A Season of Gratitude

(Created by my daughter n law Lauren)

I've just returned from a wonderful stay in the

Outer Banks of North Carolina

with my family

for the Thanksgiving Holiday.

How fun it is to all be under the same roof,

loving each other, playing, laughing,

sharing and exploring together.

Many of you know, I have four precious grandchildren,

Annabelle 4

Grayson 3

Dylan 2

Zoey 6 months

So needless to say, our lives are filled right now!

Getting away from our normal routines

allows us to re-focus on what is important.

Letting go of junk in our minds and hearts,

can be a freeing experience.

I had gotten to a burn out stage

before I arrived at our cottage

and needed renewal for sure!

Every time I walk by the sea,

listen to the waves 

and breathe in deep breaths of sea air,

I am renewed beyond any measure.

So today the thoughts pour out,

of all the things I am thankful for . . .

My family and their health

Our love and precious times together

For moments I will continue to treasure

For the time to slow my body down

For naps in the hammock

Delicious shrimp tacos at my favorite Bad Bean

Bookstores and watching our kids pick out books to take home

Walks on the beach with our whole crew,

Time to create my own art

Reconnection with an artistic friend,

Hallmark Christmas movies in the cottage

Time to hold my Jimmy's hand along the beach

For hugs from my mother n law

and watching her play with her

great grand babies

The smell of a 20 pound turkey roasting in the cottage

Our Thanksgiving meal together

For words spoken of admiration towards each other

Two nights alone in the quiet,

The gift of every day

Here are just a few of my favorite pictures,

I can't share all the ones I took,

it would make the this post way too long!

You can always click on my Instagram and see more

 (We tried for that last family portrait)

 Jimmy and his Josie

 Josie and Nollie

 Sweet Cousin Love

My Wynn Girls

 Every night we enjoyed a sunset view

 Heather always searching for that perfect shot

I will never grow tired of this view

 Dad and his boys

 Tried for that Mommy and Sons selfie

So glad Mom came to be with us

 Time out for some Zentangle® at the Whalehead Club

 Another try at our family pic

 Love this one! Sunset at the beach

 After baths and pj's ... story time with Grand mommy

 A little art time while parents were packing up

 Saying goodbye to the kids was the hardest

Last morning of quiet and meditation before leaving

Always be happy and grateful for the moments in your life,

treasure every day and the times spent with

family and friends.

Know who you are and what you stand for,

don't let the busy season swallow you whole,

take time to breathe and enjoy it all.

Donna Lee

The Joy of Family

Our OBX family photo before leaving

I believe family is the greatest gift we own

Loving each other

Sharing our lives together

Having fun and giggles

Watching our family grow

Loving and Supporting each other's efforts

My week in the OBX with my entire family was great,

how rare it is these days to get to spend

a whole week together

playing with grandchildren (and children)

spending a block of time together,

forgetting about what we left behind,

if only for a short time.

Since we've returned ...

of course life marches on

and we try to connect as much as we can!

I'm just grateful for treasured moments,

where time stands still for a little while

and we are reminded about what is truly important.

Now, oh so very soon

we are anticipating the birth of our third grand baby,

and in three short weeks,

we are bringing our new labrador puppy home . . .

(still trying to come of with a cool name for her!)

things are about to get real busy in the Wynn household!!!

This I know to be true:

Time stands still for no one

Love is the greatest gift of all

Grandchildren change your perspective on life

Each moment should be treasured

Even when your children are grown they need you

You still need to carve out time for yourself

Finding time to do what you love is important too

Reach out to extended family,

my summer has been blessed 

with re-connection with cousins I cherish!

I can't get enough of my sweet family,

which is growing with each passing moment.

The Joy of Family ... I know I'm truly blessed

and grateful and gifted for sure,

how about you?

Celebrate your loved ones today,

find moments to be together,

heal broken relationships with extended family,

it's so important,

for family is what matters.

Sending Love and Light
Donna Lee