Ben, Camille, and baby Claire

Blurb

2012-01-24T12:30:00.000-08:00

I love this time of year when my blog book comes in the mail!

I use www.blurb.com. It's super easy and downloads your blog posts for you (a MUST for me--other online printing companies like Shutterfly don't do that automatically for you). You just download their FREE software onto your computer and throughout the year (like every 4 months or so) I'll upload my posts to the software and organize it as I go. Otherwise, it could be a daunting big task at the end of the year to organize. The only thing you pay for is the book when you're finished!

Blurb's software (Booksmart) will automatically import all posts into a simple layout with the pictures, then I like to go through and change the layouts, add more picture pages and put more pictures that I didn't put on the blog. Even though it would be cuter, I don't change any of the fonts because that would just take too long. I just like to keep it clean and simple. I do standard landscape.

For about 150 full-color pages, it costs between $50-$65 (I always try to wait for a promo code), and it takes about 10 hours of work all together. Not bad if you keep it up and don't leave it until December:)

This is why I blog. Yes, I do it so that some friends and family can see what we're up to. But mostly I do it to keep our own family journal of events throughout the years. Keeps me motivated to keep it up and we love looking back through our stories and pictures!

Once you've downloaded Booksmart, here are the steps to get your blog imported:

To get your blog downloaded to Booksmart:

Open Booksmart
Click "Start a New Book"
I do the Standard Portrait size, but you can do anything you want.
Select a layout: Blog to Book (second options from the bottom)
Now you log in to your blog. You pick "Blogger" on the left and put in your username and password.
Then if you have multiple blogs like I do, you tell it which blog by checking it. So I check ONLY benandcamille.blogspot.com.
Now it will download the entries. After it does, you check all the ones you want imported into your blog, then you're ready to go!

Let me know if you have any questions!

18 months

2012-01-23T08:05:00.000-08:00

I really can't believe she's nearing TWO! She's sure grown up a lot these last 2 weeks. She's more independent, has a mind of her own, knows what she wants... and usually gets it:)

She still doesn't say much, just lots of babble talk. It's funny how much they learn from other kids. No matter how many times we adults tell her things, all she needed was one week with Reese to finally start saying "momma!" Yay. Thanks Reese.

Her front two teeth are finally visable (so cute).

I also gave her her first hair cut (thank goodness... I didn't realize how good she would look without a mullet).

She's got a bad case of hives right now... yuck. Hope that goes away soon.

Height: 31.75" (50th)
Weight: 22.4 lbs (20th!)
Head: 47cm: (60th)

She is so funny at this age. We are laughing a million times a day over things she does. She's sweet and happy (90% of the time), loves Elmo, her baby doll, monkeys, books, computers, nursery, dancing, and being outside (even when it's 30 degrees). We are just wild about this girl and still race to be the first one to peek at her before we go to bed every night.

Here With Us

2012-01-18T10:57:00.000-08:00

This last week in California was one of the most special and spiritual weeks of my life. I can't even begin to go into detail of all the miraculous and tender mercies we experienced as a family.

Tiffany was scheduled for an induction on her due date, the 12th, so Claire and I packed up and drove down Monday (she was an ANGEL for all 12 hours) and we stayed for a week.

Reese and Claire were so good for each other. Claire has been around other toddlers, but she must deep down remember their connection because she and Reese were so cute together. They learned so much from each other too; Claire finally calls me "momma," she says "no" and learned a couple of other small words. Reese learned how to use a spoon to eat and now says "uh oh" and what a hippo says (mouth wide open) and other cute things.

Every morning after breakfast, they took a bath together:

And after their bath, they went to the park. Man, I miss California weather! It was perfect and wonderful every single day.

Here is a little video of some of the clips of them during the week:

For those of you who don't know who Tiffany is, please start HERE. My dear cousin Jared passed away suddenly on November 30th, 2011 leaving behind his pregnant wife Tiffany, and their 17 month old girl, Reese.

During the week, we shared many tender moments as a family. A few breakdowns, and lots of nights up laughing and talking about our memories with Jared. Wednesday, the day before she was to be induced, was a really hard day for everyone. There were so many mixed emotions in all of us as Jaclyn's birth was the following morning. No one could put a finger on it, but we all felt down and sad. Jac's birth was something that was anticipated and dreaded, happy and sad, exciting and emotional all at the same time. We all missed Jared and thought about him a lot that day. Tiffany received a blessing from my uncle Alan that night. It was then that things changed. He was standing in proxy of Jared and we all felt his presence. There was a renewed strength, peace, and comfort in everyone after that.

Early Thursday morning, with babysitters in place (thank you, everyone who helped), we all headed to the hospital. It was a very hard process for Tiffany to do. They started her on pitocin and the contractions started immediately. After only a few painful contractions, she received an epidural and was able to relax. But the waiting game was tough and it was hard to be there without Jared. We were all very emotional. We had another family prayer and it was very spiritual... and as some things are too sacred to describe, I can only say that Jared's entrance was undeniable.

Tiffany made these posters of pictures I took from Reese's birth to help her visualize Jared:

I love this girl.
(And she is actually my cousin as well! We are related a while back so I think we're 3rd or 4th cousins!)

After a couple of hours, Tiffany was finally able to get some sleep and when they checked her when she woke, she was a 6. Thirty minutes later, she was a 10 and it was go-time. I have never witnessed nor heard of a faster, more smooth delivery. After less than 15 minutes of pushing, she was here.

