PATRICK SHELBY/Acorn Newspapers HUGS-Sandi Manoogian and her daughter, Jessica, 6, of Thousand Oaks will undoubtedly be sharing hugs again on Mother's Day this Sunday. Mother's Day is May 14 and Acorn readers offer these best wishes to the greatest moms in the world

My mom is the best because she is very kind and smart. She is very fun and has a humongous sense of humor. I could have no other or better mom than mine. She is fun to be with, kind and respects others, including me. I LOVE HER!!!!!She is the best mom a kid could have. She is all of the above and MUCH, MUCH more!!!

I love her and she loves me. I LOVE YOU MOM!!!!!!!!!!! YOUR THE BEST!!!!!!! Love-your son, Bradley M. Shiney, age 11 Newbury Park

My Mom is the best Mom because of her unselfish love for her children. My Mom has five children. She always put us first. There was nothing or no one that was more important than us five. M y Mom will be 79 years old this summer. She has been through a lot, good and bad. I am child No. 4 out of 5. She lost her first child about 15 years ago.

My Mom is one of the strongest and smartest women I know. She taught me that there is no problem too big to solve. What a wonderful concept to pass on to your children. My Mom is the best and I love her! My Mom is Dorothy Capretta.

MANY MOTHER'S DAYS TO COME- Julia Gurich and her daughter, Natascha, 4, live in Thousand Oaks. This is probably the first Mother's Day that Natascha might remember. We have a strong feeling that she won't be a daughter who ever forgets her mom on the second Sunday of May. My name is Diane Ferry of Thousand Oaks

My name is Shayna.My hometown is Westlake Village, California. My mom is the best mom.I love her soooo much because she takes care of me when I need it. Also she is always at my side and she is always there to help me with everything. She also supports everything I do that is why I think she is a great mom. And I love her sooooooo much!!!! :-)

My Mom is the mother of 6 children (9-year-old quadruplets, a 7-year-old (me, Liam) and a 10month-old). She is a stay at home Mom who works very hard on the house and keeping up with our homework and sports activities. We all adore her. She is admired by her friends and family for the fantastic job she does. She is also great with all us kids. She is an amazing woman who always puts others first. We are very fortunate to have her in our family. We love you Mom, you're the best! Liam J. Kelly Newbury Park

My Moms name is Jennifer Marian Davis, and she is the best Mom in the world. I have 3 brothers and sister who will agree with me. I love my mom dearly for the things that she has always done. She has taught me of the vaule of being loving, giving service, and always striving to do the right thing. Many times i have given her a hug refusing to let go until she tells me that she loves me. she always refuses to say it. i know its just because she likes hugs.

I love you Mom!

Ammon Davis

My mom has always been there. Just like everyone is going to say. But, my mom has always supported me, even when she didn't agree with my choices.

She knew I would fail, but she knew I needed the life lesson. My mom has sacraficed so that my brothers and I would have her at home when we needed her. My mom gives wherever there is a need. She would give even when we were having rough times.

My mom even let us switch clothes at a sock hop because I was too embarrassed to wear the poodle skirt. She looked even more ridiculous! But she didn't care. That's my mom!

I love her!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Amy Grandpre about her mom, Cheryl Watson Newbury Park

My mother is the superhero in disguise; she is invisible, a motivation for success and a stimulant for obtaining knowledge. My mother is unique, and yet she is not perfect.

She does not have all the answers, and cannot tell you the formula for finding algebraic roots and equations. Yet because she is human, and because she is my mum, she ought to have more than a special day, more than a newspaper's recognition, more than a new car or large sums of money. My mother is an extraordinary

hero, and for that, she deserves the world. Jasmine Q. Cooper Sutton Current Residence: T.O. Hometown: Oxford, England

When I married Gussie Bartolomei's son almost 35 years ago, I was blessed with a second mother.

Every holiday, every family event, both of my mothers were always there as one big family unit. So when I lost my mother suddenly in 2003, Gussie became my best friend and my travel companion.

Most people are amazed how well I get along with and travel with my mother-in-law, but she is one of the warmest, most thoughtful people I have ever met, always doing for others. She helps coordinate events and games at her senior apartment community in Moorpark and assists anyone in need. I am incredibly lucky to have her as my mother.

Happy Mother's Day, Mom.

Tricia Bartolomei, Newbury Park

Just the words "greatest mother" make me smile, because I know who that is--my mom, Lola Kelley.

