Ooh La La

I wish that I knew what I know now
When I was younger.
I wish that I knew what I know now
when stronger.

It's been one of those weeks my friends. A singing, slightly crazy sort of week. You know the ones?

We are spending our days at Grams this week, and what a time we are having. I've been helping out with a few projects while Mr. Finn gets up to some mischief when he isn't too busy eating. My kid is an endless pit I swear it. We've also managed to squeeze in a few outings to visit family between work and play. Time well spent all around. Of course I snapped a few shots along the way to share with Pap, but thought you might enjoy them as well.

Friday AM: 

An impromptu play outdoors with Gram in long-johns and bare feet turned into the sweetest little photo shoot.

Friday Afternoon:

Spending time with Grandparents and Great-Grandparents is above and beyond special to me. I wish I had been more aware of its value when I was a bit younger. Spent more time, you know? Since I havn't discovered a way to go back in time {yet}, I will be intentional about encouraging Finley to appreciate those who have lived full lives before him. He is already on the right track.

First a visit back to visit Great-Grandparent Sabine's for lunch and homemade bread.

Relaxing. Just like Great-Grampie Earl.

Helping Gram with her work.

Sharing stories with Great-Grammie Verna.

Next stop, Great-Grandparent Gaudett's for play time and more food.

Special Trucks with Great-Grampie Mel.

A play must always be followed by food. Man time!

This picture is one that I will cherish for years to come.
I too have sat in that same chair, bald as can be, snuggling my Grandpa. Now it is Finn's turn.

Being silly with Great-Grammie Lil.

We have photos just like those with me running around... The thought brings tears to my eyes.

After getting snuggles and a full belly inside, Finn ventured outside for a a play.

He is quite the explorer.

A wondrous discovery of crab apples. 

Saturday Afternoon:

After a morning of work we discovered Gram and Grandpa Phil's gardens. What fun!

Gram and Finn hard at work.

Dirt is Finn's all-time favourite toy.
*If you notice, his fingernails are NEVER clean. 

He picked a cucumber and ate it dirt and all.

We encountered a frog and a snake.
No big deal.

It is easy to find the simple joys in life around here - family, dirt, and reptiles.

Hopefully your week is off to a good start! Chat soon.

Monday Mix-Ups

It is a stereotypical Monday around here. Lovely. 

Due to my lack of projecting as of late I had resolved to do some work around the blog to spruce things up a bit and make our project endeavours more accessible to you. With that mindset, I set out to put a gallery page together and present it as todays post. However, as you can see, that did not pan out so well. 

I am not overly computer savvy - to say the least. There has been some notable progress since embarking on this blogging journey but needless to say I have not yet arrived. After gathering all of the links of projects we have done in the past six months and sitting at the computer night after night, hour after childless hour, I still have nothing to show. I have resolved to figure it out, have no fear, but it just wont be today.

Instead, due to my lack of preparedness, you will be blessed with a few photos and rehashing of our weekend adventures. But first things first, Robert is coming home TODAY! For me that means I get my best friend and partner back. Woohoo! But for you - get ready for it - it means projects coming your way. Make sure you check back soon to keep up with our next endeavour. 

So the weekend. Two of my four nieces returned home with my Mother Dearest. But not before Eloise gave her teeth a thorough brushing with Finn by her side.

I am down to only two extras, Marley and Sophey, the twins. As soon as the others hit the road they sat down at the table to prepare a to-do list for their remaining time with Tantie {that is me}. Inherited perhaps?? Must be! 

There list entailed the following:

1. Swimming
1. Pool
2. Beach
2. Eating Pizza {@ a Restaurant}
3. Going to the store {their idea of shopping}
4. Walk Moe
5. Go to Mr. Stuart and Mrs. Elaines {Rob's Parents - They have a hot tub!}
6. Go for a drive on Mr. Stuarts boat
7. Do Yoga
8. Watch a Movie
9. Wash Uncle Rob's Car
10. Go for Ice Cream

What can I say? They know what they want. And as all Tantie's who love to spoil do, I happily obliged.  We managed to complete everything on the list except for washing the car and doing yoga. Where those two even came from I am not sure.

They swam like fishes at Robs uncle Craig's pool and at the local beach. Actually, they both successfully swam out to a floating dock without a life jacket. I can remember when they were born! Where has the time gone? We went out for pizza at a 'fancy' restaurant by their standards so they had to wear their new shoes we picked up on our shopping trip to the Super Store {I had to get a few groceries}.

On Sunday they were up and at it early beaming with excitement to go to Mr. Stuart and Mrs. Elaine's. The day was absolutely beautiful! We had a delicious lunch of barbecued sausage and fresh corn, hit the beach, got our second ice cream treat of the weekend, and took a tour out on Mr. Stu's boat. Honestly, there are no words. The view from the boat, the calm water, the sounds, smells... It was the perfect end to a busy weekend - for the girls that is. Mine ended with a glass of wine on our deck watching the sunset.

I snapped a few shots of our visit and even attempted a spontaneous photo shoot with Mr. Finn and his grandparents.

Pops took the whole gang, Moe included, on a walking adventure.

Capturing moments like these mean so much to me.
Finn is blessed to have a father and grandfather who love him so.

Camera worthy.

Moe wanted to get in on the action.
What a pup!

Those eyes.
He is going to get up to mischief I dare say...

Smiles.

'Button/Bouton'
A recent discovery Finn wanted to share with Meema.

My two beauties.
After nearly a week of go, go, go these gals were still smiling.

I hope you had a great weekend as well. What did you get up to? Chat soon.

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?

Photo Tale

A photo says a thousand words.

Well, here is my official novel recording our trip to visit Gram and help her launch her retirement years with style. And by style I most certainly mean smiles, smirks, snacks, and sand!

Moments to be cherished.

The End.