When Hannah Neeleman entered the Mrs. Utah pageant, she made a promise to her mom: If she won, she would milk the cow in her crown.
Hannah is a rancher’s wife and an amazing mother to a brood of darling children. So when she won the pageant, she came “running home” to her family and their farm. And she kept her promise.
This incredible scene is only the latest in a series of unlikely events that could only have been written by the hand of God.
Hannah’s is the classic story: City girl goes country and becomes a pig rancher, mountain farmer, sourdough connoisseur, and lover of all things dairy cows. Jokes aside, Hannah’s story is nothing short of inspiring.
It all started when Hannah discovered her passion for ballet. She moved to New York City as a young woman to study dance at the world-famous Juilliard School for the performing arts.
That’s where she met Daniel Neeleman, who wanted to be a farmer. They were almost a missed connection, but Hannah described on her popular Instagram account how “angels” helped “put her back on course.”
His dream of being a pig farmer came true, although not immediately. The young couple lived in the city and had 4 children under age 5 when they finally bought a farm. Hannah reminisces on her Instagram,
Their ranch is called Ballerina Farm, and they’re building a beautiful life there. Hannah posts stunning pictures of their farm as well as delightful content about family life, babies, pregnancy, marriage, favorite recipes, and farm animals.
The glitz and glam of the pageant was certainly a change of pace for Hannah. It seems the pageant judges felt the same way about her. She wrote,
After her win, Hannah began preparing to enter the Mrs. America pageant. But this time, she wasn’t leaving all the kids at home with Daniel. She brought a little stowaway with her: baby number 7, with whom she was newly pregnant.
The Neeleman family is growing along with their ranch, and it’s a joy to see. Whenever you need some inspiration and joy, take a minute to enjoy Hannah’s writings about raising a big family on a mountain farm. Her enthusiasm and contentment are always inspiring, with or without the pageant crown.
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