Mother of five children, active grandmother to seventeen grandchildren, a loyal and caring daughter to her own mother, she is also a mother to any person or even small creature in need of help or kind words.

She is the living definition of the words kind, giving, caring and nonjudgmental. There is no single moment that represents the greatness of my mom, there are thousands of moments which have accumulated into a lifetime based on love, compassion, humor and forgiveness.

I love you mom!

Deborah Kennedy

My mother is special because one time my leg hurt really badly.I told Mom to take me to the hospital.She asked if I needed to go and I said, "Yes."Then, she told my Dad to take me to the hospital as quickly as he could.It turned out that I was really sick and needed to be in the hospital for 8 days.This shows how much my Mom cares about me.”I love you, Mommy, and I wish you a happy Mother's Day!"

Joshua Eyre, Thousand Oaks

My mother is special because she makes lovely breakfasts.She takes me to tap class.She helps me go to soccer and swimming.And, she helps me to get warm when I am cold after swimming.She reads me books. "Happy Mother's Day, Mom!"

Steffy Eyre, Thousand Oaks

Our mother started our favorite family tradition a few years ago and we continue it to this day. At the end of each week, in celebration for Sabbath, everyone in our family gets together for dinner and before we eat, we all talk about the highlights and lowlights of the previous week. Our mom is always the rational one and chooses only one moment for each. When my brother and I start reminiscing about every detail of the week, our mom helps us condense into just one experience. Jeremy and Patrick Vandenberg, Ages 11 and 17 Thousand Oaks

Mom was born in 1919. She suffered the depression staying home on the weekend to wash and iron her only skirt so she could go to work again on Monday.

She was widowed with a four children from 14 to 2 years when she was 38. She went back to work after 17 years a homemaker, to support and raise all of us. She managed to buy a home. She remarried and again was widowed.

My sister was stricken with severe M.S. 20 years ago. My mother cares for her every day. SHE IS MIRACULOUS! L.R. Mannheimer, Westlake Village Hometown: Chicago

My mother is Phyllis Thistle. As my cousin recently said, "Aunt Phyllis is the sweetest person on this planet!" That may sound exaggerated, but in mom's case, it's true. Every person who meets mom falls in love with her.She will do anything in her power to help out her loved ones.

It would take something horrific before she would say anything bad about anyone. She never puts herself first. She's more concerned about

everyone else's well-being. Mom is now battling stage III colon cancer at 84.Even in her hardest times, she worries more about how we are all doing.She's my hero. Gail Dotson Bankson Hometown: Phoenix, Ariz.

Dear Mama, You drive me everywhere You cook and clean the house All your rules are fair You do well without a spouse Today's a special day To have fun asa really cool mother And I really want to say You also gave me a really cool brother My point here in this poem Is that I love all that you do And I just want to say I love you!!! Geneva Tripp Thousand Oaks

My mom is the greatest because she cooks for me, makes my bed, and cares for me when I get hurt or break a bone. She takes a lot of time and cleans our house. Alannah Lasiter Thousand Oaks

I love my mom because she takes care of me. She does my laundry, checks my homework, folds my clothes, and sometimes before bed, she reads me a story. She buys me a lot of toys and clothes! She feeds me great food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. She takes me places, like to the dentist and the doctor. So now you can see why I love my mom so much! She does all these nice things for me! Amanda Schwartz Thousand Oaks

My mom is special to me because she cuddles with me and gives me tons of hugs and kisses! I know she really loves me! She feeds me, takes me places, goes on long walks with me, and takes me to the beach. She helps me with my homework, and always makes sure I have lunch and snack money. She reads to me at night and puts me to bed. I love you mom! Taylor Brandt Thousand Oaks

My mom is the greatest mom in the world! She washes my clothes, and helps me with my homework. She tucks me into bed every night and reads me a story. She even bought me Ice-Breakers once! She is really nice! She is pretty too! Her hair is light brown and her eyes are dark blue. I love her so much and she loves me a lot too! Kylie Appleford Thousand Oaks

I have a really terrific mom! She feeds me lots of food everyday and she reads to me at night. She helps me with my homework and she plays games with me. I really like it when she plays games with me! We got a new ping pong table and she plays ping pong with me. She also goes on our trampoline with me! I have really fun times with my mom. I love you mom! Robert Leicht Thousand Oaks

