Throwing caution to the wind!

Yes, I have watched "How to Catch A Sex Predator." No, I did not allow that program and their uncompromising admonishment of myspace.com to freak me out enough to not go near it with a ten foot pole. So, when my precious sister who just left for Paraguay for 3 years told me the only way to comment on her blog was to join myspace myself, I said, "Why not?" Now, I should mention that in my haste to join, I did not fill out a full profile. You wouldn't think this to be a problem; I wasn't joining to meet people, after all, just to keep in touch with my sis who was about to go far, far away. However, what I failed to see was that myspace automatically sets your profile to single. As a result, I got two solicitations (okay, that was too strong of a word) before I realized the greivous error. Now things are settled, though, and while there is a picture of me on the beach (complete with my family and stretch marks), I have gotten no more "interested" e-mails. My reason for commenting here about myspace is because I posted pictures on there that I thought some of you might be interested in seeing. After many hours (quite literally) of troubleshooting blogspot's many picture problems, I gave up and headed to a site that thrives on its uploading picture industry. Now, I tried to find a nice, easy address to direct you to to view these photos, but to no avail. So, I guess, you have to wade through the 120 or so Danielle Black's until you come to me (Currently, I'm at the very end, if it continues to be in the same order). I am holding an adorable Owen at the recent Cali wedding laughing my head off. I love that picture, if I do say so myself! And, if I could ever figure out this ridiculous picture issue, you could see it on this site, but since even the experts seem to have trouble, I leave you to myspace....please just don't get sucked into the drama and pick anybody up on your visit over there!

Home sweet home

I love vacations. I also, however, believe in the phrase: "Great to leave, great to come home." I'm just returning from a week in Newport Beach, California where I witnessed my little brother marry the love of his life. I'm so excited to have another sister! My biological sis, Alyssa, had this great idea that while we were there, we should have a sister initiation ceremony with Kristin and Erica (our official sister as of December 16, 2006). So, after Kristin's bridal shower, we stole her and Erica away for 15 minutes for their rite of passage into the Lugbill sisterhood. Based upon our own sister bond of years gone by, we let them choose between drinking an unknown concoction (prepared by me!), having their clothing stripped in the swimming pool, their feet massaged (both have foot fetishes), and some others, but I can't remember! Anyway, they chose the concoction. So, I had much fun going to Uncle Marlin's kitchen and mixing some garlic olive oil, worchesterchire sauce, Dijon mustard, salsa, and some crushed pecans into a delicious drink which they both had to try (you can imagine their breath!) Then, we gave them a several minute massage, and closed with reading them what we appreciated about them which we'd written on the back of their "Sisters" picture frames and praying. It was a highlight for me of a very full and terrific trip.
The wedding was incredible. It was on a yacht off of Newport Beach with 150 guests. Braden and Kole were adorable ring bearers, Alyssa and I were bridesmaids, Justin (my bro) was best man and also led worship with Erica and did a trio with Lys and I. Karl officiated. Afamily affair! I'll try to download a picture on here as soon as Dad puts them online. The ceremony was great, and the reception was as well....and lots of fun for most. It was fun for me as well, don't get me wrong, but trying to keep three little boys in check at a fancy wedding dinner is a little stressful, if you can imagine. Let's just say Karl and I didn't do much socializing. In fact, that was a theme the entire vacation. I found myself wanting to get down about it (not getting much interaction time when there were so many people I would have wanted to interact with), but I know this is my stage in life and soon it will be done and I will miss it. It still makes it tough, though. We met this cool couple at the airport with a 3 1/2 year old and 1 1/2 year old twins. I asked if they were taking a vacation. He responded, "We're taking a trip. When you have little kids, there's no vacation." I know what he means. Sure it's just semantics, but when you have preschoolers (esp. 3 or more, in my opinion!), you really don't have any kind of relaxing break. It's just that you're doing it together, and that is wonderful. I don't want to complain, I'm just starting to become discontent with being the one with 3 kids and not having time (literally) for good conversation. As a woman especially, I think I really crave that. So, I need to find an outlet. Otherwise, I think I'll get resentful. I'm not sure what that will look like--finding an outlet, I mean, but I know that I need to do it. Any suggestions?
So, Jeremy and Kristin are enjoying their honeymoon in Costa Rica and we are home safe and sound (thank you, Jesus). That is quite a feat, too, when you realize what driving in LA is like!