Kade graduated from preschool today. We survived his first year of school…barely. We had a wretched morning trying to get everything ready and out of the house on time. We were all in a mood. Kade had his usual bad day at school, which I totally expected. Every time I pick him up, the teacher has to talk to me about his behavior during the day. This time she told me that his behavior was so bad that I should call his pediatrician because he has a lot of pent up anger and issues with managing it. Jesus…my kid is four and needs therapy already. I think I’m going to skip the call to the doc and re-read this book and actually implement it this time. I need to calm the hell down when I am disciplining him. I’m losing control and it’s time to get it back. It’s summer vacation now. We can all take a break, mend our spirits (I sound so crunchy…must be all the green-living), and hopefully get our shit in order so that we aren’t black-listed from pre-kindergarten next year.

Kade’s ceremony was short and sweet. The class marched in singing an adorable song about how love grows. They all had on coronation crowns that they decorated themselves. The teacher thanked the parents and class and handed each of them their certificate of completion and an “about me” book they had made. I had to have been quite a sight because I was trying to keep Liv from running up to Kade while videotaping and taking photos…all at the same time. I remember wishing that I had brought the dog’s leash…it would have helped…a lot. Then we all headed back to the classroom for a party that included Kade shouting demands at me and Liv running around covered in cupcake frosting. I looked like an idiot, and I felt like one too. Sometimes I really suck at parenting.

He grabbed his stuff so quickly that I barely got a photo. Why do I have the feeling that he’ll be the kid who pulls some crazy stunt at his high school graduation? Remind me in 14 years to check that he’s wearing clothes underneath his gown…

It wouldn’t be a normal day if it didn’t include some amount of sulking. The kid is an expert.

This is why I have so few photographs of my two beautiful children together. Liv can be rather uncooperative…wonder where she gets it?

This is Kade’s bestest friend from school. He tells her he loves her and kisses her goodbye. It will be sad when he finds out that girls have cooties.

Happy Graduation Day, Bubba! It may not have been the greatest day on record, but your dad and I are very proud of you. You have learned so much this year and you have grown in so many ways. I’m still amazed at your ability to write your full name (and your sister’s). I’m being totally honest when I say that you draw better than I do. You want to learn (I hope that you always will). You don’t make things easy, but the best things in life never are. You are quirky, funny, hopelessly impossible to negotiate with, highly observant, and fiercely intelligent. You are way beyond your four years, so please slow down and enjoy the ride with me. I’ll even let you put your hands up, but only if you promise to listen…

I love you.