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

The Toys are Out at Mimi’s House!

Warmer temperatures allow children and adults to venture outside and enjoy a bit of fun and recreation. Weather in the Lowcountry of South Carolina can change from moment to moment. Sunshine and warmth may be replaced by clouds and cool air in an instant. The comfortable temperatures are opportunities for fun and joy. 

During playtime on a recent afternoon, granddaughter Eden and I brought the bubbles and wands outside. We sat the green circle tray on a little white table and placed the wands on the ground. Eden and I took turns making big and little bubbles and chasing them through the air.

We laughed as the gooey mixture landed in our hair. Some of the clear circles sat on the grass refusing to pop while others burst and disappeared in midair.

The wands are shaped in different sizes. Some create large circles while others release tiny bubbles. 

As we continued the fun, a voice from someone in another yard called out, “I’ll be right there, Mimi. I’m coming!” I looked to see who was trying to get my attention. 

A sweet girl of about five years old was smiling and running towards our yard. Her three-year- old brother followed along behind her.

Those children had arrived home from school and noticed that the bubbles were out waiting for everyone to play. In previous blog posts, I have shared how our neighborhood is filled with loving families who enjoy playing with the toys in our yard. 

Sometimes Bop and I leave the bubbles, foam toy planes, and other toys outside so everyone can play, even when we are not home.

There are times when I’m sitting at my office/playroom desk and notice adults taking a walk on the sidewalk in front of our home. A precious sight is when I see an adult pause, look at the bubble wands, and walk to the table. I’ve seen men and women pick up a wand, dip it into the tray, and watch as bubbles fill the air. 

The smiles on those adults are as sweet as the smiles on the children playing with the toys.

I smile when I hear children and adults yell, “The toys are out at Mimi’s house! This signals a time for people of all ages to gather, play, and share conversation and laughter.

If you are ever in our area, please come by and play with the toys and perhaps blow bubbles. 

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

22 Comments
  • Yvonne M Morgan
    Posted at 19:22h, 11 February Reply

    What a beautiful message Melissa and you are a blessing to so many people. May we all develop hearts that seek to bring joy to others.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 21:40h, 11 February Reply

      Thank you Yvonne. Joy is a blessing from God. I pray we all experience joy in the small and big moments in life. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • karenruhl
    Posted at 20:05h, 11 February Reply

    What a wonderful way you prepare for your grandchildren. You have given me ideas on how to play with Damien. We don’t have sidewalks on our street and only a few children, but you have given me an idea for our neighbor’s daughter. Keep writing about your adventures with the kids, Melissa. You are a blessing to all who know you and all who read your posts.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 21:41h, 11 February Reply

      Thank you so much Karen. I appreciate your words of encouragement. You are a blessing! Hope you all have a wonderful and blessed week! 🙂

  • June and Joe Foster
    Posted at 19:18h, 12 February Reply

    This was one of the most heartwarming posts you’ve done. I love it!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 20:31h, 12 February Reply

      Thank you so much June. You are a such a dear friend. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Nancy E. Head
    Posted at 01:15h, 13 February Reply

    What a wonderful way to welcome the neighbors and grandchildren! Thanks, Melissa. God bless!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:25h, 13 February Reply

      Thank you Nancy. We have a wonderful neighborhood. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • JD Wininger
    Posted at 01:55h, 13 February Reply

    Oh, Ms. Mimi. How you, Bop, Rowan, and Edin brighten my day with each post you share. Learning how the neighborhood children, big and small, all gravitate to Mimi’s house when the toys are out makes me dream of how God will one day look out across heaven and see all of His children laughing, playing, and praising. To see Him (Jesus) smile as he looks on at the joy-filled world. Mmmm

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:26h, 13 February Reply

      Thank you so much JD. You are truly an inspiration. I appreciate your words of encouragement. You always brighten my day. Have a blessed and glorious day! 🙂

  • Katherine Pasour
    Posted at 03:33h, 13 February Reply

    I know the children in your neighborhood watch for whatever is new at Mimi’s house. What a wonderful example you are for sharing the love of Jesus with others. Thank you for this uplifting message and for your ministry within your community.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 13:20h, 13 February Reply

      Thank you Katherine. We are blessed with a wonderful neighborhood where love is given and shared with all. Have a blessed day! 🙂

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 18:14h, 15 February Reply

    What a neat idea to leave the toys out for anyone to play with! There’s just something about bubbles that’s fun and relaxing.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 23:53h, 15 February Reply

      I love bubbles! We also added sidewalk chalk today. Lots of fun and laughter. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 14:49h, 16 February Reply

    I love that the toys are often out at Mimi’s house! It’s such a beautiful thing to watch people (young and old!) delight in the simple pleasures of life. Bubbles are a gift from God as much as the sunrise is!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:51h, 16 February Reply

      Yes, bubbles are a gift from God. The laughter and joy that bubbles bring reminds us of the different ways we can show His love. Have a blessed day dear friend! Hugs! 🙂

  • Melissa McLaughlin
    Posted at 17:15h, 16 February Reply

    Melissa, this story warms my heart! I could imagine these sweet scenes of playing, laughter, and smiles. For you, your grandchildren, and neighbors. For children and adults alike! What a wonderful way to share love and joy. Love this so much!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 18:47h, 16 February Reply

      Thank you Melissa. We have a wonderful neighborhood. Bop and I have always enjoyed sharing bubbles and other fun things with all of the neighbors in every place we’ve lived. Sharing simple things can show God’s love to all. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • karentfriday
    Posted at 03:13h, 18 February Reply

    I love that the toys are out at Mimi’s house! I love to play with bubbles with my grands and I enjoyed it with my kids when they were young. Bubbles are for all ages. Thank you, Melissa.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:35h, 18 February Reply

      I’m amazed at how bubbles can brings smiles to all ages. Have a blessed day! 🙂

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