365 RANDOM DAYS OF TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #127

APRIL 30th, 2012

GRACIAS!

I would like to pretend I am fluent in Spanish but the plain truth is....I'm totally not. Wish I was. I can ask where a bathroom room is but I may not even understand the response if they don't point this gringa in the right direction. On the other hand my extremely thick Saturday Night Live fake Spanish accent is a solid A plus. Great for dinner parties and very entertaining.

To me, at least.

 Years of practice. Really useful hours spent in front of the mirror when my siblings wouldn't play with me. Unfortunately I can't seem to control it. Kicks in at the very worst times. Yesterday it happened in a crowded elevator. All the way down from the 10th floor.  Delaney kept jabbing me in the side with her bony kid elbow to get me to stop. No use.

 My kids can't stand when I mimic others unconsciously.

 Like that really bad turn your brain off movie.

MASTER OF DISGUISE

Which now, I will openly admit I have watched way more than once, by choice. I even know a few great lines from this under rated classic.

Am I not turtle-ly enough for the turtle club...turtle, turtle.

Never gets old.

Anyhow, I thank you  Bear-ron-ee-cah.

Whoops, there I go again.

I mean, thank you Veronica for translating this post for me! 

Aveces son los pequenos detalles los que mas significado tienen .

Los mensajes de texto repentinos que me iluminan el dia.

Los bonitas vestidos en oferta para consentir a mi nina y que la hacen sentir como una princesa.

Una camisa de Zumba regalada que me anima para dictar mi clase.

AveMarias rezados en mi nombre hacen que esta madre se sienta en los cielos.

Gracias Lourdes por esta flor hermosa hecha por Dios.

Tan hermosa como lo eres tu!

365 RANDOM DAYS OF TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #125

APRIL 27th, 2012

MAKE-UP FOR MOTIVATION

I have to admit, poor Delilah hasn't gotten a ton of individual instruction this year. 

I have spent the majority of our first year of home schooling trying to figure it all out.

Figuring out how to squeeze it all in. 

Figuring out the best curriculum for each kid.

Figuring out what counts for school and what doesn't.

Figuring out how to have enough patience.

Figuring out what I can use as motivation.

Figuring out how NOT to freak out when students mis-behave.

AND 

Figuring out how on earth to get a 38 second, wash only the important parts newly enlisted Marine type shower.....

before noon.

I've been telling myself not to freak out if she is behind other 4 year olds. She has time to learn the basics....right? Some of our other kids weren't in real school at this age either. 

OK, breathe. So she still gets a tripped up with the exact spelling of her name. It is a long name ya know.

I'm not generally the compare kinda mom but this year as we come to a close I'm feeling a different sorta pressure than ever before.

How much have they learned?

How much have I taught them?

Did we do enough Science?

Did we do enough Health?

Oh, geez...It's all on me here.

Direct results are on my shoulders.

Blah Blah Blah. I could drive myself crazy. 

The older two finished up standardized testing this week.

Both said it wasn't too hard.

That doesn't carry much weight with me.

I remember thinking the same thoughts after taking the SAT'S roughly 800 hundred years ago.

Don't ask me my score either.

I won't ever confess....ever.

I'm going to my grave with that 3 digit #. Whoops I mean maybe 4 digit #. Hey don't judge, I had a learning disorder. OK, that may be a little bitty lie. I'm just saying, this thick bottomed soccer mom would much rather tell you her weight than the results from her past. Period. 

Delilah is motivated by make-up make-up and make-up. Mid afternoon make overs are one effective way to get her to learn a little sumpin' sumpin'. I remember Delaney's daily incentive involved a tub of cheese balls and Drexel, well I just let him jump off of stuff if he learned real good. Usually off limits, pretty high, maybe slightly dangerous stuff.

Looking back it doesn't seem to be great parenting.

Creative yes, great....not so much. Yikes, too late now.

This particular day my girly girl had her ammo all lined up. Weapon of choice, nail polish. A zillion hand me down colors in order of priority, preference and purrty-ness.

I tell her

Let's write your name first.

Alright mommy.

       D.....stick with a big belly

       E.....stick with a hat belt and a shoe

       L.....stick with shoe

       I.....stick with a hat and a shoe

       L.....another one of those other ones

       A.....party hat

       H....a stick a stick and a belt

       Z.....a hat a shoe and the sideways line

       Y.....the flower one

       B.....stick with two donuts

       K.....stick an arm and a leg kicking out

       O.....the one donut letter

Like I said, creative all right.

No worries we have time.

Later that is.

Now it's time for a promised manicure.   

365 RANDOM DAYS OF TEAM ZYBKO

DAY # 124

APRIL 26th, 2012

Beauty Salon Day!

Fresh cut bangs in the front yard.

Mustache situation taking care of.

New color from a cheap box at Walmart.

Oh yea. That's my kinda spa day.

Cheap and easy.

Would rather spend my money on a new pair of kicks!

