The act of Jochebed

Not me

2012-02-29T12:36:00.001+03:00

Yes, not me…it’s the woman you gave me. That is what Adamsaid…Gen 3:12

Well, that is how my kids say it too. That is how I have said it many times. So I am trying veryhard to teach them to own up to their mistakes even as I learn too.

Mum: Tana, whotold you to go to my bedroom and take some chocolates

Tana: Its Kendi, shegave me, she went upstairs and…..the story goes on….

Mum: Kendi-whyare you tearing that book?

Kendi: Tana wasplaying with it…..and the story goes on…

For a long time, I struggled with owning up to my ownmistakes and i still do sometimes. And I guess it is always earlier to shiftblame on someone else. But I think it is a great sign of maturity for any Christianto own up to failures.

I say failures because we all want to own success…don’twe?!

Yes, when things go wrong,we must always ask ourselves how we contributed to the going wrong. My blog friend Holley shared the other day about pride and for sure, pride does manifest itself in manyways, including, when we think, we are right and they are wrong. We are righteousand they are to be blamed!

Please lets learn to own up, I am learning how to do so and shapeup to Gods’ grace and goodness! I just love Jesus!

What is in it for them!

2012-02-23T13:39:00.002+03:00

Last weekend, we joined ourfriends the Roberts to a children’s home in Narok. We were so blessed to havebeen part of this and just to experience the work that the Roberts have beendoing, it awesome to say the least!!!!!

I broke down, those of you who know me; know howI handle certain things. When we got inside the home, the Kids came running to Rosemary– (the owner of the home), calling her Mummy, Mummy and they all hugged her. Sowhat did Emmah do? I started crying, my hubby knew this was coming and he keptsaying, please be strong for the kids. Well I tried apart from when they startedsinging for us and I began fidgeting about it gain. The kids also rushed to hugthe Roberts because they are very dear to them.

Please check the Roberts blog for more information on this, they have a great camera and capture very good details.

The reason I write this is two-fold.

One, I think we need to be extremely sensitive to the needs around us. There are a million genuineneeds that we can support. This was a big challenge on our part. And I also believe that orphans and widows are partof Gods’ heart beat. My current help is a widow and I respect that, and I wouldnever like to do any form of injustice to her, first because she is human like Iam, but also because I am super sensitive to the fact that she has a husband whowatches over her day and night just like the orphans who have a father watchingover them day and night. He is the Almighty God. So please, let us open our eyes, our needs areright before us.

Secondly, I think we need toexpose our children to the needs in the world. You should have seen Kendi afterthe trip. She had so many questions. Who are these children? Where did theycome from? Where are their Mummies and Daddies? and we had to answer all of them.

We have in the past visited childrens’home, I never leave the vehicle I let my hubby do it all and then we head back home. ButI know we made a resolve with my hubby that we would expose our children to theneeds in the community, they need to interact with other needy children and appreciatewhat they have and also realize that there is a lot to be done.

We hope this way, they will bepart of change and Instead of sailing in the current boat of "what is in it forme", they will be asking – "What is in it for them"!

We are good, but not them.

2012-02-20T13:25:00.000+03:00

Many times when I listen to my childrentelling-on-each other, I can’t help but project the same on myself. There aretimes in life when people hurt you so much and in our holier than thou attitudewe go to God and ask God to deal with them.

Yes, not that He extends mercybut that he extends His hand of justice and HEAVY justice for that matter. We love to say that vengeance belongs to God,and sure it does but also remember mercy belongs to God as much.

I like to watch bible stories withmy kids, I learn a lot and I get to explain to them what is happening. In fact theother day my house help told me that our kids know the bible more than she does.Well, it’s all in the bible stories.

So one of the stories I havewatched with them is the story of Jonah, they love it, though it scares them tosee Johan being swallowed by a big fish. But it is the attitude of Jonah that Iwant to talk about.

The attitude of punish them Lord,they do not deserve your mercy, they do not even deserve your grace. You see, Iam good; we are good, but not them.

Isn't that that same attitude with our kids. They tell on each other , hoping that the other is severely punished and it gratifies them. Has any child ever told-on-another and you forgave the culprit, have you ever noticed the disappointment in the tellers eyes? And you think we are better?

The other day, something happenedthat made me caught in the same attitude and as soon as I opened face book, I founda quote by Joyce Meyer saying “Before you judge someone else, stop andthink about all that God has forgiven you for”

Honestly, I said, No! God PLEASE…notthis case. But I decided to obey beyond what I was feeling and so I wrote thesame on a note pad and stuck it on my office desk as a constant painful (to the flesh) but righteous reminder that truly, God has forgivenmuch and the next time I pray for my for someone who has hurt me enough, I willTRY to pray for mercy, that is whereI am with God, but I know he will help me, because I desire nothing but righteousness.

“Before you judge someone else,stop and think about all that God has forgiven you for”

Have a blessed week.

Excited for them

2012-02-19T15:00:00.001+03:00

I vividly remember myDad taking us to Jomo Kenyatta Airport to watch planes land and take off. At leastthose days- you would interact with a plane but from a distance. But notanymore, the security threats and all have made such luxuries forgotten. So lastweek, our friends the Koskis invited us to the Africa Inland Mission (AIM)hangar at the Wilson airport and I was thrilled for the kids. I knew this was goingto be fun for us, but most of all for them. I mean there are those times that Iallow the kids to get excited for themselves, but this time I was really excitedfor them too.

Here are a few pics, may be not a few.

Kendi, Tana and their friend Nani.

Ethan wanted to be left alone most of the times, i guess it was the only way he could feel the planes.

This is what happens when you ask him to smile. He closes his eyes.

Done smiling

Just what am i touching?

Our pilots

Still alone, absorbing it all.

Still in awe

The best we could get for the four kids.

and the family

This guy was distracting the kids with the tractor and the kids could hardly keep their eyes on the camera so in an ingenious move, he decided to drive the tractor behind the camera . Okay, that is our friend Nathan

and ..that's how we managed to get this photo done

and this is just a happy Mum

Jonathan put up the girls to take a good photo, Tana boycotted

Ethan Wanted to go up too

So Nathan assisted, but Ethan says "you are not leaving me up here alone....you are stuck with me!"

Okay. There you go.

Once again, you did not see much of my hubby. He is the camera guy, almost always! We love him, how could I blog without him.

Some don’t make sense, some do.

2012-02-15T13:36:00.001+03:00

When I think about how far I have come. I am so glad that I knowChrist and that he has the bigger plan in mind. He puts all the pieces together because He had the final blue print of my life before any of my days came to be. Sometimes all I see are littlepieces, some don’t make sense, some do. But sometimes when I give a bird’s eyeview to my life, I see how God plans everything in my life and it gives me suchgreat confidence to face the future with boldness knowing that despite theunknown future, I have a God whom I personally know.

For example

Before I cleared highschool, my parents moved homes and we ended up as neighbors to a girl who was enrollingto Daystar University – and there I was. We though, not bad. We tried it. It wasa step of faith.

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After the first year,my parents could not afford to pay university fees anymore, so I thought, whatis all these? I chose to quit but before I could actualize my thoughts, the financeAid officer called me to her office and told me amazing words. She said, “I havebeen scrolling through the list of students and I felt a strong urge to offeryou a full scholarship!” – Do you think you need one?"What? Yes. Out of nowhere! Private University– God Paid it!

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And can I tell youmore. When I enrolled for my masters, I thought I would get a scholarship too…butno…God told me, “I fed you on mannawhen you did your first degree. Now work!” Ha! It was so clear; I had appliedlike 50 scholarships and I remember telling some of my friends- none of it is comingthrough! God says I work. So I paid for my Masters as I worked and there was somuch grace.

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My first Job, I gotit through my University roommate, who joined me the last year, Swedish girl witha Kenyan boyfriend. The boyfriend’s office needed and intern and I began rightthere, with that first connection. And hereI am today, passionately working in the areas of gender and human rights. Godhas been there through every job.

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When I gave birth to myfirst, I shared an office with a lady who taught me so much about motherhood.God must have placed her there to help me. She gave me a book-contented littlebaby- which was life changing and I have shared it with many more Mums.

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Let me talk about myman. I was literally forced to go for a University Christian Union Holiday Conferencebecause I used to be a chairperson – leading bible study in campus and the leadershad to go. I was so annoyed because I wanted to spend the holidays with myfamily. Little did I know that the University was pushing me into my destiny tomeet the love of my life! Hurray! Am so glad I went!

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I have so much to sayabout how God has put pieces together in my life. Every step has been grace if not a miracle. So I never take neighbors for granted,co-workers, I mean literary everybody, because THEY ALL HAVE A DEFINED ROLE TOPLAY IN YOUR LIFE AND YOU IN THEIRS! ASK YOURSELF- OF ALL THE BILLIONS OFPEOPLE IN THE WORLD TODAY- WHY DO YOU ONLY KNOW THE ONES YOU KNOW?

Just Moments

2012-02-12T15:33:00.004+03:00

A few weeks ago, Tana would go to bed and in five minutes, she will call out for her Dad. Her awesome Dad would alwaysrush to their room and Tana goes “ Dad, I need some water”. After five episodes ofthe same, on the six or so time, Tana did her new found ritual but instead ofDad rushing to her room – He responds back “I am not a waiter, get out of bedand get yourself some drinking water’…Mum bursts out laughing. Don’t I loveChris?

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I have been baking a lot in myhouse. My househelp loves the cakes apart from the Chocolate related Cakes.During my recent trip (away from home), my hubby says. "Oh, now that you will be away,…I need to take dailymeasurement of these cakes, even if it means using a ruler at least it willhelp me know the consumption rate of cakes around here before i surprise myself and find nothing in the fridge!

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We learn many songs from ourkids. They sing them at home after a day in school. Sometimes when we sing the wrong way, Kendiwill say “Mum, please stop and sing afterme” then she teaches us the whole song. Sometimes she will say go on to say “Okaynow, let’s sing together” (meaning-I seem to be getting it)- she a wonderful teacher!

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When I came back from Uganda onSunday, I found my family at the airport. Nice. Just to let you know how kidsreact directly to the same issue.

When Kendi saw me, she ran and gave me a huge huge and hug, forgettingthat there are security measures at the airport.

Tana on the other hand jumped upand down over and over again at the same spot – shouting and yelling …Mummy mummymummy mummy, oblivious of the fact that the waiting area was full of people whowere all staring at her!

You want to know about Ethan- he was just fascinatedby the many lights at the airport. I think it hit home that Mum was here, when we got into the car and the kisses followed.

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Hope you had a fun filledweekend!

Family Planning

2012-02-08T10:43:00.000+03:00

I recently met a friend whosecapacity to give birth was affected by family planning drugs or what you would callthe pills. She is very bitter with her doctor and life in general. Needless to saythat I had a house help who always had a swollen leg and when I asked her whathappened, she would say that it was the family planning injections that almostcost her leg, and now she has to live with a swollen leg all her life.

Last year, two of my friends conceivedwhile using a family planning option. Granted, they are not a 100% guarantee, butwhen it becomes the story in town over and over again, you start to question their validity.

Someone else will tellyou- that there is no need to worry when you are breastfeeding, that you arewell protected and sorted! I have a friend who was pregnant within the fourmonths of breastfeeding because she trusted that theory.

But I also have amazing theories ofpeople who use the safe days-God bless them!!!!I do not know how they do it. Atleast I know that is not my path unless I want to use the literal meaning offilling the earth.

