Saturday - December 21, 2002
Dearest Family & Friends:
Is it just our view or is the pace of the “ride” accelerating with each passing year? Not only has the speed with which the ride is moving increased, but also it seems that every twist and every turn are more and more extreme. To take just a few moments this morning to ponder and reflect on the year is breath taking. As we have begun to receive your letters and read of your life’s endeavors, it is clear that we are not the only ones flying through life at mach 10 gasping for air and a few quiet moments. Consider the wisdom of the counsel of the Lord when he said that we should “let [our] hearts be comforted… for all flesh is in mine hands.” He also taught that we should “be still and know that [He is] God.” Having “comforted hearts” and “being still” seems to be an ever increasingly difficult state of existence to achieve. With your help and your love and your examples, however, we are strengthened and encouraged about the achievablity of that blessed and happy state.
Thursday – December 25, 2003
Boy, was that introduction, which never got sent, ever the truth for 2002 and as it turns out for 2003, too! Here it is Christmas morning of 2003 and our family letter has languished on the computer for another year. So, in an attempt to get current and to not “delay the day of our repentance” any longer, here goes.
Chase and Anna have now been married for over a year and a half. They still live in Provo, while Chase attends BYU. They have and continue to make plans about the future, which now include a beautiful, handsome, wonderful, (please insert as many glowing and positive adjectives as you know) baby boy named Cameron Tony Rawlins. He was born in September of this year. They are here visiting for Christmas and have been a joy and pleasure, especially for the grandparents.
Brian has now been home from his mission to Paraguay for a year. He, too, has been making plans about the future and striving to put those plans in to action. He is going to school at a local community college (cheaper tuition), living with his grandmother (cheaper room and board) and working part-time at Outback Steakhouse (cheaper food) and State Farm Insurance (he thinks he wants to sell insurance).
Eric has received his call to serve in the Uruguay Monte Video West Mission. He reports to the MTC on February 4, 2004. So, while he is making plans for the mission, (passport pictures, birth certificates, buying clothes, etc.) he is also preparing in other ways for his mission. Not unlike a camel which is about to go in to the desert, filling its humps with water for the long trip, Eric is filling up his “humps” for the long trip in the desert, too. He is enjoying a lot of time with friends and family, which involves much planning.
Garrett is now 14, longhaired, just slightly taller than Dad and very involved in sports. He played football in the fall, is playing basketball now (he’s pretty good, too) and expects to play baseball in the spring. Next fall he will be a freshman in High School! Man, his Mom is getting old. His plans, and his Dad’s, are for him to do well in school that he might continue to participate in and do well in sports.
Tori is as busy as ever. She is still working at the Hospital (3 days a week). Her plan, though, is to reduce that to 2 days a week. She stays busy with her calling teaching the Young Women at church and participating in their weekday activities, as well as supporting them in their school activities. Making plans for the future with friends and family and encouraging Tony to help with those plans and activities, keeps her busy, too.
Tony is just trying to stay out of the way of all the planning going on around him. You may not realize this, but it takes a lot of planning and effort to avoid being part of others’ plans! And so, he spends a lot of time at work and on the golf course (which he calls work), just trying to stay out of the way. Sounds like a good plan, doesn’t it?
As 2003 comes to an end and 2004 is peeking out over the horizon, we want to express to all of you our heartfelt appreciation and love for all you have done, all you have been and all that you have meant to us and the plans we have made, accomplished and continue to pursue. May we all, as we make “our plans” for 2004, not forget “His plan”. May God bless us all with that which is good and necessary to help in accomplishing His plan for His children.
All our love
Tony, Tori, Chase, Anna, Brian, Eric, Garrett and Cameron
Thursday, September 21, 2006
Wednesday, September 20, 2006
2001 - ANOTHER SPACE ODYSSEY
November 18, 2001
Dear Family & Friends:
It is with much gratitude and thankfulness for your love and your friendship that we send these greetings to you. As has been my practice, prior to writing this letter, I took the time to go back and re-read previous letters. It never ceases to amaze me, just how quickly time rushes past us and how many experiences we can stuff into 365 days. The look back, also, causes me to reflect on the choices and responses to those experiences and the resulting “fruits” of those choices and responses. It is clear to me, upon reflection, that our family and its members, like the whole human family and its individual members, have through life’s pushings and pullings made some progress and at the same time, the realization is there, that there is much progress yet to be made. Recognizing that, we appreciate your companionship as we move along, together, on this great and glorious ride of mortality.
