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!