Happy Mother's Day 2007
A sentimental occasion to praise all the moms who are 'No. 1' in the hearts of their loved ones

Janet Helen Wild, formerly of Thousand Oaks and Moorpark: 2007 is the 10th anniversary of her passing.

Everyone agrees she had a strong, friendly, gracious personality and was the "Martha Stewart of Thousand Oaks."

She loved to work in her garden, bake goodies, prepare gourmet meals and could have been a professional interior designer.

She was Jan of "Jan's Wedding Receptions and Party Planning."

She was the best grandma to her four grandchildren by sharing her time and teaching them life's values hands on.

She was the best mom by teaching her two daughters the life skills necessary to grow up to be women she was proud of. Susan Ashcraft Simi Valley

My darling mother is 90 years young. I am the third child of six. I was the more needy child. To this day she still calls to tell me she loves me. If I'm not home she leaves endearing messages. She has always been there for me. She is always up for a good game of Scrabble, which she usually wins. It's everyone in the family's goal to beat her. She has six children, 14 grandchildren and 19 greatgrandchildren. The greatgrandchildren all call her "great" because that is what she is! Marilyn Rodriguez, 61, Simi Valley

This Mother's Day will be a sad one for my family. This past February, my grandmother passed away and left a void that can never again be filled. However, my mom, Gloria, demonstrated during this time of sadness the type of leadership, bravery, thoughtfulness, selflessness, and love that would've made my grandmother proud. So in a way, she was a perfect reflection of my grandmother.

I would like to say "Happy Mother's Day" to my mom and her five sisters who allow my Grandmother Margaret's memory to live on in the loving actions that they do for our entire family. Mark Lopez Simi Valley

My mom, Hazel Curtis, 89 years, was a mom from Reseda that could have been on a '50s sitcom. She loved being a wife for 61 years, mom, grandma and great-grandma. Immigrated from England with my dad and brother.

She was always there and ran our house better than any CEO. Never worked outside of the home, but real proud about her two holeinones at Van Nuys Golf Course. We could always count on her.

She is in a different world now, living in a residental care center in Simi Valley with Alzheimer's (my dad also has it), but I know she knows I am still special to her by the look on her face. Julie Francis Simi Valley

No mother's perfect, not even mine

All mothers' perfection somehow decline

Because a mother always wishes the best for her child

But if her wishes succeeded, oh, how life would be boring and mild

A parent's mistake builds anger but also strong character

Mistakes can be covered up with love from the heart and above

So thank you, mommy, for yelling loudly and making days seem cloudy

I know it's because you love me And I love you

You are stronger than a diamond

One day I want to be just like you Ashni Simi Valley

Dear mom (Caren): You are the most amazing woman we know and we couldn't imagine a better mother, friend, or inspiration than you. You have sacrificed so much for us over the years and we are more grateful than you will ever know. We hope you know how much you are truly loved and appreciated every day. Thank you so much for always being there for us and being who you are.

Happy 23rd Mother's Day! We love you so so so much. Jenna, Tanya and Kevin Fleck Simi Valley

To the woman who has given everything, done everything, and loved me every step of the way, Happy Mother's Day. Your strength has been my beacon of light and hope when I've been lost in the vast seas of darkness; your guidance has been my compassing measure that has kept me sailing through stormy waters in the right direction. And your love has been my encouragement to sail on, even when I didn't see a sunrise on the horizon- thank you. I love you, mommy. Lauren M. Rowlands Simi Valley

My mom, Bunnie Servant, is special for more reasons than I can say here. She loves me with all of her heart, and made many sacrifices for me. For everything she has done for me over the years, one of the things I am most grateful for is when I was traveling for work and homesick, she called me every day so I wouldn't be lonely.

She reminds me daily that it's the little things that let others know you love them. She still sends me an email daily so I know she's thinking about me. I love my mom! Samantha Argabrite Simi Valley

My mom is special to me because she is always there for me. She is always supportive and is trying to get me to do new things. She always tries to get to all the special events that I do like football or basketball games. I always like to go on vacation with her. She always likes to hear me play my instrument, the saxophone. She is constantly trying to make her jokes as funny as mine. I love my mom and I hope that she has the best Mother's Day of her life.

Nicolas Scherieble, 12

Mom, also known as Nona (Italian for Grandmother), Josephine, Josie, Jo, and the Queen Mum, is not only special to me, but to all who know her. Because of her generosity of spirit and kind heart she is Nona to T.J.; Mom to Joe, Barbara, Elaine, Phyllis, Janice, Shelley, Cindy and anyone in need of mothering.

Mom is one of those special moms who take everyone under her charge, love them and make them feel special and loved. That's why she is the greatest mom in the whole wide world and we all love her very much. Happy Mother's Day, mom! Marie Fagan Simi Valley

My mom is the greatest mom ever! When she found out I was pregnant with triplets, she quit her job, sold her house and moved here to Simi Valley to help me the first few months. I am so grateful to her and my stepdad for all of their sacrifices. I would have not made it those first few months without her.

Thank you, mom, for all of your love, help and support. I will always cherish the time we were able to spend together and will never forget what you did for us. The babies and I miss you every day. I love you, mom! Lauren Mercado Simi Valley

I can't think of anyone more lovable than my mom. She's the greatest mom in the world. Without her, I couldn't live. I love her, and I wouldn't trade her for anything. She has a blessed heart, and is a graceful girl. When I was a baby, I'd smile happily and reach out to hug her. And she always said, "Yes." She reminds me of a rose, so peaceful and loving. I love my mom so much! Melissa Malanowski Simi Valley

I just want to tell you about the most wonderful mom in the world. She is my mom, and I love her very much. She always looks out for me, and always makes the best dinners. I love how my mom cooks. She also helps keep me and my sister on schedule. She always knows what is going on. I can remember how she helped me when I was growing up, and she still helps me today. My mom is the best! Alison Malanowski Simi Valley

I love my mother because she has an unlimited capacity for love; she puts the needs and wants of my father, my brother and I before her own. She's my best friend and my model for what a woman should be: pretty, kind, compassionate, dignified, optimistic, good-natured, and generous of spirit.

