Big News at the Vaneskahian House!

Dear Family and Friends,

Daddy says he hasn't seen Mommy this happy since the day I was born! And Mommy certainly has a new "glow" about her. Grandma and John Daddy are sooooo excited, and we've called ALL of the relatives to tell them our big news!... Can you guess?... Yep, that's right! I'm finally PT! (that stands for "potty- trained") Finally, all of the "big boy" underpants with airplanes and Diego on them have paid off! The many potty seats purchased, some with cartoon characters, another with handles on the side for added security, with the fancy step stools to reach the dreaded toilet, and the congratulatory stickers are all worth it!

Mommy's been pulling her hair out for months trying to entice me to get out of my diapers, but I was stubborn. I enjoyed my diaper freedom! She bought all of the books, searched the internet for the potty training secrets, and promised me great toys if I'd just use the bathroom. I was wearing the poor woman down. All of her friends and co-workers told her to quit worrying, that I'd do it when I was good and ready. Well folks, I'M READY!

It certainly was a celebratory weekend! The folks took me on a special trip to Toys R Us on Saturday, then on Sunday we rode the train into Dallas for lunch, all because I'm now "P.T." It was a fun weekend! I spent a lot of time in the bathroom, reading my airplane books! It was a very busy weekend for all of us! (Someday I'll let the folks know how embarrassing the potty photos are, but for now they are so excited that I hate to bring them down!)

Other news on the home front...we just returned from a few fun weekends! First was our Easter Weekend at Uncle Johns's lakehouse. Daddy took Friday off and we headed west to Possum Kingdom Lake to meet Grandma and John Daddy and cousins JD and Carley with Aunt Sandy and Uncle John. What a great time we had. Uncle John let me drive his boat!! Can you believe it? You'll have to see the photos, click on our Photo Album link for these pictures and more.

Best of all, the Easter Bunny made a special trip to the lake! He scattered eggs for us and even left me gifts! Remember that Little Einstein Rocket set that I told you about in my last letter...well the big fuzzy rabbit left it for me after all! I was so surprised, I found it and started yelling for everyone to come look! We also had a big Bunny Pinata that we beat with a stick until candy fell out!

I decorated Easter cookies with Aunt Sandy and Carley, we had a big cookout with lots and lots of food. Grandma had brought books to read us and new toys and puzzles to play with. Aunt Sandy taught me how to row a boat! I had a wonderful time!

Second was our trip to the airshow in Kingsville, Texas to see my beloved Blue Angels fly! This was a bit of a last minute road trip for us, and we pulled out of Mckinney early Friday morning for the long...did I say long?...drive to south Texas. We got in and settled into the hotel before we went looking for the Kingsville night life. There wasn't any! But we had dinner and went to bed early to get a good spot the following morning at the show.

Surprisingly enough we pulled onto the Navy base early as the show was just opening. Daddy was excited about being early for once...usually if Mommy is with us we don't get anywhere early! But to his disappointment the first cars in had to park out the farthest. This did not start his day off well.... It was a smaller show than we expected, so I had a chance to talk to pilots and sit in cockpits of the airplanes and helicopters on display. We even scored the best spectator seats we've ever had for a Blue Angels show, and at the bargain price of $5 for adults, kids free. Daddy's day was picking up...he always likes to save money!

We sat through the Leap Frogs show (that's the Navy parachute team) and all of the stunt plane shows. The day was heating up and I was getting tired and cranky. Then unexpectedly the F-4 and F-16 airplanes took off right over our heads and scared me! I'm sensitive to noise anyway, but this was gut shaking vibrations. I cried...and cried...cried some more all the way to the medic tent with Mommy to get me some earplugs. The ear plugs didn't help. The planes were still zooming directly overhead and I just couldn't calm down. The paramedics came over to ask if they could help, and other kid's parents were stopping to offer Mommy their ear plugs for me. I just kept crying and saying that I wanted to go home. And this was all less than 30 minutes before the Blue Angels show was to begin.

Since we still had a hike back to the car and soon the 6 F-18 jets would going to be taking off for the Blue Angels show, they decided we'd better leave. We had checked out of the hotel because we had planned on spending the night and next day in San Antonio on the Riverwalk. My parents aren't exactly sports fans so they didn't know the final four college basketball playoffs were on that weekend in San Antonio! There were no hotel rooms to be had...so Daddy just kept driving. After a brief stop for some shopping in San Marcos, we pulled back into the driveway in McKinney before midnight that same night! On the 36 hour trip, 16 hours were spent in the car, 6 at the airshow, 2 hours at 2 different McDonalds play areas for me to stretch my legs, and 2 hours at the outlet mall! Not one of our better family vacations!

While Mommy may not be big into impromptu trip planning, she's taking my summer vacation quite seriously! I'm already signed up for soccer which I start next week, swimming lessons begin the week after school is out, and I'm registered for Zoo School at the Fort Worth Zoo in July. She's still debating what to do in August...there's museum school, Spanish camp, martial arts and basketball! But, I may just take a breather and chill by the neighborhood pool in August! I've got to save a little time to just hang-out with my friends! My Tia Lusan and Tio Nelson and cousins Perla and Isabelle are coming to visit in August too.

