To the mothers of fallen heroes: Our...

To the mothers of fallen heroes:

Our friend, Deb Win’E, is a mother who recently lost her son,

Trevor, in Iraq. Debi is a mother who is always there for her

children. She is the most loving lady we know. Debi always stands by

her decisions, no matter how life altering her choices may be.

When Trevor chose to join the Army, she had the typical

trepidation a mother has the first time her child takes a first step.

Debi knew her youngest son had to take his first step into manhood

and was extremely proud of his calling to serve his country.

We want to remember Simona Garibay, who lost her son March 2003. I

am sure she is as special to her friends as Debi is to us Thank you

to both mothers, who will not have their sons with them this Mother’s

Day. For they gave their lives in the name of freedom.

Trevor and Jose truly believed in their country and what they were

fighting for. This is a time to remember all the mothers who brought

such incredible human beings into this world and raised conscientious

individuals who would sacrifice their lives for our country.

We would like to say Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers who

have a son or daughter serving their country. Love, from those who

care.

DELANIE FERGUSON

Costa Mesa

*

To Darcie Schott: Wife, Mom and great friend to all.

Happy Mothers Day, Mom. We love you bigger than the world. You

make us smile, you make us laugh. But most of all, we love you

because you are our mom. Love and kisses.

JOSEPHINE, 6 and HAYDEN, 3

*

Hello, my name is John Leonard. I am 14 years old and in eighth

grade at Mariners Christian School.

My mom is the best in the world. She always has a happy and

servant attitude. She wakes up early every morning and walks our two

dogs that my sister and I promised to take care of and feeds them.

She is so awesome and has unconditional love for us.

Not only does my mom take care of my dad, sister and me, she also

cares for families in need at our school. She is the head of the

Special Needs program. My mom does all this with never-ceasing joy. I

have never heard her complain about her workload or wish to be

without it.

My favorite quality about her is her easy to get along with and

loving attitude. I am the luckiest son in the world to have so much

love. Thanks for everything, Mommy. I love you.

JOHN LEONARD

*

We just wanted to say that our mom is the best chauffeur, chef,

homework helper, troop leader, Team Mom, maid, helpful volunteer,

sailor, artist, field trip chaperone, room cleaner, clothing buyer,

wife and gardener there is. She’s also our best friend.

We love you, Mom. Happy Mother’s Day!

RYAN, 10 and BAYLEY DAVIDSON, 8

*

My mom, Cynthia Bartlau, has been one of the main reasons that

many of my life’s dreams and goals have come true. Thank you, Mom,

for all you have done for me. Your love and support is always

evident, and I am thankful for that. Sorry I won’t be home for

Mother’s Day, but I will be thinking about you. Have a wonderful day.

I love you always.

KATHRYN BARTLAU

Corona del Mar

*

When God created moms, he made ours, Pam Cashion, the best. There

is nothing she cannot do and nothing she would not do for us. She has

taught us to love one another, to share, teach and do the best we can

do.

She loves us no matter we do and makes everyone feel like the most

special person in the world. Each day in our house is a new

adventure, full of fun and wonder. And she makes every day special.

Also, she loves our dad -- and we like that.

RACHEL and CLARK CASHION

*

Our mother is loving and caring -- this we can say,

She has been there for her children every step of the way.

She knows each one of us -- inside and out,

Even though there are seven of us scattered about!

Our mother is generous and kind -- this is no boast,

It makes no difference to her if you’re on the East or West coast.

She is always ready to help -- you don’t have to ask twice,

She is incredibly giving of her time -- and boy, is that nice!

Our mother is a true friend -- and this I value so much,

As I try to raise my children, I keep in close touch.

She is a listener and a teacher, an encouraging voice when I’m

down,

And I feel so lucky each day that she is our mom.

Happy Mother’s Day to Catherine Yuhas, our wonderful mom!

With much love and appreciation,

YOUR CHILDREN

*

For Gail Ossipoff:

With every deed and every breath,

You extend your heart and love to us.

The joy you bring, not just to us but those around you,

Speaks of your soul, your instinct and your love.

