Blossom Rock Pioneers

Meet Ross and Temple Stewart, Blossom Rock Pioneers
The Stewart family has quickly become an integral part of the Blossom Rock community since moving to Arizona in 2022. With a love for adventure, wellness, and connection, Ross and Temple have embraced their new home and are already making an impact through community gatherings and have started building lasting relationships. We caught up with them to learn more about their journey and what they love about living in Blossom Rock.

What brought your family to Arizona?
Our family moved to Arizona in August 2022 for an exciting new chapter. Temple, a Registered Dietitian (RD), had the opportunity to pursue her Doctorate in Naturopathic Medicine (NMD) at Sonoran University of Health Sciences in Tempe, AZ. With her passion for health and wellness, this was the perfect place for her to continue her education, and we saw Arizona as an amazing place to plant roots as a family.

Why did you choose Blossom Rock as your home, and what do you love about this community?
When we first discovered Blossom Rock, we knew it was the right fit for our family. Being just 10-15 minutes from CCV’s East Mesa Campus, where Ross serves as a Campus Pastor, meant we could stay closely connected to our church and community.
Beyond the location, we were drawn to the walkable parks, the amazing dog park for our two doodles (Axel and Bear), and the brand-new Dutch community center which is coming soon — especially the pool, which our girls, Ellie (6) and Myers (4), will absolutely love! Since moving in over Labor Day weekend in 2024, we've met incredible neighbors and have enjoyed seeing Blossom Rock grow. We’re excited to keep building relationships and making memories here!

Tell us a little about your family — what you do, your interests, and hobbies.
Our family thrives on adventure, the outdoors, and staying active. Whether it’s hiking, exploring new places, or simply taking the dogs on a walk, we love making the most of our surroundings. Over the past few years, we’ve explored all the must-see spots near Phoenix — Prescott, Flagstaff, Sedona, and Pine Top — and have also taken road trips to places like Las Vegas, New Mexico, Salt Lake City, and San Diego. Living here makes quick getaways so easy, and we love that!
Ross’s role as a pastor keeps him deeply connected to people, and Temple’s background in health and nutrition reflects our shared passion for overall well-being. Whether it’s friendly competition in a game of pickleball, a foot race with our kids (so they remember who’s boss), or enjoying a game night with friends, we love finding ways to stay engaged and have fun as a family.

How have you gotten involved in the Blossom Rock community, and what are you looking forward to?
From day one, we’ve been intentional about getting to know our neighbors. Our street, Treasure Trail, is full of amazing people, and it seems like there’s always something happening here — from outdoor movie nights to the recent Super Bowl party. We love the way Blossom Rock naturally brings people together!
Looking ahead, we’re excited to continue finding ways to make a positive impact. As a pastor and community leader, Ross is passionate about helping people connect in meaningful ways. CCV is a great place for those looking to build additional connections, and we hope to be a bridge for anyone in Blossom Rock looking for that kind of community.

Can you share a memorable moment from hosting the “First Friday Family Hangout”? How has it impacted the families who attend?
One of our favorite things about hosting the First Friday Family Hangout is seeing connections happen. Just this past month, we had 10 families come together, and the best part wasn’t anything we planned — it was watching people realize they had something in common. Whether it was working in similar fields, growing up in the same hometown, or having kids the same age, those small connections turn into lasting friendships.
For us, community is about creating space where people feel known, and we love seeing that take shape at Blossom Rock through these gatherings.

What do you think makes for a strong community, and what do you value most in your neighbors?
Authentic relationships. Our neighbors have done an incredible job of fostering a welcoming environment, and we believe that’s what makes Blossom Rock feel like home. We especially love how people on our street show up for one another — whether it’s helping move a heavy piece of furniture, lending a missing ingredient, or just checking in. There’s almost a friendly competition to out-serve one another, and we wouldn’t have it any other way!

How do you think Blossom Rock can continue to grow stronger as a community?
Blossom Rock has such a solid foundation already, and as more families move in, we have a great opportunity to be intentional about making them feel welcomed. First impressions matter, and something as simple as a warm introduction or inviting someone to a gathering can make a lasting impact.
We’d love to see neighbors continue creating opportunities to connect — whether it’s through casual get-togethers, interest-based groups, or community events. Small efforts go a long way in making people feel at home!

What’s something interesting your neighbors might not know about you?
Both of us played collegiate sports — Temple played Division 1 soccer, and Ross played basketball (though he’ll admit Temple was the true standout athlete). We still love some friendly competition, whether it’s on the pickleball court or during a board game night. And if you ever see our family sprinting down the street, don’t worry — it’s just us keeping our kids on their toes in a footrace!