The Story of the Little Traveling Book-An Adoption Fundraiser

Once upon a time there was a special little book. It was red and green and home to a little bug named, "Dot." It was born in Nashville, Tennessee. It had no idea where it was headed but it hoped it would live up to its name, "The Christmas Miracle." It dreamed of its pages being worn by the pudgy fingers of a little child, or joining a collection of well loved Christmas books, or even bringing joy to many by going to live on the shelves of a public library. But, this little book was headed to meet someone very special indeed, its author! And so the book was signed with three names, "Mary Beth, Steven, & Shaoey Chapman," in permanent black marker. The book felt very special that it had been loved by its maker.

But there was more good for the little book to do and so its journey continued...

After a very long plane ride the little book arrived in a strange land. But a land it knew from the characters in its pages. The book had arrived in China!

Soon the book would be sold. The book was nervous where this auction would lead, but it was so happy to know all the money would be used to help children in a an orphanage, children just like her beloved Shaoey.


When the auction was complete she learned she had a familiar new owner- an American named Kara. The little book was very excited as her new owner took her home to two little girls. However, Ms. Kara knew that this book was very special.

 And there was more good for the little book to do and so its journey continued...

She packed the book in her suitcase and took the book back to America for Christmas. The book loved her shiny new wrapping paper and couldn't wait to see who she would meet.

On Christmas Eve the book met her new owner, a mama, named Jennifer.

This home had two little girls and a little boy as well. She wished she could stay but  the little book learned that the family was in the process of adopting a new little brother. She was of special value because she had been marked by her maker and could help the family raise the money they needed to bring their son home.

And there was even more good for the little book to do and so its journey continued...

Where will the little book go next? It's up to you!

In order to raise money for our adoption we are raffling an autographed copy of "The Christmas Miracle." For every $3 donated towards our adoption fund you will be entered to win this very special little book!  Simply send a check to: Jennifer Humiston 515 Euclid Ave. Hannibal, MO 63401 or you can use Paypal. Use the e-mail address hummy25@hotmail.com.  Then comment on this post letting us know you donated. The drawing will take place on September 28th.

We'd LOVE to see our winner be able to continue this little book's journey of doing good!

Thanks for joining our journey,

Uncle Cody's Artwork

This year at school Grace did a cow piece of art. I really loved it so I stashed it away thinking it would make a fun gift for our cattleman, Uncle Cody. We wanted everyone to get in on the fun so the crew painted a canvas to mount it on.

When we went to visit Jo Jo & Jake's new apartment they bravely let us work on our project.

Oh, no there is paint on Faith!

Paint on everyone.

Then Gramy helped them make it into a finished product during an overnight stay. Here is the finished product.

HCC= Holst Cattle Company

I believe it has found its home in Uncle Cody's office. Happy Birthday Uncle Cody!

A Day at the Zoo

Our playgroup spent a fun day at the St. Louis Zoo and Gramy came along- so we got AWESOME pictures. 

My Crew

 My big girl helper.

 Trying for a group photo...

 Titus loves Lala (a.k.a. Logan)

 The penguins were splashing us & faith didn't like "freezing."

 Faith with her beloved pink "tamingoes."

 Me too!

 Pushing this stroller was a GREAT workout in the heat.

 This was only the second day their Pride had been put together in their home. It was fun seeing them all together.

 Snugglin' up with the zebras.

 Finally a picture of an animal.

 Isn't she beautiful?

 Isn't she beautiful too?

 My little navigator (yes, that is a compass on her arm she insisted on bringing)

 Our first visit to the Children's Zoo.

 The kids loved playing in the water.

 Titus was enchanted with watching the otters swim.

 We have a picture of me and my siblings in this same hippo (although it was in another part of the zoo back then.)

 Eating some melty chocolate on the way home. Thanks Gramy!

Finally, a picture of our wonderful Gramy and photographer. So thankful she came along it made the drive and the day much funner for the mama.