Man, I'm on a roll. It's been uplifting to take a little stroll down memory lane and I'm not even breathing hard!
Christmas 1998
Dear Family & Friends:
Yes, it is true, as many of you have said; the year has flown by so very quickly.
Torianne has completed the first of four semesters in her nursing program. She has grown tremendously as she has struggled with the challenges of being a wife, mom, sister, daughter and student. It is certainly tough to balance all those demanding responsibilities. The growth, though, has come as a result of the struggle. She took her final exam on Monday (12/14) and passed. So, it’s now on to semester number two in January 1999. The plan is for her and Brian to graduate in 2000!
Chase made it through high school and on to college in 1998. It was hoped that the activities at home, church, school and work for 18+ years would prepare him for a successful college experience and a full-time mission. It appears that he is and has realized the fullest potential of that hope. Chase has been attending BYU this fall and apparently enjoying every minute. He says his grades are OK. He knows he could have done better, but “there’s too much going on”. One of his most exciting experiences has been to receive his mission call while attending BYU. His dorm room was packed to overflowing as he opened the letter and read to us over the phone his call to the RUSSIA, YEKATERINBURG mission! He will report to the mission home on February 10, 1999 (hey, that’s Tony’s birthday!). Needless to say, we are all very grateful and excited.
Brian is very busy, too. With early morning seminary and other church activities (mostly those that include the Young Women), school, sports and trying to pay for the maintenance of the “Bronze Bomber”(it’s sitting out front with a flat tire, even as we speak!), Brian’s family does not see much of him. He is now a junior in high school and doing well. He lettered in tennis, again, and has made the varsity basketball team. Brian has demonstrated tremendous commitment to developing himself athletically, but perhaps the greatest growth in Brian has been spiritually. He has been very involved with missionary work this year. Brian’s best friend, Paxton (we call him Brian’s half brother), joined the church this year. Brian baptized him and also conferred the Aaronic Priesthood on him. The whole process was a blessing for all of us to experience. It was like one of our own children being baptized.
Eric has been no less busy than any other full time student in the Rawlins home. Scouts (he hopes to be an Eagle by sometime in 1999), school, other church activities, baby-sitting (he is the best baby-sitter, ever), and sports keep him on the move. He is so busy, that at times he thinks he is older than he really is. For example, not too long, ago, he thought he was old enough to drive. The neighbor’s mailbox proved him wrong. Maybe you’ll all have to ask Eric for more details when you next talk to him. He is growing up, though and becoming a tall (almost 5’10”) and fine young man showing good judgment, most of the time. He had a great year in football and is doing well in basketball. He can hardly wait to turn 14 in January so he can go to the youth dances. Yep, he likes girls, too. And for some reason, they seem to like him.
Garrett is now and always will be the “baby”. He, too, however, is growing up. He is a very active 3rd grader and is very popular in the neighborhood, too. He has friends older and younger. Greg and Kelly (two brothers across the street) think that Garrett is their big brother. Even their parents have offered to “take” him as their third. They hesitated a little when we talked about the financial commitment of a mission and college. Garrett has taken life at a little slower pace this year by only playing baseball in the spring (he can hit and play first base like Mark McGuirre) and not playing anything this fall or winter. That has really helped out Mom and Dad, too. He loves his Lego’s and video games. Those things and playing in the neighborhood keeps him happy and out of trouble (hopefully, Eric won’t teach him how to drive!).
Tony is blessed beyond measure!
· God is forgiving
· Wife is loving
· Children are honoring
· Calling is challenging
· Testimony is growing
· Work is rewarding
· Golf game is improving
For what more could a man ask?
All our love and gratitude goes out to each of you this holiday season. May you be “filled with joy” and “peace of conscience”. May the Spirit of the Lord rest upon you and yours as we celebrate, together, not only the birth, but also the life of our Savior, even Jesus Christ.
The Rawlins Family
Tony, Torianne, Chase, Brian, Eric, Garrett
Monday, August 28, 2006
April Showers - A Family Letter from 1997
I guess I got a little anxious with the "Ghost" posting. Shortly after posting it, I discovered a family letter from April of 1997. So, when it rains, it pours. Here's one more letter from and about 1997 for your consideration.
