Popsicles and Pickles
A variety of flavors can be found during each season. Strawberries in summer, pumpkins in autumn, and the delightful scent of cinnamon during the colder months. Each person has their favorites and sometimes those favorites change from day to day. Do you like popsicles? Do you like pickles? What about having popsicles and pickles together?
Lunch with grandchildren Rowan and Eden usually involves them choosing chicken, noodles, or peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Rowan is a bit more picky when deciding what to eat. He knows what he likes and doesn’t stray far from his choices.
Eden will try almost any food. She often asks everyone at the table, “What are you having?” When the answer is given, she often wants to try whatever is on the plate of someone else. She likes to have strawberries or peaches as her fruit choice.
Along with the main course, Rowan likes to have mandarin oranges for the fruit portion. After eating his meal, he politely asks for dessert. Rowan likes ice cream in a bowl or an ice cream sandwich.
Eden finishes her meal and walks to the freezer. She asks for a “popsicle”. Any color is fine. She prefers to have a bowl to put the popsicle in and a napkin ready to wash her “cheekies” and hands when she’s finished eating.
During a recent lunchtime, I sat at the table with my plate of food and was ready for conversation during the meal. My choice for lunch was a turkey sandwich, chips, and a few bread and butter pickles.
As I sat and began eating, Eden inquired, “What are you having? What’s that?” She pointed to my pickles.
I answered, “These are bread and butter pickles. Maybe you can try them when you’re not eating a grape popsicle.” I thought the combination would not be tasty and could cause an upset tummy.
However, Eden thought differently. “I want some pickles.” Her sweet two years old voice could not be denied.
“Eden, maybe another time when you are not having a grape popsicle, you can try pickles.” Of course, that answer didn’t work.
“I want pickles. I want pickles. I want pickles!” She exclaimed.
If you have ever been around a two years old child while they are eating, you know how important their food choices are to them. So, I gave in.
I placed 3 pieces of bread and butter pickles in a bowl. I watched Eden and tried not to laugh. She was determined to try the pickles while she crunched on her grape popsicle.
My thinking was that when she took the first bite, she would not want any more of the pickles. I was wrong. Eden took a bite of pickle and then, a bite of popsicle.
Smiling, she looked at me and said, “I like pickles. I like it.” Her eyes watered a bit and her mouth puckered. But, she continued. “Can I have some more pickles?”
Shocked, I relented. “Yes, I’ll get more pickles.”
Eden ate the popsicle and the pickles. Rowan laughed and commented. “That’s bad. I don’t want to eat those two things together.” I agreed with him.
Days later, Eden visited and asked for a popsicle. She also asked for pickles. However, this time, she took a bite of a pickle and stated, “I don’t like pickles today.”
Yes, the mind of a two-year-old. Changing and learning her likes and dislikes.
Tomorrow may bring a desire for pickles and popsicles again. Today, Eden is satisfied with another grape popsicle.
What unique food choices have you eaten lately? Were you happy with your selections?
Have a blessed and fun day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Skorts not Shorts
Another earache and sinus infection? What? Not again? Medicines are working and I’m beginning to feel better. Today and every day, I’m thanking God for the healing He gives.
During the time of sickness, I was not able to go to the grocery store. Low energy level left me wanting to sleep more than usual.
That meant dear sweet husband Alan would take care of the grocery shopping and trip to the big box store. Two lists had been written on note paper. Alan added a few more items that I had forgotten. Things were going great.
Alan asked, “Hey, Mimi, would you like me to purchase another pair of those shorts you liked when we were at the store last week?”
“Yes, honey, that would be wonderful.”
The clothing item was actually called “skort”, but I had a feeling hubby would not recognize that name. So, I simply agreed with him and called them “shorts”.
After inquiring about the size needed to purchase, he gathered the list, his wallet, and cell phone. Leaving for the store with every confidence that all items would be bought. He even asked what color I would like best.
I rested while Alan was shopping. A few hours later, he returned with bags of groceries and items from the big box store. Tissues, laundry softener, ginger ale, milk, etc.
A burst of energy entered my body and I began putting groceries away as we emptied each bag. Knowing I would soon find the new skorts. Oh, the excitement!
The last bag was emptied and no clothing was found.
“Mimi, I checked and the store didn’t have any more shorts. They had something called “skorts” but I thought that was the wrong thing. I guess we waited too long to go back and get more.”
Laughing out loud, I explained the situation.
“Alan, skorts are what you were supposed to buy.”
“Oh, I’m sorry. I thought they were something else, not shorts.”
A few minutes later, the sound of Alan picking up his car keys from the counter caused me to question if he was going somewhere.
“Yes, I’m going back to get you two pairs of those things.”
“Really?” I asked. “You don’t have to do that.”
His reply was that he didn’t mind and he wanted me to be happy, especially when I was sick.
This act of kindness may seem like a simple thing. In our marriage of over 42 years, we have shown love to each other in big ways and small ways. I am thankful God blessed me with a loving husband, who doesn’t mind looking for ladies clothing. 🙂
Have you been the recipient of an act of kindness? Have you shown an act of kindness to others? Share in the comments. Spread the love of Christ every day.
Blessings and giggles,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Stocking Up and He Knew Why
About a week ago, my husband and I felt a sudden need to stock up on groceries. Bad weather was not in the forecast. The kitchen cabinets and refrigerator held many items for meals. So, why did we both feel the need to stock up on soup, rice, toilet paper, facial tissues, water, etc.? We had no idea. But…God knew.
After Alan and I had completed our shopping at the local grocery store, we went back home and emptied the bags. We commented “Well, I guess it’s a good thing we bought this stuff. Now, we don’t have to go to the store for a while.” and “Glad we’re all stocked up.”
Little did we know that in two days, the awful coronavirus would hit our family. God knew it was coming. God knew we needed to be prepared and stocked up on groceries. Alan began feeling achy and developed a stuffy nose. Two days later, he tested positive for the virus. I tested negative.
Some other members of our family tested positive, while others remained with a negative test result. We are blessed to have our vaccines and boosters. Everyone affected is quarantined and feeling better every day.
This virus affects people in different ways. We’ll never know how the virus came to us, yet, we do know we are thankful for the love and prayers of family and friends, and strangers.
Alan’s symptoms are not as bad as they could be and for that we are thankful.
We continue to pray for everyone affected by the virus and yes, that is everyone in the world. Whether you have had the virus yourself or know someone who has had it, we are all affected.
God constantly shows us His love in every moment of the day and night. While Alan and I were shopping for those extra items and wondering why we felt the need to shop, God knew what would be happening to us.
The love of God is eternal and He cares for us deeply.
During this time of quarantine, Alan and I have watched old movies, read great books, studied Scripture, and video chatted with family. This quiet time has allowed us to slow down and rest in the moment. We’ve noticed the sunshine more, the sounds of ice melting on the roof, the sound of wind whipping in the trees, and the quiet of the neighborhood. The freezing temperatures last night caused the azaleas in the front flower bed to shrivel and pose like a statue.
We also gave thanks to God for His provisions, even though we didn’t know why we would need extra groceries in the house.
When those times come and we don’t understand what is happening, going to God in prayer can bring peace and comfort that only He can give.
You are cherished and loved by Him.
Have a glorious day and stay warm and healthy,
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson aka Mimi