Is September Seriously Over?!

Wow, I didn't realize how long it had actually been since I was on here last. Two months is definitely pushing it, especially considering all that has taken place! The big things that went on were Bailey's bridal shower, school starting, JJ and Bailey's wedding, my car getting hit, my first 29th birthday (yes, my first), and another wedding.

We had Bailey's bridal shower and bachelorette party on July 27th. Though I missed Mason and Eli a lot, I have to say that it was nice to have a girl's weekend to get away! It went very quickly, however, because as soon as got to town I went to the store and then went over to my mom's to do some baking. After completely annihilating my mom's kitchen, my mom, Laura, and AJ (one of Bailey's good friends) were kind enough to help decorate the hall so we didn't have to do much the next morning. From there I headed to Dunkerton, where I was pleasantly surprised to find out that it was Dunkerton Days. I had not been to Dunkerton Days in several years and it was fun seeing a lot of people that I had not had the opportunity to see in awhile. After fireworks we went back to JJ and Bailey's and watched her model some dresses in preparation for her bridal shower/bachelorette party. The shower was a lot of fun and several people were able to attend. Overall, I feel it went very well! Here are just a few of the pictures that were taken at the shower (Bailey, I promise I'm working on a CD for you! :)).

Me with the beautiful bride-to-be!

Bailey and her mama!

Bailey with a few of her good friends!

This was when her mouth was full of bubble gum because she couldn't answer the questions correctly. I know she'll appreciate this immensely!

After the shower, those of us who were attending the bachelorette party headed down to Iowa City for dinner and a night on the town. We had a fabulous meal at the Brown Bottle, and a great evening afterward!

Our pretty little bachelorette!

After Bailey's shower, Mason and I had to get back into school mode, as we started back the end of August. I had several workshops to attend, and Mason had to prepare for another semester of class, in addition to school. I'm not sure if I mentioned this, but at the end of last year Mason was asked to switch from being a para to a building sub at the school where he works. Basically that just means that he is at the school everyday and he goes wherever they tell him to go. It's really good experience because it allows him to be in multiple classrooms, which is great for learning classroom management. And so far, he really seems to like it! The school year has been off to a good start for me as well, and I'm really enjoying my group of kids. I feel like I can't catch up, but I think that will always be the case to an extent.

In just two short weeks after school started, Mason, Eli, and I were headed to Iowa again for JJ and Bailey's wedding. We left early Friday morning so we would get there in time for the rehearsal and rehearsal dinner. After the rehearsal we went back to Ben and Ashley's house to get some sleep in preparation for the big day! The next day, everything went very smoothly, and it was absolutely beautiful out (complete with a smidgen of rain for good luck!)! It was a little toasty outside when we took pictures, but overall, it was so much fun! It's kind of hard to believe that my "little brother" is a married man, but it is great to have another sister to add to the mix!

My incredibly cooperative son posing for a picture! :)

My family! <3

My brother and I

My favorite little mister!

Mr. and Mrs. Steffen!

Leeann, JJ, myself, and Laura

Mason giving JJ a hand with the ball and chain.

The next semi-big thing that happened was that my car got backed into. This actually just happened on Thursday, and since I was at a complete stop, the damage was not nearly as bad as it could have been. I was waiting for traffic to clear out (in the school parking lot), and I was stopped behind a pick-up. Unfortunately, he didn't see me when he started to back out and he ran right into my rear passenger door. It left a pretty good dent, so Mason and I dropped it off tonight so the adjuster can look at it in the morning to assess the damage. Luckily, it wasn't my fault so I shouldn't have to pay anything out of pocket.

Saturday was my first twenty-ninth birthday, which was a difficult pill to swallow. I may be an emotional wreck next year, which is why it's a good thing I can celebrate being twenty-nine again. :) We didn't do anything too exciting to celebrate, but we did go to a wedding for Mason's cousin Steve. He got married to the lovely Hannah, and it was a beautiful ceremony and reception. Unfortunately, we had to leave earlier than we would have liked because Mr. Eli was not a happy camper. Speaking of weddings, we have my cousin Nicole's wedding coming up in a couple of weeks as well, so we get to make another trip to Iowa! I'm super excited because Nicole and I were always really close growing up. Another friend of mine (also a Nichole) is getting married in October as well, but because of how much traveling we've been doing, we're not going to be able to make it to hers.

Eli is continuing to get huge, and is FINALLY walking without us prompting him to do so! He definitely likes to do things in his own time, even though we know he can do more. He has a stubborn side to him (totally have no idea where he gets that from.....;)), but he loves to eat, read, and take baths. It's so adorable because he will go to his room all on his own and stay in there for a really long time just "reading" to himself. I've put those books away so many times it is unreal! But I'm definitely thankful he enjoys it!

Eli with Daddy on the first day of school.

Look at those big blue eyes!

Reading away!

Trying to play with his cousin Carson.

There are no words! :)

Other than all that, we've been trying to relax and enjoy this beautiful weather we've been getting. We did get a bit of bad news tonight, however. There's the possibility that Mason's student teaching may be put off for another semester. He sent in his application for student teaching not long ago, and he found out tonight that it has been denied. There are two classes that his paperwork specifically stated he could take while he student teaches. However, he received an email tonight stating that he was supposed to take one of those classes prior to student teaching. Needless to say, we're very frustrated right now, especially since he did exactly what he was told to do as far as classes were concerned. He has sent some emails and made a call or two to try and get the situation fixed, but all we can do is wait to see what happens. This definitely has the potential to put some kinks in our future plans, so if you would, please say a few prayers that everything gets figured out and he can still student teach this spring. We would definitely appreciate it! :)

I think that's all I needed to ramble about, and since it's after 8:30, I need to start getting my stuff ready for tomorrow and head to bed. Yes, I am that lame. ;)