We're going to have a white Christmas!!!

The weather forecast in Swindon is "Heavy snow" from Monday night onwards....and guess what I woke up to this morning!!

SNOW!!!

I got so excited that I had Ryan and myself washed, dressed and ready to go out by 11am (which is so early for me haha)

We ventured out into the winter wonderland, snapping pictures as we go. Ryan was all snuggled up in his bear coat (which has been really useful!!) and he loved to see all the roads, houses, benches and trees covered with a white blanket. It was so cool.

For the first time in England (that I remember) we'll be having a WHITE CHRISTMAS!!!! Yay!!!

I'm SO excited about Christmas this year, obviously being Ryan's first, and there's sooo little time to go!!! I can't believe it!!

I'm also hosting Christmas dinner this year (I'm beginning to realise how crazy I am haha) I'm really excited though. It'll be wonderful.

Pictures to follow.

HAPPY CHRISTMAS everyone!!!! :D

My Montage 12/18/09 at OneTrueMedia.com

Make photo slide shows at www.OneTrueMedia.com

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!

We were going to have Thanksgiving at Mum and Dad's but mum hasn't been too well so she's saving her strength and health for Dad's birthday next wednesday (when we're going out to the carvery! NICE)

So....while going out visiting some sisters last night, April; a sister from Utah, was making pumpkin pies and trying to find a good scavenger hunt list on the net. She was laughing because the lists she found said things like "Find a family playing football in the park...." and "find a house with 10 cars parked on the drive" We were all roaring our heads off, because in England you'd never see such things....We were joking about saying it should be more like: "Find a pigeon", "Find a chav", "Find a car with a scratch on the side..." heheh okay so we live in the Oakhurst/Redhouse area which feels like beverly hills. (Just the other day, as I was walking Ryan around the estate, I came across a brand new Audi R8 (V10 and 2.8ltr engine!) It was on Topgear the next day and valued at just over £100,000,00!!

Anyways, April was curious to know how I knew about Yankee candles and why I celebrated thanksgiving so I explained about Gemma and Nathan - OH HOW WE MISS YOU - and that Ross and I consider ourselves adopted Americans. haha. Anyways, despite her being stressed out about how she's gonna fit over 20 people in her house for dinner, she said "come on over for dinner, hey, 2 and a half more people wont make a difference" lol so anyways we're going over tonight and Ross is SO excited. haha.

Gosh I love this place. I haven't had a night in all week!! And tomorrow we're going over to Gloucester to play games with Carla and Gabor!!!

I'm so tired these days - but in a really good way, I mean, I'm physically tired as I'm not used to such a crazy social life. It's wonderful. It's what I've needed for ages!!!

Gotta go...

I've died and gone to Heaven.

Loved. That is how I am feeling right now. I should be shattered, lonely and frustrated. I should be depressed, unmotivated and bored. I'm not though. I have moved a bit away from family and moved closer to an even larger family!

The Swindon ward is just the best place on Earth for me, Ross and Ryan right now. We all feel so loved. We've been here....what? 2 weeks? And already Ross has a teaching assignment, we've got 2 family dinner appointments, I've been out with the girlies to the cinema, going visiting teaching tonight, been invited to a lunch with the girlies of Oakhurst and Redhouse next week - then it's the ward christmas party!! Also - the Bishop wants to see us for a "get to know you" chat. How AMAZING. The members are so warm and friendly and so at ease and happy. There's so many wonderful Americans in the ward and their loving mentality has been adopted by the other members....driving 3 miles to pick me up is no problem, going out and arranging a babysitter is no big deal....coming up to me and talking to me isn't an issue at all. IT'S WONDERFUL.

I am eternally grateful to my Heavenly Father for blessing me and my family to move to Swindon. We know we'll be busy here and I'm just so overwhelmed with happiness. I feel like I've been in water for so long and I've just broken the surface and gulped wonderful wonderful air!

Christmas Thoughts

I can not believe Christmas is almost here. I know that's such a cliche thing to write and everyone seems to say it these days, but time really is flying by. Last year I was still queazy, weak and wobbly from the effects of pregnancy and wishing that I would be shot and put out of my misery....this year I am feeling sprightly - (sprightly? Is that even a word?) and fighting fit! (well not exactly, but better right!)



Last year, I was thinking "Oh my goodness, I'm having a baby next year!!! I'M HAVING A BABY NEXT YEAR!!" this year i'm thinking "Oh my goodness, I'm 21 next year! I'm 21!!!!"



