Mateo's Big Day

This morning Mateo graduated from Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten. I have to laugh at the word "voluntary" because according to the lady from the Early Childhood Coalition, it is Florida's goal to get all of the four year old children "off of the streets" and "into school". I can understand where this would be a priority with some children, but really "off the streets"? Do they have to be so dramatic? Think of all the millions of dollars they could SAVE if they would just get their act together in the public schools. Then Florida children wouldn't need one extra year of schooling to make up for what everyone else in the nation can crank out in grades K-12.

For those of you that know me, you know what a complete joke I think all of this preschool graduation and kindergarten graduation stuff is. For reals? Do these kids realize they are going to have another 13+ years left of schooling? What are they really graduating from anyway? I do have to say that I almost was moved to tears this morning as I watched Mateo walk across the room in his cap and gown. My little baby is not a baby anymore. What happened to the time?

Mateo was so excited about his special day. He reminded me yesterday that he needed to get a haircut and a very handsome outfit for his graduation. Thank goodness he reminded me. I seriously don't think I would have gotten him a hair cut, let alone a handsome outfit. So we went to Target and WalMart and I watched him walk through the clothing department. (If you are wondering why I didn't just go straight to Children's Place, it's because I have a huge order IN TRANSIT that should be coming in the mail ANY DAY now . . . but I digress). Mateo then looked at me and replied "Nope Mommy. There's nothing handsome here. We're going to have to go and check out Kohl's." So check out Kohl's we did. The second we got to the boy's department, he gravitated right over towards some checked shorts and picked out a shirt to go along with it. "There mommy. This is the handsome stuff I was talking about".

He has been practicing for a little over one month for his part of the cultural presentation. He was supposed to dance the merengue with another little Dominican girl in his class. Yeah, not so much. Stage fright got the best of him. And of course as luck would have it, my memory card got full the SECOND the merengue started playing. I was trying to go through and delete pictures off the memory card to give me enough space to record a little bit. I will see if I can get him to dance again this afternoon. Maybe he will do better doing a solo.

Here's the only family picture I got from the day. And do you wonder why I never get any more family pics? Can you sense the ATTITUDE vibes? Of course, I won't mention any names.

Cristian's Graduation

Cristian graduated from UCF! Did you know that UCF is the fourth largest university in the United States? I didn't. Did you know that 4th largest universities also means 4th LONGEST graduation ceremonies in the U.S.? Cristian was on the second row on the right hand side, about 4 people in from the center aisle. This means he walked about 25 minutes into the 2 hour and 30 minute ceremony. By that time, the kids had eaten their popcorn, nachos, and drank all there was to drink. Once they heard his name called and did the cheering thing, they were ready to go. They were not too happy when they found out we had to stay for the entire ceremony and that Papi couldn't sneak out and meet us at Outback Steakhouse. There were 1500+ that graduated, but I really think it was more like 15,000.

We are very proud of Cristian for this great accomplishment. Unfortunately, we didn't get any pre-graduation ceremony pictures. The kids are hot, sweaty, tired, and SO OVER IT in all the pictures, but I wanted to record this for posterity.

For future reference and note to self . . . arriving 45 minutes prior to the graduation ceremony beginning IS NOT ENOUGH LEAD TIME. We were the 4th row from the TOP . . . definitely in nose bleed territory. Too bad we didn't bring any binoculars. Mateo and Sarah were amused for about 15 minutes. About 45 minutes into the ceremony, I had to take Sarah out to roam the halls. I am NOT brave like some of my blogging friends. I wish I could have captured the photos of people that were shooting her dirty looks or the looks shot in my direction that seem to say "what kind of a mother are you and why aren't you paying any attention to your kid that is having a meltdown"? Sometimes I think when Sarah and I go out in public we should have matchy matchy bright neon shirts that have messages ironed on like "My daughter has sensory integration disorder and YOU are freaking her out" or "My mom is TRYING to listen to all the advice that my behavior therapist, speech therapist, occupational therapist, neurologist, pediatrician, etc. have given her to IGNORE this negative behavior. Please don't REWARD my tantrums with offering me balloons, candy, etc."

Meltdown Moments/Outback Steakhouse