Merry Christmas to all!

one year and 25 lbs

It's been about a year since I started getting serious again about losing weight.  I haven't checked in since September because, well, I haven't really lost more than a couple pounds since then. I've been ranging from 171-173 the last few weeks, but for posting purposes, we're going to go with 171 here.  :)

One-year check-in:

   starting weight (Dec 15, 2011): 196
   current weight: 171
   goal weight: 160
   pounds lost: 25
   pounds to go: 11

That's 25 lbs in a year!  Not super speedy, but I also don't plan on gaining any of that back since I lost it so slowly. Here's a fun little photo comparison.

Now I just need to maintain it through a holiday work lunch at yummy Italian restaurant, Christmas at mom's, and a ring of pecan kringle that's calling my name in my freezer. Then it'll be time to get back on the wagon to see what I can accomplish in 2013.

Big E's Holiday Program

our little rudolph in a sea of elves

dada and brother's biggest fan

em looking cute in her new christmas outfit from grandma

posing with brother the red-nosed reindeer

pure joy

Here are a couple of videos of Big E practicing Jingle Bells and his school's new fight song, which the kids debuted at the holiday performance!

Breakfast with Santa

Breakfast with Santa is always fun, right?  I get to pose in the big jolly man's chair...

wear a Santa hat and take more pictures with my sister...

and sit on his cozy lap and tell him all I want for Christmas and that I've been a good boy.

And then my sweet little sister joins me on his lap...

for about two seconds before throwing her hands up and arching her back, turning Santa into a furry slip-n-slide.

I'm not sure you're getting that meowing cat you wanted.  We'll try again next year, sis.