Hey, you Darling Siestas! Just a really quick post this morning. I bet a ton of you are on Spring Break this week. What are you guys doing for it?
The Houston schools are all out this week and we were supposed to have a week off from Bible study but remember that Tuesday night when I told you the whole city shut down over 17 flakes? Well, tonight’s our make-up week so that we can end on schedule. That’s fine with me though. I trust that God is going to bring us a neat group tonight even if it’s a small group.
CJ and AJ and the kids are at a high school camp right now in East Texas where he’s teaching and she’s…well…trying to entertain two small children during the day and trying to get them both to sleep at night in the same small room as their parents. The first night was pretty challenging because Annabeth is old enough to stand up in the pack-n-play and scream bloody murder for her mommy – three feet away from her – to come rescue her. And, about the time she gets quiet, Jackson is big enough to blurt out with things like, “Did Annabeff finally go to sleep?” and rouse her up again. He’s a party animal like his Bibby and LOVES all of them sleeping in the same room.
But, the Jones are troopers and, after all, the week is filled with so many fun things. Amanda is with one of her very best buddies from the Dallas-Fort Worth area where they served for several years. I was so happy for the Jones to move back to Houston but so sad to see AJ leave some of the best friends she’d ever made. For moms, I don’t know if there’s any replacing the friends you had when you all started your families. Several of those friends are still in my life and we talk about those days all the time. I will hear many good Janelle and Ella stories when the Jones get home. Janelle is one of Amanda’s BFFs and her darling Ella was born within the same few days as Jackson and in the same hospital so she is really special to us. She also made us want a little girl the second time around in the worst way.
Melissa is working like a mad woman on her thesis and her other classes this semester so she can be finished with this second Masters in May. I don’t even have to tell you that she’s chasing her tail. She’s coming in town this weekend for a wedding and I have to work over part of it but I’ll still enjoy her like crazy when we get to be together.
Good grief! I’ve got to get off of here. My handout for tonight is not finished. I just wanted to say good morning to you guys and see who was doing something out of the ordinary for Spring Break. Finances are tight this year so many of our Siestas are probably trying to get pretty creative on Stay-cations. Give each other some great ideas!
PS. For those of you who followed the comments to the last post, did you see that the young mom who collapsed into the coma has awakened and talked some? Praise You, Lord! Raise her up a living, breathing, walking, talking MIRACLE!
Real Simple 
Have a great spring break. i live in a spring break city (Sarasota Fl) and it is crazy here for the next 3 wks. but thankful for the boost in the economy. So our spring break is here, blessed. Have a great spring! Easter is coming…God is ALIVE! thanks for all your encouraging words.
Theresa
50 something
Married
Alabama
Staying put right here in Sylacauga, Alabama. I will probably sneak a much needed trip to see my precious Granddaughter…thank goodness she's only an hour or so away. I just finished knitting her a little suntop and Heaven knows I need to get it to her, even though it's 55 degrees and cloudy…Spring, where are you?!
I've been laid off for almost 12 months, my 'stayvacation' is the balcony, a good book, THE Good Book AND letting myself sleep in.
Spring Break for us…well, my 2 boys (ages 3 & 10) decided they wanted to spend the week with Grammy & PawPaw. And then we have the opportunity to watch a little 5-month old boy, so his parents could join our church's mission trip to Mexico. So we are doing "home missions" by watching the baby while my boys are gone. Never a quiet moment in the Beechem home!
I am reading Beth's new book, "So Long Insecurity" for my Spring Break Stay-Cation. I can't put it down. Girlfriends, this is a must read!! I'm only on the 5th chapter and God is already using it to bring major healing in my life. Just knowing that Beth Moore struggles with this thing too. WoW!! In the first few pages she describes an experience having to do with rattlesnakes that is almost exactly like a moment I had last summer. In fact I blogged about it at…. http://www.kelli-kelliscorner.org/search/label/Facing%20Fears–%20Snakes
She writes, "I got a dichotomous glimpse of myself while trudging down a rocky path, dodging thorns. I had my headphones on and my ipod blaring. My left hand, complete with wedding ring and fresh manicure, was up in the air, praising God, and my right hand was down by my side, gripping a shotgun. I know how to load it. I know how to use it. I grinned, shook my head, and thought to myself, how on earth did this happen?" All I can say is YOU GO GIRL. Thanks for allowing God to use your ministry to speak straight to my heart through this amazing book!!
