Merry Christmas!!!

Noah,
Better late than never. Merry Christmas!! We had a very busy holiday. We were in the car more than we were at home. We exchanged gifts at Pop and Nana's, then I took you home for a bath and a long winters nap while mom stayed with mamaw Luce. Then Christmas day we went to Papaw Charlies for breakfast. Then we came back home where you proceeded to take a nap. Then we went to MiMis for a light lunch and exchanged gifts. You got more than you could have ever wanted. Then we went to Aunt Lyndas and ate BBQ. You liked Papaw Cranford's sauce(shh..its a secret recipe). Then we got more stuff, and we announced that you are going to be a big brother! Congratulations! We will discuss this more in depth later. But being the older sibling means a lot of responsibility, a lot of taking the lime light, and a lot of understanding. Until then, be good and dont eat any peanuts.

Dad

West Rowan 35 West Craven 7

This was the kickoff where we were sitting.

West Craven wore red, West Rowan was in the White

This is before the game when the West Rowan Falcons came on the field.

This is the West Craven Eagles warming up.

Man, its cold!

Noah,
Thats all uncle jeremy and papaw kept saying yesterday. It was chilly, but not as cold as Chapel Hill in 1993. It was below 0 degrees with the wind, but Lincolnton won that night so we didnt know it. But yesterday we went to Wake Forest and watched the two games as I had said. West Rowan and Greensboro Dudley both won. The first game was a disaster. WR ran a 80 yard run from the first play from scrimmage. West Craven then had four interceptions, three sacks and a fumble in the end zone. Needless to say, West Craven beat themselves. The second game wasnt much better. Dudley's QB, Ricky Lewis, ran all over ALBrown. ALBrown just had no defense for the option run attack. West Rowan won 35-7 and Dudley won 34-18. We wont discuss the price of concessions. I also got you a program and it has a Lincolnton player on the front. The only bad thing...my camera batteries died and I only got pics of the first game between West Craven and West Rowan.

Dad
Quote of the day: "@#@#, 5.00 for a Cheesburger man. What is this? Now I know why people tailgate."
-A West Rowan redneck fan

Happy Birthday to Me!!!!!

Noah,
Today was my birthday. For the most part, it was rather uneventful. You and mom got me a bear named Jonah that pulls for UNC; Mimi and Pop gave me money. Tomorrow we are eating at Papaw and Mamaw Harkey's for supper. This weekend I'm going to watch the 3A and 3AA state title games: AL Brown v. Greensboro Dudley and West Craven v. West Rowan. I hope to get pictures for you to see the action. Maybe sometime you can go with me. Anyways, thats all for now. Talk later.

Dad

South Point 28, Asheville Cougars 0

No Cranberries???

Noah,
Sorry its been so long. The holidays are really exhausting. Happy Thanksgiving by the way. We both ate a lot of turkey...three different times. You got extremely upset when I spent a little time with your cousin, and I was baffled by a lack of cranberry sauce. Come to find out it got left in the fridge. Anyways, this past Friday Uncle Jeremy, I, and Papaw Cranford went to see South Point and Asheville play. It was very unexciting and penalty-filled. SP won 28-0. I am going again this Friday to watch Kings Mountain and A.L. Brown. I hope it provides a little more in the way of a football game. I will try to get some pics. Then, next weekend I will be traveling to Winston Salem to watch the 3A and the 3AA state title games where hopefully both South Point and Kings Mountain will be playing. South Point plays Aunt Erin's school this week..hopefully SP will take it easy on them. Well, thats all for now. Talk later.

Dad

Feeding Time

Noah, This is Cody. He is very active, but loyal.

Jim is always very hungry. He doesnt like to be petted.

Yes, we eat chickens.

These birds are loud and very obnoxious.

She really didnt like Star Wars

Noah,
It has been a while since I wrote. I have been sick this past weekend, your birthday, but still managed to attend church with you where you received the box. Lincolnton beat Cherryville 42-14, but the Panthers and Tar Heels both didnt play so I will keep you updated. The election is today, and we must pray and hope for the proper outcomes.

