Friday, August 16, 2013

44 years

 Well... today is the ol' birthday!  I am 44 years old.  I claim every year, because I realize, more and more, how short life is, or can be, and I want to really be present and SOAK up every single year!
 I'm sorry I've been absent from the blog for the past week or so.  I was in Orlando, and even lugged my computer with me so I could stay in touch, but I was mentally and physically drained (I don't admit that often), so I just decided it would have to wait!
 Then when I got home, there was SO much to share about my experience at the John Maxwell Event that I just didn't share anything.  My mind is on OVERLOAD with inspiration.  Been there?!  On top of that I have a first grader starting school today, and a kindergartener going to meet her teacher.
 Plus, I had to have a send off for my college girl to LSU.  And so there was THAT!  ugh
And in case you aren't my friend on FB/ instagram, there is also a new baby in the family, as Staci welcomed her first grandchild, Sydney Elizabeth.

 But ya know what, these are my priorities.  And at 44, I am glad that I am positive that I have that perspective!
 This is my heart.  My girls.  My husband.  My family and friends.  A job I love, working with people I love.
 At 44, I can say I am richly blessed!
Very thankful for the life I have and the people who make it worth living.

Thank you to all of you who read my blog and encourage me.  You are part of my world.

Melanie, aka MO

28 comments:

Phyllis said...

You have been missed this week. I don't often comment but I do want you to know that you are an inspiration to a lot of people. I have followed you since Jake was in the hospital and I love watching your family grow up. I hope you have a very blessed birthday !!!!!

Sandy P said...

Happy Birthday!

Sandy P said...

Happy Birthday!

Kathryn said...

You inspire me. I am blessed.

Kathryn said...

Happy 'belly button' Day!

I too have been a follower since Jake (bless him) days.

I start every day by checking your blog as well as one other (anymommyouthere) as the two of you inspire and challenge me.

Good luck to your girls on their first day of school!

And, congrats on being a 'GREAT' aunt!

Michelle said...

Happy birthday!!! Thank you for sharing the blog post, a new perspective to 'claim' every year! You are so blessed and I love your enthusiasm for life! Many blessings on your new year!!

Sharidrew said...

Happy Birthday!! Glad you are back on the blog. But totally understand a little break as well! You are definitely one busy woman! However, you also seem to smell the roses and you are setting a great example! Thank you for sharing. You inspire many people!

Hugs from Missouri,
Shari

nss said...

Happy Birthday! God is great and life is good!
I too am blessed.

Lisa said...

Happy Birthday and Congrats on all the exciting events!!! Congrats to all on Sydney's arrival!

Kimmy said...

Happy Birthday & missed you! Love the pics of the girls!

Ness said...

You captured me being Jake's phenomenam cheerleader snd sharing the life of that beautiful child. You kept me with the addition of Ellie Sue and Gabbie Lou (sp). Your crafting and your love of God, feelings and expressing them has been mt lifeline. On my bucket list to spend time with you and meet Tod the Bod, your girls and assorted family. HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!

Shannon said...

Happiest of birthdays to you my e-friend.

MaryH said...

Happy Birthday, Mo. The kiddos, husband, family, good friends and the great work you do are, as you said, the important real parts of your life. Communicating will all of us is wonderful and we love your story and stories of your family. However, when it gets to be too much, cut us loose for as long as you need. We will be here when the time is right for your return. Hope you have a wonderful, blessed birthday. You have many who love you, and that is tied up with the biggest bow.

P.S. Love the message you painted for your college girl.

Holly said...

You made me weepy ! I know we haven't met in person, but you have shared your heart and your life since back on the Caringbridge page, and I think of you as my friend. My family and friends know exactly who I'm talking about when I say "My friend Mo ...." Except my husband always corrects me and says "her IMAGINARY friend Mo". You are a great wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend! Your work constantly inspires and amazes me! Your work with John Maxwell is incredible, just when I thought you didn't have one tiny spare second! I am on a similar quest, as I do believe an un-examined life is a waste! I'm 65 years old, but I want to be YOU when I grow up! Have a blessed day, you are an Angel!

Love,
Holly & JakeDog

Holly said...

You made me weepy ! I know we haven't met in person, but you have shared your heart and your life since back on the Caringbridge page, and I think of you as my friend. My family and friends know exactly who I'm talking about when I say "My friend Mo ...." Except my husband always corrects me and says "her IMAGINARY friend Mo". You are a great wife, mother, daughter, sister, aunt and friend! Your work constantly inspires and amazes me! Your work with John Maxwell is incredible, just when I thought you didn't have one tiny spare second! I am on a similar quest, as I do believe an un-examined life is a waste! I'm 65 years old, but I want to be YOU when I grow up! Have a blessed day, you are an Angel!

Love,
Holly & JakeDog

Jeanna said...

Happy Birthday!

Becky said...

Happy Birthday Mo! I know that if I saw you on the street I could pick you out, even though we only became cyber friends through Jake's caringbridge. You have lived every single minute of your life full of love & JOY! It's obvious that your treasures are not "things" but the loved ones near and far you have in your life. May today be one of the best for you. Becky

Tracy Robinson said...

Happy birthday - enjoy your blessings.

Zhohn said...

You're such an inspiration :) I hope you have a wonderful birthday!

I love that you always realize and acknowledge how blesed you are!

SamC said...

Happy birthday Mo!

jenny said...

Happy, HAPPY birf-day, Mo! We are blessed indeed.

simplykristi said...

Happy Birthday! :)

Lisa said...

happy happy birthday!!!

Amy K said...

Your blessings are truly evident in these photos. Thank you for sharing your heart, family, and creativity here!
I hope you had a wonderful birthday, celebrating with your loved ones!

Anonymous said...

Happy happy birthday!! It looks like you had a fantastic
Day!!

The Mommy said...

Missed you...but so respect your priorities! Happy Birthday and Congratulations!

Gina said...

Happy Birthday!

snekcip said...

Mo, wishing your bday was the best yet! I have thoroughly enjoyed being your "BLOGGIE/FB/IG"friend and feel HONORED to have met you in person!!!