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Friendship, Lessons, Love, Prayer

Happy Gilmore Grief

“Maybe it doesn’t matter whether something is a coincidence or a sign, maybe the best way to cope with the loss of the people we love is to find them in as many places and things as we possibly can.  And in the off chance that the people we lose are still somehow able to hear us, maybe we should never stop talking to them.”

I pulled out of my neighborhood one morning recently, to see two guys in the pasture across the way making erratic movements with their bodies. I kept watching, trying to figure out if they were fighting, dancing, or having synchronized seizures. After a bit I realized they had golf clubs in their hands, one was teaching the other how to swing like Happy Gilmore.

I had to smile. Our friend Brad had the Happy Gilmore swing down to an art, it was one of the first things Chad experienced when meeting him on the golf course the day of our wedding. I teared up and drove off with a wistful smile. 

Brad left this world last fall and we all miss him so deeply it physically hurts.  The weeks after he left were the saddest of my life, I saw him and felt him everywhere.  I started writing down all the “Heavenly Hugs” that we got throughout the day because I never wanted to forget them or second guess the miracle of them when looking back later in life. 

The day of his funeral services, I arrived a few hours early.  After sitting in an empty parking lot for a bit, I got the courage to go inside and ask if I could see him.  Walking up to his casket in the quiet room, I swear I could hear him chuckling at me in his good natured way, knowing I would do this.

“Did you make it to heaven okay my friend?  Why did you have to get there before the rest of us?”

They say you can drown in two inches of water, it doesn’t have to be a flood, but water steadily flapping at our ankles. Grief seems to be the same. Grief can drown us, yet doesn’t kill us. It keeps us submerged for long enough that we forget what air and sunshine feels like.  Grief sets it’s own timeline, and the only way out is through. 

On the drive out to our family Deer Camp, there are huge piles of sand that have been there for some time. Deep crevices, and gullies have formed in the hills.  I think that is what a grieving heart looks like. Withered and dehydrated as it is enduring the hardships of bad weather and the scorching sun. 

Desolate. 

After Brad’s service, several of us went to find dinner. We ended up at a hole in the wall Mexican food restaurant (later learning it was Brad’s local favorite).  We gathered around the table, somber and quiet. We slowly started reminiscing and telling stories of our beloved friend.  Laughter ensued at the sweet memories of a childhood well lived. 

Crevice by crevice, our hearts have slowly plumped back up. Never to where they were before, but instead of craters there are the cracks that heartbreak brings.  We linked arms and grieved together which makes it closer to bearable.

The worst days ahead were watching his family live without him. His beautiful, beloved wife holding her head high as she has to go on raising their boys who they love so fiercely. His daughter and sons, figuring out how to continue to live without their biggest fan having an earthly voice.

We have learned how to honor Brad the most by continuing to live. We continue to live, laugh, love, and learn because his time doing that here has passed. They say grief is the receipt of how much you love a person. If that is true, we would do it all over again. It was worth it. I would only have loved deeper and wider. 

Happy 1st Heavenly Birthday Brad Haugen. Thank you for all the love and lessons. Thank you for your friendship. Life is moving at a rapid speed, and yet you still manage to get our attention and make us smile. All the way from heaven. I hope you’re showing someone up there how to perfect the Happy Gilmore swing.

*Recently Brad’s oldest son celebrated the end of 5th grade with a Bon Voyage celebration. They dressed up in Hawaiian shirts, Eli asked to wear the one he got his dad for his birthday last year. When I saw Vanessa’s post, I immediately thought of a favorite picture of Brad and their boys. I know he is so proud of all of them.

 

**Quote from Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover

June 20, 2022 by
Fashion, Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Friendship, Gifts, Gratitude, Laughter, Makeup

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – APRIL GUEST EDITION

Meet Cindy Baden! I’ve known Cindy for years and she is still one of my favorite friends to laugh with. Her impersonations are so hilarious, she could easily make one of the Queen’s Royal Guards chuckle. In the decade+ since we’ve been friends, I’ve never seen her look less than perfect. Just when her graceful beauty gets cruelly unfair, she balances it with her kind heart and sweet smile. I’ve never known another person who can put her own eyelash extensions on perfectly…seriously?! Cindy and her husband Jon have a precious family that she manages with love and ease, complete with a handsome teenage son and two beautiful daughters. She is a Realtor here in Waco, Texas and enjoys helping others, whether its finding them their next home or willingly sharing her beauty tips and secrets! Enjoy Cindy and her favorite things!