As a university professor off on Spring Break this week I am simply enjoying the break in the ridiculous pace of it all:) In WI the weather is just gorgeous right now 50-60's all week with a nice breeze. Praise You Lord for Spring! Just takin a break, enjoying life and being His daughter!
Blessings to y'all at LPM!!! So love you all!
this is my husband's spring break, and mine is in 2 weeks. he is driving 8 hours to SC to take an oral comprehensive final, his next to last step before graduating with his doctorate in music. i'm so proud of him and i am praying he passes his exam so that we have lots to celebrate on his return on friday! prayers appreciated!!!
I am THRILLED! God is allowing me to use my spring break to go to Brazil and minister and love on the people of the area. I have 19 hours this semester and so sick of school, so this is a a huge blessing. If my fellow siestas wouldn't mind keeping family of 6 in their prayers I would love it. Hubby will be staying stateside and keeping the house running while I am out living Matthew 28!
Beth I will be taking SlI with me!
We are doing school over this Spring Break!! Heh-heh… crazy homeschoolers. 😉
I always take off at a different time than the school's S.B. so that we can avoid the crowds.
We kicked off Spring Break with a youth activity (Guys went on a camp-out in Centerville and Girls had a lock-in at Student Ministry Building). So, Larry and I came home sleep deprived, but were greeted by our exhausted sitter and 4 refreshed and super-excited boys.
The rest of the week is for our family! Larry still has to work at the church throughout the week. However, we have planned lots of fun stuff and places to go. One of our guys' favorites is Battleship Texas on the way home from Kemah. Of course, Larry loves it also!
I live in Panama City Beach, FL – AKA spring break capitol of the USA. We experience spring brak for a good strong 6 weeks hre every year. We try to stay in as much as possible until it is all over!!!
Oh, and I meant to say that I've been there, done that with the whole pack-n-play/hotel scenario! Bless her sweet sleep-deprived heart!!
In my province school finishes later in the year so we have a 2 week spring break we are in the middle of right now. We are a stay-cation family, so to spice things up we are:
– using the digital camera everday and making a photo album of everyday trips (going to the bookstore, the park etc)
– Spring cleaning where everyone has a job, keeping track of progress on a big chart and having a pizza party at the end followed by sundaes. The more stars on your chart the more toppings you get
– emailing/snailmailing one friend or family member per day to tell them how much we love them
– we did a 2 week menu plan together and are letting the kids help even more with supper, the 8, 10, 11 year olds are coooking almost the whole meal on their nights
That's some of the things we are doing. I work from home, so the kids still need to entertain themselves a fair bit. Since we don't have tv or a childrens computer, they should finish a lot of books, and play outside until the backyard grass is set back by a months worth of growth. 🙂
Staycation? Never heard of that! But it's just what we did this year – and our three kids had fun learning to snowboard right out our back door down a distinctly steep hill and out onto the frozen lake ("Mom! It's SO much fun!!)
Hearing that Jackson calls Annabeth, "Annabeff" just cracked me up and reminded me of what my oldest (4 years old at the time) would call his little siblings. Two year old Noah was "Oah" and baby Lily was "Wiwly" and he was "Bobaz" – when in truth it's Boaz.
Oh. Those were happy days and sleepless nights! Amanda, you have my thoughts and prayers this week!
One day they'll be out back snowboarding (…well, maybe not in Houston) and you'll be wondering where the time went!
Warm in "Awaska".
It's Orange Beach, AL for me & my crew. Too cold for the beach here this time of year, but so awesome to see the ocean & just be together!
Wylie
I bought tix for our family to go to the big rodeo in Montgomery, but I got the dates confused and we missed. I felt horrible. My husband took the que that I am overbooked
Our spring break hasn't started yet, but we will be heading to Oregon for my brother's wedding. I have to work over spring break, but have the luxury of taking my job with me. So my four boys will spend their break playing with their Papa and their uncle while I work. I'm going to get to see all of my grandparents, so it will be great!
My little girls, 4 and 5, are home this week from their 3 days a week preschool because of spring break. At first, I'll be honest, I was dreading it a bit, because my husband has had a huge work load and I have been doing all the parenting. BUT we have had the best time together. Hanging in our pajamas, making pancakes, making a cake for my husband, watching Barbie movies together and playing with playdoh. I love them so much. I am so thankful for this time with them. Praise God for my little girls!!!!
