For the Love of Robynn

Hello Everyone!
As many of you know, I am working on a special book of memories for Brian, Brady and Hailey. I originally set a deadline of January 31st so that we could deliver it for Valentine’s Day, however, I know for some of you… it was just too soon. SO - I’m here to tell you that it is AOK! No more deadlines. No more stress about it. Get it to me when you can or email me with your comments or questions. We’ll deliver it when it’s all ready and filled with hugs and kisses! For details please visit http://raisingforrobynn.blogspot.com and PLEASE share this information as I know some are not aware of our little project!

Thank you!
Kim Funk

An Email I Received

Nicole Winger here...I just wanted to tell you what your AMAZING brother did this morning...It being Friday, us West Sac Girls were getting together for coffee. Nugget was the place and it was our first time coffeeing at Nugget since Robynn's passing. Just so happens that Brian thought of us today and baked Robynn's famous cranberry bread for us to enjoy. How sweet! We were all a little overwhelmed by the gesture and it did mean so much. I just wanted to share this with you.


My brother AMAZES me everyday and my heart fills with joy because of him. Please keep him and the kids in constant prayer.
Pray On!
S

Prayer Request

Please pray for the DelMundo/Starr families. Today they lost a husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, in-law and friend. Santiago DelMundo passed away today while in surgery for diabetes complications. Their connection to our family transcends so deep.
Please pray for his wife Nora, son Noel, daughter in-law Lynn(Starr) and grandchildren Nick & Michael by name. I know there are many others mourning, but they are particularly close to our hearts right now.

Love to you all!
Pray On!
S

1 Samuel 2:2 There is no Rock like Our God

Just wanted to check in with all of you and send out Big...Huge...warm Robynn Hugs!

I was in Santa Barbara this weekend and it was Gorgeous. All my beautiful surroundings were magnified because of Robynn's absence. All the things I knew she would appreciate and love seemed to fill my sense of loss momentarily. It was sad to not hear her next to me babbling a way as we walked through the shops and watched the waves, but there was comfort.
The kids didn't have school yesterday, so we had some FFF...just the 3 of us!
We went to the movies and saw Slumdog Millionaire as Cal and Tanner had already seen it, but demanded that I see it. WOW! They were right! We had to run to Target and get the soundtrack right after. We then went to the mall to participate in Aeropostale's "Jeans for Teens". We brought 9 pairs of old jeans that they will deliver to our local homeless shelter and give out to homeless teens. When you do that, they give you an extra 25% off of their already marked down jeans. You don't have to buy any, you can just drop yours off. We ended up giving 9 and buying 3 for $50. What a great way to help others and not put a huge dent in your wallet! I encourage you all to check it out if you have one in your area. The program runs til Feb 22nd. Take action "Army Goodell"!;)
Thanks for your concern about Uncle Sonny. Medically, the Dr's think he responded as well as he could have with the stem cell transplant. Physically, Uncle Sonny gives himself a "C-". I don't know about you, but "C's" were never tolerated in my family so lets pray to get him up to the "B" range!

No Ruby...
Pray On!
S

Robynn & Ruby

No Ruby, but Full of Hope

I wanted to take some time to thank you once again "Army Goodell" for waging war through prayer and action.
I have been overwhelmed with what has transpired since Ruby's disappearance. I have had uncountable phone calls, emails, posts and help from strangers, friends and loved ones trying to get Ruby home. I have had offers of other dogs and others wanting to contribute for an increased "reward" amount. Thank you to Stephanie Tobias who left our bible study Tuesday and immediately enlisted St. Francis school to help broaden our search. Thank you to my entire bible study group who prayed over me and cried with me, when I could not hold back my tears. I am reminded of Father Craig's words, "what do people do in times like this, without Christ"?
I don't know and I don't want to find out.
I am faithful that Ruby will make her way back to us and that God is using her, just like Robynn, to touch our hearts and bring us closer to Him.

