taylor gets a new last name

Introducing Mr. & Mrs. Colten Josoff

So, it’s the last day of 2016. And…I’ve procrastinated in getting my posts written until now. So, be prepared. Today will be a writing marathon for me just so my thoughts and pictures can be included in our 2016 book. Just remember…I forewarned you.

So, Taylor’s wedding was on November 11th…

The festivities began on Thursday night prior to the wedding. This was the beginning of some long days filled with fun, stress and lots of love.

…so as things sometimes go – I DID NOT get this done on the last day of 2016. You know how it goes! You have great intentions and the entire day ahead of you and then your computer decides to take FOREVER to load pictures and in the meantime, other things come up. So, I guess it doesn’t much matter if I have to include the first several days of 2017 in my 2016 book, right? It just proves that life goes on even when you don’t meet your self-imposed deadline.

So, back to the wedding story. (warning…this is long and includes lots of pictures)

It was Wednesday before the wedding that Colten, Taylor, Jim and I started pulling some of the old barn wood siding off of one of their sheds. This was going to be used to create the backdrop behind the wedding party at the reception. Taylor had the idea in her head and that’s what we relied on. Colten was such a trooper! He took our instructions and directions with a kind spirit and we “got’er done”!

And ya know…it turned out pretty darn cool! There will be a picture of the completed product later in the post.

Thursday brought more preparations (finishing touches on the ring bearer’s pillow and mints) and the rehearsal. Supper was at Round The Bend Steakhouse.

Making mints…thank you, Candi, Brooklyn, Jillian, Callie and Dig (and Sophia) for all your help!!!

A little piece of Grandma Ruth was with us this day. The pin I used in the middle was hers.

Friday was the day to make wedding bouquets, decorate the church and decorate the reception hall (the Cass County Fairgrounds).  I won’t lie…I was a bit concerned about getting everything done. The stress level was pretty high by now. Taylor reassured me that Colten was a great flower arranger and he didn’t let either one of us down!

All of the loose flowers (which Taylor had ordered online several months before) arrived prior to Friday and were kept in buckets in  Jamie and Curt’s basement. There was plenty of room there and it was cool.

Taylor’s bouquet made, with love, by Colten.

The whole darn family – and a few out-of-town guests – got involved with decorating the hall. It turned out pretty darn cool! When it was all over, several of us just hung out, sat there and visited. That’s the best part of something like this. Bringing everyone together and finding a few moments to enjoy each other’s company.

Didn’t it turn out beautiful!! 

Mark and Candi preparing the kitchen to work their magic the next day. We are so lucky to have them willing and able to cook for these special parties we throw once in a while. Between graduations and weddings, we sort of keep them busy…almost on an annual basis. Thank you, guys! We love you and we appreciate you!!!

Taylor and Colten gave these bottles of Coke and bottle openers to everyone as their gift for attending their special day.

The ceremony was scheduled to begin at 3:00.

The morning was spent at Jamie’s house getting ready. I was there to help in any way I could but most of all I enjoyed just being able to hang out with the girls. I certainly didn’t want to be in the way but I sure enjoyed being there in case they needed anything. And…I was lucky enough to have my own personal makeup artists – Jamie and Callie.  It was an emotional day for me!!

Waiting for Taylor to come down the stairs with her dress on.

Just look at this handsome little ring bearer!

Three generation photo – My mom, me and Taylor.

We threw some of the proso millet we brought home from Colorado rather than birdseed. Colten’s groomsmen took full advantage of being there with handfuls of millet as they came out of the church. Taylor said after it was over, she had lots and lots of millet down her dress. Irritating, I’m sure…but memories made! See those people in the left corner of the picture? The ones with a vest and a maroon coat? They TOTALLY surprised us! We had NO IDEA they were coming all the way from Jordan, Montana to surprise us. And that they did! I would have liked to have seen my face as I saw them exiting the church. I remember thinking…”that looks like Jim and Mardrie. Wait a minute…that IS Jim and Mardrie”. Another awesome memory!

The backdrop decorators – Lindsey and Seanna (Barb and I also helped).

These little people fill my heart with so much love!

Jim and Maureen’s cousins who were able to make it. So thankful they were there! DeVota and Randy came from Pine Bluffs, WY and Keith and Brandi from Bushnell, NE. Joyce is local. 

The family “outlaws” – a good group to be a member of!

The producer of “The Great American Wheat Harvest”, Conrad, and his wife, Jodi, came all the way from Maryland to be a part of the celebration. Thank you so much for being with us!

Thank God for Rob! She’s been there for me since we were little girls. We may not see each other for years at a time but I know I can count on her when I need her! I love you, Rob!

