What is the most rewarding part of being a mom?

Our family is unique, raising my 3 biological children, remarrying and gaining 4 more kids as the full time family and building a beautiful relationship with my oldest son (who is married with the sweetest baby girl) who I gave for adoption at age 17. Watching each of these unique and amazing people grow into the people God made them to be. They are each so different and all have walked thru some very challenging times, but their character and hearts inspire me.

What is the biggest lesson motherhood has taught you?

The greatest lesson has been to rely on God every single day. So many curve balls! Starting with my son who I was pregnant with in highschool. I wanted to raise him but I felt he needed more. The pain I thought would kill me but seeing the man he is now is worth it. Finding myself a single mom of 3 was never my plan but I learned to trust God every day, learning to be stronger and more brave. And now, with the addition of 4 more, as a stepmom, I’ve seen how God can work all things for good.

What would you do with $20,000?

With $20,000, I would have said take a family vacation because we’ve never had one. But since that’s already a prize, I think I would use that to take care of some much needed work on our home. Our home is a gift and I love it, but it needs some work. With 7 kids, you can imagine there isn’t a lot left over at the end of the day. I would love to be able to see my home be fixed up so we can maintain it as our family home for grandkids and all the things to come.