Sharing and Telling Your Life's Events
Here's all the details...
Enjoy the latest in papers and embellishments already coordinated for you with a $30.00 retail value. Sign up for a 6 month membership and you are guaranteed a kit for only $25.00 a month (plus USPS $5.95 if you want it delivered to your home). Optional "add ons" will be made available and priced accordingly.
New STYLE is released by the 1st of the month thru the newsletter and on the blog. If you see something you don't like or want to skip a month, let us know by the 5th of the month and we'll skip your shipment and extend your membership another month. If you want additional "add ons". please contact us by the 5th of the month. If you especially love a certain item from the current month, and if it is still available, let us know and we can ship it at no additional shipping fee with your next STYLE. The individual item to be charged at the retail price.
Payment is due on the 5th of the month (we keep your credit card on file and charge out at that time). STYLE will be available for pick up no later than the 15th. We'll let you know thru an email notification.
Not sure? Buy "STYLE" at full retail price, enjoy all the goodies and if you want to join the membership, we'll credit the first month of your membership $5.00. Individual kits will be available for retail value on the 16th of the month while supplies last.
If you cancel your membership before the six month term, you will be charged the difference between the membership rate and the retail price for the previous months. Unless cancelled, your membership continues after the six month term and can be cancelled with a 2 week notice prior to the next months release.
Due to the integrity and nature of the product, we do not accept returns unless there is damage from shipment.
If you have additional questions, please contact us at raffiasisters@bresnan.net or call us at (406) 256-0812. You can sign up for the membership in person, over the phone or thru email.
Enjoy your SISTERS STYLE!!!!!
Just got this email from a friend! Loved what it said and thought I might share. COPY AWAY!!!
She can deal with stress and carry heavy burdens. She smiles when she feels like screaming, and she sings when she feels like crying. She cries when she's happy and laughs when she's afraid. Her love is unconditional. There's only one thing wrong with her. She forgets what she's worth! Pass this to every beautiful woman you know. Remind her that she's unique. I love you girl. In twenty five minutes something will make you super happy, But you have to tell your crazy girlfriends you love them.
Doing some late blog post catching us and couldn't pass on this one (plus it is already done and Brad is waiting, full day of farming ahead)
This was a few weeks ago when we BROKE THE RULES AND MADE A QUICK GETAWAY FOR FUN! (doesn't seem to happen very often when we can get EVERYONE, us, the cousin Krafts and the cousin Bergs, to agree it's time for fun) (trust me I had to do some talkin')
On Sunday, Kenadie woke up at 6:00am jumping on her bed -"Happy Water slide Day!"
The laundry room PINTEREST PICTURE PROJECT has officially begun. I decided yesterday afternoon if I didn't dig in, I never would. And just to be "REAL" with the whole before and after pictures I am starting with the TRUE before. Now mind you my laundry room is usually a mess. But after a trip to dad's it tends to be the dumping grounds. And of course since it is "exercise week" (full out irrigating) well not much gets done inside.
NOW I KNOW WE ARE TRULY FRIENDS!!! I can't believe I am actually going to post this picture but let me see if I can explain.
Hmmmm, we have someones sock that didn't make it into the dirty clothes basket (wonder whose that could be) (the towel too).
The dust pan that usually gets at least "tucked" behind the cabinet corner.
The angel food cake pan with a bag of spices hanging out of it that I took to the valley this weekend.
A "SISTERS" bag of tape and goodies for Anna's 4H project.
The IRON ~ also taken to the valley this weekend.
The swiffer pads that never made it back to my shelf.
AM I REALLY SHOWING YOU THIS!
The laundry soap that needs to go in the cute jar!!!! UGHHHHH!!!!
And there is also that bag on top of the cabinet that Lynda gave me a couple of weeks ago that needs gone through (more on this in a moment)
So the first step in the reorganization is to find a more appropriate dumping grounds (ironing board) than the one I am currently using. So after a little negotiating with Anna we did a furniture swap. I took her dresser, she got the one out in the shed ...AND OF COURSE I STILL OWE HER SOMETHING!
I decided this book shelf might be a good switch. I am in desperate need of "BEHIND CLOSED DOOR" furniture.
