The most rewarding part of being a mom is seeing the smile on my children's face when they experience this life for the first time. They have spent 99% of their lives in the system. Discarded, unloved, and ignored. So many of life's little pleasures they have yet to experience. My husband and I are blessed beyond measure to share so many "firsts" with our children (6yr&7yr) who we have been proud parents of for 8 months. Adoption is the hardest, ugliest, beautiful, and most amazing experience.

Motherhood through adoption has taught me so much about patience, love having no bounds, commitment regardless of DNA, and the true definition of family that certainly exceeds a genetic bond. I'm crying joyous and heartfelt tears as I write this. 500 characters is hardly enough to describe the "life" I've learned thus far from being a mother to these amazing kiddos.

With the $20,000 I would make up for lost time while also saving for my children's future. At ages 6 and 7 my adopted children have never experienced a birthday party, a theme park, a vacation, an ice cream cone, the beach, a boat, a kite, having their own toys, or even a hug from a source of love. With the $20,000, I plan to continue to show my children what life, love, adventure, childhood, and a loving mother is. Wining this will be an immeasurable blessing to my children and our new family.