Can't Even Think of a Catchy Title...

[raebates]

Kacey, I'll continue to keep all of this in prayer.

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Kacey, I'll continue to keep all of this in prayer.

Thanks, Rae! I'm getting ready to watch some TV- then off to bed. 4:00 am comes really early so I want to get a good sleep. We are going to shoot for 12 hours in the car tomorrow. It's a 20-22 hour trip depending on the weather- and it looks like we'll be hitting storms along the way.

Keep us in your prayers everyone... I promise to come back refreshed, recharged, rejuvinated, and rested!

I'll try to hop online to say hi during the night. I guess we have free internet access in our hotel room.

Talk to you all on Sunday some time. Keep us in your prayers for safe travel and limited to no rain. I'll miss you all for a few days!

 

[raebates]

I get up at 4:10 every morning. Trust me, I know how early it arrives. Have a safe trip!

 

[janetupnorth]

Thanks, Rae! I'm getting ready to watch some TV- then off to bed. 4:00 am comes really early so I want to get a good sleep. We are going to shoot for 12 hours in the car tomorrow. It's a 20-22 hour trip depending on the weather- and it looks like we'll be hitting storms along the way.

Keep us in your prayers everyone... I promise to come back refreshed, recharged, rejuvinated, and rested!

I'll try to hop online to say hi during the night. I guess we have free internet access in our hotel room.

Talk to you all on Sunday some time. Keep us in your prayers for safe travel and limited to no rain. I'll miss you all for a few days!

Have a safe and restful trip!!!! Enjoy!
You DO deserve a break after all you've been through no matter what your family says.

Personally, I can't believe your family is judging you getting away after dealing with such life changes. Learning what your sister and her daughter went through AND having them invade your house and supporting them not to mention the job changes is way more than most families can handle. You NEED to get away for some R&R.

 

[Kitchen Diva]

I get up at 4:10 every morning. Trust me, I know how early it arrives. Have a safe trip!

I always joked that Evil was behind the early hours...and since the 9th hour was 3:00 in the afternoon during biblical times, that makes 6:00 am the 1st hour, hence my thoughts on anything earlier than that is evil. LOL

By the way, I'm keeping your son in my prayers for his safe and wonderful bike ride home! I can't wait to hear all that God will reveal to him during his trek.

Try to sleep in tomorrow!

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Have a safe and restful trip!!!! Enjoy!
You DO deserve a break after all you've been through no matter what your family says.

Personally, I can't believe your family is judging you getting away after dealing with such life changes. Learning what your sister and her daughter went through AND having them invade your house and supporting them not to mention the job changes is way more than most families can handle. You NEED to get away for some R&R.

Thanks so much Janet. I must admit I thought I'd get lambasted for wanting to take some time away and get out of here. It's funny, DH told me he felt led to go and visit his kids, and I told him I was feeling the same thing- but I didn't want to tell him for fear that he'd find me insane for suggesting we take what little we have and go on a 9 day trip and sit at the beach!

It just so happens that his son will be down there too, so now they won't have to drive up to see us!

I agree that my parents are not looking at this from a rational point of view. They just took a trip to see my sister's brother in law- who is in prison for 2 counts of sexual crimes against a minor- he'll be there for a total of 20 years and has 10 years left. They've been witnessing to him for about 4 years now, and have gone to see him 2 years in a row, since his mother wants nothing to do with him- they've stepped in. Now we just learned what he did to get into prison when the news about what happened to my niece surfaced. DH did a search online and it told us what he did when you look up the prison.

My folks could have used that money to help us out and help my sister out- but they still felt they needed to go- and be there to show love to my sister's brother-in-law...well the same is true for DH and I- we feel we need to get away and reconnect as a couple- have some quiet time with God- and recharge our past dead batteries.

I told my sister that I felt a little taken advantage of by my folks because it's like we're being punished because we opened our house and checkbook to my sister and niece. I told my sister that if our folks would even bother to make the room for them, that DH and I would have sent them money every pay period to help out- and she's just my sister...it's like my mom feels that it's OUR job to provide for my sister no matter how dire our financial situation gets

I'm constantly getting screwed by my family- especially my mom, so I can't wait to get away and then move to NC SOON!!!

It means a lot to me that you "get-it" as to why we really need this trip!