While this is nothing special to the eye, it is very sweet in my book. We bought this from our previous Pastor before he moved out of Billings. He had made it for his daughter.
how can you not just love that!!!
(those type of things are why I have so much JUNK!!!)
I emptied out the other cabinet and then got side tracked with the bag from Lynda.
Now I know she was "SURE" that this bag was full of MY STUFF. I am guessing she was going through some Idaho stuff and came across it. I did find a bunch of cards and letters from Mom and dad, from back in the college days. Came across this
Did you know that you could take Rodeo club for a credit even if you don't rodeo!!!???
I found this
My itinerary for my musical trip to London. I was in the Boise State Choir and we were chosen to go to England to perform.
Cambridge University Now
and the Cathedral we sang.
Ely Cathedral
I know your going to think I need to go on HOARDERS!
Then I FOUND THIS!!
AND GUESS WHAT. IT'S NOT MINE, HMMMMMM!!!
oh how, I could go on. There is some GOOD gossip in this little journal. Plus a few prom pictures I could bribe with. I did find that she was "SO MAD" a bunch. Hope that is not a sign of what's to come with Anna.
Anyhow!!! The laundry room is now officially messier than before. Best get on it. Stay tuned.
Join us Friday, October 28 - Sunday, October 30 as we have a weekend of fun, home-cooked food (some healthy, some not), old friends, new friends, laughter, more fun and food, classes, give-aways, uninterrupted scrapbooking, and absolutely no responsibilities. Dedicated to spoiling every scrapper with an atmosphere of creativity, relaxation, and a whole lot of fun, we'll be camping at the Big Horn Resort (formerly Wingate) in Billings.
Scrap Camp offers you 3 days and 2 nights of unlimited scrapbooking. That's right, unlimited, we never close the scrapbook room for you to scrap your favorite memories, spend time with your friends, and learn new scrapbooking techniques- all according to your schedule. We guarantee you will have fun "Sisters Style".
Your $150 fee includes Friday dinner, Saturday lunch, Saturday dinner, Sunday Contintenal breakfast, and all the snacks and beverages you can consume. You get access to classes by guest instructor, plenty of space, a creative atmosphere and much, much more. The room is available Friday morning at 9:00 for you to scrap at your leisure. Keep going until Sunday at 4:00. Your registration also entitles you to 10% off your shopping at Sisters (and camp) beginning the Thursday before. Just in time for all the new CHA arrivals. You can't beat that.
Optional classes will be held on Saturday and offered at an additional price. The class descriptions and the schedule will be emailed prior to camp. Class kits are limited so it is a good idea to sign up early. Payment is due at that time. Classes require additional supplies.
Reserve your space early as seating is limited. Half of the $150 fee must be paid at the time of sign up. (Remaining payment to be paid by Monday, October 17 to reserve your space.) Cancellations must be made by 5:00pm Friday, October 21 or your fee will be forfeited. You may register in person, over the phone with a credit card or by email - raffiasisters@bresnan.net.
Located off Zoo drive at Exit 443, the Big Horn Resort is a fabulous facility for our camps providing plenty of space. They are reserving a block of rooms with a special room rate of $99 plus tax. Please call (406) 839-9300 and mention the Sisters Scrap Camp to get the special rate.
For more information or to secure your space, please call (406) 256-0812 or email us at raffiasisters@bresnan.net
The weekend had been planned for sometime. As always, getting everyones schedule together was proved not easy. At the last minute, we decided to leave on Thursday. So thanks to our good buddy, Cheryll, who filled in for us at the last minute, dad, Bob and I headed out that afternoon. Our family had decided to spread Auntie Ber's (April 1st) ashes.
And, true to Stibal form (luckily she understood this) cattle needed to be moved and fences fixed. Jess, Lyn, and Keni met us there after they had spent the week in Big Timber. We got up early Friday morning to trail another bunch of cattle from one side of the valley to the other. It was a beautiful day, and I can't even begin to tell you how awesome the valley looks. It is still so incredibly green. I'll spare you the "trail pictures" for the umpteenth time. We turned into a smaller pasture to rest the cattle for a couple days and then headed for the next job at hand - fencing the river.
