Hey lady,
I echo your thoughts. I too am a stay at home mom with young kids. I am educated and used to have a career before I gave it up to stay at home which I wouldn't change for anything, but I know how you feel. Raises and promotions used to give me satisfaction, now I have kids who...well...you know! Wouldn't trade them for the world but the instant gratification is not the same. Feel free to IM me, I am your neighbor to the north in WI. Hang in there, SR is a great site! PG