Torianne is a RN, now, and working at Baylor Hospital in Grapevine, Texas. She started working there in January of this year. Initially, she had to “pay her dues” by working the evening shift, but that, thankfully, was short-lived. Her next shift assignment, however, wasn’t much better. Even though it’s called days, getting up at 5 am every morning, for Torianne, is almost like working the evening shift. The other side of that coin, though, is that she is usually home by 3:30 in the afternoon. She is now working a four-day workweek, which seems to be just what the doctor ordered. She seems to be doing great and loving what she is doing. Oh, by the way, she is working in the mother and baby unit of the hospital. Generally, taking care of the baby and the mom, postpartum to discharge, are Tori’s responsibilities.
Chase returned from his mission to Russia in April. As he came down the glassed-in passageway for international passengers, Eric saw him and said, “Look how short he is!” He is not really short, it’s just that Eric is now taller than Chase…and Brian… and me. Anyway, Chase looks great! It was wonderful to have him home, for about a week. Listen, if they are a slob about their bedroom before the mission, they will be a slob after the mission. His room was a mess the whole time he was here. And, it seemed like he considered the whole house his room, too. He messed around Dallas for a couple of months (chasing a young woman, who went back to school for the summer) and then he went to Utah and worked in Salt Lake for about six weeks before school started. He stayed with Roger and Lezlee Bishop (Tori’s sister). He’s now back in school at BYU and we hope, working hard and we know, having a great time. We are so grateful for his example of service and can certainly see changes in the really important things even if, thankfully, as we all know, he is still Chase.
Brian is serving a mission in Paraguay. It will be a year this December; again, that time thing rushing past us. It is almost incomprehensible to think that he will likely be home next Christmas. I say likely because Chase extended his mission for two months (I think the only reason he came home is because his VISA expired and he had to leave Mother Russia). We were able to talk to him on Mother’s day. What’s with that, anyway? Why Mother’s Day and Christmas Day? Why not Father’s Day and Christmas Day? No sour grapes, here. Anyway, we had a wonderful conversation with him. His Spanish was pretty good. The family started to complain when he and I started to “charlar” in Spanish. He is also learning an Indian dialect called guarani. In one area, very few people spoke Spanish, just guarani. Again, he seems to be growing in all the important areas, but thankfully, he is still Brian. We, so very much, appreciate his service and the blessings in his life and ours.
Eric is now a junior. He is, more than ever, consumed with cars. When he’s not playing tennis, running cross country, going to school, attending early morning seminary (6 am), or sleeping (he doesn’t get much, except on weekends), then he’s probably doing something with his buddies that has something to do with cars. Last weekend, I was trying to convince him to spend some time with the family. I invited him to go to the movie with us. He said, “If we can go test drive a Subaru WRX, then I’ll go to the movie with you.” It’s pretty bad when you have to bribe your kids to spend time with you (I never had to be bribed to spend time with my parents, did you?). Anyway, we took a test drive (Psst, Don’t tell Eric, but, it was pretty fun). Oh, I forgot to mention, Eric does spend some of his valuable time with girls, too. He got his Eagle Project done, finally, and now only has one merit badge left to earn his Eagle. Eric is a fine young man, when he wants to be, and we love him and appreciate his loyal and sensitive spirit.
Garrett is growing up. He turned twelve in September! Man, his mother is getting old. He is active in sports (baseball, football and basketball). He is also doing well in Scouting. He’s now a first-class Scout. I have to tell you, he’s a little bit like Chase when it comes to keeping a clean room. We have to stay on him constantly. He is also into his hairstyle. Here in Dallas we have two basketball players, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzke, who are notorious for their hairstyles. To say it is the unkept look is to be generous. Anyway, Garrett thinks it looks cool. Tori and he are constantly going around about how it looks. I think that that Garrett gages how cool it looks by the degree to which his mother can not keep her cool about it. I guess there could be worse things over which to fight than hair. He is now in middle school (6th grade) and doing well. We are grateful for his affection and quiet leadership.
