There’s a new interpreter at the New Hampshire DMV. Its name is Pocketalk, and it retails for a little under $300. As the demand for assistance in languages other than English rises, the DMV is hoping that the new technology will expand their language capacity. “It’s been really positive so far,” said Administrator Kathy O’Neal. “We’ve seen people come back with their friends now that we can offer this service to them.” Twenty of these devices were implemented earlier this summer and have text-to-speech capabilities in over 80 languages. Unlike a human interpreter, they are available on request at all full-time DMV locations throughout the state. O’Neal saw the Pocketalk at a conference she went to in Wisconsin about a year ago. So far, O’Neal said that the Pocket Talk has gotten a lot of good reviews and other state agencies have visited the DMV to see it in action. Despite the expanded capabilities, the tech still has limitations. It takes a long time to take the knowledge test with the Pocketalk because of the text-to-speech feature. It’s slightly better at saying things like “turn left” or “stop at the corner” during a driving test. Even though the DMV has used it for both tests, O’Neil said the pocket talk shines with paperwork. “It’s really meant for simple conversations, not full length conversations,” O’Neal said. “Customers, they’re here, they want a title or they want an ID, so we ask, ‘Please fill this out. Do you have this? Do you have that?’ ” The DMV estimated they helped 3,600 customers in a language that wasn’t English last year. O’Neal didn’t have numbers for previous years, but she said that the demand is definitely growing. Despite the added language capabilities, DMV administrators are quick to point out that this isn’t a case of robots replacing humans. Shah Sherazi is a supervisor at the DMV and speaks Hindi, Urdu, Pashto and English, although he can also understand Farsi and Arabic. As someone who uses his language skills daily, he says there’s always a switch when customers realize he speaks their language. “Sometimes they were scared, like they don’t know how to do it and maybe somebody will reject their application,” he said. “So what I always do is I would prefer to talk in their language, and they will feel more comfortable.” Sherazi is one of two dozen multilingual staff at DMV offices across the state, but language access in government agencies is often a resource puzzle. He can’t be everywhere at once. Customers can come in while he’s at another branch or out sick. He said while Spanish is pretty well represented at the DMV, but the Pocket Talk has helped him in languages that aren’t as common like Chinese. Director John Marasco pointed out that getting a U.S. driver’s license can be a really big deal for immigrants. “We don’t want anybody coming to the DMV that’s worried about, am I going to have a good experience? Am I going to be successful? So the language translation, I think first and foremost, alleviates those concerns,” he said. Marasco is also looking for ways to make speakers of other languages more comfortable at the DMV. In addition to providing Pocketalks, he’s looking at increasing language accessibility by hiring more multilingual staff and looking for grants to translate the manuals into other languages. “We don’t have a subway system here. You can’t just always walk to everything,” he said. “Getting that license and being mobile is important and this allows people to have that opportunity and not let language stand in the way.” There’s a new interpreter at the New Hampshire DMV. Its name is Pocketalk, and it retails for a little under $300. As the demand for assistance in languages other than English rises, the DMV is hoping that the new technology will expand their language capacity. “It’s been really positive so far,” said Administrator Kathy O’Neal. “We’ve seen people come back with their friends now that we can offer this service to them.” Twenty of these devices were implemented earlier this summer and have text-to-speech capabilities in over 80 languages. Unlike a human interpreter, they are available on request at all full-time DMV locations throughout the state. O’Neal saw the Pocketalk at a conference she went to in Wisconsin about a year ago. So far, O’Neal said that the Pocket Talk has gotten a lot of good reviews and other state agencies have visited the DMV to see it in action. Despite the expanded capabilities, the tech still has limitations. It takes a long time to take the knowledge test with the Pocketalk because of the text-to-speech feature. It’s slightly better at saying things like “turn left” or “stop at the corner” during a driving test. Even though the DMV has used it for both tests, O’Neil said the pocket talk shines with paperwork. “It’s really meant for simple conversations, not full-length conversations,” O’Neal said. “Customers, they’re here, they want a title or they want an ID, so we ask, ‘Please fill this out. Do you have this? Do you have that?’ ” The DMV estimated they helped 3,600 customers in a language that wasn’t English last year. O’Neal didn’t have numbers for previous years, but she said that the demand is definitely growing. Despite the added language capabilities, DMV administrators are quick to point out that this isn’t a case of robots replacing humans. Shah Sherazi is a supervisor at the DMV and speaks Hindi, Urdu, Pashto and English, although he can also understand Farsi and Arabic. As someone who uses his language skills daily, he says there’s always a switch when customers realize he speaks their language. “Sometimes they were scared, like they don’t know how to do it and maybe somebody will reject their application,” he said. “So what I always do is I would prefer to talk in their language, and they will feel more comfortable.” Sherazi is one of two dozen multilingual staff at DMV offices across the state, but language access in government agencies is often a resource puzzle. He can’t be everywhere at once. Customers can come in while he’s at another branch or out sick. He said while Spanish is pretty well represented at the DMV, but the Pocket Talk has helped him in languages that aren’t as common like Chinese. Director John Marasco pointed out that getting a U.S. driver’s license can be a really big deal for immigrants. “We don’t want anybody coming to the DMV that’s worried about, am I going to have a good experience? Am I going to be successful? So the language translation, I think first and foremost, alleviates those concerns,” he said. Marasco is also looking for ways to make speakers of other languages more comfortable at the DMV. In addition to providing Pocketalks, he’s looking at increasing language accessibility by hiring more multilingual staff and looking for grants to translate the manuals into other languages. “We don’t have a subway system here. You can’t just always walk to everything,” he said. “Getting that license and being mobile is important and this allows people to have that opportunity and not let language stand in the way.”Why this weekend is big for the Ottawa 67's, and what's ahead for Team Canada juniors

LISBON (Reuters) - Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta was looking for a statement win from his side on Tuesday and got it as they brushed aside in-form Sporting Lisbon with a superb display in a 5-1 away Champions League victory. Arteta praised his team’s intelligent use of the ball and their tenacity against a Sporting team that beat Manchester City 4-1 in their previous Champions League outing and had won 17 of their previous 18 games in all competitions. "I’m very happy, it is a big result against a big opponent," Arteta said. "We wanted to make a statement. I felt a really good energy before the match, but you have to put it into practice. "The first half was exceptional and gave us the platform to win the game. We were really clever and efficient in the way we attacked them. It is an important win for us." Arsenal looked untouchable in the first half as they went into the break 3-0 up, but a goal early in the second period for Sporting changed the mood in the stadium until Bukayo Saka scored a fourth to swing the momentum their way once more. "The atmosphere was changing (when Sporting scored), they had belief, but after that we showed our personality to get on the ball again, to defend deeper if we needed to and the fourth goal changed it again," Arteta said. "We have to enjoy it, playing in this competition against these sorts of team. I was pleased with how the performance flowed." Arsenal had been in a mini-slump of three games without a win before a 3-0 win over high-flying Nottingham Forest in the Premier League this past weekend. Backing up a victory with another dominant display is something they will have to do all season long if they are to be successful, according to Arteta. "We need the consistency, if you want to be going for championships then you have to win and win again. Today was a different type of game but we handled it well and let's move on now," he said. Arsenal are next in action on Saturday when they travel to West Ham United in the Premier League. (Reporting by Nick Said; Editing by Andrew Cawthorne)Amy Huberman and Brian O’Driscoll are celebrating today as their youngest child marks his fourth birthday. The couple share three children together, daughter Sadie, 11, and sons Billy, 10, and Ted, who has just turned 4. The Finding Joy actress had an extra special birthday message for little Ted on Saturday. Read more: Amy Huberman given unusual Brian O’Driscoll gift by stranger on the street Read more: Out and about: Amy Huberman, Hugo Duncan, Aidan Turner and Maura Higgins pictured at top events Taking to social Instagram to mark the happy occasion, Amy shared insight into their decorations for the occasion, with a big balloon in the shape of the number four floating in their kitchen in honour of Ted. Joking, Amy penned a witty caption: "My baby is 4! Surely he has a fake I.D.?!" "I’m probably going to have to stop using baby brain as an excuse for everything and recounting his age in weeks in an attempt to back that up." "Happy birthday little man. Can’t believe you’re 208 weeks old!" "However, you’ll always be the baby so I’m just going to have to carry you around in a