Anytime I encounter a mean person in my adult life, I silently wish that their mother showed them more affection as a child. Perhaps it stems from my own mother (whenever meeting someone especially bubbly) saying: "You can tell that their mother squeezed them tight and kissed them often." Of course there's no scientific evidence to prove this; but, it sure does help me when dealing with the occasional mean person. "Man, I wish your mom hugged you more." I said to the angry man on the Edens that flicked me off and honked forever during traffic. See? Feels better!

Obviously I can't bestow this "wisdom" to my kiddos, just yet. I reword things that would make sense to young minds. "They must be hurting on the inside, to be so mean on the outside." is something I say often. Naturally they have questions and I keep the conversation pretty loose and relaxed. "If you aren't happy with yourself, it's really hard to be happy to others."

Anyways, I'm far from a parenting expert but just wanted to share what got me through traffic on the Edens this morning and how I re-word things for my three kiddos at home.

Hugs to you and you! And especially to you, the passive aggressive man on the Edens (there's always one), that flicked everyone off while honking your horn through Skokie. "Man, I wished your mom hugged you more."

We had our first visitors from Cleveland this weekend and our house was filled with laughter times four.

Is it just me, or are Lou (ChefsWidow's daughter) and Feenie twins?

These are the kind of friends that pick up, from where they left off last with no qualms or hesitation. Pure joy.

Forever friends that play together like they've never been apart. (Chefswidow vine video)

Friends that sit down at our table and immediately dive into conversations. "Josephine and Louisiana both have nine letters, so that pretty much makes us sisters. Almost like twin sisters, actually." One of many Lou-isms we had the privilege to hear.

Friends with titles like the "Best New Chef" by Food & Wine magazine and chef/owner of a ridiculously amazing restaurant that join in on our typical Sunday dinner fare of Polish food and enjoy it to the point where there are no leftovers. Marinated peppers, beet salad, sausage and a dozen mustards for the win.

Forever friends that make grand plans on how to make the world a better place - starting with nice people. The world needs more nice people and also the world needs a kickass summer camp on a "commune" where kids (and adults) can experience farm to table living.

Amelia, Jon & kiddos... you have a forever place in our hearts. Can't wait to see you in your neck of the woods soon!

Remember Fridays with Feenie?

For two years she attended preschool and Fridays were her day off so would hang out with Grandma regularly. From chasing wild turkeys to baking - they did it all together. I'm so happy that they had a special bond and enjoyed each other's company often. I know that Grandma looked forward to Fridays just as much as Feenie did.

Now Feenie (as an afternoon kindergartner) has Dziadek in the mornings.

Taken with what I assume was a self timer, while fishing yesterday.

Just like with her time with Grandma, she begs for the next "playdate" with Dziadek. But unlike Grandma, that was easy going; Dziadek is a tad bit more stubborn and hard to please. I have vivid memories of his stern demeanor teaching me math that resulted in tears on my side. America has taught him well and today he should be the spokesperson for the saying, "Grandparenting is a second chance to get it right". When I was growing up he didn't have mornings open for fishing but now he actively seeks out opportunities to get together with his grandchildren.

The titles of his weekly "Morning with Feenie" playdates photo albums on Facebook make me smile.

Morning with moja piekna wnuczka Jozefinka (21 photos)

Zlapalismy Raccoon, zroblismy zdjecia i zawiezlismy do lasu.

I'm sure that the memories of Fridays with Feenie and Mornings with Dziadek will live on forever in everyone's hearts.