Eagy Family Blog

because we’re all taking it.  Yep, all five of us.  The three kids all have double ear infections and Ryan and I have sinus infections.  Well, I guess I could say “had” because amoxicillin kicked the infections in the rear.  Poor Ryan is still suffering a bit, but we’re praying tomorrow will bring more health.

Abigail showed more of her sweet self today - playing and jabbering, smiling and laughing.  The past couple of days she was miserable…ear infections, and her little eyes dripped tears throughout the day.  Hannah had ear infections, too, and also hives! Her little body was going nuts trying to kill the infection.  Gabe’s ears were infected, but I think we caught it at the perfect time because he had one miserable day, then has been uphill since then.

We are thankful for good antibiotics when it hits this hard!  I’m hoping this is the ONLY time our family will ever have to all be taking amoxicillin at the same time.  What a rough week.  God was good to teach me something through this misery.  I ended up missing many fun holiday gatherings: dinner with Greg & Stef, the annual cookie baking day with mom and sisters, my sister-in-law’s baby shower, dinner with Shauna and Coby, and a Christmas gathering with my mom’s side of the family. I was bummed to say the least.

But Ryan was good to remind me that those things are NOT what Christmas is about.  If I’m placing so much importance on Cookie Day and making it to every event, I’m missing it!  It was actually a blessing to be stuck home, caring for sick babies and meditating on the gift of Jesus.  Yes - the gatherings, shopping, gift giving and fun are all GREAT and have value. But it was also a *treat* to be stripped away of all the distractions for a year a simply focus on Jesus - the grand celebration of his birth, his life and teachings, and the glory of his death.

And our family is (almost) all well.  Just in time to celebrate the coming of the King.  His triumphant entry to the world.  Realizing the magnitude of what God chose for Jesus to endure for me.  And thank God for choosing to have mercy on me - the awful sinner I am.  Friends, may you be blessed this Christmas and remember the birth of our Savior!

Merry Christmas.

And I’m sure you love your kids.  Some days, it just hits me harder how much I cherish these sweet babies.  Mostly on the days when I’m conscious to stop and hold them when they’re whining.  Or days when I kiss them extra. Days when I decide to slow down, read more books, play with them, and not worry as much about my list of to-do’s and focus my attention on them. God rewards my heart those days - I see more clearly how He’s given them to me to BLESS me and fill my days with joy.

My three kids are constantly pointing out my inadequacies and weaknesses.  I’m selfishly trying to finish my tasks instead of spending time teaching and loving them.  I get easily frustrated instead of showing them grace as Christ shows me.  I try to do “one more thing” instead of moving toward them in love, as Jesus would chose to do.

Thankfully, kids are so quick to forget and love you the next minute!   I know it won’t last forever - even in a couple of years, if I’m unrighteously too harsh with them they may take a bit to come around when I confess my sin and ask for their forgiveness. So thankfully I have these early years to be sanctified and refined as a mama.  I’ll never treat them perfectly but I have a lot of growing to do!

“Children are a heritage from the Lord, the fruit of the womb a reward. Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one’s youth.  Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them!” Psalm 127:3-5a

Will you join me in hugging your kids extra today?

My sweet Hannah,

Some things I love about you: your wispy blonde hair that curls in pigtails. Random phrases like “I love you, Mama” and “how was your day, Papa?” How you read books already, word for word. How you wiggle and squeal when tickled. Your darling belly button - always poking out. Your love for puzzles, books, blocks, and learning of any kind. When you help me bake and cook dinner. Your soft heart toward Jesus and how praying yesterday brought you to tears. Your compliance and obedient nature - always seeking to please. How you adore your brother and sister. The way you’ve started pretending - to be a doctor, dentist, cheerleader, Mama. When you say “I’m getting to be a Mama” (thinking you’re as old/big as Mama),  Your sensitive heart toward other’s feelings. Your love for chocolate, fruit snacks, strawberry milk and scrambled eggs. And how you’re so excited about your birthday…

So am I, precious girl.  I’ve been remembering my first days as your Mama. It’s humbling to me how God gave me such an amazing gift to raise, love and cherish. You bring laughter and sunshine to my days. You help point out my weaknesses so I can grow and mature as a woman of God.  You are a joy to me, sweet girl, and worthy of celebrating! I love you and pray I glorify God in how I take care of you. Happy 3rd Birthday, Hannah! Yahoo, it’s finally here!

And to top it off, you’re stinkin’ cute!

OK, so I never would have thought I’d learn something profound from ER (the tv show).  But I did.  And I’ve been thinking about it all day today.  And call me crazy, but last night after the show, I was thinking about this “profound news” and it even brought me to tears for a moment.  I think my hormones are still figuring themselves out.

Well here it is:  the chaplain lady was talking to Abby (Dr. Lockheart) and said something to the effect of “sometimes using all your strength means asking for help.”  I’m the queen of NOT asking for help.  Whatever the excuse - don’t want to burden someone else with assisting me, my pride gets in the way, asking for help shows weaknesses in me, denial that I need help…I can come up with lots of excuses.  And the ironic thing is: (1) God knows my weaknesses and promises to provide for all my needs and (2) I have the most willing and supportive husband ever - and he would gladly help me with anything I needed.  Silly me.

So today I’ve been praying about this:  Lord, help me to understand that “your grace is sufficient for me, for your power is made perfect in my weaknesses.  Therefore I will boast all the more gladly in my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”  2 Corinthians 12:9  If I’m perfect, I don’t need a Savior.  And I’M DEFINITELY NOT PERFECT.  I know for sure I’m far from it.  I need a Savior, every minute of every day.  Amen!