Goodbye, 2014

Lately, I've been reflecting a lot on the negative in my life, and trying so fiercely to combat that by focusing on the good, on the things I'm most thankful for. Let me tell you; it's no easy task trying to keep a positive mind when all you feel is negative, but I can at least say I've been trying.

This last month of 2014 has been a whirlwind of emotions, from contentment, to shock, to excitement, to bliss, to sadness, to disappointment, to anger, to hopefulness. I can honestly say I've experienced each of these emotions in just a matter of two short weeks, and then some. I'm not sure what 2015 will bring, but I know things have to be looking up from here, from this harsh ending to 2014, and I'm ready to leave it all behind and go forth.

Despite everything that's happened this month, this Christmas just didn't feel like Christmas. Matt and I spent Christmas eve at my parent's house with my brother and his wife, and we had a blast playing Uno and snacking on our favorite finger foods. It was a lot of fun, but different from the usual norm of going to Mamaw's house. We woke up Christmas day and ate breakfast before heading over to Matt's mom and dad's house for his side of the family's Christmas. We played Cards Against Humanity and let me tell you, laughter is certainly the best medicine. I can't think of a better group of people to play that with!

I guess this year just didn't really feel like Christmas to me, probably because we haven't even celebrated with my side of the family yet. Matt and I are going to the wedding of our dear friend, Jo, on New Year's Eve. Then, we'll be having our Christmas on New Year's Day and then going to Mamaw's on Friday night to celebrate. Maybe I'll be in  more of the Christmas mood this weekend after having spent some time with family. I already took down all my Christmas decorations besides my tree, of course. Who the heck am I?? I never do that. I'm always sad to take it all down! But this year I'm just over it all. I want to move on from this Christmas and not think about it for a while. I sure hope 2015 brings more joy than 2014 did.

So, now that I'm done being a negative Nancy, I truly hope everyone had a fantastic Christmas and an even better upcoming New Year. :)

Christmas Cards 2015

Before the holiday season completely engulfs me and I end up with zero time for blogging, today I thought I'd share this year's Kley family Christmas cards!

Of course, these were crafted and created by the one and only Kenzie Phillips of Ivory House Creative. Who other than my lovely sis-in-law would I entrust with my freakin' Christmas cards?? ;) Seriously, GO check her out! She is an incredibly talented designer with so much to offer.

Photo courtesy of Ivory House Creative. :)

Now, not only did I get some fabulous custom Christmas cards, but I also got these amazing envelopes with liners to put the finishing touch on my cards. Yep, Kenzie does those, too! And, as another plus, my cards were double-sided this year to add to all the Christmas amazingness.

Front! Look at my girl.

And back!

Our photographs this year were taken by the fabulous Jessica Strong of Jessica Strong Photography at the Charleston Falls Reserve close to home. I LOVE how they turned out and was surprised she was able to even get a good shot with Bella acting like a wild child!

I love my little family, and am feeling more grateful than ever for them in my life (yep, including my dog baby).

<3

Thanksgiving 2014

Hey there, friends. :)

So I don't have any photos to show this year's Thanksgiving, but it was a nice time with family for sure. Matt had to work Thanksgiving so that was a huge bummer. :/ I hate waking up alone on holidays. Just doesn't seem right. It was nice having 5 straight days off of work, though!

I got up and headed over to Matt's parents house to drop off my broccoli casserole and deviled eggs for them to gobble up for their meal. Then, I shot over to Mamaw's for an hour or so just to visit since I hadn't seen her in a while! Finally, I got over to mom and dad's and enjoyed our Thanksgiving meal with the family. Turkey, sweet potatoes, stuffing, broccoli casserole, corn casserole, oh man...it was so delish.

My final stop for the day was back to Matt's mom and dad's house where I waited for Mattycakes to get off work (about 7:30). Ugh, nurse life. We had some more food (ugh) and of course dessert and just hung around in a food coma. Overall, it was a nice day. Wish the hub could have been there.

On Black Friday, I did a little shopping with Matt and my two sisses-in-law, then went to the Hara Arena Gift/Craft Show where I got a cute little ornament and a welcome lantern for my front porch. Love! The rest of the weekend, we just hung around and spent time with family.

Cute craft show find!

Hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving! Let Christmas time begin! :)