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!
Two things can be true at the same time. A life lesson we all seem to learn at some point or maybe you are more like me and need to learn it over and over again? Over the last 4 years it has been a truth that has followed me a lot. In fact I … More Two Truths Can Exist at the Same Time
Good or bad…. Good or bad…. This is the filter through which I viewed my world. From the big things: was that reaction to my daughter or compromised husband – good or bad? To the little details of the day: extra cup of coffee- good or bad? When I say everything, I mean everything. Towards … More 2024: Gentle
I snapped the below picture last week on a walk. It was so pretty and also reminded me all the different seasons I walked this neighborhood path. This view has been seen in spring, summer, fall and winter… and also with a newborn, with my parents, with my sister and her little baby (who is … More #BessetteDaily
This summer I learned an incredibly helpful parenting tool from Jami Nato. When your kids are in a calm and peaceful place, ask them “when do I love you? When you’re good or when you’re bad?” And my guess is most kiddos will respond “when I am good?” That seems like the right answer, but … More Do I love you when you’re good or when you’re bad?
Thirty-first Sunday of Ordinary Time: “The greatest among you must be your servant. Whoever exalts himself will be humbled; but whoever humbled himself will be exalted.” Matthew 23:12 ✝️ The Lord’s ways are not ours and so this world that finds humility, obedience, and a heart of service undesirable is suffering death by despair. Without … More Sunday Reflection: November 5, 2023
One of our family stories (details may vary based on who tells the story and the number of years the story was shared) Ganmommy asked her nun teacher “what will Heaven will be like?” The nun responded “it will be your favorite things.” Ganmommy thought in her little innocent child perspective and responded with “You … More Heaven through the Eyes of a Child
Dear Shannon, A few Saturdays ago war broke out in the middle east. This area, the “Holy Land”, has been tormented for centuries by battles for ownership, power, and control. In fact one of your favorite pre-bedtime rituals is to watch these old Bible Stories for kids on YouTube and one of the preferred stories … More Dear Shannon, In the Midst of Battles, Stand in Faith
Twenty-Fifth Sunday of Ordinary Time: “’My friend, I am not cheating you. Did you not agree with me for the usual daily wage? Take what is yours and go. What if I wish to give this last one the same as you? Or am I not free to do as I wish with my own … More Sunday Reflection: September 24, 2023
This past week included picture day at Shannon’s school. The first feeling about picture days are: these are the moments I dreamt about. The parenting milestones that remind you of who God has given you to steward. Before I knew her I wondered what she would like look… who she would be. Then when that … More Did you pack a napkin? Picture Day 2023
This school year Shannon is a “yellow jacket”: in a class for 3-4 year olds. And it is the first time it’s actually feeling a lot like school and not just daycare. The core group of kids she has been with since the 17 month class were divided up between two classes and this has … More 2023-2024 School Year & Bible Quote
Have A Little Faith in We 