Does this hamster look a little on the portly side to you? I think he's getting a bit chubby round the middle and I'm worried that he's not making sensible choices when it comes to portion size. Need a different angle?
I've put him on a diet. And I have to say he's been a lot more active. It's tricky feeding these tiny little creatures. One nut to a hamster is like a kilo of nuts to us. Possibly. I'm not giving you scientific facts here, just guessing. But anyway, he's small with a teeny tiny roll of fat round his middle. He's cutting down. If I was a better woman I'd join him.
But what with the chilly winter temperatures I'm finding it hard to avoid a good pudding. I spent the morning in the forest with the littlest boy's class. It was freezing. Literally. They made dens and toasted marshmallows. I hopped about trying to keep warm.
I helped out at Beavers the other day as well. It was hot chocolate, story and biscuit night, which in the scheme of things is a pretty good gig to get. I've had my share of more combative nights so it was only fair. Hot chocolate night was a dream in comparison. I was in charge of the squirty cream. I tried to bear in mind that with great power comes great responsibility.
On the home front there have been a few little advent packages, a candle and a letter or two to FC.
I should just point out that here in the west country he's sometimes referred to as Santer. We like our "r"s and we're not afraid to use them. I've heard that FC will be replying this year if you write to him at this address by Saturday.
I'm feeling a little Christmas anxiety today. The present thing is always slightly stressful. Trying to make it look like everyone has the same. Wondering about the wisdom of some requests. In-line skates for the littlest boy??? I'm already far too well acquainted with the Children's Hospital. But then again they would make him very happy. Decisions, decisions. I'm hopeless at them, I always overthink absolutely everything. And where is my mincemeat recipe? And the one for the special pastry I like to make at Christmas? When it all gets too much I shall make lists. And then I shall check them twice. I already know who's naughty and who's nice.
A magical time of year, but somewhat chaotic and stressful. I aim to have all presents purchased by the end of this week...we are going to see Santa the Sunday before Christmas, God help me if the little guys change their mind and ask for something else!!! Get your lists out then you can clear your mind xx
ReplyDeleteMm, maybe he does look a bit middley but still very cute. Is that a hamster swing in the second photo? Sounds like you aced it with hot chocolate night, will you be allowed to be squirty cream monitor next time, do you think? Pads and helmet to go with the skates, I think xxx
ReplyDeleteNow get that hamster doing workouts on his wheel. That'll sort it. Preferably not in the middle of the night though, especially if it squeaks. The wheel, not the hamster.
ReplyDeleteI like the stamp set and the bird stamp - very decorative letters to Santa. In charge of the whipped cream? What a gig.
ReplyDeleteHe looks just right to me - soft and round and cuddly. But perhaps it's as well to restrict his caloric intake - you certainly don't want a diabetic hamster or one with high cholesterol levels.... :)
ReplyDeleteIt's cold here too, and I've been craving fatty comfort foods. Eating them too! Just squirt a little of that cream in my hot chocolate, would you?
Who wrote the beautiful letting for the letter to Santa!? I'm impressed! I just ordered a new calligraphy pen from Amazon and can't wait to practice again. Don't worry about things, they always work out. ((hugs)), Teresa :-)
ReplyDeleteThe letters are fantastic!!! And you had me cracking up with your jumping about to keep warm! I can relate as I was jumping about when my son's class had outdoor recess and the wind was blowing us all over! Now that hamster is adorable! Love stopping by here CJ!!! Wishing you good luck with all of the preparations! I have no gifts purchased yet as I will be starting next week...feeling a bit stressed on that end myself! Your world looks so wonderful! Happy day to you!!! Nicole xoxo
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh .....squirty cream!!!!! One for the mug. One for the mouth. (Well, at least when it's a personal can of squirty cream. LOL)
ReplyDeleteI didn't know you had a hamster too! Can I come live with you?????? I clean cages really well. ;-)
Gorgeous post. Your hamster is adorable - I think perhaps they are supposed to be a little rotund; especially in the Winter. Squirty cream and hot chocolate - the way to my youngest's heart! I love the stamps on your advent packages and your son has jolly neat writing. I also loved his requests - a magazine subscription and some stamps for his collection - he sounds like a lovely lad. Good luck with the in-line skates dilemma! x
ReplyDeleteI have lists coming out of my ears because my brain seems to have gone on strike when it comes to remembering things, so I'm forever cross-checking them, which is stressful in itself! I shall relax once the holidays get here (I hope). L was easy peasy to do Crimble for this year- books, books and yet more books. I've been inventive with everyone else (watch out them). Aren't hamsters supposed to be portly? Perhaps it's middle-aged spread.... :o)
ReplyDeleteLovely beautifully expressed post as always CJ. I know what you mean about the in-line skates we bought the Wanderer a climbing frame when she was little and I often wondered if it would all end in tears but she got such fun out of it and no she didn't ever fall off! Hope your Christmas lists all get ticked off and don't forget to add an item for yourself ie " Take a little quiet time each day"
ReplyDeleteLovely photos and words. Make the most of the excursions with your boys - I am sure you are. Matt seems to just have "black tie events" to attend this year. Lucky boy; taxi service mum; and a reminder to me he is so grown up.
