365 RANDOM DAYS OF TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #78

January 14th 2012

A Beautiful Left Over Day

Before sitting down around the family table I whisper in Baby Daddy's ear.

ppssssttt Hey honey, this meal will not put in me in the running for wife of the year but it will feed the masses.

Part creative, part desperate, part genius.

Leftover....taco meat.
Leftover....spaghetti sauce
Leftover.....noodles
Leftover.....broccoli
Leftover.....corn
Leftover.....hot dog rolls

Mix first 3 ingredients together with any leftover love you may have from the week.
Sprinkle with (smell first to check how old it might be, not that it matters you will definitely use it anyway) leftover mozzarella cheese.

375 Degrees

Throw it in the oven for...hhmmm about the time it takes you to fold 3 loads of laundry, break up a sibling argument, unload the dish washer, pluck a chin hair and check for any new grey ones...on your head not chin.  

Heat up next two leftover veggies with little hope they will be eaten without a slight flight. Your not worried about this, honestly it just makes you feel better you gave them another shot.

Toast last ingredient and slather, I mean gently brush a thin layer of delicious melted butter atop both sides. A shaky poo or two of garlic salt with have these little tired buns tasting like Olive Garden bread sticks before you can say.....sucka.

Very important to counter balance this kinda obvious to eaters it is not new food with a special treat. Ya know to distract them and all. Usually reserved for the big guns of the family, freezy cups are definitely a privilege around these parts. With this celebration of NOT wasting fridge food, a perfectly chilled cup is passed out to all members of the family. With matching straws to boot.

Chocolate syrup
and
Fresh whole milk
Good to the last drop.
Yum.

How was the meal you ask?
Well....
No one complained.
Not one tiny ounce of a whine.
Did they get up for round two?
Well....
No, not so much. 

365 Random Days of Team Zybko

Day #107

March 23rd, 2012

 

 

My soccer dude comfortable in his own skin. He had forgotten his jacket even after I told him

"It's cold"

Luckily Delilah had an extra pink furry one in the van. As for the girl head band and bracelets. Those are just for style.

You are rockin' that look Drex.

365 Random Days of Team Zybko

Day #106

March 17th, 2012

Last Day of Spring Season

GO PURPLE DRAGONS!(not in picture, Justice and Dylan)

Delaney helping Drex warm up for his last official game of the Spring season.

Separated at birth many moons ago. One twin was raised in Switzerland and the other in the United States. Two and a half years difference in their ages. I'm not fessing up to who is older.

Any one in the mood for a Willy Wonka chocolate bar.

Ooom PA ooom PA ooom PA di do!

Langdon

Ramini, AKA Ramen noodles. Not sure if the mom ever approved of that nick name or not.

Aria is one tough cookie. The youngest of five kids she never whines or complains when shoved to the ground.

Tanner and his super skillful feet.

Hilly Bill our Team whatever we need her for. Coming to cheer and show support whenever her college schedule allows it.

La La wanted in on this purple pink day hair for sure. Doesn't care about the soccer part but colored hairspray...oh yea.

Start of a new half, switch fields, shoot ball into other goal. Simple right? Drexel forgets and ALMOST scores for the other team. Whoops.

Ramen Noodles big break away. Followed by a really good, tough player on the other team.

No problem, fair is fair until the last picture of the 3. I feel justified having caught this dangerous play on my camera. Sweet Ramini who wouldn't hurt a fly gets taken out from behind. I turn to my left to watch the other volunteer coach. How was going to react?  I am confident he would pull that player out of the game and give him a talkin to for teaching purposes, after all that is why we are out here. To teach kids soccer, team building and sportsmanship. We don't even technically keep score for goodness sakes.

"Way to go, great play bud!" he shouts toward my fallen player.

Are you kidding me? I begin to walk the 10 to15 feet of grass and dirt that separates our team from his. Telling myself with every step of my comfortable Rainbows to remain calm. Too late. The hair on the back of my neck immediately stands at attention. Dylan and the coach have already had words by the time I could open my mouth. Oh this might get ugly. This 40 something year old soccer dad has clearly forgotten what is like to be a 17 year old man cub. At almost 18 these kids have enough testosterone to shoot a rocket ship to the moon....and back again. 

"Hey dude, can you just tell your players they can't slide tackle from behind?"

Why don't you just worry about your own players.

I am super positive this will come out sounding completely back woods

BUT

Excuse me coach, not a good idea. You mess with one Zybko you mess with us all.

