What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

It would have to be watching each one of my children grow into their own unique individuals! I get goosebumps every time I get an off the wall answer from one of my kids that either teaches me something, or is so out in left field that I have to actually laugh out loud. They each have their own way of dealing with life, but they each seem to know exactly when Mom needs a smile, a hug out of nowhere, or just some space! So it is its own reward when I look at them and realize I made that!

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

It would have to be to not sweat the small stuff. So many times we get pulled into that direction and thinking we need to be perfect. Or we worry too much about what somebody else thinks about us. What really truly counts are the connections, the laughter, the messy memories, and the grace you develop along the path we call life. If we learn to let go of the tiny stressors in life that creates more room for Joy, presence, and patience.

What would you do with $20,000?

I did teach then responsibility, so of course I would pay off any bills that are knocking at my door. For some people that amount is small. But for a single mom of three we didn't have money for "extras". We used what we had for "needs". I would take my kids in that vacation we didn't get to go on. The ones they had to see them friends enjoy. Maybe rent a treehouse hotel for a week and leave phones and technology at the door. Buy campfire games/food, spend that week together!