“I’m the groom’s stepdad’s cousin… I think?”

“I’m the bride’s mom.”

“I’m the bride’s stepmother.”

“I’m mother number three – the groom’s stepmom.”

“Mother numero cuatro, the groom’s mom.”

Scenes from my sister’s first bridal shower this weekend, and scenes from what happens during major events when there is an extensive cast of characters. Introductions get a little longwindeed – it’s a bit difficult to keep straight who is who and how they are related, but then again… it was kind of neat to see: a) blended life in action and b) that all FOUR mothers were in the same room and doing quite alright.

Not to say that it’s smooth sailing all the way. This weekend’s shower was the groom’s mother’s side. In a month or so, the groom’s stepsister will host a shower for the groom’s dad’s side of the family. Guess not everything can be blended so smoothly into one festive occasion (for our side of the family though, there will be just one shower with both my mom’s side and my sister’s father’s side — at least we’re able to cut down on events somewhere!).

Having four sets of parents in the equation has presented other challenges to this wedding – all the moms want to be involved in the planning (yes, FOUR MOTHERS), and the wording of the invitation caused a few tense moments. Somehow, though, it’s all coming together – which I am trying to hold on to with optimism because someday my stepson will be graduating, getting married, and there will be events such as these requiring coordination and a bit more togetherness than we’re used to. When that time comes, I hope we’re all able to pull together and see the bigger picture.

Photo credit: Clever cupcakes