Holidays with family

We've been busy. Lots to do and lots of fun. It's been tough to fit all this in. There were holiday parties before Christmas, a Christmas dinner at our house with the McAdams', and lots of gatherings while two of my siblings have been in town. Plus lots of friends have been in Utah for the holidays too! We've loved every minute.

New Year's Eve

We welcomed in 2010 at Grandma Judd's house. Chocolate fondue, cousins, games, and chatting. Always fun for everyone. We cheated a bit this year (and last, I think). We welcomed in the New Year on East Coast Time, were home by 11:00 and enjoying some much needed sleep as the 2010 came to Salt Lake City. Almost. James hear some fireworks at midnight and he and I spent a few minutes watching them at a distance from the window. We hope 2010 holds lots of joy, laughter, learning and loving for our family.

Trying to work with a toddler

I ended up going into work for a few hours on a day during the holidays that I had planned to take off. I had already given our babysitter the day off. Luckily, James and Kate has slept overnight at Grandma and Grandpa Judd's to be with cousins that were in town and were still there. Ben had Robert for a bit, but then had to bring him to me when he had somewhere else to be. I managed to negotiate the contract and get the job done, but working conditions were far from ideal. At least I was doing a favor for the other side by coming in and they pretended to be completely understanding of the background noise during phone conversations.

Christmas morning.

After four months of sleeping on the floor in our bedroom, James and Kate went to bed in their own beds on Christmas Eve. Rumor was that it was easier for Santa to come if they were asleep in their own beds. James was the first to wake. 4:11 a.m. Too early, James. Ben finally talked him into sleeping the rest of the "night" on a blanket by the tree. Ben slept there with him. Ben fell back to sleep while James was chattering on about all he could see from where they were laying. Santa had come! At some point, James must have decided his bed would be more comfortable because when Ben woke up, James had gone back to his bed. Kate came up and got in bed with me around 6:30 or so. She knew Santa had come, but was still content getting a bit more sleep. we all woke up with Robert around 7:00. The morning started with Ben reading a letter Santa had left for this kids. "Share your Christmas toys . . . listen better to your parents . . . you are great kids . . . James, I'm sorry I didn't bring you bricks to build a boat, maybe your dad can help you build a boat later . . . Love, Santa"

James started asking for bricks to build a boat on December 23rd. We're not sure where the idea or the desire came from. James was a bit disappointed when his Christmas Eve pajamas was not a stack of bricks. He cried when Ben read Santa's letter indicating that there would be no bricks from him. Thank goodness for Uncle Jeff who showed up later for dinner on Christmas day with a box of bricks for James. He's been playing with them off and on ever since. Now, how to build a boat with them???

Robert loved his "lot of cars" that Santa found on ksl.com for a bargain price. They cleaned up nicely. Despite his lack of understanding for the occasion, Robert was thrilled with the circumstance. Kate and James were happy unwrapping games, clothes and toys. They were also thrilled with the gifts each of them chose for the other. James picked out a stuffed giraffe for Kate. Kate picked James a "soft and warm talking cars blanket just like my Ariel blanket". Their choices for each other were among the favorites of the day. Ben got my van detailed (like new!!!) and the promise of a weekend get-away to a warm spot for our 10th anniversary in February. I got Ben gear for his upcoming fly fishing trip to Alaska with my dad and brothers in June.

Merry Christmas!!!

Christmas Eve

Another tradition. PJ's on Christmas Eve. Kate was thrilled. A new Ariel nightgown and princess slippers. Could sleep get any better? James was disappointed. He wanted bricks. That's right. James wants bricks for Christmas. He wants to build a boat with them. Hmm. So many responses to that -- but where to begin? He perked up a bit when he learned that his Spiderman slippers light up as he walks in them. Robert was neither thrilled nor disappointed. Robert just was. Sleep will little ones.

Christmas Eve's Eve

It's been a very busy December, but, with just two days until Christmas, we finally made it out for a family Christmas outing. We saw the beautiful lights at Temple Square. We've driven past them dozens of times this month, but seeing them from the car doesn't count. Everyone stayed warm bundled up in snow pants, coats, boots, hats and gloves. It was a nice evening. (Oh, and, we've lost the battery charger to our camera. If only the iPhone had a flash.)

