To the Heavens I sing.........

Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday Dear Kelly!
Happy Birthday to You!

Just a few of us will go to Kelly's parents and have a champagne toast and pray over the garden they planted for Kelly. Downtown Mexicali watch out! We are gonna feast on Kel's favorite dishes along with our Friday lunch must haves... Cadillac margarita's. A pink Champagne cake from Smiths will top it all off.
I'm having a rough day. I just miss her something fierce. We talked so much about us turning 40 this year and the specifics. Were supposed to grow old together and I just can't believe that's not gonna happen. Please pray for all of us today. I'm getting my crying time in now so hopefully I can hold it together for tonight.

Love to all!
Pray On!
S

Happy birthday my sweet angel! I know Robynn is taking wonderful care of you today and everyday!

Sissy's Song

For those of you who had trouble with the link to Alan Jackson's song that fits Robynn so well here is a new link that I haven't had any problems with:
http://www.cmt.com/videos/alan-jackson/355885/sissys-song.jhtml

God Bless!

This week has been a roller coaster of sadness and JOY! Robynn's birthday is so bittersweet for so many. What I am left with, is a gratitude for even knowing her. A thankfulness that she loved me so much and always let me know it. The love she showed for us and even strangers was a love some never find in a lifetime. And here goes "Our Girl" blessing so many with it. Thank you Mimi for creating a beauty beyond beauties inside and out. Thank you Enni for sharing your sister"Ruby"and thank you Brian, Brady and Hailey for not keeping her to yourselves and allowing her to touch so many lives so deeply with that incredible spirit, contagious laugh, unforgettable hugs and a smile as bright as the sky.
My life is so much better because of her, all of our lives are!

Missy sent this to me and it was tough to listen to, but I think it is Robynn telling us how Great HIS Kingdom is and reminding us that she is preparing a place for us. How exciting!
http://www.cmt.com/videos/alan-jackson/355885/sissys-song.jhtml?id=505846
Get your tissues out before you press play.....


Pray On!
S

HAPPY BIRTHDAY ROBYNN!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY SWEET ROBYNN!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO YOU!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BEAUTIFUL!
WE LOVE YOU AND MISS YOU SO MUCH!

What a Day!

I definitely have to say today was one of the best days I have had in a long time.
It started with Opening Day for West Sac Little League. With opening day comes a full day at the Ballpark. Pictures were at 8am and I must say they just don't come any cuter than Brady, Hailey and their teammates! (I'll post pics so you can see what I mean) Then it was on to the team floats and an hour long Parade through West Sac with little leaguers smiling, waving, and throwing candy. Next came the moments that had numerous eyes in the crowd a little watery. Mary Dotson (who I cannot thank enough) did a Tribute to Robynn that was so touching and heartfelt. They honored Robynn by dedicating this years little league season in her honor and placed a rememberance plaque in the snackbar for her. Then to cap it all off, as Mary threw out the First Pitch to kick off the 2009 Season, Brady & Hailey released Brown balloons into the air for I bet you can guess who! Finally came the games, both Brady & Hailey and their teams did very well and are sure to have outstanding seasons!

Then when I thought my day couldn't be any more fulfilled, I realized I was wrong. As we were leaving the Ballpark Robynn's mom asked if Brady could stay the night with her. I without hesitation said of course, knowing that this meant I would get my first date since Robynn left us. I got to go out with my Little Princess Miss Hailey Rae. What a wonderful night we had! Dinner at Red Robin (Hailey had never been but loves the commercial & name), then it was off to Big Spoon Frozen Yogurt, and finally home to snuggle in bed and watch Hannah Montana until way past her bedtime!

I wish you all could have been with us today and am very grateful for all of you who were able to be. I continue to be amazed by the number of lives that Robynn has touched and also by the number of people who have touched me and my families lives. I am truly humbled by the love and support that has been displayed by so many friends, aquaintances, and perfect strangers!

God Bless you all!

Guess Who????

This was a post I received from Nicole that I had to pass on...
Hi guys,Today, when the kids got to preschool,we noticed that Liam the Leprechaun had been there...there was glitter everywhere and green paint spilled with little green foot prints everywhere...I was reminded of a few years ago when a certain blue eyed leprechaun with a fantastic smile delighted our preschoolers by wreaking the most havoc anyone had seen in a long time including (but not limited too)..green pee in the toilet and gold flecks everywhere! It was a fantastic memory...We miss her but our memories keep her with us.

That's "Our Girl"!!! I can hear her laughter at this memory and many others.

Sweet dreams.
Pray ON!

Green Beer is Almost Here....

