We have an announcement.....

OH HEY..   you know.... just say HELLO......

To our newest member of 

YOUR SISTER CIRCLE!!

KA-BLAM!!!

This little glorious gem is our latest project!! This Ranch House and Barn are right next to the cabin where we have been holding Cuzins Kamp in Idaho for the last 5 years...and now....we have our very own space!! 

We are SO excited about this.

We are getting ready to slowly start redesign and makeover projects...and its gonna be so much fun!!

We are planning SISTER ROOM DESIGN WARS and lots and lots of CRAFTING!! 

There are 11 rooms between the Ranch House and Barn (we will be posting and revealing ALL on this blog of course!!) Including kitchens and bathrooms! 

Can't you imagine the FUN TIMES!!????

SISTERS......
DO YOU KNOW WHAT THIS MEANS???

*

It means....

YOUR SISTER CIRCLE RETREATS ARE COMING!!!

(did you just die!?)

Our goal is to have this Ranch House and Barn become a place where family's can come and have quality family time together.... #familyiseverything.... 

even come here for your

OWN Cuzins Kamp....Your Sister Circle Style!!! 

Also a place for SISSY time....reunions.... vacations... conferences.... snowmobiling..... weddings.... 4-wheeling.... blah blah blah..... you get the idea. And it will ALL BE AVAILABLE TO YOU!!

If we told you the story of how this came to be.... you probably wouldn't even believe it. But it was MEANT TO BE...and we are so truly blessed and so truly thankful.

Obviously there will be more info coming... and it will take some time to get things up to quality.

(It is available now we just haven't started any of the upgrades including the website)

www.bearlakeranchhouse.com

We are so excited to share this journey with you.... 

Just imagine the possibilities!!

OUR HOME IS YOUR HOME!!

Hugs times five!!!!

SISSY HIGHLIGHTS!!!

OOOOOO...We just love Fridays!!!

We LOVE LOVE LOVE getting these emails back from sisters and reading about them....

And boy do we have 2 hot potatoes for you today!! WOWSIES!!

First up!!

MISS NATALIE!!!!

What is your full name?

Natalie Best Steed

What is your Instagram user name?

@nsteed_bestimpressionsphotog

Where do you live?

I live in Syracuse, Utah - but I was raised in the lovely Midwest - Iowa. I recently got to take my whole family back to my hometown to see my old stomping grounds!

What is your favorite treat?

I love anything with caramel in it...or chocolate....or... well, I like all treats..(why leave any of them out!) {agreed}

A homemade soft cookie with a glass of cold milk will get me anytime.

What is your favorite color?

Every shade of blue and kelly green

Tell us one of your unique talents?

Its easy to get shy about this one..(why is that??) I really love every different kind of art. I am a photographer and love capturing moments forever with my lens. (I wish my eyes could take pictures sometimes - so many great moments to capture) Also this past year I recaptured my love for painting. I did a lot in high school (but that was many many MANY years ago) My daughters and I have "Watercolor Wednesdays" where we paint together and giggle a lot. It has been so much fun.

What is your favorite quote?

Wow..so hard to pick just one! (I am a quote-a-holic) If ya don't believe me just check out the hundreds I have on my Pinterest board..haha :) Here is one of my favorites from Gordon B Hinckley. (I remember reading his biography several years ago. I took it with me on vacation and couldn't put it down. My family teased me about it - but I have been truly inspired by his diligence, hard work, integrity, and love for the Lord. He has said so many things that have truly inspired me)

“In my ninety-plus years, I have learned a secret. I have learned that when good men and good women face challenges with optimism, things will always work out! Truly, things always work out! Despite how difficult circumstances may look at the moment, those who have faith and move forward with a happy spirit will find that things always work out.”

Tell us one person that inspires you and why?

That is another hard one to narrow down. Of course my family is first in soooo many ways...especially my Husband...He is my absolute ROCK!

Please feel free to tell us anything you feel like sharing!

I love to laugh and make other people laugh too. One of my greatest joys in life is serving others and helping to bring happiness into their lives.

