Homework with a Hunky Norse God

I hate homework!

Okay. That might be a little strong. But, that’s what my kids are already singing and what I was dealing with as of last week. I’m not a huge fan of piles of paperwork or reliving elementary education. Of course, life isn’t always about what we want, is it?

Where is THOR!!!

Image via CC MacKenzie

Before I fill you in on the joys of “homework,” let me update you about Thor. I know you’re all standing on pins and needles waiting. Our strapping god landed in the UK earlier this week. I understand his arrival took a few by great surprise and then left him fighting for his life. 😉 To hear his story and follow his journey, head over to CC MacKenzie’s blog for the latest gossip. And while you’re there, check out her books. She has some fantastic romance reads available! Don’t miss out on the opportunity!

Back to homework → HOMEWORK : school work assigned to be done outside the classroom , work done at home.

Wonder what I’ve been up to lately? Where I’ve been? Besides synopsis hell? My kids’ first week of school was chalked full of work right from the word “go.” Thing is that it was all for me! Paper after paper, form after form. Duplicates from the office and from the kids, all required to be kept at the office for this and that. Letters to the teacher so they could get to know my precious little ones. More stuff for the PTA. It never ceased. And like the slacker busy parent I am, I missed something and let it slip through the cracks. Not even seven days into school and I (not my kid) got detention my first note from the teacher. Ugh. It’s CRAZY I tell you! 😀  *Hangs head low*  This week started the actual homework fun. And fun it has been. 😉

Favorite quotes from my little monkey during work time:

  1. How much do I haaave to draw? I caan’t taake it!
  2. It’s sooo muuch! It takes sooo long!
  3. I’m trying to be good, but it’s sooo hard.

And not a quote but favorite action: so confused she looks for her eraser under water bottle.

Do you have any good homework stories?

 

Don’t forget, head over to CC MacKenzie’s and check in on Thor’s progress!

* It’s not too late to sign up and participate in Thor’s tour. All you need to do is drop me a line or leave a comment and we can work you into his schedule.

Friday’s post is coming to you early to account for Thor currently operating on UK time.

~oOo~

I love hearing from you! If you enjoyed this post or any of my previous posts, I’d be delighted to have you hit the follow button or add this blog to your RSS feed! You may also find me on twitter at @DebraKrist. Tootles! Thanks for stopping by!

52 thoughts on “Homework with a Hunky Norse God”

  1. CC MacKenzieCC MacKenzie

    OMG! I had to come over and comment.

    Homework – a nightmare. My son did Kumon maths and was/is brilliant at solving equations with nothing more than a pencil and paper. However, it wasn’t always that way. I remember in the beginning when he had to do his work sheets before going to school, he’d come down for breakfast and say ‘Finished.’ It took us ten days to realise he’d thrown half of them in the trash.

    You’re going to have plenty more people who want to participate in Thor’s tour. He was lovely. Shame I didn’t have a Barbie or Cindy for him to hook up with but maybe someone else has a deserving girl for him?
    We’ve had the worst summer since records began in the UK with typhoon rain almost on a daily basis, hence the greenery in my garden. He fought a valiant battle and emerged victorious and is about to wing his way to Canada.
    Anytime Thor wants to re-visit the wilds of Cheshire, England, my door is always open.
    And Thor has taken a small gift with him to remember us by.

    Can I just say that you are a crazy woman, in the nicest possible way?

    Reply
    September 6, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      I have actually looked into Kumon after reading one of your comments on this subject somewhere else. There’s one not too far from us. My son is actually rated at the top of the scale. It’s about applying himself. We are trying to decide if we want to sign him up for more classroom type activities or try to get him active in outdoor things – something he resists but really needs. It’s a tough balance. OH, and we just returned from Back-to-School Night. Guess what? I got more homework! LOL!

      You were fabulous with Thor! You know, Thor became our hero of choice here on the blog because my little monkey has a huge crush on him. If I told you who my crush was on I would really date myself. OR… admit to the fact I like older men. Hehehe.

