LYH Bell Family Year in Review 2025
We’re quickly approaching 2026, and 2025 has been a good year full of God’s blessings. I’m aiming to recap it here without wearing you out (Kari says I failed miserably), though that will be a tall order as it was a full year!
We’ve already had Christmas with Sam and Rachel as they headed to Texas for Christmas (more on their story shortly). We had a Christmas party tonight at the golf course, and there will be plenty of food and fellowship ahead, including a cookie bake-off we are having with friends on Sunday (the scale will have a stern word with me in January).
First off, Kari’s still the undisputed queen of our household operations. She's inherited that midnight reading gene from her Grandma Ruth, but she's upgraded to Audible, so now she dozes off mid-chapter and wakes up unsure about the plot twist. Kari is currently planning various house projects (highly unlikely I get to many of them). Now that Sam has finally moved out, she's ripped out the carpet from his room, painted the walls, and is putting hardwood down. She’s talking windows for next year, but I can’t see that happening right now.
We continue with our early morning routine. I kick the day off early with a fresh pot of coffee. Kari's not far behind, scrolling her phone and updating me on local news (I follow the national and she mostly the local, Calgary and Lynchburg). After diving into her Bible reading (Kari’s currently working through 1 Samuel while I'm knee-deep in 1 Kings) and knocking back a few cups of joe, she hits me with the daily dinner interrogation: "You okay with chicken breasts tonight?" My usual: "Yup, sounds great." Boom, dinner planned. The big change over the last few years is that I work from my home office so often she’ll prep, and I’ll get the meal started later in the day.
Early mornings find me parked in the sunroom, reading and typing away at my blog (it’s part Bible commentary and part leadership commentary with the occasional rant about the state of the union). I post the blogs to LinkedIn and am always thankful for the comments, likes, and encouragement from my family and friends. While I blog, Kari blitzes around the house getting a full day's worth of chores and organizing done (Mary and Martha) before I chauffeur her to work, it’s only a five-minute drive. Kari’s been handling admin and reception at a local medical clinic for three years now, which gets her out of the house, which is key since I'm still remote-working, and we've got Ben, Sol, and Abe (and the dogs) holding down the fort with us. I'm still toiling away practicing law - I love the work, and I love mentoring young people and helping solve problems and keep folks on the straight and narrow.
This year, my personal reading has focused on the 1500s, church reform in England, Leonardo da Vinci, Cortés in Mexico, and Emperor Charles V. I've also just started a book on the Crusades (starting 1100-ish). Looking ahead to 2026 and the 250th anniversary of America, I'm planning to dive deeper into American history. Kari and I also listen to Audible books together on trips (Walter Isaacson’s bios of Steve Jobs and Elon Musk were really good).
Meghan and Tyler hit the nine-year marriage milestone in April; time's flying faster than we’d like. They're expecting a baby girl in June 2026, adding some pink to their blue-dominated crew. They are super excited about their little girl arriving. They let Jackson do the gender reveal where he read the email from the doctor and announced the pink clothing to a very excited mom and dad, and brothers. So exciting. Kari and I miss those days of having little kids, but we’ve kinda forgotten how it is a three-ring circus on a caffeine drip, church, jobs, and wrangling energetic kids. That’s what Meghan and Tyler are enjoying now. Thankfully, they have a big SUV that is perpetually full of cookies, boys’ toys, and car seats. Kari and I are hoping to take the grandsons to the North Carolina Zoo again this winter.
Meghan and Tyler upgraded to a nice and significantly bigger house in a really well-developed neighborhood last Christmas, and it's been a game-changer. Besides a couple of Florida jaunts, their big adventure was a European cruise, with highlights in the UK and the historic beaches of Normandy. Tyler had represented the Army at the D-Day anniversary events the year before, so he was especially keen to take Meghan back to see those small towns and pay respects again. Tyler’s still a full-time Army National Guard, crushing it as Virginia's top recruiter out of his LU office. Meghan's teaching at a homeschool hybrid program, leading women's ministry at church, and even joined a choir this year, because who needs free time? Pre-cruise, they both got serious about fitness, shed a bunch of weight, and looked sharper than ever. They are putting the oldest two in public school in January, so that will be a big switch in schedules for them.
Kari's Tuesday "date nights" with the grandsons are pure gold. Nothing extravagant, just one-on-one time with Grandma, and they often help Kari whip up supper, painting masterpieces, puzzling away, then bath time, storybooks, and we drop them back with their parents. The boys eat it up, and honestly, Kari's as excited as they are. Kari is always intentional about loving her kids and grandkids.
