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

Taking Care of Baby Dolls, Stuffies, and People

The new year has arrived and daily routines begin. Some activities are new while others are routine from the past. An important part of any time is taking care of others, including baby dolls, stuffies, and people.

Granddaughter Eden is three years old. She is wise beyond her years, just like her six-year-old brother Rowan. Those two children amaze us with their creativity, imagination, compassion, and love for family, friends, and strangers.

A typical day at our house involves playing with toys, puzzles, stuffed animals, baby dolls, and much more. Sometimes, we play restaurant and pretend to be servers and customers. We tap a small bell and shout, “Order ready.” when the food is cooked.

The library is also a fun activity as we pretend to check out books to take home and read to the babies.

Playing store is another way to bring laughter. Sometimes Eden is the storekeeper and other times, I am the clerk. A question often asked while we’re playing store is, “Do you have any bananas for my babies?”

On a recent day, Eden and I decided to play doctor. She lined up the baby dolls and stuffies. She arranged them on folded blankets and made sure they had pillows so their heads could rest. After placing each baby and stuffed animal in the perfect position, Eden said, “They need band- aids. They all have boo-boos on their foreheads.”

So, of course, Mimi always has extra inexpensive band-aids in a drawer filled with supplies. We found what we needed and headed back to our “doctor’s place” in the playroom.
Eden opened each band-aid and delicately placed one on each baby and stuffed animal. I noticed they all had the same “boo-boo” in the same place.
I asked Eden what happened that made them need to go to the doctor.

Answering in a calm voice, Eden spoke. “Mimi, they were running in the living room and fell on the coffee table and got a boo-boo. Remember? That’s where I got my hurt and I had to go to the doctor.”

Yes, months ago, Eden was running in the living room of her home and tripped and fell against the coffee table. Eden went to the doctor and got stitches on her forehead. She has recovered well. However, she remembered that scary event and decided that was what happened to the baby dolls and stuffed animals.

Eden showed tender care to the toys. She remembered how to show love and compassion. When she was hurt, Rowan showed Eden love and compassion by playing quiet games and being mindful of her bandage.

Bop and I are thankful that our grandchildren are taught how to show God’s love to others. Through the examples of their parents, Mike and Christine, these sweet children are learning to be kind and thoughtful.

God, thank You for the many ways we can express Your love and peace. Through the actions of children to the actions of adults, may we always pause and share Your love. Amen.

Have you noticed children showing God’s love?

Have a blessed day!
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

36 Comments
  • Karen Jurgens Harrison
    Posted at 07:30h, 09 January Reply

    How sweet! I remember my daughter and I playing library and checking out books, too. One of her favorites was playing birthday party. She’d work for days wrapping up little toys and arranging all the dolls around a table. In contrast, the party only took about ten minutes or less to play. Even today she loves arranging all the details for someone’s birthday. Thanks for the memories! Your grandkids sound adorable–cherish every day!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:48h, 09 January Reply

      Thank you Karen. Precious times with precious children. We have the most wonderful times together. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Carol Souders
    Posted at 13:03h, 09 January Reply

    A very sweet story. I remember when my grandchildren were small and did similar things. It’s fun to watch them grow and show compassion for others. Grandchildren are amazing.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 13:33h, 09 January Reply

      Thank you Carol. Yes, grandchildren are truly amazing. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Kimberly Rose Johnson
    Posted at 15:08h, 09 January Reply

    You have such sweet grandchildren. It’s fun to see kids work out their experiences through play and show the same compassion they received.

  • Virginia J. Foster
    Posted at 15:38h, 09 January Reply

    Melissa, I love the sweet tales you tell which involve your grand children. These posts help other grandparents who need ideas about how they can play with and involve their grandchildren. Thanks so much for sharing. It’s a blessing as my grandkids are all grown. Enjoy them while they’re little. 😁

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:10h, 10 January Reply

      Thank you June. Grandkids are awesome! Bop and I include neighborhood children in our fun, too. I love how God gives us many fun ideas that help share His love. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Michelle Welsh
    Posted at 19:14h, 09 January Reply

    I love your stories of your sweet grandchildren. 🙂

  • Nancy E. Head
    Posted at 20:08h, 09 January Reply

    How we learn to love something that can’t live us back. Wonderful.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:02h, 10 January Reply

      I love watching Rowan and Eden express love and compassion to others, and to their toys. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Nancy E. Head
    Posted at 20:09h, 09 January Reply

    Love

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 21:45h, 09 January Reply

    I love that picture! And the story behind it even more. It’s so sweet to see what children have been taught and shown come through in their actions.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:03h, 10 January Reply

      I love the imagination and creativity of the young ones. I learn so much from them. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Katherine Pasour
    Posted at 02:49h, 10 January Reply

    Loved your message, Melissa. We can learn so much from our children and grandchildren and you’ve shared this lesson in a beautiful story. Thank you for this day brightener.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:04h, 10 January Reply

