So when I started my online business several years ago, one of my goals was to take a vacation every year, mainly because I went so many years without one.

Well, during the first few years, there wasn't enough extra income since I was re-investing sooooo much in my online business education.

Then things started going so well that I didn't have time to take a break.

When I realized my business model wasn't lining up with my goals, I decided to systematize it and learn how to outsource.

So finally we've gotten to the place where I can leave for a week, call into our Branch Office in California (that's Denise's house) to see how things are going and not worry about how everyone will possibly get along without me.

(In fact, I've found that things usually run better when I'm gone!)

So let me tell you about what we did in 2008.

One day last year, I suddenly looked at 3 of these kids who are all taller than I am and realized they don't know anything about snow and winter sports.

So at the end of February, I took my 5 youngest kids to Gatlinburg, TN to spend the week skiing and doing Winter Stuff.

They LOVED it!

We also went to the Dixie Stampede because I wanted my musicians to hear some great bluegrass and my 10 yo Horselover (check out her drawings at www.RateMyDrawings.com) to experience a cool dinner theater with horses.

They LOVED it!

We also toured the Gatlinburg Aquarium.

They LOVED it!

We also visited the Biltmore House in NC - the largest house in America - and really enjoyed the audio tour. Yes, I paid extra to get a headset for all 5 kids plus me.

They LOVED it!

We also sat in the outdoor hot tub while it snowed and chatted with our condo neighbors.

They LOVED it!

Needless to say, they loved the mountains and especially skiing.

One of my goals is to take them on extended vacations like that twice a year. Hey, they're older now and will probably be leaving home soon so I want to spend as much time with them as I can sharing great experiences and showing them what I value.

So just a few a week or two ago in December, we rented a different resort in Boone, NC to go skiing again which we did - twice.

And we went snowboarding.

And we went tubing at HawkesNest.

And we toured Linville Caverns.

And we drove to the top of Grandfather Mountain and crossed the mile-high swinging bridge.

And we shopped at the Mast Country Store.

And we went swimming in the indoor pool at the resort while it was freezing outside.

And we ate out a few times at some very cool local restaurants.

And we laid around the condo watching old movies and eating popcorn for a day or two.

Then we dropped by to see some friends before driving to my brother's house to have dinner with him and his wife.

Yes, they got tired of driving all that way, but they LOVED it! AND they're ready to go back.

Now you may be asking... how can a homeschooling family with 7 kids afford to do all that in One Year?

Simple.

1. Set goals that place your family first.

2. Have an online home business that creates residual income.

3. Create systems so YOU don't have to do all the work.

That's what I teach our Proteges. In fact, during the first session of our 2009 $50k Protege Project last week, part of their homework was to schedule their 2009 family vacation.

One of our Canadian proteges - @PatinMB - sent this note to Twitter:

"@RheaPerry my kids like the way you plan. #1 priority - family vacation! Oh yeah! All of a sudden Mom's goal planning is Great! Cheering me on!"

I love it when families do great things with their kids!

So how on earth can you afford the time AND the money to get away for a family vacation?

That's one of the things we are learning in our 2009 $50k Protege Project. We're learning how to create an online business that serves us and others instead of us serving it.

Last week we talked about getting a vision for your own personal Big Picture. This week we'll be talking about the basics of successful affiliate marketing and our upcoming family Protege Retreat on April 3-5.

And next week we'll learn how to use Twitter for list-building.

If you want to have not only a successful business, but also a successful family, make sure you schedule great vacations at least once a year.

Your kids may need the break more than you!

So many books, so little time...

Rhea!

who totally believes moms need a break more often than they realize

P.S. If you want to follow us on Twitter, go here www.Twitter.com/RheaPerry!

P.P.S. And to learn more about our Protege program and upcoming retreat, go here: http://www.RheasProteges.com