Melaleuca

The times they are a-changin', and money doesn't stretch as far as it use to. I have therefore gotten a job with my old employer Melaleuca. I always knew Melaleuca was the best employer, and now I remember why. I've been for a year, and they are giving me my old position back with my old pay! We were expecting more than a dollar less an hour, so this job is going to be an answered prayer! It also means I can work 4-9 instead of a full 40 hr a week job! It also unfortunately overlaps with Devin's schedula, so Courtney will be watched by the Drapers for several hours. Hopefully, by the end of the summer I'll be able to quit and return to my post as full-time mom, which is what we're praying for! I'm excited to be back though, I'll even be with my old team, or at least what's left of them. In other news, Courtney has taken exactly two steps all by herself and I can hardly wait until she justs walks on her own; I'll think she'll be able to entertain herself more if she's walking everywhere. Three weeks ago our ward boundaries were realigned to create a new ward, but I think our ward is still the same size! I am still leading music in sacrament and taking care of attendance and bell ringing as Sunday School secretary. Devin is Sunday School president and is still in the process of choosing counselors. This weekend I am going to a seminar about using rental properties for income. This is another reason for me going to Melaleuca. If we can get a decent duplex or triplex, it might allow Devin to quit work completely and focus on school. But enough of the serious stuff, here's the babe and I playing peekaboo, for those of you not fortunate enough to hear the sounds of a baby laughing everyday...

And her first sucker...what a mess

blowing raspberries...

2 Years!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Tomorrow will mark Devin's andmy two year anniversary! One kid and a house later and we're still going strong. We have a lot of fun and he always makes me laugh. One of our things, which I keep slipping and saying to people is "the fetus". You see, when I was pregnant we took a long time coming up with a name. In fact, we didn't pick it until about a month before she was born, if that. So instead of referring to her as "her" we called her the fetus. And we still call her the fetus at home and sometimes slip up and say it to other people. She's been the joy of our like and is just too cute for words. Here are some videos of her "singing" and dancing, and trying to eat snow on an outdoor excursion.

Devin and I have been through team teaching in primary, working full time and going to school, and of course parenthood and home ownership. We've set our minds to get out on a honeymoon this summer (babysitting....any takers?) so hopefully we can buckle down and get the money for it!!!!! We've lived in four different apts/houses, but only been in two wards, blown through one car because all the good date activities are in idaho falls, and just had alot of fun, like when we went to a park late at night and had the cops called on us! Or when we went fishing and I got a hook through my thumb :( Through it all we've managed not to strangle each other and love each other more than when we were married:)

Family History

I always thought my name was so unique. Then in high school I went to EFY and met other Marans or people who knews Marans. Then, tonight during a session of geneology I found Grandma Jean's mom's mom's dad's mom...or my fourth great grandma, Maren Jorgensen! And to think, I always thought I was such a trendsetter!