So really, what is left of us todo? I am very careful to say this is good and or this is bad. Because for sure,everything varies. I decided to blog on this topic because people haverequested me to just talk about it and I am not even sure what to say. BUT I thinkwe must all make an informed choice on this subject, read wide as much as wecan before we make a move and don’t take anything as gospel truth unless youhave the facts and figures.

I started using the Pill a monthbefore I got married, because I did not want to get pregnant during ourhoneymoon, what I did not know was that the same pill would drastically reducemy libido as a woman, make me irritable and the like. By the time we had our honeymoon,I had such low libido if any and to be honest, all I wanted to do was swim andswim and swim! That did not go well with my newly wedded husband!

So I decided no more hormones inmy body. Best of all, I decided to read wide on the subject and to learn fromother women who have gone before!

So what’s your story? Any helpful tips?

Born Sinners

2012-02-07T13:55:00.000+03:00

The other day we wentout for tea with the kids. They were given some crayons and coloring paper. Whenwe walked out, we noticed that Kendi had curled up her dressed and the waiterswere starring at her on our way out. When we got to the door, we asked her tostop pulling up her dress. But little did we know that she was hiding the crayons.They were already hers and she had every right to come out with them, butto her, she was taking them away and hoping Mum and Dad don’t notice. Truly we areborn sinners.

This was the look after we asked her to surrender and put down her dress

The crayons

Just a Mum being thankful

2012-02-02T07:36:00.000+03:00

I am thankful that I am a few days to getting back home. At leastthe week is half way done.

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I am thankful for God’s grace and technology too, I can Skypewith the kids, I get to see them in the evening and talk for a while, sing together,pray together and kiss each other goodnight.

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I am so so grateful for my husband.

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I am thankful that my niece Samara has started school. She lookslovely doesn’t she? This girl is a wonder.

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I am thankful that while I am away, there are friends whocheck on my family and my hubby’s male friends plan keep him company on Saturdayafternoon and evening. We have familyoriented great men in this generation.

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I am grateful that while my hubby and I were brainstorming withthe idea of getting a healthy cake, which we had been requested to go with for a school breakfast get-together this coming Saturday (knowing that i would still be away) when somehow my friend Rachael got to know about it, she volunteered to makea banana cake and drop it over this Friday evening! Seriously – Thanks Racheal!

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...and am so thankful that Ethan is now walking!!!!!!!!! I know that might mean troubleshooting a few current and expected challenges but here we go Ethan....

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I know life can be tough- but I am sure we all have GREAT thingsto thank God about. Let’s cultivate a culture of gratitude!

Husbands of working Mums

2012-01-30T23:20:00.003+03:00

I thought about this subject last night as mywonderful husband dropped me at the airport. Yes I am out again. It made methink about how the days ahead are going to be for my hubby with the threekids. It made me appreciate him all the more, love him in a new way and ask Godfor Grace as he carries on through the week.

My hubby is wonderful with the kids…he is always commendedby his friends for his excellent job with the them and of which I am completelyproud of! We are coming from a society where men did not interact much withtheir children; their role was / sometimes still is that of provision -fullstop. I therefore really appreciate the role my hubby plays with the kids, he sometimestays in the crèche in our church, full of Mums church and keeps brave as the onlyman – taking care of our kids. And if you ask him about it- He says, these aremy kids too and if anyone has a problem, they can deal with themselves.

I also appreciate him because we are coming from a societywhere men can travel, but women must look for jobs that suit home keeping. Iagree, this is wonderful and if possible, every mother should pursue it, I havepursued it and I have seen grace, but there are times when even the best ofJobs does not suit all your needs and expectations. Such times, youappreciate your husband, his support and his love.

Yes I am away, but I am so glad to have the support of myhusband, he calls me every night to pray for me over the phone,-not to mentionhow many times during the day. He will cal every morning so that I talk to thekids before they go to school and Skype in the evening so I get to see them all andchat more. Most of all, he believes in what I do, he believes in my work, hesupports me and tells me "go for it, you can do it, there is grace…we will missyou but please go!"

So in other words, I just want to say that as a working mum,I appreciate the role of my husband in keeping it all together and helping mestay sane. Truly, I am sure there are otherworking mums who will agree with me on this one.

Overwhelmed by feelings of jealousy and anger

2012-01-25T13:01:00.001+03:00

When my house help came back this Januaryafter the holidays, we were pleased that she did, because she is awonderful lady, she has three kids aged 13, 11 and 9. She has been good with our three kids (below- left) and I was pleasantly surprised at how she picked up all over again with the kids. For a moment, it did not bother me at all.

However, when I realized that I will be backto the office in a few days time, I was overwhelmed by feelings of jealousy andanger. I knew right there that this wasnot of God. Yet I was feeling bad that she might be hanging out more with Ethan,who is now at home, since the girls are in school. I had been at home for awhole month and I loved it and I knew I will miss my kids terribly. Yet I also knewI needed to get back to work. All these fears were projected on the house help,I started felling like she was competing with me to have my children’ attentionand the story goes on and on…

Yes, when you having negative feelings aboutsomeone, always ask yourself which fear button they have pressed. Because most of time it does not have to dowith them, it has to do with you. I knew this is where I was and I needed help,because instead of appreciating my house help for her good Job, I was busy lookingat the negative part of the whole issue.

So I texted my wonderful Aunt, a working motherof four boys, and I asked her to help me with this unusual state. She was so graciousand candid. I love people who tell the truth. She took the effort to write amail because she knew that an sms cannot address my issue. I am now a happy working Mum. Oh…don’t I love the GRACE OF GOD! GRACE, GRACE, and how God use other people to minister the same GRACE.

Her response was like this;

Granted/assuming that your house girl has been tested and triedand come out as one with good intentions i.e not some of those who stealbabies.
Granted/assuming that she is not ignoring the girls and leavingthem unattended and only caring for Ethan.
Granted/assuming she is not breastfeeding Ethan, or telling him tocall her mummy or other weird things like those.

If the answer to the above three points is YES, then I would notbe worried.

I think, most likely, the mother of Ethan is feeling guilty- (notso sure but I think so), since baby seems to be getting closer to house girlthan to her. So the problem may be more with mother, than with baby and househelp.

I have experienced this with my children too, calling our househelp their sister-and they owned her. Even in their class one of the children wouldtell the rest of the class “I will report you to my Jessy" (house help).

One time I spanked our child and our house help went to cry in thebedroom. She loved him that much.

I would consider your situation more of a blessing than not. So long as you are spending time quality time-even if not as long as you wouldlike. I have also found it important to try and do things with my kids thatonly mummy can do - like horsey ride on mummy's back, singing for them (I amsure your housegirl does not sing for them), singing along with them, watchinga movie together, or just listening to their stories -and boy don't they havestories!!!

Kids have that God given connection with their mums, and nothingcan replace that, as long as it is cemented with quality time and discipline.

Turning tables

2012-01-23T10:58:00.000+03:00

On some days when I get home from work, one of the kids will run up tome, right at the gate and give me a great hug. While the other might just continuedoing their stuff, not even bothered that Mum is home. This happens interchangeably.Sometimes I find myself having something nice to bite and I give the hugger. Whenthe other child realizes, she runs and says I want, I want, with tears and occasionally trying to bribe with a hug or a fake hug for that matter!! So I always askthem-Is the hug genuine or all you need is the sweet or chocolate.

(Well, that is the nature of children and all of us; we are born sinners– aren’t we?)

As the year began, I am sure manyof us made resolution and have goals for the year. I have a few too and I hopethat by the grace of God I can meet them.

However, my one and greatest anddeepest desire is to pursue God-for love.

I have come to realize that manytimes in our lives we seek God for the good and not the best reasons. We are so accustomed to what is in it for us – to the point that we treat God in the same manner. I believethat love should be the very motivating factor that drives us to do the things wedo and all the more we need to pursue God for love.

The other day I thought-what if –God said, that you will not get all the great things and material blessingsthat you are expecting this year? All the prayers you have made on financial increase,promotion, and successful projects will not come through. However, He promisesthat he will give you Himself and that you and Him will truly bond this year. Howwould you react to that?

God-you are giving me God…onlyGod? Okay Lord, I need you but trust you me, I need all the other good stufftoo!!! Well, that is what most of us might contemplate.

The beauty of it is that He says,seek Him and all the other things will be added unto you. So worry not, that ishis promise and he remains true to His promises. But get the catch here… Seekhim first and not for all the other things…but for Him.

What I am saying is, let’s turnthe tables and start this year on the right footing. Let’s seek His face andnot his hands. Let’s seek the provider and not the provisions. Let’s not just pursueour purpose in life and forget the purpose giver. He is King, He is Lord and I love Him!

Motherhood moments

2012-01-18T22:11:00.000+03:00

Tana sometimes gets very cranky and emotional. Dad, tired of trying to figure out what its all about he says : "Tana when you grow up please write a book " Emotions driven life" I am done here"

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Kendi looks at Mum on Sunday before we head out for service and says - "Mum, let me make your blouse. I want you to look pretty. Oh...how sweet!!!!

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Kendi gives Tana a spoon which Tana was apparently looking for. Tana just picks it and walks away. Kendi runs and grabs it back, and then she says.."Tana, i think you forgot to say something". Tana says " Thank you". Kendi hands-over the spoon again and says "Welcome".

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Tana discovered her dress is torn. She runs to Mum and says "Mum my dress is broken" Ha!ha!

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Tana wakes up and shouts "Mum I have sleeped for long"

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Dad finds Tana eating chalk and asks "Tana are you pregnant?"

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Thanks Julia

2012-01-16T14:57:00.002+03:00

I recently shared about bloggy friends and on that post I did talk about one of my bloggy friend who came over to Kenya for holiday and brought with her stuff for my kids. I have never met her; we are only friends via the blog. I took these photos of the kids with the clothes she brought for our kids as a way of appreciating her, we did not even meet when she came over to Kenya, but she ensured we got the stuff.

Just to say that I am grateful for her kind heartedness. You have taught me to take giving to another level.

These are just random photos, very hard to keep them together to take a photo.

The clothes came in the green beautiful Christmas bag.

Thanks so much Julia. You are simply amazing.

Mnaras' birthday part 2

2012-01-13T06:28:00.001+03:00

This is the account of 8th January. We are so grateful for all the friends who made this day such a great day. It was nothing but pure niceness

Friends and plenty of food.

Dancing. I will attach a video of this dance too.

Dancing

and more dancing

Cutting the cake

Giving mum a piece

Dad chewing his piece. He is truly feeling it.

friends and friends

Singing Happy birthday the Kenyan way!

Enjoy the dancing. Thank you friends for all the gifts. We did not receive any cooking toys or dolls for our boy. I guess none of you wants him to be a chief chef, learn to cook great meals or become a Nanny! ha!ha!ha! Pardon my gender lenses. I wear them all the time. You were all wonderful! Hugs and Hugs!

Mnaras' Birthday Part 1

2012-01-12T09:58:00.002+03:00

Mnaras' Birthday came in two phases. On 6th of Jan, which is the actual day which he was born and 8th of January, which was the day we could be able to mobilize friends to celebrate with us. the following is the account of 6th.

On 5th night, Mum had baked some fresh soft dinner buns. These were very very good.

On 6th Morning, we used one bun, one candle to celebrate Ethans birthday

The girls were amused about the bun

but happy about Ethans' birthday.

Cutting the little bun

Singing for him

"I have a feeling this cake is kind of fake, but I forgive them for now"- Ethan Concludes.

Back to School

2012-01-12T08:39:00.001+03:00

My little Mamas'. Ready to go to school.

