Happy Birthday Josh!

Edited at 2:37 ! Ok- I now know why it isn't wise for one to write and post blog entries at 3 in the morning after spending one stressful day at the hospital with a sick loved one! I posted the wrong year for my son's birthdate! LOL I laughed so hard when I signed on today to read the comments that were left here, and my own son had to tell me in his comment that he was NOT born in 1997, but 1987!! How can he be 20 if he was born in 1997? That is the year of my 2nd son's birth, so please cut me some slack!

Josh Rios and Josh Vernoy in hammocks in Venezuela!

Fourth of July Sunday!
Josh,3rd from left, with Vernoy cousins!

2005- High School Graduation. Josh in gold with friend Hyondoe.Josh in his cap and gown!
I get a hug after his first sermon!
Taking baby Josh home!
Modeling hats in a shop in Queretaro, Mexico!
Josh and Shane with our beloved dog, Chance!
The first time Agustin saw and held his son (3 months old)!
Easter photo for 1989!
Josh and his dad take off on Sheikra at Busch Gardens!
My first born is 20 years old today! How did that happen?

A precious blessing came into our lives at 2:22 a.m. Monday morning on April 6, 1997,(see? this is what the edit above was about, it was really 1987!) in Welch, West Virginia! He surprised us by being born a little early and in much distress, but God performed a miracle for us and we are eternally thankful for this! Our son, Joshua Lee Rios, brings us great joy and many smiles. I have especially enjoyed watching him become a confident young man and a gentleman! He has a heart for God and approaches most things with passion and fervor. My prayer for him is that he will be a faithful servant of Christ, putting HIM first in all he does.

Today, Friday, we will follow a tradition that Josh himself started - a birthday trip to Busch Gardens! At 20, I thought he would want something a little different, but boy was I wrong! He came to me and said, "Mom, can we all just go to B.G. on my birthday? Uncle Johnny said I can have the day off and he and Shawn will even come join us."So it was decided that's what we would do and have our traditional meal of barbecue ribs from the Smokehouse restaurant! My nephew, Joshua Vernoy, will get to join us after classes too! I was a little worried we would have to postpone this birthday trip, thinking my dad would be in surgery Friday. It looks as though surgery wont' be until Monday, so I think we should go ahead and enjoy this 20th birthday which will only roll around once for a special young man!


To Josh - I love you son and am so very proud of you. Your dad says he couldn't ask for a better son. God has blessed you with certain gifts that are unique to only you. Have a great and fun day.

Love Forever,
Mom and Dad