Five Questions Each for 2014

Henry, 12

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do with your free time (before school, after school and on weekends)?

A: MINECRAFT! and other assorted computer games, both on PC and mobile. I also have a rarely updated blog, World of Henry. I have my own YouTube channel, MinersKeepers.  You can take a look at my first video right here!

 

Q: What are some things you like about school? What are some activities with which you are involved?

A:  I really enjoy Latin and attending Classical Conversations weekly.  I have been taking fencing lessons and attend youth group. I'd like to upload videos to YouTube, but my mom's not ready for that yet.

Q: What are some of your favorite books? Why?

A:  Recently I've enjoyed The Ratbridge Chronicles (which inspired the 2014 movie The Boxtrolls, in theaters September, 26, rated PG).

 

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from this past year?

 

A:  California!!  Legoland, hotels, RV, Joshua Tree National Park,etc. (Henry is pictured at the Huntington, above, and the Kate in the LA Arboretum, below).

Q: What would you like to do in 2015?

A: I'd love a job to save for a gaming computer and to continue uploading to YouTube. 

Katie, 9 

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do with your free time (before school, after school and on weekends)?

A: I like to hang out with my friends and watch Disney Channel. I play on my iPod and Kindle Fire a lot.

Q: What are some things you like about school? What are some activities with which you are involved?

A:  I like handwriting and IEW (writing) - I think I have really improved.  I enjoy seeing friends at CC on Thursdays.  I also take African dance classes and attend youth group. I recently was on the radio as the Weather Kid. It was exciting to see what people do at the radio everyday and to be on the air live with so many people listening!

 

Q: What are some of your favorite books? Why?

A: I am reading Little House on the Prairie. I like how the book tells you how they lived in the 1800s.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from this past year?

A: Some of my favorite memories are going to California, going to Aunt Jaime's wedding with my cousins Jessica and Juliana and getting a new uncle! Most of all, I am happy that my dad became a lawyer and that he will be taking the Maryland Bar exam. 

 

Q: What would you like to do in 2015?

A: Hear that my dad has a law job in MD.  

Derek - Master of the House 

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do with your free time (before school, after school and on weekends)? 

A:  I still haven't really forced myself to have much free time.  I spent the summer catching up on work around the house, and have been otherwise trying to develop my legal resume.  We have been able to do quite a few "pizza and movie" nights on Fridays, and that has been fun.

Q: What are some things you like about school? What are some activities with which you are involved?

A: I'm no longer in school, which is weird. I am, however, studying for the Maryland bar exam, so I'm still learning and practicing.  I enjoy the challenge of applying my understanding of the law to a set of facts so that I can (hopefully) breeze through the exam questions quickly. 

Q: What are some of your favorite books? Why?

A: Although I've had more free reading time this last year than I have had in the past four years, I haven't really taken advantage of it with anything too memorable. I recently finished Cure by Robin Cook, but I don't think it was quite as good as some of his other books.  Some of the narrative was very elementary and slow, but the plot was fun.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from this past year?

A:  My favorite memories were from our trip to California.  The bar exam was a tough but rewarding experience by itself. Graduation, our tour of So. Cal., and our time away as a family made the trip one to remember. 

Q: What would you like to do in 2015?  

A:  I would really like to pass the Maryland bar exam, and even start practicing law, in 2015. I would really love to escape to someplace nice for our 20th anniversary.

 
Susan - COO, School Marm

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do with your free time (before school, after school and on weekends)?

A: I enjoy baking when the mood hits and being with friends as time permits!  I'm thinking of knitting something again, we'll see how that goes.  The vest I mentioned in the 2010 blard was just finished this past March by my mom! I've also found trying to format this blog is quite time consuming. I've done my best, friends.

Q: What are some things you like about school? What are some activities with which you are involved?

A: The kids and I are involved for the second year with a Classical Conversations (CC) community about an hour away. We've made good friends and our weekly classes are fun and challenging (perfect!).  Five years of homeschooling - who would have guessed!  We are so thankful for this opportunity.

Q: What are some of your favorite books? Why?

I rarely read (shame, shame), but I was able to read The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society this year.  I was done with it in three days!  It was endearing and intriguing.  As some may know, I am a bit of an Anglophile and since homeschooling, I've really enjoyed history so much more. This was a win-win.  The next one on my list is The Oblate's Confession by a local author...Henry and I are sharing it.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from this past year?

