On the Road to Robynn!

I am headed to West Sacramento with the "birthday girl"! She wants to get there ASAP!
Aunt Robynn and Uncle Brian are awaiting her arrival with a YUMMY
Tres Leche cake that they made with love! Later tonight she gets a HUGE feast of sushi!
She's just a tad spoiled!;)

Love you all!
Pray for you all!
Pray for us!
S

Hailey Rae Cuts It Off For Mom and Others! Also check out the new pics on the side

Little Miss Hailey made her first ever visit to the beauty salon and boy did she make the most of it. She had them cut off a ponytail of 8-9 inches so that she could donate it to Pantene's "Beautiful Lengths". She is very excited to be able to help someone who has lost their hair, like her mom. She has also decided she will let it grow and cut it again, a process she will continue to do. What an incredible little girl!!!

She is also excited because as she says with a huge smile, "Now I'm like the rest of my family with really short hair."

Beach Bound!

Well Robynn Blogaholics, I've been trying to figure out a way to tell you this without you ending up in rehab:P Not sure if I will be successful, but here goes...

We are headed to the serenity of the sea! Our Girl longs for beautiful crashing waves, sand between her toes, seashell hunting, sand castle building and lots of FFF!!!(Forced Family Fun)
WOO HOO!
The kids and I are heading to Sacramento tomorrow so Cal can spend her 17th birthday with Aunt Robynn and then Thursday morning we are headed to Half Moon Bay til Monday. We found a 5 bedroom house with gorgeous views!
There will be 16 of us
(that's where the FFF comes in ;)
We can't wait to get there!

So here's the glitch...I plan on being so bogged down with FFF (which should include, but not be limited to) walks on the beach, bbqing, board games, rock skimming, roasting marshmallows, Texas hold em, baking, body surfing(Robynn and I will refrain from that one) and exploring tide pools that I won't have time left in the day to let you know just how VERY MUCH FUN we are having!
So that's the deal! You are gonna have to '"man your posts" without direction from me!
You can do it Army Goodell! You have trained hard and know what to do!

Pray On!
S

PS If I get the slightest break from our FFF, I will sneak in a post, but don't count on it!

FORTITUDINE VINCIMUS!!

Yesterday was a rough one, but Our Girl prevailed!
VICTORY THROUGH PERSEVERANCE!!!!
(thanks Sabrina;)
Even the Super Bad Yuckies couldn't keep her from Brady and Hailey's Baseball game last night! I'm tellin ya, that girl is TOUGHER than anything I've ever seen! I don't know where her strength comes from some days! She puts me to shame even on my best day!
We are expecting rough waters today and maybe tomorrow but can see calm seas on the horizon!

Pray On Faithful Soldiers!

S

Baby Steps Continue!

She's creepin her way back to comfort! She's still struggling, but it is not as bad as last night or this morning. The Dr said that days 4-6 after chemo are the worst, so she is right on schedule...DANG IT! She is extremely tired and hopes to get some relief with the help of a drug (ABH) that MD Anderson produces. Come ON ABH!!!! Do Your Thang!!!!

Texas Hold Em news...

Here's some info on the Poker Tourney:

1st: Terry Dudgeon (Girl Power;)
2nd: Adam Souza
3rd: Mike Hansen

"Best Dressed Man of the Evening" - James Coghill

Special thanks to Rod Kahele and Brett Shaffer for running the tournament.
Also, to Kirk Eknes and Kristy Dwyer for running the bar.
Extra special thanks to all the lovely lady volunteers
(West Sac meets High School Friends:)
The place looked amazing and they far surpassed what they set out to raise!
The most memorable moment was the end of the tournament, when Raina's aunt Terry WON and donated the prize money back to Robynn!
Also, Robynn's generous neighbors bought the 'big' silent auction prize
(Paso Robles Wine Getaway)
Thank you to everyone who planned, donated, volunteered, played, showed up to say "HI", or anything else related to Robynn's Benefit.

An UNENDING Round of APPLAUSE to the planning committee:
Kristy, Bree, Carol, Kim, Melissa & Kerrie

Love to All!
S

A few questions to answer...

Since I cannot respond individually to "comments" you leave, I'm gonna try to address them here!
Robynn is still at home and we hope that to be the case indefinitely! The new chemo she is trying Gemzare/Taxotere is done at an Infusion Center in Roseville and requires her to be there about 1/2 a day every Thursday with a break every 2 weeks. Next week will be her week "off".
We will have an idea if the chemo is working after about
4 treatments...2 down-2 to go!

