When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

by The Breen Family
(Liberty Township, Ohio, USA)

"Luck O' The Irish"

My father passed away in June of 2008 so we decided to make a gingerbread house to remember him.

He was 100% Irish and came to America on a boat when he was 2 years old.

This was a GREAT way for the kids to reflect on their heritage and remember the GREAT times with Grandpa. Fortunately, grandma has been staying with us and cheerfully participated as we talked about good times with Grandpa. He will certainly be missed but this was just one small way to remember him this holiday season.

Rather than a traditional Christmas themed gingerbread house, we built it around an Irish summer cottage and Leprechaun Shanty with a rainbow, pot of gold and leprechauns.

Comments for When Irish Eyes Are Smiling

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Jan 03, 2010
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Adorable!
by: Anonymous

your house is adorable and what a nice way to remember the children's grandad..by making this in his memory. A very creative creation.

Jan 16, 2009
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GRANDPA LOVE
by: Anonymous

hey grandma and uncle mike i love it in art but just of the shanty i love it is soooo cute how did you do the stone on it i cant figure it out well love you lots

Dec 29, 2008
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A beautiful tribute
by: Anonymous

Very creative and an inspiring tribute.To your father, your heritage, your family and your wonderful traditions.

Dec 28, 2008
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Response
by: Anonymous

Y,

This was our own design. We looked at lots of pictures and took parts from different pictures to incorporate. (i.e. we liked the rocks on one cottage but liked the style of the door and windows from another building.) Get creative and have fun with it. You don't need a template. Just find the pictures you like on-line and incorporate what you like about the different pictures.

Dec 23, 2008
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sooooooo creative!
by: Yulia

This is sooooooooo cute! Is it youre own Irish design, or did you use a kit or picture? Do youj know wear I can find a Russian one?

Dec 12, 2008
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worm?
by: Anonymous

Nice, but what is the bent twisty thing on top of the Shanty?

Dec 09, 2008
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Irish cottage gingerbread house
by: Cathy

Cool Irish cottage. Nice idea, it is good to keep memories alive. Came across cottage while looking for ideas to build my own gingerbread house. I am from Ireland and know a family with same surname as you. Have a lovely Christmas full of fond memories and happiness.

Dec 05, 2008
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What a GREAT way to remember your Dad
by: Anonymous

I'm sure Grandpa is looking down on us with pride.

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