Showing posts with label Who am I?. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Who am I?. Show all posts

Thursday, September 20, 2018

My weight loss journey........was a brief and prideful one............................


I like to look at this picture of my family from Mother's Day 2018. It makes me proud. Those men are so good looking! Yes, the Gman and I produced those handsome boys. But who is that lady with the double chin sitting with them? Yes, that's me. 

Now my oldest, the writer has a wedding coming up. It's been quite stressful thinking of mother of the groom dresses. I'd love to say that I wanted to lose weight because I want to be healthy for the long awaited grandkids. Or at least because my body is the temple of the Holy Spirit and heartburn was not dwelling in the same place. But the truth of the matter was....some awesome photo opportunities will be coming up in October and I can't look like Shamu. 

Pride, yes, thank God for pride. Not the one that causes one to fall, but the motivator pride. The kind that makes you lick your finger and quickly wash your kids face at the pediatrician so they won't think you are a bad mom. I was able to pull out the emotion exactly three months before the wedding. Serious times caused for serious measures. I joined an expensive health club, actually showed up faithfully and accepted their so called "food plan" which in reality was a 2 page chart with the most mundane deprivation diet ever. This was planned on the week that Little Guy was away for camp at Gordon College. The Gman was on his own for meals.

The first week included an evil trainer named Amy who yelled, swore and called me by my last name, sort of like boot camp 3 days a week. I had to nap a few times just to get out of my misery from eliminating sugar. I googled it. They liken it to a flu when you are detoxing. Of course it didn't help that I downed a ton of sm'ores the night before I started this journey. But I survived the week and lost 4 pounds. Hmm, if I keep this up, I may even get my money back, from the fitness challenge. Amy said she was proud of me even though I was a pain in the....There's that pride word.

I actually stuck like glue to the food chart, worked out or walked killer hills and each week weighed in. It worked! In just over the 10 weeks, I lost 24 lbs, feel amazing and am super happy with the dress I picked out. It was very simple. I stuck to it with the exception of one evening, I cheated one night while taking clients out to dinner and I felt terrible. 

So people noticed, and it was exactly like when I came to Christ.......the responses:

1) You look awesome, you inspire me................ What must I do to be thin/saved?
2) Oh you were fine, you didn't need to lose weight.....You weren't fat(lies).....you weren't too much of a sinner(oh yes, I was/am)
3) I love my sweets/junk food too much...........I love my sin too much surrender to Christ.
4)You'll probably gain it back after the wedding.................This is just a fad(yes I've been on this Jesus trend since 1986)
5) I don't have time for all the food prep and exercise.......My life is too busy for God.

Now that I have experienced the transformation I was looking for, I have to be careful not to become prideful. Or self righteous................. And that's another battle.

So I may have collectedly offended all 5 of my readers in one post.  I've taken my terrible habit of stress eating and focused on taking care of myself.

This was my old belief:


The Gman still can't believe he hears me leaving early for a morning run even in the rain. I wish I could market this weigh loss plan with a flashy name and sell it to the many Americans who spend so much money on weigh loss products. 

Nutripride
Veto diet
The die diet
yes to the smaller dress diet

Hmm.....the possibilities are endless. Stay tuned for an after picture.


Thanks for stopping by,
 

Looking back at homeschooling from the rear view mirror......and missing writing like crazy.







Lately, I have been thinking about grandkids...like almost obsessively. We've had some adorable little ones in our home lately, and it just pulls me back. I have no regrets at only having four boys, but I see my friends gushing over their grandkids and it's fresh in my heart. But that's not what I planned on writing about. 

Since my blog is called accidentally homeschooling, I think I need to speak to the ones who may be in the process of homeschooling. I have a million things to say but I'll try to condense it down... maybe a good old fashioned list.

1. My boys thank me...often...for homeschooling. As they figure out the world, who they are and where they are going, the conversation comes back to this. Thanks Mom. Oh that warms my heart. The moments when I was convinced I had chosen a crazy path and who did I think I was....are just lies. They truly are life long learners, always sharing with me something new they have learned.

2. Now that I work full time, I realize, I could have managed my time so much better. The kids grow so fast...cherish the times.

3. I've finally passed on most of my home school books. I kept thinking I'd save them just in case...in case what?...someone asked me to teach their kids or I have grand kids. I won't be homeschooling my grandkids. I'll be eating sweets, indulging, shopping and taking them on trips. They won't be sitting on Nana's lap studying prepositions, history or quadratic equations. 

4. My oldest is getting married in October....Grandkids may be in my future.

5.  Paperboy owns his own home, is a landlord and is studying for his electrical exam. 

6. Random is a licensed real estate agent who is pursuing his dream. 

7. Only Little Guy is left at home. He's morphed into an amazing kid. My blog readers remember our struggles and the Feingold Diet. His high school education is outsourced, he plays sports, is in drama and competes in Martial arts.

