What Do You Blog About?

For some reason, blogging while living in Romania was so easy. Perhaps it was because I needed the connection with English speaking people. Maybe my schedule there kept me home more. Or most likely it was because the daily tasks in life like doing laundry or the kids fixing their own cereal were a bit more adventurous.

I miss blogging. And hopefully I will come up with some interesting things to write about. Meanwhile, I hope you'll read some of my older posts. I'm working on transferring some of them to this blog.

What do you usually blog about?

Gabriel and the Carton of Milk

The Dreaded Enemy

Gabriel and a Carton of Milk

The following is a blog entry that I wrote (on my very old blog) nearly 5 1/2 years ago when we were living in Romania.

November 3, 2006
Yesterday morning I woke up with every intention of doing a full day of school. I ate my usual breakfast, just a bowl of cereal, and was getting ready to take a shower. As I was walking into the kitchen, towards the bathroom, Gabriel was walking by with a rather bloody paper towel around his finger. “Mom, I cut my finger opening the milk.” Yikes! He certainly did a good job too. We do not have the normal gallon jugs here but one liter boxes that must be cut.

Kitchen sheers are the preferred safe method but although I have three pairs, they tend to wander away. So rather than search for them, Gabe opted for a knife. This was one of those bigger than a Band-Aid cuts and thankfully John was home to handle it. John examined it and bandaged Gabe’s finger and said he’ll be just fine. I slammed my finger in a car door at age 10. My mom took me to the ER and I didn’t need stitches. John cut his finger with an ax, age 30 and I took him to the ER. He didn’t need stitches either. We avoid Romanian hospitals if at all possible. Romania has come a long way since the fall of Communism in 1989 but the medical field is still a scary place. Please pray that Gabe’s finger heals without any problems.

While John was examining Gabe’s finger, Gabe started feeling a bit queasy. Could it be that my 15 year old son, taller and stronger than me and lover of action flicks, is qualmish at the sight of his own blood? We told him to lie down on the couch for a while. After I was sure he was ok, I finally took my shower. After family devotions, which were two hours later than usual, I decided that this would be a good day to watch some World War II movies that I had been wanting to watch with the kids. So even though we did not do the lessons that I had written down on our schedule, we still had a lot of learning going on.

Gabriel is nearly 21 now and fully recovered except for the fact that he apparently sliced a nerve and his finger is numb where he cut it. Doesn't bother him thankfully or affect him in any way. Praise the Lord!

Surprise Prize

I received a package in the mail this week. I knew something was coming but didn't know what was in it. I won a prize on one of the Etsy teams that I joined! Winning is always fun and so are surprises. Sue from Grist Mill Designs made me this beautiful necklace and earring set.


I just love them! The color combination is gorgeous. Sue has lots of beautiful and unique items in her shop. You might just find that perfect Valentine's Day or Mother's Day gift there. Click here and visit Grist Mill Designs today. Don't you love shopping online? :D

The Storm

I wrote a poem a few years ago. I thought I would post it tonight as I think of a friend who is going through a wicked storm of her own.

The Storm

I see the storm clouds gathering,

I hide and cringe in fear.

I’ve seen clouds like these before,

Oh, Lord, be ever near.

I’ve felt how hard the winds can blow.

I was almost lost at sea.

My sails so torn and powerless.

Oh, Lord stay close to me.

I am afraid of this new storm

And the damage it can do.

What will be left of my heart in the end?

Oh, Lord, I draw close to You.

You are my rock, my strong tower.

In You I have no fear.

You are my strength from day to day.

You will be ever near.

“Fear thou not,” I hear You say

Out on the stormy sea.

You will uphold me by Your Right Hand.

You will stay close to me.

You are the Rock where I can hide

Until the storm is through

I will find shelter under Your wings

I will draw close to You.

Karen Woodward © 2005

Ellie Marie Designs

I sold my paper bag scrapbook! So exciting. Here is a new project I'm working on. I will get them listed as soon as I get some more ribbon and glue. Meanwhile, check out the other things that I have for sale at Ellie Marie Designs!

Paper Bag Scrapbook

Here is my newest creation - A paper bag scrapbook! For sale! Profits go toward buying textbooks for Gabriel and Hannah. See details here at Ellie Marie Designs

Christmas Caroling

John, Holly and I went Christmas caroling with our church tonight. We all had a great time, especially because the weather was so nice! It's probably the first time I've gone Christmas caroling in 60 degree weather. We always go to the shut ins and senior citizens of our church. Most of them sing right along with us. Our last stop was at a sweet lady's house. She is neither a senior citizen nor a shut in but someone who is going through some physical trials. Normally, she would have gone with us. She was so blessed that we came to her house that she cried. I am blessed to be part of such a wonderful church.

Gabriel and Hannah will be home in less than 48 hours! I am ecstatic!! We've been able to see them a few times over the last 11 months but they haven't been HOME since January. And they haven't seen our "new" house at all. I'm not sure if I can contain my excitement over the next few hours. Pray for them as they travel home on Saturday. It is a 14 hour drive.

I reached one of my smaller goals with my Crafty Homeschoolers shop - 25 items listed! Next goal is 50. Wonder how long that will take?

Pink and Brown Gift Tags
(my 25th item!)