Donald B. Hutchings--a Legacy

Well, somehow I have lost a few days. I don't know where I have been lately. I wanted to have a special blog dedicated to a very special man. This man was very special to me. On March 10, 2002, a great man passed to another life. This man was and is my father-in-law.

He had the most clever, and funny sayings. He loved to keep busy by a numerous different ways. He loved writing his history. He wrote the stories of his life and of his family. They are very entertaining. Donald Hutchings enjoyed painting. He was a self taught artist. He would watch the painting shows on television and then apply the paint to the canvas. He has left many painting for his posterity. Don also loved wood. He spent many hours making shelves, houses, cabinets, bowls, and his famous birds. He taught many of his grand kids how to make these birds. Many people own them and many own flocks of them. Each one is different and finished with love.

Grandpa Hutchings was loved and admired by his friends, family, kids, and grand kids. He loved them with all his heart. Heart is something he was filled with. He would be there to help build a cabin, finish a basement, help in a garden, help a neighbor, and support all those in need of help.

Donald did not do things in an ordinary way. He was a trailblazer. He cut his own path. He will be known for his known sayings, and phrases. His huge red, white, and blue tie. His no tv pills, he gave out to his Church ward members. Donating time and materials, to remodel another faith's chapel. His countless hunting trips, the fishing trips, the desert trips, the beach trips and the Mexico trip. We will all remember the trip to Washington DC.

For all those who drove with Grandpa Hutchings will account for the near death experiences. Though we all live to tell about them, we love him dearly and have great stories.

Though he was called many different names--Grandpa Hutchings, Don, Donald, Honey, Dear, and probably a lot of unmentionables--but know that I call him Dad. He definitely filled very large shoes. My father died in January of 1991. Dad was there for me and took the role of my father. He loved me and supported me. I love him as my Dad. Thanks Dad for being my Dad!

Where did the Spreewells go?

I want to discuss if I might a topic of supreme importance. Most basically stated as where did the Spreewell’s go. For those of you less informed readers this title begs an explanation. Latrell Spreewell a professional basketball who has made his mark on the sport of basketball with many controversial acts made his contribution to society in a different way. HE introduced and popularized the spinner rims. I’ll break it down even simpler. Spinners are wheel covers which spin independently of the wheel itself when the brakes are applied. A trend that found it’s way into everything from footwear to belt buckles, and even onto snowboards. Which brings us full circle back to where did they go?

This seems to be a reoccurring theme among things that I enjoy so much. Among other things I have noticed a similar trend in bling. "Bling-bling" (usually shortened to simply "bling") is a hip hop slang term which refers to expensive jewelry (as seen at Bling Bling Online). And what about those shiny grillz we so adamently loved? And when was the last time you read about a rapper being shot? It has been far to long. It is a disturbing trend and the purpose of this RUD is to address some of the causes behind this trend as well as some of the detrimental effects.

At work I often have the opportunity to surf the web. Lately there has been an increased public concern towards white supremacist attitudes. I read on cnn.com about a resurgence of the klan. Could these unnerving trends be to blame?... All sources point to yes. And what about boys wearing girls pants? 50 don’t roll that way, but that is the subject for another blog.

The question is where does that leave us now? I can’t speak for the entire population, but I know personally it leaves me worried for the future of this great nation. This is the call to action, go out get “a grill”, buy pants that are far to big, buy those spinners (even if they are the wal-mart special, isn’t that truly embracing the culture), and always remember drop it like it’s hot.

Don't forget to dream

Dreams--there are different kinds of dreams. There are dreams when you sleep, but those are not the dreams I am wanting to blog about. The dreams I am wanting to talk about are the dreams you thought about when you were a kid, teenager, young adult, young married, older married, older and elder married.

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a stewardess. I wanted to help people on the plane and serve them their coffee, tea, or soda, and their peanuts or meals.

I wanted a prince to come save me from a high tower, and sweep me off my feet, and live happily ever after.

As years went on and started to grow older, so did my dreams. My dreams matured, and also my idea of my "prince" matured also. I believe that it is so important to know what your "prince" or "princess" will be like in your teenage years. It will help make your decision during your young adult years a little easier, because you have the thoughts and ideas of what you want your prince or princess will be.

At this time, it is important to have ideas and desires of what you want to want in your life. It doesn't hurt to reach or dream for the stars. It is good to know what direction your life is going. It is important to continue growing in life by striving for your dreams.

As time goes on, some dreams are put on hold, some dreams are fulfilled, and some dreams, won't ever come to be, but it is important to dream. Have something to work for, have something to dream for and dream about

Remember to have your dreams as a couple, but don't forget "your" hopes and "your" dreams.

Ideas for when you are stuck in snow

Information to remember if you get your car stuck in the snow. A few years ago, we drove to Beaver and drove up the canyon. We were in our new Suburban and decided to go on a dirt road. Well it really wasn't dirt, it was snowy, icy roads. Well we started up the road, but soonly got stuck. Our wheels were spinning, which were creating an icy rut. We had a car load of people. We were in four wheel drive and could not get our vehicle out of this rut. Our resources were limited. Since resources were limited, our creativity kicked in. We ended up trying to find rocks to put in front of the tires. But there were frozen in the ground. So we got the garbage out of the car and the dirty clothes. We stuff them under the tires. With a push, we were soon on our way.

This story came to mind, after I stopped to help some kids stuck off the side of the road. Once again, there were icy rut where the tires were spinning. I said there is no traction. The girls said, I know. I don't know what to do. I starting scanning the ground. I found some pine cones and pine boughs. With a push and the pine cones, they were on their way.

It sure give one a good feeling, to help people. It sure lifts one's spirit, when you help someone along the road in life.

