Day 361

December 27, 2011


the one where I spent some time reading The Hunger Games (I figured it was about time I jumped on the bandwagon to see what all the fuss is about!), testing out the hot rollers I got for Christmas, jammin’ to this song, and packing for my trip to Flower Mound tomorrow! :D

PS: WOW, I just want to thank everyone for the positive feedback yesterday! I’m so blessed to know all of you wonderful people. Your sweet words are so encouraging, and are definitely helping me think about what I’m going to do next year! I'm so glad that you enjoy keeping up with my ABCs! I’m still in the process of deciding what to do in 2012, but I’ll let you know as soon as I make up my mind! Love you all! :)

Day 360

December 26, 2011

the one where I spent the day with Momsie, and drove over to the new house to watch the sunset. Beautiful.

Can you believe there are only 5 more days until Day 365? This year has been such a journey! Many people have been asking me if I’m planning to continue my project into next year, or if I’m going to stop once 2012 arrives. And my answer has been the same every time…I honestly don’t know! I really don’t even know how many people keep up with it, but I am curious as to what everyone thinks! Please feel free to comment on this picture or message me if you’d like to share your thoughts or suggest anything! (Don’t be shy; I really want to know! :) And no, I won’t think you’re a creeper!) Much love, Jamie

Day 359

December 25, 2011 (CHRISTMAS!!!)

the one where we celebrated the birth of Jesus! Joy to the world!


“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, ‘Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.’” - Luke 2:8-14

Today’s Christmas song is one I’ve been saving especially for Day 359! It is one of my favorite Christmas songs OF ALL TIME, even though it isn’t a traditional song, and it isn’t even well-known. But it reminds us of the true reason for the season—it’s not about presents or shopping or Santa—it’s about celebrating day that The Word became flesh and dwelt among us!



Happy birthday, Jesus! Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night!! :)

Day 358

December 24, 2011 (aka Christmas Eve!)

the one where we celebrated Christmas Eve by bringing my Grandma flowers, going to the Vigil Mass (and watching the Christmas Pageant at St. Joseph’s), and ending the night with “It’s a Wonderful Life!” Two of the greatest reminders today:

1) that the Creator of the Universe chose to come down and meet us in the form of a baby over 2000 years ago—and that moment changed everything! Such a divine mystery stirs up wonder and awe in my heart. Oh, how he loves us!

2) that God weaves all of our lives together in a pattern that may look odd to us, but makes perfect sense in the grand scheme of things! Only when George Bailey was able to see how the world would have been if he had never been born was he able to truly appreciate all the gifts and blessings he had been given—and how his life impacted the lives of others—and his thankfulness caused him to overflow with joy! If only we could see life with those eyes everyday…we’d be very, very happy people!

Today’s Christmas song is a simple one. I love to just close my eyes and listen to it. Such a pretty song!

Day 357

December 23, 2011

the one where I got to hang out with some of my favorite boys! Today I built this awesome gingerbread house with Nash (while Cade provided the comic relief and frequently stepped in to taste-test the candies/icing/sprinkles/fondant/gumdrops…haha!), learned all about Pikmin, helped decorate a Christmas tree, played with sweet little Wally [who Cade informed me is a “Chihuahua AND a Shih Tzu”—therefore, he is a “Chihuih Tzu” (chuh-WIT-zoo)!], and got to bust a move with Nash on “Just Dance” for Wii. :)

I also noticed today that I tend to describe things using sound effects and hand motions rather than providing an actual definition. (One example: when Cade asked me “what does whimsical mean?” I responded by saying, “it’s kind of like…*laaah-dee-dah*…” while swaying around in slow motion.) I never realized how often I did this, but it happened several times today—and afterward I wondered if the reason these boys ask me what so many words mean is because they want to see me act them out!

