Our Little Rylie

      This lovely lady is the newest addition to our family. Over a month ago, we found Rylie on our driveway (she practically fell into our laps-the only way we would have been able to have a dog, my mom would say). She was super friendly and cuddled right up to us from the very start. There was absolutely no way we couldn't have fallen in love with her, so, of course, we did.
     After reluctantly putting up 'Found' signs (we couldn't just keep her knowing there could be someone out there who owned her and loved her as much as we were beginning to) but hearing from no one, and after checking for a nonexistent identification chip, we decided to keep her.
     Rylie is pretty good with strangers, but doesn't really know what to think of other dogs. She loves to leap in your lap and give you kisses right on the mouth! She enjoys pouncing on her little white ball, her favorite toy. She is learning to walk on the leash and will sniff everything!

     We think she's just about the perfect dog for us and we love her to death! Wouldn't you with that face??

*Sigh.* Cute just doesn't cover it.

This is what she does when she wants you to rub her belly, waving her paws up and down. =)

So adorable!!

*Thunk!*

      When my sister and I went to spend some time with a couple from our church at their house, the husband brought out his throwing knives to show us. If he had known what would come soon after he did that . . . I wonder if he would still have shown us them.

      So what did happen? Well, I pretty much got hooked on the hobby of knife-throwing. I loved the idea of being able to do such a dangerous thing! After a lot of research, and having come into a little money from my birthday last month, I soon ordered my first pair. The time from that Monday to the next Monday was one of the longest years of my life. But finally, at 8pm, exactly when they were supposed to come, the deadly objects appeared. Thrilled, I ripped the box open to check them out.

      Made out of stainless steel and about 8 inches long, they were beautiful (if only they didn't have the spiders though . . . I hate spiders!). But, since it was kinda dark outside, I unfortunately couldn't immediately try them out. It was actually Thursday afternoon before I really had time to go outside, set up a cardboard target, and try them out. I failed on the first fifteen or so throws before I finally got one to stick. . . .then I missed the next 20 or so. =) But the difficulty did not deter me at all! No, indeed. When I tried again a few days later, I managed to stick 6 plus knives! I was so stoked.

      And then David came out, asking if he could try, and he was able to stick his first knife! What?! Oh, well. I suppose I shouldn't be disappointed. I'll have plenty of time this summer to brush up on my throwing. Then, maybe the next time David wants to try, the events that occur will be a little different . . . =)
      I definitely plan to continue throwing knives, so you keep your ears open, you might hear something in the next few months (hopefully only good things, though . . . I'm trying not to kill myself =P). You never know. I could become famous!

What A Busy Life I Lead

     So, a lot has been going on in my life lately (one of the reasons I haven't been able to blog as much as I would have liked).

     In January, Annie, my mom, and I flew Emily up to Atlanta, Georgia for a 5 week missions training program (she's back by now). While there, we had a blast visiting the World of Coca Cola and taking a hike up Kennesaw Mountain.

     Later that month, I cut my hair pretty short. It once was below my arm pit, and now it above my shoulders! I like it, but I think I'm going to just let it grow out and not keep it short. =)

     In February, I started a job at a stable in Orange County called All About Horses. I work every Tuesday and Thursday, mucking out stalls, walking the horses, and making mashes (horse 'snacks') in exchange for riding lessons. I have been enjoying it so, so much!

      In March, I turned 15! Finally! And, no, I don't feel any older . . . I never really have, come to think of it. =)

     Since last December until about two weeks ago, I was participating in the preparation for a show called Speechless. This amazing show, presented by the youth at Grace Church of Orange, was two hours of pantomimes (silent skits put to music) that portrayed the gospel in a very cool way. After having practices almost every Saturday, I was so ready for the real thing (and also ready to have my weekends back). After so many late nights, on April 8, the performance finally came. For my first real show, I think it went pretty well. Thankfully, God took away my nervousness and I just had a blast!
     I so enjoyed all the time I spent with the youth at Grace, and wish it didn't have to end. Everyone was so friendly and fun to be around. I'm really going to miss seeing them almost every week. =) If I ever had the chance to do it again next year, there is no way I would say no!

So, yes, I've been pretty busy. But would I trade any of it? Probably not.

Happy New Year!

This season (December, that is) was filled  for us with a church bonfire, a trip to Operation Christmas Child with our home school group, lots of ballet rehearsals and performances for me, a piano recital, baking with our grandma, a Coast Christmas party, a youth Christmas party, partying at our aunt's for Christmas Eve, ripping wrapping paper for Christmas, and pretty much just sleeping for New Year's Eve.=) But though it was pretty busy, we sure had a lot of fun (except for the piano recital . . . yeah, not so much fun that night . . . :P ).

Here are some pictures from this past year:

Operation Christmas Child (sorry it's a little blurry)

My wonderful ballet teacher and I after performing The Gift!

Before our piano recital. Cue the dread!

We made some wonderful cranberry bread with Grandma.

During our Coast Christmas party, we had someone come and teach us line dancing. It was so much fun!

Post white elephant exchange during our youth Christmas party.

Christmas Eve at Aunt Gail's.

(I would have put a picture of Christmas day, but I'm not sure some of us would have liked to be seen in their pajamas. =P )
 
 And now we're looking forward to all the adventures 2016 will be bring our way. For we Miles just love adventure!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, everyone!!