For Layla Joyce

Layla, I don't know if you remember giving Joey this doll for her birthday last year but THANK YOU! This little thing is one of Jo's best friends. She cares for her like her own baby and loves to share her nap time with either her or her favorite bear, Bayo. This little doll has been dubbed Penny and she is loved very dearly. Thank you again.

I just though I'd share this last picture because Jo took it. She loves carrying around my camera and snapping pictures. I had to help her actually get someone in the pictures but I have lots of pictures of legs carpets and the TV. Haha.

Jo's World

Jo's world is a simple world. One of laughter and pretend. Sometimes I just look at her in her crazy glasses or in the midst of being a mommy and I just smile. And I realize how much I miss being a kid. Finding fun in the simplest things. Entertaining yourself for endless amounts of time...with nothing but imagination. Here are some pictures of her enjoying herself over the last few days.
Here she is feeding her baby...
Jo loves her sunglasses.  Here she is wearing them with a WAY cute dress my Mom made for her.  Thanks Mom!
Just being cute!
Chilling with Rye's Hannah Bear and her shades, watching Yo Gabba Gabba most likely.
Today Joey took a nap in Rye's big girl bed.  When we were in WA she would nap on the air mattress.  She did really well in the bed.  Didn't fall out or anything.  I had to take pictures of her, of course.  Not sure if we'll move her to one yet.  We'll just stick with nap time for now.

Jo's Birthday/Halloween

Sooo, change of plans for Halloween. I have decided against the witch costume. Jo doesn't like it. It's scratchy and it's too warm here for a tee layered underneath. I found the costume below online and I think I can recreate it for my little chica. It won't be exactly the same, but I'm hoping it will come out okay.  She is WAY into Yo Gabba Gabba right now. We probably watch that and Blue's Clues 20 times a day. Always before bedtimes. I got the leggings and a shirt I think will work. I need to paint on the stripes. I also need to find a belt. I have the hat and glasses figured out. They actually sell a set online as a toy. I know she won't get what I'm dressing her up as, but I think when she sees the pictures she'll love it.
We are definitely doing a YGG theme for her birthday. My friend Maciana makes cakes and she's going to recreate the one before for the party. Only DJ Lance's head with be cake. We won't have that many people here. One of Jo's gifts will be a figurine set of the YGG characters, those will be used around the bottom of the cake. I can't wait. We'll hold the party the day after Eric gets home. Timing wise I think that's best. He can just laze on the couch while I take care of everything. I'm excited to plan it and see it come to fruition. I'll keep you all posted.

Rye and I are still talking over what she wants to be. There is this leopard print dress type thing with boa feathers all over it. I'll post a picture below.

I'm not feeling it. We're going to have to discuss it...A LOT!

Picturas

Okaaaay! Here are some recent pictures. I have not been great with the camera. Apologies! Away we go...
My latest tattoo, what?!
The girls talking with Daddy
Can you see him on there?  Hehe.
Jo when her costume started itching her.  Must fix that.
Most likely she'll be this witch, unless I can pull of this other costume that would be killer.
Jo likes to get up here and point out her Daddy.  Sweet, no?
The girls hanging out Saturday morning.  Jo watching Rye play the DS.  She likes to yell at Rye's dogs on the NintenDogs.  Rye being goofy.
Jo having to do what Rye does.  
I have about 10 pictures of Jo with her "eyes closed."  She's really just watching the TV.
Jo rocking the ponytail!  Love it!

That's about it for now. Not much new going on here. Just counting down the days until Eric comes home. There still seems like there's way too many. We're getting there though. ;)

More updates

We have a date for Eric's arrival.  We're very excited.  I'm deciding what to do about Jo's birthday.  Maybe post pone it until that weekend.  I'm thinking a Yo Gabba Gabba theme.  (I don't mean to bite off you JenJen)

He has also decided to put in for orders to Bridgeport, CA.  Apparently they need instructors.  So we'll be up in the mountains with our friends Buck & Layla  (sorry to follow you everywhere guys).  We'll be there waiting on word about the package he'll be putting in when he gets home.  We'll be out inthe middle of no where, from what I hear...but on a good not.  We'd only be 9 hours driving from my little sister and only 14 or so from home.  Yay!  He's put in for around an August 2010 date.  So we'll see when his orders come back.  It's not final yet, but I'll let you know when it is.

I have some pictures to share.  I'll have to do that in a few minutes.  Have to get some stuff started for dinner.  Then I'll come back and do that.

Updates

Not much going on here.  Just wanted to let you all know.  I'm having a pampered chef party next weekend.  I haven't done one in I don't know how long.  I'm excited for it.  I'm not sure how many people will show up but I'm excited to try the recipe we're having.  Hehe.  You know me, I'm all about the food.

