http://bio.site/westmetromom, https://www.youtube.com/@westmetromom

west metro mom, Minneapolis, MN (2025)

01/08/2025

When a fiery crash seemed destined for tragedy, something extraordinary happened. A community's prayers, unshakable faith, and the mysterious actions of an unknown man turned this moment into a story of hope and wonder.

Was it a passerby—or something divine? Watch now to hear how one life-changing event brought strangers together and strengthened their faith in ways they never imagined.

Share this story with someone who needs encouragement right now.

Follow west metro mom for more content aimed to encourage, inform and inspire!

01/07/2025

Are you carrying it all?

I walked into the bathroom expecting the usual—an empty toilet paper roll and a tissue box down to its last sheet. But instead, I found this: a fresh roll and a new tissue box, both filled to the max.

It stopped me in my tracks. Something as small as this, but it made me feel seen—like someone noticed, and someone cared.

Lately, I’ve been learning not to try to do it all. It can be exhausting to stay on top of every little thing, and honestly, it’s not always my job to. Letting go has been refreshing—waiting for others to take notice, step up, and be part of 'the team.'

The smallest gestures can speak the loudest. And sometimes, those little acts of thoughtfulness remind us we’re not alone in carrying it all. 💛

What’s one “little thing” you’ve noticed lately that made a big impact?

01/01/2025

Have you ever felt stuck, unsure of your next move or paralyzed by the fear of failure? I’ve been there. Maybe you have too.

As this year comes to a close, I’ve found myself reflecting on what it takes to break free from that place and step into something new, even when the road ahead feels uncertain.

When I was a senior in high school, I had to write down what I wanted to be when I "grew up." Half-jokingly, I wrote, NBC Nightly News anchor. At the time, it felt like a wild dream. But fast forward a few years, and my first professional gig landed me with the longest-running program on American television, NBC's Meet the Press as an intern. That opportunity opened doors to others, and my belief in myself grew with each new step.

It wasn’t always easy. Rejection and disappointment were part of the journey. But with every setback, my grit grew, and so did my faith in what I was capable of.

Somewhere along the way, my self-confidence began to waver. Maybe it was the shift from full-time motherhood to figuring out what’s next. My kids needed me less, and suddenly, I wasn’t sure who I was outside of their world. I began asking hard questions: What do I really want out of life? What are my skills and talents? What is my purpose?

I wrestled with those questions. I let fear of failure hold me in place for far too long—both feet firmly planted in the same spot. Until this year, when I asked myself three simple but powerful questions:

What’s the worst that could happen?
What’s the best that could happen?
What’s most likely to happen?

The answers gave me clarity. I realized my biggest obstacle wasn’t lack of opportunity, time, or skill—it was me. It was me versus me in the battlefield of the mind. The fear of failure didn’t completely go away; I just decided to move forward anyway.

And let me tell you, 2024 has been a year of growth. Launching into new opportunities with West Metro Mom has been a leap of faith. I’ve connected with amazing women, told meaningful stories, and rediscovered parts of myself I thought I’d lost. I’ve also learned to pause and evaluate: What stays? What goes? What needs to change?

This year has taught me that growth doesn’t come from avoiding failure but from showing up anyway. You don’t need the exact recipe for success to take the next step—you just need the courage to try.

So, as we head into a new year, I want to ask you:

What’s been holding you back?
What’s one thing you could let go of to make space for something better?
What’s one step you could take today, even if it’s small?

I’m cheering you on because the best thing that can happen? You just might surprise yourself. And isn’t that worth the risk?

Here's to an incredible start to 2025!

-Sarah
west metro mom

12/25/2024

20 years ago today, I wrapped up my shift at the news station and rushed to the airport.

Mark had bought me a plane ticket so we could spend Christmas Eve together. We’d been dating a year, and to me, that was a pretty big deal! A wonderful gift.

What I didn’t know then? Six months later, we’d be engaged and married. ❤️

This time of year always brings back those memories and reminds me of the true meaning of this season—and the most incredible gift of all....celebrating Jesus’ birth. It’s His love and grace that give us the joy to cherish life’s big milestones and the quiet, everyday moments.

Wishing you and your family a Merry Christmas filled with His peace, love, and light.

Take some time to reflect on the memories you’ve made and the gift of this season. 🎄

12/17/2024

So, a friend called me the other day and asked, 'What are you wearing to the tonight?' I didn’t even hesitate—I said, 'Whatever fits.' We laughed because, honestly, it’s just where we’re at right now.

Midlife motherhood, right? Bodies change, things shift, but it doesn’t mean we can’t show up for ourselves. Staying active consistently is key to healthy aging. I don’t want to just survive as I get older—I want to thrive. Moving my body helps me feel stronger, more energized, and let’s be real, way less stressed.

Whether it’s a quick walk, a workout, or even just parking farther away at Target, every little bit counts. So here’s your reminder to move your body this week. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just intentional.

What’s your plan to stay active? Let’s keep each other motivated! 🚶‍♀️💪

12/12/2024

✨ Here’s to the moms who have learned to find joy in the chaos because they’re learning to say, “no, not right now.” ✨

I’ll admit, when the Christmas season rolled around after we had kids, I’d feel the tension creep in as my to-do list grew longer and longer.

