Dear Erika, Im not sure what to say about my mom....she is 31 years older than me and yet, one of my bestest friends. She has stood by my side through thick and thin and I know will always be there for me. I am 43 years old and have a almost 3 year old (end of May) and a 1 year old and my mother never thought it would happen. My husband and I are in a 2nd marriage for both, he"s 50, and we just didnt think it was going to happen, which was fine because we were finally happy in a relationship, but then we bought a house and wham! anyhooo, enough about me and on to my wonderful mother...she has grandchildren from my brothers but they all live out of town and she isn't close to them but when she learned I was expecting, she walked on clouds. She wanted more than anything a granddaughter as she didnt have one yet, and stated that she would get down every night and ask God for one...well, we let her know as soon as we found out so her knees wouldn't rot off. Ha Ha. We named her Abigail, mainly due to my moms name being Gail...she calls her, her Abby. Now I have blessed my mother with a happy little boy, Noah, and Nana couldnt be happier. She lives in Michigan, but travels down here whenever she gets a chance and is in the works of selling her home to move to Toledo to be closer to her babies. I would love nothing better than to have a beautiful photo session done by you of my family and I hope that you choose my mom as the winner of the fabulous package. Have a great day and Thank you for the opportunity to enter. Sincerely, Dawn Goldstein
My mom , Amy Stemen,is the strongest woman I know. She has overcome many obstacles through out her life. She has always came out on top and carries a positive attitude where ever she goes. No matter what is going on behind close doors if you see my mom she will always have a smile on her face. She has always been my role model, and hero. She has taught me you can do anything a man can do and you do not need his help to get anything done, while having a companion to be a teammate is very important. Growing up I remembered hearing " I am your mother I am not supposed to be your friend", as I was asking to do things I knew she wouldn't let me do even though other kids could. I now thank her for this and am proud to say she is my best friend. I only hope to be as good of role model for my little girl and that she will be as proud to call me mom as I am to call her grammie my mom! <3
Thanks,
Lindy Schwab
Hi Erika! I just wanted to tell you a little about my Mama! I always think about entering in these contests about how AWESOME my mom is but truely my words fail me. But today I will try, because she deserves it!
Strength, compassionate, unconditional love, dedicated, loyal, patient.... these are the words that immediately pop into my mind when I am thinking of my mom. She is my rock.....she is the rock for A LOT of people around her. She and my dad were married for 25 years, she stood proudly by his side through the ups and downs of bipolar, his battle with bowel cancer, and through his battle with lung cancer which he eventually lost. When my dad passed away, I recall thinking how strong I was and that I was going to have to take care of my mom now. At his funeral, I remember being at the back of the church getting ready to walk down the aisle, I almost fell to my knees consumed with grief, then I felt an arm around me, it was my mom. She was the one who held me up as we walked down the aisle at his funeral. I think if there is one moment that embodies everything I feel about my mom, it would be this moment.
Strength, compassionate, unconditional love, dedicated, loyal, patient.... these are the words that immediately pop into my mind when I am thinking of my mom. She is my rock.....she is the rock for A LOT of people around her. She and my dad were married for 25 years, she stood proudly by his side through the ups and downs of bipolar, his battle with bowel cancer, and through his battle with lung cancer which he eventually lost. When my dad passed away, I recall thinking how strong I was and that I was going to have to take care of my mom now. At his funeral, I remember being at the back of the church getting ready to walk down the aisle, I almost fell to my knees consumed with grief, then I felt an arm around me, it was my mom. She was the one who held me up as we walked down the aisle at his funeral. I think if there is one moment that embodies everything I feel about my mom, it would be this moment.
My mom volunteers for everything and takes care of everyone around her. I am serious if you need someone for your cause, call my mom, she will step right up. My mom volunteers her time for Relay for Life, Medical Reserve Corps, Bereavement Group, Path Meals, Food Pantry, and that is just the few that popped into my head! My mom is a natural caretaker, she can't even help herself. When my uncle was diangosed with cancer, my mom moved him and his family into her home. She cared for him and his family during his battle and was by his side when he lost his battle. My mom also cares for her aunt and helps her aunt maintain independent living...which is a HUGE task!
