Fun Monday

Lisa is the hostess for this week's Fun Monday! She's asking us to tattle on ourselves and let you know what makes us quirky. I call this normal however!


1. I need to have everything in alphabetical order. My canned goods, my dvds and cds, etc. I am doing better at this though because when I mention several friends names on a post I'm learning to just type a name and not fret that it's not in the right order!

2. I want my hot food hot and my cold food cold please. None of this luke warm stuff! And my drinks have to have a ton of ice...crushed please.

3. I hate to tuck in my shirts. Even when I was a thin girl I didn't so it has nothing to do with the fact that I am fluffy.

4. For some reason I have started sleeping with the tv on all night. And I have to hold the remote. I think it all began when I was not feeling well last year and would be up all hours of the night. But I can't seem to break the habit.

5. I have an obsession with Little Debbie's. My favorite since childhood has been the oatmeal creme pies. Not only are they always fresh, but they are so cheap. And ever so yummy! I'd rather have Little Debbie's brand than Hostess anything. My family says this is weird.

6. I have to change my toothbrush at least once a month. Does anyone else think it is gross how we brush all this nasty stuff off our teeth and then just rinse the brush and hang it back up? I rinse my brush off in scalding hot water. Oh yeah, and my brush has to be blue. Always!!!

7. I tried a dog biscuit one time. I just wondered why my dog loves 'em so much. Still not sure why she begs for them. Nasty!

8. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE to pull teeth. I guess I should have been a dentist. When any kid shows me a loose tooth I ask if I can pull it. And believe it or not several of them have let me! I so love the crackling sound when it comes out. Mwahhh!

9. I embarrass my kids all the time at the grocery store because if I see someone looking for something I ask them what they are trying to find. Then I help them find it. I like looking for things!

10. My poor kids. Because I love the color blue so much I've noticed I always made them wear blue in all their school pictures! I've never noticed that until now. It makes me happy though!

Okay, that wasn't so bad. Nothing too revealing! Have a great Monday y'all!

My First Award On The New Blog!


De honored me with this award the other day. Thanks De!




Before I pass the love along please read about the origin of this sweet button. Noah is the reason for all the lovin'! Go over there and check it out, I'll wait!





The rules of this award are so simple: SHARE THE LOVE!!! Share this award with all those blogs out there that you love. All the people who make you smile. All those that make you laugh. All those that make your day. All those that leave uplifting comments on your blog. **All I ask, is that you include a link to this post with the award and ask your recipient to do the same**



I want to give this award to:





    Amy ~ There are so many things I love about you, but the one thing I like best is the obvious love you have for Michael. I admire that.


    Kailani ~ Your blog is such a fun place to visit. And not only because you live in Hawaii. That's only part of it! Plus you are a great commenter and I love to get comments.


    Christine ~ I haven't got to spend as much time as I like to with you lately, but you always put a smile on my face when I stop by. I feel at home with you. And I like that!


    Michelle ~ I want you to know how much I love visiting and watching your precious babies grow up. Thank you for being honest and genuine in your writings too.


    Marina ~ Oh, how I love you girl! You are on my heart so much and I am just dying to have a chance to sit down and write you a super long letter. You are an inspiration to me and I pray for you daily!


    Jennifer ~ I love your random question on Thursdays and I love all the pictures of your dear, sweet boys. And I really love your long posts and your sense of humor. You make me laugh. And I like that a lot!


    Faith ~ I am thankful for our friendship that is building. Thank you for sharing your heart with me and letting me pray for you. I am looking forward to getting to know you better!


    Sandy ~ I love your sense of humor! I love what a devoted mother you are to your sweet babes. I know you and I could have a lot of fun together! I also appreciate your posts that remind me how wonderful our God is and how much He cares for us!


    Kimmy ~ You are so precious to me. You lay your heart out there for all of us to read. You help me see that I am not the only one that struggles with different areas in life. Many times you have posted a verse or a thought that is exactly what I needed! Love you!


Okay, that's enough lovin' for now. I'll leave some bloggers for you to pass it on to! Please let me know when your post is up because I would like to read who you give this award to! Hugs to one and all on this beautiful day!

