Merry Christmas 2025 !!

 

Merry Christmas !!  

So - I am a blogger -- I write but have not written too many blogs over these last few years. 

I  reread my letters of 2022, 2023, 2024 and I hear a woman that had great intention, and has been busy,  and I  hear a woman who has been writing many different things,   but this year.... it is different!!  I am usually disappointed in myself that 'blogging' which was so dear to me - has become a thing of the past.  

However -- this year is different.  

Freedom baby. 🙏 I think I have become a woman of a 'certain age'....   👀. Or, I just got over myself.  😄

If I actually get this written - it will be a labor of love.  Yet, if I don't, I really won't worry or be upset.   As my thinking has changed.  I have 😆😋😀😍 

 I am turning 60 years young,  in ... TWO months...  IN TWO months... OH MY...   on the 23rd of February and MUCH  that I deemed important or felt the NEED to do -- has changed. 

Oh how I want to just blog about what transpired  ( and changed ) a few months ago and maybe I will -- but for now, let me focus on Christmas!    

 💋😍

  

Ok, enough about me  - I may just start blogging again in the new year - let's see what the Lord asks me to do.  

Meanwhile - 

Our Christmas Letter - or at least an update to share and send, but I don't send this anymore, I just post it. 

 I DO still send cards, and SO love those that keep that tradition alive, there is something just so endearing when you go to a mailbox and get a card.  Precious,  and now, with the price of cards -- they are indeed a labor of love and a sacrifice  in the pocketbook!  

 And, for those of you that have sent me cards this past year -- THANK you, they have meant a lot!!   Even when it was just signed with your name.... the thought and words expressed in the card - MEANT much to me. 

 I am a lover of words and  words of affirmation or thanksgiving come when the Lord knows I need to hear from HIM and when it comes via, -- You --  it is a sweet thing.   Very Sweet.  

Celebrations -- we had several this year - My Dad turned 81, my mom was 80  - Brendan's dad was 85 and his mom was 86!! We did our best to celebrate them all.  Some of my sisters and I hoped on a plane and went to Denver to be with our Aunt Gloria and Aunt Deb this last July and celebrated our Mom.   BTW, our time there was spent walking, visiting with each other, playing Tripoly, laughing, and eating Aunt Gloria's farm to table delicious food - it was a week of heaven!   And the company was Awesome as well. You only turn 80 once you know! That was very sweet.  

You can see Lowell and Marilyn ( Mom and Dad) surrounded by their original kids as well.  We enjoyed lunch and sharing some memories.  Brendan is retired, but Becky and Quenten still teach in the school system.  Each of their families continue to grow!!   I think Becky now has six grandkids?  Did I count right?  And Quenten has a few more years before that happens with his girls, but we did get a NEW little cousin this year.  Cinco de Mayo brought Micah! Micah  belongs to Cuyler and Kaiden, both terrific parents,  and we  get to enjoy a little one at family gatherings!  

And, Bode was 3 in July  -- Grayson will be 3 next March and of course our kids turned another year older as well.   Didn't we all?  

 Ava ( granddaughter #1 ) was 10 last month and Sawyer or SJ  ( granddaughter #2) will be 8 in a week! 

 She is our New year kid!  Celebrations -- many were had and enjoyed this last year!!   Ava, Sawyer or SJ, and Bode belong to Taylor and her hubs - Jake.  Grayson belongs to Hunter and Cindy.  

f

Speaking of Grayson, you can see him with his little cousin Micah in a photo I posted with this blog. He  was enthralled with him and has enjoyed watching him grow!   You can see the proud momma,  Cuyler,  in the back of the photo - we love her.  

In one photo, you will  see Grayson peeking around some bushes - he is a very clever little one and loves to make you laugh.  The photo was taken at Thanksgiving and then the donut shot -- is from a typical Friday when he and his dada go for a 'donut'. 

 He loves to talk with his hands and adores his daddy, but don't take him too far from "mamadada" and that is how he addresses his folks whom he can't get enough of!   He attends a local  preschool and learns about Jesus and loves to act out David and Goliath as well as sing, "Zacchaeus  was a wee little man".  He keeps Cindy and HP busy and occupied.  They are only about 7 minutes away, in the house  they  moved into a year ago - January 1st!  It has been fun to watch them add their touches and make it a home.  Cindy continues to teach 2nd graders in town and HP is at the Insurance

office with Taylor and Brendan.  I am so very happy that they all work together and well.  And it makes for some daily phone calls, but I love to hear them all work together.  

Next is Bode, his face and expressions will catch you by surprise and when he catches your eyes -- and looks into them -- YOU are smitten for LIFE.  Bode means "messenger" and if you have read or followed us; he is teaching us much !!  His words or babbles are few - but he communicates a LOT!   He loves puzzles, Blippi, and order,  and we get tickled each week to see his progress in his preschool.  He has wonderful therapists  and a RBT that adores him and she was God appointed. 

