What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

Being able to love my kids and feel their love in return. I cannot go to bed at night without telling them I love them. Even if they are sleeping I go in and whisper it to them. I know there won't be a day they don't hear "I love you" as long as I'm breathing. There is reward in knowing they are learning that a mother's love is strong, unending, and unconditional. They can carry that forward as they grow older and eventually have families of their own (including how my son can love as a father).

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

I have learned that I don't have to have it all figured out perfectly. Motherhood didn't come with a manual, and even if there was one it wouldn't fit everyone. Life is for living. We make mistakes as parents but the beauty is in growing and learning from them. That helps me show my kids that it's ok to make mistakes and how we learn from them builds resilience. Also, I learned my mom was right.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would take my family on a little getaway (either to Yellowstone, to South Carolina to visit my mom, or have my mom go with us to Yellowstone- my personal favorite option). We could defrost after a cold Alaskan winter. Realistically I would put the majority into my kids' savings accounts to put towards college, or buying a car, or a down payment on a house when they are older.