New Culture

We had dinner tonight with some great people that work at A O Smith in China. They are here on business and wanted to see how a "normal" American household functions. Yes I know you are wondering why they chose our house, luck of the draw I suppose. We really had a great time and got to learn some interesting facts about Chinese culture. The kids where suprisingly well behaved, for Appling kids anyway, and Molli Beth loved hearing their conversations. Did I mention that only one of the people spoke fluent English? It was an experience that I will always be glad that I had. Harrison learned how to say Hello and Goodbye in Chinese. Actually I think he would speak that language better than English, he did a great job. They were really impressed.

Now that Winter has finally arrived Molli Beth has decided that she is ready for Spring. I can't blame her really. The days of fun in the sun sound pretty good compared to 26 degrees. She truely looks precious in her new poodle outfit and her slippers. She gets her good fashion sense from her Dad!!!!

When Harry Met Sally

We recently had a playdate with Cate and Michelle. We actually decided to stay home and let the kids play instead of going shopping. We had a great time playing, having lunch and chit chatting. However, we did learn one very important thing, Harrison and Cate will need future driving school, together! Harrison drove his 4-wheeler until the battery went dead and Cate drove the Princess Jeep, quite appropriate. After losing juice Harrison got in the car with Cate and it was precious. We thought that Cate was not driving well and she needed more practice. As it turns out Harrison is a much worse, yes worse, driver than Cate. Cate almost took out a van (the Sienna of course) and the basketball pole, but when Harrison got behind the wheel LOOK OUT!!!!! He actually did take out several things, including: a small tree, several bushes, sever toes, and the hotwater heater. We thought it best to give them driving training for a wedding gift.

Growing Up!

Wow! The kids are growing so fast. It seems like yesterday that they were babies. I was recently watching home videos of Molli Beth as a baby and I literally wanted to take her out of the TV and hug her. She is now 5 (going on 20) and growing up so fast. She wanted a big girl haircut, which made her look even older. It is quite a bitter sweet of course, however, I try to enjoy every moment and consider it a blessing.

Harrison has informed us that Tommy is his favorite. Tommy is our future brother-in-law. He is also Harrison's best friend. I believe that it is a mutual friendship. There is no one in the world Harrison would want to be with than Tommy, other than Mommy of course. Tommy should consider himself lucky (I think).

Dirty boys

You really have to love someone to take a bath with them, even if it means your dog. The truth is Harrison was in the bath and Kaiser came in with his legs covered in mud and this was my option. The less stressful one anyway. They both enjoyed it and Harrison got to share in the responsibility-the big resposibility- of washing the dog.

The Princess and the Warrior

Finally, we have remedied the issue of Harrison dressing up like a princess. He looks much better as a Power Ranger, don't you think. I am still working on him wanting to wear lipstick. Molli Beth so fits the role of princess. She is growing up so fast. She has long legs and is beautiful if I may say so. Travis is already thinking of tactics for the guys, however I think she can take care of herself. They love dressing up and pretending.

A Boy and His Dog

As most of you know we have a new member of the family, and when I say member I mean a full size member, Kaiser. He and Harrison have a very special relationship. They love each other very much. Kaiser is the first thing Harrison asks about when he wakes up. He and Molli Beth love each other as well, but there is nothing like the relationship between a boy and his dog.

Fun with old Friends

We recently rekindled a relationship with my best friend from high school, and it has been wonderful. We have really enjoyed spending time with them and their children. Their oldest son, Devon, was the ring bearer in our wedding when he was three and he is now 11, almost 12. So hard to believe. We feel so blessed that God intervenes on our behalf to surrond us with Christian friends that feel like family. Thank you God for you mighty power! This is a picture of Devon and his younger sister Leah, 6 years. They also have a son, Heath who is 3. Harrison really enjoys cuddling with Devon and Devon is so good with him. Molli has enjoyed getting to know Leah as well. However, we had to overcome some memorizing of names at first. Molli Beth kept calling Leah, Emma and called their Mom Heather, Mrs. Rachel. Out of the mouths of children is all I can think of. Now that we have that straight we are good to go.

Sunday School Christmas party

On December 22 we had a Christmas party for the Seniors at our house. Not a lot of planning and organization. Just a good dinner, some Playstation, and some phase 10. We did however have free entertainment from our kids. Harrison smashed fudge on the window and had multiple potty accidents. Molli Beth topped the night off by breaking a very expensive plate. I think that Satan was trying to intervene on our night, but I don't think he won. We had a great time. Everyone didn't leave until about 12 am. We had to cut our 3 1/2 hour phase 10 game short due to curfews. We will definitely have to do that again, soon: WITHOUT the entertainment.

It has been suggested that we get a babysitter and have a Super Bowl party. We will visit that idea soon.

Christmas

It has come and gone in a flash. Christmas was pretty big at our house this year. The kids really enjoyed their gifts. Santa brought them both hot wheels vehicles. Unfortunately it rained for two days after Christmas and they were unable to ride them. When they did it was crazy. We are now finding out we should worry now for when they are 16. Molli Beth stomps the petal and turns with a jerk of the wheel and Harrison, as most boys I guess, likes to run into things. I guess that is why insurance is so high for boys. My parents were here from the Low Country and we had a crazy, but great time.

My sister is getting married in may so we went shopping for dresses the day after Christmas and had a good time visiting. It was nice to be around family.

When celebrating Christmas it is comforting to know that our children know the reason for the season and we celbrate that first.

As you also know we have a new member to our family. I say member because he will eventually weigh more than anyone in our family. His name is Kaiser and he is an English Mastiff currently 6 months old and weighing in at 100 lbs. He eats about 12 cups of food a day and many treats and snacks. We love him dearly and he is VERY patient with our children. I must admit, I dreaded the hair and the massive amount of drool, but I couldn't imagine our house witout him now.

This is our first post to the blog so please excuse the sideways picture of Kaiser.