8. Blogging was a great therapy to me, I am finally encouraged to come back to it. I have so many ideas swirling in my head.......keep subscribing. Let me know if you still read my blog, I'll be writing anyways, but having a reader or two will warm my heart,


Thanks for stopping by,    

Friday, November 8, 2013

I watched this last night.......... powerful!

Click Here to see an amazing story that needs to be shared with everyone you know. It brought me back to 1986. Where will it bring you?

Thanks for stopping by,

   

Friday, July 15, 2011

The Not So Happy Camper

In case you were wondering if my blog has joined the ranks of inactive blogs, you can stop. I've been busy being an unhappy camper. Literally.

We have a very nice tradition in our family. Every year we camp at beautiful Nickerson State Park in Brewster, Massachusetts. The excitement of this trip begins in the snowy month of January. I say that because you have to make your reservations 6 months in advance. The process took me about 5 days to secure one of the best sites(in my opinion) in the park. Each morning at 9:00, I would line up our laptops and frantically click on sites trying to be the first to reserve the coveted sites. Why?

I don't really know.

I do know.

I am a mommy to 4 boys.

They need to camp. Their friends need to camp.

They need to inhabit the woods for a few weeks.

They need to commune with nature and get very dirty.

They need to conquer the mosquitoes, the fish and build fires.

Normally, I am enjoying all of these things alongside them.

This year, I am not a happy camper.

Perhaps it was the babies crying in the night, no the toddlers crying during the day. I felt like crying.

Maybe it was the weird boy peeking in the windows at the showers.

Or the sunscreen that didn't work.

Or the mosquitoes that worked overtime..

Or the man who had to land his catamaran right on the beach where we were swimming.

Perhaps, it was the boys bickering in the tent.

And the smelly fish that were caught.

And the stifling heat.

And the torrential rain which I missed..

I missed my blog.

And my bathroom.

And my husband, who was called away to work.

Then I was called away to work.

I was thankful to be needed elsewhere.

My air-conditioned office became my safe haven.

The urgent needs of others delivered me from my vacation in the woods.


I decided working isn't so bad.

Camping, I will give you another chance next week.

I know, I am a glutton for punishment or someone with serious short term memory loss.

It's for the children.


I'll keep telling myself that.

I am redefining myself by the moment.

I think I'd enjoy glamping.




How about you? What kind of camper are you?

Thanks for sticking around.
I missed you all,

If you aren't always a happy camper, join me in my misery,
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Sunday, June 12, 2011

Fairy Tales, Food Diaries, and Feingold

My last post was a story about this really nice mom who was doing the best that she could to figure out how to parent her little boy who had SPD and a host of other problems. The most frustrating thing for her was the inconsistency of his behaviors. One day everything would be peachy smooth, not a ripple in the day, her little guy was charming, articulate, obedient and talkative. The next day, she likened his behavior to a feral kitty. He was out of control and a danger to himself and others. She did the only thing she could. She brought this to her heavenly Father, not her cool earthly dad, because he was just as puzzled as she. She remembers clearly being led to keep a diary.

It went like this. Dear Diary (not really, I just added that for effect):

The diary included everything this mystery child ate, drank, slept, eliminated and any other pertinent information. The diary made her more aware of the 'triggers'. She was starting to see patterns. Like o.k. maybe the cold section of the grocery store should be off limits, also the soap isle. But it wasn't until the fateful day of the pool party that she realized what was really happening.

Friends brought over food.  She was so was busy enjoying the company, she didn't pay attention to what the little guy had eaten. After the party, where she had foolishly assumed he would eat his lunch, she asked the question.

"What did you eat today?"

"I had some eclairs. The little ones."

"How many?"

"Six."

These are not chemical laden eclairs,
they are homemade by Joe Pastry.

Fast forward 24 hours later. He was curled up underneath his rocking chair crying. His first and last time babysitter was acting a little nervous. "How was he?" Amazingly patient babysitter was afraid to admit how misbehaved he had been. Little guy was not making eye contact, couldn't coherently answer any questions and was withdrawing from everyone. He was blubbering like a baby. She was trying to figure out: How can a four year-old child be so miserable? Why is he unable to get a handle on his emotions? This is a child that is loved and adored by his brothers and his parents. Why is he so filled with rage?

That is when she had her light bulb moment!  And where she started to sound like a kook. Those eclairs that are sold by the big box stores, have a shelf life of about 3 months. They are laden with preservatives. His little body is being affected by the preservatives. 


Starting Feingold after this was a no brainer. Patient husband and the mommy knew even if it did not work, removing chemicals and preservatives from his diet was still a great idea. She felt it was like the Hippocratic oath "Do no harm." Patient husband and she were not concerned about the level of work it was to begin the diet. They were desperate.

