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

Wow! The most rewarding part would have to be understanding my parents more through my interactions with my children. My sons are teaching me everyday what love truly is. My parents weren't perfect; no one is. And yet somehow, as a child, we expect them to be. We highlight their shortcomings and it becomes our personality; how we perceive and engage with the world. I've been a mom for 12 years and loving them has taught me how to love myself and to extend forgiveness to my folks and to everyone.

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

It's every moment that my sons are together. I'll never forget how welcoming each child was for the next birth. I will never forget how they love playing with each other. They truly are best friends. I didn't have that with my siblings growing up and so it amazes me to no end. They take what my husband and I have given them and willingly share that with each other and all the world. No jealousy, resentment, bitterness, toxic competition. Just love. And I think, "How could I have created this?"

What would you do with $20,000?

Well considering this competition, I would use it as an opportunity to take my 3 sons and husband on a family vacation. Not all of us has been on a plane since we don't vacation much. Disney? I'd also like to see it invested in their schooling and in extracurricular activities that each 1 is passionate about. For the last 2 years, I've had the desire to homeschool but the financial means hasn't presented itself, yet. So I'd take this as a sign to continue investing in them and in us.