Yes to Forever

He asked! 

Of course I said 'YES'!

Robert is my very best friend. He has been since early on in our relationship. How could he not be? He is sincere, funny, and honest. And he can fix things! The rarest of finds these days. So when he asked me to marry him on July 23rd, 2013 {for my own records} there was no humming and hawing. No questions to be considered or over analyzed {my usual approach to ev.er.y.thing}. I love him. Yes Please! 

Let me rewind and start from the beginning.

We had originally met on opening night of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince a mere four years ago {More about that here}. But we didn't see one another again until that August during an evening out to celebrate my brother Joshua's birthday. Robert was quiet. Very quiet. While I on the other hand was absolutely NOT. He spent nearly the entire evening talking with his friend Chris while I danced the night away.

It wasn't until he was about to leave that he worked up the courage to walk out onto the dance floor, wrap his arm around my waist in a polite yet firm manner, and whisper in my ear "It was nice seeing you tonight." And with that he was off. Had he not worked up the gumption to say goodnight we would not be here today because I would have written him off as too shy, or awkward even. Hey, don't judge. The dating scene is tough. Later that week he added me to Facebook and  not so subtly got around to asking for my number. He rang on the Wednesday to make plans for Friday. A modern day Romeo.

We went to a lovely restaurant downtown Halifax, The Elephant Castle. He ordered a salad - my first introduction to his limited palate. I felt obliged to follow suit because I was the girl. You know? I couldn't very easily order something hearty like steak or pasta. But thankfully it was enough to get me through several hours of walking the waterfront afterward. By the time he drove me home I felt like we had known one another for years. 

I wasn't looking for anything serious but after a few dates we just continued to grow closer. He was so easy to be around and I was comfortable to be myself. It was one of those things you can't plan for. One moment you are happily living life alone and somewhere down the line you realize you have a partner that you can no longer imagine being without. There was no ah-ha moment. No one thing that happened to make it all change. It was just Rob and I together. Period.

Too quickly by the standards of others, we moved in together. We actually shared a rented home with my youngest brother Garry directly across the street from Joshua and his growing family. I guess I wanted to put him to the test early on - if he could handle three Gaudett's on a regular basis he was up for anything! 

After a year we decided to move here to New Glasgow and build our first home. Somewhere in there we decided to add Moe to the mix and of course he came along for the adventure. It happened without either of us planning it. There was no official discussion. Nothing set in stone. We just naturally became us. Us evolved into a little family in a big-for-us house. And before long our little family added another member. 

Mr. Finley arrived ten months after we moved into our home. The best of house warming gifts! Unbelievably, a year has already passed since he joined our clan and, like his father, it feels like he has always been here. We are blessed. I am blessed - above and beyond anything I ever expected or even dreamed.

All that to say I didn't expect a ring to enter the equation. I'm in for the long haul. No accessories required. But Robert had different plans. He wanted to make it official. So everyone would know I was his.

So upon his arrival home from two weeks away West Finley, Moe and I collected him at the airport and off we ventured to my families cottage for a week of quality family time. That night, after tucking Finley snug in bed, we settled in for a game of crib over an adult beverage. Half way through, on his deal, I stepped out on the deck to watch Moe play by the water, crying to have us through his stick. Rob followed me out, wrapped his arms around me, and we watched our oldest son play. 

I said, "I think I'll throw the stick for Moe before it gets too dark."

He casually responded, "First you have to finish this game. Then you have to marry me."

Before I knew it he was down on one knee. 

It was the most beautiful moment: Our little family settled in for a relaxing week just us. The sun setting over the peaceful lake I loved as a child. My best friend nervously excited about pulling off his surprise, pure love in his eyes. And I was speechless - not a common occurrence. 

"Yes" was my answer.

A million times yes to more moments together.



*Just an FYI. The ring is from Inglis Jewellers. They were above and beyond fabulous - selection and quality service. We will be lifetime customers of theirs. Just saying.

