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.  :) 

Happy Birthday, Papa!!!!!
What a blessing it is to be your daughter and have the God-given gift of calling you "Papa". What you mean to me, how much I love you, and how grateful I am for you cannot be put into words. I can only say that you are AMAZING! God has given you so much grace in raising, training, and instructing me in the ways of the Lord. For that, I am grateful. Thank you for being so diligent in helping to choose godly friends for me and keeping my heart pure.
Whatever happens in this next year, I know that we will not walk alone. Our God has been, is, and always will be faithful to us. I love you and I pray that we may be granted many more blessed years with you.

To God be the Glory,

Much love,

Hannah

(Philippians 1:27)

You know that your little brother is growing up when...

He still reads that book. :)

You know that your little brother is growing up when...

...He answers the phone and his voice sounds like your dad's; you won't (absolutely refuse to!) believe him when he says he's your brother...

...He fits into your dad's boots...

...He's shorter than you when you leave on a 10 day trip and is taller than you when you get back...

...His hands are about twice the size of yours...

...You have to refer to his "work schedule" before making plans for a group phone call...

...You look back on photos from last year and he looks like a little kid...

Yes, my biggest little brother is growing up.  Where did the time go!?! 

Happy 16th Birthday, Elijah.  I cannot describe in mere words what you mean to me.  You are a brother, friend, encourager, gentleman, joy, blessing, patient with me when I'm not patient with you :), one who keeps me accountable, keeps me laughing, and, most of all, you love the Lord.  To sum it all up, you are an amazing brother!  May your day be wonderfully blessed because of Jesus.  I pray that we may be so blessed as to celebrate many more years of God's grace in your life.  I love you (so much!).

They got creative one day and took the coastguard legos out on a floating "island" in the pool. :) 

This photo was taken last year... 

...and this was taken a few months ago.  He sure has grown up!!! 

Jeremiah's 14th Birthday!

Dear Jeremiah,

Happy 14th birthday!

You are growing into a wonderful, strong, handsome young man and I am very grateful (and proud!) to have you as my brother.  You have such a servant's heart.  I love your sense of humor that brightens my life every day, and yet, I also love your solemnity whenever we are speaking of important things - things of the Lord.  It has been a joy and pleasure to see you grow and mature over the past year.  You always amaze me with your endurance during (h-a-r-d!) workouts and your ever-ready smile/grin.  I love the nicknames you have for me, I love doing math with you :), I love your laugh, I love you through and through.  May you have a super blessed 14th year and may you grow in your love for the Lord and His people.  Happy birthday, dear brother!

To God be the Glory,
With love and thankfulness for you,

Hannah

To a Wonderful Mama

Dearest Mama,

Happy Birthday! 

You are such an inspiration to me as I see where you've come from and what God has done in your life.  You bless me more and more every day and I love you SO much!

To me, you are a priceless treasure and I know that the rest of your grateful family can say the same.  I love the funny, clever, quick witted comments that you make once in a while and how you make me laugh.  I love your smile your laugh, and your servant's heart.  I love your delicious cooking.  I love listening to Handel's Messiah while working in the kitchen with you.  I love how you stay strong in the Lord through the hard times. I love seeing your devotion to Papa, and your love for him. I love witnessing your sweet care of your family.  I love the Lord's grace and mercy to me in giving me a dear friend in you.  I love so many things about you, but most of all, I love seeing Christ in you.  You are a testimony to His perfect grace and mercy. 

May you have a blessed birthday!  I love you! 

To God be the Glory,

Love,

Hannah

Mama, pregnant with me. 

Mother's Day 1997. 

Mama and Elijah. 

Jeremiah napping with Mama who is pregnant with Christian. 

Mama and little baby Christian. 

Playing baseball at the park. 

Mmmm...ice cream! :)