Family Honour - Jacob

Jacob Thomas Craig Smith was born July 2, 2012.

In the hospital! Day #1

He is number four in the Timothy Smith clan and 13 years younger than his closest sibling! SURPRISE!!! :) 

He has brought a special kind of cute and fun to the family - with his blonde hair, blue eyes, noisy play and snuggliness. 

He was celebrated in "Hungry Caterpillar" style with a house full of friends and family - holding the floor with poise ... leading in the "hoorays" and cheers!! :)

I pray that he will grow in 'wisdom and favour' ... to be all that God would have him be. I look forward to watching him grow and seeing his personality, interests, abilities and gifts develop. 

Love being an Aunty ... xo

Family Honour - Paula

So today is the birthday of Paddle (aka Paula). 

She entered our family's world in the late 80's with a big smile and even bigger hair!

Circa 1989 (ish)

Big brother Timmy's first "grown up" girlfriend. Jeans with Looney Tunes characters on them. Ready to mix it with the competitive Smiths at board games and backyard cricket. THE loudest football fan I HAD ever heard and am yet to hear to this day (with the possible exception of her twin sister Lisa!)!! :)

 

The wedding!

They were married in 1992 and it was my privilege to cry ... I mean SING at their ceremony!

Over the years we've played netball together, quilted and crafted, cooked and created ... and laughed ... she loves a good laugh!! :)

Amongst her finest contributions to our family are the oldest and youngest (for now) members of the next generation ... and a couple of others in between! :) 

Christmas 2012

Oh .. and her gracefulness ... we can't forget her gracefulness!!! 

"Miss Graceful" award recipient! :)

Happy Birthday to you Paddle!! Love you lots!

Family Honour - Timmy

Timothy Craig is my eldest brother. Yesterday was his birthday. He turned 43!!

Birthday kisses from #2 daughter Steph.

Timmy's greatest strength is his compassion and sensitivity. He is caring and emotional and soft and squishy! 
Whenever we see each other he always gives me the biggest of hugs - which is great for a single gal like me to have a 'manly' hug like that from time to time! :)
He's been through some 'stuff' in his life ... and sometimes things have been pretty messy, uncertain and difficult ... but somehow he always 'comes through'.
He loves God deeply and I know his greatest security is found in the hope he has in Jesus Christ. I admire that in him.

In our family he was always the "good" child. Rumour has it he never got in trouble until brother #2 came along and taught him how!
He was always the one to try and keep the peace, to mediate between the rest of us siblings, to dob us in and tell us off!

Us in 1978.

Us in 2013

Now he's old(er) and has a big, beautiful family.
He's working in a job that seems 'just right' for him - using his gifts and skills and keeping him challenged and motivated.
 

Tim & his clan - Paula, Rebecca, baby Jacob, Thomas & Steph

#25 on my "40 things to do before I'm 40" list is to publicly honour each of my family members on their birthday this year.

I think I'm going to enjoy this one! :)

Love you Timmy. xo