Our four grandsons, Jackson (7), Archer (5), Colton (3), and Becket (1), keep Sunday dinners lively. Jackson is confident, smart, gentle, and inquisitive, sensitive yet bold and talkative, lately ditching his obsession with dinosaurs for a full-blown Pokémon fixation. He and his brothers have formed a neighborhood "gang" that's keeping Meghan on her toes, mostly defusing mom-drama over backyard shenanigans. Archer is the strong, silent type, but sharp as a tack. He's all in on Star Trek (blame Tyler; I couldn't wrap my head around it back in the 80s and still have zero interest), building stuff, and asking pensive, deep questions. Pokemon cards are his thing as well; imagine their shock discovering the uncle's dusty, disorganized basement stash.
Colton is a pint-sized warrior, stubborn as a mule (eats like a bird but somehow growing like a weed on a homogenized milk diet), and on date-night days, his bag's packed at dawn. Ninja Turtles rule his world, but anything with wrestling or battling gets top billing. Becket took his sweet time walking (nearly 18 months), but now he's zooming everywhere. Becket’s big, square grin lights up rooms like a Christmas tree, and though he's not chatty, he gets his point across loud and clear. Right now, Meghan and Tyler are hosting the Voogd crew from Billings, Montana, for an early Christmas bash. We'll catch them bright and early on the big day, and Meghan advised me that they are hosting Eggs Benedict at their place this year, so that will be a first. Alas, change must come.
Samuel's 2025 was epic. He wrapped up a wild three-year OPT stint after his Master’s degree at a local tech firm, what a rollercoaster job. We prayed hard about his future (Canada or USA?), and God delivered in clutch fashion: a solid gig in data and fundraising at Liberty University's Office of Development, plus a long-term work visa. He started dating Rachel around this time last year, and by summer, wedding bells were inevitable as Sam asked Rachel’s dad for his blessing (in July) to ask the big question (which he finally popped late September).
Rachel's wrapping up her undergrad in Communications; she's salt-of-the-earth, solid, humble, godly, beautiful, and kind. She’s also thoughtful and gets along with Kari, Meghan, and Bailey so well. And she’s been texting buddies with my mom all year now, so that’s fun. She's also remarkably generous (we dubbed her Mrs. Claus last week after she ignored our family name-draw and gifted everyone anyway). Rachel's wedding dress was stunning. Her dad, Ken (a surgeon who's retired from the Air Force, but anything but retired), and mom Lori-Anne (an academic and fellow LU grad) raised a big crew of six daughters and one son. They lived all over the world when Rachel was growing up, but settled down in Crowley, Texas, a couple of years ago.
In September, Kari and I flew to Dallas for a work conference (and to meet Rachel's family). They hosted us for a fantastic lunch out on their acreage, and we joined them for church in Fort Worth (what an absolute gem of a town, cowboy charm meets big-city energy). We've also enjoyed spending time with Rachel's sister, Grace (another LU grad).
Sam and Rachel sprung an engagement surprise in the fall, then tied the knot soon after (October 4th) in a Lynchburg park ceremony officiated by Rachel’s grandpa Jim (engineer, seminary prof, missionary). We hosted the reception back at our house and went around the room, and everyone told Sam and Rachel stories, and we feasted on BBQ. It was wonderful having Rachel’s whole family fly in, including her grandma Joy. Right after Christmas, Sam and Rachel are heading off to Mexico for their honeymoon, a generous gift from Rachel's parents that has them both super excited. The most exciting thing about Sam and Rachel is that they both love Jesus and are both wanting to honor God in their marriage.
Benjamin kicked off a Master's in Strategic Communications at LU last fall (on track to finish by summer 2026). For a guy who never wanted to go to University, he's spent a ton of time there. And he's good at it. He's a strong writer, and he's always been able to see things that others miss. He works part-time in LU Athletics and full-time dad to his labradoodle, Ace. He also games a lot with his friends and brothers. (More on Ben’s recent golf passion below).
Solomon launched into a Master's in Epidemiology last fall (graduating Christmas 2026). He loves it. I had to Google what it means when he told me about it. He's been working in Events at LU, and post-undergrad, he did a one-year practicum working in the psych ward of the local children's hospital (as staff, not a patient, important distinction). He liked the work, but decided it wasn't his long-term calling. Silver lining: that's where he met fiancée Bailey, who's finishing her Master's in Education Counseling and still works at the hospital. Bailey is beautiful, kind, smart, and driven. She is an animal lover, a foodie, and has an uncanny number of similar interests with Sol. It's not hard to see how Solomon fell in love with her. Over US Thanksgiving, Bailey's parents, Patty and Chuck, along with her cute Nana (Chuck's mom, Jo Ann), came down from CT for the holiday. We got to spend lots of time with them, Chuck and I cooked the turkey and baked pies, and the ladies (Kari, Meghan, Rachel, Bailey, and Patty) had success finding Bailey's wedding dress (Jo Ann generously bought it for her). Nana was super fun to have around. Just like with Rachel, we're thankful for the way God has brought Bailey into our family. She was born and raised in Connecticut. Chuck has had a long career in IT and is a bi-vocational pastor, and Patty is a counselor. Sol has had a few family trips with Bailey’s family already, and shortly after Christmas, they are off to Missouri to see Patty’s family and then on a cruise in June. Their wedding's locked for October 2026 in Rustburg, VA (just east of Lynchburg), and they're enjoying the planning process. We are super proud of them for making a great plan.
