Jake, playing in a jungle gym tunnel at the park. Innocence, trust, discovery, making a big plastic tube a secret adventure…that’s kind of what it’s about, no?

I know it’s Monday, but try to rejoice in it anyway.

I am proud this day.

After ten weeks of grueling classwork and road training, Seamus is now a certified heavy hauler. Wahoo! He is fully licensed to drive flatbed, box and tanker semi trucks. He will be working mostly with flatbed loads.

~

Am I proud of this boy? Yep. After a career in retail sales that was fine, but not personally rewarding for him, he finally decided to go after his dream: driving for a living. He’s loved it since his grandfather allowed him to drive a tractor around the farm when he was nine years old.

Now he’s going to be the asphalt cowboy he’s always wanted to be. How cool is that? How often does someone reach his goals in this world?

Last night, Hannah threw a surprise party for him. There were a dozen of us there, all proud as get-out. But few as proud as Mama Fink. And I’m looking forward to taking him up on his offer to go with him on a haul sometime.

Fink, eastbound and down, loaded up and truckin’…

First – thank you to everyone who sent good wishes via their comments, emails and text messages yesterday. I heart you all! It was a great day all around, even though by the end of it, Grammie Fink and Grandpa Thriller were reminded of the reason why people usually have toddlers in their 20s and 30s. Nevertheless, we had a ball spending the day with Jake (aka, The Little Engine That Did, Does, and Always Will).

So without further ado: Justin Nicolas, 8 lbs., 3 oz. (Photos are clicky.)

It was interesting to watch Jake with Justin. Initially, he wasn’t too thrilled; he didn’t want much to do with him. Later, however, he warmed up and was actually curious about him. Big day for big brother as well…

So it was a fabulous day, and I appreciate the luv you’ve shown me and my fam. (RD, it was great to run into you at the hospital! Thanks for going to see the kids.)

Avast — it’s Finkday already. I might have to party. Can I get an amen, there, Lars??

Have a most excellent day, fiends. You’re the beast.

FO

What a delightful evening last night. Awesome Mothers Day party. It was great to see everyone (although unfortunately, Simone and Jon weren’t able to be there).

As usual, there was wanton silliness, and no shortage of hugs and photo ops.

Off to the school house for the final week of rehearsals before the concert craziness starts. Still debating whether or not to make them all stand the whole time this week…we’ll see what kind of mood I’m in when I get there. Heh heh. It’s good to be da queen.

FO

PS – Hey, if you’ve a mind to, root for the Cavaliers tonight please and thank you