Lucky for us, our cousin, Megan came up to stay for the weekend (and since she was chicken to get wet) she was in charge of the camera.
Fencing the Indian Crossing (river) is a yearly chore to keep the cattle from crossing over into the neighbors field. The fence also needs to be made into a watering hole for when the cattle are turned up on the mountain. This year, as with everywhere, the river is still pretty high - making for some nice cool "swimming".
Dad, who's back is always hurting and claims he can barely walk, had to go hunt arrowheads. (His favorite pass time)
This picture made us all just laugh. Bad back???
Love this picture. It is sooooo dad, standing looking over "his valley".
Yes, a storm was brewing the whole time we were working.
Water, steel posts - no worries. Notice the water in the prior pictures. The second we got done the water was as still as could be.
Checked a bit more fence before heading home. Brad and the kids arrived. Great dinner of Indian tacos and then a family drive to find the perfect place to spread Ber's ashes.
Auntie Ber's request was the her ashes be spread over water. Above the house, before the timer starts, there is a handmade headgate where the water that comes down from the mountains is diverted to a couple of different creeks to irrigate our pastures. It has always been a favorite spot of mine. It is tucked away amongst some willows. Most wouldn't even know it is there, but as you get to the gate, the water falls down a series of rocks before pooling and spreading to the separate creeks.
The wild flowers this year are beautiful. And how lucky for us (and I think fateful - Auntie Ber loved picking wild flower while camping,) that the Indian Paint Brush were all around the creek. I admit, I cried my tears early Saturday morning as the boys decided that the spot should have a cross and got to work. When the rest of the family arrived, we headed up the lane and held the service. Her dear friends Pat and Jim helped with the prayers.
We next headed cross the valley and spread the remainder of the ashes in the winding river that goes through our property which happens to be the longest tributary of the Missouri river.
Anna, in true Stibal fashion, had to go find some rocks (a Fred, Auntie Ber, Uncle Chick thing.)
Time for a cousin picture. It used to be that Lynda and I were "the girls". Then Carly and Sarah came along and they were "the girls". Now, "the girls" are Anna and Kenadie. Kinda confusing sometimes.
Also in true Stibal celebration, a lot of food with visiting and reminiscing.
Marlene is the Stibal historian and Seth is eating up the history lesson.
Dad and Uncle Chick doing some catching up.
Dad has to get every minute of arrowhead hunting in that he can.
"The girls" got a bit of face painting time. Two of them were very excited.
The boys had to go check some fence????? ***SURE***
The first time with our self-timer we HAD to have a group picture! (You should have seen Lynda try to play a "Lovely" scrap camp "get everyone to smile" move). Kinda scary.
It was a wonderful day. One that Auntie Ber would have loved.
Brad and Seth headed back to Billings later that afternoon while the rest of us went and got a couple bulls in and changed some water.
Up early Sunday morning to trail the cattle the rest of the way, and to FIX MORE FENCE!!!!
The weekend that held a bit of dread actually turned into a perfect one. The work and the memories are the true life in the valley that we love. Something so special, that keeps our hearts there and reminds us that there is no place like home.
Just got the cutest bags in yesterday. And must admit each time I went to tag them I wrote a different description. (a bit confused on which "re" word to use)
Lots of "re" in the world of decorating right now. I love the fact that people are re-creating and re-purposing. LOVE re-purposed junk for paper crafting> Oh man, I am the saver!!!! So when we saw these cute little bags at market, we fell in love. (Yes, I know I over use the word love ....feel free to suggest anything else.)
Re-cycled gunny sacks and burlap were EVERYWHERE at market.
So did you do it???? Need me to send an invite????
I did fail to mention a couple of problems with PINTEREST the major one being, YOU GET THE WANTS!!! Or should I say, the wants to update and redo. Truth be told my home is at the point where it has some needs. PAINT would be a good place to start, a new couch, THE KITCHEN!!!!
