The Norwapps-a 'beautifully blended' family

Answering the Call-Riley Kate, Russia, 2011

2011-03-11T21:06:00.004-06:00

3/11/11

Riley Kate, 15

DFW International Airport

Destination: St. Petersburg, Russia

Meet the Bears-2009

2009-08-18T13:58:00.003-05:00

I don't know who was more excited to meet the players-Baylor or Johnny! We had a fun family day this past Saturday. We left our house bright and early to pick up Ms. Victoria Gendron (our 4th kid) and headed down south to Waco... Ate a deep fried lunch at The Cracker Barrel and then made a quick stop (not quick enough for Johnny)at the Baylor Book Store to update our look for the 2009football season. And as always, we said a fast hello to the grizzlies... Next, we made our way to the Ferrell Center and took the shuttle to the practice/scrimmage on the outdoor field. Hot Day but them Bears are lookin' good!!! (at least that is what Johnny and the headlines on the Bear web site tell me) (Speaking of the web site--They posted a photo of our sweet Baylor with Coach Briles in the photo gallery from the team signing) All of the kids had a great time meeting the players and getting autographs. Riley and Victoria did some boy watching but Reagan has set her sights a little higher...like on the strength and conditioning coach, Coah Kaz. That guy has muscles like you only see in a magazine! Was a great day and now we just wait as we count down the days til September 5, the first game of the season...

Meet the Bears-2009

2009-08-18T13:54:00.001-05:00

Mexico 2009- Happy 7 Years to us!

2009-08-18T13:07:00.002-05:00

Johnny and I enjoyed a great trip to Playa Mujeres to celebrate our 7 year wedding anniversary. We loved being alone in our private hydra-pool on our 2nd floor balcony, having a restful couple massage in the beautiful spa and being on the beach at night... We had delicious meals in the restaurants (french, italian, lobster) and a great time at the mexican fiesta with our new found friends from Minnesota, Ron & Nikki... We planned the trip to be alone and ended up spending most of our days at the pool being crazy and most of our evenings at dinner, etc. with Ron, Nikki and some other new friends. The days went quick but by the last night we were both very ready to get back home to our kids. Now it is time to begin making plans for our 8th.....

Mexico 2009--7 year Anniversary Trip

2009-08-18T12:02:00.001-05:00

Jonas Brothers--Here We Come!!!

2009-06-22T15:17:00.002-05:00

Reagan was blessed with tickets to the concert for her 9th birthday from her Grandma and Pa Pa Sapp. She was able to choose a friend to go and much to my dismay, it was not me! Reagan and Ashlyn had just about as much fun getting ready for the concert as they did at the actual show. Matching outfits, hot pink hair extensions, manicures and pedicures too! Can U say SPOILED???? They had the time of their life and were completely shocked at the surprise guest, Miss Miley Cyrus... Pretty sure that I can't top this birthday gift, Don't think I will even try. :)

2009-06-22T14:47:00.002-05:00

THREE MONTHS AND COUNTING!!!

2009-06-19T09:52:00.002-05:00

The first Baylor home game is September 19, which happens to be Riley's 14th Birthday... We bought a 6 pack of season tickets this year to allow the kids to alternate in bringing a friend to a game. Guess Riley will be first since it IS her special day... We also purchased tickets to the Baylor VS Texas Tech game to be played at the new Cowboy Stadium. I can see the glimmer in Johnny's eye every time he thinks about it... AHHHHHHHH, SIC EM BEARS!!!

Baylor's Swim Lessons

2009-06-19T09:28:00.008-05:00

When the pools opened in May it seemed that Baylor had forgotten most of what he knew about swimming from the years past. He did explain, "I habent been swimmin in for-eber." And it's true to a 5 1/2 year old 9 months is nearly for-eber... We enrolled him in lessons at Aqua Kids and I am happy to say that after 2 weeks he has gotten his fins back!!! Not only did he improve on his swimming but he developed quite a crush on his teacher, Miss Corie. He is ALL boy!!!! And I am so glad that he is my boy...

First Real Sleep-Over

2009-05-27T14:53:00.006-05:00

Baylor had his dear friend, Caeden spend the night for the first time this past weekend. They were counting down the minutes until drop off time. BOYS ARE SO MUCH FUN!!!! We had dinner at Cheddar's(cookie monsters included), played at the spray park,and at the playground and stayed up waaay to late!!! (Well, they did, not me) And then went to church on Sunday and enjoyed cinnamon rolls from the vending machine. (prob a highlight for each of them) Was a great time for them both...

Baylor Has Graduated!!!

2009-05-27T14:41:00.004-05:00

LOOK OUT KINDERGARTEN, HERE HE COMES!!!!!!! We are so very proud of our little guy and excited for him as he goes to elementary school this fall. I have to admit though that my eyes did "water" a bit at the graduation ceremony. Baylor has thoroughly enjoyed New Creation at The MET and has been blessed with the greatest teachers each of his 3 years. Special Thanks to Mrs. Misty and Mrs. Angie for a great final year. Baylor has made some sweet friends at New Creation but none compare to the bond that he has with Caeden Word. I think it is rare for little boys to connect like they have. We will stay in touch with Caeden and his family and be blogging High School Graduation Pics of the boys before we know it!