The Hot Mess Ice Roller

This is the best ice roller that I have ever had! There are so many benefits to ice rolling: reducing redness, inflammation, improving circulation and helping to drain your lymphatic system. I like to keep mine in the freezer, but this beauty feels cold even after sitting out all day. Love it! 

Botianic Tree Face Wash

Botanic Tree Glycolic Face Wash is the prefect exfoliating cleanser that exfoliates WITHOUT that nasty gritty “apricot shell” feeling that we have all be told is the only way to exfoliate. Well, I’m here to tell you that this does it’s job, doesn’t damage my skin and smells amazing! 

Supergoop Vitamin C + SPF Serum

Sunscreen is a MUST!  Sun damage is not only dangerous, but it causes the appearance of aging and who in the world wants that?! I love this brand for the whole family.  I use their product “Play” everyday sunscreen for my kids.  It feels good, goes on light and is water resistant.  I also use their “Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF Serum” every day.  It feels hydrating on the skin and gives a nice glow for those no-makeup days.  I also use it under my makeup as my primer. Glow, vitamin c, primer and most importantly SUN PROTECTION!  

Backpack Purse

I love this bag more than I thought I would.  Soft durable faux leather that is waterproof and looks great!  It is large enough for my iPad, frees up my hand and has access that fits up against your back so that you know your belonging are safe! 

Pura Smart Home Diffuser

I never knew that I needed this product until I got it!  Controlled by your phone, long lasting with a variety of amazing scents to choose from!  I personally can’t get enough of the Capri Blue Volcano fragrance.  Give it a try! 

Jo Malone Fragrance

I love that you can layer these fragrances to create your own signature scent.  I personally love Peony & Blush Suede.  New to their line is a solid scent palette (shown above) that is perfect for travel without the fear of liquid leaking in your favorite handbag.

Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask

Feels amazing! Light scent! Wake up with lips that are ready to face the day! 

LCN Foot Balm

This is an amazing product and super easy to use!  Apply it before bed or before you walk out of the house, WHENEVER, and let it do it’s job. Get those heels summer ready! 

Drunk Elephant

I am a BIG fan of this brand, but if I had to tell you to start with one product, this would be it! Drunk Elephant T.L.C. Framboos Glycolic Night Serum.  Refine and resurface your skin while you sleep to achieve that radiant glow you were looking for! Quick tip: A little goes a long way! 

Bytox: The Hangover Patch

Before you judge, let me say that weather you are a lightweight or a seasoned pro when it comes to your adult beverages, this is a LIFE SAVER!  Put this bad boy on your bum before a night out and when you wake up to next morning your head will say THANK YOU! Quick Tip: we all know vitamins can have unique fragrance, slap it on, wash yours hands and move on! 😉 

Mind Your Business Planner

“You are who you plan to be. Whether you’re a creator, creative, entrepreneur or student, this planner is designed to help you Mind Your Business. Set goals, track your habits and plan your months, weeks and days down to the last hour.”

How fun was that? The ice roller is the absolute BEST!! I always follow all of her recommendations on skin care, as long as Cindy promises I’ll look like her when I wake up. 🙂

Happy April Friends!

Brooke

April 8, 2022 by
Books, Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Friendship, Gifts

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – February Guest Edition

If you are a friend of Kyla Dieterich’s, consider yourself one of the lucky ones. We met 13 years ago and have been stuck like glue ever since. She is one of the most thoughtful humans on the planet, the type of friend who would give you a kidney. Literally. Kyla is a devoted follower and champion for Jesus, a full-time-mom-who-doesn’t-miss-a-thing to 3 darlings – Kyson, Kolt, and Kerrigan (aka Brooke’s K-babies), is a near perfect home maker, and leads a weekly women’s bible study. Somehow in her spare time of raising good humans, she is a Platinum Realtor with Kelly Realtors, selling over 12 million last year! The girl is a divine, creative soul, who loves to cross stitch and paint anything sitting still. She will always be a favorite travel companion of mine, whether it’s walking the Bridges of Madison County, getting lost in Madrid, or floating around in a hot air balloon, we’ve done it all, together, with a lot of laughs. Enjoy getting to know my friend while she describes her favorite things!

