Ridley's Family Markets

"My mom is an incredible. Woman she has eight kids oldest is thirtyfive and youngest six. I think she could use a break. And maby a vacation but mother of the year :-) thanks mom ;-) !"

"My mom deserves the Mother of The Year award because she did her best raising me and my sisters. She was a young girl when she had me. She could have aborted me or given me up for adoption but she decided to keep me and make me a part of her life.It wasnt easy raising a baby as a young single mother. We had some tough times but my mom did her best. She encouraged me to do my best in everything I chose to do.As I grew I developed a very special bond with my mom.....she is not only my mother...she is my friend. "

"valerie is my legal guardion my birth mom never had a home or food and just couldnt take care of us she has many sickness valerie took us in and cared for us lots of times and loves us makes sure we have all we need we never do without food or a house there are 4 of us and she took us all in she loves us so much i and my brother and other 2 sisters think she is our real angel sent from heaven that is why she is mother of the year"

"she has always been there for me and my brother even when our father go sick and could not provide for us any more she is just the best mom ever"

"Wow, where do I begin, my mom is my rock! My mother has raised me on her own with no help from my father. I was born in Alaska in 1966 to two loving parents, however the marriage did not last. We relocated to Washington state where I spent my childhood in Ellensburg WA, while my mother attended college. We relocated to Idaho in 1978 to be closer to my grandparents, and other relatives. My mother is my best friend, I tell her everything that's good and bad in my life. Sometimes Im sure its too much information for her, but she stands by me and gives me advice that is truthful and comes from her heart. She says what she means and means what she says. Sometimes I may not want to hear what she has to say, but I know its from her heart. I have raised my youngest son on my own as well and she has helped me emotionally and financially along the way. She recently gave me her whole life savings to pay off my house. She said she wanted me to be ok before she died so this way she knew I would never be homeless. She also financed me a car last year and I am making the payments. I have one year left in college and next month I will start paying her back for all the help she has given me. She has given me the courage to go after my dreams and accept all challenges that come my way. I used to be afraid of everything, now I fear nothing. I will never stop needing my mother and I hope I am half the mom to my boys that she has been to me. My mother is 82 years old and she could have easily spent her money on a trip or a new car for herself, but she has always puts me first. She is driving a car with over 310,000 miles on it and she deserves a new car and a vacation. I hope to be able to help her with both in then near future. She would gladly accept a 200.00 gift certificate because she is the most unselfish person I know. Please consider my mother because she is already a winner in my eyes! Sincerely, Francine Faria"

"I just want to tell you how special my mom is to me. She is always there for me through everything. She has been there through all 3 of my pregnancies. She has come to almost all of my dr appointments, ultrasounds and everything else that goes with being pregnant. She has taken me to the hospital when I was in labor and was right by my side when I had Tavin and Tarreyn. She is a lifesaver to me. I can always call her and talk to her about anything that is going on in my life. She is the most generous giver that I know. She will do anything for anyone especially her kids. I just want to tell her how much I love her and wish that she lived closer so we could do more together. I LOVE YOU MOM!!!"

"Elaine McGettrick is not only the amazing mother of my husband and his two brothers, and she is far from just an in-law to me. She is a woman that I can personally call Mom. I can always talk with her about anything, and she is always there for everyone. She works hard for her friends and family, yet never expects or asks for anything in return. She is selfless and loving and kind and always giving... even when people don't deserve it. Not only that, but she is also a lot of fun to be around. She is always ready to pack around guns and fishing poles with her sons, have girl days, be an exercise buddy, and help out with any type of work that needs to be done. I truly can't imagine a better Mom, and we all love her more than words can describe! She is so appreciated and deserves so much! "

"Ever since I was little, I knew that my mom was special, but our relationship has grown this past year because she stood by me through one of the biggest hardships of my life. I was married on June 10, 2010, and 2 Months later my new husband left to serve his country in Iraq. I was devastated as a new bride, but to make even more stress I found out I was pregnant. Who was there for me? My mother. This wonderful lady came to every doctors appointment, held my hand at my first ultrasound, gave me needed advise, and was there next to me the day I gave birth to my son (Without my husband present). This wonderful Mother spent multiple nights with me in the hospital as we waited to go home. Then came the nights at home. She took him so I could sleep, helped feed the baby, and ran to the store for every little thing I needed. AND when my husband came home who was by my side to make sure i didn't collapse? My Mother. I can never repay her for all she has done, but if any mother deserves a gift it's my mother! "

"When I saw this opportunity I couldn't pass it up. My mother-in-law bore 7 children, but she is called Mom by so many more than that. If anyone ever feels like they need love and uplifting they know where to go, she provides warmth, love and food to anyone who crosses her threshold. I'm sure the number of people she has fed is in the thousands if not hundreds of thousands. Anyone who knows her, knows I'm not exaggerating, because, if they know her, they've most likely eaten her food and felt her love. She's a great cook! My own dear mother passed away 5 years ago, I recently had a baby and I felt sad, missing my mom I looked around my house and couldn't find anything that looked good to eat, she came to help me and in less than 5 min. she had gathered things from my cupboards to make some of the most delicious food I've ever eaten. She doesn't think it's a big deal, I don't think she knows how valuable she is, and just how many people she has mothered. So I wanted to write this to give her the chance to be recognized for some of the good she has done. If Lea wins "Mother of the year" I know she will use it to mother more people, because that is just her nature. Thank you."