On Monday night, Kendi and Tana could barely sleep. The thought of going to school on Tuesday was working like caffeine on them. I am glad they were looking forward to going back to school. I guess they are looking froward to meeting their friends all over again and the house will be full of stories about Joseph, Jonathan, Nia, Aliana and the like.

I am so grateful for the Holidays too and the fact that I have been on leave has been even more wonderful. Its been fun and the girls are all grown up and we have loved spending time with them. We pray for a wonderful time this term.

Mum Still on leave and having a ball with Ethan

Still learning

2012-01-10T13:41:00.001+03:00

Mum and Kendi

In Gods infinite wisdom – He formedKendi and ensured that she would be the first child I would nurse. God knewthat this girl would have the capacity to endure a first time mum, because I didnot know much.

She is truly is special to us. Sheis compassionate yet full of life, I wish I had half her energy.

I am sosure that this girl will grow up do exploits for the kingdom of God. She willnot rest until she accomplishes all the plans and purpose that God has for her.I have been reading a book “Loving the little years” , beautiful awesome book, which hastaken my motherhood to a new level, the writer says that in every vice, there isa virtue, it’s just the other side of the coin and we need to look deeper at thehidden good qualities in our children that sometimes manifest themselves inform of “sin”

For example

Kendi quickly notices that I havea scar on my thigh.

She asks “Hey Mum, what happened here”

Mum: “Dad placed a burning stick on me by mistake but I am good”

Kendi: “Oh No..That is very bad; I am going to kill him” ( Wonder where she picked that?)

Scenario two

Kendi: Dad, are you going with us? (We were going to visit a friend)

Dad: No…You go with Mum

Kendi: “Why?”

Dad: Because Mum does not want me to go with you (Dad was Joking)

Kendi: Oh...No, I will beat her up! ( Wonder where she picked that too?)

You and I know that all the aboveis nothing but wrong!!!!!I can we can assure you that Kendi was dealt with accordinglyfor her nasty responses. However, I was also quick to note that she has the potentialto deal with injustices and does not want anyone to suffer or be treated unfairly. A good activist I guess!!!!However, we need to look for a way of harnessing that so that it comes out positivelythan negatively. I am learning, this isa new area for me and I hope that we can all learn together.

Bloggy friends

2012-01-09T15:05:00.000+03:00

When I started having a desire to blog,which took quite a long time to commence, I learnt the first lessons from CANDACE and thanks Candace for the all the time you took to give those first tricks.

Little did I know that I wouldmeet awesome online friends, I have learnt so much from them. Thank to mysister SYLVIA for encouraging me with her blog too. She helps me realize that it is not insane for Kenyans to blog too.

GRAMMY BLICK, awesome lady,she is like my online mum, very encouraging and she loves family even fromafar. I once asked her what are the key, ingredients to raising a great familylike hers and she directed me back to the word of God. She is deep, deep with God, deep in the word. I like the way she writes too and her consistency.

CHRISTIAN MOMMA with her twoawesome boy I just enjoying reading her blog, she comes out very strong as aMum, she loves on her boys and is totally committed to raising wonderful men inthis generation. we need a new breed of men who are nothing but Christ like and that is what she is doing. She has sometimes shared stuff that feels so similar to mylife.

WANDA, when I bumped into herblog, she had just posted a topic,” Did the Den do you in”? That word was just forme and I really just love reading her blog, very encouraging, her passion forGod is unquestionable.

ALIENE and her depth in the word. I am encouraged at how she seems to encourage her husband as a church pastor and does it with so much grace,you can tap into that grace even as you read her blog and you cannot help but see that she is a true helper as Gods word clearly desires for any wife. Talk of running with her Husbands' Vision. God bless you Aliene.

NANCY- she sometimes feels likeshe is a replica of my life with her three kids. She makes life look so much funand I think I like just to see how a fellow Kenyan is taking on life on the otherside of the globe. She loves her family.

Then the SIMPLE LIVING AT HOME.This wonderful lady seems to enjoy her life and her marriage of 16 years. I liketo read from people who say they are enjoying their marriage because they encourageme. Why? -Because more often than not, we hear of people who do not like it atall.

And sometime back when I was almost getting down on depression, I bumped into PASSIONATE HOME-MAKING . and I realized that what I was facing was not uncommon. and this marked a turning point in my life. I am sure the author of this blog has no clue about it but guess what, the Lord used her.

Then what about meeting someone via a blog, they come over for holiday in Kenya and they bring GIFTS for your children, surely. This was so sweet. Thanks WAITING ARMS. That was so thoughtful and we are so blessed as a family. You did not have too but you did. That's how deep blogging can get. You connect anywhere, anyhow.

I have also been enjoying reading all theadoption related blogs and I am so proud of Mums who go that way and just do it withsuch care and love. God bless you Mums

Goodness...do you guys see..thisis just bust a tip of the iceberg, I have learnt this world is full of friends andthere are many awesome sisters all over the world, and I need not limit myselfto where I am.

I may not have mentioned everybody, not because they do notmatter but I just wanted to let you know just how great a God we have and thatChrist love knows no boundaries.

Funny moments

2012-01-04T21:34:00.001+03:00

For those of you who know my hubby-He is such a jolly good fellow, he just keeps me laughing and says things that wants me to go under the table, sometimes I have had to apologize to those who don't get to understand his type of humour. Well, Sometime back,Ethan was so fussy and for hours so Dad shouts. “Ethan that is enough for the day or else I will circumciseyou myself!” What a threat!!

***************

The girls are complaining aboutinsects and flies in a restaurant and getting all cranky about it. Done with tryingto negotiate with them, Dad says “Girls listen to me, this is their home, learnto live with them, they are going nowhere, it’s for you to leave when you aredone eating!’

**************

We get back home from our shortvacation and Kendi walks to Mum the next morning and says. “Mum, God says weneed to go and swim today. I like the fact that they know that when God says itthat settles it but using God to manipulate us – No way!

Mum I am very happy!

2012-01-03T08:48:00.000+03:00

It is very pleasant to here you childtell you, “Mum, I am very very happy" those are the very words of Kendi while away for some sort of vacation. She and her siblings I believe have beenhaving a great time and we have loved being with them.

The other reason I am happy aboutthose words is because rarely do people want to share positive feelings. We liketo tell other people how sad we are, how life is unfair – of which it is true sometimes,but it’s rare that you hear a grown up come to you and tell you-Today I am very very happy!.

To this I say – Jesus knew when Hesaid the Kingdom of God belongs to such. Children. They say it as it is.

Tana sees Mt Kilimanjaro andshouts – Mountain!!!!!!! Then she immediately follows to sing “got tell it onthe mountain, over the seas and everywhere, that Jesus Christ is Lord”

A few photos of what's been happening with the kids!

Tana has helped lots this holiday. She loves to clean the floor for some reason.

Kendi - Just loves doing the dishes. She will ask to do this most of the day.

Little girls. Sometime back someone asked if my girls are twins... well these pretty dresses make then look so don't they? The first of a same kind. Their pretty cousin Samara with them too.

Playing with a cat

Helping Mum cut her Birthday Cake. This caught Mum 10-0

Some good time with their Uncles - John and Daniel.

I just love this photo of Samara. Cute girl!

Camel riding! Tana between her Uncles.Uncle Ruhio and John

Whatever made her scared! She wanted to jump.

Kendi-All Fun with her Uncle Daniel

Reading their bibles in car

Now..this is our boy-He loves Mangoes. However I made a big mistake on this one. We bought it by the road side. I asked the lady who sold it to us to clean it for us and then I gave it to Ethan. How could i trust the water and her cleaning?. Ethan has been unwell for a while and my 6th sense tells me his stomach upsets began here! Mums-don't ever make this mistake. Always clean the fruits yourself or al tealst someone you know and can trust. I had a lot of water in the car and I could have done it.

One for the road

My hubby had asked me to hide-so on the left, I was hiding. Du-uh!

Helping Dad drive - this was on a slow path

Some bonfire!

Bone time

Playing hopscotch with Mum

I love the way Kendi was enjoying

Tana too

Enjoying some good view

Mums- water water water- A must for kids when travelling. Each their own. Always refill.

This girls have been swimming excess!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy Holidays

2011-12-24T20:47:00.001+03:00

Happy Holidays my Dear Friends...its been more than wonderful meeting all of you this year!

Have Fun in Him- for without Him there is NO Fun after all!

......YES I mean JESUS....

Will be back to this blog in the new year God willing!

Much love.

Christmas celebrations in School

2011-12-20T11:16:00.002+03:00

My kids did some Christmas presentation before they closed school. It was wonderful. Kids have a way of making you sob and touch your heart in awesome ways.

See kendi-rather tall for her age. She is the one with a white belt.

Making faces, feeling shy

Tana feeling shy too

Tana. Quite tall too for her class.

The teachers did a dance. Was cute

Tana with a doll- Her Baby Jesus

A skit by the kids

Sweet Kendi

Smiling for Mum and Dad

Off Diapers

2011-12-20T10:17:00.002+03:00

Ourdaughter Kendi – 4 years is off diapers, this was her 4 birthday mark. We constantlytold her that four year olds dont wear diapers. So when she turned four – thatwas it. She has to forfeit the luxury. We wake her up twice every night to takeher for short calls (Dad does that-I bless God) May be I can do the last shift but Daddoes the midnight call because he easily dives back into sleep.

What we have done...

Ensured that most liquids are taken before 6pm.

Littlesip of water during dinner time.

Goesfor short call before sleeping (8pm)

When dad and mum go to bed at 10pm, we wake her up again so that we sleep longer before waking upagain.

Afterthat we work with 3-4 hours intervals.

Hownice not to have to buy diapers for three kids (phew!)

Challenge– there are times that the sister ( Tana) will knock on our door at midnightasking to go for short call too, yet she sleeps in a diaper- we are wondering what to do with this.

Havea great Totos Tuesday!

I miss

2011-12-19T22:00:00.000+03:00

Iknow I have not said much of late- I have been in and out of Nairobi planningfor next year, that is what happens when you are employed by one and workingfor another. So as I head to bed, I feellike just saying how much I miss home. This is where it gets tough sometimesfor working Mums.

I miss my family, mywonderful hubby and kids

Imiss the dinner times, I miss the bathing times with the kids- this is one ofmy favorites, mostly because I get allthe I love you from the girls, I am notsure why they do this at this time.

Imiss the kisses from my boy that leave me with all the saliva smeared all overmy lips and cheeks.

Imiss the good mornings-sometimes we read stories before I leave for work and Imiss feeding breakfast to the kids too.

Imiss the details of their day-coming from my kids. Details to the very letterand telling on each other.

Imiss the prayer time, the bed time stories and the songs that we sing before wego to bed.

Imiss the "love you mum"-"goodnight Mum, love you, love you"…and when they aretired, they just say-good night guys (Mum and Dad). Since when did we becomeguys?

Itake some time to swim when I am in Mombasa, which is where I have been forquite a while and I miss being with my family in the pool. They fill the poolwith laughter and joys – the yells and the cries all being part of it.

Ido not want to say what I miss as a wife, that is for the “I do and then” blogfor another day.

Ithank God for my family and I love them dearly. The time away also helps me toreflect and to ask God for balance in my life. I appreciate the grace and inthat grace I live each an every day. Many people ask, how I manage to traveland I have young family. Well, they look at it outside grace; you see Godgives you grace for every season in your life. I know it and I have lived it.

Havea graceful week.

