Much Ado About Nothing

Aidan's Lenten Fast

2007-02-21T13:22:00.000-08:00

Daddy talked to Aidan Shrove Tuesday night about giving up something for Lent, in preparation for Easter. Since Aidan could not think of anything, Dad asked him to pray about it. Today at lunch we had the following conversation:

Aidan: I'll give up eating.

Mom: You have to stop growing to give that up.

Aidan: I'll give up watching movies.

Mom: Aidan, you hardly watch moves.

Aidan: Oh, yeah... I'll give up eating dessert (with plate of the last crumbs of king cake in front of him)...no, wait, I'll give up going to school.
I'll give up saying "Why?"

Mom: Dad told you never to stop asking why.

Aidan: Oh yeah... I'll give up kissing.

Emma: I'll give up blowing bubbles. I will not give up kissing or hugging.

We'll find something appropriate...

Seventh Day of Christmas Party

2007-01-01T01:15:00.000-08:00

There were four priests at a New Year's Eve party...
And here is the menu:
Foos Christmas Pesto Torta
Naan (with kalonji)
Dhaniya Chutney
Dark Mango Chutney
Masala Chai (Caffeine & Decaf)
Caramelised Onion, Fruit & Nut Pilau
Mango Chicken
Pork Vindaloo
Punjabi Dumplings in Yogurt Sauce
From the Bar:
Martinelli's Original Sparkling Cider
TJ's French Market Pink Lemonade
TJ's French Berry Lemonade
Italian Blood Orange Soda
Raspberries & Champagne
Many concoctions from the shakers of Mr. B & Mrs. Bradley
And for Dessert:
Pistachio, Saffron & Cardamom Kulfi
Shahi Turka

The Soup is On!

2006-12-12T14:24:00.000-08:00

We started doing Soup Suppers during Lent the first year of our little church plant. A few years ago, we added Soup Suppers to our Advent season as well. The onions are braising, the beans are simmering with the ham shanks, and two out of three are in a nap. I found a little interesting history about one of my favorite soups:

Senate Bean Soup

Bean soup is on the menu in the Senate's restaurant every day. There are several stories about the origin of that mandate, but none has been corroborated. According to one story, the Senate’s bean soup tradition began early in the 20th-century at the request of Senator Fred Dubois of Idaho. Another story attributes the request to Senator Knute Nelson of Minnesota, who expressed his fondness for the soup in 1903.

Or, for a little more excitement:

Legend has it that in the early 1900s powerful House Speaker Joseph Cannon came in for lunch one day, looked at the menu, didn’t see bean soup listed, and exclaimed, “Thunderation, I had my mouth set for bean soup. From now on, hot or cold, rain, snow, or shine, I want it on the menu everyday.” And, so it is. Every day of the week, every month of the year, Senate Bean Soup is on the menu at all 11 Capitol dining rooms.

Fondue - pronounced [fahn-DOO] Rules

2006-12-10T21:58:00.000-08:00

“If a woman drops a cube of bread into the fondue, she has to kiss all the men; if a man drops the bread cube, he has to buy a bottle of wine. If the person drops a cube of bread for the second time, he or she must host the next fondue part,” according to Hamlyn Press, publishers of The Fondue Cookbook.

or

One of the most popular Fondue customs is if a lady loses her bread cube in the Fondue she owes the man to her right a kiss. If a man has such a mishap when dining in a restaurant, he should buy the next round of drinks. At home, he owes his hostess a kiss!

or

Fondue tradition states that if you drop the food off of the fork, and into the pot, you have to kiss the person next to you.

Another fun Fondue tradition is to leave a thin layer of Fondue at the bottom of the caquelon. By carefully adjusting the heat, this layer will form into a crust known as "la religieuse" - the religious one. Lift it out and distribute among your guests. It is considered a delicacy.

