Valued Insight from my brother the Nuclear Engineer

I suppose there's another nightmare in my

closet, but my bed's not big enough for three.

from: There's A Nightmare In My Closet

by: Mercer Mayer

Given the hype and misunderstanding about radiation, and Renee’s buying into the Armageddon story in Japan, I thought I’d share some basics on radiation exposure:

A ‘rem’ is: “a basic unit used to measure the amount of biological damage caused by various types of ionizing radiation, equal to the dose that produces the same amount of damage in human tissue as one roentgen of X-rays or gamma rays (0.01 sievert)”

In english: a measure of damage to people by radiation.

For the last 50 years the US Navy and the US government has generally limited exposure to 5 rem/year.  There is no noticeable health effects at that level.  During my 9.5 years in the navy, with about ½ that time on submarines I received a total of about 1.5 rem.

How much radiation is safe (there lots of opinions – and you know, opinions are like belly buttons – everyone has one and most have lint) (http://www.radiationanswers.org/radiation-and-me/effects-of-radiation.html):

·         1 rem received in a short period or over a long period is safe—we don’t expect observable health effects.

• 10 rem received in a short period or over a long period is safe—we don’t expect immediate observable health effects, although your chances of getting cancer might be very slightly increased.
• 100 rem received in a short time can cause observable health effects from which your body will likely recover, and 100 rem received in a short time or over many years will increase your chances of getting cancer.
• 1,000 rem in a short or long period of time will cause immediately observable health effects and is likely to cause death.

Just like the rest of the world is dorked up and uses the metric system instead of inches, feet and miles – they don’t measure radiation exposure with rem, they use Sieverts. 

1 rem = 0.01 sieverts (we are going to come back to this)

Everyone is exposed to ‘background’ radiation all the time – from the sun, rocks, and man-made stuff around us (like computer screens or medical x-rays).

On average in the USA we are exposed to 620 mrem/year (that is .62 rem/year).  There have been studies done (thank you Dr. Sharp) that indicate if you take away that background radiation – there is actually a health risk.

OK, so I mentioned what I was exposed to on US nuclear submarines, now let’s look at other exposures we are subjected to:

·         Chest x-ray                                                                                         10 mrem (used to be a lot more – just 15 years ago it was about 70 mrem)

·         12hrs in a jetliner                                                                             2.5mrem

·         Living within 50 miles of a coal fired electric plant:             .03 mrem/year

·         Living within 50 miles of nuclear plant:                                    .009 mrem/year

o    yep – under normal conditions, a coal fired plant is 3x more ‘radioactive’ than a nuclear plant; coal slag or coal ash found at a nuclear power plant would be considered nuclear waste

The other day there was a photo of a radiation detector in Tokyo showing a reading of .6 micro Sievert/hr.  Doing the math, that is the same as .06 mrem/hr = 525 mrem/year.  Remember that normal background radiation is 620 mrem / yr!  I think that some of what they were detecting was background radiation.

There is no question that closer to the damaged reactors there is significantly more radiation.  I have not heard numbers, just things like “radiation levels surge,” or they are “high.”  It is possible that some workers are being exposed to 50-100 rem.

But even given those high numbers – the effect on human health – even if exposed to large populations will be trivial compared to 10,000+ killed in the tsunami.

I’ve also been asked about the mechanics of the BWR (boiling water reactor) that they are having problems with.

The nuclear fuel is in rods encased in zirconium.  Other rods with boron or other neutron ‘absorbers’ are used to control the reaction. Sometimes the fuel moves, and sometimes the control rods move – I don’t know which was used in Japan.  But it does not matter – in all cases a loss of power results in the reactor ‘scramming’ or shutting down – it is very rapid and even in an earth quake it would shut down.  However, shutting down only means no more fission – there is a butt-load of radio-isotopes created and slowly decaying from the previously operating reactor.  This decay of fission product daughters (that’s what they are called) also gives off heat – quite a bit of heat at first and then less and less over the next several decades.

So because of decay heat it is necessary to maintain cooling water flow in a shut down reactor.  Typically there are two main ways that cooling water is pumped thru the reactor – using electricity from the power grid or using electricity from emergency diesel generators.  After the earthquake the power grid went down, then after the tsunami the emergency generators were swept away.  So decay heat was not being removed – eventually boiling off any water remaining in the reactor vessel.  Usually there is a third way to get cooling to the reactor for cases where there is no electricity – natural circulation of sea water or river water.  I assume that even this method was damaged or degraded in the quake/tsunami. 

The overheating fuel will melt the zirconium and cause highly radioactive crapola into the primary coolant – also the highly radioactive environment will case the disassociation of water – creating hydrogen and oxygen.  This is where the hydrogen came from that caused the explosions (not from very hot water – as the press keeps reporting). 

