The Muench Bunch

 I woke up around 8:30 in the morning and had slept very little. I got to bed late, couldn't sleep with everything on my mind, was still pretty sick with my head cold, and spent the night alone. Mark stayed at the hotel and Jayden is now a newlywed and stayed with her new husband. I felt pretty crummy and emotional. Carina was already tearing down decorations and picking up under the tent. I felt that I should get out there and help even though I wanted to lay in bed all morning. I didn't expect to hear from the newlyweds until late in the morning, but  Jayden called to ask if she should come out to see everyone. She called just before a group was taking off for the airport and wouldn’t make it in time to say goodbyes. Mark was taking Ali and Maggie. Aunt Lori was taking Jaynie, Ry, and Troy. I helped clear under the tent for most of the morning. Mark was already making plans to go to Dallas early. This was not the plan at all. He was supposed to stay until Monday and fly out.

We were so thankful that so many family came to celebrate Jayden and Noah's day. Carina helped during the ceremony making sure everyone was where they needed to be. There wasn't a lot of structure and she definitely was a life saver. We had around 40 family from Iowa attend the wedding. Our friends from Florida, Aunt Jolene, Uncle Duane, and Janelle, Ferrari's, Melinda and Maggie, even Kyle and Abby with their twin boys and so many others came. It was so special to have so many make the long journey out and be there for the special day!  One thing Jayden told me her  Pastor told her and Noah that they are an unusual couple that had really good odds working in their favor. They had gone through a few Marriage sessions at the church and the pastor said he has    never  had a bride and groom that have both parents alive, both parents married, no past abusive relationships, and both grew up in Christian homes. It is sad to think that is not normal.  Following the ceremony, the

 It was finally time for the ceremony.  Noah seated me and I gave him a hug. The couples walked down the aisle covered on animal hides to the alter covered in flowers. It was gorgeous! The sun was slowly setting and everything was so pretty. Yesterday was windy, today was perfect! The bridesmaids each got to pick their own dress in the chosen terracotta color. The colors and different styles looked just beautiful all together.  The flower girl was a little shaken up and big sister had to help her down the aisle. Levi was all grins and did great walking down the aisle.  The doors were opened as Mark led Jayden down the aisle. He was stern faced and she was beaming. She looked perfect in her dress with her hair all done up. I loved the back of her dress with the back open and the snug fit. Her hair with the turquoise clip looked so nice.  She was smiling enough for both of them. She looked stunning, absolutely beautiful and she was radiating with happiness. She said over and over in the

In the morning by 8, the girls were making muffins. Jayden wanted to fix breakfast at the lodge with all the ladies. She originally wanted to fix pancakes, waffles, eggs, and bacon all herself. I had to talk her into something a little more simple on her wedding day. This was her big day and making breakfast for everyone was too much. She is very thoughtful, always thinking of others and wanting to do something special. They had a variety of muffins and yogurt fruit parfaits. Several of the ladies joined us. Jayden also bought items and made gift baskets for all the bridesmaid, grandma's, and Aunt Lori who helped alter her dress. She goes above and beyond to be thoughtful.  I called Mark and told him to come out to experience the ranch. Late morning he came out along with Dan and family. They got a ranger ride around and saw some of the ranch and animals.  While the guys rode around, the girls were primping and preparing for the big day. I was not well, but I pushed through and wou