Moorpark mom sets example for al
By Sylvie Belmond belmond@theacorn.com

JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers CONNECTED- The Daehlin family, from left, Andrew, 14, a Chaparral School eighth-grader; Kira Rose, 5; mom, Mary Linn, and Kelsey, 11, a Walnut Canyon Elementary School fifth-grader.

While Mary Linn Daehlin supports, teaches and inspires countless families through her work, she always makes time to fulfill the needs of her own family first.

Most working moms must sacrifice a great deal to achieve successful careers, but Daehlin, the program director for First Five's Neighborhood for Learning in Moorpark and Simi Valley, said she's found a niche where she can give happily both to her career and to her family without too much stress.

She admits, however, things are getting increasingly difficult for working moms because there seems to be more to do every day.

The responsibilities don't diminish as children grow, said Daehlin, who's noticed her family's schedule is busier each year.

Her son, Andrew, 14, plays competitive hockey. His 11year-old sister, Kelsey, is a cheerleader with the Moorpark Packers and enjoys synchronized ice skating.

The family's youngest member, 5-year-old Kira Rose, is getting ready to join the flurry of activities.

Daehlin wouldn't want it any other way.

"I hope my children grow up to be great people, and that they never stop trying to reach their goals," she said.

"I love my mom because she does a lot of cool things for me," said Kelsey, a fifth-grader at Walnut Canyon Elementary School. "She takes me to skating and to cheerleading and also helps me cook."

Team effort also helps, said Daehlin, who gets a lot of support from her husband and her parents, who also live in Moorpark.

"My wife, as I see it, is synonymous with saint," said Daehlin's husband, Kim. "Mary Linn never lets her children feel the lack of time or attention that they deserve." She helps them with homework, cooks dinner and does the laundry.

She also encourages, listens and takes care of her entire family, Kim Daehlin said.

"Mary Linn really cares, she's super mom," said Marion O'Neill, Daehlin's mother. She cultivates her family's spiritual and social upbringing in a wonderful way: "Mary Linn has a strong sense of family."

She keeps everyone connected, especially because she makes sure they always have their meals together, said O'Neill, who takes care of her grandchildren while their mom is at work.

The joys of motherhood come from the simplest of things, said Daehlin.

"The most rewarding thing about motherhood is getting hugs and kisses from my children.

"I love just spending time with them," she said.