Jaclyn Christine Johansen was born at 4:23pm on January 12th:

And she was perfect.

7 pounds, 4 ounces and 19.75 inches long:

She looks so much like Reese, but mostly just in the nose and eyes. They have their daddy's eyes, that's for sure.

Big sister Reese came later that evening to meet Jaclyn:

That first night, I stayed with Tiffany in the hospital and helped with baby Jac. She is the sweetest baby.

Because recovery was SO fast and went so incredibly well, Tiff was able to leave the very next day. We were happy to get her home. With lots of helpers, 2 amazing mothers, and Jared and angels on the other side, these 3 girls are well taken care of. There was just miracle after miracle that occurred this week. Maybe someday Tiffany will share them.

Tiffany is so loved by her Heavenly Father and is one of the most amazing mothers I have met.

Here is a tender, very special video that I put together for the family:
(Note that Jared had a designated spot on her right {which was where he was last time}, so notice when she looks to her right, she is looking towards Jared)

This was taken at Reese's birth exactly 18 months ago:

(Wish it weren't so shaky at times... I blame my emotions)

My testimony of our God, His love for us, His plan for us, and the reality that He LIVES, has grown immensely these past 2 months. The miracles are undeniable; they are indescribable, and they are REAL. That is the word for me that describes what has taken place with these intimate events--REAL.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is REAL. This church was restored by a REAL prophet, Joseph Smith. We have a REAL prophet living today, Thomas S. Monson. The Book of Mormon was not made up, it is REAL scripture translated from REAL prophets of old, to be used as a companion with the Bible. We are surrounded daily by REAL angels; helping, guiding and protecting us. This life is but a small speck in the eternities and it has been testified to me that death from this life is really just a "going home." All the more reason for us to live this life to the fullest, serve others every day, be better every day, appreciate and love our families, and strive to keep the Spirit with us every day. I love and miss Jared. I have had the gift of feeling his love and appreciation for me. I know we will see him again, and what a fine reunion that will be.

Email me if you'd like to write a letter to Tiffany or donate to the girls' trust fund HERE.

Ice Ice, Baby

2012-01-04T21:23:00.000-08:00

Don't let my dad watch this or James will be grounded...

(FYI: the ice is actually 5 inches thick which can technically hold a car... so we're not totally crazy)

Happenings of 2011!

2012-01-02T07:34:00.000-08:00

I think this is the first time in a few years that we actually stayed up until midnight. Ha. We had an eventful day and are sad that everyone is back to work and school. What a fun Holiday!!

I did this post for 2010 and liked it so I'm doing it again. It's a fun way to look back at all that happened this year, the good and the bad (but mostly all good):

{in order of occurrence}

We left Dublin, California and moved to Utah in February HERE.

My sister Anna got married to Brian Larson on March 5th HERE.

Claire started walking at 8.5 months HERE.

I celebrated my first Mother's Day HERE

and Ben celebrated his first Father's Day HERE.

Ben and I left Claire for 2 weeks and went to Washington D.C. and Costa Rica!

I taught my first and second photography classes HERE and HERE!

Claire turned ONE!

And our marriage turned FOUR!

We went to Oxnard, California for Claire's first time to the beach HERE.

My family went crazy and made our infamous MUSIC VIDEO.

The blessings, love, and support that have surrounded my cousin Jared's death HERE.

What a fun year we have had. We are so blessed and grateful for all that we are given. We look forward to a new year, new beginnings, resolutions, trips, and happenings.

Some of our resolutions include: eating healthier, exercising, visiting the temple more often, growing spiritually, daily scriptures, kneeling to pray, and doing more service for others.

(Family Temple trip 12/30/11)

Christmas

2011-12-29T16:14:00.000-08:00

We had a great Christmas weekend! Thanks family for being da bomb.

Christmas Eve we spent with my family. We all went out on Pineview on the fresh ice. Since it hasn't really snowed yet, the ice is see-through and only about 5 inches thick. It was AWESOME. It is so clear you can see down to the bottom near the shore. It also cracks and makes the craziest noises that sounds like Star Wars battles. Pretty freaky at times, but so FUN.

Then we did our annual Gingerbread (aka graham cracker) Houses. This was mine this year:

I am extremely proud of that round roof. It took a lot of work:

Ben's was a "make-out" hut:

My mom's was a birdhouse, James' was an airplane, Raquel's was a pretty little Victorian house, Anna and Brian's was a cool barn, and Brooke's was a tree house! So creative!

Christmas morning we wanted to do our own thing as a family so we set up everything the night before from Santa.

She LOVES her new baby and stroller from Grandma Kendell. She was so cute with it and knew it was hers.

She wouldn't sit still for fear that her gifts would disappear so this is the best we got:

2010:

She has changed so much in one year!!

It was fun to go to church and hear the beautiful choir and think about the Savior. Then Ben's family came over to celebrate and I made homemade Cafe Rio. It was amazing! We skyped with Jon and Jaclyn in D.C. and had a grand old time. We are definitely spoiled by all of our family. We love you all so much and are grateful for the time we get to spend together (we miss the Garrison side this year!)

Monday we went out on the ice again with ice skates. We'd be out there every day if we could.

Happy New Year!

Holidays

2011-12-23T13:18:00.000-08:00

We're excited we're HOME for the Holidays this year! Is Christmas Eve really TOMORROW? Holy buckets. So fun. Here's a happy update on the last crazy month.

