It’s What’s Up Wednesday…and today is EXTRA special to my heart.
Three years ago today, my sweet, sweet, sweet friend Manda met Jesus face to face.
She had been battling cancer on and off for 30 years, and at the age of only 35, she left this earth and her family behind to be with her Savior. It was a day and a week I will never forget. More than that, it was a friendship I will never forget. Manda was the SWEETEST person I’ve ever known. She was the definition of what a friend truly is and embodied every quality I strive to be…she was an amazing mother, a wonderful daughter, the very best wife and did everything with such a gracious heart.
I am honored to be one of the founding board members of the Manda Strong Foundation where we, in her honor, help make memories for moms here in Collin County fighting cancer. We send them on vacations, we plan birthday parties for their kids, send them off to sporting events and so much more. Our goal is to love on these mamas, support them both financially, emotionally and even spiritually, we also connect these moms so that they have a support group and offer them and their families countless resources. On Friday, we are having our first gala to raise even more money to help even more moms fighting cancer. It’s an event we’ve been working on for almost 12 months, and I am immensely proud of our team and what we’ve already accomplished.
Today, in Manda’s honor, we are asking for help from YOU! We would love to raise $20,000 today in her honor to help other moms fighting cancer make memories with their families too. Our charity has very little overhead at all! Almost 100% of all money we raise goes directly to these moms and their kids. We would love for you, in Manda’s honor, to make a donation today and help us reach our goal of $20,000. Whether you want to donate $10 or $1000, we would be so blessed! I miss my sweet friend so much, but I know she would be so proud of how we’re helping other mamas like her make those special memories that last a lifetime. You can donate HERE right now!!
Whew! Okay, how do you even go on from there?! It’s tricky, but I’m going to try.
On the last Wednesday of every month, Sheaffer and I host this little linky party where we share what’s going on with us right now. It’s a little food, a little family, a little what we’re wearing, a little what we’re doing, a little what we’re watching and a little bit of everything else all in one post. Here we go…
1: WHAT WE’RE EATING THIS WEEK:
Well tonight, I’m celebrating the life of my sweet friend, but my fam will be at home eating…
…Pizza Meatballs 🙂 . I am leaving these for them while I’m gone tonight.
2. WHAT I’M REMINISCING ABOUT:
My sweet, sweet friend. Guys, friendships like this don’t come around every day and certainly, some people live a lifetime without them. This one here, this one was so special.
3: WHAT I’M LOVING:
I am still so smitten with my Air Fryer!! Did you read my review? Even if you did, go back today and read the comment section!! Why was I not air frying bacon before??? You guys even said I could air fry hard-boiled eggs. WHAT?! YES! Read my review HERE.
4: WHAT WE’VE BEEN UP TO:
We’ve kind of been having a really chill week or so. I do think it’s the calm before the storm as this weekend, we have both a baseball tournament and a volleyball tournament…so, the chaos is just about to land…BUT boy, this weekend sure was nice and relaxing!
5: WHAT I’M DREADING:
At 9:30 this morning, I am taking all four kids to the dentist. Sigh.
6: WHAT I’M WORKING ON:
Gala, gala, gala, gala! It’s almost here!!!!!!!!!!!!! I’m so excited!!!!
WHAT I’M EXCITED ABOUT:
Um, how freaking cute is this new graphic?!?! Eeeeeeeeeeeks!!!!!!
Okay, so Erika and I shared our first podcast with you guys last week and have worked so hard since then to make our second episode EVEN BETTER! (Let’s be real…the first episode was a bit of a mess!) We’ve got better equipment and a professional editor, so it’s looking up for us now! You’ll be able to catch the next episode soon!!
8: WHAT I’M WATCHING/READING:
Friday is my FEBRUARY BOOK REVIEW!
I’m really excited about that, so make sure you stop by to see it.
I’m also a little mad at you right now.
On Friday, I told you that I’m loving…
…and asked you what I should watch next that was also a documentary. Well, the majority of you told me to watch…
…McMillion$ on HBO and oh my gosh! I could not stop. The only reason I did stop was because I didn’t know (until I was all caught up!) that all of the episodes haven’t been released yet. So now, I’m hanging on for dear life to see what happens in the next episode (only three had been released when I started watching this over the weekend). Guys, this documentary is FASCINATING! Someone please tell me when the next episode releases. I hope it’s like TODAY!