Prayer request updates;

Mercedes has bounced back with all tests coming back negative for the scary stuff we were fearful of. Seems she must have had some mysterious virus.

Gavin is doing MUCH better. He was back to school in a jiffy, but is on a VERY short leash. No recess, no PE etc. You go Mom!

Samantha is doing Awesome! Her platelet count is Spectacular! Her parents are so very thankful for our prayers!

It is Robynn and Brian ritual to read ALL "comments" before they go to bed at night. What you send is a source of inspiration, support and love that they are eternally grateful for.
Keep em comin!

XOXO,

S

It's All about Our Girl!

Robynn is having an incredibly hard time right now! The same problems she encountered last Sunday/Monday have reappeared. They are at the Dr. right now and we hope she says this is all part of a cycle that will pass very soon. If that's the case...HOLD On Sweet Robynn!
We are with you!
God is with you!
Peace and comfort are on the way!

Orders-
Please give Robynn your full attention right now and let Him hear our prayers!

PS I have a fabulous update about the Poker benefit, but will have to post it later. Ran home after talking to Brian just so I could could enlist Army Goodell for this very important mission!

Pray On!
S

Pay It Forward!

Robynn was a busy little bee yesterday! She went to Brady and Hailey's baseball game and then headed to Rocklin to surprise the Troops that were getting ready for the Texas Hold Em tournament. She loved getting to see all their hard work first hand and telling them thank you in person. What a gal! I'm sure she passed out tons of "Robynn Hugs" as well! I know Kristy got one that she didn't want to let go of...I know the feeling!
They returned home with a little bit of the 'yuckies', but nothing our girl couldn't handle;)
She took a nap and awoke to find Cal waiting to play the song written for her LIVE! What a treat! Aunt Robynn was overwhelmed with emotion...so was Uncle Brian! What happened to their "sweet girl" that they used to load up in a convertible mustang, drive across the open water of the San Mateo bridge singing The Lion King soundtrack at the top of their lungs? She was gone! She sat before them, a beautiful, bright, shy young woman that was using her God given talent to help take care of someone that had always taken such incredible care of her. I do not know if she can understand the impact of this priceless act of love. As her Mom, I get it, as her Aunt and Uncle, they get it! I hope someday Callahan Christine will realize what it meant to share herself with all of us and give us Hope for a better day!

Let your "God given talent" shine! Use it to brighten someone elses day!
Use it for HIS Glory!

Pray On!
S

Callahan Continues to Amaze!

This is an inspirational song that was written and performed by our Sweet Callahan for our Beautiful Robynn! Please take a listen I can guarantee you it will be worth it!

http://www.youtube.com/v/qY_600tqZIk&hl=en

Thank you Cal we love you so much!

God is SO GOOD!

I cannot wait to here how today's Texas Hold Em tournament for Robynn goes! I am sorry I will miss it, but look forward to the pictures and stories behind it;) There's still a few tickets left, so if you want to join the fun please call;
Kristy @ (916) 519-1488

We all need to say a prayer of thanks and praise for the many people that are making today's event a success! This has been a HUGE undertaking! Not only has "Army Goodell"(High School Div:) put in countless hours, they have also enlisted new troops to donate and help out as well. Keep in mind some donors know Our Girl! To some she is a complete stranger and they have immediately "taken up arms"! God is so GOOD! People are so GOOD!
You ALL are so GOOD!

This Battle has brought us all to our knees...

sometimes to pray...
sometimes to weep...
sometimes to beg...
sometimes to give thanks...
sometimes to ask "why"?

Whatever the reason, it is because we BELIEVE in God's GOODNESS and know we must look to Him for guidance. He is our salvation and He will give us Refuge! Some days we don't feel it! Some days we feel naked, wandering in the desert...make NO MISTAKE! He is with us!
He Will "carry" Robynn!
He Will "carry" us !
He has already given us so many reasons to continue to trust in Him and be Faithful.
He has taken Robynn and used her to create miracles in others lives!
He has brought prayer to people that have never prayed!
How AWESOME is that?

Continue to serve as you do Army Goodell! I have no orders!
You are in no need of my direction...you have already found your way!

I love you all and continue to be "In Awe"
S

FIGHT ON! Pray ON!