She's still a doll:

She and my cousin Henry had a sleepover and a couple baths together.

Love this next one. Caption contest is a must. It's one of two things:

"Daaang girl."
or
"Dude. I've seen better."

We also had a sleepover with the Phipps (while our husbands were in Mozambique, Africa getting a little business started):

Claire is queen of bumps with how wild she is. And you don't even fully understand how wild she is. This happened when she was running full speed across the couch, tripped on a pillow, and landed her face on the leg of my work desk. Cried a little, got right back up to do it again.

Ward Christmas party:

She was just a little weary until we left her there too long and started laughing, then she did a fake cry until it turned real.

We went a visited Ben's grandma Nan in the recovery center a couple of times. She's the light of the party for sure.

"Bones, baby!"

We went with some friends to Christmas Village on 25th. Freeeezing.

Johansen family Christmas party:

Christmas Village again with the Phipps (And Ben sporting his ugly $5 D.I. find 5 days in a row):

Went to a fun "Ugly Sweater Party" and I set up a little photo booth.

And she is 17 months old today!!

Love her more every day. She makes everyone who sees her smile. She's always happy, always so sweet. Such a good baby. We love our brown-haired, green-eyed little beauty.

Have a great Christmas weekend, everyone!

Forever Changed

2011-12-08T11:05:00.000-08:00

Jared Alan Johansen, beloved son of Alan and Christy Johansen unexpectedly passed away in his sleep early Wednesday morning November 30, 2011 at his home in Pleasanton, California. He was 27 years old. Jared grew up in Pleasanton and loved his many friends and teachers at Walnut Grove Elementary, Harvest Park Middle School, and Amador Valley High School. Jared was well known for his fun sense of humor and wit and his love of learning. He was a great brother, husband, father, son, a gifted athlete, dedicated scholar and respected friend. Jared was an avid fan of the San Francisco 49ers, Giants and the Warriors. He spoke Spanish fluently and served a two year voluntary mission for his church in Washington D.C. Jared attended college at both BYU and the University of Utah, earning a degree in Economics in 2009. He was married in the Portland Oregon LDS temple in 2008 to his adoring wife Tiffany Bleak. During the past 2 years, Jared loved his work and associates at the law firm of Gunderson Dettmer in Redwood City. He and Tiffany were happily looking forward to law school next year. Jared is survived by his wife, his 17 month old daughter Reese and another baby daughter Jaclyn (due to arrive in January). Jared is also survived by his parents and his two younger brothers Nick and Nate Johansen.

When you have an experience like I did this week with the Johansen family, you need to write it down; when you feel the Spirit stronger than you ever have in your life; when your view about this trial is turned around completely; when your eyes are opened and your heart testified to; and when your perspective on life is changed.

I know that there are tragedies and deaths happening all over the world: the new VT shooting today, the missionary in Texas that was killed recently, and many other lost loved ones and heartbreaks. I am hoping that me sharing some details about Jared's death and our experience as a family will touch you, change you, bring you to closer to Christ.

I had heard very little about the circumstances surrounding Jared’s death until Sunday. When I heard of his passing on Wednesday morning, I was a mess to say the least. I have never cried so hard in my life. I have never been in so much pain. And a big part of the pain was knowing that his family and Tiffany were in unfathomable pain. The communication was minimal and it led to lots of unanswered questions. I had no idea what happened to Jared, but “dying suddenly in his sleep” just didn't make sense to me.

Now I know. It was Jared’s time. Simple as that. And his family was being prepared for that day for years. God’s hand and His tender mercies were everywhere leading up to his death. God had a plan and because his family listened to the Spirit, it was able to play out miraculously. Jared exited this earth perfectly.

Jared and Tiffany were headed to Utah to see Tiff’s family for Thanksgiving the week before he died. We were able to see them Friday and what a blessing that was. The Bleaks, their family friends, and the Johansens were doing a dinner at a cool barn in Heber City. They were also having someone come to teach us line dancing. It was such a fun night. The dinner was great. We sat by Jared and Tiffany and caught up with our lives. When the dancing started, Tiffany had someone video everyone dancing (video at the end of post). Then when it moved to “couple” dancing, I remember thinking, 'I should video Jared and Tiffany together.' So I did. When I was videotaping them dancing, I noticed 2 kisses between them; small and sweet but they stuck out to me and I remember thinking, “That is so cute of them. They are so happy.” After dancing with Tiffany for a while, Jared came and asked me to video him and Reese dancing. The love that emanated from his face while he danced with that little girl was tangible; and she adored him. She was laughing and giggling and was so happy. It was a tender mercy that Tiffany got into videography WHEN she did and as FAST as she did. The videos she did of Reese and her dad the last couple of months will be Reese’s for the rest of her life. It was a tender mercy that Ben and I could be there so that I could get the ONLY video of she and Jared together, and of he and Reese dancing. The first thing I told Ben when we left was, “Jared is so happy!”

From then on, Jared started feeling a little off. Tiffany said he would complain a couple of times about feeling nauseous. And that a few times, his paleness surprised her. He just looked and felt tired and sick. He was not well but Tiff said he was happier than ever so they kind of ignored it.

They were able to see his Grandma and Grandpa Fronberg while they were there. They have video of the Bleaks and the Johansens playing cards together; everyone laughing and so happy. They have video of Jared and Grandma & Grandpa Johansen, Blake and Deb.

