Every year my parents put together an Oscar party that is bigger than all our holiday celebrations combined.  It started out small just as an excuse for us to wear pretty dresses.  Now it is a coveted invitation-only, blacktie affair with cocktails, a four-course meal, and Little Oscar awards that my mother writes.  Telling a little bit about what each person has done over the year, she tries to use as many titles of nominated films in each award.  They are devilishly clever, and she spends about a month working on them.  My sister and I began writing my mother’s award after realising that by giving them out she wasn’t getting any recognition.

We didn’t have the Oscar party this year.  It would have been the 10th anniversary of the Little Oscars, but my mom was too worn out with her job and the party was just too much work.  We never realised how much energy, money, and preparation the party took, and each guest has offered to pitch in to make sure we have a party next year.

This photo is from 2008.  My sister and I are presenting my mother’s award.  The three of us are constantly laughing hysterically, so this is a very appropriate photo.  I love my mother.  She is an amazing woman who has continued to grow as wonderful human being.  I respect her so much and am so thankful to have her.