Christmas in November?

Even though it seems that Christmas started the day after Halloween this year, these cute boys are still celebrating the FALL and THANKSGIVING!


What is it about our culture that makes Christmas seem earlier every year? Don't get me wrong, I LOVE LOVE LOVE Christmas and everything that goes along with it. But, for me, we won't be celebrating until December. I can't wait to start some new traditions with my family. Wait, maybe I can wait. Maybe that's why Christmas seems earlier...we just can't seem to wait! If you're Christmas tree is up, good for you. It just won't be up for a couple more weeks at the Melton casa. Also, we've noticed that Rockwall starts their decorations MUCH earlier than Tyler ever did.

In other news:
- God is good!
- We are closing on our house! Can I get a "WOOHOO!"?!? We should be signing our closing papers tomorrow. The whole ordeal was just awful, and, as I said on facebook, "Assertive Alissa emerged"! Once we got the broker involved, it was amazing that things actually started happening. He admitted that we were fair in the way we were trying to handle everything and basically told the buyers' realtor that she had to put a stop to what she was doing. It was an eye-opening experience of the greediness and shady way that many in this world handle business.
- God is good!
- Through the house-selling experience, I was reminded of how important our advocates are for us. Our realtor was just not advocating for what was best for us, but really what was best for the buyers and himself. He kept saying, "It's a buyers' market. You're going to have to give." We gave and gave and gave until we had enough! In reality, he was just afraid of the buyers walking and him not getting the sale. Aren't you glad that Jesus wasn't looking out for his own interests when he decided to advocate for us? I am so thankful that the PERFECT, faultless King of Kings is sitting at the right hand of God advocating for us right now through His Spirit. He knows what is best for us, and that is righteousness. Praise Him for clothing us with His own!
- God is good!
- Greg got a wonderful new job in Forney, which is just a little south of Rockwall. It really seems to meet our family's needs perfectly right now. We will probably never live in Forney, but it's not a bad drive, especially from the south side of Rockwall (Heath). He will start Tuesday, December 1st. His last day at his current job is tomorrow. Clay, his current boss, has been incredible to Greg through this process. I am thankful for his and his family's integrity and support during this entire process.
- God is good!
- We will be flying to California tomorrow, then to Maui on Sunday morning! I. CAN. NOT. WAIT! Looking forward to spending time with my sweet husband, my sweet boys and my sweet family. What a perfect Thanksgiving!
- God is good!
- The 10-year anniversary of A&M's bonfire collapse was at 2:42 am today, November 18th. I can't believe it's been 10 years. I really can remember it like it was yesterday. I was sleeping in my apartment when I got a 3am call from Kristi, the Phi Lamb president. (Phi Lamb is a Christian sorority that I was a part of my freshman and sophomore year.) I was the prayer committee chair that year, so she told me immediately that bonfire fell, many were hurt or killed, and that I needed to assemble a team to start praying. What an experience. I was on campus before sunrise...just sitting in silence and praying. The unthinkable had happened. I can't even explain the mood of campus that day and the many weeks that followed ... silent...slow...surreal. You were even afraid to laugh thinking it was inappropriate. There were many prayer services, and the gospel was shared! Hearts were soft and open to Christ and His comfort. They had still detected movement at the bottom of the stack into that night, indicating life. Then, it suddenly stopped. Little did I know that the precious person still buried was Miranda, a sweet, bonfire-obsessed girl that lived next door to me in Mosher Hall my freshman year. She was a really neat, fun person to be with. What a hard time that was for me and all of the Aggies and families dealing with such great loss. TWELVE Aggies died that morning. People say that the "Aggie Spirit" prevailed, which I don't disagree with. But, more than that, God's Spirit prevailed and many turned to HIM.

- God is good.

Donald & Mickey

Luke's past two Halloween costumes were just too cute NOT to use again. So, Jack wore his first Mickey Mouse costume, and Luke wore his Donald Duck costume again. It still fit him, he loved it, we live in a different city now, and, it was FREE! All good things!

The festivities started the weekend before at our church's fall festival. This was a HUGE event...our church's largest community outreach. We volunteered to serve at a booth with our lifegroup, but, honestly, it was hard to do anything with the boys there. We did have fun visiting with them.

