Merry Christmas!

Here is the picture from this year's Christmas card. Hope everyone has a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Here are some pictures

We went and saw Santa early this year. I don't know how many more pics I will have with Camden and the Jolly Old Elf so I am glad this one turned out good.




I am raising a "Gator Nation"! My Tebow wannabe and my cheerleader on Halloween at Aunt Kiki's.

We got a new computer and I thought I had all the pics on here already and apparently I don't so I will have to upload those pics later, I am sure Grace will have some HSM on Ice pics this week too that she will want on here.

Wow!

Wow! What a month we have had...first was the possibility of moving. I can now say that we decided to stay where we are, we will still plan on putting our house on the market within the next few months so we can find something bigger with my mom moving in but we are staying here, the whole school situation for the kids just did not sit well with me and that is the main reason we nixed the idea.

During our trip to Florida and Disney I hurt my foot. I did not think it was hurt too bad and continued about my business only to have aches and pains in my toes, foot and leg by the end of the day. I finally went and got it looked at, xrays showed no break but they wanted to MRI it just to be sure. That came back showing nothing so it looks like I did a lot of nerve damage. I have been in a "cast" boot since Nov. 15th. I will start Physical therapy on Dec 10th and see the Ortho Dr again Dec 13th.

This was the first Thanksgiving since my dad passed in February. We got through surprisingly well but it was still hard not having him here. My mom has started packing up her house too so she can be ready to move after the first of the year. Right now she will probably stay with Kathrine and Jared until we get stuff going with listing our house and finding something else. She still has not found a job and will lose her benefits as of Feb unless she gets a job before then. Pray she will hear from the resumes she has sent out or something will come along for her with benefits soon.

Once a year I become a single mother for a week while Chris goes to a conference in Las Vegas of all places. So he was gone this past week and this is the first time that nothing happened, it was a typical school week and the kids were good all week.

I got the tree up last week and decorated with all my snowmen. Now that Chris is back he can get the rest of the Christmas decorations down from the attic and we can get the rest of the house looking festive:)

Our anniversary is this Thurs the 6th. Hard to believe it has been 10 years already! For our anniversary I get to take Grace to see High School Musical on Ice and Chris is taking Camden out to dinner. We are going to see the Connells later in the month so that is our night out.

I am getting ready to get in the fudraising mode again. The school is raising money for new playground equipment and I am on the committee to come up with fundraising, this is separate from the PTO fundraising committee. Between now and March 14th I am going to eat, sleep and breath in the preparations that we have to do for our first major fundraiser. I will post more information on that after the first of the year.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving and that you will have a Merry Christmas!

Moving?

Whatever shall we do? There is a possibility that we could be moving. Yep, watch out Charlotte the Partin's could be heading your way!! It is not something that we HAVE to do but something that we have the opportunity to do if we want. Chris and I have been down looking at the area and so far I have not seen an area that really jumps out at me. I want an area with good schools and the same small town feel like we have here in Wake Forest/Youngsville. Grace cries everytime it is mentioned to her and Camden is kind of like "Yeah, I would not mind moving." but it does not sound very convincing.

Some pros are that I would be closer to several friends in the area or within a couple of hours of there. Asheville is not too far and I have family there. Chris really wants to go because of several other opportunities it could open up for him besides his job. I just do not know whether I really want to go. My mom has not found a job here yet and she is waiting to decide if she is going to live with us or Kathrine after we decide what we are going to do. Please keep us in your prayers as we follow what the Lord has for us to do and that we make the right decisions.

Updates on the kids...for Halloween Camden was a Florida Gator football player (that's my boy!!) and Grace was a Florida Gator cheerleader (that's my girl!!), yes, I am "laying the foundation for a Gator Nation" For her dance classes Grace got to dress up and she wore her Ariel wedding dress and hair extensions that she got on our Disney trip. I will post Halloween pics soon.

Grace was VIP of her class this past week and had to take pictures in to share with the class and fill out a little questionaire about herself. Camden has been learning about space and astronomy and I accompanied his class on their field trip last week to Morehead Planetarium, yes, I actually stepped foot on the campus of UNC. The entire 3rd grade went and on a whole they were very well behaved. If you get a chance to go the Magic Tree House film is great and the kids loved it!

It is hard to believe that Christmas is right around the corner. Luckily the kids have not asked for the entire toy store like in years past but it also means that I will have to get a little creative when it comes to their gifts this year. Have a great Thanksgiving and I will post pics in the next few days!