The spent fuel (fuel that was removed from the reactor years ago) also has low levels of decay heat being generated – so low that if they spent fuel just hangs out in a pool of water it is fine.  But apparently what happened was that this water was also lost and not able to be replaced.  This spent fuel, when uncovered, also can melt.  Apparently that also happened. 

What a mess.

MIND OVER MATTER

Its amazing what passing the half century

mark does to free one to be eccentric.

from: A Circle of Quiet

by: Madeleine L'Engle

Thank heavens for the Milton Glaser"s of the world! Love his list!!! Here is #9

Last year someone gave me a charming book by Roger Rosenblatt called ‘Ageing Gracefully’ I got it on my birthday. I did not appreciate the title at the time but it contains a series of rules for ageing gracefully. The first rule is the best. Rule number one is that ‘it doesn’t matter.’ ‘It doesn’t matter that what you think. Follow this rule and it will add decades to your life. It does not matter if you are late or early, if you are here or there, if you said it or didn’t say it, if you are clever or if you were stupid. If you were having a bad hair day or a no hair day or if your boss looks at you cockeyed or your boyfriend or girlfriend looks at you cockeyed, if you are cockeyed. If you don’t get that promotion or prize or house or if you do – it doesn’t matter.’ Wisdom at last. Then I heard a marvellous joke that seemed related to rule number 10. A butcher was opening his market one morning and as he did a rabbit popped his head through the door. The butcher was surprised when the rabbit inquired ‘Got any cabbage?’ The butcher said ‘This is a meat market – we sell meat, not vegetables.’ The rabbit hopped off. The next day the butcher is opening the shop and sure enough the rabbit pops his head round and says ‘You got any cabbage?’ The butcher now irritated says ‘Listen you little rodent I told you yesterday we sell meat, we do not sell vegetables and the next time you come here I am going to grab you by the throat and nail those floppy ears to the floor.’ The rabbit disappeared hastily and nothing happened for a week. Then one morning the rabbit popped his head around the corner and said ‘Got any nails?’ The butcher said ‘No.’ The rabbit said ‘Ok. Got any cabbage?’





image by-Catherine Rayner

Divine Nature Part 3

"As they passed the rows of houses they saw through

the open doors that men were sweeping and dusting

and washing dishes, while the women sat around in

groups, gossiping and laughing.

What has happened?' the Scarecrow asked a sad-looking

man with a bushy beard, who wore an apron and was

wheeling a baby carriage along the sidewalk.

Why, we've had a revolution, your Majesty -- as you ought

to know very well,' replied the man; 'and since you went

away the women have been running things to suit themselves.

I'm glad you have decided to come back and restore order,

for doing housework and minding the children is wearing out

the strength of every man in the Emerald City.'

Hm!' said the Scarecrow, thoughtfully. 'If it is such hard work

as you say, how did the women manage it so easily?'

I really do not know,' replied the man, with a deep sigh.

'Perhaps the women are made of cast-iron."

from: The Marvelous Land of Oz

by: L. Frank Baum

Another requirement for completing the 'Divine Nature" section in the Personal Progress program, is to reflect on motherhood, and what it means to be a good mother. I learn best when Im learning from others...so I asked my friends to share with me their thoughts on their mothers or on the women in their lives. Here are some of their responses:

Lauren is a dear friend of Annas...and mine, who lives in Logan with her husband and two kids:

My mom taught me to love others despite their apperances. She always made me befriend the kids in my class that seemed at bit different. I remember one birthday party she made me invite every girl in my class despite my wishes. She didn't want anyone to feel left out. I've always remembered that. It's stuck with me and it's something I hope to teach my children. That despite peoples differences we should be kind and reach out to all people. I'm grateful for that message my mother taught me.

This is from Carly, a dear sweet niece of mine:

hmmmmmmmmm some good things i've learned from my mother? ah there is too much to choose from! my mom has taught me patience, love, kindness, christ-like living, to not judge, to always understand the whole situation, to be forgiving, to accept others, to serve, to put others before yourself, that there is no reason to NOT be happy, to persevere, to ask for strength from the lord, to rely on the lord through trials....i could go on and on and on...i love my mom so much. AH!!

thank you for letting me reflect on my perfect mother!!!

from my lovely and brilliant Cousin, who now lives way too far away-

What did I learn from my mother? The better question would be; what didn’t I learn from my mother? She taught me how to tie my shoes, how to whistle, how to sew, how to cook, how to match colors and not wear stripes with patterns. She taught me to love good music, and to appreciate fine art. She taught me right from wrong, that it was wrong to accept a date from the second boy to call if you told first boy no. That it was right to be honest and to always tell the truth. She taught me to sit with my knees together “like a lady” and to not chew gum in public. She told me that it made me look cheap to wear earrings too young and that make-up should be used sparingly. She taught me the gospel, mostly by example. She taught me about hard work and persistence and that even at the old age of 40, you were never too old to go to school. In later years , she taught me that life didn’t always turn out the way you planned, but if you maintain the right attitude, you can still have a rich and good life. She taught me the secret to happiness; that no one can MAKE you happy, that happy was a decision you made every day of your life.

