What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

The most rewarding part of being a mom has been building a family that didn’t start as one. When we blended seven children together, love wasn’t automatic..it was something we chose, practiced, and protected every single day. The reward has been watching strangers become siblings, differences turn into strengths, and a house slowly become a true home. It’s in the quiet moments now,seeing them show up for each other, defend each other, and genuinely choose each other—that I feel it most.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Motherhood has taught me that love is a choice you make every day—especially when it’s hard. In a blended family, connection doesn’t come automatically; it’s built with patience, humility, and consistency. I’ve learned that being a powerful mom isn’t about perfection, but about showing up, listening, and choosing unity over being right.

What would you do with $20,000?

If I won $20,000, I would use it to take our entire family of 11(son in law and granddaughter) on a once-in-a-lifetime trip together. After years of building a blended family, I would invest in memories we could never recreate—time together without distractions, strengthening bonds across all ages. Every dollar would go toward experiences that remind us we didn’t just become a family, we built one worth celebrating.