Ooh, and also I went to look at the progress on the new house, and made up a “New House Dance” with Momsie to celebrate! And then I got home and found out that my beautiful friend Atalie is engaged! AHHHHH!!! Couldn't be more excited for you and Nathan! Beautiful. Enjoy today’s Christmas song—it’s by one of my favorite singers of all time! :)

Day 356

December 22, 2011

the one where I spent the day with Rachel! I’m so blessed to have such a beautiful and hilarious cousin! Buying each other Christmas presents + being goofy + debating over whether or not we should take a picture with mall Santa (maaaybe not…) + instead deciding to use pictures from Rachel’s phone to remember today (it’s hard to believe these are from a phone!) + spontaneously bursting into song throughout our shopping adventures = these are a few of my favorite things! :)

The Christmas song of the day is actually a medley, and it’s not so much about the songs as it is about the artists! In honor of Rachel, I’m posting a video of her favorite group, Il Volo! (Which I also like to refer to as “the Italian Jonas brothers” or “Josh Groban’s Italian cousins” or “the ones that remind me of Uncle Jesse.” Watch the video to see what I mean!) Hope you’re as blown away by their voices as we are!

Day 355

December 21, 2011

the one where I got to spend some time catching up with Marina! It’s always a lot of fun sharing stories with this pretty lady over yummy Chinese food! She was my best friend in high school, so it’s always a blessing when I get to see her! Chatting for over 3 hours straight + laughing at these ginormous fish in the tank next to our table + reminiscing about our yesterdays and realizing how far we’ve come = priceless. :) So thankful for today!

PS: can you believe there are only 4 more days until Christmas? And 10 days until Day 365? Crazy! Enjoy today’s Christmas song!

Day 354

December 20, 2011

the one where I had a catch-up day with Ryan! This guy was one of my dearest friends all throughout high school, and even though we go to different schools now, we’re always able to pick up right where we left off! Reminiscing over Los Dos + laughing and talking about life + realizing that even though we’ve been apart, we’ve both managed to become fans of Boyce Avenue, Sam Tsui, and epic Glee mashups + jamming to said mashups all afternoon + taking this wonderfully cheesy Christmas picture whilst reppin’ our schools = fantastic. :)

Special thanks for Brittany for inspiring the Christmas song of the day! Enjoy!

Day 353

December 19, 2011

the one where I worked on graduate school applications and was once again astounded by God’s grace in my life! Somehow I was able to keep my 4.0, even though this has been the busiest semester I’ve ever had—I still can’t believe it! And tonight I spent some time playing Scrabble with Momsie…and then playing around with the letters to remember some of my favorite words from 2011. :) (Bonus points to anyone who can figure out what the blank letters are!)

Today’s Christmas song is one of my all-time favorites. Hope you like it!

Day 352

December 18, 2011

the one where I read this entire book in one sitting! Once I started it, I literally couldn’t put it down. It is the story of an almost-4-year-old boy’s trip to Heaven and back, and it blew my mind! WOW. All I can say is: you should totally read it!

And here’s the Christmas song of the day!

Day 351

December 17, 2011

the one where we visited my grandma…and so did Santa! Celebrating Christmas + singing carols + getting to meet Santa + watching Grandma open her presents = too fun. Afterward, Momsie took me to the new house so I could see these pretty bricks lining the entryway, and it made me even more thankful! It's been a good day.

PS: congratulations to Stephanie and Theresa, who graduated today!!

Day 350

December 16, 2011

the one where I packed up, went home, and took pictures of these 3 crazy boys! It was so good to see them again, and it’s always great to hear them ask “when are you going to babysit us again?” Makes me reminisce about the days of playing “Just Dance,” putting together puzzles, playing games, and having very long conversations about Pokemon!

PS: Congratulations to everyone who’s graduating! Tiffany, Brittany, Atalie, Katelynn, George, and everyone else! Y'all are awesome!!

PPS: Today’s Christmas song is actually not as much a song as it is a story…and I can guarantee it will be one of the cutest things you’ve ever seen! It's probably my new favorite Christmas video!

Day 349

December 15, 2011

the one where I was reunited with my dear Carolyn! I don’t think words can properly describe the impact this girl has had on my life these past few years I’ve been in Aggieland, but I can assure you that I would not be the person I am today if it weren’t for her! She’s helped me to grow in ways I would have never imagined, and I am so thankful for the blessing she is in my life!