To A New Leaf

I'll cheers to that!
Life has been up and down for me as of late. 
The truth is, life is always up and down. It has been for as long as I can remember. For years I thought it was 'normal' to feel the way I felt. Not that anything is truly normal but I didn't know that back when I was trying to find myself and my place in this life. But after years of struggle and self discovery I at least have a name for the feelings that seem to have set me apart for so long - depression. Boom. There it is.
There seems to be such a stigma attached to the word. Depression. See, it isn't so scary. {I'm the latest spin off of Harry Potter.} Anxiety. Perhaps even Bipolar. I'll just put it all out there. Do with it as you will. Judgement will likely do its best to creep up but if you can please make every effort to keep it at bay. If you can't I certainly wont hold it against you. I've been there myself.
For those of you who have never struggled an inward battle with hopelessness and angst or loved someone close to you who has I understand that you have your doubts. It has been an obstacle Robert and I have had to overcome ourselves. He is beyond relaxed in every avenue of life - Finley and Moe being the sole exceptions. So for him to wrap his mind around anxiety for no particular reason, overwhelming sadness with no distinct trigger, or the struggle to escape the swirling thoughts in ones head is understandably a leap. We continue to work on it daily.
This blurb of honesty is a bit of a twist from what you would generally find when stopping by to catch up with our going-ons and latest project. I hope I have not offended. Either way however, this is my truth to share. This blog is my happy place. A project in and of itself. A source of motivation to help channel my energy toward productivity, the epitome of happiness and refuge in my books, and better my family. *I'd take a busy bodied yet upbeat Mom over Down in the Dumps Debbie any day of the week. 
However, working up the gumption to put myself out there for all to openly see and criticize was an inward battle in and of itself. And in the spirit of honesty, continues to be. The anxiety of putting my ideas, opinions, handy-work, home, and family out there is a daily mental juggling act. One, after a week of relaxation, quality family time, and soul searching has proven itself worthy. It just requires a bit more practice. 
Which brings us full circle to the opening honesty. I have challenged myself to be more honest online. Instead of tiptoeing around topics and pretending everything is honkey-dorey one hundred percent of the time. This most certainly does not mean Slippers by Day will become a weekly rant session or dark place. It just simply means you will be seeing the real me on a daily basis. You can then decide for yourself if the extended version is someone who you want to continue checking in on. 
You will undoubtedly find the busy, dry person who takes everything in life, and herself, way too seriously. The gal who loves her little family, organizing, scheming up plans, and bossing along the way. She who has an opinion about everything and constantly walks the line between blunt and rude. A person who is spending every day working towards being the best version of herself, failing, and trying again. That is me. You can't miss me. I'm the one in the slippers making every effort to cherish each and every moment.
Moment like these...

Peaceful Sleep

Childs Play

Moments of Rest

All my Boys

New Friends

Peaceful Moments

Pure Joy

Forever

Stories

Generations

Friendship

Teamwork

Snuggles

Exploration

Beauty

Silliness 

There are so many things to be thankful for.
I hope my frankness has not frightened you to the point of no return. 
Chat soon?

This, That & Talent

Good Monday all. How was everyones weekend? Good? Great? Fantastic? Tell me about it.

Ours was somewhere in there. Robert left early Friday morning to start his first ever eighteen day rotation. Boo. But Finley, Moe, and I were busy with the twins visit so we didn't have too much time to miss him. But Saturday was whistling a different tune. It is officially heart wrenching to go from seeing your love every day, all day, for twoish weeks and then seeing neither hide nor hair for eighteen to follow. An official thumbs down.

But on the positive side of things - my new solution to everything these days. Robert had a safe trip and has had busy work days which makes the time away pass by faster for him. We have had a few sun shining days to bask in the rays. Got to love that! Finley and I took in the neighbourhood yard sales and got a few great finds: toys, stuffies, and books for each of us {see mine here}. I thoroughly enjoyed some me time whilst doing a puzzle, consuming various pieces of carrot cake washed down with coffee, and gabbing with Sarah Bessie. Are you jealous of our exciting night lives yet?

