My dad sold encyclopedias and my mom worked in a factory office.

My mom was a single mom, and she had enough on her plate. I knew when I was doing something I wasn't supposed to, and I tried to keep her from finding out about it. I did a pretty good job of that.

I'm a better mother if I'm also doing my work. Some women find a lot more satisfaction from doing the hardest job, which is being a mom. But I like my day job, so I juggle a lot.

My mom was a teacher - I have the greatest respect for the profession - we need great teachers - not poor or mediocre ones.

Being a mom makes me feel whole and like I understand the meaning of life.