Expressions of a reader...

so absorbed in his book he doesn't even notice mom taking pictures....

until he does :)

Just a glimpse of Life on the Gravelly Road.

Thanksgiving 2017 memories

We've returned from an enjoyable few days celebrating Thanksgiving with family. 

There was a number of family members there to celebrate with yummy food, desserts (with kids taking orders), catching up, silly games and many memories.  We even spent a morning getting a head start on Christmas baking.

And then we had a festive meal of bbq pork, pumpkin pie and lefse at home just the five us.  Back home on the gravelly road.

A Thankful November

We've had a busy November it seems and I have barely had a chance to blog.  And while I didn't post "Thankful Thursdays" this year, we still counted our thanks as a family.

As is our family tradition, all month we created a paper chain of what we were thankful for, watching it grow longer each day as we counted our blessings. 

This year the process reminded me of something I often overlook.  Well really my precious kiddos taught me something.  Previous years, I would set out the jar of paper slips at the supper table, encouraging us to linger at the table and record our thanks to be added to the chain. 

This year the jar didn't get put away when we cleared the table.  It lived on the table all month.  Doesn't sound like a big deal but this is what happened. 

I watched my kids pause, stop, and write out a thankful item all through out the day.  At breakfast, after school, during play time, before supper, during homework, etc.  One afternoon when a friend came over to play after school, I heard them explain what the jar of slips were for and the friend wrote a thankful slip too.  Their child-hearts lived out giving thanks continually, not out of obligation or tradition but out of a thankful heart.  And I followed their lead.

Giving thanks all throughout the day as we live life on the gravelly road.

Wordless Wednesday: Reading Chair

First Snowfall memories

We were surprised by a bit of snow Friday afternoon that lasted into Saturday.  A few inches and warmer temps led to great snow for playing in.  Snowmen, snowball fights, attempts at sledding, and lots of giggles filled the backyard.

And while I was glad it melted quickly, as many first snowfalls do, the snow filled our day with fun memories here on the Gravelly Road.

Halloween 2017

Happy Halloween from a Lego Ninjago Ninja, a snow-girl, and Chewbacca.  We went to a local Halloween party the weekend before with pumpkin carving and cookie decorating.  Then the kids enjoyed trick-or-treating at the downtown businesses on Halloween.

Just a little Halloween fun from Life on the Gravelly Road.