Adam singing

We have been trying to catch this on video for sometime now. I finally got it---No it is not Big Foot. Is it bad of parents to seek enjoyment out of their child's weirdness? Well Adam has a few things that just cracks us up--so I thought we would share them with you. He is singing for the Christmas concert at school and here is one of his songs. I also got a few of our favorite words of his on there as well. Not only is it how it sounds but also the facial expression he makes when saying them. I hope you all enjoy. Bousquet out!

Scotty turned 5!

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Man am I getting old. On Sunday Scott turned 5 years old. Where has the time gone? I suppose the same place my sleep has gone, I don't know but I miss it! I missed his party on Saturday night because I was in Ohio. Just picture Adam trying to throw a bowling ball down the lane and after pushing it he lays on his stomach with his hands under his chin, knees bent watching and watching and watching as the ball slowly rolls down the lane and smiling the whole time. But don't picture Scott getting a ball dropped on his foot or Charlie (Adams buddy) getting hit in the head by a ball. Luckily no ER visits due to Charlie being tough as nails. One of my boys would have cried about it for 2 months. After bowling was pizza and straight IV sugar. I think it was cupcakes but it looks like the little people circus was auditioning for some clowns. I got back on Sunday and we did a family thing with Aunt Stephanie and Francis as well as Nana and Papa Gerry. The boys were very happy to see them and not just because they brought toys. The best gift Scott got on Sunday was the Rubiks cube. Man I am tearing that thing up! He would say his favorite toy is the skateboard. He put on a show for us after only having it maybe 20 minutes. The kid is good... in his mind.

We'll miss you Grandpa

Well, This is the second time this year I have to put a shout out to a loved one. After a long struggle with his health the last year or so, Grandpa has passed away today and is now in a better place. My heart hurts for Mom and Dad, especially Mom. Even though we knew this was coming it doesn't make it easier. I want you all to reflect on how important your family is. Then give them a hug and tell them you love em. I will post later about some fond memories I have of Granpa, until then say a prayer for him and be thankful for what you got!

Don't put Daddy in charge!

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What do you get when you mix one so called adult, two eager to please boys, a little hair gel and some down time? Fun for the whole family. I think we could do anything to these two boys and they would still look cute. I don't know what was better watching the boys run around all excited about the new hairdo or the reaction from mom when she got home. Both were priceless. Maybe I am just living out my hair fantasy through them! If I only had some hair. I think that sounds like a song. Anyway, it could have been worse. I didn't use the clippers! The boys stayed that way the rest of the night. Scott said he wanted it to be like that for his Thanksgiving program (which he was an Indian). Shayla said Indians didn't have hair like that but I was first to remind her that yes they did.

Trick or Treat

We had plans for the boys to each be a Lego. Then Scott's plan trumped our plan. after hearing the boys in his class was ging to be a Ninja, Army man and Darth Vader, I guess a Lego is not cool enough. He decided to be a Tae Kwon Do man. That was an easy switch for us. We made Adam's costume with ease in mind. It was very simple and easy, right up my alley. They had a good time trick or treating but I think they had more fun passing out candy after getting home. Shayla, her parents and the boys stayed outside and passed candy out until people stopped coming. I was busy inside looking for razorbaldes, tampered candy and pencils in the candy. (Really I was looking for the chocolate and good stuff to hide from the boys.) 1 holiday down 2 to go. I almost forgot Scott's birthday as well on Dec 7th. Wake me up at the begining of '09.

Halloween

Here are a few pics of us boys and the pumpkins we carve. When I say we carve I mean Shayla and I carve while the boys run around the garage playing with toys. It was fun none the less. Scott's came down with a rare cleft lip that caused some extra space formed between his mouth and nose. We are not experienced enough for Scott because neither of us know how to make the eyebrows and the eyes without it looking like the pumpkin just saw a pie crust, whip cream and a knife. Adam didn't really have much to say about how his turned out. The forth pumpkin must have gotten into some pumpkin schnapps because it would not stand up by itself. That one found the trash can. I wonder if you can guess which one is mine? All I know is if they lose to Penn State Saturday there will be a video of me playing Babe Ruth to the pumpkin.