I am very fortunate.....no matter what choices I have made, no matter how many wrong paths I took, no matter how many cringeworthy events I have put her through, I have never had to question my mom's love for me. I always know wherever I am at in life, I can pick up the phone and my mom will be there to support me, provide me with encouragement and sometimes help pick up all those little pieces.
Now, I will tell you about the role my mom is most proud of and which provides her with the most joy, being Grammy! There is nothing, and I mean nothing she won't do for her grandkids. When my mom is with my children and my niece I can literally see the unconditionally love pouring out of her, it is the most beautiful thing! That is why I chose the photo I did, she is with her grandkids and I have never seen her look more beautiful!
Kristy Stoller
I would like to nominate my mom, Roxana Lytle, for the free photo shoot. This is a picture of my mom, me, and her sister when I was in college. They were best of friends and we lost her to cancer in 2007. As her daughter, I stepped up to help my mom out in the tough times we had. I am her only child and now I have a daughter. My mom has always been there for me throughout the years. I love watching the smile on her face when she spends time with Meredith. She loves her so much and they have helped me out numerous times. I live 45 minutes away from them, but we usually find time to see each other a few times a week. My parents have even drove halfway home with me when I had a crying baby so I could sit with her. My mom is my best friend and I love her so much. We are going to the Kenny Chesney concert in May and I know we will thinking of Aunt Janet when we are there.
Allyssa Alvarez
Hey Erika,
I'm nominating my mom, Shannon Foltz, for your contest. I know everyone says that their mom is their best friend but mine literally is! She's been a single mom off and on all my life and always told me no matter who comes in and out of our lives we will always have each other. My mom has been with me through every milestone of life. She cried the day of my first prom, laughed with me during the many car rides to pageants and held me tight as I went through the obstacles of becoming an adult. Without her I wouldn't be the woman I am today. She taught me how to love, how to handle a loss of a best friend, how to laugh and most importantly how to live life to the fullest! She's the best mom any girl could ever ask for! Thank you,
Chelsy Biederman
Hello,
This is a picture taken with my mama, brother, and I in 2009 when my brother was graduating boot camp as a Marine.
Hi! My name is Katie Lipps. My mother has to be one of the most selfless people I know. She always puts work, family, God and friends before herself. My mother has worked at NAPA Distribution Center since she was 19 years old. She will be 63 next month! I cannot even begin to imagine working at the same place for over 44 years not to mention the hour drive to and from work that she has each day. She puts in long hard hours at work and has the best work ethic I have ever come across. Just this month, my daughter Kayana turned 3. She had a very special birthday party that my mother did not want to miss. She called me apologizing, but she had the flu. . . of course she was at work. . . confined to her office and would not leave as someone else already left and went home ill that day. I didn’t know how to tell her not to come, because I knew I wanted her there and of course wanted to have pictures taken at the party with the family and Brutus too! She chose to stay home and miss the party. She didn’t want to get any of us or the other guests sick. (But she was at work that day – lol!.) I know it was not an easy choice for her to make. Through the years, she helped take care of both of my father’s parents before they entered heaven and did the same for her own. Anytime I have ever needed my mother, she has been there. She was also there many times in my life when . . . well maybe I had hoped she wasn’t looking or paying attention LOL! I wasn’t exactly an angel in my teenage years. My father too has had his own health problems and along the way and she has been right there by his side. She probably the most devout Catholic I have ever come across as well. She RARELY misses a weekend mass and no matter where she is. . .she will hunt down the nearest Catholic church. She is my best friend! I can tell her anything! We talk almost EVERY day! She has always been by my side. Sometimes I didn’t want to listen, but in the end, somehow she would hook line and sinker me until I saw it her way. She’s a fabulous grandmother to our 3 children and a wonderful mother-in-law to my husband. She treats Nathan like her own. As for her friends, when they need her most. . . she is always there. She is there with food when people are sick or have lost a loved one, she is there to clean when they are too busy or unable, she is there just to talk or let them cry on her shoulder. She does MANY MANY things for MANY MANY people and would NEVER ask for a thing in return. Many of you probably know my mother and could even elaborate for what she has done for you or someone you know. Think of your mother first on mother’s day, but if my mother has touched your heart or someone’s heart that you know, think of her too. Please like this photo to allow me to give her the opportunity to get a little gift back for all she has done.
