Since when?

We like to check on the kids at night and when we can, we also take Kendi for a short-call.

So the other day, we said goodnight to them and then Kendi says

“Hey, who is checking on me tonight? The girl or the boy" (meaning Mum or Dad)

Surely- when did kids get to be so free with their parents? We laughed! Was laughing the best response?

 We are still not sure.


Hope you are having a great week. Mine has been rather busy but wonderful all the same.

Born Sinners

The other day we went out for tea with the kids. They were given some crayons and coloring paper. When we walked out, we noticed that Kendi had curled up her dressed and the waiters were starring at her on our way out. When we got to the door, we asked her to stop 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, but to her, she was taking them away and hoping Mum and Dad don’t notice. Truly we are born sinners.

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

The crayons 

Still learning

Mum and Kendi

In Gods infinite wisdom – He formed Kendi and ensured that she would be the first child I would nurse. God knew that this girl would have the capacity to endure a first time mum, because I did not know much.

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

I am so sure that this girl will grow up do exploits for the kingdom of God. She will not 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 has taken my motherhood to a new level, the writer says that in every vice, there is a virtue, it’s just the other side of the coin and we need to look deeper at the hidden good qualities in our children that sometimes manifest themselves in form of “sin”

For example

Kendi quickly notices that I have a 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 above is nothing but wrong!!!!!I can we can assure you that Kendi was dealt with accordingly for her nasty responses. However, I was also quick to note that she has the potential to 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 positively than negatively.  I am learning, this is a new area for me and I hope that we can all learn together. 

Christmas celebrations in School

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

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

What we have done...

Ensured that most liquids are taken before 6pm.

Little sip of water during dinner time.

Goes for 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 up again.

After that we work with 3-4 hours intervals.

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

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

Have a great Totos Tuesday!

Proudly African

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

It’s no wonder that some Africans want rush to other continents outside Africa to make money or gather wealth of whatever makes them feel being outside Africa is the greatest deliverance in their time. I have no problem living outside Africa, in fact I travel a lot and I love it, but more than, I want our children value themselves, love who they are and where they are regardless and not to think that Africa is cursed and it is a punishment by God to live in Africa. 

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

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

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

Actually at one point, I travelled to Europe, one of our trainers made a mistake of having an image of the devil and one of an angel. ( to explain some point on Human rights) The devil was black and the angel was white. One of the participants(from another African country) was so furious he stood up and demanded an apology  for painting the devil back and wanted an explanation of why the devil is not white and the angle 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 our children to value themselves. To carry themselves with esteem, Africans (black) are not less 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 message we 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....

Amidst busy times

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

Parenting

My hubby and I benefited greatly from Dr. Mukolwe teachings in raising the next generation. This is a must must for any parents who desire to raise a Godly generation. 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 children and 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 providing resources, our daily needs and more so bringing to our lives people or rather connecting us with teachings and books that have helped us to be who we are today as parents. When I think about it, I am amazed at Gods’ grace through each of our season in life, how he equips us and helps us in amazing ways.

I want to encourage us to take parenting seriously; God is very serious about it. My understanding is that when a child is born, he or she is another potential soldier in the army of our Lord Jesus Christ. But never forget that we have an enemy who wants to recruit them too to accomplish his evil schemes. Lets not take it for granted, lets desire truly to raise a Godly generation.  And as Dr. Mukolwe says, “don’t have children and yet not wish to be a parent, don’t provide for them and have no time to raise them”

Roots

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?

We are getting there.

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!

Being silly at Kentemere

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!

Women of wisdom

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!

Something to do

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. 

Question????????

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. 

Healthy Snack

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!

Sugar Cane

Our kids not only love sugar cane, but they are completely in love with them

The next time you visit, please bring along some boiled maize and sugar canes and our kids will love you for good. 

We like  that they would rather opt for sugar cane than lolly pop or chocolate.

They love tomatoes too and will eat  them right  in the market, as long as i have them cleaned. 