Dental Appointment

2009-05-27T14:05:00.004-05:00

Well, I am beginning to think that when you are a serious blogger you start taking pictures of every cotton pickin' event or occasion that may come along... Heck, you even start creating opportunities to snap random shots. "Hey Kids, let's go outside and water the plants so I can get it on record." The girls had cavities filled and sealants and it is all on captured on film. I also got footage of the numb, lopsided smiles afterward but won't embarrass my sweet girls by posting those. We laughed and laughed as Reagan insisted on eating a Hershey bar and drinking a diet dp through a straw before the Novocaine wore off--What a mess!!! I always knew that I wanted to be a mom and experience the joy that it brings but I had no idea that the simplest things like a dental appointment can become a treasured memory...

All Because Two People Fell in Love

2009-05-26T13:37:00.013-05:00

My grandparents celebrated 60 years of married bliss and the entire family was honored to celebrate with them...3 Children, 7 Grandchildren and 6 Great-Grand Children are here all because two very special people fell in love... or at least because they procreated... Thanks for that by the way, Grammy and Pa Pa!!!

Field Day 2009-REAGAN

2009-05-26T13:19:00.006-05:00

I was blessed to have the Friday of Field Day off to enjoy a special day with my sweet girl-- Field Day happened to be Teacher Appreciation Lunch day as well, so I relieved Mrs. R. and got to do my dream job for an hour. Playing teacher was too much fun. Heads Up Seven Up and Hangman... Glad it wasn't TAKS day.:) The weather was perfect a bit overcast and a slight breeze. To top it all off--the girls beat the boys at tug of war!!! I remember 3rd grade like it was yesterday...Where does the time go???

Baseball is God's way of saying Happy Spring!

2009-05-13T13:08:00.006-05:00

I used to detest baseball. To me it brought thoughts of hot, sweaty, boring days. It was a game that just goes on and on. Notice I said used to... I am telling you that a dimpled-face, blue-eyed, blonde-headed boy has the ability to change even the most definite of opinions. Not only am I screaming my head off at 2-3 games per week (when the rain cooperates) but I am watching a diamond shaped field on tv most nights and even some afternoons in place of a nap. The team doesn't even have to be our home team. We certainly don't miss a Ranger's game but I find myself watching any baseball game that might be on. I'm even yelling at remote-happy Johnny, on behalf of Baylor of course, to switch back to the game before the commercials are over because we might miss a good play. I now know what a double play is and have even learned that a grand-slam is actually something more than a breakfast item on the Denny's menu. Children have a way of causing us to see life in a whole different way. To enjoy what they enjoy, to laugh because they laugh and to smile because they smile... Pictured with this blog--Mi Mi & Poppy, Amma & Nanna & Grandma & Grandpa Pitman and Kyle & Diana Pitman... all here to share an event with a little boy who has changed their life

Pastries with Parents--New Creation Preschool-THE MET

2009-05-13T12:30:00.004-05:00

I enjoyed a yummy muffin and some special time with my little guy and his classmates. The kids sang the most precious songs in chapel and learned a sweet lesson about the Lord, our shepherd. (Props included a stuffed Daddy Sheep and a Baby Lamb) I praise God for the blessing of having all three of my children having been a part of a Bible based preschool program to help form strong spiritual foundations. Pictured above you can see Baylor and his BEST friend in the whole world, Caeden Word and his teachers for 2008-2009 Ms. Angie & Ms. Misty.

Children's Day 2009

2009-05-13T11:19:00.009-05:00

Sadly our annual Children's Day picnic had to be rescheduled due to rain but the kids did a fabulous job of leading us in worship... Strange not seeing Riley on stage this year. She is growing up way too fast. Above are some pics of Reagan doing her thing and Baylor with his class before entering the church in the kid parade.

2009-05-13T11:13:00.002-05:00

PHOTO SHOOT

Photo Shoot-Riley & Baylor

2009-05-08T13:59:00.004-05:00

Sometimes they fight like cats and dogs and other times they play so nicely together... These are pics from a photo shoot that Riley conducted as the photographer and Baylor served as her very willing model as you can plainly see.

From the Heart...