Well, yesterday was another roller coaster ride! She felt great....she felt yucky...she felt good and even ate...she felt yucky...you know the drill soldiers! Can we please just have a tiny taste of smooth sailing??? Pretty Please???
Like I said...YOU KNOW THE DRILL!!!!! Surround our girl in constant prayer!
Report for duty, ASAP:)

Pray On!
S

Bad, Bad Chemo!

Our girl was doing just fine when she started with today's treatment...she was writing "Thank You" notes...texting "funnies" and then WHAM! She got hit with the "yuckies". She had a bad reaction to the Tax(spelt it wrong in past blog) part of Gem/Tax. She felt like she couldn't breathe, they gave her oxygen and then she started vomiting. They stopped the chemo, administered IV Benadryl and restarted her chemo at a slower rate. That Benadryl has been a good friend to Robynn on multiple occasions!
Brian ran off to get her something to eat in hopes she will be hungry when she gets done.
Please Lord, let that be the case!!!!!!!!!!!

Pray On!
S

Round 2/Chemo #2

Her second dose of Gem/Tack is happening this morning at 9am.
Please keep her surrounded in prayer!

Pray On!
S

Praise Our Lord for a Beautiful Finish!

What a WONDERFUL WEDNESDAY!
She is still feeling pretty darn good! (Favorite cheer should come out about now;)
She even made it to her favorite pedicure haunt. Later she dressed up like an Eskimo to watch Brady and Hailey's baseball practice.
Go Robynn Go!

Pray On and Good Night!
S

Praise to You Lord for a beautiful start.....

Our girl was a little "sleepy head" today! She did not wake up til after 10am;) When she awoke she enjoyed some special time with Brian. He said she was smiling and looked great!
She is feeling quite well at the moment and just might venture out for a pedicure...You GO Girl!

Our prayers must remain constant! We cannot yield!
Our "Shield of Defense" is up and we will not allow it to come down!
Take care of our Dear Sweet Robynn Lord! Please wrap her in Your care and comfort and allow her to feel Your presence and peace!

Have a Blessed Wednesday troops!

Pray On!
S

March On Faithful Soldiers!

Robynn is having a much better day today! Yesterday afternoon was pretty pleasant as well!
Your diligence has paid off troops! Continue to "circle the wagons' in prayer!

I wish I could express how forever grateful we are to have you as part of "Army Goodell".
You soldiers have banned together by God's hand and have been a blessing beyond anything we can comprehend.
From the bottom of our hearts and far up to the heavens is where our love and thanks reside!

Gracefully Overwhelmed,
S

Lab Results Are In!

Robynn is holdin her own! Her hemoglobin was a 12 and her WBC is over a 5... ALLELUIA!
Her discomfort has even subsided a little!
You guys are GOOD!!!!! There's another mini miracle!
Brian confirmed that this "roller coaster ride" is not fun for ANY of us!;)
Sweet,Sweet dreams our Dear Sweet Robynn!

Soldiers...PRAY ON!

xoxo,
S

Be Her "Shield of Defense" Lord!

Our girl is really struggling! Stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and irritated bowels make the top of the list. She went to get her blood work checked but have not got results back.

I can "Stand" almost anything, but her suffering is enough to drop me to my knees. Please pull out "the big guns" of prayer and beg for peace and comfort!

I love you all...thank you for your continued devotion!

Pray On!
S

A Savored Sunny Saturday!

She made it to mass yesterday and ate a nice little lunch out on the patio. We sat outside and took in some rays while watching Brady and Hailey play with water balloons. She continued to battle the "yuckies" later in the day but took it like a champ!
This morning was a little rocky, but she made it to the kids baseball game and got to see Brady bring his sister "home" with a base hit among other extremely exciting plays! She even got to visit with her "West Sac girls" Dina, Dana,Victoria, Amy, Nicole and Kim.
We are now back at home, BBQ'ing,making homemade pizza and hangin out. Robynn got pampered with a pedicure from her niece Madison with fancy flowers on her big toes! Quite snazzy! She's now in the back yard watching Hailey hit baseballs.

Please continue to pray that she is without pain and at peace!

Pray On!
XOXO,
S

Happy to be Home

Good Morning Troops!

Our girl was happy to be back in her own bed and having a slumber party with the kids.
She is feeling a little puny this morning and battling some nausea. We have mass at Brady's school and we will see if she feels well enough to go.
She has a BIG smile on her face right now because Brian just hung up a picture
that reads "Kiss Me Goodnight" in their room. The simplest of things mean so much to our girl and I'm thrilled Brian could mask the nausea with love!