April 4, 1997
Dear Family,
As always, it is good to receive your letters. They are a strength and an inspiration to our family. Tori has asked that I write the letter this time, so, it should be short.
Tori is at the airport picking up her sister, Lezlee. We look forward to having her here for a week. I know Tori is really looking forward to some one on one sister time. She is still in school and spending a great deal of time and effort in pursuing her dream. All I know is that if I ever need the assistance of a nurse, I would want someone like Tori who has really studied the stuff and really knows it.
Garrett is growing up so fast. It is hard to believe. In just a few short months (in September), he will be baptized. We’re talking about having John (Grandpa Vanderford) do the baptism or if he can’t then possibly Chase. Garrett loves school and sports. He is very busy all the time. He has started baseball practice, already.
Eric is as energetic as ever. He is playing hockey on two teams; one is an all star/select team and the other is his regular spring league team. The fall team took 4th place in the regular season, but beat the other three teams in the playoffs to take 1st place overall. Humility aside, Eric was awesome and if there had been an MVP, he would have got it. Besides being involved in hockey, he is now a deacon and in the YM program. Mutual (Scouting), school and hockey keep him plenty busy. By the way Eric gave his first talk in Sacrament Meeting in March and did a great job.
Brian is still Brian. He had a very successful basketball season and is still doing great in school. Not only is he in early morning seminary, but he is now working out in spring training with the basketball team, playing on the JV tennis team (they can’t be very good, because Brian had never played before the day he tried out and made the JV team), getting good grades and participating in Student Council and the YM program and faithfully home teaching every month (his companion is Kevin Green, his soon-to-be Uncle Kevin). He is a Life Scout and he hopes (we hope, too) to be an Eagle by the end of the year.
Chase is staying busy, too. He is getting good grades (mostly AP classes), participating in student council, taking seminary, taking piano lessons, home teaching, attending Mutual, reading a lot of books and basically setting an all around good example for his younger brothers. Chase was asked by Eric to ordain him. He did a great job. We were all very touched by the spirit. He is now looking forward to the summer. He will likely be going to Cincinnati to work.
As for me, I’m just hanging on for dear life. I’m trying to stay cool and be supportive of my five students and their various activities. We’re also looking forward to Susan’s wedding in May. We have been very blessed. May the Lord continue to bless all of us.
Much Love,
T&T and The Boys
April 4, 1997
Dear Family,
As always, it is good to receive your letters. They are a strength and an inspiration to our family. Tori has asked that I write the letter this time, so, it should be short.
Tori is at the airport picking up her sister, Lezlee. We look forward to having her here for a week. I know Tori is really looking forward to some one on one sister time. She is still in school and spending a great deal of time and effort in pursuing her dream. All I know is that if I ever need the assistance of a nurse, I would want someone like Tori who has really studied the stuff and really knows it.
Garrett is growing up so fast. It is hard to believe. In just a few short months (in September), he will be baptized. We’re talking about having John (Grandpa Vanderford) do the baptism or if he can’t then possibly Chase. Garrett loves school and sports. He is very busy all the time. He has started baseball practice, already.
Eric is as energetic as ever. He is playing hockey on two teams; one is an all star/select team and the other is his regular spring league team. The fall team took 4th place in the regular season, but beat the other three teams in the playoffs to take 1st place overall. Humility aside, Eric was awesome and if there had been an MVP, he would have got it. Besides being involved in hockey, he is now a deacon and in the YM program. Mutual (Scouting), school and hockey keep him plenty busy. By the way Eric gave his first talk in Sacrament Meeting in March and did a great job.
Brian is still Brian. He had a very successful basketball season and is still doing great in school. Not only is he in early morning seminary, but he is now working out in spring training with the basketball team, playing on the JV tennis team (they can’t be very good, because Brian had never played before the day he tried out and made the JV team), getting good grades and participating in Student Council and the YM program and faithfully home teaching every month (his companion is Kevin Green, his soon-to-be Uncle Kevin). He is a Life Scout and he hopes (we hope, too) to be an Eagle by the end of the year.
Chase is staying busy, too. He is getting good grades (mostly AP classes), participating in student council, taking seminary, taking piano lessons, home teaching, attending Mutual, reading a lot of books and basically setting an all around good example for his younger brothers. Chase was asked by Eric to ordain him. He did a great job. We were all very touched by the spirit. He is now looking forward to the summer. He will likely be going to Cincinnati to work.