I actually thrive in the fact of rummaging through my mind how everything should be. (and love the fact that pinterest encourages me) With that said, I have decided to start with my laundry room! NEXT WEEK! (on my off again week, between irrigating) And my goal, is for someone to like it sooooo much it gets pinned by someone on PINTEREST!! (ok other than my sister) The laundry room is actually a pretty easy fix. (general cleaning would be a good start). I actually just need to replace some stuff I did when we first added on. I have been waiting for the perfect paper to come into my world to help. And lucky for me I finally found it!!
Lucky for me again, that I worked at Sisters yesterday, (stress) and of course, after cleaning the backroom....got to get a start on my project.
LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE this paper!!! And it will be perfect for my laundry room. (stay tuned next week for an update)
I have also been reading this (new to the store)
I have always felt prairie was a good description for my style... although I think I am a little bright for vintage prairie. At that, still love looking at this wonderfully styled book!
And with that, I have to meet my five minute pinterest quota before I go to work (i have to limit my time!!! SMILE) Hope you get some time today to dream about some updates!
I haven't told you lately but I have a NEW ADDICTION!! And not that I want you to come to the dark side with me but....... (come on it's really fun!!)
So are you PINNING yet???
What!!!???!!! You don't know what I am talking about!!
Only the NEWEST thing in PURE FUN!!!
It's all Janelle and Jaymee's fault! They brought Lynda to the dark side and then of course I had to "join in".
So if you aren't pinning let me introduce you to PINTEREST. Honestly I really don't even know how to explain it to you. Basically it is a virtual collection of your favorite things seen from online photos.
You get to "pin" the photos onto your own board. And how lucky that you can have a MILLION boards. The "pin" has the original location of the picture so you can go to the site and learn all about your pin.
You then have various boards.
You can have a FOOD BOARD....(mine is food glorious food)
Strawberry honey butter. imagine that on fry bread!!
I have SEVERAL boards to meet all my different likes. Next, you find people that have similar tastes. And you "follow" their pins. (just so you can see more great stuff)
Then you add a widget type thing on your computer so when you see a great picture or craft that you want to remember from your favorite blog or website you can "PIN" it to your board so you NEVER FORGET IT!
OK, OK, I know this is VERY confusing, but trust me well worth the effort to check into!
EVERYONE WHO IS COOL IS DOING IT!!! (NO PRESSURE)
So bop on over and ask for an invite (yes, you have to be invited to join the fun) (let me know if you need my help) And be on the look out for my Pinterest Blog days coming ahead!!!!
I have been keeping a secret. And am ready to come clean. I have decided to open another business! (leaving Lyn out on this one, really she doesn't want any part of it!)
Feeling like you need a little exercise workout in your life? Well do I have the new workout for you. (still working on the perfect name) This is what it will look like.
First up early to get the blood pumping ~~say 5:30 (grabbing a quick cup of coffee is optional depending on how ambitious you were getting out of bed)
We start our routine with the
GATED PIPE BEND (let me take a minute to thank my first clients)
form is a must ~~ start with the straight stand
bend ~ bend~
all the way down to the pipe
lean clear over and open the gate, push yourself up to standing position and then move 1 to 2 feet and do it again! (fifty times on this field alone and that's just turning on....another fifty on this field just turning off)
This routine is great for your arm and leg muscles!!!
We also like to encourage in this routine that you carry a bit of extra weight ~~ just to build those muscles
this weight tends to stay with you the entire workout ~ plus a little added bonus of pulling your foot out of the mud which also helps those leg muscles.
You can also purchase the "extra weight" routine where you get to haul straw bales and then put the straw on the rows that are washing over
this routine also is good for upper body strength as you have to shovel wet mud on top of the straw to hold the straw in place.
We also always encourage you to carry your shovel as additional weight. (added weight with wet sticky mud usually occurs)
Our next station is the
IRRIGATING TUBE PUMP
This particular portion of the workout requires several steps.
First there is the " pull the dam".
this requires some great upper body strength as your having to pull the dam with lots of the force of water and dirt that has been piled on to hold the dam. Plus the weight of anything that has silted into the dam.
Next it's the carry the tubes ~ also great for upper body workouts
this task is best done with a partner.
of course this routine brings SMILES IF YOUR "NEW" to the IRRIGATING ROUTINE. The "TOSS THE PIPE" into place is also a good stretching technique.