I know the title is confusing, but as normal I watched my favorite show..How I Met Your Mother. The show was basically about Ted and how he was afraid of confronting his ex girlfriend that ditched him at the altar. Instead of being angry, he was instilled with fear, hiding under a table in a restaurant. After a lengthy discussion with friends, he decided to confront his fears. It was at this point that he realized how she had controlled him like a puppet. In the words of friend Marshall, "..she didnt really like Star Wars.." But in the end, he realized that confrontation is not always the best medicine, but just letting go. I guess the lesson is simply that..you can run and hide, you can get mad, or just let it go for the best.

Dad

More pics!!!

Noah,
Not much is happening. Mom and I are trying to get ready for your party this Saturday. We went to Aunt Lynda's this past Friday for cousin Johns birthday. The Panthers won yesterday unbelievably 27-23 over the Arizona Cardinals. UNC also won, beating Boston College 45-24. I hope your week goes well and you are able to enjoy your party with all the flash bulbs and video cameras.

Dad

This is where your high school plays football, Von Ray Harris Field

They have won several state titles.
This is some pregame ritual stuff, getting ready for the Rebels.



You cant see the scoreboard too well because of the rain but its 29-0 at halftime.
Ok, its time for kickoff.....

Exs are trouble

Noah,
I have not updated in over a week, sorry. Your birthday is coming up, which on some level is exciting yet on some level exhausting and stressful. The Panthers won big this past sunday, 30-7, over the New Orleans Saints which I thought they honestly would lose. I also got to go to the LHS game this past friday, which we won 43-6 over West Lincoln. It rained most of the night but I was able to get several pictures for you. The real reason I was actually writing was because I was watching my fave sitcom, How I Met Your Mother, which always provides a good moral lesson much like Andy Griffith. Anyways, last night your mom somehow surmised that the series would end with Ted getting married in the middle of the season. To which I quickly pointed out that the producers and writers would not do that. Short story long, he didnt get married. His old ex was invited as well as his finacees ex and his finacee ended up getting back with her ex husband. The lesson here...dont invite an ex to your wedding. Thats all I got for now. Oh...I loaded some songs down at the bottom. Some are inspirational, some make you think, and some are just for fun that I listened to growing up. As you can see, I could not decide on just a few. Of course, David Gray, Garth Brooks, Jeremy Camp and Bon Jovi were mere necessities. The rest were optional.

Dad

Buzzzzzz!!!

Noah,
Not much is going on here. Jenn and Johan stopped by to visit. Mom and I are still going round with contractors on what exactly to do about the house. You stayed with Pop and Mimi while I worked in the yard all day. Oh yes..the reason I wrote...I was stung twice by an invisible yet very real yellow jacket nest. They are one of the creatures God could have done without. FYI-they are not friendly. OUCH!!!

DAD

Noah,
Not much at all has happened in the last week. The stock market keeps falling, and Im sure Bush will take the blame for this as well as everything else from our Democratic counterparts. The Panthers failed to show up on Sunday, losing 27-3 to Tampa Bay. However, UNC rallied to pull out a win against Notre Dame 29-23. Some would call it an upset, I just call it Butch being Butch. A lot of skeptics criticized Dick Badour for hiring outside of the UNC alum, but it was a good hire. The baseball playoffs are still going on..who knows who will be in the world series..probably Boston again unfortunately. Mom and Dad are looking into doing some things for the house before cousin Hunter's special day next spring. I guess thats really all I can think of to tell you right now. Later.