No, of course I didn't actually say this out loud. Who do you think I am?

Luke and Bo Duke?

NO....BUT

I didn't have to utter a word, my personal German Shepard sees everthing unfold.

Dylan bows up and pushes his way between us. Uh oh, here comes the rocket ship.

 3....2...1 blast off.

My good ole momma bear side that really does stay dormant through most seasons, especially soccer season has been let out of her cave. Not in my nature to scream (in public) and set a poor example for any ones kid in earshot.

BUT

I'm not on my A game nor act like myself these days.

SO.....

 As if I have been woken up from hibernation to find someone has eaten my stash of S'more Pop tarts. I'm pretty ticked off. Not really sure of the exact words spoken but I loose my cool. I loose my usual loosey goosey, don't worry about it temper. I'm certain, even from the other side of the field I looked like one of those crazy soccer moms I generally as a rule don't sit by. The conversation continues back and forth for what seems like very long minutes. Not proud of myself I begin quietly shaking with internal irritation. Still frustrated and disappointed in myself even 17 minutes later with the blow of the final whistle.

Why am I fessing up about this altercation? Cause one day when I create a Team Zybko family book from these posts I want the stories to represent real life. A mom who wasn't by any means perfect. Not a super hero mom, just a real mom. A mom who did in fact make mistakes in public and in private. A simple mom who really does have a stash of sweets, including every type of Pop tart ever made.

BUT

Sorry my friend, there are just some things I will never confess.

Like where I actually hide them.

End of third quarter pep talk. 

Sideline hair salon.

Oh geez.

Thank you coach Nicole.

I can't think of anyone else I would want to end my ESAB soccer career with but you!. 

 365 RANDOM DAYS OF TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #105

MARCH 20TH 2012

SOAP DRIVE FOR PARKING LOT MISSION

THERE ARE PEOPLE IN NEED

BUT

DON'T GIVE UP HOPE

BE

KIND LIKE THE POPE

AND

DONATE SOAP!

THE PARKING LOT MINISTRY OF FLORENCE
AND
 ST. ANTHONY'S 3RD GRADE CLASS ARE TEAMING UP TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE.

A CLEAN DIFFERENCE.

We have been busy studying about different ways to prepare ourselves for the celebration of Holy Week and Easter. What a beautiful time of year to remember and rejoice about Jesus and the sacrifice He made for us.

Repentance and service to others have been our main focus of discussion. Cleansing our hearts from sin through the Sacrament of Reconciliation and asking GOD daily for forgiveness.

This group of 8 and 9 year old students are smart and witty as they come up with an awesome idea for a class service project.

"Guys, how can we keep our hearts clean? How can we help others in the community?"

Miss Victoria, you clean with soap, why don't we collect soap for the people who need it?

I laugh at first then realize this is a great idea. Yes, yes, yes! This class can really make a difference.
"It will take some work from everyone, who is ready to get started?"

These totally jazzed up servants of the Lord set the BAR high. Jumping up and down with excitement as I write our goal on the wipey board.

1,000 BARS OF SOAP.

1,000 PEOPLE.

Truly wonderful creations are made when you give 14 kids a bunch of usually off limit sharpies, glue, sparkle gems, 3 Rubbermaid storage bins and unlimited sheets of blank paper.

Cute little helping hand soap people and jacked up spelling had me smirking inside during this class period.

PSALM 51:10

CREATE IN ME A PURE HEART (CLEAN)

O GOD,

AND RENEW A STEADFAST SPIRIT WITH IN ME.

IF YOU ARE WILLING TO HELP, PLEASE BRING BARS OF SOAP OR MONETARY DONATIONS BEFORE APRIL 1ST (NO FOOLIN')

BOXES ARE LOCATED IN THE CHURCH AND SCHOOL OFFICES AND IN THE BACK OF CHURCH FOR EASY DROP OFF.

ST ANTHONY PARISH

2536 WEST HOFFMEYER ROAD

FLORENCE, SC 29502 

Call me with any questions or happy thoughts about this project.

Thank you in advance

Victoria Zybko :)

843-229-7018

365 Randpm Days of Team Zybko

Day # 104

March 10, 2012

They Keep Me Smiling!

Thank you Mr. Nasty Yellowish Green Pollen Dust. You come faithfully every year whether we order you or not. What would the month of March be with out you?

You are dedicated and very thorough. Covering every ones patio chairs, decks, lawn toys and cars. You do not discriminate on the basis of race, gender or religion.

