New Updates

Well, I have certainly been neglecting my blog since my last post. I think that I should be excused because of all the activities going on in my life.

On September 5, one of Meaghan's schoolmates, Tyler Schilhabel, was injured riding an ATV at the Pismo Dunes. He was paralyzed, and flown to Stanford Medical Center for surgery. Tyler was the starting quarterback for the Independence HS Falcons varsity team. Needless to say, the school was in total shock. What happened over the next week was not only a blessed miracle, but a emotionally charged example of a true community. The school, the community, and other places throughout the nation began a prayer chain that has overwhelmed almost all who have witnessed it. The school began fund raising, and there has been thousands of dollars raised for the Schilhabel family for Tyler's medical expenses. The greatest proof of God's love has been the wonderful progress that Tyler has experienced. (See the family's blog www.schilhabelstrong.blogspot.com) He is a true example of the miracle of God's love and grace.

Back to the Snyder family, I was blessed to find out last weekend that my oldest daughter, Caitlyn, and her boyfriend, Josh Hall, are going to be parents. The baby is due somewhere around May 8, 2011. They are a little overwhelmed, but very happy that this wonderful blessing will be part of our family next year.

I started back to school last week. Consequently, I will probably have less time for updates, but will continue to try and update life and the family history of my ancestors. I hope that I can continue to share stories and stats of my family for all those who are interested.

Okay, here is the first attempt at including my family history with my blog. I am doing this for my own amusement, as well as for my family members whom I will inform that I am doing this, partially so I can share this information with the family.

These pictures are my great-grandmother, Manda Turner Shackelford Horn. Manda was born in Wright County, Missouri June 3,1882. She was the fourth daughter of George Washington Shackelford and Cloyana Ferdelia Williams. They moved to Hartville, Wright County, Missouri after the Civil War from Roane County, TN. They had 11 children.

Manda married Arthur Horn in 1902. He had come to the area from Louisiana. They had three daughters, one died at birth. The other two, Ruth and Vee moved with their parents to Idaho for Arthur to manage a ranch, and Manda to be the cook for the ranch hands. While there, both Manda and Ruth were stricken with the Spanish Influenza. Ruth died first,in October 1918, and the family returned to Missouri to be with family. While there, Manda died in January of 1919. Arthur then took his daughter, Vee, to California to try his hands in the oilfields of Kern County. There, Vee met the Wigginton family....and that led to ME!

Next up, some of the Wigginton information.

Countdown to school year

Today marks 2 weeks before my classes start. I am looking forward to getting them underway, because that means I am closer to the end. Had some wonderful news from my friend who got a clean bill of health, well, at least it is not cancer and we can deal with that! God is wonderful in his mercy!

I received a thank you note in the mail from a client that I did an intake with last week. What a pleasant surprise. He said he felt that I could help him with his goal of employment and he felt that I was really caring. It's nice to hear positive things from a client.

I spent some quality time with my new little brother (the lab puppy) Bo today. It is not easy to do Zumba with a 90-lb dog and a puppy running around the room where you are trying to Salsa. Ha! I thought I looked silly without the dogs.

I've decided that I will also use this blog to work in my family history. I will try and share some of my family's stories and pictures within these postings.

Starting Again

Okay, I am going to try and do this at least once a week. I will be adding pics as I leaern how to do it better.

School just started last week for my daughter, Meaghan, who is a senior at Independence High School. She will be the first graduating class of the school, and she is excited to be participating in her senior year. She was just cast in Bakersfield Community Theater's production of "The Taming of the Shrew." She will be playing Biondello. Rehearsals are taking a lot of time, but I am proud that she is juggling her responsibilities well.

Caitlyn is still looking for a job. She has been a stay-at-home girlfriend for a few weeks, and has loved it. But, she knows that she and Josh cannot afford it for very long.

School starts for me on 9/14. My last year of grad school. In just 9 months, I will have my degrees and be done!

I started a diet/lifestyle change in May, and am down 25 pounds. I hope to be down 90 by graduation. I started doing Zumba and will hope to get myself in shape in a healthy way.

Stay tuned for more.

Well, I am inspired to start this blog after seeing my cousin's blog from England. I have decided that I can do this to keep everyone updated on what happens in the Snyder household.

I am 4 weeks from finishing the 2nd year of my 3 year program to get my Master in Social Work. I will be finishing my Master in Public Administration in the Fall. I am currently working on my Thesis for that program, which is a Guidebook for establishing a Housing Consortium in Taft for the Mentally Ill. I have been doing my Internship at Bakersfield Memorial Hospital as a medical social worker. It has been a wonderful experience, however, 16 extra hours per week has been a killer! Next year I am lucky enough to be doing my internshipo through my job at Mental Health, and will be working with the WISE team, which is for elderly mental health clients.

I will be going in and posting pictures, and try to continue to keep updates on here.