And Sunday we spent a lovely morning driving to Halifax with Meema and Pops to pick up a purchase I made for an upcoming surprise project that I will share with you in the near future. Hint: it was inspired from last Wednesdays post and is rather impressive if I do say so myself! The mini trip included a stop at my brother Josh's for the item(s), a visit with the girls and their new pet bunny Basil {adorable right?}, followed by an ever exciting stop at Cosco and lunch snack at Quiznos. Delish. Then home again, home again, jiggity jig for a bbq get together with great neighbour friends Jenn and Greg. Delight. {Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter to get updates sooner.}

Meanwhile, in amongst all those goings-on, my baby boy took his fist solo steps!! I know! I know! This little man who just yesterday was hiccupping in my belly is now standing on his own, taking steps all by himself, and climbing up the steps. What is tomorrow going to bring? College? Honestly Mr. Time, you need to pump.the.breaks!

What do you say about that weekend? Good? Great? Fantastic? And wait. Before you decide, let me share one last thing.

Garry, one of my extremely talented brothers, did three sketches of Mr. Finley for me to display in my home! I am pumped, to say the least, to find the perfect spot to display these beauties, perhaps even this afternoon, because they are oh.so.good. Great? No, definitely, Fan.freaking.tastic! Here is a sneak peak at one.

I know you are impressed with his skills! But go ahead and leave a darling comment so that he can feel the love! *And I can know for sure someone out there is reading along.

And do stop back real soon because I will most certainly be sharing the other two sketches and their new spot in our home. Time for me to get to work!

Chat soon!

Mothers Everywhere

moth-er

noun

• a female parent.
• (often initial capital letter) one's female parent.
• a mother-in-law, stepmother, or adoptive mother.
• a term of address for a female parent or a woman having or regarded as having the status, function, or authority of a female parent.
• a term of familiar address for an old or elderly woman.

Source: Dictionary.com

I am so thankful we have a day set aside to celebrate the women that have touched our lives and nurtured us to become the best version of ourselves. A day to show appreciation for every sacrifice, every pick-me-up, and every moment of love. 

For years I have felt indebted to those women in my life who have been selfless on my account. I tried to repay them for their gifts of love to me - whether it was a listening ear, sound advice from years of experience, a smile of encouragement, or a punishment of love. But this year I am free from that guilt of never quite being able to show my appreciation because I finally understand there was never a debt to be paid. Instead, I offer what you have deserved all along - thank you.

To all of you mothers who have helped shape me into the mother I have become, my sincerest thank you... 

Mom & I years back

Mom. There are no words. You have given more than you could afford at times. Your giving heart and optimistic mind make every day better. Thank you.

Grammie Sabine & Baby Finley

Grammie. You have been an influence for my mom, me, and now my son. We thank you for your smile, sharp tongue, and know how to get people to do things and  think it was their idea! *That has come in handy!

Mrs. Vicki & I  - My Mom away from home!

Mrs. Vicki. You encouraged me to find myself. And taught me a new way to love. Forever Thank you.

My cousin Rowena, her daughter  Olivia, & I - lovin' us some Cracker Barrel.

Rowena. You taught me about patience and the power of talking things out {over coffee of course}! Thank you.

Brother Joshua, his wife Darla, and three of their four kiddos - they are all grown up now.

Josh. You are not a female so you do not technically fit into the 'mother' category according to the definitions above but the relationship we have shared over the past 20+ years doesn't fit into any definition I could find. And it didn't feel right leaving you out. You are a wonderful father, husband, brother, and friend. You have taught me countless things - from how to manipulate Garry into eating Pooch's food to money management and prioritizing - and I am truly thankful!

Darla. Your love for your children is like a magic that touches every single thing around you {I wont make a Harry Potter reference here as a little gift to you}. I am encouraged by you day in and day out. Thank you.

Robert & His Happy Family

Elaine. Your mom was a beautiful kind hearted woman who oozed love. You continue her legacy daily. My thankfulness to you goes beyond words. Your son has been one of the greatest gifts this life has blessed me with. And I know that he wouldn't be half the man and father that he is to us without the strength and love he learned from you. Thank you.

