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

Grandkids and Tomatoes

Warm temperatures in the morning placed droplets of dew on the grass. A beautiful day was waiting for folks in the Lowcountry. Grandkids would arrive soon and the fun would begin. Today’s project would include a trip to the local greenhouse to purchase dirt and tomato plants. Grandkids and tomatoes. 

One of the first comments from our grandchildren Rowan and Eden as they enter the house is “What projects do we have today, Mimi? What are we going to make?”

That day, Bop and I took the grandkids to the store and let them pick out things to grow. Rowan and Eden chose tomato plants that were about  6-8 inches tall. After finding the best ones, each child placed their container in the cart. Our purchases were completed and we headed home.

Bop placed two containers on the grass in the backyard. Each child used a trowel to fill the pots with dirt. Gently placing each plant in the perfect location, Rowan and Eden patted the dirt gently. “Good job, Buddy,” Rowan spoke to his tomato plant.

“Good job, Buddy,” Eden repeated what her big brother had said.

Now, the waiting period started. A few days passed and we noticed small yellow flowers growing on each stalk. With a reminder not to pick the blooms, everyone was patient and continued to wait for the first little green ball to form.

Another week and then, success! Several tiny green tomatoes hung on the vines. Rowan and Eden saw the new developments as soon as they arrived early one morning. “Mimi! They’re growing!” 

“Can we pick them? Can we eat them? When will they turn red?” The questions kept coming from both kids.

Later in the morning, a fierce wind knocked over the pots and little green tomatoes fell off of the vines. Rowan suggested we check on our garden. When we walked outside, Rowan and Eden began picking up the green tomatoes. I suggested we get a plastic bag to hold them until we could take them inside. 

The day continued with other fun crafts and games. The time came for the grandkids to go home. Eden wanted to take a‘mater with her. She took one, looked at it, named the ‘mater, and placed it back in the bag. Names like Sha Sha and Greenie were her choices.

Rowan liked the idea of naming the green tomatoes in his bag. He chose “Derek” as one name.

In the evening, I contacted our son Mike, to remind him that the kids had bags of tomatoes in their backpacks. He told me that he would check. Rowan’s tomatoes were there. Eden’s tomato was gone.

The following day, I spoke to the kids on the phone and asked Eden where she put her tomato. 

“I planted it.” She spoke in a calm voice.

“Where did you put it?” I asked.

“In the pot in the bathroom.” She answered.

Eden went on to tell me that she planted it in Mommy’s flower pot in the bathroom. A beautiful live plant now had a little green tomato in the dirt.

Rowan heard Eden telling me about planting the tomato. He said, “Oh, I moved it.”

With a loud voice, Eden scolded her brother. “Why? Rowan. Why did you move my tomato? Where is it?”

We had no idea where big brother placed her special treasure. But, he knew. He hid it behind the spigot on the sink. No worries. He didn’t want it to get forgotten in the flower pot.

I’m not sure what has happened to those tomatoes. But, I do know that we learned many lessons from God. We learned how to take care of plants, give them names, make sure they are fed and watered, and how not to move something someone else has planted.

Grandkids and tomatoes. Bop and I learned that laughter can come from planting tomatoes. 

Do you have any funny grandchildren’s stories? Share with us and continue the smiles.

Have a blessed day,

Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

Wrapped 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

“Pretty”

“Turn round Mimi. Turn round. Pretty. Pretty.” Two years old Eden spoke and smiled as she turned around and around in a circle. She was wearing a skirt and loved watching the skirt move when she twirled. Eden wanted me to “turn round” like she was turning. I tried. Finally, I said, “Mimi can’t turn like you. I get dizzy.”

Each time that Eden moved her body, the fabric on her little purple and white skirt lifted. She giggled and announced, “Pretty. Pretty.” The more she twirled, the more she laughed. At one point, her movement showed that she was dizzy, too.

Eden and I continued to laugh. She wanted me to see her move. “Pretty. Pretty.”
I commented. “Yes, Eden, you are pretty. Very pretty.”