Speaking of friends...my friend Rebecca and I had a movie and lunch date today. We saw Horton Hears A Woo. It was funny, I'd recommend it. My Mommy and Rebecca's mommy, Patzy were so proud of us for sitting through the entire movie!

I only have 6 weeks left until my first year of preschool is behind me. I've had an exciting year at the Spanish Schoolhouse and I have learned a lot! I understand more Spanish than I can speak at this point, but my repertoire of Spanish words has increased tremendously since last Fall. You'll want to put May 22nd on your calendar to come to my "End of the Year" Show at school. We are practicing our songs and dances at school now for the big show. I just know that you will want to come!

We're planning a big Mother's Day weekend at Lake Texoma with the family. Aunt Mary and Uncle Vic are throwing a big shindig to christen their big boat and celebrate retirement. They're roasting a pig! We're going to stay at the Lodge at the lake and have Mother's Day brunch on Sunday with everyone. I'm looking forward to catching up with Cousin Grace! That's about all I have to report at this time...the folks are staying busy. Daddy's working very hard at his new position at Alcatel-Lucent. Mommy's still working a few days a week at Allen Community Outreach during the time that I'm in preschool. She recently returned from ANOTHER Bon Jovi concert, you know she just loves those guys- she says Jon Bon Jovi is her boyfriend! Her other boyfriend is coming in town next month, but she hasn't told Daddy yet about that concert...she also loves Tim McGraw!!

Happy Spring! Love ya~

MARTY a.k.a. Jean-Martin G. Vaneskahian

Don't forget to see our latest photos! CLICK HERE

Hippity Hoppity Easter's on it's Way!

Hola everyone! First let me apologize for the time it's taken for me to send my first email of 2008. Time has zoomed by me. I hope that as Spring approaches you and your family are doing well. Mine is super!! And, as you'll see in the photos below I've had my Easter and Spring photographs taken at the studio...yes, Mommy had more coupons!! Just don't let Uncle John see my Easter suit. As Mommy says, he doesn't appreciate fine children's clothing! Especially if it involves silk shorts and Peter Pan collars!

I am just filled with the excitement of Spring and the coming of Easter. Recently I saw the Easter Bunny. Let me first say what a disappoint he is! What a bummer...Mommy told me I was going to the mall to see him, and have my annual photo taken with the rabbit. I got my list ready! There were a few new toys and airplanes and rockets that I was planning on that bunny bringing me on Easter morning. Then she told me the devastating news. The Easter Bunny is NOT like Santa Claus! I couldn't believe it! Why, he's hardly any good at all...just littering the lawn with some candy and trinkets! I know, I should be grateful...and I do love candy! But I was so looking forward to the new Rocket and Little Einsteins set.

You see, one day Mommy and I were at my favorite store. You may know it- the one with the big red balls in front, it's called Target! I call it the Big Red Ball Store. Anyway, that's where I spotted this HUGE Little Einsteins character set with a big red Rocket! I told Mommy that I REALLY wanted it. She explained to me that it was too expensive and we couldn't buy expensive toys every time we went shopping. But I just couldn't forget that big Rocket! That's where the Easter Bunny came in...I thought, no problem- he'd bring it to me if I asked him!

But, now I had to resort to "Plan B." Plan B is whining! Well, Mommy had a different idea...She explained that I could indeed get the $40 Little Einstein and Rocket set, ONCE I saved up enough money! But I'm just a kid- how was I going to get money??? Here's where she thought she could begin teaching me the value of a dollar...ugh! She explained that I could save my money...like the coins I find and put in my piggy bank. Sometimes John Daddy and Uncle Tommy give me a few dollars too. But at this rate I'd NEVER get my new toy!! So, she told me she'd pay me to sort the socks in the laundry basket...that sounded simple enough. I was wrong again! Boy, do I have a lot of socks!

Well, I thought I'd pull one over on Mommy...because we were going to Grandma's house and she was leaving me to spend a few days. All I had to do was mention it to Grandma and it was as good as mine! Wouldn't you know Mommy told Grandma NOT to buy me the toy if I asked for it AND she told me only to pay me for chores if I REALLY worked for it. Seems that Mommy had a few questions about my work ethics when I did a few small jobs for Uncle Tommy and Naynay! But, Grandma just smiled and told me to ask Mommy how she got toys that she wanted when she was my age...Mommy just rolled her eyes at Grandma. I don't think Mommy's grandmother made her work for toys!!

Let me tell you about my fabulous trip! I've just returned from a visit with Mickey Mouse himself! Mommy told me we were going to the happiest place on Earth! She was right because we went to Abuela and Abu's house in Orlando for a surprise visit, but we also went to Disneyworld! (The photo here is the entire Vaneskahian clan, we had this taken while we were there!)

