Hey everyone!  In an effort to pull all my blogs under one roof (wow - I have been a bit of a Blog Collector!), I am consolidating everything at:

http://www.domestified.com

I'll blog on everything there: recipes, crafting, hobbies, faith, and family updates...

I'll save this blog's posts in the archive.  See you there!  :)

Elena 

Back on Blogger...

Wow - it has been a loooooong time.  I was looking at past posts here and man!  It has been a long time since I have blogged regularly.  So here's what we've been up to in a nutshell:

* We moved to Louisiana
* Dave is still a First Sergeant and loving it
* I am working full time for the Exchange as a Services Business Manager
* I miss working from home
* We sold the house in Florida
* We lost Eli and Allie (Barkley is our only pet left)
* Derek is in Middle School
* Jimmy is a Senior in High School
* We went on an awesome cruise vacation this year
* Dave and I are teaching Sunday School at Calvary Chapel Shreveport
* Dave put in his retirement papers for next year
* I started my Master's Degree
* I got my gallbladder taken out this week
* Life is pretty good for us right now...

If I missed anything, I will be sure to post...  But that is it for now... :)

Dave's New Gig

It has been a while since we posted an update.  We have been busy with Derek's Baseball season, work, and life in general.  I just got back from training at Fort Hood, and Dave is now attending First Sergeant's Academy.  He is so excited to be getting this opportunity.  I am so proud of him and know he will be an amazing First Sergeant.

He has three weeks of some intense training, so I will pray for him that he soaks it all in and has a great experience at school.  If you think of him when you send up your prayers - I would be sooooo appreciative! 

If you are wondering just what a First Sergeant does, here is a great article:
http://www.incirlik.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123185706

I know Dave will embrace this new position with the same enthusiasm and sense of duty that he does in his love of Christ. 

"Be shepherds of God's flock, the believers who are under your care. Serve as their leaders. Don't serve them because you have to. Instead, do it because you want to. That's what God wants you to do. Don't do it because you want to get more and more money. Do it because you really want to serve." 1 Peter 5:2 (NIRV)

He truly does want to serve the airmen in his care.  His heart and mind are in this for all the right reasons, and I am so proud to be supporting him on this new path in his career...  I'll be sure to keep you updated on how he is doing.

Home for a Week

We are back in Florida this week while the kids are on spring break.  It is nice to be back home for a little while.  We had been looking forward to a little break...

Derek's schedule has been hectic (Dave is helping coach the baseball team this season) and he just got picked up for First Sergeant's Academy.  Life is getting ready to be a little more hectic...

So, we are enjoying this little break while we can.  More upates soon...

New Blog Home - Again!

Well we've changed our blog home again - kinda.  We came right back where we started.  Unfortunately we lost all the previous posts we had posted...

We hadn't posted much in 2011, but I am kinda bummed about 2009 and 2010.  Oh well.  We lived those memories right?  I am glad I kept this blog going - we can just pick up where we left off.

So what has been happening in the Bedner family household?

Let's see.  We moved from Cheyenne, Wyoming to Haughton, Louisiana in October 2009.  We bought a house here and really love the area.  The kids have really adjusted well.  They've made friends, started their sports activities.  They're doing well.

Dave is coming up on 20 years in the Air Force!  I can't believe he has been in almost 20 years now.  It has been a privilege being his wife for half of those years.  He just pinned on MSgt too - we are soooo proud of his accomplishment!  Dave's Mom even came out to help pin it on.  It was really nice to have her here and have her experience the ceremonies.  Dave's friends Matt & Ernie also came to help celebrate - which was AWESOME becuase it was a total surprise.  Dave just finished helping coach Derek's flag football team.

I went back to work with AAFES this past March after staying home with the kids for the last 8 years!  I am a Learning Facilitator for the Base Exchange.  I am responsibile for coordinating and teaching the mandatory training for all the AAFES employees at Barksdale.  It has been a challenge (especially since I have been TDY more this year than Dave has), but I really love the job.  Unfortunately it doesn't leave me a whole lot of time for photography and scrapbooking.  I haven't been as involved with the hobby lately, but I do still do projects here and there.

