Anyone who doesn't love her is just jealous of her

Happy Birthday, Jen!  As I walked into your party tonight, I introduced myself to your fabulous brother.  I quickly began to gush about how much I love you, how glad I am that you take time to be my friend, and just how much better life is with you around.  He retorted, "Anyone who doesn't love Jen is just jealous of her."  You're so amazing that it should be easy to be jealous of you, but I can't think of anyone who doesn't just love you, Jen!  I've decided that the reason why I love you is not JUST because you're smart, beautiful, capable of running a VERY LARGE country (and feeding everyone therein with ease), incredibly interesting, an amazing mother, and fun to talk to; but also because you have an incredible ability to empathize.  Somehow amidst all that you have going on, when I call, you take the time to listen, avoid judgement, and reiterate what I'm feeling back to me with more clarity.  You're willing to walk with me down emotional paths that are funny, stressful, or desperately sad, and I feel safe with you there because you've been there too (or at least you make it seem that way)!  That is the essence of empathy.   You are an amazing woman, Jen.  Thanks for being my friend. 

I really am very fond of you, Jen, and hopefully you already knew that. But you may not know exactly why, and I think I have pinpointed it: it's your warmth, your kindness, your patience with children (young and old!), and your ability to make me feel like a welcome, old friend whenever we are together.

On this, the 40th anniversary of your birth, may you reflect on warm memories of loved ones in happy scenes, and may your next 40 bring you all the joy and happiness you have so richly earned. My regret is that I will not be there to share in the moment, but I will look forward to our next visit and opportunity to celebrate all that is Jen.

With love, plus a smattering of diet coke and warm cakes-
Tom

Ditto!

Jen,

I have had so much fun reading the tributes from your friends and family. I must say there is way too much pressure for posting a clever blog for one of the most clever people I know. I wrote this rather serious and lame tribute, and then I read what Sunny wrote. It included the same sentiments, only much funnier. So lets just say "ditto".
You truly are one of the smartest, talented, most amazing people I know. I am so grateful to be counted among your friends, and I have learned so much from being your friend. Whether it is chatting about books, movies, politics, gospel doctrine, art history or the latest celebrity gossip, you always have some fun tidbit to share. I so admire your ability to remember anything and everything and to communicate your point of view so convincingly. But really Jen what I most admire about you, is your loyalty. You have been a true friend for 22 years--through bad perms, hard missions, crazy European travels, graduate school, marriage, motherhood, and just being grown-ups. Through it it all you have been willing to forget the little squabbles and serve as the glue that has kept "the Gals " together for so many years. I wish so much I could be there today to celebrate with you! Jen, may you have very Happy Birthday and may we enjoy many more years of friendship.

Love, Sal

Happy Birthday Jen!

Jen~
It has been a pleasure getting to know you. I love how passionate you are about your beliefs, gospel and otherwise. I think you have a great attitude about getting things done and being efficient about it and I hope to learn more from you and continue to be inspired! Here are a few adjectives I would use to describe you. Authentic, busy, articulate, fun, vibrant, refreshing, effusive and enthusiastic!
Love,
Rose

If I had a million dollars...

Jen,
We are exceedingly fond of you. If we had a million dollars (plus) this is what we would give you for your birthday:
1. A vacation apartment across the street from the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
2. Lunch for the whole family with Barack Obama twice a year.
3. And, per our recent conversation, a month on a large estate in England where you take walks, read books, ride horses, eat lovely meals prepared by other people, and have your own personal hair curler wait-person.
We wish you all this and more!
Love,
Rebecca and Lars

Jen, the Master Teacher

When I grow up, I want to be Jen. I admire you for your wisdom, honesty, integrity, and ever-fresh perspective on life. I have so much to learn from you. I feel very lucky to have been able to enjoy your teaching, in particular, in the past two years--first in YW, and now in our gospel doctrine class.
You are such a gifted teacher! You think creatively and deeply, and talk FAST--because yes, your brain moves that fast, and you tell a gripping story. To make things even better, I am usually able to follow along because of the visual component you include--those lists on the blackboard are riveting... And I never have to feel bad because you have fancy visual aids or frou frou handouts or decorative items. Just your flashes of brilliance, at lightning speed...

