Day 103 and The Goodbye

Today Bailey left for the Christmas break.
I waved her goodbye from the front door this morning before my final.

For some reason, I want to say in my best Mr. Narwhal voice, "Bye Buddy, hope you find your dad," when I see this photo.
Haha ...another Elf reference...

For those of you who have asked, we're not exactly sure how 365 will work with us separated during the break. Rest assured we'll be taking pictures and collaborating and will not leave you hanging for the next few weeks.
However, expect some changes and embrace them!
Love,
Jessie

Day 102 and Bringing Home the Bacon

Yesterday's late conversation went something like this:

Bailey: I think we should have pancakes for dinner tomorrow.
Jessie: Yes- I'll get bacon at the grocery store after work.

...the conversation pauses for a bit as we study...

Bailey: Are you going to work before?
Jessie: Before what?
Bailey: You know, before...
Jessie: Before lunch?
Bailey: Before - before your test.
Jessie: I don't have a test tomorrow.
Bailey: Yes you do.
Jessie: No I don't.
Bailey: Wait, yes you do. Don't you?
Jessie: No, it's on Tuesday.
Bailey: Oh gosh, this sounds like a conversation a married couple would have. "What time will you be home from work honey?"
Jessie: Well, I am bringing home the bacon! (ba-da-bom-shhhh)

Laughter ensues and we begin formulating how to incorporate this silly conversation into Project 365. The following photo is the result. I am the working gal, literally bringing home the bacon, and Bailey is the lovely homemaker, cooking in heals and pearls. It's a wonderful life.

Day 101 and Christmas in the Park

We made a little stop after church at College Station's Central Park to enjoy the Christmas lights.

51-100 Rejects and a Request

Here are a few honorable (and not so honorable pictures of the last fifty days, that didn't quite make the blog.)

Also, I have a request.
When friends tell us they enjoy our blog, Bailey and I love to ask which photo is there favorite.
It doesn't matter if your my friend, or Bailey's, an acquaintance or stranger - if you keep up with this blog we'd love your feedback. Do you have a favorite?

If so, PLEASE email me at jess.jean1988@gmail.com with your favorite day sometime before Christmas! I would like to make a Hall of Fame for the Project, a Viewer's Choice of sorts for the first 100 days.

Thanks and God Bless!

Day 100 and Its Milestone Celebration

Bailey: Jessie, we've done this 100 times.

Jessie: Wow - so crazy.

Profound? Maybe not.

We started this project as a way to capture life's moments, unique and mundane, yet somehow we experience life through it as well.

In honor of 100 Days of Jessie and Bailey 365, we went to Target and shot some pictures with random products that highlight this milestone for the project.

Day 99 and the Star Creek Cabin Girls

Bailey's Sky Ranch, Star Creek Cabin co-counselors, Amy and Alana, came over tonight to hang out and tie-dye v-necks. They are so sweet, and I'm so glad they included me in their little art project. It was so fun watching "Say Yes to the Dress" with them and getting to chit chat about life.

Day 98 and The Park Bench

We were looking at a little black kitten playfully making its way toward us - nice little study break.

Day 97 and Sharing the Gift

In light of the Christmas season, members of New Life partnered with First Baptist Bryan and other local churches to sort and distribute food to needy families in the area. Others had already packed the grocery bags with the food like pasta, canned veggies, peanut butter, canned meat etc... while we had the joyful yet strenuous task (Bailey and I will be sore come sunrise) of loading them all up in vans to be distributed. I was amazed at how long and hard we worked in our assembly line of sorts and barely made in a dent in the number of bags that still needed to be loaded up. What's even harder for me to think about, is despite the fact that these thousands of bags full of food will be given out, so many people still go without such luxuries.
I'm quite comfortable in the lifestyle I've been given. Yet often I wish for more clothes, a nicer car, more decorations in my house, etc...; it was quite a humbling experience to pass along grocery bag after grocery bag of small feasts for families who probably wish for healthy food for their kids, a warm coat for the winter, a house to decorate.
Thank you New Life for constantly challenging our ways of thinking; for encouraging us to become a young women who have a heart for serving the Lord by serving others.

