Becoming Spanish

We're no where near feeling completely comfortable in Spain. Every day we miss something about the States. As a whole, it's just so much more convenient living in the U.S. - shopping is more accessible, there is more variety in food and meals are easier to prepare, and things are open when it's convenient. But it's been great on our budget, especially the shopping part, because Eryka can't manage to find clothes she likes here. It would be nice if we could say we've been saving that money, but we've been spending it on trips to Italy, Germany, and Barcelona and now for Eryka to come back and see the family in a few weeks. But believe me, it's money well spent.

Anyway, we are getting accustomed to life here, in a certain sense, though it certainly is a challenge, but one that we are very grateful for. We've had to learn to rely more on one another and trust one another more. Isaac and Eryka are learning Spanish. And we're getting wonderful opportunities to serve in the Church. Eryka really loves her calling as the Young Women's President. And just two weeks ago I was called as Elder's Quorum President. It was all very sudden - the Stake President showed up one day, asked me if I would serve, I said yes, and boom, one hour later they called me and sustained me during Priesthood AND set me apart. I still need counselors; right now I'm feeling pretty lost; like a figurehead without a functioning organization. It is a very humbling responsibility and one I hope I can fulfill according to the Lord's expectations.

Isaac's Spanish is really fantastic now - or so his teacher's tell us. He doesn't really speak around the home because it's much easier for him to speak English with us. But we can tell he really undertands people now, and he understands me when I speak with him, so he's really coming along well. Eryka is also doing great. Serving with the Young Women really gives her an opportunity to practice her Spanish and learn with some fantastic girls. She, much like me, is often the one teaching the lesson, so she is now learning how to fill 30-40 minutes with a lesson in Spanish. It's awesome - she couldn't even do that in English before.

Work has been keeping me really busy lately. I sometimes think what it would be like to work more normal hours - but I don't let myself get too far. I actually like my work and I'm learning a lot. I have a fair amount of responsibility given my relative lack of experience and the challenges serve to make me a better lawyer, and I think a better person. Planning my time can be a challenge. The little time I have with the kids is very valuable, and I love how they smother me with attention when I'm around. When things get hard, I know I can turn to them for support and comfort.

We're really excited about welcoming another Glover to the family in September. The kids are very excited to have a baby brother or sister. I'm excited because I'll get to use four weeks of paternity leave! Eryka's excited because it will mean no more morning sickness (just sleepless nights feeding the baby).

So that's it for now from us. Eryka is very excited to see everyone in a few weeks. In the meantime, keep checking out our blog and keep posting. By the way, if anyone is a contributor to the blog and your spouse doesn't have posting permission but would like it, let me know and I will e-mail an invitation (but you need to give me their e-mail address, because I don't think I have everyone's e-mail). Also, if you have family events (birthdays, school performances, games) and you want me to post them to the calendar, let me know and I can post them to share with everyone.