Tia Lusan, Daddy's sister and her husband Tio Nelson, and Daddy and Mommy had been planning a surprise anniversary party for my Vaneskahian grandparents. We flew to Florida for the big party and it was a very big surprise indeed. Tia Ani and my cousin Paolo even came all the way from Uruguay! It was a fun time, and I danced all night- with all of the girls, young and old! See the photos in the photo album for all of my dancing moves- I was cool! I had a new suit to wear and looked very debonair...though I'm not sure what that means!

Then we spent a few days with my cousins and went to Disneyworld. We went to the Magic Kingdom and saw Cinderella and her castle, all of the characters, and rode most all of the rides. I even drove a race car...well with the help of Tia Lusan pushing the gas pedal and Perla helping me steer! By the end of the day everyone was tired and ready to go home...except for Mommy who loves the Magic Kingdom would have never left and me- I could have ridden the Monorail all night!

I had a wonderful time with my Tia and Tio! Tia Lusan asked me what I wanted for breakfast and I said "Cookies!" Next thing I knew we were making chocolate chip cookies for breakfast! Now that's a cool aunt! And Tio Nelson made a late-night run to Krispie Kreme donuts for a bedtime snack! He also played games with me and was lots of fun. I even played in their neighbor's treehouse and had fun with the kids in the neighborhood.

Here we are making cookies!

Now that the weather's getting nice the neighbors are getting a look at my #7 F-18 Blue Angel airplane that Santa brought me. I've been driving it around the neighborhood- it goes about 5 miles an hour, but it doesn't get off of the ground. You know how I love the Blue Angels from the US Navy, and I'm so proud to be one of them! I also spend some time on my John Deere tractor that I got for Christmas from Uncle Tommy and Naynay. I keep it out on their farm and help Uncle Tommy when he needs a little plowing done. I'm a very, very lucky kid to have so many cool toys and people who love me so much!

I've been very busy not only with the trip and anniversary party, but it's been a partying few months! Of course there was Mommy's birthday this month...though she doesn't like to mention numbers anymore! Cousin Grace had a big party at The Little Gym that was lots of fun too! Just last month my friend Ella turned 5 and had a cool party at her house! My cousin Isabelle in Orlando even celebrated her birthday while I was there! Seems as though everyone is having birthdays!

Well, it's almost bedtime so I'll wrap this up. We're spending Easter weekend at Uncle John's lakehouse at Possum Kingdom Lake. I hope that you have a very happy holiday and that the Easter Bunny brings you some good candy and some nice toys. Let me know if he leaves a Little Einstein Character and Rocket set in your yard- I'll trade you candy for it!

Hugs and Kisses,

MARTY

a.k.a. Jean-Martin Garabet Vaneskahian

See our Photo Albums at
http://www.flickr.com/photos/vaneskahian/sets/

Merry Christmas from Santa and Marty!

Dear Family and Friends,

On behalf of me, Mommy and Daddy, please accept our warmest wishes this holiday season. I hope that by now all of your presents are wrapped, your cards addressed and mailed, and all of your baking is ready for the big day! If you have all of that done, you are way ahead of Mommy!!

It's been a busy month around the Vaneskahian house! Mommy wasn't so organized this year...I don't know what happened to her. She usually has the house fully engulfed in decorations from front door to back by the day after Thanksgiving. This year we were still looking at pumpkins come December 1st. She didn't even put up all of the Christmas trees- yes, that is plural, we have more than one! There's the favorite gingerbread man tree that's in the family room with my train that goes around the bottom, the fancy living room tree that I'm not allowed to touch, and the Coca-cola ornament tree in the game room. There's usually a smaller one in front of the fireplace in the master bedroom, but she told Daddy just to leave that one in the attic this year! And, there' the toy tree for my room. Right now it's still in it's box, along with the bins of ornaments- all hidden in the guest bathroom bathtub behind the shower curtain. She had good intentions of getting it put up before the parties started...but with any luck it will at least be decorated before Santa gets here.

Last weekend I hosted my 2nd Annual Christmas Cookie Decorating Party with all of my friends! Mommy and I cut out and baked lots and lots of cookies, then everyone came over to decorate, eat and take some home. It was lots of fun!

We are spending Christmas eve at Grandmama and John Daddy's house in Hurst to be close to the rest of the family. So while I know that Santa will leave me presents there, I'm counting on him making a stop at my house even if I'm not home. I'm leaving my stocking at home just to see if he stops by!

Christmas eve we will be with the Bakers, grandparents and Aunt Sandy, Uncle John, and JD and Carley. Uncle John is cooking up the famous chicken and dumplings (Grammie's recipe, my great grandmother), we'll go to church, exchange presents-which there will be lots, and then to bed to wait for Santa! On Christmas Day we're going to the Boltons to celebrate with Aunt Mary and Uncle Vic, cousin Grace and her parents Brian and Jennifer, and Aunt Mary's side of the family! I just know it's going to be my best Christmas ever...especially since I made friends with the big guy in the fuzzy suit.

