Monday, January 19, 2009

Eight and Half Men

I don't tell a lot of stories about my bigger boys. For one thing, they're older and a lot of the events in their lives happen out of reach of my watchful camera eye. And for another, I'm actually cognizant of their privacy. So imagine my surprise a few weeks ago while the boys were cleaning up the kitchen, Trace said that I "didn't love him."

"What are you talking about?" What could I have possibly done now?

"You never put Ross and I in your blog!" So much for privacy issues. This one's for you Trace, whether you want it or not.

We've lived the lives of gypsies and consequently have lived in several places. One such place was Tulsa. From the start of Trace's 6th grade year until the fall of his sophomore in high school we lived there. He made some really good, life long friends in Tulsa and they keep in contact via Internet video gaming. I used to give him a bit of hard time about this. Then I started blogging... yeah...so anyway... Since we moved to the Kansas City area we are now 4 hours from Tulsa making it much easier for Trace and his friends to get together and have an actual face to face encounter rather than over their little headsets.

Right about now, I'm starting to get more than a bit jealous. I really want one of those headsets.

Just before Christmas break, two of Trace's friends came up for the weekend. It was such a success that word spread all around Tulsa that Trace's house was the place to be. So this past weekend, half of Tulsa showed up for a record long sleep over. Okay, it really wasn't half of Tulsa, more like a quarter. Six, count 'em, six guys ages 21 and 22 drove up from Tulsa Friday night to spend a long weekend at our house.

Here they all are on the staircase. The only one missing is Ross. He was invited for the photo op but refused. Notice Ryan sitting on Trace's lap, who jumped at the chance to hang out with the guys. From the bottom up: Rob, Jesse, Kevin, Michael, Dan, Bossett and Ryan and Trace. This is their "I'm totally cool because I can look pensive with my fist at my chin" pose. Oh, I forgot someone something. That's my duvet cover hanging over the railing behind them serving as a backdrop. Its freshly washed from a bit of puppy sabotage.

Jesse was departing on Sunday evening because he had to work on Monday. They guys just hung around in a circle talking about nothing. It was a total North Dakota Goodbye.*

*North Dakota Goodbye's are total folklore, told to me by Darrell who claimed to have experienced them many a time while he lived 9 years in North Dakota. Darrell said a NDG lasted about 3o minutes starting when the exiting person announced they were leaving until they actually left.

At one point, they moved back into the kitchen and before I knew it they were all standing there watching Yo Gabba Gabba. See, it really does draw audiences of all ages. Ryan is hanging out, literally, with his new buddy Kevin.

Jesse finally left and the guys retreated to their lair, where I pretty much refrained from entering.

One huge draw, other than Trace's mother's sparkling personality, is the pool table. I would wake up at 3 am and here the clink of pool balls 2 floors below. But that's pretty much all I heard. Eight guys in the basement who were up most of the night, were surprisingly quiet.

So where did all these guys sleep? I have no idea. I know air mattresses were involved, and Dan slept on the sofa upstairs, but the others... let's just say I didn't think it was a good idea to enter a room full of young 20 something guys unannounced. Just sayin'.

It was one of the easiest sleep overs I've ever hosted. They never asked me to cook for them, although I offered multiple times and they even brought some of their own snacks and beverages. As they all gathered this morning around 9:00 to hit the road, I made one last offer to make them pancakes (refused) and told them all they were welcome to return anytime. And I even meant it.

Trace is now experiencing the let down of the empty basement. Ryan is missing 6 extra buddies. Ross is enjoying the return of his bed and the girls are glad to have the air clear of the extra testosterone. Their not used to being out numbered.

20 comments:

Carey-Life in the Carpool Lane said...

So cute that they spent some time with Ryan...
Hope your older boys are feeling well loved after this post.

And for the record, you and your crazy brood are welcome to visit me in sunny So Cal anytime!

Upstatemamma said...

What a nice thing. Sounds like fun was had by all.

Unknown said...

that is great!!! reconnecting with old friends is always wonderful... i have a couple from my deep past i'd love to get in touch with! how wonderful your son got to hang out with all those buddies!!! and what a great mom you are for hosting it!!!!

Stellan Bracelets said...

That's living proof of what an awesome mom you are... Great post! Thanks for giving me a glimpse into what it might be like ten years from now at our house! We're already the local hangout, but I can't say much about how quiet our bunch is!!

momma said...

what a great time! sounds like they had a wonderful weekend!!

Aspiemom said...

You're one brave mama! A good one, too!

I enjoyed this post.

Shell in your Pocket said...

Wow..that is a lot of people in your house...how fun!
-sandy toe

Kristin said...

So I only have to wait 18 more years until I can enjoy a stressfree sleep over. Now I have something to look forward to.

Inspiration CAN be found EVERYWHERE said...

I'm so glad that things worked out so well (and you didn't have to do anything). The fact that they included Ryan - well that just proved to me that you HAVE raised some pretty awesome boys who have picked some awesome friends!

I'm also betting that Ryan felt just a little more "special" because he was included - felt even more part of the family. HE was WITH the GUYS!

Thanks also for the glimpse into the lives of your older boys - even though we already knew how much you loved them and just how proud of them you are. Here is their "proof" for all the world to see.

BloggessJ said...

Thanks for stopping by my blog this morning. Looks like the sleep over was a HUGE success. Adding you to my blog list too!

Jill from Killeny Glen said...

What a group!! Looks like a good time though. Bet they ate you out of house and home!

Cammie said...

your blog and your children are beautiful

Emilee Grace Co. said...

Thanks so much for visiting my blog. :) I love the look of yours. Very pretty. :)

Brandy said...

Sounds like it turned out pretty good. And what nice guys to include Ryan in their group.

I do the NDB all the time - I just never knew it had a name!

Impulsive Addict said...

Congrats on the giveaway @ Yaya's! Very cute blog! I love the little slide show of the family! How can I get one of those??

Megan said...

Haha That's awesome! Glad they were well behaved "boys" for ya! =)

Jesse, James and Lindsey's mom said...

Denise
I sent you an email..it came back. Can you email me at ktatakis@gci.net
Have some ? about your blog

The Johnson 5 said...

They look like a good bunch of boys! I love that Ryan even got in on the mix!!!

The big ones love the blog too, WHO KNEW??

Mei Mei s and Mayhem said...

sounds like fun, that will totally be my house in a few years!!!

Lula! said...

I LOVE that they were watching Yo Gabba Gabba. That show is whack...a total acid trip for kids. But it's hilarious to see all those strapping young men watching it.


p.s. Girl...tomorrow night. OH MY STARS, how exciting! Come hang with us on Sussing Out Lost...we'll be all twitterpated tomorrow and Thursday.