Miscarriage ..........

   Its 5 am and I have been up all night because my 8 year old has a stomach bug. That's a story for another post.
    Anyhow that brings me to a sequel of sorts on child bearing and more...  http://nomamipikinleftbehind.blogspot.com/2015/04/whos-counting.html?m=1 (Read here).
    Yesterday I shared on my personal Facebook page ( for those who follow me) that I had gone through 5 pregnancies and had 4 live births. And a lot of things or emotions came up because it took me back to my miscarriage. I had a miscarriage some 5/6 years ago. I remember how devastated I was and very heart broken. I also  recount how everyone ( well mostly the adult women around me) insisted that I keep the miscarriage a secret. I remember hearing them say things like "oh don't worry, it was not a real baby yet". And a whole lot more that I would rather forget.  In all the harassment, I was blessed with a solid set of sisters/friends  thankfully, who supported me and stayed on me with so much love to make sure I went through the loss with their support.

     A miscarriage is very devastating. It feels like a part you leaves when the baby doesn't make it to term.You go through so many emotions. Its that pain that only God can truly heal. A lot of women go through miscarriages and cannot heal completely because our culture doesn't promote expressing your pain in regards to a miscarriage. You have women who are going through a whole lot of pain, struggling to conceive and cannot share on the struggle of their journey because our society harasses women about their wombs, its contents and use. You are not given the opportunity to share about the pain of a miscarriage and therefore complete restoration and healing never really takes place. For Gods sake a miscarriage is not a taboo. A miscarriage is a painful loss of a child. You can refuse to call it that, but to that mother that's exactly what it is.

     Your job as a sister, mother, friend, spouse, etc is to be a shoulder to lean on. Encourage the woman in need to seek professional help if necessary because sometimes the trauma requires more than a couple of conversations with your best friends.  And if you go through a miscarriage please do not live in fear, and do not loose hope. Our God is gracious and would never forsake you. Take the time to heal and do not do it on anyone else's timing. If you can, seek help from miscarriage help groups. You are welcome to share as you please. You are not alone and should NOT DIE IN SILENCE.

   To you who has gone through a miscarriage or several miscarriages. I stand on behalf of all the people who have hurt you, disappointed you, questioned your WOMB, and judged you by your circumstances. I stand to say SORRY. I apologize for the hurt, I also apologize and hope that you can forgive not only those who did not support you during this difficult time, but you can forgive yourself and live again with hope that the Lord has not forgotten you.

     A lot of women make the conscious choice not to have any children and it should be respected. I also ask we practice to stay out of each others wombs. You don't question my choices on child bearing and I promise not to question your decision not to bear children. You don't question any one's timing on when to bear children and you don't play WOMB police.

     Cheers to a beautiful holiday. Love a woman today, regardless of their WOMB choice.

Nomamipikinleftbehind

kisses

Guadeloupe Experience. #NNN40reasons

   Guadeloupe Experience.
#NNN40reasons 

     Every now and then we need a break from everything. Pack up your bags and take a little get away from your children, work and everything that keeps you on a schedule. Taking a break is mandatory, its not a luxury especially for those mothers who work from home. I used to think that taking a vacation was a luxury. Huge misconception. Someone lied when they convinced you that being a mom meant not being able to live again. They lied when they told you that you couldn't be your most authentic self at all times. They also lied when they tried to convince you that you didn't deserve to live a little because you are supposed to die by heart break and sadness caused by "mommies guilt". 
     Don't let these stereotypes stop you from soaring in your purpose fearlessly today. Take a break and live a little if you can. If you can take the help offered and give yourself a chance to be YOU. Give your self a break every now and then. You absolutely deserve it. Give up a pair of loubs, give up $500 hairdos, give something up and take a break AWAY from your routine. Let go of parental guilt. You are allowed to make a living for your family. You are also allowed to take a breather when needed. You are doing what you need to do in order to take care of your family, there should be no guilt involved. 

    This time it was even a little more special. We gave a beautiful toast in honor of my better half, my partner and best friend. Apart from eating at every road side joint we could find, we had the opportunity to bond as a family. This trip was filled with so much laughter and love.

Photos by Award winning photographer:
http://drevizionmedia.com/ #Drevizion 
Location: Guadeloupe 

Snippets of my Guadeloupe Experience. 

Enjoy.

