Kelli Rocha's Blog » Steel

Steel’s Party

Kelli Rocha — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 03:00:12 +0000

I’ve often compared my life to the movie “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” Today, we experienced “My Big Fat Portuguese Graduation Party.” Approximately 250 people attended Steel’s party at the Turlock Ballroom and we were able to get by with a little help from my friends. For those who have celebrated with us before, it was no surprise… but for the newbies… it can be a bit overwhelming. There were so many wonderful friends and family members there. We are all so touched that they would come out to celebrate Steel with us on the holiday weekend. My only regret is that I don’t have time to spend with each and every one of them.

Silver Volvo

Kelli Rocha — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 03:00:04 +0000

Last winter, I blogged about our experience renting a silver Volvo when we traveled to Southern California for a wrestling tournament. It only matters because the main character of the Twilight books, Edward Cullen drives a silver Volvo. When that’s what we were assigned as a rental last winter… I had to smile. When Steel decided to purchase one today, I had to laugh.

This is Steel’s new ride. I think it suits him perfectly. A new vehicle for a new start away at college.

Rotary All Star Game

Kelli Rocha — Sat, 26 Jun 2010 06:00:42 +0000

Although Steel did not play (still recovering from his foot injury) we traveled to Chowchilla to watch the Rotary All Star game. Steel’s classmate Tyler Lee was the only other representative from Central Catholic. The opposing team scored on the opening kick off and I thought for sure we were in for a long night, but the North came back and dominated the rest of the game and claimed victory.

Jon Michael Terry

Kelli Rocha — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 03:00:24 +0000

For almost 20 years we have used the same photographer when we’ve needed professional photographs. Jon Michael Terry has been a popular choice for families and especially high school seniors when it comes to portrait work. At one point, Jon’s daughter and Sierra were dancing at the same studio and were in several classes together. We have become very familiar with each other and each time we go to the studio, it is much like visiting a friend. We knew when it was time to do Steel’s senior pictures we wanted to go back. I had this time in life already imagined when I had Steel pose for the first shot with the bat and pads. Steel was about 8 years old when we did this picture the first time It was inspired by our friend, Ryan Pimentel’s senior picture in the same pose. We have anticipated this “follow up” shot for a long time.

The best part about Jon’s photography is that he hands you the digital files (previously, negatives) and you own the rights and have them printed whenever and where ever you want. I never felt like I was stuck with only a few shots and print packages that I neither wanted or needed. It’s even better now. After the session, you sit down and review the pictures and pick 35 of your favorites so you always get 35 great shots…. no eyes closed or wrong position. I also appreciated the fact that he would fix my make-up and allow us to make wardrobe changes.

Aloha, Steel

Kelli Rocha — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 03:00:05 +0000

Steel left for Hawaii this morning on his Senior trip. There are about 15 kids from his school going for one week. We’ve been planning this trip since October of last year and he is very excited to go. We are carpooling and we drove kids over to San Francisco Airport this morning. Other families will pick them up and bring them back on the 14th. I was so jealous of their upcoming adventure as we were leaving the airport. I sure wish I was getting on a plane for an exotic location for vacation.

Graduation

Kelli Rocha — Sun, 30 May 2010 03:00:09 +0000

I wasn’t going to cry. I really wasn’t… I was in a very good frame of mind, looking to the future and as we were waiting for the ceremony to begin, the very first song that came through the speakers was my FAVORITE song of all (and the one I want played at my funeral by the way) In My Life by the Beatles… And to make things worse, it was the original Beatles version too. *sigh* I had to walk away from my family and hide behind the bleachers until it was over and I could compose myself.

Needless to say, Graduation was really wonderful to witness and attend. The official ceremony was really moving and the speakers were extraordinary. There were 98 graduates and I took 837 pictures. Seeing my son walk across the track in his cap and gown was emotional, but he really put a smile on my face when he received his diploma. After shaking everyone’s hand, he tossed his crutches off of the stage and walked down the ramp, unassisted. It was a great moment.

Another fun moment was at the end of the line. After Kris Zizzo received his diploma, he did a back-flip off the stage. What a way to celebrate!

Last Day of School

Kelli Rocha — Sat, 29 May 2010 03:00:48 +0000

It’s been a tradition to take a picture of the kids on their first day of school… so I was glad I was aware of the moment today when Steel left of his last day of high school. It is (most likely) the last day he’ll leave this home for school. He’s been very patient with me as I reminisce and get nostalgic from time to time. I know he is aware of the significance too and is trying to really live in the moment. We make tradition and/or ritual out of anything important to us… and I am so proud that this was important to him too.

Baccalaureate

Kelli Rocha — Fri, 28 May 2010 03:00:05 +0000

The Baccalaureate Mass is probably my favorite part of the graduation tradition at Central Catholic High School. It is much more intimate than graduation and you really feel a part of the “pomp and circumstance.” This is when the academic achievements are recognized as well as the families who have their last child graduating. The Class and Student Body Presidents’ speak and the alumni pins are distributed. It is the last mass the class will celebrate together.

Cast Off

Kelli Rocha — Tue, 25 May 2010 03:00:58 +0000

And the moment we’ve all been waiting for…. After 34 days Steel’s cast came off today! No more schlepping around the stinky weight… and the best news of all for Steel? No more baths. I suggested to him that he should go home and soak it in the tub and get all of the dead skin off and he quickly replied… “No way!” He wanted a stand up shower. Doc has asked him to take 2 weeks to gently apply weight and to wean himself off of the crutches. He needs to build up his calf muscle again. He has to wear the boot 24/7 but at least he can shower and begin to use all of his leg muscles again. We go back in three weeks.

CCHS Sign

Kelli Rocha — Fri, 21 May 2010 03:00:32 +0000

I dropped Steel off at school this morning at 6:00 am to head to Southern California for his senior trip to Knott’s Berry Farm, Medieval Times and Disneyland. As we pulled into the parking lot, I noticed they had changed the sign. This kind of makes it official for me now. Steel mentioned that Tuesday was his last full day of school… including his last “lunch” and I had a sharp pang of sadness… Saying goodbye to this school will be difficult.