I've been shopping for Ryan's christmas presents and bought a couple of small things....Ross and I are eyeing up some cool stuff. Namely an inflatable ballpit and an indoor swing. - oh hang on, nap time-

So now I've completely lost track of my thoughts...

It appears that Ross, Ryan and I have moved to the "windy city" as it's been stormy and windy ever since we arrived in Swindon! The letterbox is driving me nuts!

Not much to report now. It's been ages since I actually WROTE in my blog, so I thought I'd write some thoughts....which turns out to be as exciting as a spatular. Or a woodlouse perhaps.

I'm re-writing Hope Island...it's much more grown up then before. Will definitely turn out to be teenager age....at least.

Ummmmm any more news???

Nope. Zilch.

I'm DESPERATE to go watch New Moon at the Cinema and deathly jealous of all those lucky people who are going to see it TONIGHT at MIDNIGHT!! NooOO!

I just hope my Tesco vouchers arrive sooooon!!!!!!!!!!

Gotta go. Baby calls.....darn mobile, needs to last longer than 3 minutes!!!

Presenting.....Mr NappyHead!

Ross was playing with Ryan while I was doing some reading and suddenly I heard Ross and Ryan laughing together. I looked up and saw this - made me laugh so much that I couldn't resist taking a picture....he thought he was being hilarious.

Firework Night

A Few pictures of Ryan's first Firework night.

Ryan and his new Bumbo chair...

Ryan loves his new chair. It's made of some sort of flexi rubber material and moulds into his shape so it gives him good support to sit up and allows room for him to grow. It's orange to go with his hair! haha. Even though he's going blonde and when its wet he goes really dark brown!! Who knows what colour he'll be?!!?

PLEASE VOTE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE VOTE FOR MY BOOK: ARNIE! WHICH HAS BEEN ENTERED IN THE BLURB'S BEST BOOK CONTEST.

http://www.blurb.com/photo-book-contest/view_book/907457

THANK YOU!!!!

....and PLEASE spread the word!!!!!! Gemma, could you post this on your blog too???? PLEASE?!?

Ryan's new coat!

It's been getting cold lately and Ryan needs a good warm coat especailly for when we move house, he'll be moving into a cold house! :( So we saw this in Tesco and laughed for ages before ROSS said "Shall we get it then?" I couldn't believe he said that. So, Ryan's NEW coat!!

Ryan - Being Gorgeous

Aw Ryan, the gorgeous monkey that you are...he was singing away to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir as he waddled about in his walker, staring out of the patio doors completely oblivious to me snapping away paparazzi style. I love him so much I think my mortal body can barely contain such love.

Arnie! by L A Burton

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/907457

So yes, I've been a busy little bee. Behold my brand new book: "Arnie!"

This book is packed full of my photography (and Arnie's photoshoot) and humourous annotation and a letter to Arnie from the author.

This book has been entered into the Blurb community's Book Contest. If I win, I'll get $3,000 or $1,000 for second prize. There's no purchase neccessary so PLEASE vote for Arnie! and Spread the Word!!!! Thank you! xxxx

Ryan's Blessing

It was a beautiful day!

WOW I used to have a FAT face!!!

I was looking through all my old photos of Ryan and was horrified....look at this double chin!!! I look like someone off Biggest Loser!!!!
Thankfully I'm not quite so bad now. I love this picture of Ryan. He looks like a proper little boy. My, where has the time gone? Where is my newborn? :(

Ryan and Baby Rice!

Just have to upload the cheesy "my first baby rice" pics! Ryan has been having Babyrice for tea for a couple of weeks now and he's showing signs of wanting some more. So we'll be started the old breakfast cereal soon too. :)

Books!

Currently I've sold 4 copies of Good For the Soul. 3 of which were to family. I guess I didn't expect hundreds to sell, but I hoped and prayed it would reach people so they could feel inspired to learn about the Gospel. I'm a little sad, but still it's early days I suppose.

I've got 3 books on the go. A pregnancy book and Christmas compilation book and a Children's story book. How do I do this with a baby to look after, a house to clean and pack and husband's shirts to iron (not to mention cooking, shopping and making myself look presentable every day) the answer: I don't sleep! ha.

Not much news to report really. Best go.

Laura
xx

NEWS!

Ryan's passport came through today!! Woo Hoo! Now we can go anywhere in the world at a drop of the hat!! After reading some of the things from Sarah Menet, I've been a little concerned and much more motivated to sort out the food storage and our 72hr kits.

Here's the food storage I bought today! It was tiring to lug it all bag with the pram all loaded up!!

