Princess Ball

Ben took Kate to a princess ball on February 3rd. It was a special time for her and especially appreciated because there hasn't been a lot of time for her to spend with Ben lately. She loved dancing, meeting the princesses, and getting her portrait sketched!

Legislature 2012

The last evening of the session includes a dinner for legislators and their families.
Here's our brood waiting for Dad to be ready for dinner.
Isaac especially enjoyed his visit to the capitol.

The session came and went. Ben was uber busy. There were highlights and low lights. I've observed a pattern in his mood over the course of three sessions now.

1. Lots and lots of excitement and high hopes of passing his bills as the session begins. He works hard leading up the session, getting as many bills as far along in the drafting process as possible. Also laying the groundwork for success by talking with all the various stakeholders to address their concerns and bring them on board.

2. The session begins and all the legislators are cordial and complimentary. There's a good amount of pomp and circumstance as everything gets underway. Inspiring speeches, energized legislators and constituents. And lobbyists and media persons a plenty.

3. The bills start getting hearings and Ben enjoys speaking on behalf of them. The non-discrimination bill got a hearing this year. That was progress.

4. Disappointment starts setting in about the third or fourth week. Bills begin to die. Partisanship starts heating up.

5. Depression and anger set in, but it's mostly only noticeable when he comes home at night to rant to me or a few close friends on the phone. He does a good job keeping up a good demeanor at the capitol.

6. Resignation to a few facts (again). Fact - non-discrimination will not pass this year. Fact - he is part of the minority party and not privy to discussions where things are decided.

7. The end is in sight. He's done what he can. Enjoy the environment, the remaining excitement, and mend relationships with the many people he's stood against during the previous weeks because, well, their politics are bad, but they aren't bad people.

8. Celebrate the end and spend some time with family.

Except for this year. Straight into full-strength campaigning. First stop: caucus meetings on March 13. Second stop: county convention on April 14. Please, no primary election in June. General election in November. We are crossing our fingers for a lull in all of the campaigning after the county convention, but I'm sure things will pick up again with summer parades and whatnot, then craziness through November. Here's to looking forward to a Happy Thanksgiving and Christmas Season.


Ben visited with students at the Hinckley Institute at the University of Utah one evening during the session to talk with them about his experiences during the session.

Bishop Wester gave one of the morning prayers during the session. He and Ben and been able to work together on a few community issues in Ben's work with SLC and also on a couple of legislative issues over the past couple of years.

Winter

It's been a while since I last posted. Normally, that means I've got several photos and lots of commentary just waiting to be added to the blog. Not this time. It's the legislative session. And it's winter in Utah. And I have four children. And I have a full-time job. And I I've been sick with what I finally figured out was a sinus infection and not just a really, really bad cold.

So, no photos waiting in the wings and not a lot to write about - unless I wanted to try to post all of the news stories that have mentioned and/or quoted Ben in the last few weeks. Now, before I go on talking about how much I have to do, let's give a nod to a truly busy person. I'm not going to try to post all of the stories. I'd miss several, and many of them report on the same stuff so it would be boring as well. However, try Googling "Ben McAdams" along with the words "securities fraud" or "anti-discrimination" or "payday lending" or "education" or "County Mayor" and just see what all comes up.

I will provide one link, though, because it's to the Economist. And, well, that's really, really cool. Here's the link: http://www.economist.com/node/21543526; and here's the paragraph mentioning Ben's work: "A new law in Utah increased penalties for fraudsters who abuse a relationship of trust. Another pays whistle-blowers up to 30% of recoveries. (The SEC operates a similar scheme, but only for cases larger than $1m.) Both bills were sponsored by Ben McAdams, a state senator who returned to his native Utah from New York to help ensure that 'as much energy went into shrinking the fraud economy as growing the ski economy.' In Utah, suspected fraudsters’ property can be seized before charges are brought, if there is 'probable cause' that a crime was committed."

So, what have the rest of us been up to? We've all had a cold, which developed into a sinus infection for me and for Kate. I owe a debt of gratitude to my assistant at work who diagnosed the infection. Without her and Amoxicillin I'd still be cursing the fact that I just can't seem to get over this head cold. While I'm still not 100%, it's very nice to be breathing through my nose again!

Kate, James and Robert are taking a gymnastics class at the UofU on Wednesdays. They love it. But, they are my kids, so they are not very good at it. I'm not telling them, though. They haven't seemed to notice their comparative lack of flexibility, balance, or ability to get their feet further off the ground than their elbows while attempting a cartwheel. I'll keep them in the class until they come to realize their genetic limitations. Until then, it's great exercise and they are having fun.

We rarely go outside. It's cold. Snow has been scarce and I'm good with that because it means I haven't has to shovel the driveway much. I'm feeling guilty though because I refused to go out and play with James the two times is has snowed at our house - despite his requests. However, I promised him a snowball fight the next time we get appreciable snowfall, so I'll try to remedy my lack of enthusiasm a bit.

So, at the close of this "random thoughts" post, I wish you a happy Groundhog Day! The rodent saw his shadow this morning so here's to six more weeks of winter and a chance to brave the cold and actually do something worth writing a post about!!!

A very big snowman

Cousin Nohea was staying with Grandma Judd for a week and Kate got to spend a lot of time playing with her. They had a ton of fun together. Among many, many projects the two girls completed was this giant snowman. Uncle Danny helped with some of the building. The girls colored the snowman with markers. Good idea, Grandma!

Stars of the week

James was Star of the Week at school the week before the winter break and Kate was Star of the Week upon returning. Both helped choose, arrange, and glue the pictures for their poster. Part of being a star includes having a parent come read one of your favorite books to the class. James chose 'Twas the Night Before Christmas. Kate chose Sneeches and a very short Dr. Seuss favorite, Too Many Daves.

A very happy baby

He is this happy almost all of the time. Seriously.

Happy New Year!