His voice

2011-12-13T12:11:00.000+03:00

I love the Lord and I have oflate been learning to spend time with Him. The bible says that He does not callus servants; we are His friends, for a servant does not know the master businessbut he reveals himself and his business to us that is why he calls us friends. John15:15

Anyway, I wanted to share moretoday on the shepherd and Phyllis Holly just reminded me of that. I have been meditatingon two things, the issue of Christ being the vine and us being the branches andHim being the shepherd and us being the sheep.

I have been earnestly seeking tohear the Lords voice in my life on many issues because I believe that I am not gamblingmy life. I do not want to keep hearing allvoice apart from my masters’ voice. If you are like me, everything seems to bescreaming in your ears at any given time, and more often than not our canalmind wants to rule us. The enemy has ensured that we listen to everything elseapart from God, to know all voices apart from the Masters’ voice.

So I was asking God to reallyhelp me learn to hear His voice and to hear it well, with accuracy and distinctively.And guess the answer I got- Just hang around me! And I agree, we tend to master the voices ofthose things we hang around as much. So I have just learnt the need to hangaround God and I encourage all Mums to do the same. His voice is the ONE voicewe cannot afford to miss! It’s the only voice that reigns with authority, withpurpose and speaks for eternity!

John 10:4 “...His sheep follow him because they KNOW His voice…’

Question for the week -Can you comfortablysay that you can recognize Christ/the shepherds Voice in your life today in themidst of all the noise around?

Hair do...

2011-12-10T12:55:00.001+03:00

I discovered it iseasier to have my girls’ hair made in our house rather than take them to thesalon. I just need to put on an interesting kids DVD on and before they know itthe hair is done. This makes my life a bit sane. At the salon, it takes ages,they fidget, they ask for all sorts of things and they get irritable andtired so fast. So this works. I got someone who comes and now I have twobecause we have started braiding Tanas’ hair as well.

Watching a Christian Kids DVD as hair is being braided

showing of their heads to Daddy...

A first for Tana

A very happy girl. She could not wait for hair to be made.

Sweet Eliana

2011-12-08T08:30:00.000+03:00

When i shared this last week...i did not know it was going to be this fast....

The soldier was downloaded!!!! How great is our God! He knits us together in our mothers womb, His works are wonderful, we know that very well. Welcome Eliana, all, the days of your life were ordained before any

of them came to be!!! We love you girl! We thank God for you!

Proudly African

2011-12-06T08:09:00.000+03:00

During my earlyyears, we were brought up – I am not sure if it was through socialization orwhat, but either by design or default we used to view other races, especially anyonelighter for that matter, as some superior beings to ourselves. This stillcontinues to permeate most African countries especially in the villages. At onepoint I remember a friend of mine sharing with me how her niece came home afterthe Sunday service and told them that God did not come to church. They wereshocked at what she said and further investigations revealed that the priesthad not come for “Mass”. The priest was of white race and for whatever reason hehad not been in church that day. So the priest was God?

It’s no wonder thatsome Africans want rush to other continents outside Africa to make money orgather wealth of whatever makes them feel being outside Africa is the greatestdeliverance in their time. I have no problem living outside Africa, in fact Itravel a lot and I love it, but more than, I want our children valuethemselves, love who they are and where they are regardless and not to thinkthat Africa is cursed and it is a punishment by God to live in Africa.

Talkingof punishment, last Sunday, I was watching an preacher (white) ontelevision and I liked how he was candid with Kenyans. During his sermon hesaid that sometimes, Americans use Africa to portray their level of surrenderand selflessness to God. He said something which made me laugh-some Americanswould say “God, I surrender to you and to your will upon my life, even if itmeans sending me to Africa”. Oh.…really is it that bad? I still laughwhen I think of that.

I am not here tobash other races-far from it, I have great friends all over the world and Ivalue them dearly.

But I have a problem with us Africans and how we raise ourchildren and especially how we see ourselves. Worse still, instead of raisingour children with great confidence and love for their continent, valuing their cultureand their region, we have this tendency to show – the rest of the world isgreat, and being in Africa – we are to be pitied among all beings.

Actually at onepoint, I travelled to Europe, one of our trainers made a mistake of having animage of the devil and one of an angel. ( to explain some point on Human rights) The devil was black and the angel waswhite. One of the participants(from another African country) was so furious he stoodup and demanded an apology for paintingthe devil back and wanted an explanation of why the devil is not white and theangle black? Well, I thought that was quite extreme, but anyway…. Okay parents,or may be mums, because my blogs niche is Mums, please let’s learn to allow ourchildren to value themselves. To carry themselves with esteem, Africans (black) are notless human beings, we all belong to God, He values each one of us just like all others, in fact is love is what my children would say ..same…same…..

Let our children grow proud and tall to be Africans! This is the messagewe must pass on to our children in this generation. That is the only we can make any positive impact to this awesome, lovely, beautiful, continent of ours....

Want to Fight? Surrender!

2011-12-05T11:37:00.001+03:00

Sometimes back, throughmy normal day to day struggles as a Mum, the Lord spoke to me very Cleary onthe issue of surrender. Because it had reached a point where I felt like i keep struggling with the same issues over and over again.

This is what I gotimpressed upon my heart.

As a believer, spiritualbattle begins at the point of surrender that is the first encounter that youmust have with God as you address day to day challenges. Remember the bible saythat the weapons of our warfare are not of this world, they are mighty throughGod. (2nd Corinthians 10:4)

Yes, you must be willingto surrender your weapons of war in exchange for the mighty ones of God.

We must be willingto surrender;

Ourexperiences, which sometimes hinder us from experiencingGod and we use them to think we are very wise. This includes how God fought forus the last time.

Ourpast– that more than often hold us back. We use it to fight because it’s all wehave anyway and all that we can account for.

Selfhelp books – they are wonderful but no matter how much youmeditate on the self help books, they never ever equate to the word of God or wisdomthat is downloaded from the throne room.

Bookknowledge - very good, but it has its place, this weaponcan take you only so far, you need to surrender it so that God can fill youwith Knowledge of His power through Christ our Lord.

Humanwisdom – God calls it foolishness. So really, why wouldyou want to wage war in foolishness?

Religion–just because it s a good doctrine that you follow, it does not mean that it isright, in fact, some one said, after Lucifer the worst thing that happened to Christensis religion. God is interested in having a relationship with you.

So my dear mums. Ifyou want to wage war right. First -surrenderall your weapons – and ask God to equip you with His weapons. They are MIGHTY!

Have a victoriousweek as you serve Him. He is our Lord-I just Love Him

Kendi gave birth

2011-12-05T05:10:00.001+03:00

Look at her!! Funny!

We had a goodlaugh last night.

For those ofyou who have been to our home, we can communicate to each other with someonewho is in the guest cloak room, if they shout.

Our kidshave this habit of shouting when they are in there and giving us some sort ofstories. I do not know what is the relationship between going to the toilet and their stories.

Yesterday dinnertime, Kendi excused herself to go for a long call. We allowed her. Within totime she shouts back with a groan and says “Dad, my baby has come out”

What? Did wehear right?

We were not surewhat to say next. Since it was addressed to Dad, I decided to keep quiet. (Okay- I did not know what to say)

Dad went onto ask “You had a baby?” Kendi says “Yes”

Okay- thisis getting better, but we know she has been pregnant with baby Joy forsometime- so she says. This pregnancy thing came with my being pregnant withEthan.

Dad asks “Howdid the baby come out”

Kendi says –“Iwill have to visit a doctor to cut my stomach so that the baby comes out”

Phew- wewere kind of relieved. But I think we may need to start preparing ourselves forthe big questions of where do babies come from and how do they come out?

The answershe gave of seeing a doctor, is how we explained it to her when I went todeliver, I told her that the Doc will have to cut my stomach and get Ethan out.Well, I am not sure if this works – but for now Dad and Mum must get ready.

Lots of thanks

2011-12-02T08:41:00.001+03:00

I travelled to Naivasha this week. And while away, my hubbyjoined me on his way back from Nakuru (site visit). So one of those days ourboy got sick and my help called – so scared that Ethan was not good at all. So Icalled on Sylvia to help. I was amazed that she took time off with her hubby (mybrother) and took Ethan to hospital and literally spent the entire afternoon withmy boy. Did all the tests and instructed our help on how to administer the medication. hanks Sylvia and Alex, only God know how grateful we were. Not to mention thatshe was in our house the next day – very early to find out how our boy hadslept. Thanks. We thank God for you.

Look below. Some gorgeous looking lady! Hurray I will be Auntieagain. This is our Sister Mesh! We love you Mesh and are looking forward tothat little one. Look at her, she looks all elegant in her pregnancy. We thank God for you and for the lovely gift in there.

I was recently was interview by Christian working Mum and on one of the replies, I had this to say and I would say it again:

"... being a mother is not just a sign of fertility, neither is it a platform for self righteousness when it comes to adoption, as a matter of fact, it is a declaration of war against the powers of darkness as we raise a few more solders for Christ"

Esther!!!!!We are waiting for that awesome Soldier!

How do you value them?

2011-11-30T05:16:00.000+03:00

We were brought up in a culturewhere we felt valued based on school performance. To make it worse the 8-4-4 system does nothelp much. It was about what number youwere at the end of the term that determined how holidays were going to be foryou. Worse still, this brought with it rivalry among brothers and sisters’because those who performed better walked around the house feeling a littleproud than the others, and what were the others left to feel?

Did the society help? NO! Theywould always ask, what number were you? Actually the entire village decides ifyou were to amount to anything or not depending on your school performance. Oh andneed I say, they would take this further to decide if you picked up yourmothers genes or your fathers. Depending on who was sharp and who was foolish.

Well, I have a different thinking.I believe that God created each one of us for a purpose. Well, you don’t get tohear that much and the school systems sometimes do not help us. I am not sure thatGod created any one of us to be a liability – we are all special to Him with aclear and specific mandate.

When I was in high school,(boarding) there were a few times that I did not make it to go for mid-termbecause those who did not perform well in school, were denied the chance to bewith their families! – How bad could that get? Oh and the excuse was that weneeded to stay on school and read.

Okay- so literally a bunchof fools were left in school to help themselves. I can assure you, we did nothingclose to that. We rebelled- we enjoyed life, we slept for long hours, we atethe good food because the kitchen was cooking for a few fools and therefore thefood tasted better and we loved it.

But I remember once ofthose times, one teacher during a Christina Union meeting (yes we prayed) toldus, God can turn what people call failure into something. She was Mrs Mwangi-never to forget, because her words literally lifted me up from some pit ofdespair, and for once, I knew my life would count.

Well, today I am Genderand Human rights advisor employed by the UN and working for the government. Notthat it is the epitome of greatness and I am not saying that to brag, but I neededto let us know that we all can be something at the end of the day. And that somethingshould be defined by God. I love my job,I like to assist women, men, boys and girls. I am amazed at how my brain hasopened up to gender and human rights issues, I wish that was taught in school ,maybe I would have performed better and not gone through he agony of being separatedfrom my family.

So parents- lets becareful of how we value of our children. The society and school system do nothelp, let’s not make it worse. And if you read this blog, kindly never ask anyof my children what number they were in school, please do not measure them on schoolperformance. Because they are more than that, they have awesome unique qualitiesand character that is destined to changethis world, God will help them discover them and we are trying as much as wecan to partner with God in that. We are also hoping that we can get into a systemthat will nature their gifts rather than kill them.

Amidst busy times

2011-11-29T17:30:00.000+03:00

Yes, I have not blogged for a while. Its been crazy at work, but things are a bit better now. All the same, God has been so awesome.. He always is. He has a way of making life fun and making every moment enjoyable especially for a working Mum. I like to go to Zen Gardens, it is a little expensive but when we have saved a few coins, My hubby knows that I like to relax there. So He took us there sometime back.

