New Zips

I'm a lucky boy.  I have more family than the average Joe, so when it comes time for gifts, I'm a popular recipient.   My Aunt Sue was there with me in Texas for Christmas, and came through with a very boring gift card for me.  I didn't see the appeal at the time.   Now I know that those boring cards can be traded for fabulous items!   Example:  My new Nike Shox that Mom ordered from Zappos for me!  I'm a sneaker snob, and these Shox are going to make the other kids so jelly.  They are a little too big, so they will unfortunately go deep into the recesses of some closet, only to be introduced again when my foot is chubbier, and I've completely forgotten about them.  It's the gift that gives twice!  Thanks Aunt Sue!

Ancient Chinese Secret

After much searching, I've discovered what the old "ancient Chinese secret" is!    What I've learned from the Chinese is how to set up a beautiful buffet presentation for an affordable price, and that crustaceans CAN be served with their eyeballs still attached.   However, if one is observant you will discover the hidden gem of the Chinese Buffet:   the pan of Tapioca pudding nestled between the weird cookies that nobody eats and the other weird dessert that nobody eats.    In true Jack fashion, I've learned to maximize my experience by double spooning.   To be a Barnes is to be an efficient eater, and I've learned from some pros.

Snow Day! Sort of!

Ok, so this will be a snow day post, but with no pictures of snow.  Because there wasn't any.   NC has what we call "weather events," and nobody can ever really gauge how serious they will be because all the really competent meteorologists avoid this state like the Bermuda Triangle.  So when they say we will get 2-4 inches, you're usually good for a trace amount.  Or none.  Or like the time in 2005 when we were supposed to get a dusting, and it turned into freezing rain and took Dad 10 hours to get home from work. (8 hours for Mom.)   I wasn't around for that, but it's still talked about with much reverence and head shaking.

So why the picture of me eating a doughnut hole?  Because Mom brought home a box of Munchkins and let me try one for the first time.    I can play in the non-snow another time.   And just on the off-chance you DO get snowed in, you better have some Munchkins on hand.   It's this thing they call food storage, and I think the concept is brilliant.

Admire my handiwork...?

At the request of the lovely Sister Brown, here is a snap of me showing off my work.   Didn't turn out too bad, if I do say so....   Yes, I have bedhead from a late nap, and I'm drinking a bottle.   Don't judge.  Big boys sometimes need a bottle, ok?  

No photo. You'll thank me later.

So Mom is really annoyed with me.   I have two new habits, neither one of them seems to be very popular.

1.  4:30am seems like a reasonable time to wake up.

2.  I've discovered my nose, and how to pick it.  I especially like to do it in public.

Dog Pile

Long before I came along, Dad was the foundation for many dog-piles with the nieces and nephews.  I'm proud to help carry on the tradition.

Daddy's big helper

When there's action that involves tools, and other man stuff, I like to be involved.  As you've read before, I possess an hefty amount of supervisory experience, and this task was no different.  I'm a hands-on foreman.

Mom's on her third disposal in 10 years, and while she was at it, she wanted to replace her sink as well.  And if you're replacing a sink, you might as well get a new faucet.  Sort of like in the "if you give a mouse a cookie" book.  Mom thinks big.   I like that.

Here I am making sure this project unfolds in a timely manner....

I'm fairly sure that the TV remote will come in handy somehow.

Ok, so this last one is not really one of my prouder moments, but I like to be transparent. I'm convinced any time Dad goes out to the garage, he's doing something really manly and important without me.  Clearly, the only recourse I have is to act like a two year old.  Right?

22 months!

I'm 22 months old, and trying really hard to show my parents that the terrible twos are a myth!     I've come off of a very exciting month of travel and sickness and holidays and change, and I'm growing as fast as ever.  Here's what I'm up to:
1. I ate pizza!  See new years post down below.
2.  I'm talking much more.  I've picked up about 10 new words, and will try to mimic anything you ask me to say.   Some of my best are "Nandy" for candy, and "Daddy, ARE you?"  for daddy where are you.  
3. I usually look forward to getting my flintstone vitamin after I eat my dinner, and I asked for it by name last night!  
4.  I'm VERY good at going to bed, and will point to my room or my bed when I'm ready to go there.  You might not be finished with me, but I'm finished with you.  Goodnight!
5.  I have a fantastic memory.   I remember exactly where you think you hid something from me.  I also remember what that ONE oreo tasted like all those months ago, and know where those are hidden too.
6.  Three new teeth coming in!   I should have almost a full mouth of them after this.
7.  I don't like it when mom and dad hug each other.   She's mine, and I'll try to break that business up PRONTO.  Same goes for holding other peoples babies.   Give that kid back- I'm the only "baby" in your life.
8.  Speaking of Mom loyalty, I will scream blooooooody murder if dad happens to be the one to come get me out of bed.   I love my Daddy, but I prefer my Mom in the morning.  She's softer, smells nice, and knows the morning routine better.
9.  Speaking of beds, I'm still in my crib, and perfectly content.  I've never once considered trying to break out.
10.  Now that I know I can get ice cream at Golden Corral, there's no reason to eat any of that other stuff.  No reason at all....
Cheers!
Jack

Oh yeah, and HOCKEY'S BACK!!!!     Go Canes!!!!

A New Year!

What better way to start the New Year, than back in your own home, and headed to WalMart.   Mom doesn't normally enjoy the WalMart experience, (we're Target people, you know!) but will go for the low prices. Dad is more down to earth than Mom, and needed some supplies at the Wally.   Mom dressed me up in my best camo so I'd fit in, and off we went!   New Years Day at the Walmart..  YOOOHOOOOOO!

I threw this last one in for you as a surprise    Believe me, nobody was more surprised that Mom and Dad when I picked up this piece of pizza off Mom's plate and started eating it!!!   It's a new year!   I can try ONE new thing!!!!!    Happy New Year everyone!!!