knitredsox-massgirl

2010

2010-02-02T18:54:00.000-08:00

Whoa! It's been ages since I last posted! Christmas was wonderful. New Year's Eve was uneventful (C always works) but we were very happy to welcome the New Year, 2010. In retrospect, 2009 was full of highs and lows. I am very hopeful for a fun, happy, peaceful and stable twelve months!

My son turned seven in January. For those who know my little man personally or know a little about Autism, he has come such a long way in the last few years. Words can't express how proud I am of him and what he has accomplished. My heart swells, truly. Here is a pic of my sweet boy on his birthday...

I FINALLY finished my Green Gable (a.k.a. Blue Gable in my Rav projects). I love the Zephyr Girls. (Think I found them through my girl kozykitty.) Any garment that is top-down and seamless is A.OK. in my book. This pattern is beautifully written and easy. The only reason it took so long because I started it in MD before the big move to IL, and I had a few other projects to get done while it was OTN.

I knit this sweater with Brooks Farm Solo. Yummmmm. The Brooks Farm peeps have some amazing stuff. (I'm hoarding several different B.F. fibers at the moment.)

I went on a scrapbooking retreat with some lovely ladies that I met since moving back to IL. I had a wonderful time and was able to finish R's first six month scrapbook. The cabin was close to the WI border, the furthest north I've ever been in IL. (Gurnee, Graylake, Lake Co. area). Thanks to Lorelei and Ursula for the weekend and I'm definitely looking forward to Camp Wannacropalot next year! Here's a pic of the cabin, me hanging and scrappin' and a few pages...

Much to look forward to in 2010 (especially May, D!) ...and hopefully I'll keep on top o' the blog!

Best wishes to you all for a very Happy New Year!

OMG- It's almost December!

2009-11-29T18:29:00.001-08:00

Wow, last post was before Halloween! It's been an eventful month and a week since then. (Not much knitting progress...kids were sick for most of October- ugh. Then I got strep throat and a sinus infection the first week of November. I hope we're done for a while!)

Halloween was fun. Kids enjoyed trick o' treating back in IL. Here are my sweeties with Daddy on the big day... L was Thomas for the third year in a row (he knows what he likes) and R is big into being a Princess this year.

Thanksgiving has come and gone. The first one in a while without family visiting. I really miss my parents, sister , best friend and Boston this time of year. We had a lovely, quiet day at home though and the turkey was yum!

We took the kids into Chicago on Black Friday. I can't go into stores...flashbacks from my past retail days! We walked the Magnificent Mile/Michigan Ave. from one end to the other. It's our first holiday season back in IL since 2007 and I have a renewed appreciation for Chicago. The kids loved the Christmas lights and hustle and bustle of the city. We had a lovely meal at the Sheraton Chicago, C's first hotel in Chicago back in 2004. Good times in Chi-town.

My sweet Tara turns 5 today. I just can't believe it was 4 1/2 years ago that I saw my girl on Petfinder and she came home to our family. Happy Birthday and I love you Miss T! (She's resting on top of big bro, Rooney.)

Last, but not least...WE SOLD the HOUSE in MD on November 20th! WooooooHooooo! Such a relief and burden off our shoulders. Really feel like I received an early Christmas present! Having said that...I will miss the Maryland/D.C area, mainly because of the amazing women and friendships I made there.

So, wishing you all a very Happy Holiday season! I probably won't post again until 2010! :)

Brrr...

2009-10-20T07:03:00.000-07:00

The first few weeks of October have been chilly and rainy, especially early in the morning at the bus stop. I decided to make L a Fall hat to keep him warm on those chilly mornings. We're saving the thick L.L. Bean one for the winter. God knows we're probably going to need it now that we're back in IL. We have been spoiled by the milder climate in the Mid-Atlantic for the past two years. The winters in MD were nothing compared to IL or back home in Boston.

I decided to use sock yarn and stash-bust. Of course after R saw that I knit L an hat, she demanded a pink one. Here are my two in their new Fall hats...hope they get to wear them for a while before we pull out the all the winter gear!

Well there's always next year...and I hope Papelbon will still be there in 2010.

2009-10-13T06:35:00.000-07:00

The Red Sox were swept by the California Angels in the ALDS on Sunday. Major bummer, but one I'm used to since I have been a die-hard Sox fan for over 35 years. Growing up, I was accustomed to ending the season with that old phrase, "Well there's always next year!". And then 2004 happened...that magical year and the 86 year drought came to an end. I will never forget it. It was the first time in my life that I lived outside of the Boston area (moved to Chicago in February 2004). I cried that night we beat the Cardinals in Game 4. I was thinking of my grandfather and wishing he was alive to see the Sox win the World Series.

We scored another WS championship in 2007. Theo Epstein really is a genius and I love Terry Francona. I was reading an article yesterday and this writer's opinion was that Papelbon will pay for Sunday's loss. I really hope that doesn't happen. I love the guy. He's a bit of a nutjob, but such an amazing closer and integral part of the team. He went into Sunday's game with with a 0.00 ERA in career post season games. Yes, he blew it. But the offense (excluding Youk) has been struggling all season- stranding man after man on base and not bringing in runs. I hope Papelbon is not measured by this one game. I hope he's back next year!