Thank you and Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there!
Katie Lipps
Our mother is beautiful inside and out. I've never see a person love more than she does. It's refreshing to know you always have her on your side, willing to fight for you... because that's what Mom's do. Mom is always positive, and will give you that extra boost of confidence you need when you think all hope is lost. She has seen every one of us though the births of our babies, through trials in life that try to destroy us, and through times when you feel defeated, she's always there. She has a servants heart and is willing to put others needs before her own. She's not just a mother, she's our best friend. We are who we are today because of you Mom! We love you!!
Amanda Moore
My mother is an amazing woman whom I look up to and hope I can be half the woman/ mother she is and has been! She is a retired teacher and now a full time babysitter for all 5 of her grandchildren!! Love you Mom, Reonna
Mom is the most amazing person. She has always put others before herself. She has always shown that no matter what you may be going through in life, there is always a way to overcome it.
She has always blessed us with unconditional love. Even when our behavior made it difficult at times. We love you mom and you deserve this!
Love Cody, Brooke, Haley and Alex
I don't know if God has given me enough time in a lifetime, enough appreciation, enough ability to understand and treasure the Mother He was bountiful in giving me. My Mother is a kind, gentle soul always searching for ways to serve others. Her gift in life is making others feel loved. She has always made me feel loved and special. I celebrate her everyday. It's been nearly 9 years since my worst nightmare almost came true. Five weeks after my Husband and I were married, my Mother, Christine suddenly collapsed with a ruptured brain aneurysm. In critical condition, she was life flighted to St. Vincents Hospital in Toledo where she remained hospitalized for 2 more weeks. She underwent surgery to clip the aneurysm and survived her ordeal. Ruptured brain aneurysms are fatal in about 40% of cases. Of those who survive, about 66% suffer some permanent neurological deficit. My Mother beat the odds and at 62 years of age, she continues to function just as she did prior to the aneurysm. She was released from the hospital the day before Thanksgiving. It was the most blessed Thanksgiving ever and her survival gave a whole new meaning to the term "Thanksgiving." Just one day later, we learned we were expecting our first child. The happy news proved to be the positive motivator my Mother needed during her period of recovery and healing. In July of 2005, our beautiful daughter Maci was born. It was an immediate and special bond between a Grandmother and her first born Grandchild. Maci is my Mother's namesake, Maci Christine. I feel truly blessed to have her apart of my Children's lives. I treasure the moments we spend with one another. I thank God every day for her beautiful spirit. It is my hope you would consider voting for My Mother, Christine Kirk. Although, I know she feels loved already...I think it would be such a gift to honor her story and feel the love and support of others. Thank You, Alyssia McDowell
Hello,
This is a picture taken with my mama, brother, and I in 2009 when my brother was graduating boot camp as a Marine.
My mom is my best friend. She is the strongest woman I know. She has endured so much and still gives her all to my brother and I, even though we are both grown and married! We have always been #1 to her. She raised us all by herself and never gives herself enough credit for anything. She receives so many compliments from people in the small town of Kalida, where she's from and works, of what great kids/ adults my brother and I have become. We owe it all to her. Last year was the hardest year on our family. In February, the week of my brothers wedding, my step dad had a stroke at 63. Mom spent day after day at the hospital in Fort Wayne and then every day at the nursing home in Lima when he went there for rehab. Then my brother was deployed to Afghanistan, a week before my wedding in May. With the stress from my step dad not working and being disabled, my mom held herself together with her impeccable faith. Then in October, my grandpa, my mom's dad, was diagnosed with cancer. My mom is the oldest girl of 7 kids and was always there for my gramma or to take grandpa to his appointments. This past February, my grandpa lost his battle & went to heaven, with my gramma and all 7 kids around his bed. It is truly amazing how peaceful it was. Now my mom is trying to help my gramma recover from a hip replacement. She's at the nursing home several times a day, just to make sure gramma is always comfortable and doesnt need anything. Oh my---i feel like I'm writing you a book! Haha
But really, my mom is an amazing woman. Her favorite motto, that she lives by, "God will never give you more than you can handle." He sure trusts her with a lot :)
We haven't had family pictures taken professionally since my brother and i were little. And now we are both married and are all feeling blessed to have each other. Thank you for this opportunity to share how fabulous my mom is.
