Oh what a night...December 8, 2008 - part 2

Pictures of the evening - http://picasaweb.google.com/beatymom/CCBBPremiereDay?authkey=S2hN8FGv-RA#

After the movie was over there was lots of applause in theater.  What a complement from a room full peers.  We made our way to the lobby.  I had to go to the bathroom so bad, but didn't want to miss anything.  I made my way to the bathroom through the crowd, still recognizing familiar faces but not names.  After seeing the line I opted to wait so I made my way back to Madisen and Chris.  They didn't miss me they were just hanging out with Eva (Longoria) talking about Denver, Tony (her hubby), dresses and how Maddie was taller then Eva.  Super great, friendly person!  Mingle, Mingle, follow Maddie.  Madisen approached Tilda Swinton and John Byrne (I believe).  Tilda was talking to someone, Madisen really wanted to meet her so she asked John if Tilda would be at the cocktail reception.  He told Madisen to hold on Tilda would like to meet her.  They chatted a few minutes and then Tilda took Madisen hand and said "Walk with me".  It was so cute and Tilda was so sweet, kind and friendly.  Madisen is a fan from Narnia - Tilda was the witch and she is Elizabeth Abbott in CCBB.  We went outside to wait for Dan to pull up.  So glad we had the limo for the evening it made things so much easier.

Dan arrived to take us to the Cocktail reception.  Some quick touch ups in the limo on the short drive over.  I still have to go to the bathroom.  Oh my goodness it is so crowded and we could barely walk.  Food and drinks (water for Maddie).  Madisen gave Congratulations to David (Fincher) and thanked him again - Chris and I did as well.  She talked with Jackie West (Costume Designer), Laray Mayfield (her favorite casting director and friend).  Oh wait Mom I want to say Hello to Brad...OK honey.  As Madisen waited patiently to say hello to Brad, I leaned over to her and pointed out how another lady had just spoke with him and taken a picture with him.  Noticing this I asked Madisen if she could ask for a picture.  She turned to me and said "NO MOM, I'm building a relationship not joining his fan club.  It is not appropriate."  I must admit that was the only person I saw taking pictures but I wanted one for me and he looked almost as handsome as Chris did in his tux.  It was pretty loud with the music.  I stood by quietly as Madisen lean over to say hello to Brad - "Hello Brad I'm Madisen"...wait David leaned over to Brad and said "You know that is Madisen - Young Daisy don't you?"  Brad threw his hands up and said "Madisen I'm so sorry I didn't even recognize you...you are all grown up" he came around the glass coffee table between them and gave her a big hug (she was all professional...I was so jealous and I couldn't stop thinking about "Thelma and Louisa" or "Legends of the Fall").  Brad chatted with her and apologized again for not recognizing her.  Madisen told him "Just wait it will happen with your kids" He said "It already has".  That was a highlight of the evening.  I have to say each time Madisen has chatted with Brad he has been so gracious, friendly, genuine to her.  As a parent with children in the industry it really means a lot to me when adult actors are respectful, friendly and gracious with my children.  We continued to mingle and visit.  Madisen met Jennifer Lopez briefly.  JLo was quiet and soft spoken.  Chris and I were thoroughly enjoying watching Madisen in her element.  She was very excited to run in to Devyn Tyler (she plays Queenie's daughter at 12) and ironically her mother DeneenTyler (plays Queenie's daughter at 40).  We met them in New Orleans and Madisen and Devyn hit off right away. Great family.  Devyn was recently seen in The Great Debaters' as Forrest Whitaker's daughter.  Madisen was hoping to Cate again but she had left right after the red carpet to fly back to Australia for the premiere there the following evening.

The crowd was starting to thin out a little and Madisen said "Wait I want to say goodbye to Brad (who was actually visiting with his family - his parents were attending with Angelina and him).  Their security told us to wait a few minutes that he was with his family.  Then Brad came by and said goodbye to Madisen and I. that is when I asked "Brad, Madisen has been trying to meet your lovely wife all evening" (oops they technically aren't married) he replied "Oh Madisen come here"  He took Madisen over to Angelina and Madisen introduced herself..."Hello I'm Madisen and I play young Daisy" Angelina replied "I know who you are and you did a beautiful job"  Madisen's beaming face replied "You are beautiful".  Angelina was very gracious and truly beautiful in person.  

