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!

Music Anyone?!

There is no secret that Kyle and I love any kind of live show...whether it's a musical, play or concert. Last week I purchased tickets to two shows that we have always wanted to see:

Both shows are happening the beginning of December (they are one week apart). December is going to be an awesome month to say the least.

Are there any shows or concerts you want to see?
 

A Few Random Thoughts

*I am loving the weather in El Paso lately, this is the view I have while I run most days. I mean you can't get better than that. This is proof that I'm more of a mountain girl.

*I have officially brought out the fall candles. This is one of our favorites, it's almost already gone. Good thing I have 3 more haha.

*I found this picture on the Race El Paso FB page, we were getting ready to cross the finish line of the Flying Horse Half Marathon. I love it!

 

*We have started planning our holiday party for Kyle's company. It's going to be a blast, we are excited to celebrate the holidays with everyone before block leave. I finally have an excuse to wear this dress:

*I registered Kyle for the El Paso Marathon, now we can be in pain together come February! Haha!

*I have successfully talked Kyle into FINALLY going on a honeymoon...now that deployment is not happening. In June 2014 we are hoping to be here:

  

Maui!!! Oh please oh please oh please let it all work out haha.

I hope you all have an amazing Tuesday!

Things Change...It's The Army!

Well, our weekend didn't start out quite like we thought it would. We got some news from Kyle's work that we had an idea was coming but was finally confirmed. 

Kyle and his unit will NO LONGER be deploying to Afghanistan. Now many of you would think I would be jumping up and down but I'm not. I'm sad and disappointed for Kyle and all the soldiers. This is what they have been training for and to have it taken away sucks to say the least. He is angry and I don't blame him. Now I don't want anyone to think that we aren't also happy that he gets to stay home and safe...I don't want him in harms way but I also know that being in the Army means that deployments happen.

He was also told that he will stay in command until our brigade goes away. Right now that will be sometime in early 2015. It is unheard for a company commander to stay around for longer than 12-14 months. He will have 2 years as a commander. He has already submitted the application for his congressional fellowship and the timing couldn't be more perfect if he gets it. He would finish out command and we would report to DC in June 2015. Fingers crossed!

This is proof as to how quickly the Army can change things.

We spent the rest of the weekend relaxing and then Sunday we had our photos taken at this gorgeous place:

We had the best time with Jax and can't wait to see the amazing photos she took.

I hope you all had a great weekend!

Halloween Recap

As usual we had a blast celebrating Halloween yesterday! Most of the day I was at Kyle's work. The FRG was having a chili fundraiser and the company was having a costume contest. The contest was amazing!! Every soldier in the company was dressed up and they did a parade of costumes before winners were announced. Kyle had the battalion and brigade commanders come down to be guest judges. It was really awesome seeing all these soldiers who work so hard have a few laughs and be silly.

Our Halloween tradition is to sit outside with Emma (we put her in her seal costume) and pass out candy. It's much easier than answering the door every time the doorbell rings. Britt came over as well and we had a blast!!

This is what happens when you spend Halloween with us. You end up hysterically laughing on the ground. This was taken after Kyle finished making chewbacca noises. Haha. We were all cracking up.

We ended up getting rid of almost all of our candy, thank goodness! Now I won't be tempted by the laffy taffy staring me in the face haha.

I hope you all had a great Halloween!