9: WHAT I’M LISTENING TO:
Hmmm…right this minute, I’m listening to French Cafe Radio on Pandora 🙂 .
10: WHAT I’M WEARING:
I’m having a moment with fun tights at the gym…
I took this pic at 4:45 in the morning. Happy tights just make the whole experience a little brighter. Later when I was saying bye to the kids outside, I took this pic too…
…just HAPPY! You can find these HERE, plus, look at these (you can click on the image to see all the details!)…
11: WHAT I’M DOING THIS WEEKEND:
This…
…I am so excited!!!!!
12: WHAT I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO NEXT MONTH:
Spring Break, baby!!!
This year, we’re going on another spring break trip with the Slaughters! Here we are from spring break 2018…
…ohhhhhhhh! We’re so excited for this year’s trip too!!!
13: WHAT ELSE IS NEW:
We would love for YOU to donate today!!!! Don’t forget, we’re trying to raise $20,000 today for the Manda Strong Foundation!
You can donate right now HERE! Thank you so much in advance for all of you who do!!! We are so thankful for YOU and how you’ve loved on us over the last three years since we’ve lost Manda. Today, we want to love on other mamas fighting cancer too.
Manda Nicole Maxwell
May 28, 1981 to February 26, 2017
xo
Natashajk says
Prayers for you today as you remember Manda.
Julie Condry says
So excited to donate in honor of Jana Rogers and all the sweet moms that have been blessed by Manda Strong!
Mix and Match Mama says
I am so happy you’re donating in Jana’s honor. She was so loved.
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog says
Thanks for sharing what you’re up to this week, Shay! I’m really excited for your podcast too – the graphic is the cutest! 🙂
Charmaine Ng | Architecture & Lifestyle Blog
http://charmainenyw.com
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams says
Aw that’s so exciting about the Manda’s Gala! Can’t wait to hear about it. Can’t wait to hear more about Spring Break and watch McMillions too!! That’s been on my list all month.
Amanda @ Cupcake N Dreams
Holley@BeeSimplyOrganized.com says
Shay, you are so amazing! And a beautiful example of a great friend! I hope your Gala is everything you’ve hoped it to be and more!
Kourtney Sluder says
Episode 4 of McMillions was released Monday night! I watched the first three over the weekend as well, so good.
Kelly M Sites says
McMillions Episode 4 released Monday night- so go watch. I’m sucked in bad. It’s a HOT MESS. Oh my word. What a story.
Mix and Match Mama says
And now, I have to go do that… 😉
Sheaffer Sims says
That picture of you, Erika, and Manda is one of my absolute favorites! And we are so excited to attend the gala this weekend.
We know so many of you have been working so hard!!!
Shari Florio says
I know that you will meet your fundraising goal today for your amazing foundation! I was happy to contribute what I could.
Mix and Match Mama says
God bless you, Shari! Thank you so much for your support!
Kelly says
I think it is wonderful that you are opening up the foundation to helping moms with cancer nationwide instead of in just your county.
I LOL’d at your new podcast graphic. You two are a hoot! Barbie records a podcast!!
Mix and Match Mama says
We are starting small and very hopeful to expand! Right now, each and every mom is listed by our Care Team and loved on throughout their entire cancer journey, so we want to make sure it always stays intimate and personal. We are very hopeful that one day, we’ll be able to expand nationwide!
Molly Anderson says
Shay- I have been reading your blog for years. Thank you for always keeping it real. Although I never knew Manda, when she passed away I felt compelled to support her sweet family. So today, while wearing my purple Manda Strong shirt, I will happily make a donation and say a quiet prayer for all these sweet families you guys are helping. I hope Friday is a huge success!
Mix and Match Mama says
Oh Molly! God bless YOU! Thank you so much for your love and support today!
Taylor says
I love the graphic. I am looking forward to your next episode!!