Please give us any feedback or ideas you have for our circle!!

I absolutely love everything you are doing with Your Sister Circle. It is uplifting and inspiring. I would love to meet many of my "sisters" and create some traditions together. Let's have a retreat!!! 

Hmmmm...funny she would say that!!! (insert cheezy grin here...shhhhhhh)

Don't you totes wanna be around her!!! She just makes your heart happy!!! Follow her on Insta...you will be glad you have this SISTER!!

THANKS NATALIE FOR SHARING YOURSELF WITH US!!

WE LOVE YOU!!

OK NEXT NEXT NEXT!!!

Hold on to your hats ladies....

OUR NEXT CONTESTANT...

MISS TAUSHA!!!

What is your full name?

Tausha Hoyt

What is your Instagram user name?

@sassystyleredesign

Where do you live?

West Haven, Utah

What is your favorite treat?

Fresh pineapple and whipped coconut cream (yum) {double yum}

What is your favorite color?

Is it weird it changes? Right now I'm loving clover green and gold.

Tell us one of your unique talents?

I can walk into a room and have in re-decorated, (ie - furniture placement, window treatments, pillows & accessories) in my mind in about 5 minutes. (how weird is that?)

{I'm sure she means HOW AWESOME IS THAT!!}

What is your favorite quote?

No one cares how much you know until they know how much you care.

Tell us one person that inspires you and why?

My little sister. She has 2 darling little girls and a 5 month old. Her 5 month old was recently diagnosed with cystic fibrosis and live disease. Her plate is so full and things are so overwhelming for her, but she has such a positive attitude. She is a light in my life, a true example of strength, hope and love.

If you sisters aren't following her on Insta...DO IT...she has some great crafty crafty posts and is such a fun SISTER TO HAVE!!

THANKS TAUSHA FOR SHARING WITH US!!
WE LOVE YOU!!

HUGS TIMES FIVE TO ALL THE SISSIES!!

Family....

We have a tradition on Monday nights in our home...

It began with President David O. McKay

He taught this:

"No Other Success can Compensate for Failure in the Home..."

President David O. McKay had long emphasized the importance of home and 

family life as the 

source of happiness and the 

surest defense 

against the trials and temptations of modern life. 

He often spoke about the love he felt for his family and the unfailing support he received from his wife, Emma Rae. 

The practice of holding weekly family home evenings 

was strongly reemphasized as a way for parents to 

draw their children closer to them and 

teach them the principles of the gospel.

I remember when we first started having 

Family Home Evenings when the kids were little. One started crying because they couldn't pick the song or pick which treat we were going to eat. I remember lots of tears. But I held on the promises given that if we were to do this.....

We were creating the SUREST DEFENSE against trials and temptations of modern life.....But l also  wanted a 

TIGHT KNIT family! 

I wanted us to feel love and acceptance from each other.

It was never perfect but we had fun trying!

Can I just say how much I love this man!!!

We are celebrating our 25th wedding anniversary here in 2 months!!! 

I have loved EVERY MINUTE OF IT!!

HE is my rock! 

He is my BEST Friend!

Thank you sweetie!:)

Our family is growing....

our daughter, 

Kenzie started a family of her own...

I know that Families are ETERNAL!

 It's worth our every effort to teach them 

Principles of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

That is one of the reasons why I have an easier time sending two of my children on LDS Missions.

Because Families are forever....

they need to let others know of this incredible truth! 

 Sister Watts with her companion

Elder Watts with his Mission President and his wife...

They are out there serving and

 helping families understand that 

they too 

can be

TOGETHER FOREVER!

Its all about family.

It always has been...

and always will be.

Love my sisters! They made growing up ....

interesting.....

fun! 

and we loved each other!

{especially when #1 wasn't chasing me around the yard with a paint brush}

and 

to amazing parents who continue to instill in us the 

POWER of FAMILY!!!!

How many G'pa visits have we had?

Hope they never stop!

Love them!

Hugs x5!!!

we love you all sissies!

Sister Scribble

 

The world is a mirror....we attract NOT what we want,

but what we ARE!