I had a plan: get all the shopping done by October, aim for excellence, and avoid the stress of last-minute tasks.

And for a while? It worked. Until it didn’t.

One Christmas Eve, I hit my limit. My family was cozied up, watching ‘It’s a Wonderful Life’—a sweet tradition of ours. Meanwhile, I was buried in my list, checking things off before Christmas morning.

I thought: Why do they get to enjoy this season while I’m burning out?

So, I made a decision: It was time to reclaim the joy of the season. My husband and I reviewed our holiday “must-dos” and trimmed it down to the essentials.

Here’s what I let go:
🎄 Christmas cards (though I LOVE receiving yours!)
🍪 Baking all the goodies—now, just a few favorites.
✨ Decorating every corner of the house—only what we enjoy.
✅ The need for perfection. (Spoiler: nothing is perfect!)

I found JOY. I relaxed. I soaked in moments with my family. And for the FIRST time, I watched our family movie—start to finish.

Your list of “non-essentials” may look different than mine. And that’s okay! This isn’t about skipping traditions you love; it’s about stepping back and asking, “What can wait, so I don’t miss what matters most?”

Because here’s the truth: time with those kids at home flies by.

What’s one thing you can say “no, not right now” to this season?

12/08/2024

To the mom who is burning out from the daily grind of handling it all—

The schedule manager, the peacemaker, the meal planner.

The one who doesn’t skip a beat, even when it feels like too much.

To the mom who is overwhelmed—
Late to bed, early to rise.

Hoping those plates you’re spinning don’t come crashing down.

You’re not just holding it together; you’re holding a family together.

Even on the days when no one says it,
Even when the load feels invisible,
Your love shows up in a thousand unseen ways.

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to carry it all alone.

Burnout doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means you need a break.

Find your quiet place, your safe space—
The place where you can lay it all down, breathe, and recharge.

Rest isn’t weakness; it’s where you find the strength to keep going.

You are enough, exactly as you are.
You are seen. You are loved.

So tonight, let the to-do list wait.

Take a deep breath, find your peace, and know:

You’re doing an incredible job.

❤️ From one mom to another who knows.

12/08/2024

“Mom, can we go to lunch after my doctor’s appointment?”

She asked with that excited sparkle in her eye, and my heart did a tug-of-war. The to-do list loomed large—emails, errands, laundry—but so did the realization: I won’t always get asked to lunch dates with my daughter.

So, I said yes.

Here’s the truth: motherhood is one big balancing act. We juggle the endless tasks of keeping a home running, the commitments pulling us in every direction, and the bittersweet realization that our kids won’t always be within arm’s reach.

Time is precious, and it’s flying. ✨

Today, I made a choice to prioritize connection over perfection—and I’m so grateful I did.

Moms, if you’ve been struggling with the guilt of doing it all or the fear of missing out, know you’re not alone. Let’s remind each other: some things can wait, but these moments? They won’t. 💛

👉 How do YOU balance it all? Share your tips or a recent mom-win in the comments!

12/06/2024

When it has been a tough couple of weeks and you have an impromptu date night! My hubby even broke out a hat he has never worn.

did not disappoint.

10/10 recommend 🙌🏼

12/04/2024

What if the real shift in your health journey starts with changing your mindset...

Watch this quick tip from dietitian Liz Blom and learn how to embrace a mindset that helps you thrive—without the guilt.

Let's reframe how we approach health and wellness.

12/03/2024

As 2017 came to a close, I was feeling stuck.

My youngest had just started kindergarten, I was on the verge of turning 40, and while life looked good on the outside, I felt out of alignment on the inside. I had coached hundreds of others on their health journeys for more than a decade, but I wasn’t feeling like the healthiest version of myself. It was frustrating, to say the least.

So, I made a decision.

I called my dear friend Heather and asked her to coach me on my own nutrition and exercise. Having an accountability buddy was a game-changer. Knowing someone was in my corner, cheering me on AND pushing me forward, helped me stay consistent.

My first goal? To do ONE pull-up.
I didn’t get there overnight. But within a few weeks, I noticed progress. I was sleeping better and my mood lifted. Through the process, I also realized that I had not been eating enough to fuel my body properly!

After 90 days of intentional effort, I hit my goal. One pull-up turned into something much bigger: proof that consistent effort over time creates results.

Now, 7 years later, I may not look like my “after” picture. But it’s not about that. It’s about what I learned in the process and how I’m applying it to navigate the changes midlife brings. It’s about making my health a priority—because I’m worth it, and so are you.

Let’s clean up some habits together! Focus on fueling your body, moving more, and striving for consistency. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about progress that fits your life. Start today, because the healthiest version of YOU is worth it.

Which habit will you start with? Drop it in the comments and let’s encourage each other!

12/02/2024

Ever hit a rough patch with your health? Trust me, I’ve been there. But the good news? It doesn’t take as long as you think to get back on track.

Right before turning 40, I fell into a funk—nutrition, exercise, sleep, and stress all out of whack. Did you know it takes 66 days for a new habit to become automatic?