She loves life-Yah? She does and likes the good things in life.

The Boy having fun

The girls having a one on one talk

Trying to relax, because she would rather be up jumping

More fun

and more...

Mum -Son Moment

All together

Refreshed mum and kids

Oh...Dad takes the photo's its a weakness that runs in their family. So I have a few of him.

..and even when I try to take him a photo with my camera, I find him taking photos too

She is 4

2011-11-27T17:48:00.001+03:00

We celebrated Kendi 4th Birthday on 23rd November 2011. It was in deed a special day. They had not closed school yet and the teachers requested that I take her cake to school and that her peers would more than love to celebrate the day with her. I was accompanied my Sister Sylvia as Dad was caught up in a meeting.

Dad woke up early to wrap the gifts.

Made Special breakfast for the kids

Kendi Teacher unwrapping the cake

Putting on the party caps

There goes the cake. It was car cake. That is what she asked for

Kendi went round and round the circle and all the kids counted the months and after every year she would say the one different thing she would do, they would then clap for her.

The Sister (Tana)joined us. It was lovely to have the sister there.

Teacher Yvone placing the candles

The class was so calm, it was amazing.

She blew the candles

We did the cake cutting with the Sister as well

She fed all

and she was a happy girl

and she was four

with her gift in the evening.

The sis with a smaller gift too

and the bro as well

She loves books. So a dictionary would be a good one

I know she loved it

Happy Birthday Kendi! We love you very much! You are such a blessing in our lives. May you continue to grow in the ways of the Lord. You are a mighty warrior!

Coco Fudge Cake

2011-11-20T16:15:00.001+03:00

My friend Kate Kogi recently asked me to ensure that I look out forher new friend who was joining our court, Rachel Koski and ensure that I make her feel at Golf course II. She described her as a pleasant, outgoing and all things nice. Good, we hooked upfinally and trust you me, she was all that and more. Her lovely family came over for dinner and brought with them acoco fudge cake. It was yummy to say the least. My kids loved it. So I promisedto make them some time and requested Rachel to mail the recipe. They also have a new friend - Nani and they play so well together.

So, yesterday I decide to make the cake. I have been so busyI cannot remember the last time I made treat for the family. They were soexited. It was easy to make. I mixed everything in the bowl and whipped it upand there was the cake. I am not a goodperson with following instructions, details are not so part of my life,so I kind of like mix them gather them recipe. God help me with patience.

Cocoa Fudge Cake

12/3 cups flour

11/2 cups sugar

2/3 cup cocoa

11/2 tsp baking soda

1tsp salt

11/2cups butter milk, ( or mik or maziwa lala)

½ cups Kimbo ( Blueband)

2 eggs

1 tsp vanilla

Heat oven to 350degrees, grease and flour 9 by 13 cake pan

Mix all ingredients in a large bow.

Pour into pan, bake for 35-40min.

The best part for me is MIXALL INGREDIENTS IN A LARGE BOWL

and the final product ofcourse.

Hope you are having agreat weekend.

What is it with food?

2011-11-17T21:03:00.001+03:00

These are some of the things that my kids will say and reapeat over and over again when we are having dinner or Lunch

a) Mum my hand is paining
b) Dad, please look, someone scratched me
c) Mum, my mouth is painful
d) Mum i want some water-juice-tea
e) Mum, i want go to the toilet
f) Mum, i want to sleep
g) Dad, Kendi is playing with my legs
h) Dad, please give me serviette
i) Mum, i am tired
j) Mum i want to pee
k) Dad am coughing
l) Dad..mum...and the list goes on and on if not reapeated like three to four times?
m) In the midst of all these-Mnara could be yelling or throwing some tantrums

That tells you why I can hardly pick calls during meal times...instead of saying Hallo, I might find myself answering STOP!

Can someone tell me, why kids don't like to settle down and eat their food in peace-simple equation?

We are grateful

2011-11-17T20:41:00.001+03:00

I am so grateful for niece Samara. This lovely girl went throughan open heart surgery in India a fewweeks ago. Having her back, whole and recovering is nothing but absolute favourfrom God. He truly is an amazing God. Samara has taught us faith, she is a livingexample of Gods’ infinite wisdom that continues to confound the wise.

We love you Samara, and you truly are protected by God. To read more about her amazing story, please check out here.

My Sis Diana, remember Miss Preggy ? She delivered an awesome beautiifulgirl, she is Johari. We truly Thank God for this awesome soldier – being raisedby wonderful parents.

Welcome to the army Johari, you are loved by God and welove you. Isn't she adorable? I get to be an aunt and my kids have a cousin too.

Parenting

2011-11-15T20:28:00.000+03:00

My hubby and I benefited greatly from Dr. Mukolwe teachings in raising thenext generation. This is a must must for any parents who desire to raise a Godlygeneration. We encouraged a few of our friends to take classes the same and non of them ever regretted.

I want to encourage us to check out his blog-Raising the NextGeneration. I am sure he will be sharing more on how to raise Godly childrenand our role as parents as far as partnering with God is concerned.

When I leant about this blog, it crossed my mind, just how much God has been gracious in providingresources, our daily needs and more so bringing to our lives people or rather connectingus with teachings and books that have helped us to be who we are today asparents. When I think about it, I am amazed at Gods’ grace through each of our seasonin life, how he equips us and helps us in amazing ways.

I want to encourage us to take parenting seriously; God isvery serious about it. My understanding is that when a child is born, he or sheis another potential soldier in the army of our Lord Jesus Christ. But neverforget that we have an enemy who wants to recruit them too to accomplish hisevil schemes. Lets not take it for granted, lets desire truly to raise a Godly generation. And as Dr. Mukolwe says, “don’t have childrenand yet not wish to be a parent, don’t provide for them and have no time toraise them”

10 kgs for my Mum.

2011-11-14T15:27:00.000+03:00

I recently by chance bumpedinto one of my oldies. A photo of me after I had added 40kgs or so with twokids. For those who are first time on this blog, I have shared about my weightloss process. The grace and the journey. Please read that here.

All the same, this photoreminded me of a conversation that took place between my mum and her friend. Ihad gone to visit my mum and her friend was shocked to say the least to see howI had added loads of weight. After she had made her comments on my extremeweight gain, I told her, “don’t worry, I willwork at it, once I am done with giving birth”.

My Mum, went on to affirmmy words. She responded to her friend by saying “I know her very well, once she sets her mind on something, she does not restuntil it is done, I am so sure she knows what she is saying-she will definitelyloose it all”.

Well, to be honest, thosewords from my Mum pierced through my soul and built a confidence that I did nothave. Whether it was by design or by default, they did good to me. I knew I hada huge task ahead, but if my Mum had so much confidence in me, then I could doit, my faith was now 10 times better.

Okay- this is me, 30 yearslater and my mum’s words still mean so much to me. Well, I encourage you Mums, affirmyour children, that is all they could be looking for, they need to know you believein them, that you have confidence in them and that you care. Though I workedthrough the process and lost around 40kgs, I give credit to the loss of 10kgsto my Mum, her words pushed me far.

This is a recent one of me with my kids after loosing a number of kilos. I have added this photo because Sylvia has requested that I add a recent photo it so that people see what I am talking about.

Choose to affirm yourchildren this week and always.

Family

2011-11-10T15:22:00.006+03:00

This week has been a tough one to say the least. OnMonday, things were not good at all in the office or rather let me say thatsomething’s did not go so well. Since I had asked my hubby to keep me in prayerthat day, he sent a text in the middle of important meetings and asked how Iwas doing. I told him things are rocky, I am between a rock and a rock.

When I got out of the two heated meetings, I could have easily shed tears but I decided to put on a brave face.

When I landed on my desk, I found a whole flower basket and a cute note that had the following photo, printed out and a note saying" Hi Love, we love you and despite the tough times , always know that you have with you a team that loves you and supports you" Now this makes me shed tears.

So I thank God for family. I thank God for my hubby and kids and I am grateful to God at how he uses family to encourage us through this life.

Thanks love for those flowers and the note with this print out photo-nothing could have been more timelier.

I am not the same

2011-11-07T14:53:00.001+03:00

Something happened sometime back at my work place that pushed me to the wall. I was so angry to say the least and I kind of behaved in not a nice way. And to be honest I did not think I was off the line until later at night when the Holy Spirit gave me a good snapshot of my day and I thought to myself-what a day? I felt I had let God down and I do not think I glorified God in my actions.

Thank God that the Holy Spirit leads us to repentance and not condemnation. So I took the matter to God, I told Him that I think I have embarrassed him so much and I have sinned against him too. So today am here, reminding us that we all fail, we all hurt people and we say things that we shouldn't do most of the times out of anger.

One of the things that I have done is to apologize to two of the persons that I thought I hurt and though when I did so they said- “Ooh no, not to worry, I think we messed you up too”. I told them, yes sure but I should have acted better, I said things that I should not have said to you all the same.

So Mums, we must always ask God to help us, work on us, remember that we are not perfect- we need the Holy Spirit everyday to guide us and lead us to know all the mistakes and sins that we commit so that He can continually refine our character. One thing I am sure is this, if the same day were to present itself again, I would behave differently. I have moved a step further, I have grown up!

Lets’ purpose to change for the better and let’s allow God to work on our character. He is the potter!

My boss

2011-11-04T14:32:00.003+03:00

Today, we spent most of the morning at school getting updates from teachers on how our kids are progressing. It was quite an interesting time to hear other peoples opinions of your children, it a very objective way of looking at them and we just thank God that our kids are fine, not perfect though and the teachers love them so much.

So I get home and I am having a one on one conversation with Kendi that goes like this.

Mum: Kendi, I had a good talk with Ms. Joy today and she tells me that there are a few things that we need to work on

Kendi: Even me i will talk your boss

The conversation ends here because i am in shock!

Okay guys-this caught me off guard. But to be honest-i thought it was too much coming from my little girl, to to to wise for her age, but it made me wonder, if our kids were to talk to our employers, what story would they hear?Do we maintain same standards that we demand on them.

Have a great weekend.

Once again, I am little bit busy than usual, but will keep trying to blog as much as i can.

The end to breastfeeding

2011-11-02T05:30:00.002+03:00

Breastfeeding Mnara.

A very dear friend of mine shared withme sometime back how her trying to stop breastfeeding almost cost her healthif not her very life.

It was a very sadstory to me and for a moment I thought, it’s amazing how easy it has been forme to stop the whole breastfeeding process. Well, let me qualify that and saythat my children have not breastfeed for long , I am not sure why they think breastfeeding is a boring affair, they stop at some point around7 months, but it is usually a process.

Once I sense that the baby doesnot want to breast feed any more, I start reducing the times they are on the breast.This might even take a whole week of reducing supply. And since breastfeedingis a question of demand and supply, the milk production starts to graduallyreduce. Anyway, the fact that they are not even interested as much, helps a lot to reduce production.

I also make deliberate effort totake a lot of coffee, which I have had helps to reduce milk production. This hasworked for me with all the three babies and I have never had a problem with stoppingthe whole breastfeeding process. I think it must be hard and painful to stop abruptly.So my advice to mothers is that, we need to appreciate that this is s a process.Just like the beginning of breastfeeding was a process, so is the ending.

Thanks to my friend for sharingwith me, I would never have known that Mums can struggle with this. Therefore Idecided to share about it today. Anyone else who has had a different experience that we can learn from? Please share.