Another Fun Filled Friday!






1000 BLESSING'S FRIDAY



261. Blessed with having a really great week! I have felt really well and been able to accomplish quite a bit! That always feel nice!



262. Blessed with employees that make me laugh when I'm at work! The boys are only 20, 21 and 23. The joke around here is they all compete to be my "favorite" of the day. They will let me listen to Donny Osmond on their cd player or tell me how much they love American Idol or that I am the best shop mom they've ever had! Too much fun!



263. This may seem really silly to some, but I feel blessed with my new place here at The Junk Drawer! I am getting more organized and actually have a few entries ready to post when it's time. How did I start getting so organized? Love it!



264. I have been trying really hard to stop drinking so much soda and start eating healthier. The Lord has blessed me greatly in this area! I have far to go, but I haven't missed my Dt. Dew and I haven't craved chocolate at all!



265. My daughter, Kayla, is a huge blessing to me day in and day out. She's just such a sweet girl and loves her mom very much. She is 21 now and I find myself not only being her mom, but a really close friend. It's been a nice transistion. It's a great feeling to have!








Kailani is our hostess for this laid back, easy question of the week! Let's make it very simple this week, okay?



What is your favorite thing to do on the 4th of July?



I would have to say my favorite thing to do on the 4th is oohing and aahing while watching the fireworks! We are a silly family and like to "name" each firework when it explodes. We come up with some pretty funny ones so this just gives me another reason to laugh!

I pray that you all have a wonderful weekend with your family and safe travel wherever you go!

Thursday Thirteen #2


13 Things About Me Continued With The Letter "B"!




1. Because He Lives ~ Oh, this is one of my most favoritest hymns ever! Because He lives I can face tomorrow, because He lives all fear is gone.... What is one of your favorite hymns?

2. Bread ~ I love me some yeast! I can't pick a favorite because it is all so yum.i.li.cious!! And hot, right out of the oven! With or without butter, doesn't matter to me.

3. Beauty & The Beast ~ I love Disney movies and this is probably the beastest one. Get it?

4. Bargains ~ Now that I am out and about again I am loving every minute (no make that every second!) of finding bargains. Oh the thrill of the hunt gets my heart pounding!

5. Breast ~ as a little girl I would get the giggles if someone said this word. Yep, that's me, immature.

6. Bath & Body Works ~ *sniff, sniff* Mmm, can you smell all the good stuff? I love body washes. And lotions. And body sprays. And anything and everything else! Great store with great coupons too! What is your favorite scent?

7. Budget Help$ ~ I love this site! Nothing puts a smile on my face like a free sample!

8. Baby Dolls ~ I played with babies until I was a freshmen. Thumbelina was my all time favorite. I still have many of my dolls from childhood and collect others as well.

9. Basketball ~ When I was in the sixth grade I played basketball at recess every.single.day. Was I good? No! But one day when the recess bell rang I had the ball in my hands. I walked to the door which was about 30 feet away from the goal. There I stood with my back towards the goal. I didn't even try to aim. I threw it over my head as hard as I possibly could and it went in the basket! A shining moment for this little weakling girl!!

10. Brady Bunch ~ I love The Brady Bunch! I don't care that you are laughing at me right now. I am secure with my decision! I even have several Brady Bunch cd's. And I listen to 'em.

11. Boss ~ I so love being the boss at our shop! Technically I am the president of our company. It doesn't really do me any good since I don't know the technical side of cars, but the title alone sound nice, doesn't it?

12. Bee Gee's ~ What? Why are you laughing again? What's wrong with the Brother's Gibb? Two of my favorite songs are: How Deep Is Your Love and Tragedy.

13. Bulldog ~ This is my baby. Her name is Wensleydale. Like in the cheese. She is happy to meet you! She is my constant companion. She comes to work with us everyday and sleeps with us at night. And yes, she snores.




Go here to read more Thursday Thirteen's!

Wordless Wednesday ~ sorta!




I am proud to announce that our local high school, Crawfordsville, won the state baseball championship! Now how cool is that?