Still no luck with the video camera yet. It will come.

Back in the saddle!

Just a few bullets of the activities of the past couple months.

• Opened new office (very time consuming)
• Boys started school
• Shayla teaching science to preschoolers this year.
• Scott is up to a red stripe belt in TKD
• Adam has become a little Scott in way too many ways.
• Roof leak
• Vacation to the islands (for someone other than us!)
• Got a new camera and camcorder (don't know how to put it on computer yet)
• Tommy Bowden left (fired) Clemson
• I started reading a book. I don't know who Sam is but Sam I am!
• You notice I didn't say I finished a book
• We just passed the 1 year mark from putting Farley Down
• Adam is riding a big bike with training wheels

That is just a few things. So far the new office is going very well. It took a lot of work, patience and time but it is coming together. Once I get the camcorder online I will be rolling out the new videos of the boys doing their thing. Be on the lookout because they are in rare form these days.

Adam behind the pedals

Adam has finally decided to learn how to pedal. For the longest time he would not even try. The big wheel is a hit with him. Unfortunately when we tell him a car is coming he usually jumps off the bike and runs to the side of the road, completely abandoning the bike. I guess he figures it can take care of itself. That is a better reaction than riding more to the middle of the road though!

Update on Scott: He has learned to count to 10 in Korean and is ready for the next belt. I am trying to capture on video Scott and Adam counting in Korean. If I get it I should win something because that is the cutest thing ever and the most elusive thing ever. As soon as Adam knows we are listening he clams up and just smiles. All three start school in a couple weeks. I think Adam is ready and Scott already thinks he knows it all so this year should be a breeze for him. I worry more about Shayla! Let's say she puts a LITTLE pressure on herself at times like this. She thinks she is going to learn a lot this year (about science).

Adam singing

We have a song around here that I sang to the boys when they were little to get them asleep. Lately Adam likes to sing it while pretending to sleep. Here is his version of the song (you have to listen closely).
Lyrics: Nighty night, sleep tight, go to sleep little Adam. In the morning, when you wake up, everything will be alright.

New bike

Scott sporting his new bike! He loves it. We got it a couple of weeks ago. Thanks G and Papa. Shayla and I were talking about how much the boys have changed lately. Scott is riding a bike, going underwater at the pool with no problems. Adam is talking more than just 1 or 2 words at a time, he is staying in the nursery at church and willing to be away from mommy and daddy, he is counting to 13 and loosely saying his ABC's. What a great time to be a parent. They are both going to school in 3 weeks, Shayla to. Now if we can find them a job, they can help out around here. I almost forgot, Scott tested for his yellow stripe belt on Tuesday and passed. That is one proud boy. I am prouder though! Adam is soaking a lot of it in just watching them. How fun!

WAX ON, WAX OFF

Run! That is all I can say. We have entered the martial arts field. Scott has started taking Tae Kwon Do classes. What a hoot! Have you ever seen 15 4-5 year old have a seizure all at once? I thought I did but it was Scott's first class. And the yelling, to funny. When Adam goes with us he yells back at them. Almost like he knows what they are saying. He has been going for a week now and has 2 tips on his belt. Mean anything to you? Me either, but he is close to getting a yellow stripe belt. we practice at home and the entire family is involved. The yelling is the same but now it is positive yelling. I think Adam will be a black belt before his first class. Scott's school is having a group come here from Korea to do a demo. He and I are going to go. It should be fun. If anyone has any good martial art stories, we would love to hear them. Very good Danielson!

Wheels!

My latest funny conversation with Scott: As we were eating I asked him if he could spell "Banana". After sounding it out and a little help he made it. Then I asked him if he could spell "Nana" and he said "No but I can spell Mississippi".