I also got my copy of Good For the Soul today!! I was so nervous. But, I'm thrilled with it!! It's dead skinny, but never mind. I even signed it. hahaha

Ryan the little Imp!

http://www.onetruemedia.com/shared?p=9934ab5371fb55e5cdcd56&skin_id=601&utm_source=otm&utm_medium=text_url

Good For The Soul - L A Burton

http://www.blurb.com/bookstore/detail/849060

My very first book has been published! It's a spiritual book that talks about the pre-existance and how important we are. It includes some of my photography too. I can not even begin to describe how happy I am that i've officially acheived all 3 of my life dreams!!

Gotta write some more goals!!

Dad Burton's Wedding

It was a lovely weekend. We went to Frankie and Bennies for the rehersal dinner and there was a carvery for the recption! Yummy! Ryan did really well too!

Sun burn!

We spent a few hours on the beach and despite using suncream....I got sunburnt!! nooooo! ross and I are going to Ross' dad's wedding at the weekend and we both look like lobsters! OOps!! haha

Night Out in Frankie and Bennies

Wow, it was such a great night. Ross, Ryan and I went to Frankie and Bennies to have a nice meal (meatball pizza and cookie, cream, chocolate sauce and icecream or desert...) IT was so lovely. The service was fab and the waiter gave Ryan a balloon....he was so intrigued!

Who's a big boy then??

This is Ryan in his walker...he's been getting bored lately and insistant on sitting up, so I tried him in his walker....stuffed a bear inside to keep his propped up and....he LOVED it! :D

Good Morning Arnie!

Last night, as soon as Ross let Arnie loose in his enviroment, he waddled into a nice hiding place and settled down to sleep for the night. So we went to bed. when I woke up this morning I popped into the spare bedroom and saw the massive vivarium standing on our desk and though "Oh wow, it wasn't a weird dream then". Last night was weird. There were bugs escaping left right and centre! Poor Dad and Ross were running around grabbing various escapees and throwing them back in, but then all the insects figured out where the exit was and there was a mass exodus! Flying beetles, massive woodlice, crickets, worm things....ew!!! Ross said we can just feed Arnie crickets -those I can handle because they look like brown grass hoppers...and they don't bite! Arnie will also eat housespiders and we've had a massive amount of spiders in the house as of late (wow I hate August/September!!) I said to Ross "This is terrible, we've seen 5 massive spiders in 2 days! It wasn't like that last year!!" to which Ross sheepishly said, "actually it was....but if you remember, last year during Sep/Oct you were in bed all the time....so I just got rid of them and didn't tell you" EWWWW!!!!

Anyways, back to Arnie. He's lovely. Gosh I love him! It was love at first sight. His cute little head and sweet eyes. His pattern is beautiful and he's so elegent!! And he's TINY. Yeah, with the tail he's about a foot long, but his body must be only 4" or so. He doesn't bite (yet) but he's very skittish. Actually he reminds me of a newt I befriended in Lower Knowles Road. Anyways, he's wonderful and there is now a very calm feeling in the house. I like his spirirt, it's very lovely.

Well, that's it for the morning update!! With all the stress going on, it's nice to have something - or someone - in the house to calm us all down!!

ps, Ryan thinks he's great!

Arnold Burton the monitor Lizard

This is our new lizard. We do not know if it's a boy or a girl, but we've decided to call it Arnie (after the great Terminator himself) haha We're picking him (it) up tonight. We're very excited about the new addition to our family! Welcome Arnie Burton!!! :D

Swindon House

This is the house we are looking round today - it's in a nice area of Swindon (all the people on the estate have BMWs!) and it has a sky dish. Very nice. It's 4 bed detached and in a cul-de-sac. Very nice. It's the same price as where we are now. Bargain.

Yo, Yo, Yo, my name is Ryan and I'm singing this rap,

Right before my afternoon nap,

I spend all day on my big play mat,

talking to whale and tellin' him where I'm at,

Sometimes I like to watch the gran prix

Top gear as well, on daddy's big TV

I love my mummy as she keeps me cool,

she feeds me milk and wipes my drool,

Daddy makes me laugh and smile,

but he goes out to "work" for a little while

so it's just me and mummy chillin' out,

no need to scream, no need to shout,

I learn about 'Potter, did you know he's a wizard?

and later today, daddy is getting a lizard!

My eyes are red and becoming weary

i'm feelin' grizzly and getting teary,

so I'll end this rap at this time,

and leave you all with a might fine ryhme,

oh yeah, oh, oh, oh yeah, oh, gotta go....