Spending hours catching up + telling stories about this semester’s adventures + hearing all about life in Italy + laughing like crazy + dinner at Jason’s Deli (the same place we had our first-ever “friend date” freshman year! Oh, the memories!) + giving and receiving gifts + realizing ways we’ve grown over the past few months and sharing graces God has revealed to us + hanging out with Carolyn for the first time since Day 214 = today couldn’t have been better! :)

Enjoy today’s Christmas song!

Day 348

December 14, 2011

the one where I completed my 7th semester at A&M (WHOOP!!!), and celebrated afterward by napping, Christmas shopping, baking white chocolate chip/Andes mint cookies with Erik, and celebrating the beginning of Christmas break with a party at Tiffany, Brittany, and Kristin’s! So thankful that Christmas time is finally here! :)

Aaand here is today’s Christmas song!

Day 347

December 13, 2011

the one where I took my anatomy final, studied statistics all afternoon, and got to hear Carolyn’s voice on the phone for the first time in months! My dear friend is finally back in Texas, and I cannot wait to see her! The rest of the day was spent studying statistics, eating pizza, and taking little breaks to watch Thomas, Lucas, and Erik battle it out on Super Smash Bros. Life is good. :)

Enjoy today’s Christmas song!

Day 346

December 12, 2011

the one where I took my linguistics final, which included lots of questions about accents in Disney movies. It is SO much fun just to know that Timon and Pumbaa (aka the “humorous outcasts with positive intent”) speak with “working class Mid-Atlantic” accents! HA! The things you learn in college. :)

Aaand the rest of my day was spent studying for my two toughest finals. Whoop!

PS: Carolyn is on her way back to Texas! AH! Enjoy the Christmas song of the day!

Day 345

December 11, 2011

the one where I spent almost the entire day studying for the 3 finals I have in the next 3 days, but took a break to make some yummy peppermint hot chocolate. :) MMMMM.

Enjoy today’s Christmas song!

Day 344

December 10, 2011

the one where the evening began with ham and noodles…and ended that way too. :) Allow me to explain:

Since Erik’s mom calls him “Ham,” and my dad has always called me “Noodles,” my best friend (who is SO thoughtful!) made the two for dinner. It. Was. AWESOME. After that we went ice skating (and I only half-way wiped out, unless you count the time I had a huge giggle fit and almost ran into a wall!), drank hot chocolate, and talked about life. And just when I thought the night couldn’t get any better, Erik led me outside to a magical land of Christmas lights and Michael Buble singing this song and we danced in the moonlight. Long story short, tonight my best friend asked me to be his girlfriend. And I said yes. (Actually I said “yes ba!” HA!) Best. Day. EVER! My heart is overflowing with thankfulness!

Day 343

December 9, 2011

the one where I got to spend a little time with Kristin, took my nutrition final, saw Carolyn through a window as I was strolling past Starbucks (and got to have a little spontaneous catch-up sesh), went to Mass and Yogurtland with my brothers and Erik, and spent the evening singing praises to God at the Lighthouse! SO thankful!!

Today’s Christmas song is one of my favorites—it gives me chills every time!

Day 342

December 8, 2011

the one where I celebrated the Feast Day of the Immaculate Conception of Mary, ate blackberries with nutella (another brilliant April Lay creation), chicken spaghetti, and also tried eating frozen peas (haha…that was totally Erik’s idea); studied for finals, and received an early Christmas gift from my dear Brittany! (Thank you SO much!) I always thought that if I were a Willow Tree figurine, I’d be this one…and apparently Brittany thought so too! I seriously have the best friends in the world. :)

Enjoy today’s Christmas song!

Day 341

December 7, 2011

the one where I studied for finals, ate brisket nachos (the AWESOME brainchild of April Lay…we will definitely be doing this again soon!), and had SMYRT leadership passdown! I’m so excited to serve with these wonderful people next semester! You. All. ROCK. :)

PS: Enjoy today’s Christmas song!