      Can’t wait to see all Thor’s experiences and souvenirs. Fun!

      Thanks, Christine!

      Reply
      September 6, 2012
  2. Lynn KelleyLynn Kelley

    Me! Me! Can I join in the Thor tour? I think your blog tour idea is ingenius. Brilliant! Tons of fun!

    Reply
    September 6, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      Consider yourself in! I’ll message you for your info.

      Reply
      September 6, 2012
  3. Lynn KelleyLynn Kelley

    Oh, dang, I forgot to leave my comment about back to school. i remember those days of filling out paperwork and not very fondly. And each kid brought home a long list of supplies I needed to run out to buy for them. Four kids = mucho supplies and forms to fill out. The part I miss the most about my kids’ school days is the fundraisers. NOT!

    Reply
    September 6, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      I got more paperwork tonight when we attended the Back-to-School event. 😀 Yay! LOL. Our school used to put the list of supplies up on their site and the kids would bring them all the first day of school. They aren’t allowed to officially ask for supplies anymore. If we go to the office we can obtain the same list. I picked one up for each kid a couple weeks before school so that they were prepared the first day. Monkey’s list isn’t such a big deal since all her stuff went to the classroom, but Gamers supplies included folders and binders that he uses on a daily basis to organize his work. They’re trying to help them learn about planning and organizing. Good luck. 🙂 And a few years ago the school decided to do away with all the fundraisers in favor of a straight donation per family. That way all the funds went to the PTA without a portion going to some other organization. They were able to provide Smart Boards for every single classroom as a result last year. Yay! But we will need to do a separate fundraiser for my kid’s field trip this year. 🙁 But get this! They are thinking about doing a read-a-thon! That should be a fun way to encourage the kids to read. 😀 I LIKE IT!

      Reply
      September 6, 2012
  4. Laura RitchieLaura Ritchie

    Well, thanks for keeping us posted on Thor’s round-the-world tour! I popped over to see what he was up to on CC’s blog, and boy, is the UK ever an exciting place to visit! Can hardly wait to see what trouble he gets into next!

    Reply
    September 6, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      Didn’t that look like fun over there? I want to know where the picture was of Thor conquering the dreaded beast? Hehe. Now I need to get organized and create a Thor page on this blog so that every stop and blog post has a link, starting with CC. 🙂

      Reply
      September 6, 2012
      • Laura RitchieLaura Ritchie

        Putting his travels on a page is a great idea. Will be watching for it.

        Reply
        September 6, 2012
  5. Deliberately DeliciousDeliberately Delicious

    I came here to investigate the possibility of having Thor come and spend some time with a lovely, single Canadian girl (me), but then I stumbled on your hilarious back to school post. Slacker parents unite! My guys returned this week, so the homework hasn’t started for them, but if I have to fill out one more 10 page form with the names and phone numbers of their doctor, dentist, and soccer coach, if I have to track down one more immunization record, if I have to write one more cheque, I might lose it all together! Thanks for the good laugh!

    Reply
    September 6, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      Holy Moly! It’s horrid, isn’t it? I wish they could keep last year’s and you could just check a box if anything changed. Sheesh. I got more tonight so I’m thrilled. 😀

      We can definitely add you to the Thor tour. And you’re in luck! He will be in Canada next. That means he can visit sometime in the next month (most likely) instead of a couple months or more down the road. I will send you an email to gather your address for the tour, or you can send it through the contact link on this blog. Either way will work. Glad to have you join us! Nice to meet you, Sally. 🙂

      Reply
      September 6, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      Hey! Sent you an email a few days ago. Just wanted to let you know in case it got stuck in your junk mail. Thor is headed into your neck of the woods.

      Reply
      September 10, 2012
      • Deliberately DeliciousDeliberately Delicious

        Thank you! It’s funny, I just contacted you. I’d love for Thor to come have a sleep over with me!