As I read through my list. There isn’t one thing on it that I don’t hope I was able to teach my own daughters. It’s that old circle of life thing. We swear we won’t turn out like our mothers. And then in the end, we pray that we do.

Jan keeps me on my toes, and I LOVE her:

My Mom is very black and white so I have learned to be very gray in all that I see. I know there are always many sides and to decisions and events and I always try and listen to understand different sides. She was a compassionate nurse and always helped people from different countries when we lived in poor neighborhoods. She helped my Orthodox Jewish Russian best friends father despite his huge temper and abuse towards women. It still stands out in my mind today. I have become compassionate towards patients. Also I have great desire to become a patient informant and educator so that they can become educated concerning their care.

Wise words from my beloved sister-in-law Pam:

She learns how to listen to her children and really give them her attention for those few minutes when they ask for it. She sets the example, at least most of the time, and shows you how its done. In all aspects of life. She makes you tow the line, and loves you when you do or don't, but still, you know what is expected, right? Cause she let's you know it, somehow. Mostly love though, love, acceptance, long-suffering, patience, endurance, forgiving, etc. etc. These are some of the things I have learned are important from my own life and from watching some of the wonderful women I have in my life.

This is Lisa. Shes become a dear friend plus she's the mother of my sweet, and talented Daughter-in-law. What does that make Lisa to me?! How about just someone Im very lucky to know and to now call family??:

My mom taught me that everyone is a little stronger than they think they are, especially if someone they trust tells them so. "You can do it!" is easy to say, but telling a child--no matter what age--that they CAN is like pumping up a deflated balloon with helium--suddenly, they can because "mom said I could." So, you fell down? Oops, get up, you can do it. You made a mistake? Make it right, you can do it. You want something that seems out of reach? Try harder, you can do it. You think you're sad/hurt/tired/hungry/angry/broken/in need? Count your blessings, you can do it. My mom is my biggest fan, my "groupie", my cheerleader. She's the first to applaud me, the first to give me a standing ovation, the first to blow my horn. Sometimes it's embarrassing because heaven knows, I'm not the wonderful, perfect, beautiful, spiritual person she tells everyone I am. I've hurt her and disappointed her plenty of times in the past, but she chooses to forgive and forget...truly. I know I'm a lucky girl.

My wise and wonderfully talented friend Kathy:

Being a mother is just like so many other jobs, overworked, underpaid, underappreciated. The difference is that the rewards are often little surprises- like an unsolicited butterfly kiss, an overheard compliment (I wish you could cook like my mom), a truthful admission (I broke the remote), or an uncommon yet thoughtful gift (I found this caterpillar and put it in a baggie for you). Those rewards keep you going, serving, guiding, loving. You don’t get that kind of reward from any other job.

When faced with something I would prefer not to touch or clean up, I remember my mother saying, ”You can always wash your hands.”

Good friend, mother of 11, and kindred spirit Sue:

My mother-in-law, who I also loved dearly and learned much from, said, "everything will be okay, just put on a little lipstick."

I learned from my mother that love at home is the most important thing. Whenever I was having a trying time with one of my children, mom would remind me that things work out, love is the most important thing and our home has so much of it. She also gave so much to her family, that when she sees me do that she sheds some light in that I need to also take care of myself. I am reminded that my long-term health will affect my husband & family and balancing their needs with mine is a better example than just giving all of the time.

I love my mother very much and am so glad I have her as I am getting older. I am able to share more of my life and she is able to see the wonderful results of her children and grandchildren and great grand children.

Ive said it before, and I'll say it again...

my own dear mother is an angel. I always lack the perfect words to describe all her virtuous qualities. And I find it difficult to convince her of the powerful role model and example she is in my life. A good and brilliant church leader strung together the words of Proverbs that best describe my mother-

: “Who can find a … woman [with a mother heart]? for her price is far above rubies. … She … worketh willingly with her hands. … With the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. … She stretcheth out her hand to the poor. … Strength and honour are her clothing. … She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness” (Prov. 31:10, 13, 16, 20, 25–27).

How very, very grateful I am for a mother who loves and nurtures me even now. Im grateful for her quiet lessons, and her willing spirit. May I continue to try to strive to be like her. To always be learning, and doing and helping. And to have patience in all things. Love you mom!!!