We, like you, I suspect, have had a glorious and exhilarating time on life’s 2001 version of the “Mortality Roller Coaster Ride”. We have hung on for dear life in some of the turns and breathed sighs of relief when we came out of those turns. We screamed with joy and delight, hands in the air high over head when it was fun and exciting and cleaned off the tops of our shoes when unexpectedly we couldn’t keep anything down. We would not, however, have enjoyed the highs so much without your love and examples. And, we could not have endured the lows as well as we did without your support and compassion. May God pour out his richest blessings on you and yours and extend to you his loving support as you prepare for another turn on the 2002 version of the “Mortality Roller Coaster Ride”. All our Love – Tony, Tori, Chase, Brian, Eric and Garrett
Dear Family & Friends:
It is with much gratitude and thankfulness for your love and your friendship that we send these greetings to you. As has been my practice, prior to writing this letter, I took the time to go back and re-read previous letters. It never ceases to amaze me, just how quickly time rushes past us and how many experiences we can stuff into 365 days. The look back, also, causes me to reflect on the choices and responses to those experiences and the resulting “fruits” of those choices and responses. It is clear to me, upon reflection, that our family and its members, like the whole human family and its individual members, have through life’s pushings and pullings made some progress and at the same time, the realization is there, that there is much progress yet to be made. Recognizing that, we appreciate your companionship as we move along, together, on this great and glorious ride of mortality.
Torianne is a RN, now, and working at Baylor Hospital in Grapevine, Texas. She started working there in January of this year. Initially, she had to “pay her dues” by working the evening shift, but that, thankfully, was short-lived. Her next shift assignment, however, wasn’t much better. Even though it’s called days, getting up at 5 am every morning, for Torianne, is almost like working the evening shift. The other side of that coin, though, is that she is usually home by 3:30 in the afternoon. She is now working a four-day workweek, which seems to be just what the doctor ordered. She seems to be doing great and loving what she is doing. Oh, by the way, she is working in the mother and baby unit of the hospital. Generally, taking care of the baby and the mom, postpartum to discharge, are Tori’s responsibilities.
Chase returned from his mission to Russia in April. As he came down the glassed-in passageway for international passengers, Eric saw him and said, “Look how short he is!” He is not really short, it’s just that Eric is now taller than Chase…and Brian… and me. Anyway, Chase looks great! It was wonderful to have him home, for about a week. Listen, if they are a slob about their bedroom before the mission, they will be a slob after the mission. His room was a mess the whole time he was here. And, it seemed like he considered the whole house his room, too. He messed around Dallas for a couple of months (chasing a young woman, who went back to school for the summer) and then he went to Utah and worked in Salt Lake for about six weeks before school started. He stayed with Roger and Lezlee Bishop (Tori’s sister). He’s now back in school at BYU and we hope, working hard and we know, having a great time. We are so grateful for his example of service and can certainly see changes in the really important things even if, thankfully, as we all know, he is still Chase.
Brian is serving a mission in Paraguay. It will be a year this December; again, that time thing rushing past us. It is almost incomprehensible to think that he will likely be home next Christmas. I say likely because Chase extended his mission for two months (I think the only reason he came home is because his VISA expired and he had to leave Mother Russia). We were able to talk to him on Mother’s day. What’s with that, anyway? Why Mother’s Day and Christmas Day? Why not Father’s Day and Christmas Day? No sour grapes, here. Anyway, we had a wonderful conversation with him. His Spanish was pretty good. The family started to complain when he and I started to “charlar” in Spanish. He is also learning an Indian dialect called guarani. In one area, very few people spoke Spanish, just guarani. Again, he seems to be growing in all the important areas, but thankfully, he is still Brian. We, so very much, appreciate his service and the blessings in his life and ours.
Eric is now a junior. He is, more than ever, consumed with cars. When he’s not playing tennis, running cross country, going to school, attending early morning seminary (6 am), or sleeping (he doesn’t get much, except on weekends), then he’s probably doing something with his buddies that has something to do with cars. Last weekend, I was trying to convince him to spend some time with the family. I invited him to go to the movie with us. He said, “If we can go test drive a Subaru WRX, then I’ll go to the movie with you.” It’s pretty bad when you have to bribe your kids to spend time with you (I never had to be bribed to spend time with my parents, did you?). Anyway, we took a test drive (Psst, Don’t tell Eric, but, it was pretty fun). Oh, I forgot to mention, Eric does spend some of his valuable time with girls, too. He got his Eagle Project done, finally, and now only has one merit badge left to earn his Eagle. Eric is a fine young man, when he wants to be, and we love him and appreciate his loyal and sensitive spirit.
