Random Thoughts from the Flory Family

I've been so behind on posting.  Coming up next are pictures from early September.  I blame it on the morning sickness.  

1.  We are the most boring family to always be talking about the weather, but who wouldn't after living 12 years in the desert where there the seasons are hotter than the sun, monsoon season and awesome winter at 70 degrees.  Fall is here in Utah and I actually get to cuddle up in blankets, wear socks, and put on a jacket each day.  I love it.  I was meant to wear layers!  We plan on going for a drive in the mountains soon to really see the colors.

2.  We moved here on July 1 and still are looking for employment.  To say we are frustrated, is an understatement.  Doug applies for about 5-8 jobs a day, interview maybe 2-3 times a month and has come close a few times.  It is a very new thing for us to be on a strict, strict, strict budget and go without. The kids have learned about sacrifice a lot in the last few months.  We also have learned a lot about prayer and relying on the Spirit.  We've been the recipients of many people's generosity and are very grateful.  We remain hopeful and know that we are where we are supposed to be.  

3.  I'm adjusting finally to being at home all the time.  I usually have so many things going on the side as far as jobs, professional meetings, and church callings, but now...lots of free time.  I've used it mostly to be morning sick, but also I've gotten to volunteer at the school, spend time with the kids, read, and organize the household-which is getting trickier with six people in our family (seven soon.)

4.  I love having two kids in school.  There's always fun things to talk about like what's on the lunch menu, or how was picture day today and how did you smile, and who was in the "power chair" at school, and did the boys chase the girls or did the girls chase the boys at recess.  

5.  I also love having two little boys that aren't in school.  After I get everyone off, the little guys...Miles (3) and Louis (1) play with toys, watch Sesame Street or SuperWhy, help me clean up or go on errands.  They are so cute and I love that they are growing up safe with me to watch over them.  I had many years where I'd drop off my little man and wonder how his day was.  I love that I get to be the one to give all the hugs and kisses when they are little.  

6.  Every night, the bedtime routine seems to last forever.  Baths, PJ's, Dinner, clean up, reading, scriptures and prayer, tuck ins, songs, putting back in bed a few times, and then finally the sweet silence of sleep.  My favorite part is the singing of songs.  I've introduced a few new ones lately which are big hits.  Teddy Bear's Picnic with the part I sing with "watch them catch their underwear" and also some Sound of Music songs.  Thanks to my Dad, I've got a whole mental playlist ready with oldies, musicals, disney songs, church songs and children's favorites.

7.  With my increased free time, I've been doing family history projects and have finished one major one and begun a second one.  I've decided that I want to begin a few new hobbies, if I can figure out how and when.  The first is ball room dancing.  I fully intend to make each of my boys take lessons with me and their sister when they are teenagers.  But I want to learn before then.  I think it looks so fun.  Also, I've decided I want to learn the cello.  I used to play violin, but I think cello is more my personality and I have two friends who are awesome and have inspired me.  I've been checking craigslist and they used ones are around $300 - $600.  That hobby will have to wait.  

8.  As far as my work goes, I've been offered three jobs since I moved here.  One was to work full time with Western Governors University as a mentor.  It sounded like I'd be more of an advisor rather than a professor and I would also be out of the home full time for a few months which just feels wrong.  I am really needed here with all these little ones.  I didn't take it and soon after found out I was pregnant so I felt good about that decision.  Then I was offered a full time 5th grade teaching position about a half hour away and it also felt very wrong.  I turned it down and soon after had a scare with the pregnancy that eventually is fine.  So I felt guided with that as well.  Finally, I was offered a job teaching with Utah Valley University in the spring semester for three classes.  I'll be out of the home for a few hours, one day a week and it is perfect!  The people are nice, I love the courses I'll be teaching and I get to do one of my favorite things...teach teachers.  I hope to always be a wife and mom, with a little teaching on the side just for me.  

9.  I miss my family.  I've always lived close to a sister, or brother, except one year in college.  I'll be happy when my brother's family moves back from Europe so we can see some cousins and have some family time.  I am wondering what the upcoming holidays will feel like with just us.  

10.  Winter clothes update.  We now all have a winter coat.  Next is to get scarves, hats, gloves, and boots for all.  I think we have a few here and there but I need to lay them all out and see who is missing what.  I know that I only have one pair of pants that fit.  All my maternity clothes are arizona-ish and so that is on the list.  Also, shoes that are close-toed.  I've got 10 pairs of sandals and no boot type shoes.  Sigh!