You're something between a dream and a miracle.
-Elizabeth Barrett Browning

Whether you think it may be too late or too soon....I'd like to share the last few memories that friends and family had of our dear Anna and Davids wedding...just 2 or so months ago.


Nicole, Davids sister in law responded with this insightful memory-
"I really enjoyed that we were able to come a few days early and go hiking with Dave and Anna. I had only met Anna one other time and it was so great to spend time with Anna AND David, they are such a happy couple.

I am also a sucker for the dance with the Father of the Bride and the Bride. To me that dance symbolizes so much. I vision that the Father of the Bride and the Bride (but more so the Father) have some of their most memorable memories together going through their heads and knowing that the dance will be another added memory as it was such a huge day for both of them. I think it also shows the Father's approval (on some level) of giving his daughter away."



Uncle Joe shared these fun memories for the Sharp family-
"Our memories of Anna and David's wedding-- The thing everyone in our family liked best was the dancing. It had been a long time since we were able to dance as a family or as a couple. We all had a lot of fun at the reception. The cake was incredibly great. All the chocolate lovers were in heaven. Amber also liked the balloon she was given from the decorated car and going back in and dancing with it. Meagan and Debbie also had fun preparing for the wedding with a 2 week wedding video marathon. We had debated giving Bob Father of the Bride for Christmas but decided to spare him. We did watch it and had a few good laughs in honor of him. Of course, seeing Anna walk into the sealing room at the St. George temple beautiful and with shining eyes will always be memorable."

Benjamin began -

"Hmmm... My favorite Anna and David memory... I don't really have a specific one from this past weekend but I have noticed that they are so good to show interest in other people's lives, like my own. They are great at showing that they care about others and are happy for others when they are happy. I also thought that their first dance was absolutely adorable. Ha ha, really though. It was a great weekend!
Thanks for letting me be a part of the celebration!"

Dear friend Betty shared this with Anna and David-
"I knew from the very first time I met David that you two were meant for each other. I see so much endearment and respect in your eyes and in your actions. Anna, I guess it is so evident to me that I 'love' you because you are so very much like your mother (whom I adore) but your father also. I will never forget the sensitivity and interest you have shown me as we talked frequently about my challenges. Your wedding day was beautiful. Your family is special and loving in every way. May your life be a journey of all the things you two desire and work for. "

On the girl's brown legs there were many small white scars.
I was thinking- Do those scars cover the whole of you,
like the stars and the moons on your dress? I thought that
would be pretty too, and I ask you right here please to agree
with me that a scar is never ugly. That is what the scar makers
want us to think. But you and I, we must make an agreement to defy
them. We must see all scars as beauty. Okay? This will be our secret.
Because take it from me, a scar does not form on the dying.
A scar means, I survived.
from: Little Bee
by: Chris Cleave

This is a facebook post that my good friend Amanda wrote a few weeks ago. I felt strongly that I should share it.
This great country is full of good Americans, and its good to be reminded of this. We don't hear the positive stories near enough.
Hope springs eternal!!



So, I'm on my way to Sandoval (35 miles away from home) to take one of my work kids back to daycare. As I am driving through Odin, I see an older gentleman on rollerblades with a huge backpack. It's the middle of the day and the summer heat is miserable. I watch through my rear view mirror as this man gets smaller, smaller...and gone. I go ahead into Sandoval, drop off this baby, head back toward home when I realize my gas light is on. I stop at the local gas station and low and behold...there is the man on the rollerblades. He is fixing his skate. He smiles at me as I am walking in and of course I couldn't resist. I sat on the concrete sidewalk and talked to him for 30 minutes before offering him a ride to my town....crazy? I took him to the local newspaper where they covered his story (watch out for the paper tomorrow or the next day). I took him to dinner, introduced him to my family and offered him a place to stay for the night. Meet Mr. Yamashita. He is a 62 year old man from Japan. His journey began in California and will end in Cape Cod, MA. He is ROLLERBLADING across the USA!!! His message...."Thank you America".

The hair on my arms stood up as this man handed me a newspaper clipping of a Japanese Newspaper. I couldn't understand the writing but the picture was all too familiar. A New York City fire fighter kneeling at the rubble of the World Trade Center. As my mind journeys back to that day for the third time this week, strange enough, Mr. Yamashita says when he has a hard day he looks at this picture and he is reminded of his journey here. I was brought to tears as he spoke such little English.

His mission here is to say thank you... He remembers being a boy after WWII. He remembers fresh milk that was given to him at lunch. It came in a large drum. It was from the states. He recanted stories from that time and the "hope" that America gave him. He talked of the great Earthquake years before and the aid that came from this country. His eyes lit with every story. His passion....my home.