Spending time with Bode is priceless and watching him communicate as his brain works - keeps one tethered to the Father, who we believe and pray will loosen his tongue one day and he will be talking to us all!  And probably letting us know "how wrong" we were or maybe "how right we were"....   God knows.  

He lights up when his sisters are close, and he has begun to interact with a few of us.  He still moves, runs,  and dances,  and keeping an eye on him is a 24/7 act, but watching him develop and teach us - is a blessing. 

 His sisters - Ava,  is now a 4th grader and SJ is in 2nd grade.  Both girls are active in sports, with Ava playing soccer and SJ being in  softball or  and just in her room playing!  That girl has an imagination.  We enjoyed extra time with them both  this summer in the pool and get face time calls from  Ava  when she is bored or wants her dad!  

Both girls traveled to TN this summer for their "camp time" with their Miss Kerry and usually head back up there right after Christmas.   Often, family gatherings or  dinner  after church will  include their cousins:  Brinlee and Zander--  they are usually playing VERY well in the pool, or we have to referree them. 

 Either way -- to see Taylor and Jaiden's kids enjoy playtime together fills my heart ....as it seems Taylor and Jaiden were just at the  Indian Hammock pool playing, last week?  Wasn't that so?  Time is but a vapor!   Grayson and Bode are in the wings - watching and wanting to play with the BIG kids, but they are still a little short!  

Taylor and Jake stay busy working - Taylor at the Insurance office and Jake at his school and he has a few side jobs as well!  His Lawn Care Service kept his afternoon time limited.  Taylor and Jake are the ones to motivate us into better health - always.  Taylor has a SALT group that she guides and manages to counsel and lead at the office too!  

Jake's parents are dear friends , ( Will and Kerry ) and spending the holiday or just birthdays with them here or in TN is a blessing. 😍 

WE have a few other friends that are also blessings and the fact that they are connected to FAMILY, is a BIG plus! 

Sweet Bobo and his Momma !

Cindy's mom and family fits that description as well.   You will see a few motorcycle photos on FB and usually it is Dale and Kristi as our riding partners.  

It is a JOY to live and work within this life and have like minded friends and family to DO life with.   😁

Brendan still works at the Insurance office but he also does ministry and together we host a SALT group. 

 Basically that is a group of adults that  "serve and live life together" !! I guess that spells, SALLT, but you get the point.  WE meet weekly and Brendan does most of the teaching.  This last year we did Samson and Jonah, as well as several other topics.  These precious people become like family and we enjoy our weekly gatherings.  And Brendan plays pickle-ball and of course - Gator Football and sports take up a few of his Saturdays.  Or, you may find him on the phone asking a scam marketer if he knows who Jesus is!  

We  enjoyed some mini staycations in Orlando and Fort Myers throught the Insurance office.  We took time in Wisconsin and TN this last summer and I made a trip to Wisconsin for a wedding and some ministry.  We enjoy traveling and having time together - especially on the Harley - motorcycle.   We have  also enjoyed time on the water with my brother- n -law,  Craig and my sister, Jeanette,  and we have had some visits from an Uncle or two as well as cousins -- and aunts.  ALL such a sweet time sharing food and 

stories and fun!   We really enjoyed ALL the family that stayed or visited this last year! We welcome more -- just give me a call!   WE have two spare bedrooms!    ( Daryl and Tiffany have one of the rooms in February - LOL, we are trying to convince them to move here for part of the year!! )       

  BTW, my folks are good - both still working. Brendan's folks are retired and enjoying their 'city' home. They keep busy with their ministry as well.  Dad, Lowell,  still has 2 bible studies plus Sundays he is a part of the teaching rotation with a men's group.  He also joined the Gideons this last year.  

   My dad, Jim,  will get a knee replacement in January because of  a  bad accident last fall -- while in his work truck.  I praise God he is still here, but he is dealing with that and workman's compensation.  Mom, is my mom,  and bless her heart -- she continues to work at Wal Mart and ties all the loose ends for dad -- etc.  WE love both our parents and are so very thankful we still have them - and we pray daily for their  health and HIS will in all of them!  My sisters and I so enjoyed spending time with her in Colorado for her birthday. 
                                       

Bode loves the water! 

Me, I am still at PECS, which is the Indian Charter School and I am at year 15, there.  I LOVE my job and trust I will be there a few more years.  This is year 38...but, again -- it is a mission field that I get to work at and I really do love the people I work with.  

sweet friends and family

I am teaching social studies this year to 2nd graders and 4th graders as well as work with 1st graders in phonics skills and I am also the Gifted Teacher.   I have many hats.  -- Which, this year I am having to take some classes to make sure I am certified and THIS first class is Kicking my butt.... yep - college is HARD!  But, I will conquer it -- I promise! 

If I am not reading an abstract, I am trying to keep up on my bible reading/study and this year I added "yearbook" to my list of stuff at school, so I have also been learning a program and getting my 'inner scrapbooking self' back up to speed!  

