She always typed in capital letters. I don’t know if she just couldn’t be bothered to use the Caps Lock key or if she was just seriously too blind to see lowercase.
She was blind as a bat. She had an astigmatism, and though she could see better than me with both our glasses off, her glasses didn’t correct her vision 100%. Once, when she and my father were first married and going to buy a cat at the pet store, she took off her glasses, squinted at a sign and asked my dad “What’s Wishots?” My dad started laughing because the sign actually said, “W/ Shots.” They ended up naming the cat Wishots.
She had this weird thing with slamming her foot on the breaks several times before she stopped the car. It was very jarring, and we teased her about it constantly.
Loved road trips. And she loved to be the one driving. We would constantly plan road trips and they are some of my very best memories.
Her own mother (my grandmother) died of pancreatic cancer when my mom was only 11 years old. A year and a half later, my grandpa remarried. My mom was just as tall as her new step-mother, and only 18 years younger. She tells me now that her step-mother (who later became her adopted mother) really taught her how to love her husband.
She joined the church when she was 15 years old. When she was 14, she met her best friend, Vicki Von Bose, who eventually introduced her to the church. Incidentally, Vicki was also the one who introduced my father to the church 6 years later. And so I’m very grateful to Vicki.
My mother and father never fought in front of us. Whenever they had a fight, they would lock themselves in their bedroom and speak with low voices. We never even knew they were fighting.
She really wanted a granddaughter. She loved, loved, LOVED her five grandsons, but in her heart of heart, she really wanted to spoil a little blonde haired girl.
She worked as a nurse in mother/baby for about 30 years. I had David at Arlington Memorial (where she worked, and incidentally, where I was born,) and she got me all kinds of special little perks. Everyone knew that “Cyndi’s daughter” was in room 7.
She wouldn’t let me go to a party when I was 15. I had been invited by a boy I had a huge crush on. When my mom asked me if parents were going to be there, I reluctantly admitted that, no, there wouldn’t be. I also (for some strange reason) let slip that there might be alcohol there. She was resolutely against it, and told me in no uncertain terms there was no way in Hades I would be going to that party. I cried and yelled and told her she was ruining my life. I think back now how hard that must have been for her to hear. But thank goodness she stuck to her guns.
She was a fabulous dancer. She wasn’t the skinniest woman in the world, but man could she shake those hips! She taught me all the dances from the 60s, as well as how to jitter-bug. She and my dad ALWAYS danced when they chaperoned Stake Youth Dances.
I could (and did) talk to my mother about everything. I don’t see myself having that level of trust, acceptance and closeness with someone ever again. (Because let’s face it…there’s a few thing you can’t--or maybe would just rather not--tell your husband).
She is the standard of motherhood to which I hold myself. Being a mom filled her full of joy. I always felt loved, appreciated, highly esteemed and (most of the time) understood.
If you can remember any stories about my mom, please tell me. I always love to think about her and laugh (and cry).
Monday, August 31, 2009
Sunday, August 30, 2009
My (Yearly) Attack
Well, I had so much to do this weekend. Friday, I had to clean the house and mow the lawn, and then go house shopping with Steven. After that, I went to a baby shower and ate some wonderful (if too fat-laden) stuff. Saturday, I had a Relief Society service activity from 10-2, then I had to get back home and clean the house for a little party I was throwing for David (much belated).
It wasn't to be. I woke up around 3:45am Saturday morning and realized I was having my yearly gall bladder attack. I'd been diagnosed with gall stones a few years ago, but have had so few flare ups that I haven't really done anything about it. (stuipid, stupid!)
I was miserable, and decided it was bad enough to merit a trip to the emergency room. I went to Clear Lake Medical, went in there telling them my whole story and history, and ended up having the give me an ultrasound to find out (GUESS WHAT?) I ahve gall stones. Thanks folks, I already knew that.
They then went on to say that they couldn't do anything for me because I was pregnant. Nothing. Maybe a tylenol. I was devastated, because I was in serious pain. They told me to go home and the pain should subside within 4-5 hours.
Well, 10 hours later, Steven got tired of me writhing in pain, and insisted that we go to St. John's emergency room instead (on the advice from the on-call doctor at my OBGYN's office). I just bawled. I couldn't stand the thought of sitting for another 3 hours just to have them tell me to go home.
We went anyway, and I'm glad we did. It turns out that even though the ER doctor (he wasn't even the doctor, come to think of it, just a well-meaning PA)at Clear Lake HAD spoken with my obgyn concerning my situation, he decided to disregard her advice and not given me anything for the pain. The St. John's docs were able to do what my obgyn suggested and after 3 more hours, gave me some approved pain medication. I was still a little antsy about it. But I was assured that the dosage would be fine for the baby, and the pain began to subside.