The first few weeks were rocky. He was literally detoxing. When starting the diet, any time an unapproved food was eaten, it was like being back to square one. The first week, orange sherbet was eaten while mom was outside. She was heartbroken. She killed her grocery budget. Her shopping trips lasted a few hours as she studied her food lists. She wasted oodles of money trying to find a multivitamin without dyes and chemicals. She loaded up on watermelon and Fritos. She didn't want him to feel deprived. She even found gum and lollipops that were all natural and approved. Anything to make the diet easier.

Then there was a glimmer of hope. A few weeks later, they were visiting with friends. While making sidewalk chalk pictures, little guy drew the most adorable Yoda. Another boy came over and crossed it out. Amazingly, her little boy didn't freak out, he didn't try to bite the other kid or wreck the other boy's drawing. He actually handled it well. It was his peace loving older brother who almost lost it at the injustice. She wrote it down. She had good report. Each day she noted more improvement. Things were less chaotic, but they were still off.

After a few months, he returned to the preschool that he had almost been kicked out of. A teacher asked why was he so calm with an accusatory look. The little boy's mother quickly said "He's not on drugs." She shared about the diet and thankfully the school co-operated. At last they got the know the boy he really was. The year before, their interactions with him were simply to manage his behavior. After the diet, they realized what a bright, sweet boy he was. It was encouraging to have others witness the transformation.

She realized how much food is intertwined in the daily living. She had a new persona, the food Nazi. She never left the house without extra snacks. She had to be on guard for the people who lovingly offered non-feingold food. It was a full time job. She was able to look at his behaviors and ask her husband what did he eat. It was like a measuring stick. If she suspected he had eaten the wrong foods, she was usually right.

After a few months she noticed:
He no longer flapped his hands.
The guttural moaning had stopped.
His eye contact improved immensely.
His speech and language had always been great, but it increased dramatically.
The night terrors disappeared.
He obeyed a majority of the time.
His aversion to textured foods went away.
He stopped biting his brothers.
His gait improved.
Grocery stores, libraries and large gatherings became manageable.

After a while, his improvement leveled off. She decided she wasn't satisfied with the progress. After seeing the effects that Sprite had on his ability to keep his feet on the ground, she next eliminated high fructose corn syrup. After about a month of that, many of the SPD symptoms were gone. The behaviors surfaced rarely, when the wrong foods were eaten or when he was overtired. Then it was like a magnifying glass for his symptoms.

After 9 months:
His re-evaluation showed no eligibility for special school services.
His mother dug herself out of her depressing funk and started getting out more. She always carried her trusty lunchbox with her. She was not embarrassed to bring her own food to a restaurant for him. She was just so pleased they could go out in public.

She stopped writing in her diary.

She is so thankful to God for finding this program. She became a voice to share it with others. Just like the Gospel, some rejected it, some embraced it. Next post, she will discuss the tips for implementing the Feingold diet.

If you are curious about which of my little darlings I am talking about, meet him here.

Thanks for stopping by,
I share some tips about starting the diet here.

***Disclaimers Galore***
Any similarities to people in this story are purely intentional. The identities have been changed to protect the guilty and the innocent alike. If you can relate to the nice lady in the story, I encourage you to visit www.feingold.org. There are testimonies of families who have been greatly helped by this diet. I am not being paid by the Feingold Association for this story.  This post is not to be construed as medical advice, I am a nursing school dropout who reads books. I am not qualified to offer any medical advice, the only thing I have in common with physicians is my messy handwriting.


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Saturday, June 11, 2011

Snake Oil, Prayer and Feingold


A Modern Fairy Tale...with a happy ending.

Once upon a time there was a woman who had a degree in early childhood development. She had years of experience teaching children, potty training children, birthing children and raising children. She and her amazingly patient husband were blessed with a 4th little boy. This little boy always seemed "different" from her other children and her friend's children. She was puzzled. She tried everything in her power to figure out what made this child tick, explode or find joy. He had numerous quirks about him that were affecting her whole family. He cried at every bath, grocery shopping trip, in cold weather, in loud noises, and was generally miserable throughout the day. He was angry, he bit people, he pulled hair, cried randomly, potty trained late, avoided eye contact and had many repetitive behaviors that worried his mother. Mealtimes were mini-nightmares, food was everywhere but in this child's mouth. She wondered, would he ever grow out of his highchair? His mother prayed, read books, sought out experts, asked friends, and endured months of what, why and how to deal with this?

Her best coping method was agoraphobia. It was much easier to never leave the house. That got old very quickly. Her husband was a skilled shopper, at least they had food. Going to church was a major effort. They always sat in the back row, in case they needed a quick exit. Getting babysitters became a rare event. Dates with her husband were reserved for really special times, like anniversaries.

