ourselfs.net

Beach Bunny Babies

A bonus album of pictures from the 20th when we went from Callahan to Fernandina en route back home to Bartow. The children LOVED it. Ben pitched a royal fit when we went back up to the house. The weather was cool and the wind a bit chilling since they were wet, but comfortable otherwise. Ta-ta had rented a house on the beach so the kids bathed before the four hour road trip south. Love to Ta-ta!

Christmas Morning

This morning's festivities included capturing the moment with two digital cameras and a digital video camera. (Question: do we really need to say "digital" anymore?) I've posted some of the still pics in the online gallery. I'll see what I can do with a video or two...

Merry Christmas!

From the Jamie Self household to yours we wish you a very Merry Christmas!

"For unto you is born this day in the City of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord." -- Luke 2

Children's Christmas Pageants are Fun!

Here are our angels!  

Emma, 3, and Ben, 23mos.  

Here are more Christmas Pageant Pics.

Lunch

At the park!

Mary Holland Park

One of our favorite weekly outings.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

Jamie's birthday is today, and Emma made him a special spider-web cake.  She interrupted her bedtime story last night to say "I am so proud we made Daddy a cake."  Happy 37th!

Miracles

Some of you believe in miracles and, I'm sure, some of you don't. Some people classify life itself a supernatural miracle. Some people see only the raising of the dead or near-dead as a supernatural miracle. From my perspective, the events surrounding my Grandaddy Self's death were nothing short of miraculous, no matter how you choose to explain them.

Grandaddy lived with diagnosed non-alcohol-related cirrhosis for 18 years. I won't even pretend to know his prayer when he was first diagnosed, but I know mine would have been some kind of plea for life or healing. And God granted him 18 mostly healthy years.

Grandaddy had several weeks near the end of his life where he was failing, but of sound mind. Unexplainably, people flew and drove from all over the country to visit him. Whether they knew it or not they were saying good-bye. He had some sweet visits that will be warm memories in the minds of his visitors for many years to come.

Not only that, but as his body failed, his organs shut down, his circulation slowed and then stopped in the extremities, and he could no longer eat or drink he did not suffer pain. He did not need or ever request any pain medication. Quite miraculous, imho.

Grandaddy lived "a long obedience in the same direction". His life was not full of drama or failure as so many people seem to find themselves in today. He was a dedicated Christian, family-man, church member, employee, and citizen. His life was of an enviable standard and quality.

Grandaddy was surrounded by his loving wife and three children during his last weeks. He saw his wife and children stand beside him and give him every conceivable support -- physical, emotional, spiritual -- that he may have needed. How many dying men could claim such?

Grandaddy conquered death. Death had no fear or mastery over him. He was assured of eternal life, a glorified body, and salvation through belief in Jesus Christ.

Grandaddy’s firstborn son was with him when he left his mortal coil. I am honored to think that one day the same could be said of my son. (One day far away...)

And I am quite certain I don't know the half of it. Family and friends feel free to post your perspectives of the miracles surrounding life and death.

Happy Anniversary!

I put up a few pics from our High Country vacation. Today was shopping and fishing, but I didn't get any of those pics up. Love to all!

You know you're the father of a preschooler if...

If you wear Disney Princess band-aids.
If your fingers are stained with Easter egg dye.
If you have multiple colors of Play Doh under your fingernails.
If the seat of your pants is grass stained from playing Duck, Duck, Goose!
If you've forgotten what it's like to sleep through the night uninterrupted.

Emma and I were in CVS yesterday and I was holding her while talking to the pharmacy clerk. I asked her if I could put her down and she replied, "I'll let you if I can have candy!" The clerk and I shared a great laugh.