Virtuous Girlhood

 RJ’s rambling, nonsensical view.

These last few days have been hectic as always. But good. Last week I turned another year older. And I realized that childhood is flying away before my eyes. But I’m excited for the adventures that are ahead of me, just around the corner. I’m excited to be an adult.

See these roses? My biggest-little brother gave them to me. I love ya tiger. You know how to make a girl feel special.

My wonderful family and friends did an awesome job of making me feel like the most special girl in the world on my birthday. Thanks Dad, Mom, and all the little (or not so little) munchkins for the wonderful birthday. Thank you Tara for the awesome day that we spent together. And thank you Rose and Toria for the sweet birthday packages. I love you all!

My birthday dinner. Homemade chicken alfredo on “fine” china. 

On another note my baby turned four. It’s not fair. He’s getting too big. Happy Birthday baby. Don’t ever stop giving kisses or hugs ok??

Isn’t he a little stud?? **sobs, he’s too big**

And my biggest-little brother is…..a tween. I can’t believe it. I can’t believe that my littlest brother can pick me up, wear my shoes, and has a bigger hand then I do. Happy Birthday Tiger. I’m so proud of the man you are becoming. You make us all proud and I’m blessed to have you in my life. I wouldn’t trade our random bursts of laughter, goofing off, or debates for anything in the world. You’ll make a girl lucky someday, but for now I’m keeping you for myself. Thanks for making me feel special, for being one of my best friends, and my fellow conspirator. xD

Cheesecake, it’s so good.

Here’s to another year of random nonsense, dancing in the rain, butterfly kisses, and music blasting through the speakers as you drive down a country road. xD

Rose’s View (I put some of my  pictures in here since my dear Rose didn’t have any this week)

As I sit here, I’m also responding to e-mails. Collecting interviews has become a fun and time consuming job. But I love it. Young women from all over the U. S. are sending me their stories and notes of encouragement. It’s wonderful.

I’ve also been doing a little sewing. I’m making some skirts for my sister. They are the broom skirts that are so easy to make and turn out so beautiful.

And I’ve been in a homemaking mood. Yesterday I made banana bread and double chocolate cookies. Yum! I’ve spent most of my week at home, which suits me fine. I love home. It’s wonderful.

More cheesecake. Photo credit mom.

God has been teaching me some hard lessons this week about trust and patience. Some big plans fell through. I was angry and hurt. Then God helped me to see past right here, and look down the road to see the long-term. He’s building peace and trust that transcends circumstances.

As I look ahead I am glad at what God is doing in my life and look forward to seeing what is ahead.

~Rose and RJ

Peace out girlies….. (Ok, that’s stupid, but whatever. I think you can tell who added that….. lol)

I think I come across as pushy alot of the time on my blog. And I just wanted to clear something up with you all, I know that I am opinionated, feisty, silly, and a bit too loud, but I’m really not. And I am SO sorry if I have come across that way.

I’m actually a very open minded person. Two of my close  friends are atheists and while we try not to talk about religion unless it’s brought up, we get along great. And I DO respect what my readers believe in and do. I may not have the same opinions as you, but I do respect you.

I’m afraid that my feisty nature kicks in alot of the time especially when it’s about something that I hate like Justin Bieber or Twilight. I am a very passionate person and once I start talking I don’t stop. I am trying to be less talk and more gentle.

So feel free to leave comments that differ from my beliefs. I’m working on being less defensive and having an open mind so talk away! I’ll listen. If I have offended you in any way, I am truly and deeply sorry.

I don’t appreciate or like thieves. All photos are unedited and are property or RJ Gould. OK??? Thank you.

RJ’s crazy, chaotic, busy, awesome life………

This week? It’s been crazy!!!! I’ve been trying to hang out more with the kiddies, and they really love it so it looks like I have to do that more often. I’ve also been busy with the usual stuff. (If you want an extensive list then leave a comment! LOL!) And it has been snowing like crazy here.

I also spent the week moving into my room and I’ll share pictures another time. This week I have barely had time to breath it’s all gone by so fast. I’m just so thankful for my Savior, my amazing family who keeps me level-headed, and my friends. You guys and girls rock. Random- Little brothers, big sis and mirrors? Awesome photo opps, especially if you add hair accessories.

Watching video’s on my computer together after school on a cold snowy afternoon. (I got up to take the picture)

These are my babies. And yes, people do ask me if they are mine.

