Library Time with Eden’s Class
I received an email from our son Mike. “Hey, Mom. Here’s a sign-up sheet if you are interested in helping with the school library.” My answer was “Yes, I’ll fill out the form right now.” As a former substitute teacher and library aide, I was eager and wanted to help with granddaughter Eden’s class. I’ll sign up for grandson Rowan’s library time, too. The excitement was building as I prepared for library time with Eden’s class.
The online form was simple. Basic information. After I completed the form, another part of registering to help at the school was required. I’m thankful for the extra attention that the school requires for volunteers. A background check was completed. Two long videos with questions to answer were part of the requirement. The school is dedicated to the well-being of the children.
All tests were completed and passed. I am now a registered volunteer.
On the day I was scheduled to help in the library, Bop(Alan) drove me to the school. He waited in the parking area while I was in the building. The library class was for forty minutes. I entered the office and told the lady at the desk my name and why I was there. She gave me a special lanyard to show I was a guest, and then, another sweet woman introduced herself and said she would take me to the library. Everyone was friendly and thanked me for being there to read to the children.
When we arrived at the library room, the woman asked, “What are you planning to do?”
I answered, “I’ll help with whatever the librarian needs.”
I didn’t know that there wasn’t a librarian. The volunteers help with checking out books, making crafts, and reading. I quickly looked around and said that I would read some books. I had planned to read to the young ones but thought there might be an activity already waiting. The Pre-K class doesn’t check out books yet.
Looking at the shelves and displays, I found several cute stories. I sat in a little chair and read the books to myself while I waited for Eden’s class.
In a few minutes, I heard giggles and footsteps as the children came upstairs to the library. They entered the room quietly. Eden looked at me and grinned. She was very proper. She didn’t run to get a snuggle. She was following the directions from the teacher.
Each child found a spot on the circular rug and sat down. I introduced myself and told them that I was happy to see everyone.
“Hello, I’m Mrs. Henderson.”
Hands began raising. “You’re Eden’s grandma.” “You’re Eden’s Mimi.”
Eden grinned and raised her hand.
I said, “Yes, Eden?”
“Mimi, you’re my grandmother.”
“Yes, I am your grandmother.”
After the introductions of each child and their name, the room quieted, and I began to read.
I love to change my voice while reading. Each character has a different tone to fit. The expressions on the faces of the children were delightful. They listened and when one book was finished, they found another one for me to read aloud.
Between stories, I suggested that we stand and do a little stretching. The class of ten kids reached to the sky, and then, found their knees, elbows, eyes, and shoulders. We laughed as we exercised in the library.
A bell rang and library time was over. The teacher called everyone to line up to go back to class. Shouts of “Thank you Mrs.Henderson.” “ Thank you Mimi.” “ Thank you Eden’s grandma.” were exclaimed as they walked back to their classroom.
I listened as the children left. I began putting away books. I laughed out loud when I heard the comments.
“That was fun. I want her to come again.”
“Eden, I like your Mimi.”
And then, one boy stated, “That was too long.” I fell over laughing when I heard his comment.
Volunteering is a precious gift to give to your children, grandchildren, and any child. Schools need volunteers.
Next time, I will take copies of “Licky the Lizard” and “Grumpy the Gator”.
Have you volunteered at a school? I always learn lessons from precious children.
“I have no greater joy than to hear that my children are walking in the truth.” (3 John 1:4 NIV)
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson aka Mimi
TweetA Visit with Nature
A Visit with Nature
“Where are you going? Do the plants need water again?” I hear these questions several times a day when I gather my garden gloves and empty milk jug to head outside. My answer is usually the same. “I’m stepping outside to visit with nature.”
The heat index has risen to 117 recently. Families in the neighborhood are staying inside. No bicycles, toys, inflatable pools, or other summer playthings are found in yards. The sounds of summer have quieted while everyone stays inside to stay cool.
