"It's OK, Potato.... You're safe"

Those are the words I heard just before sitting down to type this entry.  Mallory has been SO vocal lately, and her grammar is improving more and more everyday.  Right now, she is sitting on the potty and playing with her Mrs. Potato head.  (We have graduated from Books to toys to games to entertain her on the potty.  It is driving me crazy, but at least she looks forward to sitting on it every time, now)

Mallory pulled down her PJ's herself, took off her Overnite herself, and has been playing with Mrs Potato head for the past 10 minutes or so.  She dropped her, and some pieces fell out.... that is when I heard her pick her up and say "Don't worry.... It's OK Potato... you're safe"as she began to put her back together again.

Mallory copies me a lot with the things I say to her.  I often tell her "We're safe, don't worry", especially in the car.  It is always cute to hear her say these same words to comfort a doll,  or even a potato!

Mallory has just amazed all of us over the last few days with her use of present and past tense in her language and how she is using it correctly.  Last night, for example, she said, AND I QUOTE: "Excuse me, I need some dressing to dip my carrots in, please."  My jaw dropped open!  Usually we get "I need dip please"  or "please dip for carrots."

Another thing she said this week was "Oh no!  I dropped it, and I need it now!"  (She was talking about her Ariel figurine she dropped on the back porch while playing.)  She also said "I talked to Daddy.  Did you talk to him?  I want to talk to him again tomorrow".  She pronounces everything so well, and is so easy to understand (most of the time).  We still have a few translations now and then.

For example, last night before bed, Mallory was asking me "un up on tie tie".  I had NO idea what she was saying.  I kept asking her to repeat herself, then asked her to show me.  She got frustrated, and then thought hard, and finally said "Once up on tie tie".  Finally- I got it... "Once upon a time?"  I asked.  She was smiling from ear to ear, and repeated it back just as I had said it.  She wanted me to tell her a princess story before she went to sleep.

It really is true how children learn SO FAST and absorb everything at this age.  Mallory surprises us everyday.... and we can't wait to see what she comes up with next!

Mommy's Home! And Daddy's in Korea...

When I returned home from San Francisco, Mallory, Grandma and Grandpa met me at the Airport.  Mallory had bought Flowers, and decorated a balloon for me that said "I Love You, Mom".  Mallory was SO excited, and I was too!

We have been explaining to Mallory how "Daddy is in Korea, so far away" and that he won't be home for a while.  For the first week or so, Mallory seemed to accept our explanation, and happily talked to Daddy every time he called.  But after a couple more days, every time he called, she asked him "You come home today?"  That was so hard to hear for ALL of us.  We knew it was definitely time to whip out the web cam!

Mallory L-O-V-E-S talking to Daddy on the Web-Cam!  She especially likes to see herself in the bottom corner!  They make faces at each other and laugh and laugh.  She usually asks him to "fix her Veggietales CD"  or tells him "High School Musical broken- you fix it?"  She usually talks to him in the morning, as soon as she wakes up.  It's night time for him there.

My mother will talk about me when I was Mallory's age, and so many of the stories I can remember myself, so I know she is really understanding and will have memories of this remote tour.  We are all working hard to make sure she has LOTS of fabulous ones!

So grateful to be with Grandma and Grandpa!

It sure isn't easy to be away from Charles... but Mallory, Charles and I know how blessed we are to have so many people who love us and would welcome us into their homes with open arms.  Charles' mom and Charles' dad have offered to have us come and stay anytime.  Mallory and I look forward to spending time in North Carolina and Memphis this coming year!  

I feel so lucky to have a family who without hesitation, willingly rearranged their whole house and lifestyle to accommodate Mallory, JD and I for this coming year.  My parents know first-hand what being separated from a loved one is like, and they have just gone above and beyond anything I could have ever expected to make Mallory, JD and I feel right at home.  Sometimes I stop to think if I ever even ASKED them if we could come!  I think I just assumed it would be fine, and started planning!  I love my parents so much, and thank God every day for their unwavering and unconditional love.

