Christmas Is Just Beginning! Spread the News!

Time sure does fly! Pat and I got up Sunday morning and were so disappointed that all of the festivities were over. The tree was standing all alone with no presents underneath, the snow had melted and even Max and Trig were getting tired of their new bones. We got dressed and headed out to church, only to find a half-filled parking lot and sanctuary. Everyone must have been snuggled up on the couch enjoying family and friends. Trust me: It was not easy for me to get up either, but Pat said to me, "Just get up, you know you will be glad you went once we get there." And he was right! Sunday, Pastor Mike preached on the beginning of Christmas and how the 12 days of Christmas don't start before Christmas, they start on the day of Christmas and lead up to Epiphany Sunday. I encourage all of you to take out your bibles and read John 1:1-18 when you get a chance. I never knew this. All these years, I have been in such a rush to get everything taken down and get my house put back together as soon as I could. Not this year! We are enjoying every minute of Christmas and holding onto each moment that we have. Pat and I are growing so much, spiritually. We had a long talk on Christmas night (the first day of Christmas) about our faith journey that we have been on and how far we have come. We couldn't be happier where God has led us and can't wait to see what else is in store for us. I feel so spiritually motivated and have continued to pray that God leads me to spread his word where I can do my very best. I have even thought about going on some mission trips with our youth at church, I can feel God in my life right now, more that I ever have and I LOVE IT!!!!

He Is Good

I have been meaning to do this for my mom and finally got around to it. He is good!

Another photo slideshow by Smilebox

Finishing Up 2010

It has been awhile since I have updated our blog, we have been busy with lots of trips and I have even started hunting with Pat! Never thought that day would come but it did and we had a blast. Maybe I can shoot a bigger one than him someday. We have been so blessed with wonderful friends from our new church home. We thank God everyday for bringing them into our lives and for his presence in the center of our marriage. This weekend Pat and I are joining our church and reaffirming our baptism. We are both really excited to start this journey and look forward to raising our future children at TUMC. I am hoping to get another update in before Christmas, but if not, Merry Christmas to all!



Trip to DC in the Fall



Lindz First Hunt



Pat's Trip to Texas

Two Years! WOW!

Two years ago, Pat and I were in Jamaica celebrating our marriage. We spent this past week in Asheville, NC for our second anniversary and had a great time! Pat had his first massage and loved it! YES, he loved it. lol We spent the week at the Bohemian Hotel and were even able to squeeze in a short hike up to Craggy Pinnacle where we got engaged. It was a great week, looking forward to many more years to come! Now back to sanding cabinets and remodeling our kitchen. Pics to come.

Swim, Bike, Run!

Congrats to my awesome husband who completed a 1.2 mile swim, 56 mile bike and a 13.1 mile run! You did great Pat! I am so proud of you!

Bring IT 28!

Another year has gone by and I am getting closer to 30 everyday. YUCK! I have to admit, 27 was not one of my proudest years, but it got me to where I am today and for that I am so thankful. I have learned that marriage is hard and takes work every single day, but if you stick with it, it is the most rewarding thing in life. I have lost friends and gained many great ones throughout the past year. This is part of life though, our paths go in separate directions and we live according to God's plan and not our own. My faith is stronger than it has ever been and this is because of the man who stands beside me everyday, my husband who has encouraged me and motivated me to become the woman he has always believed I could be. So who knows what 28 has in store for me, but with faith I am ready for it!

Here's to YOU, Patrick Hogan

Well, it has been almost a year and the time has finally come, for my hubby to become and IRONMAN! I could not be more proud to share this awesome accomplishment with him. He has worked so hard and despite the many of nights, I have begged for longer porch beer hours with him, he has stuck to it and I know he will do great. So here's to you, Patrick Joseph Hogan, MY IRONMAN (and to the many nights of porch beers and dancing to come)!

I love you always and forever!

I am really doing this Patrick Hogan

I have been contemplating how to start my blog for more than two weeks now. What will I say? What will all of you want to hear? Is Pat right — will I really become a better writer than him by doing this (just kidding)? So as I was laying in bed last night, saying my prayers, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I leaned over and woke Pat up out of a dead sleep, yelling "I figured it out! I know how I want to start my blog!”

As I was praying last night, I said, "Thank you, Jesus, for a fast day at work tomorrow so I can be home with my family.” Then I stopped and corrected myself, saying, "No, Jesus, thank you for tomorrow." Too often we find ourselves wishing our lives away — wishing days would go by faster, minutes would pass more quickly — and we forget to just enjoy each moment that we are given. Too many people who are near and dear to my heart have slipped out of my life, because I was wishing the minutes away. Recently I have found myself seizing the moment (I never thought in high school, when my English teacher told me to never forget the words "carpe diem," that I would find out 10 years later just how much meaning they really held). I’ve been trying to slow down, to really listen to what people have to say, even if it means I will be late for work or miss my favorite show on TV or if my phone bill will be a little higher this month. I’ve been staying outside just a little longer in the evening so that I can take in the moments that Pat and I share as a couple — even when he is waxing philosophical. After all, who knows when “just the two of us” could become “just the three of us?” Thank you all for following me on my journey to living tomorrow today.

Carpe Diem!