The Final Day

Eighteen months. 400 blog posts. A year in a new job and a new home. Nine months of marriage.
I think I can officially say, I am settled.

I started this blog with the title "Rediscovering Rocky Top." I wanted to celebrate all the things I was discovering and re-discovering about this city, after a decade away. I changed the name to "KtownKatie" as I got a bit more settled in, but life still had so many changes. Since moving, I have fallen more in love with my family, made wonderful friends, planned and celebrate the wedding of my dreams, become a part of Second Presbyterian Church, found dozens of wonderful restaurants, shops, and special things, and become a home owner for the first time. Most importantly, I am married to a wonderful man and I love it.

So, as I'm turning 31, I am taking a break from blogging. And leaving you with 31 things I have learned over the last year and a half.

1. Sabbath is a commandment.

2. While I may be concerned with happiness, God is concerned with Holiness.

3. Google Reader can change your life.

4. Hospitality can be a ministry.

5. Not every girl is girly.

6. It takes time to become good at things.

7. It is okay to not edit your blog posts. You will have typos. People will judge you. But there is freedom in not worrying what they think.

8. God commands. Sometimes He "calls" us or "gives us peace" about something. Other times, He just says do it.

9. It is better to make food from scratch.

10. People don't give kids enough credit. Especially toddlers and preschoolers.

11. In this life, we will always want for things. That is our nature as created beings. Even Eve wanted something she could not have. Only in heaven will we be satisfied.

12. Homes are supposed to be a haven.

13. People will hurt you.

14. Love delights in truth. Evil loves darkness. The Lord loves light.

15. We are supposed to "make every effort" to love people well and to serve with excellence. But our best effort is all we can do and all we are held to.

16. To analize or discuss something, figure out: What are we trying to achieve? What are we trying to avoid?

17. My home and my husband are even more important than my work.

18. When in doubt, wear cowboy boots.

19. Christmas is so fun in your own home. Can't wait for Easter.

20. I want to make everyone feel important and loved while they are with me. The way my dog does.

21. Spiritual disciplines really do fit into the 21st century.

22. Sometimes, the most important thing you can do is not the biggest, most noticeable thing.

23. Weddings are for brides and grooms. But also families. Especially moms.

24. My mom is wonderful. I am blessed.

25. My mother-in-law is wonderful. I am doubly blessed.

26. Yard work is a metaphor for life.

27. Listen more. Honor people by not talking yourself.

28. Being a team player can be thankless. But it's still right.

29. Two become One. Wow.

30. I am never going to know it all and I am never going to be perfect.

31. I am okay with that.

Day 477: Alfred Angelo

Guess who is the newest (and I am sure the best ever) consultant at Alfred Angelo?

Hint #1: She was there when I got my fabulous wedding dress.

Hint #2: She paid for it.

It's my mom! Congratulations mom! I know she'll be a tremendous blessing to so many girls and their families as they shop of the perfect dress and enjoy this sweet time of life.

And while you are there at the Turkey Creek Alfred Angelo boutique, you can ask her how to have a happy, fun marriage and a loving family. She and my dad are celebrating another wonderful year together - Happy Anniversary to my parents!!
Source: www.alfredangelo.com

Day 420: Thanksgiving!

So, I started this blog to tell you about new things in Knoxville that I was discovering or re-discovering. And now, I get to add in things I am learning and seeing in a new job, a new home, and as a newlywed!
But today's post is nothing new. It is Thanksgiving! My favorite time of the year!
And true to tradition, here is what the Landon/Theilen and now Fitch families are having for Thanksgiving dinner:

Turkey & Dressing
Crab Legs
Duck
Mashed Potatoes & Gravy
Sweet Potato Casserole
Green Beans
Strawberry Pretzel Salad
Cranberry Sauce
Deviled Eggs
Crescent Rolls
and maybe more?

While we are watching the Macy's parade, we'll be snacking on:
Apple Dip
Mini Sausages
Pumpkin Bread
Apricot Bread
Cinnamon Rolls
and more!

And for dessert:
Pumpkin Pie
and another pie, whose identity will be revealed when Grandma arrives!

Day ???: Growing family

One added bonus of married life...more great family! I met Brad's Texas cousins earlier this year and instantly loved them! No, there is even more to love!

