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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.

Showering a growing family with love

July 2, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

Just 10 years ago I was sitting at my own shower, opening gifts for our son who was waiting for us in China.

Staycationing fun, Berger cookies, and other wishes that come true (7 Quick Takes)

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

My sons and I have been staycationing this week, and I don’t know how we can ever fit this week into only 7 Quick Takes. Sit back, buckle up, and let’s go!

A day trip from Baltimore: Our first time on Utz’s factory tour

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

I don’t remember when we first heard about the Utz factory tour, but was have been wanting to go for years.

Welcome, baby girl!

June 25, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

You don’t know me, and I don’t know you. But I can’t wait for us to get to know each other a little bit every day.

A blooming bush, staycation plans, the wurst dinner, Father’s Day fun, and more (7 Quick Takes)

June 21, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

The butterfly bush that was my Mother’s Day gift has started to bloom! I’m looking forward to seeing the butterflies come from far and wide to visit.

A tuxedo for graduation

June 17, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

I’m not a mother who thinks my children need to have everything they want when they want it, but when our 11-year-old asked for a tuxedo, I couldn’t help myself.

A trip to Chicago, meeting Sister Jean, seeing a long-time friend for the first time, and a birthday wish (7 Quick Takes)

June 14, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

I find flying to be completely exhilarating and also terrifying. I do love to fly. But I also believe that we will probably crash. I’m always astounded when we land safely at the other end.

When less – or different – is more

June 11, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Commentary, The Domestic Church

As the first blossoms of spring transition into the vibrant greens of early summer, may we be open to the opportunities that lie ahead, recognizing that each of us can contribute to our family, our community, and our world in different ways at different moments.

A love of nature, pizza delivery, National Donut Day, a moment of fame, and more (7 Quick Takes)

June 7, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

During our visit to my in-laws on Maryland’s Eastern Shore last weekend, I took our boys on a trip to the store. As we were driving, I saw something move out of the corner of my eye and my younger son yelled, “STOP!”

In the right place at the right time

June 3, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

This wasn’t a mistake. We weren’t attending Mass in some random parish that just happened to fit our travel schedule. We were exactly where we were supposed to be.

Cooking up a fun summer, graduation gifts, buddy benches, and a flag cake (7 Quick Takes)

May 31, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

The other day our younger son came to me with an idea. “What if we filled a jar with pieces of paper with fun things to do this summer? We could pick one every day and then go do it!”

Is it summer vacation yet?

May 29, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

It’s not that I’m ready for summer. It’s just that I need the school year to end.

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