Some vacation pics

Camden at MGM

Bok Tower Gardens

Grace's fave attraction

the kids with my beloved Crooked Lake

The Swamp

Not wanting anything to do with Sleeping Beauty

Camden, Dad and Mickey

My little Parrothead!

Dinner in the Hundred Acre Wood

The one pic we did get with a Princess

face painting at Animal Kingdom

Gatorland

Gatorland

Loving life on the beach at Crooked Lake just like mommy used to.

Busy busy busy!

First off I am a BAD mother since the kids started school in July and I have yet to post their First Day of School pictures. Next this fundraising stuff at the school got the best of me, I had no idea what I was in for when I agreed to co-chair. Everyday I would find out something new that was part of the job, like heading up the Fall Festival and all that it entailed. Luckily that all ended on Sept 25th, that was a very long day, and then we hit the road to Florida on Sept 27th. We finally returned from our trip Saturday night Oct 13th.

Our trip was a lot of fun and we got to see a lot of people in Lake Wales (my hometown) and of course 5 days consisted of the Wonderful World of Disney. The day we got to Orlando we took a trip to Gatorland, the kids really liked watching the trainer "wrestle" the alligator although neither would get their picture taken with the gator (his mouth was taped shut). Our first day of Disney was at the Animal Kingdom where the kids got their faces painted, we saw the best show "Festival of the Lion King", and we rode several rides including the Expedition Everest rollercoaster...I was fine on that until it went backwards and then I was sick for a day and half afterwards, won't be doing that again. Camden LOVED it though and would have gone again if we had let him.

Day two was Magic Kingdom, since we had a storm roll in the night before and lasted until lunch time we did not get there until 1pm or so but we stayed until the park closed so the kids could see the parade and fireworks. Grace begged to go in the Haunted Mansion with Kathrine and myself but once inside she was ready to leave. She covered her face the entire time and then burst into tears once we were outside and the ride was over. Camden rode Space Mountain twice with Chris and Jared and LOVED it just as much as the ride the day before. Although we did not have reservations we were able to get into the Crystal Palace for dinner and got to meet Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Piglet and my fave Eyeore. Camden gladly got his pic taken with all of them but Grace hid under the table anytime they came near the table. We ended with the parade and fireworks, I want to fly from the top of the Castle like Tinkerbell!

Day three was MGM where Grace saw High School Musical up close and the stage show of Beauty and the Beast. Camden and I rode Tower of Terror, that one actually got to him a litttle.

Day four was Epcot where it rained the most of the week we were there. The kids both got to talk to Crush at the Turtle Talk show and enjoyed Innovations east and west.

We took one night and went to First Baptist Mulberry where friends of ours had dinner for us. (my dad was the pastor there for 5 years) Another night we met my cousin Kelli for dinner at Margaritaville, we got to meet the boyfriend who was nice for a Florida State fan.

The rest of the trip was spent in Lake Wales out on Crooked Lake where my uncle and aunt have a weekend home, I used to live out there and enjoyed watching the kids love playing in the same lake that I grew up playing in, it brought back many memories. We had dinner with my friend Jamie and her husband , son and mother and then we took another day and took the kids to Bok Tower, it was great to see her again after so many years and her little boy is hilarious! We also drove the kids up Spook Hill, it was Grace's favorite part of the trip.
My cousin Ray and his wife Dawn and son Dalton came out and the kids loved playing in the lake together, it was a lot of fun to see them hanging out with one another. We also got to see my grandfather and his wife and spend some time with him.

Our trip ended with one last trip to Magic Kingdom so Grace could wear her new princess dress and hair extensions and have her picture taken with all the Princesses. Once we got there and got the dress on we waited 45 minutes to see Cinderella, Belle and Sleeping Beauty only to have Grace have a melt down once in the room and cry and refuse to have her picture taken. Camden did Space Moutain one more time and Splash Mtn again too and we ended the trip with a ride in the nose of the monorail where the kids got copilot cards.

On our way home we came up I-75 and detoured through Gainesville so Camden could see "The Swamp", the football stadium at the University of Florida if you did not know what I was talking about. We drove around campus and then headed for Atlanta where we spent the night and then had lunch with my college friend Jenna and her husband Brent. It was great to see Jenna again and we had a very enjoyable lunch, catching up on everything. We then headed home.