Mallory and I have had many fun adventures with them this past month.  But Daddy is never far from our thoughts.  He comes up in nearly every conversation, and we all pray for him every meal.  It seems like everything we do reminds us of Charles- whether it's trying to fix the television, or trying to decide what to make for dinner.... we mention him in nearly every conversation.

When Charles and I left for San Francisco for our last few days together, my parents did a GREAT job at keeping Mallory busy!  Here are a few of the things they helped her to to occupy her time:

My father is an EXPERT Gardener, and he has enlisted Mallory's help while preparing his yard this spring.  Mallory L-O-V-E-S to water all the potted plants.  See how she concentrates?

My parents have a lovely back porch and yard.  Mallory is really enjoying being outside before it gets too hot here in San Antonio.  Here she is counting to 10 and waiting for Grandma to hide her Easter Eggs again!  

(That skirt is way too big, and falls down ALL the time.... even though it is only size 24 months!)

Of course, Mallory likes to relax inside, too- and what could be better than a pedicure from Grandma?    Mallory was so good and sat SO still!

Mallory loves her grandparents and finds so much joy in all the little things they share with her.  From cherry Icees to sharing M&M's to helping get the mail from the mailbox.... it fills me with so much joy to see the memories they are making together.

Getting the hang of this....

Now that I finally know how to upload pictures, I am going to try and highlight some of the things we have been up to since arriving in Texas.  

First of all, Charles' Mom, Peggy and his Uncle Johnny flew out to Vegas to help us drive to San Antonio.  They stayed one day in San Antonio with us, and then they had to go.  I know I must have some pictures of them somewhere....  I will feature them in an upcoming blog!

The next day, Charles' father and Nancy came to visit for Mallory's birthday celebration and Easter. 

Here we are the day of the big party!  Mallory was super excited about her balloons and the bounce house we rented!

That night, we dyed Easter Eggs.  Daddy had so much fun with Mallory before he had to go.

The next day was Easter Sunday.  We went to EARLY church, and then went to Easter Brunch.

After we got home from Church, the Easter Bunny had stopped by our house!  Mallory did an Easter Egg Hunt in the backyard.  Mallory caught on QUICK with what she was supposed to do! She had a ball!

After our egg hunt, we went to Easter Brunch.  The Easter Bunny stopped by our table, and Mallory thought he was super-awesome!  She thanked him for all of her surprises he left behind.

The Easter Bunny left footprints on the front door step when he came Easter Morning.  Mallory helped Grandma and Grandpa clean them off while Mommy and Daddy headed to San Francisco for our last days together for a while.

Mallory L-O-V-E-S to clean!  She must have inherited that from Grandma!

I have more pictures, and will add them in a bit- Mallory is awake and about!

Fun Photos from April

OK,  I FINALLY figured out how to add photos with this MAC!  Hooray!  Here are a few of the cute moments we have had this month so far!

Grandma and Mallory made a Bunny House for Easter (ok, it was a little after Easter... but it was SO much fun for both of them!)

"Please, Grandma.... just one more taste?"  (And how can you say "No" to that face?)

Mallory was laughing and laughing!  She was so proud of herself, and really enjoyed tasting the frosting!

Mallory was very particular about where the candies went.... especially if they WEREN'T going in her mouth!

The morning of her actual birthday, Mallory woke up to even MORE cake!  Cupcakes for breakfast!!!??  Absolutely!

Mallory and her Baby have matching dresses that they wore to church last week.  This is Mallory's new favorite face- the "Excited" look!  Ask her to look "excited", and this is what you get every time!  It is actually pretty hysterical!  She tenses up every muscle and shakes a little!

More pictures to come....

This Quote Made My Day....

I must admit, I never saw what was so terrific about Jennifer Garner the actress.  I never got into "Alias", and I thought her "13 going on 30" movie was just....OK.  But I have a new found respect for her after seeing an interview my mother showed me.