Jared and Tiffany had the best last few weeks together they’d ever had in their entire marriage. Especially the last 3 days before he died. She said it was magical and indescribable. He was so much more attentive, so full of love and happiness, so involved with Reese and the new baby. They both couldn't explain it and didn't know why. They shared some very special and tender moments where he was expressing his love for their little family and their life together. They couldn't explain why their feelings were so powerful and overwhelming, but she knows now that their spirits were just saying goodbye.

On the flight back to California, Jared again wasn't feeling well and rested most of the flight. At home, he and Tiff were watching Reese play one day and he said out of the blue, “Reese. You. Are. SO. Beautiful.” He also told Tiffany how much fun he had had with Reese over the last few days. Later Monday evening, Tiffany told him to go work out because he loved it and it always made him feel better. While he was gone she wanted to hurry and finish the wedding video she’d been working on because she loved showing them to Jared. He was always so impressed and proud of her videos. When he got back, he had only done some ab workouts and was completely pale and sweating like he’d played 2 hours of basketball. He came in her room and when she saw him she asked, “What’s wrong, Jared?” and he said, “I don’t know. I just need a hug, Tiff.” This completely shocked her because he was rarely like this. They went to bed and at about 3:30am Tiffany awoke suddenly with hot air blowing on her. She was too hot, but tried to fight it for a while and go back to sleep. Finally, she got up and went out to the hall to the thermostat. On her way back, she saw Jared’s light on under his door. She thought, “That’s weird. It doesn’t sound like he’s up and he never does that. Maybe I should go in and just turn it off for him.” So she did. When she went in, she immediately knew something was wrong with him and ran to him to wake him up. But he didn’t wake up.

This is definitely the shortened version of the whole story. I can't go into all of the details here but it is amazing to me how everyone in his family had a special “goodbye” with Jared and didn’t know it at the time, including me. I remember our last hug at the barn and will never forget it. His father Alan’s last text to Jared was: “Love you and Tiff and Reese and Jac” and Jared wrote back: “I love you, too.” Christy said that when she was saying goodbye to Jared in Utah, she did the usual and grabbed his face in her hands to kiss him. He took her and said, “Mom, I love you SO much.” And they just held each other for a long time. Such a gift from God.

The next few days were a whirlwind; picking out caskets, planning the funeral, picking a grave plot. But Tiffany had a transformation. She and Christy both experienced a sacred, spiritual enlightenment that changed their hearts. Their eyes and hearts were opened and they knew that Jared had been called to a higher purpose and that his mission here was done. He was busy doing the work of the Lord. Tiffany knows that Jared is carrying her through all of this. He is very close to her right now, she can feel him. She can feel that he is happy and safe and free, but also that he is worried for her and sad that she is so sad. She feels his love for her and he is holding her hand and proud of her for all the work she is doing for him right now.

They picked out a grave plot for him on Sunday. All of the family went and 90% of them loved a spot that they had found. It was at the top of the cemetery, kind of alone, and it overlooked the whole San Francisco and Bay areas. It was beautiful. The family thought it was perfect. But Tiffany wasn’t feeling it. She didn’t feel like it was right, but she didn’t know what was and didn’t want to make everyone feel bad because she knew everyone loved it. She looked at another plot. It was simple. It didn’t have a view at all. It was just surround by grass at the bottom of the hill. She lay on the grass there as the family gathered and she began to speak. Her mom, dad, and Alan said that when she started speaking, Tiffany was transformed and eloquent and filled with the spirit and was a teacher. She said, “That other plot is beautiful. It is an amazing view. But it’s a view of the WORLD. San Francisco represents the world and everything wrong with it. The view reminds me of all Satan’s distractions in this life. You can’t see the view at all from this plot. It’s surround by grass and trees. It’s simple and peaceful, but it’s what Jared would want.”

Sunday afternoon, I went over to their house. I was desperate to see Tiffany. She is my best friend and I wanted to help so bad. I wanted to take away her pain, do anything to help. I also wanted to get my hands on the video I took of them at the barn so I could put it together for Tiffany. She had texted me earlier Sunday and said, “I have a big favor to ask of you” and I was just praying it was to do the video. And it was. She wanted me to put together and edit all of the video that she had taken over Thanksgiving break with Jared and the family in it. I was so happy to have been asked to do something. I felt so helpless until then. She wanted it played at the viewing on Monday night. I was up working on it for a few hours and towards the end of the night, Alan came in and we had a special moment together. He came in and was across the room and the bed was between us, he just started talking and saying how much he loved me and Ben and was so grateful we had moved to California and that it was another tender mercy of God. He said, “You have no idea how much Jared loved you two and what an example you were to him. And how you have been there for them and helped them is amazing.” Then he started to cry, so I got up and went to hug him. We held each other for a long time.

I don’t know what I expected when I went to the Johansen home on Sunday. But I did NOT expect to see what I found or felt. I have never in my life felt the Spirit more strongly than I did. The veil is very thin in that home. When I saw Tiffany yesterday, I was amazed. We cried and held each other for what felt like an eternity. Although the pain of her loss is written all over her entire body, she is glowing with the Spirit. The words that come out of her mouth are inspiring. She is a teacher. She is a leader. She is a comforter. She sat and told a group of friends and family her whole story and everyone in that room was crying, but the Spirit was touching all of us. Tiff is so grateful for everyone around the world and all of their support. She is aware of all that is going on for her and the family. She is being carried through this week. I am so proud of her and honored to call her family. She is the strongest person I know.

