The Momster

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The Momster

The Unnecessary Thing About Exhaustion

Journ's 6th Birthday Luau!!

Summer Time Fun: Places to go & things to do in Dallas during the summer!

Nurturing Independence: How chores positively impact our children’s future

My LESSONS from above

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The Life of a Sower: A Lifestyle of Blind Faith

The life of a sower completely goes against today’s culture. A culture that values instant gratification, external validation, and aesthetics over genuine connection and transparency. It’s just not appealing. Social media isn’t set up to support it. The hustle and show mentality does not see the value in it. We live in a culture that praises the “I got it out the mud/ I did this on my own” mindset. It’s one of the most destructive lies Satan would have us believe

Clarity in the midst of chaos: What to do while waiting on God’s voice

Have you ever felt like no matter what you do, life seems to be at a standstill? You work hard, and dedicate yourself to that ‘thing’ day in and day out, yet you see no progress? Despite your dedication, your commitment, and your efforts, nothing has changed. Your marriage seems to be at a standstill. Your business is at a standstill. Your finances are at a standstill. Your growth and healing are at a standstill. These frustrating circumstances can leave us feeling uncertain about the direction of our lives. Pushing us into a space of confusion and doubt. Making us question our abilities and the purpose/ calling God has placed on our lives.

Wrestling with Restlessness: A Letter to The Brokenhearted

I’ve been restless in many areas of my life. Actually, all of them. Restless as a mother, as a wife, as a professional…restless as a believer. It’s this feeling of always having something to do, always needing something to do. The never-ending to-do list not only stirs up my anxiety but forces its way into my dreams. Stealing what little moments of peace I may have. It’s the feeling of ‘what if’

Faith Fatigue: The Highs and Lows of Living By Faith

2021 hit me hard. Despite the hopes that the pandemic was closer to an end. Despite the kids returning to school and adjusting to the new norm of daily living, 2021 has been tough for me. Due to a number of events that collided together, I’ve wandered through this year broken-hearted, struggling to keep a lid on a depression that I was confident I would never struggle with again and lost in a world filled with facades that leave you feeling less than

Marriage Mondays

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Mar 18, 2022

Marriage Monday: “The Power of a Praying Wife” Edition

Mar 18, 2022

Mar 14, 2022

Marriage Monday: "Scheduling Sexy Time" Edition

Mar 14, 2022

Sep 26, 2021

Marriage Monday: " Same Fight, Different Day" Edition

Sep 26, 2021

Sep 13, 2021

Marriage Monday: "A Prayer For The Bedroom" Edition

Sep 13, 2021

Jun 14, 2021

Marriage Mondays: "Dirty Conversations" Edition

Jun 14, 2021

Mookie’s Florals

My home

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My Home

DIY Console Cabinet

Two years ago, I started my search for a console table that would fit the small empty wall space right next to our fireplace. The space had been empty for some time and it seemed like it would remain that way. Every table I saw was either too long for the space, not the right color, or not the right price!

Master Bedroom Makeover

Last year, I took a look around our master bedroom and realized it was definitely in need of some major TLC! Unfortunately, we didn’t have much of a budget…or we didn’t have a big enough budget to match my Pinterest dream master bedroom board! But, after some DIY and lots of patience, we ended up with a beautiful modern master bedroom that didn’t cost an arm and a leg!

DIY Paneled Accent Wall

I’m in the process of giving our master bedroom a little makeover. So where do you go for all your inspiration needs? Pinterest of course! After searching through, what felt like, thousands of pins. I finally found something that seemed simple but would make a huge difference for our bedroom…

A Built in Happy Hour

Normally, it’s me texting Papa throughout the day with idea after idea of DIY projects and home renovation ideas. With most messages going ignored. However! On this particular day I was pleasantly surprised to receive a text with an idea from Papa that I absolutely loved.

A built in bar.

Growing Spaces

For the last six months, my 6-year-old son has had one consistent request

“Can you paint my room black?”

An odd request but fitting for this peculiar 6-year-old boy! While his choice of color was questionable, I understood the origin of his request

Their Very Own Kid-dom

Three kids. Three different personalities.

When we moved, I couldn’t wait to decorate the kid’s rooms. I had so many ideas. I wanted to make each room a special place to escape too, filled with endless possibilities of fun and imaginative play.

Labors of Love

How we perceive love is shaped during our childhood. How we love others is essentially a byproduct of that perception. As a child, I grew up in a home filled with love. My parents made consistent and continuous positive deposits of love into us. They showered us with affection and attention. My dad was a handyman. He could fix, build, and create anything.

The Place We Never Eat...But It's Cute

My husband doesn’t understand the purpose of a formal dining room. His argument – we will never eat in there. Contrary to his opinion, one day he will come home and be forced to put pants on and eat a nice meal in the dining room. Complete with an endless amount of silverware and linen napkins…one day…no time soon though.

