The most rewarding part is being able to challenge myself to be better- a better mom, better person and better Christian. When a mess or tantrum (etc) happens I get a chance to creatively challenge myself to come up with a solution that leads my children to love, correction, and better outcomes in the future. I have been able to see my children develop so many new skills and understanding due to this. I love being able to see my prayers being answered for help in these challenging moments.

The biggest lesson was that you don't always need what you want. I wanted a career when I was younger (though I am still young). I chased my own passions and did some amazing things all the while claiming I didn't want kids. Then I met my husband and decided that, with this man, I would. I gave up, willingly...adamantly, my career, so that I can better raise my children and build the life I never knew was possible. Motherhood has given me freedom. It's slow paced, but I can LIVE.

We are in the process of trying to build something from basically nothing. We recently bought (have a huge loan) a house on 7 acres. We have been slowly working on infrastructure to get livestock: chickens, hogs, and sheep. This will be the beginning of a farming operation where we dream of to provide real food to our family and community (plans to donate meat). My husband works two jobs to keep this dream alive and pay loans while I stay home and raise our kids and take care of the farm.