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

Stand Up Snowman!


Towards the end of November, my husband and I decided to start decorating for Christmas. A little tree for the playroom/office was first on the list. The big tree for the living room came next. Red, green, and white lights to adorn shelves, counters, and other spots, were pulled from cardboard boxes in the closet. Along with the decorations for the inside of the house, we gathered the outdoor inflatables and lights. We noticed one problem immediately. The inflatable snowman wouldn’t stand up. We called out. “Stand up snowman!”

Alan was arranging extension cords and unboxing the Christmas tree and snowman. The front yard would be inviting with colorful decorations and lights. I checked on Alan and he looked at the ground and frowned. 

“I guess the snowman has seen its last day. It won’t stand up. The air is blowing into the right place, but it won’t fill up completely. Oh, well. We’ll have to get another one.” 

The disappointment was evident as he asked me to bring a trash bag for the defeated snowman. I went inside and gathered a bag. I walked back outside and watched as Alan attempted to get the inflatable Christmas tree to work. That failed, too.

Both of us spoke more words of frustration. We didn’t want to go to the store at that moment. We wanted to have the decorations working for the grandkids and the neighborhood to enjoy.

As I looked down at the deflated and wrinkled snowman, I noticed a zipper on the back side of the item. I wondered if that could be the problem.

“Hey, honey, did you see a zipper on the back? There is probably one on both things.”

I reached down, closed the zipper, and to our surprise, the snowman filled with air and stood tall.

“Oh, my goodness!! Look at that!” We both shouted and laughed.

In our joy to put up the inflatable snowman and the Christmas tree, we neglected to check all the parts and follow directions.

This situation reminds me not to rush through the Christmas season. Enjoy every moment and remember the reason for the season. Jesus Christ is our gift from God. Share time with God today. Thank Him for the many blessings He gives. Thank Him for Jesus. Thank Him for fun decorations that make us smile. Give thanks for His love and forgiveness.

Have a blessed day! God loves you.

In His Name,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

18 Comments
  • Bettie G
    Posted at 15:19h, 07 December Reply

    Love this moment of joy! Thanks for bringing a smile and encouragement to my day, Melissa! Blessings!!

  • Virginia J. Foster
    Posted at 17:55h, 07 December Reply

    Sometimes it just takes a woman’s touch. (smile) The Lord’s blessings to you this Christmas.

    • Gail Johnson
      Posted at 20:22h, 07 December Reply

      Love this, Melissa. What a great reminder to enjoy the journey. Merry Christmas!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 23:08h, 08 December Reply

      Hahaha! So true! Merry Christmas to you and Joe! God bless you both!

  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 20:50h, 07 December Reply

    Ha! So cute that such a simple fix took care of the problem. Isn’t it that way often in life?? 🙂 Merry Christmas, my friend!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 23:09h, 08 December Reply

      Merry Christmas dear friend! I’m thankful for laughter in the small things. Have a blessed week!

  • Yvonne Morgan
    Posted at 23:24h, 07 December Reply

    Love it Melissa. Isn’t that the truth. So glad the snowman was saved.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 23:09h, 08 December Reply

      We’re glad the snowman was saved, too. Funny times! Have a blessed week! Merry Christmas!

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 21:51h, 08 December Reply

    My grandson loves inflatables! I didn’t know they had zippers.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 23:10h, 08 December Reply

      Haha! We didn’t know they had zippers either. We learn something new every day. Have a blessed week! Merry Christmas!

  • karentfriday
    Posted at 00:26h, 09 December Reply

    Melissa, glad you noticed the zippers. I pray to be thankful and not rush through the Christmas season.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:52h, 09 December Reply

      Yes, let’s not rush through the Christmas season. I pray we all reflect on the love of God. Merry Christmas! 🙂

  • Debbie Wilson
    Posted at 14:26h, 11 December Reply

    I tend to rush through certain tasks. What a wonderful reminder to slow down and enjoy the process.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 18:17h, 11 December Reply

      Thank you Debbie. Have a wonderful and blessed day! Merry Christmas! 🙂

  • Karen Jurgens Harrison
    Posted at 07:44h, 14 December Reply

    So glad your problem was solved! Sometimes we can find answers if we take it easy and read the directions first. I’m taking this season very slowly myself! Wishing you a very merry Christmas, dear friend.

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