 

playing and smiles 

Harley was TWO last month and she has become our 3rd child.  She runs the show and is very spoiled. She is our 3rd Boston Terrier  and she has become quite the little guard dog in the last two months -- her growl and bark sound pretty fierce but she will basically LICK you and leave you be if you actually walk into the door! 

 And yes, she sleeps with us....don't all Boston's do that?  With our Bella and Whizzer -- they both slept with the kids, so, well -- you know -- she does sleep with us.  😍

some of my cousins 😍😍😍

harley and Taylor 

Kristi and ME 

She is the boss - Harley!  

There is an OLDIE!  Circle 2001 maybe!  Boy - were we skinny and with no wrinkles! 

Ava and Tay walking ! 

the cousins having pizza to celebrate 

my sisters and me in CO in July 

I think it is time to wrap this up -- we decorated some cookies last Saturday and then  celebrated some Christmas last Sunday after church.                                                                          


 Today, Christmas Eve we took communion together as a family at our church and then headed back to our house for Steak and potatoes.   

Now this is the part of Christmas that is not new for us- juggling the when and where we celebrate!!  Navigating all the families and time together - can be difficult but not when we just set our mind to making sure we gather!!   Some times we celebrate a holiday on the Sunday before, or we get creative and head out of town...but we are intentional to celebrate and we do!  

So  being creative - at Thanksgiving time, we took off with some family to GA! 

And this was the cookie party - photo is a little dark, and Bode is screaming, but its us, and Brendan didn't make it - under the weather. 😟

I got home for a Peirick Wedding, my last girl cousin to tie the knot! 

   Back to today -- 

Jake and Taylor joined us, along with some of Brendan's family this Christmas Eve.  

 No photos were taken, but much laughter and good food was enjoyed.  Christmas Eve.  A night filled with much peace and love and JOY!!  And there was some swimming - only in Florida can you take a night swim in a heated pool!  💗
 

 Tomorrow morn, we will sneak into Hunter and Cindy's and watch Grayson open his gifts and then head to Taylor and Jake's and watch them open their goods.  Blessings upon blessings.  

And as we drive,  Brendan and I will recall the Christmas Eve's with our own kids--

--- and then Christmas Morning when they would be so excited to open but first Brendan would read the Christmas story and we'd speak about Jesus and what Christmas was all about.  🙏. And we will smile and know, this season looks different, but what a JOY it is to see in within THEIR homes now as Grandparents!  

Back to Today -- Christmas Eve. And my final thoughts in this Christmas blog letter -- 

I was thinking of this today -- for most of the year we seek Jesus, call upon Jesus, and He is the Savior that my family and I adore and serve!  

We do. 

It is our focus when we gather and do life together and this past year -- we, as a family have had MUCH to pray for and about.  But God -- 

 I mentioned to some friends last Friday that 'this year' I have seen fruit.  I have seen answers to some long prayers and  enjoyed watching some people grow in the Lord.  Fruit.  

I have prayed for some fruit that now - prays for me, and it has been a joy to watch. 

Fruit -- what we should see within our lives as we walk with HIM and be HIS hands and feet and 'do' that Great Commission that was asked of all of us.  

Now, Mind you -- I am going to continue to pray and there is MORE that I wish to SEE fruit - in and ON---believe me, there are precious ones that I love that have a very anemic relationship with Jesus and there are still even others that are FAR from surrendering to HIM.  But God - 

Back to thinking about Jesus -- today -- 

Calling upon Jesus, asking Jesus to provide and heal - etc.  And Praying to HIM - all a focus for most of this past year.  

But today and tomorrow we focus on the BIRTH of Jesus. 

 What a miracle - for us.  For me -- to come to the world to atone for me.  

- the world cried out and a baby boy became the Savior 

-endless hope and relentless joy -- started with a baby boy -- 

- the baby boy was the answer - the FRUIT that God sent, to SAVE us - me.... 

May this letter make you smile.  If you READ all the way to the end, you love me and my family -- or very interested -- what ON earth will she say next??  

But God -- 

Truly, on behalf of Brendan and Myself -- Merry Christmas - Allelujah! 

 A BABY was born - which is CHRIST the LORD!!  

MAY that baby boy be as real to you and yours - as HE is to us -- 

May your relationship with HIM grow in 2026... so much you want to come and have dinner with Brendan and myself and let's talk!  

May you indeed -- be blessed by that baby boy -  Michelle 👀😍

Merry Christmas 2024

Wow -- for this girl who wrote blogs practically WEEKLY or daily back in 2010.... 2011.... I came to this place this morning and noticed the LAST time I wrote was for my Christmas Letter of 2023. What a year!

So - here we go. I actually prayed and went over and over again in my thinking about this letter.

 I asked God, What do I want to say? ( James 1.5) What photos do I want to share and honestly . . . . . Holy Spirit just placed a quietness within me. I have shared photos -- I don't need to tell every detail -- and then, I quietly hear, "I know you will speak My Word" ( Jerm 42.4) And I am reminded to speak from the heart! 

