Figurative Lemonade

When life gives you lemons, ... you know how the saying goes. We had not planned to still be here in the US this summer. We tried to take in all of our favorite 'summer' things last year: the berries, the swimming lessons, picking more berries, going camping, eating more berries... Now our finances are not sufficient to leave yet, and we are still here.

At first I didn't quite know what to do with a second Oregon summer, this time in a different town, but I think we got our bearings this week and can make figurative lemonade. We have new library cards, signed kids up for swimming lessons, and invested $10 in a tiny wading pool for the backyard. They make them now with these inflatable shade pieces, which I think is a great idea. Living near the equator we're always looking for ways to get them out of the UV. I call it 'Anna's pool'. She loves it so much she throws a fit when it's time to go inside. It's two of her favorite things in life put together: bye-bye and bath!

I love the face she is making in this picture with her brothers! Like "who do you think you are to invade my bath?!" She laughs whenever they laugh, and copies almost every last word she hears. Aside from eating full-time, she's very interested in water, horses, books, shoes, and babies.

Don't get me wrong, we are not unhappy with these lemons. We do not feel we are just 'getting by', but rather that our steps have been planned for us. This figurative lemonade is a blessing we intend to enjoy, even as we continue to prepare for our move overseas.