Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Darren's films

Before his mission, Darren loved to make videos. He created film after film - about anything and everything. It's what he loves. It was very hard for him to leave technology behind and journey to a foreign land. But he did it. I'm proud of him and I'm missing him.

As a side note - we learned yesterday in his weekly email that he was robbed last week. Darren was out with his companion and had two wallets on him - one was a fake wallet with only a few bucks in it. They got that wallet - but not without a scuffle. He's okay and he wasn't hurt! But it's hard for us here at home - we feel so helpless. Do any of you missionary moms have advice?

So for some reason, I'm remembering his videos these days and thought I would post my favorites. They mean more to me because I first started to love him when he was 10 years old (when I married his dad) - when he was precocious, creative, curious and had boundless energy. Through the years he channelled those traits into his filmmaking and became pretty darned talented! It was fun to watch.

So here are my faves....

(Sorry - I just deleted the first video. Too embarrassing for me)

The next video was for Larissa's school project a few years ago. Meltaways are my kids FaVoRiTe chocolatey treat...



This next video was a film-making competition that he signed up for. They had 24 hours to shoot a video and had several components that were required: they had to use the phrase "Dude, where's my car?"; have a shot of the sunrise; the city; a landmark etc. So - Darren had 24 hours to come up with a plot, film the video, and edit it. He was up all night! Btw - the lady in this movie is my mother-in-law!



The last one I'll post is of Heroes. HE LOVES THIS SHOW! It's a little gorey but I thought he did a great job with it...

16 comments:

Redhoodoos said...

I just wanted to note that my house isn't that messy any more.

Janell said...

(Whatever - mine is always a wreck unless someone's coming over) love these videos!! Sorry sorry Darren was robbed - how scary!

(that was fun to see your MIL and how talented are your kid!!! Love the credits: "girl" =)! these are aweseome!)

Pancake said...

He has a GREAT talent for film!

OK about the robbery. Are you on the Missionary MOM list for Russia? Is this common? What did he lose? How did it happen?

They usually only tell you the I am ok after it happened stuff. My husband was robbed many times on his mission, usually now adays the realize missionaries have nothing. Not even good watches....

Glad he is ok

Megan said...

Loved the shopping cart one! I can't imagine what a pain it was the film that! Imagine walking by the temple with a SHOPPING CART! Kudos to your mother-in-law--she did a great job!

Jan said...

Mess schmess. Who cares. Lived in is loved in. I just made that up. It works right.

I am sorry about the robbery. My son was robbed to in AZ. Can't believe that one either. Just remember that he is okay and the items were not worth it in the end. Eddie camera was stolen. That means his pictures and memories too. His wallet was stolen. That means his personal information. It is so sickening, but Eddie is okay. He moved on. But it still aches a little and always will. I am giving you a big hug Red.

Adventure girl said...

What a beautiful family! I love your blog background. While my oldest dauthter is not on a mission she is volunteering in Africa right now;) Happy Wednesday;)

"Q" Tips, "K"razy fun and daily "L"ife said...

Wow hearing that Darren was robbed is scary, and knowing that you can do nothing has to be hard. That stinks but I am glad to hear that he is o.k, and no one was injured. I always knew that Darren liked to make films however I have never had the privilege to see them for some reason. They are awesome, so fun to watch.

Anonymous said...

Before Darren left on his mission we got him a money belt and a "fake" wallet with nothing of importance in it. I told him to carry only a couple of dollars in it and to reluctantly give it to a mugger when he gets mugged. The mugger only got $1.79 from him and his hat. Darren actually had over $100 on him and his ID in another place at the time. I told him to buy antoher "fake" wallet.

The Dad

Sher said...

Wow! He is really talented. I loved the Dude where's my car one. Hilarious!

Da Bergs said...

LOVED the shopping cart... too funny!!!

It continues to amaze me... SO many missionaries get robbed!!! He will be fine... the Lord will protect. And, like Pam said, get on the email list, it is fun!!!

in time out said...

as i came to comment i had the most fabulous one liner for you, then i read the my house isn't that messy anymore that you commented to us,,,,and i have to say THANK you because i am in the stage where i don't know if things will ever change. MY HOUSE IS A MESS and i can't seem to do a thing about it...help, i need chocolate...maybe i will enter my own giveaway. thanks for coming by. sorry your son was robbed. hope all is well.

in time out said...

as i came to comment i had the most fabulous one liner for you, then i read the my house isn't that messy anymore that you commented to us,,,,and i have to say THANK you because i am in the stage where i don't know if things will ever change. MY HOUSE IS A MESS and i can't seem to do a thing about it...help, i need chocolate...maybe i will enter my own giveaway. thanks for coming by. sorry your son was robbed. hope all is well.

Anonymous said...

messy mean lived in. everyone's house is messy a lot of the time!

I love the videos

Cynthia said...

They're all cute but I LOVED 'Nola's Car' the most. Your MIL is hysterical in it. I also recognize almost every spot in that film- and I know how far apart they all all. That was a TON of work!

Susan said...

Love the grocery store one! So funny!

Jen said...

Wow! He's got talent! I loved the music in the last one! I was rocking out to it. Pretty cool. That's awful that he was robbed! What a scary experience. I'm thinking it must happen often if he carries a fake wallet too? Did you get a call from the mission president? I'm glad everything is okay. I wouldn't worry too much cuz they really do take care of you out on the mission and your apartments are generally in safe places. I was mugged once when I was 8 months pregnant and thrown to the ground. It can be a scary experience. I'm glad he's okay. You seem like such a sweet stepmom! He's blessed to have you.