No-mans’ land

2011-10-31T08:24:00.000+03:00

I have named this post no-mans’ land, because when I was sharingwhat I am about to say with my hubby, he passionately said to me,” I agree withyou honey, with God we have no "no –mans’ land".

I agree with him. When it comes to God, there are no grey areas;it is either black or white, hot or cold, no lukewarm. The other day, God put itso strongly in my hear that , all of us, are at any given time, helping theenemy fulfill his evil schemes on earth or partnering with God for fulfill His eternal , divine awesome purpose.

This boils down to the very way in which we are raising our children.Last night, my hubby was reading Psalms 127 and the last line caught my attention.Let me just quote verse 5. “Blessed isthe man, whose quiver is full of them, they will not be put to shame when theycontend with their enemies in the gate.

Well, here we mean children. There comes a time when theywill have to contend with the enemy. So my question is- what are you doing to ensurethat when that time comes, they will be ready to handle an enemy? I meanSpiritual war/battle.

This goes back to what I was saying. Everything you do underthe earth, you are in either camp as I have said above. My desire is that foreach an every Mum to partner with God to raise a Godly generation, seek Him,Hear Him and Obey Him. Let us to choose everyday to walk with God, to partnerwith Him to fulfill God mandate on the earth. Be part of of His body and boldlydeclare, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

That will include the lives of our children. Think about it,as you allow them to read what they read, as you allow them to watch what theywatch, as you allow them to join certain company, scroll through those phones- Allthese are either building or destroying their God given destiny.

Have a blessed week. I challenge us, let’s partner with God!

Randomness

2011-10-27T21:54:00.003+03:00

I have been extremely busy of late and I have also been taking time to seek God on various issues in my life. I love God and I love the fact that we must always rely on Him to live our every day to day life. I love to hear from Him and I love to walk in His ways. His ways are higher than our ways and it takes more than just saying the grace every day to get intimate with Him. If you are like me, I do not like getting casual with God. He means everything to me!

In the mean time, enjoy some photos, as I put my thoughts on this journey of motherhood and update the blog.

We had a great time over the weekend. We were informed my Kendis' teachers that as a way of letting go of their current class and as a move to the next, they do some bye-bye kind of painting on white tops. They use their hand to paint and wave kwaheri, to the year. So here we go.

Kendi - getting on with the game.

Tana joined too. I am applying the pain on her hand.

Getting on with it.

I love these girls. We loved the whole thing! with the crowd. it was fun.

We must have been negotiating on something.

Thats one of Kendis' teacher. Ms. Yvone.

Showing off colours to Daddy.

Ms. Joy, a high school mate. A small world. now my daughters' teacher too.

The crowd.

Kendi with her shirt

The boy was just pushing a tyre

Kendi and friends

I requested Tana to give Ethan a big hi five on the butt! and so she did!

Cannot have enough of it.

Mums' turn

Some fun

and more fun. Kendi always with Tana. I thank God they love each others company

It was a pleasant day! Bravo Kendi!!!!!!! you have waved good bye to SIFA(praise) class

Roots

2011-10-25T10:28:00.000+03:00

If you are like me, I wish I could know more about my roots. My great great grandmother and the like. All i know about my paternal great grandmother was that- she waa a Massai girl. She was abducted during one of those Massai-Kikuyu raids and was forced to marry in Kikuyu land. She was called Nyokabi because she came from "ukabi" (Massai's). Well, so the other day i thought, i would love my kids to know a little bit about their maternal roots and soon we will be doing the paternal as well. So we went visiting.

Maitu( great Grandmother) with the kids

Mum in the photo too.

She made for us boiled Maize-cooking it with the three stone fire.

The kids enjoyed playing in her compound.

Maitu and Ethan

Now as you all may be aware. In the African setting, a Man married many wives. So went to see the second Maitu. I remember the many times she cooked Chapatis for us, I shared a bed with her sometimes. I had a very soft spot for her.

This is the second Maitu - second wife of my grandfather. Sorry, the third wife died sometime back. My grandfather had three wives. Okay-see the tops my girls are wearing. Do you notice they are rather unique?

His Love

2011-10-24T09:02:00.006+03:00

Many of us wake up every morning with such lack of appreciation of ourselves. We look forward to the day and hope that someone will say something positive about us, may be the way we have dressed, may be our hair, the shoe, anything.

But you know what? We need to learn and appreciate the unconditional love of Christ in our lives. This is the one thing that can change us, make us love ourselves as we are and find security and comfort in the love of He who died for us before we were even born.

Now, to God you are this great, wonderful awesome person-that is why he loves you unconditionally- so why is it so hard to believe that and live like you know it?

We need to continue to speak the same love to our children. Have you ever seen a young person struggle for attention or may be an adult for that matter? They are looking for approval; they are looking for someone who will tell them that they look wonderful, that they are loved-unconditionally.

Well, that is the message we must continue to affirm in our own hearts and those of our children. We must let them know that God loves them, over and above everything! But how do we do that if we do not believe it ourselves!

This Monday, just want to let us know that Jesus loves us deeply and passionately. That we need not worry about whom we are and what others think of us. We need not struggle to fit into the society, we do not need to struggle to fit into our circle of friends, and we do not need to match up to other Mums. Let us just be us-God loves us that way and He like us that way too.

Embrace His love this week!

Announcement!

2011-10-20T11:02:00.001+03:00

My Hubby and I are starting a new blog on Marriage! A HEART to HEART...sharing on what we have learnt in the course of our few years of marriage. We hope that we can all learn from each other. We may not update it daily, but we shall update is weekly by the grace of God and talk about various Topics as the Lords leads us.

So check it out HERE for our first update.

We are getting there.

2011-10-18T11:03:00.003+03:00

We read a bible story to our kids every evening before they get to bed and when we cannot do it, we sing a song or two.

So of late, they have saying certain things that makes us think, we are headed there, even if they do not connect everything, they will by Gods’ grace. These are some of the phrases they on their own; and unless you have been with them for a while, they may not make sense but they do to us.

They say;

Jesus is taking me to heaven and then I will come back

We are going to the cross like this.

We are carrying a bag like Jonah.

You disobey and you will be swallowed by a big whale like Johan

David is going to kill goliath and he will fall down

I want to wear my Jericho

Jesus will heal you and then I will buy for you Piriton

I am not scared, I call Jesus

Hey!!...Let my people go!

Kill the monologue

2011-10-17T10:40:00.000+03:00

Have you ever had a conversation with someone who talked most of the time? You try to interject and say something and they keep going on and on and on and on.

Sometimes you wonder how long this monologue will take. I bet with some of us, this can be a weakness, that we should ask God to help us work on.

The worst part of this monologue, is when you ask a friend out for lunch/coffee to talk about a personal issue that is really been bothering you, and guess what, before you even know it, your friend has talked non-stop most of the time and 5 minutes to the end of your lunch date they ask “by the way, what do you want to talk to me about?’

If you are like me, you are likely to say, well, “I had nothing much to say, never mind, I will mail you later or give you a call “. You may actually end up feeling worse that you did before your lunch date.

Good, so how many times do we treat God like that? We talk, talk, talk and talk to Him and never give Him audience to talk to us. Really, when did God ever say something to you? What was the last thing He placed in your heart? Think of it this way- what we call prayer time, could easily be described as a monologue conversation between us and God and guess what, we talk all the time.

I can only imagine, God has so much to say to us, but most of the time, we are the ones who are always talking. God give me this, give me that, you did not do this, neither did you do that?

Well, I want us to take time to listen to God. Surely if we believe that He hears us when we call on Him, how much more do we think He Speaks? One thing I am so sure about is that I serve a God who speaks just as much as He hears.

Make it a prayer, ask God to help you hear Him and give Him the time to speak to you.

He speaks to us, through His Holy Spirit.

Tune your heart and spirit to listen to God this week!

Anything.

2011-10-14T05:36:00.001+03:00

I sent Kendi to get me a diaper for Ethan - she has kind of become our errand girl in the house.

So she goes upstairs and suddenly I hear a lot of commotion, things literally falling apart

So Mum shouts "Kendi, what is happening?"

Kendi says "Anything"

That is her way of saying - Nothing.

Have a fun-filled weekend.

Thanks

2011-10-13T12:04:00.004+03:00

Our friends, Tony and Zippy were blessed with a wonderful boy a few weeks ago. He is Ivan Kena. We thank God for them, for taking them through that entire process.

He looks adorable! Doesn't he?

The kids are now on mid-term-Alah! Time just moves. We praise God! They have been having a blast in school and we have to talk to them to really convince them that they will not be going to school till Monday.

It’s been a busy week, Mum has been to Mombasa and back and I still owe my life and everything to Jehovah, how He takes care of the details and gives grace for each an every day!

A new one.

2011-10-12T23:45:00.000+03:00

This past weekend I was caught between a rock and a rock.Okay we have potty trained Tana, so most of the time when we travel, we usually ask her to go for a short call, knowing very well that the next time we stop-hopefully in an hours’ time or so, we shall assist her again. So we are always cautious about where the next toilet will be.

However, last weekend, we somehow ended up in a place where there was no toilet. I am also always careful about the toilet, and if I am not sure about the cleanliness, even a bush will do. But this time round Tana started demanding that she wants to pee. We were at a place where there were no toilets at all, public with no bush nearby. My hubby had rushed out of the car to pick something. I tried to ask Tana to hold on for a bit, but she kept saying “Mum pee is here, it’s here, it wants to come out”

Within a second I thought, why not sit on a diaper! Good to go! So I placed an opened up diaper on the car seat, and I asked her to sit on the diaper and help herself. Phew! I wish you saw the relief on her face, but mostly, the relief on my face. So there I go! I will not have to struggle with that again. I just folded up my diaper and moved on.

I know, potty training saves diapers as well, but for me, my objective right now, is to have her trained. Trained enough to hold on for a bit and to know when to ask for assistance. But I have been thinking, it’s easy for a girl because she sits on it, what about the boy? You may have to hold the diaper bowl shaped to assist him help himself.

Thanks you Lord, I appreciate it all, even the small things.

Being silly at Kentemere

2011-10-11T09:40:00.006+03:00

It’s amazing to watch our kids grow and we thank God for each an every moment we share with them. It’s beautiful to see God’s grace unveiled in their lives, to celebrate the beauty and the wonders of God. Kendi- who takes care of Ethan and Tana so well, Ethan who values his sisters as much and Tana, she is just what they needed between the two of them, full of life and joy and blends in with either at any given time.

So we were recently at Kentemere club and had some fun with this Totos'. Its a nice place to have fun with kids.

Kendi was having a one on one with Ethan. Honestly, she was telling him to stop picking dirt on the floor and eating it. I thought that was pretty cool. She talked to him for a few minutes.

Then she tells him-"Ethan we love you but you cant walk right now, but don't worry soon"

We rolled and rolled on the grass. The girls were so amused to see me rolling, so they did the same.

Dad tried his luck too.

Look at this girls rolling.

Running up again to roll all over again.

And the boy did what he knows best-crawl. Soon Ethan...very soon...you will be up and running.

Have a great Totos' Tuesday!

Mercy

2011-10-10T09:28:00.006+03:00

This past weekend, I experienced grace and I thanked God for the growth that has taken place in this sinner saved by grace. My house-help broke a valuable item in our house. When I met her in that state of shock, I told her pole (sorry) and then I asked her to be careful not to hurt herself with the broken pieces of glass.