I admire you for following your convictions, for being a fantastic Mom, for invariably having thoughtful and wise things to say, and for expressing those thoughts graciously. Thanks for being willing to let us peek into the express lane of your brain on Sundays... I know I can never be you, but it sure is fun to watch you doing it!

Robin Baker

I wish I still had my BYU library card so I could post it and show the world that we are secretly twins. (Remember being in some kind of pinch to check out books at the library and having to use my card, convincing the guy at checkout that it was really you in the picture?) OK, so even though we don't exactly pass for identical twins, I would consider it an honor to at least have you as a sister. And in every way except for biology, I feel we are.

Jen, you are an amazing person. And I'm not just saying that because it's your birthday, although I'm glad to have something motivating me to sit down and say some things that I'm absolutely sure I've never said to you before. One of the things I like about you is that you are one of those incredibly bright, perceptive people who can always come up with something witty and clever to say, but at the same time is not condescending or snobby. Instead of making those around you—like me at least—feel intimidated by your knowledge (and how do you know so much about everything, anyway?!), you instead make us feel like we're clever and smart, too (at least by virtue of being your friend)! You always keep conversations interesting and fun. You've got style, grace, and taste, and—even more importantly—you have substance. You have great wisdom about life and the gospel. Not only do I know you'd be the perfect person to turn to as my "phone a friend" if I were ever on Millionaire, but I also know if I ever phoned you with a problem or during a time of frustration you'd be able to offer sage advice, and probably make me laugh, too. (In fact, that said, maybe I'll put you on my phone list and actually do it!) I wish we saw more of each other and were able to have that kind of contact. I'm sure my life would be richer because of it.

I got married too darn early and didn't get to have as much time to live with "the gals" as some of the others, but I am so grateful for the time I did have, and I know it would not have been the same without you. I'm pretty sure it's your fault, for instance, that I watched so much of Anne of Green Gables during finals week in the blue house, gushing over Gilbert instead of poring over textbooks! I mean, I'm all over escapism, but since I'm more of the stressing Twinkies variety (I think that was Sally's expression?!) that one would not have occurred to me in a million years.

Well, I'm sure you've heard this one before, but here's a little quote for you by Abraham Lincoln: "In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." From what I know of you, and as is even more clearly evident from reading what others have written about you in this blog, you are definitely LIVING your life, and blessing those that come into it along the way. I hope this year is a wonderful one! Love, Heidi

(By the way, for others who may view the photos I'm including and wonder, I used to HATE feet, so Jen and Jen posed for the feet-on-the-face photo and sent it to me on my mission—a definite highlight of my mission mail!)

What more can I say?

Reading through all the other entries it is hard to imagine that I could have anything to add. None of my thoughts are unique to me and have all been said better by all – Jen is amazing, kind, wise, thoughtful, charitable, dedicated, interesting, enjoyable, enlightening, a lot of fun, hard working, uplifting, educated and educational, a friend to all, and the sort of person you wish to be around. It is for all of that and more that she is the sort of person I want to be like. Everyone needs a Jen in their life, and we are all lucky to have the real McCoy. Unfortunately, living so far away, I get far too little time and interaction with Jen. By the looks of this blog, there are a lot of people that would like more time with Jen.

Not being able to say it more cleverly than directly.... I love you! Happy 40th Birthday!

