You've heard the joke.. Black Friday is the one day where you'll get trampled by the shopping mobs exactly one day after you are supposed to be thankful for what you have... 

I have only participated in Black Friday shopping twice. I prefer to be an online shopper so that I can sleep in, make my cup of coffee, peruse the sales, make breakfast and have a lazy family day. Although, for the past couple years I have had to work the three days following Thanksgiving as it is the busiest time for wineries. I try not to complain, because every year when this weekend comes around, I am thankful I am working those three days. 

Here's what comes to mind for this Thanksgiving: 

I am thankful that I am employed..(even when I don't want to go to work ;) 

..that my wonderful husband can stay home with our sweet girl when I am at work. 

..for my husband, who works his buns off to provide for us so I can be part-time.
I am so blessed to be the mama to the sweetest, happiest, best little girl ever!

..that we are surrounded by wonderful family & friends through the year, not just the holidays. 

..that we have a warm house, full bellies, and everything we need, even though there is always something on our shopping list.. 

I'm so grateful that we are all healthy. 

I'm thankful for this sweet little baby I'm carrying, as I know there are many who wish they were. 

Thankful that each of my pregnancies have been easy, no serious complaints or concerns.. 

I feel so, so blessed. 

I have never been one to post the '30 days I'm thankful for..' and I know that this may seem a short list.. but as I sit here looking around our home, my eyes are teary. When you stop and think about everything you have, I could not put it all into words. Things are never perfect, that's not how life works, but it is pretty damn good. 

Wishing you a happy, grateful, thankful and blessed Thanksgiving this year... The Wheelers

How is it already Thanksgiving eve? I feel like it should still be February.. summer was a blur and fall left a us with a quick kiss and a wave before dissolving into a Winter chill.. 

I don't think I have looked forward to December this much since I was a little girl awaiting the clatter of hooves on our roof. Having a baby.. make that a toddler, makes the Christmas season so fun. The magical nature of everything that twinkles, glitters and makes you warm and cozy is just the best with a little one. 

I started Christmas shopping the moment that cute little decorations came out on store shelves.. thank you Target. And while Halloween is fun and all.. I had a basket of Christmas that was going to explode if I waited one more day to decorate. 

My little helper loved pulling out all the "pree balls" (pretty balls - aka glitter ornaments) and sitting in the pile of lights as I checked each strand. We will wait another week or so to get our tree - if I can wait that long. 

In the meantime, stockings are hung and the house smells of balsam fir.. as I stand in the kitchen eating all the yummy snacks and sipping on iced coffee. 

Wishing you the happiest Thanksgiving! <3

Cranberry is a fall staple. Forget the pumpkin spice, candy corn.. or even the stuffing. Cranberry sauce better be at the Thanksgiving table.

Perfect Paleo Cranberry Sauce

2 cups fresh or frozen cranberries
1/4-1/3 cup honey (depending on how sweet you like it)
1/2 cup orange juice
1/2 tsp salt
zest of one orange (optional)

1. Place the cranberries & orange juice in a medium saucepan. Drizzle the honey throughout and stir to combine.

2. Turn heat to medium-high, bring to a simmer. Leave uncovered, reduce heat to low and simmer 15-20 mins, until thickened

3. Remove from heat, let cook 5-10 mins, the sauce will continue to thicken.

4. If you would like, pour sauce mixture into mesh strainer over a large bowl, and using a spoon, press puree until only chunks remain. Discard or snack away ;)

5. Place cranberry jelly into bowl to serve warm or into jars to cool overnight.

I've been going through Aria's baby clothes for the last round of sizes that were outgrown (so sad!). Can't they just stay little a little bit longer? Now that baby girl #2 is only months away from arrival, it's time to get serious about getting Aria's toddler room ready. 

We are going to transition to a toddler bed, reserving the crib for the baby. I know we have a little time, but I want Aria ready without the headache of transitioning both at the same time. 

Here's a few inspirational rooms I'm using to put her room together. I'm going for a bright, cheery, clean room with whimsy, sweet pieces, while allowing her to grow into the room. 

I'm adoring these bookshelves from Ikea.. I think a trip to Portland is in our near future. 

We are over the moon excited to announce that we will have two super sweet and snugly girls this Spring. We found out earlier this week that baby number two is a girl!

She currently appears to have the same profile as her sister... but a much more mellow demeanor (hallelujah! haha). Her kicks have became more consistent - she wiggles, squirms, gets comfy and settles. 

I can't wait for matching outfits and more bows! It starts with cute matching boots..

And now that we know girls are in our future, it's time to make a run to Home Depot and Hobby Lobby for cute room gear ;)