WE ARE FAMILY...

I think it is important to explain a little bit about each of our families so that you can have a clear picture of where we are coming from on this whole marriage thing.

Mr. Aardvark comes from a fairly standard nuclear family, the typical Mother, Father, 2.5 children (ok, really only 2, Salty and his brother). They are some of the sweetest people you will ever meet and I cannot wait to be part of their family! They are a shining model of marriage in a world of chaos.

(Photo via Boy Louie Wordpress.com)

My family is a little more complicated. My parents divorced when I was five years old. There are a number of reasons it was not traumatizing for me, one being my age, but another, more important one, is my my parents. At the time I did not think much about them being civil with each other, getting along and sharing custody of me. It seemed like the most natural thing in the world.  As an adult, about to embark on a marriage of my own, I am in awe of how hard they must have worked to make my childhood so smooth.

There were never any nasty comments about "the other parent". They stood together as parenting unit when I made (weak) attempts at teenage rebellion. They were very involved with my athletic endeavors and other extra circulars. Perhaps the most Amazing thing about my parents is, when I say "They" I am not only talking about my Mother and Father. "They" includes my step-parents too! Both of my step-parents have been in my life for a very long time. They are fully part of the parental unit. My Step-Mom and Dad also have two kids. Bridesmaid Sis, and my brother (13 years my junior) we'll call Groom's Man Little Bro. 

I am amazed every day at how well all of my parents have strived to make our family work. It is a testament to the power of love and their own maturity. They has taught me to value relationships over titles, and it has taught me a lot about the kind of parent I hope to someday be.

So while my family tree may look a bit more like a shrubbery than most, I like to think of it as a beautiful topiary with all of the parts working together. 

(Photo via photo dictionary.com - Topiary)

What kind of family do you come from? What did you learn about marriage or love from them?