Seamless Bible Study, Angie Smith

Angie Smith is AMAZING at beautifully compacting the ENTIRE Bible into just 6 weeks of study.  Seriously, I’ve done numerous Bible studies over the years, and this is still my all-time fave.  I learned more doing this study than I did reading entire Bible several times.  She has such a gift for “dumbing it down and pulling it all together”.

Redeeming Love by Francine Rivers

Redeeming Love – because I’m a hopeless romantic.  Period.  In love with Jesus, above all else, but this book always restores my hope in earthly love, grace, redemption, and acceptance, too.  I’m an avid, snobby reader, and this is the only book I’ve read over and over and over again.  And I’m not done yet.  But if you’re not a reader, the movie just came out.  Do yourself a favor and see it!

Rodan & Fields Dark Spot Corrector

R&F dark spot corrector.  Because when the whole world told me to wear sunscreen in my 20s, I didn’t listen.  Now, I’m playing catch up.  And it’s working.  So glad I didn’t even bother all those year ago.  I like to work smarter, not harder. 🙂

Soft Plush Micro Fleece Bed Sheet Set

Micro fleece sheets because I AM ALWAYS COLD.  ALWAYS. Even in July.  They just make me feel like a swaddled newborn, even at 42.

Heirloom Traditions Furniture Paint

Heirloom Chalk Paint because painting ANYTHING gives it a whole new life, and we all deserve second chances.  Sometimes third or even fourth. With this paint, you don’t even have to prime. Just degloss (they sell that, too), and you’re good to go.  After 30 days of curing, it won’t chip or flake, and it’s so thick and easy to use that it forgives a multitude of sins.

Desert Bronze Self Tanner

Desert Bronze….because it’ll be way too expensive to use R&F dark spot corrector all over my entire body.  Seriously, my fave self-tanner…no one wants to be ORANGE.  It’s the most lovely golden bronze shade I’ve seen, short of hours in the sun.  It’s a foam, so it goes on smoothly to prevent “streaking.”

Quay Sunglasses

Quay sunglasses. They have a million options. They often run sales, and they’re so stylish, but all at a very affordable price.  And let’s face it: I’m a tightwad…unless it’s paint.  I’d rather have 10 pair I love than one pair of “name brand.”

Rodan & Fields Lash Boost

R&F Lash Boost….because eyelash extensions destroyed my natural lashes.  I wanted them longer, but again, I’m a tight-wad. When I use this faithfully, I literally have to trim my lashes to keep them from rubbing my eyebrows.  Real world probs, I know.

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara

Urban Decay Perversion Mascara. I just bought more today. It’s the ONLY make-up I just won’t compromise.  With a big, thick brush, and a tube that seems to last forever, it’s much cheaper, and less maintenance than extensions.   It doesn’t flake off or smudge.  Yet, it comes off easily with make-up remover. 

Raspberry Acai Wine

Raspberry Acai Wine….I’m a lightweight.  This tastes more juice for mamas.  Probably way more sugar than alcohol, so if you’re the real deal, maybe skip this one.  If you just wanna look cute, bottoms up!

Tyler Candle Co Detergent in Icon

Tyler Candle Co Detergent – a little goes a long way and lasts forever.  Super concentrated and it SMELLS SOOOOO GOOD!  There are several amazing scents, but I chose Icon over and over again.  I wash my sheets, blankets, and towels in this religiously. I’d wash my clothes in too, but I’d catch too much attention.  Or maybe that’s what I’m doing all wrong. 

February 24, 2022 by
Friendship, Grace, Priorities, Uncategorized, What is saving your life

Life Giving Friends

A personal intention this year was to spend more quality time with Life-giving friends. In the ongoing To-Do List, Number #8 was “Make a list of Life-giving friends” because I am efficient if nothing. It remains written as a reminder to notice the life-givers and to be one.

A favorite bible story of mine is of a few friends who carried their sick friend to Jesus in hopes of healing him. When they couldn’t get to Him due to the crowd, they climbed on up, cut a hole in the roof and lowered their paralytic friend to Jesus. 

Can you even imagine what that scene looked like? 

Bob – “The crowd is too thick boys, there is no way we are gonna get Sick ol’ Sam to Jesus.”

Larry – “Think guys, think!”