The path you clear for us is ours to pave,

For our children and our children’s children.

You have shown us well, dear Mother.

You have shown us grace.

We love you so very much.

NICHOLAS, KATHERINE

and ALEXA OSSIPOFF

*

We can call you No. 1 and we can name you the best, but you fall

into a category far beyond the rest. Always on the go, with one kid

to the next, not a moment to relax, not even to take a breath.

We can count on you to be our friend and appreciate all the time

we spend. Five kids are a handful, and only you can do the things you

do because you’re our one and only “Tishy Too.”

“Thank you” can’t express how grateful we are, for a mother who’s

truly a superstar. We love you, Mom! Happy Mother’s Day!

Love,

KRISTIN, STEFANIE, BRITTANY,

MICHAEL and MELANIE

*

A poem for Janet Salas, written by her daughter:

My mom is a wonder, she doesn’t even blunder.

My mom is a rock hound, she is the person I never could have

found.

My mom is a smile in the dark, just like a song from a lark.

My mom is my mom, that’s the way it goes.

Mom, I love you.

RACHAEL SALAS, 10

Newport Beach

*

Happy Mother’s Day, Mommy,

We all love you so much. From the bottom of our hearts we thank

you for putting everything you do into raising us to be such strong

young people and for making our lives so wonderful. We honor you so

much for being the incredible mom you are. You truly are the best,

and we love you a lot. XOXO.

Love,

DAD, PEANUT, EMMY,

BROOKSIE and BEAR

*

My mom plays baseball with me. She takes me skiing and surfing. We

love her so much. She’s my best friend.

ZACH and KATEY-BUG GRANOFF

*

Elaine (also known as Nana),

Thank you for being such an amazing woman. I have learned so much

from you. I feel so lucky to have a mom as wonderful and

understanding as you. You are always interested in what is happening

in my life and in my family’s. You always take time out of your busy

life to spend time with your grandchildren. They love you so much and

have so much fun being with you. Thanks for teaching them so many

wonderful things

And what can I say -- how many husbands love hanging out with

their mother-in-law, just joking around and laughing? You are the

best mom and hold such a special place in our hearts. We just want to

wish you a happy Mother’s Day and tell you how much we love you.

JEFF, ERIN, KAILEN and JOSHUA

*

My mom is very special in so many ways. She will give me a smile

that no one else can break. She will give you a hug like no other.

She gives kisses like an angel. When you’re sad and have a frown, she

will give you a smile and make you happy. She is my mom and I love

her so much.

CELIA RICE, 8

*

Jane “Nanny” McPhee is great because she loves slogans, such as

“whatever,” “to each his own” and “smell me!” We love you.

YOUR KIDS

*

* EDITOR’S NOTE: The following are messages from Wendy Jawor’s

first grade class at Harbor View Elementary School in Corona del Mar:

My mom is special. She is the best mom ever. My mom is good at

napping. I love my mom because she loves me. My mom has a beautiful

ring. Clearly, my mom is great!

SABRINA

There are lots of things about my mommy that are special. I like

when my mommy helps me with my homework. And my mommy is a great

cook. On Saturdays, my mommy takes us to the doughnut store. When my

mommy is away she brings us back a present. My mommy is the best

mommy in the world.

EMILY

There are many good things about my mom. My mom cleans up my room

and I like it! My mom makes good food for me. My mom plays with me.

My mom is special because my mom buys toys for me. I love my mom. As

you can see, my mom is a great mom!

MEGAN

My mom is special because she takes good care of me. Brownies are

my mom’s favorite food to cook. She has a Jesus-like heart. My mom is

the best at her scrapbook. She likes the beach. As you can see, she

is a fantastic mom.

HOPE

My mom is a great person. She gives me so many presents and good

stuff. My mom is fun. She is really funny and she has good jokes.

That is the best mom in the world.

SAM

There are a lot of special things about my mom. My mom is a good

cook. She likes to cook. Hugs and kisses are one of my mom’s favorite

things. My mom likes to go shopping. As you can see, my mom likes a

lot of things.

