I just found out I can update my blog from my phone. This might change my blog for good!!


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She's How Old??? What???

I absolutely cannot believe that my baby is five! Where has the time gone? By the way, the girls are aging, but I am not! :)

We had to celebrate Ella's birthday a day early because of the crazy Sunday that we had on her actual birthday. First, we had our regular 2 services to sing at, followed by a dinner to help out the breast cancer walkers, followed by a long band practice, followed by our Turning Point service. Plus, we were going on vacation the next day so I also had to pack! Whew, I'm tired just thinking about it now! So, Ella got to open her presents from us and eat her cake a little early.


Do you like her new haircut? That is the fix to her cutting one side of her hair into a mullet. I cried when it happened, but the professional haircut is growing on me.


Ready to open presents!


She's a girl after my own heart... SHOES!!!


Ella feeding her baby she named MacKenzie.


Ella got a Hannah Montana Dance Like a Rockstar video that came with a Hannah Montana wig. Somehow, Madison ended up with the new wig, while Ella got one of the old ones (can you tell?)

Happy birthday Ella!

(Stay tuned for a birthday party post coming soon!)

I'm a Proud Mama!

Madison did a great job in third grade this year, and it showed on awards day! She received the English award and the music award for her class. She also made the A honor roll all 9 weeks (one of two in her class and about 12 in the whole third grade.) She was also commended on the Reading and Math TAKS. Yeah Madison!


Receiving one of her numerous awards!


Madison and her teacher, Mrs. Wesson


Have I mentioned that I'm sooo happy to be at the same school?

Madison's Got (more) Talent

Madison was in her school talent show again this year. This year she chose to sing a Hannah Montana song called " You'll Always Find Your Way Back Home." She chose her outfit- her words- teenage clothes, which was a fun change from the school uniform. There were only three singers in the entire K-4 talent show, and two of them were from our church. We've got lots of talented kids there (who are lucky enough to get stage experience at church!) Anyway, without further adieu, I give you Madison!

Make an on-line slide show at www.OneTrueMedia.com

By the way, this is the last performance EVER in the OLD gym with the audience sitting in the MOST uncomfortable bleachers EVER created! HALLELUJAH!!

Yes, I know it's summer and I should be updating quite frequently, but frankly... I'm being lazy! A lot happened at the end of school, so I do have lot to report!

I got to go to Madison's field trip this year. Oh wait, I was teaching there and took my own class too! It's great to be at the same school. Anyway, I had 11 parents going, so I split up my class and took Madison and her friend around the museum. (Quite a difference from last year when I had to beg to get one parent to attend!)

Every picture I took of the girls looks something like this... They "posed" for every picture!

This is the saloon. There was a giant stuffed bear behind me and the girls were scared. Let's hope they always stay this scared of saloon-type buildings.

This was the printer's building. When you think printers, you think magazine and then models and then posing, right? That's what these girls think!

Madison was scared of the schoolteacher in the one-room schoolhouse. She even had one "student" stand in the corner with his nose in the circle. Ahhh... the good ole days!

We had a great time... but we were pooped in the end!

The Graduate

Ella is officially grown-up. She decided that about two weeks before her preschool graduation. She really did look grown-up on the stage in her cap and cat (her words, not mine!) I was pleasantly surprised! Plus, while other kids on the stage were ripping each other's caps off, she sat with her legs crossed, told other people to be quiet and told other kids to wave at their parents. She forgot to strike her pose after getting her certificate, but she went right back to her mark and smiled! It was really cute. So, next year, Madison, Ella and I will all be a the same school! I can't wait to drive to one place in the morning (and of course I will enjoy not writing the check for childcare each month!)

Before the graduation


She can always find the camera (and the light!)


Singing her heart out!


The Tiger class


Something was funny!


Getting her diploma from Mrs. Crissy


Mrs. Tricia- the Tiger teacher


Ella with Mrs. Lesa and Mrs. Crissy


Sisterly love (for the moment anyway!)


Grandma and Grandpa even came in for the big occasion!



Finally, enjoy the video of Ella "helping" her classmates and getting her diploma!

Ella's Graduation from Kristen Simpson on Vimeo.

My Latest Hobby

In my free time... (insert laugh here) I have found that I enjoy making videos. When I come into lots of money... (insert laugh here) I plan on starting my own video making business! Anyway, here is a video that I did completely on my own- from the shooting, to the editing and everything in between. We played it at church for Mother's Day. Enjoy!

Make video montages at www.OneTrueMedia.com