Joshua's Birthday

Today is Joshua's 19th birthday! I really can't believe he is 19, (or that Brandon has been on his own for almost a year, and that our youngest son is almost a teenager or that our daughter is almost 10.) It makes me feel old.

My favorite memory of Joshua was when he was a tiny little guy... (well, there are several but I'll tell you this one for now).

We were at Memorial pool in Jefferson City, MO. Joshua was not a swimmer yet and weighed in at a whopping 26 pounds. He was about 5 years old. As I would walk into the pool with him, he would climb me like I was a tree and then hang on for dear life. I could literally let go of him and he would be attached to me like a baby monkey. He was having fun, but totally not trusting of himself in the water. It was a good day with good memories. He has always been such a sweetheart.

He is still our little monkey. Although he's taller than me now.

My favorite thing about Joshua has to be his heart. He has such a H U G E heart. He loves people. He wants everyone to be happy. He'd give you everything he has if it would make you happy.

It's the things I love about Joshua that drive me crazy too. Let me show you some examples... He has been given a handful of detentions at school. They have been for things like, being tardy to class because he was holding the door open for everyone, letting someone copy his homework, or letting someone have his phone to use during class. Always helping someone else, or at least thinking he was helping but at the same time, getting himself in trouble.

He is a great son. We are so proud of him. He is going to graduate in May. I can't wait. He can't wait either. He plans to go to FSCJ (Florida State College Jacksonville) to get his degree in ASL and deaf studies. He's gonna do great!

Here is a recent picture I tried to take during our church service. Josh was asked to sign a song in church. I couldn't look at him without crying. I love watching him sign. He truly loves it. Of course he does... he's helping someone.



A few more favorite pics I've been wanting to post are of him teaching at our VBS this summer. He was a helper during story time. Perfect for him.




Happy birthday Joshua. We love you so much!!! I pray for many more celebrations of you getting older!!!