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| photos by the talented and beautiful Shari Hanson |
Thanks so much for stopping by! My name is Kristie and I started this blog in 2014 when our family moved from Orange Country in Southern California to Arizona. Both my husband and myself have lived in California all our lives. And all our family is pretty much still in Orange County. We felt inspired by The Lord to move to Arizona. Total shocker for our family and friends, let alone for me and my husband. But we are loving it here in Arizona.
The purpose of my blog is to strengthen families. Family traditions have helped our family draw closer together. I love also creating. My posts include parenting helps, menu planning, recipes, birthday parties, and holidays. I love decorating and transforming pieces of furniture. And I absolutely love being a mother. It’s what I have always wanted to do. And I feel very strongly about the stewardship I have over my four adorable children. If I could do anything with this blog I hope that I can encourage others. I am passionate about our roles as women, wives, and mothers.
I have been so blessed by having some many wonderful examples in my life. I love surrounding myself with others that encourage and inspire me. Women (and men) who edify me and help me to become the person I was born to be. I hope by sharing monthly menu plans I can make it easier to have family dinners. Maybe learning about having a family night will help your family feel closer. And by sharing family traditions and fun holidays you can create memories in the everyday things. My husband and I don’t have it all figured out as we work with some challenges, autism and type 1 diabetes to name a few.
A little about myself…
I love living my faith. I love to read! Preferably in a hot bath. Or on a beach. I love talking and being with my dear friends. Girls weekends are the best. I love creating! From scrapbooking to sewing and quilting to decorating and making crafts. I love holidays. Even the small ones. There is something magical about turning a normal day into extraordinary by adding a little something. I love celebrating the small things. I love traditions and the closeness it brings. I love family history and sharing it with my kids.
I love being a wife and mother. Teaching brings me such joy. Whether it’s animal sounds or how to read. Sharing with others always blesses me. I love serving. Even in small ways. I love pictures. Capturing little moments and documenting life. I am trying to soak up and remember every treasure. I love working on my talents and trying to be better. There is so much for to improve on. So much goodness to share. I love spending time with my kids.
I love making our home a warm, happy place to be. I love serving my family by making yummy meals. And dessert just makes life better. My favorite kinds of dessert are Oreo, dark chocolate, salted caramel, and anything s’mores. As I strive to make our home a lovely place to be I still allow myself days to snuggle with my youngest boy and watch Phineas and Ferb. Or ignore the dishes to finish my book.
Really any excuse to ignore laundry or dishes works for me.
A little about my family…
My husband, Grady, and I have been married for 15 years. He makes me laugh everyday. My first born son, Gandalf has such a pure heart and amazing brain. He amazes me all the time. I love being his mother. It is humbling to raise this young man. My second oldest boy, Draco, is a crack up. Full of life and so genuine. His heart is so big. He is a great friend to his brothers and a gem to his little sister. His disposition can be serious.. And he isn’t afraid to tell you what he is thinking. He brightens my life so much. He is perfect for our family. My baby boy has the biggest, sweetest heart. Yoda is such a lover! And so tenderhearted. He is a great helper. He likes everything his big brothers like and tries to keep up with them. He fills our lives with so much joy and love. This little ray of sunshine, Georgiana, has blessed our family so much. This brave girl has gone through a tough year. We are so thankful she is healthy and with us. I adore having a daughter and she is all girl. She is so feminine and sweet. She adores her brothers and loves to give them kisses. And I love that even though she loves shoes and jewelry she still likes star wars, Pokemon, and Duplos.
Thanks for reading and getting to know me and my little family. Feel free to comment and let me know where you are from. Or maybe you can share your family’s favorite tradition. I love reading about family traditions!