Thanks for all the support guys and for your love and prayers. I really feel like I've found a group of friends here that I don't ever want to lose! Thanks much and enjoy your weekend guys. I'll be in touch by Monday at the latest!

Hugs-
Kacey

 

[raebates]

Kacey, I want you to know that I think you're doing exactly the right thing by putting your marriage and children as a top priority. Family is important, but that starts with your spouse and children.I learned a long time ago that people will criticize your decisions, no matter what. We can't live our lives according to what others think we should do. We would never do anything. And, of course, that would lead to a different type of criticism. Enjoy your trip. The issues, drama, and problems will be waiting for you when you return. You'll just be rested, relaxed, and refreshed enough to deal with them from a fresh perspective.

 

[janetupnorth]

Kacey, I want you to know that I think you're doing exactly the right thing by putting your marriage and children as a top priority. Family is important, but that starts with your spouse and children.

I learned a long time ago that people will criticize your decisions, no matter what. We can't live our lives according to what others think we should do. We would never do anything. And, of course, that would lead to a different type of criticism.

Enjoy your trip. The issues, drama, and problems will be waiting for you when you return. You'll just be rested, relaxed, and refreshed enough to deal with them from a fresh perspective.

Rae - we learned that fast too. We had a situation 5 years ago, where someone who DIDN'T support us at camp that lives in Racine, cornered my dad about the fact they heard we had a dog. They gave my dad an earful of how no missionary should have a dog because that is a waste of money. They didn't even care that I also worked, we have kids and want them to have a somewhat "normal" life. My dad finally got so irritated he basically told them to knock it off, he got the dog and pays for the food. (Wasn't 100% correct, but close...they gave us so much that technically they probably did pay for the food!). I feed our 2 dogs on $14/month ($10/month at that time). Wonder what they think of us now that dad died a few years ago...

Anyway, the point is, it was really none of their business, having the pets is an EDUCATION to my kids, a stability and normalcy in life and much, much more. This person wasn't providing any income in any way to us and shouldn't criticize anyway. At the time, we hadn't gone out to eat (except for McDonalds or Subway once or twice) in our 4 years of marriage at the time, I hadn't seen a movie in the theaters for 3 years. I didn't have cable or satellite only phone internet access, and much more. How else could we have skimped without spending money?!

That's partially why I do PC. I can tell people SPECIFICALLY that the money goes for my daughter's piano lessons and once in awhile a fun event for my kids.

So, go enjoy your vacation, relax and don't worry about the criticism...they obviously have something else going on in life if they have the need to cut you down.

 

[pampered.chris]

All I can say is WOW. I thought it was a tough time for me right now!!

Have a GREAT vacation. YOU deserve it!!

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Hi everyone! We made it safely over 800 miles today! We are in Lexington, KY! It is sooo pretty here! I'm all cleaned up and ready for bed. I hope all of you had a wonderful Saturday, and I'll chat with you later! Thanks for the support and prayers.Rae- what you said is so true, I guess I didn't think of looking at it that way- and I probably should have! You made me feel a little better.Talk to you later!

 

[dianevill]

Hey Kacey,

Glad your trip is going well. I just got caught up on this thread, and I'm so happy that you and your DH are able to get away for a bit. You REALLY deserve it.

Relax, have fun, and let the waves take your cares away for a little bit.

Still prayin' for ya!

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Thanks, Diane! We arrived here at Folly Beach, SC around 3:15 today...by dinner time we had tornado warnings for the Charleston area, and a tornado that touched down miles from where we were staying. A lot of guests were panicking, and DH and I needed to run into town to get some milk so we could eat our Cap'n Crunch for breakfast tomorrow. The lady at the front desk almost flipped out- She was like, you can't go outside, there are tornado's coming. I just looked at my husband and smiled. I went out to the car and pointed to the sky and told that storm front it had to go away in the name of Jesus, and that it was not allowed to come anywhere near this island or this hotel...5 minutes later the entire storm system was sitting in the middle of the ocean. It was like it was on land one minute coming for us, and the next minute it was gone...So now all is well here in SC. We drove into town and I mentioned that the storm sewers must be backed up because of all the standing water. He laughed at me and said, hon we are at sea level- they don't have sewers! LOLOkay, I suppose it's time to have a snack and hit the sack. There is no TV in the hotel room tonight because the storms and wind aren't allowing a satellite signal to come through, so I'll have to read or break out the chocolate body paint... Talk to you guys later tonight or tomorrow. I miss you guys. I know I'm talking to you now, but it isn't the same as being on my home computer!

