Athens, Greece

Our last day and a half on our trip (rewinding back to June!), we were in Athens, Greece. I never expected to find myself there. And when I would think about going, what Athens would be like, it was not what we experienced. Movies make it blissful, charming, perfect; of course they do, they're movies. It was hot, muggy, crazy busy, pornography was all over the place, worse things were in shops on so many corners, and the government's chaos was a major part of what our tour guide wanted to tell us about (that last part was interesting though). If I ignore all that, I am left with the good: the history. That was what we were there for anyway. Tessa and I had a lot of fun with our time there. We took a bus tour early in the morning, on which the last stop was to the Acropolis - SO cool.. and SO blazing hot. When we were dropped off at our hotel, we decided we were hungry enough to venture out with a cab. We wanted American food.. it had been like 9 days after all. I unfolded the map of Athens across our coffee table and located a Hard Rock Cafe; much to my relief, Tessa loves those too.

We hailed a cab and in 8 minutes we were there. We ordered the Mediterranean Burger and nachos to share (it was all worthy of a big mmmmm). Looking at our iphones (connected to the Hard Rock's wifi), we took one last glimpse of the map before set off on our way. 25 minutes later, we were red hot and back in the air conditioned lobby. The next morning.. we packed up and began hopping flights to head back home.

Just like it began, it was over just like that. It was truly the trip of a lifetime, and I am so happy I got to take it with my best friend and sister. Till next time! (my hope never dies!)

doing my best

I read this quote today on another's blog and it hit home with how I am trying to live these days. Having two kids at the ages mine are, I am found laughing and smiling most of the time. Then there are those moments.. those 20 minute sections of time throughout the day that leave me wanting to pull my hair out as I try to bite my tongue. Whatever I do, Mont and Emmy remember it; for better or for worse. This realization came a long time ago, yet I am finally having to be that person I want to be, rather than just think about her.

When I get angry or upset over when Mont doesn't give Emmy a turn, or when one of them snatches a toy from the other, they remember that, and when they are the 'victim,' they think it's appropriate to raise their voice and grab their arm. When I see them do that to one another it slows me down and my heart sinks.

Kneeling down, I hold their hands, and show them what I mean for them do. I tell them to speak softly. I show them how to hold the other's face, or hand, or how to hug without the strangle hold. They are such sweet little things, children are. They make me a better person for helping me see my own faults. They help me appreciate the small things in life, like grasshoppers climbing siding, or robins in the morning grass. My children point out the wild and the interesting, the hurtful and the frightening, and also the fun and enjoyment that can be had while waltzing along to a tune we've heard a million times.

Someday, these days will only be memories. Someday, these moments will be longed for. Someday I will ache to hear Mont crying for "Momma" down the hall when my head just barely hits the pillow. One day I will remember the splashing in the tub that wet the floor before the towels could dry it. The battles at every meal will one day be long gone, and I'll be left with quiet and with peace.

I'm already nervous for that peace and for that quiet. I'm enjoying these days too greatly, and I'm afraid for them to end.

Grandpa Benson, Mark's namesake and beloved grandfather passed away this past Sunday evening in his home in his white Sunday shirt. He is now an angel, whom I like to think will check in on our home as I believe my own grandfather to do, and become one who might watch over our little ones.

The full talk that the quote was found from can be found right here. I am so grateful to be a mother, what a blessing it is. I've been thinking these thoughts for a good while now, as I see around me how fragile this life can be. It is very delicate, and things can change in an instant. Mothering is my calling now, and I want to enjoy it entirely, and make the best influence on my children as possible. It is a daunting task, but one I want to walk straight into, with my head held high. Encouraging words like the quote above help me do just that; thank goodness for Heavenly strength and assistance. Alone, I wouldn't stand a chance.

an ode to summer

I love these short videos by Kinfolk. The slow, uncomplicated pace of day to day; reminders to be still and enjoy the calm. Quiet is not always present, but when it is, I love to take it in. 

seedless red raspberry jam

I turned those fresh raspberries into something even more delicious and sugary.. seedless red raspberry jam. I was so certain the jar wouldn't seal because as I was lifting the jar out of the boiling pot of water, it slipped and clattered onto the stovetop. I was just relieved that the jar didn't break!

Everything about the directions I was reading had the word "exact" in bright red and bold lettering every where there were measuring directions, or boiling times, etc. ... I think I must have gotten lucky because my sugars and pectin measuring was anything but exact.