My, My, My....how my little man is growing up! He looks so old and wise! Okay maybe not old per-say....but he just doesn't look like a newborn anymore.

Ross and I took Ryan out to Pizza hut the other night. It was lovely to get out and unwind. The waitress cooed over Ryan and out of the blue just asked me "are you bottle feeding or - " and I said "no, breastfeeding" and she pulled a face of disgust and went "oh, eww - how old is he?" and I replied "just over 3 months" and she looked even more disgusted and walked off. I was mortified. I never thought of myself as one of those women who just feed their babies til they're practically walking...yet I felt like someone saw me that way!! It annoys me like crazy that breastfeeding is a great achievement and it totally the best you can possibly do for your baby and if you DO breastfeed, you're like some dirty person. Made me really upset! :(

Anyways, enough of that. We've had a crazy weekend. We went to Grandad Burton's funeral on Friday. it was lovely, but sad all the same. Andrew stayed with us too. And we went around Swindon today to scope it out and see if there was any mileage in moving there. We quickly found the areas to steer clear of and found a couple of nice pockets....well it's better than Gloucester!! We'll see how it goes but Swindon is looking like it might be our next move.

Aaarrrgh, my eyeballs are glued shut. I'm SO tired. Ryan slept for nearly 8 hours last night (WITH NO BREAK or FEED) wow. And yet i'm still absolutely shattered. I wish I could just sleep for a week. Oh well. Off to church tomorrow and then I've got the pleasure of Helen and her mum coming over to visit. BUSY BUSY BUSY. Also hoping to weigh Ryan on monday and see how he is progressing. :)

That's all the news I think

love

Laura

xxx

Unofficial - but GOOD NEWS!

Ross got a call from Rob - (haha Ross, Rob...funny) Well he was the person who interviewed Ross on Monday. He said people at HR are sick, so they can't officially give an offer. However, he wanted to let Ross know that they WILL be giving an offer and asked Ross to be flexible because when he gets in the door, they might try him in a few different positions....they are actually keen to have him doing the original job that Ross applied for....it's better paid, more appealing and has better prospects...so Ross and I are absolutely THRILLED.

WOO HOO.

Now my brain feels like mush and i feel like I want to sleep for a week. haha

xxx

My Precious, Precious little one...

Amongst the stress and times I feel like I'm running around like a headless chicken, I sometimes find myself stopping dead in my tracks and feeling overwhelmed and blown-away by the love and devotion I feel towards Ryan. He is currently fast asleep in his bouncer and I can't help but watch in in awe and adoration. I love him in a way that's indescribable. I'd do anything for him. He is my little darling, my precious little creation. He's thriving and learning and suprises me every day. His sweet spirit shines out and takes me breath away. He is still so fresh from Heaven. So perfect, so healing, so incredibly good for the soul. Ross and I are so thankful to our Heavenly Father for our son. He completes us and makes us proud, humbled, excited, terrified...and all the emotions between! I wrote this poem just moments ago, whilst sat in a rather poignant mood.

I never knew how much joy,
Having you, could make me
I never knew, my little boy,
That you would look so heavenly

I felt you close by during my tender years,
I began to recognise your noble spirit,
During those hard days of trials and fears,
You’d come along and visit.

When the sickness was too tough,
Or I just couldn’t carry on,
You’re presence was simply enough,
To help me feel strong

You were so excited to come to Earth,
We prayed for you every day
On finally when it came to your birth
The joy I felt was more than I can say

I never guessed you’d look so cute,
so new, yet undeniably familiar,
I held you close and the world went mute
And we looked at each other in wonder

How precious you are, I could never convey,
It would be impossible to do
I thank my Heavenly Father day by day,
For blessing me with you

I love to watch you thrive and grow
Into a handsome, happy young child,
With more potential than you’ll ever know
And a temperament so wonderful and mild

I know you are a child of God,
Who is righteous and willing to do right
Who will continue to grip onto the Iron Rod
And be strong as you fight the good fight

Love you always

Mummy.

xxx

It certainly does put things into perspective. :)

Disappointment leaves a nasty sting

It's been over 6 weeks since Ross first applied for Nationwide. It has been the most drawn-out process I've experienced yet. We've been constantly on our knees in prayer and Ross has done everything he possibly could to get offered the job.

Turns out HR were poor at their communication. They thought he wasn't suitable for the job at all, just forwarded Ross' CV to someone else and said they thought someone else might like to have a "chat" with him. You know, because Ross has all the time in the world to go to these chats. >:(

So Ross was totally disappointed and taken off-guard. He'd unknowingly walked into another *formal* interview for another job.