It takes a community to raise a child. Amen. 

Finley my greatest gift to you is to share these wonderful mothers. Together we will encourage you to be the best version of yourself. 

What about you on this mothers day? Who are you thankful for?

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*Recipe Sunday

Whip up a homemade iced cap this summer and cool things down without the hefty price tag. Or go ahead and blend some up to share with your mom today!

Mom, Finley, and I did just that!

Finley enjoyed his own - caffein free - version.

The recipe I used was shared on Coffee Creations blog but I tweaked it a bit to our tastes {we enjoy a strong cup of coffee around these parts}. I encourage you to do the same at your house - not the strong coffee necessarily but the personalization! 

I had everything necessary around the house, less a heavy cream/Nesquick {which I wont go without now}. My kind of recipe.

• 4 oz. boiling water
• 2 tablespoons instant coffee
• 2 heaping tablespoons sugar (or sugar substitute Equal)

Mix the first three ingredients together. I did it right in the saucepan with the boiling water.

• 3 cups ice cubes

Put the cubes in your blender and pour the coffee syrup mixture over top and blend until slushy. *We have a Vitamix blender, which I would highly recommend because it can literally do anything, so you may have to adjust the ice quantity depending on your blender strength.

• 1/3 cup 18% cream. (chocolate milk, regular milk, Nesquick, or a liquor for that matter)

Add cream and blend until frothy. Enjoy!

Homemade Iced Cap - without the price tag.

 Cheers!

Spring Spruce Up

Flowers of the week.
{A gift from my sister in law for hanging out with the kids.}

This time of year, when mother nature starts to give us Maritimers a little break, an automatic alarm seems to go off inside of me. A switch from 'lazy' winter mode to 'extreme turbo' happens in a split second sending everyone and everything running for cover. 

I attribute this 360 degree change to the weather mostly. After a long cold winter, I throw open the windows and doors and escape the cabin fever that engulfs us. Everyone else seems to do the same. Our street has been taken over by kiddos on their bikes and trikes, busy bee neighbours working in their yards, and everyone and their momma out for early morning all the way through to late night strolls. 

And this gal is in her glory! All of us here at the MacDonald/Gaudett household are loving every single itty bitty second of it. We finally get to pull out some of our lighter jackets and tuck away those bulky handmade wool sweaters {scored at Frenchies and loathed by the Common-Law}. The 'Spring Clean' gets cranked up to the next level. Out with the yard tools. In with the windex and paper towels. And this is the time of year for 'the list' to really take centre stage and shine! We can enjoy weather and be productive at the same time. Music to my ears.

But not just the house and yard need attention. After a cold winters worth of neglect, I need to turn some of that turbo energy inward. Which is why I have made, you've guessed it, yet another list. Winter  around these parts takes a toll on a person. It just drains all the warmth out of you making it difficult to stay motivated and leaves you all scraggly and plump, no sharp edges in sight. Thus, the much needed list.

Most people make their yearly resolutions at New Years. I make them too, but never follow through. I cant even remember what mine where this year. But when spring time rolls around and the warm sun shines its face, I hop right back on the resolution band wagon. A few seemingly menial goals will make all the difference for the season ahead. {And if I do really well with these, I will tack on a few more. Capeesh?}

Drum roll please...

• Walk Moe twice a day. {Simple right? Good for him. Good for Finn. Good for finding those sharp edges again.}
• Shower, Dry/Straighten Hair, apply Makeup three times a week. {Simple right? Will make all the difference I am sure.}
• Try a new recipe once a week. {Simple right?}
• Read a book {Does't have to be rocket science or philosophy. Just a little light reading. Simple right?}

And thats it. Nothing mind blowing. Just a few simple things that I don't always, or sometimes ever, take the time to do. But they will make all the difference in how I think and feel about myself.

What about you? Do you make resolutions or set goals for yourself this time of year? Care to share with the group?

Hope to hear back from you. And if not, chat soon!