Well September came and went...

2009-10-03T14:28:00.000-07:00

without one post. It was a good month though and very busy. The most exciting thing was getting an offer on our house in MD. I know from experience that it's not a done deal until the END of the settlement. (Our home sale in IL fell through at the actual closing back in 2007. Of course, God works in mysterious ways and we're back in that home now.) But fingers crossed, everything is progressing- home inspection done, sellers obtained their loan and the settlement is scheduled for the end of November. I just pray this works out.

L has settled into school nicely. He was the Star Student of the Week in the beginning of September. Each day he had to bring in a favorite item or pictures and give the significance of each item to the class. I was thrilled when his teacher reported back to me that he enthusiastically shared with his classmates. Here's a pic of my Star Student with his proud sister-

We had a nice day one weekend at Starved Rock, which is about an hour south of us. Starved Rock is a huge rock glacier with many other rock formations and waterfalls. Out trip was cut short by a thunderstorm, but we'll definitely go back. It's really beautiful. Here's a pic of the kiddos inside the Lodge there.

Another weekend, we attended Frankfort Fest in nearby Franfort, IL. We had a great time and the kids loved the carnival rides!

And here's another pic of my babies enjoying the chocolate chip muffins that I made for them.

On the knitting front, I finished a quick baby hat and blanket lovey for one of Conrad's employees. He gave me a whole week (yes, one week) notice! I also finished a project for a secret surprise gift, that I can share after the gift has been given.

My BFF from Maryland, Dorothy (a.k.a. Pheelya) had a work conference in Kansas City, MO last week. Lucky me, she was able to stop by for a night in Chicago. It was wonderful catching up in person and we hit the LYS, Knitche, in Downers Grove this past Monday. Of course, we did NOT walk out empty-handed! I scored a few skeins of a gorgeous colorway of Malabrigo and D walked out with a bit more than me, LOL! :)

I also decided to become an Independent Beauty Consultant for Mary Kay Cosmetics. I love the products so I decided to try it as a hobby, but mostly for personal use!

So all in all, a good month! Looking forward to Fall, October and Halloween!

The First Day of School, well second day really....

2009-08-27T06:49:00.000-07:00

I spent the last final days before school running around like a crazy woman. Going to meet L's new kindergarten teachers and speech therapist (both for his regular Kindergarten class and Developmental Kindergarten class), labeling school supplies, figuring our acceptable lunch options and trying to boost my little man for the first day. All good stuff, except dealing with the bus situation. I was told L's information wasn't in the system and therefore no bus. Then on Monday I got a letter confirming his bus # and pick up/drop off times. When I called the bus company back, they said they still had no record of L. So after numerous conversations (with conflicting information) between the school and the bus company, I was really wondering if a bus would show up on the first day of school.

Good news..the bus came! Bad news...L didn't get on it. He woke up with a temp of 99.9 and he was sick to his stomach. He had more energy in the afternoon and began eating, so I wondered if anxiety manifested into a illness. But then the big man came home from work with a fever and nausea, so something is going around.

Thankfully L woke up today feeling better and without a fever. So after two waffles and a pep talk, he was on the bus and off to school! It's his first year of being away a full day at school. R and I will miss having him around. Good luck little man...

TGFR

2009-08-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

That stands for Thank Gawd for Ravelry. Srsly.

When I moved from IL to MD, I found the Columbia Sip N' Knit group through meetup and also Ravelry. I was a beginner knitter back then. I met some truly amazing gals. Not only did they give me the inspiration to be a better, more fearless knitter...they also became dear friends.

Then back to IL from MD this summer and through Rav, I have found another wonderful group of lovely and talented gals that I can knit with on Sunday afternoons. I've been here less than two months, but feel so at home again with the discovery of this great group of ladies.

Forget about all the amazing features that Ravelry offers... Jess and Casey, the couple in my beloved Beantown who started the site- You.Guys.Rock.

Thank you!!!

Car Show

2009-08-03T07:08:00.000-07:00

L is obsessed with cars. So what would be better than a car show? We took the kids to their first- a country car show in Elburn, IL. The weather was gorgeous that day! We had a great time looking at all the vintage cars and enjoying a little picnic.

Great day...we'll go back to this one again next year!

Forty Something

2009-07-23T06:56:00.000-07:00

Wow...41st birthday a few weeks ago. I can't wrap my brain around the fact that I'm 41, but my body reminds me that I am. As I finish up the unpacking and moving/carrying stuff around, I am achy and sore. Time to whip out that yoga video and get in shape! (Yeah, right...)

Had a lovely day at Navy Pier in Chicago with C and the kids. The weather was awesome and it was a perfect day being with my loved ones. Here are a few pics...

I got some amazing gifts and cards from family and friends. Also got the best secret birthday swap from my Three Irish Girls group. Thank you happymama! I love everything! (Especially that Red Sox sock on the sock blocker key chain!!!

