Bigfoot,
The solution to your problem is quite simple! Use the following steps to
disable the spell-check feature as you type:
1. From the Microsoft Word® Menu Bar, click Tools and then click Options.
The Options dialog box appears.
2. From the Options dialog box, click the Spelling & Grammar tab.
3. From the Spelling & Grammar tab, uncheck the Check spelling as you type
box, and click OK.
Caveat: To correct spelling errors after you uncheck the Check spelling as
you type option, you must manually employ spell check.
If remembering to manually check spelling becomes a nuisance, repeat steps 1
through 3. But this time, check the Check spelling as you type box to
reactivate the Check spelling as you type feature.
If you need further assistance, feel free to reply to this post.