Thanksgiving

I read a quote today that left me thinking....God never said to be thankful...he said to GIVE thanks! So many times I walk around saying I am so thankful for this, that or the other but I seldom stop and GIVE thanks! I have been thinking this morning of all the things I am thankful for and have started making a list of ways to GIVE thanks! As I spend time in God's word I always thank Him for my blessings, kids, family and so on...but, I also need to GIVE thanks to the people HE has put in my life or the things HE has given me. Just some food for though. Lets all spend this Thanksgiving and Christmas and GIVE thanks! 

Speaking of thanks! I am giving a big THANKS to our Healer and Comforter! This time last year my family was in Artesia with Aj and her family between chemo treatments. Aj had been so very sick. But, was feeling good enough to make the trip to Mom and Dad's. Aj had no hair, had to take nausea medications. 

Prayer Needed!

Good Evening! I am writing tonight to ask you to pray for Aj...They got her moved out of ICU but she has had a fever shoot up that is causing a little concern. Please also pray for a immediate relief of a migraine headache she also has. They are watching both of these things and I will update with other prayer needs if there should be any. Thank for showing us how faithful you are in prayer on Aj's behalf. 

Thanking you all for praying and a God that hears us! 

Day after Surgery

Hello...sorry for the delay in update. 

The surgeon came out and talked to us last night about 9:50 following a 14 hour surgery he looked so tired as I am sure we did as well. This doctor was awesome he was so sweet and took such good care of Aj. About 10:30 Bobby, Dad and I go to back to recovery and see Aj. Mom was home with Bailey. She couldn't talk really and was still so sleep from all the med but she opened her eyes and we talked to her. They moved her to ICU right after that and Bobby was able to stay the night with her. He said the night was as good as expected. 

At noon I got a text saying that all was moving along and doing well. About 3:00 they moved her from the bed to sit up in a chair. This was a huge thing as getting out of the bed is hard but also helps you to sit up a bit. A 5:00 tonight the doctor is suppose to be by to get her up to walk. Once he sees how this goes for the next day he will then decide how much longer she has to be in ICU. The reason she is saying in ICU is it is the only place in the hospital they watch the blood flow where they just connected new blood vessels yesterday. They have to keep an eye on those to make sure the body continues to "accept" those. 

God is so faithful and she is doing well. She has a long road to recovery but she is in the home stretch for sure. As I get info. I will try to be more timely about posting it. Dad is spending the night with her tonight so please pray they can both get a little rest. This is a marathon not a sprint. 

Thanks for checking in on her and praying as well. We love each of you! 

Update...9:00am

They took her back about 7am and planned on starting by 7:30. So, as far as we (Bobby and I) know that is what happened. The Doctor assured us he would call if there was a delay. We met the Doctor that was in the change of the hysterectomy. The doctor that was suppose to do this ended up being changed last night about 5pm. There was a little stress caused by this but the Doctor came in and visited and everyone was assured she is wonderful and Aj is in good hands. 

The other doctor came in and got her all marked up and ready to go. Aj made her request for the extra long bed and all was good to go. I can tell you this doctor is amazing. He joked with Aj and after they took her out to get ready he stood and talked to Bobby and I for a good bit assuring Bobby and covering all the information. He took Bobby's cell number to be able to contact him later in the day when there won't be a volunteer to communicate with us. Such a relief. He did tell us to plan on him being done around 9-10pm tonight....Yikes! 

They will call us every few hours to give a report. When I get those reports I will once again update. As for now...Bobby and I are solving the worlds problems and napping! 

Thanks for praying! 

Today is the day...Surgery.

Hello our dear prayer warriors! I am writing from the waiting area now. Whew...who knew that 4:00 came twice a day...I can tell you one thing...I LOVE my sister VERY much! We had no trouble making it down town to the medical center and getting Aj checked in. She was really chatty on the way here which anyone that is chatty at this time of day has to be a little nervous right? 

Aj is all checked in and there can only be one person in the back with her at a time. So, I am gladly sitting in the waiting area writing to you are dear friends and family.

What I know right now...

Surgery is "suppose" to start around 7am

The time they were told was 10-12 hour surgery. 

She will go to ICU when she is done.