Group Photo After Finishing Up
(I'm learning to play with textures on Photoshop...)

Day 96 and The Light Reflector

I made a ghetto light reflector today and used Bailey as my test subject. We chose this photo for the project for all its awkward glory.

Thanks again, Bailey, for your patience with my silly creative endeavors.

Day 95 and Our Other Christmas Tree

Our wonderful friend Ashley, came to visit tonight and talk over cinnamon swirl coffee. Considering it was getting late and Bailey and I hadn't taken our picture for the day, we invited her into our little project. It was cold and rainy: perfect weather for an outdoor night portrait under the lights of our backyard, nontraditional Christmas tree.

Day 94 and The "Christmas" Tree

In honor of the Christmas season, we decided to redecorate our Thankful Tree and turn it into a Christmas Tree.

The song by Amy Grant, Emmanuel, in all of it's 1992 glory was part of the inspiration of this tree. I was totally making fun of the song earlier this week, and Bailey was shocked to find me mocking one of her childhood favorites. I have to say now, that every time I hear this song it grows on me. And after watching the video on youtube, I can't help but snap my fingers, bop my head, sing along, and secretly wish I owned a banana yellow blazer like Amy.
The tree is now decorated with ornaments, each hand painted and inscribed with different names of Jesus we find meaningful.

Jesus Christ
*Emmanuel*
*Wonderful Counselor*
*Prince of Peace*
*Holy One*
*Atoning Sacrifice*
*Lamb of God
*The Word*
*The Vine*
*Savior*
*Bridegroom*
*Light of The World
*Son of Man*
*God Saves*
*The Way, The Truth, The Life*

The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light, those who dwelt in a land of deep darkness, on them has light shined... For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.
Isaiah 9: 2,6-7

Day 93 and the Gas Station

December 5, 2009

Bailey's family came to town for her little sister's Volleyball tryouts at Blinn. While her parents and Abbey were at tryouts that morning, we had the privilege of entertaining her little brother, Caleb, until they came back. Bailey always talks about how much she hates getting gas, so when she said she had to stop and get some, I thought it would be funny to take a picture of her at the pump.

Day 92 and Caroling for Compassion

Tonight, the Run for Compassion International Team at New Life hosted a caroling night in the Bacak's neighborhood. A sweet girl named Meredith, shared with us about the Child Survival Program as we drank wassail and snacked on ginger snaps. Then we braved the below freezing weather to ring doorbells, sing Christmas carols to the neighbors, and hand out information about this program.

We used to go caroling for my birthday parties when I was a kid (being a December baby,) and my last experience in 4th grade was all sorts of awkward. Needless to say, I was pretty apprehensive about the awkwardness (while Bailey was super cool as usual,) but with the little kids in front, every house(except for 2) greeted us with excitement. Everyone knows that "the best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear." By the time we were finishing up, my nose was freezing, my toes were burning, and I was singing Silent Night and the First Noel without any inhibitions.
What a fun night in the presence of great company!

Day 91 and Claire's Baby Shower

Claire and Joey are an amazing young couple in our Wednesday night LIFE Group; their marriage is just a beautiful picture of God's love relationship with us and it's been a blessing getting to know them and learn from them over the semester. Today Claire had her New Life baby shower at the Askew's and it was so fun playing games, watching her open presents and just hanging out with and making new friends over hot soup and yummy apple cider. After the shower was over, we were able to snap this quick photo with Claire and her soon to be born, baby Kay. (Claire first appeared on our blog on Day 30, and I'm sure she'll be in plenty more along with Kay next semester - We love you Claire!)

Day 90 and Pumpkin Crunch

December 2, 2009

While the men sat and discussed their Thanksgiving hunting stories, the women were gathered in the kitchen, eating the yummy pumpkin crunch dessert Claire (second on the right) made. Baby Kay is due at the beginning of the new year, (but hopefully at the end of this one for tax purposes - haha!) and later in the evening we felt her kick in Claire's belly, it was so amazing!

Day 89 and Our Favorite Things Part 6

SONIC HAPPY HOUR AND VANILLA DIET COKES
They just make everything better.

