Gena Lee Nolin

I think that people sort of stereotype me as the blonde 'Baywatch' girl who's always in a swimsuit, so, I think, to tell my story - that I got up to 175 lbs., was so depressed I couldn't get out of bed - will show that life wasn't always good for me. ”

My children teach me to slow down and enjoy life. ”

With my first, I gained 40 pounds; in the second, I gained 35, and with Stella, I gained 25. My thing is to get most of your weight off, or at least get into good eating habits and exercise routinely, the sooner the better. ”

My tradition, as an adult, is to have an open-door policy on Thanksgiving. I always host, and I welcome absolutely anyone into my home. I think it's really special. If people are going through hard times or not getting along well with their family, they flock to my house. And I'll have my tree up! ”

Whether it's a spouse, family member, coworker, former classmate, or the mother of your child's best friend - you know exactly what I mean. Just when you feel your worst and are judging yourself harshly, someone comes along who seems determined to make you feel even worse about yourself than you already do. Who needs it? ”

You really become aware of your own life, what really matters, and it's not about the car you drive or what you have materially. It's family, healthy children, and it is to be cherished. ”

My children are the reason I laugh, smile and want to get up every morning. ”

I value a buck, and when they're giving you $300,000 to lay down and look cute and pretty for a commercial in Korea, you gotta just go, 'Holy crap, this is unbelievable.' ”

I was named honorary woman of distinction 2007 for the Crohn's & Colitis Foundation, and I have recently become involved with Save the Children's Make Time for Change. ”

I want to work, but being a mom is my No. 1 priority. ”