So here's to my forties and wishing for some stability (no more moving!), good health and happiness. And more knitting!

Farewell Maryland

2009-06-11T11:56:00.001-07:00

Life has been very chaotic since the last post. Like many of American families these days, ours has been particularly hit hard by the lagging economy. C was laid off from his job in early February, and with that comes all the stress of looking for employment in a down market and paying two mortgages.

Fortunately, C's former boss offered him a job back in Chicagoland. We still own the house in IL and our renters moved out in March. So we're heading back to the Midwest. Actually C went back in the beginning of May and I have been managing things here. Trying to sell a home and showing the house to perspective sellers is really stressful. I like to have the house showroom perfect and that's not always easy when you're alone with two kids and two dogs!

I'm really going to miss the MD/D.C. area and the wonderful friends I have made here (the Columbia Sip 'N Knit folks are amazing and I will miss you all). I'm an East Coast girl at heart and I'm sad to be going further away from Boston and my family again. However, there's a lot to be thankful for in IL- a nice home, a good job, great schools and having our family back together. The kids have really missed C...Rooney has been the worst and in a deep depression since Daddy left. I found a few groups in the Chicagoland area on Ravelry that meet up each week and the gals seem lovely. I look forward to attending a knit night with them soon.

I've been getting ready for the move this weekend for weeks and L is finishing up school. I put the end-of-the-year gifts together the other day. I made some gift boxes and necklaces (bought the pendants, added a jump ring and put them on black cords) for L's teachers and therapists. I also made some boxes for his bus drivers and will fill them with sweets. Here are a few pics...

Knitting wise, I just sent off two 10X10 squares to autumnbriars. She graciously offered to sew all the collected 10X10 squares from our Three Irish Girls (3IG) group participants. The blanket is intended for another 3IG member's husband. Ohm's husband is deploying soon and our group wanted to make a blanket and some socks for this special friend. Ohm has not been well and we're all trying to lift her spirits and show her our support.

I am working on my Blue Gable (Green Gable pattern form Zephyr Style) and I love this pattern. I'm using Brooks Farm Solo and it is dreamy soft and wonderful to knit with.

Still working on my Murphy Socks in 3IG Kells Sport yarn. One down, one to go...

My next post won't be until I get settled in IL...that could be a while! Is it sad that I am really worried about my yarn making it to IL okay? ;)

Happy Birthday Rooney

2009-02-16T17:11:00.000-08:00

My wheaten terrier, Rooney, turned 7 years old last Friday. Some may laugh, but I consider him my first child. After Conrad and I got married, I was on a mission to have a baby. I had always wanted to be a mom and when that didn't happen as quickly as I had hoped, I decided to become a puppy mom.

So in the beginning of May 2002, a 10 week old, 10 pound Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier puppy was brought home. Puppies really are like kids in many ways and my Rooney helped soothe that constant maternal instinct raging inside me. Six weeks later I found out I was pregnant. L and Rooney are 11 months apart.

This dog has that crazy terrier energy and sass, yet he is very sweet and loving. So Happy 7th my sweet boy...love you much.

Year of the Sock

2009-02-16T15:08:00.000-08:00

So I just finished my third pair of socks, which happily are for me. I am really digging knitting socks for several reasons-

1. It is an easy, portable project.

2. The sock yarns out there are to die for...especially my friend Sheila's, wullenstudio sock yarn.

3. There are a million awesome patterns out there now.

4. They feel, well, simply luxurious on your feet.

5. And the all important, my sock/foot size remains constant...unlike my weight!

My friend pheelya and I have discussed this. Yes, you can go to Target and buy three pairs or a huge pack of socks for under $10. However, those socks could never compare in beauty or how lovely they feel on your feet. There.is.no.comparison.
(And ok, we have a little problem with buying sock yarn...just a little one).

I received the first installment of the 2009 wullenstudio sock yarn club on Saturday. As usual, Ms. Sheila did not disappoint. I'm going to post pics of the gorgeous yarn, pattern and stitch markers after the club party on Saturday, don't want to ruin it for anyone who hasn't received his/her package yet. Think Spring, tulips...aaaaah.

Just finished these today-

So 2009 is going to be all about the socks!

Curse you Puxawhatever Phil!

2009-02-10T11:44:00.000-08:00

Those of you who know me personally, know I am a huge animal lover. But I'm seriously displeased with Mr. Puxawhatever Phil. Last Monday, he once again declared another six weeks of winter. Blah! Has he ever NOT called for another six weeks of winter? OK enough whining, especially since the winter here in MD should be nothing to a hearty New Englander. It's just that this winter has been really chilly and we seem to keep passing the same cold/flu back and forth to each other here at home.

I finally got over the knitting slump though and finished Dad's socks.

I also finished my Odessa hat.

I'm working on the second sock for moi with Adriafil Knitcol wool. Will post pics when done.