Have to share the good news before I bust … my precious son and daughter-in-love are having a baby girl!!! I have always wanted to be a grandmama … and having a granddaughter … makes me cry with joy! Our other son told his brother that he did not have to worry about coming up with a name … just call her Princess! 🙂 I have been pondering all your precious times with Jackson and Annabeth … can't wait until she is big enough to dance!
Having "Spring Break at Mimi's"!! My oldest two daughters and 5 grandchildren are here for several days. My baby girl had her first baby 2 weeks ago..so we are missing them this year, but so very thankful for baby Silas' arrival and that he is healthy and they are doing great! Loved being awaken this morning to cries for a bottle from 10 month old Wesley and being able to give it to him and let his mom sleep. Got him back down and layed back down myself and then had my 2 year old and 5 year old come crawl in with me… nothing better! Enjoying very minute until my house goes back to an empty nest later this week!
lots of love,
Martha in MS
Here in our neck of the woods the school kids have lost some of their spring break days due to this years more than expected snow.
I too remember the pack-and-play days. My baby girl, who is now 8, did the exact same thing as Annabeth. You would have thought that thing was a midieval torture device!!!
Hi Beth, It's so great to read about Amanda's camp adventures with little ones in tow. It made me smile because I think we've all been there 🙂 Please keep me in your prayers this week. While my daughter is on a mission trip for her spring break, I'll be having tests done for similar problems for what you just went through. Please pray that all will be benign and that God will give me many more years of mothering. Please know too that I am at peace, for Jesus has walked me through many hardships in life and He is my everything! Wish I could be at your Bible study tonight, but I'm enjoying beautiful sunny skies in Atlanta. I have my spiral close in hand, and I'll always remember my Siesta time at your home church in January.
With love,
My man and I will have a "normal" work week, but we will get a taste of an empty nest as our 2 "chicks" are going on a mission trip to Mississippi. Our Spring break is March 26-April 2. It will be a lot quieter, but I think we will survive. Have a great time at Bible study tonight!
Joan
Portage, MI
*Had to post anonymously because my password isn't working anymore. I'm trying to figure out the problem, so hopefully I can post my answers to the SLI post soon.*
Good morning! 🙂
My kids aren't on spring break until the week following Easter–it's just how they do it here in Michigan! Although, I am a college student as well, and my spring break was last week! I spent the week running my three children where they needed to be and just spending time with them because I'm usually studying when I'm not working. (Life is a little crazy right now…but I counted the cost of it all when I decided to become a college student in my late 30's.)
My husband was in NYC on business all week last week, and it worked out splendidly because I was home! God is good.
I am looking forward to seeing you in Atlanta next month! I'm meeting up with some of my most special siestas who've become my dearest friends. I have three major papers to write before then, so it'll be extremely busy until then!
Enjoy your home girls tonight!
Much love,
Teri
Romeo, MI
Sweet Beth – once again, your timing is amazing. Because, I actually have a little prayer request that may involve spring break.
See, my little family and I are renting a house. The house has, let's say, moisture issues. And NOW the house has mold. Needless to say we cannot stay here and are on the hunt for a new house to rent.
The possibility of a move is already causing anxiety for my sweet 6yo daughter. She is high functioning autistic and is not a fan of change in any form. However, relocating her HOME is not just any change.
Please pray that A: we are able to find a home to rent where she will not have to change schools, and B: we can find it soon. Our goal (this is the part that involves Spring Break) was to move over that week so she would have time to settle in and get comfortable before going back to school. Spring Break is just a few short weeks away now, so we are getting anxious. Plus, our lease here is up at the end of April.
I know this was long, thank you for your patience and thank you for your prayers!
XOXOXOXO
Becky Jo
Howdy=)
Hanging here in Dallas with the kids this week…I've got a birthday in the house and we will celebrate that with excitement…My oldest is 12, how did he get that old?
We are going to see the tabernacle exhibit here in town on Friday, so that will be a highlight!
That same day I may go to a certain person's book signing with my kids *wink wink* They will love it!
Tonight though I lead the Daniel study, we are on week 8! There is a lady in there *non-believer* who is seeking to find who God is…she has done ever bit of homework! I mean Daniel is hard for a believer who has years of learning, she is doing it though! We just found out that she meets with Jehovah's Witnesses as well, we are praying the Truth be evident!!