"Where do i begin? I consider my mom my best friend......alot of kids my age say they cant communicate with their moms. Well i tell my mom everything like i tell my best friend everything. She has been raising me and my brother by herself for 10 years now. She made sure that me and brother never went with out. She sacrafises stuff for her so me and my brother can have stuff. My mom is my idol. When i grow up i hope that i can be at least half as great of a woman as she is. im very blessed to have her as my mother. i love her."

"I think that my mom is wonderful,she can handle anything thrown her way. Awake at 6am and going to to bed at midnight. She is the mother of 3 kids, one being mentaly handicap, and spends all of her time taking care of him, while also cooking for the family and friends, cleaning the house and making sure everybody is in a good mood! she never lets you down and does what she sayes! With her plate full she is still helpping raise her 2 year old grandson and another on the way. Nothing will slow her down. She is one you can tell anything and won't be judged. She will help you with any troubles. She is your shoulder to cry on when your hurt. The nail that holds the family together. My HARD working mother deserves this award, more then anything, She needs to know how much she is loved and cared for, and how much she is appreciateed for everything she does! "

"When i was seven months old she spent 2 months in the hospital with me because one of my kidneys didnt work because it was blocked she didnt leave and lived off of mcdonalds food and she didnt have a bed to sleep in but she was by my side the whole time and i love her and she is the best mom in the world. "

"my mom is out of this world because
she wants to help me on my road in life, right now I am in highschool and my mom is consulting with the teachers to help me suceed.My mom has more courage than a female lioness in the way that she keeps us from danger at all costs even if it be her own life that if sacrificed.
Infact she has been a hero in many different peoples life.One time my mom took care of a young couple that needed help because they had a baby recently in the hospital and they needed help because they had no where to go so my mom took them in and my mom helped take care of their baby until they were able to get on their feet during this time my mom was ready to deliver her son which turned out to be me. Also my mom is very generous because she offers food to the homeless and destitute. My mom has nearly died many times and had not that much strength to support her self also she had my little sister shannon while she had a massive attack from an infection. My mom has always thought of others first. when ever my mom is given gifts she refuses to take them because she thinks that she should not be repayed for what she does out of kindness. My mom has taught us spiritual values that have made us never give up hope. Also during the hard times my mom has invited our neighbours over to eat with us when they have nothing to eat. My mom has been very right now eventhough her brother might die from cancer my mom has remained true to her word and optimistic."

"my mom is exeptional because she raises me and my two other siblings on her own, she cooks for us, she drives us to where we need to go and is a big emotional support.Not only does my mom take care of us but she works as a substiute teacher to provide for us, even after a hard day of work she still comes home and works her hardest.My mom always says if your doing your very best that's what counts.Also my mom makes sure to spend Quality time with us individually. My mom doesn't care what we are and she says no matter what she'll always love me.My mom is a kid at heart and knows how to make everything fun. Every night before we go to bed our mom tucks us in no matter how tired she is.If our siblings fight she makes sure to hear both sides of the story also my mom isn't over protective nor under proective i think my mom gives us fair punishments and doesn't always say yes but doesn't always say no.my mom says we're priceless and always reminds me that no one can replace me especially when she has to pay more attention to my sister. I think its fair to say she is a good example to us kids. My mom accepts people for them selves no matter what race or religion they are.My mom always participates in school activities and performances. That is the reasons i think she should win. "

"my mom is the best in the world cause she raised 3 kids all by her slef. didnt even need no help she loves us kids alot and she always put her children before anything or anyone. she always thinking about everyone expect herself thats why she deserves to win. she helps anyone that needs help "

"Robin Swenson served as my surrogate Mom, teaching me about canning and just being a foodie. I moved to Idaho in August of 2010. I am in need for a "Mother" role as my own biological mother is 1,200 miles away in South Dakota.

I would text Robin and ask for a cookie baking and tea time with her.

Ridley's $200 gift card will give Robin and I more opportunities to have a surrogate Mother/Daughter time together.

Thank you!"

"My mom is single and raised me all by herself. She is on disablity but never lets me go without anything. She loves me very much! She always puts everyone else first. She deserves to win!"

"My nomination isn't even for my mother but rather my mother-in law, she has been more of a mom to me than my own, she raised two sons and now that both of her sons are grown and married she's a mother to their wives as well, If I need anything I know I can call her...she has also been their for her grandchildren especially my step-daughter who in her difficulties with her mother has been supported by my mother in-law, she is the single most caring person I have every met and just knowing her has made me a better person, if I end up being anything close to the type of mother she is I will forever be greatful for having such a good role model."

