A few years ago, I decided that it was just not any fun to get four kids dressed up and take them to a photo studio for pictures. Invariably, one would be cranky, sleepy or simply unable to sit still and in our fifteen minute session, there wouldn't be a single picture I wanted to buy. Not to mention, that for all this hassle, the sitting fees were outrageous!

So we decided to take advantage of the beautiful autumn scenery at Walnut Point and take the kids' pictures there. It was really nice. We could take our time and take as many pictures as we wanted. I will spare you all 190 I took, but here are a few of my favorites.

Yes, Mom, I will get copies made for you.

And, the picture that truly captures the Krabel kids...

Thoughts on election day...

I have been particularly anxious this year about the presidential election, and the congressional elections as well. It probably hasn't helped that my dear hubby is watching Fox News hours each day, so I am constantly bombarded with voices talking about how dire the situation for our nation is and how much is at stake and on and on and on. I know it's all true, and at the same time, I feel very helpless and out of control.

However, last week, when I was again feeling a grip of fear in my chest about "what if?"the Lord brought to mind a verse. I know the Lord brought it to mind, because I didn't even know that I knew it.

He changes times and seasons;
he sets up kings and deposes them.
He gives wisdom to the wise
and knowledge to the discerning.
Daniel 2:21

This verse reminds me that while I am quite helpless and certainly have control over nothing, my God is sovereign, and He is completely and totally in control. He knew the outcome of these elections long before the candidates decided to run. He sets up kings, and he deposes them. Nothing happens outside his perfect will.

We as a nation have not been faithful. Israel demanded a king, and God let them have their way. America may be in for the same lesson. I do not know.

But I do know this: even if this election does not end the way I want it to -- and I don't think it's going to -- it's OK. God is still God, he is still on his throne. We may be in for hard times ahead, but he is always faithful to his people. If we cry out to him, he will hear us.

"If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then will I hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
2 Chronicles 7:14

So I prayed, and I voted, and I plan to turn in early tonight. I will find out the results in the morning, and will not lose sleep worrying about what is happening as the votes come in. It is in the Lord's hands, as are all things.

Sorry to anyone who just wanted to see pictures of the kids. I'll get some up soon, I promise!

Air Evac helicopter

One very cool thing about having a dad who drives an ambulance is that when the Air Evac helicopter comes to do training, you get to come and watch it.

Eleanor helps her dad check out the landing site and make sure all of the signals are flashing.

Those blades make a big wind.

Wouldn't you know, just before the chopper arrived, the ambulance got a call and Dan had to leave. Fortunately, the call was actually in Paris' district and they were able to get back for the training.

Elijah in the paramedic's seat.

Mackenzie tries out the pilot's seat.

By this time, Eleanor was cold and tired, and the mosquitoes were threatening to carry her away, so Katie had taken her to the truck. After the kids got to see the inside of the helicopter we joined them and left the ambulance crew to their training.

Puppy Love

One of my favorite poems

Stay, stay at home, my heart, and rest;

Home-Keeping hearts are happiest,

For those that wander they know not where

Are full of trouble and full of care;

To stay at home is best.

Weary and homesick and distressed,

They wander east, they wander west,

And are baffled and beaten and blown about

By the winds of the wilderness of doubt;

To stay at home is best.

Then stay at home, by heart, and rest;

The bird is safest in its nest;

O'er all that flutter their wings and fly

A hawk is hovering in the sky;

To stay at home is best.

~Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

He's coming home!!!!!

Michael called this morning and told us that they are preparing to leave Iraq. We've been hearing this rumor since the beginning of the summer, and from my limited experience with all things Army through my brother and his family, I was skeptical. Hopeful, but skeptical. The Army seems to do things whenever they do them, usually later than sooner.

But, when Michael said one of his jobs today was to pick up the big shipping containers so they could start packing up, I thought, "hmm?"

And when Dan checked his email this morning, there was a message from the battalion commander, and they are coming home!!! No dates for sure, but we have every reason to believe he will be home for Christmas. Hooray!!!

I am just weeping as I type this. God is so good and has been so faithful in keeping him safe from harm during this time. Just from talking to him, I can tell how much he has grown and learned in the last year. Words fail me to express how proud I am of him.

The only thing that gives me any pause in my celebration is knowing that for Michael's batallion to come home early, someone else has to replace them early. I hate the thought that somewhere this morning a mom or wife or fiancee is also crying because her soldier isn't going to be home for Christmas like she'd hoped. There are still so many sacrifices being made by so many.

But, I am grateful... so grateful... for this incredible and wonderful surprise.

God is so good!!!!

P.S. He is also very excited about being a big brother again, and agrees with Elijah that it's time for another boy.

Introducing...

Yes, it's true!! Krabel baby #5 will join our family sometime in late March. The actual due date is April 5 (the day after Michael & Jamie's wedding--how convenient!), but the doctor said we will schedule a c-section the week before. Too early to tell yet if we're having a girl or boy, but Elijah is really hoping for a brother.