Thursday, September 26, 2013

 For the LOVE of Bumper Stickers
Day 143
September 26th, 2013
Team Zybko



While in Knoxville a few weeks for a soccer tournament I couldn't help gravitate toward this parked prison van. I was drawn in first by the oval soccer mom love. I love bumper stickers, especially the ones not actually put on a bumper. When did we start doing this, I don't know. Baby Daddy jokes if I put one more on our rear window he wouldn't be able to see clearly out of the back. I smile and roll my eyes, in a fun way not a disrespectful way of course. He knows I will put another one on and I know his Dudley Do Right safety self will use the side mirrors to check behind him while driving. Anyway, after reading just a few of these as I stood outside of Jason's Deli I knew I had to get a picture. Smirking from one ear to the other I had already formed and image and a story to match the driver of this van. 

She hates Wal-mart but prefers to buy her fruits and veggies from a cutesy local market on the side of a country-ish road.

She gave birth to her half a dozen child with no pain medicine.
A few tennis balls for back labor and the standard hee hee hee ho breathing technique was all she needed.

She supports fundraisers to keep the mom and pop stores going.

She hasn't shaved her legs in over a week.

She breast fed at least 2 of her children til they were 3 and could care less what people think about it.

None of her kids are in college yet.

She owns at least one pair mom jeans cause they feel just right and she isn't competing in any beauty contests anytime soon.

She owns a ratty hoody with her college alma mater on the front, barely still visible from being so faded and worn.

She sometimes has trouble staying focused while backing up her van. As a result she has hit a mailbox and/or a trash can in her day.

She has no idea where her hair brush has wandered off to but knows exactly where every part of her kids homeschool curriculum is.

She loves to be outdoors but can get a bit spooked out by huge furry spiders along the hiking trail. 

The last thing I assumed was....if I lived in Knoxville I would probably be friends with this lady. 

What do your bumper stickers say about you?
  


Wednesday, September 25, 2013



Deadly FALL-ing Acorns
Celebrating the First Day of Autumn
Day 145
September 25, 2013
Team Zybko


We could have been killed. The crazy acorns fell from the sky at such a speed they sounded like huge rocks thrown by an 8 year boy. I did actually blame Drexel the first couple of times. Whoops, sorry about that. It didn't stop us though. We continued hiking, grilling, checking out nature and enjoying the relaxing Sunday afternoon together. Celebrating the first day of autumn in style. God's style. Collecting, investigating and relishing the beautiful nature around us. If you like leaves, bugs and trees this post is for you, if not, you may actually be bored to tears. Although there is a picture of a ginormous furry spider but I must have been shaking cause it did come out a little blurry.
Happy FALL Y'ALL!


























































Monday, September 23, 2013




My West Point Wingmen
Day 144
September 23, 2013
Team Zybko

So my wing men aren't actually men, that's ok. I have also watched Top Gun like 400 times too many in my life to use the term wingman incorrectly but it's the first thing that popped in my head.
Who's looking out for you?
Your wing man.
Who's thinking about what you need?
Your wing man.
Who sends you pictures of your favorite cheerleader when you can't be there?
Yes, your wing man.


Not the best post I've ever written but sometimes happiness numbs the brain, stumping any creative flow dead in in it's tracks. That's ok, this message doesn't need added fluff, it is what is it. They are who they are. Really good wingmen.

While folding laundry this past Saturday morning my phone buzzes, it's a picture text from my niece. Trisha is a recent West Point grad and former Rabble Rouser herself, she has gone back for a visit and to watch the football game. Awww, cousins, they look so cute, I unconsciously say out loud, as if my cracked iPhone screen was listening. The unexpected phone love got me smiling big despite the rainy weather and desire for a nap. The rest of the sock pile and dirty underwear loads seemed to fly by after that. 

A few hours later I check my Face Book to find another picture of Dylan whooping it up on the side lines of Mitchie Stadium. Sent from Dylan's Plebe year sponsor, a sweet lady I have never even met, regardless of that, she is looking out kindly for other mommas. Thank you Cathy, I look forward to meeting you one day. Trisha taught one Cathy's kids in Sunday school for a few years. Small wingman world.


My dear friend from Florence whom I have actually met and have had the privilege to spend time with is always looking out for others. While up at WP a few weeks ago with her family she took the time to take Dylan out to dinner. She didn't have to but she did. The home town friendly conversation and non chow hall food was much appreciated. Kelly graduated with the above Cathy in the same West Point Class, I won't reveal the year, just in case the whole age thing matters to them. I am smarter than I look, they both have enough military training in their background to kill me with a single punch. Bam, soccer mom down! 

Thank you also to my other wingmen not mentioned here. You know who you are. This homesick momma for her 3 oldest birds who have already left the nest couldn't ask for any better back up.   


Snaps of Real Life
Keeping it Simple
Day 143
September 23, 013
Team Zybko