As for me, I’m just hanging on for dear life. I’m trying to stay cool and be supportive of my five students and their various activities. We’re also looking forward to Susan’s wedding in May. We have been very blessed. May the Lord continue to bless all of us.
Much Love,
T&T and The Boys
A Ghost From Christmas Past - December 1997
Holiday Greetings from the Rawlins Family
To all our friends and family, both near and far, we extend the warmest of holiday greetings.
We are fast approaching the time when Chase will be out of High School. It has been a whirlwind year so far. Seminary, drama, college entrance exams, college enrollment and scholarship applications, work, student council, class officer, NHS activities, Mutual, not to mention home work and the occasional chore around the house, have kept him busy. The rest of the school year is expected to be just as hectic.
Brian continues to grow up, too. His sophomore activities rival those of Chase. Just simply substitute basketball and tennis for drama and add putting the finishing touches on receiving his Eagle Scout award. He is anxious about dating and getting his drivers license this month, too.
Eric is just as involved as his older brothers. He received the priesthood this year (Chase did the ordinance) and is advancing in the scouting program. He, too, is very active at school, playing football and now basketball. It won’t be long before he’s in high school, too.
Garrett is an active 2nd grader. He spends a lot of time with friends in the neighborhood and watching his brothers at their games and plays. He got baptized this year (Grandpa Vanderford did the ordinance – Garrett John Rawlins) and has started Cub Scouts. He’s also been active playing baseball and tackle football.
Torianne is busy with the family, her church calling (Stake Primary Presidency) and SCHOOL. She is a very good student. It has been great for her to have Chase help with the Algebra. That way Tony can stay out of the way. As always, she is a good mom and wife and a light to the whole family.
Tony is just getting older. Not much time for anything but work, church and family. He will occasionally go golfing but only if he can call it “work”.
This a wonderful time of the year when we can all focus on some of the really important things of life, family and friends. Of course the most important thing to remember is that we are celebrating the birth of our Savior. As important as his birth was, however, the life and example that he showed us and the gift he gave us all in the Garden and on the Cross are immeasurable.
May we show him that we always remember him by doing that which he would have done. If we do, we will have the spirit of Christmas, the Spirit of Christ, in our lives all year round.
Much love to y’all
The Rawlins Family
To all our friends and family, both near and far, we extend the warmest of holiday greetings.
We are fast approaching the time when Chase will be out of High School. It has been a whirlwind year so far. Seminary, drama, college entrance exams, college enrollment and scholarship applications, work, student council, class officer, NHS activities, Mutual, not to mention home work and the occasional chore around the house, have kept him busy. The rest of the school year is expected to be just as hectic.
Brian continues to grow up, too. His sophomore activities rival those of Chase. Just simply substitute basketball and tennis for drama and add putting the finishing touches on receiving his Eagle Scout award. He is anxious about dating and getting his drivers license this month, too.
Eric is just as involved as his older brothers. He received the priesthood this year (Chase did the ordinance) and is advancing in the scouting program. He, too, is very active at school, playing football and now basketball. It won’t be long before he’s in high school, too.
Garrett is an active 2nd grader. He spends a lot of time with friends in the neighborhood and watching his brothers at their games and plays. He got baptized this year (Grandpa Vanderford did the ordinance – Garrett John Rawlins) and has started Cub Scouts. He’s also been active playing baseball and tackle football.
Torianne is busy with the family, her church calling (Stake Primary Presidency) and SCHOOL. She is a very good student. It has been great for her to have Chase help with the Algebra. That way Tony can stay out of the way. As always, she is a good mom and wife and a light to the whole family.
Tony is just getting older. Not much time for anything but work, church and family. He will occasionally go golfing but only if he can call it “work”.
This a wonderful time of the year when we can all focus on some of the really important things of life, family and friends. Of course the most important thing to remember is that we are celebrating the birth of our Savior. As important as his birth was, however, the life and example that he showed us and the gift he gave us all in the Garden and on the Cross are immeasurable.
