I post these snippets from life because they are valuable point of learning. We do not "school" at home, but we live what I call a Learning Lifestyle, capturing the best of every moment we have. Sometimes we witness something and run to our books or computer to read about it. Sometimes Mom knows enough to direct the instruction. Sometimes we just marvel. And sometimes we get so caught up in the moments that we forget about the rest of life needing attention

Hence, the laundry piled up. It's all for a good cause!

After we learned all about the human body systems, the kids created this pretty darned accurate play doh man. If I'd have thought about it ahead of time (this was a spontaneous activity), I'd have put it on a cookie pan and heated it to preserve it.

 I'd say it's a pretty good rendition of this:

This afternoon was our first great snowfall, and 8 children had to learn how to share one sled. They did amazingly well (after a few disagreements about who would pull whom and how many would fit on the sleigh at once. They learned that the weight of one larger child is comparable to the weight of two smaller children.

They learned how terrariums are created and how the plants soak up our carbon dioxide and give us oxygen. It was a perfect, unintentional tie in to our body systems study. We'd just learned about the Respiratory System that morning with Respiratory Therapist Grammy!

Learning what normal breathing sounds like so Mommy can tell when they need to visit the doctor. I can't say I have the hang of it yet. But Grammy gave me the link to a web site where I can listen to the sounds, and left her stethoscope with me.

Learning how to make a cloth-covered book in the Daring Book for Girls.

Learning what happens when we cover our ears, and why our body needs to be healthy to take advantage of our five senses to the fullest.

Learning what a pet needs from us. Brian is learning how to care for Jake in more than just physical ways. But he's also learning health guidelines, such as "Do not let a dog lick the inside of your mouth!"

Learning why proper personal hygeine will keep public gawking at bay!

Learning how to create a habitat for animals and how zookeepers maintain control over zoos. (Think recent tiger event.)

Learning how to "trim " an Air Hog so it flies steady and straight. Dad knows all about that. He even knows how to jump out of air planes, being a former paratrooper with the 82nd Airborne Division.

How a storm rolls into an area and what types of clouds form storms.

How to set up a mid-winter, warm-spell camp-out and try to convince Daddy to let you sleep outside. (Daddy wasn't convinced, and it really broke Brooke's heart. So the boys secretly re-set up the camp inside! So, also, how to show compassion to the hurting.)

How a pellet stove works and why we use it to save money on rising heating costs.

What time of the day shadows become elongated, and how to have fun with them!

How to create a Lincoln Log town (that won't be destroyed by your baby sister).

How to keep your baby sister occupied while you build your Lincoln Log town up on a high table.

 How steam comes out of a kettle full of liquid water and makes its way along the natural surfaces of the kitchen. Also, why steam can burn skin and warp wood, and why to turn the kettle off before it does either of those things!

I hope you enjoyed seeing what we're learning lately. We sure enjoy learning!!