My slack-cation is over!

I have to admit I am rather ashamed of my blogging skills. I'm quite awful. My Dad is always reminding me to update my blog; I'm 25 and still need my Dad to poke and prod me to get things done....so typical. I may act like a grown up sometime but I'm far from it.

Freshly painted French doors

I could update you on every little thing that's happened over the course of my slack-cation but that would be boring. Let me sum it up for you. Derek is in the process of applying for a Firefighting position in Broken Arrow Oklahoma (it's a town just south of Tulsa) He has passed the written and the physical, like a stud, and now waits for his oral interviews. We are really praying for this to work out for us, it's a phenomenal opportunity. I've been busy revamping our place. We live in Derek's step-mom's rental house and since our rent is dirt cheap I have been fixing the place up a bit as a thank you to her. All the walls have been painted now, I've made new curtains and Derek has gone all macho on lawn care. It's nice to make a place your own, even if you are only renting. I makes us excited to settle in a home of our own.

 I still am wrangling little soccer tots and enjoying everyday more and more. Here is a quick story for you. I love my little kid classes, they are too cute! I had a class of 2&3 year olds. We always start class by rolling them a soccer ball and asking their name and a question like favorite color, movie, etc. This class is was favorite superhero. As I went down the line I heard Superman, Batman, Spiderman, Ironman, and Cinderella. The last kid was a the youngest in the class. When he got the ball he said his name and then thought for a second. I said, "King, who's your favorite superhero?" He looked at me like a light bulb had gone off and said, "My Mom." How sweet is that?! My heart melted and I just wanted to give him a big hug and tell him to never change, always love your mom and think of her as your hero because she should be. It's times like these that I love my job the most.

A few weeks ago I was able to go to the Temple with a very good friend of mine from my mission. She is a member down in Lawton who came back to the Temple after almost 10 years of being gone. It is such a blessing that I live so close to my mission and that in just 2 hours I can be at the Temple and be there at times like these. I love it! She is such an amazing example to me and to all those around her of perseverance and discipline. She is fighting a hard battle but she is not going to let it keep her from the blessings of the Temple any longer. I admire that fight, that drive and that dedication. It was my privilege to be in the Temple with her that day.




It's pouring rain as I type all this and it's making my sleepy. Digby is snoring as he rests his little head on my lap. I never thought I'd be one of those crazy pet parents but I'm guilty of loving that little booger a bit too much. He just loves me no matter what and I he is always so happy to see me when I get home that his whole body wiggles because his tail is wagging so fast. He is spoiled and definitely treated like a member of this family. Shown below is Digby demonstrating his yoga skills. He's very good at laying on my when I'm trying to do yoga and eventually I give in and let him take over and show me how it's down.

We are anxiously awaiting the arrival of Paige and Trey and then Mom and Dad in the next few weeks. We do feel a bit in exile here in the heartland so it will be nice to have some family around. Derek has been reading up and getting ideas for activities to do with Trey and Dad, we should all be frightened.

This is Water

Watch the whole video. It will change the way you think.

Follow-up post to follow!

Lions, Tornados and Bears....I'm 25!

Wow. Can anyone say slacker? How horrible am I at this whole blog thing? I made it what...4 consecutive weeks before I hopped aboard the slacker train. I could say that my life is too busy and I've had so much on my plate and I haven't found a spare minute to update the blog but we would all know that would be big fat fib. So, without any further adieu, let me catch you up on the Hellard life here in Tulsa.