 

[legacypc46]

Thank you so much for keeping us updated Kacey. I am amazed at your strength and humor. Enjoy the water, the time away, and each other.

 

[vwpamperedchef]

Hi Kacey! Thanks for checking in on your vacation! A tornado warning?? Sheesh it just keeps following you! I hope you can break the cycle while on vacation!

You and your DH certainly deserve the break...and time together.

Enjoy it!

 

[chefmeg]

hey miss diva, I just caught up on this thread~you and DH get that much needed couple time and enjoy each other

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT call your sister this week! God will help her deal with this and you can only do just so much for her.

You are in my prayers...keep us posted!

 

[flemings99]

Kacey-

My sister has recently gone throught a similar situation with abuse. I know how hard it can be on the extended family members.

I have two friends who used to work for women's shelters. They strongly suggested we contact a local women's shelter. You can search for them on-line. They will help with the legal aspects, housing, counseling and more.

Best wishes---

 

[Kitchen Diva]

I came here to play in the ocean!Hi everyone! Well, it was nice and sunny today, but pretty cool and VERY windy out. However I didn't drive 1300+ miles to NOT play in the ocean, so I took a deep breath and plunged into the nearest wave. I've pretty much had goosebumps on my entire body all day, but it has been worth it!

Tomorrow is supposed to be a bit colder, but no wind- so I should be able to go into the ocean and burn the parts of my body that the sun missed today. So much for waterproof sunscreen!

Today I collected a few more sea shells for my 4 year old niece. I called her today to tell her, and she squealed with delight. She didn't know what a sea shell was at first, after I showed her some online, she was excited to get some from the beach.

We took a nice walk along the beach tonight, and saw some sea urchins, and some dead jelly fish, and lots of holes in the sand blowing bubbles. I guess clams dig themselves deep down in the sand and there is an air hole I'm assuming for them to breathe... once the water goes over it, bubbles appear. It would have been fun to dig down and find a couple!

So the walk was nice, I got to pick some honey suckle (love the way that smells!)-

I think tomorrow we'll sit on the beach, and finish frying, then go into town and maybe get a pizza for supper.

How have all of you guys been? It's weird not to be able to sit in front of my computer and chat with you guys for a few hours each day- but I was able to relax today- and swallow quite a bit of sand...due to the wind. I fed the seagulls, and other ocean birds some Pringles. The sand got into the canister so I didn't want to waste them. DH calls them sea rats. I like watching birds, so I was having fun tossing them some chips and watching them run over to my chair.

Well, that's about it for my day. I'm going to take my progesterone and chill out and read the final Harry Potter book for a while. I normally read each book twice, so I'm on my second round with that book.

Have a great night everyone. I'll chat with you tomorrow!

 

[Kitchen Diva]

hey miss diva, I just caught up on this thread~you and DH get that much needed couple time and enjoy each other

DO NOT, I repeat, DO NOT call your sister this week! God will help her deal with this and you can only do just so much for her.

You are in my prayers...keep us posted!

Hi Chef Meg! How have you been? I have truly missed you... I wish you were able to be online more often! Hope all is well with you!

 

[chefmeg]

I miss chatting with you, too Kasey! SC is beautiful! We went to Hilton Head a few years ago and loved it. Last year was Myrtle Beach and loved it, too! I grew up near the Gulf Coast of Florida, so a beach has a certain picutre in my head. When my DH took me to the Outer Banks of NC, I thought he had lost his mind by calling it a beach! HH and MB were close to what I grew up with, so I can just picture what you are seein right now...and I am jealous!

We are doing OK~my Dad had his liver stints removed today and has chemo treatment #2 tomorrow, so please pray he doesn't have the complications he had last time(that was a huge setback). Business is slow, but most of that is by choice. I have 2 shows this weekend that I am really excited about. Looking toward June and trying to promote this recruiting incentive.

Enjoy your time alone with hubby and keep me posted on how things are progressing with your sister...remember, you can't make her do anything...she has to be able to take the horse by the reins herself.

 

[KellyTheChef]

Kacey...

It's been a while since I checked on this thread, and I am soooooooooo glad to see that you and DH are taking a break! Good luck with your resume writing and applying online while you are gone...and enjoy yourselves!

