BerryMorins Bits and Tips

Holidays usually mean that theres a Law and Order marathon somewhere. New Year's Eve is certainly not any different. Stop by TNT on Monday, December 31, for 30+ episodes of my favorite long running show.

Lenny, we love you baby!

The holidays are here and it's time for food and fun. For a different twist, why not host a fancy holiday dinner party... for your kids and their friends? Our whole family had so much fun with this that it's become a yearly tradition.

A fancy dinner party for the younger set has many benefits. Your kids learn to plan, organize, shop, clean house, be good hosts, and everything else that goes along with hosting a party. They get to dress up in their finest clothes, practice their "company" table manners, and learn dinner conversation. This is a night where kids are king, and boy do they feel important!

You can certainly make your own rules, but this is how we do it. First, the kids create an invitation list. 8 kids is the maximum our table can comfortably hold and I can comfortably cook for.

Next is the hard one - trying to pick a night when there are no extracurricular events we've already committed to. The kids then make formal invitations on the computer and mail …

This year I not only mailed Christmas cards to our family and friends but our business contacts and customers. One of our customers stated that if she didn't have one's email that person would not be receiving a Christmas card.

My question is: Is it acceptable business etiquette to email their customers and business contacts' Christmas cards?

I look forward to reading your responses.

This one hour program tells the story of the
uncontested master of the macabre, Edgar Allan Poe.
Poe's haunting poems and chilling stories established
him as one of the most important men of American
letters. But behind his popularity and artistic
success was a personal life defined by broken hopes
and failures. The Mystery of Edgar Allan Poe explores
the bouts of depression and that tormented
the man and gave birth to his dark and brilliant art.
This extraordinary program tells Poe's complete story,
from the death of his parents when he was three, to
his tragic collapse on the street at age 40.

Highlighting his major poems, The Mystery of Edgar Allan Poe is an
excellent introduction to his life and work and a prime example of
how biography can be used as a teaching tool to
explore topics in history and literature.

Curriculum Links:
The Mystery of Edgar Allan Poe would be useful for
Literature, American History, and
American Culture courses. It is appropriate for middle
school and high school stu…

It's been a busy news week, with the church shootings and now the Las Vegas school children that were shot at a bus stop. It's terrible to know that many people feel this is the way to deal with their pain, instead of giving it over to the Lord.

This morning, I will take time in my prayers to include the victims, their families and the shooters.

We're busy these days. Who isn't? Marcus has started increasing time with our church youth group. They have some terrific youth leaders. And it's great that he has a standing engagement on Saturdays, Teen Night.

I'm planning on signing up for the upcoming Ladies Bible Study, next month. "Stepping Up" by Beth Moore, A Journey Through the Psalms of Ascent is the choice and I'm looking forward to it. I've seen her on TV a few times and she's always left me with plenty to ponder.

And just to make my days and nights even busier I've volunteered to work on the local2008 Homeschool Convenion. Something I've never done but are definitely up to the challenge.

Well, onto this week's menu plan. And if you would like to join in, stop by Organizing Junkie's blog.

Pinto Beans with Ham

Ham, Macaroni and Cheese and Salad

Spicy Chicken and Sweet Potato Stew

Chicken Enchildas

Fish, Brown Rice and Brocolli

The year 1968 is considered one of the most turbulent,
and pivotal, twelve month periods in American history.
This single year was a flashpoint for many of the social,
political, and cultural transformations for which the overall
decade of the 1960s is known. During these years, the United
States became entrenched in an unpopular war in Vietnam
abroad. Meanwhile, unrest, experimentation, violence, and
outspokenness raged throughout the nation. The Civil Rights
Movement gained momentum,sit-ins and riots became commonplace,
several beloved leaders were assassinated at critical junctures
in their careers. These years also marked cultural shifts as
nonconformity became prized by many young people and social
experimentation and psychedelic music became the rage in San
Francisco and elsewhere. Many consider these years divisive,
others shameful. Yet the transformations unleashed during these
years galvanized changes in American society that continue to
reverberate today.