The viewing was hard. And it was incredible at the same time. Tiffany wasn’t sure about going but decided to go last minute. I told her that I knew she would be glad that she went. The video I made was playing on a big screen to the side of Jared. His family lined up and people came for 3 and a half hours. Tiffany was having a hard time. But more than that, she was touched and amazed at how many people came for Jared. She said, “Look how many people loved Jared. Look how many lives he touched. I am so proud of him.” I told her that I was proud of her and that she is changing people’s lives.

(Tiffany's cousin from Oregon took most of the pictures)

Tuesday morning we had our family viewing and all were touched by the Spirit. Jared looked so peaceful and perfect. It was so hard to have them shut the casket and know that we will not see that body again on this earth. But I know we will see him again in the next life. Perfect and beautiful. It was wonderful to have all of my aunts and uncles, my mom and dad, and Grandma there. We all felt so close to each other.

The funeral was beautiful. Nick, Nate, Christy, Alan, and Tiffany did incredible jobs on their talks. We were all amazed. They were composed and sustained during their talks. I am so glad I recorded it to listen to again and again. Jared’s mission president also came and spoke. And Elder Packer from the Quorum of the Seventy. The funeral was SO powerful.

Tiffany had everyone write notes to Jared to be buried with. She also did this when her brother died 2 years ago. When she started laying them out on Jared's bed, she was so filled with peace and joy.

Jared's ties:

I feel peace and certainty while watching this video that Reese will be taken care of. Her grandparents love her more than anything:

Until this week, I was deeply depressed, aching, so sad, and a little bit bitter about it all. I didn’t understand and was falling into the “why’s” of the trial. Why did this have to happen? Why did this have to happen to Tiffany? Why did this have to happen when it did, like it did, without an explanation? What is the point of this? Tiffany has already dealt with death and learned the lessons from that kind of hardship. It just didn’t make any sense. I had always heard the usual “It was meant to be” and "Everything happens for a reason" and “Trials are really blessings” and “It was his time.” But I didn’t understand it. I didn’t have it testified to me.

This week, the Spirit spoke to me and changed my heart. It was Jared’s time to go. God has a plan for Jared. He has a plan! Jared fulfilled his mission on this earth and was needed somewhere else and so God took him. It was to be this way from the beginning, we all just didn't know it. When you look at this life as a blink of the eye in the eternities, it makes it okay! It makes it understandable and bearable! The difference was I was looking at this experience with my worldly eyes, but when I look at it with my spiritual eyes, I am filled with peace and understanding and knowledge. It is a 180 for me. Tiffany will always miss him. She’ll have hard days and months and years. It will be a rough road ahead of her. Especially with all the changes and the baby coming. But she will do it. She can do it. She and the girls will be just fine. I've never seen so much support in my life. And she knows she will see him again.

This experience is hard for everyone. Hard for his friends and school mates and ward members. Hard for the grandparents who have lost a beloved grandson, hard for aunts and uncles who have lost their nephew. Hard for cousins like me who have lost their cousin. Hard for Jane and Morgan who have lost their son-in-law. Hard for Alan and Christy who have lost their son. Hard for Nick and Nate who lost their brother. And for Tiffany for losing her husband and Reese for losing her daddy. But all of us have been touched by the Spirit and had our testimonies of this life and God’s plan and love for us strengthened. Our testimonies of Christ’s atonement have been refined. Our resolve to love those around us and be even more like Christ has been perfected. Even complete strangers have been touched. Experiences like this and trials this hard ARE blessings. But that doesn’t mean they aren’t easy. He won't make us run faster than we have strength. The trick is to get closer to the Savior and hold ever harder to the rod. We need to utilize the atonement of Christ to make it through. Christ knows exactly what it feels like to lose Jared and He will carry us all through. I know I am forever changed because of Jared and my time with the Johansens this week.

Hug your kids. Kiss your spouse. Hold on to each other and focus on the what matters most.
Learn more about what we believe HERE. Or email me if you have any questions.

Spread the word about donating to a good cause this Holiday season:

www.jaredjohansenlegacy.com

Money will help fund an education for both Reese and Jaclyn (coming Jan 2012).

Here are some pictures of us/me with Jared that I want to remember.

1986:

1987:

1988:

2008:

2009 they came to visit us in Africa, the post is HERE:

Johannesburg Temple:

I was able to witness the birth of their baby Reese:

Ben and Jared, Reese and Claire:

Here is the video I put together for the family:
(The original is 30 minutes long, but I cut it down to about 6 minutes for online viewing)

Giving Thanks

2011-11-29T19:38:00.000-08:00

This was a fun weekend filled with family. I love them all so much! A lot of my mom's family came in town this year so we had dinner with them Thursday. It was so fun to see everyone.

My mom hosted and did such a great job with everything.

I find it funny that people get so wrapped up in being annoyed about playing Christmas music early or stores getting decorations out before Thanksgiving, because to me it's just all one wonderful season when we remember what matters most in life. The earlier the better! :) What a wonderful time of year to reflect and focus on all of our blessings. Most importantly: our families, our Savior, and serving others.

We missed you Grandma and Grandpa J! {And Mark & Jill, Jessica, Kara, Dallin, and Jenna, Jared & Tiff, and Jed}

The turkey naps:

Thanksgiving dinner #2!