The next morning, we gathered again at the Fairgrounds to send our out-of-town guests on the road with full bellies and to open gifts. What an amazing testimony this gathering told! We had people from Maryland, North Dakota, South Dakota, Oklahoma, Iowa, Kansas, Colorado, Wyoming and Western Nebraska, as well as, our local guests. This is what our life on the road has built…friends and family willing to travel hundreds of miles to be a part of a very special day. We are truly blessed!

A few of our out-of-town guests. So thankful for them and for making the trek to help us celebrate Taylor and Colten!

The wedding has been nearly two months ago already. Time goes by much too quickly…much too quickly! It seems like only yesterday that Taylor was climbing trees with frilly dresses on, breaking kitchen tables, trying to rub my skin off, always stirring up problems (and lemonade with her foot), constantly on the go, falling off beds and getting stitches and keeping us all on our toes. Those years go by so quickly because we’re so busy living life. Living life and then all at once, they’re over. Good luck with her, Colten!

One of my most favorite memories of the day was at the end of the day. Colten gave me a big ‘ole hug and asked me if he could call me mom. I’m certain there was a little liquid courage involved but it made my night! Of course you can call me mom!! I love you and welcome to the family, newest son!

 

 

18 comments on “taylor gets a new last name

  1. Thank you for sharing such a wonderful event! Felt like I was there. Happy New Year!

  2. What a wonderful day!! Congratulations to the happy couple!!

    • Nebraska Wheatie says:

      Thanks, Laurie! You’re always so good about leaving a nice comment. Makes me feel good about sitting down and attempting to write once in awhile.

  3. Tom Stegmeier says:

    Heck I figgered you & Jim were taking the winter off and soaking your toes in some sun & sand , we haven’t heard from you in a bit . I knew that Taylor was going to have their special day in Nov. so was waiting for a full photo shoot & more, Well Tracy as usual ,your the best !!! Love the Wedding theme, Congrats Taylor & Colten !!! Since I’am on here we’ve got are Midwest March holiday planned,will ring you up in the next while, Just a Funcation with Kids & Grandkids !!!!

    • Nebraska Wheatie says:

      Thanks, Tom. Been a bit busy and it seems the blog is always the first to get pushed aside. I have several other posts I want to get on here before much more of 2017 gets going. When will you be in the States?

      • Tom Stegmeier says:

        We will be in the States for 13 days Mar.16th to Indianapolis then driving to Lake of the Ozarks Mo. for a week or so Andy is stationed at FT. Lenard Wood then north to your end of world will be flying out of Omaha on the 29th.Just looked at your blog today and your heading to some sun & sand SUPER!!! where abouts ?

  4. Margaret Smith says:

    Thank you for letting all of us join you thru story and pictures of the pre-wedding and wedding! Exciting time and congratulations to Taylor and Colten!

    • Nebraska Wheatie says:

      Glad you could join us, Margaret! One more out-of-town guest we can add to our list. 🙂 THANK YOU!!

  5. Mrs. Josoff says:

    Very nice, Mama. Colten and I laid in bed and read the post. We love you!

  6. Dave Jordan says:

    Your pictures show what a family can do to make an outstanding wedding. Everyone contributed based on pictures and that involvement enriches the enjoyment. This is simply another outstanding event of your family. Thank you for sharing.

    • Nebraska Wheatie says:

      We (family and friends) really did all pitch in, Dave, and make it what it was. Not much for outside services, except the band and photographer. It was truly a “pitch in and get’er done” event. And for that, I have to give all our helpers credit because it turned out beautiful!

  7. Paula says:

    Thanks for sharing. It makes us feel like a friend even though we may never meet physically. Your last statements made a little liquid roll down my cheek. It is a wonderful experience to gain a new ” son”.

    • Nebraska Wheatie says:

      Oh…
      I’m so glad you feel that way! Who knows…we may meet someday. I think now you understand why that is one of my most memorable details of the day. Thanks for letting me know you’re out there reading my tales, Paula! Happy New Year to you!

  8. Carol Williams says:

    Loved every picture! I can see your gang is loved everywhere as much as you are in Jordan. It’s been a pleasure to watch your family grow thru the years and hope to continue to do so. Congratulations to Taylor and Colten.

    • Nebraska Wheatie says:

      Thanks, Carol! I certainly miss seeing you and everyone who meant so much to me over the years. Thank goodness for facebook and other social media outlets, huh! Hope 2017 is a good year for you and your family. Who knows…maybe I can get Jimbo talked into a visit to Jordan one day!

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