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

When other people tell me something positive my children did in a game, in the classroom, or with friends. It helps me remember that even on the tough days, I am a good mom. On a similar note, I experienced this recently with my oldest. I play in a rec volleyball league and had a horrible game. Without missing a beat, my daughter looked at me and said, one bad game doesn't define your play. You are still good. It reminded me that she hears all of the positive feedback I give her and her sister.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

Patience. I need to slow down and remember I don't know what I don't know. I am learning to be patient with myself, with my kids, with our progress, and with others. In the process, I am being open with my girls about my feelings and theirs. Teaching them it's okay to express our feelings.

What would you do with $20,000?

I would use some of it to pay down debt to give my family more financial flexibility and use a portion to help families in our community who struggle with food insecurity. The rest would go into the investment accounts we created for our kids. Everything that I do in my life is for their betterment. I want them to see me continuing to work hard for them and for their future.