Christmas 2008, brought to you by Jesus and Santa

Since I know you're all waiting with great anticipation...yes, that nice, big, red-suited Santa man did in fact bring my little monorail set! After waking up Christmas morning and being greeted by the mountain of gifts from Santa, Mom and Dad, I was pretty excited. He ate both of the reindeer cookies I left for him, drank the apple juice (something told me Santa isn't much of a milk drinker) and left a cool note just for me. He even went the extra mile and filled my Christmas stocking with not one, but TWO real-life Wonka bars!

I must admit, I had some doubts for awhile. I opened present after present without any sign of the monorail. But because there was so much other neat stuff, it didn't bother me too much. When I got down to the last gift, Mom said she'd double check the Christmas tree and sure enough, one more box with my name on it. So here's a shout out to Mr. Claus...you really came through for me, man. I owe you one.

That pretty much set the tone for a great day altogether. We got dressed and headed out to visit the family at Great-Grandpa's house. I couldn't wait to show cousin Alyssa my monorail. But as soon as I got there, she was handing me even more gifts, so it was a paper-ripping party all over again! Then all us cousins huddled up for some Rock Band action, featuring Dad as the lead singer. That must be where I get my stage presence from.

Soon we were on the road again, stopping for a quick visit with Ama and Auntie. I owe a lot of my style points to those two, who keep my wardrobe well stocked for Christmas. And they sure came through again this time.

When we finally settled at Papa's house there were (I bet you guessed it by now)...more presents. But not until after I sat in Papa's lap for the annual reading of the Christmas story from the bible. Nana, Papa, Uncle Chaka, Dad, Mom, Kaitlin and I all listened as Papa read about the baby Jesus and then we prayed. It was a nice, quiet moment before I got to tear more paper!

By the end of the day I was still happy about receiving the monorail I had asked for, but even more thrilled to have such a big and loving family. Sure, the presents are always fun, but each one of those packages represents someone who loves me to pieces, and it's pretty hard not to smile about that. So my biggest thanks go out to YOU! You all really know how to make a guy feel special.

I hope your Christmas was as filled to the brim with goodness and love as mine was. And if you ask real nicely, I'll let you come over and play with the little monorail set.

It's beginning to look a lot like...SANTA'S COMING!

I don't know if you've all heard about this, but apparently there's this man who lives on top of the world, wears a big red suit and once a year flies around the world in a sleigh pulled by reindeer, delivering presents to all the children. Why didn't someone tell me about this sooner? I mean yes, there are some criteria I guess. Like you have to be good and cut down on the tantrums and climbing on the furniture. But still, this is the greatest thing I've ever heard!

Mom and Dad have told me all about the real meaning of Christmas. I know about the baby Jesus. In fact, I tell Mom all the time that He's a friend of mine. And since He's the one who gives us all that we have, including our family and friends (even the crazy ones), I'm glad that celebrating His birthday is a really big deal. I wish we could throw Happy Birthday Jesus parties all year long! Cuz everyone seems to feel so warm and friendly and loving at this time of year. It would be nice if that lasted more than a month.

But getting back to this Santa character, I'm completely intrigued. I mean, the physics alone for this big man and a sleigh full of presents flying all over the world...it's baffling! How does he do it all in one night? How does he get into the houses with no chimney? Does he have to GoogleEarth all of the addresses? Sheesh!

Since it's all too much for me to figure out right now, let me just say what I'm really hoping is that he was paying attention all those times I told him about the little Monorail set I want. Like when I sat in his lap at the Tree Festival. Or when I yelled it out while he was riding by in the Holiday Magic Parade at Disneyland. I'm sure he's a smart guy, but he must get requests by the billions, so I had to make sure I was clear. It's not the big Monorail with all the little people and the elevated track. I just want the little one that I can hold in one hand. And I'm being very clear here because Mom says that Santa is always watching, so if you're reading this, Mr. Claus, sir, it's the LITTLE Monorail set. I would be most appreciative. And I'm sorry about that time I threw a tantrum refusing to wash my hands. I hope you won't keep that on my permanent record.

Ok, now that I've taken care of the business portion of the program, here are some pictures from all my fun Christmas adventures. I hope that you have been enjoying the season as much as I have. And I hope that, most importantly, you give and get lots of hugs and smiles this Christmas. If you're running low, just give me a call. I've got plenty to spare.

Merry Christmas!

Would You Like Fries With That?

It's been pretty exciting around our house lately. Mom got a call from the agency about an audition for a McDonald's commercial! I was ready to hop in the car immediately, I thought for sure Ronald McDonald himself would be waiting for me. After Mom explained that Ronald wouldn't be there and that it didn't involve an all-you-can-eat french fry buffet, I decided I could wait until the next day to see what it was all about.

