Clayton and Amy Hutchinson

Clayton and Amy exude purity and goodness in their marriage. They have chosen a life in which they spend as much time together as possible and it has only made them stronger! I can see that they make each other better everyday, and this carries over into their relationships with others--cheering everyone on by their example to become better everyday as well!

The dates and details!

What are your names? 

Clayton and Amy Hutchinson

When did you meet?

Winter 2003- high school

In 8 words or less, describe where or how you met. 

Casual conversation in Amy's Chemistry class

What was your first date? 

4-wheeling and sledding in the snow

When were you married? 

6/28/2006

Where were you married? 

Manti Utah Temple

How many children do you share? 

5 (3 girls and 2 boys)

Getting to Know You!

When and/or how did you know you wanted to marry each other?

Amy: It wasn't really one moment. Over time my like for him grew to love. When he was on his mission I remember having the thought, "I might just marry this boy someday." Then our first date after his mission there was no more doubting. I knew it was right.

What is something that your spouse does (something they may not even realize!) that makes your heart skip a beat and brings you joy.

Amy: His smile! It always is a smile that says I love you without saying a word.
Clayton: When Amy is holding one of our children, she is such a beautiful & caring mother.

What did you love about your spouse in the beginning that you still love about them now?

Amy: I loved how easy Clayton was to be myself with and how he is so good at bringing sunshine everywhere he goes.
Clayton: I always feel that I want to be a better person when I am with her.

What is one of your favorite dates you've been on as a couple?

We have had some pretty great dates. A lot of them happened on the mountain on a 4-wheeler or in Clayton's truck, and quite often turned into adventures. One such adventure we didn't have matches to start a fire & it was getting cold. Clayton placed some paper on the exhaust manifold while I revved the engine. The paper smoked & caught fire. The hot dogs were tasty!

Why Marriage Rocks

What's one thing you love to talk about when you have nothing pressing to talk about?

Everything. We have our best conversations while standing in the bathroom getting ready for bed. We do everything from laugh ourselves silly to having serious, deep conversations about life. Then we laugh about having these conversations in the bathroom.

Tell us about a trial you have faced together and how you feel you were successful in overcoming it, or what you have learned during it.

We have dealt with some financial burdens due to a failed business. Heavenly Father blessed us with a job that allowed us to work through those obligations. However, it required us to be apart during the week. It was very difficult for both of us, but we relied upon each other and our Father in Heaven. Over time we were able to pay off the debt. The irony is that we learned so much thru the hard times & failings of our first business. It we had not failed & then pushed forward we would not have the now successful business that we have today. Clayton works next door in the shop & we spend MUCH MORE time together We learned so much during those hard years and it gave us so much appreciation for each other. Our love for each other and for the Lord grew substantially!

What are advantages of marriage?

Having someone to go through all of the ups and downs of life with is wonderful! Knowing that we are bound together thru the covenant of marriage allows us to truly love each other fully, without reservation.

What blessings have come into your life because of marriage?

Where to begin...

What miracles have you experienced together?

We have experienced so many different miracles. Heavenly Father's hand is constantly in our lives giving us just what we need. Even if it's not what we envisioned for ourselves. Our children are our greatest miracles. Being together as a family as much as we are is an answer to so many prayers.

Advice

What's a practice or routine you've established that keeps your marriage healthy?

One simple thing we do is hold hands whenever a prayer is said. Having that connection with each other as we pray to our Heavenly Father brings unity. Also we always try to take time at the end of each day to talk about anything and everything.

What's one principle you think is important in a healthy marriage?

Communicate! Never assume! Always try to put yourself in the other person's shoes to understand their point of view before passing judgement. Never speak with anger! Remember to laugh!

What is a positive influence on your marriage when things get hard?

The hard times of the past allow us to know that WE CAN DO THIS! You have to recognize that the canyons of life's trials will allow you the strength to reach the mountain top. The day will dawn & winter's frost will produce abundant growth.

If you had time to talk to newlyweds, what would your greatest piece of advice be?

Each of you must give 110%. Don't sweat the small stuff. Be very understanding and easily forgiving. Have fun together!! Laugh together!!

If you need a little marriage recharge, what's your trick?

Time! Taking time to have fun together. Watching a movie or something that allows us both to unwind and refocus on each other. We love giggling at drybar comedy!

As you look into the future, what do you see that will help keep your marriage strong?

Continuing to communicate well. Attending the temple together. It's hard to drift apart when you are enjoying life with your best friend!

What's the secret of a happy marriage?

Good quality time together. Make sure your priorities are in order. Be selfless.

What is a simple marital practice you would share with a friend who may say they are facing challenges in their marriage?

Forget yourself & serve your spouse. You will find that most marriage challenges are when you are being selfish. Never raise your voice. Give yourself time to think before you speak. Take time to have fun together.

"In a hundred small ways, all of you wear the mantle of charity. Life is perfect for none of us. Rather than being judgmental and critical of each other, may we have the pure love of Christ for our [spouse] in this journey through life. May we recognize that each one is doing [his or] her best to deal with the challenges which come [his or] her way, and may we strive to do our best to help out" (Thomas S. Monson, Charity Never Faileth, 2010).