Great Job!

Today I want to let everyone know just how proud I am of my wonderful husband! He'd die if he knew I was writing about him, but I just can't help it! In April, Jordan took a new position with Wells Fargo. Within one week he had to pack up and leave behind great friends, a home he loved so much he wanted to be buried there (I'm not kidding) and left his family, which I know was very hard for him. He's a very involved dad and missed his kids greatly. He only was able to come be with us one, short weekend a month. The job transition has been very challenging and between going in very early and staying late, he comes home exhausted and brain-fried. Three months, one sprained ankle, and a broken toe later, our family is finally back together and for that we are so grateful. Throughout all of this he's had a great attitude and continues to not only lift everyone else up but keep us all in stitches. What a great example he is to me. I feel so privileged to be the wife of such a great man.

Happy Birthday Alyssa!

disclaimer: This post contains the ramblings of a frazzled mother who still can't find her favorite pair of shoes amid the sea of boxes!!! Beware!
On Sunday for Alyssa's 2nd birthdaywe went to my aunt and uncle's new house in Springville. We had a great dinner there with fun cousins, yum food, and lots of theraputic laughter, emphasis on the therapy. Speaking of laughter, here's a funny pickle, it was my job to bring the birthday dessert. Okay, so I slaved away at the store getting an ice cream cake, then thinking it might not serve ALL the cousins that I wasn't sure were coming, I continued the slavery in the kitchen baking this fabulous carrot cake with cream cheese icing (okay I confess it was a the only mix and canned frosting I had in the house...) BUT STILL!! So I was loading everything into the car, cold cake in cooler, beautifully wrapped gifts that a two-year old couldn't care less about the ribbon I searched the house over for... and as my darling Emmy-girl was hopping in the back of the car at the same time... (you know where this is going, don't you... ) we went into slow motion , Emmy's foot caught the carrot cake tupperware cake box, flipping it high in the air, I see it all happening, reach across her (as if I could somehow pluck it from the air and return it upright unscathed) and watched it land with a deafening SMACKON THE DRIVEWAY. Breathe, Jenny, Breathe. After squealing "OH,NO!!!!", I didn't know whether to laugh. cry or both! I quickly grabbed it and turned it right side up. Thank goodness I had been inspired my Betty Crocker herself to sprinkle walnuts on top, preventing it from gluing itself to the lid. Even though it looked like it had been through an earthquake, we salvaged it and off we went to celebrate! I thought about just letting everyone think that an over-elated Alyssa attacked her cake, but then I thought people might not even try it. Everyone turned out to be such a good sport and took a taste, saying it tasted the same no matter what it looked like and that it would end up looking worse when it go to their tummies. Now that's what I call a loving family.

Happy Birthday Alyssa, We love you!

Making a wish!

After finishing her ice cream cake, she went for Daddy's. I don't think he ever found out! You snooze, you lose, pal!

Surprise! "Gifts, for me? You shouldn't have!"

A bubble machine! My favorite! Tay-too!

Levi is always ready to party!

Austin, Logan, Bailee, and Emmy just enjoying the Utah breeze!

Nikki, Alyssa, Brandon, and Austin checking out Brandon's ride... nice!

The Hosts: Uncle Larry and Aunt Linda Madsen
The Two Little Birds in front of their new love nest!

Westward Ho!!!

What a wild ride this Snedaker family has been on for the past few months... We want everyone to know that we have safely arrived to our new digs in So Jo. The first few days I thought I was going to drown amid all of the boxes and packing paper. In fact, Levi is such a mellow fellow that I actually DID lose him in pile of paper for a few minutes. Not until I heard his cute giggle did I remember where he was playing... What a good mom I am, right? Alyssa on the other hand is taking this opportunity to push our non-schedule schedule to her advantage by eating whatever unhealthy food she can find (Treat Mom, TREAT??) and staying up until 10:30 at night then batting those long eye lashes of hers and saying

"no-no nigh night. Mommy go nigh-night. 'kay?"

(Sigh, as you can tell, I'm not very good at the whole move thing...)

My mom and sister came for a quick visit and to help with unpacking. We had a great time while they were here. Fourth of July was a little different in that we were all to tuckered to venture out to find a fireworks show. Instead we opted to watch some of our brave neighbors try not to burn their homes down while entertaining our kids. Thanks. While we were watching them, we talked about why we celebrated the 4th of July, what the fireworks represent, etc.

Emmy whispered to me, "Oh yeah mom, kinda like that song you always sing that has that flag in it?"

Umm, yeah. That would be our national anthem, Emmy. Guess we need to reference that one a bit more as such... I'm thinking we need an Emmy quote of the week... I'll keep you posted on any future Ah-ha moments...
Let us know if you'd like to stop in for a visit and unload, unpack, paint, or sand. We'd love to see you!