Saturday, March 12, 2011

"Aunt Paddy's Day".

Ellie calls it Aunt Paddy's Day. When I try to correct her, she says, "Un uh. No it's AUNT Paddy's Day." And so, whatever!

But in honor of this holiday, I made several pair of earrings. I will randomly pick three people to send a pair to. Just leave a comment and tell me what you like about MoJoy. or tell me what type of blog post you most look forward to. Or tell me just about anything you feel like telling me. I will let Mary Allison randomly pick three numbers tomorrow, and those will be our winners. So, be watching, because I will also need some addresses so you get them before Thursday.

Alrighty then. Mo

72 comments:

Nascar88_20 said...

I love pretty much everything about your Mo' Joy blog - I think you have such a gift with words (which I first found when you updated Jake's CaringBridge page) and then when you "moved" to this blog and started adding so many pictures - well that just makes it that much better (especially now that there are so many adorable shots of Ellie Sue and Gabbi-Girl)!

SueEllen in Mesquite

jneman said...

Willing to share, open, creative, art, cute kids, friends, JOR, St. Judes, work, Earl, family... I could go on love it all.
Jerelyne

Pam said...

I love pictures of your family and your house

tracy said...

I love Mojoy, because it comes from the heart, it's real, I started reading through Jakes caringbridge site, as a chemoangel to another St. Jude pal and continued following you here. I love watching your girls and hearing about them and the fun they have with thier cousin Maddie!!
Thanks for sharing your life with us!
Tracy

Jason, Betsy, Jackson said...

I love everything about your blog ~ but especially your heart for adoption and love for your girls! We adopted our sweet little boy, so I love hearing your stories! I also love your jewelry, but super love your canvases!!!

blessedmomof3 said...

I look forward to reading your blog because it has variety. The posts about the girls and their adventures are my favorites. But, I also enjoy all the crafty ones. I have particularly loved the talisman posts.
-Leigh Ann

Maggie said...

I love how committed you are to finding joy in all the small things in life! Even back when I first started reading Jake's Caringbridge site, I love how grateful and genuine your whole family felt. In the midst of something so difficult and so scary, you all never wallowed, or pitied yourself, and if you did, it was always followed up with the sentiment of 'I am grateful for all my blessings, though today is a bad day.' Even on your worst days you didn't allow yourself to be consumed, and I find that so admirable, and it is something that I have tried to do very deliberately because of your example.

What else do I love? How you make all your readers feel like a part of your family. I KNOW that if I jumped on here in the comments and said I was traveling to LA, that I would be completely welcome to see you, and that really makes me feel include in what is happening in your life. Truly, I'm itching for the day you say you're going to some conference in the Boston area (whether it be PT or crafts!) so that I can take you out to lunch!!

Finally, I love seeing your girls grow up and all the fun everyday things that you do together. I'm not a mother yet, but someday when I am, I feel certain that I'll try to emulate your example of finding Joy with my kids.

Thanks Mo, for letting us all have a glimpse!! You're the best!

Amy K said...

I love MoJoy because your posts vary from funny, cute, heartfelt, informative, artsy, and serious. But most of all this blog is full of love, family, friends, and community which I love. I truly respect the fact that you "keep it real" and share your heart!
A morning just isn't quite the same without my coffee and dose of Mo'Joy.

kimybeee said...

not a thing wrong with aunt paddy! lol i really hope to meet your family in person someday! i already feel like i know you all, i just would love to spend some time with you and enjoy all the artsy fartsy stuff we have in common. maybe someday if i win the lottery my husband and i will buy an rv, pack up all my critters and head south lol

Jennifer Smith said...

As someone who can be quite reserved, I love just how open you are in all kinds of ways. Working on being more like that myself and using you as an example that it is a good thing!

Would love a pair of Aunt Paddy's Day earrings as my daughter had promised to get me a Mo talisman for my birthday (last month!) and hasn't gotten to writing you yet.

Kathryn said...

We've never met, but you make me feel like the family I've never had. Thank you for your authenticity and allowing us in to your life. Believe!

Steph said...

Mo,

I love that I feel like I know you through this blog, and we even got to meet because of it.

Steph

April said...

I love reading about your girls and how lucky they are to have you and Todd!

Mama J said...

I will defer the earrings to another reader, but I made a promise to myself to quit being a lurker and offer some banter every now and then. I don't get to see my grandchildren as much as I would like so I live vicariously through your daily life. I love your chaos and would welcome it if mine were closer. LOL You writing and sharing your family makes people forget about their issues and lifts their spirits. What a gift you give to others. This is your ministry. Don't ever stop because it is evident that God is using you through this. We all love you and your big heart.