Pray On!
S

PS The dog we found Saturday was reunited with his family yesterday. They were overjoyed to get "Grizz" back and while the kids miss him, they are hopeful that their day with Ruby is coming soon:)

Prayer Request
Tracy Randall said...
I also have a prayer request. My father- in-law Larry was diagnosed in May of 2007 with stage IV Colon cancer and after Chemo went into remission. He has since had to return to his chemo treatments and although it is working, he meets this week with the Dr.s about the use of the cyber knife on his liver to remove some spots that when this thing started where considered inoperable. Please keep him in your prayers.

Keep Leading Us Robynn, We Will Follow

I needed to be reminded of the good in people today, so I am going to share a story about Robynn. I had heard talk about a homeless man that Robynn actively served, but I did not know the extent until after Robynn passed. What inspired me to ask was the signature left in her guest book "Ede Kume". At Robynn's service in West Sac a man that obviously was homeless wandered into the church. He observed the crowd and was greeted by Quin Harker who let him know we were holding a memorial for Robynn. He walked over to Robynn's guest book and signed his name and a smuged imprint of his palm was left on the the white paper as well. I stared at that page and my heart filled with joy. It was just so fitting that he was drawn to her like the rest of us. Robynn would be so tickled.
The man at the church was not the same homeless man that Robynn looked out for. His name was Johnny and here's his story in Brian's words;

He was a homelss man from Thailand. We first met him when we moved to West Sacramento and were getting our Mail service set up. I guess he would hang out in front of the post office regularly as we saw him there every time we went. He never asked us for anything but would always say hi to Robynn, myself and the kids. As a family we really took a liking to him. Some of the times we saw him, we would give him money, others we would take him across the street to Raley's to buy him groceries that he would store in the rolling suitcase we gave him. Sometimes it would be the kids going through the house to pick out things we could take to him (jackets and blankets in the winter and t-shirts & shorts in summer) and other times, just talk to him about the bible, where he was from, how he ended up here, and what he liked. He was a very interesting man with multiple stories, but what stuck most with the kids was his love for Hickory Smoked Jerky. The kids told Robynn about his favorite treat and from then on Robynn always kept a bag or 2 of it in her car just in case she saw him. We actually haven't seen him for about a year now but Robynn still kept the Jerky in her car just in case.

I have an overture playing in my head..."They will know we are Christains by our love,by our love..."

Pray on!

Prayer Request

This came from Kelly K.
Writing today to ask you to include the young mom of one of my students in your prayers. Lori I. is Hayden's mom. She is battling stage IV Melanoma. She is at MD Anderson this week hoping for a second, more hopeful, opinion. Hayden's mom is young (24) and single, but blessed with wonderful parents who have been able to provide support and stability for this 7 year old boy. I am hopeful that Army Goodell will open their hearts and pray for Lori and her family... that she may receive good news, and that she may be given the opportunity to continue mothering this wonderful first grade boy!

Pray On!
S

PSALM 94:18

When I said, "My foot is slipping,"
your love, O LORD, supported me.


Let us have faith that He will be what we need. I feel my faith drifting in and out like waves these days. I needed a reminder of what His promise is to His children.

Brian and the kids enjoyed a fun 3 day weekend in Modesto.
I had forgot to tell you about Hailey's slumber party with Brian, Deena,Dana,Victoria and Enni(and all their kids). They had a blast with some pin the tail on the donkey, movies and a "no hands" ice cream eating contest that Miss Hay devoured them in;)
She had a wonderful time and felt very special.
It was evident that she felt the absence of her Mom when she said to Brian the next day,"things just aren't quite as fun without Mom". You can't argue that...they're Not! Robynn made everyday special and fun, that's just the way it was! Boy do I miss that gift she gave to each one of us so freely. Miss it now, be blessed by it ALWAYS!

