A big thank you to all the friends and family members who took the time to nominate their loved ones for our Whitefish Mom of the Year Mother’s Day Giveaway. This was a difficult choice because the nominations were all so heartfelt. A panel of community members voted and a honoree has been selected.

This mother of three was nominated twice and here are a few words used to describe her—

After a difficult year involving her youngest daughter’s medical problems, “she has continued to smile her way through each hardship. She has never once felt sorry for herself or become bitter. Each day she goes above and beyond to meet each of her three girl’s unique needs. Cooking healthy meals, cleaning, coordinating playdates, reading with them, spending time alone with them… I could go on and on. It’s been truly amazing and inspiring to watch. I can honestly say I’ve never seen a stronger, more devoted wife and mother in all my life.” Christina Schmidt

“The family has been through a lot emotionally and physically. I can only imagine the sacrifices she is taking on herself while she gracefully puts all of her energy into her family. She is always cheerful and giving, even when I’m sure she is exhausted.” Sonja Burgard

The Whitefish Mom of The Year Mother’s Day Giveaway Winner is (drumroll…) Barb Cooke!

Congratulations. You have won a prize package valued at $500.00 including a one night stay in a suite at the beautiful Good Medicine Lodge with a gourmet breakfast made by Betsy Cox, author of the cookbook Good Montana Morning,  a basket of goodies from Montana Coffee Traders, a $50 gift certificate for lunch or dinner at Rising Sun Bistro, and $200 worth of products from Arbonne!

We wish we could honor all the nominees with a fabulous prize, but words of praise and love are powerful rewards as well. Here are some words shared in the nominations—

Fifth grader Zachary Ade said of his mother, Michele Ade, “She is the best mom in the world because she is so caring and loving. I have had stitches near my eye, on my hand and had ear surgery and my mom has never left my side. She can always find a way to cheer me up by playing a game or just sitting with me. She works really hard and gets up in the morning about 5am and works to 6 or 7pm. I love my mom and she deserves a little break.”

Friend, Joanna Chung, nominated Melanie Piedemonte. “Melanie is a mother of three with number four on the way. She is kind and compassionate and has been on bed rest since February. Whenever anyone comes over, she goes out of her way to make them feel special. She is very attentive to her children… and is also a phenomenal cook and pie maker.”

Danielle Rice nominated her mom, Vickie Kelley with these powerful words, “I would like to nominate my mom because she truly is Whitefish Mom of the Year, if not the century. She was widowed with four kids and works a long job to support us and keep our family under one roof. She always finds time to help with homework, cooking, cleaning, dishes and everything that goes on in our house. She really does her best everyday. She cares about and loves her kids.”

Christine Bernat was nominated by her children Neil and Brooke (ages six and four) with this adorable poem,

My mom is pretty

she’s so neat,

we can always

have a treat.

And for our birthdays

we get dollars,

cause she’s so kind

and never hollers.

Bonnie Hannigan nominated her sister Linda Costain, saying, “She is an amazing mother, wife, sister, daughter and friend. On any given day, she can be found skiing with her boys, on a motorcycle, at the bike jumps, the skate park, on a mountain bike, or on their boat helping the boys water ski. She is always encouraging her children to think outside the box, reach for the stars and to give their friends the benefit of the doubt.” (Linda is mom to Parkin Costain who was featured in our article last Friday)

Heidi Howeth, mother of four, was nominated by Jennifer Oliver with the words, “Although she has had to deal with many challenges in her life, she handles them with ease and grace. She is kind and caring, not only to her family, but to others she meets along the way. Heidi is a beautiful person and radiates true joy and happiness.”

Thank you to those who took the time to honor the moms and send in nominations. May all the mother’s feel loved and appreciated today. Happy Mother’s Day!