        Reply
        September 10, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      I tried to get my husband to take half of the paperwork tonight. It didn’t work. I did the stuff for one kid finished then petered out. I’m ready to crawl in bed. I’ve been dealing with migraines all week and fighting something else since Wednesday. I’ve been nothing but tired. 🙁 I don’t want to sign my name anymore. 😛 I loved your homework story. Very well told. I’m so glad I never had a teacher so scary!

      Reply
      September 6, 2012
      • Naomi BaltuckNaomi Baltuck

        I’m sorry you’re not feeling well. Lack of sleep opens you up to all sorts of bugs, and migraines wear you down. Take good care of yourself. The paper work will wait another day. (What are they going to do–fire you?) Thanks for the kind words.

        Reply
        September 6, 2012
  6. Kristy K. James...Living, Loving, LaughingKristy K. James...Living, Loving, Laughing

    I’m excited about Thor’s visit. So is someone else. I’ll try to protect him while he’s here, but can make no promises. 🙂

    Yay on the homework…for you and the kids. NOT! The beginning of the year forms are so wrong. Unless you’ve moved, they should follow the kids from year-to-year. It’s just ridiculous to have to do it so many times when it’s the same information over and over. Send something home, with the option of sending it back if there are updates.

    Do I have any amusing homework stories? Not really. The only thing that comes close was the summer CJ worked with a tutor. A couple of days a week, I’d drop him off for an hour. The rest of the time I had to work with him. Funny thing about autistic kids…there is no ‘out of the box.’ Mom is in the ‘mom’ box, and teachers are in the ‘teachers’ box…and if Mom tries to jump into the teachers box… It’s really not pretty. It was a long summer. 🙂

    Reply
    September 7, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      This is true. We’ve considered looking for a tutor or center that is versed in working with kids in the Asperger spectrum. It’s clear when I sit down with my son that we don’t analyze things the same way and I have a hard time explaining things to him sometimes. He gets so upset and frustrated. I’ve heard it said that kids and parents don’t work well together on the tutor level. Kids will listen better to someone else.

      I’m glad others in your household are looking forward to his visit. It’s fun to share the joy and excitement. Monkey is concerned about her crush returning in one piece, but she got a real kick out of reading the post yesterday. 😀

      Reply
      September 7, 2012
      • Kristy K. James...Living, Loving, LaughingKristy K. James...Living, Loving, Laughing

        I can’t say enough good about the whole tutor thing…except for my part in it (which was a bigger part than hers, lol). If you can work it out so you don’t have to be involved at all, other than the transportation, it could make homework a lot less stressful for both of you. Well…mostly for you. 😀

        Tell Monkey that we’ll be very careful with her crush. 🙂

        Reply
        September 7, 2012
        • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

          My boy got motivated this week when his Star test results came in. We’ll see how long that lasts. 🙂 As for Monkey, she LOVED reading CC’s post. So watching Thor travel will be fun for the kids.

          Reply
          September 9, 2012
        • CC MacKenzieCC MacKenzie

          Aww, Congrats on the tests! Tell Monkey to give you a hug from me 🙂

          Reply
          September 10, 2012
  7. Natalie G. OwensNatalie G. Owens

    Homework! Something I don’t look forward to at all! My son is just starting school this October and I know it’s coming. And yes!!!!! PLEASE INCLUDE ME IN THOR’S TOUR. I’m a mad Chris Hemsworth fan and he was the inspiration for my current WIP that will release in December. My email address is angelaguillaume@gmail.com – please tell me what to do xx

    Reply
    September 7, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      If your son is starting in kindergarten then you will gradually work your way up. But the forms are no fun! My youngest is in first this year so she will be introduced to a slightly heavier workload. She won’t be pleased. She doesn’t like keeping her butt in the chair. 😀

      I am putting you the Thor Tour list and will contact you for your information. Glad to have you on board, Natalie! Beautiful blog, btw.

