Grumpy the Gator

In Grumpy the Gator, a group of children playing encounter a grumpy alligator. The story teaches children to always keep a safe distance from animals in the wild, and to find an adult if they see an alligator.

Grumpy the Gator

Its Always A Story With The Hendersons

“Pretty”

“Turn round Mimi. Turn round. Pretty. Pretty.” Two years old Eden spoke and smiled as she turned around and around in a circle. She was wearing a skirt and loved watching the skirt move when she twirled. Eden wanted me to “turn round” like she was turning. I tried. Finally, I said, “Mimi can’t turn like you. I get dizzy.”

Each time that Eden moved her body, the fabric on her little purple and white skirt lifted. She giggled and announced, “Pretty. Pretty.” The more she twirled, the more she laughed. At one point, her movement showed that she was dizzy, too.

Eden and I continued to laugh. She wanted me to see her move. “Pretty. Pretty.”
I commented. “Yes, Eden, you are pretty. Very pretty.”

As the bond between Eden and Rowan grows, the love between brother and sister is evident. When Rowan is sad, Eden tries to cheer him with laughter and hugs. When Rowan and I view videos of Eden, he says, “She’s so cute. I love her.”

There are times when Eden likes to wear Rowan’s clothes. When Rowan arrives here from school, he often changes into “play clothes”. Rowan and Eden have a drawer of clothing at our house. Eden has learned to look for Rowan’s clothes and then, she wants to wear something of his. We laugh as she chooses shirts and pants that are too big for her. That doesn’t matter. Rowan is changing clothes and she is changing clothes, too, just like big brother.

A basket of hats, earmuffs, and scarves sits on a shelf in the hall closet. Sometimes, Rowan, Eden, and Bop and Mimi like to play restaurant. Bop adorns a hat and scarf and pretends to be “Mr. Periwinkle” or some other made up character. Mimi and Rowan are the restaurant people. Eden is a customer, too. She puts on a hat and scarf and one glove. The glove quickly turns into a puppet.

Bop and I continue to be amazed and filled with joy at the imaginations and creativity of these children. The mind of a five years old boy and a two years old girl are fascinating. Every day is a new adventure.

We are thankful to be able to share in their lives. And, yes, when Eden wants Mimi to “turn round, turn round” so I can twirl like her, I will gladly twirl, just a lot slower than Eden’s twirls.
Yes, Eden, you are “pretty, pretty.”

Eden and Rowan are two of the biggest blessings God has provided. The opportunity to see the simple things in life from their perspective allows us to remember to find joy in every moment. When sad times come, we can rest in knowing God is with us and those sad times will pass. When good times come, we can give thanks to the Father for His endless love and mercy.

Today is a good day. Today is a great day to “turn round, turn round” and enjoy the laughter of young and not so young.

How are you finding laughter today?

Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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37 Comments
  • JD Wininger
    Posted at 14:38h, 15 November Reply

    You are just going to have to send me a photo of “Mr. Periwinkle” one day Ms. Mimi. Oh, what a blessing I received. My heart laughed, sang, and twirled with you my friend. Thank you for bringing joy today. That very precious gift your grandchildren bring into your lives. God’s blessings ma’am.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 15:17h, 15 November Reply

      Thank you so much dear friend. Yes, “Mr. Periwinkle” is quite the funny sight. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Laurie Larsen
    Posted at 14:43h, 15 November Reply

    What joy you give and receive! You are making a huge impact in these beautiful children’s lives!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 15:18h, 15 November Reply

      Laurie, thank you so much. Alan and I are blessed. I’m sure you know that feeling. 🙂 Have a blessed day!

  • Joanne Viola
    Posted at 15:01h, 15 November Reply

    Melissa, what a joy you are to your grands and they are to you! Just think of the memories they will always have. You inspire me to enjoy every moment of play and laughter with our own three!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 15:19h, 15 November Reply

      Joanne, thank you so much. I love how God shows us the simple ways to find laughter and joy. Have a blessed day and enjoy your three grandchildren! 🙂

  • Karen Ruhl
    Posted at 15:17h, 15 November Reply

    Melissa, we have our 10-month-old grandson staying with us for a bit. I love watching him look at the world through his eyes and try to figure out how to do new things. He took his first step here and that turned in to 7 steps. Glory be to God for letting us experience the love of our grandchildren. Have a blessed day. <3