When I looked at the jar 30 minutes from the time I finished, I was pleasantly surprised that the jar had sealed; though, sad I missed that little musical pop. Next time.. I will listen more carefully. Next time will hopefully be this week.

raspberry fields

Earlier last week we went along with some friends to a raspberry field, where we picked plenty of decadent red raspberries. Mont followed me into the rows, then ran right back out and stopped on the grass, turned around and said, "I'm getting dirty!" he's not usually like this, so I reassured him, "That's okay! It's okay to get dirty!" Kids are so whacky.

Emmy didn't love it at first either, but she got comfortable enough, picking and throwing berries (like she would see me do with the bad ones/buggy ones). After a few rows she decided to just plop her backside down and play with sticks and mud. Mont got in on the berry action too, but I soon lost his interest to a nerf gun and older kids.. that was okay, he was all giggles and sprints.

We made away with two pint-sized boxes an felt pretty good about that! Just $6 for all that fun. Now that I've done something with them, I better get back for some more! I hope to stock up on jam for the winter.

Mykonos, Greece

June 11 - 

If I thought I had seen a lot of crystal clear blue water before this island, I was wrong! The day began beautifully again. Same routine, same breakfast, same waiters, different place, different bus, and different tour guide. ooOoo! 

The panoramic bus tour took us around the small island of Mykonos, showing us fishing bays, churches with blue or red roofs, pigeon houses, houses made to resemble pigeon houses, and also cows in the street! 

When I say small island, I mean small: 33 square miles. 

Our tour guide related a conversation to us all; one he had had a few years back with someone living on the island. This woman who he was talking to had lived there all her life, rearing her children there, farming there, and will die and be laid to rest on this island. She was telling him that her son married a few years back and she has since seen him only once. He said to her, "Where is he now? Rome? New York?" Her answer to him shocked him.. he was only a couple towns over.. on the same island!! That distance is too far to travel for them, even if they have a car. Isn't that just so ... different?! I was shocked that someone wouldn't travel even 15 miles to see their family. 

This island had some of the most beautiful resorts I've ever seen. We only stopped at this one for a drink and snack, but others we passed had the most luxurious pools and landscaping. It was a beautiful place!

trying out the panoramic option on my camera 

We followed the red route he was pointing to above. Below is Tessa's 'Merry Christmas' picture.. since the tour guide was in the picture! He was pretty much eye candy for all the ladies (except me, of course :) compared to the men on the boat!

Because this island was seized so many, many times, the people would build their villages far from shore, and even then took precautionary measures. The picture just below shows where there would be a bucket of boiling oil sitting, ready to pour down onto those who wanted to take over. The tour guide told us about this church before we walked up to it so we would know what to expect. He mentioned that this is not an orthodox church, as it is open for visitors. There are two monks who run the services every weekend, and still it operates, though it's not closed as other, more orthodox churches are. He told us about the two monks. One is grumpy, one is jolly; those are the words he used in his Greek accent. The jolly monk, is the one he expected to be here this day, while the other one was at a funeral in another village. I have to say it again.. The jolly monk was orphaned as a child and taken in by the church, and he has lived a happy life devoted to God. He is friendly enough to talk with you (though, he knows no English) and he was glad to take his pictures with us. I sat down next to him on the bench, at a safe, monk-appropriate distance, or so I thought.. He put his arm around my shoulders and pulled me right next to him. He was too glad though, because he gave me a kiss afterwards! I can still feel his bristly whiskers near my right eye every time I think of it. AH! I was so shocked I started laughing!

He just smiled and I went to go tell Tessa she should get her picture with him.

I had it set to the wrong aperture, so after the cheek-kiss I had to do it all over again!!
(thankfully the kiss was a one time thing)

After the church we walked around the nearby area and sat under this veranda and sampled tastes of Greece. There were some savory things on that little plate! But I still won't try the olives, so I passed those to Tessa.

a hat for dad

After the bus tour, the guide dropped us off back at the pick-up location, and while he was telling everyone which ways to explore, the bus took off with his hat and everything. Good thing everyone tipped him.. We decided to walk over to the town and get lost in the city streets, that were purposely designed to be maze-like to confuse the pirates who were hungry for take-over. I still can't get over how clear the water was.. everywhere, it was like a looking glass, clear blue and cool.

Best gyros we've ever had!! I hope I can recreate them here at home sometime really soon.

The day ended with naps, followed by dinner and a movie. We felt no guilt at spending time in our beds during the day because it's something we can't do at the drop of a hat at home. It was glorious.