About

Who am I?

I’m a professional photographer who shifted focus to family and home…being the best wife for my husband and the best mom I can be to three beautiful kids, one of whom happens to have Down syndrome. We started our homeschool journey 12 years ago, and I am always up for a good discussion on curriculum choices or homeschool decor! And I’m always happy to help new homeschooling families get started. I strive to lead a Christ-focused life; my faith is at the center of who I am. I love my family, photography, design, nature, and jigsaw puzzles! Fall is my favorite season – bring on the fluffy slippers, hot cocoa, and electric blanket. I have been designing and creating for over 10 years, and love making beautiful and useful resources for other families to enjoy!  I also enjoy writing, and in this blog I share my heart and faith along this journey of life.

What’s the story with the name?

When my husband and I first married we talked about one day moving into our very own Shire. That word has more than one meaning, but I’m using it here as a Lord of the Rings reference. Probably my favorite books and movies of all time, and every time we watch it I snuggle in a little closer when we see The Shire and hear the words “But where our hearts truly lie is in peace and quiet and good tilled earth.” For me it refers more to a frame of mind than an actual place.

From Wikipedia: The Shire refers to an area settled exclusively by Hobbits and largely removed from the goings-on in the rest of Middle-earth.

In his writings, Tolkien depicted Hobbits as fond of an unadventurous, bucolic and simple life of farming, eating, and socializing, although capable of defending their homes courageously if the need arises.

This pretty much sums up what’s important to me: a simple life and simple pleasures. Here on my blog, I share my thoughts, recipes, kitchen time savers, product reviews, photography, and maybe even some of our renovation journey. Thanks for stopping by and I hope to see you again soon!