2009-04-15T08:25:00.004-05:00

I am putting a very disturbing but popular opinion into type... While, I know most of those who will read this and follow my blog regularly do not share this view, it is important to recognize that many parents in our community do and their children are in our neighborhoods and schools and are in need of our prayers and service. I am speaking of the idea that we, as parents, should not "push" our religious or spiritual views onto our children but rather allow them to research and determine what is best for them as they grow and mature. The world thinks that this thought gives a child the luxury to be who she was made to be. Unfortunately, this so called "luxury" strips the child of becoming who their creator made them to be... The Bible gives explicit guidelines as to how to parent in a spiritual manner... Fathers (& mothers), do not exasperate your children; instead bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. (Ephesians 6:4) Luke 18:16 says, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of God belongs to such as these." The Lord not only commands us as elders to keep the path free of obstacles between our child and Christ Jesus but also states that NOT allowing a child the privilege to freely follow Christ will prevent them from receiving the great inheritance of our KING! I have heard it said recently that children should be left to fully explore and determine which GOD they desire to serve. Let me make this point clear, there is NO DOUBT that our children or teenagers will find a GOD to serve! Whether it be the god of materialism, god of chemical dependency, god of lust and sexual impurity, god of self... There is no shortness of opportunities to deflect from the one true GOD... A lifetime full of sadness, emptiness, pain and hardship can easily be avoided with a proper foundation. Granted, as Believers and followers of Christ we are not exempt from sadness, hurt or even mistakes with consequences but we are blessed with a peace and joy that surpasses human ability. As parents, we do many things to care for our children. Nourish, love, clothe, protect, educate... Has it ever been said that it would be best to give a child the freedom to eat or dress at their own discretion? To learn to read and write when they deem necessary? To seek medical attention when they determine? What if one waits too long to instill either spiritual or physical values? When is it too late? A funeral took place yesterday... A sixteen year old sophomore girl was killed in a car accident. Her parents do not regret a single moment that they spent nourishing her as a young child... teaching her to tie her shoes and ride a bike... but it is not those things that they consider the highest of the lessons taught and then learned... This mom and dad, rest assured that their child will spend an eternity with her Savior as a result of her decision to follow Christ. This is the sweet fruit from an unshakeable foundation that they helped to lay and which guided her to the feet of her God whose arms hold her today.

Happy 9th Birthday, Reagan!

2009-04-13T13:19:00.002-05:00

How many parties can one girl have??? Well, in this case 4... Reagan celebrated at Carinos on Sunday prior to her birthday with a family lunch... (and the Pitmans...) Next, Reagan's class shared in the fun with cupcakes on her actual day, April 1st. On Friday, April 3, Reagan celebrated once more at her dad's house with family. And then here are the pics from Reagan's final party birthday gala of April 2009 at Sunshine Glaze in Southlake. Reagan and some her BFFs (we missed you Ashlyn) painted pottery and had some good old fashioned girly-girl fun!

A Family Tradition

2009-04-13T13:12:00.000-05:00

Ready for Runway-(Modeling not Airplanes)

2009-04-08T13:23:00.001-05:00

We did a "mini" photo shoot prior to Riley heading to Dallas for an audition. And recently thereafter Riley was "viewed" by Kim Dawson... Riley was not tall enough by their standards... But it won't be long.

Let me tell you something about my beautiful Riley... Not only is she beautiful on the outside but her exterior pales in comparison to the interior!

The light of the Lord shines brightly through this girl and I know that God has placed a very special calling on Riley's life. I look forward with anticipation to see how He will use her to bring Him glory...

Our Pretty Princess

2009-04-07T14:52:00.000-05:00

Reagan had a school project called a Living Museum.

She was required to choose a famous person, either living or deceased and research this person and then "be" this person in a sort of live presentation...

Reagan first selected Ronald Reagan much to my delight but not because of his politics... But because he was an actor and shared her name! (funny how 9 year old girls think)

Too bad for Reagan that Ronald Reagan had already been chosen by another classmate and so she had to reselect...She chose Princess Diana. (at my suggestion)

Baylor, Nanna and I visited Reagan at school on this rainy afternoon to see Reagan, I mean Princess Di do her thing.

She was just precious as you can tell by the pics and learned alot through the project.

Rea Rea has a true curiosity about history and loves to learn. (where she gets it, I don't know)

I am forever referring her to google for the answers she is looking for...

Easter Egg Hunt

2009-04-07T14:40:00.001-05:00

Sunday after church Johnny, Baylor and I picked up a healthy lunch (ARBY'S) and headed over to Bear Creek Park for an Easter Egg hunt with our ABF class from church... BRRRRRRRR, it was so cold and windy... There's nothing like a picnic in a Ford Explorer. After eating, the dad's hid the egss (while the mommys and kids stayed warm in the cars) and then the mommys and kids came out just long enough to hunt eggs and pose for a quick photo opp. Making Memories even while we shivered... Bet Riley and Reagan are happy to have missed out on this memory making opportunity.. :)

2009-04-07T14:33:00.000-05:00

Let's Go Rangers, Let's Go!!!

2009-04-07T09:59:00.000-05:00

There is nothing more fun than to watch your kids play ball... Any kind of ball at all... (well, maybe a couple of things but it definately makes my top ten) Riley played volleyball in the fall, Reagan played basketball this winter and now Baylor is playing baseball... (I try my best not to overlap sports but the day is coming soon where that is a thing of the past...) Baylor is the cutest Texas Ranger that I have ever laid eyes on...And the way that little ear folds forward under that baseball cap is a picture that I want to store away in my mind to "pull" out and cherish many years down the road... He is still in the learning stage of the game but I feel sure that practice will make perfect and he practices NON-STOP! I praise God for a sweet, sweet daddy that never tires of throwing pitches to our little guy.

crazy name...sweet family...

2009-04-07T09:23:00.000-05:00

What kind of name is that??? It is the combination of Norwood and Sapp... We are a beautifully blended family. Like all families we certainly have our struggles but we find our strength and power in our Lord, Jesus Christ...