tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post875409388785914982..comments2024-03-28T04:09:03.481-07:00Comments on My New Happy: The Gathering PlaceMy New Happyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00912544717011410371noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-43874809132833568572014-07-15T22:55:41.381-07:002014-07-15T22:55:41.381-07:00Thank you so much! It does make me happy that the...Thank you so much! It does make me happy that these boys feel this is a safe place to hang out.My New Happyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00912544717011410371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-8887195006920028042014-07-15T07:44:15.848-07:002014-07-15T07:44:15.848-07:00Hi Lana, I think it is so cool that your kids frie...Hi Lana, I think it is so cool that your kids friends are comfortable hanging out in your home. So often teens don't have a safe place to spend time and end up getting into situations they can't handle. I am sure you feel like they may eat you out of house and home ... or burn it down ;) but you are doing an amazing thing for those boys. Hang in there!Jodi Hickenlooperhttp://mindyouryouth.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-40229597204836919062014-07-13T21:54:07.402-07:002014-07-13T21:54:07.402-07:00Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! ...Thank you so much for taking the time to comment! I completely agree that you can get lost in parenting sometimes, and forget to take care of yourself. We definitely set boundaries and so far I don't feel taken advantage of. I did exaggerate some of my points for the sake of the story. With five kids you definitely have experience, and I appreciate your perspective!Lanahttp://www.twoteensandtheirmama.com/noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-71580789368793232502014-07-13T21:50:57.585-07:002014-07-13T21:50:57.585-07:00At the end of the day I do love it. Teen stomachs...At the end of the day I do love it. Teen stomachs seem to be endless pits - girl or boy!My New Happyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00912544717011410371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-79105986588394251012014-07-13T21:50:10.295-07:002014-07-13T21:50:10.295-07:00Thank you so much! My hope is that they will have...Thank you so much! My hope is that they will have fond memories of having their friends here.My New Happyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00912544717011410371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-57250246218232137182014-07-12T14:22:25.904-07:002014-07-12T14:22:25.904-07:00It's evident from your post that you care abou...It's evident from your post that you care about these boys. And you might be the only one who does for some of them. What you do is an amazing thing. But please also take care of you. There are compromises you could set that would take care of you and them.<br /><br />Choose a few nights each month and let your kids know in advance that those are family only. They can let their friends know ahead of time and it shouldn't be a problem. Feeding them is great, but don't try to fill them. Teenage boys don't get full. Maybe have a set amount of food for each evening and let everyone know that when that's gone -- that's it. They could bring snacks with them to supplement. Don't be afraid to end an activity. Just because they still have firecrackers and want to keep lighting them doesn't mean you just have to sit and wait. When you start to reach your limit, tell them they have five more minutes. Then stick to it and tell them it's time to move on to another activity.<br /><br />I have five kids, 16-23. I know how easy it is to get lost in this process. I also know how enjoyable it is to know their friends like you and feel comfortable in your home. But if you are going to play mom for them, don't be afraid to really mother them. Set the limits that allow you to care for them without feeling taken advantage of.<br /><br />And designate a night or two when the basement will be a date night for you and your husband. It's great to have all the kids there, but it's also important to enjoy your home alone sometimes.<br /><br />Best wishes. I hope you have a lovely weekend. Happy Sharefest!Robinhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09083941215123554455noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-54922142584942143782014-07-12T00:44:23.429-07:002014-07-12T00:44:23.429-07:00This is our house right now -- except I have teen ...This is our house right now -- except I have teen girls. And, when they're all together with friends, they eat a lot -- well, maybe not as much as boys! But, I'm with you -- I wouldn't have it any other way! :)Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01855451288844654797noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-85910751113954090972014-07-12T00:16:01.841-07:002014-07-12T00:16:01.841-07:00I love hearing stories like this, Lana. When the b...I love hearing stories like this, Lana. When the boys were younger, we were THAT house. I loved it. I wouldn't have had any other way. They really love that we were that way and appreciate that they have those memories in our home. You're doing a great thing for them.Topazhttp://artofabeautifullife.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-63678525632769519242014-07-11T23:26:35.474-07:002014-07-11T23:26:35.474-07:00I've decided not to think about the food bill ...I've decided not to think about the food bill :)My New Happyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00912544717011410371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-61537396935803731342014-07-11T23:26:03.989-07:002014-07-11T23:26:03.989-07:00You're right - parenting is a learn as you go,...You're right - parenting is a learn as you go, one step at a time job! I can't believe how fast time has gone - I feel like my boys were babies just yesterday. Thanks for stopping by - nice to meet you!My New Happyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00912544717011410371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-78276442670836203522014-07-11T12:46:17.119-07:002014-07-11T12:46:17.119-07:00My house was the same - my son had a group of 8 an...My house was the same - my son had a group of 8 and more often than not they were