blessed yet breathless

Life is going. It is leaving me breathless. I sometimes feel as I am taking quick deep breaths to keep from drowning in the deep end. I know that sounds weird but I often feel this way. The way we do life right now leaves me tired. I am tired of traveling back and forth, tired of living in two places. Just tired. I hate being tired, It makes me feel as if I am not giving 100%- not to whitt, not to my husband, not to my friends (new and old), GOD, not to our new church BCF, not enough time to our adoption, not enough time for myself.

At the same time I am blessed beyond belief. I have a great husband, a precious son (boy is he precious) and we both have great jobs, food on the table...the list could go on. I am blessed and I am thankful.

God is stirring in us. I just pray I am not to tired to see what HE is stirring. I am trusting though. He is a Big God with Big plans and maybe he needs me

tired to be able to see that. To trust in that.

When we were in Seaside, it was a break- a time of much needed rest with great friends where I could just breathe, think and soak up life. I didn't have to worry about the 5 billion pieces of paper work that needed to be filled out for our adoption (happy to do them, just overwhelming) or the work that needed to be done for my job.

My mind could relax (for the most-part).

It gave me enough breath to jump back in the deep end.

Trusting in God.

Taking long deep breaths.

Warning: Seaside, Florida Picture Overload

Beyond blessed. I mean look at these pictures. Beyond.

Seaside Sneak Peek

We had so much fun this past week

and I cant wait to post about it...

but this will have to do for now.

Seaside 2011

lack of blogging.

Life is crazy, hence the lack of blogging We are busy with life. Like I said, It is crazy. We are also busy with paper work for our adoption so in my down time I feel like that is encompassing all of my time (after Whitty goes to bed, anyway). Im honestly overwhelmed with it. So overwhelmed that I often have to step back and take a few deep breaths. We had our first Ethiopian conference call yesterday and it was a wealth of information about things going on there...it set in another whole level of being overwhelmed. We were informed about Ethiopian court closing for their "season" (usually about 6 weeks, starting Aug. 6Th), about some agencies closing their Ethiopian program but our agency, America World, still being on a working level with Ethiopia, referrals, time frames, etc. They talked about how many recommendations Ethiopia is processing a day and they (MOWCYA) is saying they are roughly processing 10 a day, down from about 50/a day....etc.

To be honest, I am still processing all that was presented to us. It was a lot.

It was neat to be able to hear the questions and concerns of others that often wonder the same things and are in the same place as you. It was neat to be able to pray and hear the prayers of these people that are also adopting. It was neat to be able to do that with our agency and know it is going to happen once a month. It was real, It made it feel real.

It is weird, I feel like I am in a race to get our paperwork in, collect info for our dossier, etc. but I know that it is not... I know that God has perfect timing. It was neat how in our conference call they made it very clear how they pray over each of the referrals. Friends, please pray that I will enjoy this process and not feel that I am in a race against time. I want to grow and learn instead of being overwhelmed and anxious. I don't only want a child from this, I want to grown as a person and learn to rely on God more. I have been watching a lot of videos about the City of Addis and just longing to know more and be able to picture what I am praying for. I have been to places similar to it, but I wanted to see Ethiopia... my heart is falling in love with this place, even though I have never been there. Weird? maybe. but it's happening. My only answer is God.

So where are we in the Ethiopian adoption process: We are collecting information for our homestudy and dossier... the list is long, we are checking off one thing at a time.

So where are we with the foster to adopt stuff: We are waiting our turn for our homestudy. Being patient and waiting.

"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will real if we do not grow weary".

Galatians 6:9

"When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, You knew my Path".

Psalm 142:3

I dig being 2

Well my little man you are officially two as of last Saturday! We had a big bash and everyone joined together to celebrate your two years of life. Whitt, wow, what can I say...you are the cutest thing that I have ever laid eyes on in my life. I know I am your mom but you melt my heart with each little smile and smirk you make. In two years of life you have accomplished so much... I can't wait to see what you do and how you change over the next two years. On your two year mark you still like Justin Bieber, baseball, golf, shoot (basketball), you love hot dog (mickey), and anything to do with Tractors, trucks, trains, helicopters, airplanes....the list could go on. You are very much still a guys guy. You are so smart Whitt. You say a few sentences and at those times is when I realize how big you are really getting. You are in a very lovable stage right now, wanting to cuddle all the time. I wish I could just bottle that up forever. You have become polite, saying thank you and bless you when people sneeze. Your heart is so big, if you see someone crying, you are immediately drawn to them to try to give them some lovin'. Whittaker Overstreet I love you more than words can express. Happy Birthday Dude!!!!

Here are some pictures of your,

Join my Crew I'm turning 2 Birthday Bash!

and a little After party fun

*my son was naked, well in a diaper most of his party.

I swear he didn't start out that way.

** I don't usually give whittaker soda (big red) in this case his uncle jeremy gave it him. which might or might not have been the reason he stayed up till 2 am on the night of his birthday.