We had a blast.... Hope you can pack up your bags and take a break sooner than later. 

kisses,

       Have you registered for Mamipikintalks Yet ? What are you waiting for? 

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mamipikin-talks-3rd-edition-tickets-28901433967

Stand for something that is bigger than you.

    Today my spirit is a little angry so bear with me. For those who don't know, there is civil unrest and turmoil going on right now in English Cameroon. Fighting to abolish marginalization of Anglophone Cameroon. Its very painful to watch kids being teargassed men and women being beaten in the streets because they are standing for what they believe in.
For those of us out of Cameroon in the diaspora, we forget how blessed we are sometimes. We live in a country where we can seat in a room and empower each other, but yet we take it for granted. We live in a country where a woman can run for president and we don't know how darn blessed we are. We are given all the tools to be the best we can be. We are not here by chance, so please whatever you have chosen to do in this time, your job, purpose, career etc do it like you have never before because it's a blessing. Take the rest of the day and ask yourself what you did to not be in the streets of Cameroon right now being teargassed, kicked around and tortured? Are you anymore special than the ladies in the streets being beaten, mothers who can't sleep for fear of their children out of the home? Are you not Cameroonian or of Cameroonian decent? Take this time to reflect on what you can do to make sure that your walk in this LIFE is touching and affecting someone else and not just you.

   Your purpose has got to be bigger than you. As a mother what are you doing to change and impact your community? Who are you giving back to? Who is better today because of your generousity? You have been given all that you need to stand out and be a blessing to SOMEONE ELSE. It starts with YOU.

  Mamipikintalks is my effort to break the silence in our communities. Don't be on the sidelines. Stand for something that is bigger than you.

Happy Monday.
Eurykah.

"Meaningful Conversations are life changing conversations"

I apologize for being MIA. I have been working on a ton of amazing stuff.
I constantly share on my journey as a mother and event planner because I understand the power of my story. I understand that there could be a woman out there scared to walk in her purpose and is waiting for a story she can relate to. I am interested in the everyday woman. The woman who is selling puff puff to raise her children, the woman who society gave up on because she had a child as a teenager or out of wedlock, the woman who has 4 children gone back to school and pursued her dreams. The woman who is able to balance working full time and raising her children. The woman who doesnt have children physically but has adopted is giving them her best. The woman who is an aunt or Godmother. The everyday mentor, the mentor who is not a millionaire. I am interested in the testimonies that are relatable. Your story is always going to be relatable. I am interested in the everyday woman making a difference in her community. That's a story that I would like to sit in on.

Guest at our last Mamipikin talks event in Gaithersburg MD. 10/22/2016 

In the past month so much has happened I could write an entire series. One of the most important things you can do in your life is to TELL YOUR OWN STORY. I want to take this moment to encourage all our readers to stand in their own truth. Create a circle that can hold you accountable. Let go of friendships that cannot leave the past in the past. If you are surrounded by women who constantly put you and yours down you need to remove yourself from such company. Remove yourself from relationships that rid you of your sanity. Take a stand on issues that you feel strongly about in honesty and truth. If you cannot set your self free of others opinion you will never attain that next level greatness that awaits you. We have locked ourselves up in a prison of secrets and these secrets are killing us by the minute. Of course we have to be discrete and pray for a spirit of discernment but at the end of the day no one will tell your story better than you. Your story is a journey. Its usually what sets you apart. Its unique.
Don't let the wrong version of your story being told stop you from walking with your head held high.



This brings us to "Meaningful conversations". Meaningful Conversations are life changing conversations. These are those conversations that address the stereotypes and prejudices that we face as women and most especially mothers in today's world. When you share in conversation with other women you realize that there is a real life healing that takes place. You also learn that most of us have very similar struggles and triumphs. You take charge of those very issues that hold you back by addressing them in a forum that is judgment free. I am going to take the mandate of holding
meaningful conversations on the road. We are coming to a neighborhood near you, stay tuned. My ultimate goal is to empower women as a whole, and promote a safe space to have life changing conversations in an intimate forum. This can be done by promoting meaningful conversations in our immediate communities. You don't need a fancy space, linen or props. Just get together in a coffee shop or restaurant and create a safe space to uplift, empower, and strengthen each other.

