365 RANDOM DAYS OF TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #89

JANUARY 30th, 2012

FOUR YEAR OLD LOVE NOTES

AND FLOWER BOUQUETS

BOTH GIVEN FROM THE HEART

I CAN'T ASK FOR ANYTHING MORE

365 RANDOM DAYS OF TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #88

JANUARY 30th 2012

1 PETER 1:8

THOUGH YOU DO NOT SEE HIM, YOU LOVE LOVE HIM; AND EVEN THOUGH YOU DO NOT SEE HIM NOW, YOU BELIEVE IN HIM AND ARE FILLED WITH AND INEXPRESSIBLE AND GLORIOUS JOY.

365 RANDOM DAYS OF TEAM ZYBKO

DAY#85

January 24, 2012

GOOD THING SHES CUTE

Plan of attack. 3 bags one room. Empty when I start. More than full when I'm done.

TRASH

GOODWILL

STORAGE

Now that my little emotional pity party is over. I'm full on with the mission at hand. I'm staying on task. Getting my lived in slightly junked up house ready for show time. I must say, we are really, really, really GOOD at living in it. Every day brings a new get house ready to do list and a trip to the dump, when it's open. After encouraging baby Daddy we could save money by being our own trash service I find out the city dump did the same thing. To save money they have cut back too, on their hours and CONVENIENCE.

Not sure why it's so hard for me to remember BEFORE the black bags are loaded up.......

THEY ARE CLOSED EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY!!

and the third Friday when the moon is full,

when it's over 100 degrees,

when they feel like it,

and apparently when my prison van is filled top to bottom with odorous kitchen trash.

Having a clearer mind than usual I actually remember it's Tuesday, change plans and direction on the road. We head to the storage unit instead, with a much less potent van load.

I had never been to our cute-ly painted orange, overpriced, cement 10 by 10 rectangle before. The boys, having more muscle and less years under their belt have kindly taken a few trips. They also kindly drive thru sonic on the way back with my card and pin #.

Ya know, like a service fee or something.

Drexel is my guide, he has been here before. As I drive up and down the monotonous tiny driveways I think I should have looked at our receipt before rushing out the door.

That double digit number and one simple letter combination would be rather handy at the moment.

OK BUDDY, WAS IT THIS ROW?

WHICH SIDE WAS IT ON?

YOU THINK I SHOULD TURN ROUND?

ARE WE EVEN IN THE CORRECT STORAGE PLACE?

Stopping the van with my foot, my hand slides the shifter 3 spots to park. I take a big, deep breathe. It's already 11 something with no schoolwork crossed off our day. I seem hungry for lunch, I'm really not sure what time it is. I don't want to look at my watch. Instead, I look in my rear view mirror, Delilah is almost done with her fourth make over of the day. Delaney hums to herself, pretending to study the map of America. Too brain dead to figure out the reverse mirror thing, I shake my head cause her study guide looks backwards and upside down.

Eventually we find it. Drexel proudly pulls up the frayed rope handle. The kids are a big help, carrying what they can. Cheesy made up Delilah struggles to walk in some dress up heels but wants to do her part. Picking up a not so heavy, fun painted kid rocking chair. A chair I will probably end up giving away when we clean this sucker out in a few months. She stops dead in her tracks at the entrance of the half packed storage unit.

MOMMY!

yes

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT!

what

WE HAVE ALL THIS SAME STUFF!

It's a good thing shes cute.

365 RANDOM DAYS OF TEAM ZYBKO

Day #84

Mommy and Me

More than excited to have gotten a picture with my mom. She isn't a poser at all, maybe I'm adopted. Many years have gone by yet very few have succeeded in snapping any kind of usable Kodak moment of her. A photographers worst night mare. With Ninja like reflexes and Bionic Woman hearing it's super hard to sneak up on her. I have at least 50 beautiful snapshots of the back of her hand. It is a lovely hand but I love this one better.

