I don't consider myself un-photogenic. In fact, although I have qualms about being in front of the camera, I sometimes like the pictures that are taken of me.

Sometimes.

For my birthday last Wednesday (yay for the big 21!), my adorable husband got me a free photoshoot and free 10x30..... with... (wait for it!).... Sears.

As in... the place where you go to buy tools (at least I think so).

I was shocked. And horrified. See, my husband is an Indian. And that means that he gets all the best deals in town - including that free photoshoot with Sears (with the 10x30 - can't forget the 10x30!!). He knows how much I hate JCPenney, Target, Walmart, and Sears Portrait studios... so he thought it'd be a grand 'ol time for a "fake" date. At Sears. On a white background. In a corny pose.

(Side note. I'm not trying to be mean, it just so happens that Sears did a horrible job on the photos. Side note #2. We've never gone on a let's-make-fun-of-those-people date before... and I doubt we ever will. I really hate making fun of people.... but it just so happens that... well... Sears did a horrible job on the photos. Side note #3. Our photographer could've just been having a rough day. We've all had those. You can make that call. Side note #4. I don't believe in using other people's weaknesses to make me look better... but it just so happens... you get the picture. No pun intended.)

For the sake of not being a snob, I decided against taking my camera.

Do you have a queasy stomach? Than don't look here: http://www.SearsPhotos.com/ViewSharedAlbum.aspx?ShareID=d67f7d40-fc62-4745-a83b-2ece01b7948b   (If you have issues viewing the photos, our session number is: 121099 and the password is FJPPC.)

So, for all of you that would prefer not to go to Sears...  Here's another reminder - I'll be in Minneapolis, MN from September 21-October 1st. Send me an email at Amanda@amanda-joy-photography.com and we'll hook up for some pictures - minus the white background. :)

Happy Tuesday!

Marriage is amazing.  

It's amazing for lots of reasons - I get to hang out with my best friend all the time, I get to walk beside someone for the rest of my life, I'm known - inside and out, I have accountability, I can cry, laugh and pray with him... and so much more.

But one of the awesome things about marriage is that I get to be a part of another family.

I'm adopted in - so to speak.

They're Indian, which means that they're the best at making someone feel welcome... Feel at home. 

And even though I love my own family to pieces... it's amazing to be a part of another family as well.

Especially families that sing at the top of their lungs while driving with the windows open on the way to Buffalo Wild Wings. I think that's probably my favorite part.