Lisa said...

Well, first, I just love being able to keep up with you guys. You were the first family we met at St. Jude and we've loved y'all since.

Second, I love seeing those two sweets girls and getting to watch them grow up is too fun.

And then, you make cool crafty things, so I like when you share that stuff, too!!

Daphne said...

I love reading about your girls! I have two (4 and 7), too, and your stories make me laugh. And, I love your jewelry, too! Have a great day!

stephleighjenkins said...

It doesn't matter to me what's in your post, I love them all. Your sweet family makes me smile!!! Been following you since Jake's Caringbridge site and thInk you are awesome!!!!

Our World said...

Love reading your daily blogs. I have been following your family since the caringbridge/jake times and have always felt such a connection. We have never met but feel like you guys are my long lost familyn

Marti said...

Mo joy starts my day !!!! I see my big girl n Ellie and love remembering when she id the same things. Gabby's smile brightens the day!

Ps- my on was born on Aunt Paddys DY !

Kris said...

I love your blog, because it just makes me happy. I also love the life of your girls and your entire family - all of them (which includes your friends, teens, neighbors and work). It also makes me remember some of the antics of my younger two boys, they remind me so much of Ellie and Gabbie. My only complaint is you have so many wonderful ideas and crafts, I can never figure out which ones I want. Have a great day.

Belinda said...

Im with Nascar88 I love everything about your blog....I love how you share your life with all of us strangers! I love love love seeing pictures of your sweet little girls. But most of all the "Ellie antics" and of course that sweet little Gabbi too!

LIVE LAUGH LOVE said...

well, I love everything about your blog. It inspires me to be crafty and do more with my own three kids. I look forward to the updates of Ellie and Gabby to see what mischift they are able to get into for the week. However, I do miss updates from your sister who seemsto be forever stuckon that boat in her blog. Tell her we miss her too.

Kathy said...

I love pretty much everything. It's the first blog I go to every morning to see if there is something new.

Happy Aunt Paddy's Day to you and your family! LOL! I'm going to have to say that to my husband as this year it will be our 21st Anniversary. He insisted on being married on Aunt Paddy's Day so he will never forget it!

Dottie Phillips said...

Mel,
I have a bunch of reasons why I follow mojoy! Number one, by far, is that I feel such a connection to you, and all of your family! It's weird I know...but I have been following you since very close to the beginning of Jake's journey. I was then, and still am inspired by how your entire family handled the situation. Such a difficult and painful journey could have broke so many people and so many families. I am inspired that there are still "close" families who stick by each other through anything. Who support each other and who show that Love will carry you through all things.

Secondly, I feel a real connection to you personally because of our shared experience in being unable to have our own children and then finding the joy of parenthood through the adoption of two gorgeous little girls. I think we have a bond!

Third, I am just inspired by your creativity, love for live, love for your family and love for those baby girls.

Fourth, in a society that is usually so negative - I can choose to log on after my babies are asleep and go to the news and hear about all the terrible things in the world, or I can choose to come here and see the love!

I choose Love!

Lastly, I am just simply amazed taht every day you find time to come on here and blog. LOL I am lucky if I can hold my head up at the end of the night!

Denice Bell said...

I love watching the girls grow up, your creative talents, your mini book and great times with your family. Thanks for letting me enjoy a piece of your life.

Nancy said...

I love seeing everything about your girls!! Would like more about Gabbi Girl. Can't wait to see her closet! I have been following since I found you on Jake's site also. Can't wait to see if I win a pair of those earrings!!!

Nancy said...

Can't wait to see more about your girls!! Love the pictures and stories of your loved ones. Waiting to see more Gabbi Girl!

colette said...

I love your complete openness and willing to share your life. Your kids are adorable. I have also followed you since your updating days on Jake's site and continue today. I look forward to reading your blog and look forward to new pics of Ellie and Gabbi!

laura said...

Your blog is pretty much amazing...I love how you share so much of your artsy life with us! Your girls, and your Jake. THANK YOU!

Laura in Colorado..where there is snow on the ground now and suppose to be 70 tomorrow.

Unknown said...

i love your posts. especially when they are accompanied by pictures! i love to read about your family adventures and funny things the girls say. posts about your job are so interesting because it is so obvious that you and your staff genuinely care about your clients. i also love to see things you make, such as the talismans. love the way you write; you're a ray of sunshine!

Lisa O. said...