Grace has decided she wants to move to Florida and live on the lake, still trying to convince Chris. Although we did see 5 acres for sale and he said he would buy it if they gave him a red tractor to go with it, I am sure we could work something out. Who knows maybe we could start our own citrus business down there and one day you could be drinking Partin Orange Juice!

Ok I have typed enough, I will post pics of the trip later today so keep and eye out for them!

Still here!

Ok we have not fallen off the face of the earth...just been on a vacation to the "Happiest Place on Earth!" for the last 2 1/2 weeks. I will post pictures of the trip soon and tell you all what we have been up to.

I feel loved:)

Ok, I have been "TAGGED" by my good friend Jenna. In order for me to complete my task I must first give you the rules. That way when you are tagged you will know what to do.

The Meme Rules:
1. I have to post these rules before I give you the facts.
2. Each player starts with 8 randon facts/habits about themselves.
3. People who are tagged need to write their own blog (about these facts) and post these rules.
4. At the end of the blog you must choose 8 people to be tagged and list their names.
5. Don't forget to leave them a comment telling them they have been tagged, and to read your
blog.

The Facts:
1. I am on the PTO Board at my kids school (Youngsville Elementary) and am co chair of the Fundraising Committee this year. I had "NO CLUE" what I was getting into when I agreed to move to fundraising! Today I was asked to be "Class Mom" in Grace's kindergarten class, I just keep piling on the work. I guess I am a glutton for punishment!

2. My daughter Grace, AKA The Diva, is wanting to be an actress (not that she isn't already) on TV and claims that she is the next Hannah Montana. We have decided that if she really wants to do this that is fine so we are currently looking for local auditions for her age group. One we found is for the Carolina Ballets yearly performance of The Nutcracker so she will be auditioning for one of the extras parts in a couple of weeks.

3. My son Camden will be 8 next week and is in the 3rd grade. He accepted Jesus into his heart back in October 2006 and I am sooo glad that my dad was able to baptize him. I have it on dvd and I have pictures for Camden to treasure forever.

4. My dad was diagnosed in March 2004 with cancer of the esophagus and had a long battle until he passed away February 25, 2007 which also happened to be my sisters birthday. There is no preacher that will ever hold a candle to him so it is hard trying to figure out where to worship now when we are not at the lake. There is an interim at his church now and the Youth Minister preaches sometimes too but they are not my dad. (sorry Greg P.)

5. I know every word of every song to High School Musical. (Refer to number 2) I also really enjoy old movies and Broadway musicals.

6. On December 6, 2007 I will celebrate my 10 year anniversary to my third child, Chris. He is a big kid who enjoys comics (the bain of my existence) and video games. In case you have never heard...I did not like him when I first met him. If you see him ask him about my "In Your Eyes" tape he borrowed to impress a girl once. Ha! Ha! He also works as a CAD Standards Manager to support my Diet Coke habit.

7. I believe that the music of the 80's is the best ever!!!!!!!!!! Duran Duran, Thompson Twins, Pat Benatar, Beastie Boys, all the Big Hair bands. Everyone from the 80's ROCKS!!!!

8. Finally, my friend Kellee (Boyd) Cogdill and I have known each other since we were 8 years old. We stayed in touch after I moved to NC from Florida with my family in 1990 and then she moved back to NC the next year. We wound up going to college together, Campbell University and lived in the McKay House together. We are still friends today and pray for and support each other. We have both lost our fathers and we are both getting ready to have our moms move in with us . Oh, did I mention she and I used to have plaid glasses and we looked so much alike when we were younger people could not tell us apart. There is more to our friendship but a lot of things need to remain secret, by the way she owns a lovely hotel in Florida called the Ranch House, ask her how business is next time you talk to her or see her!

Well there you go, my 8 facts/habits. Thanks Jenna, I love you! So now it is time for me to choose my 8, if you have a blog go ahead and get started and if don't have one then you must start one wheather it is here or on myspace or facebook and then you must choose 8 people after you give us your 8 facts. Here is my 8, Kiki, Kellee C., Carrie, Greg P., Shannon, Chris, Kelli L. and Caroline. I have faith and trust that all of you will do a great job and can't wait to read your blogs!! :)

Camden starts 3rd grade

Yes, the year round schools have started back! Camden started 3rd grade last Friday-July 20th. We are really happy with his teacher and the class. As soon as he was dropped off my duties for the new school year began...asking Target for a donation, getting the fall fundraiser stuff started and of course shopping for those last minute school supplies. I had to go speak to parents at the 1st and 2nd grade open house last night regarding the upcoming fundraiser and tonight I get to do it all over again with the parents of 3rd - 5th graders. I had no clue what I was getting into when I agreed to co-chair fundraising:}

I will post again this weekend because Grace will start kindergarten this Friday the 27th (I don't know why they start a week later) I think I will be the only mom there with bells, finally got both of them out of the house, at least from 8am - 3pm.