Well we made our way to the door, Dan picked us up outside and we headed back to our sublet.  On the way home we chatted about the evening, the movie, the people we met and most of all how very proud of Madisen we were.  It made it so special that Chris and I could share that evening with her.  Madisen had been talking about the premiere and the dress since she booked CCBB in October 2006.  Chris and I both told her - you have worked so hard for the past 5 years and we are very happy for you to be a part of such a special evening.  I personally sort of felt like Cinderella heading back to reality.  We got home about 1:45 am and we actually woke Kris up when we got home to chat more about the evening.  Then it was time to wash our faces and hit the bed...

Oh what a night...December 8, 2008 part 1

As the World premiere of The Curious Case of Benjamin Button approached I held on to the hope that Madisen would get to attend (no this is not a guarantee).  Finally the week before Thanksgiving Madisen +1 is confirmed. YES! Then Madisen's new manager Mimi was able to secure a +2 so that Chris and I both could attend.  As Madisen and I were on the hunt for the perfect dress, Chris stopped by the Tux shop (this was the first black tie premiere in Hollywood in years) was fitted - done off the list.  Then Express gave Madisen two dresses and Juicy Couture sent over two dress...that was easy one of the Juicy dresses won her over hands down.  Finally, I made my selection.  Rylie and Declan would be attending dinner and limo ride with us so they were included in the attire shopping also.  Rylie new dress - check, Declan new tux - check, Nail appt - check, matching purses, shoes, and hair appt - check.  Jewelry was loaned to us by a friend Mychael Martin with Premiere Jewelry.  Thank you Mychael.  Jewelry - Check.

Madisen, Rylie and I went over to our friend Maggie's house and her hairdresser Lee came and did our hair.  Then back to get dressed and out the door for Family Pictures! Yes family pictures, it is not often that the Beaty/Clampetts get dress to the nines.  Shanley came by and took pictures, however we were running behind and only were able to take pictures out front (which worked out fine).  Thank you Shanley!!  Our friend Kris Davis and her son Darr (who with Declan was security for Madisen)

actually they came to hang out with Rylie and Declan.  (Dan took them back to our sublet during the movie and even made a stop for chocolate shakes).  Dan our limo driver waited patiently as we finished up pictures.  Off to a early dinner and then red carpet drop off at about 6:15ish.  Well, after the congestion and confusion of the arrival line we arrived closer to 6:30 pm.  

Oh my goodness the lights, the crowds and the screaming.  As we got out of the limo Michael the publicist from Paramount assigned to  Madisen met us.  We could hear screaming and yelling behind us and Madisen lean over and said "Brad's here" Sure enough Cate, Brad and Angelina had arrived about the same time we did.  Michael recommended Madisen wait and let Brad and Cate walk the red carpet first.  The best part is during this whole time Kris Davis had gotten out of the limo with Rylie, Declan and Darr with us and security gave them a spot right up beside the red carpet where they were able to watch the whole time.  It meant a lot for them to be included as much as possible in this evening.

Red Carpet time...Michael suggested Chris and I follow and stay off to the side with him (oh my goodness - I'm on the red carpet with Brad and Angelina!).  Madisen went in to action and I must admit as her mother I'm still in awe of her grace and confidence.  There must have been over 100 photographers/interviewers all hoping for the perfect picture or quick interview on the horseshoe shaped red carpet.  Up one side for photographers and down the other side with interviewers from around the world.  Eva Longoria was on one side and looked right at Chris and said "Hi" with a big smile. I was teasing him that she was checking him out and he agreed with a big smile.  Brad, Angelina, Cate, Tilda Swinton, Taraji P. Henson, Sharon Stone, Eva and our Madisen.  This is one my favorite pictures (Kris took it from the sidelines) it captures us watching Madisen on her red carpet walk and I don't think Kris needed the flash with the proud glow radiating from Chris and I.

Time to move inside, it's almost 7:00 the movie is about to start. (I know long post - the night is only beginning).  We had assigned seats great location right in the middle.  Lisa Rinna and Harry Hamlin were behind us.  T.R. Knight (Grey's Anatomy), Masi Oka (Hero's), Doris Roberts (Everyone Loves Raymond), around us.  So many familiar faces but I didn't think it was proper to whip out my cell phone to check IMDB.  The lights are flicker, OK everyone take your seat...Ladies and Gentlemen Mr. Steven Spielberg.  OH my goodness Steven Spielberg - I'm in the same room as Steven Spielberg.  I was thinking 'Excuse Mr. Spielberg this is my daughter Madisen Beaty' as he was saying "how much the entertainment industry has evolved over the years" then he introduced the The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.

