Sharing the Valentine's Day Love!

If any of you see my posts on facebook, you know I have been down in the dumps as of late.  I am missing Charles like CRAZY and having Valentine's Day lurking in background of everything we seem to do or see, I have had a MAJOR case of the blues.  Of course, the horrible, cold, Idaho-like winds over the past week only made matter worse!

That made these little treasures even more sweet!  Charles father and stepmother sent a fabulous box of chocolates from L.A. Burdick, just for ME!

 It meant so much to know someone was thinking of me this week.  My late Grandpa Jean used to always send me a box of chocolates for Valentine's day- even through college.  I always looked forward to that box, and I think of him every Valentine's day.... thank you to Charlie and Nancy for making that sweet memory even more special.

 When I opened the box, I was so impressed with the treats inside!  Super-small, little delectables that are super diet-friendly!  Just enough to give you the taste of chocolate without gorging yourself!  And with flavors like"Ginger", "Cashew Sesame" and "Lemongrass with Peppercorn", I knew these would be one-of a-kind treats to remember!

 In the center of the box were these 2 precious chocolate mice truffles!  Complete with tails!

 A couple days later, we got a care package from Charles' mom, "Mama Peg."  She sent Mallory this princess placemat and some cute Princess sunglasses, which I had to PRY off of Mallory's face for bedtime!  Her cookies were enjoyed by all, and I am so grateful that she took the time to send us some love from North Carolina!

 Of course, they all gave us a bunch of Valentines, which we will open in the morning.  Can't wait!

 My niece, Isabella, is in the third grade this year.  This girl LOVES her some arts and crafts!  When she got her assignment to make a box to collect her Valentines at the V-Day party, she headed to Hobby Lobby and enlisted her Auntie Amber to help her make a super-duper-special-girlie box!

 She was really into adding some height with pipe-cleaner "fountains of love" and making her heart pop-up off of the top!

 This same weekend, she had a book report to work on, and had to make a diorama describing the book "Eloise".  Not really a Valentine's craft, but I took a picture to share, anyway!

 My nephew, Tony, is in the 5th grade this year.  He goes to the same elementary school as Isabella, and also got the assignment to make a valentine container for all of his Valentines at the party.  Having never been a 5th grade boy myself, I tried to just think as he would.... you don't want it to LOOK like you thought valentines were cool, but you would want it to look like you put in some effort.  Here in Texas, we have 3-liter Coke bottles.  Don't ask me where I got the idea, but I suggested to Tony that he cut a slit in the top of a Coke bottle and use it to hold his valentines!

 Not only did he like the idea, he took it one step further and decided to make the bottle into a dog!  (yes, I know the nose may be pig-like, but trust me... in his eyes, it is a DOG!)

 He made a label for the side that says "Every Boy Loves His Dog", just to be SURE his classmates would KNOW it was a dog!

I just happened to have a teeny bit of red pipe cleaner left over from a project.  Perfect for the finishing touch- a tail!

Sending all of YOU love on Valentine's Day!

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.

In 2009, I got to see this "refueling mid-air" thing actually take place!  That is Charles pulling up to the boom....

And... the refueling mid-air is NOT a myth!  Pretty awesome... (but SCARY for me to watch, too!)

Charles looks great in his Mess Dress.....

....a Hawaiian Shirt....

...or the cheesy shirt I made him wear for our family vacation.

He makes me smile....

... and takes me to college football games.

He waits for Shrinky Dinks with Mallory....

.....chats on the princess phone line...

...reads Mallory stories....

....and builds awesome snowmen!

SOMETIMES he lets me pick out his clothes....

...and sometimes Mallory picks them out for him!

But what I love most about Charles is that he loves me back.

Even with no make up on.

Thank you for being the gift you are.  To me.  To Mallory.  To the world.

It is an honor to call you my Valentine.

Hugs and Kisses from Texas to Korea- I can't wait for you to come home so we can continue our adventure together!  I love you so much!

XOXOXOXOXOXXO

Amber

Your Sweet Pea

Trying to stay disciplined...

When I go to other people's blogs, I am always looking for cute photos and funny stories.  I try to keep our family's blog along those same lines... just to keep it light and fun and an easy read.  But now, I need to blog therapeutically for myself.

I am a compulsive overeater.  There.  The truth is out.  No matter what I have done over the past 8 months to stay fit and be healthy, that fact remains.  Like an alcoholic is never really "cured.... they are a "recovering alcoholic", the same is for me and my friend; my drug; my addiction:  FOOD.

It is really hard saying that.  Especially to someone like my husband who has the willpower of an OX!  He will decide to give up some luxury for a certain period of time, be it video games, beer, soda, chocolate, McDonald's food.... all he need do is say "I am giving up(.................)", and he just....DOES!!!  How I have prayed that it could be that easy for me.

I really tried over this past year to have that same philosophy.  I was SO determined!  I joined a Christian support group for eating disorders (yes....compulsive overeating is a disorder), joined a gym, hired a trainer and CONSISTENTLY worked out 6 days a week- and I saw the results!  But as life got more and more hectic, and my schedule became less and less regular, the pounds have started to creep back on.  My clothes fit just a tad snugger, I have not been attending my support group, I don't have the energy I used to, and I am really starting to beat myself up all over again.

When I walk in a grocery store, I KNOW what I SHOULD be buying.  But the Little Debbie Snack Cakes are RIGHT NEXT TO the 100 Calorie Whole Wheat Tortillas.  The Chocolate Dip is RIGHT IN FRONT OF the Bananas.  The "Healthy" Sushi is covered in delicious spicy mayonnaise.  And when I check out, there are NO LESS THAN 25 chocolate temptations as I wait  in line to pay, not to mention the soda that is my BIGGEST vice.

