What a momentous day for America!!!  Whether you voted for Obama or not, today we saw history front and center.  As we move forward from here, we can only hope for a united America and one that is better in four years than it is today.  Every President faces challenges when they take over the toughest job in the country, but I believe Obama really has some major things to face.  With the shaky economy, an unpopular war and the challenge of our massive debt (both as individuals and as a country), it will be necessary to take immediate action to improve the situation.  I don't know about you, but I am grateful not to be in his position come morning.

On a more personal note, last night we got a cell phone for Brigitte.  At what time in our lives has this become something fourth graders need?  While we were picking out the phone Brigitte brought up the fact she is one of a handful that didn't already have one.  I understand they are great to keep in touch and keep tabs on what kids are doing, I just never thought I would have given her one at this young age.  As we have talked about this in the past, it was believed we would look at it around junior high.  The last few weeks have provided several challenges that have left us wanting in the area of being able to communicate with one another as we are all trying to get where we need to go.  Unfortunately, we had an issue with a plane at work and I got stuck late writing statements and investigating what exactly happened.  As this could become a much more familiar part of my new schedule, and because John is working so far from home we felt it would be good to at least be able to keep tabs so Brigitte knows what to expect.

Our cell company has this great family allowance program that allows us to limit her time, phone numbers allowed or not allowed, messaging and downloads.  I was really impressed by the way they cater to families with the ability to monitor and limit certain phones.  It really makes it nice to be sure the phone is only used to call certain people.  We can even disable the phone during school hours.  Who would have thought those abilities would exist when we first saw cell phones.  Once again I am truly grateful to live in a country and a time with so much possibility!