365 RANDOM DAYS OF TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #86

January 28th 2012

THE GIG IS UP TOOTH FAIRY

The tooth fairy was set up! Delaney lost a tooth and purposely failed to remind her aging mother the baby tooth was under her pillow. The almost nine year old has questioned this characters validity for a while. Years ago the 'Tooth Fairy" didn't go to bed as early as she does now. She had more energy and a better memory for these kinda middle of the night missions. The new and hopefully improved tooth fairy is also questioning why we lie to our children about such things. Hmmmmm. I know it can be fun and all BUT...... well I won't go into to all that right now. I suppose those thoughts are for a different post. Not trying to be a buzz kill, just want to document a place in time of Delaney's childhood.

Delaney smiled so big it took over her youthful face. Her two front, over sized teeth seemed to mock me. My baby is growing up. This may be harder than I thought, breaking the news about the Tooth Fairy. Two big brown eyes await my speech. I may cry but that's no new flash. I cry about everything these days. I will blame it on the move, which is way more than just a move. This move represents closing a huge chapter and season of my life. I suppose for Delaney it will be a closing of sorts too. Yikes, my eyes are already moist.

MOM? MOM? HELLO????

I'm pulled back to current time. I focus back to the 'Brady Bunch' talk at hand.

Taking her out of earshot from her two younger siblings she realized what I was about to share was surely gonna be a big deal. Smart enough to know she wasn't in trouble she still looked a little nervous. I can't remember the last time I pulled her away from the group with big time serious mom eyes. A minute and a half later it was done.

I KNEW IT...I KNEW IT....I KNEW IT!

She isn't bummed out at all. My girl who will never work for the CIA due to her constant outdoor voice and lack of ability to keep knowledge to herself is thrilled.

I ask her kindly to keep it on the down low from Drex and La La.

CAN I BE THE TOOTH FAIRY FOR THEM MOM?

Of course honey, that would be really special.

Di-Di home from college is always a family treat. This particular weekend Delaney is bursting at the seams to share the new Top Secret info she has learned. Like being accepted into posh club or something. Smirking sideways and repeatedly nodding her head like a big shot, Delaney has a "quiet" conversation with the all knowing big sis.

Now, if you don't know Diane ya gotta understand her sense of humor. Not a lot of fluff, straight to the point, sometimes dry but always, always funny. Her comedic timing is dead on. More than a few times over the years her funny way has brought me to tears...and to the bathroom.

So, Delaney....are you devastated?

The shorter of the two sisters cocks her head a tad sideways, a little confused.

Before I can shoot Diane and squinty eyed, where are you going with this look? She continues to interrogate.

Did you cry when Mom told you?

No, why would I? Mom even promoted me to be Tooth Fairy.

(Which by the way a was genius move, thank you. I'm getting better with delegating)

Ya, know....being lied to by Mom and Dad all those years...like your ENTIRE CHILD was fake and made up.

My mouth drops fast to the dirty kitchen floor.

As I type this it actually doesn't read funny at all but it was. Diane was making mac n' cheese at the time. Nonchalantly stirring the pot filled with boiling water and noodles. Throwing baby Daddy and I under the bus and Delaney into therapy all in the same sentence.

DIANE CAROLYN ZYBKO

She catches my stern face as I use her full name.

It's ok mom. It's no big deal the Tooth Fairy isn't real. I'm not upset at all.

Now if you tell me next that the Easter Bunny is fake.... then I will really be devastated.

I burst out laughing and smile inside. Selfishly and hypocritically I am glad for Delaney. Glad the door to this chapter of her childhood isn't completely shut...just yet.

365 RANDOM DAYS OF TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #83

January 20, 2012

Cleaning Off The Fridge

I had forgotten what color the fridge was. After six years, the only two possible sides to junk up were almost completely covered. These are some of my favorites

My blond, aqua netted, looks like I maybe couldn't get a comb through it stylishly permed hair. My memory is a tad fuzzy but by the look on my face plus the huge hole in the ozone I helped create, I'm pretty certain I was looking for trouble. Seemed to be a theme in the late 80's.


