Miss Denise needs our Help!

Her words were perfect, so I pass them on to you Army Goodell...

My dear Shelley,
Here we go again and again. I could not find the words to write on the blog. My heart is hurting so deeply. My dear friend JULIE MARTIN has been diagnosed with cancer of the bile ducts leading to and in her liver. It is inoperable and without any treatment there are no cases that have lived up to six months. She is less that 90 lbs. and has to eat and bulk up to be a candidate for treatment of any kind. She is 47 yrs. old and a TREMENDOUS Christian and her wish is that her life is a testimony for our Lord and her faith(sounds so like Robynn) She prayed for Robynn and you all through her journey. We go to church together and have sang in the choir for close to 20 yrs and my life is never going to be the same without her next to me singing. We sang duets and small groups, praising our Lord and we were on our special Missions Trip this past year to Nicaragua. Oh Shelley, my heart is crumbling again. I had the privilege of staying with her and was able to tell her everything that she means to me and what she has taught me. It is so much like Robynn and I feel so helpless except that she is the lucky one and gets to meet Jesus.....as we still strive to do his work here on earth.
Also, my dear friend Linda Baker will be starting chemo for Breast cancer(she was hoping to just have to do radiation after her lumpectomy)
I love you sooo much and I know that I can always come to you and our Army Goodell.
Praying in hope and in love, with such a heavy heart...
Solider Miss Denise

You know what to do! Get ON It!
Pray On!
S

Prayer Request

Tracy is asking that we please pray for his father-in-law Larry. He was just admitted to the ICU at Bakersfield Memorial and is having severe respiratory problems. Please keep him and their entire family lifted in constant prayer.

Pray On!
S

ROBYNN WAY

At OLG's Silent Auction last month, the West Sac girl's were on a mission to bid on the street sign that is at entrance to the kids school. As you can see, Mission Accomplished! Brian had told me about it, but when he text me the actual picture of the real deal, it was very emotional.
Thank you to our West Sac girls for giving us the reminder , that "Robynn's Way" is a wonderful route, we all should take!

John 10:4
"When [Jesus] has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice."

Love to all!
Pray on!
S

Relay for Life...WE DID IT!!!!!!!!

This morning after Missy's donation, I was $10 away from my $1500 goal. Aunt Robynn's special girl, Callahan Christine, gave me $10 of her own money to achieve my goal. I can just see Our Girl's smile, as bright as can be right now and Kelly jumpin up & down in the background!
Thank you all who helped me reach this goal. I honestly believe we will find a cure for all types of cancer and Robynn and the rest of our loved ones did not die in vain. They were meant to inspire us to be better, do better and help others. It is our job to learn from their teachings.

Friday I went to the homeless shelter with my mom and we put together countless hygiene kits that get handed out on Mondays. It was 3 hours of sorting, packing and unpacking and the feeling it gave me is indescribable. The reward to me was endless. It was the best day I had had in such a long time. I made a list of some things that we were running short on and ran to the dollar store yesterday to get what was needed. It wasn't much, but it means so much to these sweet souls that are down on their luck and just require the simplest of things. Sometimes, just a smile or a prayer. Please keep them in your prayers and if you'd like to help donate items that we will need, I'll put you to work;)

John 10:4
"When [Jesus] has brought out all his own, he goes on ahead of them, and his sheep follow him because they know his voice."

Pray On!
S

$980 Raised for Relay!

I am $20 away from my $1000 goal. Woo Hoo! Yippee! Hip Hip Hooray! I'll even throw in some cart wheels (in private,of course;)
My new goal is $1500. Take that cancer!!!!!!