Whoop Whoop!

 

365 Random Days of Team Zybko

Day #123

April 24, 2012

Make the Most of Every Opportunity

A little cement and hard plastic covering didn't deter

this flower from blooming.

Sprung right up in the middle of our pool deck.

Amazing really.

 It seems as if there would have been an easier place for it to grow.

But no, it pushes through.

 Through the hard soil.

Through the rocks.

In between the hazards of heavy kid feet.

It preservers.

Maturing the non-easy way.

Inch by inch.

Not giving up.

Devoted, faithful.

It looks for the opportunity to live and tell about it.

The bight colored weed finally makes it.

It proclaims it's beauty.

Popping up in a space not much bigger than a nickle.

Victory.

It has won.

 Making the most of it's every opportunity.

Reminds me of Colossians 4:2-6

Devote yourselves to prayer,

being watchful and thankful.

And pray for us, too

that God may open a door for our message,

so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ,

 for which I am in chains.

Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should.

Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders;

make the most of every opportunity.

Let your conversation be always full of grace,

seasoned with salt,

so that you may know how to answer everyone.

365 RANDOM DAYS OF TEAM ZYBKO

Day #122

April 23, 2012

Some Favorites

Diane is loving her new Nike kicks

Just in time for Mothers Day!

Our faithful momma bird

Trampoline broke shortly there after

Greatest Tricycle of all times

Big brother to the rescue

What's for dinner Lil David?

Never mind I'm not that hungry

Family resemblance?.....nah

Sweet Sisters

Van + bikes + woods= an adventurous time...always  

Soccer Pig Pile

Amen

I know I shouldn't be laughing

D-Rex

Cheap sunglasses keep me happy....I'm easy that way.

  He really Loves nature

Perfect Fall Picnic Lunch 

365 Random Days Of Team Zybko

Day #121

April 22, 2012

Get Your Brain On

One Tuesday on the way to voice lessons Delaney practice's her favorite new song. Apparently an extra long piece, lasting through 3 and a 1/2 stop lights, getting us all the way down Hoffmeyer Road. This is nothing new. As far back as I can remember she has been entertaining us during many a car rides, whether we ordered it or not. I get lucky today, her siblings are busy chewing on  peanut butter and honey sandwiches, mouths too sticky to complain. Whew, no arguments today. No need to enforce a commonly used driving rule called, Silent Car Yea. it's true, sometimes it's even too much noise for me. Her BIG voice fills the BIG van from window to window. A little Opera-ish for my taste but never the less still sounded pretty good to these big ole bias momma ears. Confident I can duplicate the notes, words and rhythm, I give it a try. 

A moment after completing the last chord I catch a glimpse of Drexel's one dimpled grin in the rear view mirror. It looks as if he loved it and was ready to tell me so.

Uuummmm, mom....

Yes bub.

No offense but that really didn't sound so great.

For a mili-second I contemplate debating with him but deep in my heart I knew I sounded like a dying racoon. Cause me.....the nature girl knows exactly what that sounds like. HA! 

Ya know what Drex, your right. God certainly did not give me the gift of singing and carrying a tune. That's OK, I'm happy HE gave me enough rhythm and the ability to count down from 8 backwards while moving. Otherwise I probably wouldn't be able to teach, which I love to do. 

At this point I'm feeling really good about my

After School Special kinda speech when the Hannah Montana wanna-b pipes up from the back row bench seat. It's a long distance from the windshield to her seat but I her her loud and clear anyway.

Yeah mom but isn't great I can do both pretty good?

Aye,aye....aye.

I launch into a speech about being humble but I'm pretty sure my words fell on deaf ears. I take a left and pull up the driveway coming to a stop to let my self elected superstar out of the van.

I twist my body all the way around to make sure she gets her blue voice folder before jumping out. 

Drexel starts to reply to his sister's previous comment but stops abruptly to lick the side of his arm. A trail of honey almost all the way down to his elbow.

Hey guys.....I don't want to bust your bubble or anything but I would rather be smart than be able to do either one of those things.

Delaney and I look at each other for moment before cracking up so hard spit flies onto the window and our sides ache.

The boy who really does love to learn about everything isn't laughing..... yet. Still too busy cleaning his forearm like a wild animal.

Yes Drex, we know....you are right.   

365 RANDOM DAYS OF TEAM ZYBKO

DAY #120

APRIL 21, 2012

COFFEE LOVE 

 Thank you Baby Daddy for the surprise hot love. 

 20 ounces of liquid goodness.

Good to the last drop.

I love you to Starbucks and back.

OJBP

PERFECT FAMILY HOUSE FOR SALE!

Florence people who may need more room, take a peek.
Help me spread the word.
Thanks in advance for your help!

Come on, let's take a look.
It won't take long, really 
I will be your personal tour guide Barbie.
Step on in through the formal front door area.

Dance floor sized living room to the left.

The stereo room AKA the Zumba choreographing place. 