But this isn't the first time Mr. Yamashita has made this trip. Twenty years ago he came here with his son. He was 42 and his son 14. They took the same journey on bicycles. He dreamed of coming back. For twenty years he dreamed. He is glad to tell you he is living his dream. And part of that is letting the younger American generation know just how thankful he is for our country. He spreads the message of hope and dreams and gratitude. He is a true inspiration.

I found myself ashamed as he spoke about a lifetime of adoration for something I take for granted every single day. Not something, but rather somethings. It is so easy to forget that there are children starving as we shovel fast food down our throats and throw away that last pile of mashed potatoes on our plate from a Sunday dinner. It's easy to forget that we have choices and are blessed with family, friends and WORK. It's easy to take for granted our health...and our youth. It's easy to forget our strength and our personal missions. It's easy to let dreams go by the wayside in the fear that we are too old or too broke or too whatever. It's easy to pass that old man on rollerblades because we are too afraid to ask where he is headed. It's easy to fall into the daily hum drum of life and forget that we are part of something bigger. It's easy to give up and just wait around for whatever it is we wait around for. But Mr. Yamashita....he's living.

I'm sitting here in my living room. Chris is at work. The kids are with my mom. I am alone in my home with a complete stranger sleeping 15 feet from me. I chose to be angry for so long at an America that was selfish and falling apart by the decades. That was my focus. And here a stranger from another world is sleeping and praising God that his dream of being in America has come true. He has talked of all the hospitality and kind gestures our people...yes I said it....our people....our America has shown him. And I am reminded that I am blessed and my belief that people are good isn't so crazy afterall.

Not only does Mr. Yamashita have a love of our country, but he has a love our Christian God as well. He believes that this is his duty. He believes that this is his greatest mission before leaving this Earth. And he swallows up the people he encounters with two handed hand-shakes followed by several hugs. He believes every hug, every handshake, every kind gesture is from God and it is his strength to push on. He has crossed the deserts, the mountains and the plains living his dream. And we are all a part of it. And he pushes on for all of us, as he believes he has a duty to be a model that dreams come true. Not just for Mr. Yamashita, but for Amanda and Chris, for little Audri and Lilly, for anyone who will allow him to say thank you.

So, as I sit across my living room and I look to that very large backpack with an American Flag draped over it....I am thankful for my new friend from Japan who changed my thoughts overnight. I am glad to be a part of his dream. I am thankful to be young. And I ....yes me....I am proud to be an American. Good luck Mr. Yamashita and may ALL of your dreams come true.







Thank you Amanda for sharing this with anyone who will read it!!
I miss your face and company like crazy!!!
Come back and see us again- SOON!!!

When someone makes a decision, he is really diving
into a strong current that will carry him to places
he had never dreamed of when he first made that decision.
from: The Alchemist
by: Paulo Coelho

(Bri's artsy-fartsy pic of himself; he's an artist through and through.)

The Bri-man knew it would be hard. No question.
But this hard!!!!???
Maybe not.
He's been caught unawares...and lately feels as though hes been kicked in the gut. But on the other hand....never have I heard such determination from one so low...to not give up!!!!
Prayers and letters of encouragement are flowing into the MTC in his behalf.
His name is on the Temple rolls.
People are fasting.
And I believe its working!!!
I cry with gratitude for his life and his example; for his openness to share what is on his mind. Im learning from him!! I'm developing stronger faith. The apron strings are stretched to their max... as Mommy wants to reel him home sometimes and lick his wounds.

I've attached below, a few examples of the letters that Brian's family and friends have sent him this week. (Bless you Anna and David, Rob and Nat and Joe and everyone else that is taking the time to write!!)

Brian, we’ve been reading your letters and the first and most important thing I want to say is that your heart is perfect! Your reaction to all the stresses and trials in your life has shaped it. So many missionaries really struggle AFTER they are out in the field. Your mission can be different... it can be glorious and powerful simply because of your heart. Continue to cultivate the right things. Second I want to say that the Lord does not waste time or experiences! There is value in everything you are experiencing right now and someday, if you continue cultivating the right things, you will look back in gratitude and understanding. Having said this you should know that from here on out wherever you are called (for the rest of your entire life) it will be the right place at the right time according to the power of the Lord. Relax. Follow the promptings of the spirit. Your leaders who also do the same will receive the same promptings you feel (and vise versa) and this will confirm in your heart the direction you are to take. Then go forth in full faith because, although trials lay ahead, you’ll someday be filled with gratitude and understanding. That is the promise of the Lord. We love you! We pray for you! And the Lord has already prepared the way.


And another note just came in from Justus....ELder Seeley!!!
Bless that 'boy'!!!!!

Cindy -

Here's an excerpt from Justus' latest. I told him about your move and Brian's struggle. I think you'll appreciate this.