As the bond between Eden and Rowan grows, the love between brother and sister is evident. When Rowan is sad, Eden tries to cheer him with laughter and hugs. When Rowan and I view videos of Eden, he says, “She’s so cute. I love her.”

There are times when Eden likes to wear Rowan’s clothes. When Rowan arrives here from school, he often changes into “play clothes”. Rowan and Eden have a drawer of clothing at our house. Eden has learned to look for Rowan’s clothes and then, she wants to wear something of his. We laugh as she chooses shirts and pants that are too big for her. That doesn’t matter. Rowan is changing clothes and she is changing clothes, too, just like big brother.

A basket of hats, earmuffs, and scarves sits on a shelf in the hall closet. Sometimes, Rowan, Eden, and Bop and Mimi like to play restaurant. Bop adorns a hat and scarf and pretends to be “Mr. Periwinkle” or some other made up character. Mimi and Rowan are the restaurant people. Eden is a customer, too. She puts on a hat and scarf and one glove. The glove quickly turns into a puppet.

Bop and I continue to be amazed and filled with joy at the imaginations and creativity of these children. The mind of a five years old boy and a two years old girl are fascinating. Every day is a new adventure.

We are thankful to be able to share in their lives. And, yes, when Eden wants Mimi to “turn round, turn round” so I can twirl like her, I will gladly twirl, just a lot slower than Eden’s twirls.
Yes, Eden, you are “pretty, pretty.”

Eden and Rowan are two of the biggest blessings God has provided. The opportunity to see the simple things in life from their perspective allows us to remember to find joy in every moment. When sad times come, we can rest in knowing God is with us and those sad times will pass. When good times come, we can give thanks to the Father for His endless love and mercy.

Today is a good day. Today is a great day to “turn round, turn round” and enjoy the laughter of young and not so young.

How are you finding laughter today?

Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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Birthday Lunch…Wrong Car

“Let’s go to lunch and celebrate your birthday and my birthday.” A dear friend recently suggested we go to a local restaurant and celebrate birthdays. Of course, I agreed. After finding a time that suited both of us, we scheduled the day and looked forward to the special time together.

On the chosen day, my dear friend drove us to the destination. A lovely local eatery known for delicious food. Along the drive, we chatted about the recent happenings in life. From joys to worries, this is a trusted friend with whom anything can be shared.

We arrived at the restaurant, entered the building and the front desk person greeted us with a smile. Sharing that we had a reservation, the server took us to our table immediately. The place was crowded as it was lunch time. Sounds of conversations between patrons and staff filled the air. Laughter became louder as chats continued. Dishes of delectable food being delivered and placed on tables made me pause to see what people were ordering.

After placing our orders for food and beverage, my friend and I continued talking. Grandchildren are always a topic of conversation. The delight of living close to those special children was evident in our shared stories of the new school year, overnight visits, and more.

The food arrived and we enjoyed every bite. Dessert was chosen after we had finished eating our meal. Yummy to the tummy. In fact, there was so much food that we asked for “to go” boxes for the extra food.

The time had come for us to leave the restaurant and return home. After thanking our server, paying the bills, and grabbing our food to take home, we stood and walked to the front door. Continuing to chat and laugh, my friend and I watched for vehicles as we crossed the parking lot. All was clear and we headed to her car.

I walked to the passenger side and began trying to open the door. Nothing happened. Dear friend was on the driver’s side attempting to open her door. Nothing happened there either. A few moments passed and I heard her say, “This isn’t my car.”
Yes, we were so busy talking and enjoying the day that we attempted to enter the wrong vehicle.
There was a similarity between the vehicles. Same color, same brand.
Only problem was that it was a different model of SUV and definitely did not belong to my sweet friend.

Laughter began and we giggled all the way to the correct car. When we were seated in the correct vehicle, I turned to my friend and said, “You know, “It’s Always A Story With the Hendersons”. She laughed and agreed. Now, she feels like a Henderson, too.
Good thing we didn’t set off any car alarms.