"My mom has been the most amazing mother in the whole world. I have seen her raise 3 kids while fighting cancer for 9 years, and helping me raise my son in the middle of it all. I am older now and so is she, I was the middle of her three kids that she raised alone and while I was still a child, I had a child. My mother taught me how to be a mother, most moms will raise their teens child for them, not my mom, she taught me to be the mom. I am now 36 and my mom 59 and I myself have been a single mom, and never could have done it without the guidance of my mother. She has never missed a defining moment in my life, I have struggled with three children most of my life and my mother has helped me through all of it. My oldest, the one I had as a teen was diagnosed with duchenne muscular dystrophy when he was 7 and had a life expectancy of 15, he is now 20 and doing great. My mother has walked everystep of every journey with me and has been the stone that has made my life what it is today, I could go on and on but the bottom line is, if I could describe my mother in one word, it would be AMAZING!!! Please consider my mother for your contest, she deserves it so greatly after all her years of service to not only her children, but everyone she ever came in contact with.
Sincerely,
Mindi Jones-Greatful Daughter"

"My mom has done all she can to provide for my sister and me. Even if she had to give up something to help us. My mom raised two girls on her own and survived so i think she deserves to win."

"I don't know how she did it, but somehow she did. My mom loved all of her children the best. As adults we have often talked about how we each felt that we were her favorite. How did she do that for 10 children?

Well one way she did it was that when we would sit and cuddle with her, she would say, "I love you with all my heart." One day I challenged her on that. "How can you love me with all your heart, because you love your other children, too." She replied, "Hearts are just like that. There is now boundary to how much they can love."

They other ways she showed me that she loved me with "all her heart" was how she devoted so much time to me. Mom graduated summa cum laude in English from BYU, but the job she did was love her children. She had many opportunities at other "more important" jobs, but nothing was really more important to her. We knew we could come home from school and get help on our homework (any subject), drive us to get the poster board we needed or have a nice warm family dinner. Whatever help we needed, she was there.

Thank you, Mom, I love YOU with ALL my heart!"

"If I wrote about all the things my mother has done that was great, I would be here typing until I die. My mother is a wonderful woman, I thank God for her everyday. She is always there for me and has taught me so much,I hope that I can be half the mother she is.I know that she has dones so many great things and has unconditionally loved me through good and bad times.....Thanks mom for all that you have done and all that you are....I love you!!"

"My mother is an AMAZING person! She always thinks about us and our problems before she ever thinks of herself. She is a wonderful cook, and the most loving mother in the whole entire world. My mother always takes care of us when we are sick, and picks us up from school when we miss the bus. She is always there for me and my five siblings, no matter if it is trouble at school, or self esteem problems. She is always trying hard to make our home a peaceful, loving place. My mother loves us and takes care of us through thick and thin. She has a beautiful voice, adn when we were little she always sang to us. I hope you pick my mother, I believe she deserves it!"

"My mom has always been there for each and everyone of her girls. No matter what the problem was she was always there to help fix it or guide us. She went threw a hard life and still rasied her kids the best way ever. So please pick my mom. "

"My mom has always worked hard for us whether it was making us feel beater when we were sick or to make dinner be for dad got home after a long day of working. She would hardly ever do anything for herself. She put us before her. A bought a year ago she decided to lose weight to make herself healthier so she could be around for us. Since then she has lost 114.4 Lbs.! she always supported us and now we support her to reach her goal of new healthiness. Here I think back at all the times she stayed up late helping us to get projects done from going out to get things I didn’t have to making sure it looks good. She has helped me to get my first job and my sister to get her learners permit. One time when my sister was sick she fated in the bathroom and mom heard her and ran to find her. She found her lying on the floor after getting out of the bathtub. Mom got her dressed so dad could help us get her to a bed to raise her feet above her heart. She also helped my sister to get to a chair before she passed out at the Ridley’s grocery store after having the stomach flu. My mom has done so much for us that we cannot find a way to show her our gratitude this would be one small way to show her how much we really appreciate all the things she has done for us."

"My grandmother has always been the most giving and selfless woman I know. Living as a widow she is often finding it difficult to make ends meet, yet she is always giving what she can to help everyone else out. We all know that her home is always open to us. If we need a place to stay for and hour or a whole year she is more then willing to put a roof over anyone's head. She is a wonderful cook. We all look forward to grandmas Sunday dinners. Tacos are her specialty and are definitely the most requested item. She always cooks "enough food for an army" because she says you never know who might stop by and she would never let anyone leave until they were fed and taken care of. Her home and her arms have always been a safe haven for her grandchildren and great-grandchildren now. We love her so much! "

"I am only 13 but want to nominate my mom for Ridley's Mother of the Year. She is like most moms, she is there for me everyday, cleans, cooks, is a doctor mom, teaches us so much. My mom is extra special to me and those around her. She has given up the dreams she had of finishing college so that she can take care of us kids. Ten years ago my dad left her with 2 little boys to raise. A few years later she remarried a man who was widowed with 5 small children. She took in his children and has raised them as her own. She and my step dad also had 3 more children together. That's right 10 all together. There are 9 still at home and my mom is a supermom. She makes sure we are involved in the community and church. My mom is a great example to us when someone is struggling or in need she is one of the first ones there to help never wanting anything in return. She has even had families come to our house and loaded their cars with food because they lost their jobs. We have never had a ton of money, we even live in a small 3 bedroom house. Yet, my mom has always made sure that we didn't do without and that others were helped by her and us in some way. She and my step-dad are such good examples to us kids of a loving relationship. One thing I love most about my mom is that she always makes each of us kids feel like there is nothing more important than us. This is how my grandmother treated her and it's been a great thing to pass on. Watching my grandmother, who is only 56, die has been hard on my mom. My mom and grandmother are such great examples of womanhood and motherhood. I think my mom is more than the Mother of the Year, she is the mother of a life! I hear my friends talk about their moms and just feel more lucky to have been blessed with such a great mom. My mom deserves the Mother of the Year award - I hope everyone votes for her. Thank you! "

