Christmas Cake Virgin...

This is our third Christmas in a row in the US. In the beginning of our relationship, we had been going back to Ireland every other year. In more recents years it just hasn't been feasible for us. My husband is fine with that because it's such a tough time of year to try to see everyone we want to visit.

That being said, I know he misses many of the Christmas traditions from his family and from Ireland. One of the things he loves most is Christmas Cake and Christmas Pudding. Honestly, I find it revolting. But it's not just about me, is it? So this year I'm going to try to make a Christmas Cake for him. I've emailed some of his aunts and got a recipe and I guess this weekend, I'm going to dive head first into what can only be called an experiment. I really hope it works out!

Things that make you smile...

I love when you have one of those moments in life that every time you think about it, a smile creeps across your face. I'm having kind of blah day today until I thought about this occurance.

Last year when visiting my in laws in Ireland, my husband and I were taking a walk around Swords Castle. We were staying with his sister in Swords and we just went out for rare (in Ireland) sunny afternoon walk. Swords Castle is situated in a park in the town centre. My husband was curious about the restoration work, so we explored and climbed to the top. It was a great afternoon.

As we were leaving, we saw a young mother pushing a stroller with a toddler following her. The young girl strayed from her mother and pushed open one of the large gates into the castle. She leaned in and shouted, "Shrek? Princess Fiona?" I burst out laughing. It was so sweet and innocent. It just made me smile. And it made me smile even more that this little girl was able to encounter castles on her afternoon walk.