After reading numerous books and eliminating autism, she finally found a name for this: Sensory Integration Disorder or Sensory Processing Disorder. The names have changed, but the symptoms are similar. This little boy's nervous system reacted differently to external stimuli. Cold, heat, pressure, noises, and transitions caused him to loose control of himself. Things sent him into fight or flight, which put him in danger daily. His worried mother learned to navigate the triggers that brought upon the 'melt downs'. She and her husband prayed. They were desperate. They were seeking out what was best for this child. Did he need expensive therapists? Did he need a special classroom? Did he need medication? Could we cast this out in prayer? One thing his mother did know, is she didn't want to fall for any false cure or 'snake oil'.


When the neurologist suggested further testing for the alphabet soup diagnosis that he suspected, she balked. The thought of her little 3 year-old in the hands of psychologists and therapists for a total of 9 hours, just didn't put her at ease. When her pediatrician recommended counseling, she lost faith in him. She couldn't grasp how any 3 year-old could be counseled not to have outbursts. She knew if she could talk a three year old into not behaving a certain way, she'd be on Oprah. She would be famous and sell millions of her books about how to make your three year-old obey every time. 

She argued with insurance companies, and eventually realized: Just like when she took her older children's education in her own hands, she was on her own with this, too. After learning about the benefits of occupational therapy, she faithfully did activities from the books, The Out of Sync Child and The Out Of Sync Child Has Fun. She religiously gave him omega oils. She was rigid about sleep times and getting outside for fresh air. She enrolled him in a private preschool as not to isolate him from others. She never denied that there was something going on, yet she held him to a standard of behavior. She didn't use his 'issues' to excuse his numerous mischief exploits.

She bit her tongue when well meaning loved ones said, "He's just a boy." She knew boys, this was more than a boy issue. Admitting that your child has something wrong was scary and liberating for her. Naming the elephant in the room was the first step in getting it out. This elephant began controlling her life. Every decision, plan and move made was done in light of  "will this work around the elephant?" Her faith and determination were not enough. Something had to change.

With all of the efforts she was making, she still felt, she was going backwards. Why were some days great, while others made her want to curl up in a ball and cry? She started to have a vision for the future and it wasn't hopeful. At times, she found comfort in the word of God. 2 Timothy 1:7 was her promise. She had a little hope, but still some rough days.

She came across a homeschooling forum with a post discussing a diet called Feingold. Some posts strongly talked against it. Some couldn't say enough about it. She went to the website and began reading the first fifty pages of their book for free. Because she was too cheap to order the book, she found it at her local library.

It took some humbling for her to even check the book out; "Why Can't My Child Behave? by Jane Hersey. She was a Christian mom who believed in training her children in godly character. She was a failure in the first few years, no parenting tactics worked with this little one.  Nevertheless, she devoured this book about allergist Benjamin Feingold and his discovery of an allergy diet that helped children with other problems besides food issues.

Stay tuned for part two, the happy ending. This is the first of a series of posts as I share our experience with the Feingold diet.

Thanks for stopping by,


I share some tips about starting the diet here.

***Disclaimers Galore***
Any similarities to people in this story are purely intentional. The identities have been changed to protect the guilty and the innocent alike. If you can relate to the nice lady in the story, I encourage you to visit www.feingold.org. There are testimonies of families who have been greatly helped by this diet. I am not being paid by the Feingold Association for this story. In fact, I lifted this image below from their website while hoping they won't mind. This post is not to be construed as medical advice, I am a nursing school dropout who reads books. I am not qualified to offer any medical advice, the only thing I have in common with  physicians is messy handwriting.

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Friday, June 3, 2011

Attention Deficit Blogger or put in a nicer way...

I have been awarded the versatile blogger award. That's the nice way to say, you blog about a variety of subjects. I used to try to stick with mostly homeschooling topics, but my blog is so much more than that now. I am working on some Feingold posts, some reviews, and some how-to's for homeschooling. I have some half-written posts in my drafts, just limited time in front of the computer.

But this was a special surprise. I am copying and pasting from Savannah at Ramblings of a Christian Mom. She's a kind soul who reads my blog, she awards me, and sent a sweet email. Not only is she versatile, she is color co-ordinated. Her blog matches the award.

A Versatile Blogger is one who......... 
1) Provides variety in his or her posts 
2) Entertains, informs, inspires and intrigues readers 
3) Continues to grow as a blogger
Now, I have to say, I do provide variety. About # 2, I think I may intrigue my readers, perhaps they say,"What is she really talking about?" No doubt, I am continuing to grow as a blogger. This sedentary work has influenced my pants size. But really, Savannah probably noticed my first vlog yesterday. That's true blog growth.
There are 3 simple rules with this award:
1)Thank the person who gave you the award and link back to them
2)Share 7 secrets about yourself
3)Award 10-15 other bloggers with this award and let them know about it.
I tried to follow most of the rules, I linked back to Ramblings of a Christian Mom. I'll share 7 secrets about myself. Even though they won't be secrets after I share them.