Your brother,
David

Jen the Therapist

I'm grateful to have a friend like Jen that could probably get me through any challenging life event by just listening and giving me her advice. Several times in the past few years Jen has come to my rescue by giving me strength to move forward with what I had ahead. Thank goodness she went through the twin phase before me. I don't think there was anyone who gave me a clearer picture of what I had ahead with a twin pregnancy and a move all at once. As we talked about breastfeeding twins I remember her saying, "Just remember, you don't have to be a hero." Once we got to our temporary home in Rexburg, I spent many hours on the phone with Jen as she kept me in the loop about what was going on with friends and ward members in Boston. Somehow, I needed that link as I set up a new support system so far away. Then again, as our twins were 8 months old and I found out there was another baby on the way I remember Jens exact words as I told her over the phone, "Oh honey, we'll get through this...somehow we'll make it through." She again gave me a glimpse of what would be ahead with the twins as this baby was born. I honestly believe Jen has been one of my angels through these experiences. The great thing is, I know I am only one of many who has benefited from Jen Thomas' skill as a therapist. Thank you Jen! Have a wonderful Birthday. Wish we could be there to celebrate with you at the Hopkins (instead, we'll be glued to the BYU/Utah game). My heart is there!

Happy Birthday from the Blue House at BYU - 1988

I met Jen during our Freshmen year at BYU. When we first met, I remember being fascinated by her eloquence in describing an event or debating her side of an argument. We shared a love for Diet Coke, Anne of Green Gables and Art History. I think I also have to credit her with lighting my passion for children's literature. Through all our years at BYU, before and after missions and studing abroad, she was a mentor to me, always believing in me and encouraging me. To this day I fear I received more than I gave. I applaud all that has already been posted on this blog about you. It is certainly all true, and I feel so honored to count you as a friend.
love, Ann

Happy Birthday Jen! I'm glad you're turning 40...it's given me an opportunity to remember all the things I love about you, the memories, the laughs, the playdates, the yummy meals, etc.

Reasons I'm glad I lived near you...
Pasta Amatriciana (still in nearly weekly rotation)
Alex's very first playgroup (Walker and Zack)
"It is a wonderful thing to start life with a few good books you can call your very own." (Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)...Sara's book shower
Teaching me what it means to be a visiting teacher (I still remember the heart shaped pasta you brought me in Feb...I thought of you 2 days ago as I dropped off a goodie to my gals)
Showing me what to do when your child swipes a cookie at the bakery (you buy it, and then throw it in the trash).
HOURS of park playdates
Making me feel better about the state of my minivan with the story of trying to get your van detailed ("maybe time for vacuum?")
Being a stalwart, non-fake-cheery, non-prying friend during my summer of loss
Instilling in me the desire to go to Italy (so glad we finally went, but wished you were there to explain all the art!!)
The Aristocrats
Teaching me to make homemade pasta at Enrichment
Stirring my curiosity about IKEA
Alex's first friend (and he still says, "Mom, when can we visit Walker Thomas again?")
Introducing me to Iggy's (still crave it)
Giving me a place to exercise my academic mind (when it still functioned at all...)
Telling me how to get Alex through Harry Potter 4 (it worked--thanks!)
Possession
Swooning with me about Mr. Darcy
Henry Bear's Park
In general, showing me how to be a mom, while mining Boston for all it had to offer.

Reasons I wish I lived closer now...
Food (shared meals, meals out together, swapped recipes)
Books (I will get you on Goodreads if it's my last move as your friend)
Your unthinking generosity
Your honest opinion/advice
Your unflinching wit (sometimes you just need to laugh so hard you pee)
Your friendship

But the most pressing reason I wish I lived closer...
I want to come to your party! I wish I could be there, but I'm sure it will be fabulous...just like the gal it's for.

Love Katie

Jen, a Kindred Spirit

We all have different friends who hook into our lives in different ways at different times: the friend you can hang out with, the friend who expands your vision and capabilities, the friend you take shopping, the friend you lean on in crisis, the friend who joins you to take in the world's beauty, the friend who helps you process life, the friend whose shoulder is there to cry on. In the 11 years I've known Jen, I think she may be a friend who has, remarkably, at some point or another, been each of those friends for me.

We clicked initially, back in the day, as "the few, the proud" working professional gals in our ward. When Jen conceived Walker (and I conceived Eleanor), I already had two children, and I remember our first deep conversations pivoted on the prospects and pitfalls of trying to "have it all." Our friendship put on a full bud in those days.

