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Rita Buettner

Rita Buettner is a wife, working mother and author of the Catholic Review's Open Window blog. She and her husband adopted their two sons from China, and Rita often writes about topics concerning adoption, family and faith.

Rita also writes The Domestic Church, a featured column in the Catholic Review. Her writing has been honored by the Catholic Press Association, the Maryland-Delaware-D.C. Press Association and the Associated Church Press.

Getting cornfused in a maze, dress shopping, an apple pie in the new kitchen, and more (7 Quick Takes)

September 26, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

Many years autumn comes and autumn goes and we haven’t had a chance to do the fun fall things we look forward to all year. This year we are trying to be more intentional about fitting things in.

Fifteen years ago today…

September 24, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

We knew we were saying yes to forever, so maybe 15 years doesn’t seem like much. But as I look back on that time, I feel so very grateful.

Make room for the essential

September 24, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Commentary, The Domestic Church

As we begin the start of a new school year, and children and young people are filling their backpacks for a season of new opportunities, maybe we, too, can take the time to look at what’s filling our lives.

A neighborhood walk, our utensil drawer, puzzles, guacamole, and my newest pins (7 Quick Takes)

September 20, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

Last Saturday morning I took a walk with our fourth grader through our neighborhood. He rode his bicycle, and I followed along behind, not even trying to keep up. I knew he would stop as we went along.

Everything you ever wanted to know (and then some) about our kitchen renovation

September 15, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

This story begins six years ago when John and I dropped our sons off at my parents’ house to go house hunting.

Surviving a kitchen renovation, late-night school supply runs, cake decorating, and more (7 Quick Takes)

September 13, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

Our kitchen renovation is complete! It took exactly three weeks from start to finish, and I can’t believe how different and beautiful the space is.

How to pick a backsplash for your kitchen

September 9, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

So, you’re renovating your kitchen. Congratulations!

Back to school, kitchen renovations, the end of summer, and a big decision (7 Quick Takes)

September 6, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

We are officially back to school! I’m so grateful that both our boys seem to have transitioned back to school smoothly—even though we are all exhausted from the week.

Waiting for a trumpet

September 5, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

Have you ever waited and waited and waited for something?

Back-to-school emotions, staycation fun, and life without a kitchen (7 Quick Takes)

August 30, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

~1~ Our older son boarded the bus for middle school orientation this morning. I’ve been so focused on trying to make sure he was ready for sixth grade that I completely forgot to prepare my heart, too. His little brother and I watched him board the bus from our window because our mature sixth grader […]

The perfect end to summer vacation: A trip to the Maryland State Fair

August 28, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

When we see the Ferris wheel rise into the sky, we know it’s coming.

I can’t tell you what happened at the Spy Museum, but if I could…

August 24, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

The boys loved stealthily crawling through ductwork and looking for secret codes with magnifying glasses. I enjoyed seeing the spy disguises and watching the video aspects of the exhibits.

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