly, number 4) You could also pray for them. They always could use and need prayer from anyone. So, pray for your parents whenever you think about it.                 And I think that's it for now.                                    

   

~Susanna

Old Photos...

I was bored, so I was looking at old photos. (I seem to do that a lot) Maybe I should clarify what I mean by bored. That doesn't mean I don't have anything to do, just that I don't want to do what maybe I should be doing. :) 

Anyway, I thought you might find some of these old photos interesting, because I can't think of anything else to post...

Here I'm with my four older siblings posing for a Christmas photo. (l to r) Charis, Nathan, Kelsey, Isaac, and I'm in Kelsey's lap.

Isaac, Charis, and I growing up.

Here is what we looked like last September.  I guess we've changed just a little.

I really like this picture of Isaac, me, and Titus (the baby.) 

I was a cute kid at that age.

~Susanna

Yoanna!!!!!

Guess what? I'm an Aunt!!!!!!! I can't hardly believe it.

Yoanna Charis Martin was born last night @ 11:30 P.M. And she is actually cute in the pictures.

The only problem is that I don't get to see her because she lives in Pennsylvania and I live in Kansas.

~Susanna

Psalm 118

O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: because his mercy endureth for ever.  Let Israel now say, that his mercy endureth for ever. Let the house of Aaron now say, that his mercy endureth for ever.  Let them now that fear the LORD say, that his mercy endureth for ever.  I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place.  The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?  The LORD taketh my part with them that help me: therefore shall I see my desire upon them that hate me.  It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in man.  It is better to trust in the LORD than to put confidence in princes.  All nations compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD will I destroy them.  They compassed me about; yea, they compassed me about: but in the name of the LORD I will destroy them.  They compassed me about like bees; they are quenched as the fire of thorns: for in the name of the LORD I will destroy them. Thou hast thrust sore at me that I might fall: but the LORD helped me.  The LORD is my strength and song, and is become my salvation.  The voice of rejoicing and salvation is in the tabernacles of the righteous: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.  The right hand of the LORD is exalted: the right hand of the LORD doeth valiantly.  I shall not die, but live, and declare the works of the LORD. The LORD hath chastened me sore: but he hath not given me over unto death. This gate of the LORD, into which the righteous shall enter. I will praise thee: for thou hast heard me, and art become my salvation.  This is the LORD'S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes. This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.  Save now, I beseech thee, O LORD: O LORD, I beseech thee, send now prosperity.  Blessed be he that cometh in the name of the LORD: we have blessed you out of the house of the LORD.  God is the LORD, which hath shewed us light: bind the sacrifice with cords, even unto the horns of the altar.  Thou art my God, and I will praise thee: thou art my God, I will exalt thee.  O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.  The stone which the builders refused is become the head stone of the corner.  Open to me the gates of righteousness: I will go into them, and I will praise the LORD:           Psalm 118

         Have a good Sunday tomorrow!


~Susanna

Giveaway...

This morning I saw that Cupcake Dictionary is doing a giveaway to name her Camera. So, of course, I'm going to enter it.

 

 If you could have any camera in the whole wide world (money is no object) what kind of camera would you get?   The newest Nikon on the block. 

What kind of photos are you most interested in taking, looking at, etc (macro, food, nature, portraits)?  macro and candids. 

Canon or Nikon?  can I say both? 

Which inspires you most: Sunny days or Rainy days?   today, it is raining and I love it! 

A normal summer day would find you:  working outside probably. Fridays I would be baking and Saturdays I would be at Farmers Market selling. 

One word to describe you:  crazy...probably. that's a question you should ask my family. :)

Ok, here are the names that she picked:

     a. Sierra Leone

     b. Sierra Dior

     c. Mia Amour

     d. Mi Amora

     e. other:

I guess I'm picking E. Here's what I like: "Keanna" or "Carliss". They kinda different, but I think they're pretty. Both of the names come from Chuck Black books. If you haven't read them, you should. 

Have fun naming your camera, Jocee.

~Susanna

Best Cinnamon Rolls Ever!!!!

After I got home this afternoon, I made cinnamon rolls for my brother. You see, he is leaving tomorrow and these cinnamon rolls are his favorite.

Now, these aren't just any kind of cinnamon roll. This recipe has a great secret ingredient...which is POTATOES!!!

Yeah, I know that sounds kinda weird, but it works. They taste awesome.

My sister got the recipe from a friend about 2 or 3 years ago. Since then we haven't even wanted to try a different kind. It is something you should give a try.

Potato Cinnamon Rolls or (BEST Cinnamon Rolls in the world!)

