Holiday Shop

I spent the entire day today at Christian's school volunteering in the holiday shop.  It was so fun to watch all the boys and girls come in with their money to personally shop for mom, dad, brothers, sisters and anyone else that might be on their list. They were so excited to pick things out all on their own, manage their money to get a gift for everyone on their list and maybe a little something for themselves, but then to watch them all leave with all their gift bags in tow was really sweet.

I have to admit,  I was a little suspect at first.  I had gone up to the school Friday as everything was being set up and thought to myself...this is not going to be good, but boy was I wrong.  As I sat at the check out table as to not hop along on my self-diagnosed swollen and bruised sprained foot, I very quickly got in to the spirit.  It was very easy to do though with the exceptional ladies there with me.   Misti was truly an inspiration as she spread holiday cheer.  She had such a positive attitude and kept going on about how wonderful it was to give the kids an opportunity to experience the spirit of giving.  It did not matter what our kids were going to come home with, it was the thought that counted and the excitement in their eyes that made it all worth it!  Don't get me wrong, we all shared a laugh or too but as my shift came to an end, I had no desire to leave.  I thought to myself I would stay and eat lunch with Christian and then go but that did not happen either.  

In preparation for Christian to come in with his class, I walked around and pointed a few ideas out to the helpers...a back scratcher, Mom note pad or maybe a book mark. When Christian walked in, he was really excited and did not need any help or ideas from the other moms (hint hint).  I told him to do his shopping and I would pay when he checked out.  He was a little boy on a mission.  After a few minutes of browsing he immediately walked over to show what he had picked out so far: a little monster truck that he said Carson would love, and a keychain for Chad that said #1 Dad.  He said since he had the best dad he definitely had to get it.  I walked to the gift bag table so Christian could check out without me seeing my present and then he was good to go or so I thought.  A few minutes later he told me he found a coffee cup that he had to get Ta Ta and a bookmark for Grandma.  

By this point Chad had dropped Carson off at the school to hang out until it was time to leave.  He was such a big boy all day.  He sat on the floor by my chair or under the table playing PSP and helping me get bags for a good majority of the day!  We had lunch with Christian where his big brother walked him over to the ice cream line with his arm around his neck!  (Please let it last!) He was such a big helper I told him he could go shopping too.  He picked out a little something for Christian and we called it a day!

Fast forward to the car ride home.  Christian kept telling me that he wanted to give us our presents tonight because he just could NOT wait until Christmas.  I tried convincing him to put them under the tree but he was not having any part of it.  I told him he was just like his dad in that respect because Chad always liked to give presents early and could never wait until the big day!

At dinner tonight Christian said that he was handing out presents.  Chad said, "I wonder where he gets that" and asked me if I knew what I was getting since I had been there today.  Christian sat there a second and looked up with a big smile on his face and asked,"don't you like bling?" He knows me so well! He gathered his gifts and handed them out one by one leaving mine for last.  The suspense was killing me.  What would it be?  The faux ruby mom tennis bracelet, maybe a big ring?  Nope!  It was a very sweet blinged out little guitar necklace.  I loved it and can actually wear it with pride.  When I tucked him in bed and was leaning over to give him a kiss he noticed I was still wearing his necklace!  He said, "you are still wearing it".  Of course baby, it was a gift from you!

Tis the season!

Pump It Up

This afternoon we held Carson and Holt's 5th Birthday Party with their friends at Pump It Up in Frisco.  Shockingly enough that was the first time we have ever been there.  I can't believe it either because it was clean, the kids had a blast and all I had to do was take pictures!!  Since Carson does not officially turn 5 until next week, I am not going to talk about his birthday until then.  I am going to need the time to mentally prepare myself for the fact that my youngest son, my baby is turning 5!  How are they growing up so fast?

Anyway...today the boys had an Iron Man themed party and Carson told us when we got home that his Iron Man party was definitely something to remember!  I did not take the time to shrink these pics so I think they are going to be fuzzy....ugh.