JAMAL

There are many good things about my mom. I am lucky I have my mom.

She is a fantastic cook. She takes me to the movies.

NINO

My mom is special because she’s my mom! She’s super nice, too! My

mom cooks good. My mom is great because she takes me out to dinner.

My mom is fantastic because she buys me toys. As you can see, she is

the best.

BRETT

My mom is special in many ways. She likes to hug and kiss me. My

mom is an incredible cook. I like my mom because she’s so nice. She

is fun to play with. As you can see, she is nice.

DAVID

My mom is nice. She is the best mom. I like my mom because she is

nice and pretty. I am so happy because I have my mom. I love my

mommy. As you can see, she is loving.

JUDY

My mom is special because she takes good care of me. Brownies are

my mom’s favorite thing to cook. She has a kind and true heart. My

mom is the best. She likes the beach. As you can see, she is a

fantastic mom.

MADISON

I am going to tell you about my mom. My mom is special because she

is my mom. She is my favorite mom.

RACHELLE

I think my mom is special. She takes me wherever I want. She is a

fantastic cook. My mom loves to shop. I like the way she does

everything so special. I like her. She loves to go out to dinner. She

loves to come to school and help.

KELLY

My mom is pretty. She likes to see my daddy on the computer. Her

favorite food is salad. She likes to go to Disneyland. I wish I could

give my mom a present.

SAMUEL

My mom is special in many ways. My mom likes cooking and reading

books. My mom met the President. My mom enjoyed college. She is nice.

She likes shopping.

CHASE

I know a lot about my mom. She likes to cook. My mom’s favorite

food is soup. My mom never yells or complains. I wish I could give my

mom the world.

SARA

My mom is really nice. My mom is really special. She is really

nice because she plays “pass ball” with me. It is really fun.

Sometimes she does my nails. Sometimes she plays “go fish” with me.

My mom lets me have sleepovers. She paints her toenails and it is

really pretty. Her eyes are blue. As you can see, my mom is really

nice.

EVA

My mom loves to eat sushi. Traveling is my mom’s favorite thing to

do. She likes to go to Norway. I wish my mom was a plane pilot. I

wish I could give my mom a hug.

HAGEN

These are nice things my mom does for me. My mom is special. She

helps me with my homework. My mom makes me happy. She is funny. As

you can see, I have a great mom!

GRACIE

My mom is very special. She is very friendly. My mother likes to

play with me! My mom likes to shop. She is very funny. Clearly, my

mom is nice.

GRANT

*

Erin Locke is the best mom in the world. She is so nice to us. I

love how she helps me with homework and that she volunteers at my

school. She reads to Josh every night so that he can go to sleep.

She’s really sweet and we think she is the most beautiful mother in

the whole world. We’re glad she is our mommy. We love you, Mom. Happy

Mother’s Day.

KAILEN AND JOSHIE

*

My mother is my hero. She is everything I would want to be.

She married her high school sweetheart and she stayed married.

Mother had seven children. She found great joy in her family and some

pain, as we all do. Not once did she give up on her family.

She served her family, friends, neighbors and people she didn’t

even know. At 85 years of age, and hardly able to walk, she would

take a meal to sick neighbors.

She had 44 grandchildren, more than 75 great-grandchildren and

more on the way. She loved and gave herself to all of them. My mother

left this life with grace and dignity. Bidding her family good-bye,

one by one -- remembering something special about each one. I could

feel her joy at her service, as she looked upon her family -- her

greatest accomplishment.

More than 50 grandchildren and great-grandchildren got up in front

of the church and sang, “I am a child of God,” as a tribute to their

grandmother.

I miss you, Mom. We all miss you, especially on Mother’s Day.

JOYCE CURRY

*

My mom, Virginia Keys, is the best. She has always been there for

me. I had numerous, major surgeries on my back, ankles, shoulders and

knees, as well as Graves’ disease and other health problems. Through

it all, my mom has been supportive and loving. My mom is a wonderful

grandmother to my girls, Page and Megan too. She always tells me that

she is proud of me.