Day 340

December 6, 2011

the one where I got my hair cut, had a wonderful lunch date with Atalie (and discovered the nutella latte at MugWalls…heaven in a cup, I tell you!), and danced the night away at the KTB Formal! (Dear Brooke, thank you for getting down on one knee and asking me to be your date to the formal tonight. I am honored. :) Also, thank you for the packet of Chick Fil A honey roasted barbecue sauce. It means so much that you remembered my favorite condiment! All my love, Jamie)

Taking awkward prom pictures with my beautiful roomies + making sure to request the Wobble + getting all dressed up + being goofy with our masquerade masks = hilarious. So thankful for today!

PS: ONLY ONE MORE WEEK UNTIL I’M REUNITED WITH MY CAROLYN! AH!

PPS: Happy Feast Day of St Nicholas!

PPPS: Enjoy the Christmas song of the day! :) This guy has the craziest voice, and the video is so funny!!

Day 339

December 5, 2011

the one where we bundled up in warm, cozy sweaters for our SMYRT Christmas party! Every year I’m blown away by the ridiculousness of the white elephant gifts, but this year was something else! A grilled cheese sandwich + “Swedish Fish! ... A REAL fish!!” + Spiderman dishes + a Disney Princess basketball hoop + a tiny glass pig with wings (named Penelope!) + a spitball shooter + a vuvuzela + Candy Land + a baby giraffe pillow pet + a hilarious flower pot + a shovel + much more = SMYRTastic. Since this was our last meeting of the semester, new leadership was also revealed today! I couldn’t be more excited or thankful to be the new Communications Coordinator! Things I’m especially thankful for today: wonderful friends, this awesome ministry, my new little glass friend, Penelope! (Isn’t she sweet? Pretty sure it was love at first sight.)

PS: I heard today’s Christmas song on KSBJ--I love it!

Day 338

December 4, 2011

the one where the St. Mary’s Sunday Morning Choir sang together for one last time this semester! I can’t believe that the next time we sing, it will be 2012! Crazy. I’m so blessed to know such talented and wonderful people! You. All. ROCK. Just sayin’.

PS: today’s Christmas song is one we sang this morning—it’s a blend of a traditional Christmas carol with a more recent song that isn’t as well-known. The part at the end is the best--I LOVE it! Hope you do too! :)

Day 337

December 3, 2011

the one where my roommate’s last name changed from Roggow to Gagnon! (AH!) There’s just nothing quite like the beauty of two becoming one, revealing Christ’s love to the world through their love for each other!

Morning Bridal Brunch with the girls + a hair/makeup/jewelry/dress/perfume/shoe/flower party with friends and family + trying to decide what I liked looking at more--Katelynn walking down the aisle, or George's face watching her! + a beautiful exchange of vows + celebrating and dancing the night away + ringing bells to say farewell to the newlyweds = “and now for the first time, I am happy to introduce…Mr. and Mrs. George Gagnon!” I’m so blessed to have such a wonderful couple in my life. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness! :)

PS: I know this isn’t a Christmas song…but it’s one of my favorites, and it’s the song that played as Katelynn walked down the aisle! Enjoy!

Day 336

December 2, 2011

the one where Katelynn & George prepared to tie the knot! A fun wedding rehearsal for two wonderful people + Rehearsal Dinner at Caffe Capri + learning lots of interesting things about Katelynn and George + meeting lots of family and friends + laughing and celebrating together = just a few reasons why today was AWESOME. :) I’m so thankful to know you two!

PS: Enjoy the Christmas song of the day!

Day 335

December 1, 2011

the one where April decorated our fridge to ring in the first day of December! (Have I mentioned how much I LOVE my roommates? And how I cannot BELIEVE the year is going by so quickly?) I also had to snap a picture of these little post-it notes I saw in the ladies restroom on the first floor of Evans! From what I’ve heard, Operation Beautiful is a simple movement with the great mission of reminding every woman that she is beautiful. Way to spread the love! Rock on.

PS: in honor of the holiday season, I’m going to begin the countdown to Christmas by sharing 25 of my favorite Christmas songs with you! Ready for the first one? It’s one of my all-time favorites, and cracks me up every time! And it’s a cappella, so what could be better? Hope you like it!

Day 334

November 30, 2011

the one where I celebrated the last day of November by making flameless s’mores! Graham crackers + nutella + marshmallow creme = magically delicious! :)