I will never forget the day Jen dropped by with a powder pink infant's bubble playsuit with peter pan collar in the weeks before Eleanor was due. The sweet femininity of the gift jolted me; I had forgotten, with all the stress and worry of expecting a baby with congenital defects, that after all, I was having a little girl (after two boys), and could look forward to all the loveliness a little girl in the family would offer. How perceptive was the timing and nature of that gift.

I can relate to Jen's brother Jonathan when he moans that he is poorer financially for having known Jen. It's Jen's fault that I'm ill-contented with bread from anywhere but Iggy's, produce from anywhere but Russo's. Jen showed me the way to Freddie Farkels and lent me my first Ina Garten cookbook. Is it any wonder some of our laughs have been based on our shared cross of living with champagne tastes on a beer budget. She knows I will emphatically ratify her decision to blow the bank on two really good chairs in no-mistakes-allowed upholstery in a house otherwise outfitted in kid-friendly IKEA, because we both know that a thing expensive is a joy forever. Sometimes, a girl can put on a brave face with just a few pieces of bona-fide Ethan Allen in the house.

Jen's wisdom beyond her years is well-documented. When I was on the rack about whether or not to have a 4th child, Jen, effortlessly, galvanized the issue for me one day. "If you have a 4th, will you feel done?" I said yes. "There's your answer." Gemma, our 4th, will be 5 in April.

Jen's been good counsel in times of crisis. Many tender conversations had in her Watertown apt living room and on the floor in her Belmont playroom, babies crawling over us, have righted my boat and sent me with fresh bravery on my way. She's helped me keep long-term perspective while I've weathered the ups and downs of a husband's career in academia; she's calmed me through the nuanced stress of purchasing real estate from ward members; she's helped me be sturdy and stoic through social wounds.

Jen expands my thinking. She's constantly foisting books on me. I drug around her copy of The Aristocrats (500 pages in tiny print on the minutae of 18th century domesticity) from Utah to Cape Cod one summer until when I finally finished it, it was so shabby I couldn't give it back to her and had to order her a new one. As she predicted, I loved it. Ditto, "Monarch of the Glen," the Whitney Museum, "Raising Geeks", and a dozen other recommendations she's passed on over the years, which I have taken and found to be rare finds.

I'm only just recently discovering Jen's extraordinary talent as a Gospel Doctrine teacher. I keep a tiny notebook in my scriptures of the very best, most profound and moving ideas I hear in church. The book has begun to burst from Jen quotes. Our family home evenings lessons have begun to be miniature versions of the Gospel Doctrine class Jen taught the previous week, with a game and a few visuals thrown in. My kids think I thought up "pure gold fears no fire." If they only knew--it's a Jen-ism (which she actually credits to her mother, but still). I could quip a dozen more gems just like it.

This last week, Jen talked a bit about "native gifts" in Sunday School. As I listened to her with my usual weekly feelings of amazement, I thought that this woman at the front of the room exemplifies native gifts. She nurtures them and shares them generously with all. I love her very much, and look forward to many more years of a burnishing friendship. Happy Birthday, sweetJen.

Felicitous Genesis Day!!

Dearest Jen,

Of all the people I have ever known (and I dare guess  most everyone celebrating wonderful you on this momentous birthday would concur) YOU have the most mellifluous vocabulary.  In honor of this fact, I wanted to leave you the following birthday message:

You J are sagacious far beyond your senectitude.  Yet you have ever had and will ever have an unparagoned pubescence of spirit to make you the indefectible concomitant for even the most sprightly moppet (a fact which your mothering life proves daily).  

Your gift for communication is devoid of pleonasm and the flummadiddle, balderdash, bilge, blatherskite, bushwa, malarkey, pishposh, poppycock and twaddle of charlatans.  Instead, your locutions whelm with sapience, perspicacity, gumption and veridicality.   Your cerebrum and cerebellum are astute, acute, keen, adroit and ingenious.  

