Better days in the Mountains

Despite the suspect beginnings, we did have some good times in the mountains. We spent some time in Estes Park. If you think of Jackson Hole, that’s Estes Park. Mom had some fun shopping and I had some fun because Mom had some fun. We also went golfing twice! I shot an 83 (plus 11) and an 82 (plus 10). Mom shot a plus 11 and a plus 7! So, we tied the first day and she beat me the second.

In addition to shopping and golf and shopping, we also saw Ted and Cindy Johnson and got caught up with them and their family. We also saw a movie and watched the Rockies beat the Dodgers.

It was great to get away for a few days and just spend some time, together. Hey, look. We even took some pictures!

The streets of Estes Park

The Stanley Hotel (inspiration for the Stephen King Novel "The Shining")

The Stanley Steamer - Manufactured by F. O. Stanley

A view of the mountains outside Estes Park

Tori with Branch Rickey in front of Coors Field

Tori at the golf course (2nd Day)

Tony going for the green in 2 (He got there in 3 and saved the par 5)

Tori feeling pretty good about an awesome shot!!!

Rocky Mountain High

There is nothing truer in life than these words, "For it must needs be, that there is an opposition in all things." Sometimes I wish it were not so, but, it is. The truth of these words was never so evident than when Tori and I arrived in Denver, late Thursday night. Almost from the moment that we saw the outside of our "hotel" we knew that "opposition" was about to hit us square on the nose. Words to the wise, when making a hotel reservation, only book one at a concept you know or after a personal recommendation from someone you know and trust.

Anyway, the lobby was OK, but when I was told we would have to drive around the block to get to the parking lot, I knew I was in for trouble from my beautiful, loving, understanding and compassionate eternal companion. Sure enough, as we turned the corner into the parking lot the "3 star hotel" room we thought we had booked turned into a "ZERO star motel" room.

Just as soon as I opened the door and saw the ash tray on the table, I knew that the non-smoking room that we thought we were getting turned into a smoking room of the highest magnitude. I don't believe there has ever been a time in the life of room 228 that it has ever been a non-smoking room, not even during construction! Well, needless to say Tori had some concerns about our accommodations. To compound the problem, the "hotel" was over booked due to a convention in town (I should have know something was up, because as I was checking in, a couple was at the front desk complaining that there was already somebody else in their room when they put in the key and opened the door!).

After going to a quickie mart to buy paper towels to put all around the room, so we didn't have to walk on the carpet and after spraying the room with a mixture of colognes, I began the task of trying to find us another room for the night and the rest of the trip. There was absolutely nothing in town, north, south, east or west. Finally, about 2 AM MST, we bit the bullet and circled the wagons and went to bed in our urine smelling, smoke infested, dried macaroni on the floor, dust everywhere, paper towel covered floor, bath tube that wouldn't hold water downtown "hotel" room.

There is a "good" ending to our Rocky Mountain High adventure. We did not get shot. We only had to endure unbelievable profanity in the parking lot for about 45 seconds. The "ladies" talking outside our room at 4 AM did take their conversation inside after I asked and the only "price" we had to pay was the "inconvenience".

We are now SOOOOO enjoying the blessings of a clean room in quiet surroundings in Aurora. It's amazing what a little forced perspective will do for a person to be more appreciative? That must be a part of the reason for "opposition". Wouldn't it be nice, though, if we could maintain appreciation and gratitude without the opposition?

POST-DATED UPDATE

December 1st, 2006


Dear Family and Friends,

We just wanted to take a minute to extend to you all our best during this holiday season. Our hearts were touched with the response and support that was shown by family and friends in celebrating the marriage of Eric and Kathleen. Thank you for your love and support and for being the great family and wonderful friends that you are.

It has been a few years since we have written a holiday letter, and I have missed that opportunity. Maybe I am a little old fashioned when it comes to not wanting to use the new age e-mail Christmas card, or some other hi-tech greeting (That being said our email address is ldshouse@gmail.com and Brian and Jeni have established a blog with links to everyone elses blogs. That blog address is http://www.therawlberrypatch.blogspot.com/). But, when it comes to the Holidays, there is nothing quite as special to me as hearing from all of you. Thanks for continuing to keep us on your mailing list, and having hope that we would write, again.

Our family continues to grow and our “nest” in a few years, will be empty. That may sound a little sad, but, it isn’t really. Our latest news on that front is by the first of the year we will have all of our family and especially our grandchildren close by. We don’t know how long we will enjoy this pleasant reality, but, we are elated that we will not have long distances to travel to enjoy each others company.

Chase, Anna, Cameron (3yrs) and Miles (8 months) will be moving from Chicago. Chase has received a transfer with his employer (Grant Thornton) to move to the Dallas office. We will be their place of residence until they find their home. We look forward to seeing them, here, when things are finalized with their housing in Chicago. I know they are anxious to have a yard and all the luxuries that having your own home offers.

Brian, Jeni and Natalie (1½ months) live in Little Elm. We welcomed little Natalie, October 15th, at the hospital where I work. It was fun to see another grandchild enter this world and be able to share this joy with family and the great bunch of women with whom I work. Needless to say, we have had an extremely fun time buying pink things for Natalie. Something that we haven’t experienced with a family of four boys. Brian and Jeni are enjoying their new home and have been called to work with the Cub Scouts in their ward. Jeni is able to do transcription at home and Brian is going to school and employed with State Farm Insurance.

Eric and Kathleen are our newlyweds. We were excited to welcome Kathleen to our family in September. Eric and Kathleen plan to move from Utah at the end of November, so Eric can continue his education in Texas. They plan to reside with Grandma Rawlins until they find an apartment here. At the present time, Eric is working for a construction company and Kathleen is a hair dresser.

Garrett is a junior at Hebron High School. It is hard to believe that our baby is 17 years old! He loves to play basketball and plays on the Junior
Varsity team. Games will begin in November and since our school has advanced to 5A, we will play a lot of local teams which will mean less travel. Garrett loves chatting on line with friends and is in 3 fantasy basketball leagues. If you want to know anything about any player or any team, Garrett is the one to ask.

Tony and I keep plenty busy working, being parents and grandparents. I work 1 or 2 days a week and serve in our ward Relief Society presidency. Tony serves as the Chairman of the Stake Public Affairs Council and works at Parkway Construction. I had some foot surgery and took 7 weeks of personal leave. I will return to work at the end of November. Tony was a great care-giver and I love and appreciate him for all that he did for me in my recovery and continues to do for our family.

We hope the seasons are bright and that the New Year holds a promise of hope for each of you. We love you and value the relationship and friendships we have with each one of you.

Best Wishes, from TEXAS!

Love Tori, Tony and Family

2003 - 2 YEARS FOR THE PRICE OF 1

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

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

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

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).

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

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

Christmas Reflections on 1998

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

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

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

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