It’s no easy task to be a mom.
Moms are important and deserve to be recognized, hence, the annual tradition of the Best Mom InMaricopa contest sponsored by Karsten’s Maricopa ACE Hardware. Seventy-eight Maricopa moms — a record number since the event debuted in 2012 — were nominated by husbands, kids or friends. InMaricopa.com users voted and three of the many deserving mothers were recognized as the “best” this Mother’s Day.
These three women were honored at an awards presentation ceremony at Karsten’s Ace Hardware, 21542 N. John Wayne Pkwy., May 11.
1st Place – Teresita Rivera, Mom of 3
“My favorite part about being a mom is everything that comes with it,” Rivera said. “The hugs, the ‘Mom, I need you,’ the kisses, the holding hands.”
Rivera said her three boys are all “mama’s boys,” and while she can get exhausted, she loves always being needed and wanted.
The best parts of motherhood are “the way that my kindergartener looks for me in crowds and how his face lights up when he sees me,” Rivera said, “or when my middle child just randomly cuddles up next to me and kisses me.
“It’s that feeling, the feeling of true love from your kids.”
Husband Steven said his wife “truly defines what a mom is.”
“She is the most selfless person I know and is always willing to put others before herself,” he said.
2nd Place – Ashlee Garner, Mom of 3
“It’s exhausting at times, but the rewards far outweigh any tiredness,” Garner said.
Rewards like her child’s first steps or first word.
“Their urgent need for attention to show you everything and absolutely nothing is both hilarious and heartwarming, wrapped up in a bundle of joy,” Garner said. “I wouldn’t trade a single moment of it for anything in this world.”
Husband Christopher said of his wife, “Her ability to nurture our children while excelling in her career is truly remarkable.”
3rd place – Christina Olivares, Mom of 3
“My favorite thing about being a mom in Maricopa is being able to be more present,” Olivares said.
Living outside the urban core of Phoenix community allows her to slow down her motherly duties a bit.
“When we lived in Gilbert, there was always somewhere we needed to go or something we needed to do,” she said.
Olivares was nominated by her 18-year-old daughter Nevaeh Medina.
“The past 18 years of my life, my mom has made sure I have the best memories and just the best life in general,” Medina said. “My mom is always here for me and never fails to be here, even if she is busy with orders or super tired, she will stop what she is doing to make sure I am okay and happy, and she has never failed me.
“My mom has truly impacted my life in such a way I never thought she would, she is truly my best friend, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Rivera was awarded the grand prize package that included a $500 Wicker Egg chair from Karsten’s Ace Hardware. Many other local businesses added to the haul:
Free Orbitel services for a year
$300 Coconut Cleaning voucher
$100 Visa gift card from 911 Air Repair
Handmade gift basket from Wildcat Landscape Supply containing $100 gift card to Lotus Evolutions
Free 14-inch pie at Rosati’s Pizza
$50 Amazon gift card from My Maricopa Plumber
$50 gift card from Native Grill & Wings
$50 gift card from Salon 88
Flower bouquet from Sol Flowers AZ
Garner was awarded the $350 Craftsman Rolling Toolkit from Karsten’s Ace Hardware, which came with:
$200 gift card from Maricopa Wellness Center
Golfland Fun Passes – pack of 4 from InMaricopa
Core 3 Cleaning from The Maids in Maricopa
Alexa Echo Show from Cox Communications
$100 Visa gift card from 911 Air Repair
$50 gift card from Salon 88
Flower bouquet from Sol Flowers AZ
Free 14-inch pie from Rosati’s Pizza
Olivares was awarded 5 gallons of paint of the color of her choice. The $250 prize was provided by Karsten’s Ace Hardware. She also received:
$200 gift card from Electrical District No. 3
Free A/C check-up or Synthetic Oil Change from AAMCO
Four-person value pack and concrete mixer from Culver’s
$100 Visa gift card from 911 Air Repair
$50 gift card and T-shirt from Rili-B’s
$50 gift card from Salon 88
Flower bouquet from Sol Flowers AZ