I will never go to Clear Lake again. 13 hours is a long time to writhe in pain. After going through this little experience, I have to say "kudos" to those moms out there who go through natural childbirth! How do you do it?
Anyway, my body is pretty dang sore today from tensing up from the pain so much yesterday. I'm trying to sleep it off, but it's a heck of a way to spend your birthday! (Wow, that sounded whiney).
Okay, time to stop complaining and get some sleep. But let me say that I'm so grateful to my sweet husband for always taking such good care of me. I'm a monster when I'm sick or in pain, and he is always a prince. One time in the hospital, I had to go to the bathroom, and he walked me there an back just to make sure I was okay. he would have gone in with me if I'd let him. And I'm also grateful to my friend Amber for watching our kids while we were in the emergency room. I'm getting teary just thinking of how many people are in my life that are just full of love and selflessness. It's overwhelming--and a good example to me.
It wasn't to be. I woke up around 3:45am Saturday morning and realized I was having my yearly gall bladder attack. I'd been diagnosed with gall stones a few years ago, but have had so few flare ups that I haven't really done anything about it. (stuipid, stupid!)
I was miserable, and decided it was bad enough to merit a trip to the emergency room. I went to Clear Lake Medical, went in there telling them my whole story and history, and ended up having the give me an ultrasound to find out (GUESS WHAT?) I ahve gall stones. Thanks folks, I already knew that.
They then went on to say that they couldn't do anything for me because I was pregnant. Nothing. Maybe a tylenol. I was devastated, because I was in serious pain. They told me to go home and the pain should subside within 4-5 hours.
Well, 10 hours later, Steven got tired of me writhing in pain, and insisted that we go to St. John's emergency room instead (on the advice from the on-call doctor at my OBGYN's office). I just bawled. I couldn't stand the thought of sitting for another 3 hours just to have them tell me to go home.
We went anyway, and I'm glad we did. It turns out that even though the ER doctor (he wasn't even the doctor, come to think of it, just a well-meaning PA)at Clear Lake HAD spoken with my obgyn concerning my situation, he decided to disregard her advice and not given me anything for the pain. The St. John's docs were able to do what my obgyn suggested and after 3 more hours, gave me some approved pain medication. I was still a little antsy about it. But I was assured that the dosage would be fine for the baby, and the pain began to subside.
I will never go to Clear Lake again. 13 hours is a long time to writhe in pain. After going through this little experience, I have to say "kudos" to those moms out there who go through natural childbirth! How do you do it?
Anyway, my body is pretty dang sore today from tensing up from the pain so much yesterday. I'm trying to sleep it off, but it's a heck of a way to spend your birthday! (Wow, that sounded whiney).
Okay, time to stop complaining and get some sleep. But let me say that I'm so grateful to my sweet husband for always taking such good care of me. I'm a monster when I'm sick or in pain, and he is always a prince. One time in the hospital, I had to go to the bathroom, and he walked me there an back just to make sure I was okay. he would have gone in with me if I'd let him. And I'm also grateful to my friend Amber for watching our kids while we were in the emergency room. I'm getting teary just thinking of how many people are in my life that are just full of love and selflessness. It's overwhelming--and a good example to me.
Monday, August 24, 2009
I DON'T WANNA
I DON'T WANT TO WRITE ABOUT OUR STUPID VACATION ANYMORE!
Can you tell?
I want to talk about how incredibly socially challenged I am. How can be about to turn 32 and still have those, "D'oh! Why did I say that?" moments? Aren't I getting a tad old for this?
But anyway, I have to talk about our stupid vacation---because I think Steven will be mad if I don't put it in writing somewhere. I'm the unofficial historian of the family. But have you ever noticed that writing about vacations is SO BORING? And you know what's even more boring than writing about them? READING about them. So I thank you for your perserverance.
Plus, I'm way behind on MANY subjects--such as
1) David's 3rd birthday, for crying out loud
2) My attempts at potty-training
3) Making an offer on a house--and then starting to get cold feet
4) Talking about how I'm definitely feeling my age in this pregnancy.
5) The gorgeous musical ensemble in church yesterday and the awesome messages from the bishop and the stake president.
So what has this post accomplished again?
Can you tell?
I want to talk about how incredibly socially challenged I am. How can be about to turn 32 and still have those, "D'oh! Why did I say that?" moments? Aren't I getting a tad old for this?