May we show him that we always remember him by doing that which he would have done. If we do, we will have the spirit of Christmas, the Spirit of Christ, in our lives all year round.
Much love to y’all
The Rawlins Family
Wednesday, August 23, 2006
Ancient History
Our first few postings are and will be some ancient history. Before we move forward, we thought we would like to lay down a little foundational information. Here's one of the oldest (10 years ago) family letters I've been able to find. We hope to dig up some old pictures, too.
July 8, 1996
Dear Family,
It has been said that “time flies when you’re having fun”; if so, there has been nothing but fun going on with the Rawlins, because time is flying by at the speed of sound around here. It seems like just yesterday when school got out for the summer and now we’re just 6 very short weeks away from starting another year.
Chase will be a Junior in High School. Does anyone else feel old? He’s been working in Tulsa the last few weeks. He came home last Friday and stayed until Tuesday. I don’t know when we’ll see him, next. This whole experience seems to be a real growing experience for him. He could be going to Gary, Indiana... Gary, Indiana...Gary, Indiana...after the Tulsa job finishes, for the rest of the summer. He is sorry to be missing the reunion, but, this is a good opportunity to work, make a little money, save for his mission (only 3 years, away!) and maybe buy something with 4 wheels to get him and Brian around this next school year.
Brian (or Brain as some people spell it) has stayed busy this summer, too. Baseball season finally ended a week ago, if you don’t count the all-star baseball that starts, tomorrow. His team took first place in league play. Brian played mostly catcher, some third base and a little outfield. The phone never stops ringing, either. If it’s not one of the guys wanting him to play ball or go to a party, it’s a girl wanting to talk (he spends more time on the phone with the girls than the boys). So, if you can’t get through, it’s probably because Brian’s on the phone. By the way Brian will be a Freshman this year. Now, how old do you feel?
Eric is Mr. Hockey! Eric eats and sleeps nothing else but hockey. He had a great summer hockey experience. His team (the Stars) took first place. Eric has been one of the best defensive players in the league since he started playing a year, ago, however, this summer he started to show some unexpected offensive ability. One game he scored four goals, the last one with his team short-handed, the game clock running down, flying over the top of a defender and sending a wrist shot into the corner of the net to win the game! Few games I have ever seen, were more exciting than that one. Eric will be in Middle School (6th grade) this fall. And you said you weren’t feeling old?
Garrett is finally turning that corner between being a baby and being a little boy. And believe me, he is all boy. I thought his older brothers were into sports, but this boy is not only into sports; he is sports. It doesn’t seem to matter what it is; hockey, football, basketball, baseball, golf, soccer. He wants to do it all. It’s so great to get home and get the game highlights without ever turning on the TV or radio. He’s also a good friend. If he could, he would be gone every waking hour with some friend or another. He also, loves to read, and reads quite well. When Alec (one of Tori’s brothers) came down to visit, Garrett was preparing for a talk. Tori had prepared some pictures with some lines written on the back to help him. He and Alec worked hard together on making sure he was prepared. It was great to see him stand up, all alone (he didn’t want any help) and give that talk in Primary. Hey, oldie but goodie, did I mention that Garrett will be in First Grade?
Torianne is out of school for the summer, too. She hasn’t put away the books, though. She has the text book for this fall’s class and is reading 10 to 20 hours a week, preparing for it. I pity the poor fool and the curve in that class next semester. She also spent a great deal of time preparing for and participating in Girl’s Camp. It was a long and hot week but she came home all in one piece. To tell you the truth, her hardest trial has been this last week while Chase was in Tulsa, Brian was with Paxton out of town and Eric is in Utah. She was a lonely little mother hen with only one of her little chicks at home. I think she’s looking forward to having all her boys home when school starts.
Tony is still busy with trying to maintain some semblance of balance in his life. With work, family and church, it is sometimes difficult, at best, to properly chose among so many good causes. I guess that’s the main purpose of this life; developing our ability to choose, not only right from wrong, but right from right. One of the keys to being successful at making good choices is to simplify those choices. Another key is to prioritize them. When we simplify and prioritize and then let the Light of Christ shine in our lives, the right choices seem to be made more frequently and more easily.
We appreciate the feelings of love and strength that we find in reading your letters. We look forward to seeing you this month, to once again spend time together as a family. May God bless each of us with all that is right and all that is good for which we ask, having faith in Him and his Son.