Thunder rolls in the clouds on some mornings. Yesterday, the loud booms could be heard for hours. Lightning lit up the sky. Yet, the rain didn’t fall. The sky grew darker, the wind started blowing leaves off of trees, and I continued to look out of the windows for any raindrops that might be coming.
While listening to the rain tapping on the roof, and watching the trees sway back and forth, I noticed how things were changing in nature. The birds stopped singing. Hummingbirds stopped visiting the feeders. The frogs in the forest were quiet. A storm was coming.
Finally, after hours of waiting, heavy downpours filled the ponds and streets with water. The storm rolled through and when it was gone, life began to emerge from the quiet hiding places. A beautiful fog sat above the neighborhood ponds. Birds sat on the branches of trees and shook their wings. Hummingbirds returned to the feeders. The tree frogs made loud sounds as if they were alerting every creature that the storm had passed.
I stepped outside of the house and saw one flower pot turned over. The wind had whipped the pot out of its normal resting spot. Placing it back into the regular nesting spot, I was ready for a visit with nature.
With garden gloves in my pants pocket, I was ready to work. There’s a special pair of tennis shoes that I use when I’m working in the dirt. I marked them with a “G” for “garden”. My previous work shoes had an “O” for “outside”.
My visit with nature included pausing and thanking God for the rain, the cooler temperatures during the storm, and His blessings and protection. After heavy rainfall, things look different. Leaves drip tiny droplets onto the ground. The mulch in the flower bed has been displaced and spread across the yard. Mushrooms begin to form in the soil. The old has washed away and the new is coming.
I thank God for His provisions. What a wonderful time I enjoyed during my visit with nature.
Resting in His promises brings peace and comfort.
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” (2 Corinthians 5:17 NIV)
Laughter can come after a storm, too. While I was basking in the joys of nature, a frog hopped in front of me as I walked in the grass. I screamed, jumped, and then laughed. I thanked God for the laughter, too. “It’s always a story with the Henderson’s.”
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
TweetWrapped in Cozy and Koozie Friendship
Conversations between young children may include “Will you be my friend?” or “You are my friend.” or “I’m glad you are my friend.” What do you think about friendships? Do you feel warm and cozy when thinking about certain people? In what ways have you seen friendships form and grow?
God has blessed me with many wonderful friendships in my life. My two sisters, Glenda and Carol, and I have a bond beyond friendship. We’re sisters, yet we’re also friends. We laugh together at the silliest happenings. We cry together when sorrow hits. We ask questions, check on each other, and pray. Whatever the circumstances, the sister bond is strong and will last forever. Disagreements or differing opinions have never stopped the love that we have for each other. I thank God for my sisters, their husbands, and their children.
As a young child, I remember playing with the kids in our neighborhood. Boys and girls played kickball, basketball, hide and seek, and tag. The groups separated when the girls wanted to play with dolls and the boys wanted to play with toy cars.
Many years have passed since we gathered together in different yards to watch the stars at night, walked together to the ice cream store to our purchase favorite treats, and visited the local pool to cool off in the summer heat.
Several of the kids keep in touch on social media. We haven’t seen each other in person for many years, yet we see photos and read about life experiences. Those friendships continue to be important parts of life.
When I was a young mother, I remember older women in the church showing God’s love with hugs. They also provided tips on motherhood. Their guidance and friendship was appreciated.
My parents were wonderful. They taught me many ways to care for friends and strangers. Sharing, showing compassion and love, and listening before speaking are lessons I will always remember. Friendships developed from following their examples.
Each time my husband, Alan, and I moved to a different town, there were opportunities for new friendships. Invitations to church and church activities, introductions to neighbors, and being included in local events helped us find friends.
Although we have moved from one place to another, we continue to keep in touch with folks. One dear friend and I often met for lunch at a local restaurant. Every week, we ordered the same meal. Every time, we laughed and said, “Maybe I’ll order something different today.” Yet, we continued to order our regular favorites. That friend sends cards with hummingbirds as she knows those are my favorites. I send her cards with butterflies because that is one of her favorites. I’m thankful for her. She makes me laugh and brings joy to my life.