Day 88 and Real Nature and a Fake Tree

November 28, 2009

Wrapping up our Thanksgiving holiday photos is the following collage. Bailey and Jeff experienced the beauty of nature at Painter's Bluff in Arkansas, while Jill, Sydney and I admired our beautifully decorated (fake) Christmas tree in our living room. Thanksgiving is just a warm up for the real holiday around the corner... two more weeks!

Day 87 and A New Family and A (Semi) New Tradition

November 26, 2009

Bailey spent part of her Thanksgiving with her new family (pictured below are Amberly, Jeff, and Heather) in Arkansas.
I spent mine participating in the Sartin's second annual (making it a relatively new tradition) Run
Through the Woods event in my hometown. In this picture we're on our way there early in the morning.
Both of these new things reminded us of how much we have to be thankful for!

Day 86 and Thanksgiving Eve

Even when we're miles apart, we somehow manage to get a shot in for the day... even if it's a surprise to Bailey (and Jeff!)
Jackson makes me laugh, and he was glad to make in the project!

Day 85 and The Elephant Walk

November 24, 2009

I know little about A&M Traditions; the result of being raised by a Longhorn mother. But apparently the Senior Elephant Walk is a big deal. The juniors have a E-walk Tradition of their own, which is what we attempted to attend today.

It took a lot for me to muster up the ability to post this picture. The whole ordeal was a bit frustrating. We waited in line for about twenty minutes to get a picture with the elephants. I'd been on campus all morning, Bailey was ready to drive home for Thanksgiving, and the super crowded line had seriously only moved three feet. So we gave up on trying to get an official picture with them, I practically ran to get my tripod in the parking lot half a mile away (which in retrospect was a dumb idea anyway considering someone offered to take a picture for us) and we took our 365 shot that way.

When I got home and saw the five pics I had to choose from, I was so disappointed. In the ones with a great view of the elephants, at least one of us was blinking or it was super blurry or it was just awkward overall. In the ones that we all looked good in, a girl's backside was blocking much of the elephant.

Alas, sometimes, it's not about getting an amazing shot - this post merely serves to show our commitment to this project. Sometimes, you just gotta swallow your pride and not care so much about the picture quality. As Bailey says, this is life, and our purpose is to be as real as possible. Thanks and Gig'em :)

Day 84 and Antsy-ness.

While I was doing laundry, and Bailey was packing, we both realized we had little to do and were ready for the Thanksgiving holiday to start. "I'm so antsy!" she sighed. And then randomly, as we were just sitting there, I asked her if she ever did gymnastics - without waiting for a reply, I went into a back bend just like I did when I was six. Oh it was a bit painful, but pretty funny; the result of idle time.

Day 83 and The Fellowship Dinner

After church on Sunday evenings, everyone stays a for fellowship potluck dinner - it's like Thanksgiving every week! Really, it's a chance to meet new people and develop deeper relationships within our Body. Apart from the challenging messages each week, the amazing time of worship, the loving members, and our wonderful LIFE Group Bible Study, this is my favorite thing about New Life Baptist Church. haha

Day 82 and The Thankful Tree

Several of the families at our church started making thankful trees for Thanksgiving (click here for the Bacaks', here for the Hendricks', and here for the Dutys'.) My prayer as of late has been to have a consistent heart of praise and thankfulness, and as the Thanksgiving holiday nears, I thought it would be a great idea for Bailey and me to sponge off of their ideas and create one of our own. My sister, Jill, and dear friend, Jaclyn, came to visit today and helped put this together. I bought an old book and used the pages with Mod Podge to construct the tree and grass on this big piece of cardboard. This will be more of a season tree... (Jaclyn's brilliant idea;) we made fall-colored leaves and wrote a few of the many things we're thankful for; including, redemption, provision, morning time, sonic happy hours, family, community, etc... As the seasons change so will our tree!

