Connect What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

The most rewarding part is seeing the tiny humans you raise grow into kind, curious, and brave people. When they come to me for advice, let me into their little worlds, or randomly say “I love you,” my heart explodes. I live for the car ride talks, messy hugs, chaotic dinner table convos, and those quiet bedtime moments when they feel safe enough to open up. It’s knowing that no matter how hard the day was, I’m their constant—and they’re mine.

What is one memory of your kids that you will never forget?

One night on our backyard rink, lights strung above us like a winter wonderland, music blasting from a speaker zip-tied to a tree branch, and my husband laughing while shoveling snow in shorts, all three kids were skating. The oldest one was teaching the middle one how to stop (or crash). It was chaos, cold toes, and magic. I stood there, heart full, thinking - this is it. This is the kind of memory that makes all the laundry worth it.

What would you do with $20,000?

I’d pay off the debt that quietly built up during hard times, and nags at me during sleepless nights, then plan an unforgettable adventure with my kids…somewhere we can unplug, try new things, and just be together without distractions. I’d exhale. I’d also gift a portion to the moms who have shown up for me in my messiest moments - the ones who dropped off lasagna, made me laugh when I wanted to cry, and reminded me I wasn’t alone. They deserve the world, too.