Momfessionals: What's Up Wednesday

Today I'm linking up with Shay and Sheaffer to talk a little bit about what's been going on around here!

I've shared this several times BUT I'm sharing it again for those of y'all who weren't paying attention earlier :) hahaha The VERY BEST SOUP of all time is Trader Joe's Tomato and Roasted Red Pepper with garlic and herb Boursin cheese melted in. The ratio is 1/2 a block of Boursin to 1 box of soup. I typically do two boxes of soup with 1 block of cheese and all you do is shake up the soup, pour it into a pot, add the cheese and heat until it's warm and the cheese is melted. It's delicious alone, with a grilled cheese, etc.

This week I've been doing A LOT of reminiscing. Today marks 3 years since Manda passed away and I just miss her so much. I heard grief described one time as a sharp pain that becomes dull but constant and then lessens to the point where you don't feel it constantly but if something touches it it still hurts and I feel like that's where I am.

Here's one of my fondest memories...

We rang in Manda's birthday in STYLE (think limo, feather boas, drinks, dinner, Sofia the First tiara I pulled out of my purse... the whole deal). Jeni missed the celebration because she was had a baby that same day so we swung the limo through the hospital on our way home (yes.... we called first and yes she asked us to come). On the way up to her room I snapped this picture in the elevator and it's one of my favorite pictures ever because it captures exactly how much fun we have as a group. I will NEVER forget that night and the wonderful conversation I got to have with Manda when I drove her home that night - one that I'll treasure forever.

Watching her take that breath before she blew out her candles is something I'll never ever forget.

Our friend group has been through A LOT together... births, adoptions, custody battles, death, miscarriage, divorce, illness, etc., etc., etc. and we've carried each other's burdens along the way. We pray for each other constantly, encourage each other daily and have been able to take care of physical needs as well. As Manda battled cancer on and off for the 10+ years of our friendship we were able to love on her in a unique and intimate way - by providing experiences for her family that we knew meant alot to her because as moms our first priority is always our kids and family and when you're so sick that is HARD.

After Manda passed away her parents started the Manda Strong Foundation to bring elements of what Manda received to other moms battling cancer. Through care baskets, prayer, trips and those "informal" things (like buying a Christmas tree and setting it up so that a mom can enjoy it with her kids while on Hospice) the Manda Strong Foundation is helping to make lasting memories for these families and it's a beautiful mission.

If you feel led to be part of supporting these moms you can click HERE to donate.

These two cuties sharing a letterman jacket!

Meeting our new baby cousin/niece - Logan! She was born on Monday and we're SMITTEN!!!

I'm chaperoning the 8th grade trip next week and while I am SO EXCITED about the trip I am already dreading the mattresses in the bunk room :) hahaha You know you're old when sleeping on a crummy mattress for two nights (and spending 20+ hours on a bus) does you IN for at least a week.

Spring Break plans! As of right now we have NONE (except for getting all of our laundry done and put away AT THE SAME TIME) which I'm 100% A-OK with BUT I would like to do a couple of fun day trips with the kids so we'll see if I can get my act together before then. #probablynot

Last year we hung around here and loved spending some time in Dallas...

... and exploring a nearby State park among other things.

Football starts this week and I'm excited to cheer on Moose and his friends! Here's a throwback to his first game a few years ago...

And G starts soccer this week too! She loved it last year and is so excited to play again!

Image may contain: 1 person, smiling, playing a sport, child and outdoor

I watched Troop Zero (on Amazon) this week and it was SO CUTE!!! Spunky!

This is one of our favorite songs and this version is INCREDIBLE! Even if you've heard the song 100 times give this one a listen - the last minute and a half is the best!

and this version gives me full-on chill bumps

I feel like we've had a touch of Spring (kind of) this week and I pretty much ate it up with a spoon. Good thing I enjoyed it because it's going to be like 28 degrees tonight.

Volunteering at the Manda Strong Gala, getting ready for my trip next week, Mason has a football game and babysitting some cute twins!!! We can't wait!