Lately.

Well, Bobby's weekend started yesterday so we had a 'date day' while Elena spent some time with my inlaws. She had a blast. They said she was laughing and talking the entire time. When we went to pick her up she was just SO entertained by my father-in-law; she kept laughing at him, it was so cute. She passed out the second we got home. Our date day was fun. We ate at Longhorn Steakhouse and went to see Ted. Pretty raunchy movie, but it was funny. Probably a renter, though. I think for our next date day we'll just stay home and sleep, lol. Here are a few pictures of my little princess: This one is before bath time. She gets SO excited when she hears the water running. She loves bath time.

This is while she's watching Blue's Clues. I can't get her attention when a good show is on. :)

And here she is with Daddy before work. She loves him so much.

I'd better go make breakfast before my other baby wakes up. ;) I hope everyone has a wonderful day!

Claudia Time.

I love my mornings. When Elena goes down for her first nap, and Bobby is still sleeping, I have a good 30-40 minutes just to myself; to blog, catch up on my shows (Dallas is on right now), and just relax. The first thing I do is read my daily devotionals, that is the most important part of my day. After my meditation with the Lord, I enjoy the quiet. Being a SAHM is wonderful and such a blessing, but it leaves little time to myself. I don't get a day off from my job, so these few minutes in the morning are where I refuel for the day ahead. The main thing on my mind currently is the sergeant position my Bobby applied for. He is so deserving of this job. He not only has given St Ed's nearly 10 years, but he works so very hard. He gets along with everyone there and would shine as a supervisor/sergeant. We found out yesterday that it's between Bobby and an officer from outside of the department. While this other guy looks great on paper (army reserve, worked at Mary Hardin Baylor, instructor, etc.), he doesn't know anything about St. Edward's. He hasn't invested time and energy there like my husband has. Bobby has his master's degree, is a master officer, is a certified intructor in various areas, and knows St. Edward's like the back of his hand. He is also close to the officers there already, and they respect him. I just feel like it would be in their best interest to hire someone that already knows the campus and protocol. Why bring a stranger in just because he had a good interview? Bobby heard through the grapevine that he had a wonderful interview as well, so it's a tough decision for them. To me, it's no contest, Bobby is the perfect fit, but it's in God's hands. We may think we know what's best for our family, but only God knows what's around the next corner. We're trusting in His flawless and perfect plan for our family, no matter what St. Ed's decides. If they don't give Bobby this position then we're going to pursue Buda PD because they're so anxious to have him there. We shall see. Our hope is that they let him know today what they've decided. Keep us in your prayers, y'all. Have a blessed day!

Too Fast.

My little Elena is growing so fast and it's making me a little emotional. On Sunday Bobby and I were at my parents' house while they're out of town to water their plants, and we came across old photos from when my sister and I were babies. I got teary eyed just thinking about how my mom must have never imagined we'd be this age and with our own babies, no less! She probably was in my same position, wanting us to stay babies forever. I can't even picture Elena as a grown woman, or even any older than she is now. She's my innocent little baby, and I wish I could shield her from the world and protect her in my arms always. I just have to remember that she WILL be shielded by the blood of Jesus; He will never leave her. Even if I'm not around one day, He will always be there to protect her. That is such a comforting feeling for a mama. Knowing that no matter what, our children are protected by Jesus Christ. No weapon formed against them shall prosper. I try to make it a point to read scripture to her every morning, whether it's from her Baby Bible or from my own daily devotionals I receive. I just want her to absorb those words, even if right now it doesn't make any sense to her; someday it will, and someday she will be able to use those words against moments of weakness or any evil that may face her. It's my responsibility to arm her for battle. Sounds dramatic, but we do battle evil in this world every day as Christians. I'm not doing my best as a mom if I don't feed her that scripture that will protect her and nourish her soul. I just pray that I'm guiding her right and that I'm the best I can be for her. I worry sometimes about her future, but then I immediately have to pray that worry right out of my mind. As a mother, it's impossible not to worry, though. You automatically become a neurotic mess the minute they're born! You just wish you could put your baby in a protective bubble where there's no sickness or pain. But, Jesus is protecting my baby from sickness and pain. Even if I feel helpless sometimes, He's got enough strength for the both of us. Well, it's time to put this little one down for a nap. She's getting tired of her playmat. I hope everyone has a blessed day, and be sure to let your babies know how much they're loved! :)