Day 81 and The Austin Road Trip

"We're like those fun people who go to Austin on the weekends!" Bailey exclaimed as we got in the car yesterday at 4pm. Emily, Katie, Bailey and I all loaded up in Katie'sJeep and drove to Austin in celebration of Bailey's 21st birthday and the conclusion of a great fall semester as roommates. First we ate dinner at the original Chuy's Tex Mex restaurant, which was so fun and delicious. Since Bailey loves history, we decided to make a trip to the state capitol. We took this picture right as we arrived on the capitol grounds and lots more once we were inside. For more pics, check out my blog ... or facebook if you're my friend :)

Even with the rain we still had an amazing (and safe) mini-road trip!

Day 80 and Light Up Bryan

We drove to Downtown Bryan for the holiday tree and street lighting. There were families and kids everywhere, the ladies of "The Women's Club" were passing out hot apple cider and cookies while The Palace Theater had live Christmas music. We had so much fun quoting our favorite Christmas movies; "The best way to spread Christmas cheer is singing loud for all to hear!" (Elf) What a great way to get in the holiday spirit with friends!

(I also like this photo because of the mom in the left corner taking pictures of her kids by the tree, so precious!)

Day 79 and "Your Hands" by JJ Heller

After LIFE Group, Blaine asked if we'd heard the new JJ Heller song called "Your Hands." Of course, I thought he was referring to a guy artist, but was relieved not to verbally make the mistake of asking what kind of music he played before Cale commented that he really liked her new album, Painted Red. Blaine decided we needed to hear the song, so Bailey, Blaine, my friend Meagan, and I gathered in the Askew's computer room to listen to the song on youtube. It was a simply beautiful song (lyrically and musically,) and Blaine was right in assuming I would enjoy her music, next paycheck, I just might have to buy her album. To hear this song, click here, and if you like it, check out her website at www.jjheller.com.

Day 78 and The Big 21

Today Bailey turned twenty one years old. Knowing we'd both be busy all day, I surprised her with blueberry pancakes and friends for breakfast. I just love that she's a morning person ! For a full list of why I love my beautiful roommate, click here!

Happy Birthday Bailey Elizabeth

Day 77 and Martha's Bloomers

I pass this little garden/gift shop/tea room every time I drive home from College Station. Last week, I noticed they had these really cool, huge hand crafted turkeys made of hay. Thinking it would be a great festive 365 idea, Bailey and I drove towards Navasota for a picture at Martha's Bloomers. We thought we had the shot, and decided to go in and browse - just for kicks. Instantly we were greeted by a lovely, super friendly Linda who had just opened up a little boutique within the store. She called the boutique her baby and got so excited when we came in and started smelling candles. "Try on the hats!" she said excitedly. We did, and the following picture is the result. Yes, we bought them.

I've never had a hat, (I'm excluding my tomboy phase where baseball caps were a staple.) Does anyone remember the Looney Tunes short where the hat delivery truck doors open and all of the hats escape? It was one of my favorites. All sorts of hats where flying around in the middle of a small downtown and changing the personalities of the unsuspecting victims they landing on. An army gereral's hat falls on a goofy business man and he immediately transforms into the role of General Patton - walking like John Wayne, pipe in the mouth, barking orders - oh it was great! On the drive home, we pretended to take on the persona of our hats. Of course, my name would be Ingrid, living as a painter in Paris, and Bailey, known as Francesca, would be visiting her brother abroad in London.

Anyway, back to reality, I'd highly recommend giving Linda a visit at Martha's Bloomers if you're ever heading south on Highway Six. If you love anything feminine, you're in a for real treat!

Day 76 and a Morning at Lake Bryan

Bailey had the beautiful idea to spend the morning at Lake Bryan. It was so peaceful and the weather was perfect as we sat facing the tiny shore (and wading in it.) If you're ever in need of some quiet time away with your thoughts or, even better, with the Lord, I'd highly recommend driving out here and enjoying the scenery.