 Waiting for everyone to arrive

 Let the fun begin

 Tyler making the climb

 B-rock

 Oh yeah, I think we are having fun

 Christian rolling down the slide

 Carson and Holt - Superman and Iron Man

 Rock star

 Caught on film

 Cade having fun

 The dads enjoying a friendly game of b-ball

 Birthday Boys

 Chad put $2 in this massage chair. I think at one point his eyes rolled back in his head.

Tyler and Holt

 Henry - I wish I could have gotten a picture of his face as he was sliding down. Too cute

Ben-tenator

 Carsaroni

 Case-O

Ben and Carson taking a breather

 Not wanting the party to end

Friends

 Happy Birthday to you!

 Make a wish

Carson immediately came home, got his pj's on and starting playing with all of his new Iron Man toys!  He keeps saying that was the best party ever!  

Time to put the boys in bed.  Looks like the tooth fairy is coming tonight.  Christian lost a bottom tooth at the party.

Happy Thanksgiving

It is Thursday morning, Thanksgiving morning and I am about to get back in the kitchen with mom to prepare our Thanksgiving dinner.  We are having Thanksgiving at our house this year and are expecting between 20-25 people.  In the last year or so our house has become the "go to" house for holidays and while we are not going home for Thanksgiving, we are having Thanksgiving at home...our home and it will be reminiscent of Thanksgiving pasts.

I have truly fond memories of Thanksgiving growing up as a child.  Mom would spend many hours in the kitchen preparing a wonderful meal; my favorite dishes being creamed corn, cranberry sauce and pumpkin pie with homemade whipped cream.  YUM!  The door was always open and a standing invitation was extended to anyone that wanted to come over and share in the holiday with us.  Ross, Chelsea and I would wake up and watch the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade as kids or as we got older I can remember having LONG guitar hero sessions that Ross most often won.  At some point in the day I was going to be sat on, tackled to the floor and tickled until I could no longer breathe by my brother.....something I would give anything for today! My grandparents would come over and we would all play canasta together.  Chad, Ross and Jason would sit in Ross' room for hours and play Madden.  We would all gather around and watch the Cowboys game....this was most enjoyed for me when the Triplets were still on the field.  Chad and I would have Thanksgiving lunch most often at Queenies house and then we could get to mom's for the afternoon and evening.  These are some of my fondest memories of Thanksgiving.

Yesterday my mom and I were in the kitchen cooking together and will be doing the same today.  Our house will be filled with the same warm aroma that I can remember as a child.  We are making or have already made all of my favorite dishes plus Buttermilk pie that Chad and his family love so much as well as my sweet potato souffle recipe and much more.  Our door is open and we will have several family friends sharing in the holiday with us.  The kids are ready for the parade, Christian is ready for Patrick to come play football, and we will all gather around the t.v at three to cheer on the Cowboys to their 3rd straight win with Jason Garrett as head coach.

I have so much to be thankful for.  My incredible husband that I have been with for half of my life.  You are my rock and my best friend.  I am so thankful for the laughter and love we share.  You truly complete me.  I love you so much!  My precious boys, Christian and Carson!!  Being your mom is my greatest reward and every day spent with them is the biggest blessing and reward of my life.  All I have ever wanted to be is a wife and a mom and I am so thankful to have that opportunity.  My incredible family that I love and cherish.  You formed me into the woman I am today and your constant love and support means so much.

I am thankful for this beautiful home and roof over our head, for the protection it brings and the memories we are making in it.  I am so blessed to call Celina home and live in this incredible community with such small town pride, that openly prays and that rallies around the kids and each other.  I love this town and I am so thankful for the friendships we have made here.  We truly have an amazing group of friends and Chad and I are constantly saying how blessed we are to have them in our life!  You truly have become our family and your constant love, support and laughter means the world to us!

My brother Ross, for the short twenty years I got to spend with him, but for the lifetime of MANY wonderful memories and the incredible bond we shared!   I will never forget all of the Prosper football and basketball games I went to with 5 year old Ross always just a few steps behind me.  Once I got my car, anytime I got in it, Ross did too.  He truly was my running buddy although at the time I may not have always like it.  As we grew older Ross was the most loving, caring, thoughtful brother a girl could ask for.  I will always cherish the memories of him arranging mom to watch the boys so we could go to the movies, go shopping or go eat sushi and the countless long heart to heart talks, that Ross, Chad and I would have until the wee hours in the morning.