It's going to be a long day of sitting! 

What you can pray for right now...

Pray for Aj...to be peaceful as she waits to get started. Sometimes that is the hardest part. 

Pray for Bobby as he listens to everything the Doctor has to stay before hand. 

Be with the Doctors as they gear up to work on Aj. 

Be with the nurse that will attend to her.

Bailey that she will have a good peaceful day at school today. 

I will up date as I get info. I think this will be the easiest way to do that. I will post a link on facebook after each update but to type what I need and can I think will be better on the blog. 

As you have been during this whole walk with cancer we are counting on ya'll to pray Aj though this awfully long day as well as the weeks that follow. 

I hope each of you have a blessed day full of God's blessings.

Love you all! 

5 Days....Lots of Prayers!

Dear Prayer Warriors and Friends! Thank you so much for praying with me for my sweet sister exactly this time last year. This time last year Aj was in the worst part of her chemo she was soo soo sick and not really confidant she would be able to stand treatment. But, because of such wonderful, faithful friends and a God who is still in the business of healing people she is going strong…and cancer free!!! On Tuesday October 21^st Aj will start a 12 hour surgery. They will consist of several different things causing it to last so long. She will be in ICU for 3-5 days and then in the hospital for 5-7 days. This surgery will lead to a 13 week recovery and time off from work. She is a little overwhelmed with all of these details. We are once again calling on our friends and most importantly our prayer warriors. Please join me in praying for the following things

• Aj to have a sense of peace leading up to Tuesday
• For everyone to stay healthy and rested
• To give the Doctors and guiding hand and skilled knowledge to make the best decisions for Aj.
• And for sweet Bailey to have an understanding during this time that can only home for God.

You have no idea how much your prayers and support have meant and continues to mean. Please join with us in praying today-Tuesday…but, anytime Tuesday we would covet your prayers. The recovery time will be lengthy but we are praying for some pain management and for rest over that period of time...We are looking to 2015 as a unbelievable year! God has great plans for Aj...I just know it!

Love to each of you!

Breast Cancer Month

The term Breast Cancer Month has a new meaning to the Laird/Tillery/Cook family. Things change when you become effected by such an awful illness...Anyway, it was exactly a year ago this week that Aj started her journey with chemo. What we have learned over the last year.

• We have learned how much we can lean on our friends and family
• That pray warriors are a HUGE support in times like this
• That God will bring you through the storm even when you can't see a way
• And AJ is one STRONG person.

Just wanted to say thank you to all of you who have walked this with her. We thank you for your prayers and checking in on her over the last year. You are amazing people...We ask that you be in prayer for her over the next few weeks as she gears up for her surgery on October 21st. Pray that she stays heathy and that she will feel peace. Please pray for the doctors and others that will tend to her. Bailey as well as she will be dealing with another time of her mom being down. God is faithful and we trust he has gone before us. We are faithful! Love to all! 

Faithful Prayer Warriors

We are coming to you once again for prayer! We are so thankful that we can go weeks and sometimes months without a post and then you jump in right behind us praying and carrying our load. For that we are thankful! 

A year ago...wow...a year ago Aj was starting her fight against cancer. A year ago our family bond grew stronger than ever, a year ago dad started to produce more gray hair than ever before...a year ago we were brought to our knees pleading for a cure, treatment and health for my sweet sister. 

Now, this year...Aj is gearing up for her surgery on October 21. She will have a 12 hour surgery that will take about 13 weeks to recover from. Aj will be out of work that whole time. Please be in prayer for her and her family as they prepare for that. So, many of you are always asking to help. If you will go to facebook to my page...Wanda Cramer has set up a go fund for Aj. This will help with parking, co-pays and such. Thank you for always asking for ways to help. 

I started yesterday a month from her surgery wearing my Team Aj bracelet. It is just a great reminder to pray for her, her family, the doctors and those that tend to her as this time draws near. If you still have your would you join me in wearing it?

http://www.gofundme.com/cc0tqg

God has been so faithful through this whole process and we trust nothing less than the same this time. I will post certain things you can pray for as the time gets closer. Thanks for loving the Tillery's 

Update on AJ!