Pray On!
S

PS No Ruby Two Shoes:(

Grief Seminar in Bakersfield

I invite all of "Army Goodell" to join me.....
Laurelglen Bible Church Care Ministries Presents
Dr. H. Norman Wright“Recovering From Loss, Crisis and Trauma”
January 31, 20098:30 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.
Laurelglen Bible Church2801 Ashe RoadBakersfield, CA 93309
Early Registration Price – $20 per individual or $15 per individual for groups of 3 or more by January 24th ($25 after January 24th)

This seminar will help you:
Prepare in advance for hurt, loss and crisis
Identify ungrieved losses
Discover and implement the process of grief
Understand the causes and recovery steps in trauma
Understand what depression and anger are telling you
Eliminate worry and anxiety from your life
Learn a Biblical perspective on loss and discover the comfort of God
Learn how to say good-bye to what you have lost and move ahead in life
Download the Registration Form

No Ruby, but....

While looking for her yesterday, the kids picked up this dog because they feared he would be hit on Stockdale Hwy(@ Nord). We took pics immediately and put him on Craigs List and contacted the Californian. The kids were so adamant about not putting another owner through what we have been through. I was so proud!
We are loving and caring for him just the way we would want Ruby to be loved and cared for, while away from us.

He is very friendly, well behaved and well fed;) Tanner and Robert are enjoying playing "fetch", which he loves.
Please contact me at 978-5774 if you know who he belongs to.

XOXO
Pray on!
S

Thank You Mark Christian of KERO 23!

"Army Goodell", will you ever cease to AMAZE me?
I THINK NOT!
Our local news station KERO 23 (ABC) just left and will be airing a story on the 5 o'clock news for our precious Ruby and how to help get her home. Just when hope seems to linger towards despair, you pick me up and show God's power and Robynn and Kelly's light.
Wow! Wow!Wow!Wow!Wow!
You bring me to my knees and to tears...
the good kind... joyful/hopeful ones!

Pray On you Mighty Bunch...
Pray on!
S

My Plea to the Bakersfield Californian

I sent this to our local paper, hoping to get it published.
I am struggling to Stand "Army Goodell", but I know you will keep me on my feet.
xoxo,
S

My sister-in-law Robynn Goodell passed away December 18,2008 after a year long battle with cancer(Angiosarcoma) at the age of 35, leaving behind my brother Brian and Hailey(7) and Brady(9)
Our dog Ruby, who was a gift from Robynn, is now missing. She is a 4 month old black lab that we adore and her being away from us is extremely upsetting. She is just a puppy and need to be back with her family. She wears a red and white check collar with her name and my phone number(978-5774) around her neck.
We have knocked on doors for 4 days straight, put up fliers, signs, been to the SPCA and other shelters, offered a reward in the Californian, on Craig's List and other online "Petfinders", and even contacted our 3 local TV stations, but have heard nothing.
She is so special to us for obvious reasons. Not only did she come from Robynn, but we named her Ruby which was Robynn's nickname (Ruby Two Shoes). It might seem odd, but we just wanted a constant reminder of the love Robynn gave us and wanted it to shine through our Ruby with every lick, bark, snore, snuggle and wag of her tail.
I have kept a blog going, so that we could keep others updated on Robynn's "battle" (robynnsbattle.blogspot.com). If you visit this blog, you will see my last 3 entries are about our missing dog Ruby and the rest is about Robynn's courageous fight.
While in the midst of Robynn's illness, my best friend of 25 years, Kelly Haines died right before my eyes at Mercy Southwest ICU on November 11th 2008. My grief over Kelly and Robynn is indescribable and having Ruby missing is almost more than I can handle.
We are offering a $500 reward to get Ruby home. If you could help make that happen, I would be eternally grateful.