Colby's letter in MTC 2/25/07

So you all had a lot going on this week it sounds like. You all had alot of questions for me. I will answer them. I just had a few things to ask before I get to that. I think it would be cool to get Motab music or some Disney. Thank you for the pictures those help a ton. There seemed like there was something else, but I have to say I have forgotten.

Dad---I will start with Dad's green letter because it is right in front of me. Well, I don't have any good idea for blogging. With my schedule I wake at 6:30. I am in class by 7:00, read the Book of Mormon til 7:15---go to breakfast---go back to class for about 4 hours--eat lunch at 11:50---go back to class for another 4 hours until about 4:50---go to dinner. Monday morning we do service and I have gym periods Monday through Friday. Sundays are meetings and personal study, but 7:00, we have a devotional. After devotional we have movie night, and this week they are playing The Testament movie. That will be awesome. On Tuesdays, we have another devotional where at least someone from the Seventies come and speak to us.

You asked about getting up at 6:30 and it isn't too bad. The problem is getting to sleep at 10:30. I have had a slight case of insomnia. I get into my bed and just lay there forever before I fall asleep. It is weird.

Congratulations on the science fair. How did the High School fair go? I think that answers, at least the better part of your questions. It sounds like Rock Springs is going pretty well though. Did you ever get in contact with Darin Woods? Are you still talking to Gregerson a lot? Have you went out golfing since the Jimmy Open? Well I guess, on to Mom's card.

Mom--well my MTC experience is honestly amazing. I will admit though that I have been homesick a few times, but only for a few minutes at a time. Everyone here is amazing. Elder Muir and I get along very well. I could only compare it to Bryson and Elder Herrera, I think, because we aren't companions, but we do a lot together. My comp is rad and Elder Ward is cool, and that is everyone in our room. I have a kid in my district that went to Altara(their elementary school in Sandy) the same time I did, but we didn't have any of the same teachers, his name is Elder Payne. Then his companion, Elder McCarthy, is from New Zealand and I love that kid, he is so awesome. Oh I just remembered the other thing I was going to ask. Elder McCarthy's birthday is in a month, so you should send him a present. I think he took a liking to my towel with "Hutchings" embroidered into it. So if you can send him something like that or anything, because I don't think that he will be receiving much of anything. Since he is from New Zealand. This kid is amazing and has an amazing accent. We have another 4 elders in our district and they are all way rad. One is from Wisconsin, one is from Texas, one if from Kemmerer, Wyoming and one is from back East somewhere.

Elyssa---Congratulations! That is so cool on the science fair. About the survivor from the Holocaust, his book is up in my old room. How is school and choir going? So did you end up taking the cell phone?

Bryson---So did Scott and Becca end up going out again? How is work and school going? Well the language is going great. I have been here for 11 days and have taught the first half of the first lesson in French. That seems like it is a good sign. I don't much time and need to write Tyler's part.

Tyler--What have you been up to? How is Abbey? tell her I am disappointed that I haven't received a letter from her yet. How is school? How is work? Well man I gotta go--peace out now.

Well, family, I love you all and I m doing great. I have spent about $80 on shots between flu and Hep B. I am doing great and hope all of you are also. I am now off to a devotional. Then off to watch "The Testament" movie. I will catch ya later.

Much love,

Elder Colby Hutchings

PS You aren't the only ones who haven't heard from my friends. As of now, I have only heard from Kylee (2 letters) Peace out

Smile from a shovel and the snow

While shoveling my driveway this morning, I couldn't help but think of the last time Colby had a shovel in his hand. It was when he and his friends buried Abbey's car. It made me smile.

Through My Daughter's Eyes

This morning I wanted to write about a teenager that Wows me. This individual has a very strong personality. This can be a good thing if used for good. This teen has so much love to give. (I am going to give a hint now) "She" works very hard in her studies and her grades so it. It is always fun to have her talk to me about her day and she tells me that she is hyper right now, or sometime during the day. She is very organized with her life. She is responsible with her possessions in her life, and her obligations. She is on top of things. She is so loving and caring for the family pets. She has so much fun with the leaders and past leaders in her Young Women's. She is helpful around the house. Just like any other teenager, loves the computer, Internet, and cell phone. She has a love for children and babysitting. Of course, if you know our family at all, "she" is my daughter, Elyssa.

Those are all great qualities, but I want to tell you about a couple of others that I admire. I look at her testimony and I am impressed. For the past six months I have witness the growth of her testimony, and have heard her bear it publically a couple of times. What a strength to know where your strength in life comes from. She loves her Heavenly Father and knows him. Wow!

That may seem little, but I see it as, when times are tough, she knows where to go and who to rely on for strength. She depends on the most dependable.

Another quality I am impress with and probably envious of her ability to perform in front of crowds. As a little girl, she would sing a cute little song in front of the family. She then sang at her brother's baptism. In fifth grade, her teacher asked her if she would sing a solo. That is hard enough, but it would be in front of her whole school. Right now, I believe it would be great to do a comparison story.

When I was in Kindergarten, our school was having a May Day assembly. The sixth graders were weaving the ribbons on the May pole. Anyways, they asked me to jump rope in front of the whole school, because I was a pretty good jump roper. They called me up and I just sat there. Mrs. Williams came to me and tried to get me to go jump rope. I sat there and I started to cry. To say the least, I never jump roped in front of the school. I lack the courage.

Last week, Elyssa sang another solo. She sang one in front of a judge, and in front of the sixth graders at an Elementary school. Wow! What courage she has, and that isn't mentioning the talent of her beautiful voice. Double Wow!

Elyssa, I want you to always remember and never forget that you are loved. You are loved by your Heavenly Father, so walk tall. I know for a fact that your family loves you. Your Mom and Dad are so proud of you. "Through My Daughter's Eyes" I have learned so much.