Showing posts with label words. Show all posts
Showing posts with label words. Show all posts

Saturday, February 9, 2013

Ben Carson, He Just Makes Sense

A while back, I reviewed a great movie, Gifted Hands the Ben Carson Story. Well, Ben Carson is in the news again, and he is really making sense. Here is his speech at the National Prayer Breakfast, if you haven't seen it yet, please do. He's an amazing man with a simple message. I hope to see Dr. Carson get more air time, he's offering real solutions.




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Friday, August 17, 2012

Vocab Videos: An Alternative Method, a Review


Because this is the year that Paperboy takes the SAT tests, he has been preparing using a tradition prep curriculum that covers all aspects of the test. When we were given the chance to try Vocab Videos, we were happy to try another method. Vocab Videos focuses on the English portion of the SAT tests, strictly vocabulary. I reviewed the Small Educator Account for up to 20 students. That doesn't mean that I am small or that I have 20 students in my homeschool. This subscription is available for $74.99 for one year of access.

As a subscriber, Random, Paperboy and I have our own account, called our locker, where we can see what videos we have previously watched. We can take quizzes, access flashcards and print worksheets. I started watching the videos in order and then decided to jump around, since the titles of each segment were intriguing. I'm glad I did. 

                                          
How does it work?
You pick an episode and it consists of 20 short clips. Each one focuses on a vocabulary word introduced and reinforced at the end of the clip.  After each short clip, a narrator defines the word and uses it in a sentence. After watching the short episode, the students can take an online quiz to see how well they learned the words. A companion workbook is available for $11.99.

                                               
Our Thoughts
Their slogan bringing vocabulary to life, is accurate. It's just the part of life, I do not enjoy. The first episodes had content that annoyed me, but it did improve. It centered around a real jerk who treated his co-worker horribly, see the video below and guess who annoyed me. They exaggerated his character for humor, but it was too real for me. Not to point fingers or make blanket judgments, but teenagers don't need to watch a heavy load of sarcasm, cruelty and disrespect, they have enough of it in their lives. My teens work in a restaurant and find themselves in hostile work environments already.  I wasn't that excited about sharing this resource with them. Although they artfully used the plot to teach vocabulary words, it was difficult to get beyond the jerk. I have to admit, as I watched other episodes, I started to enjoy the humor and creativity. My favorite episode is Mad Scientists. I laughed throughout the episodes. I'm glad I continued to watch, because they were very entertaining.

Paperboy loved it and could relate to the humor. He thought it was more exciting than his current program and gave it a thumbs up. Random felt it took too much time to get to the words and felt the definitions would be lost in the distraction of the silly plots. See the example below.


Who would love this product?
I think students that need visual learning could benefit from Vocab Videos. If your family enjoys television programming, you will appreciate the humor and the similarity in the programs. The comedy aspect is terrific. Little Guy was glued to Mad Scientists. I think if I prescreen the episodes, he will have enough to choose from. To be fair, before I reviewed this program, I knew it was not a Christian company and that was fine with me. If you want to see if it is a good fit for your family, you can try it free.

Don't just take my word for it, click the banner below to see what other crew members thought about this unconventional method of studying for the English portion of the SAT.

Photobucket

As a member of the Old Schoolhouse Crew, I am given the opportunity to review many home school products. I am not paid or compensated for my reviews, I did receive this product for free in exchange for this honest review. 

Thanks for stopping by,
 
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Wednesday, January 4, 2012

Happy New Year With Purpose


I'm not the new year's resolution type. I always fail at that. My only tangible New Year's goal this year is to drink more water. I know I'm keeping the bar low, but I'm succeeding and it's been four days.

Some people chose a word or a scripture to define or apply to their lives at the beginning of a new year. I have been pondering this. Applying a 'word' to my life is my best bet to see much needed change in my life.

What's my word?

PURPOSE

I want to seek God for His purpose in my life.

