A crazy motorcycle commute in Nairobi, Kenya

This is from Jon and Amie Chalmers' blog. Jon is a Briercrest Seminary grad preparing to take his family to Mombasa, Kenya with Africa Inland Mission. They found this video on the blog of an AIM missionary in Nairobi.

Canadian Candy is Better

Or so says Tim Challies. I do agree that Coffee Crisps and Canadian Smarties are very delicious. Difficult to find a Three Musketeers bar here though--I'm pretty sure I've never seen one.

Amazing bicycle tricks in Edinburgh

This is so fun to watch! The setting brings back sweet memories...



HT: Eric Ortlund

In Flanders' Fields

We just got back from a Remembrance Day assembly at the local elementary school. Kate's class recited a poem about poppies, a common emblem from the poem In Flanders' Fields. Canadian physician and Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae is popularly believed to have written it on May 3, 1915, after he witnessed the death of his friend, Lieutenant Alexis Helmer, 22 years old, the day before. One of the older grades recited this poem for us. Here is the poem:

IN FLANDERS' FIELDS

In Flanders' fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders' fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders' fields.

Black Bean Brownies

My mom found this recipe for me--it was a big hit with everyone in our family! It was very easy for me, compared to other recipes that involve hiding healthy ingredients in kid-friendly foods. Of course, the kids didn't realize they were eating pureed black beans. This simple substitution greatly reduces the fat content of regular brownie mix, and increases the fiber and protein. There is still sugar in the mix, so restraint is necessary, but at approximately 100 calories a brownie, it's a guiltless treat!

Black Bean Brownies

1 15.5 oz. can of black beans
1 brownie mix
1 pan sprayed with oil (or nonstick)

Spray a square baking pan (9" by 9") with oil or nonstick spray. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Pour beans and liquid into a blender and puree. In a mixing bowl, combine brownie mix wih pureed beans. Stir with a spoon and fold into pan. Bake as directed on the brownie mix box (make sure to test though--I found mine took longer to be done).

The Lion, the Superman, and the Yoda

Kate and Will out trick or treating with a little friend. Note the patches of snow behind them.