Happy Birthday to my firstborn

(Jen and Jordy in the car on the way to Chicago...I stole this pic from Jordy's blog. Thanks Jord.)

Today is Jennifer's birthday. She's 24 today. She changed my life forever. You see, I grew up in the 70's thinking that women can do anything. We could have it all. (I can bring home the bacon, fry it up in a pan...I am woman, hear me roar, etc.) I thought that I could be a working mom and juggle kids and do it all like Joan Lunden. Except one small detail changed my way of thinking. I fell in love with a sweet little face; and in an instant, my life was changed. Oh sure, I know I could have done it- I know many women who do. I tried it for a year. But I suddenly didn't WANT to do it all. My focus changed. My ideals changed. I wanted to be everything I could be for my family. Thirteen and half months later baby #2 came, and from that day on...It was official: I was a STAY AT HOME MOM.

My adventures of being a SAHM have molded my children and have defined who I am. Perhaps some powerful women might view that as weak and incredibly sad that my children and my role have defined me. I have never regretted my choice of staying home. I have always thought that happiness is internal, not external. I can live with myself and my choices. I know I am an intelligent woman and have used my intelligence to guide my children. I am validated by my peers, my husband, and family...and I will just leave it at that at the risk of sounding like I'm trying to convince myself or anyone else.

ANYWAYS... Happy Birthday, Jennifer. You are a wonderfully, bright, beautiful, and gifted young woman and even more than I could have hoped you would be when I first saw your sweet face.

Now I need to run off to Kroger to buy your angel food cake mix which is your FAVORITE.