Well, we got the great idea to take Scott down to the field in our park and let him try to ride his bike without training wheels! We tried one other time about 1 year ago. That was not good. Anyway he wanted to try so lets see what he can do. Him and I got there, I took off the training wheels, put every piece of safety equipment on him we could (I couldn't find safety glasses that fit him) got him sitting on the bike and push....gone like the wind! My first thought was we waited too long to do this. My second thought was I didn't teach him how to stop. It didn't matter, he just rode and rode and rode. By the time Shayla and Adam got to the park, Scott was on lap three. He got so excited, I mean I got so excited, I couldn't stand it. Adam and Shayla was cheering for him and his face was priceless. He looked like someone shoved a lemon in his mouth at 100 mph. These are videos of two days later. We are headed to a little cookout at Michael and Kay's for the 4th of July. In Scott's second video listen to the sound effects of the brakes at the end. Adam wanted to get in the mix so he decided to start riding a big boy scooter. He usually just carries it around. They both have grown up a lot lately. Adam got another hair cut. This time it only sounded like we were cutting an arm off, not killing him.

As for the other pic. I am proud to see my son practicing a trade I have put a lot of effort into perfecting. Man that looks like a good day! I wonder what he was watching before he went out? Probably Barney or Boz. The bad part was he had a stinky diaper and Shayla had to change him and lay him back down without waking him. She's good, of course he didn't wake up. Well it is time for me to assume the position, let me get the remote!

BTW If you think the pics are small, you can click on them to make them bigger!

Pirate vs Hulk

Here are some pics of the post vacation activities. In an effort to be more green and decrease my carbon footprint I have started letting the kids play in the sprinklers. Two birds with one stone... I am getting my grass watered but also the kids get their water fun in too. The only drawback is that the sprinklers start at 5:00 am. The boys are a little slow moving in the beginning but they finally wake up!

Also the Marvel-Disney man came to visit and we ended up with a pirate and the Hulk. I am not sure what game was played but I bet it ended in a fight for the Clifford costume! Check back soon to see what mischief finds the boys.

COOL DUDE!

Here are a few more pics of the boys on vacation at Nana's house. It doesn't get any cuter, at least that is what Shay and I think.

BUMMER!

Well we made it to Florida. Overall a good flight, once Adam fell asleep. Right now we can't do enough for the boys. But I do have to tell you about yesterdays events. We waited for Aunt DeeDee to get off work so we could go over to her house to go swimming. We had a boogie board, kick board , 2 new swim suits to try out and to show how good we are at swimming. Things are going well and Adam jumps into the pool but nobdy was ready and down he goes. Aunt DeeDee grabs him and we all cheer (to not freak him out). That must have gotten Scott excited so he decided to jump in as well. He landed on top of my head with his chin. After the screaming and crying (by everyone) settled down it was time to take Scott to the ER for a little glue for his chin. He did a wonderful job handling all of the events. By dinner time we were back home talking and playing like nothing had happened. That explains the pictures. Well, Adam wanted a pic of his chin taken as well. Hopefully that is the end of any emergency visits.

Slugger

We got Arnie in training camp now. Here is a video of him getting some BP (batting practice) in before bed time. I think we will keep the names Arnie and Carlos during the season (kind of like using an alias at the hotel for visiting teams). We are getting ready for a long road trip. The first flight as a family! We are going to Florida. Nana and Papa Gerry should be child proofing the house right now. Look out, here we come. I figure Scott will have contol of the plane by taxi time and Adam is the inflight entertainment. Bring on the mini bottles! We have gotten Adam use to the pool but how he handles the sand touching him is yet to be known. I'll keep you informed.

Summer time!

Well the heat is here. Here are some pics of the boys eating some watermelon. Adam loves it, Scott not so much. We have had a busy weekend putting up lights and fans, working on the flower bed. I'm looking forward to go to work to get some rest! I should be posting some video of Carlo's brother Arnie as he calls himself hiting the tee-ball. He throws right handed and bats left handed.

It's been a while

Well a lot has happened since my last blog. Mainly Geegee and Papa was in town. Other things of note: Scott's first horseback ride, Scott finished Tee ball (no call from the majors yet), Scott is finishing school (no call from Harvard yet), went to Columbia zoo, found out Adam loves Tee ball and our babysitters left on Wednesday. Here are a few pictures and video of the last week. I hope you enjoy watching as much as we had making them.

