Aschermanns: June 2016

06/02/2016:

My life is hectic. It is no different than yours or anyone else’s, but hectic non –the-less. I am really very proud of my career. When someone asks “what do you do?” I am proud to say, “I am a civil engineer”. I am proud to talk about the projects I work on in Denver and the impact of my career on Denver’s development. I have some wonderful opportunities. I am currently trying to look pass the daily stress and minutia to clearly see how lucky I am to do this work. This is something I struggle with, being appreciative, enjoying the moment for what it is. I struggle with this in my career and in my personal life. Moms, how often are you stopped and told to “appreciate this time, your kids will grow up too fast and before you know they will be off on their own”? I know this is true. I can’t believe Milo is starting Kindergarten next year. Where did the past 5 years go? What I don’t know is how to make sure I look back and think “I got everything out of those years, I enjoyed them and I have no regrets”. What I wish those wiser than me would say, instead of “enjoy it”, is “I have a secret, this is how you bottle up this time.”

Today I got the kids dressed and fed. I kissed each of them and walked out the door and headed for the train station. Don’t worry I did not leave them unattended, I left them in good hands. I am taking the train from Denver to Glenwood Springs. On Friday I am doing a race with some friends from high school. Scott and the kids are meeting me on Saturday to go camping with Grammy and Grandpa. But, today I am on a train for 6 hours, by myself, no husband, no work, no kids, just me (and hundreds of other passengers, but none of whom need anything from me). When I arrive in Glenwood I have no obligations until tomorrow. It is moments like this when I find time to pause and see my life; where I am, what I am blessed with, who I am with, and how lucky I am.

So maybe I do know the secret to hitting pause and bottle up this time. At least for me, finding time for myself is just as important as time with family and friends. This alone time often helps me realize how much I really do love my life, what I do, and who I get to spend it with.

06/12/2016:
…What a great vacation! A little time for myself, a little time with friends, a whole lot of family time, and some good memories with Grammy an Grandpa.

I love these three cuties.

This face. Note the terrible haircut. I tried my hand at cutting Maddox's hair and he turned out looking like Loyd from Dumb and Dumber. The good news is he is cute enough to pull it off.

We stayed late at friend's house. Maddox got sleepy curled up on a doll bed.

The best naps are accompanied with a snuggle.

Ragnar Race in Snowmas. There is a pretty good chance that I was the slowest one in this group of amazingly badass women. There is nothing better for recharging the soul than down to earth, genuine, and funny friends.

The climb was something else, but the views were amazing.

Camp

Liesel and the adorable Anton

After the race Scott and the kids met me in Glenwood and off we went to Blue Mesa. This is the beautiful Black Canyon.

This little cutie sitting on the back patio of our cabin.

Daddy and Maddox enjoying the the boat trip

Grandpa taught Milo (and Liesel occasionally joined in) how to fish. He has declared fishing one of his new favorites!!

Maddox driving the boat with Grammy

Liesel driving with Grammy

Mom and her boys.

Eating Breakfast in the Cabin

Liesel's favorite part of the camping trip was riding Mama Horse.

She even gave Maddox a ride.

Maddox's favorite spot, the swing at the Marina

More Boating fun...

The water was VERY cold, but Maddox loved sitting on the back and dipping his toes.

The beautiful Blue Mesa Lake

Grandpa and Milo finally caught a fish…

Turns out Milo is a little afraid of fish...

and finds Liesel to be a very good protector.

Liesel with her horse from Grammy and Grandpa, Trigger

More fishing...

Heading out to swimming lessons. Liesel has become a avid wearing of her pink boats, which are a size too small. She wears them everywhere, to the farm, swimming, grocery store, and most recently on her bike. She learned out ride a two wheeler this weekend.

The house is coming along. I have been waiting to post a blog just on the house one we are all framed out, but that is proving to take longer than anticipated. Oh well, such is life under construction.