  1. I used to sing with all my heart when I was alone in the car, now I enjoy the silence.
  2. I secretly hate grocery shopping. If I never had to do it again, I would be so thankful.
  3. I loved my real estate job until 3 days ago.
  4. I force my children to go to the beach. By July, they are beached out and I'm just getting started. 
  5. I throw out annoying toys when my children are sleeping or not looking.
  6. When I heard about the 17 year old boy in China who sold a kidney to buy an iPad, I was disgusted.  Then I decided, I could relate to wanting one so bad. I am a technology addict, with some Christian conviction. No iPad for me for a little while.
  7. My dream vacation would be sitting on a beach reading.
Now to nominate 10-15 bloggers will take some effort. I am going to wait on that one. I'm breaking a rule and it bothers me a little. But not enough change. Here's three: The Common Room, Rural Revolution, and Footprints in the Butter.


Thanks for stopping by,




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Friday, May 6, 2011

Yes, I Need Bootcamp!

When I think of bootcamp, I have vivid images of a psychotic man screaming at me to run faster, calling me a maggot and me losing 20 pounds in 8 weeks. Maybe that's not such a bad idea compared to the uncertainty of my life lately. But, the truth is, I did voluntarily sign up for bootcamp a few months back, with confidence that there will be no screaming, running or weight loss. My bloggy friend Lori and I will be waking up way before most normal people on Saturday morning and driving to Boston. Bloggy Boot Camp, which is sponsored by the Sits girls is sure to rock our blogging world.

Today, I found myself wide awake at 5:40 a.m. obsessing on what am I wearing? Laptop or no? Can I possible squeeze in a hair appointment today with my new most-excellent hair stylist? Eyebrows, too? Then I realized, I never blogged about Boot Camp. I shot out of bed and the Gman thought there was a fire. There is sorta.

boot2 FAQsWhat is Bloggy Boot Camp (BBC)?

Bloggy Boot Camp is a one day blog and social media conference for women hosted in major cities all around the U.S. In a time when blog conferences are growing more popular, Bloggy Boot Camp remains one of the most convenient, inexpensive and co-operative events around. Everyone, from brand new bloggers to experienced social media mavens, can benefit from this experience.

Does Bloggy Boot Camp involve exercise?

No. Unless you count belly laughs.

Who will be there?

In addition to you, all types of women attend, ranging from brand new bloggers to seasoned pros. We also have been fortunate to host PR representatives, brand managers, and some of the most influential leaders in social media today. Whatever the location, there is always something new to learn and someone fabulous to meet.


Social Marketing for Women

This is going to be an all day event talking about one of my most beloved topics. Blogging. I had a taste of some blog talk last weekend with Linda, who has two blogs at Mass Hope. I wanted to talk with her for hours. I just felt terrible that my BFF Shirley was patiently waiting in the lobby to go home.

I starting thinking after I signed up for bootcamp, I never read a schedule, an agenda or knew who was speaking. That was some serious faith. I trusted Shell in her endorsement and just planned it. I was hoping to find some sponsors, I put my best effort into that, only to find out my #1 sponsor, babysitter and cheerleader is non other than the Gman. Thanks to my wonderful husband, who thinks I am crazy to write about home schooling, home orthodontics, snow monsters, tight-waddery and marriage. I think his rationale behind supporting this hobby obsession of mine is that it keeps me out of the mall and I have less time for online shopping. I will keep blogging dear.

I'm expecting to become more enthusiastic about my blog. I'm sure there will be many light bulb moments and a few duh, head slaps. Start looking for changes to my blog as I learn from the pros.

I appreciate everyone who reads my blog, thanks for stopping by.





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Thursday, April 28, 2011

Pre-Convention Post

I am waiting in the hotel lobby for my friend to join me. I have not boasted about the Gman lately, so it's about time. He really wanted me to get out of town, he has noticed I'm not as cheery lately. He had the brilliant idea for me to go to MassHope a day early, get settled in and have a great night's sleep. He seems to have some inside information that I may get grumpy and inattentive without sleep. He's perceptive, and I am blessed.

My first hour alone in the hotel room was beautiful. After I carefully inspected for bedbugs, I unpacked. I devoured my ceasar salad in peace while I casually read the paper. How fortunate I was to get this amazingly clean room that even has a pull out couch for my buddy who is not into sharing beds. It had a little balcony overlooking the courtyard. Sweet.  And then it started.

