44 lbs down (with pics)

I'm 5'1" and started my journey weighing 161 pounds last Labout Day weekend. My entire adult life I weighed anywhere from 130 to 150 but my weight kept creeping up. The first picture is from August 2011 (probably weighed about 165), the second one is from June 2012.
To all of those just starting out: DON'T GIVE UP! I lost 9 pounds in the first 4 months and wanted to quit so many times but this site and all the inspiring people kept me going.
My biggest advice would be to find an exercise that you ENJOY. I tried running and I really wanted to like it but it just wasn't for me. I started taking Zumba in the winter and that has helped me immensely because I love Zumba! I do a Jillian Michaels video once or twice a week and Zumba 2 times a week. I also do lots of walking and biking with my kids. There were many times when I didn't feel like exercising but I would tell myself that I was "lapping everyone who was sitting on the couch." That became my motto: that even a little bit of exercise is better than none.
The best feeling was when I fit back into my "skinny clothes" and then they eventually became too big for me. This morning I weigh 117. Two more pounds until I weigh what I did in high school! My goal is to lose 3 more pounds just so I can tell myself that I weigh less than I did in high school. : )
The other amazing feeling is seeing how I have become a role model to my kids. They always want to go for bike rides and walks. I ran an 8K race in my hometown with my 6 year old son and he won a prize for being the youngest runner. What a great feeling to see him BEAMING with pride at his accomplishment.

Good luck to all of you who are working on meeting your goals. If I can do this, anyone can!