This week...

...we spent our Saturday "Living the Mission" with our church by doing yard work for 2 single moms.  That was fun!!

...Rick and I got to pray alongside our Life Group for some members who are moving into their first home very soon.

...the kids have been in VBS.  That means a break for mom!!  Coffee date with a friend where I got a free frap for waiting in line so long.  Chick-fil-a date with another friend where I got a free sweet tea!

...I bought a new swimsuit.  I am still recovering from the trauma of that.

...I found 2 pairs of jeans at Goodwill for a total of $8.00.  Yay!

...we are getting ready for a trip to KY.  It feels weird to not be getting ready for a trip to Africa as well.  October, I am telling myself, October.

...both Lauren and Sam have had playdates with friends.

...I registered Laila for preschool.  Yes, I will have 2 1/2 hours to myself on Monday-Thursday during the next school year.  That sounds absolutely luxurious!!

...I am praying for a family who is approaching the one year mark with their adopted kids home and are needing God to work in their family.

...I am praying for several other families who are in various stages of the adoption process.

...Cody is doing his dog walking job each day.

...we are watching the seeds that were planted in Abby's garden poke through the ground and grow.  We ate cilantro from the garden on Monday!!

...we had a fun time last night chatting into the wee hours with a friend who is home for a visit.

...I am enjoying the summer weather.  Did I mention how much I love my air conditioners?

...Rick's vacation begins the minute he leaves work today!!!!  Ba-bam!

...I am less than one week away from turning 40 years old!!  That is a whole other level of trauma.  My hubby is taking me to the beach for a few days to recover!!

...I realize I use a lot of exclamation points in my blog posts!!

...I am not cooking again until after vacation!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Swaziland or Bust

I am excited to announce that Beyond Survival will be hosting its first official trip to Swaziland this October.  We are officially a non-profit organization and have been in the process of getting the foundation laid in order to continue doing work in this beautiful country.  Very soon we will be unveiling our new website and sharing how you can be involved.  For now, a team trip is in the works for October 5-15.  This trip will be open to anyone whether you live in Colorado Springs or not.  The approximate cost will be $3,600(we will know more once flights are secured).   More details will be shared as we finalize them.  If you have been before, or have considered going, this just may be the trip for you.  Let me know if you are interested so we can get the information to you as it develops.  This truly is a life changing opportunity to go and minister(actually you will be ministered to more than you can even imagine).  We have seen so many people's lives impacted throughout the last 5 years as we go and God uses the trip to change the course of their lives.  Others, have fallen in love with this small country in Africa and will never be the same.  If you want to be a part of this trip, start fundraising and saving up now!!

We would ask for your prayers as we begin the planning for this trip.

1.  Pray for God to bring those that He wants to go on this trip.

2.  Pray for the details to fall in place, especially good deals on flights/travel.

3.  Pray for the work that will be done.  We are currently defining the details of this trip and need God's direction.

4.  Rick will be leading the trip.  I would love to go and it is Abby's turn to go as well.  This girl is so ready to go to Africa, and we would love to take her this year.  Pray that the details would fall into place for that to work out(finances, childcare for our other children, etc.)

I will keep you posted as developments occur!!

I will leave you with a few pics from last year's trip.  I had tears in my eyes and felt such a tug in my heart as I looked through pics.  I can't tell you how this country has changed my life and stolen my heart!!

My favorite memory from last year's trip:

Praying over the children at the carepoint 

 Love, love, love how this little guy is holding onto Cody's pocket

 This is how we saw Lauren the whole time, surrounded by children

 Lovin' on the kiddos

Now, don't you want to go??

First Week of Summer

Our first week of summer had been filled with activity.  It started last Saturday with Abby's piano recital.  She did beautifully, as always.  I have never once had to make this girl practice piano.  She loves it and is completely motivated.

