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

When Green Things Stood at the Door

When we moved into this home a few years ago, one of the first purchases we made was a storm door. Bop and I enjoy the light coming through the house. From the glass storm door, we can view the hummingbirds at the feeders and check for any packages that have been delivered. We never thought there would be a time when green things stood at the door.

Rowan and Eden arrived early one morning. Daddy Mike had brought them to our house to play. I usually go outside and greet them when I see their car in the driveway. On that day, I noticed there were extra occupants in the vehicle. Two large blowup green aliens and two smaller gray aliens were along for the ride. These creatures sitting in the car caused me to laugh out loud.

Six-year-old Rowan quickly explained how he had worked and earned money to buy a toy. He chose the aliens. “Mimi, I did chores at my house and got money. I chose to buy these guys.”

Two-year old Eden was quick to try and help tell the story, too. “Yes, aliens. Green. They are funny. Do you love them?”

As we gathered the usual supplies that come to Mimi’s and Bop’s house out of the vehicle, the four “guests” were carried inside and placed on the couch. There was even a small air pump, just in case they needed more air.

During the day, those creatures mysteriously found hiding places in the bathrooms, behind bedroom doors, in my office chair, and next to the building blocks in the playroom.

As the morning progressed to noon, we decided to take our daily walk to the neighborhood mailbox and send a few letters. The storm door closed as we went outside. Rowan, Eden, and I walked on the sidewalk and through the grass.

“Wait, Mimi. I have an idea.” Rowan has a creative mind and always has unique ideas.
“Let’s put the alien family at the front door. Then, anyone walking or riding by your house will see them. They will be waving hello to everyone.”

“Yes, yes! They can wave.” Eden agreed to this plan.

So, I stood on the sidewalk and waited for Rowan and Eden to position the green and gray guests at the front door. The above photo shows what our neighbors and delivery people saw when passing by our home. Laughter and smiles were brought to everyone who viewed this unique sighting.

We returned from the mailbox and moved the “guests” from the front door. For the rest of the day, those two green things and two gray things found funny hiding places in the house. Imagine walking into the bathroom and finding a life-size green alien standing there waiting to greet you. Yes, that happened to me and yes, I jumped. Haha!

More fun and laughter with the Henderson’s. What has made you laugh out loud recently? Have you had any green things standing at the door?

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13 NIV)

Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

30 Comments
  • colleen
    Posted at 13:52h, 14 August Reply

    Oh Melissa what a wonderfully fun story. And your alien picture is the most recent thing that made me laugh!

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 13:56h, 14 August Reply

      Thank you for reading and commenting. I’m happy the picture made you laugh. Have a wonderful and blessed day! 🙂

  • Kimberly Rose Johnson
    Posted at 14:03h, 14 August Reply

    There aren’t any green things at our door unless you count plants lol. I love reading about your visits with your grandkids.

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 15:20h, 14 August Reply

      Thank you. The grandkids bring lots of laughter and joy to our lives. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • JD Wininger
    Posted at 14:14h, 14 August Reply

    Such a joy-filled home Ms. Melissa. Like all, I suppose your days are sometimes filled with challenges too, but your joyful approach sure does make life easier for those of us blessed to read your thoughts. Thank you!

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 15:22h, 14 August Reply

      Thank you. Living close to the grandkids brings joy and fun to our lives. Bop and I are truly happy. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Diana Derringer
    Posted at 14:42h, 14 August Reply

    Fun found in simple moments!

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 15:22h, 14 August Reply

      Yes, yes. The simple moments bring lots of fun. Thank you for reading and commenting. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • KatherinePasour
    Posted at 14:43h, 14 August Reply

    Your message gifted me with a smile today and a reminder of the great joy we receive from our grandchildren. Thank you for sharing a blessing.

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 15:26h, 14 August Reply

      Thank you Katherine. Yes, grandchildren bring great joy. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Jill Weatherholt
    Posted at 15:16h, 14 August Reply

    What a blessing you are to your grandchildren!

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 15:23h, 14 August Reply

      You are so kind. Our grandchildren truly bless us in every moment. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • karenruhl
    Posted at 15:16h, 14 August Reply

    Melissa, another wonderful story. I think about what you do with your grands and how you cherish the time with them. We are enjoying being with our grandson and watching his personality develop. Thank you for your wonderful sense of humor and for sharing the love you have for your family. Much love.

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 15:25h, 14 August Reply

      Karen, thank you so much. Alan and I enjoy seeing photos of your grandson and reading about your adventures. He’s adorable! Grandchildren are gifts from God. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Leigh DeLozier
    Posted at 00:19h, 15 August Reply

    This is so funny! Precious memories. 🙂 Sometimes it’s easy to be “too busy” to stop and enjoy the little things but sometimes the little things are really the biggest. Thanks for the laugh and reminder.

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 13:43h, 15 August Reply

    That sounds like such fun! My grandson likes blow-up creatures, too.

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 20:49h, 15 August Reply

      I’m always amazed at the things that kids find to enjoy. 🙂 Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Virginia Foster
    Posted at 15:11h, 15 August Reply

    I love hearing about all the escapades at the Henderson house. Thanks for sharing about the aliens.

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 22:34h, 16 August Reply

      Thank you for reading and commenting. Life is filled with laughter at the Henderson house. 🙂 Have a blessed day!

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 15:43h, 15 August Reply

    Ha, this is adorable! I love Eden’s question: “Do you love them?” SO SO cute.

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 20:49h, 15 August Reply

      Eden and Rowan are so much fun. She wants me to love the things that she loves. haha! Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Lynn J Simpson, PLC
    Posted at 00:43h, 17 August Reply

    This made me laugh out loud! Thanks Melissa!

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 11:52h, 17 August Reply

      Thank you Lynn. The kids will be here again today. I wonder what fun adventures they will create. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Karen Jurgens Harrison
    Posted at 03:55h, 19 August Reply

    You have such a fun, adventure-filled life with your darling grandchildren. I enjoyed your sweet story. Eden sounds very advanced for a two-year-old. Have a blessed weekend, dear friend. xoxo

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 12:17h, 19 August Reply

      Thank you Karen. Yes, we have a life full of adventures with Rowan and Eden. Alan and I are thankful we moved from VA to SC. 🙂 Have a blessed day!

  • Brittany
    Posted at 10:23h, 21 August Reply

    This is so much fun, and I love that you made space for this fun with the grandchildren.

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 12:39h, 21 August Reply

      Thank you. I love the imaginations of children. Adults can learn a lot from the young ones. 🙂 Have a blessed day!

  • Nancy E. Head
    Posted at 23:46h, 24 August Reply

    How amazing is the wonder of children. Great story, Melissa! God bless!

    • Melissa G Henderson
      Posted at 12:43h, 25 August Reply

      Thank you Nancy. Children truly have the most wonderful imaginations. Have a blessed day! 🙂

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