We haven't done any trips to the ocean this summer until today! We headed down to Ocean City bright and early and enjoyed some peaceful playtime on the beach! The kids had a blast and we followed it up with pizza and funnel cake and ice cream cones and rides at Gillian's Wonderland! And now we're all exhausted. =)

When I started exercising AND watching what I ate (for the most part--tee hee!) I didn't have a goal weight in mind. I had a goal picture/dress. I've had this dress for years--10 or 11 to be exact, and haven't been in it for at least 9 years. 

Seriously people--I've been saving this dress THAT long. Mostly because I really loved it! Well, today I put it on and zipped it to the top and it's not too squishy or anything and I am happy! =)

10 years ago (at one of my favorite people, Andrea's, wedding reception)/today:

And it's date night so I'm totally going to wear it.

Maybe also to church tomorrow.

Don't judge. =)

I also tried on this dress from my wedding rehearsal!!:

(I'm in the middle with Patty Lynn and Rachel Beth on the left, and Sarah E. and Becky on the right).

 

And it fit and zipped too! A little too tight to wear in public--but these are huge milestones for me! Yay!

Yesterday was a great day--the first in a string of not-great-days. A lot of it had to do with me changing my attitude (amazing how much of a difference that makes!!). We went to a park we haven't visited in a while and the kids played happily all morning. After lunch we met up with some of our favorite friends at the pool. We haven't been going as much lately and it was so nice to have little ones for each of my kiddos to play with and friends for Mama to chat with. I'm excited that it's Friday and hope to have some fun family time this weekend--including a date night! It feels like it's been forever since we've had one!!
In other news, I've had some great runs this week and am going to try to increase my distance this weekend. We'll see how that goes. =) Easier said than done!!

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Also, this:

Verse of the day:

Proverbs 4:23

²³ Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it. 

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Happy Friday! =)

this week i haven't done a very good job focusing on the blessings in my life.

a little seed of discontentment appeared in my heart and instead of soaking in the truth of the Word, or spending time with my Heavenly Father--

i let it fester.

and really, it doesn't take long for a tiny little seed of discontent, when nurtured with self-pity, what-if's and i-deserve-it(s), to turn into a great big rotten, consuming mess.

sometimes i am so foolish and fickle--so today as i try, in earnest, with the Lord's help, to dig that seed-turned-stumbling block out of my heart,

i am thankful

for God

and that He never changes

is never fickle

is always wise

and loves me even when i want something that is in no way better than what He's already given me.