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

The most rewarding part is seeing the world through their eyes—every giggle, milestone, and “I love you” reminds me that I’m doing something right. Watching three different hearts grow under one roof, my toddler boys learning the world, and my teen daughter growing into a strong young woman. Being the center of their universe, knowing I’m the one they run to for comfort, laughs, or just a cuddle—there’s no feeling like it.

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

I’ll never forget when my toddler first held his newborn baby brother. He wrapped his tiny arms around him, kissed his forehead, and whispered, “my baby.” It was completely unprompted and so full of love it brought me to tears. That moment reminded me how much love lives in our little family and how lucky I am to witness their bond from the very beginning.

What would you do with $20,000?

Growing up in a small home with seven siblings—two brothers and five sisters—I know what it’s like to share everything, especially space. Now, raising three kids of my own in a two-bedroom apartment in a very expensive area, I dream of giving them more room to grow, learn, and just be kids. I’d use the $20,000 toward a down payment on a home and invest in their education—so they have opportunities I only dreamed of. More than anything, I hope to give them a future filled with possibility.