June 3rd I hit a milestone when I turned a quarter of a century and officially became an adult. But lets be honest, I'm a kid at heart and will always be amused by farts, funny faces and coloring book. Immature? Maybe. But we will see who has more smile wrinkles compared to worry wrinkles when they're 80!
Derek, being the awesome husband that he is, surprised me with tickets to see The Lion King which came into Tulsa. I have always wanted to see it. I was pretty impressed by Derek's gift giving skills. We had an incredible time. It is by far one of the greatest musical to see live. Derek and I both agreed that Raffiki made the show. She was so talented and funny. The little 5 year old who sat in front of us also made the show quit humorous as well. At one point during the show he let his grandparents and the surrounding radius of seats know that he was hungry, tired, bored and had to go to the bathroom. We laughed because right at the moment, when that little boy's life was falling to pieces in hunger and boredom, Timon and Puma come dancing across the stage and suddenly all the problems in the world are gone and the 5 year old is all smiles and giggles. Ah, the power of Disney.


 A few weeks before that I was able to go down to Moore, Oklahoma and help out those affected by the tornado. Moore holds a special place in my heart since that is where my mission home is located and it was the neighboring town to my first area in the mission field. I was up at 4:30am to meet the other members of my ward and drive down to the Moore stake center. Since it was a Sunday they had arranged for a short sacrament meeting before we got our assignments and went off to work. It was amazing to see the entire chapel full of bright yellow "Mormon Helping Hands" shirts. There was over 300 people in that chapel. I was humbled to see how many faithful members had shown up to volunteer their time to their fellow men. Elder Rasband of the Seventy was there to speak to us. He gave a powerful message. He said the day before he left to fly into Oklahoma he was in the Joseph Smith Memorial building with the other Apostles and the Prophet celebrating President Eyring's 80th birthday. Before he left he approached the Prophet and told him he was leaving the next day to go on assignment to Oklahoma where there had been terrible destruction due to tornadoes. Elder Rasband asked President Monson what he would have him tell the people of Oklahoma. The Prophet told him the following three things; "Tell them I love them. Tell them I'm praying for them. Tell all those that are helping, Thank you." It was powerful to hear those words, meant for us, straight form the mouth of our good Prophet. It definitely pumped us up for the long day of hard work ahead of us.

We were assigned to a large ranch out in the worst part of the damage. On the drive there I noticed something shiny up in a tree a short distance ahead of me. I couldn't tell what it was. As we got closer I finally saw it. It was a pick up truck, condensed down to the size of a smart car and tossed up in the top of a tree like it was a frisbee. You may have seen some damage on T.V. but it is nothing until you see it in person. Metal wrapped around trees like twisty ties, houses with walls standing but the roof and everything inside the home sucked out, Elementary schools flattened and cars stacked on each other like a game of Jenga. It was incredible to see.

With chainsaws in hand we got to work. About 20 massive trees had been uprooted. 7 hours and 40 people later we had the place cleaned up. We helped 2 more households before we were done.

We didn't make it home til 10pm and I passed the heck out! Exhausted but happy from a long day of service. It will be years before Moore is back to normal. Keep them in your prayers.

Let's see, that covers Lions, Tornadoes and turning 25. That leaves bears.

At work we play a game called bear cave with our classes. Its basically an obstacle course where the kids take berries (soccer balls) across the river and through a forest to put them in their cave (soccer goal). I had all the kids gathered around me to explain the game. I had a class of 3&4 year olds. I started by asking the kids what bears eat. This little girl raises her hand with vigor and vim and and was waving her hand like crazy. I pick her and ask her, "So what do bears eat?" Straight faced and serious she says, "HUMANS." Bahahaha I couldn't hold it together. I laughed til I had tears. After that answer none of the kids wanted to play bear cave.

Sorry I left ya'll hanging for so long. I know how much you missed us :) I will try harder to fill your Hellard life update needs in the future.

Thanks for stopping by!

Gettin my craft on

I like to think that I have a very small crafty bone in my body. I'm no Martha Stewart but I like to take on a project every now and then. I've been not so secretly hinting to Derek that I would like a sewing machine for my birthday so I can have even more projects. This week while I was cleaning out our fridge I became extremely annoyed at my magnets and their refusal to stay put. Ding Ding Ding! New project! I have also been anxious to use my new glue gun Derek got me for Christmas and figured this was a good start. So I hit the closest craft store and scouted out anything that could be Hellard Fridge material. I found theses wooden buttons at Michaels. $2 got me 12 wooden buttons. I also found these small cardboard vintage signs that I saw some potential in. With magnets and glue gun at the ready, I got busy. It didn't take long and I ended up 24 magnets for under $6 bucks! Not too bad. And they are totally awesome.