The screaming, the yelling, the pulling at my interior door. O.k. I can hear every word all five of those children and their shushing mommies are saying. They are excited to be in a hotel, just like me. But they just express it much differently. After I peek out and introduce myself, I re-enter my room with less excitement. I enjoy three minutes of quiet and it starts again. O.K. in my older mature age now, I am becoming less tolerant.

Thankfully, the nice lady at the desk finds me a new room. I reinspect for bedbugs. No bugs, no pull out, no balcony, no noise. O.k. I can deal with it.

I know you must be thinking if I was looking for a little quiet time, why would I possibly go to a homeschool convention with hundreds of families? I don't know either. I do know, I am ready to get back to my planning and focusing my thoughts on the upcoming year.

Would you have switched your room? Should I be embarrassed if I bump into the family again? I know I wouldn't want to room next to me and my offspring. Has anyone else turned into a grumpy older lady like me?

In His hands, despite my grumpiness,





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Friday, April 1, 2011

It's all about me



I'm crashing the party. Or better yet, I'm fashionably late. By 8 hours. I've known about the party but I just couldn't decide what to wear. I decided on this:



So now I am joining Five Minutes for Mom for the Ultimate Blog Party 2011.

If this is your first time visiting my blog, Welcome!

When you join the party, Five minutes for Mom wanted us to choose which blog category we wanted to be put in. They challenged me before 8:00 a.m.

I hated to choose.  It was like being at a Jersey diner. 

I do occasional give aways and reviews, but that's not the main focus. 

Yes, I am a Jesus Freak, but I don't always talk about God on my blog. 

Yes, I blog about homeschooling, but I am not raising the Harvard bound. 

And I am thrifty, but not at the expense of others.  You won't see the latest CVS ad or coupons. You will hear how thrift plays out in my life. 

And most of that can change next week, except the Jesus following, because I may find something else that I am passionate about. 

If you were wondering about my name Accidentally Homeschooling, I am an accident prone person, who see's God turn things around in my life on a daily basis. 

If you want to know more about me, or who I am look around. But here's my 140 characters or less description:

Christian, excellent wife, boy-only mom, homeschooling blogger, giver of my opinions, morning person, Bible reader, chauffer, book lover, coupon cutter, happy!


I love comments and if you like what you see; follow, subscribe, favorite or whatever you need to do to come back here.

Thanks for visiting,






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Wednesday, March 30, 2011

Thanks, But No Thanks, Pouring My Heart Out

Things I Can't Say


Today I am linking up with Shell at Things I Can't Say. Stop by and see where bloggers enjoy group therapy. I feel better already.


This is not a pity me post, let's get that out of the way. God has shown Himself strong in my life at this time. I have a joy right now that I can only be explained as God's grace. I haven't felt the need or want to verbally vomit my problems on my friends, I love them too much for that.


If you know me in person and you happen to know my current situation, I need to inform you that you are being a colossally rude when you invite me to your home party to buy books, jewelry, kitchen products, and candles or any other overpriced items.


I am going to assume it must have slipped your mind. You didn't remember. My husband is in the middle of a career change which involves no income for a few months, while dealing with major medical issues. You're asking me to leave him home alone with the kids for a night, so I can buy ridiculously expensive things. So in turn, you can get free stuff that you don't really need.

I'm happy for your home party fun, but please leave me out. My feelings won't be hurt if I found out what an excellent time you had without me. In fact, you inviting me, makes me uncomfortable. It makes me wonder if you know me or what my life is all about right now.

When I do feel like loosening up my purse strings, I'll head down to the Christmastree Shop and drop $2.00 for a really nice smelling candle. I'll have to pass on the $30 one right now.

Another thing, I promise I won't invite you to my home party, because I don't inflict them on my loved ones. I repented of that years ago.

Tomorrow, we will return to our regularly scheduled cheery blog.

Actually, this post fits in nicely with Thrifty Thursday. I may just repost it.

Thanks for listening.





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Friday, August 6, 2010

Five Question Friday: I don't have all of the answers



If you want to join in on the fun, link up with Mama M. here
If you don't have your own blog...Why Not?  Seriously, if you want to play, you can leave your answers in the comment section. You never know, you may win a fabulous prize. Since this is my blog and I make the rules, I can do a giveaway whenever I choose. I may choose you.


1. Are you a neat sleeper or a messy sleeper?

Now how would I know? I am sleeping. I'll have to ask my hubby. I don't want any pressure about being neat or messy while I am sleeping anyways. That's why it is called rest.

I have always thought being part of a sleep study would be a nice little side job. Perhaps when the kids are gone, I'll try it. Yeah, pay me to sleep, I just hope the beds have memory foam.


2. Fill in the blank. I wish I was more ________________.

Woah, another tricky question. Skinny, kind, gracious, articulate, organized, content, athletic, but really it depends on the time of day that question is asked.

