Yesterday I drove to the other side of Austin to wish my daughter-in-law a happy birthday in person for the first time, grateful that they finally live close enough that I can do that. It comes in handy for someone like me who always forgets to put birthday cards in the mail in time to arrive by the actual birthday.

I first met her when she was in high school, and have watched mostly from a distance as she grew into the beautiful, smart, fun 26-year-old woman she is today…

Tommy and kirby close(photo by Bloom Photography)

They're settling into their new home and I love being able to see the progress. Tommy even installed one of those pull-down stairs to the attic in the garage, all by himself! And every time I go, Kirby has added new decorative touches.

It was pretty early in the morning – I was on my way to a new listing on that side of town – and they wouldn't let me take any new photos of them. But my grandpuppy Josie was willing to pose for my camera!

 

Nov 16 13-1256

 

Pretty girl!

Here are a few other sweet!s from the past week…

 

Monday: open roads when you're running late; support and guidance in your new job; figuring out problems on your own; your son cooking dinner for you

Tuesday: signed contracts; exploring cute little flipped houses; riding in a car full of women realtors

Wednesday: clear skies on your drive to and from Houston; giving your mom a birthday hug and kiss, and joining your brother, sister, niece, and nephew in helping her celebrate

 

IMG_1251

DSC_0227

Thursday: lunch at Mandolo's with your daughter; traveling to Munich and Prague via your son's photos

Friday: finally buying a new printer/scanner/copier, thanks to your thoughtful writing group; taking a break from everything to read a few chapters of "Game of Thrones" for the first time in weeks

 

Pedernales River nov 16 13-1288

 

Saturday: your name and number on a For Sale sign in front of a listing; water in the Pedernales River, despite the major drought; soaking in views of the Texas Hill Country; helping raise money for the sons of a friend who died way too young; seeing the full moon slip above the horizon as the sun sets in fiery glory behind you; celebrating a friend's 60th birthday

 

DSC_0399

 

Sunday: a walk with your puppies before Mass; selling something on Craig's List; driving around Austin on a beautiful day; setting up your new printer; catching up with a friend/neighbor/client over a glass of wine; moonlight on a caliche road

 

Whew! That was quite a week. I hope yours was full of sweet! moments! Share them here!

"There are exactly as many special occasions in life as we choose to celebrate." 

~Robert Brault

Posted in , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

13 responses to “Daughters-in-Law and other sweet!s”

  1. Ms. A Avatar

    Blessings to your Mom! Josie doesn’t look a bit unhappy having her photo snapped early in the morning. The river looks magnificent!

    Like

  2. Jennifer Richardson Avatar

    So glad for each bite of your sweets
    and for your heart to celebrate:)
    Makes me more aware and appreciative
    …thanks for that!
    -Jennifer

    Like

  3. Laurie @ Pride in Photos Avatar

    I can’t wait till the day I can visit Austin. My daughter lives in Houston, so one of these trips, we will make a day of it and come visit your lovely city.

    Like

  4. lisa Avatar

    I love your sweet weeks, Barbara. It just goes to show, that all you have to do is to notice all the sweet things that come to pass throughout the week.
    I absolutely LOVE Josie. If you don’t mind my asking, what breed is she?
    I wish you a sweet week ahead, my friend!

    Like

  5. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Josie was a pound puppy, but they're pretty sure she's Rottweiler mixed with some kind of terrier. Whatever it was, it's a great blend! Hope your week is full of sweet stuff, Lisa!
     

    Like

  6. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Be sure to let me know when you do!! I'd love to meet you in person. It's only 3-4 hours away, depending on which part of Houston you start in and which part of Austin you're going to. Where does your daughter live? I'm from the Houston area!
     

    Like

  7. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    You are one of the most aware and appreciate people I know, Jennifer! You remind me to do it myself!
    From: TypePad

    Like

  8. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you so much for the blessings for my mom…and yes, Josie is very used to having her photo taken!!
     

    Like

  9. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you so much for the blessings for my mom…and yes, Josie is very used to having her photo taken!!
     

    Like

  10. Lady Fi Avatar

    Sounds like quite a week! I hope your mum had a great birthday!

    Like

  11. Wolf Pascoe Avatar

    Congrats on the listing!

    Like

  12. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I think all things considered, she had a good birthday. It's a struggle for her most days, but she tries hard to look at the positive every day.
     

    Like

Leave a comment