As a friend you are never contumacious or lubricious.  Rather, you are dependably dinki-dy, equable, allegiant and resolute.  Because of your ability to detect drollery in any predicament, in your presence lugubrious or doleful sentiments are fugacious and ephemeral. Your prowess in the social arena makes you a fitting compeer for aristo or commonage.  You harbor a cuore d'oro.  You are eleemosynary, complaisant and clement.  You are a paragon of a friend.

With love and loyalty without quantum or apportionment,

Pargie

Happy Birthday, Mom -- From William

I love you, Mom. You are so nice to me.

You take me everywhere. You let me play on the computer so many times.

I love you, Mom. You are good at helping me do my homework. You help me on hard things that I need to do.

You are good at math and you are good at science. You took me to Disneyworld. You help me to work hard.

I love you, William

Happy Birthday, Mom -- From Walker

I love you so much that it covers me all over with it, and I never stop thinking about you day and night.

You are an amazing cook and are so good at cleaning other peoples messes. Even if you sigh or grumble a little, I love you to the ends of the earth and think you are the most beautiful person ever.

You are also a very spiritual woman and help me to choose the right and help me to understand the things that I need most in life.

I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!!!!!

Walker

When I first read Heather's entry, my thought was, "Jen is MY friend...where did all these other friends come from?!? Well, I obviously know that she has many friends who love her just as much as I do. But the sad reality is that I wish I had the opportunity to live near Jen again, be a part of her everyday life and have her kids call me 'Auntie Cammy'. I must say, since I have yet to meet her twins, I thought they might be a figment of my imagination...but YES, the do exist thanks to pictures Mike posted on this blog, and they are as cute as ever Jen!

As for Jen and I, our friendship began when Jen was my faithful visiting teacher at the Y.  I knew we'd be friends when she shared Lisbeth Zwergers' Gift of the Magi with me--already one of my favorites. We would later become roommates post study-abroads and missions. I really don't think anyone had as much fun doing "nothing" like how we did at BYU. But for Jen and I, our friendship was really sealed when we both moved to the Big Apple. I was kinda a newly wed and Jen was hanging out with us at my in-laws while we both tried to find apartments. Marc and I eventually found a place, the cheapest we could find, for about $850 a month. It was a steal. For reasons I cannot remember Jen for some reason became our driver (no big surprise now) and drove us in our U-Haul to the city to move into our apartment. At the time I was scared stiff to move to Manhattan and both her and Marc had to force me into the middle seat so I wouldn't jump out and run back to preppy, safe Connecticut. When we arrived at our new apartment, it was filthy--covered in cat hair and fleas and smelling of cat wee wee. After we moved the boxes in and got back into the U-Haul my ankles were covered with flea bites. I started crying. I ranted and raved about hating NYC and not wanting to live there. "The apartment was terrible, etc. etc. etc." At this pivotal pity-party moment as we sat in the truck on 90th street, Jen launched her stern reproach letting me know I was acting like a baby and I needed to grow up and face reality. Can you just hear Jen? I had never had anyone yell at me like that other than my mom and sisters! Marc will always be indebted to you for that day! And I too remember that knowing only a true friend can do that! Thanks, babe.

Well, that was just the beginning of two great years in NYC with Jen and more in Boston. I love Jen on so many levels, for the many things we have in common to the things I wish I could do to be more like her. 

Jen, I am sending you this "Keep Calm and Carry On" necklace. When I saw this I had to get it for the sentiment and for you and some of the other gals' England connection. However, you cannot keep it! You wear it to help you and for your kids to see you wearing it! But in a few months time you need to send it to one of the gals who may need it. It will be our 'sisterhood of the traveling necklace!' You are the first recipient since you, well..., are old. :)

I love you Jen, have a wonderful birthday. I wish I could be there! I put my vote in too for Jen for President--that would be an easy decision!

Love, Cammy

Favorite recent Jen quote: "I tell my boys they need to marry smart, sturdy women!"

If I could just live next door to Jen...

