In November, my sister Emily visited us for a week. It took a little while for Becca to warm up to her aunt, but they soon before good friends, and Becca enjoyed laughing at her crazy Aunt Emily. While Emily has here, we went to quite a few things in the area. I think I saw more of Dallas and Fort Worth in the week Emily was here than I have in our previous two-and-a-half years of living in Texas.

Saturday night we went to a rodeo. I don’t think Josh or I will ever be tempted to enter into a rodeo event, even if we’re low on cash. The bull riding looked painful and the other events looked complicated. And you only get one chance at trying to rope the poor little (feisty) calf. Becca didn’t go to the rodeo, but she does enjoy playing with her nativity.

Emily was a great help while she was here. She helped make baby food, she babysat Becca twice when we had to go out, she helped clean Becca’s bed, she washed my kitchen floor (without being asked), she made Becca’s birthday cake, she helped us put up our Christmas decorations, she washed lots of dishes, and she did many other things. The last night she was here, she even scrubbed our bathtub – that was a nice surprise to step into. We’ll see if we can talk Emily into coming again next year. Thanks, Em!

Two more presents arrived for Becca after the official celebrations. My brother Joey sent her a “I <3 BJU” outfit. And my brother Sam and his wife sent her  a Yankee’s outfit and a Mets outfit. I’m not sure if she can wears those down here in Texas Ranger country.

Today is the 4-year anniversary of our first date. I was really excited when Josh asked me out and was hoping it would go well. When I got an email from him a few hours after our date, I decided that I hadn’t scared him away. I was thrilled when he asked me out again…and that he’s now my date for life. I love you, my sweet husband. Thanks so much for asking me out!

On another note, since my miscarriage we’ve received a lot of mail from Dover, Pa – thanks fam.