I love EVERYTHING about Mo Joy!! It is the start of my day EVERYDAY! :) I started out with Jake's page and then added your blog. It has been so fun seeing your family grow! Since I am a mom of two young kids and also work full time - I just admire how you are able to accomplish so much!! My dad's birthday is on St. Patty's Day!

Lisa from South Dakota

jenny said...

Hi Mo, I love the ENERGY and color on your posts. You inspire me! God bless.

khulet said...

I just love everything about your blog except I can never leave a comment...

Jen said...

I just love seeing your girls smiling faces every day. I've followed since the caringbridge days and just always loved your writing style. Thanks for sharing.

Phyllis Lines said...

I love hearing about your girls and seeing pictures of them, hearing about how close your extended family is. Like seeing your craftiness too as I am not crafty at all.

Lisa said...

I love posts about your beautiful daughters but really, I like it all!

tricia said...

I'm not writing to be included in winning....

I write daily because I SIMPLY ENJOY your writing,am inspired by you and have come to love your family. I start my day by seeing what's new with you.
daily.
You can count on me to be here

nineisenuff said...

I love your creativity! And I love that you work so hard, with so much passion in your life! My girls (older than yours) love looking at all the pictures of your girls!

kelly said...

Inspiration + things like Ellie Sue calling it Aunt Paddy's Day...love it all.

Kelly in Charlotte

tonetone said...

Love, Love, Love to see pics of your girls!!! Ellie reminds me so much of my little girl. They sooooo have the same taste in their wardrobe. It makes my heart smile when I read your blog.

connie said...

i love reading your blogs everyday even though i dont comment every time. but i do read i love the pics of your family and you telling about your daily lives and what the girls and you are doing everyday i love your crafting making jewelry you are so talented i wish i could make them like you and painting and scrapbooking you are so aswesome at them. keep up the great crafts. your girls are so precious i have been watching and reading about them and your family for a very very long time.. i would love a pair of the ear rings you made for st pattys day .. so i hope i get picked... have a wonderful sunday.. hugs to you

Auntie Mip said...

Hi Mo,

Here is what I like best. Before you were a mama, you were an auntie! I will never be able to have my ow kids so have always been an auntie. I love my 8 more than anything and would do anything for them. Like, say for instance, surprising my sister by flying her oldest home from college for spring break when she thought he was going to Orlando...so much fun. You a all about family and that comes through loud and clear and this is what I love about Mo Joy!

Happy Sunday!

Ava said...

I have been reading your blog since the beginning. I love watching your girls grow. I also love all your tributes to Jake. He was such a special boy!

Bj said...

Mo, all of your blogs are fabulous, but.....I love all the ones showcasing your girlie girls! They are too precious and seeing and hearing about their adventures as they grow up, reminds me of my baby girl (who turned 42 this past Jan.)ahhhhhhh, the joys and challenges of motherhood!! Keep'em coming girl, I love them. I may not post a comment everyday, because sometimes I'm on the way out the door to work....but believe me, I read it EVERY SINGLE DAY!!...hugger, BJ

Kellye Hoogland said...

Melaine, I love your blog! Your humor and openness (Sp?) are uplifting. You motivate me to want to do a project and complete it! I love St. Pats day! The leprechauns are visisting my classroom each night and messing it up and leaving traps. We are making traps to catch them. One little girl is bringing a coon trap! A redneck leprechaun?!!

Nana said...

If I could only pick one thing about what I most love about your blog it would be how very, very much you love your girls!

Kellye Hoogland said...

Mel, I love your blog! Your openness, and humor are uplifting! You motivate me to do a project and complete it! I love St. Pats day! The leprechauns are visiting my classroom and messing it up and leaving treats! We are setting a trap to try to catch it! One little girl is bringing a coon trap! A redneck leprechaun?!!

Sandy said...

Dang I sure hope I am still able to be in the "pot" to have a chance to win!!! I LOVE all your stuff. you are such a talented person!!

Emily said...

I love hearing the funny stories about ya'lls daily life and such-love seeing pics of the girls!

Amber said...

You always bring out the best in people. Thank you for being such an inspiration to many. I love reading your blogs. You have inspired me more than you'll ever know. Thank You for being YOU!

Stephanie said...

I love following your story and watching your girls grow up. I too have an adopted child. My son turned 20 in December and I just love him to pieces. I have been following you since Jake was sick and applaud your openness and honesty. (I also don't comment much, but I read everyday)

snekcip said...

Girl I need them earrings to set off these cute green shoes! :)

Cassie12 said...