Pray ON!

S

Good Night Dear Soldiers!

She is home and we are eatting pizza! We are just enjoying having her here!

I will give you an update in the morning!

Love you all!
Pray ON,
S

Plan of Attack II

Good afternoon Army Goodell!

We have started Round 1 of chemo #2! We should be done around 4:30. If all goes as it should, our girl will get to go home today. Her blood work was PHENOMENAL(12...highest ever!) Her and Brian are taking a little snooze together and I wish you all could enjoy the total peace they display. Their two bald heads are snuggled close together, and Robynn adorned with a beautiful turquoise, brown and white scarf made with love by Dana. What a picture!
She had a wonderful visit with Quin, Missy and their God son Will today. Brady and Hailey got to see Mom too, but are now off to finish homework so that they can have a water balloon fight!

Thank you again for all your wonderful support!
We could never do this without it!

Pray On Soldiers!
S

Dear Friends and Family,

I apologize for making you wait this long to hear our new "Plan of Attack"! But it was important to us that Robynn and Brian had a chance to talk to our immediate family before I addressed this news with you.
Todays scan confirmed that the tumors have either stayed the same in size, increased in size or reproduced. This reaffirms the decision to stop the chemo. There is just no reason for Robynn to endure these miserable side effects at this point. The only other option is another type of chemo (Gem/Tack) that she will do as an outpatient. It is a much lower dose and will only take a couple hours per week to administer.
We are disappointed and sad beyond explantion, but
We REFUSE to let this knock us down!
We REFUSE to live without Hope!
We REFUSE to live without Faith!
We REFUSE to live without Prayer!
We REFUSE to live without Smiles!
We REFUSE to do anything, but STAND STRONG!
We expect nothing less from you!

Please turn your voices up to the Lord and ask Him to guide us through our next challenge!

You have your Orders...
Pray ON Faithful Soldiers!

Love to all,
S

Standing Strong with a Smile!

Our girl slept most of the night and is receiving 2 more units of blood. She has been fasting since midnight to prepare for her PET Scan scheduled for 11am. We hope to have the results by 2pm today and then be able to put together a new Plan of Action!

"May the God of Hope fill you all with Joy and Peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with Hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. "

Through it all, Robynn is still Smiling!
Orders.....Make someones day by giving them a BIG "Robynn Smile"!
What a difference this simple act of kindness can make!
Spread the Joy Robynn has given to us!

Pray On!
S

"On Our Knees" and Looking to the Lord

Dear Friends and Family,

Contrary to what other tests had indicated, the CT Scan results showed that the chemo is not working, so it has been discontinued. We are waiting to hear from MD Anderson to see if we have another treatment option. She has received a total of 3 units of blood today and is scheduled for another PET Scan at 11am tomorrow.(don't panic, this one won't cost $8000+ because she is "inpatient:) Yes...you may cheer!
The good news is; she ate some cereal, a couple grapes and a half of a Subway turkey sandwich and kept it down! She has even been free from nausea! That's Progress with a capital P!!!
She is resting peacefully and we are so thankful for that blessing. Thank YOU for your diligent prayers, we know He is listening. Now, we must "listen" to see what He asks of us...

Until then...keep the faith and PRAY ON Army Goodell!!!
We are "STANDING STRONG" and have no plans to disband!
Follow suit!!! That's an Order!

xoxo,
S

Round 3 is Underway!

Robynn got started on Round 3 about midnight.
Her blood levels have dropped significantly and she is receiving 3 units of blood right now:(
We have not got results from yesterdays scan, but anxiously await them!
I will get back to you when I have any new info...

Orders=Back on your knees and pray to STOP this blood loss and for chemo to TAKE DOWN those tumors!

BIG HUGE Robynn Hugs,
S

Target Start Time-9:30pm

CT Scan is complete, but we will not get the results until tomorrow. She is feeling much better since being hydrated and getting her anti-nausea meds intravenously. Her appetite is slowly returning... she even ate about 1/2 of a Banana Split Blizzard from Dairy Queen and a couple bites of corn dog. It may not sound like much, but this is a HUGE deal with her weight loss being a HUGE concern! If she does not get back on track with eating and keeping it down, they will have to give her liquid nutrition and that is NOT something we want to start.
Please pray our girl desires FOOD! FOOD! FOOD! All the TIME! TIME! TIME! and then keeps it in her tummy!
She is taking a little nap as we wait for Round 3 to start at 9:30!
Have a wonderful night and get plenty of rest soldiers!
Your new orders will come in the morning!

