2012: year in review (1st quarter)

I was a horrible family blogger last year and it was my goal over the Christmas break to do a little catch up, which obviously didn't happen.  Is it just me, or did everyone else's life suddenly switch into hyperdrive mode??  So much for slowing down . . .

To celebrate the Christmas decorations finally getting put away (today) and Chris finally bringing home a new lap top (last week), I will try to earnestly blog again.  Especially now that it can be accomplished with my feet up while relaxing on the couch :)

With major events such as birthdays and vacations that didn't get any coverage last year, I'm hoping to get it all wrapped up in a few days by posting a few months at a time . . .

{ January } 
Sundance Film Festival and Skyline Hockey:

Another year at Sundance!

Josh Radnor, actor/director (after a screening of Liberal Arts).  LOVE his work and I am looking forward to seeing another film of his at the 2013 fest (Afternoon Delight).

Taylor Swift and Ethel Kennedy after the premiere screening of the documentary Ethel, 

directed by Ethel's youngest daughter, Rory Kennedy.  

Ok, ya, I have to admit it was pretty cool to be within a few feet of the fabulous Ms. Swift.

Director Ben Zeitliin and cast of Beasts of the Southern Wild, which was just nominated for an Academy Award for best film, director, and lead actress.  This film was an experience I'll never forget.

Meeting director Eugene Jareki on the streets of Park City.  Talented director of the documentaries,  The House I Live In  (2012) and Why We Fight (2010).  It was an honor to have a few minutes to chat with him!

William Macy and John Hawkes after the screening of The Sessions.  

I was so touched by the human elements of this film - it was beautiful.

Saying "hello" to Mr. Macy 

My friend Cheryln after a seeing the film Safety Not Guaranteed (delightful).  Before the screening, they showed a short called Bear - definitely something we didn't expect that kept us laughing all day.

Hence, we just had to pose with Park City's own "Bear."

After Sundance, it's back to real life and this sweet face:

I brought this hat back from Park City for Liza and she loved it so much, it was all she wore for the next three months.  I'm not exaggerating.  It was the first thing she put on in the morning and the last thing she took off.  Finally, by the end of March after she had developed a rash on her forehead, we convinced her that it was time for the polar bear hat to retire until next winter.

Breakfast in the hat.

A few pictures of Ryan on the ice with the Skyline Varsity Hockey team (Jan 2012):

Boy, am I going to miss high school hockey next year.

Actually, after 12 years of cheering this kid from the bench, I am going to REALLY miss the afternoons and evenings spent at the rink watching our Ryan play hockey.  *sigh.  Next winter is going to be tough - I honestly think I will feel a big chunk of my life missing.  *sniff

{ February }

Valentine's Day and "Sweetheart" Intermountain jr. tennis tourney:

"Letting go" mother moment:  allowing my 7 year old to design and create her very own 

Valentine's box without any interference (oh, so difficult).  

She did it all - cut the hole in her box, covered it with paper, and the decorating . . .  a'la Liza!

Room mother extravaganza in Sophie's 5th grade class.  Valentine parties rock!

Sophie delivering her Valentines

We moms are in charge of feeding the troops -

 how about heart shaped waffles, whipped cream, and fresh strawberries - yum!

Sophie and friend Emily

Liza's 2nd grade class:  Valentine Bingo!

Thrilling.

With best bud Gracie.

Brrrr.  It was a chilly President's Day weekend in St. George for the tennis tourney.

So grateful for my parents for hosting us and watching HOURS of tennis.  LOVE THEM!

{ March }

Liza's 8th birthday and a ski days:

Happy 8th Liza Lou!

We love our little sis!

Oh, she's not excited at all . . .

So grown up!

Off to school . . .

Since it wasn't a "party" year, she wanted to go with Gracie to Liberty Park after school.

Cute friends!

Then it was off for Liza's big birthday surprise:

Yep, after swearing up and down after hamsters, hermit crabs, fish, a guinea pig, rabbit, and dog that we were DONE with pets, Liza convinced her dad that she just had to have a hamster of her own.

We were so enthralled with the little critters that we couldn't just choose one, so Liza picked out TWO cute little hamsters.  She named them Chunkers and Fred.

Time for presents!

An FAO Panda - the closest we could come to a "real" Panda (that was her #1 birthday wish)

The hamsters all set in their new home (Liza's bedroom)

Chunkers

Excitement at the pet store!

A few Snowbird pics:

Sophie and friend Emily

Liza and Gracie ready to head into Mineral Basin

 . . . and they're off!

Ski days are always more fun with your best friend :)

why indie films?

Alright, I know I'm a complete movie snob . . . you know, the person behind you trying to stifle laughter while everyone else is sniffling at the end of War Horse because I can only take so much melodramatic, manipulative, Hollywood "if we make the music swell at just the right moment and add cheesy silhouettes against a bright, too perfect sunset, then you, the dumb audience will feel an emotion that probably didn't exist in the first place, but we'll make you feel it anyway."  Ugh.

I honestly can't walk into a theater and watch a drama created by the Hollywood machine, it's torturous (especially if it's an adaption of an already ridiculous Nicholas Sparks' novel - saw a dvd of one of those once - NEVER again).  However, if the film is something akin to a Mission Impossible or other 'suspend your disbelief' action flicks, or even a well written comedy, then yes, I'll go and enjoy the escape for a couple hours.

OK, off my soapbox and on to my point.  Indie films.  Independent films created by talented directors outside the mega studios using small budgets and lesser know actors.  Films that connect with the audience on a deeper level than studio movies because the emotions are REAL - not contrived, not predictable, and especially not manipulative.  That's why I love Sundance, and this year I would have to say my favorite film was the very low budget, but beautifully directed and emotionally raw I am not a Hipster.

The themes explored in this film are universal and I connected with every character on a level I didn't expect.  Of course it wasn't perfect and its flaws will be apparent to any discerning film critic, but it affected me deeply and touched my heart.  Without giving too much of the story away, it is a portrayal of a troubled soul - the internal struggle within the main character after he has disappointed everyone who is dear to him, and the unconditional love and forgiveness that sometimes are only found within the bonds of family and the best of friends.  There was absolutely nothing contrived in this film and its sincerity and genuine warmth was powerful. I am always thrilled when a director "gets it," when they understand so completely the very real human emotions of loneliness, estrangement, frustration, connections, and of course, love.  The film was also infused with moments of laugh-out-loud humor, tenderness, and amazing music.  I look forward to seeing it again and hope it gets picked up for wide release.  For another review, click here.

So, as the next Nicholas Sparks' "book made into a movie" makes its debut in theaters around the nation, check out the offerings at your local art house theater.  I guarantee you'll find a better story that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

I knew I would run into the director and cast of this film - it was that special - it made my whole week . . . and yes, Caroline was part of the magic too (only she had no idea why I was so excited to talk with these people ;-).

SUNDANCE '12

My week officially ended tonight with a beautiful documentary by director Joe Berlinger in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of Paul Simon's Graceland album.  It was the perfect ending to an amazing line-up of films that made me smile, laugh, cry, think, and contemplate life's journey.  But most importantly, they touched and expanded my heart.

Thank you Sundance.

More pictures and reviews to come . . .

Film premiers + time with an old friend =

BLISS!

CLICK HERE for all the latest Sundance updates and pics from my favorite movie critic.