"This story begins with a little back ground.. My mom was raised by my Grandmother which was a single parent of eight children, my mom being the youngest, they grew up poor and didn't have much but each other.. Mom has always been a strong woman, she married my dad at a young age and had two children, me being the youngest, unfortunately my dad turned out to be a abusive drunk who liked to hit on woman, so after 5 years they divorced.. But my mom being a trooper kept pluggin away raising us boys the best she could, she later re-married and they were together 19 yrs before he passed away a couple of yrs ago of cancer.. so now we come to the reason why i nominated my mom.. In 1995 I was 21 and living in CA, It was Oct 29 I went to halloween party were i ended up getting shot in the neck which left me paralyzed from the shoulders down..My mom happened to be in town on vacation and got the call later that night, she came to the hospital and has never left my side.. She learned my care while sleeping in a little camper that had no electricity that was parked in the hospital parking lot, we were there 6 months and then released which then we moved to Vale Or then later over to Weiser Id and have been here 16 yrs My mom has sacrificed her life, her time, her happiness to make sure i am taking care of the best she knows how.. AND THAT'S PRETTY DANG GOOD!!! I know i am not the best story teller but believe me she is not only mom of the year she is mom of the decade! "

"My mom has always been a very giving person. Last year my husband and I with our 3 kids under 2 needed a place to stay. My mom opened her home to us and since then has been helping me raise my 3 babies. She works a full time job and then comes home and takes care of my kids so my husband and I can both work to pay off our debts. She is a truly selfless woman that is loved by many"

"My mother always tells me that "being a mom is the best job there is!" She truly has a mother heart and serves all of her nine children selflessly. After giving birth to five children (one of which has Down Syndrome )my Mother's tender heart reached out to children from several nations around the world who needed her love and care. First, in 2006 she and my father adopted twin baby boys from Korea. One of these boys has physical disabilities which made it unlikely that he would be adopted in his home country.In 2009 they adopted a little girl from China and brought her home on Christmas day. She too has a physical disability. Finally,in 2011, my mother found yet another child who needed her and adopted four year old Kai from Ghana--the first child with Down Stndrome to be adopted from that country. Because of my mom all of these children are now thriving and receiving needed care. She teaches her children to value what is truly important in life and how to love unconditionally. I recently gave birth to my first child, and I sincerely hope that I can emulate my Mom's example of selfless sacrifice and love."

"I am nominating my wife, Ambrey, as Ridley’s mother of the year. The past year has been one extreme roller coaster ride. A year ago our lives changed for the better as our first child, our daughter Lilly, was born. Although I tried to help with our newborn as much as possible, Ambrey carried most of the burden and sleepless nights as I struggled to study for and take finals, study for the MCAT, and apply to medical school. Despite always being exhausted, she served me day in and day out, and made sure that our little girl also got the love and attention she deserved. Last summer my wife was called as young women’s president in our ward. Over the past year I have been amazed to see her limitless capacity to love and serve the young women of our ward, many who come from split homes, broken families, and have issues of with self-esteem and depression. In December Ambrey was diagnosed with classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She underwent chemotherapy treatments and is just now finishing radiation. Through the entire experience with cancer Ambrey has stayed positive and hopeful, and has turned her attention to serving me, our daughter Lilly, and the young women in our ward. She is a superb example of selflessness and love to me and to everyone she comes in contact with. For being the ultimate mother and wife that she is, she deserves far more than what others and I are able to offer her."

"At age eight, my mother could not contain her excitement when she was invited to the 'rich' girls birthday party. That is, until walking home she realized she would not be able to go. Her mother never even knew she was invited because my mom didn't feel like she could ask for money to get a birthday gift. And so my mothers life was, a very poor, yet loved and oh-so-thoughtful shepherds daughter.
I enjoyed parties, gifts and mostly love as I was raised. Four of my mothers six children achieved college degrees. One, who is mentally handicapped still comes home every weekend at age 46. What mom didn't have for herself, she made sure her children had. I don't think she's ever had a selfish thought in her life. Even when she lost her sense of smell and much of her sight to a brain tumor, she was always concerned for those who were trying to help her. It took having children of my own, to really see what my mom gave and continues to give to me and so many others. Thanks mom, I'll just keep trying to be like you."

