Shiloh 14

 This year has been especially challenging for Shiloh, as her health has really suffered. Her lack of energy and ability left us with very few options for celebrating her birthday. She has always loved birthdays, so realizing our choices were limited was emotionally difficult.

We came up with a few loose plans for things she might be able to do and enjoy. Some of those changed the day before when Ezra got sick and her sweet neighbor friends also came down with the flu. Even so, we did our best to make the most of what she could do and celebrate the day in the ways that were still possible.

After Zoe and I served at church, we came home and surprised Shiloh with her first gift while she was still in bed — a thoughtful surprise from her youth leader. Afterward, we enjoyed an amazing brunch of her choosing that Beach had prepared.

Thankfully the food was appealing to her and she greatly enjoyed it!

Zoe had thoughtfully made a video for Shiloh filled with birthday messages from her friends, most of whom she hadn’t seen in weeks. It was incredibly touching for her to see their faces and hear their encouragement.

Zoe is so empathetic and wanted to bring Shiloh her friends in a unique way. After that came gifts, many of which Shiloh had picked out online, along with a few surprises.

Gifts are one of her love languages, so this made her especially happy.

After some more resting and a little encouragement to get ready, we had a huge praise when her BFF was able to come over, bearing a sweet gift basket.

Zoe took some cute photos of Shiloh to commemorate her turning 14 before we headed out.

Our first stop was Shiloh’s food choice, Chipotle.

It was a beautiful day!

Then we headed to the mall, which is not my favorite place and somewhere I rarely take them, so it felt extra special for her. They loved me taking a photo of them. 😉

Shiloh and her bestie found the cutest matching dresses on sale, and they were the last ones in their size.

Waiting on the girls...

After the mall closed at 6 p.m. since it was Sunday, we headed to get açaí bowls, which she had never tried before.

I was thankful to have Zoe there to spend time with while we gave the two of them some space.

 

The food was a hit....

but the birthday girl wasn’t ready for the fun to end, so we hit the drive-through for some fries.

Once we got back home, she was shocked to see her room had been decorated. 

My sweet mom had brought my nieces by, and they worked with Ezra to make things look fun and festive.

It was such a big surprise for her.

To top off the night, her new watch arrived (a little late, but still right on time).

While I know the day couldn’t be everything she wanted it to be, Shiloh was very thankful for the gifts and for getting to go out with her bestie and sister. I was thankful for that too, and for the reminder to keep looking for the joy, even in hard seasons.

Winter Blues & Highs of February

February was hard in ways I wouldn’t have chosen. Most of it was spent helping Shiloh navigate serious health issues that kept her in bed far more than any kid should be. It was heartbreaking and anxiety-producing in ways I don’t have better words for yet.

Still, there were a few bright spots. Birthday season has officially begun (most of my side of the family has spring birthdays), and Addy kicked it off by turning fourteen.
We always do a mini celebration at my parents’ house—presents, a meal of their choice, and their favorite dessert.

Such a sweet young lady!

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This cracked me up as Ezra took Beach's spot one night when he was out, and had a set up like his father and everything.

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At our church, the girls are joining the youth missions trip to Ecuador this summer, and I’m going along as a leader. Zoe and I were asked to make an announcement during both church services about the trip and the bake sale the youth were hosting that day.

I can’t tell you how far outside my comfort zone speaking in front of others is. Zoe wanted to do it, but her nerves hit hard. Still, by God’s grace we got through it, and it went okay. It was a small reminder that the Lord often asks us to do things beyond our natural comfort—and that we desperately need Him to help us do them.

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Valentine’s Day landed on a Saturday, and Beach surprised the girls with flowers, chocolates, and a heartfelt breakfast.

Several weeks earlier, Shiloh had wanted to host a sleepover with a couple of friends. Given her health issues, that felt unlikely—but since it was a three-day weekend and she’d have more time to recoup, she was able to rally and have them over. I forgot to take photos, but they had fun grabbing coffee, Chick-fil-A, and going shopping.

Patiently waiting after church service to head home....

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Attempting at the DMV again....

and finally had a successful outcome!!!  Zoe couldn't be more thrilled as we entering this new chapter of our kids driving!

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Selfies found on my phone this month....

Zoe had a friend hangout wich called for matching shirts and smoothies.

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In a surprise turn of events, Beach got a truck!

We’ve known for a while that a vehicle purchase was coming, so we patiently waited for the right opportunity. When it finally showed up, it still felt sudden—even though we’d been preparing for years.

Ezra was especially excited about it and checked out everything.

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Much of the month has been spent navigating Shiloh’s medical issues—many doctor visits, constant communication, blood tests, IVs, B12 shots, Epsom salt baths, supplements, X-rays, and far too much missed school. It’s been hard and, at times, anxiety-inducing for me. One sunny day, though, I was able to get her outside for a short walk to get her body moving a bit.

Although I couldn't capture the beauty in the creekbed, Shiloh thought I should take a picture.

Shiloh took this not so flattering picture, but I like it.  Documenting the time where I was was cutting her toes nails and encouraging her to drink her electrolyte water.

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Ezra was excited to give his gift to his bestie!

They had a great time at Big Air as well.  They may not look just 3 weeks apart in age but sure do get along so well and we are so thankful for their friendship!

This is a month I’d rather not remember, and I’m hoping for brighter days, warmer weather, and healing for Shiloh as we move into March.