Hope you have a wonderful study tonight!
Tiffany
No Spring Break for us. I'm homeschooling our 16 year old daughter, and her choice(emphasis HER choice)was to work through the break so she can finish her school year early! *sigh*
Going to the BEACH! Two girlfriends and I are renting a house at Fort Morgan, AL and I am taking my two black labs with us. The sight and sound of the ocean is so soothing and gives me catharsis time, since losing my husband last August. The three of us are in an Emmaus reunion group and get together regularly to talk and munch and share a glass of wine (yes, really) and pray. I have also been caregiving for my 86-year-old-mom for the last two months, so I am looking forward to relaxing, taking long walks with the dogs on the beach and hearing what the Lord has to say to me in this time.
Prais the LORD for the miracle of that woman for her family!!!!!!!!!
Spring Break is kind of wasted on me even though I am in Jr. College. I work full -time so my stay-cation is here. Although, with the time change and the rediculous weather…I get to walk the beach at 6pm (unheard of in the fall) and watch the sun glitter on the waves, like silver frosting. I am not much of a beach person, but I have to say, when you stare out at the open water and the sun and clouds dancing around it naturally, it takes my breath away. GOD's creation is just, well that…GOD's CREATION!
And man, is HE an artist! I couldn't help but spill a few tears the other night. Just stunns me!
Have a great week everyone <><
Siesta OC
My family (husband, 26 year old daughter and her boyfriend of over a year, son 13 and son 11) and I will all be diving in Cozumel.This is such a blessed answere to prayer. I booked this trip late in August just prior to going to jail for the following 4 months for DUI charges. GOD's GRACE is so much more than sufficiant as HE has held us all and grown us in such amazing ways. Thank you Beth for your willingness to share your story to help GOD set the captives FREE! My family and I will be celebrating our spiritual freedom while enjoying GOD's beauty under the surface… going DEEPER STILL!
Spring break doesn't come for another 2 weeks! But the weather here in CA feels like spring break should be now! 😉 We will be doing day trips during spring break to the zoo, Sea World (free tickets), local kid muesems, sledding in the snow, etc. Have a relaxing and rejuvenating vacation everyone! 🙂
I have one child on break this week. She is attending the local college as well as finishing home school high school. Our home school will take a break at Easter because this PW has a lot to do around that week. All that to say the two still at home are doing some school this week. My two oldest are away at college and neither has break now. About the only thing different this week is the high school senior/college student turned 18 today. Hubby and I were reflected on her birth and grateful for her. Please pray for that sweet girl she's got a migraine today. (What a crummy way to spend a birthday.)
Kim B. in AZ
just had to say how thankful I am for this blog..it cheers me on some days! I love these women, knowing that I have never met them, but am related because of our Abba Father! I praise you Jesus for these little things!
ALL because of HIM!
Aimee
Our spring break is next week, so I am trying to control 21 3rd graders during the day and keep up at home during the evenings. My husband just started a new job with crazy hours and varying days off, so I am feeling the stress. I am trusting the Father that this is a good thing for our family!
Since finances are tight, we will stay home for most of spring break. March 26-27 I am taking our daughter and youngest son to Plainview, TX, so she can register for fall classes. She turns 18 while we are there!! Barlowe Girls will be in concert on Friday night and the kids are excited. It won't be a family outing, since our middle son and our dad will stay home and work.
I was on Spring Break last week, and it actually felt kind of spring-y which was nice considering that we've had just about as much snow as anybody this far south can stand.
We actually ended up going on an overnight trip so a family member could see some out of town doctors. That doesn't sound like much fun, except that actually it kind of was. You know you're in need of a vacation when two doctors' appointments and a night in the Holiday Inn totally make your week!
P.S. Tomorrow is St. Patrick's Day!
Hey Connie and all you others, my daughter will be having her wisdom teeth are being pulled during our spring break the week of March 29th. PLEASE PRAY FOR HER. She has high functioning autism and is so anxious now and we still have two weeks of wait time. Also getting our taxes done the same week. What was I thinking? Well relaxing in the sun and getting some great bible study time in here in Wyoming life is so good.