Friday night we went down to Heber to see my cousin Jared and Tiffany (we lived by them in Cali). Tiff's family had a barn rented out and a FABULOUS meal and line dancing!! It was SO fun to see them and get Reese and Claire back together, even though Claire was a bit of a sass:) She immediately claimed Reese's doll stroller as her own and it was hers, ALL night. I'm so happy we were able to make this work and see each other, it had been TOO long!! Love you guys!

Thanksgiving dinner #3!

Poor Nan fell and broke her hip a couple of weeks ago so she is back in the rehab center. We had a yummy meal there together and had a great time together.

Last year, we were in Vegas and Disneyland for Thanksgiving and Claire was only 4 months old and looked like this:

She was such a cute little baby and is turning into our beautiful little girl!!

Things to remember now that she's 16 months old:

If she wants you to help her with something, she comes and grabs your finger and holds your hand all the way to where she wants to be. We love it.

No new words this month, just new animal sounds like: elephant, lizard (sticks out tongue), hippo (opens mouth really wide), goat. Still can't get pig, frog, and bird. Said "momma" twice this month.

Her daddy missed 2 weeks of the new month. We were happy to get him home this week. He has to take us with him next time he goes.

Remember last month how I said she just had 2 teeth still? She has 4 molars and her top tooth coming in all at once.

Has gone to nursery 2 weeks in a row (with Ben gone and my class I had to teach, I just went for it) and she loves it. The teachers say she does awesome and should stay in there. OKAY!!

She is so social and independent. Loves to walk the pews at church saying hi to everyone and getting things out of their bags for them. She couldn't care less about where we are and if we leave her somewhere. When we say "BYE!!" and turn to walk away to try to get her to follow us, she just waves "bye!" and goes the other way. SO funny.

Thanks to Aveeno Baby lotion, her eczema on her face and whole body has completely cleared up.

Her afternoon nap has officially left us. She takes a good 10am-Noon nap and then sleeps 7pm-7am every night.

Loves to dress herself, put shoes on by herself, brush her hair, put a hat on, put lotion on me, brush her teeth, eat with a spoon or fork, and help mom around the house. Her version of a vacuum is a fly swatter.

Loves to dance. So much so that the other day she and my siblings were dancing to some music and anytime anyone would leave or sit down, she'd run over and pull them back. They danced for like 30 minutes.

Hasn't figured out the difference between a sippy and one with a straw... you don't have to tip the straw UP! :)

The few times this month we've been around other young kids, she gets SUPER jealous if they're around me and becomes a major momma's girl. We need more practice sharing!

A bit of a picky eater we have here. Her new faves are frozen peas, ham, pizza, black olives, cottage cheese (she could eat a WHOLE container), grapes, bananas (FINALLY), and baby granola bars.

And that's a wrap. I'm so excited/ready to have a little break from pictures (that is as soon as I catch up on editing) and get some projects done and quality family time!

My November Photography Class

2011-11-13T14:43:00.000-08:00

I LOVED MY PHOTOGRAPHY CLASS!! It's certainly stressful and a LOT of work, but I have so much fun. My degree is in teaching and my passion is photography so it's a perfect combination for me.

I loved all my "students." Thanks everyone for coming! They were so excited to learn, had lots of questions, and took some great shots! We weren't very lucky with the weather, but my models and students were TROOPERS and braved the snow to get some amazing shots. These girls are just gorgeous. Thank you to all who helped make it a success.

To read more about what they learned, click HERE.

I will be doing another one in April or May so stay tuned.

To see more pictures from this class, click HERE.

Check out what Katie wrote about the class HERE.

CONTEST!!

2011-11-11T18:43:00.001-08:00

Y'all will want to listen up and enter this contest!

We're giving away:

a FREE website by BesideMe Forever,
a FREE photo shoot by me, Camille Garrison Photography,
and a FREE hair style & make-up application by Alex Crabtree!

You can enter the contest to win in the link below!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER CONTEST

Family Pictures

2011-11-06T16:24:00.000-08:00

We had a great photographer lined up to take our pictures on Saturday and had been planning it all year (we don't do family pictures very often)... YAY FOR SNOW!! It was so stressful and so back-and-forth that day wondering what to do and where to do them. We finally bagged it with the photog and decided to go ahead and try some with my tripod.

SUCCESS! They look awesome and I'm so proud:)

It was FREEEEZING and it probably shows (especially in Claire's rare lack of smiles). But we love them.

{click to enlarge}

Sibling love:

It wouldn't be a "Kendell" picture without some goofiness:

Sister love:

Mom and Dad:

Brian and Anna:

Anna stepped up to the photog-role and took these awesome pics for us!

My favorite (wish she was smiling!):

When we got to my parent's, we tried to get a couple more...

The outtakes:

I love these crazy people.

Halloweeeen

2011-10-31T21:36:00.000-07:00

Saturday we went to Black Island Farms in Syracuse with some of our best friends. It was exactly what I'd been wanting to do with Claire this Halloween and we had SO. MUCH. FUN.

They are such a cute family. We heart them.

{Yay for baby #4 on the way and it's a BOY!!}

Claire was so enthrawled with all of the animals and could have watched them all day. BUT when we took her over to the slides, she was in heaven. She was the biggest dare devil there and probably the youngest. She is so adventurous, it's scary.

{video of Claire on slides at the end of post}

That afternoon we went to a party with Ben's family (miss you J&J!).