Hello our friends and pray warriors! A dear friend of Aj's has set up an account for those wishing to help with the expense of her up coming surgery in October. Surgery has been set for the middle of October. She will be in the hospital for 5-7 days and then have a very lengthy recovery time. More than anything we ask for your prayers. We are so grateful for the wonderful support through chemo but we are asking for your prayers again. 

Aj will have to be off work for a good amount of time as her body heals from this 12 hour surgery. She is at times a little overwhelmed by this process...Just as I posted prayer needs during chemo I plan to do the same for the upcoming months till her surgery date. 

Please be in prayer:

• For Bailey as she starts Kindergarten here in a few days! I am so very thankful that Aj feels great and is enjoying some time with Bailey as she gets ready to start school. Bailey has been such a trooper this whole time we are thankful for that !
• Be in prayer for Bobby as he prepares to take wonderful care of Aj. He has been so great at the caretaker!
• Pray for AJ that her nerves and mind will be calm and her mind free of worry because we know that God has gone before us and has this all worked out for a fast recovery! 
• Pray for the doctors that will care for her and if they do not know Christ that through this whole ordeal they will come to the saving grace! 

We are always so thankful to our prayer warriors and we are thankful for your willingness to carry Aj through this second phase. 

Here is the link to the go fund site!

http://www.gofundme.com/cc0tqg

Love to all! 

Restaurant Reviews and a little more

On our family trip to Fredericksburg my Dad offered a suggestion and I decided to give it a try. He said I should start putting Restaurant reviews on my blog…not sure how to take that…either we eat out a lot or we like to eat a lot….both are true so I decided to go for it….So far this summer we have gone to 

--Santa Fe (on a weekend getaway) we ate at one of my favorite places in Santa Fe which is Tomasita's. Happens to be one of Randy Travis's favorite places as well. I get the Wednesday special which is blue corn chicken enchiladas. Yummy! Don't pass up the guacamole and chips before your meal come.s We stayed at a resort and casino that was nice as well…Great restaurants in there and a very  nice ran hotel. The dollar black jack table was my favorite as well…I'm a big spender :) 

--Fredericksburg…one of my favorite places to visit because of the slow pass, nice people….and bakeries. So, let me be clear on one thing….if you like German food. This is the town you need to get too…ASAP! I however am not a fan. All restaurants have other options besides German so you can find something at each place…the bread as far as for hamburgers and sandwiches is the way to go in my book…it is homemade a fresh at most places…yummo….but as far as places to not pass up I guess I have a few :) On this trip we found a place called Cranky Franks. I found it on my google search. BBQ is what they serve. We drove up and Chad looked at me and said " are you sure?" I laughed and said I trust google…so we went in. I ordered Ribs... I picked up a rib and it fell off the bone. The sides were okay but who needs sides when you have ribs like that? It's a little off the beaten path but worth the 5 min. drive from town. As far as breakfast and lunch I am not sure you can go wrong. if you want a bakery there are a few. I like one on main street called Java house. Wonderful coffee and great muffins and sandwiches. My other suggestion would be if Rebecca Rather opens a new place no matter what you have to try it. She has lost the lease of the last place she was at but looking for a new place. So always google her and see what you find. This is News Dan Rather's daughter and is known for her desserts and pastries. My only other Fredericksburg suggestion would be a jewelry place. The Texas Silver Rush Joe the owner will welcome you with a smile and help you find a piece that is just right for you. He does great business and don't go to Fredericksburg and not stop by and see him! 

Artesia -- Go to LaFonda. My Favorite place for Mexican food…unless you are wanting more of a salad type of meal and Pecos Diamond is the place to go with a wonderful salad bar! We are headed to OKC soon so I guess there will be a part two with more food suggestions..

Until Later,

Update on Aj

Hello our sweet prayer warriors, friend and family! Aj had a doctor's appt last week and here is the upcoming plan we would love for you to start praying about in advance. 

She met with a specialist and felt that their team was very amazing. The specialist knows both her oncologist and plastic surgeon personally. This was a big relief to Aj. She is going to have 2 surgeries in October at the same time. She will have a hysterectomy and her reconstruction at this time. All 3 doctors will consult and confirm this decision and work out the best plan for Aj. She has some lab work that is out and waiting to get that back in but, we trust that God has that all cover and will come back perfect. We cannot say enough how very much your love, support, notes, email, calls and prayers are. Thank you isn't enough but please know that God has used each of you to teach all of some wonderful lessons. Thank you for being His hands and His feet. 

