Parties both Happy and Sad!

Once again, I am swiftly running out of time, but I wanted to at least post a few words about the busyness the last few weeks have held for me.
Week 1.
Easter Sunday- Went to Syracuse to church and to Jonathan's and Jessamyn's home afterwards to celebrate Easter with most all the family, including my Grandma and Aunt who arrived from Kentucky. Had a wonderful meal, and the kids enjoyed an Easter Egg hunt on the chilly sunny day!
Mon- my Grandma, Aunt, Sister, Mom, and their kids all came to spend the late morning/ early afternoon here which meant cleaning the house top to bottom (my G and A had never seen my home) and making a meal.
Tues.- Matt, Rebecca, Corynn, Andrew and Dave came for supper- more cleaning and prep!
Wed- went to Elmira with Faith and Samuel to see G & A one last time before they went home.
Thur- made a box run for Matt and Rebecca and took Corynn for the day to play :)
Fri- made another box run for Matt and Rebecca and then held a surprize going away party for the Newmans at the church complete with balloons, streamers, flower arrangements, decorative tablecovers/ plates/ cups, cake, a going away gift of a patio set all the church people pitched in for, and most importantly a pasta bar put on by my hubby and kids. It was a wonderful day!
Sat.- Bob and Mom's bday. Bob graciously went to Elmira and spent the day there so I could see my grandparents who drove up for Andrew's baptism- Thanks honey- I LOVE YOU!
Sun- Andrew's baptism and Samuel's bday party. We had every one over after church to celebrate. Unfortunately I have no photos from my digital camera because I was too busy with the regular camera, and just getting things done. We had Lasagna, Italian bread, toss salad, cantalope and cake!

This week has been a little better but we still had to go to the Dr. on Monday because half of Samuel's face was swollen. I believe he got bit by a spider, the Dr couldn't be sure other than he had an allergic reaction to something and was put on Meds. Poor Baby was miserable!!! On Tues Samuel had his true birthday and we had a spring concert for Samantha. Wed. Samuel's face was better so he had to get his 1 year shots and I had to go to a training class for daycare. Daddy did an awesome job with Samuel- I was worried because I don't usually leave him for a couple of hrs and with having shots and all, but he was fine! :) Thurs was quieter and we'll see what today holds :)

So much for "a few words!" ;) Have a wonderful weekend all :)

Happy 1st Birthday Samuel! :) 

So much to do and see, I couldn't get a picture of Samuel looking up, he was too busy playing with his Discovery Table! 

"Look at the little choo-choo train sissy, it even moves!" 

The whole gang gets in on the fun of seeing what Samuel got for his birthday! 

Then it was time to rip off the paper and see what was inside! 

Before opening his present, he had to look at the paper since there was so much to see! 

Samuel was so excited about the balloons for his birthday- I couldn't keep him still :) 

We had a surprize going-away party with a pasta bar and games (that were never played btw) for Matt and Rebecca. Boy were they surprized- they didn't suspect a thing! Who said a Cantrell can't keep a secret ;) 

Rebecca didn't want me to post this photo of her "fake sad face" at the Surprize Party and said that if I loved her I wouldn't put it on my blog. Well, I do love you, but this is my last photo I have of you from before you moved, so you'll have to bear with me as I put it on! :)

Happy Birthday Samuel- You Turn One Today :)

I have a lot of catching up to do- I haven't posted much in the last few weeks because my life has been so hectic, but I must put that on hold because this is to wish Samuel a Happy First Birthday! God has truly blessed my life by allowing you to join our family. Your smile chases away the burdens of the day and lifts my spirits! Your cuddles and open mouth kisses make your love so sweet! Thank you for being my son and may GOD bless your life as you live each day prayerfully for HIM! You are an answer to your daddy and my prayers- WE LOVE YOU AND HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!! :)

Samuel back from his walk-He's wearing a Houston Astros outfit my friend Becky gave him when she lived in Texas and looked like he was ready to play ball :) I love the outfit Becky, if you are reading this! 

Corynn trying to decide what to do next! 

Corynn came to play while Mama and Papa were packing up their home! 

Sameel having a good time at his Nannie and Poppy's house! 

Samuel loves to give hugs, and Nannie loves to receive them! :) 

Samuel having some snuggletime with his Nannie!  

My Aunt Bridget came too-It was a wonderful visit-Thanks so much for coming!!! :) 

My Grandma with the Black Hair came to visit from Kentucky- Grandma, I hate to tell you but your hair isn't black anymore! :) 

Celebrating the SON!

I'm almost out of time this am because I posted quite a few photos, however I just wanted to write a quick note on how thankful I am that Jesus is my Savior! This past week we bought the Chronicles of Narnia. I sobbed during the movie when Aslan sacrificed himself for the lowly, and wayward child Edmund. The symbolism of Jesus giving his life up for us the torture he had to endure was just too much for me. Thank YOU Heavenly Father for sending your Son JESUS to give up his life and endure such suffering for me and others! Thank YOU we were able to celebrate your SON's Ressurection this weekend and help us not to forget YOU during the other days of our lives!!!

Samantha dipping her egg and watching the colors blend~ 

Wayne coloring Easter eggs in his new T-Shirt just like dad's. He is such a mini-version of Bob in SO many Ways! 

As we all tend to do, Samuel wasn't satisfied with just the one that he had, and had to try to get another, why not- they were sitting on the table all alone with no one else to play with them! :) 

A look of amazement crossed Samuel's face when he actually grabbed the slippery egg and it didn't slip away! 

Samuel was so excited about the plastic eggs, I couldn't get him to stop moving for the photos! Reaching for an egg... 

One of very few photos I took with my digital camera of Easter at Jonathan and Jessamyn's house- most were with my good camera. Such a nice photo of Jessamyn and Corynn! 

"Blue Skies shinin' on Me, Nothin' but Blue Skies, I can See" 

I love sunshine, and the brightness of it is captured on Samuel's face. He was puzzled about the bright thing in the sky that hurt his eyes when he looked at it...