Happy Father's Day

2006-06-26T22:35:00.000-07:00

Between normal Sunday duties and trying to get a school trip with the choir together for our provincial/diocesan synod, I don't think the Father of our household ended up with a very relaxing or fun Father's day. We did enjoy a family BBQ at the inlaws in between the craziness, though.

Ode to Father:

What Aidan & Emma love about Daddy

He prays to God
He does eat grapes
He drinks milk
He does eat strawberries
Because he's a priest
Because I get to sit in the front pew with Dad
Because he wears the priest clothes and his cross
Because he is a good priest
He gives me stuff and plays with them with me
He tickles me...And me
Going out to lunch w/ him
Because Daddy is so handsome
And he makes coffee
Because he is so good
Because he takes care of the house and me and you and mom
He tries to keep the house clean
He makes surprises for mom
Because he is a good father
Because he takes care of us
He works a lot with the school
He takes care of Lizzy
He buys milk for us and helps us make pancakes
I get to work with him a lot
He gives us airplane rides on his feet
He plays with me every night and every day

Foos Family, Est. 1996

2006-06-09T15:21:00.000-07:00

In 10 years, Many Blessings

kids: a boy and 2 beautiful girls

a house to call home: Shreveport, San Luis Obispo, Indian Valley, East Shore of Lake Almanor and Hamilton Branch

Countries visited: England, Scottland, Wales, France, Italy, Mexico (does Juarez count?)

vehicles to get around: Saturn, pick-up truck, pathfinder, caravan, camry, suburban

Lunch Chat with Aidan

2006-03-30T12:00:00.000-08:00

Aidan: I know what Daddies do best.
Mom: What?
Aidan: They do work...and build houses.
(Papa used to build houses)

Aidan: When I get married, I am going to find a wife who always obeys God.
(Tuesday night at Bible study we talked about Samson)

Fáed Fíada

2006-03-15T14:42:00.000-08:00

Irish for The Cry of the Deer, also called Saint Patrick's Lorica (or Breastplate).

This is a favorite hymn of Aidan and Emma and many of the students at school. As Thursday will be the the last chapel before St. Patrick's day, we are set to sing the C. Alexander version.

According to the cyper hymnal, Cecil Alexander penned these words at the request of H. H. Dickinson, Dean of the Chapel Royal at Dublin Castle:
I wrote to her suggesting that she should fill a gap in our Irish Church Hymnal by giving us a metrical version of St. Patrick’s “Lorica” and I sent her a carefully collated copy of the best prose translations of it. Within a week she sent me that exquisitely beautiful as well as faithful version which appears in the appendix to our Church Hymnal.

The students have the great blessing of joining the Grace Cathedral school for boys for their Friday morning chapel hymn sing, on St. Patrick's day. A glorious hymn, accompanied by pipe organ, a boy's choir, in a building made for such a sound...

One tradition has it, that Saint Patrick and his companion missionaries were to travel to the court of King Laoghhaire. Along the way, waiting in ambush, were druid or druid henchmen who intended to attack and kill Saint Patrick and all his followers.
As Patrick and his companions walked, they chanted the Lorica. When they passed the would-be attackers, they appeared as a doe and twenty fawns - hence the title.

Did Saint Patrick actually write the Lorica?
As Thomas Cahill puts it "Characteristics of the language would assign it to the seventh, or even to the eighth, century. On the other hand, it is Patrician to the core...The earliest expression of European vernacular poetry, it is, in attitude, the work of a Christian druid, a man of both faith and magic."
Cahill also says: "If Patrick did not write it (at least in its current form), it surely takes its inspiration from him."

So here is a modern language translation of the poem that the hymn was taken from:

Fáed Fíada - The Cry of the Deer

I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the
Trinity, through belief in the Threeness, through confession
of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.

I arise today through the strength of Christ with His Baptism,
through the strength of His Crucifixion with His Burial
through the strength of His Resurrection with His Ascension,
through the strength of His descent for the Judgment of Doom.