Garrett is growing up. He turned twelve in September! Man, his mother is getting old. He is active in sports (baseball, football and basketball). He is also doing well in Scouting. He’s now a first-class Scout. I have to tell you, he’s a little bit like Chase when it comes to keeping a clean room. We have to stay on him constantly. He is also into his hairstyle. Here in Dallas we have two basketball players, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzke, who are notorious for their hairstyles. To say it is the unkept look is to be generous. Anyway, Garrett thinks it looks cool. Tori and he are constantly going around about how it looks. I think that that Garrett gages how cool it looks by the degree to which his mother can not keep her cool about it. I guess there could be worse things over which to fight than hair. He is now in middle school (6th grade) and doing well. We are grateful for his affection and quiet leadership.
We, like you, I suspect, have had a glorious and exhilarating time on life’s 2001 version of the “Mortality Roller Coaster Ride”. We have hung on for dear life in some of the turns and breathed sighs of relief when we came out of those turns. We screamed with joy and delight, hands in the air high over head when it was fun and exciting and cleaned off the tops of our shoes when unexpectedly we couldn’t keep anything down. We would not, however, have enjoyed the highs so much without your love and examples. And, we could not have endured the lows as well as we did without your support and compassion. May God pour out his richest blessings on you and yours and extend to you his loving support as you prepare for another turn on the 2002 version of the “Mortality Roller Coaster Ride”. All our Love – Tony, Tori, Chase, Brian, Eric and Garrett
2000 - THE NEW MILLENNIUM
Saturday
December 9, 2000
Dear Loved Ones:
There is an invitation from an ancient prophet to “remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men…and ponder it in your hearts.” As I undertook this assignment from Torianne, I opened the letter we sent in May to many of you. As I read that letter and “remember[ed] how merciful” He had been to us then, since then and even now continues to carry all of us in his arms (when we let him), I was overcome with a feeling of peace and gratitude I can not adequately express. With a sure knowledge that he knows us and loves us, I express our love and appreciation to each of you for your examples of faithful perseverance, diligent obedience and caring remembrances.
As last reported, Torianne graduated from college with her Nursing degree. Not long after that she took the state boards and PASSED ON THE FIRST TRY!!!!! You have to know I could smell that golf club membership coming my way. Please, don’t be ugly. I have to put that dig in here somewhere. Tori took a job with our pediatrician the end of August. Work is MUCH better than school. Tori is happy with what she is doing and learning. She is, however, looking for an opportunity to get some additional training that can only come from working in a hospital. We’ll keep you posted on Nurse Tori and her adventures in “General Hospital”.
I know, when I wrote you in May that I said we would write our family letter then, instead of at Christmas time. We have some news we want to share sooner than later, so that’s why I am writing, now. Brian has received his mission call. He has been called to serve in the Paraguay Asuncion North Mission! He went to the Temple on November 25th, spoke in Sacrament Meeting the 26th and went back to work in Kansas City the 28th. He will be returning from KC this morning and will be here until the day after Christmas. He leaves for SLC the day after Christmas and will report to the MTC on the 27th of December. Needless to say he is and we are very excited for this great new opportunity in his life.
Because of Brian’s call, Chase received special permission for us to call him and tell him about the call. We talked with him the end of October. It was, of course, great to hear his voice. He must really be into his mission. He had sent us his phone number so we could call him back when he called us and we had set a time that he would call. The appointed time came and went. We waited about an hour, thinking that perhaps he was late getting back from an appointment or something. Finally we decided to try and call him. When he answered the phone he acted surprised to hear from us. That’s because he was. He had completely forgotten that we were to talk. Chase is doing well and his mission has been extended to the end of March.
Eric, now a sophomore in High School, has nothing but tennis, friends (mostly girls), and the car (“my car” as he refers to it) on his mind. I’m not sure which of the three is his most important priority but I am sure that the car is right at the top of the list. The reason I think that is because he is making a concerted effort to get his Eagle Project done before his birthday in January. It’s a law of the harvest thing. No Eagle, no driver’s license. No driver’s license, no car. I love the law of the harvest (when it works in my favor).
Garrett loves sports, hanging with his friends (Patrick & Brandon) and is doing well in school. He played football this fall for the first time in two years. Oh, I forgot to mention that Garrett is a pretty funny boy, too. Check this out. After his first practice in the heat of the fall in Texas, he came home whining about how tired he was, how he didn’t want to play and that he wanted to quit. We said no (money was involved). He continued to complain for a couple more weeks. Then came game time. He found out that he was not only on a good team, but a great team. They went undefeated, won the league championship, had fun and now he denies he ever wanted to quit. Like I said, he’s a funny boy.