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 15:20h, 15 November Reply

      Amen. Glory to God for grandchildren. I love seeing photos of your grandson. He is adorable! He’s always smiling! Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Nancy E. Head
    Posted at 17:07h, 15 November Reply

    Rowan and Eden will carry the warm memories you’re making with them throughout their lives. What joys! God bless, Melissa. Thank you.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 18:43h, 15 November Reply

      Thank you Nancy. I am blessed to be their “Mimi”. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • June Foster
    Posted at 17:22h, 15 November Reply

    Melissa, indeed the Lord has blessed you with those 2 precious grandchildren. I love the way you are able to find joy in them and to see the Lord working in your life through their little lives.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 18:43h, 15 November Reply

      Thank you June. When I think of Rowan and Eden, I instantly smile. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Jeannie Waters
    Posted at 18:12h, 15 November Reply

    I enjoyed your delightful post, Melissa. Keep the stories coming.

  • Janet from FL
    Posted at 18:22h, 15 November Reply

    Grandkids have a super power. It’s making us laugh!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 18:45h, 15 November Reply

      Love that! A super power! I agree. They make us laugh. 🙂 Have a blessed day!

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 19:54h, 15 November Reply

    Time with grandkids is such a fun. We forget how to just play for fun sometimes, and grandkids remind us to slow down and do that. I hope they’ll cherish those memories. I still have fond memories of my grandmother even though I am a grandmother now.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 20:47h, 15 November Reply

      Precious memories are being made every time we are with the grandkids. Alan and I are thankful to God for His blessings of grandchildren. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Melinda Viergever Inman
    Posted at 06:29h, 16 November Reply

    I love your family stories. They capture the love you hold for your grandchildren and the. Leadings they bring to you!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 13:13h, 16 November Reply

      Thank you Melinda. Rowan and Eden are true blessings. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Karen
    Posted at 07:25h, 16 November Reply

    Precious story. Precious grandchildren. Precious memories. Wishing you and your family a blessed Thanksgiving! xoxo

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 13:14h, 16 November Reply

      Thank you Karen. Yes, precious. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Yvonne Morgan
    Posted at 18:05h, 16 November Reply

    Once again I smile as I picture the scene. Grandkids are a true blessings in our lives and something I thank God for allowing me to enjoy their twirls and laughter. Thanks Melissa

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 21:15h, 16 November Reply

      Yes, grandkids are true blessings from God. I’m smiling as I think of the fun we will have this week when Rowan and Eden come to play. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Ava Pennington
    Posted at 00:00h, 17 November Reply

    Love how you take time to notice the small joys in life!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:53h, 17 November Reply

      I am thankful God allows us to notice and enjoy the small joys in life. 🙂 Have a blessed day!

  • Kris
    Posted at 17:07h, 17 November Reply

    Grandchildren are such a blessing! Thank you for sharing this sweet story and reminding us to enjoy the everyday moments, especially those with our wonderful grandchildren! ❤️

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 20:48h, 17 November Reply

      Yes, I agree. Grandchildren are blessings! 🙂 Have a blessed day!

  • Jessicajbrodie@gmail.com
    Posted at 18:36h, 17 November Reply

    I can feel the joy in your stories, Melissa! What precious children!!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 20:49h, 17 November Reply

      Rowan and Eden bring great joy to the world. I’m thankful to be their Mimi. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Lynn J Simpson
    Posted at 21:19h, 17 November Reply

    Children have a way to make us snap right back into the present! What a dear present they are!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 13:35h, 18 November Reply

      Yes, yes! Children are precious gifts. We can learn many valuable lessons from them. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Katherine Pasour
    Posted at 17:07h, 21 November Reply

    Loved you message–what a day brightener! My grandchildren bring me joy. God truly blesses us to the utmost when He sends us those precious children. Happy Thanksgiving, Melissa and family!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:51h, 21 November Reply

      Thank you so much Katherine. Yes, grandchildren are blessings. Happy Thanksgiving! Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Debbie Wilson
    Posted at 16:17h, 29 November Reply

    I smiled all the way through this. What a special connection you have with your grandchildren. I had that with my grandmother. A gift you carry your whole life.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 13:52h, 30 November Reply

      Thank you Debbie. These are precious moments to enjoy. 🙂 Have a blessed week dear friend. 🙂

  • Brittany
    Posted at 19:51h, 12 December Reply

    These moments are so precious indeed.

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