I arise today through the strength of the love of Cherubim
in obedience of Angels, in the service of the Archangels,
in hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
in prayers of Patriarchs, in predictions of Prophets,
in preachings of Apostles, in faiths of Confessors,
in innocence of Holy Virgins, in deeds of righteous men.

I arise today, through the strength of Heaven:
light of Sun, brilliance of Moon, splendour of Fire,
speed of Lightning, swiftness of Wind, depth of Sea,
stability of Earth, firmness of Rock.

I arise today, through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me, God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me, God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me, God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me, God's shield to protect me,
God's host to secure me:
against snares of devils, against temptations of vices,
against inclinations of nature, against everyone who
shall wish me ill, afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.
I summon today all these powers between me (and these evils):
against every cruel and merciless power that may oppose
my body and my soul,
against incantations of false prophets,
against black laws of heathenry,
against false laws of heretics, against craft of idolatry,
against spells of witches and smiths and wizards,
against every knowledge that endangers man's body and soul.
Christ to protect me today
against poison, against burning, against drowning,
against wounding, so that there may come abundance of reward.

Christ with me, Christ before me, Christ behind me, Christ in me,
Christ beneath me, Christ above me, Christ on my right,
Christ on my left, Christ in breadth, Christ in length,
Christ in height, Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me, Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today through a mighty strength, the invocation of the
Trinity, through belief in the Threeness, through confession of the
Oneness of the Creator of creation.
Salvation is of the Lord. Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of Christ. May Thy Salvation, O Lord, be ever with us.

"And every man and maide doe take their turne, And tosse their Pancakes up for feare they burne."

2006-02-28T09:08:00.000-08:00

1634 William Fennor, Palinodia.

So, the real question is what do pancakes have to do with Shrove Tuesday?

Shrove Tuesday gets its name from the ritual of shriving that Christians used to undergo in the past. In shriving, a person confesses their sins and receives absolution for them. Shrove Tuesday is a day of celebration as well as penitence, because it's the last day before Lent. Lent is a time of abstinence, of giving things up, to prepare for the celebration of Easter. So Shrove Tuesday is the last chance to indulge yourself, and to use up the foods that aren't allowed in Lent. In the old days there were many foods that observant Christians would not eat during Lent: foods such as meat and fish, fats, eggs, and milky foods. So that no food was wasted, families would have a feast on the shriving Tuesday, and eat up all the foods that wouldn't last the forty days of Lent without spoiling. The need to eat up the fats gave rise to the French name Mardi Gras; meaning fat Tuesday. Pancakes became associated with Shrove Tuesday as they were a dish that could use up all the eggs, fats and milk in the house with just the addition of flour.

Of course, the Church doesn't demand or require that people fast during Lent, rather, it encourages the biblical discipline of fasting. The purpose of this post is informational, not a theological defense of fasting.

In England there are several celebrations on this day but perhaps the best known one is the Pancake Day Race at Olney in Buckinghamshire which has been held since 1445. The race came about when a woman cooking pancakes heard the shriving bell summoning her to confession. She ran to church wearing her apron and still holding her frying pan, and thus without knowing it, started a tradition that has lasted for over five hundred years.

According to the current rules, only women wearing a dress, no slacks or jeans, an apron and a hat or scarf, may take part in the race. Each contestant has a frying pan containing a hot, cooking pancake. She must toss it three times during the race that starts at the market square at 11:55 am. The first woman to complete the winding 375 meter course and arrive at the church, serve her pancake to the bellringer and receive a "Kiss of Peace" from the verger there, is the winner. She also receives a prayer book from the vicar.

On the same day at 11 am at Westminster School in London, a verger from the Abbey leads a procession of eager boys into the playground of the school for the Annual Pancake Grease. The school cook, who must be something of an athlete to manage it, tosses a huge pancake, reinforced with horsehair, over a five meter high bar and the boys frantically scramble for a piece. The scholar who emerges from the scrum with the largest piece receives a cash bonus from the Dean. The cook also gets a reward. Were the cook to fail to get the 'pancake' over the bar within 3 tries, he or she would have been booked, or pelted with (rather heavy) Latin primers; it is rumored that this took place on (at least) one occasion.