This means praying more. Yeah!

I want to plan my days to accomplish things with purpose.

This translates to lists and schedules. Yawn!

I want to speak with purpose.

This could mean silence. Ssshhh!

I want to be surrounded by things that have a purpose.

This means purging, blessing others, chucking or selling. Nice!

Asking what's the point of this? Can set me free.


Free from wasted time, gossip, meaningless activities, and clutter.


They have no purpose in my life.


At the risk of being vain and pointless, I'll let you know how it turns out.


What's your word for the year? Will you share it?


Thanks for stopping by,


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Friday, September 30, 2011

Aletheia Writing Magazine: A review

What is it?

Aletheia Writing Magazine is written for and by teenagers. The contributors are Christian teens who are serious about their commitment to Christ as seen throughout their writings. The issues are packed with various stories, poems, articles and challenges for aspiring writers. Their readership is geared to teens ages 13-19. I felt this magazine would appeal to adults who love the art of writing.

At first glance, Aletheia is a sturdy, glossy 40 page magazine. As I started to read some of the contributions, I realized, these are not your ordinary teens. The insight of the writers and illustrators was impressive. They obviously have a revelation of God. Where do they find these gifted teens? The publisher has wisely included writing challenges and invitations to participate in the magazine throughout it's pages.

The drawings and artwork included in the two issues that I read is incredible. The Christian world has no shortage of upcoming artists. Another feature to be noted is the poetry included. As a mom to only boys, I sadly have not had cooperating students as we study or memorize poems. It's refreshing to see that other teens have crafted words and created great poetry.


If you are interested in a Christian magazine to encourage your budding artist, writer or photographer, give them a subscription as a gift. Perhaps they will rise to the writer's challenge included in each issue. The reward of being published in Aletheia includes their photo and three copies of the magazine to share with friends and family.

For review purposes I was given a hard copy of the fall 2011 issue and a digital version of the premier spring issue. Based on the two copies, I think this magazine will grow in rapidly with new contributors and subscribers. It is a tremendous opportunity for our children. My only disappointment was in my own boys. After reading it, Random was not inspired to submit something. Paperboy enjoyed the fiction stories, but had no interest in submitting his work.

How can I get my own copy?

To become a subscriber visit their website. You can subscribe for $26.00 per year including shipping and handling.

Find out what other crew members thought of this magazine here. Don't just take my word for it, read a sample issue here

Thanks for stopping by,
Terri G.

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Wednesday, June 22, 2011

Wordful Wednesday: Dishes, Friends and Endurance

When I married the Gman 19 years ago, I was practical.

I picked everyday dishes that would match everything.

Yawn. White. Boring. Practical.

The dishes of a young bride who lived in a rented house, with boring white walls.


Sometimes boring is reliable. Boring is faithful and steady. It may not be exciting, but it lasts. Like my dishes. Through four boys, four moves and possibly 21,000  meals. The plates have a few chips, some gray scratches from the silverware, and a few haven't survived the unloading and loading in the hands of the little men here.

But my faithful friend has replenished my supply. She has brought newness to my old friends. This is a box that my BFF Shirley collected for me.




She's a faithful friend. She thought of me while she was out thrift shopping. She went the extra mile. She scrubbed the marks off of them. I am thankful to have such a friend.


Do you have any old reliable things in your home? Do you have faithful friends, who you don't see enough of? I am blessed with both.

Thank You, Shirley!






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Thursday, June 2, 2011

Blogging, Vlogging, and Name Changes

One thing I learned at Bloggy Boot Camp was to start vlogging. Well, I am much too shy for that. Instead I talked my ghostwriter into it. Little Guy is seven years old and does not want to be called Little Guy anymore. What should I change his blog name to? Maybe the poet, Shakespeare, or C.J.
Any thoughts?



