Getting to know my children--they are all so different! I find myself shocked often at just how different! But they each have unique gifts and challenges and I feel like it's my job to really try to know them. If I do my best to understand their individual needs, then I can be the best advocate and cheerleader for them. Plus they are so funny, interesting, and fill our house with life. It isn't always good or easy, but it's always a full, loving life. Life that busts at the seams with love.

Motherhood has taught me that I enjoy motherhood! I was not a person who loved kids before I had them. But gosh do I enjoy it more than I ever thought I would. Being around my kids has made the most creative, patient, fun loving version of myself. It also comes with extreme anxiety and worries! I have never thought of myself as strong before. But mothering has shown me the best of my kids, but also the best of myself. I am joyful, strong, patient, and I can love them well.

I run a small business while my youngest is at preschool. It's not a lucrative business as I'm only able to work a few hours a week. But the childcare options in our town are few, the flexible work options are also few. Mothering in this society is not financially valued. I would use the money to contribute to our life--as income that I am worth bringing in, because the work I do as a mother MATTERS. It's the most important work, we all say. But that doesn't pay bills or contribute to retirement