“It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” Truer words were never penned. As I look back on 2000, those words would certainly apply to our lives. Something I’ve learned or learned again is that responding positively to the “best of times” can be easier than positively responding to the “worst of times”. Another thing, perhaps a greater thing, that I’ve learned or re-learned is that more often than not and sooner or later, the extent to which we positively respond to the “worst of times” can and will provide a solid foundation and support to making the “best of times” better and the “worst of times” bearable.
We thank you and express our love and appreciation to each of your for your examples of strength, steadfastness, integrity and love of God. May this Holy time of “remembrance” be a source of strength and humble gratitude for all of us.
All our love
The Rawlins Family
Garrett, Eric, Brian, Chase, Tori & Tony
December 9, 2000
Dear Loved Ones:
There is an invitation from an ancient prophet to “remember how merciful the Lord hath been unto the children of men…and ponder it in your hearts.” As I undertook this assignment from Torianne, I opened the letter we sent in May to many of you. As I read that letter and “remember[ed] how merciful” He had been to us then, since then and even now continues to carry all of us in his arms (when we let him), I was overcome with a feeling of peace and gratitude I can not adequately express. With a sure knowledge that he knows us and loves us, I express our love and appreciation to each of you for your examples of faithful perseverance, diligent obedience and caring remembrances.
As last reported, Torianne graduated from college with her Nursing degree. Not long after that she took the state boards and PASSED ON THE FIRST TRY!!!!! You have to know I could smell that golf club membership coming my way. Please, don’t be ugly. I have to put that dig in here somewhere. Tori took a job with our pediatrician the end of August. Work is MUCH better than school. Tori is happy with what she is doing and learning. She is, however, looking for an opportunity to get some additional training that can only come from working in a hospital. We’ll keep you posted on Nurse Tori and her adventures in “General Hospital”.
I know, when I wrote you in May that I said we would write our family letter then, instead of at Christmas time. We have some news we want to share sooner than later, so that’s why I am writing, now. Brian has received his mission call. He has been called to serve in the Paraguay Asuncion North Mission! He went to the Temple on November 25th, spoke in Sacrament Meeting the 26th and went back to work in Kansas City the 28th. He will be returning from KC this morning and will be here until the day after Christmas. He leaves for SLC the day after Christmas and will report to the MTC on the 27th of December. Needless to say he is and we are very excited for this great new opportunity in his life.
Because of Brian’s call, Chase received special permission for us to call him and tell him about the call. We talked with him the end of October. It was, of course, great to hear his voice. He must really be into his mission. He had sent us his phone number so we could call him back when he called us and we had set a time that he would call. The appointed time came and went. We waited about an hour, thinking that perhaps he was late getting back from an appointment or something. Finally we decided to try and call him. When he answered the phone he acted surprised to hear from us. That’s because he was. He had completely forgotten that we were to talk. Chase is doing well and his mission has been extended to the end of March.
Eric, now a sophomore in High School, has nothing but tennis, friends (mostly girls), and the car (“my car” as he refers to it) on his mind. I’m not sure which of the three is his most important priority but I am sure that the car is right at the top of the list. The reason I think that is because he is making a concerted effort to get his Eagle Project done before his birthday in January. It’s a law of the harvest thing. No Eagle, no driver’s license. No driver’s license, no car. I love the law of the harvest (when it works in my favor).
Garrett loves sports, hanging with his friends (Patrick & Brandon) and is doing well in school. He played football this fall for the first time in two years. Oh, I forgot to mention that Garrett is a pretty funny boy, too. Check this out. After his first practice in the heat of the fall in Texas, he came home whining about how tired he was, how he didn’t want to play and that he wanted to quit. We said no (money was involved). He continued to complain for a couple more weeks. Then came game time. He found out that he was not only on a good team, but a great team. They went undefeated, won the league championship, had fun and now he denies he ever wanted to quit. Like I said, he’s a funny boy.
“It was the best of times. It was the worst of times.” Truer words were never penned. As I look back on 2000, those words would certainly apply to our lives. Something I’ve learned or learned again is that responding positively to the “best of times” can be easier than positively responding to the “worst of times”. Another thing, perhaps a greater thing, that I’ve learned or re-learned is that more often than not and sooner or later, the extent to which we positively respond to the “worst of times” can and will provide a solid foundation and support to making the “best of times” better and the “worst of times” bearable.