After having been explained to me in detail the concept behind Santa Claus and the behavioral requirements, I decided to get with the program. It sounded like it would be in my best interest! Last year Mommy and Naynay (Renee) tried to bribe me to sit on Santa's lap and I'd cry and run every time. Naynay even promised to get me a bigger helicopter than Santa could bring if I'd just get on his lap long enough for the camera to flash.

Well...this year Mommy and I got in the long line at the mall to wait our turn. I was quiet and cordial and friendly to the younger children who seemed to fear the unknown that was ahead at the line. I was brave, with my favorite F-18 Blue Angel airplane in my hand. I was taking it with me to show Santa and to tell him I would like a bigger plane this year- one that I can fly! The big man was friendly, seemed to like my airplane and asked if I'd been good. I assured him that I had...if he was leaving this decision up to me then of course my answer would be "YES!"

However, this was early in the month of December and there were numerous times that Mommy threatened to go back to the mall and revisit Santa about my behavior! The true test is only a few nights away now and we'll see just how strong the power of Santa can be...I also asked him to bring the "real" Little Einstein characters from Disney to my house to play with me. I just love Leo, June, Annie, Quincie and Rocket!

We started celebrating the holidays with Thanksgiving! My Abuela came for the long weekend. Cousins JD and Carley and I went to see Frosty the Snowman at Casa Manana. That was my first experience with a big creepy snowman and he scared the bah-geebies out of me!! Mommy and I watched the second half of the show from the wings of the auditorium- far from our front row seats, with my eye on the exit sign in case I had to make a run for it!

Overall it's been a pretty good year for your friend, Marty! We've had a few fun vacations, including a trip to Orlando to see the Vaneskahian family, to the beach and the Kennedy Space Center. Mommy and Daddy took me to two airshows. One was in Houston to see the Canadian Snowbirds fly (they are aerobatic airplanes, not birds!) and we went to the Johnson Space Center in Houston too! I love space and rockets and was an astronaut for Halloween this year! In October I got to see my favorite, US Navy Blue Angels fly!

I also had a visit to see my favorite friends too! We saw Diego Live, and you know I love Diego the Animal Rescuer! We also saw Elmo. I went to my first circus too this year. I had a fun summer and played with all of my cousins, my friends who live close by, and I went to camp! I attended a cool camp for kids who like airplanes and things that fly at the Temple Shalom School in Dallas. It was fun and I learned new songs and traditions about the Jewish faith. Our family isn't Jewish but the camp was open to everyone and it was nice to meet new friends.

Turning three was a big plus this year too. I had a really great party at the Johnson's Corral- Renee and Uncle Tommy's house. Uncle Tommy bought be a real pony, named Tony, for my birthday. I love Tony and go visit him often. I feed him carrots, ride him some and walk him around the pasture. Tony lives close to the airport so when the planes fly over the pasture I tell him what kind they are and what engines they have. He's a good listener!

My big milestone this year was starting school. On Mondays and Wednesdays I go to the Spanish Schoolhouse in Frisco. It's a preschool that has a Spanish immersion program- that means they only speak Spanish and we learn the language much as we learned English, by listening and association. Of course, I have a tutor at home since Daddy is fluent in Spanish and I call Abuelo and Abu in Orlando and talk to them often about the new words and songs I learn at school. It's fun! We just had our Christmas program- and it was all in Spanish. Daddy, Mommy, Grandma and Aunt Mary came to see my program. (Below is my first school picture!)

Mommy had a pretty good year too! She and Renee are on the "oldies but goodies" tour this year, having seen Rod Stewart, Billy Joel and have tickets to see Barry Manilow soon. Of course you know Mommy- she loves those old guys- especially Bon Jovi! Mommy also went back to work part-time this Fall when I started school. Over the past few years while she's been home with me she's been freelancing- writing and doing some advertising for several clients. But now she's gone back to Allen Community Outreach on the days that I'm in school. That's where she worked before I was born. She loves the human services field and helping people in need. Once a month Mommy and I and our friend, Kathy also deliver Meals-On-Wheels to some very nice people who can't get out and grocery shop or cook their own lunch. They love me!!

Daddy's year started off really good as he met his friends for a "guys weekend" -actually Mommy referred to it as a "geeks weekend"- in Washington DC. They went to the Smithsonian and many of the National monuments. He said it was a great trip and brought me lots of cool stuff! Daddy's stayed busy this year at Alcatel as the merger with Lucent became solid and he was moved into a different group in the IT field. After managing with the group throughout the year, last month he had an opportunity to stay within the company but transfer to a new division with a new product. He's now working in security on what they call IPTV- it has to do with television signals over the internet. It means working with Microsoft and AT&T with this new program and gets him out of the computer support mode. He's excited about the new challenges and focus of his new career!