The most important goal I have set for my self is to walk my talk. We all can do this by standing for something. Take a chance and speak on your story. Share your journey with someone else. Share your own truth. You might save a life. Sometimes even your life.
I truly believe in the phrase "Nomamipikinleftbehind". Be the woman that you are raising your daughter to be or the daughter in law you will love your son to meet. Be an open book. Let your experiences serve as a bridge to walking in your purpose.

First stop Dallas, TX. Are you in TEXAS or the surrounding area? What are you doing on December 4th, 2016? You can join in this life changing conversation. Very limited seating left. Register here:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mamipikin-talks-presents-meaningful-conversations-in-dallas-tx-tickets-29206903635https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mamipikin-talks-presents-meaningful-conversations-in-dallas-tx-tickets-29206903635

Thank you to all the wonderful women who took a chance and made it to our last event. You all are world changers.
I love you all dangerously. You can check out the photos on here:

http://nomamipikinleftbehind.com/gallery.htmlhttp://nomamipikinleftbehind.com/gallery.html

kisses,
XOXO.

"No Mami Pikin Left Behind.” Together we stand against domestic violence!

    October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month and there is no better time for Cameroonian born Artist Master Yen to release  an award winning video that speaks volumes against Domestic violence. Domestic violence is at our doorsteps and yet we ignore the conversation completely. We cannot continue to stay silent about this cancer that is domestic violence. Domestic violence involves violence or abuse by one person against another in a familiar or intimate relationship. Domestic violence is most commonly thought of as partner violence, but can also include violence or abuse from a family member. 

Master Yen FT Gabriella A- WANLE 
https://youtu.be/fr2YvauGQKk

    Statistics and studies insist that stopping domestic violence long-term and “breaking the cycle of violence” heavily relies on raising children in an environment that is  free of violence because  children learn what the live ( that is if they haven't been killed or completely damaged from the abuse itself). In studies compared with children in other households, children who have been exposed to domestic violence are more likely to experience difficulties in school and to score lower on assessments of verbal, motor, and cognitive skills, and are more likely to exhibit aggressive and antisocial behavior, to be depressed and anxious, and to have slower cognitive development. Studies from various countries support the findings that rates of abuse are higher among women whose husbands were abused as children or who saw their mothers being abused.Source: Fantuzzo, J. and Mohr, W. (1999). “Prevalence and effects of child exposure to domestic violence.”  

So much to share on domestic violence, abuse and more one blog post cannot do the job. Be sure you to register for our upcoming event "Mamipikintalks" on here to join the discussion on domestic violence. https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mamipikin-talks-ii-tickets-26782920436

Domestic violence includes and not limited to; 

• Actual or threats of physical violence
• Actual or threats of sexual violence
• Emotional or psychological abuse
• Stalking (e.g., excessive calls/texts/emails, monitoring daily activities, using technology to track a person’s location)
• Financial abuse (e.g., withholding money, ruining credit, stopping a partner from getting or keeping a job)
  

Master Yen FT Gabriella A- WANLE 
       " In a world plagued by strife and despair, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Master Yen is able to take us through a journey that evokes a sense of reflection and relevance in the world today. WANLE  brings a fresh rhythm that leaves you wanting more, making music a universal tool for love and change.The coming out of Master Yen is an introduction to some, but a relief for long time fans who have been spell-bound since his days in a go-go band. Pianist, guitarist, artist, producer, and musical therapist are only a few of the belts that Master Yen proudly wears."

CONTACT INFO
Master Yen FT Gabriella A- WANLE
Yenikah Fon aka Master Yen
Instagram: @Masteryen_
Twitter: MasterYen1
Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ThemasterYen/
For Bookings contact:
Bookingamaster@gmail.com
Best regards,
Management.

Other Facts

   As a mother of four incredibly diverse children,several Godchildren and a huge external family  I speak from a point of experience, empathy, failure, success, love and determination. My goal is to promote a culture where women feel limitless while striving to become the best version of themselves. 

No Mami Pikin Left Behind.” Together we stand against domestic violence!