So there it is...a long, overdue post with nothing super exciting going on. Oh and Phil, next year why don't you shake things up a bit and give us Spring in February. Thanks. :)

Winter blahs...

2009-01-23T15:53:00.000-08:00

After all the holiday and birthday hype, I usually get the winter blahs. It has been pretty chilly this January (today was a fabulous 53 degrees, now if it could just stay that way) here in MD. But the past few weeks it has been downright brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr. We've already gone through half of a cord of wood. Last year, we didn't even use half. I really should not complain because family and friends in MA and IL are getting it so bad this year. I just hate how activities for the kiddos are limited when it's cold out. You can only go to the mall so many times!

The kids were thrilled to see snow the other day. We got a whole inch, if that. It was purty though. Here's a pic of my duo getting ready to head out in the cold...

I haven't completed one knitting project since I don't even know when! I really need to finish Dad's socks. I mentioned my Red Sox Traveling Scarf Circle in the previous post...here is my scarf that I sent off .

I used Sheila's beautiful wullenstudio yarn. This one is her DK weight yarn in the colorway- Green, Green. The scarf is supposed to be worsted weight and I think the yarn will work just fine. I used a size 7 needle. It is so lovely and soft to work with, aaahh.

The cold even prompted me to cast on a hat, Odessa. I'm doing a worsted weight version. So yes, I just started yet another project. I think I may 5 projects OTN right now! So I need to snap out of the blahs and get going on my knitting projects and get more active in general.

Next week's goals...finish one project and open that yoga DVD I bought!

2009!

2009-01-11T15:02:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year! It was a quiet one this year. C had to work, so the kids and I did a little shopping and got take out for dinner. I actually stayed up to see the ball drop in the Big Apple. Gosh, Dick Clark looks pretty darn good considering he was in such bad shape a few years back. So that was it! I really hope we see some positive changes in 2009 here in the U.S.

Our holidays don't really end until January 5th, because that's L's birthday. I can't believe my little man turned 6 this year. (Originally I had planned to have a birthday party for him, but with all the chaos going on right now, we decided to just have a family birthday and do a big party next year.) The little guy was none to pleased to be going back to school on his birthday (can't blame him there), but we made it up to him that night. We went to the Green Turtle for dinner and came home to enjoy birthday cake. L was thrilled that he got his Ford Explorer. (I found the only black die-cast Ford Explorer in the country...or at least it feels that way since I searched high and low for the thing. Luckily a place in CA sent it out for his birthday.) Here are a few pics...

I've been pretty much on a knitting hiatus since Thanksgiving. I finally picked up the needles and my Dad's socks this weekend. I should finish those tomorrow. I also completed the required 10 inches on my Ravelry Red Sox Traveling Scarf Circle. That's a mouthful! Basically each person starts her own scarf. There are 6 girls total in my circle and we all knit 10 inches of a green worsted weight yarn on each girl's scarf. So I'll send off my scarf to the next person in the circle tomorrow morning and I should receive one to work on from another girl this week. When I get mine back, it will be a 60 inch Green Monstah scarf with 6 different yarns and patterns. The idea is to give us something fun to do in our group until Opening Day. So, so fun!

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy 2009!

Made it through!

2008-12-26T16:16:00.000-08:00

Not that Christmas is something unpleasant. I love it actually, as it is truly my favorite holiday and a lovely time of year. But of course, I was out on Christmas Eve morning at Target finishing up. Luckily it wasn't so bad there at 8am.

We've really had a nice holiday season overall this year, despite some other issues going on. We took the kids to the Symphony of Lights in Columbia and the Light Festival at Seneca State Park in Gaithersburg last week. Then C was off from work starting Tuesday (12/22), so we took the kids to Zoolights at the Zoo in D.C that night. We did Zoolights last year and the kids loved it. We had a blast again this year and I think there were a few more lights and special treats. It was chilly, but so much fun.

Christmas Eve was nice and relaxing. We stayed up a while after the kids went to bed (L actually asked to go to bed early that night!) wrapping gifts. Christmas morning was lovely. Since my duo is still fairly young, I feel like a kid again myself- giddy just watching their excitement and joy opening all their gifts. They were especially thrilled with their gifts from Auntie Tina and Uncle Rich (their wonderful godparents and our best friends), a beautiful bike and helmet for each of them. Then we hung out in our PJ's all day, watched movies, ate and listened to Christmas tunes. Perfect.

I also started and finished Stephenie Meyer's book, Twilight. I couldn't put it down. Didn't get much knitting done as a result!

We went into Georgetown today. Hung out at the Georgetown Park shops and had lunch. I never really settled in the Midwest, but I really do love living near Washington D.C. Nothing will ever top Beantown living for me, but I sure as heck really enjoy D.C.

C will be off until Monday, so we've got a few more holidayish things planned for the kiddos. I hope you and yours have had a wonderful holiday also!

That time of year...

2008-12-07T05:15:00.000-08:00

All the holiday rushing around and unfortunately, the colds and flu. The kids and I got sick (again) the week before Thanksgiving. Just a bad cold for me and R and we were able to shake it off by the time my parents arrived.