My Favorite Art Is In The Bathroom...

One of my favorite places in our home is the powder room.

Yes, where the toilet is!

When decorating our home, I had to be mindful of what Papa likes. However, I was able to freely decorate the downstairs powder room. I wanted a fun space that would make guests feel like they were in the powder room of a high-end loft but still flowed with the décor of the rest of our home.

mOOKIE’S MUST HAVES

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Refine Your Routine: The ultimate guide to perfecting your skincare routine

Skincare has always been complicated for me. My journey to clear skin started when I was in middle skin. Since then, I’ve hopped from one dermatologist to the next, all around the Dallas area. While each doctor gave a different prescription, one thing has always remained the same. MY SKIN!

My Curly Cut Review!

I’ve been natural for over 10 years. While I’ve cut my hair several times, I never cut it for the health of my curls. Only for style. In June, I noticed my curls just weren’t doing so well. My hair had grown significantly over the past year, but I soon realized the additional growth did not equal health.

LUVME HAIR Headband Wig Review!

So, I think I found my new best friend! I recently did a mini chop on my hair. While I am loving my new do, I have to admit, some days I’m over my hair altogether! On those days I pull my hair up in a puff and hit the door. At least that’s what I did until NOW!!

At Home Bar Must Haves

Drinks on me! Not really but if you’re ever a guest in my house, I’ll definitely show you a good time! A few months back, Papa and I (mostly Papa) took on another DIY project and added a built-in bar to our formal dining room. I have to say, it came out amazing and we are definitely putting it to use!

My story

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My Story

Birthing Sadness

“The moment that changed me forever was the moment my first child was born. I was happy, filled with hope, and thought, ‘Now I understand the whole point of work, of life, of love.’”

– Paul Theroux

This is such a beautiful quote. Unfortunately, it doesn’t come close to describing how I felt during my first pregnancy. Almost two years after having an abortion, I was pregnant again. I hadn’t healed from that experience. My heart was still heavy with grief. The shame and guilt I still struggled with, began to multiply.

Crossroads

We’ve all been there. Standing in the midst of two points in our lives. Looking for guidance on which way to go. A crossroad. I stood in the middle of one of the biggest crossroads of my life in November 2004. Faced with an unplanned pregnancy and the fear of doing it alone

Beauty In Your Broken

I grew up always hearing how pretty I was. As a child, my parents never held back praise and always took the time to tell me I was beautiful. By the time I reached my teen years the compliments continued. Whether it came from my teachers, the boys who liked me, or my peers, I was always told I was pretty. By 16, those words became background noise, with no true meaning.

The Heavenly Story of Journ

A sweet heavenly surprise she was. The thought of having another child terrified us but the possibility of a baby girl made us smile and dream of endless tea parties and giggles, tutus, and everything pink. So, we began to make room for this new life God blessed us with.

After All The Pain, God Sent Us A Rainbow

Having another child was not on our agenda. We had Boogey and he was a handful. We poured everything we had into him. Given that my pregnancy with him was (emotionally) one of the hardest things I’ve gone through, we both decided that one child was all we could handle.

When There's Nothing Left...

Fires can be deadly however fires are necessary. It’s necessary for survival. It provides warmth, sterilization, light, and can even be used as a distress signal.

Our marriage had been burning for years. Slowly but surely. We ignored it as much as we could but just like any fire, without an effort to extinguish, it will eventually consume everything in its path.

When It All Burns Down

To start a fire you need three things: fuel, heat and oxygen. You can’t have a fire without all three. Separately, they are all safe and all needed for a different purpose. But when together, they can make a deadly combination.

Our marriage had its own combustible components: Control, unhealthy communication and mistrust; and it all came together to a point of ignition that completely burned our marriage to the ground…or so it seemed

What The Hell...

In Walks Prince Charming

I still remember the first time I saw him…On the weekends, I would come home to wait tables at a restaurant in Dallas. Papa was in the Air Force and was recently relocated back to Texas. Needing something to do, he got a job at the same restaurant. It was love at 1st sight. We locked eyes and I knew he would be the one I would spend the rest of my life with…doesn’t that sound romantic? Here’s what actually happened…I saw him and I went on about my business. I can say, he had his eyes on me. Soon after, we were introduced; opening the door for him to slowly squeeze his way in.

Grace Through a Child

I was home one weekend from college, in my room, sitting on the bed, crying. I was tired. I was broken and I was alone. In walks Deshawn. My then 3-year-old nephew. He quietly walks past me and into the bathroom. Seconds later, he emerges with one small piece of tissue paper. He climbs onto the bed and sits right next to me. He reaches up, wipes the tears from my face and holds my hand. He didn’t say a word, he never asked me what was wrong, he just sat there quietly while I cried. Every now and then wiping the tears from my face…

SHOP 3AM