1968 with Tom Brokaw…

On this date, in 1941, Japanese aircraft attacked Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. There were many heroic moments that day. One is Dorie Miller, a cook on the USS West Virgina, rushed to the deck and began firing one of the ship's large anti-aircraft guns at planes above. He continued firing till he ran out of his ammo and was ordered to abandon ship. For his heroism, Mr. Miller was rewarded the Naval Cross. As a side note, he was the first African-American to receive this honor.

Visit the following websites for more information. And don't forget your local public library. They have a selection of books, DVDs, videos and audio for you to check out.

Pearl Harbor.org

http://www.history.navy.mil/faqs/faq57-4.htm

Our teen has been requesting an advent calendar for a few years now. My problem has been finding advent calendars that aren't made for small children.

Well, here's one that the whole family will enjoy! Starbucks Advent Calendar, is full of chocolates, attractive and affordable $15.95 plus s/h.

One of the benefits of homeschooling is that when your child has a question you have the time and resources to answer it.

A couple of years ago, Marcus asked 'What's Hanukkah?' We checked out books, videos and DVDs, at the local public library and all learned the answer.

Consider stopping by Judiasm About.com for The Hanukkah Story

Can you even remember the last time you used a pay phone? Do you think it's a good idea to phase them out completely?

I would love to read your comments on this topic.

Tonight is The Closer 2 hour season debut. This is one of the few TV shows that our family actually looks forward to. We just love her Southern accent and quirky habits.

Marcus has transferred to Keystone High School last week. This is a certified distance learning high school program. They offer online and correspondence curriculum. After receiving his transcript evaluation we found that he's ahead of the game with Math but has to double up on Social Studies, in able to receive his high school diploma. He says he's up to the challenge.

Well, enough of that, now onto this week's menu plan. "Thank you!"

Recipes are courtesy of Taste of Home Easy Cooking for Diabetics.

Flavorful Tilipia Fillets, Coucous, Mixed Vegetables

Whole Wheat Pizzas (dough purchased from Fresh and Easy)

Simple Salisbury Steak, Red Potatoes, Broccoli

T-Bone Steaks, Grilled Parmesan Potatoes

Lemon Roasted Chicken, Salad, Carrots

I never had the opportunity to watch this short life series, when it debutted in March 2005, on NBC. So, I decided to give it a try, courtesy of Blockbuster Online.

Jerry Orbach fans will notice that he was serious ill, fighting cancer. Not only was his physical appearance effected but his voice. But, yeah we love you Lenny!

Show Description courtesy of Wikipedia.org

Unlike the other Law & Order series, Trial By Jury shows what it is like to prepare for and try a criminal case. The episodes usually start with a witness or victim telling a story about a crime that has already occurred. This story is used to bring the audience in on what happened prior to the beginning of the episode. This is a departure from the other three Law & Order shows, which usually start off showing the audience the actual crime. The show progresses on from that point, showing how both sides develop their strategies for winning the case.

The prosecution's preparation usually includes scenes where t…

Join in the fun, with responding to this question at Marriage About.com.

Would you sleep in a separate bed to get a good night's sleep?

To be honest, no I cannot sleep without my husband beside me.

Recently, I've discovered that we're going to start requiring 2 phone numbers when one is a cellphone. When having to follow up with a customer, I've noticed that many of the cellphone numbers are reassigned or not in service.

When we moved into our apartment, our teen asked for a land phone. What do you do when your cellphone isn't charged up? Or the electricity is out?

Has your family gotten rid of your land phone?

Marcus and Charles made Thanksgiving dinner, courtesy of Fresh and Easy grocery store. The menu was Turkey with Sage, Herb Stuffing, Gravy, Autumn Roasted Vegetables, Mashed Potatoes and Pumpkin Pie. Even though I was suffering with a terrible cold, it looked delicious. And the leftovers have just been yummy.

I just ordered an assortment of curtains from Country Curtains, for our apartment. A former co-worker introduced me to them when she ordered them for her baby's room. The quality of their curtains is very good, the variety and prices will keep you coming back.

Well, back to this week's menu.

Tilipia, Broccoli, Brown Rice

Pinto Beans with Ham (in the crockpot)

Simply Lasagna with Mixed Green Salad

Oven Fried Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Acorn Squash

Turkey Stew

My husband and our teen.