Jimmy started as a Freshman at Airline High this school year, and he just finished his Freshman Football season.  We are so proud of all he has accomplished so far.  His Freshman year has been going well - but the juggling act that has been his schedule has taken a toll on his grades a little.  He has some work to do in some of his classes.  He'll get them up though - I remember Freshman year like it was yesterday - it sure wasn't easy...

Derek has been doing great in 3rd grade.  He just finished his 1st year of tackle football.  He liked it and did great, but is telling us that he really loves Baseball and that he can't wait till next season.  Derek is doing well in school and has been his normal social butterfly self.

I can't believe that the boys are going to be 15 and 9.  Jimmy's birthday is next week - I feel like he was 4 years old not that long ago!  Man the years go by fast...

I know I am missing lots of major life stuff, but I'll post more updates soon.  I hope to be blogging more often now!   

Dave's Eye Surgery

Hey all,

Thought it was about time that I publish an update... We have had a busy beginning of the year already.

Dave had his eye surgery (PRK) this past Monday at the Air Force Academy. It went well... We spent two days in Colorado Springs (GORGEOUS area - I took LOTS of pictures), and have to go back this Friday for his follow up.

His right eye is really bothering him today, but this is to be expected. He is doing really well. After the appointment this Friday, they will remove his protective contact lenses and he will have follow ups here in Cheyenne. He can already see an improvement. They say it will take around 3-6 months before the complete results can be assessed. He woke up the first morning and could see the alarm clock without squinting!

The boys are doing great. Derek is doing a week at the Youth Center - he loves it. Jimmy is going to be going to football camp over the summer. They are holding off on Karate right now as baseball season is going to start soon.

Elena is still plugging away at her college courses - her goal is to graduate by the end of the year (or the beginning of next).

A big CONGRATS to Amy and Chris who got engaged this month! We are so happy for them - we can't wait for the wedding guys! :)

That's life these days in the busy Bedner household... :)

The Giants Make the Superbowl & We Made the Website!

And we couldn't be more happy!

My DH was looking on the Giants' Website a couple weeks ago when they made the playoffs and saw a photo of a familiar scene.

He remembered those "Win and In" towels that everyone was waving and thought, "Hey! We were at that game..."... We bought season tickets off of Ebay in 2002 (we lived in Washington, DC then - SHUDDER) and had gone to this game... The kids stayed with Grandma and Papa John in CT, and we drove down to Jersey and froze our butts off - it was December 28, 2002. The playoff berth between the Giants and the Eagles...

Then he looked at the photo harder and said, "That's US!"... Yep! We made the very corner of the photo:

And then we sent it to pretty much everyone we knew... LOL It was a great game. We left early to beat the traffic and could have KICKED ourselves. We missed Matt Bryant's game winning 39 yard field goal in overtime (though we heard it on the radio and nearly wrecked the car)... But I guess had we stayed we still might have been waiting to get on the freeway right about now... :D

Can you believe they are in the SUPERBOWL?? Party at our house! Come on down!

GO BIG BLUE!

Happy New Year Update...

We hope every one's holidays were nice... :)

2008 has us hitting the ground running already!

Derek is doing his Kempo classes and just got his orange belt this month:



He also did his first school program last month. The Kindergarten - 3rd Grade did the Christmas program at school this year:





Jimmy has been doing great too. He is still doing Kempo and is testing for him Brown belt this month. He also wants to start guitar and is doing basketball this season for the school. He made Principal's Honor Roll last quarter - we couldn't be prouder of these two!



Dave is studying hard for Master Sergeant. His test date is late next month. We also just sent in his audition tape for DEAL OR NO DEAL! So wish him luck on both... :)

Elena is wondering why she thought it was a good idea to double up her college classes... Really though, I am doing well, keeping busy (and my head above water - that is always a good thing!) with school, work, and the kids.

That's all that has been going on with us in a nutshell... We are still praying for a miracle for Dad, but realize it may be his time to be with the Lord soon. Only time will tell though, so we pray for the best...

Anyway, I will try and update this more than every two weeks! :)

((HUGS))

Sledding Weather

It has been snowing alot here lately in Wyoming - perfect sledding weather! And the new camera Dave got me for my birthday has been coming in handy! I got this awesome shot of Derek and Dave sledding the other day - it is HILARIOUS! I couldn't havecaught this image with my other camera - that's for sure!

