All In The Family

Last week I was able to travel down once again to Utah.  Since Camille and Russ are moving there soon, she was in town to search for a home.  Brittney was "husbandless" as Stuart happened to be in New York because Fictionist made it to the final four of the Rolling Stone Cover Contest!  So exciting!  Good things are happening for them.  Brent also was slammed with a work project and his life in general, so I decided it was a great opportunity for some girl time.

We officially celebrated Camille's birthday with a cake, a song, and a few presents.  Her father-in-law made her this birthday cake. . . seriously!  That is so awesome. 

On Friday it was BYU Graduation, and two of my nieces graduated this year--Shayla Forsey and Megan McWhorter.  It's been great to share these events with our extended family--so far both Brittney and Camille shared their graduation with a Forsey cousin.  By way of introduction, starting on the left next to me is my sister-in-law Kristi (married to Craig), Lynette (who is Shayla's best friend), Shayla, Kara, Brittney, Camille, Megan, and McKayla.  Melissa happened to be out when we snapped that picture, so I took one of her alone.  She has recently been called to serve a mission in Warsaw, Poland!  She'll be a wonderful missionary. (BTW, Megan, Mellisa and McKayla are Jerry and Lisa's daughters).

It isn't too often that all of my brothers are together in the same room.  This shot caught them a bit off guard, but it was so good to see all of them.  After our evening celebrating with the Forsey's, we got to see Brent's sister and brother-in-law, Tanya and John Figgat and their family on Saturday.  We had a fun time playing Mafia. . . those Figgats are so good at that game!   In order is Brittney, Jessica, Ashley, Mitch (and his "friend" Katie!), Sydney, Russ and Camille.  The Figgats live in Eugene, Oregon, but their older kids are attending Utah State.  This was taken in Megan and Eric Hammond's home in American Fork.  Unfortunately, I didn't get them or her parents in a picture. . . lame.

On Easter Sunday we had dinner at Brittney and Stu's.  Stuart had just returned home from New York that afternoon.  He was pretty excited at how well everything had gone.  After dinner he suggested we go for a walk and throw frisbees.  Five minutes later he was snoring on the couch!  All he had to do was sit down for a few minutes and his body relaxed enough to demand some sleep. . . he had only slept 45 minutes the night before.  Those musicians go until they literally drop.  The girl's had bought the guys the same yellow shirt for Easter. . . don't they look handsome?

I have been down to Utah quite a bit this year. . . every few months or so.  Jace is a bit worried that I won't visit nearly as much when he gets home, but I'm confidant that I'll continue to go down often, especially since all of the kids will be in the same general area.  I'm so grateful I'm able to do that because like they say, "family is all that matters."  Amen to that.

CAMILLE ELISE

Happy 25th Birthday To My Beautiful Daughter Camille! 

When anticipating her birth, I didn't dare dream that I might get really lucky and actually have two girls--I felt so blessed when Brittney was born, and the thought that I could possibly have another girl just seemed almost too much to hope for.  When she was born on April 17th, we soon discovered that her Great Grandfather Camille Jugant (Grandma Pierette McLaws' father--in France the name Camille is both masculine and feminine) shared the same birthday, and it seemed right to christen her with a lovely French name.  Camille was my prettiest baby as a newborn (Yep, I said it. . . sorry Brittney and Jace!)  She also came with her trademark spunk and passion.  As a baby she was very much a Mama's girl--she did not like her Dad, and for the first couple years of her life really did not take to him or strangers much.  Well, we all know how that's changed!  She's as friendly as they come now and her and her Dad are very tight.

 
Camille has given us lots of funny stories while growing up.  In our family we lovingly refer to her odd comments, observations, explanations, definitions and declarations as "Camilly-isms," and what is always refreshing is that she joins in the fun and laughs along with us.  She has endured a lot of affectionate teasing, especially from her Dad and brother.  Nicknames were given--Meal Face, Meal Head, Camilly Bobby Wobby (Jace's), Camilly Willy, to name a few.  Notwithstanding, it was sometime around 3 or 4 years of age when she flipped the switch and decided that her Dad was not so bad and she became a Daddy's girl through and through--still is in fact. (I tease that she could teach a class in brown nosing!  She's very astute at "working" the situation.  This is a skill that has served her well in many scenarios.)  She's an excellent sister--proud and supportive of her big sis Brittney, and a huge cheerleader and mentor for Jace as he follows in the footsteps of his sisters.  

As a young girl she enjoyed dance, soccer and piano--she has become an accomplished pianist who plays with feeling and passion.  She has a great love of music and is the best fan any musician could have.  Who can forget Beatlemania, or the Dave Matthews Band obsession for example?  Her interest in and memory of all things musical is amazing.  She loves many outdoor activities--water skiing, snow boarding, snowmobiling, hiking, and biking to name a few.  If she does something, she goes all in.  In high school she won the award for the top math student of the Senior Class.  That stereotype of a nerdy introverted math whiz flew out the window with her!   Currently she works as an accountant preparing taxes.  She's one of those girls with brains and beauty. Camille is also a true friend and loyal to the core.  She has great friendships from childhood, high school and college that will be lifelong.   

She loved her experiences at BYU and accomplished much--Roommates/Boys/Jobs, Junior Core Accounting and Summer Internships, and a European Study Abroad, just to mention a few.  We were always curios to see just who would win Camille's heart, and when Russ came along we quickly found out that he really is the perfect man for her.  She has now become Camille Lewis, and it is so right!  They are a great couple and as parents it is comforting to know that your daughters are cherished by magnificent men.

There is nothing more heartwarming than watching your daughters grow from beautiful babies to breathtaking brides.  Camille has such a gorgeous smile and it truly does come from within--she is a good girl through and through.  Camille and Russ have lived in San Antonio, Texas for the past 20 months and have had a lot of memorable experiences which have shaped their newlywed years.  They have recently made the decision to take a job in Utah.  Yea!  They are moving closer to home, and it will be fabulous to have all my children in the same general location soon. 

So Dearest Camille, may you have a wonderful Birthday. 

 Thank you for being my friend as well as my daughter. 

You are a great example to me in so many ways. 

I love you dearly and am so proud of the woman you have become. 

See you soon!