The Rock Gift
Gifts are given for birthdays, anniversaries, holidays, and celebrations. Some of the best presents are ones given “just because” with no special reason or occasion. Gifts may make us laugh while others may bring tears. I received a rock that touched my heart and brought happy tears.
Grandson Rowan and Granddaughter Eden enjoy making crafts. They often enter the house and say, “What are we doing today? Can we make something?” There is a cabinet in our living room which holds the craft supplies. Crayons, markers, paint, construction paper, glue sticks, popsicle sticks, play dough, wire cleaners, straws, pom poms of various sizes, googly eyes, and much more. Sometimes we follow a pattern for making a craft. Other times, we use our imaginations and create interesting projects.
A few months ago, Rowan and Eden painted rocks. We set up a workstation on a table on the back porch. Paper towels, wet wipes for cleaning hands and the occasional paint splatter that landed on the porch couch cushions, paint, rocks that had been rinsed to remove the dirt, paintbrushes, and stickers were arranged on the table. Rowan, Eden, and Mimi were ready to paint beautiful designs on rocks of different sizes.
We worked intently until giggles broke out when the paint went somewhere other than the rocks. Making sure we wore our “paint clothes” was a must during this project. We love to dip the brushes in the paint and mix the colors. Then, we rinse the brushes and watch the water swirl in the cup.
After the rocks have been painted and placed on a paper towel to dry, we clean the area and find another activity until the rocks are ready to be placed into our flower garden. When every rock is dry, we place them in selected spots. Then, we walk to the sidewalk and look back to the garden. We want to make sure everyone can see the beautiful shapes and colors as they walk by.
Recently, Rowan and Eden entered the house for a visit. Laughter filled the home while everyone talked at the same time and shared about their day. As we headed to the playroom/office to find a game or activity to play, Rowan asked for wrapping paper. Rowan is very creative and I figured he was probably going to create something with the paper.
After finding some wrapping paper, Rowan left the room. Eden and I began to play with the dolls. A few minutes passed and Rowan returned.
“Mimi, close your eyes and hold out your hands.”
“Okay, what are we doing?” I asked.
“You’ll see. Mimi, I have a surprise for you.”
I closed my eyes, held out my hands, and felt his sweet hands place something in my wrinkled hands.
“Open your eyes, Mimi. It’s for you.”
My eyes opened and I was holding a wrapped gift from Rowan. I opened the paper and there was one of the rocks. I thanked him for the beautiful rock.
Rowan wanted to give me something special and one of his favorite rocks was the gift. A precious memory flooded my thoughts. When I was a young girl about Rowan’s age, I forgot my Mama’s birthday. When I remembered, I immediately went to my room and found my favorite doll. I wrapped it in a paper towel and gave it to my Mama. She loved it.
Rowan showed love and kindness to me. I showed love and kindness to my Mama.
God gave us the gift of salvation through His Son Jesus. We are loved and cherished by God.
Do you have a special gift story? Share your story in the comments.
Blessings and love,
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
“Come Back, Honey!”
Laughter and conversations can be heard in our neighborhood every day. In the morning, children and parents gather to wait for the yellow buses to arrive. After school has ended for the day and everyone is home, the time for fun begins. Happy children bring out bicycles, frisbees, sidewalk chalk, bubbles, and more.
When Rowan and Eden visit, there are belly-holding giggles, surprises in conversation and actions, amazing stories of what happened at school, and yes, even some quiet time. All of these things provide wonderful opportunities for bonding and sharing the love of God.
Temperatures have warmed in the Lowcountry of South Carolina and outside play is a wonderful way to burn off energy and have fun. One of my favorite activities is playing with bubbles. Sometimes, I bring out the mixture and wands and enjoy the bubbles by myself. However, most of the time, neighborhood kids are playing, too.
Recently, two years old Eden and I were preparing to take the needed supplies outside. She carried wands of various sizes and shapes. I carried the large pink bottle of solution to pour into the circular pans.
With everything in place on two little plastic tables lined up on the sidewalk, we were ready to create fun shapes. Eden doesn’t like for “bugs” to get in the pans, so I have to be on the lookout to remove any creatures before she notices. Sticky fingers don’t bother me.