Here is Scott's Tee ball team getting they're trophies (second from left). He walked around with it for two days saying "I'm proud of my trophy".

The horse Scott is sitting on is Graybar (From my ride earlier). Scott loved the farm, Adam didn't! He did like sitting in the car watching tv though. Scott got to ride a tractor, horse, tour the stable area, ask a bazillion questions and look for snakes. He had a good time. I highly recommend checking out Black Horse Run if you are in the area. Call Mr Cooper at 864-862-2282

The video is Adam and Scott dancing to the music being played at the Columbia Zoo right after eating some sugar (ice cream). I don't think they will be asked to perform anytime soon, they get that from Daddy.

Brotherly Love

These kind acts between brothers do not happen very often so I had to take a pic while I could. For whatever the reason the boys stopped hitting, wrestling, pestering, yelling at and copying each other long enough to show a little love. Here is a pic that proves it really does happen sometimes. I think maybe I scared them by telling them Papa was coming into town and if they were bad he would spank them. Papa, back me on this one. Thanks.

Mud for days

Well this is a pic of the last time I saw Stephanie. As far as I know she is still alive. The race was very challenging. I didn't expect it to be that difficult. I am proud of her and her team. Mark actually goes to Church with me. I didn't know he was their teammate until at the pasta dinner on Friday. I don't have any pics of my team yet but they will soon be here. Scott did the kids run. Here is a little video of Commando Carlos during his race! We taught him to tell the boys that are helping him "OO-RAH". My team did well but I still have mud stuck in my.......ears! Mostly the damage was scratches on my arms and legs but I would love to do it again. There are two in September so everyone get a team ready!

HAIRCUT!

Mission has finally been accomplished. Adam has a new haircut. We had to close the windows, turn music on really loud and everyone sing at the top of our lungs so the neighbors could not hear Adam screaming. I thought they might call authorities. I am noticing a trend about the fear of authorities coming to the house due to our style of parenting. Anyway, the bathroom was about 200* F by the time we were done, Adam looked like a tomato and Shayla was holding him on her lap so she looked like she had been rolling in the trash of a hair salon. In the video he is telling you the sound the clippers make. But afterward a couple chocolate chips cookies help calm him down. Here are the before and after the torture. I hope this lasts awhile because none of us want to do it again any time soon.

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SPARKLE AND GRAY BAR

Anyone know what those two have in common? Your right! It was the names of the horses Shayla and I rode on Saturday. What a great experience. Jerry Cooper was our horse whisperer. He was great. When we got there we talked a bit then decided to get Shayla mounted on Sparkle, with the help of a bucket! It took a few minutes to get the steering down but I thought Shay did a great job. Once we all got on our horses, he took us through some trails on his property. It was beautiful. We took them down into a creek, through a few fields and ended up at a backdrop of a big hill that just turns to sky at the top. It looked amazing. We then went to the top of the hill and on the other side was an 100 acre lake. After that we headed back towards the house. A few times he picked up the pace and got the horses trotting. Those two were on walking horses and I was on a part walking/ part quarter horse. He was a little bumpy but once he got into a canter ( I called it 3rd gear) he was much smoother. Shayla had a little trouble with Sparkle because all she wanted to do was stop and eat the greenery (Sparkle did). Not only was it good for us to do that together but Sherri watched the boys and Adam had no trouble with her. We were a little afraid how that would go but we had full confidence that she would not tell us if it was bad. All three were alive and having fun when we got home so that was a blessing as well. We plan on taking the boys to Jerry's farm to see the horses sometime. I have his cards so if anyone in the area wants to do it, I highly recommend it. Shayla does to.