The girls are well.  Rye has school pictures on Friday.  She's very excited and so am I.  She has the best smile.  I'll post pictures of her outfit that day when we get there.  Jo and I went to our first MoPS meeting today.  It was really nice.  I think it's going to be a fun year.  We had a little excitement at the end when one of the toddler's pulled the fire alarm.  Good times!

The big news here is that I'm relatively sure we have a set time for Eric's arrival.  Hopefully he'll be coming home on Joey's birthday or the next day.  Either day would be fine with me.  We have a return & reunion brief on the 15th and should be given the exact days then.  I will add a countdown when I get the day.  I'm hoping we get lucky like we did the last time he came home and not have the dates and time changed a bunch of time, like I know they often do.  Keep your fingers crossed for us.

Chicas!

Man, getting the girls to take a picture can be tough. With the Singer Squint, getting Jo to look at the camera and getting a smile from her that doesn't look like she's saying Cheese it's a battle. I wanted to take a pic of the girls in their new outfits though. They both look so cute today.


They're crazy cute, right?!

Painful.

I know I haven't been on here much.  My camera battery is dead and I have been lazy about charging it.  I will get to it.  Friday is school picture day for Rye.  I'm going to Target tomorrow to get her at least a new shirt for it.  I'll take some pics that day before school.  She's very excited.  I told her I'd put a little of my copper eye shadow on her for the day (it's barely noticeable, but it makes her eye's pop).  It's still a little hard for me to grasp that she's in third grade.  My little Ryelie.

Jo is doing well.  She starting to string words together.  "Please up," "please milk," and she actually said, "I sorry Rye" after she kicked Rye in the head tonight (I'm not really sure if it was on purpose or accident).  She's getting a bit of an attitude.  It's been really tough keeping my patience with her.  But we're working on it together.

Not sure if you noticed above but I totally tanked on my Mt. Dew feat.  Starting over!  Boo!  I had a bad day today.  I popped my shoulder out really bad this morning (I actually heard the bones grind together) and was feeling nauseous all day.  Every time I felt a pinch, I'd feel like ralphing.  Sorry to say it, but the Dew helped that a bit.  18 days down the drain, but it's quite a bit longer than I've gone in a long time.  I'll go even longer this time.  I'm determined.

To all who don't know, Eric will be coming home early.  I know a window of time but not the exact date.  Once I do and Eric okay's it, I'll put a countdown up for him.  He might make it home for Joey's birthday, if we're lucky, or shortly thereafter.  That gives you a bit of a hint toward the timeline.  We're so excited that he's coming home early.  He'll be putting in his MECEP (officer's) package as soon as he's able.  So keep us in your prayers on that front.  It's something he's really wanting to do and I know he'd make a great officer.

I just wanted to share some pictures of Jojo looking absurdly old for her 21 months of age. Is that how you say that? Beth, let me know. ;) She's getting so big lately. Talking so much more and picking up more mannerisms. It's totally crazy. She has now started asking if the diaper I hand her, to put in the trash, is 'pee'. Rye always asks when I hand her one, now Jo does too. Those two have been bonding more. Right now, if one of them gets in trouble or is crying, the other goes and gives hugs and makes sure the other is okay. I swatted Jo's hand at the table yesterday after she spit on the table and immediately her eyes welled and she turned to Rye and said, "Wy-dee", wanting comfort from her big sister. It's very sweet but also can be frustrating when y ou feel like you're the bad guy. Anyway. Enjoy the pics. I'll put more up later.

Adventures in Babysitting

I am babysitting a 4 month old during the day for the next couple of weeks.  Helping out some friends.  I think this is a good thing.  It's going to help me make that big decision.  Do we want another baby?  I am still back and forth over this dilemma.  I think watching Paige will help me figure it out.  Though watching someone else's baby with the energy that comes from working out and watching your own while you're sleep deprived and drained are pretty different.  Hmm...I hadn't thought about that until just now.

In any case, I have to get up at 530, so I'm awake enough to meet Paige and her Dad at the door at 545.  I think this is good.  Hopefully, even after I'm done, I can keep up the getting up early and do my work outs and shower before the girls even get up.  That way I have the morning to clean instead of work out.  It's all about the routine.

So, I should go.  Watch the kiddos and so forth.

My Hottie

Just wanted to share these two pictures of Eric over in Afghanistan. I love that man's smile. I miss it so much. I can't wait for him to get home to us.
C. Mena & Eric

McVay, Eric & Mena

Smokin' Hot Blog

Hey everyone, all you challengers!  We've created a blog just for the Smokin' Hot Challenge.  We'll be posting regularly.  Feel free to come by and leave a comment.  If you'd like to get in on the action let us know and we can set you up to leave posts on there as well.  The more the merrier.  Here is the link: Smokin' Hot Challenge

Come join us!!

Beautiful

This is why I love and miss Washington....

You may not get the perfect weather for moments like this very often...but when you do, it's SO worth it.