 That is her teacher in the picture with her.  I just love that woman.  She is such an example of living life to the fullest.  Not only has she overcome some pretty devastating circumstances in her life, but she is vibrant and active despite some health issues.  She has an amazing flower/herb/vegetable garden in her back yard.  I am not just talking a couple of raised beds.  I am talking beautiful flowers, arches, fountains,and pathways everywhere.  I didn't even know you could grow all of this stuff in CO.  Because of Abby's passion for gardening and her teacher's expertise, we volunteered Abby's time to help out with gardening chores.  Her teacher was so excited and not only wants her help, but is paying her for her work!  This is a perfect situation, not only does she get to learn from an amazing woman, she also gets to earn some money for her summer!!

We were blessed with an amazing gift on Sunday.  We were given this 4-wheeler as a hand-me-down from some dear friends.  I cannot even tell you how much excitement this has added to our house.  We have never had a battery operated vehicle.  This one is so cool because it is big enough for the bigger kids, too!

 Sam loves it so much he wanted me to take his picture kissing and hugging it!

 Each morning I call the kids together to do this devotional together.  They "love"(not really) hearing me sing the old hymn that says, "Jesus is calling, tenderly calling"each morning when it is time to gather for the start of our day.  I love having something to bring our day into focus!  I really love the adult version of this book, too.  It totally challenges me and ministers to my heart.

 Here is our summer list that we created.

On the left:  Fun Things To Do

On the Right:  Acts of Service

 I am looking forward to marking things off our list and making the summer about more than just our fun, but also serving others!

We did some butcher paper drawing on the patio.  They love this, and I love that it occupies them.  We are going to use that butcher paper for lots of different activities this summer.

 Isaiah insisted I get a picture of his "Big Whale" he drew.

 Do you remember me mentioning Isaiah's job of folding towels.  The boys is a great towel folder, but for some reason, he thinks he needs to make a different pile for each towel he has folded.  He was so proud of his work.

 My bedroom floor was covered in random towel piles.

I guess we need to work on that!

Speaking of jobs, I have 3 kids around here willing to work really hard this summer.  Cody is currently doing dog walking, but also likes to do yard work and car washing.  Lauren is a great babysitter, and she and Abby are both great house cleaners.  If you need help, just let us know.  They would love the opportunity to earn some extra spending money and the experience that comes with a job.

The kids have been having late bedtimes now that school is out.  I found Sam like this on his floor one night this week.  He just couldn't make it to his bed. 

Late bedtimes, means later mornings.  That is probably my favorite thing about summer.  I am loving sleeping in.  Summer is my favorite time of year!!

Truth Week

This week, we are having "Truth Week" in our house a.k.a. Behavior Boot Camp(this is what I call it, but we thought that might not be an encouraging way to address the issues going on around here.)

We are using the concept of wise people vs. foolish people vs. evil people found in chapter 7 of the book "Necessary Endings" by Henry Cloud.

The interactions in this house have been less than stellar over the last month.  I have been grieved by the way that the kids are treating each other as well as how they are responding to our correction and instruction.  I knew that heading into the summer, with lots of "together time" ahead, we would need some realigning of sorts in order to survive.  This birthed the idea in my mind of "Behavior Boot Camp."  Rick, being the grace-filled leader that he is, decided we should focus on rewarding rather than punishing.    That pretty much goes against every fiber of my justice/black and white being, but in my heart I know he is right.  We will accomplish so much more with grace than with shame and by focusing on the right behaviors rather than constantly giving all of our attention to the negative ones.  Don't get me wrong, negative behavior is still addressed, just not held over their heads as a constant reminder of their mistakes. After many heated discussions of our own, Rick has really helped me to see that I need to anticipate and expect them to make the bad choice.  They are selfish little beings and only through years of training and maturity will begin to change their decisions.

Here is the gist of the wise/foolish/evil concept:  (There are many Scripture verses that address this issue, especially in Proverbs.)
1.  A wise person listens to correction, considers it and makes changes accordingly.  He is teachable.
2.  A foolish person, when corrected, becomes defensive, acts like a victim, and tries to blame others.
3.  An evil person acts with the intent to do harm to others.

