Making "Sense" of Christmas

As my Christmas vacation winds down, I think back over all the things I have experienced. I think of the different sights, sounds, touch, smells and touch of Christmas; there are so many things I experienced and these are just some of them!

The "Sounds" of Christmas
~Kids giggling and laughing
~New baby crying
~Jingle bells and Salvation Army ringers
~Roxy barking
~TV/xbox on
~Christmas music
~People talking
~Texting on phone
~"I want a Hippopotamus for Christmas" playing on the radio
~Southern Accents

The "Sights" of Christmas
~My Family- Nugent & Ramos side
~4 different airports and airplanes
~Gingerbread men and house
~Christmas tree
~Christmas lights
~Presents under the tree
~Interstate 10
~Alabama and Florida
~Sears Portrait Studio
~Wrinkles and Scooter
~3 mac computers lined up all being used

The "Smells" of Christmas
~Gingerbread
~Turkey
~Coconut
~Fresh baked cookies
~Pizza baking in the oven
~Shepherd's Pie
~New Baby smell

The "Touch" of Christmas
~Bubble Wrap
~Wrapping Paper
~Ribbon
~Tape
~Sticky icing and candies
~Fuzzy PJ's
~Soft Baby Skin
~Sticky Toddler Skin
~Roxy's soft hair


The "Taste" of Christmas
~Turkey
~Pumpkin Pie
~Coconut Macaroons
~Chocolate Chip Cookies
~Hot Apple Cider

One of my favorite memories from my trip to Alabama....

I was in the car driving with mom and we were talking about my favorite silly Christmas song, "I want a hippopotamus for Christmas" and she said she hadn't heard it yet. I was reminded how last year she called into the radio station and dedicated it to me and had it play as I drove home from Anchorage where I worked. As the song playing ended and the next one started I started to giggle and laugh. That song was our song, and as we sang about hippo's and chimney floo's, I couldn't help but smile and look at mama. We were on our way to do a little Christmas shopping and as we got to the store and went down the christmas ornament aisle, what was there? A Hippo on skies! I just had to have it! So I bought it!! This year I got my very own "Hippopotamus" for Christmas!

Sweet "HOME" Alabama!

I've made it to Alabama! I am sooo excited. I got in yesterday. I quickly showered and proceeded to hold my absolutely beautiful niece Paige for the rest of the afternoon. At some point I had to share her so I gave her to Grandma and I played with my very cute nephews. I can't believe how much they have grown in the last year since I saw them last. It was so much fun.

A few pictures of the kids thus far!

Alex

Alex and Johnny

Paige

A Time To Reflect

Wow, I can't believe it's December already. Where did the year go? As I reflect on the past year I have can personally see how much I have grown. It's unbelievable to imagine what my life used to be like compared to what it is now. I am so thankful to have the Gospel in my life helping me along the way. 


A few weeks ago I was talking to a dear friend who served his Mission up here in Alaska and has been home for almost a year now. He asked me if I ever imagined myself where I am now. Honestly, I knew happiness, but I didn't know Joy. I knew friendship, but I didn't know Loyalty. I knew life, but I didn't know Love. He along with many others brought these to my life. I never would have imagined my life to be as truly blessed as it is right now. I am so thankful to him and to everyone else who helped me find these things. 


This year has been tough for me in a few ways as well. I moved to Alaska to be with my family, only to have them move. However I know that one of the many lessons I must learn is to take care of myself. After my divorce, I moved here and let my family "fix" things for a while. I sat back and let things happen but never stood up and took charge of my life. The past 6 months I have really had to take charge of my own life, make decisions, face the consequences, learn and try again. I am starting to return back to the "Trish" I knew so long ago that got pushed far back into the inner depths of who I thought I was. 


I'm excited though, here in a few weeks I am getting my own place. It's something I have wanted to do for a long time. Recently I was able to pay off a debt that I had. It was relieving, liberating and peaceful. It opened many doors for me and closed a big one. Paying off this debt allowed me to afford more independence. It is something I've needed and am able to do for myself.  I am truly grateful for all those who have helped me out along the way when I honestly couldn't do it alone..... my family, the Williams and the Hardys. Their help is something that I will always be grateful. I learned many things about myself from all of them.  


I am so excited for Christmas. I am heading down to Alabama to see my families! Yes, F-A-M-I-L-I-E-S (PLURAL!) !! I get to see my family from up here in Alaska, I get to see my brother and his family, and I get to see my dad. I haven't had Christmas with them in so long, Over 20 years actually with my dad. I am looking forward to it. I will also get to see my beautiful niece Paige who joined us early this morning.  She is such a little princess already from what I hear. She is such a joy to our family and a prayer that has been answered. 

Paige Annabell Ramos

DOB: 12/10/2009

1:12AM

7 lbs, 7 oz.

"When we are no longer able to change a situation, we are challenged to change ourselves."

~Victor Frankl