sling carrier clipped around my shoulders until you’re just about ready to head off to college so I can kiss that squidge face all the time." "I do hope that’s okay." Amy previously shared an insight into the family of five's busy Christmas . They like to switch up traditions but always prioritise quality time with their loved ones. “It’s busy and hectic, like I’m sure it is in most households,” Amy said. “I guess in terms of traditions, it’s different depending on where we go for Christmas Day as we mix it up between the families. “We meet friends in town every Christmas Eve with all the kids and it’s a tradition I look forward to every year. “I also love decorating the house... Well, actually, I don’t love it, but I like it when it’s done.” When it comes to cooking, Amy is more than happy to hand the reins over to Brian. “I’m really good at eating it if that counts,” she told the RTE Guide.Shoppers bemused as Easter eggs hit shop shelves before New Year’s Eve

Companies tighten security after a health care CEO’s killing leads to a surge of threats

Swinburne Sarawak achieves first runner-up at national IEM-ICP Pile Prediction CompetitionAnge: I want to knock Pep, City off Prem summit

Former B.C. New Democrat member of the legislature Dan Coulter dead at 49

Jason Kelce to host new ESPN late-night show filmed in PhiladelphiaUtah Valley St. 77, West Georgia 74

Funding research for economic return sounds good – but that’s not how science really worksUstad misses date with Kol event slated for day he passed away

David Beckham pays tribute to ‘heartbeat of Manchester United’ Kath PhippsThe European Union unveiled a new wave of sanctions on Monday targeting dozens of Russian officials, entities, and vessels linked to the ongoing war in Ukraine . This move broadens the EU 's efforts to choke off support for Moscow's war machine while also penalizing foreign actors aiding Russia's military and trade activities. The sanctions list includes 54 individuals and 30 entities, encompassing government officials, companies, and a fleet of shadow vessels transporting Russian oil, gas, and stolen Ukrainian grain. Among those sanctioned are two North Korean defense officials, No Kwang Chol and Kim Yong Bok, accused of bolstering military cooperation with Russia, including deploying thousands of troops and supervising their activities. Russia's shadow fleet, used to circumvent sanctions on energy exports, faced a significant blow with 52 additional ships banned from European ports and services. Other targets include Russian defense firms, chemical plants, and a civil airline aiding logistic support for Russia's armed forces . Why Are Chinese and Other Foreign Entities Involved? For the first time, the EU is directly targeting Chinese nationals and companies, accusing them of providing drone parts and electronic components to Russia. Entities in India, Iran , Serbia, and the United Arab Emirates are also under scrutiny for allegedly facilitating the transfer of sensitive technologies or aiding Russia in bypassing EU restrictions on trade and military equipment. "This package of sanctions is part of our response to weaken Russia's war machine and those who are enabling this war, also including Chinese companies," said EU foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas. "We will stand by the Ukrainian people on all fronts: humanitarian, economic, political, diplomatic, and military." How Effective Are These Sanctions? Since the start of the war in February 2022, the EU has introduced multiple rounds of sanctions, targeting over 2,300 individuals and entities. Travel bans , asset freezes, and restrictions on trade aim to erode Russia's ability to sustain its military campaign. While the cumulative affect is significant, Russia's reliance on external networks highlights the challenges in enforcing sanctions and closing loopholes. What's Next for the EU's Sanctions Strategy? The sanctions package underscores the EU's commitment to not only target Russian assets, but also pressure external actors complicit in supporting Moscow. By hitting companies and individuals across continents, the EU hopes to curb the flow of resources and technology aiding Russia's war effort. However, the reliance of the sanctions on global networks including China and the UAE signals that enforcement will remain a complex battle. This marks the latest step in the EU's moves to support Ukraine, as sanctions continue to evolve in response to the shifting dynamics of the conflict. This article includes reporting from The Associated Press