Okay – for a moment I was like “Was that me?”…..Saying sorry to her, she should be saying sorry to me!!!!!!!Oh No..What is happening to me?!!!! She needs to pay for her sins and first and foremost she needs to apologize before we negotiate on how much I will deduct from her salary!

BUT NO!-Grace, Mercy - I decided to let it pass and to be honest, I felt nothing. I have been through that road before and sometime back I decided to let go of the baggage of seeking apologies from people and making them pay for all their wrongs.

Later in the day, my help requested me to blow-dry her hair, which I did gracefully and the next day- I packed for her some milk and juice to go with over the weekend so that she can take it with her friends or family.

I have learnt painfully about mercy- I believe that God does not treat us as our sins deserve. Otherwise – we would not be having a life in the first place.

Mercy overlooks and extends grace to those who we think need to be punished for their wrongs. Its takes grace and a deep desire to be merciful, but it is very rewarding and very fulfilling.

And when you know your self-worth, apologies do not make you feel better as a person; in fact demanding apologies sometimes portrays weaknesses within us.

Next time someone in your house or in the office wrongs you and you think they need to pay for their sins, remember MERCY, God has been to gracious to us, let us be merciful to others.

Have a MERCY filled week!

Kisses

2011-10-07T05:18:00.001+03:00

I was informed by Tanas’ teacher that if any of her classmate’s cry- she always tells them. No crying here-you are not a baby, only Ethan (Her brother). Talk of picking Dad and Mums words verbatim.

***************************

Every time Tana scratches her butt, she says "there is a crocodile in my butt". Can someone tells me what she means? What has a crocodile got to do with an itchy butt?

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The other day – the girls found Dad and I Kissing (nothing more-just kissing) Kendi shouts-"Hey…why are you guys kissing?" Dad says- “Because she is my babe”.

I am not sure how to deal with this, the last time this happened- a few days later, I found the two girls kissing in their room. Any help or advice?

Have an awesome weekend!!!!

Books

2011-10-06T14:16:00.005+03:00

When the girls are waiting for Dad and Mum to clear up with their breakfast

This is what they do! I bless God for them and I am grateful that they love to keep themselves busy with books.

Thank you Lord for these girls!

Today- Mnara turns 9 months. Thank you Jesus! It takes YOU, nothing more, nothing less! We praise you!

Motherhood let goes

2011-10-05T13:52:00.003+03:00

I have had to stare at a box of grapes and apples on my desk in the office because, regardless of the fact that i bought them, I cannot eat them because I need my kids to carry them to school for the week ahead.

I have learnt to give up sleeping in late- because I have to be up to take care of the kids, even during the weekends and even when i choose not to hear them, they come to my room anyway!

I have had to let go of some of the church activities for a while so that I can take care of these toddlers and a baby and spend as much time as possible with them over the weekend.

I have had to turn down some of the coffee dates with the girls after work so that I can rush home to take care of the family.

I have had to let go being overly tidy; I sometimes i am wearing messy clothes, with a few stains of porridge and pawpaws and yourgut and be glad all the way.

I have given up being bossy on house helps because even my very own mother cannot take of my house and meet my standards (meaning all our homes are unique, reflecting our own values)

I have had to give up-trying to be perfect, running a perfect home and allowed the Lord to just carry me through each an every day.

Yes, I have learnt that life is a sacrifice, you cannot have it all together, but you must truly treasure and enjoy what you have. Despite all the things I have to sacrifice and give up, I am super happy to be a mother and I would give them all up all over again for the sake of raising Godly kids!

So the list goes on…what have you had to let go?

Women of wisdom

2011-10-04T05:24:00.002+03:00

The other day I asked a question on what determines how many children we should get.

Three beautiful awesome ladies answered the questions. Please read their comments here.

I was left speechless, thanks Sylvia, Alice and Cate. Please for mothers who are struggling with this issue, it would be good to have a look at what this incredible women said. I liked the way God was the reference point to their feedback. Yes, it all goes back to God. All said and done- He is the Author of life and He has the final say. He speaks to us in many ways. So allow Him to speak to you and if you are at peace with Him, then you can relax and enjoy your children.

When people ask me how many children I want-I always choose to answer the other way round. I let them know that I am so grateful for the ones I have. Because that is what I know, as for other to come or not come, that I leave to God, after all, motherhood is not just defined by giving birth, motherhood is more than that- debate for another day!

Have a wonderful, Tuesday!

Speculation

2011-10-03T05:05:00.002+03:00

Who and what drives you Mum?

Is it the new tends in the market?

Is it the hearsay, the rumors the opinions and advises that you get from friends?

Is it the global trends?

Is it the feelings of the moment?

Is it fear of the unknown and the known?

Are you just leaving another ordinary life-with no extra-ordinary results?

Well, sometimes I ask myself this questions then I realize that I CANNOT afford to live my life in speculation. In speculation I mean, either far away from the truth or near the truth.

We must learn to live in truth and by the truth, to live out Gods’ to will for our lives, accomplish His very purpose for us. The bible says that every moment of our lives was laid out before a single day came to be. Psalms 139 16-18.

In other words, every day, every single moment of our lives counts and is in record. The question is simple…are we living every day of our lives as God had planned or are we living as we desire, informed by other choices that we make, feelings, peoples opinion or global trends.

How far or near or are you exactly living out Gods’ will for your life?

Ask Him and pray-whatever it takes, seek Him- He is the Author of Life.

The calls...

2011-09-30T04:44:00.001+03:00

The other day Kendi goes for a longcall and she suddenly yells – Po-op come out!!!!!! The rest of us at the living room burst out laughing- she must have been having constipation!

Still on this topic- my girls are funny. They are always competing on who poops' the biggest and the most! And either the Dad or I have to be the referee. They always shout – Mum/ dad, I have poopd’ a BIG one! Come and see…! before we even get there, the either sister has already arrived at the site to witness if what she can see is bigger than her previous download...yikes!

I ask Kendi to go and pee, and she replies – "Mum I am okay- pee is still sleeping". Meaning she is not ready to go for a short call. Alah!

Thankful for

2011-09-29T15:51:00.005+03:00

We are thankful today for life.

We are thankful for knowing the author of life. He knits everything together! His name be praised forever and ever!

"You saw me before I was born. Every day of my life was recorded in your book. Every moment was laid out before a single day had passed. How precious are your thoughts about me, O God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand! And when I wake up, you are still with me! Psalms 139: 16-18

Positive reinforcement

2011-09-28T15:47:00.010+03:00

Since the opening of schools, our sweet Tana has not been very warm with her teachers. At some point we did not know what to do, but we know that she takes time to warm up to people. I tend to think she is melancholic- though I guess it is still very early for us to conclude that. They say melancholics' take time to develop friends ships, but once they have you for a friend..You are lucky because they are super loyal! Well, she takes that kind of character sometimes.

So for some time, we took this behavior with the teacher as being stubborn, because it came on and off depending on the side of bed she woke up from (moods). So at some point we told her that if she continues to do so, she would start receiving spanks. The girl did not change at all.

I am sure some of you must be thinking- are the teachers good? Yes they are. They are wonderful, knowing them at a personal level, they bless our lives and those of our children. I would not fault them, they worked extra hard to warm up to Tana, and they were not understanding why Tana is so not warming up to them, at some point i cousld see them wondering why she is so different from Kendi. Yes she is, they are all different, speacial and unique in their own ways.

Eventually, we decided to change strategy. The stickers came in handy and a lot of encouragement. We told her how the teachers love her and they are working very hard to be her friend, and any day she would hug them, it turned the whole house to a celebration mood. The girl has suddenly changed, she adores her teachers.

Recently, Kendi and Tana plucked flowers in our compound, carried them gently in the car, all the way to school to give their teachers. Honesty, I could see the tears in the eyes of their teachers’, just the appreciation from two little girls, who in small ways are saying – we love you teachers and we appreciate you.

What I have learnt is that we need to be sensitive to our children and when one way does not work let is try out another to reach out to them, they are not a homogenous group and our heavenly father has a way of helping us know just how to go about this.

How could she?

2011-09-26T05:30:00.005+03:00

I am always of the opinion that if I get myself in a situation that eventually gets messy – I ask myself “What could I have done better?’.

I like to choose the path of being responsible and appreciating that if a situation did not turn out right, I also contributed to a great extent, if not fair of contribution. If I can make amends – I pursue peace.

I have observed keenly, especially with my children; In case I question Kendi on anything - she will be quick to say-“its Tana this or that” and if I question Tana- She is always quick to say- “its Kendi this or that”.

I have realized that owning up to our responsibilities is one of the key issues that people like to dodge. Like Adam we like to say “it is the woman you gave me”….meaning had God not created Eve, Adam would not have sinned. What if Adam said –God, I failed as a leader. I am sorry, I did not follow instructions…..well, I am not sure how the rest of the story would have been.

But mine this Mums Monday is to challenge us to own up to our responsibilities and teach our children the same. We must always be willing to admit that we contribute to life situations either positively or negatively.

I am of the opinion that selfishness highly contributes to pride and hence the question – How could he or How could she? By the time we are asking such a question, what we are inevitably saying is that – I stand right, I stand righteous while the other persons is to be judged and condemned.

I am challenging myself this week to own up to my responsibilities -please join me Mums and lets teach our children the same.

When we teach them, one day this might be said of them;

“Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way he was handling government affairs, but they couldn't find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy”

That’s was Daniels version of who He was – what's yours and what are your children becoming?

Dad will give you Piriton

2011-09-23T16:29:00.001+03:00

So the other day Kendi noticed a scratch on my face, it’s actually a mark that that I acquired when I was a child. I fell on a hot jiko, that is the version according to my Mum.

Kendi was so sympathetic and inquired so much about the small mark.

She then told me “I am so sorry Mum, Dad will give you Piriton"

********************

The other day I asked Tana to give me a push to the door, I was leaving the house headed to the office

She literary placed her hands on my back and pushed me out.

Talk of literal understanding of the word push!

God bless these girls- they just make my day!

A few milestones

2011-09-22T16:16:00.000+03:00

We are thankful to JEHOVAH! Can you feel a sigh of relief in that sentence...

....Ethan is now sleeping the entire night from 8pm – 6am, we feed him with some milk at 6am and he sleeps again till 8am plus, this is the point that we declare, there are no babies in our home, just a bunch of young ones.

He is crawling and moving very fast, he is confidently standing up all by himself , he is engaging in quite a number of activities with the girls.

They make the castles using blocks and He destroys them, the girls are always screaming "Noooo! Nooooo! Ethan Stop-Mum Help" and he gets a few kicks from Tana once in a while.

He has four teeth. He is very strong – Kendi cannot even get a pen out of his hand. “She says, "Ethan you are so strong , Mum please help, Ethan has taken my pen”

Hey-I am Ethan Mnara, just incase you forgot.

Hanging on and walking round

Sliding with the girls

Crawling to the slide

He likes sitting on these ropes at Amani ya juu and watching other kids jump over!

We thank God for all these milestones, we do not take any of them for granted. When we see this, we stand in awe and say- How great thou art, oh Lord our God!

It has also been crazy around here, a lot of work, the last leg of the year can be overwhelming for me in particular. We have been busy but we thank God for His grace. Always amazing!

WE LOVE YOU LORD! HOW EXCELLENT AND MAJESTIC ARE YOUR WORKS!

Opportunities

2011-09-21T05:07:00.000+03:00

I honestly think it takes a lot sacrifice for working Mums and I have been wondering of late what opportunities are there for us to make use of to bond more with our children.

I have observed for a while a few children waiting for school busses in the morning with the house helps but in some cases the parents are sleeping – which I find a bit disheartening and this made me think further.