Senator Ben

69% in the first round of voting. The new senator for Senate District 2 is Ben McAdams. Congratulations, Ben!

Here's the text from an article in the Salt Lake Tribune.

Democrats tap McAdams for seat in Legislature, The senior adviser to SLC mayor is chosen for Senate District 2 post. Sheena Mcfarland, 12/19/2009

Ben McAdams was drawn to the world of politics because of his upbringing.

He didn't come from a political dynasty or from old money.

Instead, he watched his mother, Susan, raise a family of six children on her own while working as a public educator.

"I've always had a passion for good public policy and the way it can benefit people's lives," McAdams said. "For public policy that recognizes the difficulties of working families and can provide assistance to them."

McAdams, 35, may now have that chance. Democratic delegates in Senate District 2 voted Saturday to send him to the Legislature to replace resigning Democratic state Sen. Scott McCoy. Delegates gave him 69 percent of the 107 votes cast Saturday afternoon. A formal appointment to fill the post is up to Gov. Gary Herbert.

While at Viewmont High School, McAdams served as the mayor of the West Bountiful City Youth Council. He served on his first partisan campaign in 1992, for Wayne Owens who ran for the U.S. Senate against Republican Bob Bennett. Bennett won the seat. McAdams became more heavily involved in politics from then on.

He was elected student body president at the University of Utah in 1999, and served as a Hinckley Institute of Politics intern in Washington, D.C., under President Bill Clinton and another Hinckley Institute internship in the Utah Legislature. He graduated from Columbia Law School and lived in New York for a few years, then returned to Utah three years ago.

His ability to tackle difficult situations has led to an ongoing joke in the office of Salt Lake City Mayor Ralph Becker, for whom McAdams is a senior adviser.

"Whenever we say 'Oh, this is going to be hard,' the next sentence is always, 'We should have Ben do it.'" Becker said. "He is just so creative in molding solutions."

McCoy, who is resigning from the Legislature to dedicate more time to his private law practice, was "very pleased" with the selection.

"I know he'll do an excellent job and the overall vote of the delegates shows they trust he'll do an excellent job as well," he said.

Arlyn Bradshaw, who also ran for the seat but finished in second place with 25 percent of the vote, congratulated McAdams on his win. During his candidate speech, the openly gay Bradshaw said his sexual orientation would help bring diversity and understanding to the Legislature.

McCoy is the only openly gay senator, and he said it was good for the Senate to have a face to associate with the state's gay population, but believes McAdams will represent the gay community.

"He's an involved ally and he'll fight for what's right for the community," McCoy said.

The first conversation McAdams said he had with his mother when announcing his run for the seat was to warn her that he will stand up for gay rights across the state, and she may catch some criticism from her neighbors in conservative Davis County.

"I value diversity," he said during his candidate speech to delegates. "We need to be friends and allies and that has been my passion and work."

And from the Deseret News:

Becker adviser Ben McAdams chosen as new state senator By Marc Haddock, Published: Saturday, Dec. 19, 2009 10:19 p.m. MST

SALT LAKE CITY — Ben McAdams, a senior adviser for Salt Lake Mayor Ralph Becker, will become Utah's newest state senator.

McAdams won on the first ballot, receiving more than 60 percent of the votes from the Democratic delegates from Senate District 2 at a special meeting Saturday. He will complete the final year of Sen. Scott McCoy's term. He was one of four candidates vying for the post.

McAdams, 35, said he had visited with most of the delegates over the past two weeks after McCoy announced in early December he was resigning from the Senate to focus on his law career. He attributed the landslide win to that personal contact.

McAdams, who is married and the father of three children, told the delegates he would work for fairness and equality.

"I plan to be a visible ally for gay and transgendered Utahns," he said. "We are agents of change."

He also told delegates he would fight against efforts to make Utah a dumping ground for nuclear waste, support education and support ethics reform.

"Our district has a legacy of sending strong voices to the Legislature," he said. "I will stand my ground as we work to achieve common ground."

Other candidates vying for the post were Arlyn Bradshaw, Brian Moss and Mark Towner.