Abby BlakeHi! My name is Katie Lipps. My mother has to be one of the most selfless people I know. She always puts work, family, God and friends before herself. My mother has worked at NAPA Distribution Center since she was 19 years old. She will be 63 next month! I cannot even begin to imagine working at the same place for over 44 years not to mention the hour drive to and from work that she has each day. She puts in long hard hours at work and has the best work ethic I have ever come across. Just this month, my daughter Kayana turned 3. She had a very special birthday party that my mother did not want to miss. She called me apologizing, but she had the flu. . . of course she was at work. . . confined to her office and would not leave as someone else already left and went home ill that day. I didn’t know how to tell her not to come, because I knew I wanted her there and of course wanted to have pictures taken at the party with the family and Brutus too! She chose to stay home and miss the party. She didn’t want to get any of us or the other guests sick. (But she was at work that day – lol!.) I know it was not an easy choice for her to make. Through the years, she helped take care of both of my father’s parents before they entered heaven and did the same for her own. Anytime I have ever needed my mother, she has been there. She was also there many times in my life when . . . well maybe I had hoped she wasn’t looking or paying attention LOL! I wasn’t exactly an angel in my teenage years. My father too has had his own health problems and along the way and she has been right there by his side. She probably the most devout Catholic I have ever come across as well. She RARELY misses a weekend mass and no matter where she is. . .she will hunt down the nearest Catholic church. She is my best friend! I can tell her anything! We talk almost EVERY day! She has always been by my side. Sometimes I didn’t want to listen, but in the end, somehow she would hook line and sinker me until I saw it her way. She’s a fabulous grandmother to our 3 children and a wonderful mother-in-law to my husband. She treats Nathan like her own. As for her friends, when they need her most. . . she is always there. She is there with food when people are sick or have lost a loved one, she is there to clean when they are too busy or unable, she is there just to talk or let them cry on her shoulder. She does MANY MANY things for MANY MANY people and would NEVER ask for a thing in return. Many of you probably know my mother and could even elaborate for what she has done for you or someone you know. Think of your mother first on mother’s day, but if my mother has touched your heart or someone’s heart that you know, think of her too. Please like this photo to allow me to give her the opportunity to get a little gift back for all she has done.
Thank you and Happy Mother's Day to all you moms out there!
Katie Lipps
Our mother is beautiful inside and out. I've never see a person love more than she does. It's refreshing to know you always have her on your side, willing to fight for you... because that's what Mom's do. Mom is always positive, and will give you that extra boost of confidence you need when you think all hope is lost. She has seen every one of us though the births of our babies, through trials in life that try to destroy us, and through times when you feel defeated, she's always there. She has a servants heart and is willing to put others needs before her own. She's not just a mother, she's our best friend. We are who we are today because of you Mom! We love you!!
Amanda Moore
My mother is an amazing woman whom I look up to and hope I can be half the woman/ mother she is and has been! She is a retired teacher and now a full time babysitter for all 5 of her grandchildren!! Love you Mom, Reonna
Mom is the most amazing person. She has always put others before herself. She has always shown that no matter what you may be going through in life, there is always a way to overcome it.
She has always blessed us with unconditional love. Even when our behavior made it difficult at times. We love you mom and you deserve this!
Love Cody, Brooke, Haley and Alex
