What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

The alarm goes off (too early!) but my little 5-year-old comes running in to jump on the bed and cuddle for 10-15 minutes before we have to rush out the door for school. My daughter calls me to tell me what is going on with her life, even when I can hardly get a photo of her without her tongue hanging out (if you know, you know). When my son calls to tell me he did well on a test or made some money detailing a car. Nothing is better than hearing they're achieving what they work hard to earn.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

You have to find joy in the life you are living even if it is not what you planned, hoped, or worked to create. I never expected to be divorced from my high school sweetheart, a single mom, or finding love a second time. I never expected that my teenagers might choose to spend more time with their dad than me, or that my youngest son would not grow up with his older siblings around him all the time. Life has a way of giving you unexpected hurdles: jump over them, swing from a star and find joy!

What would you do with $20,000?

I would put all of it towards my children's education. My daughter is about to be 18 and looking at college. My 16 year old son is looking at vocational training and my youngest 5 year old is wanting to learn a musical instrument and take art lessons. I spent a lot of years catching my breath, and I would love to be able to provide a brighter future for my kids.