2024 has been a year of many changes, adventures, and disappointments, and revelations and there is one thought or 'montra' that I have been speaking to myself each day -- "Good Morning Lord, ok, we are still here - what do you need me to do today?"

 I mean, between the election, the earthquakes, two hurricanes close to us, the fires, and all the unrest - - - one can't deny that our world is in chaos. 

At the end of last year, some questions were proposed to me. 

What is God's assignment for YOU today? What is the divine appointment HE will bring to you? And, what is a touch that needs to happen with another one around you? All good questions.

 All good thinking -- backed up by HIS Word, but also it's also rooted into one of Henry Blackabee's study, about seeking God -- "find where God is at work, and JOIN HIM". 

Therefore with that thinking, that  plan for each day ---has been my ENTIRE 2024.

 Some mornings I wake and go, "ok Lord, you didn't rapture the church . . so I will be joyful within my day". Ya!

 Somedays, I wake and know WHOM exactly Holy Spirit wants me to reach out to? And  other days, I just wake and remind myself that HIS mercies are NEW each day!! Praise God!

And, obviously, my writing hasn't been on blogs but when and where He asks.  Sometimes it is an email.  Sometimes it is a card.  Sometimes it is a letter and often it is just holding one's hand or answering a phone call and listening and praying.  

I can honestly say, that even when my flesh ( the enemy ) wants to remind me of ALL that I didn't do or accomplish . . .  I go back to WHOM HE is and WHAT HE says of me and WHAT HE needs me to do or just be STILL in. . .  

So anyway, with that, the Pritchards have had a FULL year. 

 Church  and our family take up most of our time!  Brendan and I make any excuse and say YES often to helping babysit, watch a ballet program,  sit at a soccer game, or give a bath - - whatever needs to be done.   And, if you follow my FB page, you can usually see WHAT we have been up to. 

 We have four precious grands, all present at that  ( above ) family photo  taken in late August.  Taylor and Jake have blessed us with three grands!    Ava is in the 3rd grade and just turned 9.  She is a speedy soccer player with the, most,  kindest heart - still!!  She is always the first to make another feel better with her actions or words!   She loves to create and loves her siblings and is a sucker for any pet or animal.  

 Sawyer Jane or SJ, is an athlete too, dancer, and creative artist that feels everything BIG!  She is in first grade and it is so fun to watch her learn to read.  I enjoyed that with Ava too - she IS an avid reader, but this year with my  new school job, I am working with K-2 students and see the daily process of how our brains learn to read and watching SJ has been a little more special.  And, watching her helps me . . .help the students I see daily, as I have a great reference point.  SJ does not meet a stranger, just take her to lunch and see,  and  she survives eating only the basic 4 food groups - mac - n - cheese, pizza, bananas and peanut butter sandwiches !    So take her ONLY to Moonswiners in Fort Pierce, as that is the only restaurant Mac n Cheese --that will suffice.  She turns 7 in two weeks  and boy, she is ready to be SEVEN. 

Bode is two and a half and probably has the brain of a 30 year old MIT student.  He is also very athletic, jumping and running and enjoying his stroller rides and walks outside and he has a soft smile that melts your heart.  His name means "messenger" and his story is being revealed daily.  To hear him laugh brings MUCH joy! Much!  He is very tall, and fast on his feet.  

And our youngest - is Grayson Blake.  Hunter  and Cindy's first child will be two in March.  He has quick little legs and will talk your ears off.  He loves to "cook cook" and right now his favorite word is "wow".  To hear him say, " mim meeee" is a treat. ! He loves to be outside in the dirt and do everything his momma or dada do.  He is a little copy cat that has a determined spirit that can't be denied.  It could be his red hair . .  . . or it is cause he is a carbon copy of his parents.  ! 

All four of them are a blessing, and I don't use that word as a catch phrase - - watching your children be parents, is a piece of heaven on earth,   which is awesome,  and it is also the most heartbreaking at times when you have to sit back and watch them navigate and pray . . . praise God, OUR Lord doesn't fail us or them!  

Prayer is IT!   Period. 

And Church - our church family is so dear to us.  It is a blessing to WANT to be in the company of like minded peeps -- who are NOT perfect, but we all humbly seek HIM and do our best to be HIS hands and feet.  By no means . . is there judgment or discussions about others,  and it breaks our hearts to see families broken - but - we know WHO can help and HE is the healer. 

 AND we LOVE to join hands and pray with God our Father to bring the hurt out,   heal the hurt,  and then,  walk in freedom.   Brendan and I try and do this daily through our work circles.  I am at year 37 teaching, and year 14 with PECS or the Seminole Tribe.  I love my job, and teach social studies to second graders in the afternoon and work with phonemic awareness interventions with  K- 2nd graders in the AM.   Brendan is still with the Insurance Company and helps Hunter and Taylor busy with his ideas and leadership.  HP and TP have fully taken over Pritchard's and Associates and lead by example, they had GREAT mentors  in Mom and Dad, Marilyn and Lowell!  BTW, they are enjoining their "city living" and doing well.  

