Like many people who have chosen a career in agriculture, my decision was shaped largely by my 4-H experiences.  That’s why I whole-heartedly agreed to share my story as part of the campaign, “My 4-H. My Commitment.”

[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAP_uFXiEJY[/youtube]

The rich experiences I gained through my 11 years as an active 4-H member also made me a life-long supporter of the organization.  I recently finished my third year as a 4-H Foundation Trustee and am happy to remain involved with some of the organization’s marketing and fund-raising efforts including the upcoming My 4-H.  My Commitment. 4-H Gala.

You’re invited to join me for a night in West Des Moines on Feb. 19.  It would be helpful if registrations were made in advance, but you can register at the door.  There are so many great auction items.  Even if you can’t attend in person, you can bid online.

Tomorrow morning, from 9-11 a.m., female corn and soybean producers will be at the West Glen Hy-Vee speaking with shoppers about farming, food production and the products they’re picking up in the store.

It’s part of the Common Ground program – a partnership between the Iowa Soybean Association, Iowa Corn, National Corn Growers Association and the United Soybean Board. The program is based on the idea that those involved in food production need to make farming and food more personal. It’s connecting farmers and consumers to help shoppers understand real families are raising their food, and that they share common values and expectations, instilling more trust in farming and food.

A big thank you to those involved in the program who are helping connect consumers with the real story behind food production.

The West Glen Hy-Vee is located at 1725 Jordan Creek Parkway in West Des Moines Iowa.

Click here to learn more about Common Ground.

There are few things that get my adrenaline going like a good ol’ auction!  As a young 4-Her, I gave my parents a few gray hairs by raising my hand – again and again.  I remember my mom saying, “Do you know for sure that you have enough money in your checking account to cover that ewe?”

Fast forward about 30 years and I still love a good auction … especially one with Coach® purses and week-long vacations to tropical climates!  Today’s technology allows a person to participate in this auction in one of three ways: (1) in person; (2) by sending your bid with someone; or (3) online.  Plus, it all goes to a good cause because proceeds benefit the Iowa 4-H Foundation.  (Side Note:  My husband just loves it when I flash him a smile and say, “It’s going to a great cause, Honey.” LOL.)

The list of auction items is being updated continuously, so be sure to bid early and often.  Bidders will be contacted via e-mail when they’ve been outbid. Online bidding ends at 5 p.m. on Feb. 18. All of the auction items are listed at http://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/news/events/Gala/galauctionindex.htm.

The inaugural 4-H Gala was held last February in Des Moines, and it was a wonderful first-time event.  But honestly, I believe this year’s gala is going to be even better!

I hope you’ll join me in supporting the Iowa 4-H Foundation’s 2^nd annual gala and auction.  Tickets are still available if you’d like to attend in person.  For more information, visit http://www.iowa4hfoundation.org/gala/.

Those who know me, know how much I love to plan a party!  Since Bailey our Black Lab will turn one on February 8, it seems like a perfectly good reason to celebrate.

Honestly, I’m hoping that making a home-made canine cake will inspire my two kids to spend some “quality time” in the kitchen.  (At this point, I’ll use any reason to get them interested in food prep!)

I’ve been told that dog cake recipes are relatively simple, which makes them especially kid-friendly.  They usually don’t involve too many ingredients or complicated steps.  Batches are small, so baking times are minimal.  What’s most appealing to me is that it doesn’t matter what the finished product looks like – a dog will eat it any way.  Best of all, Bailey won’t care that I have yet to perfect my piping skills!

What’s your favorite way to spoil your pet on his or her birthday?  Do you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share with me for a dog cake?