We thank you and express our love and appreciation to each of your for your examples of strength, steadfastness, integrity and love of God. May this Holy time of “remembrance” be a source of strength and humble gratitude for all of us.
All our love
The Rawlins Family
Garrett, Eric, Brian, Chase, Tori & Tony
Sunday, September 03, 2006
Boys Night Out 2006 - Episode 7
It is only appropriate that the first current posting to TEN be from the Seventh Annual Boys Night Out. Enjoy the posting and the pictures.
Sunday (AM) – 9/3/06
Craig and I are sitting here at his kitchen table, waiting to go to church. We’ve had a great couple of days, together, getting caught up, playing some golf, seeing his kids and visiting some friends (the Cowleys).
Sunday (AM) – 9/3/06
Craig and I are sitting here at his kitchen table, waiting to go to church. We’ve had a great couple of days, together, getting caught up, playing some golf, seeing his kids and visiting some friends (the Cowleys).
Day 1 pictures at Ridgecrest – 8/31/06
Our first full day in Idaho, we went to the golf course. After all, golf is the main activity for “Boys Night Out”. We played at Ridgecrest Golf Club in Nampa, ID. It was a little cool that morning. I was glad that the Eagle Scout (Craig) had some wind pants and a jacket in his truck that I could borrow for the front side. Craig shot an 86 and I shot a 77. Par is 72. We picked up the Craig’s girls, after golf, and got something to eat.
Day 2 pictures at Boise Ranch – 9/1/06
Day two started with golf, too. We played at Boise Ranch Golf Course in Boise, ID. Craig shot an 84 and I shot a 73! Par is 71. It was cold (I think it was in the high 60’s or low 70’s) that morning, but I started off “hot”. I chipped in for birdie to start the round! I didn’t take off the wind pants and jacket until about the 15th hole. That night we took the girls to dinner and went to a movie. We saw CARS. It was kind of cute and had a good message.
Day 3 pictures at Centennial – 9/2/06
Day three, Saturday September 2, we started the day in the best possible way, with golf. We played Centennial Golf Course in Nampa, ID. Craig shot an 85 and I finally came down to earth with an 83. Par is 72. We were a little tired by the end of the 3rd round of golf in three days, but we did find enough energy to go and visit Fred and Shirleen Cowley. Judy even came over. It was great to see them and reminisce about the “good old days”.
May 2000 Update
May 17, 2000
Dear Family & Friends:
The first order of business is to express our love and appreciation to all of you for your thoughtful remembrances of us over the Christmas holiday. We so very much enjoyed hearing from each of you and learning of the challenges and choices that are bringing growth through their joys and sorrows. Obviously, the sorrows are not received with excitement or anticipation, but the potential for individual and collective growth is certainly there. It is, however, difficult during the trial to identify that potential.
As we began to receive your correspondence, it dawned on Torianne and me that it would be great to somehow spread the blessings of that “Christmas cheer” throughout the year. It was with that in mind (plus we were really, really busy chasing our own potential for growth), that we decided to delay our annual letter to perhaps a “needier” time of the year. It seems hard to take the excess goodwill expressed in December and hang on to a measure of it for a dry spell later in the year. It is our hope that this letter arrives at your homes at just the right time to bring a little relief on “life’s highway”.
Last Thursday, May 11, 2000 was a day that will live forever in the hearts and minds of the Rawlins family. Not only was it Torianne’s and my 21st anniversary (thank-you, thank-you) but also, and perhaps for this year at least, more importantly, Torianne graduated from college with a degree in nursing. That’s a big YEEEEEEEHAAAAA!!!!!, partner. What a wonderful event. She has worked hard and long and suffered and endured much. She will be taking a 4-day review course next week and then it’s the state boards in June. Maybe by August (she’s going to Utah for the month of July) she’ll have a job and start paying for my golf club membership. All right, now, just lighten up. I’m only kidding about the golf club membership. At least I think I’m only kidding.
We talked with Chase on Mother’s day. He sounded great. He’ll be home in just nine short months, but who’s counting? He had just returned from Finland where he renewed his visa. On his way to Finland, he was able to spend some time in Moscow. He said it was a wonderful experience. He told us that Finland was a beautiful country and all the people looked like models. He is doing well and seems to be enjoying this time of service for the Lord.
