Open Window

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.

Launching a kitchen renovation, Gotcha Day celebrations, a memorable catch, and more (7 Quick Takes)

August 23, 2019
By Rita Buettner
Filed Under: Blog, Open Window

I haven’t blogged all week, and it’s because we are about to begin renovating our kitchen.

Orioles magic, cotton candy chips, cousin fun, love for pizza, and a sloth (7 Quick Takes)

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

The Orioles suffered a terrible loss on Saturday evening, but we figured you can only go up from there. And who wants to be a fair-weather fan? So, we headed to Camden Yards on Sunday afternoon to cheer them on.

Writing and self-doubt and a lesson from John Steinbeck

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

There is nothing as intimidating as the blank page.