When It's Time To Change




I can hear it. Literally. I have this cd playing right now:




Yes, I admit it. I am a dork! It doesn't bother me though. Can you hear Peter Brady singing, "When It's Time To Change" with his crackling voice? I loved any episode that involved the Brady's singing! How about you?


Well, onto the topic at hand. I've had several inquiries as to why I changed blogs with a new title and all. And the lack of the color blue! Let me explain....


I discovered blogging at one of my lowest moments. My husband had turned away from the Lord and was taking his anger out on me. Not physically, but verbally and emotionally. My arthritis in my hips was extremely painful and I became bedridden for almost a year. I needed constant care. During this time I also developed several kidney stones which required surgery. Stones, for me anyway, are as painful as the arthritis. And my dear, precious daddy was dying of Parkinson's.


I know that God directed me to Blogville just when I needed it most! I knew nothing of blogging or even where to begin. I came across Goofy Girl and she set me up with my own blog: Laughing Through The Tears. The blog had my favorite things on it ~ giraffes, clouds and lots of blue! Looking at it each day put a smile on my face. I made many new friends that encouraged me and prayed for me during these difficult years. And for that I am forever thankful!


The past couple of months when I brought up the blog it reminded me of the painful past. The name alone kept staring me down and saying ~ it's time to move on. Because you see, I am at a much better place now in my life. I have a husband that is going to counseling with me and attending church again! I have two bionic hips that are pain free! I rarely have to use my crutches anymore! My last kidney stone was in March! Hopefully it's the last one!! And my dear, precious daddy is no longer suffering for he is in Heaven with his Savior! I miss him terribly and will forever be a daddy's girl, but I rejoice in knowing that I will see him again someday!


This new blog, The Junk Drawer, is so me. It's where I am right now. Like it says under my title...sometimes the contents are useless, other times you'll find exactly what you need. I'm sure I'll still do lots of meme's because I love those. I like knowing "useless" things about others because that makes them who they are! It's a fun way to get to know each other, ya know?


I am hoping, too, that through my walk with Christ I can share what I am learning and be an encouragement to you through words and most definitely prayer! We can ALL use this no matter what season of life we are experiencing. I know many times I am led to a blog or a certain post and it will have just the right Scripture or message I am needing for that day! I pray that I can be there for you.

And for the lack of blue? Well, blue will always and forever be the bestest color in the whole wide world, but I decided to do a complete change....well, except for the giraffe theme! TeeHee!

That's it in a nut shell! Nothing too traumatic, just on to a new adventure. Come with me, okay?!

For Today


I always like to read Faith's list each week so I said to myself, "Amy, why don't you do this one too?" I like to talk to myself. Except when I get in an argument. Nobody ever seems to win! LOL




Outside My Window...I can see three young men hard at work on the cars. And one of the cars is blue. And blue makes me smile!

I am thinking...that blue sure is a beautiful color for that Mustang and I can't wait to see it hit the road!

I am thankful for...so many things! Right now I am thankful that my hands and wrists are no longer hurting today. Otherwise I wouldn't be able to do this right now!

From the kitchen...Chicken Noodle soup. My poor husband has a terrible cold. But it will be homemade soup made with love. Maybe that will make him feel better!

I am wearing...A red cotton top with a pair of jeans that keep sliding down and my favorite tenny bops! Maybe I should wore a belt too! I do look pretty cute though....haha!

I am creating...a rather large mess right now! I have two month's worth of papers and receipts to file and log into the computer. Can you tell I might be a tad bit behind?

I am going...to not get stressed about it and do what I can. If I do my best then that will please God!

I am reading...the book of James. I don't have much time to read books so when I do I read my Bible. I have so much to learn and the more I read it the better I handle everyday life! Funny how that works, huh?

I am hoping...and praying that my husband's cold doesn't get any worse and is nipped in the bud soon!

I am hearing...the birds singing joyfully while the guys are grinding on cars. I think I like the birds better!

Around the house...my son has been cleaning our gutters again since the storms. And sawing up the beautiful trees that fell during those storms.