Dad

I love my John Deere

Life, Death and Butterflies

Noah,
Yesterday was Sunday and we went to church. You and I went down for the children's time where you preceded to pay no attention to the sermon on life, death, and butterflies. The message was simple really..one day we are born and each day we live we get closer to death. Your mom and I will explain this and how you came about one day. The bulk of your time was spent trying to get Veronica to notice you. We'll talk about that later. Then we took communion. In the afternoon, we went with Grandma Luce to the Shelton reunion where we all ate til we were stuffed. You ate til you were sick. Mom was voted as President of the reunion. Its sounds spiffy, but she's in charge of invitations and the like. Then that night we went next door to the Crowes' where we got to see their new renovation. Mr. Crowe had to show me his new tv. Its a "plasma" he says. I guess I was to be impressed. The guy that did their addition may be working on our latest renovation when your mom and I figure out if it is financially smart to add on or just move.
The Panthers won easily over a horrible Kansas City team, 34-0. UNC is finally ranked after they beat UCONN 38-12 over the weekend. Not much else happening, just thought I would check in for a minute.

Dad

Globetrotters

Noah,
I was watching one of my favorite shows last night, "How I Met Your Mother" on CBS, and there was a line that really got me thinking for a minute. Marshall, one of the main characters took a job he didnt really care for after searching like mad for a job he had dreamed of. When his wife asked why he took it because it really wasnt what he dreamed of doing, he simply stated, "Well I wanted to be a Harlem Globetrotter and get paid with candy but right now thats not happening either". To simplify, not everything in life is going to turn out how you think it is when your one year old. Thats not to say that you cant achieve whatever you aim to do, but it may not occur at the time that you think it should. In essence, God is in control of your time frame not you. This is a lesson that has taken me thirty years to learn. Galatians states that one of the virtues of every Christian should not only be self-control, but patience. I pray that you have inherited this from your mother, not I. Every day I try to become more patient. Patient with family, you, your mother and God. Until later.

Dad

Noah,

You have been sick all weekend and I have been introduced to purchasing various prescriptions and the pharmacy procedure. Also, the Panthers won today 24-9 to an unimpressive Atlanta Falcons squad. Overall, it was a good win. Jake threw for almost 300 yards and two touchdowns. They are tied with Tampa Bay for the division lead. Lincolnton also won again against South Iredell, 21-13 to bring their record to 4-1. They play county rival East Lincoln this week, which should be another win propelling them towards the playoffs. Not much else is happening here. Mom is planning your birthday party(John Deere theme) while I take more pills for my stomach while I agonize...my fave question is-How much???? Anyways, its rained all week and not much else to do but sit and play. Talk to you later.

Dad

P.S. Its ok to be a cookie sometimes..you'll get it later...

More Bath Pics!!!!

I love my duck!!!

Noah,

I survived my colonoscopy without a hitch. I was scheduled for 9 am and like the hospital I was rolled back shortly after 11. Everything went fine. I woke up and went home. Nothing serious, I just have to take a bunch of pills for my stomach. Yesterday, you spent the morning with mamaw and papaw harkey while mom and dad ran errands. That evening, you and I hung out in the yard where I took a picture of your angel trumpet bush. It is yours because it was planted last year and bloomed the week you were born so I named it your bush. Anyways, I'll talk to you later.

Dad

It Is What It Is

Noah,
Its another Monday, so I thought I would correspond. "It is what it is". I've always hated when John Fox says that after a Panther loss. The Panthers had a miserable showing yesterday, losing 20-10 to the Minnesota Vikings. It was a tale of two halves. However, the defense was lackluster at best. And the offensive line couldnt have stopped a cold. The good news is Lincolnton beat Shelby Friday night, 14-10 to bring our record to 4-1. They may be worthy of another state title run.
On a more serious note, I go in tomorrow for my colonoscopy. Its nothing serious, just some of that adult stuff we have to do from time to time. You stayed with Mimi today, and I think Pop tomorrow. Anyways, I'll be fine I always am. I did read an interesting article in MensHealth about the major rise in patients taking their hospital treatments overseas to such places as Thailand and India due to the decrease in price for most procedures. I found it interesting on the eve of my procedure. I hope to communicate again in another day or two.

Dad

Noah's Bathtime

I love my gator!!!!

I'm all wet!!!!!!

Sorry Noah- I know one day these will be embarrassing, but thats part of my job...