Each one of us acts in all of these ways at various times.  My goal is to make them aware of these reactions and hopefully guide them to choose wisely more often than not.

This is how it looks:
~I have compiled about 2 pages of Scripture verses that we are using this week.  They address wisdom, foolishness, evil, selfishness, love, the words that come out of our mouths, arguing, complaining, etc.
 
~On Saturday, we had a discussion at dinner.  We explained the concept of wish/foolish/evil actions and people.  We explained that throughout this week, we would be looking for actions that were wise and also that were loving and kind amongst them.  When those actions were genuine, they would be rewarded with money(yes, we are not afraid of bribery).  We want to reinforce the positive that we see going on in this house.

~Each morning, I have been gathering the kids together to discuss a different aspect of the wise/foolish/evil actions and people concept.  I am using Scripture and the information from the book to teach them.

~Every time I encounter a discipline issue, we talk about how they are acting(wise, foolish, evil) and try to course correct right away.  I am pulling out those Scriptures with the situations where they fit.  It is very time consuming, but I basically entered this week with the idea that most of my time would be devoted to training.

~The really fun part is being able to give out some dollars as rewards when I see one of the kids make a wise choice or choose to be kind and loving.

I feel like this week will set the tone for our whole summer.  I also believe I will be able to refer back to the lessons of this week for a long time.  I can't think of a better thing to instill in them at such a young age than the ideas of being wise in how they live, how they respond to the correction of others and how they treat those around them.

It has also been a really good exercise for me as well.  When I am holding 6 little people accountable to these standards, it really ups the ante on me.  I have 6 people to then hold me accountable for how I act and respond not only to them, but to others.  They are very observant and will call me out when they see that I am not practicing what I preach.

Constellation Dollars

As a celebration of the end of school and a reward for the kids' accomplishments this year, we took them out on Friday for a special treat.  When we got in the truck, I gave them a clue to figure out where we were going.  The clue:  Constellation Dollars.  Can you guess what that is?  It was so funny to hear their responses, "star money," "planet money," the planetarium, the museum.   Abby finally guessed it.  Of course, the right answer is:  Starbucks!  They were allowed to order any size drink of their choice.  Let me just say, that is a big deal in this fam.  We have NEVER given them the opportunity to order without restrictions. 

The place was pretty full when we got there.  We thought going at 1:30 in the afternoon would mean a pretty quiet place.  Not so.  The funny thing is, when we came in and sat down, the place cleared out pretty quick.  I guess six children doesn't really lend itself to the Starbuck's experience for most people.  I feel like Starbucks should give Rick and me some free stuff.  We are fostering 6 future customers for them!

We spent our time congratulating each of them for their accomplishments of the year.  Some even had goals that they set for themselves that they met:

Cody ordered a Grande Caramel Frap

 He completed his first year of middle school with flying colors.  His school really steps up the work in middle school.  He did his own work with very little input from us.  He completed the Science Fair.  He worked really hard to bring up one of his grades this last semester.  He also did his first school sport, wrestling.  Good job, Cody.

Lauren ordered a Venti Mocha Cookie Crumble Frap 

 Lauren really wanted to get all A's for the last 2 quarters of the year.  She reached her goal!  She also had many projects this year that she was able to complete on her own.  She was recognized for her encouraging spirit and devotion by her teacher.  Lauren, you rock!

Abby ordered a Venti Caramel Frap

 This girl is so tough.  She has endured headaches almost daily throughout the year and still managed to get all A's.  She was a huge help to her teacher and also often assisted her classmates when they were struggling to stay organized or grasp a specific concept.  Way to go, Abby!