Huge dining room to the right.

Many a crazy inside jokes have been born here.

New tile floors are super easy for clean up.

Not that my kids are even messy or anything.

This is my office.

Conveniently located and nicely lit with fresh white sunshine.

Turn around before we proceed down the hall.

The pool table room. Bum bah bum.

 The greatest family gathering place of all time.
We will come back and finish the tour here. 

Let's check out some bedrooms.

C'mon start walking.

I see you peaking over there.

We will get there in a minute but this room rocks.

Like a beach condo during summer vacation.  

It leads out to the kick butt pool.

Bedroom #1

Hardwood floors

Double closets for more than enough room.
 Any type of storage needs, boardgames, off season clothes or extra linens.

Jack and Jill bathroom in between bedrooms.

 Double sink vanity to avoid arguing.

Not that anyone would fight about brushing their teeth.

Bedroom #2

Bedroom #3

More hardwood floors and closets.

#2 full bath (4 in all)

Back to the light and fluffy beach room.
Get a deck of cards ready,
 nice table for a friendly game of UNO.

Fireplace will warm you right up on chilly willy nights.

Do a sweet 180.....yep yep....good.... keep turning.
Uh huh, see
 The possibilities for this space are endless.

Another look at the dance-off/pantie fan room.
If you are curious....just a little....then   
Ask me next time you see me, it's worth a chuckle.

 Makes the most wonderful complete circle or track for bikes.

 If you allow that sort of thing indoors.

Back to the front door.

Free tennis ball with the purchase of the house, located under dresser. Whoops, maybe previous owners played ball games in the house too. Geez.

More seating at a really cool funky bar.

Also quite useful to load up food as a buffet during parties.

Tubs of anything super sized from SAM'S fit just right.

Trust me on this. 

Kitchen is the nucleus of this house.
 Four rooms border this all important place where a momma spends a ton of time.
 Good times I mean.

Also over looks the pool.

As long as you are overlooking.

Please overlook the dirty rug. 

A kid who shall not be named was asked to vacuum this room. Lemmie go find em.

Bedroom #4, new carpet.

This room is terrific for....uhhh....keep it clean people...it's a family blog.....sleeping!
Larger and located across the house from the other 3 bedrooms and central family rooms.
Peace and quiet at exactly the right time.

Whoa dude! Huge walk in closest.

Don't worry,

one more closet in this room so claim this one fast.

 Hurry, before your spouse does.

Next stop.

Mother-in-Law suite

or

Rent-able separate apartment

or

whatever you wanna use more square footage for.

Passing through the Florida room first to get there. Coatroom or mudroom a good idea here.

Big sliding glass door gets you out to the pool but not yet.

Just wait, a few minutes little longer.

You will love it, I promise.

More new floors, space and sunshine.

A nice get away within your own home.

Bedroom #5

New carpet

Full bath

And a view of that pool I have been talking about.

Let's go out through the back door.

Did I mention this area has a full kitchen?

And a breakfast nook.

 I take that back I'm not exactly sure what a 'nook' is.

A room to eat some yummy food.

Patio and....

A U/12 soccer field sized side yard.

Separate, private entrance.

AAAHHHH!!!

Oh yea baby cakes.

Here it is. 

That was worth the wait. 

Told you would love it.

A place to learn how to swim, teenage pool parties, a lazy river or whatever kinda get-a-way you choose.

An outdoor paradise.

Grab a towel, sunscreen, book and your favotie drink.

Stay as long as you would like.

ZZZZ....ZZZZ....ZZZZ....

ZZZZ...ZZZZ....ZZZZ....ZZZZ

Allright, not that long, wake up from dreaming.

  Let's roll.

We have more yard to see.

New landscaping with the guidance of mom-in-law because I was not given a green thumb at birth.

The lady knows what's she is doing.

Japanese maples are my new favorite tree.

I surely didn't know that 6 months ago. 

Thanks for the knowledge Grandma.

Back in the house through a side entrance.

Ya' know, not the garage and not the fancy entrance.

The door that real people knock on.

Extra large pool table with new felt.

I have no idea what size it actual is.

What I can tell you, 

5 to 6 loads of folded laundry for a family of 8 fits very nicely.

Just had to add my favorite tree.

I have yet to meet someone who doesn't like a beautiful

 shade sharing palm tree. It's true. I'm pretty certain most Americans enjoy a good cupcake too.   

Oh man,

I got so excited I almost forgot the over sized 2 car garage.

Two kinds of people in this world.

Out-ee's or In-ee's.

Park in or not.

You decide.

Thank you for stopping by and coming in today.

 873 Stratton Drive rocks. 

If you aren't looking for a new house, that's cool.  Pass the info on to someone who is or who might be interested. That would be really awesome. Call me, message me, text me

 or better yet call this lady on the sign below with any questions.

Gwen is super professional and ready to meet you for a

real- life tour at your convenience.

3,960 SQUARE FEET