An Amazing Weekend!

L to R top row: Torrey, Katie, Shannon, Susie, Melissa, Sarah, Jennifer, Shari

L to R bottom: Stephanie, Coreen, Tanna, Rosemary

I just had the opportunity along with some great friends to attend the Time Out For Women that was in Plano, TX. This years theme was "Infinite Hope." The messages shared by all the speakers were so uplifting. I left feeling just that HOPE. Sometimes I feel like I am the only one who is scared for the future of my children growing up in a world where there is so much wickedness or that I'm the only one who has kids that don't listen or talk back. Then you go to Time Out For Women and see such a large gathering of women who like you are dealing with the same hopes and dreams and doubts.

I wanted to share some of the inspired words from the speakers that were there.

Virginia Hinckley Pearce: In the end of our lives we want to say.....I trusted God and I used His atonement. Get out of the business of comparing, its the fast track to misery. Only you have your own mission to complete.
DeAnne Flynn: By starting each day with a morning devotional (prayer, scripture reading) the heavens will be open. Are we in too big of a hurry to be blessed by the Lord?
"If you want your kids to stay on the ground add some responsibility to their shoulders"
-unknown author

DeAnne is the tall blonde in the middle

Emily Freeman: To see a good day, change your perspective. Our eyes only see what we want them to see.

Wendy Alrich: Don't try to feel happy, try to feel grateful. Stop worrying about weaknesses, build on your strengths.

" Everything will be alright in the end, if it's not alright, then it's not the end."
Mariama Kallon: Was raised in war-torn Sierra Leone, and she witnessed her parents murder and the loss of her siblings to the hands of rebels. Even after all she had to endure instead of feeling hatred and anger-her experiences turned her to Christ. She was such an inspiration and made me realize that what I have is A LOT! I am so blessed to have been born and live in America.

Brad Wilcox: Many say they have been saved by grace, have we been 'changed' by grace? Heaven will not be heaven for those who have not chosen to be heavenly.
Hilary Weeks: was one of the musical presentations. Her music was so inspiring-take a listen, If I Only Had Today .

2011 tour is

Choose to Become: "All things are possible to him that believeth"-Mark 9:23

They'll be here in April in San Antonio-it would be a great girls weekend! Just throwing it our there :)

I Can't Help But Remember

Every now and again something will spark all the memories, pain, grief and sadness I felt when Maloree died. I've had a new calling at church for the last few months to work with the Nursery age kids (18months-3 years.) I am really enjoying it, I see it through new eyes now that I have children of my own and they are older, the last time I was in nursery I only had Lydia.

Right now the kids who are coming into Nursery are the age Maloree would have been if she were here. I can't help but watch them and think about the things I never will see her do. I truly felt her near me in nursery on Sunday and was overcome with the love my Heavenly Father has for me. Even though it is still hard at times, I know I am blessed beyond what I probably deserve. I know that this life is but a small moment and I just need to endure it well. I pray that I take advantage of every little moment I am blessed to have with my family.

Remembering Maloree

Ever since Lincoln has been born, I have had my moments when I'm holding him, hearing him breathe or feeding him late at night that I just cry remembering last year when we lost Maloree. I just kept remembering how empty my arms felt and how my heart ached, and how hard it was leaving the hospital empty handed and that this Christmas I was able to have what I longed for so much the previous year. Lincoln has truly healed my heart, I don't think I could have made it through the holidays as well as I did if He were not here with me. Because Nana and Papa were here for Christmas this year, we all got to go and visit Maloree's grave and be together as a family and remember all that she has taught us and how much we have grown. I personally have been so grateful to my Father in Heaven for the last year. He has taught me so much about myself and others and I know that if it weren't for Maloree's short life, I may have never learned those important things. I've learned never to second guess myself on anything, fear and doubt do not come from the Lord and cannot exist at the same time as faith. I have developed a love for all, I wish I could say I feel the same way as I didn't shortly after losing Maloree, but I don't. Life has its distractions and you constantly have to learn how to put them aside. But after Maloree's death, I felt so clearly that everyone was my brother and sister and that we are all here to support each other as we endure to the end and strive to make it back to our Father in Heaven and Savior Jesus Christ. I would be at the store and just look at the complete strangers and wonder what are they facing today that I don't' know. I knew that they didn't know what I was going through, maybe they were dealing with the same thing and just needed someone to reach out to them. During this time I knew what it felt like to have charity towards all. I've learned that the Holy Ghost is real and that he is my constant companion ready and willing to communicate with me all day if I am humble and receptive to His promptings. I have gained a greater appreciation and understanding knowing that my Savior is the only one who truly understands what I am going through and how comforting it is to know that I am never alone. I often think about the pain and deep sorrow I've felt and that he suffered that same pain for me, I could barely handle that burden that was placed upon me and to think that He bore the burdens for all is beyond our understanding. Because of His atoning sacrifice I can become clean and because He died for me and all, I know that myself and Maloree will live again after this life. Life on the other side is closer than we think. There is no doubt in my mind when I say I know where I came from, I know why I am here, and I know where I am going. How wonderful it is that a loving Father is aware of us and loves us and has wisdom in all things even when we don't. (Mosiah 4:9) I put all my faith and trust in knowing that.

Choose This Day

This is the current LDS message and I wanted to share it. Take a look and click on the link you will love it too. Choose This Day

Last week we had the opportunity to listen to General Conference. Where we are edified and uplifted by the Prophet of Jesus Christ and His disciples. I wanted to share a particular touching talk given by Elder David A. Bednar one of the Twelve Apostles entitled "More Diligent and Concerned at Home." If you didn't have the chance to hear it, I challenge you to do so. It will change your family, it will change you home.

I feel so blessed to know that these men are called of God. I know my Savior lives and leads His people through the mouth of His servants. (Amos 3:7)

Music

So I decided to add a playlist to my blog. I think it is obvious that I love Josh Groban, his songs have so much meaning and inspiration and yes I do have Christmas songs on there. Christmas songs have a new meaning for me. Maloree was born still the morning of Christmas eve and listening to Christmas songs helps me remember just how special and life changing that day was, not only for me but to everyone when we truly understand what Christmas and the life of Christ really means.
I Hope you all enjoy the music as much as I do.

Maloree Marshall Shumard

Angel Baby

A heartbeat falls silent.
Tiny eyes close.
A miniature body No longer grows.
Mommy is shattered.
Daddy is sad.
Fate has erased the plans that they had.
Through all of the grief that leaves their hearts torn,
There's peace in knowing
An angel was born.
(unknown author)

On December 22, 2008 we went into the doctors office for our routine ultrasound at 19 weeks and our little baby had no heartbeat. Our sweet little girl was born still on December 24, 2008. The cord was pinched right as it entered her belly. Damone and I held her and loved her for those few moments we had. She was beautiful, her features looked like Lydia and Cooper and she had Kyler's toes. She weighed 4.5 ounces and was 8 inches long.
We know her life had purpose. We have had so many spiritual experiences during the pregnancy and afterwards that we know this was the Lord's plan. Although this knowledge doesn't make the pain any easier to bear, we know our little Maloree will be with us forever, she is just on the other side of the veil preparing for our Savior's return.

Some Only Dream of Angels, We Held One in Our Arms