Happy 10th Birthday Toby! (By Pam)

10 Years ago I became a Mom!

Happy 10th Birthday Toby!

Here is some random information about our Toby for posterity.

For his birthday Toby wanted to go bowling. We were able to bring along his best bud Collin to make the day complete and good times were had by all.

Toby is in 4th grade this year at Spanish Oaks Elementary. He loves his teacher Miss Robinson (soon to be Mrs. Strong). He has had a bit of a rough year academically. A couple of months into the school year we heard from his teacher for the first time telling us that Toby had only completed 6% of his assigned work. ARG! Once we were aware we were able to put a plan together and get him all caught up. And once caught up he has done much better and we have seen big improvement in his attitude as well.

Toby is easily intimidated by new concepts and gets overwhelmed. Once he is able to ask a million of questions and practice on HIS terms he does fine. It makes for some frustrating homework sessions and we have found that this year he works best with Dan. So Sadie and I do homework together, and Toby and Dan to homework together. This system has returned an element of peace to our evenings.

:-)

Toby has finished his Bear badge in Cub Scouts and will start with the Webelos group after the first of the year. Toby is the last of his age group to advance and by the end of the year he isn't very comfortable with his scout group anymore. But he is excited to move up with his friends again.

Toby is an AWESOME big brother and looks out for and dotes on his little sisters. When he earns enough points to buy things from the school store, he always buys something for Sadie first. Then if he has left over points he will get something for himself. Sadie on the other hand is a bit of a Diva and is content to be catered to by her older brother. Andie LOVES Toby and they are very cute together.

Toby has taken some time to get used to the idea of having another baby in the house in a few months. He really didn't want a brother because he wants Dad to himself. He is getting used to the idea however. He is really funny about needing Mom and Dad time and he doesn't like how much attention goes to new babies. He loves to help however and I'm confident he will quickly fall in love with his brother once he's here.

Toby's favorite hobby this winter is to play with electronics. Be it the Wii or the computer or iPhone. When he "grows up" he wants to be a computer programer just like Dan. It's pretty cute. For his birthday we gave him an iPod touch and he is in heaven.

Toby has a HUGE heart and is always looking out for the "underdog" or anyone that he feels is not being treated fairly. He is a rule follower, and is heartbroken when he gets in trouble or disappoints people.

He picks up litter, keeps a clean and organized room and wants to help around the house. He worries about Mom being overwhelmed. When things aren't in order or being done how he feels they are supposed to be done it drives him crazy. He is FINALLY gaining better bladder control and has only had 1 accident in 4th grade. He still struggles overnight and sleeps in pull-ups. But I am so excited with his progress.

Toby has an inborn love for church and the Gospel and enjoys reading and discussing the scriptures every night. He talks about being a missionary someday and likes hearing about his oldest cousins Jordan's mission in Guatemala. We are always impressed with his testimony and understanding.

He hates change and is really nervous about us selling our house. He wants to stay here, then buy the house from us to raise his kids in.

He is such a cute funny boy to have around. Has been a bit of a challenge to his Mom this past year, but overall is a joy to have around.

Love that kid!

Pam