In the Canadian province of Newfoundland, household objects are baked into the pancakes and served to family members. Rings, thimbles, thread, coins, and other objects all have meanings associated with them. The lucky one to find coins in their pancake will be rich, the finder of the ring will be the first married, and the finder of the thimble will be a seamstress or tailor. Children have great fun with the tradition, and often eat more than their fill of pancakes in search of a desired object.

No surprise, pancakes are on the menu tonight. Got maple syrup?

Information was taken from:
http://www.bbc.co.uk
http://www.pancakeparlour.com
http://en.wikipedia.org

Happy Epiphany

2006-01-31T22:48:00.000-08:00

At our home Epiphany not only marks the end of Christmastide, but the season of king cake. King cake was one of those happy memories from our newlywed year in Shreveport. We ususally make a few batches per season. We are a bit behind this year with our first batch (although it was a double) baked during the fourth week after Epiphany. Our two oldest kids helped with decorating all eight cakes.

For a fun history of king cake, check out this link:

http://whatscookingamerica.net/Bread/KingCake.htm

My recipe (from native Lousianan Ginger Rogers) is different than the one on the site, but I'm sure it is good, too.

Hymn 311

2006-01-04T16:32:00.000-08:00

This is one of my (and my kids) favorite hymns for children. It is actually a poem by Cecil Frances Alexander. Our 1940 Episcopal Hymnal only includes three of the stanzas, plus the chorus, which is the first stanza of the poem. I found two more stanzas while purusing my latest treasure from our local Hospice Thrift Store: The New Junior Classics volume ten, poetry (1949).

Here are the two extra:

The rich man in his castle,
The poor man at his gate,
God made them, high or lowly,
And order'd their estate.

The tall trees in the greenwood,
the meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water
We gather every day.

Circumcision of Christ Eve Party

2006-01-01T14:47:00.000-08:00

Otherwise known as New Year's Eve Party. This was our third annual party with an Indian Food theme. It all started from a gift of a cookbook, Easy Indian-style cookery, from a friend, Todd. We enjoy cooking but love eating food. Indian does seem to take so much work that we end up doing it only once a year. Thanks to all who came and those who helped, but especially to the Gannons. They hand chopped a ten pound bag of onions!

Menu

Cucumber & Mint Raita
Mixed Vegetable Curry
Tandoori Leg of Lamb (on the Fix it & Forget it)
Tandoori chicken grilled on the LARGE George Foreman Grill
Mango Chicken
Caramelised Onion, Fruit & Nut Pilau
Naan (no smoke alarm this year!)

We try to repeat our most popular dishes (the mango chicken, pilau, and naan) and try a new one (tandoori leg of lamb) each year. Next year, we would like to dry another new dessert, like kulfi, and maybe a special drink.

Keeping things in perspective for Mom

2005-12-29T15:18:00.000-08:00

Mom: What's that (spots on the carpet)? Oh, (groan) water spots.

Aidan, the guilty: It's okay, Mom, remember, it helps clean. Silly you.

Aidan, the Inductive Logican

2005-12-27T07:59:00.000-08:00

Emma was being funny while she was waiting for breakfast in her high chair and called mom Mr. Mom. Aidan, in attempt to correct her, asked her if Mommy had a lot of hair. He then continued to explain that dads don't have a lot of hair, but Moms do, and therefore, you don't call Mom Mister.

Blessings from 2005

2005-12-22T11:37:00.000-08:00

I'm attempting to counter my "the glass is half empty" tendency with a blog of why my glass is really half full (and then some). I am also terrible at keeping in touch with far away friends and family.

We have many things to be thankful for in 2005, somewhat in chronological order:

1. We began the year expecting our third little Foos.

2. The generosity of the Wilson's in giving us a wonderful four wheel drive Suburban and of Uncle Bob & Aunt Dotty for the Camry.

