An Ode to Steven Clavette: Welcome to the Malo Family!

It’s been a whole year, if not more, since I last wrote a blog post. And if I’m being honest, I say this all the time: I want to blog once a week, start a podcast, write a book, and come up with a million-dollar idea.

You know, just a few things.

I feel like 2027 is the year I finally start holding myself accountable. But we’ll save that conversation for another day.

Because this blog post isn’t about me.

This weekend, we gain another family member with another Malo wedding! And on the eve of most of us heading to New Hampshire, I’m trying to help my kids with their packing lists as they are both at college in Rhode Island, as we attempt to get out the door tomorrow morning.

I was just about to head outside to pick up leaves when I thought, Nah. I think I’ll write a blog instead.

And so, here we are.

My bestie Debbie told me that before I turn 50, I need to tell people how I feel. So, Debbie, I’m taking your advice.

This is my ode to Steven Clavette.

I met Steven sometime around 2020, I think. He was quiet, very tall, and gave off military and/or cowboy vibes. He was in the military (a hero), so of course, we thank him for his service. But today, this is really about thanking him for making Jules happy. And let me tell you, that is no small task. Jules has a lot of Malo in her, aside from the ability to cry at any given moment. That is DEFINITELY the Tassinari side.

In 2020, Jules decided the best way for Steven to meet the family was to bring him along on a WEEK-LONG family vacation in the middle of Maine. I remember thinking, Ha! This poor fella has no idea what he’s getting himself into.

We arrived pretty much in the middle of nowhere at a beautiful house my brother Scooter had booked. Somewhere along the way, we discovered that Luke Bryan had stayed there, which was probably one of the more exciting discoveries of the trip.

There wasn’t a whole lot to do, so it was all hands on deck. Our mission? Get to know Steven.

And, of course, Grandma Jane did what Grandma Jane does best.

“Steven, please eat!”

“Steven, have you eaten?!”

Classic Malo family vacation.

Thankfully, there was also an endless supply of Bud Lights, which helped transform quiet Steven into chatty Steven. And just like that, he started climbing the ranks of the Malo family favorites. Honestly, surviving a weeklong Malo family vacation should probably come with some kind of award.

Over the years, we’ve really grown fond of Steven. He’s the kind of guy who keeps his mouth shut when we make him wear an outfit, quietly supports everyone around him, and, most importantly, clearly loves my niece. But there was one moment that really sealed the deal. Christmas gift exchange. Steven picked Pep. And he bought him a knife.

Now, there’s a whole story behind that, but the short version is that it meant SO MUCH to my Dad. It was one of those thoughtful gestures that might seem small to someone else but meant the world to Pep. That’s the kind of thing you remember as the Aunt and or Sister of this crazy Fam. Also, fun fact: The rest of us call him Steven. Pep calls him Steve!

Steven has been thrown into a family full of Type A personalities, strong opinions, big personalities, and people who, let’s just say, don’t always hold back.

And yet, here he is.

Still standing. Still smiling. Still loving Jules.

We couldn’t be happier to have him.

One day, probably about 10 years ago, I asked the upper power to bring good men into the lives of my nieces and Molly. That was honestly my biggest hope for these three girls. I wanted them to find good men who would love them, support them, respect them, and make them happy.

And, well, we’re two out of three so far! I’d say we’re doing pretty well.

Of course, I’m not taking credit for any of it. But I might remind everyone that I did put the request out there to the upper powers.

And Steven, you are a big part of why I feel like that wish is coming true for Jules. So, as you officially become a Malo this weekend, I thought it was only fair to offer a little family advice.

A few things you should know as you enter this next chapter:

• Gram wants you to eat. It doesn’t matter if you just ate. Eat again. And if she asks if you have eaten, the answer is probably no.

• Richard is a very unique but loving human. You’ll figure that one out as you go if you already haven't. He loves you and Brendan, but don't think you will be told that a lot or hugged a lot. We don't do that.

• Go to Janeen for everything. Seriously. Just go to Janeen.

• Keep loving Charlotte and being the cool uncle. That role matters more than you know. Look at me!!!

• Do NOT talk politics. Trust me on this one.

• Mols and Shaner give you a Person A+. They are two very smart humans, actually, I think it's those two and Noah. If you have their approval, you won. Oh, and Rachel, if she loves you, that's also important. She is an angel sent to us, but don't tell.

• And if Jules ever wants to wear a ripped-up old blue dress to an occasion, tell her she’s beautiful! This is not the time to offer constructive criticism. Just smile and say she looks gorgeous.

  
  

All joking aside, Steven, we are so happy you are here. Thank you for loving Jules. Thank you for being patient with our family. Thank you for quietly showing up, supporting the people you love, and becoming part of our lives in your own way.

You may have started out as the quiet, very tall guy we brought to a weeklong vacation in the middle of Maine, but you’ve become so much more than that.

You’re family.

And that means something to us.

So, welcome officially to the Malo family! I am, and forever will be, Auntie Sara. I’ll pay the bill, watch any littles you let me, cheer you on, and be around whenever you need me.

That’s a promise.

Now go enjoy your wedding weekend, take a deep breath, and remember one very important thing:

You survived Maine. You can survive anything.

❤️ Auntie Sara