      I love how God gives us many ways to show His love and compassion. Thank you for reading and commenting. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • JD Wininger
    Posted at 05:41h, 10 January Reply

    “… a drawer filled with supplies.” How those words impacted me this late evening/early morning Ms. Melissa. I think it captured the essence of Mrs. Melissa “Mimi” Henderson. A mimi who is prepared for fun and compassion. I stopped and wondered about the legacy of love and faith you and “Bop” are leaving these precious children and grandchildren. The way you described their parents, Mike and Christine, tell me that they were recipients of those same lessons (joy, love, faith, adventure, creativity, patience, and balance). It shows in the way your grandchildren demonstrate the lessons they’ve learned in their young lives. My guess is that “Mimi and Bop” are only reinforcing what they’re learning at home. I had to stop and thank God for my own adopted parents who were my great lesson-givers that shaped my life. I think how I’ve tried to carry on their legacy of love and laughter into my pseudo-grands here in Texas. I think of that “Eden-example” and two young ladies from AWANA come to mind. Both Maddie and Amaya show the compassion in their hearts for others when they stop their own learning to help a struggling friend memorize a Scripture verse or work through a Find-a-Word or other learning activity. I’m always amazed and blessed by their selflessness. Looks like you’ve been teaching those same lessons ma’am. As for that drawer, you know it needs a “Fun Drawer” label on it, don’t you? 🙂 God’s blessing to you and Mr. Alan in this coming year ma’am.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:07h, 10 January Reply

      JD, you always brighten my day. Thank you for your kind words. Thank you for sharing your experiences. I looked at the drawer this morning and checked to see if anything needs refreshing. New washable markers have arrived, along with a game of Charades for Kids, and colorful dominos to line up and knock down. Always fun times here. You are a true inspiration and great encourager. Happy New Year to you and Ms. Diane. God bless you all.

  • Lynn J Simpson
    Posted at 18:35h, 10 January Reply

    Sweet story, Melissa, showing how our grandchildren reflect God’s way for us to love. Precious!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:35h, 10 January Reply

      Thank you Lynn. God truly blesses us with ways to love each other. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Jennifer
    Posted at 18:37h, 10 January Reply

    Sweet story ❤️

  • Jill Weatherholt
    Posted at 12:25h, 11 January Reply

    What a sweet story, Melissa. So many precious memories you’re creating with your grandchildren.Enjoy this special time.❤️❤️

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:59h, 11 January Reply

      Thank you Jill. Rowan and Eden bring lots of joy to the world. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Yvonne M Morgan
    Posted at 19:09h, 11 January Reply

    We can learn so much from the little ones. They are such a blessing and a gift from God. I pray your (and ours) stay sweet and loving. Thanks Melissa

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 00:02h, 12 January Reply

      Yes, we can learn so much from the little ones. Their genuine care and love for others is precious. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 16:06h, 12 January Reply

    A sweet example of compassion. I love seeing how children model kindness and love shown to them in the way they play! She is precious.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 21:53h, 13 January Reply

      Thank you Jessica. I love how the little ones show love and kindness. Have a blessed weekend! Hugs!

  • karentfriday
    Posted at 01:03h, 15 January Reply

    Melissa, what a cute and fun post. Love your day with Eden, doctoring the babies and stuffed animals. I have played in these same ways with my grandchildren: restaurant, store, doctor, and so on. Children often model the love and care Jesus wants us to show others. God bless.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:11h, 15 January Reply

      Thank you Karen. The young ones are watching how we show love and compassion. I pray we all will show the love of Jesus in words and actions. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Gail Johnson
    Posted at 01:06h, 17 January Reply

    What a season! Unforgettable moments. My son was a kind and loving big brother.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:22h, 18 January Reply

      Yes, a wonderful season of unforgettable moments. That’s so sweet that your son was a kind and loving big brother. Have a blessed day dear friend! 🙂

  • RobbyeFaye
    Posted at 17:43h, 13 March Reply

    Oh, Melissa! Your photo really captures the feeling of where we are right now. Our living room frequently resembles your photo, as we’re helping raise our 4-year-old granddaughter.
    We have toilet paper casts and sock sprain wraps since she notices everything and incorporates it into her play. She’s a non-stop chatterer (is that even a word?) and tells us everything that’s on her mind every single day!
    Isn’t it exciting to watch them grow? I love to imagine what she will be when she grows up.
    Thank you for sharing this oh-so-sweet picture and glimpse of your day. 
    Blessings~

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:28h, 16 March Reply

      Robby, what wonderful blessings to be able to experience the imaginations of the young ones. Alan and I truly enjoy every moment. We have two non-stop chatterers. Rowan is 6 and Eden is 3. 🙂 Have a blessed day dear friend!

      • RobbyeFaye
        Posted at 05:27h, 17 March Reply

        Oh, Melissa! I know what you mean. We enjoy it so much with our little one, too!
        I can only imagine how much joy Rowan and Eden bring you!
        Have a bessed day, too~

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