3. The birth of nephew Ben.

4. The school choir recorded a c.d.

5. We had a wonderful Episcopal visit with many confirmed.

6. Our friend James returned safely from serving our country in Germany.

7. The school had a very successful play this year. The students accomplished more than they thought they could.

8. The school had a very successful trip to England, the Scottish borderlands & Wales this spring with sister school, Good Shepherd in Tyler, TX.

9. This summer we had a very successful remodel of enlarging the school chapel and adding a beautiful wood floor.

10. Thanks to Aunt Marlo, Grammy, & Auntie Alli', better known as Miss Steinberg, for all the help with Aidan & Emma while our family was separated for about three weeks waiting for dear Lizzy to arrive.

11. The Rose family opened their home in Chico (a week after moving into their brand new house) to the Foos family to await the arrival of Elizabeth Brynn Iona Foos--who finally made it on the 19 of July.

12. Just a week later, our new godson, Lewis, was born.

13. A successful visit with General Bunting in August.

14. A fun fourth birthday party for Aidan at Foxwood, complete with Thomas the Tank Engine cake. Thanks, Grammy & Aunt Marlo!

15. A fun 2nd birthday for Emma Grace at Grammy's house.

16. A wonderful trip to Pacific Grove courtesy of the Routh family. A great time getting to know friends better & getting away to relax as a family.

17. A glorious baptismal service for Elizabeth and our new godson, Lewis, with special guests, the Rouths, present. Thanks to Mrs. Salvatore, Miss Steinberg & Mr. Bartel for committing to be godparents.

18. We began the Michaelmas term with 50% growth in enrollment. We welcomed new families at church, too.

19. Aidan played soccer on his first team, the Bluejays, with cousin Nicolas (cheering was somewhat hampered by the name: "Peck them, Bluejays", "Wing your way to the goal", etc.--especially since they played the Sharks and the Rockets).

20. Donations for new high school chairs and new school sign.

21. Aunt Marlo & Papa made school desks for our First Form room. Thanks!

22. Aidan & Mom began preschool at home with Open Court phonics, Saxon math, motor skills, & catechism.

23. We enjoyed preschool story time at the Chester Library.

24. A fun school trip to the pumpkin patch in Chico.

25. Elizabeth & Mom went to an infant massage workshop.

26. Aidan & Dad took a special trip to Sacramento to go on the Great Train Robbery ride.

27. Max, the very good natured Jensen dog, helped Aidan & Emma lose their fear of dogs.

28. Mom learned how to make Truffles (Thanks, Lisa!)

29. Christmas Eve we celebrated our second anniversary in our new home (thanks Papa & Grammy for everything!) We Welcomed new next door neighbors, the Rogers.

30. A delightful Christmas Eve fondue party. Thanks, Salvatores & Bradleys!

31. Two joyous baptisms in December: Welcome James & Charris to the Church.

32. Thanks to Auntie Laurel, also known as Mrs. Salvatore for spending time with Aidan & Emma so Mom can teach Logic.

33. Curtains for our windows. Thanks, Papa & Grammy. The house looks warmer and more finished.

34. A beautiful Christmas tree. Thanks, Grammy--that's what Aidan asked of Santa.

35. A successful winter fundraiser.

36. Withorne Press successfully published an Ordo Kalendar.

37. The generosity of Cousins Rob & Val for their very generous support of the school and very special friendship.

38. Although not this week, we are greatful that in general, we have three very good sleepers.

39. The generosity of the Bradleys, for sending us to the Genesee House for a week. Thanks to Grammy and Papa for watching Aidan & Emma. It was great to have some couple time before being separrated while waiting for Lizzy. One of the highlights was visiting with the Cliftons and seeing Dell's art and Rodeo pictures.

40. Discovering home roasted coffee. (Thanks, Erica!)

I'm sure there are many more blessings that I have missed. Hopefully keeping up this list on a more regular basis will allow fewer to slip through the cracks.