A small event. Taking place in the corner of a library. Simple dress. Simple vows. Low key.
Insert eye roll and long suffering sigh.
Low key? Didn’t happen. Rather than a quiet corner in a library, we should have erected a big top. Instead of holding bouquets, lion tamer chairs. Instead of a nice timed walk down the aisle, we should have exited a clown car.
It was perfectly imperfect.
I came down the aisle with my father and three hyped up little girls ran around my legs and tugged on my arms. He waited for me next the preacher as the youngest boy broke free and instigated a game of tag with my 6 year old.
Spirited game of tag
We shared vows passing Gracie back and forth until someone finally came and got her from my arms so he could put a ring on my finger.
The look says "HELP!"
As soon as he began reciting the vows and placing the ring on my finger. My 4yo snatched my arm and began pulling me back. Screaming. She wanted the ring. Someone finally got her and took her to the hall so we could finish the vows.
I hardly heard either of us say the “I do” over the sounds of giggling, squealing and other general kid noises.
I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
It was perfect in that quiet library. A wedding “by the books.”
We began with the quote in the previous post, plus the paragraph I had written for the ceremony. We said vows to all 8 children. Promising to nurture, guide and love them as our own. Finished with our vows. Somehow in all the chaos, we got it finished.
A family is begun. Blended. Mixed to perfection.
Thank you to all of you who have expressed your delight along with me, your well wishes and kind comments. We are beginning the New Year as a new family. 2 adults. 8 children. I can truly say “Eight is Enough!” We went to the extent of having him altered along with his suit! We are thrilled with the prospect of each other and parenting all these children. I can’t wait to share all of our adventures (clown car, lion tamer chairs and all) with you!
I’m so thrilled for all TEN of you, and looking forward to some seriously hilarious stories.
Love you!
I can guarantee you with this modern day Brady Bunch (minus Alice-who I really need) there will be some stories for sure. Thanks Megatron!
I loved this whole post and laughed out loud at the 4 year old wanting the ring! I figured she was objecting to sharing her mommy! Will you have the 5 boys full time? Looks like a pretty wide age range. I don’t blame you for saying 8 is enough but … miracles happen!
She didn’t have a bit of problem with sharing her mommy. She was however insanely jealous and wanted the ring to marry him herself. The pastor could barely keep a straight face (in fact he gave up and howled with us) at her indignant viciousness over that ring. (P.S…I answered your other question on FB)
I had to arrange an impromptu “wedding” for the 4 year old….Her oldest stepbrother carried her up to the stage and & pronounced them bound in Holy Brother-Sisterymony. Worked for her
Congratulations… to all of you! I wish you and your new family all the best!
Thank you Jackie! Happy New Year to you!
Blessings on your marriage and the new year.
Thank you Debbie. I am keeping you and yours in my prayers and I am here anytime you need me.
Eight is Enough was once one of my favourite TV shows
You continue to amaze and inspire me my friend. Let 2012 beware!
2012 will be my year, because I choose to make her mine. RAWR! I can’t wait to see all the opportunities and chances we are going to get this year! Love you, my friend.
How wonderful! Some folks go out of their way to organize perfectly quiet, elegant, adults-only weddings and while those are beautiful, I always feel like there’s something missing when children aren’t included. Your wedding sounds fabulous–boisterous, fun, and filled with love, just like life. I wish you and (all of!) yours all of life’s sweetest blessings.
I have to admit the part that tugged my heart the hardest was watching the man who was saying his vows to me balancing my 2 year old on his hip. Thank you Beth.
This is incredible. It doesn’t seem that long ago that you change twitter and moved forward in your life. I have been out of the loop I guess because when I heard you were getting married – surprise me – glad it is so wonderful for you and wish you a lot of good healthy, happy, and joyous days
YAY!! It really does look like the perfect wedding and your dress? What I can see of it looks gorgeous. What a happy family and a great way to start the new year! You now share my mom’s anniversary.
Congratulations. You looked beautiful!
So happy for you and your family!
Oh wow, what a perfect ceremony, hope that you at least got to drive the clown car
.
Perfect!!
Congratulations on this beautiful event, Alycia. I must say I have never seen a wedding just like the one you described. Touching. I wish you all the best in the future of all 10 of you together as a family.
It was absolutely Perfectly imperfect. I’m so blessed to have been there with you & “played” the music that escorted you into your new life.
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