Introducing... Porter

8 lbs
9 oz
20.5 inches
Born last night!

I can't wait to meet him in person soon!!!

Diversion: Folly

I miss this state.
I love my family.
I love this island.

Day 263: Father's Day and my Dad

There are not enough words, time, or emotion in the world for my to tell you in a blog post ow much my dad means to me. He is wonderful. Wonderful.

Wonderful.

When I was in college, I read Margaret Fuller's the great lawsuit. Her description of Miranda's father reminded me so much of my father, that I gave him a copy of the portion of the text. It included:

"In so far as he possessed the keys to the wonders of this universe, he allowed free use of them to her, and by the incentive of a high expectation he forbade, as far as possible, that she should let the privilege lie idle. "

Now, that I am getting married, other words are also coming to mind. The words of songs and the ever present question: What will be dance to?!?
Here are the final pics:

Isn't she lovely
Isn't she wonderful
Isn't she precious
Less than one minute old
I never thought through love we'd be
Making one as lovely as she
But isn't she lovely made from love
Isn't she pretty
Truly the angel's best
Boy, I'm so happy
We have been heaven blessed
I can't believe what God has done
Through us he's given life to one
But isn't she lovely made from love
Isn't she lovely
Life and love are the same
Life is Aisha
The meaning of her name
Londie, it could have not been done
Without you who conceived the one
That's so very lovely made from love
- Steve Wonder, "Isn't She Lovely"


I believe the light that shines on you
Will shine on you forever
And though I can't guarantee
There's nothing scary hiding under your bed
I’m gonna stand guard
Like a postcard of a Golden Retriever
And never leave till I leave you
With a sweet dream in your head

I'm gonna watch you shine
Gonna watch you grow
Gonna paint a sign
So you'll always know
As long as one and one is two
There could never be a father
That loved his daughter more than I love you.
- Father and Daughter, Paul Simon

James Taylor and the Beatles are also in the rolling. Find out July 10, around 8:30pm!

Day 262: My Grandpa

Today, it's offical, I feel like a homeowner. The day I have waited for my whole life has arrived. I have watched my parents and aunt and uncles all experience this milestone. I have so looked forward to my turn.
Today, I called my grandfather and asked him to come work on my house!

We put up a cabinet. Since we moved in, I have wondered why a previous owner took it down. But my grandfather, the handiest-man-in-America figured out that it had previously been put up incorrectly. So, it may have fallen in the past. But he got it right. This time, it'll never, ever fall. And the lovely glasses we are receiving as thoughtful wedding gifts will have a home for years and years to come!

Here are a couple of favorite quote from Grandpa, as he was working away today:

"I feel sorry for anyone who tries to take this down, they are going to wonder what crazy old german man bolted it to the wall."

"When they demolish this house after we're all dead, this cabinet and the stud I screwed it into are going to be the last things standing."

Thanks Grandpa! And happy early Father's Day!

Day 256: Golf Range Apartments

At the end of a long run, I took a stroll down memory lane today...
The Golf Range Apartment complex is located less than a mile from our new house. A property of the University of Tennessee, it was closed in May and will soon be converted to reccreation fields. This will certainly be a welcome addition to the campus facilities and to Sutherland Avenue.
But it is also a little bitter sweet for me. In 1983, my family moved to Knoxville. We planned to stay 2 years, for my dad to complete graduate school. Well, low and behold, 27 years later, we are still Knoxvillians. Growing up in university housing was an incredible experience, with friends literally from around the world right outside your front door. I loved it! As I strolled through today, everything seemed so small. I remembered the play area where I busted my lip and needed stitches. I saw building K were Valerie lived and building M, home of Bethany. In between these 2 friends, I lived in building L. L1 to be exact. As I walked by, I thought of marvelous trick-or-treating, girl scout meetings with my mom as my troop leader, and ball games on the notorious K hill.
Here's to Golf Range. My prayer is that the new rec fields will hold as many memories for future students, their families, and our neighbors, as these apartments did for me.

Day 248: Brentwood Hills Shower

Talk about generosity and southern hospitality. On Sunday afternoon, Brad and I were showered with well wishes, gifts, and a great time at Brentwood Hills Church of Christ. Brad was raised at Brentwood his and his mother is an active member. And they know everyone.
Everyone.
Brad's 3rd grade teacher...
Old neighbors...
His football coach from high school...
His 1st grade Sunday School teacher...and 2nd...
Friends from half a dozen mission trips to Honduras...
So, so many sweet folks and smiling faces. And the most organized shower hostesses in the history of weddings. What a blessing!