Getting to the audition was quite an adventure. Thankfully me and Froggy had the back seat to ourselves while Mom and Dad attempted to navigate Hollywood. It was a pretty close call but after a couple of phone calls to the agency and some "discussions" between Mom and Dad, we finally found the place. We waited awhile and made friends with some of the other kids that were waiting. Then when it was my turn, I jumped up and headed into the audition room with Billy, who was standing in as my TV Dad. Everybody seemed pretty happy with me and before we left, Billy told Mom, "He's done this before, I can tell. He was smooth." Was there ever any doubt?

A few days after the audition, the agency called Mom and said that I was "on hold" and they wanted to check my schedule. I remembered some of this kind of talk from the Target commercial. Mom seemed to handle that one pretty well so I left all the details in her capable hands. Right after Thanksgiving, we got the call that I was booked! There was new talk this time about this being a "union job." I don't really know what that means, but Mom and Dad were pretty excited about it.

The day of the shoot involved a lot more waiting around. Mom, Dad and I sat on the couch watching all the actors and actresses for the commercial come in and try on lots of clothes. We thought I was going to have to do the same thing, but it turned out all they needed me to do was stand in front of a green screen and take pictures. And I was ready for them! I did really well...until I noticed the big, cool Christmas tree of lights on top of the Capitol Records building. You can't blame me for being distracted by that.

No news yet on when the commercial will air or where you'll see my picture in it. But I'll have my people call your people when we have details.

To Infinity and Beyond

Mom's always said I'm a pretty amazing guy. So I thought it only appropriate that my Halloween costume should reflect that this year. No offense to Tyrone, Mickey Mouse or Nemo...you are all really cool guys and I'm a huge fan. But I think you'll agree I make a darn good Buzz Lightyear (if I do say so myself).

I'm sure it's not a big surprise that we attended Mickey's Trick or Treat Party at California Adventure again this year. But I do have to say that I think I raised the cool factor this year. I mean, last year I had the Mickey costume with the one floppy ear and the high water pants. That's to be expected from a three-year-old I guess. But at age four, you've gotta raise your game.

I had a great time with Mom, Dad and big sis Kaitlin. We hit all the Treat Stops, rode some rides and watched Goofy and the gang shakin' it during the parade. Kaitlin even bought me a balloon that looked just like me! She was by far the hit of the park in her peacock costume. Everywhere we went people took notice. So I had to be on guard, make sure everybody knew to keep their distance...step back, fellas, she's with me.

I'm already working on my costume for next year. Mom won't let me be Pippi Longstocking, so I guess that's out. Though I do have a year to work on her. Keep your eyes open for a red braided wig and long striped socks, just in case.

...and eat it too.

Mom says I'm a "miracle." I don't remember all that well, but apparently I faced a lot of challenges pretty early on. As she tells it, I was born two months early and had to spend my first few weeks outside of the belly in the hospital. She says babies are supposed to grow inside their moms (which is a wacky concept to begin with!) for nine months so that they're fully developed and healthy and ready to meet the world.

But I beg to differ. I mean, look at me! Do I look any worse for the wear? The way I see it, I must have been ready. As far as I'm concerned, four years ago today, I got wise to the fact that I was missing a lot just swimming around in that belly and I decided it was time to make a move. See some sights. Live a little.

And just look at me now! I can jump backwards on the trampoline in gymnastics class! I can pick up piles of dirt with my dumptruck and move them to...uh...other piles of dirt! I can read tons of words, I can sing, and I'm an excellent dancer. Oh, and Nana called yesterday to tell Dad that she saw my Target commercial on TV during Oprah!

So I say I'm doin' alright. Four years ago today was the perfect time for me to make my grand entrance. Besides, I'm anything but typical. Mom says I look for the hardest way to do things, so I guess I've just been a challenge seeker since day one. As a matter of fact, today, on my birthday, I decided I can squeeze in a commercial shoot for Google and FirstBook on my way out to Disneyland! I think the line that Dad's been teaching me is appropriate for this situation..."That's just how I roll, kids."

Life is good, folks. God's been watching out for me every step of the way. And from what Mom and Dad tell me, so have all of you. I'm a lucky guy to have such great friends. So thanks for making my first four years such a blast. And stay tuned...Mom says we never know what surprises are in store. Exciting stuff, huh?

Now if you'll excuse me, I've gotta get started on my day. Don't wanna keep the big mouse waiting!

Ladies and Gentlemen...

