Pray for Paula

Paula,
I will cherish the love and guidance you gave me and my family.
Rejoice in the loving arms of the Lord.
Peace be with you for all eternity.
Love,
Alicia

Gatherings at my house

From Laura's post...Jake and Paula always come to the gatherings I have, where they don't know anyone. They are great sports! Funny thing is, Jake always manages to find someone he connects with, either interests in real estate, or some obscure interest, and exchanges phone numbers or sets up a future meet with the person. No wonder Jake's always getting calls. ha ha

One of the things that makes Austin my home is the life-long friends I have here. I've known Paula and the other ladies pictured here for so long, I can't even remember how old we were when we met. We were little kids at Westenfield Pool and we spent every single summer together. We didn't know it then, but those were the BEST days of our lives.

I have so many memories, but one that sticks out is that when Jeff and I moved back to Austin after living in San Marcos while we went to college, we had a party at our duplex in NW Austin. I hadn't seen Paula in a while, but we invited her and Jake. Bless their hearts - they came. They didn't know another soul there, but they came to welcome us back to Austin. And that is why this place is my spiritual home. Deep roots and dear friends keep me here, even when it's over 100 degrees for days on end! :)

I am remembering us and our boys on Blueberry Hill. What an amazing mom you have always been from the very beginning of your family. When Brian came into the picture you had two so close in age and throw my Matt into the mix and girl, you had your hands full! But what a natural you were with babies. Did we have a blast or what! WE were always laughing and amazed with the kids...and boy was Jarrett a creative big brother. Definite leadership qualities. Brian and Matt would follow him and do whatever he wanted. Bike rides, playing in jakes leaves,your dad throwing balls to them,swings,trips to see Jake at the firehouse
always playing with the kids. Jose is sitting here with me and is laughing and wondering if you remember being 10 seconds away from having a 4th boy in your family ....when little Matt decided he would rather live with you and your boys. He had his little bag packed was out our door and Jose caught him just as he was ready to knock on your door. We will never forget that. But Paula , doesn't that just reflect back to you what a great mom you are and how much we all love you! We had such a good time as neighbors and best friends then. My mom always said that we would remember our time with our babies as one of the best times and she was right. Hey, I love you.Sandy

3 wonderful Young men

You know.....as I parent my kids, I am constantly drawing from Paula's parenting style. Although always nurturing, she was tough and consistent with the discipline, and when needed, was very protective and always understanding. I can't seem to find the balance she made look so easy. One thing's for sure, she gives them every ounce of attention they need. From the moment they were born, she sacrificed her time for them, often spending countless hours rolling, throwing, and bouncing balls to them up at the school ground during our family gatherings. Most times well past dark. And lets not forget her trips to Oshmans so her boys, their cousins, and usually a few extra friends could play on the store's demo courts.  I think they knew her by name in that store. Anyway, her little boys have grown up to be such great young men, I hope my kids turn out to be as great as hers. Thanks, Paula, for being such a great mentor to me all these years.

One of many...

Paula has shown me grace and unconditional love through everything we have shared together. It has been a privilege to have her in my life, and at such an early age. Part of who I am today is because of Paula!

I love my sister Paula

I love Paula for SO many reasons. She always thinks of others first. Paula consoles others when we should be consoling her. She has a heart of gold. Paula will do anything for anybody no matter what she's going through. She is the best Mom ever! Paula's boys are the most important thing in her life. She has put everything she has and more into being the best Mother she can be. Paula is the best sister anyone could ask for. She is a true inspiration. I look up to her, admire her and am amazed by her. I love you with all my heart, Paula!