Merle – “Hmmm, think we could climb up on the roof?”

Mike – “And then what Merle?  Stomp our feet? Climb down the chimney?”

Sick ol’ Sam – “Never mind guys, it just looks hopeless.”

But it wasn’t. These friends were cut from the find-a-way-or-make-a-way cloth. They made an opening in the roof and lowered their friend down. Because of their faith, the sick one was healed. There aren’t enough thank you notes printed for Sick ol’ Sam to write his gratitudes on.  

Those precious life-giving friends. Those that will bring you to Jesus and lower you right into His lap, tucking you into His loving arms. A favorite visual prayer of mine is to do just that with those I’m specifically praying for – swaddling them into healing arms, snug as a bug in a rug.

Back to the friends on the hot tin (straw?) roof…

Can you imagine how much restraint it would take to be that close to greatness and not want a little healing yourself? “Mr. Alpha and Omega, would you mind looking at this irksome rash really quick?” I mean, look how fast Jesus healed Sam, surely He could simply wink and heal this tiny, itchy issue.

Years ago we went to Lake Tahoe for the Celebrity Golf Tournament. It is such a fun trip – mountains, a gorgeous lake, amazing weather, golf, and celebrities everywhere playing golf for charity. Jason Witten, my favorite Dallas Cowboy, was playing in the tournament and I was a tiny bit determined (obsessed) to get a photo with the big guy. I carried his jersey around in my purse just in case he had time for an autograph as well. Let me pause for a second and say, I am not the girl who embarrasses herself and others by asking for photos or an autograph. If I see a famous person, I get awkward and usually ignore them. I like my celebrities at a distance.

The week was ending, and I had yet to corner my boy Witten for a photo. Our group got photos with every other celebrity but alas, Jason was elusive. We followed his team on his last few holes and positioned ourselves to intercept him on the way to the clubhouse for a photo request. My partner at the time had the camera and a plan. He was going to stop Witten and ask if he would take a photo with me, my job was to be ready to step in and smile.

As Witten and his entourage approached us, my heart started skipping beats, my palms were tingling, and my face was on fire. I flipped my hair to lay just right, my lipgloss was poppin’…I was ready. As Jason ducked under the rope, my partner said, “Jason, could I get a photo with you?”, and then they both turned to smile at me to take the photo.

Of them.

I had to reach for the camera that was in his hand to snap the photo. I then watched, speechless, as my favorite Tight End walked away. And there you go folks, the real reason my first marriage ended in divorce.

It seems hard to control oneself that close to greatness. 

There I was, waiting for my photo, and someone else got it. Had we been on a roof, I might have pushed him off of it rather than lowering him down.

Thankfully for the paralytic man, his friends stayed the course. They remained selfless for their friend’s healing, even that close to the most Divine and Holy being they had ever encountered.

I’m not comparing Jason Witten to Jesus. But if that’s how you read it, you might also suffer from Smitten by Witten syndrome. Jesus can heal that too.

Until then, let’s be life givers. Let’s breathe love and light into our people. May we be in each other’s corner, standing guard over our people through all their things….sadness, loss, pain, sickness, exhaustion, and life. Let’s carry each other to peace and healing.

*Mark 2:3-5 

**Please let it be noted, while I am still working on forgiving my ex-husband for this unspeakable betrayal, we have remained friends and co-parent well.

April 26, 2021 by
Books, Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Friendship, Laughter, Organization, Podcast

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – September Guest Edition

Meet Casey Tuner, the Most Interesting Woman In The World. Or at least that’s what I refer to her as. Casey is hilarious, just when I think I know her, she surprises the heck out of me with something more audacious. She is brilliant, cheerful, adventurous, kind hearted, and the best human dictionary/encyclopedia. Casey lives in Waco, Texas with her husband Cody and two precious girls. She is the owner and operator of the beautiful and historic Waco Hippodrome, which not only is it the best place to recline, dine and watch a movie, they have a great restaurant and gorgeous rooftop bar, and host the best live concerts around! One of her best party tricks is while chatting with people she will try to figure out what blood type you are based on your personality (more on that shortly!). So happy to share my friend and her favorite things…enjoy!

