9/8/12

Trying to get back in the game...

My last post was in July...I think it's safe to say that I've been on a blog burn-out.  I wonder if we're all evolving from blogs - to Pinterest!  In the rare chance that someone is out there - I've missed you!!

As for our little family, we've been staying insanely busy.  I can't complain--I don't have 20 kids like the Duggers, but for me and my little brain, I've got way more than I can handle.  Busy summer, busy husband at a new job, busy kids playing, busy baby girl being mischevious, busy new calling in new ward (Primary Prez),  busy kids starting a new school, and every now and then I stop and take a break...to pee...or get a drink...or sleep at night....stuff like that.

For whatever reason, I have had this burning desire to make jam this summer.  I want to have that skill in my back pocket so I can whip out some amazing jam whenever I want.  My attempt was semi-successful - jam is not very thick, but tastes great.  And it's beautiful!!!  I won't let the kids eat it--we just look at it.


Another fun summer activity for me, I mean the kids, was this 1,000 piece puzzle of wonders.
I mean---LOOK at it.  There's stuff going on all over this puzzle, but we did it.
I'm not a huge puzzle fan - I probably participate in puzzleness maybe once every 5 years - but this one looked fun, so there you have it.  No reason - just random entertainment.


 Can you see how challenging this was?!  There should be some type of award for attempting something of this magnitude.  

Speaking of magnitude...summer vacation to Ouray, Colorado.  
Need I say more?!
Here we are decending into Telluride.   


Wonder of all wonders, we stopped to use a porta-potty (I know...disgusting...) and these flowers were sitting there so pretty and this precious little bee comes along just for me!  Happy little working bee.  Naturally I had to snap a few hundred shots of my little bee.

And now that we're here in my beloved desert home, we've been out exploring every chance we get.  

 The beauty is lost on some people...


...they don't get it...


...but to me, there is no greater place than the desert...


Everything is drenched in sunlight - every day.  
I just don't know how to handle all of this sunlight!



She was in our path...very curious about us...and so sweet.  I want one!  Cows aren't that complicated, right?  

And now that it's Saturday and we have millions of other things to do, we're going to go play in the great outdoors in our happy little jeep! {wahoo!}  Have a great weekend, all!!




21 comments:

Ashley said...

I'm still following your blog and I love this desert home too. :)

ANGIE said...

Thanks for posting,I still live in the dark ages of blogging

booharts said...

Is your jeep the white one at the beginning of the post or the bright orange one at the end? Love your blog!

Abby said...

;) The white jeep is rented, the orange one is ours.

Sandra@Beneath this Roof, Within these Walls said...

ok, I am probably paranoid, and I sure don't want to worry you, after the scam you had back in July, but--do you realize that the license plate number on your jeep is clearly visible? And everybody who reads this now knows that the white jeep is yours---Like I said, I am probably paranoid, and I sure don't want you to disappear from blogher again, but I am a wee bit concerned that your plate is there. Please forgive me if I am stepping out of line mentioning it. Oh a happier note, I love all the pictures, especially the cow! looks like a wonderful place to vacation.

Abby said...

Sandra, you're so sweet!!! Thanks for being so thoughtful. That jeep was a rental, so I'm not worried. You're totally right about being paranoid about details like that, though. We live in a crazy world.

Crafty Sisters said...

Glad to see you back! You are one of my favorites on Pinterest, when I need a good laugh I read your funny board. I also think you share some of the best recipes. (I made your carrot cake..mmmm.) I'm really not a stalker...just love what you share. :)

-Candace

knitnut said...

I've missed reading your blog so I am glad you are back. Thanks for taking the time out of your busy life to blog.

DeGooyer Family said...

I love both Ouray and Telluride! In fact one of my good friends named her daughter 'Yurae', after Ouray, CO. Kinda funny. =) I tried the peach jam recipe you posted awhile back, and it turned our more like a peach topping (more syrup-ey) - did you have the same results?

the W* family said...

I'm so glad you are back! Yours is one of my very favorite blogs. Your ideas are original, adorable, and you haven't sold your soul to make a buck. So, I never have to read posts like, "Charmin sent me a whole box of toilet paper and challenged me to design a room with it. Here's how awesome Charmin toilet paper is for crafting..."

(Ok, not really, but I'm tired of seeing all of the "advertisements" in blogs).

;)

Abby said...

Oh, wow, thanks, ladies! You made my heart sing! Love to all!!!

Alana - sounds like my peach jam turned out exactly like yours! It's still delishy, but it's good to know that maybe it's the recipe and not my bad skills!

Abby said...

The toilet paper analogy TOTALLY CRACKED ME UP!!! haaaaaahahahaaa!!! {too funny}

Anonymous said...

Wow The thorny plant is looking pretty cute. What is it called? Nice capture.

Glitterkid said...

Glad that you're back! Love your blog and have missed it over the summer!

Sarah Pittard said...

Abby!!! Love you and your desert love!!!

shannah said...

My heart does a happy dance when I randomly check in to find a new post from you. You are definitely one of my favorites, and are always inspiring!
As I understand the busy life, I love and appreciate when you post a new update!

Shannah

Bob & Marilee Neff said...

Really enjoy your blog...we love the desert, too, but live in the white mountains. We visit our kids in the Valley, and they visit us in the mountains...best deal!! Oh, that road into Telluride reminds me of the Young Road...oh, my..makes you want to scream all the way...Thanks for all you do!

Mana Laura said...

HI there! I just found your blog through a link to the menu/shopping list you posted a few years ago. I'm enjoying exploring. I too take random long breaks from blogging when I just run out of steam. I mean to put up a post today, you've inspired me! Keep having fun!

Jocelyn said...

Fellow 4-door Jeep family here! I have missed your posts. I still use the Magical Mornings checklist every day!

Abby said...

Woo-Hoo, Julie!! That's funny you mention my checklist b/c I'm going to do another post about it. I want to hear how it helps you - will you email me?! abbywelker(at)yahoo(dot)com

Abby said...

A huge thanks to you sweet ladies! I'm glad to know you're out there!! I love you all!!!!! Made my day to see your sweet posts!