Learning with MawMaw & Papa

These photos are from back in 2008, when Kathryn was just 7 years old.

As homeschoolers, we’ve all heard it… what about socialization? I’ve thought about this often over the years, and there is one specific day that stands out in my memory: a day we spent with with Ken’s grandparents, who live about two hours south of us.

Aren’t they adorable?

MawMaw and Papa have been married nearly sixty-five years, and have lived in this same house, built by Papa, that whole time. In this house, they have raised four children, loved on lots of grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and eaten a whole lot of world-famous (almost!) biscuits that MawMaw makes from scratch every day! They are some of the sweetest, kindest, most Jesus-loving people I have ever known, and I am so blessed to have married into their family.

You can’t go to MawMaw’s house without being fed. I think it’s some sort of Southern grandmother law in a book I haven’t been given yet, since I’m not yet a grandmother. Anyway, on this day, as any day we visit them, we ate dinner (that’s lunch for the city folks) made by MawMaw and blessed by Papa. When we were stuffed, we sat out on the porch for a while sipping on sweet tea. Brandon and Ken took turns riding Papa’s gas-powered scooter while Kathryn enjoyed a chat with Papa.

At Ken’s request, MawMaw played a little for us on the piano (she is the piano player for her church).

Than, at my request, she showed us all some really great old family photos. I was blessed by listening to MawMaw’s stories about her family, and about what it was like when she was a little girl. She and I continued talking and looking at pictures; meanwhile the others went out to the porch and Ken and Papa played guitar. Kathryn and Brandon listened (and sometimes sang along) as they swang.

Later, MawMaw gave us girls a little crochet lesson: not enough so that I can do it, but enough to make me want to learn how. The baby blankets she makes are beautiful!

Papa loves to garden, so he showed us the tomatoes and peppers he’s already planted. (That rusty old bus behind Papa is a story in itself!)

On this day spent with MawMaw and Papa, Kathryn learned far more than she would’ve in a classroom. It is far more important to me that my child can relate people of ALL ages, rather than a room full of kids exactly the same age. I’m so glad we homeschool, so that days like this are more frequent than they would be otherwise.

Jamie

Wife, mama, homeschooler, dog-wrangler. Introvert who finds joy in good books, sunshine, and authentic conversation. Fitness enthusiast and strength coach. Often seen with a steaming mug of tea in hand.