You next do the "JUMP the DITCH" which is generally full of water so it is extra incentive to jump good as you do not want to land in the middle ~~ there is also some technique involved ~~ one must not land on TOP of the ditch as you may compromise the ditch and cause a wash out....SOMETHING you NEWBIES will be reminded of often.
As we proceed to the full work out, you once again take proper stance. This is a bit different than the "PIPE WORK OUT" you have to have this stance
then bend at the waist
the lower you can get to the ground without bending your knees the more successful the actual end result
then you do the up and down pumping motion ~ that trust me gets those leg muscles working.
You continue this several times and several fields as with the "PIPE WORKOUT"
I will allow an occasional break while you wait for the water to fill in the pipe (where you can even play with Rosie) (she always comes along for the workouts)
during this time we tend to CRANK the radio up so you can listen to the KRAFT'S FAVORITE NEW SONG!
The "SHOVEL IT" routine involves making ditches for the water when the ground looks like this
We can also provide you with the GET YOUR HEART PUMPIN ROUTINE
this particular work out provides little incidences that can get your heart rate up. Included may be the above...crawly things like pulling craw daddies with wiggly legs out of the gated pipe. Occasional fish, both dead and alive being pulled out of the gates and if you want we can arrange for you to help the COUSIN KRAFT'S where they recently had to pull a muskrat from that tiny little hole.....hey this beats the "old laying pipe out" routines that can have skunks involved!!!!
This full body workout session will require 2 to 3 hours of your time....usually more when you are getting started.
You will also be able to purchase the full day package where you go every hour and check to make sure the rows don't wash across. (this routine is more of the shovel, straw section) this session can also include the weed the garden, and work with the 4H calves.
Your workout will start over again at 4:30 ~ 5:00.
This particular section brings on lots of sweat since it is usually the hottest time of the day.
MY NEW WORKOUT ROUTINE does come with a couple of benefits.
You won't have much of an appetite, by the time you get done 8:30 or so your pretty tired to eat.
You can use my VERY OWN HAND SPA TREATMENT
this includes lots of mud cures on your hand that may tend to dry them out a bit so you will need my very own special handmade remedy
The fee will also include all use of equipment
we will provide all the above stuff, plus any boots that may be required
I really see this as a great "MONEY MAKING VENTURE"
I PROMISE BY THE TIME YOU GET DONE WITH THE DAY ~~ EVERY MUSCLE YOU HAVE WILL HURT !!! (plus a few you forgot you had)
And when you need a "LITTLE INCENTIVE TO GET UP AND DO IT AGAIN THE NEXT DAY" well just think of the word
"LIVELYHOOD!!!!"
That should get you UP AND OUT OF BED!!!
I would also be sure to encourage you to "NOT PRACTICE THIS ROUTINE IF YOU RECENTLY HELD A NUT FRY PARTY OVER THE WEEKEND" (it may tend to make the work out NOT SO FUN)
I really do see this as a great "MONEY MAKING VENTURE" with a LOT of potential! I mean think of the money people pay just to go to some DUDE RANCH and pretend to play cowboy. My routine actually comes with a great benefit.
All I need is one or two movie stars to buy in on my new endevour....from there I am sure to make
As long as we are on new and smelly!! (smelly in a good way!!)
Just so happens the you can hope over to Kelly Rae Robert's BLOG today where she is talking about her new stuff (lots of which we just got in). Happy Day Friends!
I swear I must have shot a good fifty fireworks picture and NOT ONE is actually BLOG worthy!!
The 4th was a great day with our annual camp fire breakfast.
Where we actually caught cousin kraft (jake) cooking...trust me, very BLOG WORTHY!!!!
and a sand castle contest by the girls
off to the Laurel parade
where we were SHOCKED that the boys got their squirt guns taken away!!!!! ( a bit extreme but hey, go with it right!!!). Off to Brads sisters for food, fun, and fireworks. A super day!!!!
I pray there never comes a day when I don't have that awe feeling when people still clap when military comes by, and the pride that is felt still in SMALL TOWN AMERICA!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!!