Over flowing with love for our friends, 

Technology Shock!

The other day I had a really bad day…You know one of those days you get up and know nothing is going to go right. You start by spilling half of your brand new make up on the floor, have to call a 1-800 number for custom service and have to hold for 30 minutes, spill anything you touch…..you know…that kind of day. I work up prayed that God would join me and help me to turn this day around. I had a friend call and share some things that were weighing them down and we prayed together…and I got on the elliptical to fight another day of trying to be heather…so, when this day kept going down hill I knew who was behind it. As I was on my way out the door to run to town I reached in my purse to get my keys out and dropped my iPhone flat on the concrete. I looked down and yep…it was shattered. This following a long conversation with my kids that money didn't grow on trees and we just need to be mindful of how much things cost….well, I can tell you this much. I learned that phone insurance just means you can get a new phone at the great price of 199.00 or you can pay 130.00 bucks to get your screen replaced. But, in the middle of all this I knew God was in the middle of teaching me a lesson. Here are a few things I learned. 

---I am too dependent on my phone and technology. I was sick at my stomach when I dropped that phone. I came back in and Chad didn't tell me how dumb it was I was holding my phone while juggling many other things, he jumped right on the computer trying to help me get it fixed….but, I didn't think I could go the night without my phone…dependent….I was 100% dependent. 

---Why do we need phones? Lots of good reasons…but, really is it bad that I might have to go a few hours without someone getting a hold of me. In this day and time we get annoyed if we call and someone doesn't answer….and if we then text and they answer right away. Really…what did we do before we had phones.

---Meals….new Cook rule…no phones at the table…if we can't make dinner time a time to visit and talk to each other without Facebook or texting we have a real problem…rule set. We will see how it goes.

---On the note of Facebook. I am learning that Facebook is a place I get stressed and sometimes get my feelings hurt. I need to use Facebook for just what it was made for…keeping up with friends. But, checking it 20 times a day…is not needed. So, because of this whole phone shatter mess I am learning about how much time I waste on Facebook I could be washing close or getting things blogged or cleaned out. 

Just like in everything….moderation is the key. Technology is a great thing if we use it for what it was meant and in small amounts. This is going to be a struggle I can tell you after just one day. But, God has laid it heavy on my heart that I need to be more worried about the time my kids are small and home and want my attention…Facebook will be here when they are not.

I have just giggled every time I think about how crazy I was over a silly phone that is replaceable and then I am thankful for the message God taught me in the middle of a Terrible, Horrible, no good, Very, Bad, Day! 

Even on the dark days….He loves me! 

Amazing Man!

Curtis Teel -- is a one of a kind man. He was featured in the Artesia paper not long ago. Mom and Dad had this section waiting in our basket in Fredericksburg. I remember Curtis growing up. Living in Artesia about 5 years old I would wake up from my nap to make sure I was on the porch in time to see Curtis. Later he married my Dad's Cousin Kaye. So thankful for this man our sweet Kaileigh looks at Curtis the same way I used to. He is always so thoughtful of my kids. He has made them many handcrafted treasures that mean so much to each of us. Thanks Curtis for setting such a Godly example to so many. Thanks for loving our family and always being willing to serve. You are such a wonderful blessing and always willing to help anyone in need. Some of my most treasured memories of times spent with you and Kaye have Granny in them...Granny loved you both so much and was so proud you joined the family. Thank you Curtis for all your years of service but more than that thank you for having a heart for people.  

Feeling Blessed! 

Fredericksburg Pictures

Breakfast each morning in Fredericksburg is a treat! KK got a huge treat when she ordered one pancake..

 James Avery Factory isn't far from Fredericksburg so we took a group over to enjoy that! 

 Chad and are Twins and he was SUPER excited about the James Avery site...he is always such a great sport! 

 Traveling is hard on a girl!

 This is mom and dad opening a book we put together for them. It was full of 40 lessons they have taught their kids and grandkids...followed with letters from friends from all over the world. 