Thanks for stopping in,


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Tuesday, May 17, 2011

Wordful Wednesday: Bloggy Boot Camp Boston

My experience at Bloggy Boot Camp will have to be blogged about every few weeks. Today I am joining in with the humble dumb mom, Parenting by Dummies, who I have met in real life,  in her Wordful Wednesday meme.

My Bloggy Bootcamp photos!

In case you are wondering what kind of awesome cool camera I am using, don't. It's my phone. iPhone 4 that is.


 Lori showed up with a red bag, nice jeans and a cool blazer. If I brought my new bag as seen above, we would have been dressed way too similar. We laughed when we realized what we wore, great minds think alike.


The day began with breakfast with Invisalign. I loved the fruit kabobs. And I wasn't embarrassed to share my orthodontist tale with the rep there.


 We learned about creating great content and @mommysfabulous had some fun prizes to giveaway. For someone who is not really a Tina Fey fan, I am finding this book hilarious. 



Lunch was delicious, the conversation about and with the Chevy mom was captivating.


Our view from the dining room.



To top off an incredible day, the swag bag filled with goodies that matched my kitchen perfectly was the icing on the cake.


I stopped for dinner at a burger joint with my pal Lori to helped us to decompress after a long day. Where else would two gals in a pick up truck go? It must be noted that Lori trusted me to drive her pick up truck in the narrow streets of Boston. She is a woman of faith. 





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Friday, April 22, 2011

Coffee, Logs and Sawdust

I have noticed that when you blog, you can become susceptible to many criticisms. Let's face it, we are putting our family, our opinions, the food we eat, the money we spend and many other details of our life on our blogs for others to see and judge. I can't believe they eat that food. How can she use that curriculum? She is too strict with her kids. She lets her kids get away with murder. How can she show those pictures on her blog, look how messy her sun room is. Look at those spelling and grammar errors, how can she homeschool her kids? 

I used to be a judge. It still creeps up on me at times.

I admit, I still fight it. Since re-reading Dave Ramsey, I am struggling with my bad habit, again.

Our church is located behind a Dunkin' Donuts. I'll confess a stupid none-of-my-business judgement I do, even at church.  When I see someone with a coffee in their hand, I think "What a waste of money." I have judged their financial behaviors and it is not my business. I have already labeled someone in my mind, before I even knew them. I am critical because I was set free from Caramel Frappes. Does God really care if they buy a Coffee Coolatta? I should be rejoicing they are not still drinking a 12 pack of beer every day.

God has a way of changing me. His best strategy was to fill my life with so much abundance. Not the abundant life with Cadillacs and a Rolex. But just a full, very busy life. I find I have less time to judge or nitpick. Homeschooling, real estate, being an excellent wife, Sunday School lessons, four kids, and blogging. Who has time to even notice, who is doing what? If I can show up to church on time, with my Bible, my kids in somewhat matching, clean clothes and smiling faces, I'm on a roll. Most of the time. Once in a while, I squeeze in time for criticizing in my mind or even out loud.

Ambro / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
I was listening to a sermon recently and the preacher spoke about Facebook. He didn't bash it or say how much of a time vacuum it is. He simply asked "Since when has gossip been an activity that Christians should be involved in?" I could have self-righteously told my fake perfect self that his words didn't apply to me because I don't hang out on Facebook. But of course, I couldn't do that because I am guilty of over sharing or eager listening.

Aren't those pretty terms for gossip and slander? Then to make my sharing more Christian spiritual, we decide to pray for them or excuse their behavior because that are not strong Christians. Like me, the gossip and busybody. This a log that blocks my view too often. It's hard to see all of the great things that God is doing with a beam stuck in my eye.

I love the God's Word translation of Matthew 7:5 "You hypocrite! First remove the beam from your own eye. Then you will see clearly to remove the piece of sawdust from another believer's eye."

Back to my abundant life. Thank you God. I will not complain that I am so pressed for time lately. I will praise Him because it leaves less time for me to get myself in trouble.

