To hear 17 teenagers talking, laughing, and generally sounding like a busload of, well teenagers makes me smile. Most parents would be cringing...not me. Well maybe when I heard something crash to the floor...then it's only an object.
The political views, the personal views on a number of subjects, and the overall antics of teens. Wow, I don't think I could do that again. One especially reminds me of one that I 'grew up' with. Yep sounds just like him! Loud, opinionated and overall......a teen. Then there is another young fellow - more shy than the others it would seem. But I am sure he will soon begin to feel more comfortable among the others and us.
I have used this time wisely by wrapping gifts and catching up with friends on-line. As I sit here typing away I hear male voices approaching from downstairs. Wait it's two of them carrying a third! "My arms are falling asleep" D. reports to the others.
J. approaches me to inquire if I have any wrapping paper. Not my good stuff he says and only if I have extra. I tell him to help himself to the 'penquin' roll and off he goes. Wait, my scissers and tape have gone too...what are they up to?
Here they all come....noisily up the stairs. They are having a gift swap (yankee swap). One of the gifts is wrapped in my penquin paper. Yep, the poor fellow that they carried upstairs is lying on my kitchen floor. He will be a 'gift' for a period of 24 hours wherein he has to do what his recipient asks...such imaginations they have!! *Smiles*
Post update: 5 hours later and I am still sane. Yeah me! And considering that there were that many of them, the mess isnt' bad either. I hope they come back another day.
Sadly, at 4'8" I can't reach a lot of things - even in my own kitchen. 