A:  Of course, our long awaited trip to California and the greatly anticipated news that Derek passed the CA Bar top the list!  Jaime and Chris' wedding in June and surprising my mom for her birthday are other highlights. Everyday heart-warmers are spending time with family and friends near and far, in person or via technology.

Q: What would you like to do in 2015?

Have Derek done with studying law and enjoying a legal job - that would be desire number one!  The rest will fall into place!

 Please stay in touch!  Love and Hugs to all!!

Five Q & As with The Hills Fam - Ver. 2010

Henry, 8 years old, 3^rd Grade
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do with your free time (before school, after school and on weekends)?

A: “Go on the computer or play with Bionicles. I also practice my karate and play with my sister.”

Q: What are some things you like about school? What are some activities with which you are involved?

A: “My top subject is Math! I get to be home with my mom and sister a whole lot, and I get to play extra! Unlike regular school, we get to study the Bible.” Henry started Karate, a homeschool co-op, and an art class in town this September, and continues in Cub Scouts, Team Kid.

Q: What are some of your favorite books? Why?

A: “The Harry Potter series are my current favorite… each one gets more gruesome!”

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from this past year?

A: “Starting home school – you get to be at home! I also loved the trip to Luray Caverns!”

Q: What would you like to do in 2011?

A: “If not at Christmas, I’d like to get a Dragonoid and Daarak Colossus.” (Bakugan toys)

Katie, 5 years old, unofficially Kindergarten

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do with your free time (before school, after school and on weekends)?

A: “I like to play with Pawsy (stuffed animal) or my Swimming Puppy, watch TV, read stories to Mommie, play games like Candy Land, and play on the computer.”

Q: What are some things you like about school? What are some activities with which you are involved?

A: “Math and Reading. We do fun things in math like adding and dot to dots. With Reading, you sound out letters and read sentences.” Kate started Ballet this fall, attends Team Kid, and a homeschool co-op.

Q: What are some of your favorite books? Why?

A: “Pinkalicious and pop-up books, Piggie and Gerald, and Fancy Nancy. They are fun and funny!”

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from this past year?

A: “Ballet at Ashley’s house, sleep over at Grandma and Grandpa’s, going to Grammy and Grampy’s. Going to Massachusetts and seeing cousins Jessica and Juliana even (especially) at the Topsfield Fair!”

Q: What would you like to do in 2011?

A: “If it’s sunny we can go to the park or to our friends’ houses.”

Derek, Head Estimator, PHB, Inc./Law Student

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do with your free time (before school, after school and on weekends)?

A: Free time? Wow. I've really had to redefine "free time" this past year. I haven't ran in ages. I bought a bike earlier this summer with delusions of grandeur. I love to exercise, but free time is a commodity and I love my family more. So I would have to say that my favorite thing to do is spend time with them...even if it's just plopping my larger-than-last-year-self down on the living room floor for a half hour and letting the kids crawl on top of me, or just drinking coffee with Sue on a Saturday morning . My first year of law school was great. Judging from the pile of books in our bedroom, I'm certain the second year will be much more of a juggling act. So, I'll take whatever free time I can get.

Q: What are some things you like about school?

A: Wow, that's a doozy! I love learning the law, and I really enjoy exercising my mind again. I think my favorite aspect are the occasions when I can put the smaller pieces of the picture together and see the big picture. Kinda like running to the top of a mountain. You've gotta pay attention to every footstep, or you'll twist an ankle. You sweat a lot, burn a lot of energy, maybe stumble off the trail every once in a while, but the view from the top is worth it.

Q: What are some of your favorite books?

A: Hahaha. I'd have to say my Contracts hornbook. But I've had no time for recreational reading this past year.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from this past year?

A: We've had some fun family "mini-vacations". Dutch Wonderland with the kids and grandparents was enjoyable, as was our family trip up to MA. But my favorite was spending the weekend in Culpepper VA with Sue.

Q: What would you like to do in 2011?

A: There's a big difference between what I would like to do versus what I have to do. I'd like to take the family mountain climbing in the Alps (only during the warm season). But in reality, I'd like to get as many of those moments of family time as I can.

Susan, XXXIX years old, School Marm; CFO, COO Hills Fam

Q: What’s your favorite thing to do with your free time (before school, after school and on weekends)?