Preschool Christmas program

James and Kate participated in their 2nd Christmas program at the McKee Language Preschool this morning. They sang all the usual Christmas line-up, but, of course, in Español. Kate told us as soon as they began practicing for the program that she was going to be Rudolph. She was so excited about it. She knows all the words. She begs for it to be played on repeat when we're in the car and sings along enthusiastically. So, imagine my surprise when she spent the entire song staring at her blinking nose. A cross-eyed, prancing Rudolph. Awesome.


James said that he loves singing Christmas songs.
Kate said that she likes to watch snow fall from the window.
Here they are with one of their teachers, Nellie. I think she's Kate's favorite. Every once in a while, Kate comes home with her fingernails painted or her hair coiffed with some new accessory. When I ask about it, she says, "Nellie did it." They also love their other teachers - Marie, Patty, and Lilly.

Ben is running for the State Senate

It's official. Ben is running for the Utah State Senate to represent District 2. I'm very excited for him that he has this opportunity. He's got a website up and running, although there is still much to add to it. Check it out (now and later) at: benmcadams.com.

He's been calling delegates for days as well as people who will endorse him. He's a busy, busy guy. The delegates will select the new senator on December 19th at 2:00 p.m.

Good luck, Ben!

Ornament Tradition

Every year, probably since my birth, I have received a Christmas tree ornament in early December. Year after year, my awesome mom has kept the tradition alive. Now spouses and grandkids are included. The ornaments are typically a reminder of a vacation or special interest of the time. This year, I got a Disney World ornament, reminiscent of the June vacation with James and Kate. Ben got an ornament of a front door with our new address printed on it. James got Buzz Lightyear, Robert got Jiminy Cricket, and Kate got some crazy looking Ariel ornament. She loves it. By "love," I mean she adores it. Like the play with it, talk to it, carry it everywhere you go kind of love. We all love our ornaments. Thanks Mom - for the ornaments and for the tradition!

dinner glasses and ice cream

A few weeks ago, we made the trek to Ikea for some new dinner glasses. Almost 10 years into our marriage and we were down to only three. It's slightly embarrassing to set the Sunday dinner table with china and colored, plastic kids cups. But only slightly. Besides, when we have someone over, it's usually someone with kids, and they understand. Anyway, we made the trek and bought a new set of glasses. But, at IKEA, so they were cheap. Break away kids; just don't hurt yourself.

On the way out, we stopped for some ice cream. Robert had to have one because Kate and James had one. Kate and James threw theirs out after several bites. I tried to take Robert's away at about the same time, but he would have none of that. I finally broke it out of his hands as I was putting him into his car seat. He cried for 10 minutes in the car as we headed for home. How dare it?

Ben's 35!

Things were a little (a lot) busy on December 5. We did nothing. Ben received no gifts. The kids wondered where his presents and cake were. It was sad. It wasn't my fault. Ben's got us all working on plans that don't involve a birthday celebration.

I did manage to get a cake made and decorated on December 6th, though. It was McAdams FHE, so Ben's mom, siblings, nieces and nephews could help turn up the volume (and carry the tune) for a round of "Happy Birthday." Hope 35 is a good one, Ben! I love you.

Thankgiving Pie

The Erickson clan got together on the Saturday after Thanksgiving for pie and chit chat. Each family took a picture with Grandma and Grandpa while we were there. The second picture captured Robert taking a bite of an abandoned piece of pie.

64 pounds of sugar

This evening was the seventh annual Parker family gingerbread house making party and our third year participating. What a fun tradition. We love this party! And, really, what's not to love? Seven years ago, the tradition began at the Parker's (my brother, Nathan's, in-laws) home with their grandkids. Three years later they moved the party to the clubhouse because they needed more space. This year they moved it to the church. I'd guess there were 150 people there. My sister-in-law, Karen, said they went through 64 pounds of sugar for the frosting tonight!

Thanksgiving

This is the "on" year for both the Judds and the McAdams. That means it's double the turkey, double the stuffing, double the pie. Yum! And, yum again! I made candied yams for both family meals. I have an awesome recipe from Laurel and my yams were a hit. (Yea! and sigh of relief.) I also made a lemon cream pie for the McAdams' meal. (Not so great. Bummer.) The best part was that Kate helped me cook. She did a lot of work on the yams and helped with the pie crust. It was fun to wear an apron with her and cook away. She even helped dry some of the dishes!