I love my mom as much as God! She is fun and beautiful! She makes my bed, cleans my clothes, and takes care of me. We laugh and have lots of fun times together. She is very coooooool! I love her so much that I will live with my mom forever! Tyler Grace Thousand Oaks

My mom is special to me because she makes me food and she reads to me at night. She is the best mom in the whole world! I love you very much mom! Roni Merrill Thousand Oaks

My mom is a great mom. Sometimes I get to go to work with her. She always helps me with my homework. She also makes my bed, and is nice to me and others. You're the best mom in the world! I love you! Carlynn Reeder Thousand Oaks

My mom is special because she helps me with my homework. She loves me and I really love her too! She teaches me about many things, and took me to Japan with her. My mom is very beautiful too! Happy Mother's Day to you and I love you! Yukino Arimitsu Thousand Oaks

My mom takes good care of me and the rest of my family. She does my laundry, and at night, she tucks me into bed. Sometimes she reads to me or tells me a story in Spanish. She is a good cook and makes me good food. She takes me to the store with her and she is helping my dad find a dog for me to love. I love her very much! Kenia Vasquez Thousand Oaks

My mom is the best mom. I love her soooo much because she takes care of me when I need it. Also she is always at my side and she is always there to help me with everything. She also supports everything I do that is why I think she is a great mom. And I love her sooooooo much!!!!  :-)

Shayna Kudler, Westlake Village

Dear Mom/Omi,

I could never tell you how much I appreciate you in under 100 words, but I wanted to make sure you have one more reminder of how important you are. Thank you for raising me with strong values and a strong sense of family. Even more, thank you for showing me what it means to be a strong woman, a loving mother and a devoted wife. You are the reason I am happy and rich in love. Thank you for being my mentor, my cheerleader and my best friend. I love you. Happy Mother's Day.

Deborah Kolodney

Life is very long journey. I need strength and commitment. Ineed ambition and drive. I also need love and support to complete the tough journey and no one provides that better than my mother. Sheis always there to lend a hand or comfort me in times of need. She always has time to listen to my stories and then offers great advice. Sheis truly a wonderful and amazing person. I love you Mommy!

Nicole S., Westlake Village 

I think my mom is special because she takes care of me and keeps me safe. She is nice friendly and fun. My mom knows what to do when I am in trouble and knows how to make me feel 100 percent better. When I am sick she takes care of me and she helps me when I am confused. She makes me laugh and have a good time. She is the best mom I could ever have and want. I hope she has a good Mothers day! She is the best in her own way! I Love You MOM!!!

Katelyn A. Davis, Thousand Oaks

When I grow up, I want to be like my Mom. She values everyone. Shesolves any problem, even, "Mom! I look fat in my prom dress!" the night before prom. My daughters prefer "Gram" over any friend - "I'm a playing Gram" she says. My mother is a professional consultant, national speaker and author; none of which compare to her success as "Mom" Cheryl Bisera, Newbury Park

You always hear people saying they are afraidof turning into their mothers. I feel just the opposite. My mother, Jane Rice, is an astounding woman. She is one person I know I can always count on, she is my comfort, my help, my good friend. I do not know what I would do without her; I love her so much and wish her a happy happy Mothers' Day! Mary Rice, 17, Newbury Park Our Mom Mildred Beloved wife of Bill She: Makes sure we know we are unconditionally loved

Opens our eyes to our Savior's ways

Developed our character with consistency, prayer and faith

Enjoys life and welcomes it each day with praise to God

Listens to His still small voice and then follows~~showing many the pattern for a joy-filled life

Such a GIFT, watching her in action; loving, listening, counseling, working, sharingall thatGod has given to her, with all she meets.               Thank You Mom, and Grandma --for your example. Love, Your family Jan Taylor for all Thousand Oaks

Sandra Adler is not only a special mom, but a special teacher to so many children.I'm constantly reminded how my mother has touch other lives.I always hear "She was the best teacher I ever had" and "She's an amazing woman." My mother has always gone above and beyond for not only her own two children, but for hundreds and hundreds of others. She's a blessing in my lifeeach and every day and I amso proud to be her son.

Darrell Keller, Newbury Park

Dear mom,

What can we say, how can we thank you. You do so much for us you take us everywhere; you take us from karate lessons to art lessons. When we fall down you pick us up. How can we ever repay you. Without you the world would not be the same. We love you so much! Love, Dad, Yoni, Shua and Binyamin, Westlake Village

For Sandy E...My Mom

The greatest mom there ever was would have to be mine. She shows she loves me in many ways and always gives her time.