Poor L though...we took him to the doctor the day before my parents came. We weren't able to see our regular pediatrician because he is so very awesome and books three months out. We pretty much see him just for well-visits. So we got stuck with Dr. P, who is rude and cold. Anyway, my husband took L to the doctor and after a 2 minute exam, she huffed,"It's just a cold!"

My parents and sister arrived the Saturday before Thanksgiving and we had a great visit. Once again, the kids were spoiled with presents and lots of attention. Unfortunately, we only did a few outings because L just didn't seem to be getting better. So the Wednesday before the holiday I decided to bring him back in when L complained that his ear hurt. That's when I found out from my husband that Dr. P never bothered to check his ears during her fabulous 2 minute exam. HELLO! What doctor doesn't look into a kids ears when they are sick and especially when the kid has a history of chronic ear infections and has tubes in his ears. I was miffed to say the least.

Sure enough L had an ear infection and he started on antibiotics. He got better very quickly and was able to enjoy Thanksgiving Day and go back to school this past week. He had a tough time getting back into the swing of things though because he was out sick the week before Thanksgiving and then Thanksgiving vacation. Just glad to have him healthy again.

(Thankgiving Day by the way was wonderful. My mom cooked an amazing meal as always. Yum...we all ate waaaay too much,but that's what holidays are for, right?)

I received my Winter Wonderland Swap Package from the Sheila Rovelstad group on Ravelry. AuntieAnne is awesome...look at my goodies!

Love everything! Socks that Rock sock yarn, the cutest little Christmas stocking that she knit, Ghirardelli chocolate, gingerbread cookie mix and cookie cutter, L'Occitane hand lotion and a really pretty flowered storage box. Thank you Lauren! She should have her package from me on Monday. I hope she likes her stuff as much as I do.

So I never posted pics of yarn acquired at Stitches, but I finally uploaded it all to my stash on Ravelry. Instead I'll post some of my Black Friday sale scores from Woolgirl. Gawd, I love Woolgirl. Jen has super-fast shipping and she always packages everything so nicely with bows and gives lots of extras like stitch markers, stationary, wool wash, etc. Did I say I LOVE Woolgirl yet? Here is "some" of the loot-

In order, Three Irish Girls heels & toes combo sock yarn, Miss Babs worsted weight merino, Yarn Love sport weight and Three Irish Girls sport weight. There were a few more purchases, but I'm tired of downloading pics after putting everything on Ravelry last night.

Tommorrow I will be baking cookies all day- 7 dozen cookies to be exact! TulaBug's 2nd Annual Cookie Exchange is on Wednesday night. I had a blast last year. This year I'm making Cinnamon Sugar Biscotti. I'll post pics of the event later this week.

Have a good week all and stay healthy! :)

Busy, Busy, Busy

2008-11-22T05:12:00.000-08:00

Once Halloween hits, life is always a whirlwind until Jan. 1st. It's a good thing though!

I haven't posted for a while because we had my in-laws here from Ireland for a week and a half. It was a wonderful visit and the kids had an amazing time. Here's a pic of my sweeties with the grandparents on a visit to Annapolis.

They left last Sunday and hopefully we'll see them again soon!

During their visit, I managed to finish all my Christmas shopping for our Irish side of the family and they brought the gifts back with them...so I'm half done with holiday shopping-yay!!!

I also managed to sneak in a trip to my first Stitches convention in Baltimore with my buddies Pheelya and TulaBug. We had a blast. It truly was a whole day of shopping and enjoying the Market. I scored some really beautiful yarns. Not as much as my two buddies though! LOL!
I will post pics of my lovely fiber acquisitions soon.

My parents and my sister are driving down from Boston tomorrow to spend the week and Thanksgiving with us. I am so happy they're coming. So today will be last minute shopping and cleaning for the visit.

Have a good weekend!

Yes we can!

2008-11-06T14:58:00.000-08:00

(Too tired from watching the election coverage on Tuesday night to post yesterday.)

And yes we did! Life is good...

Election Day is Here!

2008-11-04T05:21:00.001-08:00

Today is the day. This could be the most important election that I see in my lifetime. I hope everyone gets out there and votes, no matter who your candidate is...

I am very excited to cast my vote for Barack Obama and Joe Biden. A post on my Autism Society of Howard County group this morning really hit home for me. Here is the post from from A. Shamsi-

TODAY, 11/4/08, is indeed a Very Important Day. I had noticed that the major candidates have been tossing around the phrases "special needs", "autism" and "disabilities" over the past several weeks. It's not surprising that candidates are finally paying attention, and perhaps pandering, to a voting segment inclusive of special needs, especially when you consider that Autism now afflicts 1 out of every 150 children here in the US, and more in some areas of the country. However I admit it’s heartening a bit to finally have heard all of the major candidates, as well as Bill and Hillary Clinton, acknowledge the importance of confronting the needs of our special needs children, and adults. As a father of a 9yr old with Autism, and as a dad who’s been involved now in the special needs community for over seven years, and as a concerned citizen that has actively followed the electoral process and watched every debate over the past 20 months, I’d still been a bit confounded about who to trust in regards to making the decisions NOW that will impact my son's future well-being, in regards to education, housing, employment and confronting discrimination. Thus, I decided tonight to sit down and analyze where the McCain and Obama campaigns stand on the issues by evaluating their POSITIONS rather than relying on speeches and feel-good statements that are the essence of today's 'politics'. I've decided to share the information I've reviewed for anyone out there that might be confused on this issue, as this is of course the most important election in our lifetime it would seem, and the directions that the two parties would lead us seems to be diametrically opposed in most areas of policy-making.