Sweet dreams!
Pray On!

S

Still Waiting.....

Someone from Radiology should be here soon to take her for her Scan. We are fearful that she will not be able to keep the "contrast" (bright orange icky liquid that she must drink to light up her insides for the scan)down much longer, so we must act quickly! She is being hydrated right now and when that is accomplished, Round 3 will begin.
Her Dr. is a little perplexed at her sudden "ickyness", but is determined to get to the bottom of this mystery!;)
Our girl continues to be a SUPER TROOPER and is getting a little rest while we wait!

Love you ALL!
Pray On!
S

Round 3 ALMOST started;)

My mom and I arrived last night about 6pm and when we went to bed at midnight, all seemed to be ok with Miss Robynn. Little did we know, out of NOWHERE, she woke up vomitting and feeling very ill. This continued this morning and delayed our departure since she was hoping to get a better handle on her nausea before starting the 40 minute drive to the hospital. When Robynn's Dr. saw her in the hall and heard how bad she had been feeling, she ordered a CT Scan to check things out. Before they can do the CT Scan they have to check her blood levels. Just our luck! Her PIC line is jammed and they need to do an x-ray to make sure it's in the right place and then flush it with "cath-flow"to break up the blockage.
Since her Pic line is not functional they had to "poke" her to get her blood draw...good times!
If her labs come back without any problems, then she will start drinking the "contrast" for her CT Scan!(YUMMY)
That's all I got for now! I will let you know when we accomplish all the above and get chemo started!

Pray ON!
S

Please pray for Gavin and Samantha

Dear "Army Goodell",

Your "Orders" have been updated to include the following;

Gavin Bennis (5 yrs) was in Reno this past Friday on a camping trip and had a biking accident. He broke his jaw and required 30+ stitches in his lower face. He is in ICU with his jaw now wired. Please pray for him, his Mom Sue(a dear friend of Robynn's) his Dad Dave and brother Jacob.

Sixteen year old Samantha Rankin has been diagnosed with Idiopathic Thrombocytopenic Pupura (ITP). A condition that keeps her with a very low platelet count. Please pray for her, her Mom Krys, Dad Kevin and sister Sydney.

I cannot help but hear the song "Jesus loves the little children".
Please keep Gavin and Samantha in your every prayer!

We are almost ready to head up to the hospital and get started on Round 3!!!
Bring it ON!;)

Pray on!
S

BRING IT ON!

Round 3 of Chemo starts 1st thing Monday morning!
Robynn's Dr. informed her that the 1st 2 rounds of chemo appear to be successful. The fluid retention within her belly is just one indicator. We will get a FULL report when she returns to MD Anderson the following week.
The discomfort and suffering Robynn must endure is a bit easier to take when we are reassured of His Goodness!
Please continue to hold Robynn and Brian up to Lord as we continue our triumph with Round 3!

Pray On Dear Soldiers!
xoxo,
S

BORRRRING!

That is what Robynn's Dr. said she would like to see at this point.
We have accomplished that....WELL DONE TROOPS!
She has had a wonderful day and even kept her 1st bit of"real food" down! (thanks Gina)

HE is still listening! Thank you for keeping Him aware of our wishes!

Pray On,
S

Whata Week!

Robynn's blood levels are so good that they will not recheck her until she goes in for "Round 3" of Chemo. She has struggled with nausea and vomiting, but has not let that keep her down. She got to go starbucks to visit with friends and hear 1st hand all about the Blood Drive/Silent Auction etc. While there, they let her know what a TERRIFIC success it was and Robynn was touched by the EXTREME efforts made in her honor.
Tuesday she worked in Brady's classroom for a little over an hour and was presented with the "Lollipop $":) Today, even after "tossin her cookies" she was determined to fulfill her duty to work in Hailey's class and as you might have guessed....she made it!
She has had so much fun this week with flying kites, going to baseball and just being a family! We know Monday is not far away and this nasty cycle will start over, but we must give Praise for the Blessings she has received!