 Cousins Traveling Fun! 

 Steve and Beverly celebrating their 30th --- Mom and Dad celebrating their 40th 

 Matt, Callie and Avery Whittington! Just a sweet family! 

 Me and Mom! I love this lady! 

 I am sooo thankful that God made this man just for me...I love him!! (avoid my hair that is sticking right up because of the wind)

 Three suckers....bahh! 

 Sweet as sugar! 

Chuck wagon meal...so neat, and yummy food. Thanks Dad for planning this the kids thought it was so cool to have supper served from a chuck wagon! 

 Guy and Betty Ford -- Deer Park Texas...our family has been blessed by their friendship for 20 plus years. Thank you Guy and Betty for making the trip and spending time with our family! 

 Our Cottages! Would love to be sitting on those porches now! 

 The deer would come up to the cottages and eat and graze. So peaceful! 

 Oreo Cow?!?!?!

God's Handy Work! Amazing! 

Love to all! 

Happy 40th Mom and Dad!

Weekend in Fredericksburg -- June 27 my sweet Mom and Dad celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary. It was such a fun weekend for so many of our family members to be together. As we all get older and more involved the harder it gets for us to get together. Mom and Dad planned this trip over a year ago. We met at Fredericksburg, stayed at a really neat place I can see us going back to, ate, swam and really just enjoyed being together. I missed my sweet sister. Bobby has started a new job and Aj was really busy with limited time off from being off so much over the last 6 months. She is so committed to her job and company and that is something to be commended. I wrote the following for mom and dad and will share it here. 

Our Story

1973-1974 --- From working nights to the Pizza Hut, Waffle House and lots of laughs. Learning to trust, love and care for one another lead you to the alter to start your story together. 

1976 -- A bundle of joy was born. She loved life, sports, and lots more. She challenges each of us with her wonderful outlook on life during challenging times. 

1982 -- A huge surprise but God knew how she would bring laughter, excitement and drama to our family. 

When we sit here and think about your story We are reminded of God's faithfulness. There are not many Husbands that can say they baptized their wives, lead their children to christ or helped send each of their children to different countries to tell others about Jesus. Thank you for teaching us many lessons in life's. Now turn the pages to see the 40 lessons you have taught us. 

"We love you forever, we'll like you for always and as long as we are living our amazing parents you will be."

Thanks mom and dad for a great week. Relaxing to the chuck wagon, spending time with friends and family and having a date night with my sweet hubby. I am so thankful also that my cousin Matt married Callie who I think of as a dear, fun friend. Glad to spend time with all! Check back later this evening or tomorrow to  enjoy a few pictures we took over the weekend. And Slugger and Karen...we are ready for you to come home! 

Love to all! 

God Speaks

It's funny how when we get away from the hassle of the everyday life the tv, endless phone calls and just the daily routine how God chooses to speak to our hearts. This last week with family and friends God used this time to remind me of a few different things. 

-- I am still made for a purpose. He desires for me to fall at His feet to thank him for all He has done and all He is going to to. I am made for the purpose not just to go and do. But, to praise Him, talk with him and thank Him. 

--He showed me that we are all made different but all made in His likeness. How cool is that? I am a little (ha ha) hard headed, outspoken, and difficult at times but, God still chooses to us me. I am so thankful for his grace. 

--I have spent many years of my life worried about what others think, why they don't like me, purposely "leave" me or my family out or what I did to cause them to treat me so bad. But, this week focused on Christ and family God spoke right to my heart. Just as I am responsible for the way I treat others and the way I display Gods faithfulness and love...so are others. We are all walking a different journey molding us each day into who Christ wants us to be and just as I have no idea what people are facing each day...others have no idea what I'm facing. We are all in this world for the same reason. To love The Lord our God with all our hearts and to make Him famous. 

I am so humbly thankful that God has chosen to speak to my heart and loves me no matter what! 

With a thankful heart. 

