My (Big!) Littlest Brother :)

Mr. Smiley Face :)

Happy Birthday (a day late) dear littlest brother! 

There is absolutely no possible way you can be 8 years old already!!!  Where did that curly-haired little boy go!?!  Jonnie, you have grown up so fast - too fast, just like any child does.  Next thing I know, you'll probably be 16 and taller than me. :) 

I need to treasure these precious moments, days, and years that I have with you.  I am so grateful that God gave you to me as my littlest brother!  I love the sweet personality He has given you, your big hugs, your gentle and loving  demeanor, and your great smile.  You are an amazing gift!

I am excited to see what our Lord has in store for your life, what kind of man you will grow up to be, and how God will use you to advance His kingdom.  You are so special to me, Jonnie, and I love you so much!  May your 8th year be blessed.

To God be the Glory,
Love,
Hannah

Me and my Buddy... :)

Summer 2011:

Elijah and I took Jonnie out on our uncle's pond to do a little fishin'. 

Love Jonnie's "squinty" face in the above picture!  :)

Chasing frogs around Grandpa's pond. 

10

Happy 10th Birthday, Christian!!! 

Wow!  Double digits already!  Truly, I can not believe how fast you have grown up. 

Such a short time ago, you were calling yourself "Creaky" and "Kiwi" because you couldn't pronounce your name.  "Rogers Rogers" was your hero, "Jommywish" was (and still is!) your best buddy, and you were singing to my (ahem...very squeaky and poor!) violin playing.  :)  I loved it when you would praise the Lord at the top of your voice...and you didn't care what other people thought (and that's probably good, because it was just so stinkin' cute!).  :)  We called you "Roundys", and you had the cutest little grin! You still do.  :)

Yes, much has changed since then, but much has also stayed the same. I really, really love you more than ever.  I love how your brothers are your best friends, and I'm your favorite sister.  :)  I still love your grin, and your laugh, and your amazing personality.  I love how you make me laugh, and I love that you are my little brother.  I am so in awe that God would bless me with a brother like you.  You mean more to me than you can know and I love you more every day.

Happy Birthday, Christian!  May your 10th year be blessed and may you be blessed with many more years in the service of our King.  Always, always, always honor the Lord with your life.  Every day, put on the whole armour of God.  Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.

I love you Christian, and I am forever grateful that the Lord gave you to me as a little brother.

To God be the Glory,
Much love,
Hannah

Ephesians 6:10-19
" Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might.  Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.  For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.  Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness,  and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace;  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God;  praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints—  and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel,  for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak."

*speechless!*

That red hair - I love it!!! 

4 of my favorite guys...ever! :) 

Scoolwork outside on a chilly Spring day.  FUN! 

I love them together!

Handsome! 

It is so fun to sleep outside (under a tarp!) on a cool fall night.

A friendly fight with their corn stalk "swords".  :) 

Hospital gloves repurposed.  :) 

Pots De Creme

 

(Pronounced "po duh krehm")

Jonnie calls them "cocoa cream".  :)

Mama bought me the Pioneer Woman Cookbook for my birthday earlier this year and I can't tell you how many amazing recipes we've used from it already. I would most definitely recommend that you buy it if you don't already own it. 

I made this recipe for the first time just a week ago and it was such a success that I made it again tonight.  I hope that you enjoy it just as much as we did!  :)  It's pure, creamy, melt-in-your-mouth (literally!), goodness. :)

Ingredients:

12 ounces, weight Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips
4 whole Eggs, Room Temperature
2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
1 pinch Salt
8 ounces, fluid Strong Hot Coffee

Directions:

First thing to do is to take your eggs out of the refrigerator ahead of time and let them come to room temperature before starting.

When eggs are at room temperature you can begin by placing the chocolate chips into a blender. Follow this with the eggs and the vanilla.  Add a pinch of salt. Turn on the blender.

While it is blending, remove the circular disk from the blender lid and very slowly pour in 8 ounces of strong, VERY HOT coffee. It is essential that your coffee be extremely hot in order for the final product to be the right consistency and texture.

Blend for a minute or so until mixture is smooth and fairly free of visible bits of chocolate.

Pour the mixture into your serving glasses or little demitasse cups, leaving plenty of room to add a heap of whipped cream later.

Place in the refrigerator for at least 3 to 4 hours so the mixture has a chance to set.

Garnish with whipped cream and maybe a chocolate curl or two and you have an easy, delicious and yes, elegant, dessert!