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

Popsicles and Pickles

A variety of flavors can be found during each season. Strawberries in summer, pumpkins in autumn, and the delightful scent of cinnamon during the colder months. Each person has their favorites and sometimes those favorites change from day to day. Do you like popsicles? Do you like pickles? What about having popsicles and pickles together?

Lunch with grandchildren Rowan and Eden usually involves them choosing chicken, noodles, or peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Rowan is a bit more picky when deciding what to eat. He knows what he likes and doesn’t stray far from his choices.

Eden will try almost any food. She often asks everyone at the table, “What are you having?” When the answer is given, she often wants to try whatever is on the plate of someone else. She likes to have strawberries or peaches as her fruit choice.

Along with the main course, Rowan likes to have mandarin oranges for the fruit portion. After eating his meal, he politely asks for dessert. Rowan likes ice cream in a bowl or an ice cream sandwich.

Eden finishes her meal and walks to the freezer. She asks for a “popsicle”. Any color is fine. She prefers to have a bowl to put the popsicle in and a napkin ready to wash her “cheekies” and hands when she’s finished eating.

During a recent lunchtime, I sat at the table with my plate of food and was ready for conversation during the meal. My choice for lunch was a turkey sandwich, chips, and a few bread and butter pickles.

As I sat and began eating, Eden inquired, “What are you having? What’s that?” She pointed to my pickles.
I answered, “These are bread and butter pickles. Maybe you can try them when you’re not eating a grape popsicle.” I thought the combination would not be tasty and could cause an upset tummy.

However, Eden thought differently. “I want some pickles.” Her sweet two years old voice could not be denied.
“Eden, maybe another time when you are not having a grape popsicle, you can try pickles.” Of course, that answer didn’t work.

“I want pickles. I want pickles. I want pickles!” She exclaimed.

If you have ever been around a two years old child while they are eating, you know how important their food choices are to them. So, I gave in.

I placed 3 pieces of bread and butter pickles in a bowl. I watched Eden and tried not to laugh. She was determined to try the pickles while she crunched on her grape popsicle.

My thinking was that when she took the first bite, she would not want any more of the pickles. I was wrong. Eden took a bite of pickle and then, a bite of popsicle.

Smiling, she looked at me and said, “I like pickles. I like it.” Her eyes watered a bit and her mouth puckered. But, she continued. “Can I have some more pickles?”

Shocked, I relented. “Yes, I’ll get more pickles.”

Eden ate the popsicle and the pickles. Rowan laughed and commented. “That’s bad. I don’t want to eat those two things together.” I agreed with him.

Days later, Eden visited and asked for a popsicle. She also asked for pickles. However, this time, she took a bite of a pickle and stated, “I don’t like pickles today.”

Yes, the mind of a two-year-old. Changing and learning her likes and dislikes.
Tomorrow may bring a desire for pickles and popsicles again. Today, Eden is satisfied with another grape popsicle.

What unique food choices have you eaten lately? Were you happy with your selections?

Have a blessed and fun day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

32 Comments
  • JD Wininger
    Posted at 10:55h, 11 July Reply

    I’m much more like Rowan than little Miss Eden, but it’s hard to pass on bread and butter pickles. Has she tried watermelon rind pickles with orange sherbert yet? 🙂 Oh, how I enjoy the antics in this latest episode of “At Mimi and Bop’s”. Sometimes being adventurous can lead to a tummy ache, that’s for sure. Thanks for sharing, and starting my day with a big smile, Ms. Melissa.

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 12:23h, 11 July Reply

      Haha! I am more picky about my food, too. Eden is learning her likes and dislikes. Wonder what she will want to eat today? She hasn’t tried watermelon rind pickles with orange sherbert. You’ve given me a new idea to try. 🙂 Have a wonderful and blessed day dear friend!

  • Diana Derringer
    Posted at 12:38h, 11 July Reply

    What fun! Thanks for starting my day with a smile.

  • Jill Weatherholt
    Posted at 14:25h, 11 July Reply

    Now I can’t stop thinking of a pickle flavored popsicle, Melissa. Maybe you can market it as the new Southern thing…Eden’s Best! Have fun with the grandkids. xo

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 15:43h, 11 July Reply

      I am laughing out loud!! A pickle flavored popsicle! 🙂 Great idea. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Carol Souders
    Posted at 14:47h, 11 July Reply

    Sweet story. At least she’s eager to try new tastes. Then she makes her own decision once she has the facts.

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 15:44h, 11 July Reply

      Thank you Carol. Eden is very opinionated. She is hilarious! Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • June Foster
    Posted at 16:19h, 11 July Reply

    That is such a crazy yet sweet story. I’m so glad you’re enjoying your grandkids. I’m enjoying mine right now in Washington state but they are far past two years old. 😁 I pray you continue to have an amazing summer.