A: Ahh, good question…I’ve taken up knitting - my current attempt is a vest for Derek. Scrapbooking is out the window right now, unfortunately. I try to look ahead at the kids’ lessons and prepare for them. MOPS is still a part of my world. Oh wait, I just reread the question…FAVORITE things!?!? Coffee with Derek, laughing with the kids, spending time with family and friends.

Q: What are some things you like about life right now?

A: Without sounding too _____(whatever), I really do feel like God has given me/us such a great opportunity to homeschool the kids. It did take some adjusting, and I do have some rough days, but all in all, I love it. I feel so much closer to Henry and Katie. We are able to get to know each other so much better. I see Henry learning, and it’s amazing to watch he and Katie play together – they have a great relationship – and Katie is wowing me with what she can do! I think she’s wowing herself! If she isn’t some kind of take charge social director, I don’t know what she’ll be! It’s great getting to know other homeschooling families. This year this is working. We’ll take it year by year. But right now, I feel like this is where God wants us.

Q: What are some of your favorite books? Why?

A: I just finished a marriage book called “Love and Respect”, by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. It was fantastic. In a nutshell, we all need love and respect; however our felt needs differs dramatically (no duh). Men want to feel and be unconditionally respected just like women want to feel and be unconditionally loved. Sometimes the wife requires/demands/expects her husband to love her in ways that are inherently foreign to him while she (most likely unknowingly) is not respecting him in ways that he needs. Then he comes across unloving and she comes across disrespectful... the “crazy cycle” spins. Being kind in ways that the other will understand breaks the cycle. This really works. If your relationship needs a tune up or you want to help it not get squeaky, this is a good one. It comes from both a social-scientific and biblical perspective. Here’s the link if you’re at all interested in checking it out: http://loveandrespect.com

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from this past year?

A: How much time do you have? We had a great trip to Rhode Island this August! I got to see URI roommates and friends, and Derek and the kids got to see his mom, sister and nieces! Independently, we did a bunch of the same things, which was a hoot! We went up North again in October and had blast in Boston and at the Topsfield Fair. We also visited a friend and her kids (from Salzburg days) who live just a few towns over from Derek’s mom! More locally, my folks and we went to Dutch Wonderland in PA with the kiddos in May – great time! Henry is a big fan of roller coasters now, although these weren’t really all that big, and Kate rode the merry-go-round three times (a bit of a role reversal there!). We went to Luray Caverns in August and just visited Tuckahoe Plantation, boyhood home of Thomas Jefferson. Starting homeschooling is, of course, huge! Trying to Skype with friends…well, not everything turned up roses this year!! :\

Q: What would you like to do in 2011?

A: Celebrate my 40^th somehow that doesn’t break the bank (let me know if you have any ideas!) Make another road trip to RI and have some time to catch some rays. Continue to support Derek well with his law degree. Go parasailing at a nudist colony – psych! – just wanted to see if you were still paying attention! Hope to catch up with/see as many friends and family as possible! Love to you all!

2009's Five Questions With The Hills Family

Henry, 7 years old, 2nd Grade
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do with your free time (before school, after school and on weekends)?
A: “Well, what I do like to do is draw. What else? Is to play with my Bakugans and Bionicles. I like to watch TV, like Backyardigans, Inspector Gadget, and Popeye. I also like to play with my string.” (Cat's Cradle)

Q: What are some things you like about school? What are some activities with which you are involved?
A: “I really like Art because we do all sorts of fun activities, like yarn paintings. This week and next week we’ll have an outer space theme in Art! I really like Music, too. I’m involved with Cub Scouts, and Team Kid at church.”

Q: What are some of your favorite books? Why?
A: “I really like “choose your own adventure” books. I’m reading right now You Are Invisible. After I’m done I’m going to write a book just like it. I also like Captain Underpants books.”

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from this past year?
A: “I really liked our class trip “Sleigh Ride Around the World” and my birthday party – making our own pizza in a real restaurant’s kitchen. I also really liked everyone shaking my hand after I told the church I asked Jesus to forgive me of my sins and to live in my heart.”

Q: What would you like to do in 2010?
A: “I’d really like to learn how to become a chemist. I’d also like to go to the Science Center” (in Baltimore, again).


Katie, 4 years old
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do with your free time?
A: “I love to wash the dishes. I love to go on the computer to Wiggie my Pooh.com. I love to watch Princesses and Dora on TV. I love my birdies. And I love my mama.” (Washing the dishes is news to me!)