Do you find yourself drawn into gossip or just listening?  Besides changing the subject to last night's Red Sox game, how do you deal with it? I make mental notes to steer away from subjects or people, but my mental notes get lost in the piles of brain matter. I'd love to hear your strategies. Did I tell you lately, I love comments? I do. Except for gossip and spammers.

Have a great Easter weekend!
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Monday, April 4, 2011

Marriage Monday: Letters, Spirits, and a Challenge



My friend Lyn has filled her home with spirits. No, her house isn't haunted. It's decorated with photos and treasures from her family. 

In her home, she has beautiful letters her children have written framed on the walls. 

One is from her son to his autistic older brother. In this handwritten letter, he shares his love for his brother. He made promises to him. He has kept those promises. It is a testimony of the power of words. I can see my friend, cleaning her house, stopping to re-read those words. Thanking God for her children. I am sure those same words lift her spirits on the tough days. 

Those words lifted me when I read them. 

In her bedroom was another letter. Right next to the dresser, her husband can see it each day. It is a letter from her daughter honoring her father with the most precious words. I'm assuming, those words from his girl keep him motivated in his daily struggles. I can imagine him getting ready for another day of work, and taking a moment to read it. This letter is full of spirit, it shows appreciation, respect and it's no secret, his girl has a deep love for her dad. I'm sure that gift, meant more to him than all of the ties, books and other presents he has received from her.

The act of displaying those words, is where the spirits are released. Lyn has decorated her home with love.





Words are Spirit. What spirits are dwelling in your home? What words have you shared with your husband today? Are they words you even want in writing? Would they shame you if they were printed or shared on a blog?

I used to write love letters to my husband. As a new wife, I only made homemade Christmas, Birthday, Anniversary and Valentine's Day cards. I put a tremendous effort into these cards and letters. That was before four kids and a blog.

I remember one night I hosted a homeschool support group meeting at my house.
Here was the agenda:

1. Eat
2. Have fun.
3. Write a thank you letter to your husband.

I had sent out an email reminding the ladies what we would be doing that night. I asked them to ponder a letter. I reminded the ladies that; without our hardworking husbands, we would not have this amazing opportunity to teach our children at home. This facet of homeschooling support is often neglected.

I supplied pretty stationary. We took five or ten minutes to thank our husbands for their hard work and sacrifice. We didn't share our letters with each other. I never heard any reports of what a blessing the letters were. That's o.k. because it's really not my business. I can bet my husband still has my letter.

I haven't written one in a while.

Little Guy and I were drawing together the other night. He was drawing his favorite things: rocks, gold and crystals. I was drawing trees. I messed up trying to draw a carved heart on one of the trees. It was supposed to be a heart with T. loves G. Little Guy asked me why I stopped drawing my picture. I showed him my mistake and explained it. We continued drawing.

A few minutes later, he handed me a picture:

He said: "I made you your love picture for Daddy."

I melted.

When Daddy came home, I showed it to him. Daddy immediately taped to the mirror in our dining room.

I smile when ever I see it.


My words are spirit. I have imparted a spirit to my boy. Thankfully, the right one.

I'm probably the only person I know who has had a six-year old ghost writer.

But now it's my turn.

My challenge to myself and anyone else, who has made it to the end of this post, write a letter.

It may not make it to the wall, but it will make it to their heart.

Thanks for stopping by,





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Wednesday, February 16, 2011

Wordless Wednesday...My idea of a happy birthday

On my special day, I pick the pizza.
Nine guys celebrating and I take the pictures.
my secret identity...ssshhh
Verizon couldn't have timed it better.



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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, February 7, 2011

Vocab Ahead: A Review


As a member of the TOS Homeschool crew, this year I am reviewing many homeschooling products that I have received for free. I am not paid to say nice things about the products, but I am obligated to use the product and share my honest opinions with you. In today's review, Random had no choice but the opportunity to try a vocabulary program, and as we know teenagers cannot be forced to say nice things.