Tidbits about Corey

Well due to the fact that last week I turned the Big 3-0... I am going to give you a list of 30 tidbits about me. Some weird things some normal. But it's me. Somethings I left out but I just wanted to do this for fun.

1.

Love Cake, Hate Pie. Like seriously HATE

2.

Only like the caramel in the McDonald's Apple Dippers

3.

Started loving mushrooms when I was pregs with Whitty, still love them...

would not touch them before then.

4.

Started loving onions during a diet I did, despised them before... like wouldn't take a bite if it had onion in it.

5.

Hate coconut, love coconut flavoring

6.

my mom's whole family calls me CoCo

7.

Only east mustard with grilled cheese.

8.

Went to boarding school for a little while in New Hampshire and a 1.5 years in Colorado.

9.

When I was little I wanted to change my name to Amy

10.

Love breakfast tacos

11.

Love candy, especially sour candy

12.

Love a good movie that makes you cry.

13.

Love a good cry.

14.

enjoy when it is cool outside and you get into a hot car

15.

I countdown every year for the snow cone stand to open

16.

Love to belt some good music in the car, I sing from my soul

17.

I am from Austin

18.

I have 2 little sisters, who are also my best friends.

19.

One of my eyebrows is higher than the other

20.

I like rap music

21.

I have no rhythm

22.

The day Whitt was born was the happiest and scariest day of my life, I have never felt a combo quiet like it.

23.

My favorite color is Navy Blue

24.

I love monograms

25.

I am obsessed with kitchen products, I just wish I knew how to use them all

26.

I love Jesus, fully.

27.

I hate to read, but wished I loved it.

28.

I do not like milk, never drink it, ever

29.

Love a classic box of mac.n.cheese

30.

Have been dating/married to my hubs for 11 years.

The month of June.

June is a crazy month for us.

This weekend is my birthday. The BIG 30 people. So to start the birthday week off right, I got a hair cut, to make me feel fresh, to make me feel well... not so 30. Well I decided to get bangs... now I am feeling all of 12 years old. SO... the birthday haircut might have not been such a good idea. I am waiting till day 3, new haircuts are always best on day 3.

This week is also our last week at Houston's First Baptist. Bitter sweet moment. Andy grew up at this church, so to him it is like home. I didn't grow up there but we have friends there, are music minister's came from the church where Andy and I went all through college and then some (First Irving).... which make it feel like home to me. But we are moving on to something great and we are super pumped about it. Beyond pumped really. I believe God has been preparing and working in our heart for this change. We are starting a CHURCH PLANT with our great friends, Amanda and Curtis Jones. The Jones' were also at First Irving and Houston's First and we are so excited to be on their team on such an incredible journey in serving God. You can read more about Bayou City Fellowship from Amanda's heart, here, here and here.

This month (next week) is also Whittaker's 2nd Birthday. He is having a construction party and it is going to be out of this world. Well maybe... I decided to cut back a little this year, not invite as many peeps and cut back on me being a over-doing party loving/throwing mom. He will never even know. These are his picture birthdays (will only remember because of pictures). I have thought about doing parties maybe every other year. Like having a family party one year and a friend party the next. But I love parties. SO... doubt that will happen.... pondering it though.

It is also mine and Andy's 5 year anniversary this month. It is absolutely crazy how fast five years have flown by. We are not doing anything big around our anni. because we are going to Seaside Florida a couple weeks later, which we are super pumped about. I am super excited to see Whitt at the beach and get some great family photo's. Love me so classic family pics. Happy Anniversary Month Hubs!!!!

In adoption news for the last week or so...

We officially have everything turned in for the foster to adopt business and are waiting patiently (kinda) for our homestudy. We also mailed our first payment and group of paperwork off to America World for our Ethiopia loves. We are super pumped for this journey that God has placed in our hearts!!!!!

In other Wetherell news....

We are heading to Dallas to watch Dallas Baptist University play in some fancy schmancy regionals. The hubs is really excited about this, so I thought I would write about it so, we could remember it years down the road. I guess it's kind of a big deal in the baseball world.

Whitt is talking up a storm... sometimes in never ending sentences. Which is always funny because he gives you a look and waits for a response even though I have no idea what he is actually saying. He has also been extra loving, which has been fun. He wants to be held a lot for some reason but I have loved it, except for when I am trying to cook dinner. He is definatly still a daddy's boy and loves the routine evening wrestling matches. He is still very much into everything trucks, cars, planes, helicopters and tractors.

Here are a few pics to spruce up and wrap up this novel of a post.

XOXO.

Wetherell Family News!!!!

So... Here is the good news I have been waiting to share.

Our (Andy, Whitt and myself) application has been OFFICIALLY APPROVED to adopt from Ethiopia. We are beyond excited about this journey for our family. God has been working Big time in our hearts lately to trust Him, so that is what we are doing. Trusting in His path for our family, our growing family.

With that said let me answer a few questions that might come up in your mind:

Aren't you in the Foster to Adopt process?

