I Am Living the American Dream

No matter what any celebrity, politician, or media source may want me to believe, I truly am living the American Dream. This might not be the same dream my grandparents sought after or even the dream from the Baby Boomers Generation, but this is my dream. Not everyone's dream is the same, and this is what makes America great. Unfortunately, many Americans are searching for a superficial dream. At one time, parents worked to create a better life for their children. A life where their children would develop an understanding of moral and natural law. A life where their children would glow with pride at the sight of the American Flag - true model citizens.  Those dreams didn't involve new sports cars, designer clothing, and countless extracurricular sports activities. Parents were not so much worried about raising sensitive toddlers, rather their goal was to raise independent, strong, and responsible adults for the good of society.

Now that the "American Dream" has changed to unrealistic proportions, people automatically assume that it is dead, but this is far from the truth. The concepts of beauty and truth have become clouded to most of society. Instead of searching for everlasting forms of happiness, many people search for fleeting moments of happiness, whether that's a new car, the latest IPhone, a designer pair of shoes, giving into the Starbucks addiction, overnight celebrity status, laying around on a couch taking selfies,or fulling a personal void of loneliness with extravagant vacations. There is nothing wrong with these luxuries, as long as they are accepted in moderation. Our lives are not meant to be one long vacation. To earn these vacations and overpriced coffees, we must be willing to work for them.  If you believe these items fulfill your American Dream, then you are a bit misguided. It will be very difficult to find true happiness and inner peace with these destructible goods - you will never have enough.

If we begin to live like generations past, we will find the American Dream. My husband and I are living our American Dream. Is life perfect? Absolutely not, but who's life is? Instead of living for ourselves, we are living for our children. Family is what matters. We can't take any of these items with us when we die, but we can leave bits of ourselves with our children. Small precious memories that they can pass on to their children. Memories of having a water balloon fight in summer, growing a garden together, baking cookies, and writing thank you letters for birthday presents - these are small pieces of a bigger puzzle. Children will lose count of how many presents they open or how many shopping trips they make take, but they will never forget memories. This to me is the American Dream.

I am blessed with a beautiful life. After graduating from college and then working as a Paralegal, I stayed home after my husband and I had baby #1. What an amazing opportunity I was given. During that same time I also owned and operated three small businesses, wrote and had my first book published with my best friend, all while raising my children at home. Even through all those great experiences, I realized that I only wanted to be home with the little ones. I wanted my children to become model citizens, who work to better this beautiful country not only for themselves, but for everyone and for future generations. I am living my American Dream.

Not all of us have the same dream. Some Americans work extremely hard each day to further a corporate career, or run a small business, while others are striving to make ends meet at a minimum wage job. No matter or position in life, we can all strive for the American Dream. Very few women around the world are given any of those opportunities, they are trying to survive each day by getting food on the table for their family. We have been blessed with so much in America, but if our dream has become superficial and based upon personal achievements and money, then we are destined for failure, because true and everlasting happiness can never be bought. The beauty of the American Dream lies in our hearts. We choose what paths to follow, and we must live with those consequences. Don't waste a precious moment. Life is too short. Start creating your American Dream!

Slow Down for Summer Memories

There's something special about the month of July. I have an obnoxious love for the hot summer months, maybe it's my Portuguese blood or my dread of coats. I'm not quite sure, but whatever the reason I wish this month would last forever.

Every summer seems to fly by, but this summer has been different. My children and I are calling this our Summer of Adventures. It all started when I decided it was time to slow down and enjoy these special months with the kids. The past few years, my two older children had spent part of the time in summer school, which was a double-edged sword. It gave them a chance to learn German, French, and Kindergarten basics, but it also broke up our day. Between summer school and naps for the little ones, there wasn't much time left for any adventures. The word "adventures" causes a bit of anxiety with my choleric temperament, but I learned a long time ago from my best friend, that "adventures" make this life special and they are even more important for kids. Adventures create memories.

After spending many months cooped up with a crying baby number four during the cold winter months, I decided this summer would be one big adventure with the kids. Not every day includes an out of this world memorable moment, because honestly, most of the days are only full of simple activities, but the best part is doing them together as a family and with friends. Where will your next adventure take you this summer?

Photo Credit: Megan S

1. Just Drive & Discover - Take a drive and visit a new place. Drive until you want to stop. This was our goal last week. I need to get my wedding band resized and instead of coming back home right away, we ended up an hour north of the city and discovered small Wisconsin towns. It was actually more relaxing than I thought. The kids did fight a little in the car, but stopping in a small town to play at the park was unforgettable. My kids had the entire park to themselves, except a grandfather pitching to his granddaughter. I felt like I was living the dream.

2. Catch Up - Many of us Wisconsinites hide in our homes during the long long months of winter, but summer is the time to catch up with friends. Every week we are planning on visiting new and old friends for a few hours of carefree playtime.