Another friend, who lives in a different state, calls and chats. We visit and tell each other about our grandkids and what is happening at church. The telephone calls are a great way for us to keep up-to-date on life. She calls me daughter even though I’m not her biological child.
Since we moved from VA to SC, I have found many new friends. Some younger than me and others who are about the same age as me. Sometimes we meet for breakfast or brunch. Other times, we catch up via text or email.
One friend, Robin, creates beautiful koozies, prayer shawls, and more. Her gift for knitting and crocheting is amazing. The koozie in the photo above is one she created. Each time that I place one of her koozies on my water bottle, I can feel the love she put into creating the item. I feel wrapped in a cozy and koozie friendship.
There are many more friends who I keep in my prayers. I can’t mention them all here or you would be reading forever. Today, think of the people in your life that bring joy and love. Have you told them lately how much you love them?
“And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.” (1 Corinthians 13:13 NIV)
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
TweetRescuing the Slugs and Talking About Science
A recent walk to the mailbox brought adventure, learning, and talking about science. Rowan and Eden were visiting. I asked if they would like to mail a card to a friend. Our neighborhood has a cluster mailbox area and we often walk, chat, and visit with neighbors.
On that morning, the sun was shining, birds were singing, and we were the only three people outside. As Rowan, Eden, and I walked on the sidewalk, we talked about nature. I asked for them to notice what kinds of sounds we could hear.
Because of spring break, there weren’t many cars passing by and we didn’t hear engines. I paused and put my hand to my ear. “Do you hear any people talking?” No voices. All was quiet.
Next, I pointed to the sky and described the colors. The color blue filled the sky. We only spotted a few white puffy clouds.
Rowan spoke next. “Mimi, let’s be scientists. We can save the world.” Eden agreed. “Yes, save the world.”
“What do scientists do?”, I asked.
“Mimi, they do all kinds of things.” As Rowan looked at his surroundings, he began listing ways scientists help the world.
“Mimi, scientists help our planet. They find out about nature and other stuff.” Rowan looked down at the sidewalk and found several small slugs traveling from one side to the other.
“Hey, let’s rescue the slugs. Let’s be slug rescuers!” Rowan clapped his hands.
“Yeah, let’s rescue buggies.” Eden was ready to help, too.
The night before had brought rainfall. Grass was damp, and the soil was wet. Slugs were abundant. Knowing that we shouldn’t touch the slugs, I suggested we find ways to help the slugs move off of the sidewalk and on to the grassy areas.
Rowan and Eden started sharing ideas. “How about using a rock? Maybe the slug will climb on.” Rowan tried that method and, unfortunately, more than one slug ended up being smeared on the sidewalk. I thought Rowan might become upset, but he kept trying.
Eden found blades of grass to help the “sluggies”. But the grass wasn’t strong enough. Her interest faded when she saw bluebirds and butterflies.
Next, Rowan tried using a piece of mulch. “Come on, little guy. You can do it. Climb on this mulch stick and I’ll put you in the grass.”
At last, success. A small piece of mulch worked to rescue the slugs. After we helped many slugs of different sizes into the grass, we continued our walk.
We placed the letter in the mailbox and walked back to the house. Along the way home, we chatted more about science and how we can learn from all of God’s creations. Slugs are slow and sometimes they need help.
People need help, too. God calls us to love one another and show compassion and care. In these small lessons about slugs and science, Rowan and Eden and Mimi were reminded of God’s love.
Have you learned anything new recently about science, slugs, or how to show care to God’s creations?
Yes, we washed our hands after helping the slimy crawlers.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” (John 13:34 NIV)
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
TweetMeet Author Sandra Kay Chambers
Today, I’m happy to share information about author Sandra Kay Chambers. Her dedication to readers is amazing. Sandra’s new book is “Fingerprint Devotions: 40 Devotions to Help You Realize You are a Kid Uniquely Created by God for a Purpose”.
Let’s get to know more about Sandra Kay Chambers and how she is inspired to write and share her faith.
