The Place pictures

The craft activity at the place for January 11 was tying knots and creating walnut shell boats. The paper plate was converted into a lake for the boat. The sail is made from toothpicks and cloth.

Wooden toy cars for The Place

Thursday, January 25th, Norm will explain some facts concerning wood; then the children will begin the assembly of wooden toy cars. He made the "hammers" using dowels. The children will sandpaper and paint the cars as they wish.

Snow

We had snow last night. Schools are closed. The pheasant on the railroad track may have been trying to warn us.

Craft activities at the Place

During the month of January, Norm has been helping with an afterschool program (called The Place) at our church for "latchkey" children. They all attend a nearby school and are in grades K-5. On January 4th, he conducted a craft activity teaching the children facts about circles and showed them how to use an improvised compass to create and color a picture.

Manger Scene with New Lamb

Years ago, Norm made a manger scene for us. Through the years, I have added things that invoke memories of God's care. Bob, Norma's husband, gave us the deer that lies beside the manger watching. A wrecked matchbox VW Bug sits looking at the baby. Ask Lagaytha and Norma why. Joy, our granddaughter, made a little clay heart that leans against the manger. Lagaytha, our firstborn, made two bell ornaments that add a spirit of celebration. Ted, our chosen son, gave us a clay candle from the Holy Land; a light to join the candle that Norma gave us. Since our 50th anniversary, I have added a two-inch red Radio Flyer wagon filled with Texas bluebonnets, reminding us of our Texas roots and marriage ceremony. This year, I added another little lamb; he had a broken leg. Norm made one to take his place because one does not give a manger that is broken as a gift. "Glue it with strong glue," I said, as he handed it to me to throw away. He smiled. Later, he put the little lamb in my hand and I put it beside the first lamb. I love the little lamb because he represents the brokenness of us all.

Christmas gift from Kristen and Brandon.

We love the book that Kristen and Brandon made.