Love,
Kelly

 

[KellyTheChef]

BTW....just for you:






You know...so you don't worry!

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Meg, I will certainly keep your father in my prayers. Glad to know the Outer
Banks in NC are not my definition of a beach! We were going to check out NC instead of coming back to SC, but decided we should go and see the new grandson since we are out and about. Yes, I'm too young to be a grandma...it's a step-grandson.

Take care, and get moving on your promotion, will ya!

talk soon!

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Awww Kelly, how cool that you remembered! How are you feeling hon? I hope much better! The ocean was the best temp today but the waves were nasty! I got sucked under twice but managed to find the sand and pushed up to get some air...not my idea of fun, but at least I got that fear out of the way... LOLDear sister had an anonymous person donate a top christian lawyer to take her case, so he is hot on the trail of doing what needs to be done! We've been turning to this guy for advice for the past month, and out of the blue my Mom called my sister yesterday and said he'd been retained for her from an anonymous christian person. We don't know who it is, but boy are we thankful! Sister was down in the town where her new apartment is waiting, she's looking for a job. They won't let her move in until she has a job so she's down in a little town outside the even smaller town she'll be living in looking for work.Thanks for keeping us in your prayers. I'm off to chill out before we walk into town and have a pizza for supper. Tomorrow is our last day, and if we don't walk around downtown Charleston we'll be at the beach again. Friday we take off to see the step-daughter and grandson, spend the night somewhere close to them, and then head back to MN on Saturday.Talk to all of you later. I miss you all and wish I could chat more!

 

[janetupnorth]

Awww Kelly, how cool that you remembered! How are you feeling hon? I hope much better! The ocean was the best temp today but the waves were nasty! I got sucked under twice but managed to find the sand and pushed up to get some air...not my idea of fun, but at least I got that fear out of the way... LOLDear sister had an anonymous person donate a top christian lawyer to take her case, so he is hot on the trail of doing what needs to be done! We've been turning to this guy for advice for the past month, and out of the blue my Mom called my sister yesterday and said he'd been retained for her from an anonymous christian person. We don't know who it is, but boy are we thankful! Sister was down in the town where her new apartment is waiting, she's looking for a job. They won't let her move in until she has a job so she's down in a little town outside the even smaller town she'll be living in looking for work.Thanks for keeping us in your prayers. I'm off to chill out before we walk into town and have a pizza for supper. Tomorrow is our last day, and if we don't walk around downtown Charleston we'll be at the beach again. Friday we take off to see the step-daughter and grandson, spend the night somewhere close to them, and then head back to MN on Saturday.Talk to all of you later. I miss you all and wish I could chat more!

WHOHOO - doing virtual backflips for your sister!!!! How awesome!

 

[quiverfull7]

Allright y'all ... don't start a beach brawl... some of us Carolinians LOVE our outer banks! SO THANKFUL to hear your wonderful news Kacey!!!!!!!!

 

[Kitchen Diva]

Allright y'all ... don't start a beach brawl... some of us Carolinians LOVE our outer banks! SO THANKFUL to hear your wonderful news Kacey!!!!!!!!

Chef Meg started it! LOL

I think she was just saying that she is used to MILES of shoreline with an ocean you can jump in, swim in, and play in. The sand is nice and smooth (except for the seashells that wash on shore) and in her defense, I've been to some oceans that were really boring- barely any waves, no shore line and blah.


But I know you were just playing Diane. When we move to NC we hope to be able to be close to a major beach and want it to be something like Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head, or Folly Beach, here in SC. If it makes you feel better Diane, I like NC better as a whole... I had SOOOO much fun driving in the mountains when we first entered the state- man I should think about driving a race care for a living. DH was quite impressed with my mountain driving. I had a blast!!!

Well I'm off to chill out and try to get some of this water out of my ears from when I was pulled under. Talk to you all later!

 

[Kitchen Diva]

WHOHOO - doing virtual backflips for your sister!!!! How awesome!

Thanks, Janet- we are very happy as well.

How are things in your neck of the woods? Has the sun come out to visit you at all this week?

 

[vwpamperedchef]

Kacey!! I am so relived your sister has representation!! AMEN!

 

[raebates]

What wonderful news, Kacey! You'll all continue to be in my prayers.

 

[pampered.chris]

That is such GREAT news. I am smiling for you!!!

Enjoy your vacation.

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.