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Blog Entry 3 of 6 Mother of the Blog
My baby girl is getting married in June 2008. My good intentions were to start this exactly a year before the Big Day, but that road to hell is not only paved with good intentions, but strewn with the detrius of being overbooked, overstressed, over budget and overwrought. I am not the mother of Bridezilla but she is one of my princesses and I want her to have a perfect day. Have I mentioned that I'm a journalist and her father is an artist? We're doing this a little under the national average financially, but hope for a party to remember. I'll be sharing special moments, such as rounding up centerpieces from every Target store in the Valley and the first time I saw her in The Dress. Feel free to share your wedding memories and advice; there will be contributions from other family members - from both sides - throughout the next year.

Only 338 days - holy cow!
Contributed by: Carol Rock   on 7/26/2007

Along the wedding marathon, we cleared another hurdle yesterday when we booked the deejay. We're pretty happy with that because a) BrideGirl likes them and b) I do too, which is important, since I'm writing most of the checks...get this, the owner of the company wrote a couple of books on happiness, which tells me he's got some good chops to throw a party. I got a good vibe and think we're going to have one rocking celebration next June. Another box checked in the MOB (mother o'the bride) book!

When children decide to tie the knot, there are a few things that we, as parents, need to seriously discuss with them (don't bother with that one, that ship sailed long ago). I mean if they aren't steady churchgoers or patrons of any one pagan calling, someone has to be chosen to say the magic words "I now pronounce you husband and wife."

A couple of local ministers were discussed, as was a friend who recently helped us renew our vows on our 30th anniversary. And even as much as I love to talk before a crowd, neither I or the others were on their short list.

The only name in consideration caught us a little off guard. BrideGirl - with the blessing of AlmostASonInLaw - was hoping that BrideBrother, known to many others as Kerry, or ArmyBoy, for his four years of service in Iraq, Italy and Colorado (snow patrol isn't as easy as it sounds), would do the honors.

Anyone reading this who knew my son growing up is laughing right now. I can vouch that the Army did teach him a few things; how to clean a house as well as a rifle, good work habits and that even MRE's are edible with enough peanut butter and Tabasco sauce. He lives in Virginia now, works as a government contractor, owns a house, is a decent cook and hasn't been arrested. At least that we know about.

So when BrideGirl asked him if he would consider becoming ordained to perform the ceremony, I expected uncontrolled snickering. Imagine my surprise when he visited the website of the Universal Life Church to find out just what he had to do. By the time that weekend visit was over, BrideBrother had legally completed the requirements to become the Officiant.

The reason he was in California was to attend the wedding of a friend. When he returned from those nuptials, his attitude toward his upcoming duties turned really serious.

"There's a lot of stuff I have to keep track of," he lamented. "I pretty much run the show." Then his eyes took on a mischievous sparkle; the same look I'd seen before some unforgettable pranks he's been pulled in the past. "This is your sister's day," I reminded him. "You spoil it and I'll kick your..."

I never had to finish the sentence, as he put his arm around me and reassured me that he knew what an honor - and responsibility - this was. We talked about creating a script and cheat sheet so nothing would fall through the cracks, as well as how he'd enter the room (he was to be one of the groomsmen in the original plan, now he'll just step up to a different spot after escorting his bridesmaid to her place) and if he would wear anything different to set him apart from the other young men.

Two years ago, BridePapa and I trusted him and his sisters to emcee our anniversary event completely off the cuff. I remember hearing sniffling and lots of laughter from the guests and people still talk about the party. We were right then and I think the newest Lucky Couple are making the right decision this time.

A bonus that goes with the authority to marry people is a title bestowed by ULC. The list from which he gets to choose goes from the honorary to the outlandish - he can be a Flying Missionary, Mystical Philosopher, Reverend, Soul Therapist, Spiritual Warrior, The Very Esteemed (one which he was seriously considering, I understand) or Wizard.

When I spoke to him yesterday, he was leaning toward the humble title "Brother." Guess he is taking this pretty seriously.

I would have gone for Universal Philosopher of Absolute Reality.





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Showing 1 of 1 comments
Submitted By: Tif Rock
posted on 8/4/2007 @ 11:33:19 AM
(Not Rated)
What an exciting time for all of you...enjoy every moment of the adventure, cherish the support of family and friends, remember to laugh and not take things too seriously, when your day arrives it will be exactly as it is meant to be celebrated with love and laughter. I am so happy to be able to share in the adventure from afar..Love you all, Aunt Tif
Showing 1 of 1 comments
CONTRIBUTOR INFORMATION

Carol Rock

Valencia , CA

Carol Rock has posted 6 blog entries and 0 comments since joining on 7/12/2007. Carol Rock 's average blog rating is 5.
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