Stock market today: Wall Street hits records despite tariff talkStock market today: Wall Street hits records despite tariff talkLancaster County District Judge Susan Strong listens as evidence is presented during the first day of the medical marijuana civil trial on Oct. 29 in a lawsuit seeking to invalidate Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana petitions. A Lancaster County District Court judge ruled petitions circulated by Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana were legally sufficient on Tuesday, dismissing a legal challenge that sought to have the successful initiatives rendered void. Judge Susan Strong said attorneys for former state Sen. John Kuehn and Secretary of State Bob Evnen were only able to show a few hundred signatures were invalid on both petitions, well short of the number needed to declare them insufficient. “After reviewing the evidence, the court finds that they have fallen short,” Strong wrote in a 57-page order made public late Tuesday afternoon. “The court therefore declares that the ballot initiatives contain a legally sufficient number of signatures.” The ruling comes three weeks after both petitions won broad support in the Nov. 5 election. People are also reading... ‘I don’t care who’s played': Nebraska’s Dana Holgorsen on personnel changes at tight end Search warrants lead to arrest of man in narcotics investigation At the courthouse, Nov. 23, 2024 They fell in love with Beatrice. So they opened a store in downtown. No change in bond amounts in child abuse death case Clabaugh family presents Outstanding Educator award Harmonizers to perform La Segoviana finds new home in Court Street Plaza Streaming review: 'Landman' gives Billy Bob Thornton a real gusher of a series Inside Nebraska volleyball’s finishing kick for a Big Ten title: First up, Wisconsin Amie Just: Bring out the tissues — and the brooms — for Nebraska volleyball's emotional win Courthouse lighting ceremony planned for Sunday Amie Just: Could the Big 12 be left out of CFP? And, is Ohio State better than Oregon? Recap: Here's how Joey Graziadei will win 'Dancing with the Stars' How one Virginia woman persevered through abuse, oppression in Christian 'cult' The first petition, which legalizes cannabis for medical use in Nebraska, received the support of nearly 71% of voters, while the second, which enacts regulations for medical marijuana, won the support of 67% of voters. Both initiatives are set to be certified by the Board of State Canvassers on Monday and will take effect 10 days later. The case originated when Kuehn, a staunch opponent of marijuana legalization in Nebraska, sued Evnen on Sept. 12 to stop the petitions circulated by Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana from being certified for the general election ballot. Evnen certified the petitions the next day hours after Attorney General Mike Hilgers announced criminal charges against a paid circulator for the ballot campaign who later admitted to forging signatures to petition sheets he found in a phone book. A week later, Evnen filed a cross-claim against Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, alleging the wrongdoing uncovered in the attorney general’s investigation could render tens of thousands of signatures invalid. His court filing asked a judge to determine whether the initiatives should be declared legally insufficient and removed from the ballot or the election results deemed void. The four-day civil trial , which ended on Nov. 4, focused on the actions of two circulators — Michael Egbert and Jennifer Henning — who described signing petition sheets outside the presence of a notary, in violation of the rules for those officials. Attorneys for Kuehn and Evnen, who was represented by Hilgers’ office, also pointed to what they described as sloppy or potentially fraudulent actions by circulators and notaries that may have affected enough voter signatures to sink the initiatives. In her order, Strong agreed to rule the signatures gathered by Egbert, who admitted to forging names he found in a phone book, as invalid and have them removed. Egbert, a paid circulator for the campaign from Grand Island, submitted 487 signatures on the legalization petition and 541 signatures for the regulatory petition. Strong also said signatures on petition sheets attorneys for Kuehn and Evnen had proven were improperly notarized by several people working for the Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana campaign would also lose the presumption of validity. That included 221 signatures on the legalization petitions and 285 signatures on the regulatory petitions, according to Strong's order. In all, Strong determined a total of 708 signatures on the legalization petition and 826 on the regulatory petition had lost the presumption of validity, while an additional three names signed to petition sheets after they had been notarized were also removed. "This case was about numbers," Strong wrote. "Thus, to prevail in this action, (Kuehn and Evnen) had to show that more than 3,463 signatures on the legalization petition and 3,357 signatures on the regulatory petition are invalid. "The plaintiff and secretary are well short," the judge added. Daniel Gutman, an attorney for Nebraskans for Medical Marijuana, said in a brief phone interview Tuesday evening he was pleased with Strong's result. "We appreciate the court's thorough review of this case in an expedited timeframe and agree with the result," Gutman said. "We have always been confident in the process in which the campaign collected signatures, as confirmed by the court's decision today." On Tuesday, a spokeswoman for Hilgers said the attorney general was weighing his options for appeal. "We