What is it?

VocabAhead is a DVD-Rom that has more than 1000 Vocabulary Videos and MP3 audiofiles for SAT level words. The videos can be watched on a computer, uploaded onto an Ipod or listened to. It has mp3 recordings of the words so you could exclusively listen to the definitions, for up to 12 hours. The words are defined in short videos that contain mostly cartoons and occasionally a photo. The word is first defined, then used in 3 different sentences, which gives the student a broader understanding of the word. Then it is redefined. Some of the definitions were funny and catchy. Below, I posted a few shots of the memorable ones.

How did we used it?

Random is using this program exclusively for his vocabulary lessons. He is more of a techie, so a computer based program is usually the best choice for him. Together we scrolled through the list to find words we were not familiar with. This word below gave us a good laugh.

Uxorious was news to me. It means excessively devoted or submissive to one's wife.
I am not sure if I know any uxorious husbands, but if I meet one, I will be sure to blog about it.


Not only did they include this definition, they also referred to the term rapture in theology.

Since the videos are so short, less than a minute, Random spends about 10 minutes a day learning 10 new words. The visual cartoons will definitely improve his retention of this material.  His uncensored opinion, "If I have to have a vocabulary program, then I guess this is the one." His mother's opinion: " You lucky kid, this is a painless easy way to improve your vocabulary, you should be on your knees thanking me for this." I must warn you, these are for high school-aged students, I felt some of the subjects were a little mature. Random let me know that they weren't too offensive, he could handle it. His recondite ingratitude for this great vocabulary program has baffled me. Since there are about 1179 videos, it will take at least the rest of the school year to work through all of the words. 





How can I own this, VocabAhead, not the Ipad, and reach a state of vocabulary nirvana?

This DVD rom is available here for $24.95.  You can visit the VocabAhead web site and see some of the other things they offer. There you can subscribe to the word of the day, see sample videos, or study in the study room. While you are in the study room, look up the definition for wily, this is one of their mature definitions. If you are still unsure if this is the product for you, read what the other crew mates have to say about VocabAhead on the crew blog.

Once again, I received this product for free in exchange for my honest opinion as part of the crew.


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Monday, November 29, 2010

Gratitude Challenge: The Condensed Version, part 2

The month of November is a great month to reflect on our blessings. My fellow crew mates from the TOS a are following this meme hosted by Brenda at the Garden of Learning. Each day a blogger posts about anything and everything they are thankful for. Since I am a blogger with serious a.d.d., I cannot possibly be expected to stay on the same topic for a single post, never mind for a whole month. 

If you want to join in, link up at the site below.



I also hate to miss out on all of the fun. I remedied this by squeezing all of my thankful thoughts into 2 long-winded posts. Where was I? Oh, last post, I ended on #15. I have 15 more to go.