Jen and I met the first week of our freshman year at BYU. A friendship, that has had such a profound influence on me, that it could never be attributed to happenstance. Jen became the ring leader of a group of friends that I subsequently lived with for the next several years - before and after study abroads, missions, and many, many semesters in Provo. I truly attribute the fact that I still call 'the gals' my closest friends (despite our living all over the country) to Jen. Her loyalty and dedication to our friendship taught all of us what it meant to be a good friend and what the sweet rewards are for having such friendships in our lives.

One of my happiest memories of being with Jen was right after we graduated we went on a trip through western Europe. We met Jen in Italy, where she had been TAing a study abroad. When we met up with Jen, she was sun tanned and rested (I know Jen - it's hard to remember a time when those words were used to describe a time in your life, but it was you -I've got other witnesses), looking so good and so in her element. She chattered away in what to us sounded like native Italian, introduced us to the best foods to eat and hidden treasures to see. Nobody can bring a work of art alive and interesting like Jen can. Whether we were seeing a Caravaggio in a small, less frequented church or taking a tour of the vatican, when Jen started expaining the art, other people would come over to listen and start asking her questions.

Something that I knew back then, but definitely know now, is that it wasn't just being in Italy, it was seeing Italy through Jen's eyes. She has proven since then to be a magnificent tour guide and hostess in other cities over the years. The combination of her knowledge and ability to express her ideas and thoughts, make being with her interesting and fun regardless of where we are. That is why one of my tucked away and hidden desires is to be Jen's neighbor. Logistically, I'm pretty sure its never going to happen, however, I know wherever it was, it would become a much more interesting place being there with Jen. To be able to regularly process everything from raising kids to politics with Jen I know would prove to be informative, insightful and funny. However, there are many miles between Belmont and Highland, so if not next door neighbors, I am still imensely grateful for our phone calls, quick visits and the enduring closeness we have had for over 20 years.

I love you Jen and wish you the happiest of birthdays!

Love,

Hillary Pugh

Jen for President

I’ve been thinking about Jen a lot lately. Not so much because of the milestone birthday but because of the presidential elections. When I heard Sarah Palin speak, my first thought was, “My friend Jen Thomas could run circles around this woman.” For that matter, I think our country would do well if Jen were in the oval office. The dinner parties and Christmas decorations would be exquisite.

Not only that, Jen could outdebate most of the people we’ve seen on national television this year. She knows where the Middle East is. She’s even a former UN delegate. And she’d just get right down to Jen Thomas-like business and have the schools and health care systems whipped into shape. If only our country could be as well organized and run as a Jen college roommates reunion. And wouldn’t she look splendid with Mike and the boys in the rose garden?

If Jen never becomes president, I have another idea for her post-mother-of-young-children job: travel guide. Jen and I met on London Study Abroad, and we had so much fun we went back to Europe with friends after we graduated. Europe is one big story, from sleeping in a stranger’s family bedrooms after a mixed up pensione reservation to packing a piazza with the citizens of Florence while they sang Verdi’s Nabucco in a solidarity opera after the bombing of the Uffizi.

A favorite though, is our quest to see the Bernini sculptures in the Galleria Borghese. We ended up lost in an underground parking lot. We finally found a door and opened it up to sunlight above. Ahh, this must be the way. The door shut with a fateful clank, and when we climbed up the stairs we found that we were in the middle-- I’m talking infield--of a horse track. We tiptoed across the track and exited under the bewildered gaze of Italian racing fans. This doesn’t typify Jen’s skill as travel guide but as adventurer, all-round good sport, and fun travel companion. As travel guide, Jen was so full of info about European art, history, food, and all the other good stuff, we probably should have paid her.

Jen and I haven’t lived close to each other since college. I am so jealous of Boston friends who get to be with her all the time. But I am so happy with every chance I get to see her. She is such a great person to talk with about politics and travel, and also religion, art, books, (New England Mobile Bookstore—yippee), movies, getting a job, getting an education, husbands (esp. from Bountiful), buying a house, women’s health (ai yai yai), twins, parent-teacher interviews, spit up, and snot.

I count it an immense blessing to have Jen for a friend. She is kind and thoughtful, loyal and patient, witty and intelligent, creative and fun. She’s also forgiving, considering that I introduced her to mountain biking by taking her to the Slick Rock trail in Moab and on another occasion lost Walker in a museum.