They bypassed the topic of salary, they went on about how Ross wasn't exactly good for the role, but they liked him and the experience he had. They said they couldn't promise anything and will let Ross know the outcome of the interview on Wednesday AND they said there would be no over-time or call-out.

So I'm sad here, heart-broken and sobbing for all England because I just feel like the one piece of good news I really, desperately prayed for has been completely and utterly shattered. I'm totally devastated and yet I'm supposed to wipe away my tears, put on my make up and smile for Ross when he gets home in 15 mins.

I can't take this anymore. Something GOOD needs to happen. Why isn't it happening???

Time To Get Out the Lucky Green Suit....

So today Ross has an "informal" interview with Nationwide. It's going to be onsite at the Technology centre this time (instead of the HQ building across town) he'll also meet his potential new boss. So we're are hoping, praying and going crazy because we both REALLY want this to happen. We want this to work out and most of all, we want this to be RIGHT!

So Ross has dug out his olive green suit. I sniffed my nose up at it and asked him why on earth would he not wear his nice new charcole suit....

"Because - " Ross began as he scrubbed the suit trousers with a baby wipe in a desperate attempt to remove a mark. "this is my lucky green suit....every job I've ever had, I received the offer whilst wearing THIS suit!"

hahah. Let's see how it goes eh? Interview is at 3pm. PRAY FOR US PEOPLE!!! :D

Will update when we know what happens!

Laura
xxx

Eye of the Tiger....

DUN, dun, dun, DUN. Dun, Dun DUN. Dun dun daaaaaaaaa!!!

Rising up, up with the fire,
burning with a righteous desire,
Keeping faith, remembering to pray,
It's the way of our life...

..oh oh, eye of the tiger it's the lurch of my tum,
stressing day, night and all that's inbetween us!
Oh oh, eye of the tiger it's the song that I hum,
as I hope and I pray that we'll hear.......From Nationwide!!

DUN, dun, dun DUN. DUn, Dun, DUN. Dun dun daaaaaaa

Eye of the tiger!!

DUN, dun, dun, DUN. Dun, Dun, DUN. Dun dun daaaaa...

.....eye of the tiger.....


*sigh*

So the waiting continues. If truth be told I feel a bit sick. Someone from Nationwide finally called yesterday. I broke out in a cold sweat and caught my breath as I listened to Ross talking in the other room...

"Hello?"
"yes, speaking"
"....*pause*"
"right"
"*pause*"
"oh, okay, that's fine"
"*pause*"
"no, that's okay, no problem"
*pause*
"No problem, bye"

My stomach plummeted to the ground, my mouth went dry and I suddenly felt incredibly dizzy. All these thoughts were rushing through my head:

"Oh no, he didn't get it - okay gotta act positive - we're DOOMED - no, no be strong for Ross, It's fine darling - no, no, no, no, no!! - it wasn't meant to be - HOW CAN I CARRY ON?? - it'll be fine, we couldn't live off the wage anyway....."

Ross finally re-enters the lounge and tells me that it was someone from HR asking for more information re: previous addresses and contact details for Sony.

"Oh," was all I could say.

They specifically wanted to find out if Ross had ever lived at 22 Blackberry Hill, Cumbria. That's when my heart sank again. They had done a background check and credit check on us and well Blackberry Hill was his parents house and where his mum decided to refuse to pay council tax. We think it's been blacklisted. Ross was registered at that address for electoral roll purposes but actually resided in Canada at the time. He explained this and now we pray, PRAY, that this wont affect their decision.....

...if it does, Ross and I will have to pray really REALLY hard for help in not getting angry and mad at Ross' mum. *sigh*

We'll see what happens. eh.

Laura

xxx

Farewell Grandad Burton

In the early hours of the 10 August 2009, Grandad Burton passed away after a gruelling battle with cancer. He requested for the patriarch of Bristol stake to give him a blessing, just moments before he passed on. All of his family went to the hospital to say goodbye and it was a really emotional time.

He was only 71 years of age and it was a big shock to the Burton family as it all looked like the cancer had gone and he was cured. Sadly the cancer spread to his lungs and then he got a chest infection which then made his body shut down. He passed away peacefully in his sleep.

Our prayers and thoughts are with Nanny Burton and Dad, Aunty Rachel and Uncle Craig at this sad time. :(

A weekend out at the Forest of Dean

Ross, Ryan and I went to the Forest of Dean on saturday. It was absolutely lovely and I was so shocked to see that England had somewhere so beautiful - and just on our doorstep too!

....Ryan slept through the whole thing. lol