I wish I was more like Jesus.
I am sure He wasn't chubby, cruel, unforgiving, bumbling, disorganized (he didn't have kids or a home), or restless. I don't know if he was athletic, but I do think if he did play sports it would be baseball, the gentleman's sport. And of course he would have been on the Red Sox. Before you start thinking, I have been carried away by false doctrine, I am kidding about the Red Sox.

3. What is something that you wish you had been warned about?

I wish I had been warned about the expenses of owning a larger home. I have noticed everytime one thing is fixed, there is a new problem.  I blogged about my money pit before. I could blog for many more days about it, but the goal of my blog is to uplift.

NO WHINING allowed here or in my home.
BTW, does anyone want to buy a house?

4. What was the best thing you ever found at a garage sale/flea market?

This is another tough question because of the frequency of my thrift shopping.
This is not the best thing, but it is my most recent find.


These are the perfect size shoes with a nice little heel. 
They are just what I didn't know I needed.



5. If you could have any meal brought to you right now, what would it be?

MMMMM.....Since today is blazing hot, I think I would enjoy a lobster salad sandwich from Panera with a large Frappe from McDonalds. I know it seems insane for me to even mention the Mc word in this question, but I have been comparing cold coffee drinks and Frappe's are so cold and yummy. I may have to join a 12 step program for Frappe addicts.

Stay Cool!



 I welcome reader comments with open arms. I also understand if you aren't the commenting or hugging type of person, you can drop me an email at accidentallyhomeschooling@gmail.com.






Thursday, July 8, 2010

Judging a person by the contents of their bags

I received the book Travel Kits from the Old Schoolhouse Magazine. I will be posting a review of this eBook in a few weeks. At first glance, I thought it was something I could easily campare to instructions for filling one of my bags. 

I am a confessed bag lady. Not the kind that pushes a shopping cart around town, collecting things. I'm the type that likes to use a tote bag for everything. This is genetic, my mom loved bags more than I, she has given me most of her cast-offs my totes. Some of my current bags contain the following:
  • Art books and supplies for God and the History of Art
  • Easy reader books for Little Guy
  • Feingold information: food lists, recipes and newsletters
  • Homeschool support group stuff: papers, dvds and books
  • History books borrowed from Lizzie B.
  • Church toys: small quiet toys for little guy
  • Beach toys: goggles, flippers sand toys and bubbles
  • Sunday school bag: books, sheets, music, snacks
  • Bible study bag: Bibles, books, pens
  • Grocery shopping bag: scissors, uncut coupons, flyers and my precious coupon box
  • My library book bag, which at times can be 2 bags
  • Schoolwork that Random and Paperboy may finish before summer ends
Owning so many bags doesn't mean that I can remember to bring all of my nifty shopping bags to the grocery store. Empty bags mean nothing to me. Our local Stop and Shop even takes money off your bill for each bag you bring in when you shop.

Now that I have a chance to reread Travel Kits, I have realized it is so much more than my bag obsession. This 93 page eBook is full of surprises. Look for an upcoming post in two weeks.







I welcome reader comments with open arms. I also understand if you aren't the commenting or hugging type of person, you can drop me an email at accidentallyhomeschooling@gmail.com.

Thursday, June 24, 2010

God is in the recycling business

This morning while gathering up the trash, Bible Answer Woman, Sabie Babie let me in on this revelation.

God is in the business of recycling people.

I forget that sometimes. How could I? It got me thinking, there are some new followers of my blog, who don't know about the most important thing that has ever happened to me. The ultimate example of God's recycling plan.





Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new. 2 Corinthians 5:17 



Of course, I can take this opportunity to recycle a blog post.





Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he hath redeemed from the hand of the enemy;
Psalm 107:2



My first Blog Post.....from February 9, 2010:


The Accidental Christian: God, the Scary Movie 
and Stop & Shop




When I think of accidents, I don't always become gripped with fear, more often, I think of the times when I am pleasantly surprised by joy. Many of my major life decisions have been a result of a collision of crazy circumstances beyond my control. I wish I could say I spent hours in prayer, life planning and agonizing over well-researched options for my future, but I won't lie. Like the day I came to Christ.

There was a sudden change of plans. I was not going to Pennsylvania for the weekend. I ended up spending the weekend alone, my almost 2 year-old was at his bio-father's. I caved in and went to a church movie with this lady who kept inviting me. If I just went once, I could fulfill my agreement. "Sure, I'll go sometime." I was going to a movie with church people.