...may I present...MYSELF!!!

As if I wasn't cool enough before...

That's right, people. Meet my new Chucks. Those of you long time readers may remember these.

Back in Business

Ladies and gentlemen (but especially you ladies)...I'M BAAAAAAAAAACCKKK!!!

Don't touch that dial. Do not attempt to adjust your screens. This is the real deal. After taking a two year hiatus, my blog has returned. After much negotiation, some legal consultation and the batting of my eyelashes, my personal assistant (sometimes known as "Mom") has agreed to resume her position. So thanks to her swift fingers and my quick wit, I bring you the rebirth of PlanetZaya. Please hold your applause until the end.

I hope you didn't come looking for cute stories about drool and baby wipes (though Mom would have me tell you that I'm still in diapers, but I see no reason to get into that here). I'm a big boy now, those are things of the past. These days I'm all about french fries, Pippi Longstocking and rock 'n' roll.

I've taken a liking to a little something called gymnastics. Have you heard about this? You get to run around and around, tumble, jump, stretch, bounce...pretty much everything I like to do. I'm still getting adjusted to the taking turns thing. And Mom insists that when Coach Marcy tells me to sit down, I have to stay seated for more than two seconds and quit running around like a "mad man" as she likes to call me. But other than that, gymnastics is a pretty cool deal.

The biggest news I have to report is that I'm a working man now. Yes folks, as of yesterday I am officially a wage-earning, tax paying citizen. Thanks to my good buddy Robert (ok, maybe he's Dad's good buddy, but he still deserves a shout out) I was signed to a talent agency in November. Mom and Dad weren't too sure about it. Frankly I can't say I was surprised that they pulled out a contract right then and there. Since then I've been taking trips every now and then to the studio. Mom calls them "auditions." She thinks they're a big deal, but basically all I have to do is stand there, look cute (which comes pretty naturally for me most days), say my name and jump around a little. Piece of cake!

Last week Mom and Dad were talking pretty excitedly about an audition for a Target commercial. I didn't really know what that meant. We headed out to Beverly Hills and everything seemed like business as usual. Stand on the blue line, say your name, smile for the camera. Then the next day, Mom gets a phone call and tells Dad I'm "booked." I'm not too clear on the details, but what I can tell you is that yesterday was pretty much the coolest day in the whole three and a half years that I've been on this planet.

It started with a long ride on the freeway to this place called "Encino." We got to this park, got out of the car and right in front of me was a truck and lots of tables full of food. Mom mixed me up some of the best oatmeal ever, topped off with almonds, berries and brown sugar. I never knew you could get such good food in a parking lot.

Before I knew it a van pulled up, we hopped in along with some guys Dad called "the crew," and we were on the road again. The van took us to a little street where some big trailers were parked. They looked like regular trailers from the outside, but inside is where my star treatment began. Right away I got to see James, the other little boy who had been "booked," and his mommy and we met this cool guy Jeff, our "set teacher." He played all kinds of games with us and kept us pretty busy all day.

It wasn't long before I was hopping from trailer to trailer...had my hair and make up done, got to put on some brand new clothes. Then next thing I knew we were in another van on our way to a house. This was not your ordinary house though. It was all done up with lights and cameras and there were people everywhere. Most of the time we were in the house I just played games with Jeff and James. But then my new friend Bob (Dad says he was the "1st A.D." which apparently makes him a pretty important guy) came over and said, "Are you ready Isaiah?" and he took me, Mom and Jeff to another room of the house that everyone kept calling the "set." It looked like an office to me.

Everyone paid a lot of attention to me on the set. Bob said all I had to do was run into the room, bang on the desk, shake a toy duck around to distract George, my TV dad, and then run away. Running, shaking and distracting? Those are pretty much my specialties. So I did that over and over again while all these very important people standing around watched on a screen and murmured to each other. But everyone kept saying I was doing a great job so I must have done it right.

The rest of the day involved a lot more playing with all my new friends and some more "working" on the set. I almost lost it once when they walked me through the backyard right past the coolest playground I'd ever seen and told me I couldn't play on it! But all in all it was a really fun day.

Oh, Mom and Dad want me to tell you to watch for the commercial. It's supposed to be on TV all over the country so everyone should get to see it. I think it's gonna be one of those Target commercials with the happy music. It's called "New Day, New Ways to Save." Mom says my scene advertises an office chair. And here I thought I was the star of the show.

Anyhow, it's been an pretty exciting week. My friend Chris at the agency is excited and says hopefully I'll get to do a lot more cool jobs like this one. Sounds good to me...I'm always ready for my close-up!