Stop by Dr. Laura's website, for a link, to the show and listen in on the fun. It's her annual Corny Joke Day!

Special Presentation: History of Thanksgiving
Wednesday, November 21st at 7PM/6c

Turkey dinners, footballs and parades--these are the modern-day
trappings of the holiday celebrated on the fourth Thursday of November
each year. But Thanksgiving is more than just a day of food and
festivity. This documentary traces the history of Thanksgiving, from
early festivals and rituals of thanks to the feasts Americans
celebrate today. The History of Thanksgiving explores different tales
of the Thanksgiving holiday, examining how and why the story of the
Pilgrims sharing bounty with Native Americans became the symbol of
Thanksgiving. Using primary sources, expert historians and authentic
reenactments, this program untangles some Thanksgiving myths and
recounts the story of how it became recognized as a federal holiday.
Students will find that this documentary gives them new historical
insights into this popular holiday, and an opportunity to discuss its
meaning and significance in our society today.

Curriculum L…

Well, it's finally happened. Charles was the first one down, with a terrible cold, than me and now Marcus. I'm so looking forward to our 2 days off. We plan on staying in bed, watching movies and sleeping. Thanksgiving dinner will consist of soup and crackers.

Here's wishing you and your's a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.

When we moved to Las Vegas I was abit concerned about what type of volunteer opportunities would be available to our teen. There is no local chapter of Teen Korps here. Would there be a one-stop site or would I be searching through variety of resources?

Well, I was delighted to find that there are many volunteer opportunities. And yes, one does have to do some research. I started with the public library. Our local branch library has teen volunteer positions and even a Teen Advisory Group. Marcus is enjoying his time there so much that he increased his hours.

Recently, I found out about the Leaders of the Future, a FREE teen program that offers work skills, leadership training activities, community and socal activities through the county recreation centers. I stop by the center, spoke with the manager and was very impressed. Once I mentioned it to Marcus he wanted to immediately start working on his application for the Spring term.

And don't forget that many non-profit organ…

It's nice having an actual home office in one's home. Now, we just need to finish decorating.

Have a Happy Hump Day!

Marcus and Coach Frank are taking a break from tennis practice.

Since our family is now following a low fat diet doesn't mean that we are forgoing flavor. Here's a comfort chicken and vegetable recipe that you'll find they'll enjoy. Experiment with the variety of vegetables. Originally the recipe didn't call for sweet potatoes but my family loves them.

While chicken thighs are not as low fat as chicken breasts, they are perfect for the Dutch oven. Be sure to choose skinless chicken thighs and trim any excess fat before cooking. Make sure to clean your vegetables before assembling your dish. Clean your cutting board, knife and hands before chopping your next vegetables.

INGREDIENTS:
1 medium white onion, chopped
1 acorn squash, chopped
1 handful of green beans, ends trimmed
1 8-ounce pack sliced mushrooms
1 sweet potato, chopped
2 medium red potatoes cut into chunks
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
crushed black pepper and salt
1/2 tsp fresh thyme
1 small sprig rosemary or equivalent of dried rosemary

PREP:
Preheat oven to 450 degre…

Happy Veteran's Day! Thank you to all the veterans who have provided unselfish service to this beautiful country.

Today is the monthly auction so the whole family will be working. People will be able to view the units, after the lock is cut and the auction tag is cut, than the auctioneer will start the bidding. My husband says there are no big surprises, just some washer-dryer combos in 2 units and office supplies and equipment in another but please keep in mind the law prohibts us from entering the unit. We can only view from the doorway.

The Boys and Girls Club coach has observed Marcus playing with some of the kids and suggested that he join the team. He also mentioned to us that he would like to do some volunteer work there.

This week's menu is courtesy of Taste of Home's Easy Cooking For Diabetics magazine.

Flavorable Tilipia, Mixed Veggies

Tomato Meat loaf, Mashed Red Potatoes and Veggies

Pork with Veggie Pitas and Green Leaf Salad

Ham and Potato Cassorole

Creamy Pean…