(Don't know why these next two pictures wouldn't turn)
You locals may also have a magnet from the front cover of the yellow pages too.
Let's say his name together, shall we?
AH-KEEM AH-NA-STA-POOL-YO
Well, I'm not sure if that was accurate. I've never had to call his offices so I suppose that's ok then.

Baby letters every house in America with children have once had on there fridge. They have spelled quite a few things over the years.
NEED MORE MILK FOR FRUITY DINO BITES MOM
(you need more than one package for that)


Delaney made a business card and slapped it on the fridge one day. I love her grammar.
I think home schooling is going GOOD-ER than I thought!

ESTABLISHED 11 yeras ago.

Seems like yesterday.

I have a hard time throwing these gems away from Chuck-E-Cheese.

The 8 million plastic prizes the kids have won, not so much.

Baby Jesus was added this year. I just had a difficult time shoving him back into the tiny Advent pocket marked with a 24. Teaching the kids he needs to be front and center 24/7/365

365 RANDOM DAYS OF TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #82

January 15th 2012

Doctors Office White

Preparing to paint over the walls in my home. Getting ready for it be on the market. I'm being a really big baby about it. I know what needs to be done, I've done it before. Potential buyers do not want to see personalized anything. Well everything in our 'castle' is personal to me. I know I am being super dramatic about the entire process. We aren't moving across town or down the street like last time. This time, skipping town for good. 11 years ago I thought I had been sentenced to death.

Didn't even know Florence existed.

"Honey, are you sure there is no Starbucks? Not even a Target?"

"I don't care how good sweet tea taste and I'm positive I will never eat any food dish called chicken bog."

I suppose now I can admit I was a bit of a Yankee snob.

I have changed a ton since then, for sure. More than just my taste buds.

Southern PEE CAN pie, oh yay, bring it on, a la mode please.

Leaving Florence which I now proudly call home seems tougher than I would imagined. Having given birth to three of our babies at Carolina's Hospital , they too call this small town home. Having been trained and taught to answer grown ups using Ma'am and sir, accordingly. I now think this is normal, like a boiled peanut. Wonder who ever thought of that.

I cried when the Realtor lady took an informal tour of the house. I tried to keep my heart together. I figured it would be tough. I was worried about that.

Timing of 'that time of the month' was a little cruel and surely added to my emotional state of mind.

First stop, my bright green almost neon painted dining room.

The nucleus of the house for sure.

Wiping away tears with my sleeve as she kept talking.

Wah, wah, wah like Charlie Browns teacher, I wasn't truly listening.

I turn my head, too embarrassed I was reacting this way.

Bad move, wrong direction.

My eyes focus on the corner wall by my office, the entrance to the laundry room.

Can't get any more personal than where those two walls meet.

The markings of all the kids growth on the dining room wall.

I knew this was next on her lips.

In a super sweet southern accent she says, "You know, that will have to go right?"

NOOOO not the very detailed bi-annual inch by inch record of the little boogers.

I wipe my face again.

A big blubbery baby I tell you.

This torture goes on close to an hour.

After she leaves I open the door to the pantry. The door with Team Zybko family inside jokes written in black sharpie. I know just where to reach, exactly how high and which shelf they are located. I could find the hidden spot in the dark if I had to.

The Little Debbie cake(s) hit the spot. The feel sorry for myself, gotta put my big girl panties on spot.

We go today to pick out the just right to sell beige.

I pep talk myself.

I can do this.

I reach my arm behind my back for the almost empty box.

Like I said, I could find with my eyes closed.

365 RANDOM DAYS OF TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #81

January 15th 2012

SMILE GOD LOVES YOU!