Terri G.'s next 15 things she's ever so thankful for.
  1. Leftovers. In fact, it's been a nice few days off from cooking. For Sunday dinner, I pulled out a frozen lasagna(I created 3 last time and froze 2.), the cooking respite continued. Tomorrow, I return to the kitchen.
  2. My family. I mean my immediate family; husband and 4 sons. This was our first Thanksgiving spending it home without the rest of the crew. It was such a nice day. Cooking pies, dinner and hanging out for me. Monopoly for the first time for little guy. Guesstures, bananagrams and always a Scrabble match topped the day. No pressures to feed a multitude, just family time. The cousins and Auntie came after dinner for dessert and fun. This made Random's night.
  3. Gravy. I love gravy. I can't get enough of gravy. I needed gravy. I brined a turkey for the first time. I wish I could say it was scrumptious. It was o.k. What made it wonderful was the gravy. It was unanimous, for Christmas dinner, beef will be served. With gravy.
  4. I feel grateful that I am a reviewer for the Old Schoolhouse Crew. I have had an opportunity to try some great resources for my boys. Many things have met the needs we had at a specific times. My sons have been doing Bible on their own this year. I was just thinking how I missed doing it together and discussing things. The next day there was a package from Positive Action for Christ. Random and I am looking forward to this review. 
  5. Debbie K. was a waitress at the restaurant where my son used to sell papers. She has a soft heart, each morning she would bring him a hot chocolate and kept an eye on him. It eased my mother-worry during his first season. Paperboy was only 12 at the time. Debbie K. bought the restaurant and now has hired Paperboy to work inside. She trained him in the kitchen and on the floor to work. I am so thankful that he has a chance to work in this 'down economy'. I appreciate the job she has given my son.
  6. The Bible. I am thankful that the word of God can be integrated into so many subjects of our homeschooling. This week, it is overlapping in English, geography, handwriting, character and history.
  7. The Military GI Bill. This is a wonderful program that has enabled my son to obtain a college education with his parent's help. Not that we had any money to help him anyways. He served for 5 years in the Marine Corps and now is in college on their dime. He is blessed.
  8. On line tutorials. I find myself at any given time looking online for advice on so many things. This week I found recipes, cleared a virus from my husband's computer, sped up my old laptop, and tried to work on my homeschool tracker program. Oh the wealth of information is has for lifelong learners.
  9. I just love the Salvation Army Thrift shops. I find so many little treasures there. If you can get past the odd odors, you can pick up some neat things. My latest find, a dinosaur. Not really, but it should be extinct soon. It's a book on tape called Stowaway by Karen Hesse. This book absolutely must be listened to. The reader's voice adds so much to the great plot line. I won't tell you what it is about but you can find out more here.
  10. Black Friday sales. I did another different thing this year. I slept late. Late for me is about 7 a.m. I still had enough time to drink some coffee, read the ads, make my list and jump into the madness. By showing up at 8:30, I missed the 5 a.m. psychos. Everyone was so polite and helpful. I found most of the treasures I was looking for and stayed below my self-imposed budget. My highlight of the day was my first time to our local Micheal's Craft store. I took my sweet time browsing. There were treats for our stockings, our gingerbread kit and great easy gifts for my Sunday school kids to make. Of course the 30% off my total purchase sweetened the deals.
  11. My friend the Czech Chick. She is always blessing my family in some way. My boys are clothed in finery thanks to her husband's cast offs. Not only are my sons dressing stylish, but so are 4 other boys in our church. God does supply all of our needs. Now if only my guys would slow down in the growing department, it's been a part time job keeping up with their sizes. C.C. makes it easier.
  12. I am grateful for my central vacuum system. I know I don't use it as often as I should, but it is a blessing. I am even more thankful when I see others using it.
  13. Gravy, I still thank you.
  14. I am so thankful to live in this country. I am trying not to mumble about what bothers me. We are blessed and have so many more freedoms here. There's a reason millions seek to come here. We still are a great nation.
  15. My crock pot. This is my all time favorite kitchen friend. Presently, pork ribs bathed in Sweet Baby Ray's barbecue sauce are occupying it. It has two purposes: an air freshener and our dinner. 
Have you linked up to this meme? If you haven't feel free to leave a comment below. You don't have to list 15 things, one is enough. I love to share, I'll share my blog with you anytime. 'Cause I am so thankful for everyone that reads my blog.

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.

Saturday, November 20, 2010

A first for me

While getting ready to tuck my little guy in, he tells me something. 
I wasn't expecting this at all. 
"I sent you an email." 
How does a six-year old send an email? 
Now, I have to know. 
"Go check it." 
He is really smiling now.
I was thinking this was a really creative tactic for stalling at bedtime. 
Of course, I ran down stairs to see what he sent me.
O what a sweetie pie!
I'll never delete it. 
Instead of putting it up on my refrigerator like the other boys' notes to me. 
Stainless steel only holds fingerprints.
I can post it here, thanks to the coolest tool called snippet.
Oh yeah, he sent it from the Wii in case you are wondering.
He will not have an email address for a long time.
Unless he keeps up these sweet notes.