Runny noses, itchy eyes, achy throats and the ability for rear window

LOVE NOTES!

I use my best handwriting with a hand full of post soccer game gear. The sunshine accents the scum perfectly. Awesome. It's high noon, I smile to myself cause the weather is beautiful despite my nagging allergies. I wipe my index finger on my pants half wishing I had thought to write it backwards. Oh well, Baby Daddy will get the idea.

4 hours later we pack up soccer gear again for the last time today. 3 games, 3 wins.

Not bad, not bad at all.

Dylan chuckles as the back hatch to the mini van is lifted. Not really sure what he thinks is so funny I ignore him in the most polite motherly way. My mind has already fast forwarded to my favorite Dairy Queen exit off of I-20, conveniently located half way home from Columbia. Soccer season does have it's perks and whatever size Blizzard I want, cause I'm the momma...that's why.

Mom, look.....ya' think Dad will be mad?

Huh?

I added just a few words to your lovey dovey note.

I smile, I like his humor.

I pretend not to notice Baby Daddy sneaking up behind Dylan.

His eyes are filled with fun and his hands filled with Delaney's left over water jug.

No honey he won't be up set at all.

365 Random Days of Team Zybko

Day #104

March 5th, 2012

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DELANEY GRACE

These fluffy white trees are B E A utiful! I like the way they POP against a rich, deep blue Spring sky. Pretty, pretty, pretty. Lights up a yard, bringing much needed color after a dreary winter. Does anyone else think they look like giant swirls of cotton candy? Maybe it's just me. I like cotton candy.

I have never pretended to be a soccer mom with a green thumb but I can show off one simple fact about these apparently hardy, white trees. I know exactly when they are going to bloom. Well at least the week anyway. Ten years ago was first time I even noticed them, March 8th 2002 to be exact.

Having just arrived home from the hospital with a fresh newborn I decide to take a walk. Outside air would do me good and I totally wanted to try out our new stroller. It was brand new. I too was a brand new mom again, after an 8 year recess. The 3 older stooges were in school and Baby Daddy was.....well I don't really remember but I was by self, just little squeaky Delaney and me. Doctor had recommended a little sunlight to help with a pretty common newborn problem. Yellow-I-Tuss. Well, at least that's what they call it here in the South Cackalacky. Still on a new baby HIGH I was floating down the street as the smooth wheels rolled along the pavement. I may be exaggerating but I might have been whistling and skipping. No, probably not skipping but I do remember everything looked fresh and new. God's creations all around me, including my new favorite gift from God 12 inches past the handle of the fancy new stroller handle. I was so thankful and happy. No different than today. Still thankful and happy that God choose me to be Delaney's momma.
The alarm beeped at me to get up at 5:55 this morning. About the same time a decade ago Baby Daddy and I were headed to the hospital to be induced. Me, not him. We knew even back then that March 5th would be the date I would hold her for the first time. To meet the little booger who kept me sick for almost the entire 40 weeks of pregnancy.

All the photo albums packed away in storage for the upcoming move. No baby pictures to scan and share. My computer pictures only go back a few years but I did find this gem from my sister. It's a long story why her cousin is not so happy but my sister and I laugh about this scene periodically.

On a recent trip to the zoo Delaney borrowed my shoes to try out this really cool obstacle course. I wore her Rainbows for an hour or so. My Nikes looked pretty good on her. Oh no, she really is growing up. I know this is how it works but it doesn't make it easier to be caught up and emotionally attached through the process. If I had a BIRTHDAY wish I would most certainly use it to go back in time. Back to walking down Dunes Drive a mere ten years ago in the warmest of sunshine. I Probably wouldn't do anything different, I suppose I just want to stop time for a minute, an hour, a day.

While teaching class today my mind totally wandered and I forget to cue the next move. A move to a song I have danced to a hundred times. It's happened before, no big deal, life goes on. This time however is different. I completely have checked out of my current where abouts. Don't know the any moves or even what song is playing. I have stopped dancing, I look to my front row to help me out.

Catherine bails me out, temporarily leading the class.

My classes know me well, they know I able to laugh at myself......alot. I wasn't laughing today, I do admit into the headset that I was thinking about Delaney and her birthday. I've heard about people seeing their lives flash right before them. Not my life but hers.

I rush home anxious to wish her happy birthday with a big ole momma bear hug. I hope she is still asleep, she expects a special lit up treat delivered to her bunk bed. No singing necessary, she is the singer. Happy Birthday Delaney, we are all so proud of the young lady you have become.