In doing some reading after Ross passed away, I came across this quote somewhere that stuck with me.  It basically said when one loses a parent they have lost their past..and when one loses a spouse they have lost their present and when a parent loses a child they have lost their future...but when someone loses a sibling they have lost their past, present and future.  


One of his friends just recently posted this on Ross' Facebook Wall and it truly embodies the love and emotion that has repeatedly been expressed and just exactly how we all feel.

You truly are an AMAZING being! look at all the energy you spread through love & happiness in your short life span. Your not even around to keep giving out that energy, yet it flows constantly stronger in the dreams, thoughts, and hearts of everybody lucky enough to be embraced by that famous hug & smile. I am asked how it feels to loose someone magical like you. Truth is i dont feel like i lost you. How can i when i close my eyes i see your smile, when i fall asleep your in my dreams, and when i am alone your right behind me chirpin away in my ear. Your energy flows through me stronger now then ever before, so i havent lost you. Just by listening to the quiet room i can hear your laughter, sometimes i find myself turning around fully expecting to see you. I celebrate your life everyday, no time for mourning here, i am just happy to have been lucky enough to meet one of the most amazing & magical beings i know.

I am eternally grateful for the life of my brother Ross and the incredible impact he made on anyone and everyone he came in contact with.  For the new friendships we have made through and because of him and for our new roofing business and partnership with Josh and Lexie.  While I know that the Lord is the one that truly provides for us I can not help but feel that my brother is responsible too.  That in his passing he wanted to take care of Chad and I for a change and gave way for this opportunity to truly turn our life around and build something that will last forever.  Your hand print will always be on Greystone Roofing.

Ross, I know that you are truly smiling down on us. We love and miss you with every ounce of our being!  You will be with us today just like you are everyday!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Carson's Thanksgiving Feast

Thursday was Carson's Thanksgiving Feast at school.  He had been telling me about it for days, letting me know the kids were going to help, practicing his songs, telling me the story of the Mayflower, etc.    When Chad and I got to school all the boys and girls came out of their classrooms in their pilgrim hats and bonnets.  Chad and I were over on the side watching and I could see him scoping the room trying to find his mom and dad.  I called his name to put him at ease and he gave us a big smile.  He was very excited to have Mommy and Daddy come have a special lunch with him at school.

The kids sang a few songs including Carson's favorite one, Super Turkey!  Here he is practicing in the car waiting for Christian a few days before the feast.

Carson and Daddy....so happy

We were seated across from Carson's friend Gabriel.  Those two were BIG eaters today!!

Well Done

We have been celebrating a job well done!  Christian's first report card was excellent but his second report card he got last week was even better than the first!  I did not think it was possible for his grades to go up but somehow they all did! Of course he was immediately negotiating a trip to Game Stop for his good work!!

Last Friday Christian got to take his first limo ride in a Hummer Limousine for being a top seller in his school's fundraiser!  Unfortunately right before he and his friends got to pile in, the skies opened up and it poured!  However, that did not stop the fun.  Instead of a pizza party in the park the limo took the long way around to the gym at the Admin building.  I got to ride in the limo too and snap a few shots.

 The kids were so excited to see the limo finally pull up out front to pick them up.

 Checking it all out

 He can not contain his excitement.  Pre-Sugar

 Christian, Justin and Hunter

The Girls!

Next came Christian's Football party at Bill Bates Cowboy Ranch.  There were 36 players, 36 cheerleaders and their families that all came together Monday night for pizza, trophies, awards and to watch the much anticipated slide shows.  It was chaos but it was very cute to see the cheerleaders cheer on the boys when they were getting their awards and then watch the football players and cheerleaders pair up to exchange gifts.

 Table of football boys chanting

 Waiting on the pizza

Wyatt exchanging gifts

 Jake

 Brock

 Christian and Bella (wish I would have gotten a better pic)

Listen to what Coach Mark had to say about our #40

Look at that face

Last but not least we had Carson's Soccer Party last night.  He is so excited to now have a collection of trophies - 2!!  We braved the cold and went to the park for a quick celebration!  Here Carson and his buddies are after they got their trophies.  They were all very excited to get them but not so excited to take a few pictures.  After this was all done the boys all went back to play for a few more minutes while the grown-ups had our usual gab sessions.  