The only sad spot in our year was the loss of my pets. Both Little Dog, who was 18 years old, and JoeBob, Mommy's beloved cat of 20 years died this year. He was sick for a long time, and finally took his last breaths in her arms. Mommy was very sad and still looks for him when we come home. JoeBob was my constant companion from my first day home. Now Daddy...he's enjoying the extra peace and quiet- but he never was a pet lover anyway!

Well tonight Mommy and Grandmama and I went out to the Gaylord Texan for the evening to see the trains and pretty decorations and give me a chance to plea my case to Santa one more time. That's my picture with him at the top of my letter. He said if I could just stay good a few more days there might be something special coming my way! I took my Blue Angel airplane again to show him in case he forgot what I wanted! I think he'll come through for me...and I bet he leaves a little something at your house too!

Check out our Family Photo Album at http://www.flickr.com/photos/vaneskahian/sets/

Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas!
Love, Marty (Jean-Martin Garabet Vaneskahian)

Marty's First Fish

November 11, 2007

At Lake Texoma with Aunt Mary and Uncle Vic, Marty caught his first fish! Uncle Vic bought the worms which Marty said were "yucky" and he baited the hook. Less than two minutes went by after the pole first went in the water and Marty got a bite- a perch! See the photo above.

The next worm went in and another two minutes went by before the bobber went down quickly and both Daddy and Uncle Vic pulled out a splashing HUGE catfish! But the line couldn't hold him and "the big one" got away. See the photo below to see just how big he was!!

If you are ever fishing in Lake Texoma and catch a catfish with a hook already in his mouth just know that Marty caught him first!

Email from Marty- November 2007 HAPPY FALL Y'ALL

Dear Family and Friends,

They say that as you get older “times flies.” Now that I’m 3 years old I understand what “they” mean! So much has happened since I’ve last written to you, yet it seems like it was just yesterday…but it’s been a few months and I was only 2!

Since then I’ve had a fabulous birthday party! My pony, “Tony” threw a terrific bash at the Johnson’s Corral for me and 60 of my closest family and friends. Thanks to all of you who came to help me celebrate. A special thanks to Uncle Tommy and Naynay (Renee) for having it at their house, and to my Abuela who flew in from Florida for the party. Grandma and John Daddy helped with the festivities too! Don’t miss the photos in our Album by clicking here and check out the special slide show from the party below in the post about the birthday party.

Just after turning 3, I was off to school for the first time! I began preschool at the Spanish Schoolhouse in September. As I’ve mentioned, it’s an immersion program where they only speak Spanish to the students all day and you learn the language much like we learn English, by hearing it spoken and associating. It’s been a bit of a challenge but I’m catching on! I love my teachers and the kids in my class. We do some fun things too!

Our first “event” was Grandparents Day. Students invited their grandmas and grandpas and there was a breakfast where we all ate together. Grandma and John Daddy were planning to come, but the night before Grandma got really sick and didn’t think that they would be able to come to the special breakfast. She was really disappointed. But Mommy called Rita and Martin, my favorite friends and occasional babysitters and asked them if they could fill in as “honorary” grandparents the following morning. I was sooo excited that they came to the party. I just love Rita and Martin and they did a great job filling in for Grandma and John Daddy!

Last week at school we had our Fall Festival and we got to wear our Halloween costumes to school. I was a Space Shuttle Commander from NASA! I got this really cool suit for my birthday from Mrs. Busby and since I’d been to both the Kennedy and Johnson Space Centers this year I was REALLY excited about being an astronaut for Halloween. In fact, I loved my costume so much I wanted to wear it a lot! I even wanted to sleep in it but Mommy said astronauts didn’t sleep in their suits. I’m not so sure about that, I may have to call NASA to verify that. I did wear my costume to deliver Meals-On-Wheels a few days before Halloween and everyone thought I looked “very cute!” Anyway, we had a party at school and a parade and everything!! Then, the best part was trick or treating that night! I just love begging for candy, and strangers are much nicer about giving me candy than Mommy is!!!

Speaking of the Space Center, I’ve been to two air shows since I last wrote! The first of October we (Mommy, Daddy and I) loaded up the car and went to Houston for a really cool air show at Ellington Field Airforce Base. The Canadian Snowbirds Aerobatic Team were the main attraction and I’d been wanting to see them perform. I have a video of them flying and doing their tricks and I have watched it a million times, in fact I knew their maneuvers as well as they did! While we were there we spent a day at the Johnson Space Center, and I got to see an actual Saturn V rocket just like the ones that took the astronauts to the moon. It was so cool! We had a great time.

A few weeks later we were in Fort Worth for the Alliance Airshow to see my favorite Blue Angels perform. The Clendinnings went with us and Ella and I had such fun! She’s pretty cool about airplanes for a girl, but she doesn’t like the noise. Usually I don’t either so I’ve been wearing Daddy’s ear covers, but Ella needed them more than I did so I braved the loud roars of the turbines.

Ella and Logan and I also went to a really cool Pumpkin Patch and got our faces painted and went on a hayride! It was a lot of fun! On the hayride we stopped and fed the cows and donkeys. They had a playground, a hay house, and lots and lots of pumpkins.