appreciate the court's time and thoughtful consideration in declining this matter," the attorney general's office said in an email. "We are reviewing the decision and considering next steps." Strong’s order follows resolutions reached in two other cases tied to the effort to legalize medical marijuana. Egbert, who hinted during his testimony that he was appearing in exchange for a reduced sentence in Hall County, pleaded guilty to attempted false swearing to a circulator’s affidavit days after the civil trial ended. In exchange for the guilty plea , Hall County Attorney Martin Klein agreed to reduce Egbert's charge from a Class IV felony to a Class I misdemeanor. Egbert, who admitted to forging the signatures of names he found in a phone book, was sentenced to pay a $250 fine. But the former Marine also told the court he was told he would be "covered" if he testified in the civil trial, though he had difficulty describing what that term meant, citing a neurological condition that sometimes affects his memory. And late last week, a Hall County judge dismissed two dozen criminal charges against a notary public accused of notarizing petitions outside the presence of the circulator. Jacy Todd, a York man who owned a CBD shop in Grand Island, was charged with 24 counts of official misconduct, a Class II misdemeanor punishable by up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Judge Alfred E. Corey III said while the functions performed by notaries are important, Todd was not acting as a government official when he signed petitions submitted by Egbert. Corey granted a motion to quash from attorney Mark Porto, saying there was no case law to use as a basis to bring criminal charges against Todd. Top Journal Star photos for November 2024 Southwest fans Kylea Stritt (from left), Peg Rice, and Stacey Wilson cheer on their team as the "horsemen" during a Class D-1 first-round match Thursday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Millard West players dogpile on the floor after defeating Lincoln Southwest in five set match during a Class A first-round match Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Lincoln Southwest's Shelby Harding dives to save the ball from hitting the ground in the first set during a Class A first-round match Wednesday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Second graders Eli Gonzalez (left) and Shrutoshome Datta look at drawings that first and second grade students made at the Monster Jam Art Show on Wednesday at Elliott Elementary School. The elementary school students made drawings of monsters to be turned into different types of art by Lincoln High School students. Norris players celebrate a point against Lincoln Pius X in a Class B state volleyball tournament match, Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (right) talks with supporters, including Darlene Starman of Lincoln, at her campaign office on Tuesday in Lincoln. A cutout of Jesus watches over voters on Tuesday at Redeemer Lutheran Church in Lincoln. Katie Goeling (left) fills out her ballot while her son Gunner, 4, holds her hand during Election Day on Tuesday at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in Malcolm. Abigail Webb votes on Tuesday at F Street Community Center. Nebraska's Rollie Worster (24) shoots a layup while defended by Texas Rio Grande Valley's Marshal Destremau (left) and Trey Miller (right) on Nov. 4 at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Nebraska's Allison Weidner (left) autographs a poster for Freeman Public Schools student Godwil Muthiani, 12 (center), after the game against UNO on Monday, Nov. 4, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Muthiani's sign says, "#3 Allison Weinder is the GOAT! Sorry I'm only 12." Nebraska Head Coach Matt Rhule speaks to an official after a targeting call on Nebraska during the first quarter of the game against UCLA on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. The call was overturned after review. Nebraska's Dante Dowdell scores against UCLA in the fourth quarter on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. Cadet Elena Burgwald (left) and Cadet Mason Beck look up as a B-1B Lancer flies over Memorial Stadium before the UCLA game against Nebraska on Saturday. UCLA's K.J. Wallace (7) defends Nebraska's Jacory Barney (17) as he makes a diving 40-yard catch in the second quarter on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024, at Memorial Stadium. Lincoln Southeast quarterback Tre Bollen (left) and Tate Sandman react after losing a Class A football playoff game against Millard North on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at Seacrest Field. Millard North won 10-3. After the field clears, Norris' Jarrett Behrends (17) kicks his helmet after the Titans fell to Waverly 16-17 in a Class B football playoff game on Friday, Nov. 1, 2024, at Waverly High School. A line of people waiting to vote has been normal at the Lancaster County Election Commission Office at 601 N. 46th St., as it was Friday afternoon. The office will be open 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to allow voters to cast an early ballot. If