contributing writers
Vanessa was born in New York City, an only child of Latin American parents. She attended North Eastern University and the University of Arizona. She is intelligent, bilingual and her spirit of adventure and thirst for knowledge of other cultures has spurred her to travel to many parts of the world, both conventionally and backpacking. A favorite spot is Hawaii where nature, the tranquility and peace of the islands nurtures her spiritual soul. She manages to balance her independence, health issues and her devotion to her family of 3 children with style and grace.
Kim hales from Alberta, Canada and has a unique understanding of family values. She was raised with 7 siblings in a modest 1,000 square foot home, sharing just one bathroom between them. She worked in banking where she met her husband and married at 22. Her compassion, adaptability and generous nature allowed her to adjust to a new life, with the challenges of merging 2 different cultures, religions and parenting styles. Her success can be measured by the 4 happy children she continues to raise. Kim is now taking time for herself by pursuing her dream to perform, by recording a CD which will be released by 2009.
Kelly was a successful model for many years, but retired to devote time to raising her family. She has 3 beautiful daughters from a previous marriage, twins aged 10 and an 8 year old. She recently expanded her family by giving birth to a new baby boy and is once again enjoying the trials and challenges of new motherhood. She is devoted to instilling good values and strong characteristic traits in her family, while maintaining a great sense of humor
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When I sat down to share my thoughts and insights about what it means to be a valuable mother to my children, I really had to look hard at myself for sometime. I began with the usual rigmarole regarding kindness, respect, empathy and I had to stop myself. Do I always portray an image of kindness ? Am I respectful as I carry on with the minutia of my day ? Am I empathetic when I am rushing to get my 10 year old to finish his homework during breakfast while listening to my 8 year old daughters bout with mean girl drama, all the while trying desperately 
Long ago, people realized that there is strength in numbers. For hundreds of years, we have been joining forces against all kinds of calamities — including financial troubles. 
Explore a life of living and learning with us; The Ellens