But anyway, I have to talk about our stupid vacation---because I think Steven will be mad if I don't put it in writing somewhere. I'm the unofficial historian of the family. But have you ever noticed that writing about vacations is SO BORING? And you know what's even more boring than writing about them? READING about them. So I thank you for your perserverance.
Plus, I'm way behind on MANY subjects--such as
1) David's 3rd birthday, for crying out loud
2) My attempts at potty-training
3) Making an offer on a house--and then starting to get cold feet
4) Talking about how I'm definitely feeling my age in this pregnancy.
5) The gorgeous musical ensemble in church yesterday and the awesome messages from the bishop and the stake president.
So what has this post accomplished again?
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Slide Rock State Park
Okay, I'm running a little behind, but now now comes part three of our vacation hi-jinks. On Wednesday, we went to Slide Rock National Park. I was so excited to go, because the park looked really amazing! The river had carved out all these amazing little natural water slides in the rock that you can play in--kind of a homemade water park.
The drive down was absolutely breath-taking. But once we got to the park, we found out that there was a dangerous bacteria count--and therefore we weren't allowed in the water AT ALL!! I was so bummed that I just wanted to turn around and drive back home. But everyone convinced me to get out and have a looksie, and I'm glad they did.
Like I said, the scenery was amazing. Here's David and I posing in front of some of the water slides. 
There was a little bridge that allowed you to cross from one side of the creek to the other. Stevie is doing a strange little gremlin-dance to demonstrate his glee. 
Here's a picture of a brooding David--I think we wore him out a little bit. 
I love this little Father/Son shot of Steven and David. 
Our candid family photo 
Phil and Jess's family shot--don't ask me why Phil deemed it necessary to straddle Jessica like that. 
Afterwards, I was pretty pooped. Let me rephrase that--I wanted to collapse into a puddle of nothingness. But everyone else was still rarin' to go. We stopped several times on the way home to take some pictures of the beautiful scenery.
And this is how I really felt when it was finally all over 
The drive down was absolutely breath-taking. But once we got to the park, we found out that there was a dangerous bacteria count--and therefore we weren't allowed in the water AT ALL!! I was so bummed that I just wanted to turn around and drive back home. But everyone convinced me to get out and have a looksie, and I'm glad they did.
Afterwards, I was pretty pooped. Let me rephrase that--I wanted to collapse into a puddle of nothingness. But everyone else was still rarin' to go. We stopped several times on the way home to take some pictures of the beautiful scenery.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
The Grundbergs Go to the Grand Canyon!
The really nice thing about this whole trip was that after the festivities of Jenny's wedding, we were able to take a little vacation with our favorite people in the world, Phil and Jessica. Steven and Phil are only two years apart, and they grew up very close. They're absolutely hilarious (if a bit salty) when together, and Jessica is one of the most lovable people on the planet.
We decided to stay over in Flagstaff, AZ (which is only about a 2 hour drive from Mesa) and visit the all surrounding tourist sites--mainly the Grand Canyon. I'd never been to the G.C. before, so I was very excited! We were able to find adjoining hotel rooms, which was nice because we could bed the kids down in our room, and then have a hilarious time watching "Flight of the Conchords" in Phil and Jess's room.
Well, the Grand Canyon was...Grand. Truly amazing--just absolutely awe-inspiring.
And nerve-wracking. I just knew my kids were going to fling themselves over the edge at any moment--(due to their incredible, and sometimes idiotic, bravery). You can just see Stevie thinking it over in this picture...
I admit that I spent most of the time clutching frantically onto David--so while it may look like I'm posing for a casual happy-go-lucky picture with my son, I'm probably actually cutting off his circulation.
The guys, of course, thought I was being ridiculous (which I was) and taunted me by taking the boys on the most precarious cliffs ever. Which, admittedly, the boys loved. Who wouldn't love being that close to such an amazing view?
This is our official "Grundbergs Go to the Grand Canyon" picture for posterity. But I can't help but notice that Steven and I enthralled by some object in the distance (squirrel?) while one of the seven wonders of the world lies majestically behind us.
Here's Phil and Jessica's--but Phil (of course) is sportin' his "rock on" pose (along with tie-dye shirt and what is supposed to be a cowboy hat--but looked more like an Amish one).
It was amazing how many different languages we heard while out there--Steve said it was like walking around in the Olympic village.
We did lots of hiking and looking and bonding with nature and all that stuff. Unfortunately I started feeling a bit crummy midway through (darn hormones) and became rather listless. And though it was an amazing experience (and sort of a rite of passage, I think), I think David's shirt describes how we felt at the end of the day.