Brian graduated in December of 1999 and will receive his diploma the end of May. He has been working in the sewers of Myrtle Beach, SC and Pittsburgh, PA since January. He also spent a little time in Monroe, LA. He’s trying to save some money for his mission and for college when he gets home. His plan is to be in the mission home on his birthday in December. You all know what happens while we are making plans don’t you? LIFE! Over the last few months, Brian has experienced some of that, especially, the financial aspects of life. The short list is transmission, water pump and belts, tires and front-end work. Cars can teach a multitude of lessons can't they?
Eric is now a freshman in High School. Number 3, in addition to Chase and Brian, has surpassed his dad in height, too. Let me tell you he loves to stand next to me and remind me that he is taller. He will be 16 in January and is already talking about a car. That’s the topic, at least at this point, that helps me bring him down a couple of inches. He’s a fine young man and as Brian says, “he’s almost too pretty to be a Rawlins”. Even though he is “pretty” we still let him hang out with us. He loves to play tennis and is doing well in school. Since we last wrote, no more mailboxes have lost their lives to his anxiousness to drive.
Garrett will turn 11 in September. He’s growing up so quickly. He loves baseball and plays catcher for the Cardinals. His team is doing well. Here comes a small dose of parental pride so please forgive me. The game before last he hit a grand slam. This was no cheap, three error through the legs, throw the ball around the field and keep running kind of grand slam. This was a legitimate bases loaded and yank it over the left field fence and watch the “Bambino”, the “Sultan of Swat” tip the cap and touch ‘em all GRAND slam! Sorry about the puffed out chest. I hope that didn’t hurt anybody.
To say we feel blessed would be an understatement. Challenges with joys and sorrows, you bet. Unwanted growth and more on the horizon, yep. I guess, like most of you, my family, and I too, are experiencing the highs and lows, the ups and downs and the ebbs and the flows of mortality. We love you. We value your examples of strength and diligent perseverance. Much of our ability to meet life head on comes from you and from our knowledge and understanding of who we are, where we came from, why we are here and where we are going after this mortal life is over.
May God’s richest blessings be upon you and yours. May He comfort you in times of trial and tribulation. May we recognize His hand in all that is good.
All our love
The Rawlins Family
Tony, Tori, Chase, Brian, Eric & Garrett
Dear Family & Friends:
The first order of business is to express our love and appreciation to all of you for your thoughtful remembrances of us over the Christmas holiday. We so very much enjoyed hearing from each of you and learning of the challenges and choices that are bringing growth through their joys and sorrows. Obviously, the sorrows are not received with excitement or anticipation, but the potential for individual and collective growth is certainly there. It is, however, difficult during the trial to identify that potential.
As we began to receive your correspondence, it dawned on Torianne and me that it would be great to somehow spread the blessings of that “Christmas cheer” throughout the year. It was with that in mind (plus we were really, really busy chasing our own potential for growth), that we decided to delay our annual letter to perhaps a “needier” time of the year. It seems hard to take the excess goodwill expressed in December and hang on to a measure of it for a dry spell later in the year. It is our hope that this letter arrives at your homes at just the right time to bring a little relief on “life’s highway”.
Last Thursday, May 11, 2000 was a day that will live forever in the hearts and minds of the Rawlins family. Not only was it Torianne’s and my 21st anniversary (thank-you, thank-you) but also, and perhaps for this year at least, more importantly, Torianne graduated from college with a degree in nursing. That’s a big YEEEEEEEHAAAAA!!!!!, partner. What a wonderful event. She has worked hard and long and suffered and endured much. She will be taking a 4-day review course next week and then it’s the state boards in June. Maybe by August (she’s going to Utah for the month of July) she’ll have a job and start paying for my golf club membership. All right, now, just lighten up. I’m only kidding about the golf club membership. At least I think I’m only kidding.
We talked with Chase on Mother’s day. He sounded great. He’ll be home in just nine short months, but who’s counting? He had just returned from Finland where he renewed his visa. On his way to Finland, he was able to spend some time in Moscow. He said it was a wonderful experience. He told us that Finland was a beautiful country and all the people looked like models. He is doing well and seems to be enjoying this time of service for the Lord.
