Oh, Happiness.

"The Constitution only guarantees the American people the right to pursue happiness. You have to catch it yourself." - Benjamin Franklin

Oh, if only the Democrats listened to old Mr. Franklin a little better, they wouldn't have to run around in such a frenzy trying to take away from some to give to others to make everything fair and force us all to be happy doing it their way because its for everyone's good.

And that is my rant for the month. Poor, sad Democrats.

ANYWAYS. I am very happy today. Again, The Husband always ranks at the top of my list. But besides him, my three happy things today?


3. Flag Day - Our flag, blowing in the wind, in my own front yard (Thanks Boy Scouts!) honestly gives me goosebumps. I choke up a little, every time. I love going outside in the morning and find that the boys have been there putting up the flag. I love the flag. I love Flag Day.

2. My Dining Room Hutch: It turned out exactly like I wanted it to, just like I imagined in my head for all those months living in chaos. Sometimes, when I'm walking by, I just stop on the plush chocolate area rug placed strategically in front of it and just stare. And sigh a little. Because I love it so much. And it was all made possible by scouring Goodwill for six straight months, finding something here, something there. Oh, and then that Motherlode Wednesday, when I found the flowered plate set. Biggest score of my Goodwill career so far.

Dear Jamie Bloomfield: You are an Absolute Goddess. I could have never placed things so perfectly all by myself. And could you please venture on down the street about every fourth Friday to make sure the cleaning lady puts everything back where it goes after she dusts? That would be super, thanks. Love, MaLeisa

1. My Beauties: Her, above, and them, below. My precious, lovely, Beauties. I hope that someday soon I can finally come to grips with the fact that 1 doesn't live with me anymore. She has been married for 2 years and she moved away even before that, and i just want her to come back and forget all that being grown-up nonsense.

But I really don't. Not really. We all must progress into our own families. And I know the rest will soon enough.

Dear Beauties: I love you all so much. You will always be my number 1 thing that makes me happy. Love, Mom

And Dear ______: Even though life hasn't been a completely smooth ride for us (you know who you are) I have always liked you the best. (Don't tell your sisters)