The Many Happenings of The Past Two Weeks.

Hello All,

Christmas is almost here! Dallas is doing well and has a mini christmas tree and stocking to celebrate the season! (Thanks Tammy and Joe!) To everyone who has sent something: Dal wants me to relay how grateful he is and how thankful his soldiers are for the goodies. It really lets them know that people are thinking of them back on the home front and there are no words to convey the appreciation they have for that knowledge.

The patch ceremony for Dal's company has taken place. He now gets to wear a deployment patch on his uniform; something he has been looking forward to. Dallas has been in a cross training frenzy as of late. He is getting anxious without his normal 80 mile a week running schedule and has taken to the stationary bike to release some of his pent up energy. In the past he was able to run occasionally however the weather is no longer allowing that. As a result, Dal has been riding about 2-2 1/2 hours a day. Haha. Training is going well for me too. I am still running about 80-85 miles a week and have been to race a few times during the month. My road PR in the 5k is now down to 16:56! A fact that is very encouraging after a year of not being able to race at all. On top of that lift, Dallas and I have heard back from Brooks and our Brooks ID sponsorship has been renewed! We are very excited as we love training and racing in their products. If you have never worked out in Brooks shoes, try on their PureProject line the next time you are out buying athletic gear. You'll never look back. :)

My good friend Eric
and I back in MO

The Lights at Silver
Dollar City

In other news, I traveled home a week ago and was able to see family, close friends and celebrate an early christmas. Of course spending some time at Silver Dollar City with its millions of lights, as well as watching the musical version of "It's a Wonderful Life" has a way of quickly putting you in the holiday spirit.  It was amazing seeing everyone after over a year of being away.
I was able to spend a few days with family, a few days with my very close friend and a few days just hanging out on the farm. :)  I really appreciate how everything falls so effortlessly into place when I go home... Like I haven't left at all.

Hope everyone is able to spend some quality time with their family this season! Love to you all and Merry Christmas!


XOXO

Ash