Aschermanns: A late resolution...take more pictures

As I went through pictures today to decide which ones to post on the blog, I realized I had a problem. Instead of having to be selective as to which of the many pictures I will use, I am grasping to find a sufficient number of suitable pictures. In short, I have been busy enjoying the moments and not capturing them. This could be viewed as a good sign that I am living in the moment, but I really should have SOME evidence of our life. Plus, I have realized that if I can't rely on the photos to fill a blog post, I have to think of something clever to write about. I feel like I am sort of out of "clever". The kids are doing well, the household is on cruise control, so I will write about work.

I am officially a year in to actively running Aschermann Consulting. I have over 15 active projects. They are diverse in size, complexity, and skill. I get to do the actual design work on some smaller projects which I really love. Let's be honest, most engineers went to school to do engineering, not management. I also get to flex my management skills with entitlement services for larger projects. Recently I have been selected to play a role on projects that will challenge me. At first these petrified me, but the more I think about it, the more I am excited by them. When I left my previous company of 15-years I feared that I would go stagnate especially with my technical skills. I am really excited about this coming year to see not only how Aschermann Consulting grows, but how I grow.

I would be lying if I said I lived in a state of constant excitement when it comes to work. The truth is there is an equal amount of excitement and worry. I worry about not having enough work, about having too much work, and I worry about how my company will evolve with the changing needs of pre-teens, middle schoolers, and life in general.

I suppose we all need something to drive us, move us forward, and perhaps excitement partnered with worry are the dominate drivers for me. Maybe it is my secret combination for success! If this is the case, I have finally found balance. I can honestly say the excitement outshines the worry and the worry keeps the excitement accountable.

Speaking of balance, I do have a few pictures of the fun pictures to balance out the ramblings of this blog. Enjoy...

Scott and Liesel got to ride in the National Western Stock Show Kick-off Parade. When looking at the pictures Scott said, "That is a pretty big smile on that little girl's face." To which I replied, "That is a pretty big smile on that grown man's face." They had a ball riding through downtown Denver.

We went to the CC DU game with the Hartzel Family. Fun was had by all and DU took the W.

While clapping out syllables of Mathematics in class Maddox had a revolution....Math-a-Maddox. No wonder he is good at math :) I got this cute picture from Maddox's teacher

Maddox with his buddy, Riley. Home ice rinks are becoming popular, and this was a good year for one. I see a winter project brewing for us for next year. Liesel and Riley's Sister, Maddie, have become good buddies and also love tying up their skates.

Liesel and Norah skating at the Apex

Celebrating Aunt Miranda's birthday.

Milo's team won the local Silver Sticks Hockey Tournament and that meant we got to go to Michigan in January. It wasn't as cold as I expected it would be and the boys learned a lot playing some incredible northern and Canadian hockey teams. The boys and I went out early and hit the Henry Ford Museum. Scott met up with us later and Liesel got to stay home with Nana.

While Milo hung out with his hockey team, I got some one-on-one time with this little jokester.

It was a long weekend of hockey.

At home Maddox got to play during the Avalanche intermission. He is still toying with the idea of playing goalie. I hope he doesn't. This mama doesn't have the heart for that.

Cute hair for a cute girl

What's a better way for this smiley guy to celebrate the 100th day of school than a 100 smiley faces on his shirt.

Liesel has grown so much in riding. This January she road in the Bell Ringer Show and did so well. I can't wait to see her and Casey ride in the local shows this summer.