Fall is here...

Since I've been slacking when it comes to my blog, I'm going to wrap all the Craker news in up in one post. Things have been so busy here and I don't know where time is going. Since we moved, things have been so busy! I feel busier now that I'm not working than I did when I was teaching. I am LOVING being at home with my girls. 

Ella is doing fantastic at her new school. She made all A's for 1st quarter and was chosen for 1st grade Student of the Quarter. She's also taking a gymnastics/dance class in Tuscaloosa on Wednesdays and loving it! This girl is reading like a champ and it makes the teacher in me so excited! 

Emory is loving the cooler weather and spending lots of time outside! I've been trying to work with her to get her ready for K4 next year and she isn't interested at all! This drives the teacher in me crazy! 

I guess I'll keep trying.... She is hard headed and when she decides she is ready to learn all of her letters and numbers, I guess she will! 

Libby is growing too fast. She definitely isn't a baby anymore and it's making this mommy so sad. I always thought that Emory was going to be my wild child, but Libby could be. She has finally started sleeping through the night again, and it is so nice. Libby is a mama's girl for sure... Separation anxiety is in full swing around the Craker House. I know this too, shall pass.... I know that we have our hands full with these girls, but I also know that we are blessed more than we deserve. 

Road Trippin'

We took a little (long) road trip to Tallahassee to celebrate Mimi's 70th birthday. Libby hasn't rode more than an hour at a time since we moved in June and I brought her to Aliceville from Mobile. It was rough... And I don't plan on going anywhere else anytime soon with that baby. She doesn't really understand why she has to be strapped down and not in a lap. She has a lot to learn. We did have a great trip and got to visit cousins and play. 

Sweet cousins.... I love that they love each other so much! They are showing off their friendship bracelets. 

My sweet girls 

Mimi and the grands 

Sweet Libby

No caption needed 

Much better 

Trying to make her happy

Two big girls 

Happy for a minute 

Passed out on daddy 

Month Seven

Well another month has flown by and you're doing all kinds of new things.... The biggest thing is crawling... It's still slow, but you've got it down! This completely stresses me out. It occurred to me that I'll never have a child again that I can leave and run to the bathroom and know when I return you'll be in the same place. Your favorite thing to do is torment Emory by going after her barbies and princess castle. Karma is a funny thing.... When Emory was a crawling babe, Ella would give her anything she wanted...but not Emory. It's a hard lesson that she's having to learn. You've also got two teeth on the bottom. It's a good thing they finally came through, because I was on the verge of sending you back. You are such a happy baby. Always smiling, always laughing.... You still like to be on my hip.... ALL THE TIME. 

You've decided that bananas are ok.... It's a big deal since now you eat four things instead of three. I'm really enjoying being at home with you everyday.... Even when you don't nap.... And want to be held all day. We are working hard on getting you on a better schedule..... This would be good for us all! You could help out by starting with sleeping all night. I still can't believe how far you've come! You blow my mind everyday! We love you to pieces sweet girl! 

New car seat! 

First Day of School

Ella is now a big first grader... My heart is a little sad today. She's going to my Alma Mater, Pickens Academy. Last night was open house, and we went and saw Cher classroom. That girl was so excited about school starting, she couldn't go to sleep last night. This morning, she had no problem getting up and dressed this morning. I think going to a small school is going to be great for her! She has the sweetest teacher! There are 5 girls and 10 boys in her class. I think it's going to be a great year! I can hardly wait for her to get home and fill me in on her day! 

Six Months Old

Baby Love is already 1/2 a year old.... Is this really possible? Libby, you couldn't be a sweeter baby. You love to cuddle! You've started the "I want mommy and if she leaves my sight, I will flip out" stage. I love you too little love, but I can't permanently attach you to my hip. You only like green beans and squash and will lock your lips and turn your head when trying anything else. This teething thing is for the birds. You've got the tip of one coming through and your gums are swollen and I'm pretty sure there's another ready to break through.... I just wish it would come on, already! You are a little roller now... And also inching like an inchworm. I'm not ready for you to start crawling, but you are getting ready! You've also started sitting up this month. You get excited and fall over, but you are getting the hang of it! 

Things you love:

1. Your big sisters... You laugh hysterically at them when they dance around you like monkeys.

2. Dogs... They are so interesting!

3. Mommy (read above)

4. Your grandparents....especially Jeje.. 

5. Going outside and swinging

I wish I could bottle your sweetness up. You've come so far in 6 months. I thank God for you everyday! You are truly a blessing to all around you!

Six Years Old

Ella Craker is SIX! I can't believe my first born is already 6 and about to start 1st Grade. Ella has always been my little sidekick. Last week, the two of us went shopping for school supplies and some school clothes. It's nice to have one on one time with each of my girls, but it dawned on me during our shopping trip that we are doing a pretty good job raising Ella.... I know that might sound a little conceited, but we really are.... Ella is a sweet, kind, unselfish, and acting little girl. Her heart is huge, and even though she has her typical 5 year old moments, she is an amazing kiddo! I can't believe 6 years ago, after an awful labor and delivery, I'll spare the details, I held this sweet baby girl in my arms. Ella made me a mom.... I'm so thankful that God chose me to be her mom. I couldn't ask for a better big sister to Emory and Libby. For her birthday, we took two of her friend SS and went to Tuscaloosa and got manicures and pedicures. Then we went and are lunch at one of her favorite places. For dinner, my parents and grandparents came over and Cam grilled steaks. Ella was born on my granddaddy's 75th birthday. I always am so thankful on Ella's birthday.....one of the many reasons is because we still have my granddaddy with us. His health has declined in the past few years but he's still kicking it and there's nothing he loves more than being with his family. 

One tired 6 year old