Dad

Governor Palin

Governor Sarah Palin

Senator McCain and Gov. Palin



Noah,

It is election time. I was raised Republican, and always will be. When you get old enough, that is a decision you will have to make. In the meantime, Senator McCain has chosen Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate. I feel very strongly from what I know of her. I feel her position on fiscal policy is what we need for the next four years. She also has taken great strides in turning Alaska into an independent structure, not depending on federal assistance. She also has taken great bounds in turning around the economic situation of Alaska. The unemployment rate in Alaska is at an all time low, and I feel her stands on Iraq and the oil situation as well as healthcare are what we need right now. Obama is known for stating that we need change...well thats what he's getting...a pitbull with lipstick.


Dad

Busy, Busy

Noah,
Everything has been busy around here. Im working like a mad man, and your mom is taking care of grandma luce. We also went to Lowe's last night because your cousin Hunter is having her bridal luncheon here next May. Dont ask, but in life you have to do what you have to do. I am bracing for my colonoscopy on the 23rd. I also found a neat bird feeder in a magazine that I am trying to construct with papaw charlie's expertise and guidance. If it turns out good, I will take a picture for you. I also am waiting on my angel trumpets to bloom to put on here. When they bloom, they make really big flowers for several days. They are special because they bloom right before your birthday. Speaking of which in a month and a half is your big day. Mom and I are busy trying to make arrangements so that it is special. Aunt Jen is helping with invitations, and as normal, I'm already stressing about who will get left out on helping do something(dont ask). Your mom says im like eyeore...doom and gloom. Until then, Im really busy working in and out of the house.....

Dad

Mountain Trip to Osh Kosh

Noah,
Sorry its been a while. This past week you and I hung out at Papaw Charlies to give mom some needed rest. Last weekend we went to the mountain house and to Boone where we bought you some clothes and a very special pack of socks. By the way, the Panthers won today over the Bears. The Bears were supposed to be good, but I'm not sure. This week you also got to wear your Jake Delhomme jersey. I'm not a big fan of his, but it was what we got at the shower so your mom and I let you wear it.
I thought I would let you know you probably will have a propensity for gastro-intestinal problems. I had to visit the Dr. Aswad this week only to discover that I stress to much(big shock) and that I have a scheduled colonoscopy. They make you drink this yucky stuff and stick something up your you know what so they can see whats up there(hopefully nothing). I hope to write more often. Love you.

Dad

Our Day Together

Noah,
Today your Mom went to take care of Grandma Luce so I kept you at home. You did trivial things like make noises, stare at your feet, eat, mess diapers, eat some more, and make more noises. Then I gave you a bath, much to your dismay. While you took a nap, I helped mom clean the house. Then we went to see Grandma Luce and Thomas ordered doughnuts(dont ask). LHS called me back again. I may be a teacher after all.

Dad
P.S. Bojangles doesn't serve doughnuts, ask Uncle Thomas.

Cross Your Toes

Noah,
Today I got a phone call about a job at your future high school, Lincolnton. Hopefully dad will get a job there teaching. This brings about a discussion of patience and perseverance. Now, your mom will tell you later in life that I lack both. This is normally true. However, I have gone to countless Job Fairs, Interviews and classes at L-R to get to this day. Dont give up, dont ever give up. So, keep your fingers crossed for me. Keep your toes crossed.

Dad

Peanut Butter and Jelly

Noah,
I listened to the song "Letter to Me" and it got me to thinking that perhaps I should give you some form of an instruction manual for the first part of your life. These are some things I've learned, not that necessarily happened to me...

