I still think it’s cute, but I think Tobi would burn all copies of this awkward-years photo if she could. My mom made the button shirt, and it was worn proudly and often.
Since my day to blog falls on my eldest daughter’s birthday, I can’t resist taking this opportunity to wish her happy birthday in a very public way. First, let’s get this photo out of the way… (I’m going to be in SO much trouble! Teehee!)
Tobi is an awesome mom to their three sons (who happen to be the first three boys who made me a “Mimi”!)
I never thought I’d be a mom of girls. I grew up as the oldest of five, with only one brother. But somehow, I’d always pictured myself as a mom of boys. Lots of boys. When my second pregnancy felt identical to my first, I was just certain that meant there was another little boy on the way. When the doctor announced, “It’s a girl!” I could hardly believe my ears! It truly took me a few days to grasp that I did, indeed, have a darling daughter!
Tobi was our strong-willed child, stubborn, determined, perfectionist—qualities that made her…let’s just say difficult to parent for a few of the eighteen years she spent in our home. But those same qualities made her a model citizen, a loyal friend, and a top student (her National Merit Scholar status won her a full-ride scholarship and gave us a much-needed break on college tuition payments! Thank you, Tobi!)
My little girl has grown up into a precious young woman who is an amazing teacher, a loving wife, a fabulous mom to three of the cutest little boys in the world, a sweet sister, a former State-bound athlete and now a great track coach’s assistant to her hubby (they met on the track team in college), a talented crafter and decorator, a dedicated Sunday School teacher and VBS coordinator, an eloquent writer (she and I have written some blog posts on the seasons of marriage together, and Tobi has also had articles published in education magazines), and so. much. more.
I never dreamed I’d get to be the mom of not one, but two daughters…and now two granddaughters!
It’s hard not to brag on my sweet daughter, so I’ll just close by saying, I could not feel more blessed to call Tobi Anne Raney Layton my daughter.
♫ Happy birthday, dear Tobi, happy birthday to you! ♫
Latest posts by Deborah Raney (see all)
- We Shopped at Piggly Wiggly - May 12, 2025
- Happy Mother’s Day! - May 11, 2025
- Research Trip - April 28, 2025
HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY TOBI! Have a wonderful day!
SO fun to have my friends wish my daughter (that they don’t even know) a happy birthday. 🙂
My youngest child is also a daughter, born on Mother’s Day. Daughters are indeed very special. Happy Birthday Tobi!
That’s cool, Lynn. Every few years, Tobi’s birthday falls on Mother’s Day, or on the weekend of Mother’s Day and that’s always special.
I didn’t know you always thought you would be a boy mom? Me too! I did the exact same thing the first few weeks with Nora. I had to confirm that I did in fact have a daughter and it was not a dream! Now I feel like I want all girls 🙂
I think it was because I always admired the mom of 3 cool brothers at my grade school and I always thought it would be fun to be like her. 🙂 (Now Tobi IS her!)
♪ ♪ Happy is such a good thing…celebrate!! ♪ ♪
It is, indeed. Just wish we didn’t have to celebrate from afar!
Happy Birthday Tobi
Thanks, Shelia! 🙂
Awwww! Mom! This is so sweet! And I can’t believe I’m just now reading it at 9:30 at night! Thanks for making me sound so great! It almost makes up for posting that hideous photo of me! I love you and miss you!
LOL! I was hoping the rest of the post would make up for that picture I know you hate. 🙂 Love you too and hope it was a great birthday!
I’m a day behind but still wanted to wish your Tobi a very happy birthday and a wonderful year ahead! 🙂 I’ve never met her but am certain she’s an amazing young lady (how could she not be – – since she has Deb Raney for her Mom?!).
Such cute photos too! Thanks for sharing this glimpse into your family, Deb. 🙂