Also since I last wrote my mommy went back to work! Just part-time, while I’m in school she is working at Allen Community Outreach. That’s where she used to work before she had me!! She really likes it there. Sometimes she takes me with her for meetings or to stop in to have lunch with everyone on days when I’m not in school. I’m glad she has something to do while I’m at school. I was worried that she would be lonely and not be able to find anything to do without me by her side!

Rebecca and I have been meeting for lunch a few times lately and playing together at the mall play areas. We’ve been having a good time running around and chasing each other! Our Mommies like it too because it gives them time to talk. Next week Rebecca and I are taking a cooking class together- I’ll let you know how that turns out!
Ethan and I had a playdate at the mall recently too, after we had our portraits taken in our Halloween costumes. You know how our mommies are- they like portrait studios and coupons! When Ethan’s mommy and mine get together you can bet we’re going somewhere for pictures!! Ethan was a rock star for Halloween and he looked very, very cool!

Well, it’s just a few weeks until Thanksgiving and my Abuela is coming to Texas! While she’s here we are going with my Grandma and cousins J.D. and Carley to Casa Manana in Fort Worth to see Frosty The Snow Man! Maybe we’ll see Santa while Abuela is here too! Downtown McKinney has a big Victorian Christmas weekend following Thanksgiving so we’ll probably take Abuela there too. Mommy and I have already had the “Santa Talk.” She told me that I have to talk to Santa personally to tell him what I want for Christmas. She also said that he won’t bring me anything if I’m bad. From your own personal experience, do you know this to be true?? It’s not that I don’t trust Mommy, but she does have some sly parenting skills… Email me and let me know if Santa has ever left you high and dry on Christmas morning for being bad! I may be in big trouble this year….

Check out the latest photos in our PHOTO ALBUM- Click here

Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
LOVE YA, MARTY

Jean-Martin (MARTY) Vaneskahian
Email- marty@vaneskahian.com


p.s. FROM MOMMY—
Well it’s not wrapping paper or cookie dough, but Marty’s school fundraiser sells tamales from the Dallas Tortilla & Tamale Factory! They are pricier than what the Factory sells them for, but hey- it’s a fundraiser! Last year the school made $12,000 profit selling tamales! Funds raised this year will buy picnic tables, classroom materials, gym equipment, books and costumes for the annual school show.

If you’d like to order, let me know before Nov 28th, I’ll pick them up on December 6th and deliver them to you. They are $12 per dozen and you can choose spicy pork, beef, chicken or bean & cheese. If you pay me before Nov. 28th make the check to the Spanish Schoolhouse. If I collect afterwards make it payable to me!! Cash is good too. No pressure on this, but if you’d like tamales delivered to your door it will benefit a good cause! ~~Thanks, Marjorie

Marjorie Baker Vaneskahian
Email- marjorie@vaneskahian.com

First Day of School for Marty

Marty began his first day of school at the Spanish Schoolhouse in Frisco today!

His teachers are Senorita Ivonne and Seniorita Cristina and he has eleven children in his class. He will attend school on Mondays and Wednesdays. The Spanish Schoolhouse is a special school which immerses students in the Spanish language at an early age. Marty's Vaneskahian side of the family comes from South America and speaks fluent Spanish so it's exciting for him to begin learning the language. He's had quite a head start working with Daddy and talking to Abuela and Abu, but now he'll be learning even more, and maybe teach Mommy some new words too!

It was a rainy Monday for his first day, but it didn't dampen his smile as he walked into his new classroom. Abuela extended her stay so that she could be here for his first day of school and Daddy took the day off too, so with Mommy they all came along to see him off for his big day! He had his new Diego lunchbox packed with his favorites, along with a new nap mat and the supplies he needed!

When school was over, he was all smiles again when it was time to go. But when Marty got home he took a long afternoon nap. Guess that first day ready pooped him out!!

See more photos of his first day in our photo album by clicking here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vaneskahian/sets/

Marty turns 3 Years Old!!

Wow, what a September we've had as we celebrated Marty's 3rd birthday beginning Labor Day weekend as Abuela Vaneskahian arrived just in time! Abuela flew in from Montevideo, Uruguay where she had attended cousin Gustavo's wedding.

Mommy and Daddy kicked off the celebration on September 3rd with a shopping trip to purchase a Diego bicycle. Unfortunately it took three stops at different stores before we found the bicycle we were looking for. With each stop Marty looked even sadder as we left empty-handed. But he was all grins when we left Target with the bike in the back of Daddy's car! As soon as we got home Daddy and Marty put it together so Marty could take it for a test-drive!

September 4th, Marty's actually birthday, Marty and Abuela had a great day learning to ride his bike and playing at home while Daddy went to work and Mommy ran some errands preparing for the big party ahead. When Mommy and Daddy got home it was time to open presents from Mommy and Daddy, along with gifts that came in the mail and that Abuela brought with her. From there we went out for Marty's birthday dinner then came home for cake!

