I'm Not Retiring, I'm Reinventing

There have been a lot of changes in my world lately. 

For the past 19 years I have helped students that struggle with reading and math, but this past week was the end of my career as a Title One Instructor. I have chosen to retire. I think my friend Becky said it best, "You're not retiring, you're reinventing." I feel that is a pretty good description of what's happening. Retirement can mean laying on the beach sipping drinks with those little umbrellas, or traveling, or spending time with grand kids. Nope, nope, and nope. For me it means devoting time to other adventures.

One of those adventures came about last January when my responsibilities as the Minnesota Dairy Princess Coordinator increased. Besides the opportunities I mentioned in 12 Good Reasons, I now also organize the May Leadership and Promotion Event that was held this past weekend where the finalists for Minnesota's goodwill ambassador, Princess Kay of the Milky Way, are chosen. I am happy to announce that the dairy farmers of Minnesota will again be represented by twelve dedicated young woman ready to share their passion for the dairy community. 

Introducing the 2017 finalists:

• Emily Annexstad, 19, St. Peter, daughter of Rolf and Jean Annexstad, and representing Nicollet County;
• Anna Broll, 19, Chaska, daughter of Dan and Kathie Broll, and representing Carver County;
• Shelby Campbell, 19, Maple Lake, daughter of LeRoy Campbell and Donna Decker, and representing Wright County;
• Gina Holdvogt, 19, Freeport, daughter of Alvin and Bernie Holdvogt, and representing Stearns County;
• Abby Hopp, 19, Chatfield, daughter of Doug and Heather Hopp, and representing Fillmore County;
• Madelin Lindahl, 20, Lindstrom, daughter of Kevin and Tara Lindahl, and representing Chisago County;
• Quinci Scherber, 23, Rogers, daughter of John and Staci Scherber, and representing Hennepin County;
• Rebecca Schubert, 18, Rice, daughter of Natalie and Jerome Schubert, and representing Benton County;
• Margaret Socha, 18, Corcoran, daughter of Michael and Donna Socha, and representing Wright County;
• Samantha Traxler, 18, Cleveland, daughter of Brian and Patty Pettis, and Brian and Heather Traxler, and representing Le Sueur County;
• Ashley Warren, 19, Watkins, daughter of John and Carol Warren, and representing Meeker County; and
• Jessaca Zuidema, 19, Blomkest, daughter of Jan and Jolene Zuidema, and representing Kandiyohi County.

Gone, But Not Forgotten 2015

2015 Top Ten Most Viewed Blog Posts

My Barnyard View

10. 100 Reasons To Love Dairy - 2015 marks National Dairy Council's 100th year! Here are my top 10 reasons I am in love with any, and all things dairy...

9. Earth Day Is Everyday -
My family and I live by the motto, “Leave this world a little better than you found it”. We became farmers because...

8. It's About Time - Tator Tot hotdish -
For some reason Minnesotans are associated with hotdish, or to those of you non-Minnesotans...casseroles. I had never made Tater Tot Hotdish before. It's about time!

7. "Never A Dull Moment" Dinner - "Never a dull moment." If our family had a motto, this would be it! Fortunately, my family and I thrive on being busy...

6. #FarmLikeAGirl - Of course when you are farmers it is impossible to call your boss and declare a sick day, and you certainly can't just roll over and  pull the blankets over your head pretending this day is not happening...

5. Coming Soon...Princess Kay Of The Milky Way! - This is a fun, exciting and nail-biting weekend for dozens of young ladies from Minnesota...

4. A Day In The Life Of Princess Kay - One of my duties as Minnesota Dairy Princess Coordinator is to chaperone Princess Kay and the eleven princess finalists at the Minnesota State Fair, so from August 26th to September 8th, I packed my bags and moved from the farm to a hotel near the state fair to spend morning, noon, and night with 12 of the best Minnesota farm girls I know!

3. 12 Good Reasons - On July 1st I was contracted by Midwest Dairy Association to be the new Minnesota Dairy Princess Coordinator. So what does this mean?

2. Christmas Cookies And Holiday Hearts - Of course, being dairy farmers, butter made its way into nearly every cookie recipe! Dairy farmer, or not- there is nothing better than the flavor of butter in baked goods. I'm sure Santa would agree, and who knows Christmas cookies better than Santa?

1. G Is For Giveaway - It’s more than a cookbook. It’s a way for each of us to learn where our food comes from and the dairy farm families around the nation that make milk, cheese, butter, yogurt, and all our other favorite dairy foods possible.

When I began writing My Barnyard View I thought, "I'll try blogging and see how it goes." Nearly four years later I have you to thank. Without your encouragement, support, comments, and blog topic suggestions, I wouldn't be sharing our story about the farm life we love. Thanks from the bottom of my heart!

12 Good Reasons

I bet you're thinking, "Sure! Jan blogs like crazy everyday during June Dairy Month, and then BAM! nothing much for July." Well, you are partly right. I haven't been blogging, but I have been busy! And I have a good reason. Actually, I have 12 good reasons, and here they are.

On July 1st I was contracted by Midwest Dairy Association to be the new Minnesota Dairy Princess Coordinator. So what does this mean? The young ladies you see pictured here are the finalists for Princess Kay of the Milky Way.

Princess Kay is Minnesota's dairy ambassador, and a new one is crowned each August, on the eve of the Minnesota State Fair. The selection process began in May with judging and the naming of these 12 finalists. This past weekend the gals met again for orientation in preparation for the upcoming final round of judging that is held in late August.

These events are organized by Cindy, another Minnesota Dairy Princess Coordinator. Once our new Princess Kay is crowned, I move into action! Starting bright and early the morning after coronation, Princess Kay and her court of eleven princesses begin their appearances  at the state fair. It is my responsibility to schedule, chaperone and keep everyone smiling for the 12 days of the fair.

Following the fair, I will be working with Princess Kay on her appearances, speeches and media presentations.
I am beyond thrilled to be associated with the Minnesota princess program. I am a past County Dairy Princess, and a proud mom of a past Princess Kay state finalist. I have seen this program build confidence and poise in hundreds of young ladies in the dairy community, and I am so proud to be a part of it in this new capacity!

The photos seen here were taken at the recent orientation event.

 Riverview Dairy in Morris, MN.