I would compare the bargaining and panicking that I do in a 30-minute grocery store run to the same thing an alcoholic must go through walking into a bar and ordering a sparkling water.  I am literally SURROUNDED by all the things that are my cravings, weaknesses and literally my DRUGS.  What I can't seem to figure out is WHY I see food this way???!!!

Here I am whining, when many people I am sure go through the same thing.  I am by no means the most overweight person on the planet, but man, it sure feels that way when I am giving into a temptation and feel SO incredibly guilty.  I have lots of friends who are healthy, fit and have no problem walking in and out of the grocery store with not a fattening thing in their possession.  You will never know the pride I feel when I am able to do the same... but as of late, that has NOT been the case.

I recognize my problem.  I admit my problem.  I am praying for strength.  I have asked for help.

Here is my new action plan:

1.  I am trying out a new schedule for working out... instead of focusing on doing 1 hour a day, I am doing a training plan for a 1/2 marathon.  I am hoping that having this short-term goal will distract me from the whole "I HAVE to work out" thing.   I started to resent that 2 hours of my day literally disappear between working out and showering after.  It is my prayer that by seeing I am progressing and challenging myself more and more each week, I will not see the workout as just checking a box, but as steps I am taking toward an achievement.

2.  I have signed up for the "My Fit Foods" 21-day challenge.  They say it takes 3 weeks to break a bad habit.  I don't look at my eating pattern as a "habit" per say- it is an issue that has no quick fix.  But my prayer is that by "cleansing" my body of all this "medication" I take in through bad food and drink choices, I will be able to see that I CAN live without it.  I am hoping that these 21 days, I will stay prayerful, and find strength through Him that I will make these life-long changes for good.

3.  I am going back to my support group, even if it means giving up library time with Mallory.  (Unfortunately, they fall on the same night.)  But I am going to use my "oxygen mask" philosophy:  taking care of myself before others.  The guilt will be a roadblock I will have to overcome.  The long-term benefits outweigh missing one event a week with Mallory.

Some of you may think "It's 7 pounds, Amber.... why are you so hard on yourself?"  Well, I can see these 7 pounds turning into 17 if I don't do something NOW.

I do NOT want to go back to where I was 8 months ago.  And I am DETERMINED to heal my spirit and get that drive back!

So, here's to today...again.

New Year....New Look!

I will never forget the first time I got highlights in my hair.  I was just out of college, and planning my wedding.  My long-time hairdresser in Virginia had been bugging me to get highlights for months, and I was always to scared or budget-concious.  When I told her I was engaged, she gave me my first highlights for FREE!  

Needless to say, I loved them, and kept up with them year to year... state to state.  My hair got lighter, and lighter and LIGHTER!  This winter, I just felt like I wanted a change.  I had been toying around with the idea of red for a long time, but was always afraid to make the jump.  

 When I look at these two pictures, I can't believe the difference!  This picture was just taken in October- not THAT long ago!  The difference is huge, no?  I LOVE my new red do.... and the hubby does too!  He told me to pay whatever I had to to keep it this way until he can see it in person!

I am also really enjoying the length and the WAVES!  I think I got a little addicted to my flat-iron, and so she and I are taking a little "break" from each other.  The curls hold up pretty well now, but I dread the San Antonio humid summer!  Who knows, by then, I may want to be blonde again!  Stay tuned!

In the hamster wheel of life....

Wow!  My last blog entry is titled "December already?!?!"..... and now here it is.... FEBRUARY!  Rather than titling this blog "February Already?!?!?!".... let's see if I can fill in the gaps of the last 2 months....

First off, the whole reason I started blogging was to keep Charles up-to-date on what was happening with his girls while he was in Korea.  And wow, did I do a good job!  There was PLENTY to report, and I was so motivated to keep him in the loop.  He loved to see the stories of everyday life and laugh with the funny pictures and moments captured.

Then, In October, a WONDERFUL thing happened... we got to see each other for TWO WHOLE WEEKS!   And Charles became part of all of those funny stories and memories... no need to fill him in... he was THERE!  And again for a week in November... memories with Charles while I visited him in Korea.... and AGAIN in December.... THREE weeks as a family over Christmas and New Years.

My original motivation for keeping up with the blog was because Charles wasn't with us day-to day..... so, when he WAS... well, my blogging just fell by the wayside!

I am going to follow one of the tried and true pieces of advice I used to give all my Creative Memories scrapbook clients... start with current memories and then work on the older ones when you have extra time.  I have been playing catch up for so long, I am missing out on all the fun, fresh memories of today... so I am getting out of the hamster wheel and blogging from the heart.  TODAY.

The latest change in our lives is that my sister, Meg has become a TEXAN!  She and her 3 kiddos (Frankie- 16, Tony-11 and Isabella-8) moved here on January 14th, and we have been going gangbusters ever since!  Mallory and JD have never had so much attention, and we are all enjoying the time together as a family... MOST of the time!  :)

Since I just sent out my New Year's cards with a BIG ADVERTISEMENT for our Blog, I guess I should use THAT as my motivation to keep it up to date.  And we are counting the days until Daddy is done out there in Korea.... April is not too far away- the final stretch is finally here!  It's time to get him back in the loop of our little everyday lives- the little moments can mean so much when you are away from your family and in another country.

So... here's to jumping out of the hamster wheel and moving forward... wish me luck!