My three…. are breaking Spring in all different directions! (Shouldn't it be a family thing???) ~~~smile~~~ While I am at home breaking Spring in Genesis. I'm on my own journey traveling with Abram and Sarai at the moment. We've just left Egypt to get back to the promised land where we should be. Thus far, it's been an interesting road that we've traveled. Hmmmm….. makes you wonder where all that we wander when our stomachs are famished?! Right now my stomach wants unneeded food…. my legs are ansty to move toward the kitchen… where surely God has spoken to me earlier and told me, 'Sharon, you need to GET THEE OUT of that fridge and fill your hunger with the manna of My Word instead of that fattening thing that surely won't satisfy you!'
I love how the Lord still speaks… and even sometimes with humor!
🙂
Were on staycation this week!! My husband took the week off too, and we are thrilled to have NOTHING to do!!
OK… My girls just treated their brother to their "spa". Ahem…. This should be good. 🙂
Hi Beth,
It is indeed Spring Break. This year I have been studying away from the convent and so I got to COME HOME (to the convent) for Spring Break. My heart is happy!
Blessings in abundance,
Sister Lynn
I'll be praying for you, Becky Jo, that you can find the perfect house during spring break to help your daughter adjust before returning to school.
Our break is two weeks away. Probably staying home, since my husband doesn't have a steady job as of Feb. and paychecks are sporadic. It's hard to plan but God is providing for our needs! I have loved seeing everyone's plans!
Love, Karen in Yorba Linda, CA
We will be spending our spring break (week after Easter) at my mom's in Savannah. Can't wait to feel the sand on my toes at beautiful Tybee Island!!
Beth, can't wait until you come here to Atlanta. I am still looking for tickets if anyone has a couple of extra!!
Many Blessings,
Lori
Stay-cation for us, but being in the ministry that can be tough (I keep telling hubbie he doesn't have to answer the cell, if it's an emergency they can leave a message & he can get right back to them!). We finally took the Christmas mini flag off the stand in the front yard & the "Let it Snow" wreath off the front door – major accomplishments, ha ha.
Movie watching, game playing, some long-put off household chores…but the important part is we'll do it TOGETHER!
Lisa
Wanted to write to you, Beth, just wasn't sure where to send a letter. Finished the "Esther" Bible Study today and heard something in the DVD lesson that I so desperately needed to hear. It meant the world to me during a difficult time.
Thank you so much. God Bless.
Out here in Ca we don't have break yet. Starts on Good Friday. I'm on staff with the high school ministry at my large church. We're taking over 200 high schoolers to Mexico to build houses for poor pastors and work with children in orphanages. I'm going to be leading some girls sessions for our high schoolers. I will be teaching Beeaking Free, actually. Right there in the dirt of Mexico while camping!! So stoked!
I'm a homeschooling mama of 5 girls and last week was our spring break. I spent it finishing up painting a bedroom that will be for hubby and me. Then Sunday, hubby left for Romania with a group of men from our church to help complete a project at our sister church in Pitesti (about an hour west of Bucharest). The team will be installing a brick paver patio and retaining wall in the backyard of the church. Hubby will be home 3/24. It's a long 10 days without him, but I'm so excited that he went and he is too. Now if I can keep it together until he comes home. When he's gone, I miss the second pair of hands and the help that he is to me.
Gotta get back to our lessons.
Have a great day Siestas!
Mary Lou
I'm doing the SLI study with some friends and we meet once a week to go over our answers so I'm thinking since we've got the kids this week we should sack lunch it & go to the park. We're also going to take them to the movies. I have to say I am soooo glad spring break came right after the time change this year!!
I made the big trip south from Kansas to Texas. I have an inkling to jump through the shower and head to Houston for Bible Study. It would be too close though to make it. So I will hang out with my sweet sister and darling niece and nephew here in Rockwall.
Just finished chapter 9 last night. Very powerful. Need to carve some Bible Study time though it is hard with a 7 and 8 year old begging for time with you.
Enjoy this week if you have it off.
Jan
I'll be sitting at home resting in the Lord and His love for us all. I'd like to go somewhere but for now this will do. 🙂 Stay blessed!
Well, we just made last minute plans to drive to Houston to come to Bible Study!!! I am so excited! My dad has agreed to watch my sweet kids, so my mom and I are driving from Round Rock! We have always wanted to come, but it has never worked out so this is exciting! Can't wait!
Life is crazy Beautiful – I loved your comment…the Christmas stuff coming down in March was great. I just smiled knowing there are those in ministry who for-go their house's esthetic for the LORD. For crying out loud, you keep your Christmas stuff up and do the LORD's will.
Bless you <><
Siesta OC