"Army Goodell", you NEVER cease to amaze me!
Pray On!
S

Thank You Dana Sloan for the Pictures of Robynn's Blood Drive

"IN AWE"

An old and dear friend used today's blog title in a recent email to me. Since there is no better description for what I'm going to tell you, I am stealing it!;)
Before I move on, let me tell you I have attempted this blog entry many times but encountered tears so fierce that I couldn't see the keyboard. So here goes! (again;)

I stand "IN AWE" of a community that has wrapped Robynn and her family in love and support!
I stand "IN AWE" of friends and family that "Stand Strong" to help keep Robynn and Brian upright!
I stand "IN AWE" of a 3rd grade classes determination to help a fellow classmates family and setting a goal of $1ooo and instead raised $2500.00 selling lollipops!
I stand "IN AWE" of witnessing all 12 chairs at the blood drive NEVER empty and at least 20 people waiting to fill them!
I stand "IN AWE" of a bake sale that could not have represented Robynn's love of baking any better!
I stand "IN AWE" of a silent auction thats donations outstretched across OLG's corridor and raised over $5000.00!
I stand "IN AWE" of strangers driving by and seeing a simple sign reading "Blood Drive" and chose to help our cause!
I stand "IN AWE" of a husbands devotion that supersedes all else!
I stand "IN AWE" of a "Village" that has lifted up my brother, Robynn, Brady and Hailey and has chosen hope and action over despair!
I stand "IN AWE" of prayers that continue to flow from our hearts and into Gods hands!
I stand "IN AWE" of my Dear Sweet Robynn who has handled this burden with grace and a smile!

I cannot begin to express my families feelings right now...
Just know; "our cup is overflowing"

Love to All,
Shelley

Where's Robynn?????

Forget about Waldo!
Robynn is at a BJ's right now!
Will you find her?
Let us know if you did!

XOXO,
S

BJ's...Here We Come!

Today's the Day!---4-9pm---
Don't forget to mention to your server you are there for Robynn!
Tell anyone sitting around you as well!
Heck, stand at the door and be a greeter letting EVERYONE know we are;
RAISING FOR ROBYNN!
(15% of your bill goes to Goodell Family)

ALL BJ's LOCATIONS IN THE GREATER SACRAMENTO AREA WILL BE PARTICIPATING!!!

This includes:

ElK Grove

Natomas

Roseville

Folsom

Sacramento

Don't fret Bakersfield, Jenny and Mimi are working on a BJ's night for you!

Standing Strong!

You have heard from Brian and Kim what a FABULOUS day Friday was, but I can
"one up"em SOOOOOO FAST!!!!!

Robynn's WBC came up from a .8 to a WHOPPING 7.8! I'm starting "the wave" right now, so jump up and throw those arms in the air and continue it on! A BIG ALLELUIA wouldn't hurt either! I cannot begin to express my Joy and Thankfulness when I received this news! I had just been talking with Robynn today and she was telling me how Brian and the kids were painting a dresser for Hailey and that the kids were really hoping to go fly their new kites. Brian reminded them that "Momma wasn't able to be outside or be around people until her blood count was better". Anxious to see if ANY progress had been made, she was gonna call the lab to see about her latest results. I told her to go ahead and "text me, when you find out". About 2 minutes later, I hear Robynn in her sweetest and most excited voice say, "It was just TOO good to text...I'm a 7.8!" I yell back "You've got to be kidding me?" She responds with,"I asked them to check it twice". I replied,"Did you respell your name
R-O-B-Y-N-N G-O-O-D-E-L-L"? "YESSSSSSSSSSSSSS!" she shouted! I screamed back,"Then I order you to Go Fly A Kite.......literally!" So as you ALL know, when I order something to get done...what happens?:)
May our miracles never cease!!!
What a PERFECT ending to an inspiring weekend! I cannot wait to update you on what I experienced Friday!
Until then, I will keep you guessing;) and order you to continue praying whatever prayers you're praying, cuz He's Hearing YOU!

Love you all!
Pray On!
S

Hot Off The Presses!

Good morning Everyone!
Yesterday was a great day! There was no real “appropriate” time to make special thank you mentions as people attended at different times, etc. so I’m doing it via Shelley (aka Blog Queen) and the blog!

First, thank you so much to everyone who attended. The blood drive was so successful that in the end, people had to be turned away! (No worries, you can always donate at a Blood Source location). In addition, the bake sale and silent auction? WOW! Your purchases made our event very profitable – thanks so much! I know you are all wondering how we did, but we don’t have that all down yet – just know we did a LOT – thanks to you!

OLG (Our Lady of Grace) - we thank you! Vanessa Scroggins (The "Lollipop Lady" and my partner in crime!) and Rich, "The Main Man of OLG - thank you for ALL that you did! Donating your wonderful environment, "delegating" jobs to your kids, ETC. - thank you so much!