"My mom is just amazing. That's all there is to it. She works 2 jobs and somehow is always here for me and my 2 little boys. She is very close to them and helps me out more than she will ever know.
I am a teacher and have to put in some nights at work for things like Literacy Nights and other special occasions. I don't have a babysitter outside of my daytime one, and my mom is always willing to help me and watch my boys. She is such a positive influence in their lives and her dedication as a "Grammy" is unsurpassed. She is truly one of the most thoughtful people that I know, and is always offering to help out.
I threw my back out about a week ago and could barely walk. My mom was over at my house as soon as I called her, and took amazing care of not only me, but my boys too. She even made dinner for me and my little family and offered to come over the next day and watch the boys if I needed her to.
I know that there are a lot of amazing moms who are very deserving of some recognition, and I feel that my mom deserves more than what I can give her. I want her to know how much I love and appreciate her constant support, and am so thankful for her each and every day.
Jill Green"

"The past year has given my mother trials and tribulations that I’m not sure I could survive myself. About a year ago my dad broke his femur and she was the number one nurse constantly at his side. Her own father (my dear grandpa), had a series of strokes in the fall and passed away just a little over a month after his first hospital visit. During this time, my brother was preparing for a mission and she kept him going, getting all the busywork done for him while visiting my grandpa often. She dealt with a son leaving and losing her father within a week of each other. Recently the president of her church calling (stake primary presidency) passed away and she has been called to take her place. Through all this, she has 5 children and a granddaughter that she gives time and attention to. One is getting married and graduating college, one is in college, one is in Texas for 2 years, one is graduating high school and one is a teenager entering high school next year. She keeps us all going and stays strong through the tough times, which is what life is all about! "

"My mother was born in Copper Flat, Nevada 91 years ago as the third of six children of Therodore and Constantina Poulakidas, a greek family who migrated to America in 1908. She is the sole surviver of the family.She and her husband Elmer Heusser raised three children who were educated through college.Following her husband's death in 1967 Adrienne went to work checking groceries at Standard Market in Ely. After the store went bankrupt in 1982 she worked at the U.S, Forest Service Ely office doing clerical work through a retirement program. She was affectionately called "The Boss" and continued to work until she was 90.During the last few years Adrienne has undergone some major surgeries including both knees and both hips replaced but her loving and caring spirit is still there for us. She still lives in the house she was born in, which was mover to Ely in 1954 and is a very indipendent persn.She is not only my Mother, she is my bestfriend.
Connie Kliewer"

"My mom doesn't have just one specific story to tell you how wonderful she is. She just is wonderful every day. There are a lot of mothers who are rough with the new inlaws, but my mom loved my husband from the first meeting just because I did. We even had to live with her for a while when we lost our housing and was saving to buy a house. She is the daycare provider for my kids a couple of days a week. She is just awesome all of the time. I couldn't love her more. Thanks mom!"

""I'm a winner having her as a mother she is the guardian angel that God sent to me--every time we met we do it in the store we make our shopping together and have a lot of fun we love the idea of getting points with our purchase we've redeem a lot. For being the point where we meet she deserves to be Ridley's mother of the year I love you mom and Iam so thankful for having you with me and thankyou Ridley's family market for serving the community. That is why I alredy feel a winner......."
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""I think my mom is great.She is super woman! She has four kids. She is the president of 2 young woman plus if you count the non-mebers she encorages to come thats 11. All of her young womans moms are divored and they are very unsecure. So, just like superwoman she comes to the rescue gives the young women advice and a foudation and a goal to work towards. Also, she does all his while trying to find a better job for my dad that is at bissness trips all the time. Plus on top of that she has 4 fighting kids in the background. How does she do it? I'll tell ya, she's superwoman! ""

"My mom is a super mom. She Works full-time, goes to school part time, and will be graduating at the top of her class next fall. She takes care of everyone, and goes above and beyond to balance her busy schedule with family. And all so effortlessly. She is the smartest, most beautiful, hardworking, kind hearted, caring women in the world. And I would do anything for her, including nominate her for a much deserved $200 dollar gift card from Ridley's. Which is her favorite store. No one deserves it more than she does guaranteed. You can't go wrong, Choose My mom."

"All my life I have been blessed by having a Mother who is always there for me in sickness and in health, and who I can depend upon 24/7. I'm not sure where I would be today if it hadn't been for the loving support of my Mom. I recently moved to Ely, Nevada, and stayed with my Mom and stepfather for several months before getting a place of my own. During this time, I enjoyed Mom's cooking and hospitality and was welcomed by both Mom and my stepdad. During this time, my Mom made several solo trips to Las Vegas to finalize a home purchase for my brother, and then a final trip to get a U-Haul to load up and transport all of my belongings from storage to my current residence. She worked hard helping me get my belongings into my new home and getting me organized. She is very dear to me and I am thankful every day of my life that I have a Mom who is so giving of her time and help and who I know will always be there for me."