Look at the sheer terror on their faces... LOL And the deathgrip Derek has on Dave's jeans...

Good times! :)

Happy Thanksgiving

Hi everyone,

Hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving surrounded by your families. Here's to great food, great company, and giving thanks for all the blessings in our lives...

Happy Thanksgiving!

Love,

The Bedner Family

Our Family Birthdays

Here is the updated (FINALLY! LOL) list of our family
birthdays....

January:

01 - Cathy P.
11 - Sal Sr.
16 - Marie N.
26 - Christi C.

February:

06 - Isabel C.
10 - Jackie G.
18 - Alison S.
20 - Nicole G.
27 - Auntie Yo

March:

03 - Sal Jr.
14 - Sue G.
16 - Joe N. Sr.
21 - John M.
22 - Derek

April:

18 - Our Anniversary

May:

06 - Gram
17 - Auntie Ann, Laurie & Todd's Anniversary
19 - Matt G., Amanda G.
21 - Mindi B., Paul & Sue's Anniversary

June:

03 - Marisa G.
04 - Jacob G.
06 - Jessie P.
08 - Dad David (Bedner), Randolph A.
12 - Brent C (Go HAWGS)
19 - Minerva A.
20 - Veronica M.
21 - Anthony C.
25 - Chew Dog!
26 - Joe & Ann's Anniversary
27 - Joe M.
28 - Ned P.

July:

05 - Chris E.
07 - Steven M.
15 - Kelsey H.
19 - Kelly C.
23 - Andrew G.
27 - Kyndall H.
28 - Sal & Yo's Anniversary

August:

11 - Rob E.
29 - Ernie M.
30 - Elbonye D.

September:

04 - Gina P., Eric B.
08 - Sonya J.
14 - My Boo David B.
16 - Jared and Jenna M.
18 - Amy B.
22 - Dad (Lopez-Diaz)
24 - Karen H.
29 - Carol E.

October:

09 - Joe N. Jr.
13 - Laurie M.
15 - Mom (Pasha)
17 - Ann M.
18 - Angie N.
21 - Paul G.
30 - Mom (Lopez-Diaz)

November:

02 - Allie!
06 - Josephine A.
09 - Joe G.
11 - Dianne B.
12 - Mom & Dad's Anniversary
15 - Jimmy, Bailey C.
21 - Norma S.
23 - Carlos M.
25 - Cathlyn A.
26 - Larae P., Randhy A.

December:

01 - Todd M.
04 - Paul G. Jr.
22 - Greg G.
23 - Mike G.
26 - Samuel C.
27 - Riley C.

If you are family (or a family friend) let me know if I
messed up or missed you! :)

Mom and Derek (First Day @ Kindergarten)

Here's a great shot of Elena and Derek at his first day of kindergarten. Derek was not scared or worried at all. In fact, when we walked him into his class and got him settled in, he told us we can go now. That boy has no fear of anything much less "The first day of school". Mom even held it together and did not shed a tear although both mom and dad felt a bit of sadness rolled up with pride.

Derek & Jimmy 1st Day of School

Here's a shot of the Jimmy and Derek walking to their bus stop on the first day of school. Mom of course got them matching back packs (Yankees). I love the the picture and how it captures the two brothers venturing off to new adventures. Because of their age difference, this will be the only year in which both Jimmy and Derek will be in the same school in the same year.

Reverse

How about some trickery...the play was designed to run right with a reverse to the left. Derek takes the ball and hands it off to his teammate and then carries out his assignment to the fullest. Pretty good play from a bunch of 4 and 5 year olds.

Derek's Reception

Derek caught the first ball for his team this Saturday. After making the catch he made one little move and darted down the sideline but was eventually caught by a quicker kid. It was an awesome play.

Giants Win!

The Giants win (6 - 2) on a last second play desperation play with some fancy footwork from a player name Steven.

Game Winner

Derek not only scored two TDs in one game but this one was the game winner!

Derek Scores his First TD

Derek scores his first Touchdown!

Jimmy Hustles

Jimmy never quits on this play and pulls the flag with a dive.

Jimmy's Interception

Jimmy shows off his ball-hawking skills while he and
the rest of the Giants defense pitched a 14-0 shutout
against the Eagles...