Laura's Corner

My Celebrity Family

Posted by Laura Beyer on Aug. 3, 2008

 Alright everyone, you heard me, I am going to fill you in on something.  I have a CELEBRITY FAMILY. 

You may be thinking, well, gosh Laura, I have never seen you on TV, the big screen or singing the national anthem at the ballpark.  What makes you a celebrity?  Have your kids been though Simon Cowell at American Idol?   I mean, give me a break, who do you think you are anyway?

This is the deal.  Listen up folks, you may agree with me when I am done.  A miracle could occur.

I am sick and tired of watching the news.  Nope, not the bad news.  That is a fact of life.  I am done with watching every waking moment of every person who has made millions of dollars on TV, movies or sports.  Why are we so obsessed with Suri, Shiloh and every other kid who has a movie star life?  I mean, really, when are we going to wake up and realize that these kids, and their parents are never going to be a part of our lives.  Let me give it to you straight.  We make them money, millions of dollars.  Yet, we will never get it back.  Nope, you heard me, your favorite star, the one you spend time dreaming about, doesn't even know who you are.  Never will.  And you know what, his or her life will go on. 

While we sit here padding their bank accounts and the Manolos on their feet, they move on to their next multi-million dollar mansion, WITHOUT YOU. 

I used to have a crush on Andrew McCarthy as a kid.  Yep, thought he was romantic.  Also had a thing for Mel Gibson, (oops, did I say that).  Rod Stewart is my favorite singer.  Of all time.  Go crazy at his concerts.  But, low and behold, I still have yet to meet one of them.  Didn't have enough for the back stage pass.

This is the deal.  While we focus so much on these folks, you know, the ones we obsess over, we are losing precious time with the people who are right under our noses.  This is usually a fact for me because I am 6'1" and everyone else is shorter than me.   Don't you think it's time we focus on doing something really outstanding for the people in our lives?

What makes us a celebrity family, you may ask?  Let me tell you.  In my home, there is not alot of "gifting".  I mean, sure, once in a while they get a new cd, movie or whatever.  But, this is not a daily event.  In my home, it is a gift to have somewhere warm, safe, and dry to live.  To be in a family where you love and respect eachother is the ultimate.  To make memories out of goofy things and be able to laugh, gosh, I cannot think of anything better.   We are celebrities because people look up to us.  We love being able to help people.  When you watch us, it's a form of entertainment one will never forget.  Sure, we might not have expensive vehicles, but our love far outweighs anything a car ever give you.  Spend a few minutes with my kids and your life will never be the same.  They are amazing young women and have truly made a difference in the lives of others.  Sounds like celebrity to me!

For their birthdays, well that is another story.  Last year, I rented a limo for my daughter's 15th birthday.  The girls who came to the party had never been in a limo, including my own.  It was a huge secret.  I told the girls to be dressed, makeup, hair, everything by 9pm.  I had the curtains closed until then.  When 9pm came, I opened up the curtains.  There out in front of the house was a stretch limo.  I told them to look outside and they freaked out.  They all went crazy.  They almost fainted.  We jumped in and cruised around.  The limo driver knew what he was getting into.  The girls would request him to stop at every one of their favorite places around Milwaukee.  He did as they requested.  He would get out, hold the door open for them, and hold each and every one of their hands as they exited the limo.  They truly felt like superstars.   It was a night that has and will never be forgotten. 

This is what I am talking about.  Each and every one of your family members is fabulous.  Ultra-fabulous for that matter.  Why not do something really special for your kids.  You don't even have to invest alot of money.  All they want is time, one on one time.   They want to feel like they are walking the red carpet of your heart.  Why not reserve a couple of hours one night, you know, the one night you usually just hang out watching TV anyway?  Focus your attention on them and only them.  It is important that this happen at least once a month.  If you have more than one child then enlist the help of your sister, mom, or whomever to take care of the other children while you focus on one. 

There is no time like the present.  With so many activities going on for summer, start today!  I have a special date with my daughters today at the State Fair.  We will go pig out, slide down the big slide and walk around.   We will have an awesome time, I can guarantee you that. 

Another great idea is to make a "magazine" cover with your son or daughter's picture on the front.  Title the magazine HERO.    I know there are places around town which do it for a very minimal price.  Then, create the magazine.  You can compose this on your computer.  Make it a project.  It doesn't have to be long, just a memoir and appreciation of the child you created not so long ago.  I bet your child will not only sleep with it under his or her pillow, but also take it to their special day at school. 

What I know is this.  Life is way too short.  Our loved ones are taken from us when we least expect it.  It is time we start living life to the fullest and not waste more on those who really do not matter.  Invest time in your kids and you will reap the rewards, especially in your time of need.   I mean, would you rather not live with one of your children than in a nursing home later?  I do!  I mean, if I changed them, the least they can do is change me... 

UNTIL NEXT TIME!