The following Saturday on September 8th everyone came to the Johnson's house in Southlake for the BIG PARTY with Tony, the Pony! We had hot dogs, cake and lots of ice cream, rides with Tony and Handsome, the big horse! There were lots and lots of presents too!

It was a great day and a great week for Marty. Renee and Tommy Johnson hosted a terrific party at their house, Grandma and John Daddy had the dogs cooking, Charley and her friends were giving the kids pony rides, and everyone pitched in to make it a perfect day. Thanks to everyone for making Marty's 3rd birthday so wonderful!

See all of the photos from Marty's week of birthday festivies by clicking here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/vaneskahian/sets/ and see the video slideshow below that Grandma Kay Baker made.

Here is a video slideshow of pictures taken at the party!

Here is a video of the day of his birthday September 4th, 2007

Email From Marty - August 2007

Dear Family and Friends,

Only 23 days until I turn 3 and a mere 27 days until the biggest celebration of the year, and I’m not talkin’ about Christmas! My pony, Tony, is throwing me a big birthday party at his corral on September 8th and I hope everyone will come!! He says he’ll give rides to all of my family and friends!! There will be hot dogs and ice cream and cake and all of the good party stuff too. Tony, the Pony lives with my Uncle Tommy and NayNay (Renee) and ChaCha (Charley) at the Johnson’s home in Southlake. If you need directions just call my Mommy. Saddle up and come on over about 11am on September 8th, I hope to see you there!



I’ve been busy, busy, busy! On top of my usual tight schedule of parties and playdates, I’ve been squeezing in lots of pool time with Mommy and in the evenings with Daddy too. I’m able to swim laps across the big community pool just around the corner from our house. Of course, I use the word “swim” a bit loosely. I’m not sure the American Red Cross would certify me as a swimmer, but with the help of my Nemo fins and floaties that Tia Lusan and Tio Nelson got for me I am a very independent dog paddler! I can also put my face under water, blow bubbles, float on my back and jump in from the side of the pool. Heck, who needs swim lessons-- I’m ready for the high dive!



Recently I had front row, center seats for Diego Live at the Nokia Live Theater and WOW, what a great show it was. You know, Diego is one of my favorite cartoon characters and I was very excited about meeting the “real” Diego. Mommy shopped for weeks looking for the perfect Diego outfit. (She doesn’t usually let me wear character clothes, but she found one she thought wasn’t too cheesy looking! Grandma even embroidered my name on the hat.) I was definitely the best dressed kid there and several Moms asked where Mommy had found my outfit. She smiled and was beaming with pride when she answered them! I couldn’t have been any closer to Diego unless I had climbed on stage…and if Mommy hadn’t been sitting right next to me you know I would have! Instead, I was able to get up and dance on the floor right in front of the stage. Some dancing palm tree people came down and danced with me! It was sooo cool!! NayNay and ChaCha came along too and I came home with most ALL of the souvenirs they sold, thanks to NayNay!

I’m also now an official Meals-On-Wheels deliverer with Mommy and her friend, Kathy! I even have my own “MOW” badge with my picture on it! We go to the Allen Community Outreach and pick up food to deliver to some very nice people who can’t get out and shop for groceries or prepare food for themselves. My job is to carry the milk or juice to the door. I really like it when they let me come in their house and take a look around for anything cool to play with. Everyone thinks I’m very cute and most all say I’m a “big helper.” It makes me feel really good to be helping others! Mommy thinks volunteering and learning to give your time to help others in need is very important and that I should be learning this at an early age.

And, speaking of Allen Community Outreach…this agency is especially important to Mommy because this is where she worked at the Volunteer Services Director for 4 years before she had me! Now that I’m going to be in school 2 days a week beginning next month, Mommy is going back to work 2 days a week at the Outreach Center to help them with their Capital Campaign and fund raising efforts. She’s very excited to be “back in the groove!” She can work with the friends she has there and with the mission she feels is so important to the community, yet still be able to be home with me when I’m not in school.



And, speaking even more about school…I’m getting to be a big boy now!! (Except for the potty training stuff…which is something I’m not the least bit interested in and it’s driving Mommy CRAZY! But hey- why should I waste time at the potty when this diaper thing is so easy!!) Anyway, they won’t know what hit them when I come through those doors on the first day of school! I’m so excited to be starting at the Spanish Schoolhouse in Frisco! School begins September 10th. Daddy has been holding summer school, you know, getting me ready for the entrance exams I guess. I’m well prepared for the basics of numbers, colors, body parts, etc. in Spanish. Daddy’s also gone a little overboard with the Science stuff- I’m really progressing on the Periodic Table of Elements Chart. So much so, that Daddy’s friends at work are giving him a hard time about me just memorizing the colored squares on the chart and not the letters that correspond to the element. So, back in front of the video camera I went the other day so Daddy could show me off again!