This funny situation caused me to thank God for the laughter and blessed friendships He brings to our lives. We may try a wrong door at some point, but God will lead us to the correct door. I am thankful to know the door to God is open and available in every moment.

Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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Maw Maw or Mimi?

Granddaughter Eden will be two years old in a few months. She has a personality that makes our family break out into laughter every day. Eden is learning many things from big brother Rowan. She watches his every move and truly believes she can accomplish anything Rowan attempts.

The young ones in our family have called me “Mimi” for many years. Peyton, our great-niece who is sixteen years old now, was the first one to give me that special name. When she was beginning to speak, she chose to call me “Mimi”. My heart melted every time Peyton called for her “Mimi”. Then, Paige, who is now fourteen years old, was born. She also calls me by that precious name. Next, was Ryder, who is eight years old. I am “Mimi” to him, too.
Every time they say, “Mimi”, my smile gets bigger and my heart fills with joy.
Ashley and Daniel, who are Momma and Daddy to Peyton, Paige, and Ryder, call me by that special name, too.

Fast forward and Rowan was born to our son Mike and daughter-in-love Christine. Rowan began calling me “Mimi” as soon as he could talk.
He is now five years old and I continue to be his “Mimi”.

Eden has listened to Rowan say my name. “Mimi, watch me. Mimi, look at this. Mimi, can you play?” As Eden has heard Rowan and others call for me, she has created her own way of getting my attention.
“Maw Maw”. Yes, a new name. I’ve tried several times to show her how to say “Mimi”. But, I have been “Maw Maw” for a while now. I love her reaction as she calls for “Maw Maw” and then giggles.

Recently, Rowan and Eden were here for a visit. Eden said, “Maw Maw.” Rowan quickly told her that I am “Mimi”.
Eden looked at me and gave a huge grin. “Mimi. Mimi.”

Eden knows how to say “Mimi”. She has been using her own way of calling me and that is fine.
If Eden continues to call me “Maw Maw”, I will answer. Or if she changes to “Mimi”, I will answer.

Special names are ways of showing love. God knows each name of His children. He calls us by name. My most special name is “child of God”.

Do you have a special name? Do you know the meaning of your name? Melissa means “honeybee”.

Whatever name the children give me, I will always answer. I will always be ready to play and to listen. My arms are always ready for hugs and snuggles. My lap is always ready for resting.
God has blessed Alan and me with a wonderful family. By the way, Alan is called “Uncy” and “Bop”. Rowan gave Alan the name Bop. Of course, Eden changed the name to “Bop Bop”.

Alan and I are happy to be called by various names. We will always answer.

Father, thank You for calling us by name. Thank You for loving Your children. Amen.

Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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Mistaken Identity or “Sorry, I thought you were someone else.”

Moving from one house to another is quite the task. Alan and I have moved numerous times in our over 41 years of marriage. Job changes have caused most of those moves. From living in apartments to townhouses to building our dream home to finally believing this latest move is our “forever home”, we follow the idea of “finding joy wherever God sends us”.

Since moving from Virginia to South Carolina three years ago, we have lived in three homes. Each of those three homes is located in the same area, just different sections. When we first arrived in SC, we didn’t know the area, so we rented a nice townhouse instead of buying. The neighbors on that street are some of the best people we’ve ever met. The ladies still gather for special occasions and if someone has a need, the “Draymohr Girls” are there to help and pray.

With that home no longer for rent, we searched and found another townhouse just a few streets away from the first one. Once again, God provided great neighbors who show care and compassion for everyone. We often see neighbors from both places at the local grocery stores. We’re able to visit and catch up on the latest happenings in the lives of these special friends.

This year, 2020, we finally made the decision to purchase a home. This is our favorite neighborhood and we wanted to stay. Our search began and in just a short time, we found a home to purchase. Offer made, offer accepted, closing date set, movers scheduled and we began packing up the boxes.

