It's that time of year again when the kids go

back to school!  The first day of school is always

symbolic.  The kids are starting a new grade, feeling older and also a hint that summer is almost over for another year!

                                       

Derek and Emily both starting 7th grade.

Her last first day of school, Ieshia, the senior!!

Along with school starting, in our little town is the Abingdon Fall Festival.  

Derek and Emily

Emily and Kennedy

Emily and Kennedy

Emily and Lane

Derek

They had a lot of fun.  

This year Emily enjoyed shopping!  You can tell she's growing up because clothes are her thing right now!

I'm so proud of all my kids!  They are doing great at school and are doing homework with enthusiasm!

I am so blessed!

Derek has been picking out his own clothes for church and tying his own tie!!  He is such a sweetheart!                                   

There is one thing that the kids don't like...

my pig!

This is my pig that I set on the table every night during supper.  I have set thru many dinners where the kids actually act like pigs!  So, if they don't use manners they get the pig by their plate.
At the end of supper, whoever has the pig gets to clean off the table.  Things like talking with food in your mouth, burping or having gas, eating with fingers, taking huge bites and letting food fall on your plate.....asking politely to pass food, elbows or laying on the table, just to name a few!  So far it has been working very well!!  We are breaking a lot of habits and getting the table cleaned!!

I actually wish I would have done that sooner!

:)