We, we have survived!

This last weekend gently filled our time with not too much to do. Unlike the previous sis weekends: Crystal Springs Scrapbooking Retreat, Ordination Council, Artic Blast Retreat, Kids at the Grandparents', Minot Ladies' Retreat, Herreid Scrapbooking Retreat! Forgive me if I seem a bit blurry; the whirlwind had me going too fast.

AND NOW, life glides smoothly and pleasantly along. Isn't normality a wonderful thing? Routine brings a type of peace all its own.

Did I tell you we had a Mardi Gras party on Feb. 28th? I dressed up in a purple wool suit with a bright purple, green, and gold silky shirt underneath. It wasn't quite as tacky as you are probably imagining and might have even retained a bit of class in its style and appropriateness for the occasion. We invited several friends over to join us in Cajun Chicken Fettuccini and Red Beans N Rice. The friends brought some scrumptious smoothies and salad. Of course, there were many bead necklaces adorning the necks of all.

The week of St. Patrick's Day, Sarah and I were invited to a new lady in town's house for a true Irish tea party. She set the gorgeous table with real china, chargers, tea cups, goblets, etc. We daintily dined on asparagus quiche, Irish soda bread, and Oatmeal Raisin soda bread, along with several sweets. She shared her pictures, items, and even perfume from a trip she had taken to Ireland with us. We left feeling like we had been treated as legimate Irish royalty!

Steven and I have been muddling through the yearly tango of planning our vacation times. It seems there are only so many days and too many family, friends and sights to see. Is it more important for us to take the children trepidatiously canoeing down the Missouri and Mississippi (they could potentially drown), exploring the riches of Yellowstone (we might go broke paying for in season hotels), or trying to connect with their third cousins twice removed from Timbuktu (what was Charlie's second wife's name after she remarried)? Hopefully, we have found some middle ground again that will neither please everyone nor infuriate anyone. Relaxing might not be the best term for it yet but we hope to have enjoyed the time after all is said and done.

Regarding adoption, we still pursue it slowly. More inquiries and more "they've found a different home for them" letters. God's will be done.

In our ladies' group at church, we started working through a new book about teaching others what we have learned and still growing ourselves. An onward and upward kind of book. I love it! Becoming a Titus 2 Woman by Martha Peace

I wanted to include some pictures of our newly completed basement bathroom but this computer has been recently brain washed and we erased all the pictures. After we take the time to reinstall them, I'll just have to show ya! Bonus, maybe the laundry room will be done by then too and you can see two rooms for the price of one e-mail!

Blessings,

Marcia for the Swann's