Connect What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

The most rewarding part of being a mom is the unconditional love. Even on my hardest days, they still look at me like I’m their hero—like I can do no wrong in their eyes. They give me purpose in everything I do and inspire me to be better each and every day, whether they realize it or not. They push me to lead by example in all that I take on. Every day, we learn, grow, and navigate life together—and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Motherhood has shown me that time is the most precious gift of all. In the middle of the chaos, the days can feel endless—but somehow, the years fly by. You spend so much of your life raising the one thing you can’t imagine living without… teaching them how to one day live without you. So soak it in. The messy, the loud, the beautiful moments. Make them count.

What would you do with $20,000?

Our children range from grade school to early adulthood, and these past five years have been a true labor of love for our family. My husband and I poured our hearts into building our dream home-blood, sweat, and tears included. Along the way, we made big sacrifices, like selling the only home our kids had ever known and living together in a camper on our property. Now, I dream of creating a backyard oasis—a place where our kids, their friends, and our entire family can continue to make memories!