WHAT a JOY that is to witness - another's faith - and,  DEEP surrender to the Father. 

 What a gift God has given us - HIS mercy and GRACE. 

 And this season is a GOOD reason to 'come back to HIM',   or JOIN in, or SEEK HIM for the FIRST time.  So, with that, our church family is so important.  And, if you don't have one, please come visit ours.  It may not be the flavor you like, but HIS Word is preached and we see it lived out.  And, again, if ours is not within your thinking -  then SEEK another.  It is important and I know, that finding peace in all this world - ONLY comes through Jesus and by the Power of Holy Spirit.  

 In the last year, we have had a SALT  ( Serving And doing Life Together ) group that  have been the prayer partners in the good and the hard times.   Bringing friends to our home for some SALT each week,  or gathering at a home for a meal is sweet.  Some other church peeps and family are the best to have motorcycle rides and adventures with, Sunday hugs  after services each week are the BEST.  It is important to have a community.  We welcomed  a few SALT groups  as they served us when we had to quickly pack up and move Brendan's folks into their new home - in town.  The house sold and they bought a home all within a month.   What a blessing they all were and even now, they continue to fill in gaps and holes created by life.  Being connected to people that love Jesus too, is truly a gift.  It just is.   

Both Brendan and myself have had the privilege to be a part of some different ministeries within our church body and we see God at work, we see where GOD can do GREAT things, and we just continue to seek HIM as to what our part in all that is. . . . .Therefore, even if I tried to keep this Christmas letter short - - my words about Jesus and HIS birth are going to trump all the other news.  Truly - both Brendan and I would  love to pray for you if you ask - - 

And we'd ask you for prayers  too  -- for the new year -- unsaved loved ones, dear ones fighting some health issues, our grands and their safety and schooling, our one grand whom we pray for daily to hear his voice,  our health, and just seeking Jesus to make sure we are within HIS will . . . .  I bet, these requests are similar to  the ones within your family too. 

 I know this - God will win.  AND HE is ever present when we ask . . and yes, HE is ever present , praise GOD HE is.  

Ok, time to wrap this up -- whoops, I need to update you on my parents.  Jim and Sandy  are not retired yet, still working very hard and playing cards when they can.  Recently my mom had a hip replaced and dad celebrated his 80th birthday this summer.  We pray, try to convince dad it is time to retire and downsize - - but, if you know my Dad . . .  LOL  I love them dearly and pray for them daily.  My siblings are with full families and their children -   my nieces and nephews --are in college, high school, grade school, and beginning their families as well!  I have a few GREAT nieces and nephews and ENJOY them all when I can see them!  

As a kid, I would get sad, when I would ask my Uncle Tony, "how come you don't know when your sister's birthday is?"   As a 7-8 year old, I could not fathom how BIG one's family could be.  From my  7-8 year old world - it made sense to KNOW it all, and yet, now, as a 58 year old, I  can recall that core memory often . . with so many cousins and the time . .  And now, I GET how hard it is to remember it all and be present with them all.  Therefore . . . 

💚We need to just seek God for the touches -- Whom are you suppose to speak to today?  Whom can I pray with?  

💚We need to just seek God for the assignments -- Who does God have in your path and what does HE need to to respond to?  

💚 And what DIVINE appointment did God arrange for you today --  and HOW shall we or HOW would HE want you to respond?  

THAT has been my thinking for an entire year - and it will be the same for NEXT year.  I am not asking for a 'new buzz' word for 2025 from God.  I am just reminding HIM that I wish to be present and be HIS hands and feet and share HIS gospel when I am asked.  What a gift JESUS was/ is.  

Merry Christmas.  

Thank you for reading it all.

  Love, Michelle and Brendan too!   🙏

Merry Christmas 2023 from the Pritchards

Hello!  Merry Christmas!

 This past year has flown by, I know that is a popular expression, but wasn't it JUST August last week? 

Why on earth did I start this blog with my baby picture ??

Well, there is a new Pritchard within our reach and I just LOVE to remind many around me - "he looks like his Mimi."

  Mind you - he really DOES favor his momma, but he has some of that PEIRICK RED hair that is quite adorable as well!  

Grayson Blake Pritchard arrived just after 9 am on March 10, 2023 with a little extra help from the OBGYN and a team of nurses.  He was delivered by.  C-section and we give all  praise to God and the medical peeps who helped him arrive  quickly after a LONG labor and a few hiccups. 