Abraham's steadily grinding through his undergrad in computers (a few classes left). He's been working part-time at a local putt-putt place for three or four years. Gaming's his passion; he's leveled up big time, attending a major tourney in Austin, Texas, then Knoxville, TN, in 2025, and eyeing another big one in Miami come January, where he is competing with a team of guys from U of Alabama Huntsville. It's hard to get a nicer guy than Abe. He's an amazing Uncle and brother, and son. After he gets back from his Miami competition, he wants to get a full-time job and make some money.
Ben, Tyler, and Sam dragged us all into golf this year. Happily. I hadn't swung a club in five years, but a local course's family deal sealed it. We walk or cart; Ben and Sam hit it weekly, while Abe, Sol, and I are easing in. Summers saw Tyler sneaking in early-morning 9-hole rounds pre-work.
Our kids are all adults now, but one of the real joys around here is that they still genuinely love each other's company and get along great. Solomon's dog Stella (a black lab) is a common feature in my office, and her little brother Ace is also under my charge when Ben is out of the house. When Rachel and Sam come over with their dog, Honey, they all have so much fun (good thing we still have old floors!). We continue to pray for godly wives for Ben and Abe, and for the right career doors to open for them as well. There is a lot of uncertainty being here on work/study visas, but we’re trusting God has a great plan ahead for them.
Kari and I squeezed in some fun travels this year. February Washington, DC trip with Meghan, Tyler, and the boys, museums galore. April brought a week driving in El Salvador, surprised by the lack of English, but loved the clean, safe vibes and friendly folks. Great food too. And the churches were packed. We summited a volcano, stayed at boutique hotels, and toured a coffee production facility. Kari's sworn off Central America for now, so 2026's eyeing Portugal, Spain, or Argentina. We'll see what sticks (or who has the best air miles seat sales).
June brought a work conference for me in Seattle, along with a lovely visit with the Freeman family (Rhonda, Kevin, Wanda, and her husband Jim). Great people. I billetted with them back in the early '90s during my Seattle Thunderbird days. They have all done really well with their careers, and Rhonda has a big brood of grandkids herself.
In July, Kari and I took a trip to visit our friends Carla and Ben, who live just north of Nashville, TN. The highlight was touring President Andrew Jackson's Hermitage (along with great fireworks and a wonderful time with friends).
July also meant a big family trip with Meghan, Tyler, and the boys to Saskatoon, Sylvan Lake, and Calgary, always a blast heading home, especially seeing family. Kari's dad's thriving in a top-notch Saskatoon care facility; sister Nicole's a superstar with support and video updates. Kari's mom and Steve are holding strong (Linda's fall eye surgery should be a game-changer). My folks in Sylvan are looking and acting like teenagers, making good upgrades to their new house in town and trying not to slip on the ice. We stayed with my brother James, Lauren, and Bailey in Calgary (they are doing great), and we are excited to show them around LYH when they come down for Sol’s wedding.
Life in Lynchburg suits us perfectly, small-town charm with plenty of quirks. The downtown YMCA is old and under-equipped, but the people and the fitness classes make it fun. And, how amazing that they keep an open Bible right on the entryway counter. Kari and I are Saturday morning regulars at the YMCA.
I’ve been blessed with some good friends here. We talk politics, Scripture, and life. I'm truly thankful for these men. We’ve found a good, Bible believing, conservative, and friendly church in downtown LYH. We love the focus on Jesus, the tradition, the liturgy, the singing, and the non-flashy style have all been a real breath of fresh air. Ben, Abe, Solomon, Samuel, Rachel, and Bailey all worship with us there, and we love hearing the boys' deep voices join in the hymns. Meghan and Tyler attend a big church in town that has great marriage groups and good kids' programs.
God willing, we'll host more friends and family in 2026, especially for Sol's October wedding extravaganza.
We're profoundly thankful to call the United States home, cherishing the freedoms and opportunities here. We're pumped to join the epic 250th anniversary celebrations of 1776 next year. Here’s to bright days ahead as God builds His Kingdom worldwide.
I'm constantly reminded of God's goodness. As Isaiah 9:6 declares, “For a child is born to us, a son is given to us. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” And 1 Corinthians 15:57 seals it: “But thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
I pray God’s rich blessing on all of our family and friends this Christmas.
Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas season filled with joy, peace, and love - maybe a few extra cookies.
With love, Merry Christmas!
Kari, David, and Family
✝️🎄
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