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

Watching my sons grow and learn new things is amazing, but watching them become good humans who love people and animals is the most rewarding!!! As a boy mom there is always a stigma of raising strong, independent men. While that is true, we must raise loving, kind, and emotionally regulated men who are respectful and caring as well. Seeing my oldest run to open a door for an elderly person, literally confirms that even in the hard, we are doing something right. I pray that never changes.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

The biggest lesson that motherhood has taught me is to slow down, that not everything has to be perfect or in a hurry. I'm a recovering Type A person who has become a Type C. Enjoying the small moments, simple things in life, and just being present with my family is most important. Children are the most precious gift that we will ever be given in this life and the little moments pass by so quickly. They don't care if the house is perfectly clean or if your hair is perfectly fixed. They want you!

What would you do with $20,000?

The last few years have been extremely hard for our family financially. This would be the biggest blessing to us! The first thing I would do is make a donation to our small town's women and children's shelter and we would do some home updates that are needed. Once both of those things are done, we would use it to pay off some debt to help our family and purchase a new car that would fit our family of 6 comfortably. This would truly be an answered prayer!