Greater Movie (2016)

An incredible true story about the Arkansas walk on Brandon Burlsworth.  I watched this movie because it was on, and I’m so glad I did!!!  Brandon was truly a good human who loved Jesus and led by example.  He shows us how comfortable he is in his own skin, even though he doesn’t fit the “cool” mold (yet all the “cool” people want to be more like him!).  This is one of those movies that you think about for days, weeks, months and probably years after you watch it. 

Organic Wine

I studied abroad in college and lived in Florence, Italy.  It was there that I discovered my love for wine and all things Italian culture. However, as I have aged, the hangover (even from just ONE glass of wine) has become unbearable.  I recently discovered organic wine. This is a whole new world of wines that I had no idea about. I started using Dry Farmed Wines from a subscription service online. I prefer Dry farmed Wines because they are way tastier and they give me 0% headache from drinking.  However, organic wines are way easier to get your hands on! Currently, I am doing the local Wine Shoppe CSA – this just means you join their club, receive a few different picks of their choosing and you also get a little break on any of your purchases if you’re in the club! I have been in their tasting club for a few months now, and am really enjoying the recipes they give you with your wine picks for the month, the explanations of the wines and where they’re from, and the uniqueness of this little club. 

Tubing Mascara

I have hooded eyes and just a weird eye shape I guess. So, everytime I wear normal mascara, I look like a raccoon by the end of the first hour I have it on. For some reason it just rubs off beneath my eyes. My eyes are sensitive to waterproof mascara. ENTER TUBING MASCARA HERE!!!! OMG. It’s basically waterproof, but you just need warm water to pull it off.  It comes off in little tubes. It does NOT rub off under the eyes. I’ve tried many different brands, my favorite drug store brand is Revlon Mega Multiplier (blue cap) and my favorite splurge is Clinique Lash Power Mascara Long-Wearing Formula! 

The Bobby Bones Show

One of the several podcasts that I listen to is The Bobby Bones Show. It is the largest nationally syndicated country show in the US.  They’re located in Nashville, and basically – it’s just a bunch of friends. I have been listening since they were just a small morning show that graced Waco’s presence years ago….. like before my kids were born.  I couldn’t quit them once they left- these people (who are the best friends I have never met) are hilarious, real and actually really informative! 

Hot Yoga


Yoga is a no brainer if you’re chronically stressed, like yours truly.  I have always done yoga, but not consistently and never hot yoga. I just started this like, LAST MONTH at Yoga8 *shoutout*.  I had no idea I needed this in my life. It is 95-100 degrees in the classroom and you do a yoga workout- simple as that. I noticed that in the poses I normally do, I can get far deeper because of the heat in the room.  I feel so good after I finish a workout, like I really did something because I’m soaked from head to toe in sweat! I still need to master the art of fixing my hair after a hot yoga class but until then, the general public will have to accept my messy, sweaty top bun.  Yoga really helps me focus on my breathing and getting oxygen to my super cramped up muscles.  It does wonders for my overall mental wellbeing too!

Sally Hansen Airbrush Legs Makeup Lotion

For a quick tan in an emergency situation, say hello to your new best friend. YALL, this stuff is insane. It lasts for one night. You put it on your legs (or all over your body) then scrub your hands!  I have even put this stuff on and GONE TO THE POOL! The sweat and chlorine will not make it come off. A LITERAL MIRACLE FROM HEAVEN. Only soap and warm water will remove this lotion. Not only does it give you a beautiful tan, it also covers up bruises, spider veins and makes your legs look literally airbrushed, hence the word in the title. 

Eat Right for your Type by Dr. Peter D’Adamo 

To me, this book is super juicy.  No, there isn’t your typical “Real Housewives” drama in this, but it’s very interesting to see how the foods we eat affect our bodies based on our blood type.  Do I follow this diet? No, but have I used the information in this book for almost a decade and was I changed by reading it? YES. Dr. D’Adamo goes as far as describing habits and personality characteristics of people with certain blood types, as well as helps you understand how your blood works and why it is affected by certain foods.  The big picture makes perfect sense, and to this day, I can talk to people and guess their blood type….. I would say I’m right about 85% of the time!!!!!

Car Seat Gap Organizer

Always a sucker for Instagram ads.  As soon as these popped up in my Instagram feed, I searched them on Amazon immediately because, DUH.  They  come in different colors to match your car interior and literally just become an extension of your center console. I LOVE THEM.  I never had enough room and now I do!

September 10, 2020 by