Em says
Hi Shay! Is the foundation a 501(c)(3)? I’d love to give a donation through my donor-advised fund! Thanks!!
Mix and Match Mama says
It is!!!! We would appreciate your support!
Em says
Yay! Just sent our donation 🙂
Kristen says
Prayers for you today as you remember your sweet Friday. I LOVE the new graphic for your podcast! I can NOT wait for the next one 🙂
Laura says
Hi Shay. Just to let you know, I got my notification today. Have a great day! ?
Kathy says
Praying you reach your financial goal today and that the gala is a HUGE success!! I think your friendship with Manda and each other is beautiful, and what you’re doing to honor her is amazing. I’m happy to help support such a worthy cause. 🙂
Amanda @ That Inspired Chick says
I had myself a good cry writing up my blog post last night and rewatching her Celebration of Life. Even though she was always more of a friend of a friend to me since I was new around there at the time, her sweet spirit inspired me so much. I know today is so hard for all you girls and her family. xoxo
That Inspired Chick
Kelly says
I bet you noticed that the verse of the day on the Bible app was Blessed are those who mourn for they will be comforted. Matthew 5:4 How appropriate!
Mix and Match Mama says
I DID!!!!!!!!!! Isn’t that so cool?!
Atlanta Meynier says
Which bible app do y’all like? There are so many!
Mix and Match Mama says
I love YouVersion! 🙂
Amie says
Prayers for all of you today as well as her little family. Today is my birthday so I remember you telling us about her passing 3 years ago clearly. My sister passed away from cancer when my niece was only 15 so it’s hits my heart there as well. Prayers for a successful gala!
Keisha Dawson says
I finally found the podcast in my player app, and I can’t wait to listen to the first episode! Praying for you all today as you remember Manda! I hope you all have a very successful Gala Friday!
Laurie S says
Bless you for sharing Manda with us and what you and her family have been doing in her memory. It’s been 3 years already? How are her children, husband, and parents doing?
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much for asking. They’re all doing well. I don’t think any of them will ever be the same, but they’re really doing well.
Tiff says
I can only imagine that Manda was incredibly blessed to have such a wonderful friend like you, Shay. She would be proud of all you’re doing to help other cancer-fighting mamas.
Can you share how her sweet husband and kids are doing these days?
Mix and Match Mama says
Awe, they’re doing well. I mean…things will never be the same, but three years later, they’re doing really well.
Sheri says
What a wonderful thing you are doing in Manda’s memory. I hope her family is doing well. I’m sure this is a tough time of year for them, as it is for you and her friends group. Keeping you all in my prayers.
Can you share information on who did your graphic? It turned out great and I am interested in using them for one as well. Thank you!
Mix and Match Mama says
I thought so too!! We bought it off of Etsy! Erika would have the exact vendor’s name. I was so excited about it! (If you want to email her, you can at mixandmatchtravelteam@yahoo.com) 🙂
Sheri says
Thank you!
Beth Knecht says
What an awesome blessing you all are to those moms in need! I hope you surpass your goal and continue to bless other mamas! Love, love, love your new podcast graphic! Too cute and looks just like you both!
Joanne says
Oh I can’t wait to read all about your spring break adventures! You guys always sound like you have the best times together. (linking up as #5 today)
Katie S. says
Have prayed so many times for your friend Manda and her sweet family since her passing! Love the legacy she leaves behind. So inspiring, so Godly!
Um, McMillions makes me question all.the.things. I’ve relived the many (hopeful) trips to McDonalds in search of $1,000,000 from Monopoly pieces… in the end I never stood a chance! ??
Mix and Match Mama says
None of us did 😉 . Thank you so much for praying!
Detroit Duchess says
I LOVE your new podcast graphic! It’s so on brand, haha! You are doing great things with the foundation. I just joined the board of a new foundation here and I hope that we will see the success you have. It’s inspiring to see that you are already hosting your first gala. What an amazing testament to your friend.
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much!!!
Amy Heinl says
Wishing you the best of success. I was so glad to make a donation today. Praying in some small way it will bring comfort to those in such need
Mix and Match Mama says
Thank you so much, Amy!!! We appreciate it more than you know!