they wait until Election Day, they will need to go to their precinct or drop off their ballots at one of five drop boxes across the city. For more stories about about Tuesday's election, go to Journalstar.com . Iris Gonnerman, 8 (from right), her brother Oliver, 6, and cousin Noreen Milana, 9, wave flags while watching Veterans Parade outside the state Capitol on Sunday. Nebraska's Connor Essegian scores against Bethune-Cookma on Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Lincoln Lutheran players embrace one another as threy celebrate defeating Thayer Central in four sets to win the Class C-2 championship match Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center. Covered by a canopy of changing leaves, a car cruises along A street in a neighborhood north of Downtown Lincoln on Tuesday, Nov. 12, 2024. Mild temperatures continue into the mid weeks of November. Wednesday calls for a chance of rain showers before noon with gusty winds. Most days this week are expected to be accompanied by mostly sunny skies and consistent breezes. Norris' Anna Jelinek (left) lifts the the Class B championship trophy alongside Rya Borer on Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center. Superior players celebrate their three set win over EMF during the Class D-1 championship match Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center. Reflected in a ceiling beam, Leyton takes on Shelton in the first set of the Class D-2 championship match Saturday at the Devaney Sports Center. Omaha Skutt's Nicole Ott (left) and Addison West react after a point in the second set during a Class B semifinal match Friday at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Hasan Khalil, owner of Golden Scissors, trims the beard of Vitaliy Martynyuk on Friday at his barbershop in Lincoln. Second-time mother giraffe Allie nuzzles her new calf in the giraffe experience enclosure on Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, at the Lincoln Children's Zoo. Nebraska celebrates during the first set of the match against Minnesota on Thursday at the Devaney Sports Center. Luca Gustafson, 6, rides to school Tuesday with the bike bus at Riley Elementary School. Each Tuesday, students can bike to school with adult chaperones along a specific route. Wahoo's Braylon Iversen celebrates with Warrior players after they defeated Auburn in a Class C-1 state semifinal game Friday in Wahoo. Lincoln Fire Fighters Association member Andy Evans works to assemble a headboard during a bed-building day hosted by Sleep in Heavenly Peace on Saturday at Hampton Enterprises. Volunteers helped build 20 beds for children in need. A Lincoln firefighter sprays water on to the roof from a ladder truck as they battle a fire at the former Village Inn at 29th and O streets the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 20, 2024. Reach the writer at 402-473-7120 or cdunker@journalstar.com . On Twitter @ChrisDunkerLJS Lincoln Stay up-to-date on the latest in local and national government and political topics with our newsletter.

APC for addressing worsening situation in K-P

DrBalcony App Redefines Balcony Inspections with Unparalleled EfficiencyAmy Huberman and Brian O’Driscoll are celebrating today as their youngest child marks his fourth birthday. The couple share three children together, daughter Sadie, 11, and sons Billy, 10, and Ted, who has just turned 4. The Finding Joy actress had an extra special birthday message for little Ted on Saturday. Read more: Amy Huberman given unusual Brian O’Driscoll gift by stranger on the street Read more: Out and about: Amy Huberman, Hugo Duncan, Aidan Turner and Maura Higgins pictured at top events Taking to social Instagram to mark the happy occasion, Amy shared insight into their decorations for the occasion, with a big balloon in the shape of the number four floating in their kitchen in honour of Ted. Joking, Amy penned a witty caption: "My baby is 4! Surely he has a fake I.D.?!" "I’m probably going to have to stop using baby brain as an excuse for everything and recounting his age in weeks in an attempt to back that up." "Happy birthday little man. Can’t believe you’re 208 weeks old!" "However, you’ll always be the baby so I’m just going to have to carry you around in a sling carrier clipped around my shoulders until you’re just about ready to head off to college so I can kiss that squidge face all the time." "I do hope that’s okay." Amy previously shared an insight into the family of five's busy Christmas . They like to switch up traditions but always prioritise quality time with their loved ones. “It’s busy and hectic, like I’m sure it is in most households,” Amy said. “I guess in terms of traditions, it’s different depending on where we go for Christmas Day as we mix it up between the families. “We meet friends in town every Christmas Eve with all the kids and it’s a tradition I look forward to every year. “I also love decorating the house... Well, actually, I don’t love it, but I like it when it’s done.” When it comes to cooking, Amy is more than happy to hand the reins over to Brian. “I’m really good at eating it if that counts,” she told the RTE Guide.