Day 75 and The Living Hope Work Day

The four of us roommates woke up bright and early for our church community work day. A group of about twenty of us ended up working on lady's house, repainting trim and doors, and cleaning and vacuuming, while the boys built a deck outside. What a great morning of serving God by serving others! (I set the camera on the hood of my car to snap this shot... though we look silly, I liked the sunbeam... plus people were starting to arrive and I was anxious to get a picture in before they all wondered what the heck we were doing! haha)

Day 74 and The Night of Ring Dunks

Some of our dearest friends celebrated their 3+ years of hard work at A&M by dunking their Aggie Rings today. Bailey and I first cheered on Michelle, Rachel, Mallory, and Elizabeth as they dunked their rings in chocolate milk, apple juice and a chocolate milkshake! Immediately after that, we headed over to OUR house (I've never seen it that packed before - crazy!),for another set of ring dunks by Sara, Sara, Patricia, Marlena, Ashley, and Anna. They dunked their rings in a variety of teas and sodas. I think I made myself sick on laughter, it was such a fun night! Thanks and Gig'em Ladies - y'all are amazing!

Day 73 and The Hullabaloo Diner

Picture if you will, this is a still shot for a movie; the plot would go something like a sweeter version of Thelma and Louise that would not involve murder and probably not Brad Pitt.

Two strangers in college, decide one day to break out of their normal life and hit the road. After her Ford Focus breaks down in this small town, Jessie walks to the local diner, where she sits across from Bailey. After coincidentally ordering the same thing off the menu, the two strike up a casual conversation and soon discover just how much they have in common. Bailey, having a heart of gold, invites Jessie with her on her adventure and Jessie excitedly accepts. They journey across the country in search of better life and find a friendship that will last a lifetime.

Box office gold don't you think?

Day 72 and Our Favorite Things Part 5

November 11, 2009
SCARVES
Perfect for any blustery day!

Day 71 and MSC Construction

As part of it's campus "beautification" process, A&M decided to renovate the Memorial Student Center. This breezeway has been blocked off all semester and campus just isn't the same without this happening place. I do miss running into friends by Rudder Fountain, eating lunch at the 12th Man cafetera, being bombarded by all of the student organizations trying to pass out flyers (even though this still happens at times.) I miss the occasional demonstrations and music artists that caused excitement amongst the students. Alas, one can't deny progress, nor should one be sad in such an instance... it was pretty exciting to see the bulldozer hard at work! Yay destruction!

Day 70 and The Best Sonic Trip Ever

Story Time:
Bailey and I decided that we'd hit up Sonic's Happy Hour for 365 today as a reward for making it through a long Monday. I ordered a Diet Strawberry Limeade and Bailey ordered (our favorite) a Diet Coke with vanilla. After one sip she exclaimed, "MMMMM THIS IS TOP NOTCH! WANNA TRY?" Laughing at her unusual outburst and curious as to why this particular drink was so special, I gave it a try. You should know, that I am an avid Diet Coke drinker and immediately concluded she wasn't drinking Diet Coke, but a regular Coke with vanilla. "Oh the calories," she sighed in a deflated voice. Once we regained composure from laughing, I reorderd the drink ("Ummm... yeah, I ordered a diet coke, but I'm pretty sure this is regular...") and Bailey frantically enjoyed her last few moments with the forbidden calories of a regular Coke.

Day 69 and Hanging the Painting

Finally after almost three months of living in this house, we finally got something up on the empty wall above the couch! For the story behind the painting, click here!

Day 68 and First Friday

Downtown Bryan, as a part of it's revitalization process, hosts a monthly event called First Friday. The shops and various art galleries and "mom and pop" restaurants stay open late, unique vendors come and sell their handmade crafts (wooden spoons and jewelry,) and live music can be found on almost every corner. Emily, Bailey, Macie and I had so much fun walking up and down the square talking, laughing, and people watching.

The next one is December 4th... if you'll be in town or want to be, get more info here!

Day 67 and Photo Booth

So after many hilariously embarrassing shots using Bailey's Mac, we thought this one was the only one good enough to post. At one point our pictures made us look so ridiculous we could barely breath from laughing, but we just weren't ready to share those with everyone... We look so fierce. haha

Day 66 and Dinner with the Askews

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Bailey and I spend every Wednesday night for bible study at the Askews and tonight we helped make dinner and eat with her kids. Will is her youngest boy on the left and Sam is his friend in the middle. Aren't they precious? It was a blessing getting to spend time with them, eating yummy food, and playing Trouble with Will!