What I Like About (and hope for) You...

In 2017 we started a family tradition 

of spending some time together the night before school, 

talking about what we like about each of the school kids, 

and what we hope for them.

It's been an awesome way to model

encouragement, observation, hope...

cuz we often live without saying these things aloud.
And we then prayed for each other.

So, I'm going to write them here for posterity!

TAYLOR LEE

Jacob notices you are good at sports things, especially throwing the softball
Jacob hopes that you still have fun even with the changes because of corona virus

Dad notices you are accepting more responsibility (like making eggs for us all in the morning)
Dad hopes that you enjoy your last year at Alkali Creek and last year of elementary school

Robbie notices you are funny and like books just like him
Robbie hopes that you will enjoy new and old friends as you finally get to see them

Mom notices you are responsive to correction and truly trying to improve
Mom hopes that your fifth grade year is a good bridge toward your incoming teen years

ROBBIE JOHN

Taylor notices you are determined and like to complete what you start
Taylor hopes that you will enjoy your new class and new-to-our-school teacher

Mom notices you enjoy facts and details and it brings her joy
Mom hopes that you encounter new levels of friendship as you go back into the classroom

Dad notices you are excited for and find joy in new things, especially the details of it
Dad hopes that you continue to learn and grow as a student when you get to class

Jacob notices you are creative, especially at building LEGOs
Jacob hopes that you have fun at recess and sit by friends in class that help you be responsible

JACOB STERLING

Robbie notices you are funny and make him laugh
Robbie hopes that you will have a fun time in first grade

Taylor notices you know how to cheer others up when they are feeling sad, even her
Taylor hopes that you'll make and enjoy wonderful friends

Mom notices you are tender meaning you're patient, kind, sweet and understanding
Mom hopes that you grow greatly in reading and come to enjoy it

Dad notices you are adventurous and like to try new things
Dad hopes that you enjoy and fit into the new Quest classes you get to be part of

Speaking Truth- Starting School Off Right

We decided this year to try something new

and have a little family meeting

the day before school starts,

to point out to each kid

#1: Strengths we see in them

#2: Hopes we have for this year

#3: Things we really like about who they are

I want to preserve this info,

so I thought I'd put it here and 

be able to find it again someday!

Taylor Lee Hickle - 2nd Grade

Strengths In You

Mom sees: You have empathy and care for others,
especially those that are hurting around you

Jacob sees: You play marbles and characters well

Robbie sees: You read really well

Dad sees: You truly love to read and it will
help you a lot in school

Hopes For You

Mom hopes: You will experience God's love in new ways

Jacob hopes: You will be a good listener

Robbie hopes: You will make new friends and have fun
Dad hopes: You will learn to be your own self and

make your own decisions

What We Like About You

Mom likes: How you can see the positive in any situation

Jacob likes: How you are kind to others and a good friend

Robbie likes: How you are a good helper

Dad likes: How much you like other people
and show them that

Robbie John Hickle - Kindergarten

Strengths In You

Mom sees: You can remember quotes and details
about people or characters from shows 

Jacob sees: You are good at playing transformers

Taylor sees: You are a good friend and make new friends
even when at first you feel nervous

Dad sees: You are committed to finishing things
and doing what you say you will do

Hopes For You

Mom hopes: You will find out you're stronger
than you think you are

Jacob hopes: You will make new friends

Taylor hopes: You will be a good example
for all your new classmates
Dad hopes: You will be a good helper for your teacher

What We Like About You

Mom likes: How you care well for each of your friends
and show your interest in them

Jacob likes: How you are fun to play with

Taylor likes: How you are a god friend

Dad likes: How much you love music

Jacob Sterling Hickle - PreSchool (1st yr)

Strengths In You

Mom sees: You are strong and fast and can

use your body to do what you want to do

Robbie sees: You are good at playing legos

Taylor sees: You are a kind person

Dad sees: You learn quickly and understand

things quickly

Hopes For You

Mom hopes: You will do hard things even

with no whining

Robbie hopes: You will make good friends

Taylor hopes: You will be a good friend
Dad hopes: You will have fun learning
and see how a classroom works

What We Like About You

Mom likes: How you make sound effects and 

sing songs cuz you make life more fun

Robbie likes: How you are a good brother

Taylor likes: How you have a good sense of humor

and you make things fun

Dad likes: How much you like to and want to help

Just Some Summer Pix

Our Jacob Sterling

Our Taylor Lee

"In Summer... and Winter" at Big Sky

Click here to view this photo book larger

I made this book to celebrate some fantastic seasons up in Big Sky.
We get to go back for a few days again this Summer!

Back When...

Last November,
since Greg had to work for Thanksgiving weekend,
we decided to spend a half-week away
and escape to Big Sky as just the five of us.

This was the first snow-play of the season for the kids,
and we had a blast playing games,
snuggling to stay warm,
and even did a day-trip down to West Yellowstone
where we went to the Wolf & Bear Center,
and ate at a fun 50's style diner.

I love this lil' family of ours!

(I also had fun playing with our new camera
so there's a few fun shots in here too!)

How many monkeys jumping on the King Size Bed?

One of my new fave pictures!

Lots of games, puzzles and snuggles

Grizzly and Wolf Discovery Center

Lunch!

 Auntie Anna came and spent a day and night with us!!

Gorgeous day for some snow play!

(it was the week before ski opening weekend
so we had the place to ourselves!)

 Go Tay Go!

 Look! Wild Animals!!

A great time had by all!

 We look forward to the end of February
when we get to head back up there
and this time Tay is determined to hit the ski hill with her Daddy!