Mom is honest, trustworthy, and flexible too. She knows how to stretch a penny.

Her love for Christ Jesus is easy to see. She cared enough to teach about Him to me.

I am so blessed to have such a good role model to immitate.

My mom is a gift from God that is great!

I Love You Mom!

Paula

My mom Kathi in Newbury Park is the best mom in the whole entire world. She is always there for me, especially when I need her most. My mom means everything to me I don't know what I would do with out her. She is such a great person, I am so lucky to have her and I appreciate everything she does for me. The one thing that I am most grateful for is that not only is my mom the best mom in the whole world, she is also my best friend!!!! Happy mother's day Love you Julianne 17

I Love my mom because... She is always there for me. She is my best friend, with whom I can talk, And she inspires me to be the best can be.

I love my mom because... She takes me where I need to go. She is my spiritual role model, And she helps me up when I'm feeling low.

I love my mom because... She makes great foodthat's healthy too. She helps me achieve my dreams. MomI love you!

Happy mother's day Mommie!

Courtney G., Thousand Oaks

To our mother, Roxanne: Strong as a mountain, she gives us her endurance Sweet as honey, she puts smiles on our faces Like the direction of the wind, she offers us guidance Branches of a tree, we fall into her warm embrace The beauty of her soul shines through her luminous eyes The waves, her divine wisdom, caress our sandy feet With her, we always fly among the butterflies She is the life that makes our world complete Our gate to Heaven, our perpetual soul mate Lost in the forest or in our dreams, for her, we do await.

My Grandmother is the greatest! She raised 5 kids as a single parent after her husband had a heart attack at the age of 43. One of those great kids is my Mom, but that's another story. Back to Grandma Jean, who is a breast cancer survivor, former marine and avid square dancer. She once walked on hot coals! I won't tell you her age, but her mind is about 25 years old. She is my inspiration in life, and my hero. P.S. Grandma Jean is single. Happy Mothers Day, Grandma Jean. From Adam Protter, 4th Grade, Weathersfield Elementary School

My Mom When I want her smile, I know it won't be a while. There are others with hearts so cold, But hers is worth a million pieces of gold. Sometimes I sin, But I know I am forgiven. So when I want that special smile, It's not going to be a while.

From Katarina Bradford of Thousand Oaks

Dear Hanna Chang, Roses are red violets are blue you love me and I love you.. I wish to get our family cozier, happier, lovelier, and full of smiles as always with your love and care here we all are.. thanks, Hanna. Do you still remember the Owen Hall? Do you still remember the 1310B University Village? I love you. Always,

Kyu

My mom is special to me because she is always there for me. She also helps me with my homework when I'm in need. She is so busy because she has my brother, James, who is 1 year; me, 10; my sister, Kirsten, 8; and my sister Allie, 11. My mom is special to all of us because when we get hurt she helps us right away. She also tucks us into bed. She always drops us on time at school. Cecily Rock Newbury Park

I think my mom is the best mom because she takes care of me and feeds me (a lot). She also tells me what's best and helps me when I need help. She helps me see which store has a better price for something I need. She helps me stick with things and also helps me get into fun activities. She makes me laugh. She cares for me and encourages me to do well, not only in school but in other things as well. She trusts me to make good decisions. But she is the best because she loves me. Steven DuBois Thousand Oaks

My mom is the best mom because: She doesn't force my brother and me to do school work and homeschools us. She plays with us any time she gets a chance. She reads to me almost every night. She makes our own quilts. She always understands. She makes sure I always get to places on time. She takes me to the library any time I need a new books. She does stuff with my brother and me even if she hates it. She takes the best care of us. And most of all, because she loves us. Katey Gould Newbury Park

My mommy is the greatest because she is very good to me. Mommy always helps me when I need her to help me do something. Mommy is fun. We read together. She gives me kisses and hugs. We play squirt guns if it's a hot day and we play Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go. Mommy is wonderful and so pretty. Mommy likes to play with me a lot and with my toys. Mommy is very nice. Mommy is very happy about everything that I do good. She is very strong to hold the heavy things I want. I love mommy. Max Chou, 4 Newbury Park

My mom is a kind-hearted woman in my family. She has eyes as turquoise as the sea. She's very athletic for her age. Her favorite game is Skip-Bo. She has a gentle personality. She is smart and sometimes silly. She is the best woman I've ever known. Brett Kallman, 6 Thousand Oaks