Can you share a little about your background and when you decided to become a writer?
Writers are always asked when they first consider themselves a writer. I guess my answer is when I won an essay contest in elementary school. In high school, I had a great English teacher who inspired me to major in English in college. After earning my teaching degree, I went on to get an MA in Education, focusing on Learning Disabilities. Teaching kept me pretty busy, but I also did some freelance writing and have since published hundreds of news stories, profiles, lifestyle stories, travel, and feature stories for more than 20 publications. In 2014, I self-published a book on prayer: Lord, It’s Boring in My Prayer Closet: How to Revitalize Your Prayer Life. My newest release is a children’s devotional, Fingerprint Devotions: 40 Devotions to Help You Realize You Are a Kid Uniquely Created by God for a Purpose (ages 8-12) Ambassador International Publishers © 2023.
What message do you want to share with your writing?
The motto on my author’s website says: “Pray Often! Inspire Others! Create Beauty!” That is what I hope to do and what I hope to encourage others to do. I write articles, blogs, and books to encourage children and adults in their personal walk with God. I encourage Christians in discovering ways to keep their prayer life fresh and I have a passion to help kids understand how uniquely created and loved by God they are and to help them discover their God-given purpose in life. That is the mission behind my latest devotional for kids.
Can you tell us about your new book?
As a Christian parent, a former teacher, and now a children’s author, I believe God birthed this idea for a devotional for kids in my heart and spirit. Fingerprint Devotions: 40 Devotions To Help You Realize You Are a Kid Uniquely Created by God for a Purpose,” (Amazon link: https://rb.gy/hnqys) helps kids understand they were created by God who has a purpose and plan for their life. It pairs fun scientific facts about the uniqueness of each person’s fingerprints with Scripture, a short devotional, a prayer, and a question to journal or an activity to do. It has four sections with topics about each person’s creation and uniqueness, their identity in Christ, accepting Jesus, developing the fruit of the Spirit in their lives, and discovering the gifts and talents that God has given them to serve others and live a purposeful life.
From the very beginning, my hope was that this devotional would reach not only children in Christian homes but also children who are not being raised in a Christian setting or attend church. I’m excited about my partnership with 7Homes—a NC-based Christian foster and adoption agency that would love to have the devotional to put in their “care bags” they give to children who have to be taken out of their homes (sometimes suddenly) and placed in foster care. These children need to know that God loves them and that they are important and have a purpose for their lives. My heart is that this book would show them how much God loves and cares for them. I’m donating some books myself and asking those who purchase a book for their own child or grandchild, or if you don’t have children this age, to consider buying one to donate to 7Homes. There’s a direct link on Amazon to purchase the book ($11.99) for 7Homes to be sent directly to them: https://rb.gy/uvsry
How did you decide on the title of your new book?
I knew Fingerprint Devotions was to be the main title. The subtitle is long and I struggled with that, but I feel it describes what kids will get out of this devotional.
What audience would you suggest for this book?
I came up with ages 8-12 because I believe kids will be reading on their own by that age and can make the devotional very personal by reading and filling out journal questions. Amazon suggests ages 6-14. I know a lot of families are reading the devotional together, so younger children could definitely benefit and older kids would still be interested in all the fun scientific facts about fingerprints.
How has your faith impacted your writing?
In this journey of writing the devotional, I had to completely trust God for everything—from getting a publishing contract to the right editor and cover designer as well as for the timing. I met plenty of challenges, but God worked on my character throughout the process and taught me how to trust Him more. Any author will understand the long journey it takes to publish a book (one-and-a-half years for this book). I think we just need to keep the right perspective of why we are writing what we write—not to get rich or become famous, but to bless our readers and show them a loving God who wants to know them and walk with them.
Thank you Sandra for sharing your faith and love for God.
