What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

The most rewarding part of being a mom to me is the laughter and the smiles from my kids throughout their lives. Whether it is a small crack of a smile when I am trying to change their mood or deep belly laughter together because we are having fun. I strive to teach my kids that they can find a reason to smile or laugh even in the darkest of times; because even in the darkest of times the hope of something better is all we have sometimes.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

The biggest lesson motherhood has taught me is one word. Patience... whether that be patience when they want to get themselves dressed at a snails pace, or patience to let them learn a hard lesson without mama jumping in to save the day. I often think of the analogy of the river banks. Let them flow along on their own, bouncing into you every once in a while when they need you, but ultimately finding their own way and their own personalities.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would use the $20,000 as a down payment on an SUV. My current car is on it's last leg with 238k miles and is not big enough for all the equipment needed for the kid's activities. Financially I am not at a place to afford anything newer at this point.