"Home is wherever I am with you."

This really hurts my soul to say but….we only have one more week here in Monterey.  I can't believe how fast the time has gone.  I remember when Micah and I got here and I cried for days because I missed home! Don't get me wrong I'm excited to get back to Southern Utah and see my family and friends, in fact I am more than excited, but I really will miss this place. I'm not exaggerating when I say that this is definitely one of the most beautiful places on earth.  Point Lobos is in "our backyard," and it is   AMAZING.  It's known for its beautiful landscape and rare rock formations.  I could probably sit here for hours just looking at the scenery.

We have had so many great experiences here in Monterey. We've met some amazing people and made friends we will be friends with for a very long time.  I've also learned a great deal about myself here. These are some personal observations and discoveries I have made while living here:  

1.  I am CAPABLE of being away from "home," and living outside of my comfort zone.   I have never lived further than 45 minutes from my family and was definitely intimidated by the fact that I couldn't just drive home if I wanted to when I first arrived here.  Although it was hard to be away from friends and family I now know that I can adjust and survive.  

2.  There are good people EVERYWHERE.  Right when we pulled into our new home here a family from our ward and the Elder's Quorum were waiting to help us unpack.  I have run into kindness in so many places here.  Military communities are definitely special places.  I think everyone is more inclined to stick together and let the small things slide (at least on Fort Ord) because we are all away from home and family.  I love the support that exists here. 

3.  The church is true everywhere! I have been able to attend church in a various different states thanks to my experiences playing basketball but being part of the ward here has reaffirmed this for me.  I have definitely grown closer to my Heavenly Father here.  The first little while here was not exactly a cake walk.  Micah was literally gone from 6am to about 6pm everyday and not that I don't love being with my kids but sometimes it could get a little lonely.  I didn't really know anyone and was a little timid to put myself out there and meet new people, plus I was pregnant and my hormones were all out of control.  I found in the times when I felt really homesick and really down trodden that I could always turn to my Heavenly Father.  My testimony of prayer has been immensely strengthened. In the past I used to pray and not really know if anyone was listening.  I now know that Heavenly Father is always listening, we just have to be willing and ready to listen/feel and know he's there.  

4.  Probably one of the most important things I've learned here has been this: no matter where we go, as long as we (Micah, Sammie, Brock, and I) are together, we are "HOME." It's not so much the physical places that make a home "a home," but rather being with our families.  I honestly feel like now I can go anywhere and feel at home, as cliche and cheesy as that sounds. Family is so important! I'm so glad that we are so close with both mine and Micah's families. I'm also extremely grateful that I have friends whom I consider members of my family.  

Living in Monterey has been such a great experience for me as well as my family.  I am so thankful for the time I was able to spend here.  That being said I am excited to see what the future holds for us and to get back to Southern Utah and spend time with our family and friends!  Pray that everything fits in our budget truck and that we survive the 12+ hour drive home! 

Here's to new beginnings! :) 

-Morgan 

Recap: introducing our newest addition.

Remember when I said I was going to be better at blogging…….JUST KIDDING! :S Instead of beating myself up, however; I am just going to pledge to do better from here on out… :) Really this time! Here's what's been going on…. 

This little guy joined our family on November 1, 2011.  Allow me to introduce Brock Anderson Slade.  Let me just say he is THE BEST BABY!  He is so docile and content, a polar opposite to his big sister.  Labor with him was ALOT EASIER than my previous labor! I was a little nervous because my epidural didn't work as well with him as it did with Sammie so I thought labor was going to be awful but to my surprise it was quick and easy (thank the high heavens).  I pushed about 4 times and bam he arrived :)! He weighed in at 8lbs 15oz, and 22 inches long (the doctor said for sure he was going to be small, yeah right).  

Fast forward three months… and this is our happy, smiley baby! I really am so blessed to be his mommy.   It is so amazing how much these little people have such a great impact on the lives of others.  I am so thankful that I am a mother. It may be the most tedious and under appreciated job on the planet, but it is definitely the most rewarding.  I am so excited to see the person he will become, and the things he will accomplish! 

As for Sammie.. She is growing and learning everyday! She probably has the vocabulary of a five year old (no exaggeration).  She amazes me with her whit and intelligence on a daily basis.  Right now we are working on learning our colors.  She actually remembers most of them but when in doubt everything is pink. We are also working on potty training.  So far there is little progress on the anti-diaper front.  She lets me know when she has to, "go potty," but usually it's already too late or she is "just trickin."  Hopefully something will click and she will grasp the concept in the next little while.  

Micah is taking the DLPT tomorrow and Tuesday for French, and took his oral test last week. I am so proud of him! He is definitely talented in the art of learning languages.  Think good thoughts and send out some prayers for him :).

Well there is a quick recap and I am making it a goal right now to post again this week as we get ready to say goodbye to Monterey :(.  

Good Night :)

-Morgan