Celina Storm - minus Ben

Next thing I know one of the boys ran up to us and says "Mr. Cunningham, Christian just got in a fight on the playground".  Are you kidding me?  As I am walking over I find a dad bent down between Christian and the other boy giving the boys what appeared to be a stern talking to.  However as I got closer I don't think that was the case at all.  After assessing the situation to see that everything appeared to be o.k., I stepped out of the way and let Chad take over from here.  Clearly this was out of mommy territory. After talking to the dad, the other boys and Christian it appears that my young son had had enough and after several kicks to the shin and receiving a slap on the face he took matters in his own hands and threw the boy down flat on his back and proceeded to punch him...more than once.  When Chad got Christian over to the bench to have a talk, Christian immediately started crying.  Chad told him to relax and listen to what he had to say and they proceeded to have a daddy/son heart to heart.  Evidently Christian made quite an impression because Mason kept saying how proud of Christian he was.  Lesson Learned: Defending yourself is o.k and will not get you in trouble but picking on someone and starting the fight will get you in a world of hurt.  Needless to say Chad was secretly a proud pop.

Special Morning Time

The Cunningham Fam has a new morning routine! Chad now drops Christian off at school on his way to work!  STOP THE PRESS!  Yes, most days Chad and Christian are out the door together to start their day.  Christian loves having Chad take him to school and I do too as it is now much more relaxed in the morning not having to get Christian up, bathed, fed, lunches packed and at school by 8, return home to then rush to get Carson and I ready and him to school by 9.

This morning after Chad and Christian left for school, Carson and I were left to get ready for the day.  As I was getting him dressed I asked him what he was thankful for and this was his response.  "I am thankful for God, (pause) my brother's hermit crab, (pause) my family, and Uncle Ross in Heaven".  

SUPERBOWL CHAMPIONS

What a proud day!! After an undefeated season the 2nd Grade Bobcats won the Superbowl against Bonham 26-0!

Christian was so nervous this morning on the way to the game.  We kept telling him that this was just like any other game and there was no reason to be nervous, he should be excited because we had been looking forward to this day for a long time! He sat in the back seat staring out the window the entire way as we listened to our theme song of the year, Boys of Fall.  We listened to it over and over  and over again.   Christian would sing a few lines here and there until we got on the other side of McKinney and it was then time for "bone crushing" music!

As we made our way to the seats we noticed that the entire middle section of the stands (the seats with the sun shining on them) was roped off.  We finally settled in our seats for the game to begin!  It was 6-0 Bobcats in the first quarter and the Bonham fans were letting us know it.  In the second quarter it quickly became evident that the stands were roped off with good reason! If the two sides could have sat any closer together...we may have had a rumble and this momma would have been right in the middle of it!  The Bonham fans were stomping their feet and shaking their rock filled milk jugs like you would not believe.  It was maddening, seriously, these are 7-8 year old boys and grown adults are doing everything in their power so that our team can not hear the play calls.  After a few times outs to regroup and some serious noise from our fans we ended the half with another touchdown and never to hear from the Bonham fans again!

During the second half the boys continued to play some incredible Bobcat Football.  Christian made some awesome tackles back to back and one for a twelve yard loss!  The boys ended up winning the game 26-0!  I am so proud of all the boys!  Their hard work, sweat and occasional tears truly paid off.   It was a wonderful feeling to see the boys huddled up jumping up and down after their big win!  

 Shot of the Final Score!  

 Receiving their Super Bowl Trophy!

 #1

 Super Bowl Champs (I have a feeling we will see a lot more of these!)

 Chad with a few of the other coaches!  A very proud moment!

 We bleed orange and white!

 The next cover of Sports Illustrated

 Christian's Fan Club - The boys ask me before each and every game if they are going to have any family there to watch them play!  I think they do o.k!  Ettie had already made his exit but he was here to cheer on his grandson too!

Christian and Ta Ta

 Christian and Pa Pa