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

Books, Busy, Fashion, Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Gifts, Textured Threads

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – APRIL EDITION 

Hello my friend. May is only a few days away, and it has proven, year after year, to be a booger of a month. Our youngest son is a Senior, so this is the last May to have my calendar full of end of the school year activities and it’s a weird feeling. Weird and yet kind of wonderful. I’m soaking up every last and have faith that our next season of parenting will be just as sweet. Here are a few things that are currently making my days better!

I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet

I’m a big fan of Shauna Niequist, she has a beautiful way of writing that allows us to exhale. She is calm, lovely, and honest about the beautiful and ugly parts of life. I listened to her new book and then read it. The entire thing is now highlighted and underlined, and I’m still re-reading some parts. I don’t want to oversell it, I’ll let you highlight your own book, besides I think the title does a good enough job on it’s own. I Guess I Haven’t Learned That Yet: Discovering New Ways of Living When the Old Ways Stop Working

ANGRY ORANGE Pet Odor Eliminator

We have an elderly dog who never had accidents until this past year. We love her dearly and appreciate all the years of love she has given our family, so we have made some changes to accommodate her while trying to maintain a clean house. This pet urine odor eliminator for your home defeats some of the worst odors and leaves the sweet smell of fresh oranges behind. Even when I’m not trying to cover a horrible smell, I’ll spray it to freshen up stagnant odors.

Party Bar 125 Qt Cooler

Inspired by the outdoor beer chests found at a traditional Texas ice house, the Igloo Party Bar is the ultimate cooler for keeping your party going from day into night. When we got this in, I was a tad disappointed in the flimsy lid thinking it wouldn’t keep the drinks iced down long. However, it proved me wrong and works shockingly well. The cooler comes with a removable base and bottle opener on the side. We love hosting and this little (big) guy has made it so much easier!

Colleen Rothchild Radiant Cleansing Balm

I’ve slowly joined the cult. This cleansing balm came in a sample kit and quickly became a nightly must. The dreaded chore of washing the day off my face has become an indulgence. The Radiant Cleansing Balm clears congested pores and removes impurities while dissolving all traces of makeup. Colleen Rothchild has amazing sales, so get on their text list and try it on their next one!

R+Co Outerspace Flexible Hairspray

I love this hairspray – it’s light and allows my hair to move. I have a horrible habit of constantly messing with my hair, and this spray enables me to keep my bad habits. I see you women with gorgeous, fixed hair and want to be you. But until I can quit messing with my locks and eating peanut M&Ms in bed, I’ll just continue to admire you.

Inis Replenishing Body Oil

I blame Marlo. She got me hooked on this Inis Oil, and now we carry the whole Inis Collection at Textured Threads Boutique. This oil is lightweight, smells amazing, and is super nourishing for the skin.  Hydrating seaweed extracts, jojoba and sweet almond oils, smooth and deeply moisturize, while Vitamin E helps revitalize and condition. Spray it on damp skin right out of the shower and enjoy being moisturized all day!

O-Cedar EasyWring Microfiber Spin Mop, Bucket Floor Cleaning System

I don’t think this mop is new to anyone. At this point I’m not comfortable with spending the bucks on a machine that mops for me, so I’ll stick to the tried and true mops. Best Features – hands free wringing, washable mop head, and let’s be honest…the foot pedal brings me great joy.

Sending you all love, light, and caffeine,

Brooke

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

Books, Fashion, Favorite Things, Friday Eve Favorites, Gifts

FRIDAY EVE FAVORITES – MARCH EDITION

Hello from Spring Break! You can’t even tell from this photo that I’m hobbling on a newly broken ankle. But how could one miss out on this gorgeous weather and perfect snow day! Here are a few of my favorite things…

Clear/Transparent Sticky Notes

These are the coolest. And pushed me further over the edge of being an office supply nerd. They are great for notes in your books, day planners, office, fridge, basically anywhere! They have a ton of different sizes. I love this size for List and Memos, I use the smaller ones for tabs on books that I’m reading but can’t mark up. This bundle is good if you just want to try them all! I just love a clean looking office, and these help a ton! You are going to love them!

Color Wow Raise the Root Thicken + Lift Spray

This root spray is a lifesaver for a morning hair refresher! I always seem to forget it when I’m blowing drying my hair after shampooing, but the times I do remember make for a good hair day! It is not sticky, nor does it leave your hair feeling super “producty”. It’s the amazing lift your hair deserves.

Casserole Crock Pot

My name is Brooke and I am a Crock Pot Addict. I can’t believe I haven’t shared this yet, it’s a casual entertainer’s dream! This guy is perfect for those casseroles and dips best served hot at a party. A casserole dish that you can throw in the oven, cook your casserole in, then pop in the base to keep it hot! This is my newest one, but I also have the cheaper version that is just as good!

Tanti Baci By KC

Talented, creative people just amaze me. A friend of mine recently started this little side business and we can’t quit ordering fun, personalized apparel that she creates! She has such a fun eye for color and cutting edge fashion. You can DM her on her Instagram for a custom order! Everything I’ve gotten from her is so fun!

Rechargeable Hand Warmers

Our youngest son decided to play soccer his senior year. I never realized how BRUTAL soccer season weather is. Some of the coldest nights I’ve ever spent in bleachers. These definitely help keep the chill off. They take a minute to “preheat”, but once they warmed up my fingers stayed toasty.

Small Leather Credit Card Holder & Hard Case

This is the perfect size wallet for all the credit cards, discount cards, and gift cards we carry around with us on the daily. I didn’t realize it was a Gucci dupe until my son told me, but whatever. I had a similar wallet for years, until it sadly died. I’ve searched for a replacement and finally found this one on Amazon. It comes in several fun colors!

Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life

This book is a life changer. It’s a personal development, business, and leadership read that is actually enjoyable! What would be possible if you followed through on your best intentions? What could you accomplish if you could stay focused? What if you had the power to become “indistractable?”  5 Stars for this book!

Personalized Vintage Luggage

Girlfriend Vacations are so expensive. Not the actual trip itself, but all the things your friends introduce you to that you have to come home and purchase! Like this adorable luggage! (Thanks Fallon!) I don’t know if I fully trust the airlines to handle these beauties, but we do plenty of road trips that I’ll use these on! There are several sizes; the Full Size Suitcase, Carry on Suitcase, Weekender Bag, plus several more! View the entire Vintage Collection here….

Portable Door Lock for Additional Safety

Clearly I’ve watched too many crime shows, but this helps me sleep more soundly in hotel rooms and Vrbos. In complete transparency, I’ve only used it on one trip so far, but I can report that it works better than knife shoved sideways into the door jam.

Ultra Slim Portable Charger

Shared again per request….This portable charger is my favorite ever. It is always in my purse, and can fully charge my phone up to 3 times before needing a recharge itself.  This guy comes with all the different charger cords tucked into the sides, and a built in wall plug to recharge it when it needs it. It solves the problem of having a charger, but forgetting the cord at home. It’s my best friend.

May March bring you joy, rest, and rejuvenation!

Brooke

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.