Welcome to our blog - we are the Bessette family: Jackie, Shannon and Oliver! An extraordinary life is created from all of the ordinary moments....and here in our little corner of the internet you can follow our extraordinarily ordinary!
2023: Humility My word of the year for 2023 is humility. Over the course of the last several years my word or theme of the year has had a profound influence and so my selection process has grown even more purposeful with each year since the first word in 2019. Recently I heard the concept … More 2023: Humility
For as long as I can remember I have loved Christmas Cards. It was one of my favorite things about this season. Seeing the families year to year- how they would grow and change and where they would move. What they would share, wear, or the card they would choose. I soaked it all in! … More Our Return to Christmas Cards
The Netflix Harry & Megan Documentary came out this past week – and after my Crown series fascination over the last few years, I admit it – I was REALLY excited for this release. Its human nature we all want to a look inside… and then there is the other part of human nature: we … More The Harry & Megan Documentary is Reminding Me Why I was a Communications Major
This past week we celebrated the Immaculate Conception of Mary. This is to honor that in order for Mary to be the Mother of Jesus, she herself has to be conceived without sin. I heard an excellent explanation from Father Schmitz this week around how we can envision this. If you have a glass that … More God is in the Business of Answering Prayers
This weekend I participated in the second Advent Retreat hosted by Mother and Home, an online Catholic Women’s Community. Last year following this event I had a distinctly new view on God as my Father and my perspective for life ahead in 2022. A perspective that ultimately made it to my left wrist with my … More What Does It Mean to Believe?
In college I had an assignment that I actually thought was extremely valuable: write about your future job. Describe a moment – a day of the week, a time of the day and how you will spend your time in that role. This was something I could not wait to do … and I had … More Grateful in All the Nooks and Crannies
“Mommy?!?” As my sweet little crazy bed head wide eye girls pops up in bed last night as I make my final night time routines…. “I want to go to Grandad and Baby Madden’s Party now”. As I just start to release myself to the need for sleep, I chuckle and tell her “Oh Baby, … More Right Where I Am Supposed To Be
Hi friends, meet our newest family member Oliver! He is a little rescue puppy who is primarily Blue Heeler with the sweetest eyes, the funniest floppy ears, and a HUGE heart. We welcomed him home with us mid-June and just like that Shannon and I’s little girl gang expanded by one little boy with four … More Meet Oliver!
It has been a year since I started this project with the first letter. I have thought about it over and over again – do I keep going? Is this a story you will want to hear? Is it a story I should even tell? I have I had sitting in drafts since the spring letter #2 and I have never hit publish. But here we are – a year to the day and I still feel strongly about writing it. … More Dear Shannon Letter 2
Happy July friends! How are you doing?? Are you enjoying summer? It is hot as all get out… it’s going so fast… a variety of factors that can be more negative about this season are present daily and yet I can’t hide my smile. I love summer! Virginia we have all the seasons and you … More Thy Will ~ Half Way on 2022
Have A Little Faith in We 