Oh, and the cake was wonderful!

Source

Diverstion: Whitney and Kent

Congratulations to Whitney and Kent!
We are so excited to celebrate my cousin, Whitney Beth's wedding this weekend! She and her college sweetheart, Kent, are both living in DC. The wedding was at their college, Mckendree, with a reception to follow across the river in St. Louis, at the Forest Park Planetarium.

Highlights included: Seeing the beautiful bride before the wedding, checking out my aunt Debbie's fabulous dress at the wedding...and the fabulous dress she changed into for the reception, and dancing with Sam to the Cupid Shuffle.

Congratulations Whitney and Kent!

Day 227: Blackbelt!

I AM THE PROUD SISTER OF A BLACK BELT!!

GO SAM!!

Day 183: My Sewing Machine

Yes, that is right. For my birthday, my amazing mother got me a great, great gift. She is up to her eyes in plans and projects for my wedding. But never the less, she had the time and thoughtfulness to surprise me with an awesome, awesome birthday gift - A sewing machine. No more using someone's used machine sometimes. I have my own. Grandma Theilen will be so proud, maybe even more excited then my mom and I. Meanwhile, my father is explaining to my fiance how much money one really "saves" with frequent trips to Jo Ann's fabrics. Hahaha.
If you know my family, you know that sewing is a huge tradition. My
The icing on the cake? Patterns to make curtain for our new home!

Photo Credit

Day 182: Sam

HAPPY BIRTHDAY SAM!

Love You!

Disclaimer: the details of this birthday and the gifts invovled are not yet able to be disclosed.

Day 179: AYSO

This is my new favorite Saturday morning tradition.Watching my little brothers soccer team. Nothing like American Youth Soccer! Go AYSO.

Photo Credit

Day 178: Brad

Today’s post has got to be about my fiancé, on his birthday. I have been thinking about it for almost a month. Earlier this week, I started to type a list of reasons he is wonderful, one for every year he has been alive. But Brad is not the type for cheesy, gushing displays for appreciation. So, I am going to skip that and just say that I love him. I am so glad he was born. I hope he enjoys his birthday gift. I am so thankful that the Lord led me to such a wonderful man.

106 days.

Day 150: Pack 414

Saturday was a big day. My little brother is an outgoing Cub Scout. And Saturday morning was an action packed Pinewood Derby Day. There was checking in. There was weighing in. There was a rope line. There was randomized racing procedures to insure fair scoring. There were medals. There were donuts. There was pizza. There was capri-sun.
It was a good day.
Oh, and Sam is the campaign of the Weebos 2 race.
Big Day.

Photo Credit

Holiday Tour: Christmas Eve

After a day of wrapping at home with Kristen...
After Christmas Eve dinner at Aubrey's...
After service at Grace Lutheran...
After Sweets & Spirits with friends...
Before we exchanged gifts with each other and Harding...
A new holiday tradition - Christmas Eve Service at Second Presbyterian Church.

Emmanuel!

Part of the "Our First Christmas" National Tour.

Photo Credit

Holiday Tour: Matt & Joanna

In the midst of celebrating the season and our families, we're celebrating Matt and Joanna's marriage in Memphis!

Part of the "Our First Christmas" National Tour.

Photo Credit

Holiday Tour: Abingdon, IL

Abingdon, Illinois. Home of high school sweetheart Marlene and Jerry Landon.

No, it's not Knox County, Tennessee...it's Knox County, IL. Brad and I join my parents and brothers in a holiday visit to my Grandma Ce. Here's to making the hometown newspaper and to sharing wedding plans with Aunt Debbie for Whitney's big day.

Part of the "Our First Christmas" National Tour.

Photo Credit (thanks for Aunt Donna for her work with the Abingdon Historical Society)

Holiday Tour: Obion, TN

Obion County Tennessee (View from Main Street in Union City, 1954 and Today)

This is home of Brad's family, his grandparent's farm, and my new favorite place!
Part of the "Our First Christmas" National Tour.

Photo Credit