well 2011

It's been yet another incredible year.  Who knew that you could top 2010...but you did.

This year was filled with highs, lows, and mediums.

Highlights:

• Zach was accepted to graduates school at Clemson with a full assistedship.  He makes me so proud.  
• We found out that we were expecting a little one.  
• I got a teaching job.  
• I promptly quit my teaching job.  That was a tough decision, but a good one in the end.  I trust that the Lord has other plans for me.  Maybe they include teaching, or maybe they don't.
• Zach showed wisdom beyond his years when he set aside his graduate school plans on behalf of our family.  Again, I am so blessed.
• We welcomed Marion Piper Gilliam into this world on November 14, 2011.  From the delivery room, Zach sent this message out to our family and friends in the waiting room:  "7 lbs 3 oz and beautiful."  I couldn't have said it better myself.

The Lord has continually been faithful through the years, and 2011 was no exception.  What a great Savior we have!  Here is to 2012, and serving Christ together with this incredible family.

Happy New Year!

dear sweet P

I don't care what anyone says about gas.  I know for a fact that you smile at me every morning when we're sitting here together.
I had so many nightmares about you last night.  I kept having visions of you experiencing pain.  You were dealing with heartache that not even I had ever experienced, and I didn't know how to help you.
This morning, I prayed sincerely that the Lord would spare you from so many of the evils of this world and that He would draw you close to Himself at a very young age.  I pray that in times of jubilee and in the depths of despair, you will always call upon the name of the Lord.

"Why are you downcast, O my soul,
and why are you in turmoil within me?
HOPE IN GOD; for I shall again praise Him,
my hope and my God."
     Psalm 43:5

I love you.  Can you believe we've been together for 5 weeks already!?
Mom

time you deceiver

I have found myself begging you to pass quickly ever since Piper was born.
"I'm ready for her to interact."
"I'm ready for her to be able to tell me exactly whats wrong, or what she wants."
Ever since she was born, I have been terrified of doing the wrong thing, or not being a super mom.  What I really want is validation from my daughter that I am her mother.
This week I realized I was cheating myself of this precious time while one of the grandmas was over holding her.
I got up and left the room while I was talking, and returned to find Piper gazing in my direction.  I didn't fully understand why until my mom said, "OH..she knows who her mama is."
What an inexpressible feeling of joy for your own child to know your voice.

Thank you for your time, but I'll keep her growing just the way she is.
sag

to Zach, the one whom my soul loves

We find ourselves constantly amazed at the goodness of the Lord in our lives, and the rapidity with which time flies.
If someone told you eight years ago, before you asked me to take a walk, that it would lead to this.  This day.  This house.  Our beautiful little girl.  This life...what would you have thought?  Would you have turned and ran as far as possible in the opposite direction?
I am writing this on our two year wedding anniversary, as I constantly look up to steal glances of our sleeping daughter, to let you know just how grateful I am that the Lord made us for one another.  I love you, and so many things about you.  Thank you for always challenging me to do more than settle.  Thank you for constantly making me laugh.  Thank you valuing my thoughts and opinions.  Thank you for treasuring our family and the times we have together.  Thank you for encouraging me to delight in Christ and hate sin.  With the Lord's help we have made it this far, and with the Lord's help we will make it until the end of our days.

Happy second anniversary, Zach.  Here's to seventy more together.
Sarah Anne

dearest Marion Piper,

I can not believe that it has been almost 3 weeks since you arrived.  Heck, I can't believe that it has been more than 8 months since I took a test at home by myself and found out that we were expecting you.
Your dad and I love you more than you could possibly know, and are so grateful for the gift that the Lord has given us.
We have so much to be thankful for this holiday season, and can not wait to watch you grow and see how our family changes in the coming weeks, months, and years.
There are so many things that I want you to know and learn, and I pray every day that we are given many years with you.  Most of all, I pray that the Lord will reveal himself to you at a young age and you will grow in His grace and knowledge each day.

With all my love,
Mom (still not used to that title)