Sam ordered a Venti Strawberry and Cream Frap

 This handsome fella set a goal to not go to the principal's office all year long.  He has had some visits each year of his school career for various infractions.  HE DID IT!  He was able to use self-control this year and stay out of the principal's office.  He also received a strong character grade for honesty, an area where he struggles.  I am not sure what his other grades are because he lost his report card.  Oh, well.  Sam, I am so proud of you and the effort you put into your character this year!

Isaiah chose a Naked Orange Juice

 This boy has captured the hearts of each of his teachers and classmates.  He can tell you the number of syllables in any phrase.  That is his trick that he likes to show off right now.  He also has worked really hard on learning what it means to submit to authority and conform to a group setting where he is not always the center of attention.  I have seen progress.  Isaiah, keep up the good work!

Laila chose an Izzy Clementine Soda

 Laila was in Mommy's school this year and the main subject was "naptime."  She has mastered that skill.  She is the best, most cheerful napper in the family.  She also perfected her skills in assisting mom in shopping.  You are too cute, for words, Laila.  What a bright ray of sunshine you are in my life!

My crew

 Our drinks

I think this might just become an out-of-school tradition!!  Of course, that Starbucks will never be the same!

The Monkeys Are Out

I have 5 backpacks, 5 stacks of art work, 5 stacks of school supplies, 4 sets of school uniforms, 4 lunch boxes, and many other random items cluttering my house.  School is out.  The teachers let the monkeys out.  6 of them will be at my house this summer.  All. Day. Every. Day.

Isaiah got out of school a week ago.  The 4 bid kids got out on Thursday.  Isaiah and Laila and I showed up at school the last hour of their day in order to enjoy their end-of-school activities and help them say their goodbyes.  

Abby's class got to clean their desks and have some fun at the same time

Sam with his class picture

Signing cups to take home for the summer

Lauren's class made autograph books

Her teacher cried when she gave her the character award of Devotion.

Her teacher is moving away and there were many tears.

Isaiah and Laila got in on some of the treat action.

Isaiah is refusing to look at the camera, grumpy!

This was Isaiah's saint a of a teacher, Ms. Marilyn 

She loved him and also challenged his challenging behaviors.

 Ms. Ileana

Can you tell how much he worked his way into her heart?

I don't have any pictures of Cody.  He would have been appalled if I showed up at his school on the last day with a camera.  They got to have a picnic at the park and came back to school for a giant dodge ball competition and movie time.

I can't believe that next year, I will have a Preschooler, Kindergartener, 3rd grader, 4th grader, 6th grader, and 8th grader.  For now, I must tackle the piles of school stuff in my house and come up with our summer activities.  These monkeys get in too much trouble left to their own devices.

Big Stuff!

One month from tomorrow, this chick will be 4 years old.  That is big stuff in our house.  From a 9 month old little grumpy muffin to this vibrant young lady(this is the pose she came up with on her own). 

She is supposed to get her first friend party at 4, but after much stress over themes and whether or not her friends would be in town, she just broke down and said, "I just want to go swimming with my family!"  So, that is what we will do.  We are planning a day at Pirate's Cove for her bday.  Her little introverted self was just too overwhelmed with all that party planning.

When you turn 4 in the Clapp family, you get new responsibilities, new privileges, and you start earning allowance.   I gave Laila her first official responsibility today that she will take on as her own.  Don't get me wrong, she has done jobs before, but this one is all hers all the time.  May I introduce you to the "Toilet Paper Lady":

 Laila is now responsible to make sure each bathroom is fully stocked with toilet paper.  She was so cute walking around the house with her rolls of toilet paper today.  I think she is going to do a great job!

This chick has come a long way.  I caught her talking to strangers at Chick-fil-a today.  For some that might bring alarm to you, but let me say for the first 2 years, she would barely talk to anyone outside of our family.  For her to come out of her shell and actually speak without being prompted is a huge deal.

Over the weekend we got down the Big Girl Barbie bike for her.  She has been eyeing that thing for months waiting until she would be old enough to ride it.  She was so excited and just had to have her picture made.

How in the world did my baby grow up so fast???