Granted after a day in the office- sometimes I am so tired I sleep like a log and I could even slip out of my bed in the morning without even having to make it much coz I wake up in the same position that I slept in.

But you know I think we need to sacrifice a little more because God has given us children to take care of. They are His- we are just but stewards and within no time they will be out of our homes and we must therefore make most of every opportunity to spend time with them even if it means freezing at 5:30am outside with them as they wait to catch up on their bus.

So I have a few suggestions on opportunities that we can use and I hope you can add a few more, let me be clear here that I am not taking working mum on guilt trip but. These are opportunities depending on your availability

a) Can we try and bath our children, it s great bonding time- this is when I get to hear all the “I love you Mum” and the hugs from Naked kids. The kids just love it and you get to know where is hurting, you see all the bruises and the like.

b) Can we try to have dinner together – you get to hear all about the day and those disciplinary issues of table manners can be settled here. It is a good negotiation place.

c) Can we try to keep our weekends as less busy as possible – spend quality time with the children, play, laugh cook, clean up the car, go for a walk and the like

d) Can we try to dress them up for school? It is very sad that some parents never get to see their children in the morning and I understand because of Jams you may need to leave early, but if possible, can we dress them up and see them off. This might mean waking up at 4am but it is a worthy sacrifice

e) Can we cut down on church activities – this may sound pagan but some of us spend the entire week in the office and then the entire weekend in church related activities. My husband and I have gone on a break on Church activities. When we did our survey on the best disciplined teenagers’ in church, we realized that their parents took time off from activities to take care of their children in their formative years. I remember one of the senior ladies telling us that she would never even attend a bible study when her children were young.

She now has bunch of God fearing young adults who are serving in church today and she is serving as a church deacon too. She says there is time for everything. So young Mums do not be deceived when you see senior ladies as church leaders and think you need to grab one of those positions now. A WISE WOMAN UNDERSTANDS HER SEASONS IN LIFE! UNDERSTAND YOURS!

f) Can you attend functions with them- if you must be out on a Saturday and Sunday and if the function can accommodate the children, carry them with you. Why leave them at home? I know it is work to have a bunch of kids all over you everywhere you go? But they are yours for heaven sake! So get on with it. Carry food, a rod and discipline and get it moving. They get to experience your world too. When I get invites over the weekend, my first response usually goes like this “ I hope you don’t mind , but I will be come with my three kids too”.

g) Don’t try to please the boss by staying in the office after 5pm – unless you are honestly working and you must. Get going home. My advice on this, is make use of your day in the office, avoid chatting aimlessly and idling, spending all your time of facebook and the like- meet your targets so that you can confidently leave at 5pm or whatever time working hours end knowing that you have accomplished your daily work. If it means working over lunch hour work. Because you need to balance home and office. You must emerge the best in the office and you must take care of your family to the best of your ability (children).

How else can we make use of our opportunities? Let’s share.

Something to do

2011-09-20T05:27:00.000+03:00

We made pizza on Saturday. And the kids (girls) love and love and love to help. So I figured out how to make them help Mum in making the pizza.

I cut out all the vegetables /pieces that needed to be on the pizza and they get to arrange them. They had so much fun doing that. And I am sure they are looking forward to more.

They get distracted by small things

They did a good job!

I need to seriously engage them in cooking-but in a safe manner.

This I give thee

2011-09-19T05:27:00.001+03:00

If there is one thing I would like my children to say of me, is we followed Mum as she followed Christ. You know, that is a profound truth. The book of Act talks of Christ as the Author of life and I want my children growing up in full knowledge of the Author of life! In Him is their beginning and their end, Him as the alpha and the Omega.

Only in Christ can they find hope in this world

Only in Christ can they achieve all their dreams and live to their very last potential

In Christ they are safe; they have a pillar of strength in all seasons of life.

In Christ they find answers to all mysteries of life

In Christ, they have a foundation that is secure

Only in Christ can they live, move and have their being.

So I pray that they will know the power of prayer, the power of His resurrection, what His death on the cross means to them

The joy of waiting in Christ, to bring to fulfillment all the great things He has in store for them

The goodness in just knowing him as Lord and savior.

Mums let pray for our children, let pray that they will get to know the Jesus we know and not just know him democratically but personally! I love Him!

This Mamas' visit to Turkana

2011-09-16T05:24:00.001+03:00

Please note that these photos are just random. They remind me of so much and I pray that they will help us think of how we all can help in small ways. If you think you can be of no use, please read the book of Esther and think again.

When we arrived, all the children gathered around us.

And the entire crowd kept following. Look at their homes.

There was something about this girl that I just liked. She carried her brother the whole time we were there and never got tired. Did i say - it was super dry hot?!

This is how you check in at the airport.

The airstrip- that carrier is used to offload bags off the plane.

Their homes, there was a very sick man sleeping if you look closely. Yes, health care is not as available as you would think.

This is where they gather, church, school and social hall. They seat on those benches.

This was just another wonderful girl. She was moving so fast-I could barely keep up with her.

This lady was showing us what they eat-poisonous dry fruits. You eat more than one and your body cannot take it.Yet we found so many children feeding on them.

These are street children in Kitale. Look at the girls, they are so vulnerable. They are hosted by an organization during the day, that feeds them and then releases them at 3pm to go back and sleep in the streets. They are families that run away from Turkana in search for food. Can you imagine your daughter sleeping in the streets. The sexual vulnerability. What amazed me is that all they need is love. They want to hug everybody and hang on you. Love sums it all!

This is one of the volunteers- they adore her!

Thankful for

2011-09-15T04:53:00.001+03:00

Our Children, they are back to school and have settled in very well. Prior to that they were sick and we saw Gods' hand in it all, they had a bad flu that came along with mouth sores. When your chidlren get to feed on water using a spoon, that's not good at all. We bless God for the healing.

Caroline, joined Mount Kenya University and she is very happy and working hard. lets pray that God continues to provide all that is required for her to finish her university education.

Its been busy around here, but Gods' been great-givign me grace and strength for each an every day.

Taking yoghurt

2011-09-14T15:46:00.000+03:00

I was packing snacks for my kids and I was wondering what they are going to use to take yoghurt in school, because they tend to lose the normal spoons. Then I bumped into these small spoons that are used for medication. They hang around the house for those times when I need to give them medicine. So I decided to use them and they were quite good and I knew I am safe because they could fit into the snack box and my kids would enjoy using them. Needless to say that I do not have to lose my cutlery to the school because the kids loose them more often than not.

So there you go. Keep them, they might save you on a yoghurt day. Furthermore, keep them in the car, you might need to have a bite of something and they come in handy.

Question????????

2011-09-13T10:27:00.005+03:00

Today on Totos Tuesday, I am wondering - What determines how many children we want to have?

Why are women giving birth in IDPs camps in Turkana to too many children while they still cannot feed the ones they have?

They say for any woman there is always a minus one, and it does not matter how many you have. Like there is this one child who needs to be born in your family and if you don't give birth to them, some other woman will because they had to be born. Meaning there are some women walking around with your children who you did not want to give birth to. When I heard of this theory - I was puzzled to say the least.

I will soon share my thoughts in this subject but what do you my friends think? What are the influencing factors when it comes to how many children to have?

Does God get to say something about it? Or is He the silent listener to your conversation with your spouse on this subject, or is He is watching in silence as you work through the short term and permanent family planing methods while you have the last say?

Are children a faith project or a facts project or a combination of the two or none of the said?

Is multiplication equal to re-placement? Where you have two kids to replace yourself and your spouse while God says we multiply?

I think the views are extreme, but let me hope I will hear something from you? Click on the comments below and lets hear what you have to say.

Up and about.

2011-09-13T08:53:00.000+03:00

Hi all, I have been up and about. I went to Turkana for some work related misssion. I am still coming to terms with what I saw. I have not even had the strength look at the photos that I took. I will share soon when I gather the courage.

I am still thinking about the poverty that I have seen in a few days

The mothers who have no meals for days but still have to nurse their young ones.

The teenage girls who have to sit on soil for days - because that is what they have to do when they are having their monthly periods

The naked children, people sick with HIV and AIDS, they have the drugs but cannot take them because they have no food to go with the drugs.

and while I am thinking that I am about to recover-Many are killed by blast as they collected fuel from leaking pipeline in Nairobi's densely packed Sinai area.

Okay don't you all think we need a solution in Africa.

I am part of that solution - are you?

How manuy of us are saying - Yes Lord - here I am use me. And i mean, this must be a geneuine heart position not necessarily what it appears on the outside, not to offer some make up-but to address the core issues, and I mean genuinely.

Okay. I will be back!

Food in the car.

2011-09-07T06:07:00.001+03:00

We recently had a small accident. We hit a car- near a parklands-justoutside Jubilee Christian Church (JCC). For one moment I thought what a Holy accident.

The guy we hit was fair enough so we decided to agree onterms and all was sorted out. We ended up as fairly good friends and my hubbyand him exchanged cards, he asked us toopen accounts with KCB, (Kenya Commercial Bank), that is where he works and ofcourse my hubby asked him to consider him as his architect the next time hedoing some sort of construction. I did not say much, because if I did, I wouldhave given him my card and said- “next time your wife thinks your violating her rights- ask her to callme”-and for sure which man wants to hear that.

Anyway, the issue is here was the fact that we were smack inthe middle of an accident with hungry kids whom we were rushing to have lunchand then sleep. What a MESS! We were now going to be stuck in that scenario for nexta minimum of two hours.

I remembered my friend Candace and how at one point Irealized she carries lots of food in her car, especially when she going forsome sort of a few hours journey. I once asked her, why all these food? Shetold me, they have been stuck in Jams with hungry kids and its pathetic! I wonder why I did not learn than lessonright there! So this was my time and the lesson sank home. Lucky enough myhubby had hidden some potato crisps in the car and there were two lolly pops too. Soguess what, the kids ate? Mnara had a good time with a lolly pop. I justneeded to keep their sugar levels up because they were getting cranky.

We managed and after a few hours, we bought them some fries and they literally inhaled them and when we got home theyslept.

Lesson learnt- food in the car, in whichever form, can saveyou from hungry cranky kids. So I intendto have some canned fish and some more food always in the car, you never knowwhen you may need it!

Have a wise Wednesday!

Healthy Snack

2011-09-06T22:31:00.000+03:00

Last term I visited the kids in school during their snack break, I found my pretty girl Kendi armed with a bun, a banana and a cup of tea. This is what they take most of the time for the kids whose snacks are already paid for and hence offered by the school. I had always thought it was a good idea because it safe guards the days I get to travel and the hassle of packing snacks in the morning. But not when I saw Kendi take that tea and a bun. Not that they are bad, but I knew for sure I can do better. I felt so bad because I realized that Kendi was not enjoying variety and I could see the envy she had for what the other kids had carried, the sandwiches, the eggs, the muffins, the sausages and the like, and the joy that comes from opening their snack box and bragging about what their mums had packed for them.

So I have decided this term to be making healthy snacks for my kids to carry to school.Its time for Mum to pull up her socks! Doesn't matter if I have to put them in the fridge for a few days. I started with these for the week. Apple whole wheat muffins!They are irresistible. Easy to make and bake. You could try them for your kids too, and guess what, I used whole wheat bread flour! Pure niceness-healthy stuff and more coming! Kendi and Tana....You are in for a good snacky ride!

Apple whole wheat Muffins. So whole until they kinda crack...mmmmmmhhh!

They were so so good, and they have cinnamon...my goodness!My hubby ate one and gave me a few kisses ha!