Smarty Mom: Laura Neelon

By Rachel H

The weekend is here, which means it is time for another Smarty Mom Saturday! Today we will get to know Laura Rose Neelon. Laura has lived in the Triad for about 13 years after moving from Ahoskie, NC. She graduated from Salem Academy in 1998 and Wake Forest University in 2002. She and her husband, Josh, have two little girls, Lucy (4 ½) and Alice (2). Laura is a stay-at-home mom who always loves being around family and friends. Laura also enjoys cooking, scrapbooking, taking pictures, tennis, shopping, reading and just being a mom. Laura is a member of the Dogwood Garden Club. She volunteers at the Ronald McDonald House and Horizons. She helps each year with the Festival of Trees, which benefits Brenner Children’s Hospital. Laura is also serving as co-chair of the parents’ council at her daughters’ preschool.

I am happy to introduce you to Laura …

You obviously give a lot of your time to the community and to helping others. Which organization has been the most rewarding for you to work with and why?
I would have to say that I have really enjoyed working on some fundraisers for Horizons. Many people are not aware of the Horizons Residential Facility so it has been a pleasure to spread the word about their services. They are a private, non-profit organization that provides services to individuals with developmental disabilities. The facility is located in Rural Hall. You can read more about them on their website www.horizonscenter.org.

Tell us more about the Dogwood Garden Club.
Dogwood Garden Club is a woman’s group that meets once a month and has a speaker and/or activity that pertains to gardening, flowers, or entertaining. Each year we give thousands of dollars to community projects that help beautify the city. (ie. Schools, Potters House, Sciworks)

How are you able to balance your home life and your volunteer obligations?
Volunteering is so rewarding, yet can be tricky when you are away from family. My husband is always a big help when I have meetings or volunteer functions.

What is your favorite activity to do with your daughters?
We enjoy dancing to fun music and cooking!

Favorite “me-time” activity?
I love to play tennis and read a good book!

Favorite place for a date night?
Josh and I loved South by Southwest before it closed- now we enjoy Paul’s Italian take out at home or enjoy Nobles. We also try to do lunch dates!

Best place to eat lunch with the kids?
We love to go to Beef O’ Bradys!

Favorite place to eat dinner out as a family?
The kids always enjoy La Carreta on Coliseum Drive!

Favorite place to shop for kids’ clothes?
My favorite shops in W-S are McCall's at Reynolda Village and Gazoodles!

Best book you have ever read?
Can’t think of one single book, but I always loved ‘Diary of Anne Frank’ and I just recently enjoyed ‘The Help’.

Funniest thing your kid(s) has ever said?
Too many to count, but my oldest Lucy, told her dad that she had a complicated personality?!!?!?

Favorite park in the Triad?
We always enjoy going to the playground at Hathaway Park.

Mini-van or SUV?
SUV

Best thing about raising a family in the Triad?
Our ‘small city’ has so much to offer for children and families as a whole! There is a lot of vision and history here in W-S! (no traffic too!)

Best kept secret in the Triad?
Not sure this is a secret but the Bagel Station has wonderful bagels, spreads, coffee and fountain drinks!

Best birthday party you have attended?
Young Chefs Academy, pancake breakfast and easter egg hunt!

I could not live without my...
Family and friends………...(my iphone and computer too!)

I wish someone had told me sooner about...
The joys and exhaustion of parenthood!

Thanks for your Smarty Answers, Laura!

If you have someone in mind who you think would make a great Smarty Mom or Smarty Dad on Triad Smarty Pants, email us at triadsmartypants@gmail.com with your nomination!

Posted by Triad Smarty Pants at 5:00 AM