I learned that the hard way, but with the right tools, support, and commitment, I turned it around. And guess what? It worked!

If you're ready to make a change, give yourself TIME to build healthier habits. It's the consistent effort over time that produces results. I'm confident you'll see the difference. Let's finish 2024 strong!

11/29/2024

What if the secret to a thriving marriage post-kids starts NOW?

One thing I’ve learned is the value of having a personal “board of directors”—whether they know they're on it or not. These are the people I look to for wisdom and understanding in various areas of life, including marriage. It can be through conversation or simple observation. I've valued the insight tremendously.

When it comes to navigating life stages, I lean on the experiences of others who’ve already paved the way. So, I reached out to empty nesters I’ve known for 10–20 years- their advice is golden.

What would be YOUR top tip for preparing your marriage for life after kids?

Save this post for when you need a little marital inspiration—and share it with your spouse or a friend preparing for this next stage of life. 🧡

11/28/2024

This Thanksgiving, I’m reflecting on the journey so far with West Metro Mom and feeling grateful for the opportunity to connect with all of you. While this platform is still growing, I’m thankful for the chance to share ideas, stories, and inspiration for navigating motherhood, marriage, and life in midlife.

As we head into the holiday season, I appreciate the chance to be part of your day, whether you’re stopping by for some tips or just looking for a little encouragement. Thank you for being here, and I’m excited for what’s to come!

Wishing you a peaceful and grateful Thanksgiving.

- Sarah

11/27/2024

Ever have a moment that stops you in your tracks and reminds you of all the things you’ve been carrying?

While at the mall, I saw three generations of women—grandmother, mom, and teen—laughing and shopping together. It stirred something deep inside me, reminding me of the joy and loss we carry as we walk through life.

For me, it brought up memories of losing my mom as a teenager. That loss still shapes me today, especially as I raise my daughters. Moments like this are bittersweet—a reminder of who’s missing, but also of the love and connection we still hold onto.

If you’ve lost someone you love, you might know the feeling. Those little reminders that catch you off guard, tugging at your heart and bringing both grief and gratitude to the surface. They’re painful, but they also remind us to cherish the time we have with the people we love.

As we gather this Thanksgiving, I’m holding onto the hope that I will see my mom again in heaven one day. It’s that hope—and the love I continue to pass on—that keeps me going.

Life is a mix of joy and heartache, but what keeps us moving forward is embracing the here and now, loving deeply, and making memories that will carry us through.

For anyone missing someone at the table this year, I see you. Let’s hold onto the moments we have and the hope of what’s to come.

How do you find hope and gratitude in the midst of loss?

11/27/2024

Some days, I beg time to slow down—to give me just one more moment with my teens under this roof.

Other days? I’m counting the hours until a little peace and quiet returns to this house.

Sound familiar?

But here’s the real question: When that day comes, will WE be ready?

Will we have invested consistently into our marriage enough to welcome what’s next?

Will the new season feel like possibility —or emptiness?

How will we adapt to this next chapter?

Let’s talk about it. If you’ve been in the trenches of parenting teens, you know this season is equal parts exhausting and rewarding.

So how do we prepare ourselves—and our marriages—for the inevitable change when they leave?

Drop your thoughts in the comments—what’s your biggest hope or fear about this transition?

Let’s navigate this together. ❤️

11/26/2024

✨ Making Her Mark: November Spotlight ✨

This month, we’re highlighting a woman who stepped into something new, building a business while overcoming challenges with determination and purpose. By involving her kids in the process, Jennifer Shawgo is modeling hard work and creativity while strengthening their family bond. With a supportive marriage as her foundation, she’s proving the value of courage and growth at any stage of life.

11/23/2024

Out of 32 teams, only one can finish as the champion. This year, it wasn’t us. But as I reflect on the end of this football season, I’m overwhelmed by everything there is to be proud of.

The coaching staff poured their hearts into this team, and the players showed grit, determination, and a refusal to quit, no matter the odds. It’s not just a game—it’s a season of lessons, growth, and memories that go far beyond the scoreboard.

For our family, football has always been personal. My girls have been invested since they were little, always their dad’s biggest fans. They’ve grown up seeing the time, energy, and heart he gives to the team, and they feel every win and loss just as deeply as he does. And as they watched their dad and the team this season, they were reminded that for some players, this was their last high school game—a moment that hits harder than you expect.

This game was emotional. After the final whistle, we joined my husband on the field, feeling the weight of the season—the sacrifices, the triumphs, and the countless memories. But that moment wasn’t just about football. It was about family, commitment, and the bonds that form when we pour ourselves into something meaningful.

For those of you raising kids who are passionate about a sport, an activity, or a dream, you know how these moments shape them—and us. It’s watching them learn to show up, fight through challenges, and come out stronger, even when it doesn’t end the way they hoped.

To the coaches, players, and families out there: thank you for letting us be part of this journey. To the moms: whether you’re in the stands, on the sidelines, or in the car for the millionth ride to practice, your role matters more than you know.

This season was filled with moments that will stay with us forever. And isn’t that what it’s all about—being there for the moments that matter most.

west metro mom

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