Vacation

Ok so the kids and I are into week 2 of our 3 week vacation at Lake Gaston. They are driving me insane-July 20th can't get here soon enough-the start of school. Yes we do year round and I love it so all those whiney parents in Wake County need to just suck it up! Anyways, we have been fishing and swimming, Grace caught her first fish all by herself today-a little bluegill, all the others I have caught and the kids got to reel them but this time Grace did everything all by herself:) Grace looks like she has been in carribean and Camden is catching up to her, me I am burnt...reddish brown is better than stark white anyday!!!

Kellee was here last week and we had a blast catching up and embarrassing my kids while we did the Electric Slide at the 4th of July fireworks. Little do they know that the embarrassment will only get worse from here:) I'll post some pictures soon and fill you in on the start of school.

No place for Star Wars!!!!!!!

Well, summer is in full swing! Last Friday night I went and saw my boyfriend, Harry Connick Jr. under the stars at the Koka Booth Ampitheater! He was fantastic as always, my only problem was the RUDE people who sat behind us and talked about Star Wars during the entire concert...I didn't pay good money to listen to that and the louder Harry sang the louder she talked!!!!!! Chris had to keep telling me not to make a scene but they were annoying me and everyone else around us. Obviously they need to spend more time talking at HOME and not during a concert...they paid $80 to talk to each other, we do that home for FREE!! If Iam ever in a movie theater with these people they better watch out, but hopefully the Lord will prevent that from EVER happening.

Camden started football camp today, it is a 3 day camp at the high school. He was very excited to get there this morning and Grace and I are just hanging out at the house. The last of my "little brothers" got married this past weekend-congrats Andy and Paige-I feel sooooooo old now-they started dating the year I got married!!! It was great to see my other "brothers" here for the wedding-Dustin and their new baby Gavin and Kyle and their new baby Camdyn (love the name).

This week Chris leaves to chaperone the World Changers trip to Cleveland, Ohio and now Kathrine has to fly out Sat for Nashville (for work) so my mom has decided to leave town and fly out there too. What are the kids and I to do? We will be at the lake later in the week b/c Grace's favorite singer and my friend, Kellee is coming to see us for a few days and bless the church in song. If you are near Enterprise Baptist on July 8th come hear her!

The First Place weight loss and Bible study are going pretty good...slow but good! At this rate it will take me years to reach my goal, just joking! I have learned a lot, especially this past week about boundaries and how mine are in need of repair in many areas and that I need to let some of my boundaries open up in others. Keep me in your prayers as I continue through this session for another 6 or 7 weeks and then prayerfully consider signing up for another round.

Camden

This was Camden' 3rd year playing baseball and he had the chance to catch quite a bit this season. He loved catcher because it kept him busy unlike right and left field. Who knows maybe he will make it to the majors after he plays football at the University of Florida first:)

Let the fun begin!

Summer is here and Camden is out of school (for at least 5 weeks...he is in year round for those don't know). The last day of school brought awards day in Camden's class and he was voted as Most Fashionable Boy by his class. It is funny how when I was in school I got teased because I wore something new several days a week and now my child gets awarded for it!

The next few weeks are going to be very busy as we are on the road quite a bit with weddings, Chris is chaperoning the youth to World Changers in Cleveland and taking his yearly trek to Charlotte this weekend. We also have VBS at the lake and friends coming to see us at the lake as well and before you know it July 20th will be here and Camden will be in 3rd grade and on July 27th Grace will be a kindergartener and I will finally have a vacation (from 8-2:30 M-F).

Grace's recital costume!

Grace is dancing diva has had a very busy year! She took tap this year and ballet for the 2nd year in a row. This year's recital had a Disney theme and Miss Gracie and her class danced to the Jungle Book and Tarzan. I must say she was the best one up there. Next year we are making the foray into Hip Hop...could it possibly enhance her attitude anymore!!!

Look for her on Broadway one of these days and you can say "I knew her when she was a little cheetah!"

Welcome to the Partin's Blog

Oh, yes... the Partin Family has now stepped into the 21st Century and hit the Net! Scary!