MARK KEYS

Our mom is the greatest. She is happy and kind and very cozy. All

four of us do everything together and have so much fun. We wished Mom

did not have to work so we could play.

PAGE and MEGAN

Costa Mesa

*

To our mom, Sara Kelly:

My mom is the greatest mom over. She will always help with

anything I need. She also cooks dinner, breaks up fights, can beat

anyone in the game Horse, picks me up from school and is always very

happy. I don’t know how she does it. As you can see, my mom is the

best.

WILL KELLY, 14

Thank you for everything you’ve done for me. Whenever I need you,

you’re right there. And when there is a sad time, you still smile. I

love you so much, Mom.

CONNOR KELLY, 10

*

* EDITOR’S NOTE: The following are notes from Pat McLaughlin’s

third graders at Mariners Elementary School in Newport Beach:

My mom is so great. My mom likes to shop and be my friend. I like

it when my mom and I go shopping and when she helps me with my

homework, even though sometimes I don’t get it. I bet my mom is the

best mom in the world because she has time to help me on my homework

and tuck me in bed. Sometimes I say my prayers with her. I love my

mom a lot.

MOLLIE FRIEND

Happy Mother’s Day, Mom. My mom is friendly. She likes to shop at

Ralphs. My mom is happy when I say please and thank you. I wish I

could get my mom a car. My mom is nice. On Mother’s Day, my mom likes

to go to Outback steakhouse. My mom does not like when I say no. That

is the way I like her.

STEVEN DUHOUX

Kim is excellent! My mom can sew really, really good. My mom likes

to sew and cook. My mom is really special to me because she is really

nice to me. My mom is happy when I help her sew. She doesn’t like

when I am bad. My mom is never mean to me. I love my mom!

BRITTANY WALKER

My mom is nice. She likes to play. My mom is happy when I do good

things. Moms don’t like it when we do bad things. I wish I could give

my mom a present.

JOSHUA BERNSTINE

My mom is a great mom. Out of 1 and 100, I give my mom a 99. My

mom should get a gold medal and the Best Mom Award with a ribbon and

a trophy and a gold cup and the crowned jewels. My mom and I like to

have tickle fights together. On Mother’s Day, I will make sure to get

her good presents.

JAKE MEYERS

My mom is kind. She takes care of our family. On Mother’s Day, I

will give her a gift and a card. On Mother’s Day, my family will fix

my mother breakfast in bed. I love my mom because she loves me.

Mother’s Day is important because you have time to tell her how great

she is. I wish my mom could spend more time with me because she is

the best!

CATHARINE GLAAB

My mom is a worker. My mom likes to eat food. Last Mother’s Day,

my mom got candy. My mom is happy when I get 100% on everything. Moms

don’t like it when they get mad. I wish my mom had $9 million.

SHAWN TRIEU

All moms are the best. Some moms can be individuals. My mom likes

to be with her family. I think a mom should try to be the best mom

she could be. That’s why I think moms are special. Sometimes my mom

likes to go places. My mom loves to go to New York; Washington, D.C.;

Montana, where she grew up; and Utah, where my dad grew up. The one

thing my mom loves best of all is her family. My mom also loves it

when my family gives her love. That’s what I think moms love best.

NICHOLAS JUSTICE

My mom is the very best. She likes to read and go shopping and

sometimes cook. My mom is happy when I clean up my room, play the

piano and do the dishes. My mom does not like it when I scream. I

wish I could give my mom the best gift in the world. I hope my mom

will have the best Mother’s Day.

ANNA NEWMAN

My mom is great because she never tells a secret that I tell her.

When my mom is happy, you can tell very easily. When I do something

good, she takes me to go get something or to go shopping. My mom is

also great because usually she is always happy. That’s why I like my

mom.

OLIVIA TADDEO

My mom is the best. My mom likes to talk on the phone. My mom

should get the best mom award. On Mother’s Day, my family gives my

mom breakfast in bed. She loves it. My mom is a good cook. I love my

mom.