I just love your blog.....I don't care what you post but maybe the best is hearing about those little girls and all your adventures!!! I don't know how you have all the energy you do....you amaze me at all the things you do and all the things you are in to and you just keep on going....kind of like that energizer bunny!!!!! Keep those posts a coming - I am a faithful reader who checks in everyday!!!! Even when traveling - which is ofen.

Dawn said...

I love watching your girls grow up via this blog. I am blessed to know you all and to have the pleasure of knowing Jake. I love how you all are so real and genuine. Thanks for sharing your world with us. MoJoy is a true Joy to read. :)

Ronda said...

I love glimpses into your creativity. And I'm totally jealous of your energy.

Lisa said...

Wow! You have so many responses!! Amazing. I love reading your blog. I started following your family back when Jake was sick and as crazy as this sounds, I feel like I know you. I think that is what happens when you pray for a family every day - I think it must be a God connection. I love reading about the fun you have with your girls and I love reading about your patients and that great work that y'all do. AND I would LOVE to have a pair of those earrings!!

Karen said...

I love when you write about anything/everything,but my favs as a biased OT is when you write about the therapy clinics or therapy in general.

simplykristi said...

Love reading about the happenings of your family! :)

Jennifer said...

I love being able to see the girls growing, and how they are doing!

Jodi said...

Love hearing about all the cute things that the kiddos say. Would love to hear them sing a song or something. Not in video (I know the problems) just a "sound byte!" Would love me some Aunt Paddy's Day earrings. Love your work, Mo. Designs by Mo!

Beth E. said...

Ummm...GIRL! That's a tough one! I love your creativity and I love your generous heart. It shows through your blog. When I read Mo'Joy, I feel as if I'm sitting down with you and talking face to face. I hope that happens one day, soon!

randdmom said...

What I like most about your blog is that it is entertaining. Several blogs I've tried to read are filled with how you should live and how you should worship, etc. I like just hearing (reading) about your days and the adventures of your girls. It's fun and the pics are always cute! Keep on keeping on!!!

Rupa Rao said...

LOVE this blog for the simple fact that it puts a smile on my face each and every time!!! Such an upbeat, positive, inspiring blog with plenty of beautiful pictures to boot :-) Keep up the great work and love to those gorgeous girls of yours.... Rupa in Dublin

Rupa Rao said...

I LOVE this blog beacuse it always leaves me with a smile on my face!!!! Such a positive, upbeat, inspiring blog with gorgeous pictures to boot!!! Keep up the great work Mo!!!

kimmy said...

I love seeing Ellie's and Gabbi's cute faces and their little outfits!
Kim
W8k@aol.com

Linda said...

Mo,

I started reading Jake's CaringBridge years ago while in nursing school. I started as a person who was trying to understand the patient and family perspective of health care, but how could Jake not win my heart and bring me back day after day to pull for him and pray for all of you? Then along came the girlies, and oh my! As a mother of 4 boys, it is oh-so-fun to see that perspective, too! I am now working as a nurse in an orthopaedic practice, so I also benefit from learning the things that can be accomplished in PT/OT...helps me to encourage patients to make/keep their therapy appts! I have a creative side that I don't indulge often enough, so I also enjoy all the crafty projects you are working on! Keep on keeping on--love it! :)

Linda

Mbeaty19 said...

Stopped by after seeing your message on facebook. Love that you have been posting more on the weekend. That's when I read your posts and go back and read your past posts again. Love going back and looking at the ones you post your projects on (talisman, scrapbook, and canvases)I also love going back to look at all the pictures you post of your girls to make little 'gifts' for you - Like your word for this year. Think this is a cool idea and can't wait to see if I won. Hoping MA picks my number.

Jeni said...

My Mornings always start with MoJoy. If I don't see a new post and always check back in the afternoon/evening. My favorites posts are the of your GIRLS!

Mom4Mom said...

I love all the pics of your sweet girls. I cant wait to see what outfit Ellie comes up with next :)

Theresa Shirley said...

Melanie, you know I love ALL of your blog posts!!! I love to hear all about your precious girls, and about your BAH, and well....just everything!!! In fact, I would be very DISTRESSED without my daily dose of MoJoy!!! I especially love pics of your girls & your house!!

Liz Somers said...

I am a long time reader from the days of sweet Jake. I love that you talk about life how it us, good and bad, but ALWAYS remind your readers to count their blessings and be thankful! Who doesn't need that reminder when you feel at your wits end??

Marcia said...

I love your blog because you are so real. I appreciate that in these day and times.