When roosters wake up in the morning, they always say: “Good Day!”
…They say: “Cock-a-doodle-do!” That is what they say.

A rainy morning at ThumbMan’s farm did not drench spirits, especially those of the chickens. True to character, the roosters were up at sunrise, crowing in anticipation of their WeJoySing friends’ arrival. After a whole semester of the children visiting the farm by imagination only, today was the big day! Actual children were coming to the farm!

On Tuesday, June 3rd, North Canton WeJoySing families donned rain slickers and “muddy boots” for “A Day at ThumbMan’s Farm,” (PineCross Acres, Hartville, Ohio.) The 2-3’s age group was most primed, having talked about ThumbMan’s animals all spring.

Upon arrival, families were greeted by Mrs. Donna and Mrs. Julie and were given a map of the farm [Click here to view map] so they could find: Rover’s favorite hiding spot, a one-week old kid and her mama, four kittens and their mama, Little Rabbit Foo Foo and his motor scooter (at the top of the hill, near the forest), the pigs at Pinky’s place, and the chickens! Behind the farm house, children spied the famous lilac bush and searched for frogs at the pond.

Andrew Mallamaci told his mommy that his favorite thing about ThumbMan’s Farm was “Little Rabbit Foo Foo’s motorcycle.”

Throughout the morning, WeJoySing classes were held (in the barn!) for infants (1-12 months), toddlers (13-24 months) and preschoolers (2-5 years). Favorites included: “The More We Get Together,” “Three Little Speckled Frogs,” and, of course, Thumbman’s famous dance.

Children and their parents/caregivers came together not only to sing, dance, play, and enjoy the adventure of ThumbMan’s (real!) farm, but also to support World Vision Appalachia. Families in attendance, in cooperation with WeJoySing, donated over $400.00 toward The Chapel in North Canton’s work projects in Wallace, West Virginia.

Pastor Scott of the Chapel also attended the farm adventure, where he thanked WeJoySing for its part in the mission. Sharing his thoughts on the day, he said, “As an expectant father, I have an appreciation for [activities like WeJoysing]. Shared parent-child experiences are so important, because they aid development early on in life.” He left the barn with a smile, looking forward to the day he and his wife, Paula, would be able to play with their soon-to-be arriving baby boy.

The day also gave inspiration for a new version of the WeJoySing classic “May There Always be Sunshine:”

May there always be raindrops
May there always be splashy puddles
May there always be ThumbMan’s Farm
May there always be me.

A Note from Mrs. Jo-
WeJoySing families truly know the JOY of serving and giving. Parents, Grandparents and Caregivers who dedicate a season of their lives to little ones know that these early bonding experiences impact a lifetime and beyond. What a bonus that we could come together to support good causes. Besides, I always knew that ThumbMan was real!

"Sing"cerely,
Mrs. Jo