We decided to stay over in Flagstaff, AZ (which is only about a 2 hour drive from Mesa) and visit the all surrounding tourist sites--mainly the Grand Canyon. I'd never been to the G.C. before, so I was very excited! We were able to find adjoining hotel rooms, which was nice because we could bed the kids down in our room, and then have a hilarious time watching "Flight of the Conchords" in Phil and Jess's room.
Well, the Grand Canyon was...Grand. Truly amazing--just absolutely awe-inspiring.
And nerve-wracking. I just knew my kids were going to fling themselves over the edge at any moment--(due to their incredible, and sometimes idiotic, bravery). You can just see Stevie thinking it over in this picture...
I admit that I spent most of the time clutching frantically onto David--so while it may look like I'm posing for a casual happy-go-lucky picture with my son, I'm probably actually cutting off his circulation.
The guys, of course, thought I was being ridiculous (which I was) and taunted me by taking the boys on the most precarious cliffs ever. Which, admittedly, the boys loved. Who wouldn't love being that close to such an amazing view?
This is our official "Grundbergs Go to the Grand Canyon" picture for posterity. But I can't help but notice that Steven and I enthralled by some object in the distance (squirrel?) while one of the seven wonders of the world lies majestically behind us.
Here's Phil and Jessica's--but Phil (of course) is sportin' his "rock on" pose (along with tie-dye shirt and what is supposed to be a cowboy hat--but looked more like an Amish one).
It was amazing how many different languages we heard while out there--Steve said it was like walking around in the Olympic village.
We did lots of hiking and looking and bonding with nature and all that stuff. Unfortunately I started feeling a bit crummy midway through (darn hormones) and became rather listless. And though it was an amazing experience (and sort of a rite of passage, I think), I think David's shirt describes how we felt at the end of the day.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Jenn & Benn's Wedding
Last week was absolutely insane. I have so many things to blog about---it's going to take THIS entire week in order to catch up on LAST week's antics. So here goes.
Steven’s sister was getting married in the Mesa, Arizona temple, and so we packed up the kiddos and made the 18-hour trek out into the desert heat. (Which, by the way, was surprisingly pleasant. Sure, it was ridiculously hot, but at least you didn’t have that horrible humidity). Steven insisted on leaving at 9 PM on Thursday night and driving straight through—something I swear I will never take part in again.
Jenny’s wedding to Benn was lovely. I always get teary in temple weddings. In fact, I bawled through most of my own. It was really wonderful to see Jenny and Ben get sealed amongst all their family and friends.
Here's the a picture of all the Grundbergs. Of the zillions of pictures taken, this was the only one where everyone actually has their eyes open.
A picture of the present Grundberg sibs. What's with Peter's look of insanity?
It was very hot that afternoon, and none of us had thought to bring water bottles. There happened to be lime trees on the temple grounds, and somehow all the boys managed to pilfer some lime to harvest the juice. Can they take away our temple recommends for that? :)
The Sisters-in-Law with Jenny
I get a bit kooky when I'm dehydrated. 
Here's two of my favorite wedding pics of Jenn and Benn:
We found out some really wonderful news on the day of Jenny's wedding as well. My brother and sister-in-law have been trying for a few years to have a baby. Well, out of the blue, Phil just blurts out on the temple steps that JESSICA'S PREGNANT! We were all so thrilled that we cried. And what's more, she's 7 1/2 weeks--so our babies might be born in the same week! Such a happy, happy day
A shot of the two pregnant ladies, taking refuge under the shade of a palm tree.
Steven’s sister was getting married in the Mesa, Arizona temple, and so we packed up the kiddos and made the 18-hour trek out into the desert heat. (Which, by the way, was surprisingly pleasant. Sure, it was ridiculously hot, but at least you didn’t have that horrible humidity). Steven insisted on leaving at 9 PM on Thursday night and driving straight through—something I swear I will never take part in again.
Jenny’s wedding to Benn was lovely. I always get teary in temple weddings. In fact, I bawled through most of my own. It was really wonderful to see Jenny and Ben get sealed amongst all their family and friends.
It was very hot that afternoon, and none of us had thought to bring water bottles. There happened to be lime trees on the temple grounds, and somehow all the boys managed to pilfer some lime to harvest the juice. Can they take away our temple recommends for that? :)
We found out some really wonderful news on the day of Jenny's wedding as well. My brother and sister-in-law have been trying for a few years to have a baby. Well, out of the blue, Phil just blurts out on the temple steps that JESSICA'S PREGNANT! We were all so thrilled that we cried. And what's more, she's 7 1/2 weeks--so our babies might be born in the same week! Such a happy, happy day
Friday, August 14, 2009
I Spy With My Little Eye...