"My mother has given me and my 4 brothers the greatest gifts that a mother can give.
At the age of 4 1/2 she started my brother in piano lessons, and so of course I wanted to play at age 2. My mom took the time to practice with us daily. I consider this a great gift, the gift of time.
When I learned how to talk, I decided I wanted a violin. We didn't have extra money for a violin, but one day when my mom was garage sale shopping, she found a violin for $15. This was a great deal considering a cheap violin costs $100. That year for Christmas I got a violin and my brother got a guitar. I remember being so excited and thinking this was the best Christmas ever!
My mom started me in violin lessons and I was 5 years old. My mom would do mending for my violin teacher in trade of lessons. Each half hour lesson I took she would have to sew 3 hours. My mom gave me the gift of music.
Every time and any time I have wanted to pursue something whether it be sewing, basketball, music, pole vaulting, rodeo, 4-h, scholarship pageants, rodeo queening, cooking, my mom has always supported me. She has given me the gift of believing in myself. I know that whatever I pursue in, my mom will be there to help me. I am grateful for her gift of being my biggest fan.
Now at the age of 24, I have a wonderful husband, 3 children, and a small farm. I teach music lessons; violin, viola, and piano. My children love music and my 4 year old loves to play the violin, piano, and guitar.
My 4 brothers all play the fiddle. My older brother also plays the bass and guitar. Three of them play or have played at ranches as entertainment for their seasonal jobs.
My mom has given us the gift of knowing how to work hard.
Because my mom gave us the gift of music, she has given me the gift of being able to be a "stay at home mom" with my 3 children.
I love my mom and am grateful for all her hard work, the sleepless nights, the time she took for us, the cookies, the sack lunches, the homemade bread, the garden, the music lessons, the track meets, the rodeos, the 4-h meetings, the animals, the homemade easter dresses, the time in the car together, and everything else she has given me. I LOVE YOU MOM! Thank you for all your gifts to me. "

"I love my mother so much because of all the sacrifices she makes for me everyday. In other wrds she works full time at the local Care Center to support are family while still finding time to help with a book report or a school project. Our family has been blessed with ten children, never a dull moment at are house. She is so loving and commpassionate, when our baby sister was born last October she stayed by her bed side holding her hand in the NICU not knowing how long she would live. Elizabeth lived sixty one days and taught us all so much. Dear mother you taught us all the meaning of the words "There is nothing like the love of a mother"."

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

"MOM YOU ARE THE BEST! YOU KNOW IM OLNY 6 BUT WITH SOMEONES HELP IM WRITING YOU THIS NOTE! YOU ARE A GREAT MOM AND I LOVE YOU WITH ALLMY HEART."

"My mom is the abslute best. She supports the career I want to have. My mom and my dad have a dirvorce. For me it is hard to please my dad sence he picks favorites. Me and my siblings have a lot of problems. Some how she always figures them out and has time for all four of her kids,cleans the house, and make us meals, helps non-active LDS young women to come back to the curch, and spend time with her husband. She is supermom. Mostly I would use that term lightly but writting this has honestly made me realise that she is. I am almost 13 and my sister is 11 so she has a hard time to handle us sence we are pre-teens. She always talks to me about school and what ever i need to talk about. She learns about us while learing how to deal with troblesome teens. She is patient, kind, careing, happy, nice. she is my super hero. Man not even a dictanary can decribe what she is. I know most people would say this about there mom, cause every one thinks there mom is the best. My mom punishes me by like going to my choir concert and sreaming I love you Cimrin. Non painful but makes it so i dont wanna show my face at school ever again. Honestly i have a bad emberisment problem like if i sit in class in the back i get emberist. So she litteraly picks me up, dusts me off and makes me start again.So i can get better. My mom spends time with us and dose every thing for us to make a better living enviorment for us. like when my room was dirty she willingly helped me clen it. With a simle and a handful of trash bags helped me clean,declutter,reorganize,and rearange my room. to this day i still cant find all my stuff we kept.mabey she snuck them out and thew them out. JK my mom wouldnt do that. Some Fridays she stays up all night with us tellin' us about the good ole' days,tellin jokes,and tellin scary stories. Shes the best anyone could ask for even in our situation. Home is with the people you love no matter where you are,it is not a place. "

"I am writing to nominate my mother Shirley for Ridley's Mother of the Year. For as long as I can remember my mom has always been there for me. She is a very selfless person and has always gone without for herself in order to make sure that my brothers and I had everything we needed to be successful in life. I remember us only having one car when we were little and it being below zero outside and her walking us the 5 blocks to school just to make sure we made it ok and then her turning around and making the trip back home. And later that day when school let out she would be standing there in the cold to make sure we made the trek home alright. Shortly after I had my son she was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer and the only option was to have her leg amputated. She told me that was so that made sure that she had the chance to be around to see her grandson grow up. She never once complained about the pain and never once did she wallow in self-pity. I admire her so much for this. Exactly 9 months later I was diagnosed with Stage III ovarian cancer and was not given a very good outlook. But my mom was there to cheer me on, she was at every single chemotherapy treatment and when I wanted to give up she was there to tell me that I needed to be here to raise that grandson of hers. She never once gave up on me even when I gave up on myself. She still is my biggest fan and still cheers me on with every endeavor that I encounter. She is the best Grammie that a boy could have and my son is a better person just because she is part of his life. We all are better people because of her being a part of our lives. She truly lives her life for her children. This is why I think she should be Ridley's Mother Of the Year!
Thank you for your consideration.
Jacque Klimes Daughter
Shane Klimes Son in Law
Aaron Klimes Grandson
Arnie Yepez Son
Chad Strout Son
Tracy Strout Son

"

""Mom mom mom mom mom mom mom". Im not sure how she doesn't pull out her hair by the end of the day! My mother has done so much for me and my little sisters that we cant even begin to thank her! We really hope that just by letting you guys know that she really is amazing you could help us provide her a simple token of our gratitude. Because any woman that puts up with a 17, 9, and 3 year old on a daily basis really does need a shopping spree that will give her a good hour out of the house. :) "

"Cindy, this special mom and grandma is just simply amazing! she's a great wife and mother to her two grown children. All the while the last seventeen years has raised an awesome grand-daughter, Jordan. She works full time as the worlds greatest nurse and has recently gone back to school (as a now 50-something) to get a bachelor degree, then masters in emergency room nursing. Cindy is a great role model for her children and 9 grandchildren and a more than regular shopper at the Blackfoot Ridleys!!"