There's still time to help! Luminaries are a great way to pay tribute to someone you've lost to cancer(in memory of) or someone who is still battling(in honor of). They are only $10 and they will light up our track Saturday night with your loved ones name on them. It really is an amazing sight and I would encourage everyone to join us at that time or anytime during the event.
To order your luminaries click on the link below and put my name as "tributee"
so the "Too Much Fun Club" gets credit.

https://secure3.convio.net/tacs/site/Ecommerce?PROXY_ID=10465836&PROXY_TYPE=20&FR_ID=13826&VIEW_PRODUCT=true&product_id=3084&store_id=11701

DO WORK Army Goodell!
Pray On!
S

Please pray for the family of Daren Yurosek(35) Please read his obit as it is MOST inspiring...
http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/bakersfield/obituary.aspx?n=daren-trevor-yurosek&pid=126229181

Relaying for Robynn,Kelly & Uncle Sonny

Relay for Life in Bakersfield is just around the corner(May 2nd)
Our Team is called "The Too Much Fun Club"
Kelly got me involved in Relay 6 years ago when I moved back to Bakersfield. At that point in time, I had never been directly affected by cancer. Last year and this year have a whole new meaning since witnessing 1st hand, Robynns battle as well as my uncles.
I am asking that you join our quest to find a cure for cancer and make a donation in
Robynn, Kelly and Uncle Sonny's honor.
You may send checks made out to American Cancer Society to my home address;

Shelley Goodell
3101 Whisper Oak Way
Bakersfield, CA
93311

Any amount makes a difference!!!! Come on Army Goodell...Do Work!

Romans 12:13
When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night.

Pray On!
S

The boys had a great time watching the Angels' beat the A's on opening day in LA. The girls baked/decorated Easter cookies and cakes and dined at PF Chang's(Hailey's Fav). I boiled 2 dozen eggs this morning the the kids are putting the final touches on some gorgeous looking Easter eggs. They are doing tye dye, HSM3,marble and basic colored eggs.
I know that jumping in the pool will come as soon as they are done.
Tonight the men are going to BBB(Bibles-BBQ & Beer) and I'm not sure what we will do.

On another note. I have become extremely upset with the 25 lbs I have gained this past year and am determined to shed every last ounce with Robynn's divine intervention! I know I couldn't do it without her. She had a way that could inspire anyone and I am relying on the many memories and can hear her pep talks word for word. Today I decided to grab Mousse (Robynn's dog) and go for a walk. With Taylor Swift playing full blast on my Ipod we headed out! It was a gorgeous day and I just knew Robynn would delight in all the flowers in bloom and the soft wind that blew the wonderful smells of spring around. We were at the tail end of our walk and we passed Brian and Robynn's old house. I felt my chest tighten and tears welled up as I so wanted to go back in time. She loved that house and I loved all the memories shared there. The song that played as I passed...Love Story. How perfectly fitting was that? Robynn's Love Story did not begin and end with Brian. She seemed to inspire a Love Story with friends and family alike. Her love for me has changed me and I will never be the same.

Thank you my sweet girl! How I miss our walks, talks, laughs, jokes, sing-a-longs, holidays, celebrations and precious girl time! LOVE YOU!!!!!

Psalm 145:18
The LORD is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.

Pray On!
S

Well, Brian and the kids will be back to Bakersfield to spend Easter break with us. Brady and Brians 1st adventure will be a trip with Tanner, Tim, Dustin and Gabrielle to see the Angels play. Hailey will enjoy "girls day" with Auntie, Mum-Mum and Cal. I think we will just have to visit our favorite nail shop for some mani/pedi's, lunch and perhaps a movie. A little shopping couldn't hurt ;) Brian is having surgery on his ankle Thursday the 9th. He doesn't want to worry the kids by watching him hobble around so he's asked my parents to take them to the beach. I will stay with Brian and make sure he follows ALL the Dr's orders. I'm here to tell you, he's a much better caregiver than he is a patient, but I'm up for the challenge;)
Brian is enjoying the kids baseball season and just finished up his Sunday basketball league where rumor has it, he's pretty good on the boards. Way to go bro!

Kelly's garden took my breath away, as well as the toasts and gifts exchanged. It really was beautiful and so fitting for our beloved and precious Kelly. Thank you to her parents who hosted us all. It was terrific and I love you both so much. Brandy and Matt, it's a rough road, but we are not alone and we will find our way with Kellys guidance.

Tim and I will be meeting my parents in Santa Barbara tomorrow, so you won't be hearing from me for a few days. I'm sure we will hit up our favorite place in SB...Ruby's Cafe:)

Love to all and be safe in your travels!
Pray On!
S

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