Aschermanns: Life…I am Busy…And I wouldn't have it any other way.

So one thing I wanted to to do this year was to be more thoughtful in my response to the question "how are you" My typical response is "busy". Everyone is busy, that isn't a fair response, that is what I told myself. But OMG am I busy! I don't know if it is the phase of life I am in, my inability to say no to things, or my need to over scheduled coupled with a partner who also defines his ambition by how busy he is. Whatever it is my answer to how are you right now is "I am busy" because I am BUSY!

I don't want to miss the opportunity to blog and remember these kids the way they are now so I am forcing myself to sit down and hammer out this blog. Because, as you will see from the pictures, these kids are adorable and keeping my life full. I know that if I don't write it down this time of my life will be a blur. And the truth is I do believe we are in the sweet spot of parenting. The kids are old enough to dress themselves, brush their teeth, wipe their butts, but they are not too old to enjoy their parents.

Outside of our jobs being crazy busy due to a pretty awesome economy, which is a positive and our kids growing list of activities, we also have a growing farm family. We have taken in a mini american bulldog named Nebula, and we have three new baby goats. We are surrounded by funny little animals and we are all loving the farm life. Our current animal count is two dogs, 6 goats, and four cows. We are hoping to start up chickens again in the spring. You know, because we are looking for something to fill the few remaining free minutes in our week.

Last year I signed up for the Fundraising Chair for the PTSA. I do not know what I was thinking. I will say that it has kept me in touch with the school. Considering the awesome help I have with the kids it would be an easy thing to stay on the sidelines and let others run these school events. I always say that I got into engineering to help shape my community and the truth is the PTSA is exactly the same thing. A chance to help with your community on a very local level. It has been a great experience and I am sure I will do it again next year. I am currently hammering away at setting up the Silent Auction. I have an awesome team of friends helping me and I am learning all the tricks that will make next year's event run more smoothly. The auction is this weekend and I am hopeful for a breath of air on the other side.

As much as it feels like I am complaining when I say "I am busy" the truth is I wouldn't have it any other way. I am busy at work because the economy is booming and I get to work on some amazing projects with some amazing teams. I am busy with my family because I have three active healthy kids and a family that is full of life. I am busy at home because I am blessed to live on a little farm where we get to meet new animal friends all the time. I am busy because I have awesome friends I want to see and spend time with. I am busy because my body is strong and allows me to workout and stay healthy. I am BUSY and I wouldn't have it any other way!!!!!

Handsome Milo

Rag Curls

This girl!

Another outfit another photo shoot

Yep, haven't posted since Christmas. Look at this pretty tree.

Nana and Liesel

I took some time off for some medical reasons and I got a minute to redo the kid's rooms. The boys got a baseball/hockey room. I had so much fun painting this. I love my job but I don't always get to get my creative juices flowing at work.