Luke got to ride one ride. He had a blast, laughing and saying, "Mommy, this tickles me!" for the entire ride. So cute!
Playing carnival games!
High fives for the volunteers!
Picking out candy!
Petting zoo
Sleepy little Mickey:

Mickey woke up!
Then, we were in Tyler for Halloween morning and made cookies...from scratch! Yummy!




That night, we went to our friends, the Hitchcock's house for trick-or-treating. Luke loves playing with Isabel. They also have a new baby, Issac, born September 20th. 4 kids 2 and under=craziness, but fun!

Kisses for Mickey!
Cutie booty!



Our attempts at a group shot:
This one actually turned out pretty good!

Luke & Isabel checking out the trick-or-treaters.
Abby Cadabby & Donald Duck:
Jack & Baby Isaac were wagon buddies.
Trick or treat!
Happy Donald...he could have done this all night!


My little guys...post trick-or-treating!





Jack - 10 months old



Luke - 7 months old

Just for kicks...here are some pictures of Luke his last 2 Halloweens.

2008

2007

Praise You in the Storm

If I could describe life right now for our family in one word, it would be "overwhelming". There is so much on our plate right now, and we feel like we can't take one more. Hmmm...maybe this is where the Lord wants us - trusting Him, not our own weak power. I have been praying to KNOW GOD more, not just know more Bible verses or head knowledge, but KNOW GOD. I am realizing that God is using these more difficult times for us to know Him more. I can tell you from experience that there is no better way to know Him than to share in His sufferings. (Although, how tiny our suffering is compared to what He has endured for us!) One of my all-time favorite verses:

I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of sharing in His sufferings, becoming like Him in His death. Philippians 3:10

Here are some updates from our family. If you feel led, we could sure use your prayers.

1. We got a contract on our house, but the next morning, a large tree from our house fell on our roof during a storm. We did all the necessary repairs plus more, simply to keep the buyers happy. Needless to say, they are still not happy. We used their recommended repairman...well, he did not complete the job, and they are blaming us. Long story short, we got someone out to complete the job, and they are still not pleased and are asking for more. Everything is up in the air right now, but we are standing our ground and refuse to be taken advantage of any more. We know that God is in control, but we just don't understand why our integrity is being questioned and they are being so difficult to work with.
2. A few days after the tree fell, our hot water heater started leaking in that house...more repairs! We have had no problems on that house whatsoever...until now.
3. About a day later, our washer went out. Booo! The good news...my in-laws gave us our early Christmas gift - a brand new front-loading washer! I L-O-V-E it!
4. Greg's job here in Rockwall has just not panned out like everyone thought it would. They were very busy at first, but business has slowed down immensely. We knew it was coming, but a few weeks ago, it was confirmed that the office just can't support two dentists full-time. So, the hunt began for a job around here. It seems like the only positions available are at chains that have long hours, some weekend jobs, and most are far from Rockwall. We could use prayers for discernment, that God would open and close the right doors, and that it would be clear where we should go from here. We really love Rockwall/Dallas, but are willing to go wherever God might lead us. At this point, we just need to know if Greg should work part-time here and part-time at a different office, find a permanent location to associate/partner, or work somewhere that we know would be temporary, just to save money to potentially buy a practice in a few years. Scary, but pretty fun to know that God already has the story written and we just need to trust Him. Greg's current boss has been incredible through this and is willing to continue to pay him the base salary until he finds something else. What a blessing! We feel that this was where God was telling us to go, so we know it wasn't a mistake for us to be here. But, we just don't understand why at this point. My admiration for Greg has increased so much through this...he really is trusting God and seeking His counsel! I can't wait to see how God blesses him because of his faith!
5. My grandmother (dad's mom) in Sulphur Springs has not been well lately. She currently has pluracy in both lungs, which has weakened her tremendously. She is in the hospital. Doctors are not optimistic about getting much strength back and are encouraging her to go to some sort of nursing facility. This is not what my dad and his sisters want to do, but my grandpa can not take care of her when she gets sick like that. I feel so sad for everyone involved and, again, am praying for discernment for them and recovery for my grandma.
6. I have been having some digestive issues, and had to have a colonoscopy to rule out something serious. The colonoscopy and blood work came back completely normal (praise God!), and I have been better, for the most part. I just have to be very careful about what I eat, which isn't a bad thing.
7. On a happy note, my family will be going to Maui for Thanksgiving week! This will be the third time to go with my parents' timeshare. We are so excited and think this is very timely for our family. I am excited to be with my boys, my parents, my sister and my brothers. And, Andrea and Billy are bringing their boyfriend/girlfriend, so I am looking forward to getting to know them more. We will be going to Orange County for a couple of days first, then fly with my parents to Hawaii. I am grateful for the help on the plane! Yeehaw...can't wait!