"I will tell you what I can't abide- and I think the Internet has really created a space for it- women criticizing other women and mother criticizing other mothers.  It just makes me crazy, whether it's between staying at home, going to work, how long you breast-feed, if you use formula.  I feel like we should just assume everyone is doing the best they can.  Women should take care of each other, not tear each other down.  I would just like to see a mother who REALLY believes that she has done it all SO right, you know what I mean?"  
                                                                          -Jennifer Garner, Parade Magazine.

I sure do!  and AMEN, Sister!

And so many times I am guilty of feeling like "Mrs. So-n-so does crafts everyday with her kids, and I should, too"  or "Mallory isn't potty trained yet, and Mrs. So-n-so finished up with her kid in a week! What is wrong with me!!??"  The truth of the matter is, I am so worried about what all the other moms out there will think of me, or say about me!  Why do I create such stress for myself??!!

I am grateful to have so many caring and thoughtful friends who teach me everyday about being a better mother, wife and friend.  You all inspire me more than you know.

Charles is getting settled, too...

Charles made it safely to Korea earlier this month.  We are so blessed that his schedule and the 14 hour time difference allows us to talk once or even twice a day!  Today, for the first time since he left, when Mallory talked to him she asked, "You come home now, Dad?".  That was hard for all of us- but the month is already nearly over, and a visit is right around the corner.  I know we are all going to get through this year just fine!

Charles would love to receive some MAIL, so if anyone would like to send a little note, let me know and I'll shoot you his mailing address.  He also has a San Antonio number that I can give you if you want to call.

Luckily for Charles, he likes all kinds of Asian food, so I think he is eating well out there so far.  The base also has many of the "American" staples he likes, too, so I doubt he will go hungry.  He typically is waking up and doing PT the same time I am hitting the gym out here.  It is funny to think about how we could be on the treadmills right next to each other!

Charles is still trying to kick whatever icky we were all fighting all throughout March at Nellis AFB.  I ask you all to keep him and his health in your prayers.  Being without his family, his plane AND his health must be miserable.  He puts on a good show for us, though!

Prayers for him and ALL the troops out protecting us and keeping us all free!  God Bless all of you!

Getting Settled In San Antonio...

Mallory and I are doing well in San Antonio.  Grandma and Grandpa have worked hard to give us plenty of room and we are very comfortable.  JD loves the huge backyard, and climbs the trees every chance he gets, but he is still very anxious about Charles being gone.  Every little movement sets him off and he is constantly under our feet or barking at whatever he hears outside.  We hope this is a phase that will pass, or we may have to put him on Prozac!  You would never guess that he will be NINE in just a few months!

There is SO MUCH to do here in San Antonio!  Mallory and I have been daddy free for 2 weeks now, and there has not been a dull moment!  We joined a local gym and Amber has been faithfully going 5 days a week.  Plus, the Gym has an AWESOME Kids area- Mallory loves it, and it is nice to see her interact with kids her age- she really misses going to school!  We have enrolled her in a Fall Program for 3 days a week, and may do a summer session, too.  The local library has a very nice craft time on Tuesday evenings, and Mallory has made a kite and a Pinata!  If I can ever figure out how to upload a picture from IPhoto, I will be sure to add some photos to our blog!

Yes, you read that right- the Kistlers have replaced their desktop with a Mac.  Amber is learning the ropes slowly, but she does find that once you get the feel of it, using a Mac really is as easy as everyone says.  I have a feeling that once Charles gets back, we will be adding Mac Books and IPhones to our household!

Amber has PLENTY to do with keeping up with Mallory, but somehow has been offered THREE part-time jobs since arriving in San Antonio!  Maybe God is trying to tell me something.... :) I did consider volunteering somewhere while Charles was gone, but never thought I'd commit to a JOB!  One offer came from Talbot's, (when I was helping my mother shop).  Once my mother offered up that I used to be a manger for Old Navy, they quickly brought me an application.  Then, the saleslady told me her daughter is grading the TX tests in the evenings, and they need more people.  She gave me her name and number.