I’d like to request that you remember to support the local businesses that donated items to our event. PLEASE! J They don’t want to see us coming in to ask for donations and then NEVER seeing us again – that’s not fair – so support them! We had many great donations – and please know that NONE was considered small in our book – they were all important in doing what we wanted to do!

Scrapbook Addict – thank you for not only donating a silent auction gift but for allowing us to use your store as “Robynn Headquarters” for our meetings! We are not done yet, so you will be seeing us again soon! In addition, Sarah and Helen (owners) have plans for their customers and the public to help create a few special scrapbooks for Robynn! Be watching the fundraising blog for details on that next week. And DON’T tell us that you’re not creative enough – we’ll help you!

Okay back to the business at hand - we’ve established that we couldn’t do it without the donations… but the other end of that were the people who went out and requested those donations! We had many great people gathering donations but two women REALLY hit the pavement hard! At our event, two ladies were wearing silver “Angel of Friendship” pins – they didn’t know why, I just told them to put them on and I’d tell them why later. WELL – let’s put it this way, if we were selling Girl Scout Cookies – Emma Arias and Nicole Winger would have been competing for the prize! I cannot stress enough how crucial it was for those girls to do what they did. HUGE! So thank you girls – you earned your “wings” for sure by supporting Robynn in the way you did! (They will also be receiving the Robynn car magnet as well – see our fundraising blog next week for details on that!). Thank you thank you thank you.

Bloodsource – Wow, what can we say? Kate Blake and the Bloodsource team were awesome as were our donors!!! The blood drive was a great success! Thanks so much! (If you want to host a future drive – it is soooo easy to do – Kate and the team did ALL of the work – trust me on this!).

And for the rest of you… whether you helped by baking for our sale, donating blood, hanging flyers and spreading those lengthy emails, or you helped “man” or set up tables, or you stayed at home watching kids so that WE could attend, or if you PRAYED that our day would be a success… whatever job you took on as yours – you KNOW who you are, you KNOW what you did, and we are eternally grateful to you ALL.

Gratefully,
Kim Funk
And the “West Sac Girls”

OVERWHELMED!!!

I cannot begin to put into words how INCREDIBLE yesterday was. You all are truly AMAZING!!! Your Prayers, Love, Support, and Generosity towards Robynn and my family is so far beyond anything could have ever imagined, and I cannot begin to thank you enough.

I could not stop telling Robynn about the event; all the people who we knew that were there and how there were so many others we'd never met. I told her about people just coming up to say they were praying for her and others saying thank you for putting this event together (which I am the first to admit I had absolutely zero to do with this, I just had the honor of showing up and taking it all in) so they could be apart of supporting someone as special as Robynn and meeting other people who feel so strongly towards my Beautiful Bride! I told her about the people giving blood for the first time, the women breezing through and multiple men passing out. I told her about all the donated auction items and baked goods, which she was really disappointed to miss.

I talked until she fell asleep, then I woke her up and talked some more. Finally around midnight I figured I should let her get her rest. But I have to tell you I did not sleep a wink all night. I just kept thinking about what just took place and how so many people came together in Honor of My Wife! Don't get me wrong I am not surprised, but definitely AMAZED! Someone once told me "People Will do Amazing things for Amazing People!" well last night and over the past few months I couldn't agree more with that statement!

You all are Amazing!

Child in Need of Our Help!

We have yet another child in need of Robynn's Armies prayers! Carol (Robynn's friend since 6th Grade) is at the hospital with her 3 year old son Brayden. He was admitted today for low oxygen, 104 degree fever, cough and Carol has been unable to comfort him.

Please pray for the strenght this child and his mother need to overcome this challenging time!

Raising For Robynn at BJ's

Mark your calendar!!

BJs Brewhouse "Raising for Robynn" Night
Monday April 7, 2008 4:00 - 9:00pm
If people mention Robynn's name 15% of the their bill will go to her family!!

*** ALL LOCATIONS PARTICIPATING in Sacramento and outlying areas !!! ***
Thank you Bree and "Highschool Buds"

Tooooomorrow, Toomorrow, I love ya, Toomorrow!

You're only a Day Away! (If you guessed ...ANNIE...YOU WIN!!!!:)

ROBYNN'S BLOOD DRIVE is Tomorrow!

Roll up those sleeves and get ready to make a difference!