Brian graduated in December of 1999 and will receive his diploma the end of May. He has been working in the sewers of Myrtle Beach, SC and Pittsburgh, PA since January. He also spent a little time in Monroe, LA. He’s trying to save some money for his mission and for college when he gets home. His plan is to be in the mission home on his birthday in December. You all know what happens while we are making plans don’t you? LIFE! Over the last few months, Brian has experienced some of that, especially, the financial aspects of life. The short list is transmission, water pump and belts, tires and front-end work. Cars can teach a multitude of lessons can't they?
Eric is now a freshman in High School. Number 3, in addition to Chase and Brian, has surpassed his dad in height, too. Let me tell you he loves to stand next to me and remind me that he is taller. He will be 16 in January and is already talking about a car. That’s the topic, at least at this point, that helps me bring him down a couple of inches. He’s a fine young man and as Brian says, “he’s almost too pretty to be a Rawlins”. Even though he is “pretty” we still let him hang out with us. He loves to play tennis and is doing well in school. Since we last wrote, no more mailboxes have lost their lives to his anxiousness to drive.
Garrett will turn 11 in September. He’s growing up so quickly. He loves baseball and plays catcher for the Cardinals. His team is doing well. Here comes a small dose of parental pride so please forgive me. The game before last he hit a grand slam. This was no cheap, three error through the legs, throw the ball around the field and keep running kind of grand slam. This was a legitimate bases loaded and yank it over the left field fence and watch the “Bambino”, the “Sultan of Swat” tip the cap and touch ‘em all GRAND slam! Sorry about the puffed out chest. I hope that didn’t hurt anybody.
To say we feel blessed would be an understatement. Challenges with joys and sorrows, you bet. Unwanted growth and more on the horizon, yep. I guess, like most of you, my family, and I too, are experiencing the highs and lows, the ups and downs and the ebbs and the flows of mortality. We love you. We value your examples of strength and diligent perseverance. Much of our ability to meet life head on comes from you and from our knowledge and understanding of who we are, where we came from, why we are here and where we are going after this mortal life is over.
May God’s richest blessings be upon you and yours. May He comfort you in times of trial and tribulation. May we recognize His hand in all that is good.
All our love
The Rawlins Family
Tony, Tori, Chase, Brian, Eric & Garrett
Cliff Notes from February 1999
Sunday
February 7, 1999
Dear Family,
This letter will be the Rawlins version of the “Cliff Notes” of Family Letters.
The highlights are these:
Garrett is back in school and is as "pokey" as I think he’s trying to take Chase’s place on that front.
Eric is moving closer to his Eagle Scout. He was ordained to the office of Teacher in January. Chase, Brian and Paxton helped with the ordination.
Brian is playing basketball and dreading the mantle of the “oldest”.
Chase leaves for the MTC tomorrow, afternoon! Elder Rawlins was set apart, today. He now has a male companion constantly.
Torianne is back in school. One semester down, number two begun, and only two more left!
It’s tax season for Tony. Long hours and very little golf.
All our love and appreciation. May God bless all of you and yours.
The Rawlins
PS
Elder Rawlins’ mailing addresses
Elder Chase Rawlins Elder Chase Rawlins
Russia Yekaterinburg Mission Russia Yekaterinburg Mission
MTC Pouch
2005 N. 900 E. 50 East North Temple
Provo, UT 84604-1793 Salt Lake City, UT 84150-0001
February 7, 1999
Dear Family,
This letter will be the Rawlins version of the “Cliff Notes” of Family Letters.
The highlights are these:
Garrett is back in school and is as "pokey" as I think he’s trying to take Chase’s place on that front.
Eric is moving closer to his Eagle Scout. He was ordained to the office of Teacher in January. Chase, Brian and Paxton helped with the ordination.
Brian is playing basketball and dreading the mantle of the “oldest”.
Chase leaves for the MTC tomorrow, afternoon! Elder Rawlins was set apart, today. He now has a male companion constantly.
Torianne is back in school. One semester down, number two begun, and only two more left!
It’s tax season for Tony. Long hours and very little golf.
All our love and appreciation. May God bless all of you and yours.
The Rawlins
PS
Elder Rawlins’ mailing addresses
Elder Chase Rawlins Elder Chase Rawlins
Russia Yekaterinburg Mission Russia Yekaterinburg Mission
MTC Pouch
2005 N. 900 E. 50 East North Temple
Provo, UT 84604-1793 Salt Lake City, UT 84150-0001
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