friday blues turns into smiles

On Friday, SJ was in a very bad mood at the end of the day.  Apparently he noticed next week's school calendar in the office and spotted something disturbing.  Our school is having their 5th grade state writing test.  He was very upset over it.  He was crying and rambling on and on about how it was going to give him nightmares.  I told him that it would only be a couple of days, but he was convinced that it was all five days.  "That is what the calendar said, Mom," he cried. 

I knew that they had probably set aside a few days for make-ups, but there was no talking to SJ.  I told him to calm down and reminded him that he would be fine.  I never put any stress on these assessment tests.  They don't affect their grades, so I just tell them to try their best.  I dropped them off at our house and went to get the kids.

When I got back with the kids, SJ had calmed down.  I noticed a note that he had written.  I thought it was very telling.  I couldn't express his feelings any better than he has.  This is the letter.

On one hand, I am glad that SJ was able to calm himself down and write down his feelings.  But on the other hand, it is so frustrating that an assessment test would make him this upset.  I am going to take this in to his school and show it to Mrs. Valentine and his aide. 

The kids stayed at our house until their normal time.  After they left, we got ready for our friends to come over.  Topher and Willie's families were coming over as well as another family that we are friends with.  They all started arriving around 7 p.m.  SJ was excited to see his friends and for the fact that we were having pizza.  The boys had a great time playing video games while Topher and Willie's sisters watched movies with our other friends' daughters.  Our guests stayed until a little after 11.  I was glad that SJ's day ended on a good note.  Hopefully, he won't be too upset when the tests come this week.