That about sums up our life right now. We are so thankful for the positive things happening, too. Our boys are sweet, fun and healthy. Luke is showing some progress with his obedience and temper. (some progress!). Jack's personality is coming out more by the day. He is precious! God is answering "little prayers". I think He is just proving that He will answer our "big ones" in His perfect timing. Greg seems to have healed from his hurtful experience at his last office. Our marriage is going through the refinery with these stresses and trials, but it's better than it ever has been!

I lift my eyes to the hills -
where does my help come from?
My help comes from the LORD,
the Maker of heaven and earth.
Psalm 121:1,2

Jack in the Box

Luke had a blast pushing Jack around the house in his "biaper box" one morning. Jack just sat there, chilled out, chewing on his toys like nothing different was happening. He looked so, so tiny sitting in that little box. I love how these little guys are already interacting and playing?

Papa's Train

Greg's dad (Papa) made his own barrel train for his grandkids that he pulls with his tractor or lawnmower. It is so cute, and they, of course, love it. They have 18 beautiful acres, so there's plenty of room for a train ride.

First, the boys got to ride in it...
Daddy waving to Luke up front.
How cute is that train??


He loved it!
Then, Papa let him drive the tractor...ALL BY HIMSELF. This smirk says it all.
My favorite picture of the day:

He took his job VERY seriously.
Cuties!



Little man enjoyed himself, too.



So much fun! Thank you, Papa!

Boys' Visit

In early October, my dad and both of my brothers visited from California for the A&M vs. Arkansas game at the new Cowboys stadium. I am upset that I didn't get any pictures with Uncle Billy and Uncle Jason, but I did get a few with Bapa. Here are a few highlights from their trip:

- Every morning, my dad had a new car for Luke hiding somewhere in his room for him to find. Luke LOVED this, and he still talks about his five Ferraris(sp?) from Bapa to this day. Take note: cars are the way to win Luke's heart. :)
- My brothers, Billy and Jason, were so much fun with the boys. It was neat to see them help out so much and play with the boys. They will be great daddies one day!
- Jason watched Thomas so much with Luke that he got a really obnoxious song stuck in his head. Ha!
- We went to a new frozen yogurt place with them at the Harbor. Yummy! Another way to win Luke's heart...ice cream!
- Luke was whining quite a bit, and I could tell it was driving Jason crazy. He finally asked me, "Hey, Alissa...can you just tell him that he's acting like a baby? Would that work?" Ummm...not so much for a 2-year-old, Jason. :)
- Greg got to go to the game with them, and they had so much fun. The Aggies lost big, and they were soaked from walking in the rain, but they still had a great time. Greg loved seeing the new stadium.
- Luke woke Billy and Jason up every morning. They were good sports about it, but Billy finally admitted that he's not ready for kids because he values his sleep too much. So true, Billy, you always have!
- I woke up one morning to Jason making up a song for Luke with every move he made. It was hilarious, and Luke loved it.
- Luke made all of us sing "The Spirit of Aggieland" in the car with him.
- I had many good conversations with them. I missed my mom and sister and didn't feel complete without them here, but I loved focusing on the guys this time.

Thanks for coming out, Bapa, Uncle Billy and Uncle Jason. We love you and miss you. See you in a few weeks!

Through all generations

I have loved this chapter lately.

Psalm 100
"Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before Him with joyful songs.
Know that the LORD is God.
It is He who made us, and we are His;
we are his people, the sheep of His pasture.
Enter His gates with thanksgiving and His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and praise His Name.
For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
His faithfulness continues through all generations."

These pictures remind me of how good the Lord really is. Greg has really been blessed and gifted musically, and there's nothing better to watch than the boys enthralled with his worship. My prayer is that these precious boys will have a heart to worship the Lord with gladness, and that they will use whatever gifts God has given them to PRAISE HIM!









Thank you, Lord, for the promise of your faithfulness through all generations.