Special day for special moms

By ANDREA VanVALKENBURG
Staff Writer

May 11, 2008 04:00 am

— PLATTSBURGH -- Ayanna Dunn spent Saturday shopping with her mom and planned to spend some more quality time with her today.
The 9-year-old will be surprising her mom, Marcia, this morning with a special Mother's Day card as a token of her daily love.
Like countless other kids in our area, the Plattsburgh girl wants to let her mom know how special she is every day.
"She's always encouraging me and supporting me. And she's always a loving mother," Ayanna said.
Her 13-year-old sister, Kiyanna, agrees.
"She provides everything for me," she said. "And she always helps me when I need help and she's always there for me."
The Dunns planned to spend the day together and enjoy each other's company.
And that's what Brigitte Avakian hoped to do with her daughter and granddaughter.
"It's going to be a family day," the Morrisonville mom said while shopping with her 4-year-old granddaughter, Emily, Saturday afternoon.
The pair were hitting Champlain Centre mall in search of the perfect gift for her daughter.
Emily said she made a special card for her mom because she makes the best macaroni and cheese and is always willing to play and color with her.
"And she rides a bike with me, too," she said.
Caitlin Quinn, 6, and her sister Megan, 4, of Keene wanted to give their mom some extra hugs and love during the special day.
Megan said her mom deserves it because she's always a good helper.
"And she gives me baths," she said.
Their mom, Sheryl, plans to give her mom, Sue Carey, a little extra appreciation today because "she does everything for us and is a great person to talk to."
Rob Calkins of Plattsburgh said he and his three sons planned to surprise his wife, Katie, with brunch and coffee in bed.
"And the boys made cards for her," he said.
His niece, Molly Channell, said she also made a card for her mom, Beth.
The 7-year-old said her mom was extra special because she's fun and they do a lot together.
"And I think we'll go out to dinner, too," Channell said.
Chase Rabideau of Mooers Forks said he "made too much stuff for his mom."
The 5-year-old planned to surprise her with some cards and a plant he potted.
As he spent Saturday with his grandmother, Gail Rabideau, he said he helped his 8-month-old brother, Tallon, make a card for his mom, too.
"I love my mom," he said sheepishly.
And they all seemed to agree on one thing -- the reason for the extra-special Mother's Day treatment.
Simply put, Kiyanna said, "Because she's my mom and I love her."
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