SHC-Week 1

Well, week one was quite success full.  When you factor in that I was going from no routine at all.  I did factor in a couple more rest days than the p90x plan called for but I do feel is was for the best.  I don't want to over do it and end up hurting myself.  I plan on getting as much in as I can over this next week.  I might skip the 'rest' day the plan has laid out and start back in to get on track.  We'll see how I'm feeling.  I did the Leg & Back routine today, along with Ab Ripper X.  I got farther in the Ab video with I'm proud of.  That thing kicked my butt, well, my abs. ;)  I only did the L&B for one set.  I'm going to try and get through both sets this coming week.  I'll probably have to cut back on the reps per set but I am improving and that's what matters.  My attitude has been much better these last few days and I am cutting down from 1 20 oz. Dew to 1 12 oz. can.  We'll see how that goes.  My water intake has been going well.  My eating habits are still pretty much crap but I'm thinking about working on it.  Hehe.  I will try and cut back on the eating out this next pay period.

I have my celeb inspirations picked out: Elle Macpherson, Jenny McCarthy & Charlize Theron (good call Layla, she was on my list but I couldn't find any good pics of her).  Just a little something to aspire too.

Well, I think that's it for now.  Say a prayer for us here in the Aloha State.  We have a hurricane headed for us.  It's supposed to hit in the next couple of days.

Magical Find

All of you know that I have a bit of an artsy side.  I love to doodle and draw, even though I don't think I'm that great at it.  But I can definitely appreciate other people's talent...

I've been browsing around the internet looking for drawings that depict the books I love.  I have stumbled upon 4 artists that are beyond AMAZING!  I have added their blogs to my list.  To have the amount of talent they must possess would astound me!  It's insane.  Check them out, you won't be disappointed.

Brittney Lee @ The Art of Brittney Lee

Sarah Mensinga @ Sarah's Sketches

Michelle Gorski @ Mish's Blogtastic Blog 

Bill Presing @ Daily Peril

I'm actually trying to order some Christmas cards form Brittney, can't beat a Christmas Mermaid when you're living in Hawaii!

SHC-Day 6

Okay, I might have to stop putting numbers on these things.  It's taking me 20 minutes to figureout if I have the right number on here.  Hehe.

I took a break yesterday, I didn't need it...physically or mentally.  But it's Yoga X and your supposed to be in a calm environment.  I didn't get to it in the morning before the girls got up (Rye had no school!  Not even a full week of school and they already have a day off.  Then they have another Friday off in a couple of weeks.  Ridiculous!  Another post...) and as I stated in a previous post, I don't do well with exercising at night.  So I did it today while Rye was out playing and Jo was napping.  I could only make it through the first half hour.  I have never claimed to be flexible but ye-ouch.  The video is an hour and a half long.  I will definitely try and push myself farther every time.  I have learned that I like the weight lifing side of workout more than the stretchy side.  I have Legs & Back tomorrow, then one called Kenpo X, which I think is like kick-boxingy stuff.  I am looking forward to that.  I loved Billy Blanks Tae Bo.

Heather encouraged me to take my measurement to go along with my before pictures I took.  I had totally forgotten about those.  So I took them today.  I had a section in my p90x book for them...I added one measurement (my love handle area, haha) and measure my thighs in a different area than they suggested.  I measured them higher, around my "trouble area".

So, where as, I won't show you my before picture I will write down my measurements.

Before Measurements

WEIGHT: 128 LBS

CHEST: 33.5"

WAIST: 28"

LOVE HANDLES: 34.5"

HIPS: 37.75"

RT THIGH: 21.25"   

LFT THIGH: 20.75"

RT ARM: 10.5"

LFT ARM: 10.75"

THIGHS:  It said to measure mid thigh, but I did mine higher, where it gets bad. :(

ARMS:  It says to measure while your arm is flexed.  Measure at the peak of your bicep.

Okay, onto other stuff.  I am having a can of Mt. Dew.  It's now 2 pm.  I have found that I can go until late afternoon without having one, having water instead.  I feel better that way.  I am going to try and only have this one can, but I won't get mad at myself if I break down and have one more.  It is my birthday after all.

Tonight Rye will be at her friends house.  I plan on spending the night of my 31st year having a drink and either catching up on DVR'd Tv or playing Pastry Passion.

Oh yeah, I did find my Celebrity Inspiration.  I have two.  The first is Elle Macpherson.  Here's a picture.

And before you say anything (as Heather and Beth did) I do not already look like this.  Clothing hides a lot my friends.  But hopefully I'll look closer to this in 90 days. ;)

The second one is Jenny McCarthy, here she is.

I'm not sure that she's as close to my body type as Elle is.  You can see that Elle has a thicker trunk.  I am very wide from the front of my rib cage to my spine.

I just thought I'd share.

Favorite Shots!

Just thought I'd post some of my favorite pics from the WA trip...because if I loaded them all, I might break blogger. Enjoy