headaches and short-sheets

I am the eldest on my mom's side of the family and therefore I assume that since my life is moving forward and I'm having children and my own life, everyone else has to stay the same age as I last saw them. It takes me back every time I see my extended family as older, as dating, as getting married, etc. I feel so old! I guess they're supposed to grow up but not this fast!

My little (okay not so little anymore) cousin got his mission call the other night and I'm so excited for him! (I totally copied these pictures off of his sister's blog, so sorry Triners, that I'm copying you!) I totally teared up when I saw the video-clip of him opening the big white envelope. I wish I could have been there!

He's going to Brazil! Hooray, we're so excited for you, Eric! One of my favorite memories of Eric was what I accidentally did to him. I was about 8 years old. Eric was just a tiny baby. I've never admitted this outloud, so here it goes.

I was jumping on a mini-tramp with him in my arms (first "oops") and it was so cute, because his drool in his mouth would come falling out and slobber all over and he'd giggle every time I bounced him. It was great! So we kept bouncing and jumping and then after a good few minutes of this, my arms began to get tired. I was going to get off the tramp, but I wanted to hear him giggle just one last time.

I jumped and SLAM! His poor head went right into the edge of one of the bookshelves nearby. (second "oops"--I didn't pull the stupid tramp far enough from the built-in bookshelves that were on the walls) And he SCREAMED! And he CRIED! And he wanted his Mom, which was my aunt that looked at him in puzzlement. She didn't know why he was crying. I felt so bad and I have remembered that and have carried that guilt with me for so many years!

So that explains why he is the way he is...love you Eric. Sorry about the headache.

Another one of my beautiful cousins got her mission call the exact same day! Nikki is going to serve in the Ukraine!
We're so proud of you and are excited for you. My favorite story about Nikki happened back in 2000. I went down to Utah to visit some friends and family, and stayed at Nikki's house. She giggled as I settled into my room and I didn't know why, yet. We talked for a while and then she bounced off to her room to go to bed. I had been traveling for several hours and was very anxious to get inside the bed and rest my weary head...except my legs wouldn't go into the sheet! SHE SHORT-SHEETED ME! And I think her accomplice was my uncle, who would dare do such a thing.

Not knowing that Nikki was still outside, I laughed outloud and mumbled something to myself. Evidentally, she heard me and giggled even harder. We laughed and rolled around in giggles for a while after that. What a great memory of a sweet and beautiful cousin!

You will be in our prayers and we are excited to hear all about your wonderful experiences!