Robynn is feeling a little better and has been able to keep down minimal amounts of food/drink. Our only concern is her dropping WBC. This will obviously prevent her from attending tomorrows event.:( We are very disappointed about this development, but we must put Robynn's health first. She will definitely be there "in spirit" and is so grateful to all who have made this happen and to all who are coming out to donate in her name. The rest of the family will be their to "cash in" on the hugs that are meant for Robynn and we will gladly pass them on to their rightful owner ASAP!

Thanking you again for your tremendous support!

See you Super Soon!
Pray On!

S

A Prayer Request from Brian and Robynn

Please add a special little girl to your prayer list;

MERCEDES

She is in the 2nd grade where Hailey is a kindergartner and she needs our help!
She has not been to school since last Wednesday. She has been experiencing symptoms that could be related to Leukemia & several other illnesses. She is unable to move around by herself without being in severe pain. The pain meds being used basically sedate her, but help keep her suffering to a minimum.

Please pray for this "precious angel" and help her family "Stand Strong" with their Faith in the Lord.

You have your Orders Soldiers!
Pray On!

S

Only 2 Days Away!

You guessed it....
Robynn's very own Blood Drive!
With all the excitement I forgot to remind you that along with Hayjac Designs and the Silent Auction there will also be a bake sale going on, as well as childrens books being sold! How I could forget that, is beyond me! The reason we are coming Thursday night is so that we can be "bakin fools" Friday! We are gonna be whippin up some of Robynn's Super Scrumptious Secret recipes! YUMMY!!!!!!

Continue to pray for peace, comfort, nourishment and rest for Sweet Robynn!

Pray On!

S

Our girl Battles On!

Our girl is still battling nausea and some pain. She can't take any pain meds right now because they are too hard on her tummy. They are going to try a sublingual from of Adavan and see if that helps. Her blood levels are outstanding! Praise God!

As usual, she is a TROOPER! Brady had an oral presentation on Theodore Roosevelt and Robynn made it through without incident! He was ADORABLE! My Mom, Mimi and I had worked on his costume a few weeks ago and it really came together. He had on a coonskin hat, round glasses, 50 year old deer skin vest, cowboy boots and carried a flintlock rifle and buck knife. He was the "real deal"!

Please continue to pray for comfort for our girl! We need her to feel better so she can gain strength for what lies ahead!

Love you all!

Can't wait for Friday to get here!

S

Countdown for Robynn's Blood Drive...

Just 3 Days away! Don't miss it!

April 4th (this Friday) 3pm-7pm at Our Lady of Grace School in West Sacramento.
Silent Auction and Hayjac necklaces and bracelets. All proceeds benefit Robynn!
For more info check out;
http://raisingforrobynn.blogspot.com/

Callahan, Tanner and I are so excited about Friday! I look forward to meeting so many of you that have touched my heart!
Your love and support for Robynn and my brother is ASTOUNDING!
Your words of encouragement to me, was so unexpected, but forever cherished!

Pray On!
S

Texas Hold Em...Holdin Their Own!

I just had to make sure everyone got to hear about what an UNBELIEVABLE job Robynn's friends have done with getting things donated for her Texas Hold Em tournament.
GRAND PRIZE for this Tournament IS WORTH $4000.00!!!
“A Paso Robles Wine getaway”.
A fully catered 6 course dinner, paired with local wines, in the middle of a 160 acre vineyard overlooking all of Paso Robles wine country. A dinner for 8 persons (that's right 8 people!), and a tour around the vineyard in a tractor which will take you and your guests to an outdoor table for a sunset dinner. Limo transportation for wine tasting before the dinner and to and from the event. A local nightclub will serve late night drinks and bottle service after dinner. A couple cases of local estate cabernet. An hour or 2 at the Paso Robles Hot Springs. Massages included. Compliments of Chad Schoenthal! There are also have over a thousand dollars worth of gift certificates and gifts that will be raffled off for $2 a ticket!! They will be running commercials on 4 local radio stations to promote this and once our capacity is reached we are closing sales!
So if you haven't signed up, please do so immediately!
www.robynnsbenefit.com

I am stunned by everyones generosity and hard work!
You have made this your "mission" and you have far exceeded anyones expectation!
"Mission Accomplished"!

Another wonderful attribute to "Army Goodell" sent me this today;
"You may never know what results come from your action. But if you do nothing, there will be no result." Thank you Kim!

BIG Robynn Hugs to All!

S