      Reply
      September 7, 2012
  8. Coleen PatrickColeen Patrick

    It took forever to fill out all the forms the PTSA, the booster clubs, etc sent home! But luckily my kids are pretty self-sufficient when it comes to homework now. Although my daughter asked me a ton of questions this week for her English comp essay. I think she was hoping I’d take over LOL. 🙂 And Christine’s Thor post was so funny!

    Reply
    September 7, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      I can’t wait for the day my kids are self-sufficient. My son kept saying he wanted to work together on his so that we could have “we” time. I had to explain to him it wouldn’t be his work if the answers were written in my handwriting. He got upset. LOL.

      Christine’s post is wonderful! I look forward to each one.

      Reply
      September 7, 2012
  9. Jennette Marie PowellJennette Marie Powell

    What Kristy said about the forms – why do we have to fill out the same dang info Every. Freakin. Year! It seems there’s more paperwork every year, too – and I only have one kid! I’m afraid I don’t have any amusing homework stories, but we’re looking forward to hosting Thor. He might even get a date with my daughter’s collectibe Barbie. 😀

    Reply
    September 7, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      That’s what I was saying, they should have a box you could check if your information has changed or not. If so, fill out the forms, if not you’re good to go! Just like the doctors.

      Barbie will tower over Thor. She will be an Amazon date for sure! LOL.

      Reply
      September 7, 2012
  10. Fabio BuenoFabio Bueno

    “I’m trying to be good, but it’s sooo hard.” is my new motto 🙂

    Reply
    September 7, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      Make sure you say it with the appropriate whine. 😉

      Reply
      September 7, 2012
      • susielindaususielindau

        I am with Fabio!
        I have been out more than in this week and will check out CC’s blog. (relatives in town..) Have a great weekend!

        Reply
        September 7, 2012
        • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

          We all have weeks like that. I’ve had a lot of weeks where I’ve been trapped doing other things, as you know. Today I was activity director mom. The next two days I have company. It’s life. But without it what would we blog about? 😀 Personally, I think Thor needs to visit your adventurous blog, Sue. I’m just sayin’. ;D

          Reply
          September 9, 2012
  11. EmmaEmma

    I hated homework. It sucked sooo bad!

    Reply
    September 7, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      I hear that! I don’t recall having homework till I was in middle school. Maybe I choose to block it out.

      Reply
      September 9, 2012
  12. Lena CorazonLena Corazon

    I am LOVING Thor’s trip around the world! Such a fantastic idea.

    The saddest thing for me as a grad student is that the homework never, ever ends. The worst part is having to be all self-motivated and self-disciplined to voluntarily do research and write in-between each academic quarter, which means that all free time is also potential work-time. So not fun at all. :/

    Reply
    September 7, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      Glad you like the Thor tour idea. I hope his page comes together soon. That should be fun.

      Grad school and voluntary research. That doesn’t sound like a lot of fun, Lena. But when you’re finished you will be so glad you put yourself through it all!

      Reply
      September 9, 2012
  13. Lisa Hall-WilsonLisa Hall-Wilson

    Can’t wait for Thor to get here. 😉 I can’t stand how I have more homework than they do. The first week of school for sure, but the earlier grades as well. :/

    Reply
    September 7, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      Thor can’t wait to get over to you and meet Lady Croft. Thor likes the ladies. :O I bet Thor never did his homework. Didn’t have to.

      Reply
      September 9, 2012
  14. August McLaughlinAugust McLaughlin

    Yipes. I think I’ve blocked out most of my homework stories. I do recall waking up early to bake a cake decorated with the 13 colonies, hoping that tasty food would help my grade. 😉 Good luck, lady!

    Reply
    September 7, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      Wow! Now there’s something I have never done. But then I don’t think baking would have helped my grade. LOL!!! Thanks, August.