Growing Up a PK

This Mother's Day I spent a lot of time reflecting for some reason. I don't know if it was because my heart was hurting for all those that had lost their Mother's this last year. Those that wanted to be Mother's but couldn't. I don't know. But, I spent a lot of time thinking about all the ladies in my life. As a Pastor's Kid you spend a lot of time growing up in the adult world. Where you have to mind your manners all the time, visit nursing homes, hospitals, shut in etc. As a kid I felt like this was a curse. I never understood why my Dad would MAKE me go. But, yesterday I spent a lot of time giving thanks for those times. I was given relationships with so many people from those times. As we lived in Artesia, Lubbock and Deer Park there have been MANY ladies that have played a huge roll in the person I am today. I am thankful for each on of them. I was blessed with a great mother, grandmother, and in-laws. But, I think God just knew it was going to take many to get me to where I am today. So, to those ladies. That taught my Sunday School classes, lead GA's spent time investing into my life thank you. There are so many...At times I think I will take my facebook down because of the time I spend there. Or un needed drama caused by it...but then I get a message from one of these ladies or see their picture that just reminds me that I am in charge of the drama I allow into my life and I just keep on enjoying all the messages and quotes from them. God is faith all the time. I was reminded by this yesterday. I NEVER dreamed I would be small town wife, with kids that raised animals and a husband that was in the farming business. But, as I told Susan (a sweet motherly lady) last night. I can't dream of living any other life. So, just like back in those days I thought it was so lame to go to the hospital with my Dad, to the nursing home and so on...I treasure those times more now than ever before.

Lord, I come to you now humbled for all the "unanswered" prayers. I remember as a teenager praying that you would NEVER allow me to be place in a "pastor" like home. But, God THANK YOU for choosing not to hear that prayer. Thank you for placing me in this life with these blessings from you with a Godly husband that leads each of us closer to you. Thank you for blessing my life with ladies from all over the world, Panama, Tiland, Lubbock, Deer Park, Artesia and further that have blessed me, taught me and molded me into the person I am today. Thank you for giving me such a great example of a mother in my own mother and Grandmother. God, I have learned so much about who you are and who I am suppose to be by these ladies. Thank you for that. Please allow me to be that person for these girls that are my kids age, the girls we have had in youth and so on. I so desire to share in their lives as many ladies have shared in mine. Thank you for loving me enough to tell me no, wait or just hold on my child...because the statement...the best is yet to come is so true. Amen!

Update on Aj

Here is a short update!

AJ is feeling pretty good. She is having some pain as they are "stretching" the skin but over all she is doing great. She is back at work and has been so blessed by such a wonderful, giving, loving company. That is for sure a God sent.

Aj would like to thank Karen Aton, Katie Lewis, and Mrs. Estep for your kindness and support. Aj and her family are still being blessed by so many wonderful people. Thank you all for your prayers as Aj is gaining strength each day, as she rejoins her everyday routines and as they continue in the process of reconstruction.

Thanks to all!

Looking Back At This Year

As this school year is coming to an end I am finding myself more and more reflecting on the past year. My kids have grown so very much and it just a great reminder about how every day counts and we should make the most of it. My children are not going to be little forever and things with them are ever changing. I was driving home from Plainview yesterday and it hit me like a ton of bricks that this is the last year Kalebh will come to the same school as Kaileigh and I. Now, most of you are laughing...thinking well yes that is how it works. But, for some reason it has really made me so sad. I love our talks on the way into school each day and seeing him before he leaves for classes and just randomly seeing him through out the day. And I am going to miss that. But, I am excited for him to start Jr. High and get to do school sports in 7th grade and have lunch at home and so on.

Kaileigh is growing and more and more she wants to do things on her own without help from anyone. It is fun watching them grow but kinda hard on a momma.

This school year has brought a lot of challenge to our family. We started out the school year finding out a few weeks into it that Aj and Cancer. Followed by the lose of Chad's sweet Grandmother in January. Then Aj's surgery. It has just brought about a lot of change and challenge for each of us. But, we have grown to trust God and each other that much more. I am so thankful for this small town we live it. People have been so great to ask about Aj, offer prayer and money. Such a blessing.

But, as I look over this school year I am reminded that God hears the cry of our hearts. My heart has cried out for many things this school year and he has heard every one of them. I am thankful for a Father that listens to the big things and the small.