One of my favorite things...watching people. I especially love to see older couples walking hand in hand and looking all googly eyed at each other!

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week: Finish filing papers, donate items around the house to my friend's yard sale, go to the doctor tomorrow about my shoulder problem, and take care of my husband until he is well!

Here is picture thought I am sharing...

This is my hubby feeding my friend at The Binder Park Zoo in Michigan!



Yes, I like this one very much! Why not join in on the fun? Check out The Simple Woman and add your name to the list. That is, after you've answered the meme!!


Stay tuned because tomorrow I will answer every one's ? of why I changed blogs! It will be an exciting post for all, I am sure. NOT! But at least stop by and say ~ Hey! Pretty please?

Friday Fun!



1000 BLESSING'S FRIDAY


256. We have been blessed with some absolutely beautiful weather! It's so nice to be able to turn off the AC and open the doors and feel a breeze and hear the birds singing a joyful song!

257. My daughter, Kara, moved out on her own this week. And I survived it! She is my first child to leave the nest. Thankfully she is just about a half a mile from our shop. This was a huge step for both of us!

258. A friend from church stopped by yesterday and gave us 2 really nice office chairs, a microwave, and several moving blankets! I am thankful for these because we just gave Kara our microwave for her new place, and one of our office chairs broke and we needed some big blankets to cover some Mustang car parts that are worth a fortune. God provides!

259. I love talking to people from all over the world. I have two new customers ordering parts from our company. One is from Dubai and the other is from Russia! I feel blessed to have the opportunity to "meet" so many new people.

260
. My MIL is a blessing to me! She comes into the office and talks to me each week. I love having a close relationship with her. She always tells me that she loves her DIL's and SIL's just as much as her own children!





Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday.

This is my very first Aloha Friday! I am so excited! Okay, my first question is......


Do you have more of a sweet tooth or crave a salty snack?

I actually like to have both at the same time! I love popcorn with Milk Duds melted in! Yummy!


I hope everyone has a happy, relaxing weekend!

Thursday Thirteen #1


13 Different Things About Me!


Let's start with the letter "A", shall we?


1. First off, my name is Amy ~ which means most beloved. My husband's name, David, only means beloved. I like to tease him about this. He gives me a dirty look when I do. TeeHee!


2. My birthday is August 7th, which is very soon in case you wanted to get me something!


3. Ark as in Noah's Ark. I have been collecting Noah's Ark items for over fifteen years. I like the unusual looking ones the best.


4. Artsy Fartsy - so not me! I have no talent when it comes to decorating or anything crafty. I do appreciate the arts and love going to the museums, but what's in my head I have yet to put on paper or anything else.


5. Ask! My philosophy is if you don't know then ask! I have a very intelligent husband and used to feel dumb around him and I would let that intimidate me. Now that was just silly of me. I ask lots of questions and am learning a lot, especially about politics.


6. Arthritis. I've had it since I was ten years old. It's painful. Everyday. Christ gives me the strength to face it head on!


7. Accountant. One of my many jobs as owner of a Mustang restoration shop is the accounting. I used to love it, but now find it stressful when trying to keep up with all the other duties. I am thinking about finding someone to take over the books so I can be the "BOSS" around here! Now that's fun!!


8. Action! I love my action movies. And my hubby likes that I like action movies the best. I loved Iron Man and I just saw The Incredible Hulk. The new Hulk was way better than the first one they made. I am really looking forward to The Dark Knight. How about you?


9. Apples. I love 'em all, but Granny Smiths are my favorite! I love the sour and the pucker lips I get. Good for kissing!


10. Awana! I love working in Awana on Wednesday nights at church. I am a leader in the Chums group, which is 3rd and 4th grade girls. This is one of my most favorite things to do!


11. Able. Philippians 4:13 I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me!


12. American Idol. I am a HUGE fan and I am not ashamed to admit it!! Dave Cook R.O.C.K.S!!


13. A new blog. Okay, so I cheated a little. I felt it was time for a change from the old blog. I am still learning how to set everything up, but am proud of what I've been able to do so far. I know it's not that hard, but I've never had the time to learn how to do it properly. How do you like the new look?