I would like to tell you why I have the best mom. My mom may not be rich or famous, but she has a quality that is far more important-perseverance. My younger brother, Andre, was born with autism, a brain disorder. He was 75 percent delayed in everything, and even a possibility that he would never talk. That was one of the many obstacles that my mom helped my little brother overcome. I would like to thank my mom for her inspiring perseverance. She has taught me that if you persevere, you can do the impossible. Danielle Agostinelli Westlake Village

Mostly fun Only mine Totally tall Hears everything Earth is her

Reads a lot

So fun Haley Harris Thousand Oaks

Dear mom, how can we thank you. You do so much for us. You take us everywhere. You take us from karate lessons to art lessons. When we fall down you pick us up. How can we ever repay you. Without you, the world would not be the same. We love you so much! Dad, Yoni, Shua and Binyamin Westlake Village

The following tributes are from Monica Kern's second-grade class at Manzanita Elementary School in Newbury Park.

My mom is special because I never see my mom so happy to buy me clothes and drive me from here to there. I think my mom is nice. I think she is tired. She does everything that she has to do when she is finished working at home. My mom doesn't complain about anything.-Fabiola Portillo

My mom is special because when I was small, she rescued me when I was drowning in the ocean. When I am playing by myself she will watch me to make sure no one takes me from her. She cares about me and I care about her.-Evelyn Moya

My mom is special because she always reads me a story at night and takes us to Chuck E. Cheese. My mom is nice because she doesn't yell at me, she just talks nicely. She also loves us. My brother and I love her, too. She even takes us for a walk to the park. When I get home from school, she hugs me and gives me a kiss and says, "I love you so much!"-Corinne Perez

My mom is special because she hugs me. She is amazing because she is not mean. She is important because she picks me up.-Fernando Soniaon

My mommy is special because she went about 600 miles to adopt my sister and me from Russia without complaining. Katya and I did not like it at Russia. We did have friends there. I miss our friends. Maxime is the mean one, but the rest, they were nice friends.-Leeza Wolfe

My mom is special because she bought me a brand new baseball bag that holds two bats. She makes sure I am to my baseball games on time. She is the only mom I love to have around. She is always by my side when I need her.-Christopher Oswald

My mom is special because she buys me what I like. I love my mom a lot! She is the best mom I have ever had in my entire life.-Natali Portillo

My mommy is special because she is very nice. She hugs me and kisses me all the time. She also takes care of me but she loves me more. She always keeps me warm when I am asleep.-Alejandra Rodriguez

My mom is special because she bought me a dog when I was five years old. I named my dog on the first day I had her. I named her Happy Face. Now she is four. She has white and black soft fur.-

Horacio Garcia

My mom is special because she drove me to Disneyland on my birthday with just my mom and I . When we were about to leave, everyone in my family wanted to come, but she didn't let them. When we went shopping for a birthday gift, my mom bought me a purse that I've always wanted.-Brielle Green

My mom is special because when I didn't have some books. She got books for me all by herself for my school reading log. She did not need help finding the books.-

Miguel Bautista

My mom is special because once she said, "I would love you even if you did a bad thing or got in trouble with someone." She would still love me and I would still love her forever. I would love her bunches and bunches.-Sara Miller

My mama is special because when it was summer vacation she did the kindest thing in America. She dropped me off at a place called Young Set Club instead of leaving me with my daddy. She put my brother in the car and drove him to work. That made me feel so happy. I thanked her so many times and I was laughing so hard I was crying!-Alexis Peterson

My mother is special because she take me to the store. First, she makes me food, Second, because she buys me stuff. Third, she lets me play with my baby sister.-Eric Barragan

My mom is special because she buys me lots of food so I can be healthy. My mom knows I have to be healthy so when she goes to the store she buys me fruits and vegetables. My mom also buys me bread.-

Kimberly Asij

My mom is special because she rubs my back. She also reads me a good story every night.-Blake Tillman

My mom is special because when we were going to Las Vegas she had to wake us up at one in the morning so we could leave and make sure we had everything. She had to drive all the way to Las Vegas so I could have my karate tournament and stay for the whole weekend. She had to drive in the wind and in the rain to get home from Las Vegas.-Andrea Castro

My mom is special because she went to the store and brought me an umbrella. I love my mom because she buys me toys for me and my brother. She loves me and I love her. My mom takes me home when I am