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

Shadow Girl and The Author


There is something very special about the relationships between grandparents and grandchildren. From the moment Bop and I learned that Mike and Christine were expecting their first child almost nine years ago, life changed in wonderful ways. Rowan was born, and then, a few years later, Eden was born. Bop and I love our grandparent names. We also have several different names for Rowan and Eden. Eden is sometimes called “Shadow Girl,” and Rowan is sometimes called “The Author”.

These unique names come from everyday experiences. From the time Eden started walking, she has been fascinated with following Bop. She walks so close behind him that I worry he won’t see or hear her. So, whenever she follows along behind him, I say, “Shadow, shadow.” Bop knows to be careful and alert that his shadow is with him as he walks from one room to another.

Rowan has become an excellent reader and writer. He knows that I’m an author and he likes to create stories, too. Rowan enjoys technology class at school. At our home, he enjoys using my computer to type out stories and then print them. Bop and I tell him that he is a great author. He’s also wonderful at art. His drawings show a creative side that amazes everyone.

Recently, Rowan and Eden were sitting at the dining room table. Rowan was drawing, and Eden was coloring. They decided to take a break and have a snack. Eden asked Bop to bring her a cupcake. Bop replied that she knew where the cupcakes were stored, and she could get a bowl and a cupcake for herself. 

She smiled that precious smile that melts Bop’s heart. He walked to the kitchen and found a pink bowl and a cupcake for Eden. She sat on the couch.

Eden looked at me and proclaimed, “Bop will do anything for me because I’m his shadow girl.”

Now, how could we resist her request for a treat when she spoke the truth? Precious girl.

Rowan knows where the bowl of candy bars is kept. He is old enough now that he doesn’t ask for a treat. He walks to the cabinet and finds what he wants to eat. Yes, the author needs nourishment even if it’s a chocolate candy bar. We are so proud of him for saying “thank you”.

These sweet grandkids teach us lessons every day. Love each other, share your treats, use your manners, and remember to look out for one another. God is good. Bop and I are blessed.

Thank you for reading and commenting. The winner from the last blog post contest is Katherine Pasour. I’ll be mailing your copy of “Licky the Lizard”.

Blessings,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

27 Comments
  • Jessica Brodie
    Posted at 16:33h, 07 April Reply

    I love your reflections about your grandkids and see SO many spiritual moments in them! They remind me to always look for the beauty in the everyday. You are a blessing, Melissa!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 17:01h, 07 April Reply

      Thank you dear friend. You are such a great encouragement. God bless you. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • June Foster
    Posted at 17:22h, 07 April Reply

    Such a sweet post. I’m sure Eden and Rowan’s parents enjoy reading these stories.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 17:23h, 07 April Reply

      Thank you sweet June. I appreciate your faithfulness at reading and commenting on my blog posts. Yes, Mike and Christine enjoy reading about Rowan and Eden. 🙂 Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Colleen Miraglia Arnold
    Posted at 17:23h, 07 April Reply

    I learn sweet lessons from my four-year-old grandson every day. I wish we could all see the world through the innocent, generous, compassionate eyes of children!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:05h, 10 April Reply

      Thank you for reading and commenting. Yes, the world would be a better place if we saw things from the innocent, generous, and compassionate eyes of children. Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • Kimberly Rose Johnson
    Posted at 17:55h, 07 April Reply

    I love reading your grandchild musings and the life lessons learned. Thanks for being an inspiration.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 19:40h, 07 April Reply

      Thank you so much Kimberly. Rowan and Eden teach us lessons every day. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Dianne M Miley
    Posted at 19:31h, 07 April Reply

    So sweet.
    Congratulations, Katherine Pasour! I didn’t know you were following Melissa too. She is a dear friend. 🙂

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 19:41h, 07 April Reply

      Thank you Dianne. Katherine and I met years ago at a writers conference. I’m blessed to have both of you as friends. 🙂 Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Nancy Ruegg
    Posted at 22:07h, 07 April Reply

    So enjoyed these snippets of life with your grandchildren, Melissa. They ARE such glorious fun! ‘Love that nickname for Eden–Shadow Girl. It’s a great nickname for those of us (females) who follow Christ! May we follow his ways as close as a shadow, encouraged by the promise he’ll do anything for us too, as long as it’s for our good (Romans 8:28).

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 22:57h, 07 April Reply

      Thank you. Amen. Yes, I pray we follow Christ as close as a shadow and find encouragement and His love. Have a blessed week Nancy! 🙂

  • Diana Derringer
    Posted at 12:22h, 08 April Reply

    Enjoy these special days!

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 12:36h, 08 April Reply

      Thank you for reading and commenting. Yes, these are special days. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Yvonne Morgan
    Posted at 15:11h, 08 April Reply

    I love the names you have for each other. They are so special. Grandchildren do change our lives in so many ways and they are such a blessing. Thanks for sharing Melissa

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:33h, 09 April Reply

      Thank you Yvonne. We are blessed with our biological grandkids and the neighborhood kids, too. 🙂 Have a blessed week!

  • Lynn J Simpson
    Posted at 19:19h, 08 April Reply

    It was lovely to read more about your grandchildren, Melissa. It sure is a blessing to have grandchildren. When they live close & visit often, it is an amplified blessing! My oldest grandchild is graduating high school this year! The time flies for sure. And I’m grateful that I was able to spend a lot of time with her during her childhood years, too.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:34h, 09 April Reply

      Thank you Lynn. Yes, time flies. Bop and I are grateful for the times we share with Rowan and Eden. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Gail Johnson
    Posted at 19:33h, 08 April Reply

    Aww. So sweet! Those grands must be growing like weeds. Precious days. Lovely post, Melissa.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:35h, 09 April Reply

      Thank you Gail. Rowan and Eden are growing so fast. Yes, precious days and exhausting days. We’re exhausted from all the laughter. 🙂 Have a blessed week!

  • Katherine Pasour
    Posted at 01:04h, 09 April Reply

    I always love your posts that focus on your grandchildren. Mine are precious to me, and like yours, they teach me wonderful lessons. I so excited to have won Licky the Lizard. I know my grandchildren will enjoy it. Thank you, Melissa.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 11:36h, 09 April Reply

      Thank you for your encouraging words Katherine. Yes, Bop and I learn great lessons from Rowan and Eden. I’ll be mailing the book to you this week. I’ll keep you updated. Have a blessed week! 🙂

  • Barbara Harper
    Posted at 20:44h, 11 April Reply

    I love how the nicknames came about. I love it, too, when my grown kids and grandson come over and make themselves at home, raiding the pantry for snacks.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:35h, 12 April Reply

      Thank you for reading and commenting. Yes, Bop went to the grocery store recently and when we checked out, he told the cashier that all the items were for the grandkids. hahaha! Have a blessed weekend! 🙂

  • karentfriday
    Posted at 13:36h, 12 April Reply

    Awe, Melissa. I love this article so much. How precious Eden called herself Pop’s shadow girl. And Rowan definitely is an author. You and Bop are blessed.

    • Melissa G. Henderson
      Posted at 14:36h, 12 April Reply

      Thank you Karen. Yes, we are filled with joy. Those two kids truly bless us every day. Have a blessed weekend. 🙂

  • Karen Jurgens Harrison
    Posted at 15:32h, 14 April Reply

    So sweet—I love the nicknames. My dad also nicknamed my daughters. Meg was Betty Boop, and Cait was Crumb-snatcher. They loved sharing those sweet times together when he would address them by their special names. Enjoy your precious days with your darling grandchildren. xo

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