Kitty helping and big brother watching over her. The handsome dude wasn’t too impressed with me taking his picture again.

Kitty dancing with her other older brother (Their favorite thing to do)

Louise reading as usual.

When you give a 15 month old a bag of chocolate he obviously tries to get it open.

My handsome boys making forts in the basement.

Cleaning up after lunch

Playing outside

Don’t be swayed by his adorable face. He is a destroyer.

Speaking of which, I should really get off this computer and eat lunch. Then it’s off to do some work and hang out with the kids.

Rose here.

Well we have had some lovely weather around here. Getting up into the 70′s (unusual even for Texas). This has given me plenty of time to take a lot of walks outside and enjoy the outdoors.

I’ve also been working on a lot of blog writing. Trying to get posts scheduled. This is fun and hard work. Sometimes I feel like I come to the end of my knowledge. Then God steps in and works with me to give me the right words. I look forward to hearing your thoughts in the months to come.

I typed THE END in my play yesterday. Really excited about that. Now the editing and clean up begin. And I look forward to it.

I’m also going to start preparing for teaching at co-op. Starting next Friday I’m going to be teaching at a homeschool co-op in our area. I love the people I get to be with and the kids I get to teach. It’s so much fun.

God has been so good to me this week. I keep asking Him to remind me of who I am in Him. He keeps reminding me. So even when I forget, He call me beloved.

Life is crazy and wonderful as always. And I look forward to every minute of it.

RJ’s note: It’s not fair that Rose is enjoying 70 degree weather while the rest of us freeze is it?? No, I didn’t think so. Love ya Rose! )

See you next week,

RJ and Rose

I don’t appreciate or like thieves. All photos are unedited and are property or RJ Gould. OK??? Thank you.

Rose and I put our heads together and decided that we should post more personal things, so hear it goes! Every week we’ll be posting about what is going on in our lives. Let us know what you think ok???

From RJ’s view…..

Wow. My week has been crazy and hectic as always. Then again, when is it not?? Anyhow, this week was more chaotic then normal. **sigh** I need a hug…. The song “One Little Slip” summed up my week- It was a cup of good intentions, A tablespoon of one big mess, A dash of overreaction , and I assume you know the rest…..

I just bought the  NikonD5100 and I’m SOOO happy with it! Ladies, this camera is amazing! I thought that I might share my life in pictures for this first week……

Odie. The adorable Donkey at the barn who was begging me for mints…

My beautiful little sister

Blaze. My horse. He is incredibly naughty, dirty, and spoiled. He is also annoyed that I am not spoiling him…. (hey, I AM by taking pictures of you!!)

Coloring with my little brother. I love the blurry effect.

My sister Lousie (Yeah, she’s actually a teenager! She’s just short!) riding Blaze

A friend’s daughter riding her mommies horse

My incredibly handsome little (er big) brother who is stronger then me and can beat me up when we wrestle…..

Pizza that we bought for my dad’s 40 something birthday…… I could have used a fancy plate, but didn’t. Paper plates are so much better for pizza.

I’m cute, the baby of the family, I know how to get what I want and right know I want a cookie. See? See my smile? Please sissy, just a little cookie???

Yo, what’s up….

Cheesecake that we made

And a butchered melon as a parting picture

From Rose’s View

Well, Hello there. Welcome to my home. Come on and feel free to sit down and take a rest or if you would like we could take a walk on some of the walking paths through the woods (although it might be getting kind of cold down here in the lone star state)

I love my life. I never know what God is going to bring across my path, but I enjoy the journey.

This week I have been working on blogs. Having three to write for can be an overwhelming and fun chore to have. I’ve been scheduling out blog posts and working on keeping things updated. I also enjoy reading reader comments and staring at stats. Mine are never very high, but they always fascinate me.

I’m also working on the 1 Peter Project. Memorizing all of 1 Peter in a year. It’s fairly simple. I’m working on 1 Peter 4-5. It helps keep me in the word.

This year I wanted to start reading more. So I’m hoping to squeeze in a few chapters of Winged Life by Hannah Hurnard. One of my favorite authors.

And as always I’ll be e-mailing chatting and calling my friends. I love sharing fellowship with my fellow sisters in Christ and God gives me plenty of way to connect with them.

Well, that’s it for now. I’ll see you all next week.

Blessings in Christ, Rose

YAY it’s the weekend!! ***throws confetti and plays loud music**

RJ and Rose