IN THEIR OWN WORDS

The best source of information to find out about a candidate's position is arguably to go straight to the candidate and see what they have to say about it via their policy statements, press releases, public remarks and speeches. Regarding the McCain and Obama websites, I've found that the McCain website does not address disabilities in great detail but does state its support for greater funding for "autism research and treatment". McCain’s VP pick Palin did deliver a recent policy statement on the topic however. Obama's website offers a detailed nine-page "Plan to Empower Americans With Disabilities" and has supplemental information as well.

Here is a summary of the MCCAIN PLAN:
McCain highlights his support / co-sponsorship of the Combating Autism Act (which funds autism research and education). He also calls for increased federal research into the causes of autism, in addition to detection and treatment. McCain co-sponsored the original Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) and per remarks made in July at the National Forum on Disability Issues (in Ohio) he supports amendments to the ADA to make it easier for the disabled to access community care. However, McCain (at same forum) also discussed how spending on programs for people with disabilities would have to be cut / streamlined unless government could provide adequate funds to properly pay for the services. (AUTHOR'S NOTE: The red is my emphasis. Remember that as far as I know, the Government has NEVER fully funded the IDEA, so if this could not have been funded over the past several decades, our kids might be waiting a long time for programs to benefit them by this yardstick, just a thought.)

MCCAIN’S PLAN (from http://www.johnmccain.com/): http://www.johnmccain.com/content/?guid=24dc9c37-e739-4aa3-8a88-ebae650a2f11
Remarks by Palin on McCain/Palin Commitment to Children with Special Needs (10/24/08): http://www.johnmccain.com/informing/news/Speeches/3d5fc0cf-8229-490f-879b-91f6f4bb9eb2.htm
Remarks by McCain to the Americans with Disabilities Conference (7/26/08): http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/Speeches/Read.aspx?guid=7a7d4e10-8907-4ff6-b4f2-8662b2d978a6
McCain Letter to Autism Society of America (7/9/08):
http://www.autism-society.org/site/DocServer/ASA_-_McCain_Letter.pdf?docID=9641

Here is a summary of the OBAMA PLAN:
Obama outlines a 4-part plan for helping those with disabilities. The first part of the plan focuses on providing the disabled greater access to educational opportunities. Obama supports fully funding the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and studying ways to improve transition to work programs. The second part of Obama's plan addresses discrimination against people with disabilities, and includes, among other proposals, support of legislation to overturn recent court cases limiting the scope of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and increased funding for the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. The Obama plan's third part seeks to increase the employment rate for people with disabilities. Obama sets the goal of 100,000 federal employees with disabilities, and calls for the creation of educational and incentive programs for employers who hire people with disabilities and a national Commission on People with Disabilities, Employment, and Social Security. The fourth and final part of the Obama plan supports independent community living for people with disabilities. Obama proposes enforcement of court decisions granting greater access to community living, and also supports an increase in funding for the Social Security Administration to process applications for benefits in a timely manner.

OBAMA’S PLAN (from http://www.barackobama.com/): http://www.barackobama.com/issues/disabilities/
Obama's Full Plan: http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/DisabilityPlanFactSheet.pdf
Obama's Plan on Autism Spectrum Disorders:
http://www.barackobama.com/pdf/AutismSpectrumDisorders.pdf
Citation dated 1/29/08 of Conference Call with Obama’s Disability Policy Committee: http://obama.3cdn.net/058b3f4cb01249c4fd_v6smvyni2.pdf
Citation dated 7/17/08 on Funding Education for Children with Disabilities by Obama’s National Disability Vote Director: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/kareemdale/gGxPkG
Obama Statement on 18th Anniversary of the ADA (7/26/08): http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gGxyMl
Obama Campaign Hires New Disability Vote Director Kareem Dale (7/21/08): http://jfactivist.typepad.com/jfactivist/2008/07/obama-campaign.html
Obama Letter to Autism Society of America / National Health Council (7/10/08):
http://www.autism-society.org/site/DocServer/ASA_-_Obama_letter.pdf?docID=9642
Obama Statement on House Passage of ADA Restoration Act (7/2/08): http://jfactivist.typepad.com/jfactivist/2008/07/obama-statement.html
Obama Statement in Support of World Autism Awareness Day (4/2/08): http://www.aapddc.org/AAPDRedesign/2008PresidentialElection/ObamaAutism.html
Obama Statement on the Community Choice Act (1/15/08): http://www.aapddc.org/AAPDRedesign/2008PresidentialElection/ObamaStatement.html
Obama Statement on Intl Day of Disabled Persons (12/4/07): http://www.aapddc.org/AAPDRedesign/2008PresidentialElection/DisabledPeopleStatement.html
Obama Statement on 17th Anniversary of the ADA (7/26/07): http://www.aapddc.org/AAPDRedesign/2008PresidentialElection/SeventeenthAnniversary.html