While I was at Michaels, I browsed the dollar section like my mother always taught me to do. You can find some real treasures there without breaking your wallet. I struck gold friends! I found these super neat note cards that had vintage prints and sayings on the front. I thought that they would make some pretty cool wall hangings if they were framed so I got three different styles. At target I found red frames and completed the project by using an old paper bag as backing. I think they turned out pretty well. I have yet to hang them on the wall because the hammer has gone M.I.A. for the time being.

So it was a week of small projects but it keeps me busy. I like being able to add little things here and there to our little house and make it my own.

Well, this is going to be a short one this week since I have to be off to work. I am still loving my job and the daily giggles I get from those kids! I do have to say that I have become an expert shoe tier since that is one of my main job duties :)

"Determine never to be idle... It is wonderful how much may be done if we are always doing."

-- Thomas Jefferson

Home Sweet Home

It's always nice to go away on a trip but there is nothing like coming home. I was visiting my beautiful sister and her family in Utah the past week. They have two great kids that I love so much. Audrey is 3 going on 13 and she will tell you exactly what's on her mind. She has the greatest facial expressions (which she gets from her Aunt Boo) and she is always on the go. I read an article awhile back that said if an adult were to do everything a toddler did they would be exhausted in 7 minutes. True statement. We had a blast eating cheese sticks, having races and watching every Disney Princess movie ever made. She absolutely loves her baby brother Kyle and she tries to carry him with her everywhere she goes. Kyle is such a happy boy! I loved cuddling with him and listening to his baby laugh. Oh, and I can't forget his wet and drooling baby kisses! I did not however love his monstrous, stinky diaper bombs :) But I do have to admit that it did plant the baby bug in me. As I carried a sleeping baby in one hand, balancing a bottle with my chin, and pushing a stroller with the other hand I realized that I can indeed handle motherhood.

We did lots of fun thing on my visit. Kangaroo Zoo, which is a warehouse full of moon bonces, a kids dream come true. Andrea and I took a trip down memory lane when we discovered that the concession stand sold Slush Puppies. Ever hear of em? It's basically a very icy, slushy kool-aid. They were only a $1 so of course we got one of every flavor and drank til our brains were utterly frozen.

We also walked around the beautiful gardens at Thanksgiving Point. All of the tulips were in bloom and the buzz of spring time was in the air. Then there was the Dinosaur Museum, my favorite pork salad from Cafe Rio, train rides at the mall, multiple trips to Deseret Book, General Conference and meetings with friends, mission companions and family that we have missed so dang much. Oh and I can't forget the coveted Waffle Love Truck. It's quite genius and I'm rather disappointed in myself for not thinking of it first. Very simply, they make gourmet waffles out of a box truck. You don't know where the truck will be that day until they post it on Facebook and then they are only there for a short time. People flock from all over to get their waffle on. Is it worth it you ask? YES! So worth it that Andrea and I only only having 10 minutes to get to the Waffle Love location drove the few blocks down the road committing several illegal driving acts. Hands down best waffle of my life. They put some sort of delicious Biscoff topping on it that looks like runny baby poop but once they cover that with berries and whipped cream it's irresistible.

Upon my arrival home I was attacked with love from Digby. I've never seen anyone, man nor beast, more excited to see me. I received more puppy kisses to the mouth than I bargained for. He has been following me around like a shadow ever since I've walked in the door. Even though Digby whined and peed with excitement, I do think Derek was a bit more excited to see me. He didn't urinate but I'm grateful for that. Apparently the bachelor life style just isn't his forte... I think he has been a bit too spoiled by his wife :)

I feel cheesy saying this but we live close enough to Kansas for me to justify using that famous phrase from Dorothy, "There is no place like Home." That small town girl was really on to something!

