Top 10 First Day of School Reflections

1. No matter how old I get I still hate getting up at a time that starts with a 5 at the beginning of it. (Sorry, buts is so true.)

2. This year has been crazy so I basically had to totally "wing it" for the first day. I'm getting better at making that work. (No school clothes laid out, special breakfast planned, or the like around here)

3. Even when I don't prepare I should still at least charge my camera battery. (Yep...got her all posed for "the one" you know the infamous first day of school pic and it was completely dead....opps!)

4. Dogs and first day of school don't mix all that well. Charlie contributed to our morning by escaping once again to our neighbors yard as we were trying to take the infamous first day picture.

5. God's grace is enough to cover it all if I can be patient. As I was retrieving escaped dog camera battery charged for 5 minutes and was able to capture these. (And now I'm thankful we started early, even if it started with a 5)

Did I mention she was excited?

6. Thank goodness for quick conversations with your own mama  where she tells you a cute picture idea she saw on Pinterest so you can look like you are so prepared even when you are not! (Thanks Gramy we thought the easel worked out great for our chalkboard!)

7. Aww.... she is still my baby even though she is getting so grown up! (tears)

8. Next year I have to send two.....move to denial for now!


9. Walking to school with a baby in a sling, an independent two year old trying to escape holding your hand, a head in the clouds dancing about four year old, and a SUPER excited first grader and PRAY is a bit of a challenge. (and it might be a glimpse at my next school year only the baby will be MINE) Lord have mercy!

10. God's goodness to me is so evident! When we arrived at school Grace went to join her class line. The last person in line was a classmate from last year Jorie. Then a friend from church, Jordan, came to join her on the other side. I had no idea she was in Grace's class. Thankful for new friends, a new school building (its gorgeous!!), and new opportunities to share Christ with those we come to know through Mark Twain Elementary.

Grace,
I'm so happy that you are so excited for school. Its SO hard for my mama heart to be away from you all day, but I'm going to choose to catch your excitement. I can't wait to watch you grow into a strong reader this year. You've alway been my "little leader" and I'm excited that your school is focusing on leadership. You are a natural! I am praying most of all that you will share God's love with your school. I love you so much. Happy first day of first grade!!!!!
Love, 
Mama

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!