Home Boy Real Estate

Are you keeping up?

I love space stuff, I have since I was a little boy. I still have factoids stored in my brain from elementary school that were just impossible to understand, and yet I couldn’t stop thinking about them. I remember reading that if the atoms in your body were the size of your thumbnail then your body would be big enough to hold the planet earth in the palm of your hand. I couldn’t clearly understand that, and yet I was so moved by it. Stuff gets so dang small! Then I learned that light travels at 186,000 miles per second, and could go around the planet earth almost 8 times in 1 second - and also that it would take 100,000 years to cross the Milky Way galaxy moving at the speed of light…. Holy smokes, it gets so dang big! The size of your universe is such a matter of perspective, and what you are focusing on. . I’ve been struggling finding the ground without my Pop over the last few months. It’s the most deeply personal battle I’ve ever had fought. It’s so easy to find myself thinking that nobody could understand this feeling. And sometimes I have a wave of calm wash over me, and I re-discover that we all experience joy and loss. I have found myself focusing on my little world, and that’s when my pain is the greatest. I still love thinking about my personal experience. I love my life. When I take a chance to let my universe be a little bigger I find that there is peace, and joy. . My father was a great man, and the world is better for having him in it. His impact was clearly much larger than just our family. I’ve had trouble reading all of the stories that people have shared with me about him because I focus on my little universe. There is a time for that, and today is one of those times. I’m fully in my feels today. And I’m also taking the time to enjoy your posts about your dads. Thank you for sharing your stories. I’m working on making my world a big one that has a lot of great dads in it. . I hope that if you are hurting that you can make your world big and see that we are all connected by our joy and grief, and maybe you can still share this day with someone. Kent Carter was a great man, and I’m so proud to get to be his son. . Peace & Joy, Grady Kent Carter https://www.instagram.com/p/CQWrgoHhQhG/?utm_medium=tumblr

Mallory, you are not chill, and I’m so glad. I love you so much that I miss you even when I’m with you… Thank you for agreeing to do this life with me, I can’t believe how lucky I am. Thank you for looking out for me, you know me better than I know myself. Thank you for caring so deeply. You are the most amazing person I’ve ever known. Your intentionality over these years has changed who I am, and I’m not going back! I love you, and I mean it. xo https://www.instagram.com/p/CPW2D0ZBNHX/?utm_medium=tumblr

I’m so lucky to have so many wonderful mothers in my life. My Mom was a child whisperer, and she made growing up in our house magical. I’ve never seen anyone work so hard for others, she is an absolute freak of nature. Mom, you are kind, funny, persistent, and so strong. I’m so glad your on my team. . Growing up when good things would happen my Mom would always say, “Just my luck!”, and tell us that we were a lucky people. I’ve believed it since I was a kid. I feel so incredibly lucky. Mom, thank you for surrounding us with amazing women like Kathryn to be in our tribe, and thank you for raising your daughters to be amazing mothers too. Apparently we can get through anything. We do hard things, thanks to your parents. You didn’t sign up to take care of your mom everyday, you just do it because that’s the standard. . Meanwhile because I come from a lucky people I lucked into an amazing family. Shari, Johnita, and Cameron - you all have blessed my life so much it’s silly. God bless all of the Mom’s in this crazy world! https://www.instagram.com/p/COqHUS6hW3d/?igshid=ltbd48wthu4c

Happy 70th Birthday to an absolute nut! We are missing him big time today… We felt like we were so close to getting to share this day with him since he’d received his first Covid vaccine less than a week before he got sick, and he was so very cautious. Today we want to celebrate the good stuff, and by that I mean the great stuff! . First I want to address his service tomorrow: - Location: Alameda Church of Christ in Norman - Time: 10:00 a.m. - It will also be streamed live online, and several of us will share that link just before the service. If you can’t join in person, or you are afraid of a big crowd we’d love to have you join us online. - MASKS ARE REQUIRED . We had a fantastic family lunch today to celebrate him, and we mostly talked about his sweetness. We had to make a little fun, particularly about his ability to embellish and make a great story. We all feel incredibly lucky to have had him in our lives, and especially in our family. He was the best of us. He was amazing at making people feel special, what a gift. He always loved asking people “How are you?”, and when they would respond with “fine/ok/good” he would persist by saying “NO! How ARE YOU?!”, as he grinned so big. He craved a deeper connection. I’m definitely his kid, and I just want to become more and more like him every day. . When he attended events with music and dancing he would wait with anticipation for The Cupid Shuffle. The moment it came on he would race to the dance floor, while my mom would turn to someone and say “He’s going to throw his back out”. So tonight before bed you can believe that I’m going to be doing a little Cupid Shuffle before I take medicine to knock myself out so we can get through tomorrow. . We love you all, and we so appreciate the love and support. Don’t forget to look out for the other guy, and to #LoveLikeKent. Xoxo -Grady Kent Carter https://www.instagram.com/p/CNd197LhXLS/?igshid=hh2hyuet0r6i

