He doesn't take himself too seriously.

For instance, this is his latest post on Facebook…

"I jogged through the seven levels of the Candy Cane forest, through the sea of swirly twirly gum drops, and then I walked through the Lincoln Tunnel… To Bangers for a beer."

Elf pub run 12 1 14

 

It makes me so happy to know he's secure enough, and fun-loving enough, to dress as an elf and run through the streets of Austin on an Elf Pub Run. Also, that he can quote Will Ferrell in "Elf".

Of course I'm also proud that he's an awesome insurance agent who was smart enough to fall in love with that gorgeous redhead beside him.

 

He volunteers to host Thanksgiving for 20 people.

Including roasting the turkey. Yum.

Wm-0447

 

 

He doesn't let things shake him up.

After an 8 hour drive, which included hitting a huge deer on a dark highway 30 minutes outside of Lubbock, and then only 4 hours of sleep, he ran 14 miles in freezing weather with his wife because it was important to her to keep up with her marathon training. 

Plus , it was her birthday weekend.

"Ninja training: 8 hour road trip, 4 hours sleep, 14 mile run. Now endurance tailgating with Tx Tech girls."

Tommy ninja runner lubbock

 

Can I brag some more? He's an Eagle Scout, he visits his grandmother regularly, runs marathons despite having struggled with asthma all through his childhood, has the before-mentioned successful insurance business

 

All in all, he lives life to the fullest.

 

Russia

 

 

But it's still hard to believe it's been 29 years since this…

 

Tom, me, tommy day 12 3 85

Four generations jan 86

Baptism with t and b-2

Me and tommy april 6 86

 

Who knew then that he would be my hero? 

Yes, I'm a proud, extremely grateful mom.

Happy 29th birthday to my Sunshine Boy

 

You don't raise heroes, you raise sons.  And if you treat them like sons, they'll turn out to be heroes, even if it's just in your own eyes.  ~Walter M. Schirra, Sr.

 

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16 responses to “My son, at not quite 30…”

  1. Ms. A Avatar

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TOMMY!

    Like

  2. lisleman Avatar

    I’m happy they BOTH like beer.
    Happy Birthday Sunshine.
    Damn now I got “Sunshine Lollipops and Rainbows” by Lesley Gore in my head.

    Like

  3. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    That's not a bad song to have stuck…(I have it stuck in my mind now, too! lol)
     

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  4. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I'll pass it on!
     

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  5. Lady Fi Avatar

    He sounds like a wonderful person with lovely parents!

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  6. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    How about a lovely person DESPITE his parents? 🙂
     

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  7. Tabor Avatar

    Great that he carries no burdens and lives life to the fullest and looks a little like his Dad. Parents did a good job no matter what you think!

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  8. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    He has actually had a tendency all of his life to get worked up over things, so I think it's even more impressive that he's already learned to let things go as much as he has. I wish I had learned that lesson early on! (Yes, he looks a lot like his dad!)
     

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  9. Hilary Avatar

    What a sweet birthday tribute to your boy. I know the feeling of sons being heroes. I feel that way about both of my boys. Happy Birthday to your wonderful son. I’m amused that Tabor sees his Dad. I looked at the elf picture and immediately saw his Mom in that smile. And one more remark.. that four generations photo is just fabulous. You have a very blessed family.

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  10. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I can tell you feel that way about your boys, too (with good reason!) I'm glad you see a little bit of me in Tommy, too! He often reminds me of my older brother. 
     
    Barbara Shallue, Realtor
    Keller Williams Realty 
    12515-8 Research Blvd Suite 100
    Austin, Texas  78759
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    BarbaraShallue@kw.com
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  11. Suldog Avatar

    You’ve raised a man who knows how to get the most of life and, more important, knows how to give back. Happy Birthday!

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  12. Jennifer Richardson Avatar

    This is so incredibly (sniff) beautiful!
    You’re such a brilliant mom:)
    Bravo, you.
    Much joy and blessing to you both,
    Jennifer

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  13. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Thank you, Jennifer!
     

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  14. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    I'll pass it on! Thank you, Jim!
     

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  15. Wolf Pascoe Avatar

    I liked the picture of that O.R. Swell anesthesia machine behind you!
    Belated happy birthday, Tommy!

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  16. Barbara Shallue Avatar

    Your are such an anesthesia nerd. 🙂 
     

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