Meet Suzie: Stitching Sunshine, Cheering Swimmers, and Championing Goodness

Photo by Andria May Photography, Gilbert Family & Senior Photographer

Hi, I’m Suzie, a nutrition nerd, fabric hoarder, swim mom, and unapologetic crafter of all things cheerful and handmade.

I’m the proud mom of four boys (yes, four), and if you’re wondering how I survived the toddler years with my sanity intact, the answer is hot glue guns, humor, and prayer. Two of my sons are still at home. One is a 17-year-old swim phenom who just made a splash as Arizona’s state champ in the 800m free, with second in the 400m and third in the 1500m, because apparently he thinks gills are optional. The youngest is a bright, neurodivergent sweetheart who keeps my schedule full of therapy appointments and my heart full of gratitude.

My oldest son got married this past May (cue the tears), and we hosted a beautiful open house right in our backyard. Why rent a venue when you can reupholster all your patio furniture and redecorate instead? That’s my philosophy: put the money into the house, not the rental fee. I may or may not write a post later about the saga of wrestling with outdoor cushions and pretending I knew what I was doing.

Truth is, I’ve always been crafty. I spent years cake decorating to help put my husband through school: raising kids by day, making frosting roses by night. I've made thousands of sugar cookies and taught classes for a bit (hmmm. maybe another idea coming...) And I still have dreams of becoming a watercolor artist someday.

I’ve been married nearly 26 years to a man who lovingly supports every one of my “I bought something” moments, no matter how questionable the receipt. He’s my rock, my helper, and my built-in IT department.

Professionally, I hold a bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and master’s degree in Medical Nutrition and serve as a faculty associate at Arizona State University in the College of Health Professions. I love empowering students with evidence-based health knowledge almost as much as I love sneaking spinach into baked goods.

When I’m not grading papers or yelling “GO GAV!” from the edge of a pool, I’m sewing sunshine into aprons, smocks, and tote bags. Each one is tagged with a date and a piece of good news from that very day. It’s my small way of reminding the world that light still breaks through the heavy stuff.

The heart behind all of this is my brother. A Marine. A hero. And the reason I’m honored and tearfully excited to make my first donation to StopSoldierSuicide.org in his name with the proceeds from Suzie Sews Sunshine. This mission matters. He mattered.

I love Jesus, I love people, and I believe that small acts of good—stitched, baked, painted, reupholstered, or taught—really do add up to something big.

So welcome to my corner of the world. I'm glad you're here. Pull up a chair, grab a cookie (moderation in all things!), and let's make something beautiful together!