We're obviously on vacation right now, and I have oodles to report, but I just wanted to immortalize our little car trip game today. We like to play "I Spy With My Little Eye" when we're feeling particularly impatient. Here are some direct quotes from today...
David: I spy with my little eye something a pancake.
Me: Is it a pancake?
David: YAAAAY!
Stevie: I spy with my little eye something big and 57 years old.
All: Puzzled silence.
Me: Is it Daddy?
Stevie: YAAAY!
David: I spy with my little eye something a pancake.
Me: Is it a pancake?
David: YAAAAY!
Stevie: I spy with my little eye something big and 57 years old.
All: Puzzled silence.
Me: Is it Daddy?
Stevie: YAAAY!
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Laziness and the Peanut
See the little peanut on the right of the black oval? That’s Baby! It’s actually there!
I went to my first doctor’s appointment today. I’d never met this doctor before, so I had a few reservations—all of which were unfounded. Dr. Griffis is wonderful and she really took a lot of time answering my questions and finding out everything she could about me. I really appreciated that. Some doctors just kind of nod at you on the way in and BOOM, they’re examining without so much as a hello. It was nice that she gave me a chance to get to know her before we went down this whole 9-month long road.
The boys have been terribly bored lately—because I have been terribly lethargic. I can’t remember the last time it was so hard to get things done. I could seriously lie in bed All. Day. Long. But I need to get my rear in gear, because otherwise my children will either die of boredom or wind up killing each other. Plus, the house is standing on its ear, and I haven’t even been making the pretense of straightening it up before Steven gets home. He opens the door, and there’s the Slug, lounging in her sty. (mixed metaphors?)
Fortunately, we’re going to Arizona on Thursday for Steven’s sister Jenny’s wedding. We’ll be spending a whole week with Steven’s family, and I can’t wait. Hopefully this will get me out of my sludgery.
P. S.—As I’m writing this, David is in the corner singing “Wooaah—oh! Livin’ on a Prayer!” (Bon Jovi)
P.P.S.—I just finished doing the dishes, so I feel a bit less guilty about my lazy day.
P.P.P.S.--I just realized that the title of this post sounds like some sort of children's fable.
I went to my first doctor’s appointment today. I’d never met this doctor before, so I had a few reservations—all of which were unfounded. Dr. Griffis is wonderful and she really took a lot of time answering my questions and finding out everything she could about me. I really appreciated that. Some doctors just kind of nod at you on the way in and BOOM, they’re examining without so much as a hello. It was nice that she gave me a chance to get to know her before we went down this whole 9-month long road.
The boys have been terribly bored lately—because I have been terribly lethargic. I can’t remember the last time it was so hard to get things done. I could seriously lie in bed All. Day. Long. But I need to get my rear in gear, because otherwise my children will either die of boredom or wind up killing each other. Plus, the house is standing on its ear, and I haven’t even been making the pretense of straightening it up before Steven gets home. He opens the door, and there’s the Slug, lounging in her sty. (mixed metaphors?)
Fortunately, we’re going to Arizona on Thursday for Steven’s sister Jenny’s wedding. We’ll be spending a whole week with Steven’s family, and I can’t wait. Hopefully this will get me out of my sludgery.
P. S.—As I’m writing this, David is in the corner singing “Wooaah—oh! Livin’ on a Prayer!” (Bon Jovi)
P.P.S.—I just finished doing the dishes, so I feel a bit less guilty about my lazy day.
P.P.P.S.--I just realized that the title of this post sounds like some sort of children's fable.
Saturday, August 1, 2009
Props to Iowa
I went to a good ole fashioned Corn Boil last night!We have some friends from Iowa, and they had their (visiting) parents bring home a trillion cobs from back home for us all to enjoy. And seriously, they were amazing. It made me a believer in Iowa corn. I brought a dessert—my faux cherry cheesecake. Admittedly, I brought it with the deep hopes that no one else would like it, and I’d end up taking the whole thing home. It didn’t work out, though. *Sigh.
Regardless, I had an amazing time. We just have the nicest, funniest friends. Spending time with them is so relaxing and fun. Maybe it’s just the fact that I can let my children run wild and know that they’re safe and having a good time…….Naaa, I let them run wild anyway—it must be the company.
In conclusion—talking and laughing my butt off with adults is nice.
On another note, I definitely have the pregnancy yuck. I feel like throwing up all day long, but I never do. The only thing that sounds good is water and … well, nothing. But don’t get me wrong, I’m happily nauseous--looking forward to the little stinker at the end of the road! This one’s just making me work for it!
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