Much Love,
The Rawlins
Tony, Torianne, Chase, Brian, Eric and Garrett
July 8, 1996
Dear Family,
It has been said that “time flies when you’re having fun”; if so, there has been nothing but fun going on with the Rawlins, because time is flying by at the speed of sound around here. It seems like just yesterday when school got out for the summer and now we’re just 6 very short weeks away from starting another year.
Chase will be a Junior in High School. Does anyone else feel old? He’s been working in Tulsa the last few weeks. He came home last Friday and stayed until Tuesday. I don’t know when we’ll see him, next. This whole experience seems to be a real growing experience for him. He could be going to Gary, Indiana... Gary, Indiana...Gary, Indiana...after the Tulsa job finishes, for the rest of the summer. He is sorry to be missing the reunion, but, this is a good opportunity to work, make a little money, save for his mission (only 3 years, away!) and maybe buy something with 4 wheels to get him and Brian around this next school year.
Brian (or Brain as some people spell it) has stayed busy this summer, too. Baseball season finally ended a week ago, if you don’t count the all-star baseball that starts, tomorrow. His team took first place in league play. Brian played mostly catcher, some third base and a little outfield. The phone never stops ringing, either. If it’s not one of the guys wanting him to play ball or go to a party, it’s a girl wanting to talk (he spends more time on the phone with the girls than the boys). So, if you can’t get through, it’s probably because Brian’s on the phone. By the way Brian will be a Freshman this year. Now, how old do you feel?
Eric is Mr. Hockey! Eric eats and sleeps nothing else but hockey. He had a great summer hockey experience. His team (the Stars) took first place. Eric has been one of the best defensive players in the league since he started playing a year, ago, however, this summer he started to show some unexpected offensive ability. One game he scored four goals, the last one with his team short-handed, the game clock running down, flying over the top of a defender and sending a wrist shot into the corner of the net to win the game! Few games I have ever seen, were more exciting than that one. Eric will be in Middle School (6th grade) this fall. And you said you weren’t feeling old?
Garrett is finally turning that corner between being a baby and being a little boy. And believe me, he is all boy. I thought his older brothers were into sports, but this boy is not only into sports; he is sports. It doesn’t seem to matter what it is; hockey, football, basketball, baseball, golf, soccer. He wants to do it all. It’s so great to get home and get the game highlights without ever turning on the TV or radio. He’s also a good friend. If he could, he would be gone every waking hour with some friend or another. He also, loves to read, and reads quite well. When Alec (one of Tori’s brothers) came down to visit, Garrett was preparing for a talk. Tori had prepared some pictures with some lines written on the back to help him. He and Alec worked hard together on making sure he was prepared. It was great to see him stand up, all alone (he didn’t want any help) and give that talk in Primary. Hey, oldie but goodie, did I mention that Garrett will be in First Grade?
Torianne is out of school for the summer, too. She hasn’t put away the books, though. She has the text book for this fall’s class and is reading 10 to 20 hours a week, preparing for it. I pity the poor fool and the curve in that class next semester. She also spent a great deal of time preparing for and participating in Girl’s Camp. It was a long and hot week but she came home all in one piece. To tell you the truth, her hardest trial has been this last week while Chase was in Tulsa, Brian was with Paxton out of town and Eric is in Utah. She was a lonely little mother hen with only one of her little chicks at home. I think she’s looking forward to having all her boys home when school starts.
Tony is still busy with trying to maintain some semblance of balance in his life. With work, family and church, it is sometimes difficult, at best, to properly chose among so many good causes. I guess that’s the main purpose of this life; developing our ability to choose, not only right from wrong, but right from right. One of the keys to being successful at making good choices is to simplify those choices. Another key is to prioritize them. When we simplify and prioritize and then let the Light of Christ shine in our lives, the right choices seem to be made more frequently and more easily.
We appreciate the feelings of love and strength that we find in reading your letters. We look forward to seeing you this month, to once again spend time together as a family. May God bless each of us with all that is right and all that is good for which we ask, having faith in Him and his Son.
Much Love,
The Rawlins
Tony, Torianne, Chase, Brian, Eric and Garrett
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