"I am writing to nominate my Co-worker Anita. She is the PERFECT example of who the Ridley's Mother Of the Year should be! She is the best Mother, Grandmother, and Great Grandmother anyone could ever ask for. She couldnt care more about her family! She is what defines "RIDLEY's MOTHER OF THE YEAR!""

"My sister and I have not seen our biological Father since we were a year old.We have not had a mother in our life for over 10 years.Two years ago our biological Father's wife, Terrie found us on Facebook. They had an attorney and they basically had to sell everything they had to pay for him.Fate has been following us! After she found us on Facebook we finally met our Dad and live with them now. They moved us from a bad school district, that was their home for 25 years. They sacrificed everything to bring us here to Paradise.We have relatives that live here and we were driving around and knew we found the perfect house. My parents are also Foster Parents and we have a 12 year old boy.She has become the Mother we never had!! She loves us as if we were her own. She has taught us so much about life, self esteem, how to dress, personal hygiene, driving. We can talk to her about anything. We love her soooo much. We can't imagine life now if we didn't have her. She is our everything and will never be able to thank her enough for what she has done for us and bringing us together with our Dad! Due to the expensive attorney, financially they are having a rough time, but any money left she will always make sure we come first, that we have clothes, haircuts, doctor and dentists visits and she does without. She said that's what Mother's do! She never expects anything in return! She has never had her own children and this would make a wonderful first Mother's Day! Thank you!!"

"In my lifes journey so far.. I've met alot of great people. but, no one like my Mother. She has raised seven kids and supported us in everything we do, try and even fail at..so we can learn together. she has given up her career to support my Fathers dreams. she makes it to every event of her Grandchildren. and would babysit everyday if we asked.This women has takin under her wing a 15 year foster boy who lost his father last year. she understands charity to the fullest. I would shout from the roof tops that my Mom is the best. she deserves to just enjoy something for her self. since she would give her shirt of her back to a stranger in need. Forever Grateful for her example."

"My mother is one of my best friends. When I was younger we were not very good friends but she worked very hard to get my heart back. It is very important to her that she wins all her children most of all to God and also to her own friendship. She has seen a lot of hard times but has come through faithful. She is the mother of 7 children, the youngest being 7 years on behind the rest. My Mom has always had a jolly laugh and a helping hand. She kept God first and then her family. I love my Mom!"

"My best friend has always ben my mom. We have a very close bond between us.She is a mother of 8 children and 22 grandchildren. Her oldest is getting married in may this year.My mother puts her familys needs first before her own. She goes to baseball,soccer,dance,and rodeos to watch each of her grandkids activities.I beive that my mom is the the one thing that holds our family toghter and keeps us close. She watched my girls as they grew up ,so they didnt have to go to day care. She is still caring for grandkids, watching them a copule days a week. My mothers health is not good and she has good days and bad. I love her very much, i am thankfful for all she has taught me and made me the person I am today. She has tought all her kids the meaning of hard work and do your best at all you do. My mother has always worked hard for what she has, from working on the farm and caring for elderly parents, and caring for us kids. My heart is so full of love and great things i could say about my mother, i could go on forever. Mother your kids love you and the grandkids think your the greatest. Thank you for always being there for me.To my best friend! "

"From basketball games to football games to volleyball games, you name it and my mother was there. Raising three children. Two boys and 1 girl, me Katee Hines. Throughout my entire life my mother has been a superhero. Managing money was always a tough thing for our family. My father travels a lot, so we have lived from the east coast, to the Mid west to now the north west. She has been doing everything to make us have everything we need even if it is a dollar here and there. She has always been giving and giving and giving, and when i saw this ad, I thought maybe it was her time to receive something that will help her and my family out. She was never the one to make sure she has everything she needed but made sure everybody else was taken care of first. We are currently living in Hagerman, taking care of my grandparents and supporting them financially as well. My father is away on business and comes home from time to time. She has been so strong to be handling us three kids, with just her strong, concerning, faithful self. As my senior year comes to an end and being the youngest, it is very hard to see my mother struggle as i grow up and take a step further into my future. My mother would not only appreciate what i did for nominating her but also would be so blessed if you picked her. She is such a wonderful person and knows that everything will happen for a reason, even if that reason is you not picking her. So many words but so little space to go into more details. There is so many words to describe my Super Mom."

