Hello from these two weirdos! Its been a while, so here are some highlights (and not-highlights) from our past year.

Last winter we spent some time in Scottsdale, AZ. It was the first time I had flown since 2020, and it brought some real anxiety as we planned/prepped for the trip. My health is less robust since the last time we flew, and the prep brought up some grief related to that. Only mentioning that here to say that it isn’t easy breezy for me to travel these days. It’s multi-faceted. Thankfully we had a lovely time in AZ! Although – I did come home with a cold and required antibiotics. All that to say, we’re glad we went.

In late May we drove down to FL to spend a few days with some of Josh’s family. Sea turtles! Dolphins! Sharks! Pelicans! It was a great time with family on the beach.

After that trip, I spent my early summer fighting the need for antibiotics. I ended up spending a good portion of June/July either almost on or on orals. There was a puffy lip allergic reaction situation, which was dramatic in the moment… but in the end the allergist says I can still use that medication, which is a a big answer to prayer.

Patten Fam: Mark, Clara (7) Josh, me, Jane (11), Dad, Mom, Thomas (15)

In late July we spent a week at a cottage with my family – mostly right here on the pontoon boat. I was fresh off my month + on orals and SO thankful to not miss this time. It wasn’t relaxing but definitely a lot of fun. Mark’s kids learned kneeboarding behind the pontoon, which was so cute to see unfolding. We played a LOT of games that week.

I have to take a minute to brag about Josh’s professional accomplishments this past year! He wrote grants for four new TRIO programs (like his) for GVSU and got three: this was so noteworthy it was one of two things the president of GVSU brought up at the beginning of the school year in her ‘welcome back’ address. He and his team are responsible for over $1.5 million in grants for this year alone! And no, grant writing is not his whole job. Just a part of it. Ok, proud rant over.

Spending a good chunk of June/July on oral antibiotics and out of the sun led me to discovering watercolor painting – and let me tell you I became obsessed… It was like a switch flipped and I have a whole new hobby. This is close to my whole identity now, just FYI. There is more on Instagram @suzlearnswatercolor if you’re into that whole scene.

No sea turtles but we really enjoyed our Michigan summer.

Josh continues to try and get all 5 of our nieces and nephews into boogie boarding at the Big Lake, and as of this year they’re all hooked. It’s not unusual to look out and see him wrestling two boogie boards as he’s pushing someone to catch a wave.

We bought e-bikes this fall and WOW was that a good idea! I can’t tell you how exciting it is to know that I never have to bike a hill on my own again. It is such a game changer.

Less happily, Josh had hemorrhoid surgery this fall and the recovery has been a lot more prolonged than he expected. He is still not back to normal. He’s been such a trooper but it’s been difficult. I’m thankful to have been healthy (for me) and able to help him in those early days of recovery.

You may have seen my post on Fb/Instagram about our pool closing. Mom and I swam here together for 23.5 years, a really wonderful thing. The pool closed a couple of weeks ago and is it too dramatic to say I’m devastated? These swims in this place have been part of who I am really, and I feel like I am losing the best way to take care of myself. I KNOW I’m being dramatic. But UGGG this is a tough one.

It has now been over a year since I’ve needed IV antibiotics or a hospital stay. I can’t remember the last time that has happened! I’m so thankful for this respite from IVs. It hasn’t been a year of smooth sailing but it’s notable for sure. This year we are thanking God for the health we enjoy and access to the help we need.

Closing out with recent picture of the Brandsen family! Me/Josh, Stephanie/Ryan, Nate/Callum (11)/Kendra, Everly (9), Dad and Mom

I hope you’re also able to celebrate the joys of your past year even as you acknowledge the difficulties. Happy 2024 from me and Josh!