Kisses,

Go chase your dreams fearlessly

     

      We usually fall for advice from people whom we trust and sometimes believe in. It gets really emotional and complicated when the very people you love, trust and sometimes look up to are not visionaries, and these are the very people who benefit from your anointing and or gift. You take your billion dollar dream to someone who doesn't see beyond minimum wage and expect them to cheer you on because of the friendship, sisterhood, brotherhood etc that you share. Not everyone is equipped to understand and or share in the infant stages of your dream and its ok. Do not try to get confirmation from someone that is not emotionally sound enough to believe in you or even themselves. Stop seeking for approval and get to work. You work hard, remain honest and loyal, and before you know it your inner most desires will come to fruition. 
     The biggest fear we face is the fear of disappointment. Who are you afraid of disappointing? Why are they so relevant? Why should this fear stop you from taking a chance? And who made them Lord over you? 
Do not let the opinions of others stop you from living your best life today. You are most productive and effective when you walk in the purpose that christ has called you for in THAT SEASON. Walking in your purpose is NOT A Social media POPULARITY contest. Its not measured by Likes and or comments. Its not measured by anything other than how much joy you are able to bring someone else.The biggest fear we face is the fear of disappointment. 

   Who are you afraid of disappointing? Why are they so relevant? Why should this fear stop you from taking a chance? And who made them Lord over you? 

   Do not let the opinions of others stop you from living your best life today. You are most productive and effective when you walk in the purpose that christ has called you for in THAT SEASON. Walking in your purpose is NOT A Social media POPULARITY contest. Its not measured by Likes and or comments. Its not measured by anything other than how much joy you are able to bring someone else.

Go chase your dreams fearlessly!!!!!
#Nomamipikinleftbehind!!!

Up close and Personal 1

Up Close and personal.
Why Mamipikin Talks?
I knew within me that we needed an event for mothers/women that gave us the opportunity to share in those conversations that keep us up all night. The many unanswered questions about parenting and LIFE as a mother. I knew that I could not possibly be the only mother that needed a platform that gave me a chance to have meaningful life changing conversations. A platform that gave me a chance to discuss issues that may sometimes be considered a taboo and or waste of time in our immediate surroundings. Conversations that enriched ME. Conversations that empowered my emotional, spiritual, physical and psychological wellbeing. Mamipikin Talks II was created to meet that need. Mamipikin talks is open to all women. Every woman should be doing some parenting at all times. You do not have to conceive to be a positive contributor to your society. As long as you are a woman we are looking forward to having you join us. This conference or "talk" is a judgement free zone. Join us in October to continue a movement that was birthed by the Nomamipikinleftbehind movement.

     When you attend Mamipikin Talks, my dream is that you leave empowered and ready to have these meaningful conversations in your own immediate community.
Lastly if you cant make it but know someone who could benefit from this, you can always pass the information on.

Registration closes soon, please click on this Link to REGISTER:
http://www.eventbrite.com/e/mamipikin-talks-tickets-2678292…

Thank you so much and May God bless you.
Up Close and personal day 1
Eurykah.

Back to school Tips from "Big compound"

We are ready to go back to school. The busiest time in my household is back to school week. All of sudden the kids have no clothes, shoes, socks, basically the kids have been living without any proper clothes. (Well according to my mommy radar). I know I cannot be the only mom with this same exact thoughts. So as I prepare I thought I will share my journey with you all. 3 of my children will be in elementary school this year. Take that in for a minute, with that said I absolutely need a plan that works efficiently. Remember that the plan and schedule must be realistic and it must work for both you and the kids. Do not place unrealistic expectations on yourself and the kids or those that that are part of your village. Create a schedule that is direct and easy to follow. Another important point is to make sure you are not over consumed by being a perfect parent that you miss the interesting part of parenting that involves children making mistakes and you both working on getting better daily. Talk to your children and village. Do well to let them understand that the schedule is to make life easy for YOU ALL.

Here with a sample handwritten schedule created by my sister Fri and I. Fri is an essential part of my village not just because she is an educator by profession but she is the support system I can trust and rely on  at any time. You cannot raise children without a village. (check out our older post on Support system http://nomamipikinleftbehind.blogspot.com/2014/09/support-system.html)

What to wear!!!  Most children do not wear school uniforms in the United states. Only a small percent of children get to wear uniforms to school. However if you are looking for a quick fix for that here with an idea from my sister Joy. Joy dresses up her children in Khaki bottoms and Polo shirts. There is a conversation held with the kids about school only clothes. She is able to keep them in what they understand as their school clothes/uniform. I thought that was pure genius.

Look at that.... :)

   I also have a method for school clothes that works for us. I pick out clothes for an entire week on the weekend. Everything including underwears and socks. We use this method and It works for me. You can try it as well. I always have a week of clothes out for the childen because as a parent you have to be prepared at all times. This method works for me. It saves us all time in the morning. This method can also work for a parent who works away from home during the morning school hours. 