 Cindy and Hunter have entered parenthood like champs with a lot of experience.  It gives us great joy to watch them both mother and father the little cutie.  His red hair captures the attention of many and that is where I will remind everyone he looks like me - - But seriously, he favors his momma and adores her - she is a sweet helpmate for HP, a sparing partner for BP's sense of humor, and the BEST momma  for GrayB.    Cindy took the year off to enjoy and momma her sweet baby boy and Hunter continues to guide and manage  and lead our Insurance Office with his sister.  The two of them make us very proud, guide and watch over the business and have given both Lowell and Marilyn the peace  of mind to really 'retire' .

 Mom and Dad, or Marilyn and Lowell have faired well this year and continue to be  sweet,  endearing, and praying  folks!  Their prayers are something we KNOW and feel daily.  Both Dad and Mom have had some bits of this and that - but right now - they are good.  We continue to pray a healing for Marilyn's legs and hips.  And Dad has an internal heart monitor, trying to figure out his lower chamber and its rhythm.   Yet,  they are always making sure a ball game is attended and at any celebration, Mom's Tea and her desserts are always cherished.  

Bode Gene was grandson #1 last year, and by the time Grayson arrived, Bode was 8 months old and ready to share fun with Grayson and share his clothes as well.    Now Bode is 17 months and walking and sharing his "melloe" personality, trying to run, and Grayson is now  at 9 months - displaying his sweet and funny personality as well!     Both boys get quite a bit of our attention, but our grand-girls are also a BIG part of our life as well!  

With the arrival of Bode last year, the Patrick's home was getting a little 'squished' and it was time.  Jake and Taylor's home was actually his mom's childhood home; and with it being a sellers market, the kids placed their home on the market - thinking they'd have a 60 day close and a 4 month build.  That meant - - staying with us in Okeechobee for about 2 months................  

   Prayers and  plans.....

 They sold their home in July  ( the day it listed) and moved in with us pretty quickly.   And, it has been a little bit longer than 2 months.   But - it HAS been a blessing.  

 We have enjoyed Jake, Taylor, Ava, SJ, and Bode for almost 5 months now, as the building did have a few hiccups as well, and they actually moved in a week ago!! -  We have been able to watch Bode go from sitting up, to crawling for a week and then to walking.  And now he runs - or tries to. His personality is very different from SJ's or Ava's - but he has us all smitten.  He loves Baby Estein and that paci - with a mouth FULL of teeth!  

The last 5 months have been pretty full.  With the Padrick children attending school in Port St. Lucie, Taylor and Jake have been putting the miles on their vehicles going back and forth. Jake still teaches at Centennial High School, and Taylor works both in our Tradition Office and our Okeechobee Office.  Bode has a sweet 2nd mom on 2 days a week and the girls have soccer and dance -- busy busy busy busy busy ----- oh and Jake also has his own Lawn business.  Yes - busy.   Brendan has helped with the taxi service and pick up at times.  I am the laundry fairy - and I think my washer and dryer have been non stop for 5 months.  With Taylor and Jake came two dogs.  Which . . . Ok . . . I may "like" Tripp now, but believe me - we have some stories.  Again -- this has been a sweet blessing - but both Jake and Taylor are ready for their OWN place!  And it is a beautiful one -- most boxes are unpacked and they are awaiting some living room furniture, but they have slept in their own home now for over a week and we do miss them, but our house is QUIET and we love that too!  

Are these not some cute people ??

Brendan and I  really enjoyed all of our kids and their dear spouses.  What a blessing it is to have them all for dinner or an afternoon.  

We went to Wisconsin with Hunter and Cindy in October and we have had EVERYDAY with Jake and Taylor since July.  

 

Speaking of trips - we took off for Georgia and Tennessee with our riding pals and family - the Hardy's.  Dale and Kristi are   dear friends to escape with.  Harley riding has become a favorite pastime!   We were so blessed to meet up with family in Tennessee and make new friends in McMinville, TN as well!  We even had our own cycle tour guides one day through those mountains  - wow - Brendan and I know Wisconsin is beautiful - but Tennessee is RIGHT up there!  God surely made some beautiful countryside. 

Taylor, "Mimi" and "Miss Kerry" -@ Thanksgiving 

Within the year - Church, family dinners,  ball games, soccer games, and game nights with friends are what made the year go by SO fast! 

 We enjoyed cousin visits, family visits, and birthday parties. 

GrayB and Me 

 One special day was in October when both grandsons were dedicated and their parents were commissioned to raise them with the guidance and care of  our Lord.  It was a very sweet day for this Mimi and G-man!                                           

Early Morning - Hello Bode Gene

Speaking of time flying - the two grand daughters have certainly excelled,  grown,  and have flown into being the BIG sisters.  SJP or Sawyer Jane is in Kindergarten.  She is full of spunk and energy.  She has never met a stranger but feels everything 100%.  She has a Jesus heart and loves to sing.  And she is an artist - which - if she does't have paper, she will give herself tattoos.  I have photos!  My home is full of her drawings.  I have to keep an eye on her too -- as I have kept her age 3 and 4 drawings and now she feels they are not good enough;  and will almost 'fight' you to FIX them.  She  took her handmade ornament off the tree.  One that has her precious 2 year old handprint on  it and she wanted to update it . . . . needless to say,  we had a BIG and LOUD discussion as to what Mimi wants to preserve and what she can't touch.  We can also have some spirited meltdowns and yet the most  funny dialogue.  But she is maturing!  In the last 2 months, she has gone from recognizing only 2 of her 26 letters to almost all of them.  She is beginning to 'get' the whole reading thing! 