On that particular day and since then, every time I place my wand into the pan and cover it with the solution, Eden begins to laugh. As I raise my arm, the bubbles appear and dance in the air. She throws down her wand and runs to catch the different shapes flowing toward the sky.
Her energy is limitless, just like her brother Rowan. Her breathing is rapid and her eyes are opened wide as she laughs and jumps in the air to catch the clear circles. The excitement she shows over the simple act of running and chasing something flying through the air is truly contagious.
Along with running, she calls to the bubbles. I’m not sure where she learned this or why she talks to them, but she calls out, “Come back, honey. Come back, honey.”
Her sweet voice brings happy tears and tons of giggles to me as she tries to catch each one.
I’ve never called bubbles “honey” and I’ve never asked them to “Come back.” But, Eden has a plan and for some unknown reason, those bubbles are “honey”.
Bop and I are thankful we live close to Mike, Christine, Rowan, Eden, and doggy Olive. God has blessed us with many joys from this move. Five years in South Carolina and we continue to treasure each moment.
Have you played with bubbles lately? Or perhaps another fun outside activity with kids?
Be alert and listen. You might hear someone calling “Come back, honey.”
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4 NIV)
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson
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
Creepy Crabs on A Hot Summer Day
“What in the world? Why are there fiddler crabs on my front porch?” I spoke aloud to myself.
Opening the front storm door to take a peek outside, I jumped as two small sand fiddler crabs raced across the pavement. The twosome were fast as lightning and caused me to hop from one foot to the other while trying to figure out their intended direction.
Alan and I have become accustomed to seeing South Carolina sights such as alligators in the neighborhood ponds, Eastern Hercules beetles in the grass, wild turkeys in the backyard, and armadillos digging holes in the dirt. But, seriously, sand fiddler crabs at the front door?
I slowed my breathing to calm my heart rate. What adventure or crazy sight would be next on the list of exciting things to share with family and friends? My next thought was wondering how to get rid of the fast moving creatures. Unfortunately, the crabs hid in an area that could not be reached. I would have to wait until another time to somehow remove them from the premises.The daily routine continued and the crabs remained hidden. I wouldn’t see them again. Or at least that was my story.
The next day, grandson Rowan was here to have playtime with Mimi and Bop. As Bop left the house and went to work, Rowan and I discussed our plans for the day. Sidewalk chalk drawing, creating crazy pictures with the new paint set and paper, playing with friends, blowing bubbles, and making up stories would be parts of the fun.
The outside trash can had been emptied earlier that day and was ready to be cleaned and brought back into the garage. As I pushed the button to open the garage door, two more sand fiddler crabs jumped into the garage and ran for cover. I screamed and laughed while watching the quick movement of the crabs. Rowan grabbed his tummy and doubled over with laughter.
“Mimi, quick, quick, get them. They went behind the recycle can. Mimi, here’s one. Get him with the broom.”
“Where, Rowan, where is it now? Do you see one?” I spoke between laughter as I found the broom and readied for attack.
“Behind that can, he’s behind that can.” Rowan gave directions as he giggled.
One little crab darted out from behind the trash can. I guarded against the creature by sweeping it with the broom. Watching as the crab went flying in the air from being swept, Rowan and I could not contain our giggles.
The next crab peeked out from behind a garden tool. I swung the broom into action and shooed that little thing right out onto the driveway.
Between laughs, Rowan yelled. “Mimi, quick. Close the door. He’s trying to come back in.”
Rowan and I stood and watched the garage door close. The crabs were outside on the pavement. We were safely inside the garage. The creepy crabs would have to endure a hot summer day.
After the laughter settled and our next activity began, Rowan and I looked at each other. “Mimi, those were some creepy crabs, right?”
“Yes, those were creepy crabs and I don’t want to see them again.”
Interesting fact is that we live about ten minutes from the ocean. There are ponds and marshes in every neighborhood so we should not be surprised at seeing the crabs on the front and back porch.
Of course, I had to share this story because as you know, “It’s Always a Story With the Hendersons.”
God creates the most awesome sights and sounds for us to enjoy, even if some of those things make us hop from one foot to the other.
Do you have any funny crab stories? Please share with us.
Have a blessed day,
Mimi aka Melissa Henderson