Father, Thank you for being a God that listens, heals and helps. Thank you for loving us enough to send your only Son so that we might live this some times crazy but fun life. Thank you for loving me enough to lend me two of your most precious children as they are a gift from you. I love you Lord and I am so grateful for the good times as I am the hard time. It is in these hard times that I find myself listening to your voice more clearly. Thank you for all you have done.  

Complete Joy!

Hello, my friends and family! It has been a wild few weeks. I hope to get back to updating weekly on our family, Aj and whatever life hands our way. I enjoy blogging so much but to have the time to write, up load pictures and such isn't always easy. 

It was a pure joy this weekend to spend Easter in Artesia at my home church with Mom and Dad. The people of FBC Artesia have been such a great support system for my parents and so giving in may ways to Aj and Bobby. It was wonderful to be with them this weekend. Thank you to several of you who came and mentioned my blog. I am so thankful for each of you. I love to write just hard to made time. 

I got a text message from Aj today the read. "Please update the blog with...I just got confirmation from the oncologist and he said I am 100, hundred percent cancer free!!!!!! I will be taking medicine for the next five years as a precautionary measure and I'll have my blood checked every 2 months. Wahoo God! Praise the Lord!" Please let me thank each of you for the many hours spent in prayer of Aj behalf. I believe without a doubt without prayer and love from friends and family this would have been a much harder process to come out on the other side of. Please know how very thankful we are and how ever dear you are to each of us! 

Love and Blessing, 

PTL

Text From Aj!

"Great news this morning! The results came back, and everything was cancer free!!! All of the cancer is gone! The next step will be reconstruction phase which will be throughout the year. Thank you for all your prayers, meals, and financial support. Ain’t God Great"?!?!?!

Thank you for the many prayers coming from all different place and from people from all areas we are so grateful to each of you. God has worked in our lives throughout the last 7 months and we rest assured he will continue to work as Aj’s body heals from her recent surgery.

 

Hugs to ALL,

Saturday release!

Good morning! I hope each of you are having a great start to your weekend. Aj was dismissed from the hospital this morning! Here is the message I revived. 

Aj is doing well, and will be discharged from the hospital this morning. She still has a ways to go in her recovery, so please keep her in your prayers. Thank you for all of your prayers.

Mom is still in Deer Park to help with the care of the drains Aj has and such. 

Love to all,

Update as of 3:45pm

This update is from Bobby:

The first part of Aj's surgery went well, no additional cancer has been found, and the plastic surgeon is finishing up. I will follow up when everything is done, in about 2 hours. Thank You.

I will update again once I know more. Just glad to have a time frame...kind of.

Thank you for praying. Thank you for all the messages, notes and other thoughtful things!

Lots of Thankfulness from

The Laird's, Cook's and Tillery's

We need your prayers!

Sorry for the lack of post. My family has been in Houston loving on the Laird's spoiling Bailey and attending the Houston Stock Show. We had a great time at all. We are all really tired as we drove in today. The stock show was so great and Kalebh did a super job. 

Tomorrow is Surgery Day. Aj sent me a text with these request and I might add a few. Spending a few days with Aj just warmed my heart and broke my heart all at the same time. This is such a hard process for her and I wish with all my heart I could walk this path for her. But, for whatever reason God has chosen her and we are going to pray her through to the other side of this where she is cancer FREE!!! 

Prayer Needs from Aj

• Please pray for hope and strength as we go through this time.
• Pray for Doctors, nurses that will be working on AJ for about 6 Hours. 
• Pray that she gets a bed long enough and the doctors air up her tissue expanders to the correct size. (so, glad she hasn't lost her sense of humor) 
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• From Katie
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• Please pray for Mom my as she is there helping with whatever is needed. Please pray for peace of her. No parent wants to sit back and watch your child have to fight this battle. Pray for Dad as he is in Artesia carrying on that he will have a sense of Christ presence with him tomorrow. 
• Pray for Bobby, Bailey and the rest of their family as all of their hearts will be with Aj and crew tomorrow. 

As we were sitting together at the stock-show Aj was reminded that there can be worse things to deal with as we watch a child about the age of Bailey stuck in a wheel chair without being able to communicate much with anyone. I have thought about that alot today. It is so easy to fall in satan trap of pity. I will be at work tomorrow praying every time she crosses my mind but I am thankful for wonderful doctors, and care team to get her through this. Please know how much your prayers are felt from all around the world. We love each of you and thank you for checking in on you. 

