Inauguration Day Thoughts...

Today, history was made. Today, our 44th President was sworn in and tomorrow President Obama will begin the hard task of getting our nation back on their feet...one issue at a time.

I believe in him and believe in our country. A NEW BEGINNING. Three simple words...three powerful words. WE CAN. Two simple words...two powerful words. CHANGE. One simple word...one powerful word.

I had tears in my eyes as I listened to President Obama's speech....

Here are a few of my favorite quotes:

"Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America — they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness. "

"For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus — and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace. "

I smiled when I heard Rev. Dr. Joseph Lowery say these words at the end of his benediction...

"And in the joy of a new beginning we ask you to help us work for that day when black will not be asked to give back, when brown can stick around, when yellow will be mellow, when the red man can get ahead man, and when white will embrace what is right. Let all those who'll do justice and love mercy say amen. "

Today was a day filled with hope, inspiration and unity. We are the UNITED States of AMERICA.

I sang the Star Spangled Banner with my children at the end of the inauguration. Ryan didn't know the words but he hummed along anyway. It was beautiful.

"At Last"...here is our new President and our new First Lady.

Aren't they a lovely couple?