Isolation Gratification Day 28

We officially have a quarantined fourteen year old in our house.     Both Emily and I had low expectations for this birthday in isolation.   She was the most disappointed that the two of us couldn't go out to lunch at Red Robin to celebrate.   Emily's been planning this for months.  I'm thankful it turned out to be a calm great day.    I was proud of my kids as they all chose to fast despite salivating over me baking Emily's cake and withstanding all the treats that showed up on her doorstep from her amazing friends.   She enjoyed a couple of air hugs 6 feet away as a couple of friends lingered on the sidewalk to say hi!   Her best friend Alix went to great lengths to decorate our church pavilion to surprise Emily with a social distance hang out session with just the 2 of them and chick fil a, Emily's favorite. 

In the world of social media and cyber bullying I am continually amazed and extremely grateful Emily is such a wonderful uplifting friend to her peeps and has such wonderful uplifting friends back.      Since our phones are connected through icloud all of Emily's texts come to my phone.   They are often blowing up my phone with encouragement, love and respect to each other.   What more could a mom ask for than to watch her teenager become an influence of good in the world.

This is called a "quarantine cake"  We made due with what we had!!

I'm grateful 14 years ago this beautiful girl came into my life.    She's a person who is stubborn  and persistent and never gives up about what she wants.  (Even if it's airpods, not going to happen sorry Em)  and expensive straightening hair shampoo.)  I'm grateful her testimony steers her toward having good desires of life.   She's always been very comfortable in her own skin and doesn't need to be something or someone else.  She's an outstanding sibling and often keeps the peace as the leader among them.  Even if she at 14 is embarrassed with her mom's "Karen" moments  I love that she seeks me out at night when everyone else is in bed and says "what ya doin?" and sits right next to me like she still likes me.