What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

Enjoying the stages. I get to see the babies I created evolve from tiny snuggles and scrapped knees into developing personalities and hopes and dreams. I get to watch them growing into themselves and watching all of the stages in between. I get to be who they need whether that's a friend, a nurse, a therapist, a stern reminder, someone to spill "the tea" with, or someone to laugh with. But forever someone to remind them that when the world is mean, they have someone that loves them.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

It's hard. You don't win every day. Some days you feel like you've won the motherhood game and some days you feel like a failure. Your kids don't like you everyday and that's ok. It's not about the bad days as long as there are more good days. Some days you teach them and some days you just sit and listen. Be who they need on whatever day it is. Remember to be who you needed when you were their age, at whatever stage they are in. Good or bad.

What would you do with $20,000?

Our family likes road trips. My husband and I never got to travel as kids, and we don't want our children to ever have to say those words. Each year the kids get to pick a place and my husband and I try to cram as many sights and towns and memories within 2 weeks time of vacation days off work. I have a board at home with the US map and we color in every state we have been able to take the kids to. So far we are up to 7. $20,000 would allow for many more states and memories to come.