Sincerely,
Shelley Goodell-Blum

Pray On!
S

Still no Ruby

I am sorry to report this disappointing fact. We continued our efforts with going house to house and passing out more fliers. Thank you Shannon for joining me,it was easier with you there. A local news station called and wanted to interview us about Ruby, but they never showed:(
Please pass on our search for Ruby to anyone and everyone.
We are offering a $500 reward for her safe return.
Also, please keep a boy named Wyatt in your prayers. On our quest today, we found that his dog was hit and killed last night. The description of his dog was similar to Ruby's and we went most of the day wondering if our search had come to an end. I can't describe my feelings when I heard it was not Ruby. It wasn't relief, but more of a deep sadness for this boy I had never met. I started to cry as I stood on their porch. At a loss for words, I assured his family member that WE... "Army Goodell" would be praying for them. Get on it soldiers!

Tanner has blown out his candles and tomorrow is a new day;)

Good Night and God Bless!
Pray On!
S

A Birthday Wish for Tanner

I have been staple gunning/taping posters with Ruby's picture and info to telephone poles and community mailboxes since early this morning. Tim and some of his guys went door to door last night til 8pm and today he had Kwik signs make plastic (2 ft x 3 ft) signs that slide on metal posts and I have put them out as well. The Bakersfield Californian will run an add with her picture tomorrow and I have her on Craigs List.
The desperation I feel runs deep and grows rapidly. Tomorrow is Tanner's bday and when he got home, he came and hugged me and said all he wanted for his bday was Ruby back. Wow! That smarts! I would love nothing more than for that bday wish to come true.

I ask "Army Goodell" on bended knee, for your prayers to get Ruby home.

Pray On!
S

Ruby

Our dog Ruby, who was a gift from Robynn just before Thanksgiving is missing. She is a black lab that we adore and her being away from us is extremely upsetting. Please pray that she will be returned to us. She is just a puppy and has a collar with my phone number, but we have heard nothing. She is so special to us for obvious reasons. Not only did she come from Robynn, but we named her Ruby which was Robynn's nickname (Ruby Two Shoes). It might seem odd, but we just wanted a constant reminder of the love Robynn gave us and wanted it to shine through our Ruby with every lick,bark,snuggle and wag of her tail.

Please pray that Ruby comes home!
Pray On!
S

For The Love of Robynn

Wow. Did Robynn fight this year OR WHAT? I am in awe - totally and completely! The love of life that she showed all of us has inspired me to start a new project for the family - please join me in this!
"For the Love of Robynn" is a book that is going to be created with TLC by a few of the West Sac Girls. We are going to collect special messages, pix and the likes and compile them into a special collection for Brian, Brady and Hailey.
Here's how you can help make this EXTRA special :) Since we want to make this book filled with love (or even oozing with love!), we would love for you to provide a special message in your own handwriting. (I know, computers are sooo much easier!). OR at the very least (second choice)... computer printed but signed by you :)
We are looking for:
Special messages sharing what you loved about Robynn, why you'll miss her, what you learned from her, what cracked you up about her or whatever YOU would like to share with her sweet family.
Pictures. We'd love to have you include 1 or 2 (max) regular sized photos to go with YOUR message. A picture of Robynn would be great if you have one, but if you have a favorite of your family that you'd like to share that would be AOK too ~ we'll leave it up to you.
LOVE. Yes! The most important ingredient is that you write or create this with LOVE :)Specifics. If you'd like to create a page yourself, kindly make it no larger than 8" by x 8". You may do that, or simply submit your few items and we will attach them to a page for you and of course add a little extra TLC (Simple, right?).
There are no other rules! Black and white, colors, whatever you would like to use will be AOK with us. We will collect items for this project through January 31st and then put them all together to give to Brian and the kiddos for Valentine's Day. This will not be considered a surprise ~ so it's okay to bring it up. :)
Robynn and Brian family members... yes, this means you too! This is not only a great way to share the love but also a way to make you smile while you are healing as well :)
Please mail to:Kim Funk, 3192 Bacon Island Street, West Sacramento, CA 95691 ~ questions or comments welcome at kfunkcreates@sbcglobal.net

"When I called, you answered me; you made me bold and stouthearted" (Psalm 138:3)

I felt the need to pass this on.
If you take the time to listen, you will know why I am sending it out to
my heroes, among heroes...."Army Goodell".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_4qwVLqt9Q

Pray On!
S

Happy 7th Bday Mason!