In addition to cooking, eating, and hanging out with family, I took some time this holiday weekend to think about some of the things I'm thankful for.

First, no surprise, is my family. My husband and my kids, my parents, my siblings, in-laws, nieces & nephews. I can't imagine my life without Ben, Kate, James and Robert. This year, Ben has taught me that hard work and perseverance can pay off. Kate brings loads of joy and laughter to our home and keep us all on our toes. James inspires us all to be creative, to build things, and to play together. Robert makes sure we all get daily hugs and helps me relax each evening as I rock him to sleep.
Good friends are also at the top of the list. I wish we lived closer to many and wish we got together with them all more frequently.

Good health. We've got a lot of balls to keep in the air. When any one of us comes down with anything, the balls start falling. We've had some minor coughs and a few runny noses around here, but, for the most part, we're staying pretty healthy.

Our new house. We've been here more than six months now. Some updating would be nice, but no rush. It's a good house. A spacious house. Sometimes its a clean house. It's almost always a happy house.

Great neighbors. Welcoming, friendly, helpful, warm. Love them.

Great jobs. I love that Ben loves his job. His hobby is his work. Or is it that his work is his hobby? Anyway, a happy husband means a happy family. My job is also pretty great. Great co-workers, great clients, forgiving & flexible schedule.

I'm thankful for God and religion in my life. I recognize that everything listed above is a gift from God, and I thank Him. My religious beliefs help me make sense of the world and my place in it. I'm grateful for that.

Happy Thanksgiving!

date day/night: football game - dinner - play

To be honest, I don't even remember who the Utes played at this game we attended. However, I do remember that he went without our kids this time and we enjoyed watching it. And the Utes won. We also enjoyed seats on the front row (thanks Dad and Nathan) instead of the second-to-last row (remember this?). And, I think this is a pretty cute picture. After the game we went out to dinner. And after dinner, to a play. Talk about an afternoon and night out!

Cleo

Cleo died a couple of days ago. Cleo was our 2-year-old beta fish. We had his funeral this morning. Kate named Cleo after watching Pinocchio for the first time about a year ago. Before that, he didn't have a name. The kids were great at feeding Cleo. Kate like to talked to Cleo. I changed his water periodically.

He's been sick for about a month. He couldn't always swim up to the surface for food and didn't always catch it on its way down. I could never decide whether to help him expire or just wait for it to happen. Lack of action meant that it just happened.

During our funeral we gave James and Kate a chance to say something about or to Cleo. Kate said she already said goodbye. According to her, she said, "Goodbye, Cleo." Cleo said, "Goodbye, Kate." "And then he died." James hopes Cleo is happy in Heaven and was glad he was in our family for a while. James cried. A lot.

James wanted to help dig a hole and bury Cleo. I guess we've started our pet cemetery now. There's a giant stone marking Cleo's spot.

Kate didn't show too much emotion, but when everything was finished, she asked Ben to "Put on my happy songs." Quite some time ago, Ben put together a playlist of Kate's favorite songs. When she's sad for whatever reason, we play her happy songs and everybody dances. It was a good time for her happy songs.

Rest in peace, Cleo.

(Incidentally, our crabs died while Ben and I were on our vacation last month. Kate took them outside and forgot to bring them inside. It was too cold for them. Neither Kate or James seemed moved one way or another and there was no burial ceremony.)

incentives gone awry

James: "Mom, can I have a candy 'cause I finished my ice cream all gone?"

Uh, no.

Disney on Ice - Princess Classics

My mom and I took Kate and James to Disney on Ice a few weeks ago. I was too cheap to pay for a picture with a cute backdrop, but not so cheap I didn't indulge them with their choice of souvenir. The kids enjoyed the show, but only so much of it. 20 minutes into the second half, they were done. So we left in the midst of the Cinderella story. Our version was the perfect length.

SLC Council passes non-discrimination ordinance

For the last several months, Ben has been working tirelessly to, ultimately successfully (!!!), garner wide-spread support for last night's success.