...Status update. I´m here in Nueva Imperial toda villa (still) but no longer in a threesome. I´m with Elder Shore, who was part of our threesome. And he´s a super cool elder. He´s gringo, but not really. He lived in Mexico when he was like 13 because his Dad worked there, so he speaks Spanish like a conquistador. It´s not fair sometimes haha, but it´s a good thing. I´m excited and think we´re going to find great success here in Nueva Imperial. We had a baptism this last Sunday, the first that I´ve been a part of, and I think it´s a sign of good things to come.

That´s crazy that the Stephenson´s are moving! I think about those guys a lot. That was a really cool thing that I got to live there. I thank God for that. They are really cool people. And I know their life´s already changed A TON since I´ve been there. Anna is married, Clark´s home, and Brian´s gone. Doesn´t get much crazier than that. But yeah. Poor Brian. I love that kid. Just know that I felt EXACTLY the same way in the MTC. I´m sorry. I know I´m going against thousands of testimonies that the MTC is the best place to learn a language, but I really didn´t learn very much there. DON´T TAKE ME WRONG. The MTC is fantastic, I´m just saying Spanish never really clicked for me until I was out into the field. I´m just being honest. I so much more my first few weeks here than the 2 months in the MTC. But for some reason it´s easy to get discouraged as a missionary. Really easy. But Brian can do it. I have faith in him. He´s got what it takes. If I can talk with Chileans Brian certainly can...

...Believe in God. I love you guys darn it. Keep praying for me that I can be a stud missionary! Because right now I´m just a wuss! I´m going to work hard this next week though. I have to. This work´s too important.

Love,

Elder Seeley

I think he's so suitable that you'd
think we'd invented him.
from: Heart and Soul
by: Maeve Binchy

I asked sweet Anna to share with us her thoughts on her blessings and about her married life.... enjoy!!!


Hey mother:)

Sorry I sounded frazzled. I must have been...seems like I have been for the past 11 days.:) Work is soooo trying and involved and complicated. Those aren't even the right words but I don't know what the right words are so....but it's good. I like that Im using my brain. I told David that I can literally feel my brain making new neural pathways. It hurts.:) Guess it's just make up for the dead pathways that happened throughout the past 24 years of my life. Am I 24? We were talking again last night in bed and we both concluded that this job for me is way more than for just the money. That is a blessing for sure but it's something else....something more...I just don't know what it is yet. :) Think about it. Starting back before we were married./..two months ago we didn't even know if we were going to get married!!! And if we did, where we were going to live was going to have to be a miracle and guess what? It was!! We found our place online(b4 we knew we were getting married btw), called, she called us back, we told her that we would come see it, we did, we liked it and we signed the contracts right there on the counters! What?!? The Landlord even let us sign a 6 month contract because she was so desperate to get someone in. Done. Wow. We were married....YAY!!!! Now who lives next door? Some young couple whose names I couldn't remember...well one Wednesday night I was informed that there was a Relief Society thing and for some reason I decided to LEAVE my husband who I just married;) and go to a RS thing with people I didn't even know or whatever and my neighbor was there too and it just so happens that one of the only things that comes out of my mouth (I'm shy with new people I guess) is that I am not working but need to find a job. Alisha (my neighbor) perks up and says "my work is hiring!" OK and this situation is a WHOLE other miracle! The woman that previously filled the spot at work that I am in, still works for Harris Research Inc. but by some anomaly(sp?) she was able to go to part time upstairs. And I heard from my direct co-workers that that just doesn't happen. There are no part time jobs at HRI. But for some reason they made an exception, so her spot opened! Mind you, the rest of the girls in my department have been there for 5, 7, 11 or more years. This is not a transitional job! So anyway I applied,went through all the steps Alisha told me too, didn't think much of it at first, didn't understand really what it was.(still don't I guess) But my now boss called me not a day after I submitted my resume and asked me to come in for an interview. The interview went fine. It was over in no more than 7 mins. I thought I had bombed it, especially since I don't think I have ever had an 'official' interview,like ever! I didn't know how to act! So anyway, I called David a little upset and told him what I thought and that I was going to keep looking for a job. Hours later, De Ann, my boss called and said, "Anna, we would like to extend the job to you, are you interested?" Uh-Yaaaaa!! Duh!! I didn't say that of course. I acted all nonchalant. In a matter of seconds I had a job and I had no idea what I was in for and how blessed we would be because of it! God must have known our situation....what am I saying, of course He does! That's why He blesses us with this job! To my surprise it pays very well and has amazing benefits! And in my first week of work, I kept hearing and learning about more! My favorite was when I heard about our discount with Verizon! Just previously we had switched our phones onto the same account and walked out of the store kinda speechless because we were both wondering how we were going to pay that bill every month with everything else. So when I heard just a few days later that because I work at HRI we get 25% off our bill every month!! That's more than the actual Verizon employees get! What?!! What a blessing! I couldn't wait to call David to tell him. Again, we were speechless. :)
Anyway I know that this job and the things that lead up to it was totally God's hand in our lives. The blessings are just so evident and we really feel unworthy for them but we will not turn them away and just live worthy to be able to receive more when God feels like we need them! And I know that because of this job we'll see some more down the road! There is much more to learn, not just money to be earned!
Side note: The other week we were running out of food(kinda) particularly protein sources like meat and stuff that you can have as a main dish. One day when we were meeting with Rod, the owner of the mill that's making David's feed- (we needed to see and approve the feed they made) while we were leaving Rod told us to pull up to his garage he wanted to give us something. I knew what it was instantly and I thanked the Lord again, even though I felt we didn't deserve it! Rod raises cows for beef/show and he loaded us up with at least 8 lbs of fine meat!!! Saweeet!!
Okay..I have blabbered! Sorry mom!! Things are good though. I come home everyday just totally worn out and not knowing which way is up or down or east, west. It's a good thing that I have an INCREDIBLE husband! Seriously mom...he is so amazing. I have to be to work before him, so he wakes me up, while Imget ready he makes me breakfast, then makes me a usually gourmet lunch to take, cleans the kitchen, straightens the house before he goes to work at 9 then usually cooks dinner at night... well, we do it together. He takes care of me. Sometimes I feel like all I do is come home and whine about work and not do a thing. He comes home, doesnt say one negative word and does all the work! Wow I am lucky! I am always trying to find ways to help more during this awkward time where the roles are almost switched. It's all good though. We love each other. We talk all the time and laugh too.
Ah...okay Im done. Brian is amazing. He will be great and fine. I gotta run mom. Sorry this is so long. I love you. Talk to you soon!
Anna