Cousins

Katie & Jason with their twins Bennett and Cooper

 G6YFIZ

Couch, Camera and Catfish Hole

We discovered that our couch had a couch bed this week. We also discovered that we are no longer 12 and we can't just sleep in or on any random space anymore. The after math of trying to sleep on said couch bed was horrible. I was so excited to find the couch bed. A bit too excited I think. As I was putting the sheets on it and making plans to have an awesome night of movie watching and popcorn eating I started getting all nostalgic. I have countless memories of couch beds past. Like, trying to do a back drop and feeling the bar of the bed in your back. Sleepovers. When relatives came to visit. Or, the time my 4 siblings and I were sick with the stomach flu and Mom and Dad pulled out the couch bed and passed out barf bowls for us to use while we watched T.V. So you can see why I was excited to find this hidden gem. Couch bed = guaranteed magical times and memories. I got everything situated and flopped on the couch bed...big mistake. Remember the fore mentioned bar in your back... ya that was painful. I've seen maxi pads with more thickness than that mattress. Even Digby hopped off and opted to sleep on the floor instead. I made it through one movie then tossed and turned for and hour before I gave up and put away the couch bed feeling slightly sad and defeated. You know you're old when the couch bed has lost its novelty and comfort. Goodbye youthfulness. Hello back pain.

Derek's Grandma Bobby had hip surgery over the weekend. We drove to Arkansas to visit her and Derek's Mom. She is doing fine but hates her physical therapist for making her walk everyday. Ouch! Derek's sister Bobby and her husband Torrey were in town from Maine as well so we had a nice little reunion in Alma. We went to eat one night at the Catfish Hole. This place was home to Derek's first real job. He was the hush puppy maker.

We had fried catfish and fries and it was scrumptious! I'm convinced that the hush puppies would have been better if Derek was the one making them though. It was a very nice visit and we always love to be around family. I loved seeing Bobby and Torrey. They actually made it to our wedding in Florida and they have quickly become some of my favorite people. It's not very often that you meet people that you instantly feel comfortable with and I'm lucky enough to call these ones my family.

In other exciting news, I got a sweet new camera thanks to my wonderful and loving husband! After months and months of searching and trying to decide which one I wanted and if I could bring myself to pay the price...Derek said "Just do it already!" Well said husband, well said. So I did just that and I got a Canon Rebel t3. It is beautiful. I've never owned such a magnificent piece of equipment.
Shortly after getting out of it's box and set up, Derek began to regret his words of wisdom to me. He and Digby have become my sole models and they hate it. Deep down I know my boys love it but they have that manly facade to keep up with. Digby is a better sport since he doesn't really have a choice Here are a few shots for your viewing pleasure:

Digby Boy

Derek's nephew Jason

I made some jam!

So I am in love with my new toy and I'm sure I will be posting a ridiculous amount of photos on here now.

"Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many."

Past, Present, and Future

To say this past week was eventful would be an understatement. It all started with the weekend. Derek had to work three consecutive days which meant long hours of boredom for me at home by myself. Digby is good company but when I start talking to him like he is another human I know I've hit my "lonely low". So I decided to take a trip down to Edmond which is about an hour and half south of Tulsa. Since I served my mission in the greatest state ever...I'll give you one guess...did you guess Oklahoma? Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!! I love the fact that I can hop in the car and be back in my mission in just an hour. It's been more than amazing to be able to go back and visit so many wonderful people who made my mission so wonderful. In Edmond resides one of the most fantastically loving, down to earth and generous families I have ever met. They were quite literally my mission family, my home away from home, and my immediate friends.

Meet the Eckmans

They opened their home, their cabinets and their hearts whenever we needed it. So many gospel discussions and warm spiritual moments happened within the walls of their home during my short time in the Edmond area.

