The Carlson Family: November 2011

Wow...it's December! I can't believe how fast time is passing. We had a great November in the Carlson household. It brought some changes along with some family and friend time. It was very enjoyable. :)

First and foremost, I am now officially a full-time stay at home mom! I can't believe that we were able to make this happen already, but we were. Well...mostly Nick was. It's such a blessing. It's been so nice already not having to worry about my schedule the last couple of weeks. PLUS...NO HOLIDAYS this year! That's amazing! I love it! It's still going to require a little adjustment because I was getting used to fitting in my 2 days every 2 weeks. And, I had actually been working my shifts since the end of October. Needless to say I am THRILLED with this opportunity, and I am so happy that I am the one who will be witnessing our beautiful baby boy growing up every day. :)

Ryker turned 5 months old. It's amazing the things he is picking up on every day now. He is sitting up on his own (for a few minutes at a time), rolling over EVERYWHERE, grabbing things (especially hair and earrings), and continuing to grow those 2 bottom front teeth. He also started rice cereal this month, and he is now getting it every morning and evening. He is still growing like a weed. He is a funny little guy, and he's so happy. Everyone can see it. He can make me smile when I am in the worse mood just by looking my way. He is my everything! I don't think I will ever be able to let him go...crazy mom alert!
We also said "See ya later" to one of my oldest and dearest friends this month...Maya. We have been friends since the ripe ol' age of 14. Her husband was relocated to Spokane, Washington. Tim is in the Air Force, and this is a big move for them. They were most recently stationed in San Angelo so we were able to visit them there once, a couple times here, and we met up in San Antonio quite a few times over the last 4 years. Maya and Bella were also able to be in our wedding, and I am so glad for that! They had one last night out in San Antonio with friends. It was a sad night for everyone, and they will be missed a lot. :( Love you Maya!

I was able to attend the Nutcracker Market here at Reliant Center. It was so much fun! I went with my buddy Brenda (who also relocated from SA to Houston). We went last year too so it's become an annual event now. :) NM is a HUGE shopping event. It's kinda Country Peddler Show-ish, but on a much, much larger scale. Ryker stayed back at the house with my parents while Nick was on his way back from South Texas. It was a nice opportunity to get away for the day. Thanks Mom and Dad for staying back with the Ry man.

We had Thanksgiving at Beth's house this year. Amy and Derek came down from Dallas so both of Beth's boys were able to be there. We went to Livingston on Wednesday afternoon, and they came in later Wednesday night. Nick and Derek got up early Thursday to burn leaves for Beth, but I think they really do that for themselves. They seem to be pyromaniacs in training. T-day proved to be fun with some hanging out & talking, Wii Family Feud, a new tradition of lottery scratch-offs, Cranium, and Beth's awesome cooking. I think I gained 10 pounds in 2 days. We had a wonderful time, and Ryker really did well staying the night there too.

The weekend after Thanksgiving we headed to SA so I could attend the Country Peddler Show with my mom and Val. It's an annual thing we do, and it's always a good time. :) It takes the whole day, but it's worth it. We also celebrated Mom's birthday that weekend, and we had some family time on Sunday.

Here's some pics from the month of November...