MACKENZIE DAFFERNER

My mom is very nice and the best mom ever. My mom likes to go to

baseball games, watch movies, and go to the mall. A mom should not

yell. My mom likes it when I obey her. I wish I could give my mom a

ring.

CHASE WHITING

My mom is the nicest, kindest, and tidiest girl in the world. She

is very helpful, sweet, loving, and good. She should receive a medal

for being an extra nice and great mom. My mom should have a clean

house every day. My mom doesn’t like it when my brother Jake and I

fight. On Mother’s Day, I will help my mom by letting her sleep until

9 a.m. I will give her breakfast on a tray in bed, clean my room and

help her all I can. My mom is never mean to me or my family at all. I

wish I could give my mom 5,000 great mom cards, 3,000 hugs, and 3,000

kisses. My mom is a great mom.

HAILEY SMITH

My mom is nice. My mom likes to have less work. A mom should clean

the house. Some moms cook better than restaurants. On Mother’s Day,

my family will make my mom really happy. My mom doesn’t like it when

I don’t do everything she says. My mom is happy when I obey her. I

wish my mom would make her tacos again. On Mother’s Day, I will cook

her breakfast. I wish I could give my mom $200. A Mother’s Day card

should say, “I love you, Mom.”

DANIEL STEVENS

My mom is the best mom ever. My mom likes to watch my softball

games. My mom should get an award for being the best mom for me. On

Mother’s Day, my family goes to breakfast. My mom is happy when I hit

a home run. My mom never spanks me. Sometimes, my mom gets mad at me

but I know she still loves me. I wish I could give my mom a million

hugs.

CAROLINE GRAHAM

My mom’s the best mom in the world. She loves to make cookies with

me. I wish my mom could do whatever she wanted. She should win an

award for everything she does. For my mom, I make breakfast in bed

with my family and we also get her presents. My mom always takes care

of me when I am sick. She always helps me when I need help. I always

fill my cards with love.

KENZIE LUDES

My mom is great! She likes to give me hugs. She is very nice. My

mom doesn’t like it when I stay outside. My mom likes it when I do

all my homework early.

AYRTON LOGAN

*

My mother is my hero,

That just about says it all.

She’ll wipe my tears when I cry,

And helps pick me up when I fall.

She’s always there with a helping hand,

And knows just what to do.

She’s always been my biggest fan,

Supportive, loving, and true.

Ready with good advice,

She knows just what to say.

My mom always makes me feel so nice,

And when she smiles, it makes my day.

Mommy, you don’t know how much you mean to me,

What I’m saying is straight from the heart and true.

One of the best presents you have ever given me -- is you.

Happy Mothers Day, Valerie!

Love always,

MADELEINE, JAY, SOPHIE and CHARLOTTE

*

A poem for our mother, Lynn Friedman:

Our one and only mother,

For sure there is no other.

Showing off your green thumb,

Wonders are all your plants -- not just some.

Cornerstone to all family functions,

How could you show more love to your munchkins!

Chicken, fish and veggies galore,

You care about our health and so, so much more.

Your massaging touch is always sought,

There’s even times when we have fought,

Over the attention and skills of your two hands,

It’s no surprise your fame has spread throughout these lands.

You are everywhere at the same time,

So much work seems like a crime,

But no one can compare to “da Mama,”

Maybe you’re the next Dali Lama!

Dirty diapers and crying every minute of the day,

How did you manage? There seems no way.

We’ve put you through a crazy test,

You’re the cream of the crop -- the best of the best!

You’re everything in one, there’s not much more to say,

So, we’ll stop here and wish you a Happy Mothers Day!

ERIN, JAIME, LAUREN and TERRA

*

My mom is special to me in so many ways. She has taken care of me

since I was born and loved me. I love her so much because she always

listens to me and helps me if I’m sad. My mom is special because she

is always there when I need her. Happy Mother’s Day, Mommy!

Love,

KRISTEN

*

Our mom is the greatest mom in the world because she always takes

of us when we’re sick or hurt. She cooks us really healthy meals and

she double jumps us on our trampoline. She’s also really pretty and

smart. Most people think she looks just like Paula Abdul but we think

she is prettier. We love you, Mom!