1 T. yeast
2 cups warm water
1 T. sugar

dissolve and proof (takes 5-10 minutes) then add:

1/3 cup milk
2/3 cup oil
1 3/4 t. salt
2 eggs
1/2 cup mashed potatoes
1 cup sugar
7-8 cups flour

Knead, then let rise until doubled (about 1 hour).
Now, the fun part: Roll out, spreading with 1/4 cup melted butter. Sprinkle with cinnamon sugar mixture (1 T. cinnamon & 1 cup sugar). Roll up jelly roll style. Cut into slices, then place cut sides down into a greased baking dish.

Let rise 30 minutes. Bake @ 400 degrees for 20 minutes

Frost when warm ~ to prepare frosting : Cook 1 cup milk with 1 T. flour stirring frequently until think and bubbly. let cool!
Cream 1 cup butter, 1 cup sugar, & 1 T. vanilla  ~ then add cooked flour mixture.

For best results, our 1/2 frosting on when hot, then remaining frosting within 10-15 minutes.

Makes 24-30 rolls    Prep time about 2 1/2 - 3 hours

Needless to say, they are my family's favorite.

~Susanna

The Music Man

Last Saturday a very good friend of mine, invited me to go with her to The Music Man.

It was my first time to see a live musical and I was really excited.  The Music Threatre of Wichita put in on and did a great job.

Overall I thought the plot was kinda lame, but the acting, dancing, and singing was awesome! I thought it was fun seeing everything live.

Now I have the songs stuck in my head and they won't leave. 

"Cash for the merchandise, cash for the button hooks
Cash for the cotton goods, cash for the hard goods
Cash for the fancy goods..."

"Seventy-six trombones led the big parade
With a hundred and ten cornets close at hand.
They were followed by rows and rows of the finest virtuo-
Sos, the cream of ev'ry famous band..."

So, if you haven't seen it, I think you should. If you have seen it, tell me what you think about it.

~Susanna

Wheat, Tea, and Whatever...

It was raining yesterday evening and Charis (my sis) was outside taking photos of the wheat. Well, I guess she did that after the rain stopped.

I love wheat fields. They can be so pretty!

The neighbor's outbuilding

I was climbing on the fence for whatever reason. It was a little windy, but what else is the KS weather like?

At supper time I tried coming up with something like the Tea I had at Starbucks.

I thought it turned out good, except it needed to be a little more sweet. My Grandma tried it and puckered up. It was really funny. She thought it was way too sour.

~Susanna

Passion Tea Lemonade

I have a new favorite drink...

Starbucks calls this Tazo® Shaken Iced Passion Tea Lemonade.

My brother, sister, and I were at Starbucks drinking coffee. I was sitting facing the counter, when I saw one of the workers drinking something like this. It looked so good I decided to go order it. I got up there and he asked me what I wanted and I said whatever it was that he was drinking. He said they actually didn't have it on the menu, but that it was a version if this tea. I wanted it anyway, so he made it for me. Oh my, it was sooooooo good!!!!!!!! 

I think I'm going to try to come up with something like it.

~Susanna

Blog Party!

I was looking at different websites and came across this blog party and decided to do it. You can go look it up if you want. 

The deal is you're suppose to answer 10 questions. So, that's what I'm going to do.

1) What are two songs that describe you? I have no idea. Someone else would have to answer that question.

2) What do you most fear?  Probably messing something up.

3) What color(s) dominate(s) your wardrobe?   demin, blue, brown, black. almost any color looks good on me, thankfully. 

4) How do you normally do you hair?    Ponytail and just hanging down. unless I have a ton of time, then I do something else.

5) Do you prefer milkshakes or smoothies?   Both. but fruit smoothies are tops!! 

6) Do you like the color pink?   usually, but not pale pink.

7) What is your favorite flower?  Roses and Daises!!!!!!! (and who doesn't like those)

8) How many states have you been to?  11 and my favorite is KANSAS!!!

9) What is your favorite thing about June?  The local homeschool conference, ice cream, and I do love summer.

10) Describe your "dream wedding location.   I don't have one at this moment. Because the guy I marry will probably want a say in that.  :)


There are my answers. Now, you can do your own if you like.

~Susanna

2011 TPA

This past weekend was our local Homeschool Conference. The speaker this year was Dr. Voddie Baucham. He did an awesome job and inspired a ton of people, including me.

 The best part about the homeschool conference is that I get to work as a hostess. A host gets to introduce speakers, do security, hand out bags, etc. It is fun to get to help out and in the mean time get to meet a ton of people. Also, I got to know the people I met last year a whole lot better. 

 

This it my friend Mica S.
I've worked with her the past two years and have had a blast!

Part of the time was spent working Dr. Voddie Baucham's booth.

And some of it was spent hosting workshops or keynotes.

Which was nice because I wanted to listen to them anyway.

Or, when you had free time you looked around the vendor hall. This year I was too busy and ended up not buying anything.

Sorry, we didn't take many photos. Way to busy talking.

~Susanna