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Wowza! Our trip to the Carolina Smoky Mountains was not only a refreshing breeze but also a real eye-opener about life!
This was our FIRST family getaway since we launched our store. Sure, Kane whisked the kids away now and then, but never as a full squad! Sad, right? But hey, when you're juggling a small business, family vacays aren't always in the cards. Since November 2020, it’s been a wild ride! Finally, I said, “It’s time, and God’s got my back!” So, I booked it and prayed like crazy!
We landed in Maggie Valley, NC. The usual 10-hour trek felt like a familiar road trip until BAM! Those mountains popped into view, and I was left speechless! After soaking in the sights for about an hour, Kane asked me to take the wheel. I was pumped… until I hit the mountain roads! HOLY SMOKES! I was white-knuckling it for an hour, with the kids cheering me on, saying, “Mom, you got this! We believe in you!” Meanwhile, Kane looked like he was ready for a nap! When I finally pulled over, I thanked the heavens for surviving my mountain driving debut!
After conquering those winding roads, we arrived at our super cute cabin. And thank goodness for “BIG BERTHA” (our tundra diesel truck) because that driveway was a doozy! I won’t lie—I was gripping that “Oh Crap” handle like it was a lifeline! Haha!
Our adventure took us to Soco Falls, a real-life waterfall on my MUST-DO list! But of course, it was right off the side of a mountain and busy road. We parked a bit away and I kept whispering, “Dear God, keep us safe! Don’t let me trip!” When we finally made it, my heart was racing—I was practically nauseous! The hike down felt more like a climb, but I was determined! When we reached the overlook, I burst into tears. The kids were like, “Mom, why are you crying? We haven’t even watched a movie!” For those who don’t know me, I’m a total softie—I cry at commercials! So here I was, weeping over a waterfall because at 47.5 years old, I had NEVER seen one in person! It hit me hard—I need to start truly enjoying life and appreciating the beauty around us!
We’ve been grinding so hard for the past four years that we forgot how to live! Our business has been calling the shots, and that’s just not healthy. It was a lightbulb moment—things have GOT to change!
Our week as a family was a blast! We made memories, laughed, studied the Bible together, sat around the fire—NO WORK! This is the family time we should cherish!
We even explored the breathtaking Biltmore Home! I came back itching to redecorate my entire house—such amazing architecture and technology for its time!
I hiked for the first time, strolled through clouds, admired colorful leaves, saw ELK (OH MY GOSH, ELK!), and get this… I hopped on a horse! We took a 2.5-hour ride through the Smoky Mountains just to see another waterfall! I was terrified, clutching my horse, Mr. Bo, like he was a rollercoaster ride! I was sore for days from hugging him too tight… BUT TOTALLY WORTH IT!
Now that I'm back home, I’m doing some serious thinking. I adore what we’ve built with Cheesecake Cutie and the amazing people I’ve met along the way. But I refuse to let the store take over our lives anymore! My faith, marriage, and kids come first. I know some might not like it, but I can’t let anything suffer anymore. Because when the store is just a memory, it’s my family that will still be there!
It’s incredible what a simple vacation can do for the soul. We desperately needed this! I can’t wait for our next adventure and to embrace a healthier journey ahead!
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