I Do It For Me!

Oh how I needed this today!

I have always made it very clear that I run for no one else but ME. I will never be the fastest and I don't want to be. Running for me is therapeutic, it's my zen place and it's where I feel the most free. 

I appreciate the support and encouragement I've gotten, it means the world to me.

Time to go lace up my shoes!

Have a great weekend everyone.

Fun Finds

I can't believe that we are 2 weeks away from Thanksgiving! This year is flying by, it seems like we just celebrated New Years.

Part of me is itching to decorate for Christmas because we won't be in our house for it this year. I am holding off though at the request of Kyle (don't worry I have decorated for Thanksgiving so I'm not skipping that holiday at all). We will decorate the day after Thanksgiving and leave everything up until we get back from block leave. I am however done Christmas shopping so I am somewhat ahead of the game haha.

Thanks to Target, we picked up a few more boxes of lights, ornaments and this awesome outside decoration, how cute is this?!

I even got some new coffee mugs, bought a set of 3 for $10. :)

I can't pass up good deals!

When do you decorate for Christmas?

Wordless Wednesday

I'm not a very creative person but I decided to take all of our race bibs and photos and make a scrapbook! I figured it was better than keeping them in a drawer somewhere. I think it looks pretty good so far.

Happy Wednesday!!

A Long Weekend

Another long weekend has come to a close...I feel like it was a perfect balance of relaxing and running around. 

Friday we had planned to head back out to Hueco Tanks to hike instead we both decided to work on stuff around the house. We cleaned out some closets, went shopping for some storage cabinets, and enjoyed a quiet night at home. Speaking of Hueco Tanks, we got a small glimpse at our photos:

Jax Harmon Photography

We are in love with them so far!!!!! :) Can't wait to see the rest.

Saturday, we got up bright and early for the Desert Dash 10k. It was held in Las Cruces at the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Park. It was gorgeous!! It was a true trail race and my legs are hating me because of it. We had a great time though.

Sunday, we headed off to White Sands National Monument. It's only an hour away from us and well worth the drive. When you first see the dunes it seems like you are looking at snow. It is so white and beautiful. You can go sledding as well as camp, we have plans to do both on our next trip. We ended the trip with lunch at an amazing hole in the wall mexican restaurant.

I hope you all had a wonderful weekend!!! 

Veterans Day

Today is the day we honor all of the men and women who have selflessly served this great nation of ours!

I am proud and blessed to come from a family full of veterans:

Larry Niswonger, Army (grandpa)

Stan Niswonger, Army (great uncle)

Tom Niswonger, Army (uncle)

Paul Niswonger, Marine Corp. (uncle)

Martin Niswonger, Air Force (uncle)

Joe Niswonger, Air Force (dad)

Tony Niswonger, Air Force (brother)

Mike Niswonger, Air Force (brother)

Rachel Niswonger, Air Force (sister in law)

Martin Niswonger, Jr., Navy (cousin)

Kyle Smith, Army (husband)

My whole life I have been taught to thank and give respect to those who have served. Now that I live this military life it is even more important to me to honor these amazing Veterans.

On Thursday, I had the honor of attending the Fort Bliss Veterans Day ceremony and it was amazing. Between the moment of silence, the playing of taps and watching a soldier receive the Silver Star for his actions overseas was outstanding.

Thank you all those who have served and continue to serve. Our country honors you and your families for the sacrifices that you have made and continue to make.

Happy Veterans Day!

Hello Friday

Today is the beginning of another long weekend for Kyle in honor of Veterans Day. The reason for this weekend is definitely in the forefront of our minds. Don't forget to thank a Veteran!

We have a few adventures planned:

Today we are heading back to the place we got our pictures taken, Hueco Tanks. We are excited to hike and explore some more. The history of this place is amazing.

Saturday we are running a 10k in Las Cruces. It's a trail race and the money benefits a science education center for kids. Maybe a trip to the Farmer's Market will happen afterwards, we will be in desperate need of a burrito from our favorite truck haha. 

Sunday we will finally be going to White Sands National Monument! For some reason we have been putting it off and I finally said we are going:

 Isn't it beautiful?! Can't wait!

I hope you all have an amazing weekend!

 

'Tis The Season!

I know we are still a month and a half away from Christmas but I have already started my Christmas card planning. I am slowly updating my address lists (yes I have 2; one is family and one is friends), it looks like this year we will be sending close to 130 cards.

I have narrowed it down to 2 designs. What do you guys think?

Do you send out Christmas cards? If so, do you aim for traditional handwritten cards or photo cards?

Happy Thursday!