365 RANDOM DAYS OF TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #80

January 15th 2012

A Special Treat.

Thank you Lil' David for my special treat.

I saved this soda for days in the back of the cold fridge.

Hiding it out of view.

The best Dr. Pepper I have ever tasted after teaching a class.

$1.19 has never meant so much to me.

XOXOXOXOXO

365 RANDOM DAYS OF TEAM ZYBKO
DAY # 79

January 15th 2012

The Big 40; Like a Pant Size

It's just a number.

I am awake before anyone, savoring every minute in my quiet zone. Starring into space, I'm very content and lost in thought about a second cup of coffee when I hear shuffling from the hallway. It's Delaney walking out of the bathroom. I know it is her. All the kids sound different. The way each one of their specially made feet shuffle across the floor. My coffee cup is cast aside as I uncross my legs off the comfy couch. I prepare for a big nine year old hug. I simultaneously check out of la-la land and check in to Motherhood.
The minutes tick by. Strange. Before she can even walk straight I am usually the lucky winner of a sleepy eyed, messy haired, morning breath, may or may not toot on me kinda hug. I am looking forward to one this morning.

OK, wait....that's really a big fat lie. The truth is;

Delaney has recently graduated from some on the job training.

I may or may not have told her she could possibly be my favorite if she masters the skill of pouring my coffee with out burning herself or spilling it while serving it to my bedside school.

She graduated top of her class. I was such a proud momma that day.

As much as I enjoy her first of the morning kisses I was really hoping for her to utilize her recently obtained degree.

A few long minutes later she steadily walks around the corner from the kitchen. Carefully holding a small plate filled with a pop tart and two very bright on fire birthday candles.

Oh my word, she has NOT gone to school for that yet.

Looking very pleased with herself as she sings Happy Birthday in her low, raspy, maybe she smoked as a two year voice.

The big ole, very necessary lecture about fire can wait.

Delaney, you are so sweet to remember and you found the right numbers.

Well, I was going to light a ? mark one we had, to pretend I didn't remember how old you really are.

Oh, thanks honey.

Delilah wobbles into the room with killer bedhead. Too lazy to get my camera, I continue to nibble on my breakfast birthday treat.

Oh mommy, mommy, mommy!

Happy Birf day.

I love you.

She stares at my aging face with a confused look.

Oh geez, do I look that old this morning?

But mommy, it's your birf day.

Yep, that's right.

But you don't look any bigger?

I smile big. More laugh lines created by the minute.

365 RANDOM DAYS OF TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #78

January 14, 2012

FRESH SQUEEZED PLEASE

A job and project intended for only Drexel.

One of his simple life long dreams.

To make fresh squeezed orange juice.

He is a simple man.

Please don't freak out about a six year old using a knife.

I'd make the incision, and simple hand it over to the 4 foot tall professional.

Then he would 'shimmy, shimmy coco puff' all the way though the orange.

These particular knives are harmless and generally used to spread my Nutella.

Drexel didn't fuss when his little sister wanted in on the action.

He helped her get used to the mashing and simultaneous twisting.

Easier said than done with tiny kid hands.

I tried just one orange and cried 'uncle' for my juice making career.

Stay in school people.

A huge bag of these sweet smelling fruit from Sam's isn't cheap.

About 15 'belly button' seedless oranges were used.

1 hour and 10 little sticky fingers later we finally have enough for everyone to drink.

No wonder a gallon of this 'no pulp' citrus treat runs your food bill up.

While I wipe the table and mop the floor, Drexel is busy at work with another project.

Before I begin to fuss I take a deep breath.

I mean it's only 8:17am. Another mess already?

Pretty certain 'scrub floor' was not on my to-do list for the day.

I feel behind already, until he proudly smacks this badge on his little sister.

A hand drawn certificate showing her hard work and dedication to orange squeezing.

365 Random Days of Team Zybko

Day #77

My Heart Is Full

and

So Is My Laundry Room.