Ways to connect with Sandra Kay Chambers.
https://sandrakaychambers.com
https://www.facebook.com/SandraKayChambers
https://www.instagram.com/sandrakaychambers/
https://www.pinterest.com/magnoliask/
https://twitter.com/PrayWaves
Have a blessed and wonderful day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
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
“Look at the Ball, Not the Moon”
Notebooks, backpacks, water bottles, pencils, pens, paper, lunch boxes, and more are ready to go on weekday mornings during the school calendar year. Yellow buses pass by and stop so students can board. Along with adjusting to school schedules, there are also new events such as sports and music groups. How do children and adults stay focused?
Recently, grandson Rowan joined a local soccer team for kids. He has participated in swim lessons and other creative activities. Being part of a sports team can be a great way to learn patience, physical and social skills, how to work together, show kindness and compassion, and how to share.
Some of Rowan’s soccer games are on Saturday mornings. Other games are scheduled for the evening. Bop and I have been blessed to attend some of the games. Driving to the soccer field parking area, we find a spot to park and begin unloading the items needed to watch the game.
Sunhats, sunscreen, foldable chairs, water bottles, and bug spray. Yes, it’s still warm in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Bugs like sweat.
Our family walks across several fields making sure not to intrude on other teams already playing their games. We find a spot where we can view Rowan and his team, the Sharks. Children ages 6-7 arrive wearing their bright orange Sharks shirt which displays their team number. Rowan is number 5.
This particular evening, the game started at 6 p.m. The sun was lowering in the sky as the game started. “Go! Team! Go! Go Sharks!” was shouted by family and friends. The other team had family and friends cheering for them, too.
After a full day of school, organized sports can be a bit draining for young children. At one point during the game, the referee noticed that most of the focus was not on the game and the soccer ball.
The ball was in play and the game was in process, but there was something more fascinating than playing soccer. The sky was growing dark as night approached and the moon was becoming visible high in the sky.
As the referee realized what was happening, he blew the whistle to pause the game. He looked to the sky and spoke to the kids.
“Look at the ball, not the moon.” He tried to regain their interest in the game.
A few seconds later, the fascination with the moon was over and the game continued. People on the sidelines tried not to laugh, but seeing those sweet children looking at the moon was a precious sight.
The Sharks won their game that evening. High fives and “good game” congratulations were shared by both teams as each team member stood in line. Great sportsmanship and fun for all.
The distraction of the moon reminded me of how often I am distracted by things or events in life. I admit that during my prayer time, I have thought of my “to-do” list instead of focusing on God. I am thankful God forgives me and is ready to hear my prayers at any time of day or night.
What distracts you in life? Is your “to-do” list keeping you from sharing time with God? Are you focused on Him or yourself? These are questions that I have asked myself.
God sent a message that evening. Yes, His creations are wonderful to view. Pause and look at the moon. Thank God for His love and forgiveness. Always keep your focus on Him.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
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
Oranges in the Trees
“What are we doing today at Mimi’s?” This is a question I hear often from Rowan and Eden and also, the neighborhood children. School is finished and summertime activities have begun at Mimi’s house. Warm weather is here and that means bubbles, water balloons, splash pads, science experiments, and more ways to have fun.
Last week, I found instructions on how to make a bird feeder with oranges, granola, popcorn, and peanut butter. You may wonder why I would choose such a sticky and messy activity. The laughter that filled the house and the smiles of Rowan and Eden were great prizes even as we made a huge mess in the kitchen.
Bop had purchased two oranges at the grocery store. One for our project and one to eat. Always being safe first, I cut the orange in the middle which gave a half for each child. With paper towels ready for clean-up and the kids standing where they could see everything happening with our project, we were ready for the activity to begin.
“Mimi, what are you doing? Why do you have an orange?” Five and ¾ years old Rowan spoke first.
“Mimi, orange?” Two years old Eden spoke next.
I began to explain how we would make granola from the ingredients and then, fill the orange halves. But, first I had to scoop the “pulp” out of the orange. What an experience! This particular orange was filled with major pulp. The more I scooped with the spoon, the more juice squirted all over the kitchen counter and onto our clothes and hands.
Giggles started. We all laughed at the mess Mimi was making.