SOMETIME was here. I walked into the nondescript building near the mall. So this is what that lady was so excited about? A plain cream-colored room with brown carpet and metal folding chairs. We began singing. Lucky for me the words were being projected on the wall. The feature movie was "Years of the Beast". I, who hated scary movies and still do, sat and watched the whole thing without food, a potty stop, or a quick nap. I was in awe. The movie was hokey, the acting terrible, but I was fascinated by the audience. They were completely enjoying the movie. They laughed at the silliness, cheered at the baptism, gave amens to the scripture quotes and gasped at the terror. When the movie ended, someone delivered a sermonette about salvation and Bible prophesy. Both topics were news to me. My church lady friend spoke to me. An older woman invited me to pray with her. I, being the pseudo-intellectual at the moment, replied "I need to make an informed decision." I meant that. I had never heard the plan of salvation in my whole 20 years of life. You mean to tell me it is that simple? Impossible. The one thing I did know is, I was a sinner. I must become an informed sinner. I did the most logical thing to do after watching a movie and hearing the gospel.

I went to Stop and Shop to get some food. I was hungry. I also headed for their Barnes and Noble Book section. I found a New King James Bible and bought it that very night. I was not going to get one written by those people in the church. What if they wrote their own Bible? After replacing the calories burned by fretting over the movie, I was ready to find out what to do about my sin. I played Bible roulette and opened it up to the middle of the Bible. Proverbs. This was the best Bible for a new Bible reader like myself. I quickly found out what the Bible says about overcoming sin, how to recognize a good church, how to be free from gluttony, and the plan of salvation. There were title pages with questions that I had, and simple scriptures to show me what God's word says about each topic. This was too good to be true. I decided that night I would return to the church the next night for a rock concert. I was convinced it was not too late for me. What if I didn't cancel my plans last minute? What if I went to a different supermarket and I didn't buy a Bible? God in His sovereign plan would have gotten my attention, somehow. I am so thankful for the weekend that I accidentally stumbled into God, His word and a new life. That was June of 1986.....






I welcome reader comments with open arms. I also understand if you aren't the commenting or hugging type of person, you can drop me an email at accidentallyhomeschooling@gmail.com.

Monday, May 24, 2010

The day after Sunday, can I brag about my church?

I have a somewhat unique experience with my church. I grew up "unchurched". Now some would say that this a horrible thing. Others think, lucky girl. I heard the gospel at my church, was introduced to Christ there and have stayed in the same church for almost 24 years. I know what you are thinking. I must have become a Christian when I was only one because I can't possibly be that old. Me too. But I have to tell the truth. I was an adult at the time, a very young adult.


So my experience with church affiliation is very limited. It's not to say that I haven't visited other churches with friends or family. I married into a very nice Baptist family and have had numerous opportunities to visit their churches. As a kid, I went to a few churches with neighbors or relatives, but I can't recall hearing the plan of salvation at any of them. I even participated in a Biblethon which raised money by copying scriptures with a youth group. That saddens me that no one shared Jesus with me in those youth group activities.


When I am around my home schooling friends, who happen to attend various churches, blogless Lori will give me a quick synopsis of the doctrinal differences. She was raised Nazerene, married a guy from EMU and eventually landed in a Presbyterian church. Now why am I saying all of this? Oh, because I have a point that I may get to.
My Church
I go to this church, that if I was to give it a church-like name, I would call it the First Church of the Over-Achievers. I mean that in a loving way. My church is not filled with people with doctoral degrees in theology, although there are some folks with degrees. Each person there is amazingly gifted at something. Some examples:


There are people who will learn a new skill and create amazing art work, quilts, sculptures, and woodworking projects. At each gathering, I am awed at something that someone has created. There are so many skilled photographers, musicians, craftsman, artists, ect.


We can't even talk about the music. This could become a source of jealousy. It is just a spirit of excellence, that constantly amazes me. Now this can be handled two ways. I can sit and mope and wonder why I don't sing like them or why I can never learn more than 4 songs on the piano. Or I can praise God that I can serve God alongside theses incredible people. They inspire me.


Of course because I think too much, I have pondered this. 
Why? How?


I believe it's because in our congregation, we are constantly challenged. Do I like this? NO. I love it or I hate it. My church has mature Christians who carry a spirit of excellence. These are Christians that don't take things lightly. Jesus is their Lord and Master. They serve in every area, like they are personally serving Him.


My pastor loves to play baseball. When our church gathers for picnics, we play hardball. That about sums up his preaching. He preaches tough things. He has just wrapped up a series called Christian birthmarks. These sermons offer up some encouragement, challenge to the new believer and the crusty old saints. No one escapes the Word of God. Many times, the batter gets hit with the ball and it stings. Yes, it does at the moment. Eventually, the sting wears off and we are ready to get up to the plate again. His latest series on Christian Ethics is hitting batters left and right. I am always amazed at how he can preach to each individual, yet speak to all of the church at the same time. I am so thankful for that.


How about you? Who inspires and challenges you?

I welcome reader comments with open arms. I also understand if you aren't the commenting or hugging type of person, you can drop me an email at accidentallyhomeschooling@gmail.com.