The most rewarding part of being a mom is being able to help my amazing husband raise his two children. To be able to provide structure and stability to their lives. To watch my stepchildren grow up to be amazing humans while seeing the world through their eyes, witnessing their firsts, and knowing that my love is shaping who they become. It's in the quiet moments, the unconditional love, and the deep sense of purpose that makes my hard days feel more meaningful with my stepchildren.

Motherhood has taught me that love is both the strongest and most selfless thing I will ever experience. It stretches you, humbles you, and grows you in ways nothing else can. It tests you, especially being a stepparent when you are thrown into the mix without any guide and everyone tries to bring you down. It's taught me patience on the hard days, gratitude in the small moments, and that I am capable of far more than I ever imagined with my given situation as a stepmom.

I would set aside most of the money to provide more stability for my family for what the future could bring our way. My husband and I both have vehicles that are from 2004 with 200K miles and mine that's a 2008 with 380K miles on it so it is time to buy a car so a portion of the money would go towards a down payment on a new car that is more reliable for our family plus bigger so hopefully we can expand our family in the near future.