SPECIAL INTEREST GROUPS

The other way to gauge a Presidential Candidate’s view on supporting stakeholders like ourselves who are part of special needs families, is to take a look at how the Candidates answer questionnaires submitted to them by special interest groups, like the AAPD (American Association of People with Disabilities).
McCain’s Response to AAPD Questionnaire:
NO RESPONSE as of 11/3/08 see:
http://aapddc.org/AAPDRedesign/2008PresidentialElection/McCain2.html
Obama’s Response to AAPD Questionnaire: http://www.aapddc.org/AAPDRedesign/DVP/obama.html (NOTE: this is an extremely long and comprehensive response to questions raised by AAPD; I should also note that Obama was the very FIRST candidate of either party to respond to the questionnaire during the Primaries)
Joe Biden’s Response to AAPD Questionnaire:
http://aapddc.org/AAPDRedesign/2008PresidentialElection/Bidenondisabilities.html

PRINT AND ONLINE MEDIA

Here are some recent media articles about Special Needs & the Election; I tried to limit the articles to only those relevant from between summer and Election Day, and not surprisingly you’ll find that the majority of these articles feature Palin, due to her personal experience of having a newborn with Downs Syndrome.
NYT “In Palin, Families of Disabled Children See a Potential White House Friend” (11/2/08): http://www.nytimes.com/2008/11/03/us/politics/03families.html?scp=2&sq=palin%20special%20needs&st=cse
BUFFALO NEWS OPINION “Voters Should Keep In Mind Policies on Disability” (10/30/08): http://www.buffalonews.com/149/story/478448.html (NOTE: I found the following particularly interesting: “The nonpartisan group Disabled American Veterans monitors legislators’ voting records on issues relating to disabled veterans. Obama supported 80 percent of the legislative priorities of DAV, while McCain supported 20 percent. Biden and Obama each earned a “B” rating from the nonpartisan group Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America; McCain received a D.”)
FOX NEWS “Palin Touts Plan For Special-Needs Children” (10/24/08): http://elections.foxnews.com/2008/10/24/candidates-unveil-new-plans-attacks-campaign-trail/
WASHINGTON POST “Palin Details Special Needs Policies” (10/24/08): http://voices.washingtonpost.com/the-trail/2008/10/24/palin_details_special_needs_po.html?hpid=topnews
NYT “Palin Promises Choice for Disabled Students” (10/24/08): http://www.nytimes.com/2008/10/25/us/politics/25palin.html?sq=palin%20special%20needs&st=cse&adxnnl=1&scp=8&adxnnlx=1225775480-gI33x0z3xnEQ3OXcD7xuwg
USA TODAY “Palin Raises Hope for Parents of Disabled Kids” (9/8/08): http://www.usatoday.com/news/politics/2008-09-08-3833286571_x.htm
WSJ “Palin’s Pitch to Parents of Disabled Raises Some Doubts” (9/8/08): http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122083992345509015.html?mod=googlenews_wsj
NYT "Parents of Special-Needs Children Divided Over Palin's Promise to Help" (9/6/08):
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/07/us/politics/07needs.html?pagewanted=1&_r=1&sq=special-needs%20children&st=cse&scp=1
NEWSWEEK “Trig’s Promise” (9/5/08): http://www.newsweek.com/id/157341
LA TIMES “Sarah Palin’s Newborn Puts Down Syndromes in Spotlight” (9/2/08): http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/booster_shots/2008/09/palins-son-with.html
NYT “With Palin, Special Needs Get Spotlight” (9/2/08): http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/03/nyregion/03about.html?scp=1&sq=palin%20special%20needs&st=cse
MSNBC “McCain Backs Changes to Disabilities Law” (7/26/08):
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/25865260/

OTHER PARENTS OF SPECIAL NEEDS KIDS

If you’re wondering what OTHER parents of special needs kids think, take a look at some popular blogs by some of our most civically engaged community members:
http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/10/obama-team-on-d.html
http://www.ageofautism.com/2008/10/mccain-senior-p.html#more
http://www.amazon.com/gp/blog/A1RWDODLLOJU3T
http://autismbulletin.blogspot.com/2008/10/why-this-parent-of-special-needs-child.html
http://www.autismvox.com/mccain-palin-and-obama-biden-on-disability/
http://www.autismvox.com/john-mccain-and-barack-obama-on-autism-and-disability/
http://www.cafemom.com/journals/read/1258807/Special_needs_and_the_election

STILL NEED MORE INFORMATION?

