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Making a scarecrow is a great project that even the youngest member of your family can get involved in. And while we can't guarantee that your straw-filled guy (or gal) will scare any crows, you're sure to have a great time when your whole family teams up and gets crafty!

Three wooden stakes (6 feet, 3 feet, and 1 foot long)
Old clothes
Straw
Twine
Nails and hammer, or staple gun
A pumpkin or a burlap bag
Dark, waterproof markers

Body: Tie or nail the 3-foot stake to the 6-foot stake into a cross, about 6 inches from the top.

Tie or nail the smaller stake to the long stake in the same way, about 3 feet from the top.

This is the scarecrow's frame.

Head: When it comes to creating a head for your scarecrow, you have several options. A pumpkin works well, though it won't last for very long. If you use a pumpkin, have the kids paint or carve a funny face on a large, firm pumpkin. Then cut a slit in the bottom of the pumpkin and slide it onto the top of the large stake. You can even use small gourds or yams for ears.

If you want your scarecrow to last longer, use a burlap bag for the head. Draw eyes and a nose on the front of the bag with dark, waterproof markers. Push straw into the bag, shaping it to form a ball. Tie twine around the bottom of the bag to keep the straw from falling out. Tie the scarecrow's head to the top of your frame.

Costume: Dress your scarecrow by placing an old, flannel shirt on the top crossbar and a pair of trousers on the smaller bar. (A nail or strong staple will keep the clothes in place.) Tie a belt of rope around the waist of your scarecrow, and stuff the body with lots of straw to fill it out (the kids will love this).

Finishing touches: Now comes the fun part! Accessorize your scarecrow any way you choose. Add a hat, with straw dangling out to look like hair. Add some suspenders, sunglasses, or a bandana, and give him a hoe or a rake. Or, if you've made a female scarecrow, give her a straw hat and flowers, as well as an apron and handbag.

Your scarecrow is now ready to welcome visitors or scare away the crows!

—Lisa Jackson

Need to remember who to pray for? Here are a few, fun "pointers" that will help the whole family:

1. Your thumb is nearest to you. So begin your prayers by praying for those closest to you. They are the easiest to remember. To pray for our loved ones is, as C.S. Lewis said, a "sweet duty."

2. The next finger is the pointing finger. Pray for those who heal, teach, and instruct. This includes doctors, teachers, and ministers. They need wisdom in pointing others in the right direction.

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