'Tis the Season

It's that time of year when I wish people would blog every day so I feel closer to family who are all far, far away. I suppose it's like a hug—maybe if you give one, you'll get one back. Actually, that almost always works with hugs—so well, in fact, that Liz and I have a saying: "Give a hug, get a hug!" Anyway, here's my blog hug/Christmas card to all of you.

Things in the James Hutchings home are well. In fact, I am overwhelmed daily by the blessings and opportunities the Lord gives us. Our children are well, and they continue to love school at home with Mom. They are learning and growing and discovering, both the things of the world and the things of the Lord. Joshua passed off the last of his Articles of Faith today, and I believe he was the first child in the primary to complete them and pass them off to a member of the Primary Presidency. Michael has become a voracious reader (he was, of course, previously only a near-voracious reader) and his mind is opening to the wonders of the world. He has become especially intuitive with the scriptures, and I delight in his insights as they are manifested during family scripture reading. He loves Cub Scouts and is almost finished with his Wolf rank. While Joshua has always been our most physical child, I think Jacob might be our pinnacle of boy-ness as he runs around the house sword fighting imaginary enemies and doing whatever it takes to play in the snow, including putting on eight layers of warmth to satisfy his mother. He's even mastered the great, and previously unknown in our house, belch-and-laugh. It's getting better, but you should see this kid giggle when his body emits gases. It's almost too cute to reprimand, but not quite. I'm learning anew the ago-old truth: Boys are gross.

Liz was recently and unexpectedly released from her calling as Young Women's president, but the Bishop indicated that "something exciting" was in the works. After several weeks we figured it was the Bishop's way of being overexcited about everything, but today Liz was called as the new Institute Teacher in the new Galesburg Institute starting in January. That's right folks, I'm married to a pioneering CES hottie now—good looking and she knows the scriptures. She misses working with the Young Women, especially the Laurels, but we are both excited for the new opportunities she'll have with the young people in the coming year. She's become increasingly involved with other home school families, and she has made some great friends in that circle. The boys also enjoy her newly forged friendships as they are the beneficiaries of play dates and family get togethers. Her work continues well, and she's enjoying new responsibilities with her full-time job where she continues to enjoy her students. Because she teaches multiple types of classes, she's even seeing many students return specifically to her class as they move up through the courses. Really, you can't honor a teacher with much more than that.

I'm just me, and I continue to work during the week and play on the weekends. I was set apart today as the Ward Music Chair in the ward (I know, shocking . . .) and I continue to enjoy Sunday school and wish Elder's Quorum was shorter. Work/School continues well, and recent indications are that the higher-ups are pleased with my work. In fact, they're pleased enough that they are looking for ways to push more money into my department and programs. I'm continuing to learn that students today are spoiled and think they deserve the world and cannot, even for a moment, be cut off from their cell phone. Instant gratification runs rampant, and yet we still find a way to show them that they're not all they think they are. It's a special talent a teacher has. :)

Being in Galesburg has been a challenge for us socially and personally, especially for me, but we're learning to put ourselves out there and find ways to serve and make friends. We're pretty sure that the ward will not be the source of all of our friendly joys, so Liz is pioneering the effort to get us into the community. She's doing great, and I'm failing miserably. Apparently I work all day while she's out playing with her new friends, then she tells me about it over dinner. I find joy in my family, though, and a Dad couldn't ask for a better one. I really don't think I've seen a group of boys who love their Dad more than these three do, and daily I am reminded of my blessed and fortunate position in this home. We miss being near all of you, but our times together are, therefore, that much sweeter. It's been an amazing year for us, and most of the choice moments we enjoyed we were able to enjoy with some or many of you. We had China with Justin and Jodi, graduation with everyone else, Kirtland with Grandma and Grandpa, remodeling with Michelle and Bryce, family reunion, and a very special weekend of dull chainsaws and good times with the Petersens. Liz and the boys even enjoyed extra time in Viriginia, and we're excited to have the Virginians in our home next week.

We are blessed to be a part of your great family, and while we are far away from every single one of you, know that you are close in our thoughts, and dearly loved in our hearts. Merry Christmas to each of you.

Love, James.