The trials and tribulations of the Carter family - along with some pretty cute photos of some pretty great kids!
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A love for horses
It's been about a year now that we casually looked for ponies for sale and had casual conversation with Bob's dad about adding a pony to the herd. Some times we had a more focused look, but we were either too late on the interest call or it just wasn't quite right. This past Christmas Bob's dad started talking more about adding a pony, knowing that there are 3 little girls in Apple Valley that he's hoping may take a liking towards horses and 2 girls right here in Granite Falls that already do! But again, either the price wasn't right, or the pony was already sold.
Twister!
Well, about a month ago it was brought up again and this time with a more serious tone, of have you seen anything out there that looks nice? For those of you that know me, this is like putting a scent in front of a bloodhound and telling him to go find! The search was on! The first one we all liked - yep, SOLD. Then Bob found a 6 yr old 12.1hand paint pony in Starbuck, MN. It was agreed upon by Bob, myself and Ken that this was one to follow up on! The ball was in my court to make contact with the sellers and the pony was still for sale! Friday, April 1st we got the call "so do you want to go look at ponies tomorrow?" from Bob's dad and the excursion was planned! The owners of "Tucker" would be home after 2:30 and we can come and see him then!
First night at the Carter farm
By 2:00, we all piled into the mini-van and headed to Starbuck! Emma and Grandma Carter in the back, Joelle and Grandpa Carter in the middle and Bob and I up front and we made Twister come along too! (He needs some socialization.) He slept on his pillow all the way up between Emma and Grandma Carter in the back. Twister is avery good rider, just terrified of new people.
After visiting with Jennifer, the owner, she saddled up Tucker and rode him up and down the road. We liked what we saw! After some side conversations, we made an offer and it was accepted! Sunday we would drive back up to get him! Bob, Emma and Grandpa Carter headed out by 1:30 on Sunday to get him!
Tuesday was the first day to get good pictures and Emma worked with him after school. The two seem to have hit it off and Emma had to balance between working with the new pony and with Lena! Decisions.... decisions...
Oh, and as a family we agreed we could change his name and Tucker is now an official member of the Carter herd by the name of Apache!
And here we are... October of 2020. I'm not sure where the time has gone, while struggling between feeling it has gone too fast and yet being ready for things to move along and leave a few chapters in the past. To say that 2020 has tested our strength is a bit understated. But, even on our worst days and weeks - we have come out smiling. Don't get me wrong, those smiles aren't always easy and sometimes they mask the exhaustion, the grief and the tears. But boy when they are truly out of happy moments and seeing how we survive from these difficult times, those smiles are worth millions. Today... was a day that hit me hard... unexpectedly hard. Today, being everything I need to be right now is hard... it's exhausting... it's daunting... it's what this chapter is. Today... oh boy today has been a hot mess... It was a recognition of how much I'm grieving and still so thankful for this life we have. I'm so thankful to have an amazing friend, Erica...
I've gotten away from regularly writing, and with the start of 2019 I decided now is the time to revisit writing! It's a great way to look at events happening in our lives and remind ourselves of the blessings we have no matter how busy or complicated life gets! Part of 2019 includes returning to school work for me. As I look at my future goals for my career, I decided the time is now to look at getting my degree in Organizational Leadership. I applied for admission to Metropolitan State University ( www.metrostate.edu ) and started courses in January! 1 week in and I'm already wondering why I thought this was a great idea. This first semester back at it will most likely be the most difficult as I'm taking on 3 courses - if I survive this, I'll be able to make this happen! What this means is fitting in course work during lunch breaks and after the girls head to bed, and of course hours on the weekends. If I look a little tired, this may explain the bags under m...
Saying goodbye is never easy, in fact it's one of the most difficult things to do. Our strength is being tested today as we make the decision for Botti that means we have to put his needs before ours. I will never forget the day we drove to get Botti. It was a complete surprise to Emma, a Minnesota spring day, March 2006. She was grumpy about having to go to the Twin Cities with us, thinking it was about getting stuff for the store. But then we pulled up to Petco in Eden Prairie, again she thought we were just picking up things for the cats and Rosie. Then we got inside and met up with the animal shelter there for pet adoption day and asked to see the collie puppies we had inquired about. That's when we met Botti and a few of his litter mates. His eyes captured our hearts. Emma's smile was priceless when we asked if we should bring him home. Botti hasn't had an easy road health-wise, but he made it clear that he would always watch over...
Tuesday was the first day to get good pictures and Emma worked with him after school. The two seem to have hit it off and Emma had to balance between working with the new pony and with Lena! Decisions.... decisions... 
Tuesday was the first day to get good pictures and Emma worked with him after school. The two seem to have hit it off and Emma had to balance between working with the new pony and with Lena! Decisions.... decisions... 
I love Emma's smile!
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