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

The Hugs. The ‘I love you Mom’ moments. Seeing your child bloom and grown and make decisions that show your parenting and how compassionate they have become. Seeing them become this human who makes good choices and only wants to make the world better. THAT, makes every sleepless night and every moment of being so overwhelmed to the point you hid away in the closet to cry WORTH IT.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

That life is fleeting. These moments are just that….moments. Moments in time that if you don’t slow down and watch, and soak it in, they will pass you by. It’s cruel, and yet shows you the truth of how beautiful motherhood is. This gift that is all encompassing. In truth it’s just another form of Patience. Slowing down and savoring those moments….embracing them, leaning into them, and loving with every inch of your heart. They taught me that. A love I never knew possible.

What would you do with $20,000?

Take my kids on a vacation. We haven’t been able to go on a vacation in 10 years…. Life has been hard financially - the same story you hear so often. But we have worked so hard to try and make our kids lives fulfilled and happy even if it meant not being able to travel as much as we have always wanted. But being able to take them out to the Nevada dessert to see the stars, or Yosemite to see the giant trees, or show them the ocean for the first time! THAT is an experience I would cherish.