SARAH and CHASE GROUX

*

* EDITOR’S NOTE: The following are notes from Mrs. Berg and Mrs.

Womble’s third grade class at Kaiser Elementary in Costa Mesa:

My mom is the greatest. She does many things for me. She makes me

breakfast and helps support the family. She takes us to wonderful

places and buys us toys. She buys us everything we need to survive

like milk, food and water. This why I love my mom!

MICHAEL

My mom is the best because she loves me with all her heart. She

works hard so she can do fun stuff with me. She is the best and I

love her. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom.

ZACH

My mom is the best because when I am sick she is with me and she

takes good care of me. She takes me to school everyday. She helps me

with my homework. She even makes me my favorite food. I love my mom

so much I can’t show her enough. My mom is the best.

TRINIDAD

My mom is the best mom because she buys me clothes. She also

spends time with me on the weekends. She takes me to the movies, the

park, the mall, and the toy store. You’re the best mom ever!

MEGHAN

My mom is very special because she works a lot of hours to make

money to feed us. When I am good she buys me things for no reason at

all. So, if the newspaper decides to put this in their paper, I just

want her to know I love her!

LELAND

My mom is the best! She takes me to the movies. She feeds me and

my two brothers and sister. I love my mom.

BRANDON

My mom loves to spoil me rotten. She has never forgotten anything

like school plays or my birthday. She even claps when I make a

mistake. She’s a good mom and the best mom. She is also my best

friend.

LANEY

You are the mom I’ve always wanted, because you are loving and

kind. You fill my heart with joy and the same with my mind. You make

my life happier with your smiles and laughs. You are the mom I’ve

always wanted, and I will always love you!

KEVIN

My mom is the best mom in the world! She is very nice and sweet!

My mom surprises me like when she took me to Disneyland. I love my

mom very much!

McKENNA

My mom is the greatest because she is always there for me. She

makes the best food and takes me on trips. She buys me toys and other

special things. Most of all she is special because I love her.

ASHLEY

My mom is the best because she spoils us by buying us goodies. She

takes care of us and feeds us. She also makes time for us on the

weekends. Thank you, Mom, for all you do!

TAYLOR

My mom is the best because she cares for me. She never forgets

about me and she’s always by my side. I love my mom just because she

is my mom, and I am sure she loves me, too!

CHRIS

My mom is the best because she takes me to school every day and

she takes me to baseball practice, too. She comes to my baseball

games to watch me play. My mom takes me to fun places. My mom is the

best mom in the world!

BRENDON

My mom is the best mom because she lets me go to my friend’s house

after school and lets me go get candy. My mom also lets me go the

beach with my brother and a friend. I am grateful to have such a

great mom!

DUSTIN

My mom is the best because she loves me. She is the greatest! She

does so many things for me. She takes me on trips. She helps me do my

homework. She takes me to the movies and spends lots of time with me

when she is not working. I love my mom. I hope this will be the best

Mother’s Day!

SAVANNAH

My mom is the best mom because she takes care of me. She buys me

clothes and toys for no reason. She loves me and when I am sick, she

helps me get better. She helps me with my homework and lots of other

things. I love my mom and I hope she has a great Mother’s Day!

SAMI

My mom is the best because she takes me to the movies and buys me

candy. She watches me when I play video games and play with my bow

and arrow. Thank you, Mom.

TYLER

My mom is great because she buys me clothes, food and toys like

PlayStation 2. Thank you, Mom, for everything you do. I love you.

KOA

My mom is the best because she helps me with homework, sports and

reading. Sometimes she is like a super mom. My mom is my best friend!

LUKE

*

I can’t convey enough praise on the beautiful woman pictured here.

She is the consummate Mom. Attentive, loving, caring, fun, and all

around Uber Mom! We love you tons mom! You are the bestest Mom ever!

You rock!

RON, SARAH AND

STEPHEN MACK

(AND KAIA AND BRUNO TOO!)