Our 4th of July celebrations ended up being rather nice. Before I get into that though, I just wanted to say that I am so thankful to live in a place that gives me as many freedoms as I have. I am thankful for all of the men and women who make my life possible. They do a job that I am too scared to do. During these holidays and memorials, I always think of my Grandfathers. Both served their country as military men. Grandpa Hale was in the Air Force and Grandpa Jensen in the Army. They both devoted their lives to their respective branch of the Armed Forces, and thankfully they were protected during their times of duty. I miss both Grandfathers very much. Grandpa Jensen is still with us, but I do not live close enough to visit. Grandpa Hale left us several years ago, and I think about him all the time. I love you Grandpa Hale and Grandpa Jensen!

Yesterday we went to our Ward's activity at the 'Compound.' Truth be told, I didn't want to go. I don't like social situations like that. So we went anyway! I got a headache early in, but Heath didn't want to leave. After a while, I stopped being obsessive about keeping both eyes on both children and I let Kalyn go off with friends to play (still checking on her religiously, because--Moms, you can vouch for me on this one--I am always scared that my children are going to disappear). Once I did that though, I was able to calm down a lot and actually had a nice time visiting with friends.

Now that sad part...and one that I need some advice on. At one point, Kalyn came running over to me in tears. She told me she was running from the "Scary Red Monster." I thought maybe somebody had put on a costume, but I couldn't see anything. I asked her to point out the SRM because I couldn't see it. She pointed to a girl wearing a red shirt who also had red hair. I didn't recognize the girl, but explained to Kalyn that she wasn't a monster, she was just a girl. Kalyn looked at me with her big eyes and assured me that the SRM is definetly not a girl...it is a monster. She was genuinely scared of this girl. I attempted to calm her several more times, but each time she remained convinced that there truely was a monster on the playground. She told me that the SRM laughed at her when she fell down. I attributed her fright to being made fun of by an insensitive pre-teen.

After a while, I had to take Kalyn to the bathroom. We had to walk closely to the SRM to get there. Kalyn gripped my hand-terrified. As we got closer I realized why Kalyn was calling her a monster. This young lady has Downs Syndrome. Kalyn has never been around anybody with DS before, so obviously she was frightened of the characteristic face of this disorder. After the bathroom I gave Heath the update on why the SRM was scary and a monster. We explained to Kalyn that she isn't a monster, but rather she is one of Heavenly Father's special children. It didn't matter. That young girl will always be the SRM to Kalyn. Any ideas on how to teach my three year old about people with disabilities? I know that as she grows, and as Heath and I continue to teach her about sensitivity, acceptance, and love for all people she will learn. But for the present?

On a happier note, here is a funny think Keali did a couple days ago...
She ran into the living room with a diaper on her head. I laughed at first, but then thought maybe that diaper had been used. Before I could catch Keali, she ran. She was wearing a dress and I looked at her tushy as she ran. It look shockingly small. And wet. When I finally caught up with her, sure enough. She had taken off her wet diaper, placed it on her head, and wet herself again. An hour later she did the same thing! Guess it's time to pull out the duct tape! Just kidding!