Lead by example. Don't ask for something you wouldn't demand for yourself.

You aren't supposed to.....

I've been struggling lately.... not myself...

So tired....exhausted...and feeling slightly lost... like I lost my purpose.

More tired than I have ever been in my life....am I just getting old? Is there something wrong with me? Hardly any motivation...its been a busy couple of weeks for me and my family...so I sort of attributed it to that....switching back and forth from working nights to having to be awake during the day for family activities.

I was at my parents the other day and Annie stopped by...I was telling her how I was feeling and she said "Do you wanna go to the temple with me and Amie on Tuesday morning?"  My eyes filled with tears and I knew that was exactly where I needed to be. 

Driving over to Brigham this morning...I was praying for answers...for guidance.... 

I literally said to myself  "I'm so tired....I can't do this alone anymore"....and the thought came to my mind instantly....

"You aren't supposed to"

I haven't been relying on Him like I should be. He should be in every thing I do...every thought...every decision.... He makes up the difference. 
But I have to choose to include Him. 

As I continued to drive...I thought back to the last couple of weeks...and being so tired I basically phased Him out of my life... I didn't pray often... I haven't been reading my scriptures... I haven't been doing anything extra to bring Him into my life. I lost my focus.

This picture speaks volumes to me....Look at His face....

Really look at it.

Can you feel the unconditional love?.. the safety...the comfort......the peace. Aren't you just so excited FOR THIS DAY!!!

I'm so thankful for the chance to renew my relationship with Him. That He allows it... that He wants it.

He loves me... and I am enough.

Can't post without a couple sissy pics.

Hugs #3

Building a nest.....

I was sweeping and spraying off my porch this past weekend, and Charlee was asking me 306 questions.

Typical 6 year old stuff.....

She found this birds Nest this past week, and really struggled because she new her grandma LOVES them and collects them, but she really wanted to keep it.

She goes out on the porch and inspects it and holds it, and then gently puts it back.

So as she was helping me clean we had a 15 min conversation about how mother birds make nests. I went on to explain most years the mommies have to go out and build a nest from scratch, from the ground up for their babies. Its alot of work, because of the size of their mouths, don't hold much. So it takes a while.

As I was talking to her my throat started to swell up.......it dawned on me. WOW! This touches close to home.

Re-building-----little by little----from scratch-----a safe place for my babies.

Our new NEST!!!!!

I like to remind myself, the last 3 years do NOT define my life....it was only a small portion of which made the MOST impact. I will not be a victim or dwell. And I don't, but there are always these little moments that STRIKE up and I emotionally remember how LUCKY I am....... 

Reminding myself, where I COULD be and where I currently am!

*SIGH* such a magical relief.

So, now back to re-building the nest.......

.

.

What I didn't share with Charlee is---

THIS time----our nest and home is rebuilt with Superglue, Cement and CHRIST!

When THAT is your foundation, it cannot be moved.

I know people in my family have their agency, my older daughters struggling with some personal things and my {might I add} wonderful husband is inactive, but these things do not make me move what I believe to be true.

There are promises, STRONG powerful promises for me, if I make Christ my center and Christ my foundation.

Like I said, I didn't share this part with Charlee, but she is living it, I am teaching her with my whole heart.

I have such hope for my family!

.

.

Just wanted to share a personal moment I will be recording in my journal with all my SISTERS!

Love you all------

.

.

Sister #5

SISTER HIGHLIGHT!!!

SISSY HIGHLIGHT DAY IS THE BEST!!!

Okay... so totes get a tissue.... CUZ YOU GUYS!!! Just WAIT UNTIL YOU GET TO KNOW THIS AMAZING SISTER!!!

no but seriously get a tissue...

READY???

Say hello to your newest favorite person!

MISS TARA!!!

Well hello there....

What is your full name?

Tara Bigler

What is your Instagram user name?

@taramichelle

Where do you live?

Southern California!!!

What is your favorite treat?

