When I got my dog I swore I would never be one of those people that did this…
…but I did. Look! He’s even smiling! Santa, on the other hand, is not quite as jolly because Bella just made yellow snow all over the artificial landscaping. Occupational hazard, Mr. Santa Paws, no need to be such a Grinch!
My parents used to line up my sister, brother, and I up every single year for Christmas pictures. We’d all wear coordinating sweaters and for a few years in a row we wore hats (ok, bonnets) because apparently I went through quite a bang trimming phase that needed to be covered up.
This picture of Bella and Santa was taken a few years ago, but every year when I unpack my Christmas decorations and find this ornament it makes me laugh out loud. I’m pretty sure my parents laugh out loud, when they look back over those pictures of their little angels, too.
This year I’ve decided I’m not going to stress out about eating too much and working out too little during the holidays. That’s because I’ve already made up my mind that I won’t be eating too much and I will be making the time to workout. That way I can spend more energy making new memories and finding new ways to embarrass my dog.
Now I really must go schedule a hair cut appointment for Bella and I in case we get the urge to paws for any more pictures!


Lance says:
November 29th 2009Bella with Santa – I love it!!!
And…Bella doesn’t look too embarrassed at all!!
Miz says:
November 29th 2009man, I miss my bullmastiff.
It may be time for another dog as whom else can I compel to dress up as Hanukkah Harry!
The Candid RD says:
November 29th 2009Aww, I would make fun of you, but I can’t, you’re too nice to make fun of. AND, I’ve never had a dog of my own so who knows, maybe I would do that too. I don’t think I would, but like you said, things may change!
Good for you for trying not to worry about weight over the holidays. Just enjoy your time and your friends and family, without overly worrying about trivial weight.
Have a great end-of-the-weekend!
Jessica@HowSweet says:
November 29th 2009Oh my, that picture is just too cute!!
erin brooks says:
November 29th 2009Bella such a handsome one. He looks so proud to be with Santa! I’d love to do that with my cats but unless it was Randy under the Santa suit I’m afraid the poor man would be clawed to shreds.
I do remember a really good memory of when I was a child. My father would tell me the same story every Christmas eve night. That exactly at midnight all the animals of the world can talk for an hour! I will never for get that.
Tricia says:
November 29th 2009Awww…so cute. He IS smiling!
Marisa (Trim The Fat) says:
November 29th 2009OMG, this made me laugh out loud! I LOVE that Bella is “smiling”! So awesome!! And this…This year I’ve decided I’m not going to stress out about eating too much and working out too little during the holidays. That’s because I’ve already made up my mind that I won’t be eating too much and I will be making the time to workout. Words of a brilliant woman :)
Suzanne says:
November 29th 2009Santa looks kind of creepy but at least Bella enjoyed it! Our four legged friend hasn’t been allowed to see Santa since we’re afraid he might bite him. Since he’s bitten just about everyone else.
Alison Foster says:
November 29th 2009OMG! Joanna, with a pup that cute you have to take Santa pics. And who cares if you are one of “those people”. Crazy people are the best people. :)
Diane Fit to the Finish says:
November 29th 2009I love that picture! It made me smile and I’m not even related to you. But the favorite part of your post was where you said you won’t be overeating and you will be exercising. Then you don’t even have to think about things!
Rachel says:
November 30th 2009HA! I went to PetSmart today to get my dogs new Christmas collars. You just can’t help but want them to be furry and festive…Bella is SO cute btw!
Jess (Fit Chick in the City) says:
November 30th 2009You are too funny! I love the picture!
Pep In My Step « Health Fitness Support says:
November 30th 2009[...] first Brilliant Blogger is Joanna from Fitness and Spice. She wrote: This year I’ve decided I’m not going to stress [...]
Gettin’ Chia With It — Loser For Life says:
January 6th 2010[...] minutes lower body circuit weights session. I huffed it on them all – GO BIG OR GO HOME as Joanna says! I had some swagger walkin’ out of that gym [...]