Since moving to Tulsa, I have to admit, I've often felt alone. I have no family or friends in the near by area. I didn't have a clue how to get anywhere and was always getting lost and frustrated as I tried to navigate my way to the grocery store. As I walked into the Eckman's front door this weekend I immediately felt like I had just walked into my own families home. I was greeted with such love and excitement. I felt silly for feeling alone all this time! They were the exact dose of family and love that I needed. We had a nice long visit and I felt the Spirit whisper to my heart "You are never alone and you are never forgotten." I'm reminded daily of what a wonderful thing my mission was and how it has changed my life forever. I'm grateful for the blessing of the Eckman family in my life. I do have some family close by after all. Dexter, the dog, and I even shared a lollipop on my mission...I'm pretty sure that secured me a spot in the family forever.

So that was my trip down memory lane. Moving onto the present. My hubby turned 24 on Tuesday. He is practically half way to 50 and therefore old and almost dead. Well that's what he thinks anyway. Birthdays seem to lose their novelty after a certain age. What used to be excitement for parties, presents, pinatas and goodie bags has now been replaced with fear of extra pounds, sore muscles, sleep deprivation and the looming presence of the Grimm Reaper. And we are only 24....
I got him some portable pop up soccer goals so we can now play soccer wherever and whenever we want. I thought it to be the perfect gift for such a soccer enthusiast. We set them up in the yard and played against each other. We are out of shape. Like really bad. After just a few minutes we were ready for a half time. Digby joined in the festivities trying to bite the soccer bad. He soon gave up and plopped himself in my goal. I thought he would help me out and at least try to keep Derek from scoring but he ended up being the worst goalie ever. He just ran away chasing butterflies every time I needed him. Some help he was. We played 4 games and Derek won 3 of the 4. I blame Digby for my defeat. We now keep a running score card on the fridge. Little does Derek know, I am training Digby in private to become my secret weapon. Needless to say, I'm feeling an epic comeback in the near future.
Derek hates cake so we had pumpkin pie instead. You might be saying to yourself, "Pumpkin pie in March? That's weird." And to that I say, We do what we want....don't judge us :) So there is the Present, as in my present life and birthday presents. See what I did there? Puny right? Ah, I did it again.

So this past week as I took a look back on my past and enjoyed my present, I got to thinking about the future. Derek will graduate in May with his bachelors degree which means new opportunities for our family. Derek and I often feel overwhelmed with the many options and paths we can choose for our lives. It seems so daunting at times...making decisions that will decide and pave the way for our future and our kids futures. I don't like the pressure of being an adult and having to make these choices. What if we choose the wrong one? What if things don't work out the way we hope? Why can't there be a manual out there that tells you what to do with your life? I had all these questions on my mind as I went to church on Sunday. We have been praying, and fasting and praying and studying the scriptures to try to narrow down our options. Derek had to work Sunday so I found myself sitting alone in a pew, lost in thought as the meeting started. Our opening song was How Firm a Foundation. As we sang, the words began to take on new meaning for me. The third verse says, "Fear not I am with thee, O be not dismayed. I am thy God and will still give thee aid. I'll STRENGTHEN thee, HELP thee and cause thee to stand." Basically, Heavenly Father was using a mega-phone to get His message across to me. I'm here, I will help you, I told you I would. Even though I might not see where our life is headed at all times, I can trust my Father in Heaven to lead us the right way because He does know.

We have thought about joining the Air Force ever since we met. (When I say we are joining, I really mean Derek). Through lots of prayer and fasting we have decided to move forward and enlist. We are excited and nervous for the opportunities, challenges and adventures this new decision will hold for us. It truly feels like the right thing for us to do at this point in our lives and with the go ahead from our Main Man Upstairs we will move forward with faith.



"Past is experience, Present is experiment and Future is expectation. So use your experience in your experiments to achieve your expectations." -Nishan Panwar