Friday Favorite: My Family (I Know It's Monday)

Happy Valentine's Day friends! I hope your day is going well so far. 

If you follow my blog, then you might have realized that I did not post a "Friday Favorite" last Friday. Work and life were hectic last week which left me little time to focus on the blog. But it so happens that it worked out because my Friday Favorite was going to be my family. It just seems more fitting to introduce them to you on Valentine's Day since they are the loves of my life.

Starting with my mother (gosh I hope I can write this without getting that dreadful knot in my throat). She is honestly my best friend. I can talk to her about anything and I can trust that she will listen and honor every single word that I say. She is THE single most giving person that I know and she has always put the needs of others before her own. She is  the person who will help out at birthday parties, weddings, and even funerals for people that she barely knows- all in the name of giving to someone else who is in need. She is also very loyal and loving. She has been married to my dad almost 35 years...

and they still love each other very much. I'm one lucky girl.

People say that I look like my mom, but they also say that I act more like my dad- which is true. My mom is very outgoing and is certainly a people person. My dad and I are more reserved and quiet. Dad is the most devoted, hard-working, supportive, loving and kind man that I know. Perhaps that is why I'm still not married- I have yet to meet any man like him. He is also exceptionally smart. He loves the news, history and politics. By the way, that picture is of us in the White House press room. We took a tour of the West Wing together last year. Great times...

He just retired from NASA after working there for over 30 years. Right before he retired, he had the opportunity to meet President Obama. I know that Obama does not make everyone smile. But that is one of the biggest smiles I have ever seen on my dad. It's rare that people get to meet any President and he was just elated that day.

My brother has a mixture of both of our parents personalities. He is extremely loving and giving. He's the guy that will literally give you the shirt off of his back if you need it or if yours is not sufficient. He also gives the best hugs EVER. But like my dad and I, he also has the tendency to be quiet and reserved at times. He is an extremely talented graphic designer. He started an airbrush business in our garage in his early teens and now works as a graphic designer and runs his airbrush business on the side. He is also really good at fencing, which I find to be quite fascinating.

 

And last but not least, my "child" Maxwell. You should know that it has taken me FOREVER to write this due to the fact that he has been in my lap nudging my hand and wanting attention the entire time. But I love him, so it doesn't matter. Max was originally supposed to be my mom's cat. I planned to purchase a cat for her shortly after her cat passed away. But she called me the day before my appointment with the breeder to tell me that she was not ready for another cat. But I kept the appointment anyway, which was one of the best decisions I have ever made. He is very human-like, loving, loyal and just a great pet.

Those are the loves of my life and the people who I am thinking about on this special day. I am so blessed and I thank God for them everyday.

And yes, I do have a knot in my throat. :)

Images 1 & 5: Shannon Jackson Photography

Image 6: Dana Eason Photography