That following evening, out of the blue, the head of my parent's neighborhood association called me to see if I'd like to some data inputting for them for a few weeks.  While none of these jobs are anything I am particularly interested in, it is flattering to be approached as someone they think would do a good job.  It is always nice to feel needed!  I'll let you know if I take any of them up on their offer!

For now, Mallory and I are just trying to get into a nice routine, and are enjoying the time with my parents so much.  We laugh ALOT around here.  Charles has been able to call everyday, so that helps too.  Mallory loves to see her daddy on the web-cam- but she REALLY likes to see the little box of HERSELF on the webcam!

Again- once I figure out htis whole MAC thing out, I'll upload some video as well.  I know so many of you have been waiting and waiting for me to update you on everything we are up to- especially our family.  I am committing to this blog for ALL of us.

Baby Steps.....

Well, here it is- my first official entry on our Blog!  Alot has happened with us since setting up this page a month ago, but instead of putting off writing until I get everything in order, I thought, nothing like documenting the present day.

And what a present day it is!  Mallory has graduated from a Crib to a Big Girl Bed with absolutely no complications.  Well.... almost no complications!

We are going on day 2 of her both napping and sleeping in her bed.  My parents have a little toddler bed here, so it was a perfect transition.  She LOVES her bed!  Almost too much!  All day, we have to keep her OUT of it!  She keeps doing the fake stretch and yawn, and announcing "I am sooooo tired"  Before dashing off to get in her bed.  She no kidding does this about every 20 minutes or so when at the house.  We have to struggle to keep her in an activity where she forgets about her new awesome bed.

Now, I know many of you moms are probably like "Great!  Let her go!  If she loves it why not?"  I am just worried that she will not associate it with sleeping if we let her play in it throughout the day.  So for now the rules are that she has to be with a grown up when she gets IN her bed and with a grown up when she gets OUT of bed.  So far so good.

To test her limits this morning, I decided to let her talk for 10-20 minutes like she always did in her crib.  I just wanted to see if she'd stay in the bed like we asked her to, or if she would come wandering into my room.  Mallory behaved as she always has in her crib, just talking and role-playing with her dolls and stuffed toys until I came to get her.  Hopefully I am not jinxing myself by thinking this is going so well.

Now that I have made many of you throw up thinking about how easy this all seems, here is where I become normal, and need MUCH pity!  Mallory is STILL not potty trained!!!  She is SO interested, but also SO defiant!!!  We talked to her about the Panty Fairy the other day, and how when Mallory feels like she is ready, she leaves all her diapers for the Panty Fairy, and the Fairy will come and leave beautiful big girl panties and a present!

Well, we talked it up TOO much, and Mallory wanted to do it THAT NIGHT!  We helped her make a bag for the Panty Fairy, and she put all of her diapers in.  Then, we put on a pair of Big Girl Panties for the evening..... then another.... then another.  Needless to say, the idea did not click that she had to STAY DRY for the Panty Fairy to come.

My mother, father and I stayed up that night until midnight drafting a note from the Panty Fairy explaining why she just could not leave big girl panties yet.  She wants Mallory to keep trying and leave out her diapers again when she can prove she can stay clean and dry.  We all laughed SO HARD for 2 hours as we talked about how to tell a 3 year old the fairy didn't leave what we said she would!

I am glad we can laugh about it, but we are still SO frustrated!  ALL your prayers are appreciated as we try and learn how to help Mallory achieve this important milestone.  She starts a Preschool this Fall that needs them to be potty trained- maybe this summer will be it!  Mallory has always been a very easy kid to transition to the next phase, as she did with her bottle, the pacifier, the carseat, the bed, etc... which makes this difficult transition all the more frustrating for us!

Well, one milestone at a time, I guess!  Big Girl Bed..... Check!  Now we need to focus on the Big Girl Potty.......