Other excellent resources include the following, which helped me gather the above research:
American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD):
http://www.aapd.com/
AAPD 2008 Presidential Election Action Center: http://aapddc.org/AAPDRedesign/2008PresidentialElection/2008PresidentialElectionActionCenterhome.html
Specialneedsanswers.com: http://www.specialneedsanswers.com/resources/article.asp?id=5917

Based on the facts, I've decided to endorse Obama.
No matter who you decide to vote for, remember to Exercise Your Right to Vote for Yourself and Your Loved Ones.
Cheers,
A. Shamsi

Excellent. Here's to hope and change for America.

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T16:34:00.000-07:00

Hectic Day on the 31st, but very fun! R and I went to L's school for a Halloween party and the school's annual Halloween Parade. It was a first for us as L started school here in MD last November. The party and parade were a great time.

We rushed home to rest, eat dinner and get ready for trick or treating. C got out of work early so he could take them out this year, since I had the honor last year. Here they are...

L insisted on being Thomas again this year. So of course that's what R wanted to be as well. They. Are. Obsessed. With. Thomas. LOL!

We didn't get tons of kids, even though Halloween fell on a Friday this year. I will say that all the kids that came to our door were very sweet and polite.

I went to my lovely Saturday morning meetup. Thanks to TranquilKnitter to for starting the Elizabeth Zimmerman Rib Warmer KAL. About 8 of us cast on for the KAL and I'm really excited to be knitting this pattern. I making a child size vest for L.

I finished my Brick-Stitch Tea Cozy form the new IK Holiday Gifts 2008 issue. I figure we'll be drinking a ton of tea when C's parents are here! Here it is...

We spent the rest of the weekend cleaning and organizing the house for Wednesday when C's parents arrive. It's nice to finally have all the moving boxes gone and/or out of sight. It only took one year!

It will be nice to have C home a bit more since he's taking time off while his parents are here. He's been killing himself at work for the last several months. Hope the weather is nice while he's off so we can do some fun things with his parents and the kiddos.

Rough week

2008-10-27T18:06:00.000-07:00

Well since my first post, we've been battling the flu here at home. L missed school last Thursday, Friday and today. I think he's better now and should go back to school tomorrow. R is better one day and not so much the next day. I'm better today and hopefully it will stay that way. The migraine and nausea is a real drag.

I managed to get to my Saturday morning meetup. It was the first meeting at Savage Mill, since the previous outdoor venue was way too chilly last week. I really like Savage Mill. Such cute, unique shops and the pastries at Bonaparte Bakery are very yummy.

I resurrected a scarf project that I started a year ago and got bored with...chilly weather got me thinking I should finish it. I worked on that at the meetup. My tendinitis has been acting up, so the project on larger 10.5 needles was a welcomed change from my size 1 needles/sock project.

I also took a look at the Moderne Baby Blanket that I started for L. I feel so bad when he says, "Mommy, you finish my blanket?" The repetitive garter stitch was great while I was watching baseball this summer, but it's killing me now. I really need to finish it though...poor boy.

Well hopefully we'll all get healthy asap. Next week is busy- election day (YEAH OBAMA-BIDEN 2008), finishing holiday gifts for the Irish side of the family, cleaning to prep for my in-laws and their arrival on Wednesday night.

Giving it a whirl

2008-10-23T14:31:00.000-07:00

My first post. I finally succumbed to the call of the blog. I've had such a great time keeping up with fellow Raveler friends on their blogs that I felt compelled to give it a whirl.

It's been a few days since the Sox lost the ALCS, so I'm finally coming to terms that baseball season is over. I've always been a huge Red Sox fan. When I was 8 years old, I knew every Sox player's batting average and every Sox pitcher's ERA. They've always been a passion of mine, but even more so since we left New England five years ago. It's a part of home that I can cling to from afar. Anyway here's to the 2009 season!

I finally finished Miss R's bolero (that's my girl modeling below), my first garment ever. It's the Knitting Pure and Simple Children's Neck Down Bolero. I was inspired to give it a try after ExecutiveKnitter from my knitting group made two and encouraged me that I could do it. It's top down (yay, no seaming) and the pattern is very easy to read. Hopefully this will give me the confidence to tackle more sweaters and vests that I have in my Rav queue.

I'm working on socks for Dad's birthday. His birthday is in December, but my family will be in MD for Thanksgiving , so I really only have a month to get them done. I'm making them in a very lurvley green from wullenstudio, a.k.a. Sheila's fabulous sock yarn. Can't get enough of her stuff.

We've had a fun October so far... we visited Larriland Farms for pumpkins, The Maryland Renaissance Fair in Annapolis and the Woodley Zoo in D.C. last week. The kids had a great time and the weather was great. It's getting a bit cooler now, but still warmer than back in MA.

So that's it for now...I'll be busy Christmas shopping in the next week as my in-laws will be arriving from Ireland on Nov. 5th. They always bring our holiday gifts back to Ireland with them, which is a huge help and saves on all that international shipping. So I really need to get going!