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.

Wednesday, October 13, 2010

Fake Book or much too real for me.

I used to be on Facebook.


Lately, I have been thinking bloggin in my head about my short-lived experience on Facebook.

I was amazed at the technology, the ability to communicate with family, get in touch with old friends and promote my new blog. There was so much potential for good. I could quickly post to my friends what was going on. They cared about my life and what I had for lunch. It was like a high school reunion that never ended. It seemed new friends could be added daily. 

After a few weeks, the honeymoon was over. I was wasting too much time. I began getting irritated by the conversations. I felt they were not building people up, they were tearing down. The endless groups to promote weird causes revealed the gullibility of my friends. The snide remarks caused me to quickly change my feeling towards some people. I liked them better when they were my real life friends, not my Facebook friends.  I didn't really want to know how many alcoholic beverages they consumed or who they were angry with. I didn't really want to know what my "old friends" are up to. I wasn't interested in friending certain people in my past. I friended someone and then after their babbling, I realized, I made a mistake. I started to become nauseas at the political views of of my family.

The final straw came when someone hacked into Facebook and posed as my aunt in California. They needed money because they were in a jam in Europe. I knew my Aunt was not travelling in Europe. Some stranger overseas has access to my Facebook friends through my aunt's account?  Eeeewwww.

Lately, I have been hearing of so much strife sewn. Things that should have been private conversations, have become public tiffs. Words posted were taken wrong. I remember once I had to call a friend to let her know, I wasn't being mean. She knew that, but someone seeing our posts felt the need to defend her. Once again, I was misunderstood.

Proverbs 10:19
When words are many, sin is not absent,
but he who holds his tongue is wise.

The first advice lawyers now give a client involved in a divorce case, is 'shut down your Facebook account'. Just a side note to prevent my words from being taken wrong, I am not promoting divorce, it is a tragedy for all involved. Words publicly spoken can be used against you. They will be twisted. If you ever have political aspirations, be careful what you post. Make sure it is something you will want the whole world to see, because they will.

Even my blog contains incriminating words that some person can twist and misrepresent me. The titles of some of my firsts post can be taken wrong. The Food Police, Green Jello and the Hangover. I am a Loser. In-laws, Sisters and Another Accident. I can hear the music in my head:

Oh Lord, Please don't let me be misunderstood.

It's been months since I have been off Facebook. All my loving family that I had been friends with on Facebook haven't noticed my absence. In fact, I have not heard from any of them, save one. They called to make plans that were never to come to fruition. Perhaps if I had updated my status, complete with what I was planning for lunch, they would have kept them.



Thanks for stopping by! And in case you care:

Terri G's Status: Major jet lag while eating a bowl of Organic Mango Passion Granola with 1% milk.

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.

Sunday, October 3, 2010

The LEarning Never Stops Photo Challenge- words edition.

Welcome to The LEarning Never Stops Photo Challenge- words edition. Stop by here and see the other entries.


L.E.N.S. button #2


This is not a stunning photo, The glare is terrible, yet, it fits the theme "Words". I am insanely jealous of blogs that have amazing pictures. My photo taking technique is to keep shooting, one should come out clear. Eventually.


This is more of a word about words.


These are the kind of notes my husband leaves me, because he is thinking about me. The notes he writes are because he knows, I forget things. He remembers. He is a note writer. He keeps these yellow lined pads next to the bed, in his truck, on his person at all times. I love his notes, when I read them, they are in his voice. 


Oh and he calls me throughout the day, to remind me of things and to see if I need anything at the store. He is an excellent husband. He's so humble, he doesn't like me to blog about him. Sometimes I can't help it. So I thought I'd enter a contest and brag about him.















