After the rain...

As a family, we continue to get stuck in life's storms; however, in the midst of turmoil, God brings peace and light. His promises are still true. He teaches us patience and makes us more resilient. When we're crushed and broken, he puts the pieces back together.  It doesn't mean some of those pieces don't break off before we're completely rebuilt, but he continues to pick us up again and again in a way we couldn't do on our own. While dealing with devastating blows and things that seem so cruel and unfair, He helps us see what truly matters. I don't "get" life and there are people and things I'll never understand,  but thank you God for letting me know you, your love, your mercy, and your grace! There may be many storms, but without them, we'd never see the beauty of rainbows. 

#rainbowbaby #sentfromourangelsinheaven #bellpartyof5 #thisisIT #November2016

12 wks 3 days 😉

And it's a...GIRL!                Milly Jean Bell

Sweet Mrs. Peggy brought me a pink rose after we found out. 

I opted for a DNA blood test that is totally non-invasive. We not only learned that everything appears to be normal (no TS/Down's/Trisomy), but that we're also having a little girl. The gender reveal video of me sharing the news with Bryce, Jake, and Avery is hysterical and totally unedited. Bryce threw a fit about the pink! He and Avery both had told me all along they wanted a brother, but now, they couldn't be happier to have anew little sister in November. They've even begun carrying one of Avery's dolls around and strolling it in the stroller calling her "Milly". 

Bryce came around! Suckers are priceless. 

I've found myself repeating "All things work for the good for those who love the Lord" over and over in these moments I have of high anxiety. Things haven't been very easy, and bumps in our road seem more and more frequent. I've even gotten to the point of feeling embarrassed to tell my close friends things that have happened to us because I'm afraid they'll look for a dark cloud following me around. It makes me realize more and more the importance of guarding my heart, and I feel thankful for all those verses and opportunities I've had as I've grown up to learn God's truths. I think it gives me a peace that I know not everyone has. It surely doesn't mean I don't have my moments of self-pity and anger, worry and anxiety, but it does help me to not stay there and to realize all that I do have that's good in my life. Milly Jean, you're not just a good thing...you're an amazing thing!