You can find this organizer at walmart, target or kmart. 

Here with our school clothes for the week. 

    I found some great Khaki textured pants at target that may solve our holes in the knees problem. If you have kids you must be thinking and trying to solve the mystery of the holes in the knees. I bought these from target on a super sale. I would be able to give proper feedback on the knee situation in about a month. But from the texture they seemed pretty durable. 

  I have been getting my home ready as well. With 3 children in elementary my most important goal is getting them to read with love. I already have avid readers but as with everything in life we need to kick it up a notch. So we (the kids and I) are creating a new Library with age appropriate books. The project gets them excited about reading. With the help of my mother and siblings we are able to get a ton of books and activities that will keep them entertained POSITIVELY. Postitive entertainment is an absolute must.(Thats a post for later).

Library in progress... first shelf is up. 

This works for me and my household. Remember that you must make it work for you and your household. I will be sharing more tips as time goes on. Together we can raise fearless leaders. 

Kisses,

Empowering moment from our last Mamipikin talks event. Have You registered  for our October session yet? https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mamipikin-talks-ii-tickets-26782920436?aff=erelexpmlt

  Nomamipikinleftbehind translates to No mother will be left behind. The nomamipikinleftbehind brand is known for its sophistication and apt to inspire, empower, promote and equip the modern day woman with the necessary tools to savor life in all its splendor.

Eurykah Fon Ndumu.

Upcoming Event:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mamipikin-talks-ii-tickets-26782920436?aff=erelexpmlt

Setting Boundaries

     Setting boundaries and creating proper structure in your home isn’t a luxury; it is a priority for working mothers. Do not sacrifice  your sanity. Without boundaries and guardrails for how and with whom we invest our energy and time, it becomes very difficult to create any sort of harmony between work and home, and as a result our children are raised without proper discipline, structure and love. Boundaries are a must for mothers.

      Turn off the noise and you can hear God clearly in your life. Turn off the noise and you will realize that your children are raising themselves, turn off the noise and you will understand the importance of investing in your children rather than the newest trend, turn off the noise and you can save your teenager who is on drugs for attention, turn off the noise and you can pick up the fact that your children are being bullied, turn off the noise and you can create proper structure in your home. We cannot hear God amidst the garbage that we consume in today's world. Sometimes the noise includes  friendships, relationships, addictions, work, and even yourself. Turn off the noise in your life so you can hear God's divine purpose for you and your family. You must prioritize, get off the phone during the day, take time off social media, create a functional schedule for your home. Do not wing it. Your children are an added blessing and not a deterrent. We must stop using your children as an excuse for our gross disorganization, and poor choices. Not everyone should be invited into your personal space. Some people drain you, use you and abuse you. Your home is your safe space and sanctuary, do not abuse and misuse the blessing of raising a family.

   The real MVP is the woman who does not appear to have it all together  but one who can keep it real, on and off camera. She is the consistent, hardworking, creates structure at home and at work, and does not live to please an audience. She Knows her self worth and does not need an audience to make her feel good. She understands and implements boundaries and structure at home at all times. Setting boundaries and proper structure in your home isn’t a luxury; it is a priority for working mothers.

#Nomamipikinleftbehind

Kisses😘💛


    My goal is to promote a culture where women feel limitless while striving to become the best version of themselves."Mamipikin Talks" is one of many events that will be meeting that objective. This is a beautiful event powered by the #nomamipikinleftbehind brand.  A brand known for its sophistication and apt to inspire, empower, promote and equip the modern day woman/mother with the necessary tools to savor life in all its splendor. We would have the opportunity to discuss parenting styles, mandatory vacations, walking in your purpose, and a whole lot more.You only have this one life to live, do not use it like a dress rehearsal.
MAMIPIKINTALKS is open to all women. Together we can have meaningful conversations about the issues plaguing our community and encourage mothers to walk in their purpose.

For more about this event and to purchase tickets please click on link below.
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/mamipikin-talks-ii-tickets-
26782920436


Select photos from Mamipikin Talks previous event.

      

 

 For more photos click here;

 https://www.facebook.com/eurykah.fonndumu/media_setset=a.10208825827539714.1073741913.1134460004&type=3