Q: What are some things you like to do at home? What are some other things you do?
A: “Play Candy Land, I love drawing and drawing nice pictures. I like to go to Team Kid.”

Q: What are some of your favorite books? Why?
A: “My favorite book is Plutis, because I go on the big girl pot now.” (Katie’s talking about Once Upon a Potty. The main character is Prudence, or “Plutis” the way Kate says it.)

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from this past year?
A: “I loved seeing Jessica and Juliana.”

Q: What would you like to do in 2010?
A: “I’d love to go outside.”


Derek, Senior Estimator, PHB, Inc.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do with your free time?
A: Free time? Sorry. Can’t remember what that is. If I really want to do something (like go for a run) I usually have to plan ahead. This past year, I’ve enjoyed quite a bit of running. I’ve been able to slip out for an hour at lunch, and have managed to pull off quite a few super-early am long runs. I don’t appreciate it so much when the alarm goes off at 2:00 am, but it’s a blast about an hour into it.

Q: What are some things you like about life right now? What are some activities with which you are involved?
A: I’m in the calm before the storm. Law school starts next month, so I’ve been doing quite a bit of preparation for that. Looking forward to the challenge, but it’s easy to get anxious.

Q: What are some of your favorite books? Why?
A: I’ve been enjoying a number of great biographies about Jefferson, Washington, Samuel Adams. It’s great to try and re-learn some foundational history when you’re not forced to do so in a high school Civics course.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from this past year?
A: The recent trip home to Boston was great. Always great getting together with family, and catching up with those we rarely get to see. Completing my first 100 miler was fun. Weird to say that with a straight face. But the whole experience was everything it was supposed to be—perfect weather, lots of great friends, pain, hallucinations. The second attempt was intense…a real challenge. Just glad I didn’t end up bear fodder. Finally, Sue and I enjoyed a weekend in and around Culpepper, VA in August. Perfect weather, great scenery, good company—all around great mini-weekend away.

Q: What would you like to do in 2010?
A: Survive 1L. Seriously.

Susan, CFO, COO, Hills Corp.
Q: What’s your favorite thing to do with your free time?
A: My favorite things to do still include spending time with friends and family. I was fortunate enough to see friends at Good Counsel’s reunion in September, and friends Rebekah, Chris and Kevin in MN in June, and Jenn and Valerie in Philadelphia. We’re fortunate enough to see my folks every other month or so and Derek’s mom twice a year. We had a great time in November with his family.

Q: What are some things you like about life right now? What are some activities with which you are involved?
A: I continue to be involved with MOPS as the finance gal, and I help, however little, in Henry’s classroom and with Cub Scouts. I enjoy being home with Katie and watching her grow. We decided to keep her home from preschool this year since next year will be five half days a week and I’ll miss her - She’s my little helper. Life has been good this year, our family seems strong and we’ll need that with the changes coming up – Derek starting school and me starting to look for some kind of employment…

Q: What are some of your favorite books? Why?
A: Even though I wrote the questions, this seems a little unfair since I rarely read. I have been reading a book Blue Like Jazz by Donald Miller. He is a thought provoking, put-your-faith-in-action kind of writer. He is able to take non-religious situations or topics and find spiritual insight, allowing us to see Jesus in a new, more personal, ‘God loves us like mad and Jesus came to explain that’ kind of way. I’m looking forward to finishing it and reading more of his stuff.

Q: What are some of your favorite memories from this past year?
A: As mentioned, time with fam and friends: our first time camping in April; My mom’s 70th bday party; our annual pilgrimage to MA to be with Derek’s fam; Henry losing five teeth and starting to get his two front teeth; Katie and I being able to be home; and certainly not least, time with Derek in Culpepper and then his being accepted into law school. Oh, and some fun times with friends and scrapbooking, baby!

Q: What would you like to do in 2010?
A: I’d love to be able to balance our family’s continuing and Derek’s new school needs, and to hopefully land some kind of job that would work with this gotta-be-flexible schedule. Of course, visiting with friends and family are always tops on my wish list. I would also like to be able to live and talk about my faith more freely and from greater personal experience. God is so gracious, merciful and patient with everyone, including me, thankfully! Oh, and to start exercising. Let's hope all that happens. :)