One more funny story. SJ was so pleased to purchase some Christmas gifts from her Santa school store.  Yet, she could not wait until Christmas, so I was allowed to open my gift after dinner. 

SJ:  "Mimi, eat your dinner and then you can have your Santa gift that I bought you at my school store".  

Me:  "why thank you". 

SJ:  "Mimi, you are a teacher and you write a lot of notes to your students, so I knew I needed to get you a PEN!!!"  "Isn't that thoughtful of me?  

I proceeded to eat and she could not wait, so I was able to open up my new Pen.  But did you catch that, she told me it was a pen before I was able to open it.  

No worries - she is 5 and excited.  I opened it.  I admired it.  I noticed....

It was purple and it said, "Grandma" 

Me:  "But Sawyer, this says Grandma and I am a Mimi". 

SJ:  "Get over it mimi - you ARE A GRANDMA!"  

SJ: "Do you like it?"  

I cracked up - her one liners have us in stitches, often.  

Ok, now Ava!  As you can see by THIS smile - she is always happy.  Well, I should say, she is always happy if SJ is not bothering her.  Ha HA. 

 Ava has had many talks with me about being the BIG sister and the oldest - etc. etc.  I try not place too much pressure on her - but, she is the oldest one.  It is a rite of passage.  Last week, on one of the last nights here in our house,  I caught them in their bedroom, ( my guest room ) with two 4 foot wooden dowels.  They were sword fighting - all I could see was my ceiling going to be punctured.  

When asked, 'why"?  Each of them quickly pointed to the other.  To which I said, "Ava, you are the oldest, what part of this was a good idea?"  And she replies, "Mimi, I don't know!".    She is a fish in the pool, she is always looking out for Bode and SJ,  and has the fastest ability to calm SJ down  in a melt down.  She is very artistic as well and her set of markers and colored pencils are used daily!    Ava is in the 2nd grade and is so excited about the new house where she will have her own room again and not have to share a bed with SJ.  She is also a very sensitive young lady and she loves conversation.   And her reading, she reads with much expression and I love to hear her read.   She  also loves soccer and is pretty good at it.  She plays forward and is also a goalie.  She has started with a traveling team and so it begins for the Patrick's and weekend tournaments.  All around she is a good athlete and is very fast in the running department as well.  The new house will be within walking/ golf cart  distance of her school, she is praying for that golf cart!   

By the way, before I get typing past this photo - you will see my sister and my niece- Addison.  It is taking some time, but we are SLOWLY getting more family here in Florida.  She is a transfer student to SEU in Lakeland and I am so loving her close enough to grab her for a weekend.  We did just that way back in September!  

Bode before the haircut 

Brendan is very busy with the Insurance office and marketing.  However, he also gets his Harley rides in there and keeps an eye on the Pritchard Ice House - by the way, anyone want to buy that?  

He has picked up pickelball and has gotten VERY good so I am no longer a partner.  He tries to play 2-3 x a week.  The Gators are his favorite team and he continues to read - a lot.  Jonathan Cahn is currently on his nightstand.  

The photo was taken a few weeks ago  at the Four Seasons where we got some rest and had a little fun with some friends at an Insurance Conference.  36 years of marriage this last August.  This is my 36th year of teaching.  I love my 2nd and 3rd graders, I teach Social Studies.  I hope to teach a few more years and get to 40 - let's see how the Lord leads.  I work at a beautiful school and enjoy the people I work with.  It is a remarkable place - On the Seminole Indian Reservation.  

               Did I mention Taylor??  This last year has been a sweet year for me as she has become a mom of three and we were back to changing diapers and keeping an eye on a little.  Bode is a sweet boy and she has enjoyed a little more mom time with him with her position at the Insurance Office.  We are very blessed with her hard work and Bode has been an extra helper as well.  The last 5 months though, have been a treat for me to have her cook and be around 24/7.  I believe we survived - 

A dear friend told me to keep a grateful journal of the time together.  So, I started one - just for the TIME that they are with us.  IT is a blessing to read  . . . even on the day where a phone was shattered - God still won.  We built this home with the intension of sharing it, we just figured in weekly or daily type of visits, this 5 month extension has indeed tested everyone's patience, but again - God wins! However, I know - I am going to MISS her the most.  ( and maybe Bode) 

I started this letter/blog a few weeks ago and then the moving process and Christmas kept us all busy the last two weeks.  The kids are now all moved in and I do miss her.  Today, I called her 3x before I finally got ahold of her and reminded her that I needed to hear her voice......  as it has been a staple of my mornings since July!  This eve, SJ video called us and wanted us to come and stay with her - but, we opted to stay snuggled ( it is 56 degrees here today) and watch  The Crown and enjoy the quiet.  We have made several trips over to 6021 Densaw Terrace . . . and I know we will make many more!  