ahhh....life is good when the kiddies are good!!!

Can he really love her? Can the soul really be
satisfied with such polite affection's?
To love is to burn, to be on fire, all full of passion.
from: Sense and Sensibility
by: Jane Austen

Anita, Davids mom, shared this with us, "I have so many thoughts about the weekend but what brings out the most joy is the look at Davids face realizing all the family he has now.. a sweet serene look on his face is all a mother and father want for their son, and to be content and happy. They will have their challenges.. we all do, but they have each other now....We are so glad to have you both in our circle as well my new friend.... here's smiling at ya

Jace says his favorite memory is being outside the temple with all the cousins and having fun at the reception!

Grandma Sharp said, "I guess what I remember most was how many young adults and kids of all ages were there. Most of them were kids belonging to Bobs brothers and sisters but it was fun to watch them have so much fun together and even dancing together. I also was impressed with what a beautiful, happy, radiant couple Anna and Dave were. The other nice memory I have is going with Anna and her mom,when she was trying on her wedding dresses! That was lots of fun for me."

Mikele's response was:

"I loved watching Anna & David walk out of the temple, us making a line for them to go through, and how happy Anna was! She was glowing!"

"Watching baby Liam!! then seeing Anna and Dave come out of the doors all dressed up!" was Lexi S's favorite memory.

Carly said, "My favorite memory is probably taking pictures outside the temple (minus the fact that it was BURNING HOT :)). I just really liked being with all our extended family and seeing how much everyone has grown and where our family is now. It was neat being at the temple (wish i could have witnessed the sealing!) and realizing that the temple is so important and is all about families. We are so blessed to have such an incredible family, and to have so many wonderful examples within, including Anna."

Brian, a man of few words, when asked what his favorite memory of the wedding was, answered, "the food." (its always about the food.)

Lauren and Tim's favorite moment has to be during the temple ceremony. The words that the sealer said were so special. It was so wonderful to be a part of that. He gave great advice that we can all take in to account. We also loved the dinner fri evening when the parents shared their thoughts and feelings. The whole thing was awesome. Even when my husband was dancing like it was going out of style.


Lachlan liked dancing at the party in his Sunday clothes.

Kelly was quick to reply with some of her favorite memories--"The whole weekend was wonderful, but I especially loved being in the sealing room with family all dressed in white. It was such a spiritual experience for me and was a confirmation of heaven and the eternities is all about being with our loved ones. Nothing else matters. I loved having my girls experience the wedding activities as well and am grateful for Dave and Anna’s great example of getting married in the right place.

Grandpa Stephenson said, "I feel so fortunate to have been in the sealing room for the ceremony. I had a perfect view of Anna from where I sat. A perfect view of her face. There was complete peace and happiness and total contentment and conviction for this monumental event, and to what she was doing. She knew she would be blessed."


Grandma Stephenson said that for her the special moments involved viewing Anna for the first time, on the temple grounds, in her beautiful wedding dress. She was so pretty and her eyes..... She was so happy."


