Our 4th grader is learning the state capitals. If you’ve never had a child learning the state capitals, maybe that doesn’t sound like an excuse. But I consider it a part-time job.

It seemed as if I had all summer to hunt for a statue, and though I kept my eyes open, I couldn’t find the right one in time for his birthday.

St. Francis of Assisi must be one of the best-known saints. But I didn’t feel a special connection to him until 14 years ago when I went on a retreat.

Our older son gets to read a book of his choice for 20 minutes each night. I love that this week that homework assignment turned into reading aloud to his little brother.

Instead of baby showers, Rita Buettner has been throwing prayer gatherings for friends and relatives who are awaiting the arrival of their babies.

How do you celebrate 13 years of marriage?

Between soccer, Sunday School, and learning all the states in the U.S., we don’t have much free weekend time.

As a mother of two growing children, I’m getting used to following along behind. I want them to be cautious and hang back and stay young just a little while longer. But they see a wide open world ahead of them, without a danger in sight. They want to run free.

Our fourth grader has to be able to label all the states in the U.S. on a map in five minutes.

As I was walking our boys toward the school entrance yesterday morning, Leo ran on ahead to get inside. Daniel stayed back with me, but when we were still a distance from the school, he said, “Can you walk back to the car now?”