We are getting geared up for one of "Our Girls" most favored holiday... St . Patrick's Day.
I know her Irish Eyes will be smiling down on us!
I started a tradition when Cal and T were little to go to See's candy and get gold coins, green foiled shamrocks and leprechauns all made of chocolate...of course;) and sprinkle them from their beds, down the hallway and to a door that would lead outside. They were always very close to catching those tricky little guys,but never have they been fast enough to make them hand over their pot of gold. Since being back in Bako, I would always buy enough for Kelly and Raji's boys. I gave Raji her stash the other day and went to drop off Kelly's today. Boy oh boy, was that tough. It still seems unreal to be without her. To make matters worse, I thought I had forgotten to give Brian, Brady and Haileys treats and I was about to lose it. I called him to tell him how sorry I was. I had made a promise to Robynn last year that I would always make sure this tradition was kept up for her kids if she ever was called to leave us and I had failed the very 1st time. What a LOSER!! He calmly said, "Shelley you put it in my closet at Mom and Dads, I got it". I started crying in sadness to be without her and joy because I had not failed her.
I really do feel that I am losing my mind at times. "Army Goodell" must be hard at work to keep me sane...thank you! It's a tough job, but someones gotta do it;)))))))

Please pray extra diligently, as the next couple weeks are bound to be treacherous. Robynn and Kelly's bday are approaching(March 23 and 31st) and it is already so hard to be without them.

I love you all!
Pray On!
S

Just Some Highlights

So much went on this week and I didn't get to share some of our special moments....
*13 of us gathered(Uncle Brian, Brady, Hailey included) to watch Tanner at his choir performance, As always, he was a STAR! If there was any doubt in your mind, I'm here to tell you he made Show Choir for next year;)

* Hailey and I went shopping, stopped by the "perfume counter" and Miss Pea had to spray every fragrance known to Sephora and Macy's on a little card and tucked each and everyone into her jean pockets. If that weren't enough, she then had to cover both our bodies with a squirt of each one as well. I turned to her and said "Hailey, no more! We smell like a Brothel". Bewildered she asked, "what's that?" as the woman behind the counter chuckled,I replied, "I'll tell you when you're older". Tanner just looked over my shoulder while I'm typing and asked "what's a brothel" Praise the Lord!!!!

*Brady and Callahan both did the Readings at Uncle Sonny's service, which was a proud moment for us all. I felt Robynn beaming with pride over her son and her niece.

*Madison's confirmation/Matt's b-day was a wonderful way to end our time together. Brady wrote to his mom on a post-it note and sent it to heaven with a balloon from Madi's celebration.

*"Running with Robynn" was a HUGE success! Since we couldn't physically be there,
the 6 of us wore our shirts in Bakersfield and "ran"around town and then played "Loaded Questions" outside at a round table in the middle of Tim's yard because it was such a perfect day. The sky was as blue as Robynn's eyes and the clouds reached as wide as her smile. The birds were singing and we took in a wonderful afternoon of FFF (forced family fun;) Robynn would have loved every second.

Congrats to Father, I mean Monsignor Craig, who made it "official" today. We are so proud to have you at our helm. May God continue to Bless you and your wonderous works in HIS name.

Pray On!

S
PS It gets even better....Cal just was proofreading for me and asked "what's a brothel?" lol

What a Tribute!

Yesterday's service was beautiful. We definitely did Uncle Sonny proud!;)
The US Army Guard even showed up to honor him, that was very touching. Mary Ann receiving our nations flag was a memory I will never forget.
A HUGE shout out to Kevin Fitzgerald of Quick Printing Plus http://www.qppventura.com/ who donated Uncle Sonny's breathtaking programs. He does tshirts banners, invitations and almost anything you can think of. He is located in Ventura, but was born and raised in Bakersfield and made it so simple for us.
We are all heading up to Modesto for our niece, Madisons confirmation and Matthews bday. Brian and a bunch of others will be supporting all those who will be "Running with Robynn" in Sacramento on Sunday in the 3rd annual Shamrock run. They had special shirts made that are too cute and Robynn would just be so tickled. I know she'll be running right beside them. Good Luck to all of "Army Goodell" who will be joining in the fun on Sunday!

Pray On!
S

Services Scheduled for 9:30 am Thursday

Todays Obit has WRONG time. It is 9:30 Thursday. Please spread the word!

Just a quick note to let you know that flowers are not allowed in the church during Lent. In an effort not to be wasteful, we would appreciate any donations be sent to The Dennis Goodell Memorial Scholarship Fund at Garces High School. This was created 10 years ago after the passing of Uncle Sonny's son Dennis. Our family delights in acknowledging scholar/athletes that are pursuing college dreams.

Pray On!
S

Uncle Sonny has Flown to Jesus

John 3:3
In reply Jesus declared, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again."

Uncle Sonny has been received into His Kingdom. I have no doubt that Robynn was one of the many loved ones anxiously waiting at St Peter's gate. It was exactly what we expected. He was surrounded by loved ones, prayer, comfort, peace and an excitement to see Our Gracious Lord.
His services will be this Thursday at St Phillips church in the morning with a reception to follow at SCC. I will confirm the exact time later. Monica has done a fabulous job on his obituary, which will be in tomorrows paper.
Bradley wanted to thank each one of you personally for the love and prayers you sent to his dad and our family. We soooooo felt them!

You are an Army that I would never want to go up against! I continue to be "In Awe"!

