Two Years Ago Today

I was uploading some new pictures this afternoon and thought it would be fun to see if I had any photos from a year ago today. I began looking and found only a couple of shots from 2010. I decided to go back to 2009 (when all I did was take pictures constantly of Eliza and anyone around) and found photographic evidence of a wonderful evening.

Eliza and I were with these people:

...and we were watching Fear Fest while enjoying delicious hot chocolate. My friends were nice enough to entertain baby Eliza and even managed to get her to sleep!

I remember feeling so normal that evening. I was with friends who loved (and still love) me, enjoying Halloween festivities and having a wonderful time. I began thinking and realized this night occurred during the time when Eliza was in the midst of colic (crying 17 hours a day), Nathan and I were unemployed and desperately looking for jobs (and even more desperately poor), and life seemed overwhelming most days. I think all of my blog posts from this stage of life were tragically depressing due to the stresses of life (sorry).

It's crazy to think only a few months later, our lives would take a dramatic upswing. Nathan and I were able to secure great jobs, and Eliza finally conquered colic. Everything became more manageable and life became immensely more enjoyable.

I remember hearing stories about people who said they would never change the hardest times of their lives because these were the moments that shaped them as individuals, couples, and families. I often found that hard to believe because hey- who wants to suffer? But looking back (and to be cliche), I am so grateful for the challenges Nathan and I experienced together.

We learned we could handle sleepless nights, financial stress, juggling multiple jobs, and sharing parental and household responsibilities. We learned to fully trust Heavenly Father and depend on Him when we felt we didn't have the energy to last another minute. We learned to maintain hope that things would change. And you know what? It's two years later, and all is well.

I love this quote by James E. Faust:

"In the many trials of life, when we feel abandoned and when sorrow, sin, disappointment, failure, and weakness make us less than we should ever be, there can come the healing salve of the unreserved love in the grace of God. It is a love that lifts and blesses. It is a love that sustains a new beginning on a higher level and thereby continues from grace to grace." 

I couldn't agree more.

I also know that surrounding myself with positivity and loving friends/people made a huge impact. I felt God's love through the kind actions of dear friends, through uplifting conversations with amazing coworkers, and even from inspiring blog posts. I firmly believe trials happen for a reason, and I am grateful for the opportunity they give us to grow and develop as individuals.

That being said, I definitely enjoy the upswings of life. I think I am good with downswings for now :) 

** Looking back at old pictures strongly reinforces my satisfaction with our new camera. I can't believe how much a difference it makes!