My Aunt Mary, so Grayson's Great Great Aunt

SJ and her cousins, Elijah and Karlyn 

Bode will find the most obscure thing on the floor and eat it.  As any normal 15 month old would.  

I am ready for an adventure to the pumpkin patch ! 

 

SJ played T-ball this fall.  She and Zander were on the same team!  Brinlee also played!  

some of my siblings - with my folks.   #12 - Nathan and his wife. Daryl and his bride.   #4Jeanette, and Aaron and Barb with Diandra on the floor as well.  

Thanksgiving at our home this year.  Carrie, Aunt Mary, Addison, Jeanette, and Taylor!  

  

My folks - and family.  

Jeanette and Craig are well.  He continues to work for National Beef and  they enjoy their grandkids often and travel.  Jeanette and Craig host a lot of family and friends and when we can schedule in family time we do!   Daryl and Tiffany have a new granddaughter.  They continue to work out of their Kitchen and Bath shope in Watertown.   Their son, Devon,  is in the Air Force and their youngest is in college.   Jordan their daughter, and husband Logan are at Scott's Air Force Base in Illinois.  We are very proud of these men and their service.  Aaron is expecting a new grandson any DAY now.   His daughter has a dog grooming business and he keeps very busy with his carpentry work and snowmobiling or cycle riding.  We have gotten to know his sweetheart - Barb in the last year and we are NOT letting her GO!  

  Christopher is still a busy insurance agent in Columbus Wisconsin, his wife is a beautician and their boys are grown and working adults and their girls are  in high school- I was able to catch a volleyball game when we were home in October.   Diandra and Brad have  Addi  in college, by me, and two in high school.  They too continue to work in the real estate business and keep busy with sports, church, and traveling.   Trevor  and Marcie are  busy with two teens and one in college.  Sports, coaching, homecoming - etc, etc.   It is fun to watch all the nieces and nephews grow.   I was able to catch a volleyball game where Elise was a key player.  

Two more -- Nathan and Tina continue to navigate a very busy schedule with 4 boys all in highs school, middle school,  and elementary.  They are big Packer fans and we often get pictures of the boys playing football or something.   We enjoyed their visit this year, as they usually make the trip south - it is sweet to see the boys grow.  And finally, there is the baby - Brittan and Ryan.  Her clan is growing as well - with Haidyn in High School and the girls growing into 6th grader and 2nd grade!   We were blessed with a sweet visit by Brittan as she headed to Florida for a week - otherwise video calls, and text threads keep us all pretty close.    Now my folks -- Mom continues to smile and check people out at Wal-Mart, she keeps us updated with the news of Watertown and my dad works for Napa and delivers parts.  This Christmas I am most grateful to God for allowing MORE time with him - as he suffered a 'widow maker' heart attack and my mom is NOT a widow.  He had 4 stints placed and is back to work, but slowing him down is NOT in his vocabulary.  God is good.    

God -- yes, HE is good.  

We try our best to spend as much time seeking God as listening to Him through His Word and through our church family and leaders.  We call upon him daily -- and trust that He is at work in our lives.  We SEE that often - daily, and we enjoy seeing HIM at work in others.  IT is our desire to not only be led by Him, but to be His hands and feet here on Earth  - until He calls us home, or raptures His bride.  With the way the world is -- it certainly seems the Book of Revelation is coming into fruition.  

I need to wrap this up - it is LONG.  If you read all the way to the end, and ARE close to us here in Okeechobee - please call or text and we will have you for dinner, or we'd come and meet you and take you to dinner.  We are excited for 2024 - hoping to continue to do HIS Kingdom work, and enjoy family and make memories.  

We DID enjoy Christmas Eve Lunch with the "Pritchard" side and we spent the Day of Christmas with the Padrick's in their NEW home.  New Year's eve will be quiet - and the New Year may be spent with the grand kids - - unsure what the plan is as I type this out.  If I mailed you a Christmas  Card - then I also prayed that 2024 would be blessed and that seeking Jesus would be something we'd be able to chat about this year.  He is Savior and the reason for the season -- Merry Christmas - Love, Michelle Aka Chelly - and Brendan says hello as well -- Happy New Year!  - The Pritchards 

SJ caught a bass and LOVES to fish now! 

Bode after his first haircut! 

I LOVE catching up with classmates and childhood pals -- Leah met me at the GYM and we watched V-ball and caught up!  This DID my heart good!  

Taylor's new living room -- we enjoyed Christmas with lawn furniture, but it was GRAND! 

Praying over BOTH of my grandsons at their Family Commissioning.