The Kistler Twist: Happy Valentine's Day, My Love....

This Valentine's day, I want to send a tribute across the miles to my One True Love-

Charles E. Kistler, IV.

Such a formal name, for such a down-to earth person. I never knew the depths of my love until I felt it returned by this man. My soulmate. My best friend. I am so grateful for you, and our life together.

It all began with a kiss......

Forgive the grainy quality of this wedding photo- Charles and I were married just 10 years ago- right on the cusp of the digital revolution! We hired an old-school family photographer and have yet to convert all of our negatives into digital images!

When Charles proposed, we were eating ice cream and sitting under the NC State Bell Tower. I was SO SURPRISED! We were going to Disney World the next week, and I thought for sure it would happen there.... he caught me completely by surprise! This photo was taken on our year anniversary- to commemorate that moment that changed our lives. Forever.

Soon after getting married, we headed to Del Rio, Texas for pilot training. I feel more and more humbled every day by the sacrifices Charles makes so selflessly for all of us. Especially our little family. I am grateful every day to know he has a job he truly loves.

When Charles was "FAIP'd" We looked at each other, and said "well... here we go!" It was the start of our military career. Together. We have been a team from the get-go.

The day came for Charles to graduate, and his family all came out to little ol' Del Rio for the big day.

I was surprised, shocked and honored that he chose ME to pin on his pilot wings.

Charles enjoyed letting me in on his daily routine and experiencing the spouse taxi. We got to taxi the runway at high speed while our husbands drove in the front. His favorite moment was when we decelerated, and I said into the headset,"WOW! Just think, you get to do this EVERYDAY!" I really gained an understanding for how exciting his job really is!

I love to be by Charles' side...

...in the day...

...or at night.

He has taken me all over the world! From San Francisco....

To Italy....

To Jacksonhole, WY...

...and home again.

This was our second set of quarters at Laughlin AFB in Del Rio, TX. 9061-A Frazier Street. During our 4 years there, we had our ups and downs. But being in the middle of NO WHERE really lent itself well to making a marriage work.... you either worked it out, or you didn't. There was nowhere to run and hide. People all around us were having babies like crazy.... but if there was anything those first 4 years of marriage taught us, it was that we had A LOT of growing up to do before we could raise kids on our own. I am so glad we gave each other the time to really understand each other. It has only made our love stronger.

But even with all the military had in store for us, our biggest adventure was yet to come...

We were both thrilled to find out we were pregnant in the Fall of 2006.

Those moments before Mallory was born are some of the sweetest memories I have of Charles and his love for me.

He rubbed my back, massaged my legs and even spoon-fed me ice in the hours before Mallory arrived. Now THAT is love!

And when he held Mallory in his arms for the first time, I discovered a love for him I never knew. Seeing him love our little girl is unlike anything I have ever experienced. My heart just swells when I see how he lights up around her.

Charles continues to serve our country and provide for our family while sacrificing time for our family to be together. I see more and more of Mallory in him everyday, which is a comfort when we are miles apart.

I love to hear his laugh....

...see him be playful with Mallory....

...go on adventures with him....

...and watch him participate in a Tea Party without skipping a beat!

As a Pilot, Charles has one of the most exciting jobs on the planet, if you ask me. Another funny memory we share was when I had the realization that jets refueled.... in the AIR! We had been married over 2 years, and Charles had been a pilot at least one year. We saw an episode of JAG that showed a plane refueling in the air. I stood up in protest: "This is SOOOOO unrealistic! I mean, like you guys actually DO that!".

It was truly our Jessica Simpson- Nick Lachey "Chicken of the Sea" moment.

He looked at me as if he did not know this person at all. "How DO you think we refuel, Amber? What do you think tankers are for?"

I said, "They carry all the gas in their bellies, and land in a remote location where you pull up and refuel. Basically, gas stations with wings that are mobile." Well... I thought it sounded logical.

We still get a good laugh out of that one. and despite my huge blonde moment, he loves me anyway.