Catching up ....

....again
I know... i really need to get on here more often and post.  Trust me, i think of things all the time to write about.  There is so much to tell you!  But alas, for now, we will again just share some pictures and a little commentary ...unless i decide to elaborate.

This first picture is of the kids with the Jared boxes they assembled for the ER at Western Wake Medical Center.  They are currently waiting for crayons before they can be delivered.
The Jared Box Project  began in State College at the catholic elementary school a few of my siblings attended.  Please check out the website, this is a great project for children of any age to participate in.

These next few photos are from Christmas Eve.  Every year the Grahams host a Christmas Eve dinner...for the past 37 years or so.....The Dunphys have attended for almost that long.

This is Uncle Kevin and our cousin, Brandon.

Miss Beth (sitting on the top step with her back to the camera) has taken over the handing out of Christmas gifts for the kids. When Ben was little we lived in the area and attended dinner one year, back then Santa Claus had been know to stop in and hand out gifts.  Beth is the youngest of the Graham children and has a 9 year old son, Chase (you can see him there on the right in the green shirt.)  Its amazing to see so many families still attending, now three generations worth of family.  But now too, there are the newer set of neighbors and friends to round out the group.

Here is Memaw and Grandpa's tree after St. Nicholas arrived but before the kids started opening things!

Our stockings....all 11 of them!  We had not only us and Memaw and Grandpa, but also Uncle Brian and his friend Samantha here to celebrate.  Uncle Kevin, Aunt Kara, and Brandon arrived around 10am to join the fun!

Ah, keeping Memaw busy while Grandpa wrapped a few more things for her!  That's Uncle Brian and Samantha with her.

We ended up with 7 inches of snow the Sunday after Christmas.  The kids headed out with various adults to sled across the street in the neighbor's yard and build snowmen.  Oh!  And to make a few snow angels!  Our snow angels are pictured here!  : )

The snowmen!

I learned to crochet!  Well, i can do a double crochet stitch, a slip stitch, and a chain.... i must confess.  i do not even know how to do a single crochet stitch yet! :  )
But, despite my lacking abilities i tried my hand at an easy hat pattern.  Memaw makes (both knitted and crocheted) hats for preemie babies.  This picture shows me about half way through.  It turned out great! ...unfortunately there are a few new baby dolls in the house who have requested apparel (yes, they really do need some clothing!!!) and one now owns a pretty pink and white crocheted cap and scarf ...yes, i am a fool.  But i can get one hat and one scarf out of a the yarn i used so hat and scarf set #2 is in the works now. THEN i will be working on hats to send to the dear little ones. 

Here are a couple of cuties!

And ...well.... i have no clue as to what they are all looking at!  Maybe one of Memaw's new computer games? Who knows!

These next pictures are here to prove miracles do happen....Holy Smokes! 
While there is some extra bedding on a few of the beds they all do have covers pulled and neatly smoothed and well...you can actually see the floor!!!!!

Yesterday was Daddy's first day at his new, full-time, career job...after being laid-off 2 years ago.  He is still working his Sam's Club job, only now its not overnight but after work and on the weekend for about 20 hours or so.   Anyway....

Cat made cookie (with help from mom) to celebrate Daddy's first day. Here she is passing out her treats....Dad had to wait until today to get his!