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

“Come Back, Honey!”

Laughter and conversations can be heard in our neighborhood every day. In the morning, children and parents gather to wait for the yellow buses to arrive. After school has ended for the day and everyone is home, the time for fun begins. Happy children bring out bicycles, frisbees, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and more.

When Rowan and Eden visit, there are belly-holding giggles, surprises in conversation and actions, amazing stories of what happened at school, and yes, even some quiet time. All of these things provide wonderful opportunities for bonding and sharing the love of God.

Temperatures have warmed in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and outside play is a wonderful way to burn off energy and have fun. One of my favorite activities is playing with bubbles. Sometimes, I bring out the mixture and wands and enjoy the bubbles by myself. However, most of the time, neighborhood kids are playing, too.

Recently, two years old Eden and I were preparing to take the needed supplies outside. She carried wands of various sizes and shapes. I carried the large pink bottle of solution to pour into the circular pans. 

With everything in place on two little plastic tables lined up on the sidewalk, we were ready to create fun shapes. Eden doesn’t like for “bugs” to get in the pans, so I have to be on the lookout to remove any creatures before she notices. Sticky fingers don’t bother me.

On that particular day and since then, every time I place my wand into the pan and cover it with the solution, Eden begins to laugh. As I raise my arm, the bubbles appear and dance in the air. She throws down her wand and runs to catch the different shapes flowing toward the sky.

Her energy is limitless, just like her brother Rowan. Her breathing is rapid and her eyes are opened wide as she laughs and jumps in the air to catch the clear circles. The excitement she shows over the simple act of running and chasing something flying through the air is truly contagious.

Along with running, she calls to the bubbles. I’m not sure where she learned this or why she talks to them, but she calls out, “Come back, honey. Come back, honey.”

Her sweet voice brings happy tears and tons of giggles to me as she tries to catch each one.

I’ve never called bubbles “honey” and I’ve never asked them to “Come back.” But, Eden has a plan and for some unknown reason, those bubbles are “honey”.

Bop and I are thankful we live close to Mike, Christine, Rowan, Eden, and doggy Olive. God has blessed us with many joys from this move. Five years in South Carolina and we continue to treasure each moment.

Have you played with bubbles lately? Or perhaps another fun outside activity with kids?

Be alert and listen. You might hear someone calling “Come back, honey.”

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 NIV)

 

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

 

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34 Comments
  • JD Wininger
    Posted at 15:12h, 24 April Reply

    Three minutes later and I’m still smiling Ms. Mimi. Thank you so much for sharing your joy with us in this post ma’am. I get that same feeling when tossing the ball down the hall for little “Archie the screeching dog” to chase, or riding around with my pal “Bubba the chocolate lab” on the seat beside me as we do night checks as dusk begins to turn to darkness. God’s blessings to you and “Bop.”

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 21:00h, 24 April Reply

      Thank you J.D. I’m glad you are smiling. 🙂 Hope you and Ms. Diane have a blessed week. 🙂

  • Nancy E. Head
    Posted at 15:22h, 24 April Reply

    Happy day with bubbles! Grands and Greats are so wonderful. We’re expecting our third Great within the next few weeks.

    Thanks for sharing, Melissa. God bless!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 21:00h, 24 April Reply

      Congratulations on your third grandchild! I love how those grandchildren bring such joy. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Diana Derringer
    Posted at 18:25h, 24 April Reply

    Bubbles provide great fun on international mission trips.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 21:01h, 24 April Reply

      Yes, bubbles can bring great fun and laughter at any time. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • June Foster
    Posted at 20:47h, 24 April Reply

    Such a delightful story.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 21:02h, 24 April Reply

      Thank you June. Lots of love and laughter with bubbles. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 21:44h, 24 April Reply

    Bubbles are such fun! We’ve played with them with our kids and grandson, but not the great big ones. It’s so funny the things kids come up with. I wish I had written down the cute and funny things my kids said.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:26h, 24 April Reply

      Yes, Barbara, bubbles are fun. This evening I went outside and played with the bubbles by myself. In short time, five children came and played bubbles, too. Lots of neighborhood laughter. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Kimberly Rose Johnson
    Posted at 22:50h, 24 April Reply