Crayons are for coloring not eating, dont eat the dirt on the playground, not all girls have cooties, letting girls chase you in school is not always a bad thing, when in doubt-flush first, always put the toilet seat back down, wash your hands several times a day, dont wish to marry the first girlfriend you get, never wait til the gas hand is on "E" to find a gas pump

Always look both ways before pulling out of the drive, dont race someone around the courtsquare(one lane goes towards the Citizens Center), be proud of Lincolnton High School, feel sorry for people who have learned that Duke University is a great school, remember that UNC has a medical school and dental school despite what you may hear, remember that you will use Algebra after high school, its ok to ask for lunch money when youre 16, dont talk to strangers, your first break-up will be the fastest, girls are like trains-soon as one leaves the station, the next one is coming in for a stop, under no circumstances do you pull for NC State in anything

Always watch out for bees, save your money, tithe when you can, be quiet in church(if possible, because God is listening), not everything you hear in church is the truth, always assume me and mom are right, if you are turning left on Main St. make sure there is nothing coming, make sure your in-laws like you as much as you like them, stop for coffee every now and then, make your g/f and/or wife understand that you love them more than LHS or UNC, wear extra socks during playoff games(we usually have to play a mountain team), wear sunscreen when mom makes you(sunburn is the pits), if you have the chance always eat dessert, please try the persimmon pudding its good, when mom is gone overnight i promise to fix you a spamburger, City Lunch has the best hotdog and a cheap breakfast, dont get a credit card...

When on the riding mower, the right pedal is the brake, watch out for jellyfish at the beach, dont put seashells or sand in your mouth, spiders are our friends-just dont touch them, our neighbor isnt crazy-i just think so, dont race in the street on your bike, be back home by when your mom or I say so, hard work is work worth doing, work smart but not too hard, homework is important, try to read one book over each summer, keep a journal, once youre 18 you can have a tattoo if mom says its ok(fyi-she wont), watching a chick flick every now and then wont kill you, girls dont like bloody movies, ride Peter Pan when at Disney World, if in Charleston dont go to the aquarium, please remember the trip I plan to take to Philadelphia(I know its history, but one day you'll like it), and lastly no matter how old you get you still can eat Peanut Butter and Jelly.

Dad

Beach Trip

Noah,

Papaw Charlie and Grandma Queeta got to go to Florida while I took care of their little "farm". It was hot while they were gone. It came a bad storm and your great-great uncle Ned Setzer decided to come home a day early. They were nice enough to bring you back a hat. Its Carolina Blue, dad's fave!!!

You got up early this morning, ate breakfast and decided not to nap. Later, you visited with Grandma Luce. Then you came back and took a nap for four hours...what a life!!! Hope you have sweet dreams tonight. Love ya. Bye until later.

Dad

P.S. Tip for the day: Dont stick things up your nose-it could be hard to get out.

Cranford Cookout

Noah,

I'm sure you've already seen your mom's blog but every July we have a family cookout because half of your granddad's family has birthdays that month. I hate you never got to meet great grandpa cranford, he was special. Your cousins Sydney and Abby were there, and of course they had to hold you, along with Heather, Uncle Jeremy and everyone else. It was hot. We ate a lot. Did I mention it was hot? Until later, have fun.

Dad

P.S. Tip of the Day: You're not going to like everything you eat, but if Mom says so you have to try it...trust me...no fish sticks...

Yes, we have goats!

Noah,

This was the other day. We have been having to take care of Great-Grandpa's little "farm" this week. You enjoy watching the goats and listening to them crunch as they eat their feed. We enjoy our time together. They really smell, and your mom makes you wash your hands after petting them so you dont get sick. This is August, and its hot as you know what. Anyways, yes they are goats; they eat a lot and they smell very bad. Maybe one day you will have goats of your own to share with your son. Bye for now.

Dad

P.S. Dont stick your hands in your mouth before you wash the dirt off.

Noah,

Today was my day off and while you and mom took a nap I cooked breakfast. Then you woke up, and I took your picture. You like having your picture took right now; you probably won't like it too much later on in life. I have set up this blog so that you can look back on your time and see how your life was as a kid and how you have grown over the years. It's hard being a kid these days, but it's much harder to be a dad...remember that. Being a dad means having the courage to do whats best at all times, and have a little fun along the way.

Dad

P.S. Tip of the Day: Take as many naps as you can now; when you get my age you dont get them until you're Papaw Charlie's age...