This post has been a long time coming. Courtney has been my friend for over 30 years now. We were in the same carpool for elementary and middle school, she was my girlfriend in 3rd grade, and I consider her one of my very best friends. My dad married Courtney and Nick, just like he did Mallory and me. We started talking about the Petersons buying and selling just over 4 years ago, and we kept having to wait as adversity got in the way. They were patient (at least outwardly), and they pushed through. I’m so proud to know them, and so excited for what they have to look forward to. If you know them today would be a good day to tell them that you love them, and that you are jealous of their new house - it’s immaculate... Courtney & Nick, we love you guys and we are excited for you to get some rest once you are all moved in. #LoveLikeKent ❤️ (at Norman, Oklahoma) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMw7FoDhjv0/?igshid=1jxubphcpherx

2 shots in and I’m feeling fine! if you have helped others in this challenging time I would like to send out a blanket thank you! I love you, and I’m going to be ready to step up for you when you need it. My mind is in a scramble to figure out whether I should try to remember or forget all of this. Multiple people could tell who I was just now, and mentioned that they were sorry about my dad, including the 2 angels who gave me my second shot. These are confusing times, and I’m having to work on being patient with people who disagree with me on some things. That said, there is a strand of callousness out there right now that is simply on the wrong side of all of this. Recently I held an appointment with a man much my senior, and as I walked in the room with a mask on here’s what was said: . Man: “I’m 70 years old, I don’t have to wear one of those.” . Me: “My dad was 69 and it killed him.” . Man: “What else was wrong with him?” . Me: “He had sleep apnea.” . Man: “Well see, there you go.“ . Me: “I have sleep apnea…” . I didn’t ask to have this conversation, and in the moment that he found out that my dad had just died he was most concerned that his political loyalties be known. Come to find out this person knew my dad and was very sad to hear that he had passed away. He also made very clear that he is much more concerned about offending people by wearing a mask than not wearing one. Without starting a political debate, which this absolutely should not be, I have to tell you it is incredibly frustrating to find myself pushing so hard to make space for people who simply do not make space for others. I’m not perfect, and I don’t claim to be. It’s this mindset that I can’t get passed. I’ll keep working to love that guy, you, myself, and everyone else. Please do your part and make it as easy as you can to be loved by people you don’t see eye-to-eye with. Let’s all agree on that. Thanks again to Immy for leading by example! Wow, you guys are amazing. Now let’s take care of each other, and look out for the other guy. #LoveLikeKent (at Embassy Suites by Hilton Norman Hotel & Conference Center) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMde1BrhcUK/?igshid=vl0sqajydq39

For a few years my family got together every Friday at 6:00 for dinner, usually the catfish special. My mom’s dad, GD Carrick would start rounding the troops up on Wednesday for Friday’s dinner. He made sure everyone was coming. Out of caution we haven’t been able to do these family appointments as much. Well, we’ve kicked it back off. Today for our “Catfish” time we got my dad’s favorite family meal from Ray’s BBQ in Norman. They are amazing people, and they already knew his order when I called in. If you are trying to figure out what to do for a meal this weekend give them a call and pick up something to share with someone you love. Love you guys! #LoveLikeKent (at Ray's Smokehouse BBQ) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMFvzdlBo92/?igshid=p67m86n4kfq6

I remember when I was a little boy talking to other kids about how great it was going to be when we were grownups and nobody would tell us what to do. We could go where we want, when we want, and we would have our own money. As I’ve gotten older and taken on more responsibility I’ve found that sentiment wasn’t totally wrong, it is sometimes fun being more in control of your life. . I’ve also found myself lately thinking a lot about what I would give to have my dad boss me around a little bit more like he did when I was a kid. Today marks one month without the hope of being able to hug him and kiss his bald head again. I’ve never hurt like this. This is absolutely whooping my butt. Watching all of these seeds of love that my father planted and nurtured in other people start to bloom in my direction is so pure. Thank you all for sharing the love and support. . If you miss my dad I dare you to go lavish someone with words of affirmation, it’s absolutely free and it’s exactly what he would want. You are worthy of love, and so are those people who have been making you crazy today. One month down, forever to go. ❤️ #LoveLikeKent . ServantLeaderFund.com . Photo credit: @creativegiles (at Norman, Oklahoma) https://www.instagram.com/p/CMDmtVMBBL5/?igshid=1orft9771w7th