I love you Jen and wish you all the best on your birthday, and wish that if our husbands’ (gotta get the apostrophe right on that one, and thank you Jen for appreciating my nerdy editing humor) career paths never bring us to the same city, then maybe you could hire me as a speech writer and the rest of the gals as cabinet members someday.

Much love, Sunny

P.S. Has anyone mentioned the Halloween story about dressing up like patriots? That is classic Jen.

Jen's Jubilee: Dan and Stevie Wonder Celebrate With Song

"It is difficult to be religious, impossible to be merry, at every moment of life, but festivals (and 40th birthdays!) are as sunlit peaks, testifying above dark valleys to the eternal radiance." Clement A. Miles

I see your milestone birthday as a kind of festival to be celebrated, Jen. A Jubilee, if you will. And it testifies to the eternal radiance of your life.

You are such a wonderfully unique combination of sweetness and brightness. My montage of Jen memories include scenes in many places from Salt Lake to Boston, but all of them involve you shining in some way. Your kindness, graciousness, and general brilliance stood out every time.

Since I won't be there to celebrate this grand festival with you in person, I want to make use of technology to join with Stevie Wonder in singing Happy Birthday to you.

May this song become the anthem of your 40th birthday. And may you feel the warmth of the eternal radiance you've helped so many of us feel--and the love and celebration in our song.

Turn up your speakers, please, and click on the link below. (Or paste the url in your browser if necessary.) Get ready to dance. Picture Stevie and I getting up to sing. (A picture is provided to help you.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJ1uSAxqUuc



You know it doesn't make much sense
There ought to be a law against
Anyone who takes offense
At a day in your celebration
Cause we all know in our minds
That there ought to be a time
That we can set aside
To show just how much we love you
And I'm sure you would agree
It couldn't fit more perfectly
Than to have a huge party on the day you came to be

Happy Birthday to You, Jennifer!!!

Signed, Sealed, and Delivered with much love by Dan Mortensen & Stevie Wonder

P.S. When Stevie sings at the inauguration in January, know that he sang here for you first.

Jen the Good Friend

One of my wholly unexpected but favorite aspects of full time mothering is the close bond I have with what I lovingly call my “inner circle.” Jen is part of that circle. She is a vibrant part of my life. She helps me remember that I can be a good mom without sacrificing my intellect. Almost daily, she reminds me to check in on the New York Times, so that I can keep up with the world. Without fail, she uses her wordsmith power to have me laughing so hard that I can barely breathe. She thinks. She acts on her thinking. She inspires me to be the kind of mother I so desperately want to be. When I think of Jen, I often think of the quote by Martha Hughes Cannon:

"Somehow I know that women who stay home all the time have the most unpleasant homes there are. You give me a woman who thinks about something besides cook stoves and wash tubs and baby flannels, and I'll show you, nine times out of ten, a successful mother."

As Jen cleans her house, does her dishes, washes her laundry (have you ever asked Jen how she does laundry? Wow.), Jen is thinking of something besides her current domestic chore. She is solving a public relations dilemma for the Church (be sure to ask her about it). She is planning her PTA’s potluck dinner. She is thinking of how to explain to Walker the intricacies of his latest science experiment. She is mulling over extremely difficult doctrinal points in preparation for her Gospel Doctrine class. Jen keeps her mind alive and has inspired me countless times to do the same.

Yet, beyond all of that intellectual stuff, Jen is a true friend. She brings me a large Diet Coke when I just can’t take it anymore. She calls to tell me something naughty that she just did. She helps me solve my stickiest problems in a logical and loving way. She is incredibly discreet and never reveals to anyone the horrible things I say. She watches my children in a pinch, without hesitation. She brings me food when I’m sick; and if you’ve never had Jen’s food, you’ve never lived. She always answers her phone when I call. She does all of these things and more.

I just love you, Jen. Thank you for reminding what a successful lady is. I’m your biggest fan.