ReplyDeleteThis delightful post, and terrific pictures, had me smiling. I would have thought that like many animals they put on extra weight for the winter so don't be too strict with his diet. I also empathise with him as I'll be the same over the coming months as I plot less, sofa fly more and eat more biscuits than usual.
ReplyDeleteI sympathise with your presents dilemma but I'm sure that all will be okay on the day. Flighty xx
I'm sure that you are on the nice list after all your efforts in the woods! The advent parcels look very interesting, how lovely of you to make these up. Enjoy your time in the warm in the evenings with your candle. xx
ReplyDeleteHa ha! Perhaps he does look a little rotund. Maybe it's just extra padding to keep him warm over winter. As for Christmas and presents it is all a little stressful. Everyone seems to have so much nowadays but I do love the sentiment behind giving, and thinking of the right present for someone. I guess we all to remember to enjoy the festive season and step back and take a few deep breaths. Love all the advent presents and letters. Lovely! xx
ReplyDeleteThat little hamster probably uses more calories than we do though and he's probably laying down fat for winter :) Love the blue sky and bare trees photo
ReplyDeleteI think your little hamster looks fine, and he's got his wheel if he needs a workout. We did have to put our rabbits on a diet though, they're such greedy things and eat whatever's put in front of them. It's so hard making decisions on presents for little ones, what they desperately want isn't always the best thing to buy them, such responsibility. I'm sure you'll make the right choices and everyone will be happy on Christmas morning.
ReplyDeleteI think the slight portliness of the hamster is merely a reflection of how happy your household is. But the extra r from Santer could come from the Hamster, and then he would be Hamste, and perforce slimmer.
ReplyDeleteI would much rather see a portly hamster than a skinny one. He looks so jolly and cuddly this way. I love the addressing to Santer - it reminds me of how I thought words should be spelled because I'm from the New York City area and have parents with thick accents. It was a long time before I knew that the thing in the dresser that you pull out and put clothes in is not in fact a "draw." :)
ReplyDeleteAhh! Lists are wonderful things.:) You can't go wrong if you have a list!
ReplyDeleteoh, your son's letter to Santa......beautiful. My younger son is now at University but he has told me that his annual letter to Santa is on it's way - he still decorates it and still opens with "Dear Santa"
ReplyDeleteLove your advent packages too - I have decided I am going to wrap some of my presents this year in brown paper - I have bought plenty of bright ribbon from our market stall! Beaver night was my kind of scout night!
Caz xx
your advent parcels are beautiful x
ReplyDeleteYou know it'll all come together in the end, don't you? Try not to worry too much. Oh, I love how I can dish out advice but not deal in common sense myself!
ReplyDeleteThe advent parcels are indeed lovely. And 'Santer' - why not?
It's definitely sticky toffee pudding weather. Fruit just doesn't cut it right now! S x
I wish someone was as firm with me as you are with your hamster! There is one last piece of rocky road in my cake tin and I am trying to ignore it.... Your littlest boy goes to a nice school! I don't think our health and safety rules would allow for toasting marshmallows. Have a lovely rest of the week. xx
ReplyDeleteYou are a brave woman to have gone on that forest trip with the littlest boy and his group. I have big anxiety about Christmas, I keep looking at the date and panicking that it is approaching so fast.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you,
Meredith
You do make me laugh - often out loud - this is a good thing!
ReplyDeleteI wish my fat roll were that small! But poor hammy, deprived of nuts at Christmas, can't he start his diet in the New Year like the rest of us?
ReplyDeleteI love the letters to Santa, or Santer, as you say. All I can say about the skates is if you get them, get the pads too! It's actually rather hard, although not impossible, to break certain bones with those wrist, elbow and knee guards on (after all my adventures falling off things with my skateboard, I've been fortunate enough to only sprain my ankle while wearing the protective gear). Happy Christmas season to you and your family CJ! I'm sure you'll get through it all with flying colors. In fact, I have no doubt.
ReplyDeleteHmm, making lists while under pressure....that sounds like behaviour I know and recognise...
ReplyDeleteI adore your brown paper wrapped advent gifts - every year I aim for similar and fail. It's chocolate all the way here. x
BigR has written her letter. She's hoping for a reply. She drew a picture for him to take to the school fair (where we were visiting him) and was almost apoplectic with rage and disappointment when she forgot to bring it. Maybe Santer will take it on Christmas Eve when he leaves the presents?? x
ReplyDeleteChristmas is a time for children, but that makes it stressful for the parents! i'm always quietly relieved I do not have these Christmas traumas.
ReplyDeleteplease keep us informed on the hamster's diet and exercise progress. could be very inspiring for all of us to put down that extra nut :-)
"Santer" haha that's so cute. I can't wait until Lyla is old enough to write Santa letters!!
ReplyDeleteMaybe hamsters put on a little natural fat around winter? My ferrets completely change shape in late autumn; they get thick, soft fur and put on a lot of weight around their bums and tums.In spring they go all slinky again!
ReplyDeleteJenni x
The Thrifty Magpies Nest