For the next 2 hours and 45 mins with our beautiful and talented daughter Madisen between us, I was sitting with my wonderful of husband of almost 20 years, enjoying a epic film about life, death, love, time and how people that come in to our lives may not stay long but will impact who you are more then you realize. It was a time when we forgot who was around us, other then the occasion sniffles we heard.  The only think that would have made it better was to have Rylie and Declan beside us so we could share this as a family.  It was a special night and there was more to come...

Ordinary family with extraordinary...

It is hard to believe that barely two years ago, Madisen finally got a break in this "tough" business of Show Business and was cast in The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.  I still remember when she was 6 yrs old, 7 yrs old and 8yrs old asking to take a acting class.  Acting classes" where did that come from.  We told her let us find some close to home.  Little did we know that five years later we would be on the journey we are on now.  I have to say it still amazes me the commitment and scarfices I have seen this 13 year old young lady make in the past five years.  

The best part is we have been able to enjoy this as a family.  There are so many people who go through life and talk about their dream, passion, invention, idea or goal and never even write it down.  Chris and I are glad that we have been able to teach our children it is OK to step out of the box and take a risk.  We have grown so much closer as a family, made new friends while growing our relationships with those who have shared out crazy journey.  The love and support is so cherished by all five of us and means so much to us.  During all of this Rylie and Declan have been able to dabble in various acting opportunities also.  Although, we still see Rylie's true passion as our "sporty spice", reading and enjoying dance.  Declan enjoys his legos, toy of the week, baseball, soccer and an occasional audition - with "not too many lines MOM"...and they both enjoy just being kids.  The is the balancing act, we want to raise kids who are just kids that also act.  Not young actors who try to be kids when it is convenient.  It is a little harder with Madisen, the passion and the drive far out run the brakes on her.  Can you imagine being so passionate at 13 years old?  The mission as the parent is to balance the interest, passion and drive of each child, while maintaining the family structure, faith and believes.  Especially the special gifts and talents of each individual child.  

May God continue to give us the strength, guidance and wisdom to make the right decisions.  May we continue to find the tools and resource we need on our journey called LIFE.

Remembering each day that all the special moments like the cute dance steps across the kitchen, big soccer kick in the backyard,  the newest lego creation, funny laugh, clumsy fall, soft kisses on my cheeks, big hugs and most of all the "I Love YOU, Mommy".  That is what it is really all about.  

Madisen's told us one time that she heard a quote Bernie Mac said: "I'm an ordinary guy with an extraordinary job" hmmm...well we are just an ordinary family with extraordinary opportunities to enjoy life each day and live with no regrets.   

Jumping in to Blog World

Why a Blog...honestly.  I'm terrible at writing in a journal (hate my handwriting).  I'm a total computer-teckie junkie from my email, to my crackberry, to facebook, and now a blog gives me another techie outlet.  I also think each day I experience special moments in time that I want to remember.  I believe by writing/typing about them I have footprint of these moments always.  

The Bloomin Blessings Name...well I struggled with that one, seems there are a lot of bloggers out there and it was a slight challenge.  However with the help of Madisen, Chris and the dictionary I found the words I needed.  Let's start with Blessings: anything that gives happiness.  WOW - I have always felt truly blessed.  I can't express enough how grateful I am for the things in my life that give me happiness each and everyday.  Bloomin(g): 1. Blossoming 2. flourishing.  All the other adjectives I picked were taking and this says it all - Flourishing with things that give me happinesses.  I want to remember that each day.  Another reason for my blog is I can now stop sending out mass emails to family and friends.  When they want to know what is up with The Beaty's with a simple click of the mouse, they can jump to www.bloominblessings.blogspot.com and get the latest news.  

My goal with my blog is to document and capture those simple everyday flashes of life that we all often take for granted until one day we realize we have moved on to the next season of life.  Chris and I call them "your gonna miss this" moments.  We now realize before we know it the kids will be grown and moved on to making their own "your gonna miss this" daily moments.