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 17:17h, 11 July Reply

      Thank you June. Yes, crazy. We never know what the grandchildren will enjoy eating. 🙂 Eden will try almost any food. Have a blessed day and blessed time with family. 🙂

  • Nancy E. Head
    Posted at 20:56h, 11 July Reply

    Kids don’t meal plan according to flavor. It’s good that she’s adventurous. God bless, Melissa!

  • Katherine Pasour
    Posted at 03:42h, 12 July Reply

    Oh, the joys of grandchildren! Mine are like yours in that the food they “love” one day, is not edible the next. Thanks for sharing a smile, Melissa.

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 11:32h, 12 July Reply

      Yes, grandchildren bring joy! Learning what they like to eat is a process. 🙂 Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 18:20h, 12 July Reply

    It’s funny what kids latch onto. When my grandson was little, he liked eating lemon slices, even though they made him pucker. Never tried sweet popsicles and sour pickles, though! I think I did see pickle-flavored chips somewhere–but the pickles themselves would be much healthier.

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 00:19h, 13 July Reply

      Children are so funny. I have seen the pickle-flavored chips, too. Wonder if Eden would like those? haha! Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Gail Johnson
    Posted at 23:43h, 12 July Reply

    Not sure I’d like bread and butter pickles with a grape popsicle. Amazing what kids will eat. Mine had a couple of strange concoctions too. Have a blessed day!

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 00:20h, 13 July Reply

      I’m wondering her next food adventure will include. haha! Kids are funny! Have a blessed week Gail! 🙂

  • Karen Jurgens Harrison
    Posted at 07:37h, 13 July Reply

    What an adorable little granddaughter! But I can kind of see it as a sweet and sour combination–like Chinese sweet and sour chicken. Looking at it that way makes sense to me! Perhaps she will become a chef one day and combine lots of unique flavors together? Enjoy your summer, dear friend. Blessings from Texas where it’s as hot as a firecracker. Lol.

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 23:54h, 13 July Reply

      Interesting. Maybe she will become a chef. 🙂 Hot here in the Lowcountry of SC, too. We can’t play outside due to the temperatures. But, we find lots of fun activities inside. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Melinda Viergever Inman
    Posted at 14:13h, 13 July Reply

    I always enjoy the stories you share with your grandchildren. They’re both adorable, and hearing their sweet comments always brighten my day. They are blessed to have you for a grandma, Melissa

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 23:55h, 13 July Reply

      Thank you Melinda. You are so sweet. Those children truly bless us. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Yvonne
    Posted at 22:08h, 13 July Reply

    I think those two items sound awful together but I like lots of things that are not common like beets, lamb, duck, etc. it so wonderful that we are not all the same. Thanks Melissa

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 23:56h, 13 July Reply

      Yes, God gives everyone different gifts and different likes and dislikes. 🙂 I’m thankful Eden will try new foods. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • karentfriday
    Posted at 01:35h, 17 July Reply

    What a fun post, Melissa. That combination sounds horrid together. Funny how kids think and change their minds. I’ve heard of some interesting combinations of food together, but this is a new one. Thanks for sharing your story.

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 16:28h, 17 July Reply

      Thank you Karen. Yesterday, she asked for more pickles to have with her hamburger. 🙂 Popsicle was dessert. haha! Have a blessed day!

  • Lynn J Simpson, PLC
    Posted at 13:39h, 20 July Reply

    This reminds me how we can say we really want something, and when we get it stubbornly say we like it (when actually we don’t). haha! But we never know until we try! May we keep trying, just like children!

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 13:05h, 22 July Reply

      Yes, yes! Keep trying, just like children. haha! Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • Jeanne Takenaka
    Posted at 21:27h, 20 July Reply

    Melissa, how different your two grands are. It must be delightful to watch ohow each of them approach life. I love that your grand daughter enjoys trying new flavor pairings. I did some of that as a girl. I will say most of my whackier ones didn’t make it into. my teen years. 😉

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 13:07h, 22 July Reply

      I think our taste buds change as we grow. One day, Rowan liked a certain type of yogurt. The next day, he didn’t want that kind. I guess I’m the same way. Tastes change with moods. haha! Have a blessed weekend!

  • Brittany Bonnaffons
    Posted at 18:09h, 27 August Reply

    I love watching kids true and determine their likes and dislikes and even when those likes and dislikes change along the way.

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 12:21h, 28 August Reply

      Yes, our likes and dislikes change from time to time. Our six year old grandson Rowan says, “Mimi, you need to try new things.” 🙂 Have a blessed day!

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