here. I loved it and loathed it at the same time! And I wouldn't want to know how much money we spent on food during high school...Sharon Greenthalhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06341769570752679625noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-27661828932004591362014-07-11T08:58:09.100-07:002014-07-11T08:58:09.100-07:00Funny and endearing at the same time, Lana! I onl...Funny and endearing at the same time, Lana! I only have one boy and I'm terrified of him turning into a teenager. I still have a few years before that happens but time flies by so fast, doesn't it? It's great that these boys are polite and clean up after themselves. I would really REALLY hate it if they weren't. I would freak out completely, esp. since I'm sort of a neat freak. So, kudos to you for being able to do all these things! And you're right. It's best that you have your boys with you than not know what they're up to or who they hang out with. Parenting is tough and we really just have to figure out what works for us, one step at a time. ;-) Joy Page Manuelhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00869379846706830802noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-40512602065589642882014-07-10T22:26:18.429-07:002014-07-10T22:26:18.429-07:00Thanks Deena!Thanks Deena!My New Happyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00912544717011410371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-25438766439842472992014-07-10T22:26:09.807-07:002014-07-10T22:26:09.807-07:00I know I will miss them when they're gone. It ...I know I will miss them when they're gone. It will be nice to open the fridge and see food in there though :)My New Happyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00912544717011410371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-10108229734888941682014-07-10T22:25:33.369-07:002014-07-10T22:25:33.369-07:00Thank you Leslie. It's mostly a blessing, I a...Thank you Leslie. It's mostly a blessing, I agree!My New Happyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00912544717011410371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-10368199069617324342014-07-10T22:24:57.003-07:002014-07-10T22:24:57.003-07:00Well, they like my husband's cooking :) If I ...Well, they like my husband's cooking :) If I cooked for them they probably wouldn't come back! My New Happyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00912544717011410371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-27232656867844975092014-07-10T22:24:30.573-07:002014-07-10T22:24:30.573-07:00Thank you Susan. We've seen a lot of our olde...Thank you Susan. We've seen a lot of our older son's friends this summer, so I'm sure the younger ones will be back too!My New Happyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00912544717011410371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-38112197459277050182014-07-10T22:23:43.901-07:002014-07-10T22:23:43.901-07:00I totally agree - I love all the activity! Thank ...I totally agree - I love all the activity! Thank you for stopping by1My New Happyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00912544717011410371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-76780474636212179512014-07-10T22:23:10.559-07:002014-07-10T22:23:10.559-07:00Oh my goodness - four boys! Sounds like fun at yo...Oh my goodness - four boys! Sounds like fun at your house :) I'm constantly amazed at how much food my teenage boys can consume. Thanks so much for the nice comment!My New Happyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00912544717011410371noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-14622211529717826932014-07-10T21:09:52.239-07:002014-07-10T21:09:52.239-07:00Brilliant post, so very well written!Brilliant post, so very well written!Deena @Shoes to Shirazhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18190429869620705200noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-56352055626019274462014-07-10T19:37:23.683-07:002014-07-10T19:37:23.683-07:00This brought back great memories as I always had a...This brought back great memories as I always had a group of people at my house. My son and daughter always had their friends gather at our house. I miss those days. Enjoy them and know they will always remember these times. thanks for sharingKathyhttp://www.bloomingburghboomer.comnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-10356588677373839102014-07-10T19:18:37.185-07:002014-07-10T19:18:37.185-07:00Such a blessing (and possibly an annoyance, too). ...Such a blessing (and possibly an annoyance, too). My stepbrothers were a lot like that with my Mom’s house. They always had 2/3 of the football/soccer team over on any given weekend. And were of course always rewarded with big breakfasts of French toast and pancakes. But like you said, it only lasts a few years – and just think of the fond memories you and your boys will have as a result!Lesliehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14692368188552491504noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-21028974891913636612014-07-10T18:13:05.731-07:002014-07-10T18:13:05.731-07:00I think it's great that you have the space to ...I think it's great that you have the space to host them! It sounds like they like your cooking, too! normaleverydaylifehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16148273819794381557noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-86355214720219284712014-07-10T12:41:32.615-07:002014-07-10T12:41:32.615-07:00The mat by my front door usually is filled with sh...The mat by my front door usually is filled with shoes as well! As many times as I may stumble over them, I am glad that they are there!<br />I am sure you won't be getting rid of those boys any time soon - too much fun and too much good food will always keep them there! Great post! Susan https://www.blogger.com/profile/15294204009310379754noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3476608325432503181.post-55839181564474295282014-07-10T11:45:43.868-07:002014-07-10T11:45:43.868-07:00Perfect! I love having kids around and people in a...Perfect! I love having kids around and people in and out. Oh, once in a while a quiet day is a nice change of pace but I'll take kids any day of the week! You are blessed!Sinea Pieshttp://www.ducksnarow.comnoreply@blogger.com