Let’s celebrate some great news! Recently my buddy Joey closed on this little brick house that used to be the lumber yard office in downtown Norman. Over the years there has been a ton of talk about how to save the little brick building while redeveloping. With the newer Center City Form Based Code it took some really strategic planning and coalition building, and he saved the building while incorporating a unique modern concept around it. I am pumped to become a patron of the businesses that end up here, particularly Okie Baking Co. in the little brick building. Sometimes moving towards the future doesn’t mean entirely letting go of the past. Thanks for saving this landmark buddy, I’m proud of you and excited to see how this all comes together. . What's your property worth? https://bit.ly/Home-Valuation-Search . Call your Home Boy! (405) 474-2905 📱 www.okhomies.com 💻 (at Norman, Oklahoma) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL7t9trheZm/?igshid=1ptlb4brvkh

Let’s celebrate some great news! Recently my buddy Joey closed on this little brick house that used to be the lumber yard office in downtown Norman. Over the years there has been a ton of talk about how to save the little brick building while redeveloping. With the newer Center City Form Based Code it took some really strategic planning and coalition building, and he saved the building while incorporating a unique modern concept around it. I am pumped to become a patron of the businesses that end up here, particularly Okie Baking Co. in the little brick building. Sometimes moving towards the future doesn’t mean entirely letting go of the past. Thanks for saving this landmark buddy, I’m proud of you and excited to see how this all comes together. . What's your property worth? https://bit.ly/Home-Valuation-Search . Call your Home Boy! (405) 474-2905 📱 www.okhomies.com 💻 (at Norman, Oklahoma) https://www.instagram.com/p/CL7sGrBhf4a/?igshid=1rtpho7necs2v

My dad passed away 2 week’s ago today. In the midst of being a little disoriented a few packages showed up, 1 was hand delivered. I don’t know who it is from, I do have a few guesses. They included 6 pairs of nice socks, this Batmobile Lego set, and this perfect message written from Batman. Make sure you read it is if Batman wrote it. My family and I think it’s hilarious, and whoever you are I love you. I’m laughing and crying as I type this. It reads: Dear Grady, Losing a parent is not an easy journey, trust me I know. Through the years I have learned that death is not a burden to those who left us. The burden falls on those who are left behind. You are allowed to grieve, you are allowed to be angry. Well I cannot say with confidence that your loss will become easier, I can say that the journey will become better. Nightmares will become dreams again. Be brave and rise. Even when you cannot. Your friend, Batman PS when your mind is wondering and you need a distraction, build a Batmobile. PPS if the day ahead seems long sometimes it helps to wear a brand new pair of socks. Wear these when you’re in need of a little help. #LoveLikeKent (at Norman, Oklahoma) https://www.instagram.com/p/CLfXq11B8wq/?igshid=2dixv5tpq9in

🎶”It seems like you end up getting what you need. Yeah, looking down from 30,000 feet - life’s been good to me.”🎶 -Ben Rector #HappyValentinesDay https://www.instagram.com/p/CLRneEZhLmM/?igshid=12krt18uupuf8

Have you ever heard the story about Alfred Nobel reading his own obituary? I’ve heard it dozens of times. This has always been one of my father Kent Carter’s main anecdotes, and each time he has taken different liberties with the story. Big Fish storytellers will always be among us, and they are a treasure. The story includes a mistaken obituary being published for Alfred Nobel while he was still very much alive. The obituary was scathing, and many say that this single mistake is the cause for likely the world’s most famous prizes. After seeing his legacy, Mr. Nobel left the vast majority of his great fortune to compel others to make the world a better place. My father, James Kent Carter, will have a very different story to be shared about him. His legacy will be of caring, kindness, graciousness, and that of peacemaker. This morning he passed away during the most beautiful sunrise, while being adored by his family. We told him how much we love him, thanked him for his servant leadership, and told him it was time to go see his mom and dad. A kinder man I’ve never known. I’m so proud to be his son. I’m so glad to know that he got it right the first time. His legacy looks so large it takes my breath away. We’ve felt an amazing peace and calm. The tears will come and go, just as the laughs will. To know him was and is to love him, and to have been known by him was just the same. How could we possibly say thank you in a way that truly expresses what we know and feel. An amazing man has lived, and the world is better for it. Pop, thank you. We’ll “see you at the top.” Peace and Joy, Grady Kent Carter #LoveLikeKent https://www.instagram.com/p/CK-JYMNhQhy/?igshid=1hma7bhlu2ebx

How it started, and how it’s going! 7 years ago I wrote on this girls Facebook wall for her birthday thinking she was someone else and it changed my life... Also she psyched me out with this “outdoorsy” picture, hahaha! Mallory is my wife, my best friend, my business partner, and my sweet girlfriend. If you get a chance send her a message, or read a chapter of a good book in her honor. Here’s to the ones who dream! I love you so much it’s It hurts a little. ❤️ https://www.instagram.com/p/CJbnhhEBIne/?igshid=1muisa6k7xe42

When 2020 comes at you with all the struggles, and you laugh through it with all the snuggles. https://www.instagram.com/p/CIGgGiThZGX/?igshid=fidnoximvt9n