noellelarson
Noelle Larson is a mom still searching to find the “balance” between her spiritual journey, family, ambition, inner peace, world peace…all while trying not to blink so she doesn’t miss one minute of her beautiful, messy life. Noelle writes at metromom.org where she journals her crazy days chasing after her kids and husband, deep thoughts, and captures her latest adventures.
My Favorite Moments as an SMB Contributor
I'm starting to learn that life {and motherhood} are very seasonal; each season fading into the next.
Just when we think we can't stand another sleepless night, we find ourselves sleeping a solid six hours...
ONE Thing You Can Do Today To Become A Better Mom
There was a season in my life where being busy seemed to define me.
My husband and I had built our family life in a way that left little room for...well, life. My days...
Three Science Experiments That Will WOW Your Preschooler
One of the greatest joys of parenting is sparking the natural curiosity and wonder that comes built into our little people. They offer us a fresh perspective of the world around us and restore...
When It’s More Than Morning Sickness | Hyperemesis Gravidarum
Snapshot One: I looked in the mirror as I slid on a pair of size-zero Gap khaki capris. I was nearly six months pregnant with my first baby and my gaunt frame was still shrinking. ...
Stop Using the F-Word Around My Kid
I muddled my way through the first few years of motherhood and despite my blaring parenting blind spots, I witnessed my tiny baby turn into a bright, beautiful little girl. I was amazed at...
Closet SOS: How Do You Organize Small Spaces?
DISCLAIMER: I'm not a messy person. I mean, not REALLY messy. I actually can't stand clutter. I'm also a purger. I don't hold onto things for too long and definitely don't hoard. I try...
The Perfect Blend: Let love define your family
The first time I saw her sweet brown eyes she had just celebrated her first birthday. I showed restraint for a solid 3 minutes before I reached out to hold her. I couldn't help...
Simple Family Theme Nights That Work
I believe that the magic of childhood is wrapped up in the simple. One way we've created some lasting memories in our house is by making everyday moments special. Some days are special just...
The Cure for Motherhood Guilt
The moment the test reveals two pink lines, the journey of motherhood has begun.
Whether or not the morning sickness or heartburn kicks in, there is one condition that plagues us all. The onset is...
Marriage 101: How To Win Every Argument With Your Husband
September is anniversary month in our house! This month marks thirteen years of wedded bliss--and if you believe the bliss part, you're probably not married. Marriage is work. HARD work. But marriage is the...
It’s Never Too Late To Procrastinate: A Lazy Mom’s Guide to Getting Things Done
I really hate it when people proclaim themselves to be a guru or an expert. But sometimes, there's just no way around it. This is one of those times. People, I've reached GURU status.
It's...
5 Trader Joe’s Products I Won’t Live Without
Normally, I'm not one to stir up controversy. By nature, I'm an easy going peacemaker. But when my passion peaks, I'm known to stand up for what I believe in. Today my friends, my...
I’m Bringing Boredom Back.
If I were the sign-carrying, protesting type, I would totally protest summer.
I'd stand sit in my lawn chair under an umbrella out on Scottsdale Road with a long sign that read, "Shame on you summer!"
I...
The Most Interesting Mom in the World
It was late October and still 104 degrees outside. I walked through the aisles of my local Fry's Marketplace, pushing one of those ridiculous car carts- loaded down with my near seven-year old,...
Two Ways to Slow Down a Childhood
I've been doing this parenting thing for nearly twelve years. Raising these three little people has been one of the greatest joys of my lifetime. From the moment they came home from the hospital,...
STUCK Documentary | The Mom Voice
A few weeks before my first trip to work with orphans in Haiti, I had an encounter that would mark my heart forever.
We were celebrating my daughter’s birthday dinner at her restaurant of choice,...
Motherhood Lessons You Can’t Teach
I have a few friends who are about to give birth to their very first children this week. And this week my first born turned eleven. ELEVEN!?!?! Needless to say the conversations, advice and...
I Love Dangerous. | Are Our Kids Too Safe?
Today, as we honor the risk taking, culture changing man Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, I am wondering about his mother.
How did she raise a man who was not afraid to resist what is...
“BOOBS!!!!! AGGGHHH!!!”
Boobs! Yes, I said BOOBS!
I've got boobs on the brain and feels good to finally get it (them?) off my chest! I need bra buying help!!
"It's December," you say, "...time for Christmas, and egg...
Three Simple Ways To Make Thanksgiving Profound
If you're like me, your list of fun ideas to make this holiday season memorable may be longer than you can actually possibly do.
Don't let the pressure of Pinterest and Instagram set you...
Of Life, Love & Lululemon
I spend most of my days navigating the waters of "tweendom". Life with a ten-year-old is anything but dull. Yesterday I got three, THREE emails from the princess asking begging for an Instagram account. Upon...
Three Ways to Recover From a Parenting FAIL
Almost eleven years ago I lay in the hospital bed and they handed me this little bundle of complete perfection... (I mean once I handed her back to them and ordred them to wipe...
Secure Your Own Oxygen Mask Before Assisting Others…
I'm writing this from the beach in my hometown, doing something that if you'd asked me a few months ago, I never thought I'd do again....breathing.
Looking back I see a million ways I could...
What Your Child’s Teacher Thinks But Does Not Say
Ever wonder what your child's teacher REALLY thinks about you?
If you're like me, you strive to create a healthy partnership with your child's teacher. And I've found, it really is a dance. As parents,...
Five Products (Under $10) That Have Changed My Life
I've discovered something about myself recently: I love trying new things and/or new ways of doing things.
I'm not always a huge fan of change, but if a product or method seems that it will...
Tiny Boxes: Do You Know Your Neighbors?
I'm finding that the way I grew up is becoming a way of life that is nearly extinct in the US.
No, I didn't walk to school barefoot in the snow, uphill both ways....
Archives Week! My Favorite Post of Joy’s
It’s Archives Week here at SMB, and this morning I’m featuring my favorite post of Joy's! You can read all her posts here.
I think Joy and I were cut from some of the same...
Family On A Mission
Weddings are a $40 billion dollar a year industry. Americans spend about the same (40 billion) on recreation and entertainment each year. We spend hours and hours planning elaborate ceremonies and receptions, vacations and...
Who’s Your Daddy?
Practical ways to honor and celebrate the man in your life this Father's Day.
Let's face it, the world makes a pretty big deal about Mother's Day. I mean, its a REAL holiday. Brunch reservations...
Life Lessons Learned at the Landfill
I've never been afraid to get my hands dirty. In fact, I LOVE figuring out ways to do-it-yourself and save money or just conquer a task or project. Sometimes it works, and I win!...