We are all getting together to go bowling today for Mason's bday. There are 22 kids and about 16 adults that will partake in this bowling/birthday extravaganza! I'd like to take this time to call it simply...a CIRCUS!;) Whatever the case, we will be bowlin fools!

Please ask that "May- May" feel the power of his mom's love, especially today.

Romans 12:5
We belong to each other, and each of us needs all the others.
This has never been more evident until recently. "Army Goodell" you are THE BOMB and I honestly don't know what we'd do without you. Everyday, I personally get encouraging text/emails/phone calls etc that immediately lift me up and give me hope for a better day. Thank you to all of you who are so diligent in your prayers for my entire family. Our faith has been pushed to the limit and you have been vigilant in keeping us bound to Christ. Thank you

Pray On!
S

Super at 7!!!!

It's official....HAILEY RAE GOODELL is 7!
We called first thing this morning to sing a joyous round of the ever so popular, Happy Birthday;)
Just like her mother, she was gracious in her appreciation. She was filled with excitement trying to guess what her bday breakfast might consist of and confessed she had run across the cupcakes Brian made and was trying to keep a secret hehe. The local radio station played a special tribute to Robynn and wished Hailey an extra special day filled with her mom's presence.
What a way to begin your day Miss Hai!

1 Chronicles 23:30
They were also to stand every morning to thank and praise the LORD. They were to do the same in the evening

Thank you Dear Lord for gift of Hailey!
Thank you for allowing her Mother to be present in out lives forever!

Pray On!
S

Miss Hailey Rae is Almost 7...

Brian is getting things ready for Hailey's bday tomorrow. He made 4 dozen cupcakes decorated w/ "H"'s and the number "7" that she will share with her classmates. Brian admittedly said they were "not as good as Robynn's", but I thought they were absolutely PERFECT!

For those of you that don't know Robynn, personally, you need to understand her role in birthdays. I don't mean just her children's. but anyones birthday. They were never to be forgotten and they were never allowed to go by without you feeling superty duperty special! She always baked your favorite cake and decorated it with more beauty and love than should be legal! I don't know anyone other than my Nana who took celebrations of others to this extreme.

I know Robynn will be delighting in her sweet baby girl from heaven, but I can't help my sadness over her absence.

Please pray that Robynn's presence overwhelms us tomoorrow as we celebrate the gift of our

Vacation over!

Everyone has made it home safely from the snow. They enjoyed all the fabulous assets of a Winter Wonderland, including building snowmen, becoming snow angels and sledding. Brian assured me that he and the rest of the crew excluding Mum-Mum and Auntie Erin(cream puffs;) all have very sore "bums" from sledding on the hard snow. It was sunny most of the time and they did get some fresh snowflakes that landed on their "nose and eyelashes"..."brown paper packages tied up with string, these are a few of my favorite things". Sorry, I couldn't resist.
When I talked to Brian he had unpacked, started some laundry and was headed to the grocery store for some essentials. He is gonna work on getting the photos up on the blog, so keep an eye out.

Today was a tough day for me, but my spirits were immediately lifted with a visit from Kelly's husband Bill and their boys Spencer and Mason. There is something so powerful about their presence.
Hailey's bday is on Thursday and Mason's on Saturday. They both will be 7, they both will have their 1st birthdays without their Moms. That concept is so hard to accept and saddens me deeply. Please pray that they feel their Mother's spirit on their birthdays and every day that follows...

Psalm 143:8
Let me hear of your unfailing love to me in the morning, for I am trusting you [God]. Show me where to walk, for I have come to you in prayer.

Pray On!
S

Snow Days

Uncle Matt and Auntie Erin made Brady and Hailey's New Years wish come true...a weekend at the snow.
They will be in Pinecrest til Sunday. I will let you know all the fun they have when I get the latest update. Snowmen and sledding are a must;) and I expect lots of pics to post!

Pray On!
S