Next, we needed granola bites and popcorn to be ground up a little bit smaller. Bringing out the blender, Rowan immediately asked if he could push the button. Eden knows blenders are loud. “It’s too loud, Mimi.” She spoke before I had plugged in the machine.
“No worries Eden. Rowan can push the button. We’ll cover our ears.” Eden instantly placed her little hands over her ears even though the machine wasn’t turned on yet.
When I added a couple of granola bites to the blender and secured the top, I told Rowan to push the button. He smiled and placed his finger on the pulser. With a few taps, we had granola to mix with the peanut butter.
All ears were uncovered and the blender was put in the sink to wash at a later time. Now we could mix the rest of the ingredients to make our homemade meal for the birds.
Reaching our hands into the bowl, we mushed and squeezed the peanut butter and granola together.
The giggles started as we noticed the icky and gooey mess sticking to our fingers. “Mimi, how are we going to get this stuff off?” Rowan inquired.
Eden looked at me and started to stick a little finger in her mouth so she could taste the bird treats. “Wait, Eden, wait. I’ll get you another snack. This one is for the birds.”
With a grin, she proceeded to wipe her messy fingers on her shirt.
The bird feeder treat was ready to spoon and place in the oranges. Bop had prepared the oranges with teeny holes in each side. We filled the oranges and gave them to Bop to hang in the tree.
A fun and simple, or maybe not so simple, activity that brought laughter and joy. A bit of a mess, but sometimes fun involves making a mess.
Later in the day, after the new bird feeders were filled and hung, Rowan, Eden, and I looked out of the playroom/office window. Downy woodpeckers enjoying the treats we had made for them.
Every day, we look for the birds. We’ve also had bluebirds visiting our homemade feeders.
What a joy to have fun projects! We learn and laugh together. Sometimes we get messy and that’s okay.
Have you enjoyed any homemade creations lately? Share with us. You may inspire others.
Blessings and giggles,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
Marigolds and Miracles
“Press your pointer finger in the dirt and make a hole. Then, place the tiny seed into that hole and cover it with dirt.” The afternoon conversation with Grandson Rowan was filled with wonder. His imagination and thirst for learning bring excitement.
When Rowan comes to visit, one of the first questions he asks is “Mimi, do we have a project today? What are we going to work on today? Can we do science?”
On a warm spring day, planting seeds was on the agenda. After finding the gardening tools, filling each small pot with dirt, and opening the seed packets, we were ready to work.
I explained how we would prepare the soil, plant the seeds, give the dirt some water, and have patience while waiting for the seeds to sprout. I shared that bigger pots would be needed when the plants grew too large for the small containers.
Rowan’s eyes grew large as his little finger created holes in the soil. Having dirt under his fingernails didn’t bother him. Placing seeds in the holes, he covered them with dirt and laughed. “Those seeds are hiding!” He exclaimed.
After all the planting was completed and moisture was given to the dirt, we positioned the pots on the back porch where sunshine would be plentiful to aid the plants in growing. Standing from a kneeling position while we worked, I rubbed my aching back.
Rowan stood and took two steps back. Proud of his gardening efforts, he asked, “Mimi, what did you say these plants are called?”
“These are marigolds,” I answered and smiled.
“No, Mimi, these are not miracles.” Rowan believed I had said “miracles”.
“Marigolds,” I answered again.
Continuing, he explained, “God makes miracles. These are marigolds, right?”
“Yes, these are marigolds. They will be yellow and orange.”
Pausing, Rowan looked at the plants and then, at the sky.
“Yes, marigolds. God makes marigolds and God makes miracles.” Rowan responded with a smile.
I agreed and thanked God for the precious children in the world, and how He cares for all of His creations.
I look forward to teaching Granddaughter Eden, how to plant marigolds and look for miracles from God.
Blessings,
Melissa Henderson
It is like a mustard seed, which is the smallest of all seeds on earth. Yet when planted, it grows and becomes the largest of all garden plants, with such big branches that the birds can perch in its shade. (Mark 4:31-32 NIV)