Ben has met with dozens and dozens (hundreds?) of legislators, religious leaders, social justice groups, everybody's lawyers, and scores of other interested parties to help create an ordinance that Mayor Becker presented to the City Council during last nights meeting. The ordinance protects individuals from being fired or evicted, or otherwise being discriminated against, because of their sexual orientation. The City Council unanimously passed the ordinance. There was an emotional standing ovation.

The public comment portion of the meeting began with statement of support from the LDS Church. A handful of individuals were instrumental in opening doors to countless meetings and delicate discussions leading to this statement of support. I am pleased to know, and happy to share with my friends and family that read my blog, that my husband was one of those key individuals. I witnessed his road that was full of ups and downs, temporary disappointments, difficult discussions, intense personal reflection, rewriting/revising of language, and so much more. Way to persevere and not give up, Ben! Congratulations. And, thank you, Church.

Portions of an article from yesterday's Deseret News are below:

Salt Lake City has become the first Utah city to offer housing and employment protections for gays and lesbians — an action supported by the Mormon church.

The City Council, in a unanimous vote Tuesday, passed a pair of nondiscrimination ordinances that would bar landlords and employers from discriminating based on sexuality — a protection not currently afforded under state or federal laws.

In a rare public appearance before local lawmakers, a representative from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints read a supporting statement at a public hearing before the Salt Lake City Council regarding the ordinances proposed by Mayor Ralph Becker.

"The church supports this ordinance because it is fair and reasonable and does not do violence to the institution of marriage," said Michael Otterson, managing director of the LDS Church's public affairs office.

. . . In addition to agreeing with Becker's approach to the ordinances, the church also recognizes the proposal attempts to balance vital issues of religious freedom, Otterson said.

"In drafting this ordinance, the city has granted common-sense rights that should be available to everyone, while safeguarding the crucial rights of religious organizations — for example, in their hiring of people whose lives are in harmony with their tenets, or when providing housing for their university students and others that preserve religious requirements," he said.

Tuesday night's statement was a rarity; church leaders or representatives seldom speak publicly on city ordinances or state legislation.

"I represent a church that believes in human dignity, in treating others with respect even when we disagree — in fact, especially when we disagree," said Otterson. "Our language will always be respectful and acknowledge those who differ, but (we) will also be clear on matters that we feel are of great consequence to our society."

. . . LGBT advocates said LDS Church leaders had been willing to meet numerous times over the past several months and that those meetings had helped foster a mutual respect between the factions despite differences in ideologies.

"It's a great opportunity that the city has to bring together its divergent ideas and populations," said LGBT activist Jim Debakis. "It's a great moment, I think, in our city's history."

Said Capitol Hill resident Doug Wirthlin, "It's been a long time since I could actually say I stand shoulder to shoulder with my former church."

LGBT activist Jacob Whipple said he hopes church leaders will extend their support beyond the Salt Lake City Council chambers.

Halloween

For weeks, James had planned on being Spiderman and Kate a princess. The Thursday prior to Halloween was the day to wear costumes to school. James decided to take his Buzz Lightyear costume from last year, but then never put it on. Kate put on a princess dress, wore it for 5 minutes, and then changed into a chicken costume that she wore for all of school.

Kate had been counting down the days until she will get lots and lots of candy ever since Ben and I returned from vacation. Halloween night did not disappoint. The evening started off with a Trunk or Treat at the church parking lot. Very efficient and some fabulous costume to view - adults and kids. Then the kids trick-or-treated their way back home, getting ever more tired the closer we got to home. They even skipped the three houses before ours.

The whole of the holiday was lost on Robert. He held a candy in his hand until arriving at the next bowl. Then he'd swap the candy he had been holding for one in the new bowl. All the while he was trying to eat whatever piece was in his hand. He gnawed a hole in a snickers wrapper and managed to suck the entire candy bar into his mouth through the little hole.

A happy chicken.

An unhappy chick.A hot pirate.

A fun trio to follow.

A chicken and an action figure with candy buckets
that were supposed to match their costumes.

Filling the buckets at the first door (ours).

At the Trunk or Treat.

Trick-or-treating at Jim and Meg's.