Yes, and we will continue to be. God has not shut that door for us so we are not going to shut it either. We get our finger prints tomorrow and then we are put on the home study list. There are 5 people ahead of us. So we will continue to patiently wait. Then we will be given referrals. Then God willing we will accept one!

Why Ethiopia?

Though we have not been to Ethiopia. We have a love for Africa, Andy has been there twice. He actually lived in Ghana for a couple months. I have been there once (to the Sudan) and I honestly believe a piece of my heart is still there. Those kids just took a hold of it. They have also an est. 4.3 million orphans in Ethiopia... so we were just drawn to the combination of several different factors that lead us to the decision of ETHIOPIA.

How long will it take?

Foster to adopt- that is a good question? Every circumstance is different. I have had some friends wait a while, while others have not.

So again all we can do is trust and wait in perfect timing.

Ethiopia- From what I have been told, 12 to 24 months. I have also been told by several of the agencies that I have spoken with, that Ethiopia has recently cut back on the amount of paper work they process by 90%, so they are not exactly sure on how it pan out. They honestly don't know how much paper work they were doing in the first place, so it is hard to judge.

Cost?

Yes, this will be a little more pricey than the Foster to adopt process actually a lot more pricey. But we are trusting. And we will not be anxious.

Trusting and praying in Matthew 6:34

" Therefore Do not be anxious for tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself."

***

Which speaking of Cost's- that leads me to our

GARAGE SALE

Friends, we were blessed. God POURED complete favor on us that day in holding off the rain that we desperately needed, supplying us with friends to help, and shoppers to shop. We did not have one bump in the road. Because of the garage sale and how gracious are friends and family were that weekend, we have been able to pay for our application fee, 1st installment to the adoption agency (which we will mail TODAY) and most of our home study fee.

We are Thankful!!!!!

In writing this Friends, I am asking for your prayer. We need it. Coming from a person who likes to be in control, I need it. I am not in control in this situation, as any really. But I am officially throwing the reigns- so I need your prayer. Do you see me slightly begging for it.

Since I am asking for prayer- please go and read this blog and pray for our friends... they recently arrived home with their two babies from Ethiopia (please go and read their story- you will cry, cheer and me amazed by the power of God. Start from the beginning- Trust me) They are still needing your prayer in Big ways.

http://losingequalssaving.blogspot.com/

Well we are beyond excited and can't wait for God to show us a little piece of the puzzle for our lives. Thank you for your prayers in advance, they are much appreciated.

I am screaming with Excitement!!!!

My COWBOY!

Wetherell Sneak Peek- Where my head lays

So, this is my "master" bedroom, it is small. We live in an older house

and that is what comes in older houses. But we love it, it is cozy. I would take a larger bathroom though, if it was offered. Our's is tiny.

Not even worth a picture.

It is smaller than the bathroom we had when we went to Africa.

It does have hot water though unlike the bathroom in Africa and for

that I am grateful. So below will be the pictures of where

we lay our head each night (when we are in the H). The bed is not perfect

and I am sorry for that but that is life, not perfect. With the quilt hanging

longer than the duvet. Can you see my OCD kicking in? ha!

Whitt was jumping on the bed seconds before I snapped these.

I will also try to fill you in on some info about my house,

like where I bought things, if I made them etc.

I will slowly add them to the posts that I have already written.

I was asked, so I will give.

Here is the spread.

Enjoy.

*added the white picture back between pics, it had fallen off. Opps.

Ok. Here is the wrap:

* bench at the end of the bed was made by me and the hubs.

*White Duvet from Target

*Green Quilt from Pottery Barn

Yellow Duvet from High Fashion Home

*Pillows on bed from Anthropolgie

*Lamps from HomeGoods

*Intitials on lamps made by Fast Signs

*Side Tables from Nadau

*TV stand from El Paso Imports

*Headboard made by the hubs and I

{ remember these are just pics I took, so I am not a professional there for they don't look professional.}

I am going to take a small break from the Wetherell Sneak Peek Home Tour because painting starts this week on our kitchen, guest bath, etc. So I will wait to give you a before and after on those next week.

Thanks you also friends for spread of the garage sale, even if we don't make one penny on Saturday, we have already been blessed more than we could even imagine!

XOXO!

Sneak and Adopt

SO...the Wetherell sneak peek is boring me but I will press on. We will move onto our guest room! Which will soon be used everyday because a sweet friend will be moving in and we are super excited for her to be apart of our home

for a little while (more on that later).

So here we go....

ALSO.....

Dont forget what is this weekend

Please pass it on.... Blog about it, tweet about it, talk about it....

Also we have 2 very fun things happening in the Wetherell Family. We submitted one of them today, so hopefully I will be able to spill the beans in about 10 to 12 days. HOPEFULLY. The other thing I can talk about it but I need to find the word to express how excited we are about it, so it will soon come. Pray for us that in these things we would glorify God FULLY.

Can't wait. See yall tomorrow, let's do Master Bedroom.