Mere words can't articulate how much I need her and how wonderful she makes my life. I simply want to tell her this Mother's Day that I love her with all my heart. I love you, mommy. Happy Mother's Day. Jennifer Reimers Simi Valley

Hi Mommy (Jennifer Vacca), We love you so much because you are such a special mommy. You work so hard to make us happy. We really appreciate all of your hard work and love you give us each and every day. We wanted to tell you that we love you too, mucho mucho!

Your two favorite boys, Joey and Nico Vacca Simi Valley

My mom is so special because she is a loving and caring person and always puts her kids first before herself- she is a giver. She is extremely supportive no matter what decisions I make. When mom laughs, it's a belly laugh and it's contagious. Mom was a single mom, worked two jobs to make sure my sister and I had a good quality of life growing up, and has filled our lives with continuous joy. No matter how old I am, I will always need her. Thank you for being the best mommy ever. Michelle Conte Simi Valley

My mother's name is Helen Tobin. Two years ago I was diagnosed with breast cancer at the young age of 31. My mother put her life on hold to be there for me. I underwent six rounds of chemo and she stayed with me at home to help me recover after each round. If I needed her after that she would drive down at the drop of a hat. We have two small children and even today she's the one person we can always rely on if we need a babysitter. I am very fortunate to have her. Danielle Dela Cruz Simi Valley

She brought me to life in 1984, Her love and support is our family's core. She's taught me to share and care, And that life is not always fair. There have been times of good and bad, She is the one to make sure I am never sad. Sure we may argue and fight, But I don't know what I'd do if we weren't so tight. Through friends, colorguard, and boys, Being her daughter is my favorite pride and joy. My mother is my best friend,

Today, tomorrow, until the end.

I love you and Happy Mother's Day! Becky Fleishman Simi Valley

To my mom, Rosie, you are an amazing mother, woman and friend. You have always been an incredible support and a wonderful example of what a mother should be. You have been the driving force encouraging me in my walk with the Lord. I love you with all my heart. When I look at my own children words can't describe how much I love them. It is then I realize and begin to understand all the love you have for me. Thank you. May I be as good to my children as you have been to me. Alexandra Gerena Simi Valley

Joyce Rosenfeld is an extraordinary mother, grandmother and in my case, mother-in-law. In eight years, I have never had a "horrible motherin-law" story to share with a girlfriend. She looks out for me and even makes sure her son is taking good care of me.

When I suffered from severe postpartum depression, Joyce came and stayed by my side, comforted me and helped to get me the help I needed- she loved me through it. She has raised four children who honor her and has one daughter-in-law who wishes to carry on her legacy as the "mother-in-law from heaven." Mahta Rosenfeld Simi Valley

My mom is a special woman. She used hardships in a positive way. She moved out on her own when she was 15 and she eventually became an executive travel agent and had to raise me as a single mom. She taught me that life is not always easy, but what we make of it is truly what counts. She taught me to take any hardship of my own and turn it into a way to help others. She has never left my side. She's my rock and my fortress and she's also my best friend. Desiree Nelson Simi Valley

My mother, Kathy, always motivated me to exert only top efforts. Her encouragement in all my endeavors, from baseball to college to writing, contributed greatly to my life's successes.

Perhaps equally important were the kicks in the tail she gave me when it was required. And I provided plenty of opportunities. But she focused on learning from mistakes rather than dwelling on punishment, which is important. Her laugh is contagious, and I can't count how many of my old friends from Simi Valley, when our paths cross, ask me about her. That says quite a bit about my mom. Keith Jajko Simi Valley

Our mom is simply the best, better than all the rest. She has the toughest job in the world, taking care of the three of us. We know that's not easy. We seldom say thanks, mom, for laying out our clothes or cleaning up our messes. So as this Mother's Day approaches, mom, we want you to know that this Mother's Day and every day we appreciate everything you do. Most importantly we love you. Austin, Carol, Emma Roundy Simi Valley

My mom is special because she is pretty, nice and will always be there for me. I really like it when she gives me surprises. I also love to cuddle with her.

(Mommy is Priscella Pacheco.) Katrina Roseberry, 7, Simi Valley

My mom is special because she is a pretty mommy.

(Mommy is Nikki Munro.) Jack Munro, 3, Simi Valley

My mom is special because she is always there for me when I need her like when I fell on the road and got two big huge giant red scratches on my knees. She put a Band-Aid on them and kissed them- then it felt all better. Whenever she kisses me it makes me better. She is also gorgeous. I wish I will be as pretty as she is when I grow up. I love when she kisses me and hugs me.

(Mommy is Tracy Rogers.) Abigail Rogers, 8, Simi Valley

My mom is kind and giving. I am so happy we have such a tight bind; if she wasn't my mom I think I would go crazy! She feels like a big sister to me. We have fun when we go on family trips and just to get our toes done. Whenever I am feeling down or happy she finds a way to make my day even better. She will drive me to San Francisco for Girl Scouts and even to Las Vegas for my birthday. I love my mom and that is why. Kelley Jo from Coco Mo Simi Valley

Mother's Day submissions that did not make it into print this week will be held over for our next issue, coming out Friday, May 18.