3. Soak Up the Summer Sun - I can never have enough sun and this summer we are spending as much time outside as possible. We have done everything from painting rocks, swimming, chalk coloring, gardening, house repairs, catching fireflies, and water fights. The more I step out of my comfort zone, the more the children also want to try new things. My oldest son decided the best way to spend an afternoon was to examine a dead ant for over an hour. (Whatever makes you happy, buddy!)

Photo Credit: Megan S.

The options are limitless for these amazing summer months and I don't even want to think about them ending. For now, I am going to appreciate these amazing moments with my sweet kiddos. One of my favorite holidays is this weekend and we plan on living it up with Farmers Markets, Parades, Fun Fest, Fireworks, Family Parties, and much more! Yes, I love the Fourth of July. God Bless America!

Written By: Danielle Silva Heckenkamp

Work Like An American!

Written By: Danielle Marie

Here's my little rant, with a patriotic flare...

What has made America great?  Well many things, but one of the most important traits is the value of hard work.  We all want to be successful in our jobs, with our family, in our social circles, while also finding true eternal happiness.  Unfortunately, that underlying push which was so vivid in America 50 years ago has begun to unravel.

Rosie

Have we become too accustomed to the easy life?  Some Americans are afraid of hard work, they want everything at their finger tips, instantaneously.  Others, no longer have the drive to succeed, they only want to be told what to do and in the end receive a paycheck, because, for them, it's all about the money.  However,  there is a group of up and coming Americans who are ready for the hard work, they want to earn their success, they have a heart full of passion and can't stop their drive to succeed.  These are the people who will help turn this economy around!  It's not the current politicians or the old American families, such as the Rockefellers, the Carnegies or the Morgans.  No, these people already had their time in history.  We thank them for their contributions but it is now time to advance forward.  

Andrew Carnegie

Who are these passion-driven Americans?  These are the average men and women you encounter everyday, they understand the important things in life: faith, family, friends, and work.  They want to make their way in the world, they want to be true Americans!

So what type of American do you wish to be?  Do you want to be told what to do everyday, as long as you get that solid paycheck every other week?  Or do you want to take chances, risks and work hard to help America become a nation of value again?

American

Respecting the Respected: Happy Independence Day!

HAPPY 4th of JULY!

Written By: Ooh La La (Danielle Marie) & VaVa Voom (Katrina)

          Ladies, why do we quiver with delight when we see a man in uniform?  Some of us actually become giddy as a school girl and start to blush!  Why, because men in uniform are real men, our knights in shining armor.  These men are real men and they deserve real women.  Don’t you wonder if a course on “How to be a Gentleman” is taught at boot camp or military school?  Soldiers are physically put together, they never fail to hold doors or look you in the eye.  Of course there are some bad apples, but most of the time they are just plain....hunks!  When you see a soldier in uniform, man or woman, young or old, thank them for the service. Forget the politics and battles, these are our Americans who fight to protect us.  They deserve respect!

         

          A Quote to Toast: “America's veterans embody the ideals upon which America was founded more than 229 years ago.” ~Steve Buyer

            How frequently do we go about our daily lives listening to the latest news but give little thought to the men and women offering themselves in the service of our county?  Not only should we remember our soldiers and their unselfish sacrifices for our freedom, but we as civilians need to show them respect.  These men and women are the true unsung heroes of our country.

·         When you meet a soldier in a public place, if it is an appropriate time, make an effort to thank them for their service.  Show courteous respect for their unselfish and heroic acts.

·         Attending services in honor of our service men and women is another way to show pride and appreciation.  There are many ceremonies in honor of our military on Armed Forces Day, Veteran’s Day and the Fourth of July.  Take the opportunity to participate in these parades, outdoor wreath presentations and speeches or military concerts.

·         Be an active and responsible American citizen.  Your right to vote is a serious responsibility, do not take it lightly.  Our leaders directly affect our military personnel.

·         Know your history and teach it to your children.  We shouldn’t be ignorant to major historical and currents events of our nation.  Honor the men and women who have died for our freedom by understanding what they fight for, starting with the founding of our country to present day foreign affairs.

            We can all contribute and honor our soldiers in different ways.  With the current conflicts, we have many returning soldiers in need of jobs, housing, relationship connections, schooling and treatments.  Become involved by volunteering at a veteran hospital, visit the ill soldiers, aid the staff or help in the healthcare area.  Out of respect, we must go out of our way to thank and support those who have put themselves in the line of fire to protect our freedoms for love of their country and their fellow-countrymen.

            A Quote to Toast:  “We can't all be Washingtons, but we can all be patriots.”                                                        ~Charles F. Browne

            Everyone deserves respect, especially the elderly, political officials, (no matter how much you disagree with them) clergyman, religious persons, law enforcement and educators.... You know what? Show everyone your respect!  It is a known fact that if you treat people with respect, you will receive it too.  And to those who disagree, well good luck being respected!  Muah!

"Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent."  ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.