      Reply
      September 9, 2012
  15. Serena Dracis, AuthorSerena Dracis, Author

    Oh my no! I don’t have kid homework stories, and most people don’t want me detailing my nursing school homework…fun times in clinicals, bedpans, anyone? 😉 Running over to check CC MacKenzie’s blog to see how my favorite Thunder God is liking the UK. Missed you, hope you’ve had an awesome summer, will be catching up on your blogs soon!

    Reply
    September 7, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      My goodness NO! You don’t need to share those stories. Thanks, though. How are you? We’ve missed you. Hope this means the book and edits are coming along nicely.

      Reply
      September 9, 2012
      • Serena Dracis, AuthorSerena Dracis, Author

        Had another round of editing with Part One, but it’s back in the hands of my agents who said they’d start submitting today! Good to be back, thank you!

        Reply
        September 10, 2012
        • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

          I have my fingers crossed for you. Hope to hear great things soon. 😀

          Reply
          September 10, 2012
  16. angelapeartangelapeart

    Ugh, the PTSA paperwork is close to a nightmare. I’m finally done with it, but it took a few days.

    Homework is right around the corner. First week of school was homework-less and practically stress free. Soon we’ll start on the after-school activities and that will keep us all crazy busy. But that’s nothing that we haven’t done before, so I decided to take it easy and not let myself worry just yet.

    Ah, Thor. He’s such a traveller. I’m going to visit CC’s blog and investigate his new adventures 🙂

    Reply
    September 7, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      I recall reading somewhere that school started in September for you. That’s the way it should be. The way it used to be. Some of my friend’s kids were in school a week or more before my kids. That’s just crazy. Whatever happened to summer?

      Hope you’ll consider hosting Thor at some point along his tour, Angela. 😉

      Reply
      September 9, 2012
  17. Karen McFarlandKaren McFarland

    Ack homework. I always thought that it was more work for the parents than for the kids. In fact, it got so bad by the time our kids got into junior high, we decided to pull them out and do home school for their last four years. (high school). And why not? We had to purchase the books they were studying and they were not doing school work in class. The teachers sent most of it with the kids to do at home. Say what? I know. So finally my husband made the suggestion and I have to say it was the best decision we made.

    I don’t know what to expect when Thor arrives to his next destination Debra. Christine was her usual hilarious self. Too funny. I fear that Thor will never be the same again.

    I hope you recover soon from the beginning of school aftermath and your headaches my dear. Those are so miserable. Take care. 🙂

    Reply
    September 8, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      Homeschooling is a tough one. It’s right for some people, not for everyone. A friend of ours tried it last year and her kids ended up missing peer interaction too much. She was trying to schedule the dates to get together, but they just weren’t happening. It’s probably easier when their older and more willing to work with you and don’t need their parents to get them to and from play dates. I think it’s great that it was the right solution for you. I wonder from time to time with our kids. When I sit down with them, however, I see it would take all day to get the smallest task accomplished. They’re not ready yet. A different school maybe. My parents put me in private school. What I learned there, well, maybe that’s a post all by itself. 😀

      Reply
      September 9, 2012
  18. Reetta RaitanenReetta Raitanen

    I wasn’t a fan of homework during my school years so I commiserate with you and your kids. Bureaucracy really sucks. You’d think the office paper pushers are out to deliberately confuse and frustrate you.

    On the bright side, the Thor tour is a brilliant idea. Kudos for your creativity, Debra 🙂 I’m heading over to Christine’s blog to check him out.

    Reply
    September 9, 2012
    • Debra KristiDebra Kristi

      You know, Reetta, it bugs my husband that I don’t even want to take the time to read the directions properly. LOL. TIME! I don’t have a lot of it. Why do I want to waste it reading something so boring? I know, it’s bad. I do read the directions. It would help if they didn’t print them so darn tiny. Now I know why my grandfather always pulled out the X5000 magnifying glass to read anything. 😀

      Reply
      September 9, 2012
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