German-born television star Jeri Ryan, 39, jumped on the phone with Modern Mom's Mommywood to discuss her off-screen life with son Alex, 13, and husband, chef Christophe Eme. The former Miss America contestant is currently on break from starring in CBS's "Shark" with James Woods and Danielle Panabaker, and is keeping busy preparing for baby number two -- a girl due to arrive in March.

What's your definition of a Modern Mom?

I think we do it all. For many, our moms and their moms before them, mothering was the only job they had -- which was great and they did wonderful job raising all of us, but I think for Modern Moms its a different ball game. Most women work outside the homethey have careers and also raise kids and take care of the household. So I think we are busier in a different way than previous generations were.

What's your secret to balancing career and family?

You need to know whats important and family is always the most important thing. Always. Your marriage, your children -- thats life. That is whats important; that is the real substance of life. Then the work is something to keep us fulfilled and feeling more whole and balanced. But youve got to prioritize and family has to come first.

What did your parents teach you about parenting?

I am so lucky... my parents are amazing. They still would do anything for their kids and now grandkids. They taught me whats important and to always put the family first.

What do you want to teach your children?

I want them to have values. Its so hard in our society now because youre constantly bombarded with the complete opposite of values. Its a hard time to raise children... Weve become so materialistic and have gotten away from the focus on simply being good people. Im raising good people. My son [Alex], who is now 13 is a really great personvery sensitive, very caring, very thoughtful. And thats just so important. Hopefully my daughter will be the same way.

Who do you admire the most?

My mother. Shes always been my role model. Shes an amazingly strong woman who has always been incredibly loving to her family. And, shes an absolute wildcat if you cross her children! She will do anything to protect her family. Shes just amazing. She taught us values and whats right from wrong. Shes always, always been there for me.

What's your favorite family activity?

Everything! Our time together is so precious because my husband works so much. When Im working the scheduling gets tough. Meal times are very important to me, not only because Christophe is a chef, but because that is our time to really just sit down, be together as a family and connect.

What is your greatest achievement?

My son. I couldnt be more proud of him and what a great person he is. Not just because hes my son and I love him, but I honestly cant think of a person Id rather hang out with or a person I admire more. He just absolutely has a heart of gold and is a great guy.

What products cant you live without?

Its not a product, but I have to get massages. I have to. Its my reward for working out because for me, working out is never fun. Im not athletic, I never have been, so I work out to stay in shape and de-stress. But my reward after is getting a massage, which is also a big stress-reliever for me.

What do you do when you're feeling selfish?

I usually cook (or just read cookbooks), or curl up with a book. Its a real luxury for me to be able to sit down with a good book or just putter around in the kitchen by myself. That to me is really relaxing and rejuvenating. I also have no problem doing absolutely nothing! I dont feel guilty about it. Some people get bored and restless, but nopeIm okay! I can sit and do nothing and love every second of it.

What's keeping you busy these days?

Were trying to remodel part of our house before the baby comes. Now that Im not at work, I can finally focus on getting her nursery ready, so thats really keeping me hopping!

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