BLENDED FAMILYThe Langstons say they are a family of the '80s.
Lecia, chief economist at the Utah Department of Employment Security, was single with a career when she met and married Brad, a computer specialist and father of four boys who, in the tradition of the '80s, had retained custody after a divorce.
In an attempt to start out "fresh," Lecia said, the family moved into a trilevel house in a new south valley subdivision and became a "blended family." With the addition six months ago of Maloree, the family became a "his and ours" combination.
The family is also headed by a dual-career partnership with the contemporary concerns of child care, finding time for the kids between two jobs and concerns about latchkey children.
"In addition to being a mixed family, it is a little bit different because Lecia didn't bring any children of her own. For her, it meant going from one day being single to the next having to take care of four children and a husband. That was a tremendous adjustment required," Brad said.
Before the marriage, Brad, Tod, Andrew, Lanny and Josh had lived for three years without a mom.
"We hadn't thought about integrating anyone into our system. . . . It was pretty loose. I think Lecia thought we were a bunch of barnyard animals," Brad said.
"It was very male-oriented," Lecia admits.
Lecia, who has researched and studied women, work and family issues as part of her career, said she didn't realize how really hard it was until she had to go through it herself.
"It really hit home," she said.
Twelve-year-old Josh said that life with a new mom is "different."
"You get to do your own thing for a while and then get used to her. She's different. Everything is different - the house," Josh said. "It's back to normal again."
Since their marriage, Brad and Lecia have settled into a routine of sharing household duties. For example, Brad cooks and helps clean the house. They've also tried to establish new family traditions including a red plate used at mealtime for each child's birthday.