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

When they light up seeing me, or hearing the words mommy I love you, getting a flower/weed picked for me and them handing it to me with the biggest smile. The pictures drawn just for me. The quiet moments at night snuggling in bed and listening about their day or reading a story. The big kids wanting me when they are sick or need help with a project or for advice. The Mother’s Day and birthdays gifts and decorations that they put out to make me feel special because thats how I do their birthdays

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Time doesn’t wait for anyone and I have to be present not only in the big moments but the everyday little moments. That the big moments aren’t what defines my love for the kids. It’s the feeling they have that I listened, showed up, played, watched, and kissed boo-boos. That even if we weren’t able to take the big trip we made memories and we had fun as a family making the best of our time together. That the kids just need me for me because I am their mom and moms just know how to create magic

What would you do with $20,000?

I would love to do something fancy with the kids, but honestly I would be so blessed to pay bills that have piled up while my husband was out of work for the past 10months. Thankfully he started a new job 4/1 but the money would help us catch up a little on past due bills and repay some of the people who have generously helped us. We have done our best to keep the kids life somewhat normal for them as we didn’t want them to worry. But it’s been tough. There has been a lot of maybe next time