    Such fun times! Bubbles are the best.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 23:45h, 24 April Reply

      I agree. Bubbles are the best, especially when the children chase them and laugh. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Jeannie Waters
    Posted at 01:04h, 25 April Reply

    I loved sharing these joyful moments with you. Children are delightful blessings who remind us to enjoy God’s blessings.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:20h, 25 April Reply

      Thank you Jeannie. Yes, children are delightful blessings. Their innocence and joy remind us of God’s love. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Melinda Viergever Inman
    Posted at 03:32h, 25 April Reply

    Eden is so precious! Playing with bubbles was something I got to do this weekend with our one year old granddaughter. Such simple things as soap bubbles can go a long ways with a young child. Thanks be to God for these sweet moments!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:22h, 25 April Reply

      Yes, Eden is precious. I’m glad you were able to play bubbles with your granddaughter. Simple things make wonderful fun. God gives us the most special times! Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Lynn J Simpson
    Posted at 12:43h, 25 April Reply

    I haven’t played with bubbles lately, but you’ve given me an idea for my wedding celebration in June! When my grandchildren were younger, I bought a new bubble wand every spring. They are older now…but are we ever too old for bubbles? Maybe not! God’s love calls us back every time we stray…so thankful for that!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:09h, 25 April Reply

      Bubbles are a great idea for weddings. Let me know if you use bubbles at the wedding celebration. Yes, God calls us back every time we stray. 🙂 Have a blessed week!

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 19:22h, 25 April Reply

    This is the SWEETEST thing I’ve seen in ages. I love how she has such a kind heart to think to call her bubble “honey”! She must hear lots of affirming and encouraging words in her home. 🙂 I’m not surprised.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 19:56h, 25 April Reply

      Thank you Jessica. Eden and Rowan and precious gifts from God. I love playing bubbles with them. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • David Chancey
    Posted at 00:40h, 26 April Reply

    I love this story! Nothing like playing with the grandkids and seeing them enjoy simple things, like bubbles floating in the breeze, with childlike enthusiasm. They will treasue these moments with you as they look back and remember these special moments. Thanks for sharing!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:52h, 26 April Reply

      Thank you so much for reading and commenting. Yes, the simple things in life can bring great joy. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Karen
    Posted at 08:37h, 26 April Reply

    Such a darling story! You are a fantastic Mimi to those precious grands. Have a great week full of blessings and bubbles. xoxo

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:52h, 26 April Reply

      Thank you so much. Those grands are special. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Ruth Schmeckpeper
    Posted at 13:33h, 26 April Reply

    Come back, honey! I’ll never see bubbles in the same way again. Lovely.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:25h, 27 April Reply

      Yes, children can make us see things in different and wonderful ways. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Yvonne
    Posted at 09:00h, 27 April Reply

    I love bubbles too but never named them or called them back. But what a joy to see Eden’s enthusiasm. Children are a blessing as they show us how to enjoy the simple things in life. Thank you for making me smile Melissa

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:24h, 27 April Reply

      Thank you Yvonne. I love the enthusiasm of children. Their joy makes me happy. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • Katherine Pasour
    Posted at 17:14h, 27 April Reply

    Your tubs make BIG bubbles! Loved your story–now-a-days, my greatest joy comes from my grandchildren. Thank you for sharing joy.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 20:01h, 27 April Reply

      Thank you Kathereine. Grandchildren definitely bring joy. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Linda Stoll
    Posted at 02:03h, 29 April Reply

    Oh I love bubbles and fun with the kids. My grands are all teens now, so we’re making new memories. I’m so grateful for every chance to spend time with them. The years have gone far too quickly …

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:10h, 01 May Reply

      Time goes by quickly. Sharing precious moments with the grands brings joy to my heart. Thank you for reading and commenting. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Debbie W. Wilsond
    Posted at 20:48h, 04 May Reply

    Thanks for the smile! Enjoyed your bubble adventure with Eden.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:17h, 05 May Reply

      You are welcome. I love how God gives us the simplest things to make us smile and to remember His love. Have a blessed day dear friend! 🙂

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