I deserve it. I act like I’m going to step up and take over this blog and yet I let it fall through the cracks. I can’t keep leading you on like this. How much longer will you follow me before you just give up on The Sias Family blog? Seriously though I’m sorry. I’ll give it one more go but it may be time to hang it up for awhile. I won’t go into a pity party but just suffice it to stay that I still have yet to figure out how to do anything besides work, spend precious time with Jim and James, cook, buy groceries while staying within our budget, and sleep.

At work we are busy planning the Annual Dinner and Auction that is a big fundraiser for the school. It’s mainly me and this other lady, and then committees made up of parent volunteers. It’s a ton of work but I think it will be an enjoyable evening–but I’m kind of ready for it to be over with already.

Jim’s teaching his class like a pro of course and the students love him. He’s overwhelmed with this HUGE exam everyone has to take in the second semester of their 3rd year and they literally study for years. Jim just started a few months ago and already feels behind.

James is more and more enjoyable every day. We absolutely love being with him and he says something new daily which is always so fun to see what comes out next! He has adjusted so well to going to “preschool” (and daddy goes to “big school” of course). He loves it there. He loves the middle schoolers in the hall every morning. He calls many of them by name down the hall and they all love him back. It’s really precious and such a unique situation. He goes into his class without crying and just wants hugs and “kissies mommy” before I leave. One of the teacher’s daughters is in his class and the two of them are so obsessed with each other. In all of his years I’ve never seen him this way=). Her name’s Natalie but he calls her “Na Na”. They really only talk about each other and I actually saw him trying to give her some of his snacks which is huge for a 2 year old you know. She doesn’t even have to try and ask! When her mom comes in the class, he runs to her and says “My Na Na”. Oh gracious.

Of course the biggest news of all was Meredith Campbell Butler’s wedding on October 3rd! What an awesome weekend and a beautiful ceremony and reception. We all enjoyed ourselves so much! Can’t wait to be closer to family one day. Enjoy some pics–it may be a while before you see more–ha!

So, I’ve yet to figure out how to do it all. I’m still adjusting to working full-time and still somehow managing to keep a home, spend time with the family, exercise, cook, be involved in church and maintain relationships … oh, and keep a blog. It’s very difficult. Any suggestions out there?=) I know the only way I’ll stay sane is if we become SO organized that each day we have a little chore to do, and meals are planned ahead of time, etc. etc.

The job’s going well. There’s a lot included in the ol’ “job description” and not a lot of pay unfortunately. But I keep going back to the fact that I am convinced that God has placed me there for this time in our life and daily I ask the Lord to show me reasons that I am at this school. It truly is such a pleasant place with teachers who sincerely love these children and challenge them academically as well as socially and spiritually. The faculty and staff are well aware of the fact that parents are given the awesome responsibility of raising their children in the way they should go. And that they have entrusted us to be that impact on their children for a great majority of the day is always at the forefront of our minds. It’s so neat that I can literally walk down the hall and see how James is doing. I often go down during his nap and look through the window to see his sweet little self fast asleep on his mat on the floor with his blanket over him and holding his hair in the back. I ran into one “floater” who told me how he ate more pizza than the 4-year olds=). Last week they called my extension to make sure that he could eat apples. And today the preschool director came and said “your child is not sleeping because he can’t stop scratching his bug bites–do you want to come give him medicine or do you want us to do it?” How awesome is that? It’s such a unique opportunity and I’m so grateful to be a part of it. Now for some pics–I’m tired but I’ll try my best. Love to all!

When James takes his nap and all is quiet, we often use that time to pick up around the house. Most days we find his toys in random places–little reminders that he is very much a little boy and loves to play. We just can’t get enough of him and his adorable ways. Here are a few pictures of our recent findings.

I just wanted to let everyone know that I was offered a job yesterday! I still have to officially “sign the contract” but at this point, there ain’t nothing it can say that will turn us away! Ha!

I will be working as an admissions counselor at a private Christian school (k-12) and James will be attending their full-time preschool (6 weeks-4). From what I can see, this just couldn’t be a better fit. I will be helping plan school fundraisers, banquets, auctions etc. And of course I will be giving tours, meeting with families and recruiting at local preschools and school fairs. They very much believe in putting the family first and I know James will be well taken care of.

We just want to thank all of you for your prayers and encouragement during this time. It’s been a rough few months, trying to determine the right direction for our family. But God is faithful and we look forward to seeing more reasons as to why He has us here for such a time as this.

I’m doing what I said I wouldn’t do. I’ve gotten SO behind on posting. So sorry to those of you who’ve been checking hoping to catch some sweet pictures of that lively toddler. Things have been quite crazy around here the last few weeks as we have been trying to figure out what is next for us. For those of you who don’t know, I need to find a full-time job for Jim to be able to complete the program. I still don’t have a job, but I have a promising lead so we’re praying. More to come on that.

Jim’s class he’s teaching is going very well. He has a little over a week left to go. Students are changing their majors to philosophy because of how interesting Jim makes it! James and I have one more week of preschool summer camp. He and I went to Georgia last week and spent the 4th with the Campbell side. It was great fun but we missed Jim. Most of the pics and videos are from our trip home.