" After raising six children, my mom was left alone to move forward with life. She headed back to school up here at USU to get her Masters Degree in Social work in an effort to provide, and help the world around her. She treasures family and works SO hard in the things she does!
My dear mother is dedicated to God, helping others, and bringing sunshine to life! What a blessing it is to be her daughter! "

"I have the best loving kind caring an considerate mothers one could ever have.My sweet mother raised us 6 children 4 girls an 2 boys an did a wonderfull job raising us. Her kind heart just couldn't take it when we starting leaving the nest. So her loving heart adopted 5 more children 4 boys an 1 girl. Wow what a task to take on. But that just shows what an amazing mother she is. She has always been their for everyone of us. Always putting us children first. No way to pay her back for all she has done but to hope to be like her one day. I love u so much an wishing u the happiest mothers day one could have."

"My grandma has rasised me since i was 1 1/2 years old. She brought me to the United States from Costa Rica, just to help give me a better life. She didnt have to do it but i believe she knew it was the best thing for me. Throughout my childhood, i never saw her. She always worked two jobs, and was never home. She would go to work early in the morning before i was awake and come home late at night when i was sleeping. I was always being watched my other family or friends. She has never stoped working to make the best of my life and now that i am older, she has not stoped working to make the best of hers. She has to work from 5 am until 7 pm sometimes, if not later. She is the strongest person i know. She has a husband that is ill, and does not work, does not move a finger to help her. Her heart is so big that she deals with it, and she keeps going because there is no other choice.Even though her health is going downhill, she strives to show everyone that shes okay. All of this has showed me that even when you feel like you cant keep going... you always have somthing inside you that keeps you going. She is honestly the strongest person I know. My grandma is not a grandma to me,Shes more than a grandma, she is my mother and i love her so much for everything she has done for my life. She deserves more than what she has."

"My dad died when I and my twin sister were 6 months old and my big sister was 6. She did not have an education got her education and taught in Jerome for 35 years. She did not take hand outs. Sewed all our clothes, baked bread and other stuff, had a big garden to can food. Plus did fun stuff with us. Hard life but never complained did what she had to do to take care of her family herself. That's a Mom that show good examples for everyone."

"Mother of 8 kids, with 19 grandkids and counting, and pretty much the best mom ever! sh has always been patient with us and taught us all the things we need to know to live life in the world of today! we are ever so thankfulL!
"

"My mom has had an eventful last few years. She lost both of her parents after spending months taking turns with her sisters taking care of them for weeks at a time. She had my sister move back in with her after a divorce and helped her with her two little kids as she adjusted to being a single mom. She's been the emotional support for another sister whose baby was born with severe physical problems. She went through surgery and treatment for thyroid cancer and the physical struggles that have come after that. And then she came to help me for a month after I had a difficult recovery following the birth of my 5th baby. And yet as physically and emotionally exhausted as she's been when I call telling her about my bad day or crazy schedule with my family, she's always feeling bad that she can't come help me out more or be with my other sister to help her with her baby. And through it all she's willing to bottle things from her garden when we weren't able, take my brother's kids when they need help, pick up case goods for us when we can't make it to the sale, or just be that listening ear when we need to cry. My dad's pretty awesome too for all those weeks when he's had to make his own meals, be alone for days at a time, and put up with us calling again saying, "I just need Mom!""

"I am 6 and have a relative help me type this. My mom is great! She is my girl scout volunteer cookie manager and she started a 4-H group because I want to be in there. She does everything for me, she cooks and cleans and make sure I am safe. She is a full time college student who puts herself last. My mom is getting ready to do foster care because she thinks all kids should have a great happy home. We are going to adopt children that come into our home too! Please pick my mommy she is the greatest person alive.
Thanks Hailey Holsbeck"

"How can words describe my mom? To me, she is like Caroline Ingells on Little House on the Prairie. There is an episode where Caroline uses fabric that she had bought for herself to make dresses for the girls. That is exactly what my mom would have done. There were times raising 8 kids where she went without and she gave with a smile...and never complained. Living in a 2 bedroom trailer many would have thought life was difficult, but we were some of the happiest kids on the block. Mom always made sure we knew that we were loved. She would rise early in the morning, make us breakfast, pack our lunches for school and send us on our way. Simple days and simple ways. Every day was typical...but she made my life a blessing. Now she is one of my best friends to me, my siblings...and best Grandma to her 19 grand kids! Thanks mom!"

"Kari Alcala lost the love of her life this year to a snowmobile accident. Through the pain, Kari has held her head high,smiled through the pain, and kept her four boys going on her own. She makes sure they still get to go to the easter egg hunts and play ball. She is truly amazing. Taking it all on, all on her own. We love you Kari!"

"My mother is the most kind and patient loving woman on this earth. When she 16 she married my Dad. In the 70's this was very common. And NO she was not pregnant. In fact she did not have her first child until she was 19. When she did finally become a mother that became her priority. She went on to have 8 kids, and she did it with a smile and patience. Hardly ever raising her voice but instead when a child needed to find her shoes she would get down and help her find them. When the family had very little money she would not complain but she would make every penny last by making homemade goodies and making do with what she had. I am a grown woman and I have 5 kids of my own, and I often wonder how did she do it ... What it boils down to is patience and love. Being a MOM was what she wanted to be more than anything else in the world. Now that all her kids are grown and she has many grandchildren she still is the most dedicated mother. When I need her help, she smiles, gives me a hug and pitches in. She is a great mom and a wonderful grandma. I love my mom!"