And on a very happy note....
MARKET STUFF ALREADY COMING IN!!!!!!
This new soap is so cool.
Fun Fun Fun!!!
And much more to come tomorrow!!! HAPPY DAY FRIENDS!
Left on Friday afternoon (lyn, keni, anna, me, and bob) and headed to the Valley. (jess and dad left on thur, Brad and Seth stayed home to set water)
Up early Sat to make the trail over to the other side of the Valley
Anna drove Big Red....she was COOOOOLLLLL
(whatever makes them Happy)
The Valley looks incredible...water everywhere and soooo green
When you trail cattle you get going early to beat the heat and stress on the cattle. Even then, they find water, they are in it!!!
not very often you see this when your trailing cattle in the Valley. HMMMMM????!!!!
calves looking good
after the long trail time for some LUNCH....HOLD ON MOM!!!
ahhhhh milk
and a little r and r
and time to find your momma that may have gotten lost during the long trail.
and a little break for the crew and some visiting with the neighbors.
Lyn got her 4th wish and they headed off to Hebgan while we fixed some fence, cleaned up the yard and moved the heifers to another field. Then of course a quick trip home in time for our 4th of July breakfast. You'll have to wait till tomorrow for those pictures. Must be off to work. (tagging new jewels today!!!!!)
But before we left, the old timers of the Valley always had a bet. As you drive over the Monida hill and drive into the Valley the snow accumulates in a couple of spots. The bet would be if the snow would make it till the 4th of July.
it's been a VERY long time since we have seen this!!! It's going to be a good year for the Valley!
I always heard it snowed the day I was born. I always said I came out with a bang. Independence Day baby – ya, that is me. Independent!!! Patriotic!!! The date couldn’t have been more appropriate.
When I think of my birthday, I remember how everyone in the Centennial Valley always went camping. Friends from Idaho came, too, as well as friends of everyone else. Can’t begin to estimate how many. We’d go on the 3rd & leave on the 5th. Rain or shine & it didn’t always shine. Didn’t matter what day of the week they were.
I remember dad complaining because he hated to go camping (too much sleeping on the ground in the Army) & Andrew Forsythe helping mom load stuff in the pickup because dad had suddenly found something else he needed to do. The two mattresses always went in the back of the pickup first, then the picnic table & benches (upside down), the fire grate inside the picnic table, and finally “the grub” box filled with all the dry goods for the two days. This also had the white and red trimmed enamel box (that Lori stole) with the mix & match silverware that mom had painted with red fingernail polish +o+ on for identification purposes. Early on it was tent and tent poles. Then we got fancy & actually got a tent with poles that folded up.
Until the early 80’s when the property was sold, we went up Odell Creek above Lakeview. I remember watermelon and Shasta pop keeping cold in the creek, mosquito spray, walking up the road to the bridge that was washed out and poker games – partying all night. Huge parties!!! Singing around the campfire (John Denver - Country Roads Take Me Home to the place I belong – Centennial Valley, Lima, Montana – Country Roads Take Me Home) and a battery operated 8 track player (with dad doing the shimmy) and the tall grass tromped in the morning from all the dancing. Whiskey was the drink of choice for the parents. Shasta pop for us. Again, there was lots of partying. As we got older, I remember one time that the parents left us and went to Lima for the big dance at the Peat Bar because the band from Roberts was playing. I remember them strolling in around daylight. (When the valley stopped going camping on the 4th, there were a few Peat Bar 4th of July dances I danced at.)
I remember breakfast over the campfire with the huge frying pans and then washing of the silverware with water heated from the fire. Everyone brought salads and fried chicken for lunch on the 4th - tacos for supper on the 3rd.
The actual day of the 4th was the one time of the year that we actually got to go swimming in a swimming pool at Lakeview. We could hardly wait.
Somewhere along the way I got to open some birthday presents & mom drug dad from the poker game to sing Happy Birthday. As I got older we had birthday cake a few days later when we got home. Cake of choice – Angel Food or the Poppyseed cake that Eileen Jones made.
Still to this day, going to be 46 years later, camping is where I want to be on my birthday. (Hebgen Lake the camp of choice).
