25# lost and going strong

Sometime in September I decided that I was very tired of being fat. I haven't had a life long battle with my weight but after moving to the south (we eat A LOT of bbq and mexican food down here) and having two kids in two and a half years my weight shot up quick. I got over 200 # with both of my pregnancies (I'm 5'4") and was sitting at 188 when I decided it was time for a change. I started the day I signed up for mfp and have been going strong since; logging every calorie I eat and spending as much time as I can on the elliptical while the kids are napping. I'm down 25# so far and feeling great so here are my NSV so far:

1. I've lost the waddle. I picked up the pregnancy waddle when I was carrying my youngest and never lost it.
2. I'm getting to go shopping in my own closet. I was down to one pair of jeans that fit (my fat jeans) and refused to buy more in a bigger size but now I am getting to pull out clothes I haven't worn in years.
3. I can get up out of a chair without moaning. It doesn't feel like my hips are out of wack anymore.
4. I can keep up with my very active preschooler and toddler.
5. Today I looked in the mirror and actually saw a change. I knew I was losing weight and inches by how my clothes fit but I couldn't really see it until today.

So for whatever it is worth, I hope someone reads this and is inspired to keep on going. I have about 30 more pounds to go and this board always helps to keep me motivated when I feel like giving up. Please feel free to post your victories here also.