Merry, Merry 2015

We began 2015 with a New Year's Day walk to the beach. Tumbled down on blankets, armed with fresh journals and cookies, we put to paper our goals and prayers for the coming year. A common theme found on all four lists — to work on loving and giving to our little family and then, to share that love with others.

“It is one thing to inventory your blessings; it’s another to care for,
love and nurture them in all the ways they deserve.”

–Mardi Jo Link, Bootstrapper

That list of gratitude and goals seems simple written down, blessed by sandy little hands and the shushing of waves. However, the reality of living and loving is often a relentless, complicated and messy mission. Our best efforts yielded a trove of memories, some absolutely wonderful and some that involved total failure and forgiveness. What did loving and giving look like at Casa Watson this year?

For Mark, it was early morning work sessions and six-day work weeks tending to his growing Watson Fiduciary client base and working full-time as the chaplain for Valle Verde Retirement Community. Bringing Leah a perfectly made cup of coffee (with just the right amount of froth) to her in bed every morning just as she woke up. Reading novels to the kids at night and driving them to school in the morning. Leading family devotions and taking out the trash. Holding us tight and pushing us to pursue our passions with his steadfast love. 

For Leah, it was working to keep our world small so we save our best to give to each other. Redirecting us when we got off course. Working-mom acrobatics to meet deadlines at the office and still make it to the school pick-up line in time. Morning cuddles with pajama-clad cuteness. Embracing forty with confidence and unapologetic self-care. Planning grocery lists, vacations, closet clean-outs, birthday parties, dentist appointments and date nights. Attempting touches of domestic magic to keep our little cottage happy without losing her mind in the process.

For Ben, it was running to get Leah when Clara finally mastered her beach cruiser bike and saying in awe as he watched her ride, “Mommy, isn’t she amazing?” Teaching us about Greek and Roman gods. Fighting imaginary battles in the backyard and choosing to be the good guy. Asking thoughtful questions, giving thoughtful answers. Talking too fast and waking up slow. Requesting the symphony station on the radio. Counting down to the new Star Wars movie over Christmas Day. Reading and reading and did we mention reading? Growing into a handsome young man of integrity, humor, intellect and joy.

For Clara, it was putting on elaborate shows for us involving costumed stuffed animals, set design and wearing her faithful fedora while belting out her favorites — Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. Wishing for a dog above all else and then, patiently loving other peoples’ dogs while we wait for the right time to add one to our family. Playing capture the flag and kickball, building with Legos and cheering on the Giants. Throwing a tea party for her stuffed animals and asking for a pedicure date with mom. Giving the warmest hugs, brightest smiles and cards written with a depth of love and understanding that defy her seven years of sweetness. 

“Keep returning to those whom you belong
and who keep you in the light.”

-Henri Nouwen

On October 16^th we celebrated our sixteenth wedding anniversary by renewing our vows. The four of us headed down to Butterfly Beach where Pastor Bussell, who officiated our wedding, stood once again with us as we made those promises. It was a meaningful way to commemorate our “sweet sixteen.” More than that, we knew there’ve been seasons where honestly saying those vows again would have been hard, if not impossible. We wanted to stand in gratitude for the faithfulness of God, those who who’ve stood beside us, and for this family that has been created out of two flawed people pledging to build a life and legacy together.

With Ben and Clara nestled between us we reaffirmed those sacred pledges. Harold brought out the prayers he had prayed over us at our wedding and as he spoke those sacred words again the deep mystery and beauty of our marriage left us awestruck. Humbled, we know that this abundant goodness has little to do with any heroic efforts on our part — it is the gift of daily waking up, doing our best to keep in the light, asking for help when darkness descends and making the promise to hold on tight, forever.

Thank you loving us all these Christmases. We love you back. May we all take those relentless, complicated, messy and beautiful steps of love in our small worlds.

Hold on tight,

Casa Watson

Thank you, Evan Janke Photography. 

Our memories wouldn't look as pretty without you.