Surgery is at 8....so they say :) 

Sweet Dreams.

Doctor Today

Aj is seeing the surgeon today. They will visit in detail about her surgery and all that goes with that. Her surgery will be March 20th.

Prayer Needs

• Pray for the doctors
• Pray for the test that will be ran on the new cancer
• Pray for the people that will decide what test to run
• Pray for the people deciding what kind of steps she needs to take next
• Pray for Bobby
• Pray for Aj as she handles all of the info. she receives today.
• Pray for Bailey as she knows things are stressful because all kids pick up on those things. Pray for her to have peace.

Prayers Needed!

Good Afternoon! 

I am updating this blog with information and request from Aj. 

This last week has been a roller coster and a little overwhelming for her. 

As of the end of last week she had decided to just go with the lumpectomy but, would have an ultrasound to check out the spots that were seen on the MRI.

She had the ultrasound last week and sadly it showed there was more cancer (a different kind than the tumor they found in September.) 

Aj is having a difficult time adjusting to the new surgery plan. Please be in prayer for her, Bobby and Bailey during this time of transition. 

This morning Aj sent me a text with this information to update the blog with. 

"Plastic surgeon called, the two new spots that the ultrasound found have to be tested. When I go in for surgery on Mach 20th I will have to have tissue expander's implanted. When the new spots are tested and they find out what they are that will determine whether I get radiation treatments." At this point Aj just feel like this is a never ending process with more and more details that she doesn't want to hear and doesn't really want to deal with. As many of you can understand Chemo is such a hard thing to with stand and then to follow up with all this. More cancer was no the plan, major surgery was not the plan. But, as we said in the beginning of this whole process we know God has a plan and we are working hard to trust him. Please, please, please be praying for Aj in the next 3 weeks as she meets with doctors, and surgeons and as she try's to work. 

Prayer Needs:

• Pray for Aj to have peace. Peace with the surgery plan, peace that the doctors have a plan that is going to work and peace to cover all the worry.
• Pray for Bobby and Bailey as they all make this transition leading up to surgery. 
• Pray for strength and endurance for Bobby for the following months. 
• Please just pray her name when she crosses your mind. The wonderful thing about our Father is he knows what she needs...even when we don't! 

Change In Plans...What's new?

“Let  the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.” Colossians 3:15

At times it is hard to remember to be thankful…right? When you have a sick kid crying at 3am for no reason it is hard to be thankful. When you have a child that is suffering from breast cancer it is hard to remember to be thankful. But, here we are told that we are called to peace. We are called to not worry…because what good is that going to do any of us? Worry steals the joy of what God can do.

“For I am the Lord, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you.” Isaiah 41:13

I AM…that is all the Lord had to say at times. Isn’t that amazing? So, as we received news today that Aj will be having to have a double mastectomy I can tell you I held tight to the devotion we (Aj and I) both had this morning in the book Jesus Calling. I AM…he is telling us IAM going to take care of you. I AM in control, I AM in love with you and will take care of every need.

Aj went to meet with her surgeon today who informed her that there were 2 spots that looked suspicious on her MRI. So, after some discussion with her surgeon the decision was made that this is what was best. Aj wasn’t leaning toward this in the beginning. But, her words… “Katie, it was like a peace fell on Bobby and I both that this is what I needed to do.” So, there you have it. I have prayed every day since September 3^rd that she will have a peace about this whole process. Today she says I am getting a tummy tuck and a boob job and my insurance is paying for it. Tomorrow might not be as easy to swallow. So we will carry on just like we have since day one…one day at a time. We ask you to wear your TEAM Aj Bracelets more now than ever. Pray for her, the doctors and all those that will come in contact with her over the next few weeks. If anyone learns anything about her journey we want it to be this…I AM is holding her hand, He is walking with us, healing her and teaching and molding each of us along the way.

Tomorrow she meets with the plastic surgeon and we will know much more detail. Please pray for that appt. at 1:00pm tomorrow.

Love to each of you!