So we recently decided to take them to some source of sugar cane  and have it all it their fill!

All they needed was to ask for one and viola!

This is at my Mums, Cucu, and they love going there to eat sugar cane.

We always eat much and carry more... I do no like the job of peelign them, so i always request that i carry a few peeled before i can do the rest.

That is Cucu with the girls, see all the sugar cane behind.

Mnara is catching up too, he used the cane to rub his teething gums. 

Apologies

I am always apologizing for my kids in restaurants and Hotels. They play keyboard with Forks and knifes, they completely make a mess of  the table, they wave to other customers. Sometimes this does not go very well and though sometimes they get a wave back, some customers really get irritated. 


I can only imagine  how the waiters feel after we leave. Even when we get some bad service, I sometimes feel obliged to tip, because the waiters need it, they have to work extra hard to clear all the mess my kids make. 


Guys, what to do? I have really been thinking. How do I stop the turning of plates into drums and fork and knifes into key boards. And most of all the spilling of stuff on the floor. 

Look at this...chocolate all down.

Some good English

We are trying so hard to teach our kids the right – or what we would call the correct version of English. Which should we use? American or British.

Whichever the case, we have realized of late that we have been speaking some form of corrupt version of English. Needles to say, I have heard people speak the same in high level meetings and I think its has been a slow fade, you do not even realize it until your children start picking it up and then it dawns on you that you are also speaking the same. (I am not even sure if what I am typing now is corrupt too)

Examples

Wrong: Mum, you are going where?

Correct: Mum, where are you going?

Wrong: We are eating what?

Correct: What are we eating?

Wrong: Mum, you are saying what?

Correct: What are you saying Mum?

Wrong: Dad that is who?

Correct: Dad, Who is that?

And many more……….but somehow always in form of questions.

Lets help each other….now that our children are speaking English more than Kiswahili, we need to have it right!

Its began.

The training has began; I am joining my friend Kate on this one.

Over the weekend, Kendi requested me to give her some work to do. I went like Voila!

So I asked her to do the dishes, she was quite good, though I supervised most of the time,

She managed to clean three plastic cups – two spoons and one plate quite well.

Sweet girl... I need to get her an apron, she is wearing mine.

Checking keenly to see if the dishes are getting clean

On Saturday evening, it was time to get the clothes out of the clothes line, so I asked the girls to help me, they were so exited. Of course to play with the pegs!. But they helped a lot, they ferried the clothes from the clothes line to the house. 

Carrying the clothes

But when I got to the house, this is what I found, the whole pile next to the door, this is where they were damping them. All the same, they had done something. 

I am with you Kate on this one. Let’s keep at it girl. We need to train these little ones, one day at a time. 

Of late

These kids are growing rather too fast. I have just been wondering what has been taking place in my house of late and a few thoughts come to mind.

They are becoming so good at telling on each other.  They like reporting each other and watching the consequences, I am still wondering how to deal with that? Any ideas?

Kendi loves to share, but trust you me, she has come a long way on this one. If you give her something, she will always ask, “and Tanas’?”, I find it so cool. I was wondering if she does this because she doesn’t want to share hers, but even when i have asked her to share what she has with Tana, she has no problem at all.

Okay, Tana is in the stage of Mine, Mine and Mine…she really thinks she scores points on this one. Did I tell you that even when she poops' – She shouts, a big one and then finalizes with- Mine! Oh, and the other day, she was telling on Kendi, so she runs to Mum saying:

“Mum, Kendi is disobeying me! “….I burst out laughing!!!!

Ethan has two teeth, so cool, but my nipples are suffering!

He can sit down comfortably; I think he has grown too fast. He laughs more when Kendi and Tana try to make him laugh, than we would with Chris, with combined efforts! He loves his Sisters, and the Sisters just love on him.

 I thank God for them. They are just great Toto’s and I am praying for them daily, that God will use them as He so desires. i like that they are different, each with their own mind and personality.