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, September 20, 2010

Where seldom is heard, a discouraging word


I used to have one of those plastic little organs as a kid. It had about 40 keys and 6 buttons on the side to play cords. In fact the g chord had to be taped because it was stuck on. I mastered about 3 songs on that little organ.
I must have sang these words a thousand times:


Oh, give me a home where the buffalo roam,
Where the deer and the antelope play,
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day.
Chorus
Home, home on the range,
Where the deer and the antelope play;
Where seldom is heard a discouraging word
And the skies are not cloudy all day

This little diddy came back to me Saturday. Twice. A homeschooling dad thanked me for encouraging his wife. Sure, no problem. Then I picked up my mail. A card from a homeschooling mom in my town. I have seen her in person about 3 times. She let me know how much I have encouraged her in her homeschooling. 

I did??? COOL. 

We interrupt this blog for a shameless commercial message:
Don't forget to enter my Vocabulary Cartoons give-away Here.
Back to my words. I am frequently being told by Random, my cool son, that I am a Debbie Downer. Sorry if your name is Debbie. You know, when he is really excited about something and I am the realist. 

That's a great idea son but...who is funding this plan? 

I am glad that total stranger did something nice for you but...watch out, he could be a weirdo. 

That was kind of your friend to buy you a Coke....but unless you pay your own dentist bill, you are never to drink that again.

I usually try not to encourage someone to begin homeschooling. As a Debbie Downer, I have found myself saying to the mom considering it:

"Say goodbye to a clean house."
"NO more lunches with the ladies."
"All day shopping trips...barely."

I like to wait until they are drawn into it by their own convictions and a kick in the pants gentle leading of the Holy Spirit. Then I change my tune. I cannot imagine taking on this task without divine calling. It's so much easier to survive the tough days knowing that God has called you into this task. On the great days, I praise God for the opportunity and blessing of it. 

So what is my point? I just want to encourage you today to encourage someone. Pick up the phone, call a new homeschooling Mom. Email them a link to a website that you love.  Invite them to lunch, they don't care about how messy your house is. They will love peanut butter and jelly. Take time to show them your books. Pray with them. Plan an outing. Give a needy family some books. Show them your letter of intent. Go to a support group meeting, even if you don't need support.  

Encourage a new homeschooling parent. You may not even realize you are doing it. 





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, July 5, 2010

I have been thinking about...

Posting a disclosure policy on my blog. 


When I began blogging, I was hoping to become a product reviewer for the Old Schoolhouse Magazine review crew. After my first few posts, I realized how much I love putting my thoughts down on a blog. I had found my new 'hobby'. Nothing was safe anymore. If it happened at home, it could appear on my blog. 


Random was pretty nervous the other day. I shot some pictures of him playing a superhero, that I am still giggling thinking about. A few minutes later, he was frantically searching for my camera so he could delete the pictures. He didn't realize, I would never post something that would harm or hurt his feelings, well, not intentionally. I explained to him that the purpose of my blog was to be a blessing. I hoped to glorify God, encourage home schooling parents, keep my family posted on my life, and start an online scrapbook. 


Now that I am going to be reviewing products more frequently, my blog is going in different directions. I feel like I need to let you know where I am coming from. 


I blog mainly for the love of words. I love to say what is on my mind. I need to chronicle some of our family events. My memory isn't the sharpest, I already mix up some baby pictures and it's not pretty. Perhaps writing will solidify these memories. You know, like when I write out my grocery list or directions, leave it on the table at home, but because I wrote them once, I remembered them. 


I won't deny that I would love it if my blog became popular. If I became the next home school mom turned into Pioneer Woman, I would insist the Gman retire early. But for now, he still has to work everyday. I get a free book here or there while getting the opportunity to blog about it. No cars, trips or washer machines for this girl. However, I am having fun and am enjoying the ride.


I put a new page up on my blog. It is my disclosure policy. You can find it here.



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.