Alan and I have lived in this new “forever” home since the middle of August. The neighborhood is filled with families of all ages. What a blessing to hear the laughter of children and to watch families taking walks together. This is a wonderful place. We thank God for providing this home and the friendly people who have welcomed us with open arms.

With all the moving from one place to another, I had an embarrassing moment (or two). Alan and I went to the local home improvement store to look at storm doors. Of course, there is always something else to check out at the home improvement store.

As we walked to the checkout line, a nice lady, wearing a mask, said, “Hi, where have you been? I talked to you one day and the next day, you were gone.”

Recently, we had been invited to share refreshments and fellowship at a new neighbor’s home. (Social distancing, of course.) When I saw the lady at the checkout counter, my mind immediately thought that she was one of the new neighbors.

I began trying to get the right words out, without embarrassing her. “Oh, remember, we visited with you at the neighbors house. Remember, we live near you?” I kept referring to the new neighbors. The nice lady  gave me an odd look, although I could only see her eyes and forehead due to the mask.

I kept attempting to explain who we were and how we knew each other.

All of a sudden, Alan placed his hand on my shoulder. I looked at him and shaking his head, he said, “No, dear. That’s not her. That’s a friend from the other place.”

My embarrassment began to show as my face turned red and my mask became sweaty.

Apologizing, I began sharing about the new neighbors and how we had moved in August. My words rambled and rambled.

Our friend from the other neighborhood just laughed and said, “No problem. I understand.” We continued with conversation and laughter.

For a few days afterwards, I still felt embarrassed when I thought of my mistake. Then, I took my worry to God.

God reminded me there was no need for embarrassment. We all make mistakes and sometimes, we can laugh at those mistakes.

A true “Mimi” moment. Thank You God, for covering me with Your love.

Have you ever had an experience with “mistaken identity”? What was the outcome?

Blessings,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson

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Savannah or Jovannah? Who are you calling?

Have you ever had one of those phone calls when things didn’t go the right way?

Recently, I was occupied and could not answer my phone quickly enough. By the time, I reached my cell phone, the caller had hung up. A red button on the message icon alerted me that someone had left a voicemail.

Entering the correct prompts, I waited and listened for the details of the message. Static on the connection caused the words of the caller to fade in and out. There was something about a reservation for an upcoming trip. 

I remembered there was also a prompt on the phone to allow me to read the “transcript” of the call.

Awesome. I would not need to listen anymore. Just read the message.

A person named Jovannah had called to alert me of changes in the reservation. No problem, I would call back and reschedule. All would work out fine.

Tapping the buttons on the phone, I was ready to speak with whoever answered and ask for Jovannah.

A friendly voice answered and gave the name of the hotel and provided their name, too.

“How may I assist you today?” The person inquired.

“Yes, I’m returning a call from Jovannah. I’m calling about rescheduling a reservation.”

“Who are you calling? What name did you say?”

“Jovannah. She called and left the nicest message. May I speak to Jovannah?” I asked.

A moment’s pause. 

“Ma’am. There is no Jovannah here. Could you be trying to reach another hotel?”

My face began to blush even though I was alone and the person on the other end of the line couldn’t see me. How could I have made such a silly mistake?

Beginning to explain, I mentioned how the call came from that number and the transcript of the message said Jovannah called. 

“Ma’am, could you possibly mean Savannah? Sometimes phones record the messages wrong. We have a Savannah and she is standing right here. Would you like to speak with her?”

Laughing, I said yes and waited for this person to begin speaking.

“Mrs. Henderson, this is Savannah. I left you a message about your reservation.”

As I explained the silly mistake, we both laughed and shared about other mishaps with phone messages at the hotel.

This experience reminded me how we each have unique names. Some of us are named by family members, some are named to carry on the family line, some names are chosen out of a baby book. 

Do you know how you were named? Do you know the meaning of your name? Melissa means honeybee.

You have a name here on earth. The most important name you have is “child of God”. You were created by Him and you are loved by Him. I am thankful to be His child and He calls me by name.

Blessings,

Mimi

 
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