Claire is the cutest little bee I ever did see.

Getting ready for trick or treating:

She was so cute and had so much fun with our friends. She was laughing and running and excited about getting handed candy by strangers!

The elephant and the bee. I SO wish this picture would have been clear, little Charlotte was being so cute with Claire:

Here's a video of our awesome weekend... Enjoy!

{Oh and Santa, I need a video stabilizer for Christmas. Thanks.}

Hope you all had a fun Halloween! We sure did!

15 months & Powell

2011-10-25T19:50:00.000-07:00

Stats

Weight: 19.14 lbs (10th percentile)

Height: 30.50 inches (50th percentile)

Our sweety is 15 months! And man is she a sweety. Ben and I went to Lake Powell for 4 days with my family over the weekend and and all 4 babysitters said, "Claire is so sweet!!" She is a hugger, kisser, cuddler, smiler, flirter, dancer, twirler, everything good-er.

She still only has 2 bottom teeth. Anyone else had their kids wait this long to get teethers?

All of her words start with a "B" except "Hi Dadda" which is her universal hello to everyone. She walks down the isles at church and says, "Hi Dadda!" to every person. It's hilarious. She still doesn't say "momma."

She knows what a sheep, monkey, dog, cat, duck, chicken, and cow say.

She doesn't love walks anymore because she has to be out and walking besides us... so I guess I should say, WE don't love walks with her anymore because she doesn't stay in the stroller.

She LOVES dogs.

She is clapping, playing hide-and-seek, and climbing. Did we mention she climbs?

(minimal editing and no music. classic home video style this time)

Still takes 2 naps, eats well, loves napping and sleeps 12 hours a night. We are so blessed to have this amazing girl as our daughter.

About a month ago, we took the boat out at Pineview for a ride.

That's me. I lasted all 10 minutes before I was exhausted and felt like I'd been hit by a truck.

A little on our Powell trip:

We love Powell and hope to be able to take Claire next time!

Tonight Tonight

2011-10-05T09:49:00.000-07:00

Here's a pretty sweet music video my family put together this conference weekend:

Turn it up, sing along, and get ready to laugh.

Starting off the Fall

2011-09-24T10:55:00.000-07:00

I need to update this more. Now that we're in Utah I feel like everyone already knows what we're up to... but then I forget about all our friends outside of Utah that look at our blog ALL the time, right?! Right. Between all the hard work Ben and I have been doing (4 shoots a week for me = dead), we've found some time for some fun. Observe:

Some fun in the pool before we close it down (see slide video in previous post):

Some fun with my cousin Henry (who is 9 months old):

Peach Days in Brigham City where Ben's grandparents Nan and Pa were honored as Grand Marshals!

Peggy & Polly 0.1K run for cancer! Ben's awesome Aunt is battling breast cancer and she and a coworker had a funny little 100 meter run. It was a ball. Aunt Peg made these "breast cupcakes." They were delish.

Cancer certainly does suck.

And our little monkey turned 14 months old, so we celebrated at the park:

She's still my little cuddle bug.

And that's it, man! Decided to go back to a 2-column blog to have bigger pictures! Yay!

Ending the summer with a SPLASH.

2011-09-12T06:55:00.000-07:00

Literally:

Slide from camille garrison on Vimeo.

Winners!

2011-09-01T13:24:00.000-07:00

The winners of this killer card (using random.org) are the following:

Alex C.

Jessica F.

Kristen

Congratulations! Shoot me an email (camillegarrison at gmail) with your address and we'll get you your card to start using! (Let me know whether you want the Ogden or the Logan card). You guys will love it! Spread the word and get your family and friends to buy one! We've only had it 2 weeks and have already SAVED $40!!

To everyone else who entered, to say thank you for spreading the word and making an effort, you get $5 OFF!! Visit one of the links below and click "Buy Now!" You'll LOVE it.

http://www.ogdenbrainyjoe.com/

http://www.loganbrainyjoe.com/

November Photography Class!

2011-08-28T21:07:00.001-07:00

By popular request, I'm doing one more fabulous class this year! All the info is below:

Testimonials from a couple of those that attended in June:

“Camille Garrison's photography class was amazing! I can't explain how much it has improved my photography and my editing. I was to the point where I was getting frustrated with my shoots and now I shoot on manual with ease. I am still practicing of course, but have a greater understanding of my camera and how to make it best work for me. It surpassed my expectations and wants. I learn best by getting the information and then going and doing. Camille's class was perfect we learned the information and then went to work on a practice shoot. I learned the ins and outs of my individual camera, and haven't shoot on automatic since! Thanks Camille for the awesome class! “

~ Jordan Sessions

“My name is Chelsea Anderson, and I am currently a junior at Weber State University working towards a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Photography. In my photography classes at school, we would learn about several things through lecture, practice assignments, and critiques. While taking my photo class at school one thing that I wanted to learn more than anything was how to use depth of field to make my pictures interesting and beautiful. Although we went over depth of field in lecture form, I never really learned how to actually implement it into my pictures throughout the semester, and that frustrated me. While spending just a few hours in Camille's photography class, I was able to produce pictures with different depths of field and actually control the depth of field that I was getting in my picture. I was so excited to finally have control over the depth of field on my camera, and I love all of the new possibilities that it has opened up to me as a photographer! I feel now much more confident when going to take pictures, and am much more happy with how my pictures are turning out. Thank you so much for teaching me something in a few hours that before I had not been able to learn throughout an entire semester of college! The course with Camille has definitely made me a stronger, more confident photographer!”