Memere

Well as most of you know we lost my grandmother 2 weeks ago. Last Saturday was the funeral. What a great celebration of her life. I have had a chance to reflect on my memories of her. Some of the fondest: The way she could say "Robert" in one syllable, never visiting her without her making a 5 course meal, square dancing, her tears every time we left, Mac and Cheese (need I say more), the car wash style showers in Mt Vernon to clean the 4 kids and mostly her genuine love. I know there are many more so please share yours with us!

WE LOVE YOU, WE MISS YOU MEMERE.

Conversation with a 4 year old!

"Good morning Daddy, Do you want to go downstairs to eat breakfast?"
"Not right now but in a few minutes."
"OK, when we go down will you carry me?"
"How about you carry me?"
"I can't carry you, you are too heavy. But Mommy said I could if we were in space because there is no gravity there! Here there is gravity and you are too heavy."
"Excuse me? How do you know about gravity?"
"I don't know, I just do."

I think he might pass me in the knowledge department in a couple years.

Have you ever had one of these days?

I don't know about you but not me. I never let those two mix. He held out as long as he could. In other news, the new bedroom is working out great so far. Both boys have done a great job sleeping and staying in their own bed. Finally something worked!

Scott's, sorry Carlo's, tee ball season has been tested by the forces of nature. About every other game is rained out. This might make the season run into December. He is doing well, when he wants to that is. The road rash on his face is just about gone so he will be resuming his modeling career real soon.

Coming next will be a picture of Adam's hair, before and after haircut! He runs from me when anything is mentioned about his hair. I hope it comes soon but I'm not holding my breath.

Major Leaguer

The time has come that everyone has been waiting for. The arrival of Scott (my jersey is a dress on me) Bousquet. You can't stop him, just don't get in his way. The way Tee ball goes here is the coach pitches 5-6 balls, if he doesn't hit it they bring out the tee. The coaches get a lot of practice pitching on one knee! I just so happen to have gotten some underground video of a youngn' out of S.C. that is pretty handy with a bat. If only the cameraman was good with the camera. His brother did a good job cheering for him. Word is there is a baller up in Pa that can play a mean game (if properly equipped with the right socks). Let's see some action!


Two other points of interest 1. He now wants to change his name....to Carlos! 2. Carlos told me today when I asked him if he just "tooted" that no it was a yawn from his bottom. I stood corrected.

If it's not one thing...

Don't go calling authories. Scott was at Shayla's work and was pushing a toy car while running. I guess the car stopped and he did not. After using his face as a brake, Scott learned why they have the no running rule there. Poor little man thought it would be completely healed by morning. It looks better today. When someone asks him what happened, I told him to say "You should see the other boy."

Moment of peace

This is the only quiet time at our house. We try to enjoy it when it happens. Adam's big boy bed is going well. The new bedroom is almost finished so they will be in the same room. Maybe that will stop Adam from finding his way to our room. Once the room is done we will post a pic of it. It is as blue as the bathroom is orange! I don't know if they will be able to sleep in it.



Also today is Shayla's 21st birthday AGAIN. We don't have much planned, hang out as a family and play. Her and I are going horseback riding on Saturday. Giddy-up! Anyone know a good chiropractor?

Testing, Testing, 1-2-3

Alright here I go. Here are a few pics of the boys. Some may not have seen them in a while. This is Adam at his 2nd birthday and here is Scott getting ready for his minor league debut! Scott had his first Tee ball game on Monday. He did great! It was fun for all of us but I was tired by the end of the game. Keeping 10 4 year olds on the field and paying attention to the batter is like trying to nail Jello to a tree. He has another game Saturday with pictures before the game. In Adams world, he slept in his big boy bed (toddler bed) last night for the first time. He woke up a few times and was climbing into our bed at 5:40 AM but he did better than we thought he would do. Lets hope he continues with it. I think you can leave comments on here somehow so we would like to hear from everyone. What's new?

First Time

What am I thinking? Trying my hand at blogging!? Well maybe it will work out. If nothing else the family gets to see more of the boys. I hope to learn quickly how to: post pics, use spell check, sound cohearant, add some bling to the site and at least entertain myself if not others. Look to hear from me soon with something interesting!
That wasn't so bad!