XOXO
Pray On!
S

Brody's baptism was a wonderful event. He took to that Holy water like a champ and we rejoiced in our newest little Christian:) Immediately following, we all went to the hospital and Father Craig gave Uncle Sonny his Last Rites. He is scheduled to have the ventilator shut off tomorrow around 1pm and Father Swett will be there with us. He is relying almost entirely on the ventilator, so it should be quick and peaceful. Like with Robynn, it will be an intimate affair.

We thank you all for your prayers of support as we face this loss. I wish you understood the depths of our gratitude and the comfort and strength you bring all of us.
You are an Army seated at the right hand of our Gracious Savior.

Love to you all!
Pray on!
S

Brian came down yesterday after we informed him Uncle Sonny had a new infection in his lungs and had to be put in isolation. We now are coming to terms with the news that he will not be coming out of this. Keeping him on this earth would require a trach and indefinite care in a convalescent home. We can't do that to him, because we know he would never want to live like that. We don't know when the decision will be made to stop life support, but it will be soon.
His grandson Brody's baptism is scheduled for tomorrow and knowing how important that was to her Dad, Monica is making sure it still takes place. This is so bittersweet. I am trying to understand why my Uncle was put through all the misery of his stem cell transplant in December which ultimately put him in remission as of 3 weeks ago. If this was how it was to end, what was it all for?
I am sad, angry, frustrated, confused and don't know how much more "testing" my faith can take. Please pray especially for for his wife Maryanne, Daughter Monica, son Bradley, and my dad. This loss for my Dad wipes out his entire immediate family. He now stands without his parents, his brothers, his sister and his precious Aunts. We are all he has left, and that must be so hard for him.

Please just pray for us.

S

Isaiah 44:22

"I have swept away your sins like the morning mists. I have scattered your offenses like the clouds. Oh, return to me, for I have paid the price to set you free"

They have paralyzed Uncle Sonny in hopes that this will help him gain strength. They are trying a different type of treatment with his ventilator and moved him onto his tummy. His oxygen and breathing has improved today and he is rescheduled for Friday if progress continues.
Yesterday was pretty uneventful, except for dialysis.

Tim just surprised me with an i-pod loaded with Christian music. I usually read spiritual books out load while with Uncle Sonny, but thought it would be a nice change if we could worship with song. I put one earpiece in Uncle Sonny's ear, one in mine and I laid beside him hand in hand enjoying inspiring praises. It was such a peaceful time together.



Our work is nowhere near done "Army Goodell"...



Pray ON!

Jeffrey Johns

I was at the 1st part of bible study today when they announced that he had died due to an accident at the young age of 27. His extended gift to us on earth, was his many organs that would benefit countless others.
I can't explain or comprehend this loss. I give it to you Lord. It is not for me to understand.


Uncle Sonny did not make the progress needed to further his imminent care. We are not hopeless and require your continuous prayer.

Pray On!
S

Romans 12:12

"Be glad for all God is planning for you. Be patient in trouble and always be prayful"

Tanner, Cal and I just held hands in prayer for Uncle Sonny before they left for school. Please take this time to do the same.

On an uplifting note, Tanner is auditioning for Show Choir at his HS. Go T!!!

Pray On!

S

Wally Todd/Uncle Sonny

Wally has gone home to Our Sweet Jesus. There is no doubt Robynn and Kelly were there to greet him on our behalf. Please keep all those who miss him and love him high up in prayer.

Uncle Sonny is in dire need of prayers as well. He has become more dependant on the ventilator and in order for him to get a much needed biopsy and trach, he must be more self-sufficient. If they cannot accomplish this, they don't have a real road to travel in his care and this puts him in a very bad place.
My emotions are running high, but I'm happy to report that I did get to Uncle Sonny's fingernails and trimmed his eyebrows. I told him how handsome he was and reminded him that he's gonna wake up and have a full head of hair;)
We are all trying to "Stand Strong" in prayer, hope, faith and our special ingredient..."laughter", in the face of these so not funny and trying times. It keeps us going.
Thanks for the reminder Wendy.

Pray On!
S

Brian and the kids are on the road back home. We enjoyed Tonyas yummy dinner so much and I am going to beg her for the recipe;) At the last minute, we decided to go bowling. Just our family. Mum-mum and Papa came to chaperon and had a few good laughs. Please understand, we are not good bowlers, we are just there for the FUN! We stayed up way past our bedtimes and are pooped! We look forward to them returning again next weekend for Brody's baptism.
I feel so spoiled to have them 4 weekends in a row...bring it on!!! Woo Hoo!
Uncle Sonny is basically the same. They have no definitive answers and told us to not be discouraged. He is not getting better, but he is not getting worse. They really need to take out the tube and replace it with a trach and also get that lung biopsy. His platelets are very low, so neither can take place til they increase. They are talking about pumping him full of platelets and doing both procedures immediately. There was no "spa day" to be had, as he was agitated and BP and heart rate continued to fluctuate. I will try again when he is more stable.

Thank you all so much for your continuous prayers and inspiring me when inspiration is hard to find. I love you all!

Exodus 14:14
"The Lord will fight for you, you need only to be still"

Pray On!
S