~ Chelsea Anderson

“I have known Camille since high school and have been following her work as a photographer from the very beginning. I have always been in love with her work and so of course when a class was offered I jumped at the opportunity to be able to learn from someone with such talent. We were made aware of what the course would cover before it took place so I was able to think of questions I had about certain subjects and study up on them so I was prepared. I was so pleased with the amount of information she taught us during the class. She covered everything from the very basics of the workings of your camera up to the more difficult parts of lenses etc. I was so happy with what I was able to learn and I came away from the class feeling like I finally had the knowledge I needed to be a good photographer. Camille made the class very enjoyable and she was so easy to work with. She answered all of our questions and I felt like I learned everything I had hopes to learn in the class. It was wonderful and I highly recommend it to anyone who wishes to learn more about photography!”

~ Jessica Creamer Fenenbock

"If you want to learn how to use your camera the right way and not just read a book about it, then sign up for Camille's Photography class. It is well worth your time and money. She is a great instructor who helps cater to your needs and shows you how to use your camera in a easy friendly way. I learned so much and am confident in saying I can now take other people's pictures and have them turn out awesome! Her class is easy going and she makes you feel comfortable in learning. Plus she is willing to answer any questions you need. Thanks Camille for taking the time to help me out with my camera needs."

~ Laura Peterson

Spots are already filling so email me fast!

Listen Up -- I'm having a GIVEAWAY!

2011-08-22T16:22:00.000-07:00

If you're anything like Ben and me, you like to save money!! If that's true for you--then check out the coolest new product in Ogden and Logan: The Brainy Joe card!
(WAY better than the Happenings book, and easier too! It fits in your pocket!)

Ben has been working with Weber State and Utah State this year to create these amazing cards! Each has over $400 dollars worth of FREE stuff and over $4,000 in savings with amazing deals at local business you already go to! Plus, sales help raise funds for local schools, namely WSU and USU scholarships.

You get your money back SO quick with these deals! This is for all you couples, all you families, all you single people, it's for everyone! Spread the word!!

Go to www.LoganBrainyJoe.com or www.OgdenBrainyJoe.com and get yours today!

Here are just a FEW of the deals on the Ogden card:

*Diamond Peak: FREE! Ski or Snowboard Rental! FREE! Wax! Buy a Ski/Board/Bike Rental, Get One FREE!
*Ogden ATC: FREE! Manicures, Pedicures, and Haircuts!
*Toad's Fun Zone: FREE! Laser Tag or Mini Golf!
*Flowrider: Buy One Admission, Get One FREE!
*Jamba Juice: Buy a Smoothie, Get One FREE!
*Baskin Robbins: Buy a Single Scoop, Get One FREE!
*Subzero: Buy a Med/Large, Get the Same FREE!
*Pita Pit: Buy a Pita, Get One FREE!
*Subway: Buy a 6-inch, Get One FREE!
*Jake's Over the Top: Buy a 1/4 Pounder, Get One FREE!
*Alex Crabtree Hair: FREE! Makeup application with haircut & style!

And a few from the Logan card:

*Aggy's Sports Grill: FREE! Aggy's Sundae!
*Maximum Style: FREE! Haircuts!
*Cinefour Theatre: Unlimited Buy One Admission, Get One FREE!
*Twinkle Toes: Get Toes Glitter for ONLY $5!!
*Crystal Hot Springs: Buy One Admission, Get One FREE!
*Firehouse Pizzeria: Buy Large Pizza, Get a Medium One-Topping FREE!
*Cafe Sabor: Buy an Entree, Get a Fried Ice Cream FREE!
*Jamba Juice: Get Two Smoothies for ONLY $5!!
*Subzero: Buy a Medium/Large, Get Same FREE!
*Pita Pit: Buy a Pita, Get One FREE!

~THE GIVEAWAY~

SOOO... as a big kick off for the school year, we're having a GIVEAWAY!! One card to THREE lucky readers. Here's the deal: You can leave up to 3 comments on this post (as long as you do all 3 requirements). Then we will use random.org to select three people to win one! The more comments you put in, the better your chances of winning.

The rules:

1) Like us on Facebook. HERE for Ogden and HERE for Logan. (*Bonus entry comment if you like BOTH). Once you've done this, leave one comment telling us you did (we will check to make sure you aren't pulling our legs).

2) Post about this giveaway on your blog! Include a picture of the card (from below) if you want and a link to the sites: www.ogdenbrainyjoe.com or www.loganbrainyjoe.com. Once you've done this, post another comment on our blog with a link to your post.

3) Spread the word with a post/status update on your Facebook and/or link on your blog! Once you've done this, write another comment on this post!

This is good for everyone, help your friends and family save money! No need in going to all of these places anymore without this card!

Winners will be announced September 1st so spread the word and check back!

Announcing 2011 Fall Mini Sessions

2011-08-16T20:09:00.001-07:00

It's that time of year to start thinking about getting your family pictures and holiday cards!

I am offering 2 days of mini sessions (30 minutes per family).

{Click to enlarge for details}

Slots are going quick so email me to reserve your spot (first come first serve). This package is AWESOME so take advantage of it while it lasts!

This package comes with a 5x7 digital holiday card (which you can get printed somewhere or do high quality prints through me).

Click HERE to see my designs (I can do custom designs for no extra charge).