It was easy for Natalie to come up with favorite memories. " The first dance was special, as they gazed into each other eyes you could see the love they have for each other. Davids emotions in the temple was so touching too; you can really see how much they love each other."

Jake had a long list of things he liked about the wedding. He replied, "I liked being in all the pictures. And I liked the sparklers at the end. I liked playing Red Rover on the lawn at the temple (while waiting for the grown-up to come out) with all the kids, and I liked playing on the stairs at the party place."

Mayci liked the daddy daughter dance the best and the first dance between Anna and David.

Chelsea said, "I loved it when all the beautiful girl cousins carried the cut- out of Clark onto the dance floor and danced with him!! What a riot!!"

Dan enjoyed the lines of family and friends that encased David and Anna as they came out of the temple and as they walked down the front steps into our waving arms. It was cool."

Stephanie's fun memory for the weekend was, "watching them cut the cake and then singing to Anita (Davids mom) happy birthday. I also found it fun that I quickly learned all the fun quirkyness's of Anna's and Davids displays of affection to each other."

Sharon loved "the moment when Anna and David walked through all the family and friends that lined the walkway from the temple stairs. We all had our arms up waving and clapping, celebrating their happy union."

Trisha said she "loved the dinner the night before at our house. (Cindy and Bobs) It was so fun because it was so casual and low key. All the kids had a blast and the adults weren't uptight about the kids. Every one had such an enjoyable time."


Joy said, 'What a beautiful celebration of two people who couldn't be more perfect for one another! My favorite memory will always be of the sacred moments in the temple, of David & Anna being sealed as one. I have never felt the Lord's presence so strongly, and knew many generations of spirits were thrilled to witness the eternal joining of a new family.

I also loved watching David & Anna dance the first dance...so sweet & romantic! Like watching a fairytale prince & princess! lol!"

Uncle Kim-

" I loved watching you (Cindy) watch Anna when she was listening to the sealer at the temple. Anna couldn't take her eyes off David. Watching the look on Anna's face when the sealer spoke to us about not speaking evil of God's anointed. And then being reminded that we too have been anointed and that we should never speak evil of one another. It was a lightbulb moment for us all!!!"

Memories from my dear friend Kathy K who slaved away in the kitchen for me all night long!!!

"The groom’s room had two massage recliners. The groom’s parents both fell asleep in the recliners between decorating and the reception. They looked very relaxed.

I thought it was really funny that those two little girls locked themselves in the bride’s room. Then when someone tried to open the door by “breaking in” they opened the door and said, “We weren’t locked in.”

From the kitchen,

· Marlo panicked when she put out the banana muffins and 70 were gone within 10 minutes. The little kids were hungry and liked them!

· No one wanted to slice the pineapple.

· All the wedding guests wanted a piece of cake, so even the top layer was served. The girls who were serving couldn’t get the slices to the table. Guests were taking them from the tray as fast as they came out of the kitchen. The kitchen help ate the blemished pieces. It was delicious!"

I've known Sue for 12 years; she is a dear friend and is another angel that slaved away in the kitchen, behind the scenes, all night long!!

"Anna and David are a happy couple. I was still cleaning up and saw that they had come back in after the reception to change into more casual clothes and dance. Then I saw them doing a fairly wild form of the jitter bug. They just look like they are having fun just being together.

Loved it all.

Love, Sue"

Cathy likes remembering,
" the amazing photographs taken by Chelsea. I feel like her pictures help to turn Anna and Davids wedding experience into a fairy tale and like it came of the pages of a storybook. I was also so touched by Davids emotion at the alter, which created emotion in a lot of others in the room, including the sealer, which is highly unusual for a sealer."

Rob said something profound, even though he didnt want to. " I was dancing with Olive and had an epiphany of sorts. I realized that someday I was going to have to do this wedding stuff with her. That kind of freaked me out."

When I asked Matt what he enjoyed, he said, "I really enjoyed being with everyone. It was fun to see everyone at the Temple in the sealing room and then outside afterwards. Such a fun day!"

Lauren said her favorite memory was the dancing at the wedding reception. She says she really liked the music that was played and she liked that David & Anna danced too! She liked watching the daddy/daughter dance and just liked dancing with everyone!

Aly said her favorite memory was:

" watching all the babies outside the temple and then watching Anna & David walk out of the temple, followed by pictures. They were so happy!"

Favorite memory from Julie-
"The couple was absolutely adorable together, but one of the things that impressed me the most was the example sweet Anna was setting for her cousins, and for her cousin's children.
After the reception Scott and I had a great teaching opportunity with our children who now can't wait to "get mawweed in the tempul," and then have a "party" of their own. Olivia especially was impressed with the "princess in the white dress." We also had a great FHE the Monday after we got home about temple weddings.
Thanks again Anna and David for your valiant example!"