Just last week I went to my first Circus!! Mommy, Renee (NayNay) and Charley (ChaCha) accompanied me. We began with the preview of the animals 90 minutes before the show...in the parking garage which was about 110 degrees and no breeze! But we got to see the elephants and white tigers and horses up close. From there we spent the next hour on the floor of the arena chasing clowns to autograph my program (that would be Mommy and Renee who were doing the chasing!) and they got a few Kodak moments of me and Charley in clown noses and circus costumes. Just before the show began we choked down $23 chicken nuggets and $8 hot dogs. While Renee and Charley stopped at the potty, Mommy and I went on to make our way in the down the MANY steps in the dark. I was scared and wanted Mommy to carry me. But she was already carrying her purse filled with left over fries and chicken (in case I got hungry during the show), a coke, and the HUGE inflatable booster seat that Renee bought so I could see better in my seat! Once we got to our row, Mommy had to figure out how to get me in the blow-up seat, in the flip-down chair. She had her own clown show going on as she tried to hold the chair down with one knee, put the blow up seat on top of it, and pick me up on top of it all, while holding on to her purse and the coke and trying not to obscure the view of the people behind us. Did I mention that I was whining throughout this process that I wanted to “get d-o-w-n!”

Then the show began...and there were elephants, tigers, horses, acrobats, motorcycles and clowns in little cars, a few loud noises that scared me and confetti shooting up in the air...then Renee came back from intermission with a BIG light-up spinner with a red elephant on top, a plastic cell phone that orders "cotton candy please," a big stuffed monkey in a Jester's hat, and a light-up red clown's nose...and 2 1/2 hours later and we are all exhausted and heading back to the car...but I got my second wind once we got in the car! So I talked to Bobby the elephant on my new cell phone and played with my bright spinner all the way home! And, I’ve slept with the monkey in my bed every night since! Video from the circus is also here on our blog if you want to check it out, scroll down below to the circus entry.

Mommy and Daddy are trying to catch up with the current techies and become bloggers. The most recent info will now be on our blog website at http://vaneskahian.blogspot.com/ and our regular website will become a more static web page with little changes. My emails, both current and past letters will also be available on the blog site. You can also access our photo album and video gallery from the blog site so bookmark this site for access to all of our latest “stuff.”

As always, thanks for you interest in my life, trials and tribulations. It still amazes Mommy and Daddy how many people ask to be added to my email mailing list. And, if you ever want to be removed from my list for any reason, please say so. Just email me at marty@vaneskahian.com and put “unsubscribe” in the subject line and we’ll take you off of the list ASAP!

Stay cool as the dog days of summer are here. I hope to see you at my party next month! Please keep in touch!

I love ya,
MARTY a.k.a. Jean-Martin G. Vaneskahian

Back By Popular Demand, Daddy Showing Off Marty 2

After the last video of Daddy Showing Off Marty, there were many questions raised as to whether Marty know the symbols of the chemical elements based on the position and color in the large periodic table. Well, to answer those concerns we also use chemical element Flash Cards that I made myself before Marty was born, just waiting until he was old enough to begin using them.

I have also attached a video of me asking Marty more general science questions as well as questions of rockets, helicopters and airplanes.

Video Of General Science Questions

Video Of Periodic Table Flash Cards

We're off to the Circus!

Marty's first trip to the circus was the Ringling Bros and Barnum & Bailey show at American Airlines Center in Dallas tonight! Mommy, Renee and Charley accompanied him, beginning with the preview of the animals 90 minutes before the show...in the parking garage which was about 110 degrees and no breeze!

From there we spent the next hour on the floor of the arena chasing clowns to autograph our program (that would be Mommy and Renee who were doing the chasing!) and we got a few Kodak moments of Marty and Charley in clown noses and circus costumes.

Just before the show began we choked down the $23 chicken nuggets and $8 hot dogs, only to make our way in the down the MANY steps in the dark...carrying the HUGE inflatable booster seat that Renee thought was such a great purchase so Marty could see better in his seat!

And it was a great purchase...once you figured out how to get a little inflatable chair in the stadium seat which wouldn't stay folded down long enough to plop Marty in it without a 3rd hand to hold it down. Moms are resourceful though, and the one knee that wasn't balancing the coke held the seat down long enough to get him situated.

Then the show began...and elephants, tigers, horses, acrobats, motorcycles and clowns in little cars, a few loud noises that Marty didn't like...a BIG light-up spinner with a red elephant on top, a plastic cell phone that orders "cotten candy please," a big stuffed monkey in a Jester's hat, and a light-up red clown's nose...and 2 1/2 hours later and we are all exhausted...except for Marty! He's still talking to Bobby the elephant on his cell phone!

Charley's going to kill me for putting this photo in! I couldn't resist!! Thanks Renee, Charley and Tommy (who gave us all lots of spending $$) for making Marty's first circus experience a memorable one!!

See more photos in our album from the circus- CLICK HERE!

Here are some small video clips of what the circus looked like from our seats

Video #1

Video #2