I think I have lots of favorites, but the one I can't resist is CHOCOLATE COVERED CINNAMON BEARS! I don't know why but I just can't stop myself when they are around!

What is your favorite color?

Turquoise (maybe more specifically Aqua, but i love them both...and throw in a little yellow next to that? PERFECT!)

Tell us one of your unique talents?

Why is this a hard question for me? Um, I can play the piano. I love to sing. I can crochet a little bit. I LOOOOVE sign language. {so cool} I am also a pretty good organizer. I love taking pictures.

What is your favorite quote?

I CAN DO HARD THINGS

(Everyone has gone through something that has been horribly difficult for them, and been rocked to their core. -If you think someone has the perfect life...you probably just don't know them well enough!-

During something that happened in my life, that I had no control over, but was the hardest thing I have ever been through, that quote kept me pushing through on the hard days.) 

Tell us one person that inspires you and why?

JUST ONE? My husband...if I had to pick just one. He is amazing. Seriously. I just had to describe his personality for something recently and this is what I wrote: "He is strong, sensitive. He is an outgoing people person. He is easy to talk to, even if you are first meeting him. He is honest & straight forward. He is an amazing, silly Daddy!" But can I also add that he has a huge heart? He is always doing service of some kind...for work or personally. He has a heart of gold and I am so glad I have him for eternity!!

Please feel free to tell us anything you feel like sharing!

Sharing "All about me" just wouldn't be right without mentioning my kids. They own my heart!! I am so blessed to have them both. 

They are both adopted and we are grateful for their loving birth-moms decision to place them in our forever family. 

-I <3 Adoption-

We are also hoping to adopt again, and have been #sharingourlove with children in foster care. We have had 6 beautiful babies in and out of our home in the last year

 (Savannah/Danny/Zeke/Cameron/Rae/Tanner)

It's been hard but I can't even begin to tell you how amazing it has been watching my two "big kids" share their love while we care for these little ones. -It makes me cry- to see my 10 year old daughter hold a newborn as he is detoxing from the drugs his mother took while she was pregnant with him....or my 5 year old son, sings songs to comfort them...it is amazing. My children are amazing!!! 

I think my son has told me with every baby "I hope we get to adopt him/her, because she is so cute and I just love her." And every time a baby does leave, my kids are asking me if the agency has called to have us pick up another baby. (their hearts astound me!) -tears.

Please give us any feedback or ideas you have for our circle!

I love that you guys are doing this together as sisters. As the oldest of 4 girls in my family, I love the unity and strength this shows. As a member of this circle, I love the encouraging and uplifting stories, quotes, and personal experiences shared. As women and sisters we need to do this more, and I love that you guys are!!

Thank you for allowing us to your circle of sisterhood, because I think you are pretty wonderful!!

Is there anyone NOT crying????

Holy mother of pearl can you feel the complete beauty of her heart!!! Phew and WOWSIES!

Thank you Tara for letting us get to know you and your sweet family!!

Follow Tara on Instagram @taramichelle or if you would like to email her... please contact us!

HUGS TIMES FIVE!!

Jesus doesn't grade on a curve...

Hi Ladies! It's Sister #4.

 

As I was pondering on what to blog about the last week or so, It came to me

when I was getting ready for Church on Sunday.

 

Comparing!

 

Why do we compare ourselves to others?

Why do I compare myself to my neighbor?

 

WHO KNOWS!

 

All I know is we do it....

 

We compare our bodies, our hair, houses,

cars, even our children against other siblings.

 

The list could go on and on.

Although I know I am so blessed in my life, I still do it.

 

 

It is an inevitable part of life that we compare.

I believe it can be dangerous still.

 

President Ezra Taft Benson has warned us that “the proud depend upon the world to tell them whether they have value or not. Their self-esteem is determined by where they are judged to be on the ladders of worldly success” (“Beware of Pride,” Ensign, May 1989, p. 6).

 

Isn't that the truth?

 

I was reading a talk by Janet G. Lee.

She made some really great points....

 

We are constantly adding up our scores like we are still in school....

Seeing who gets the most A's.

 

This caught my attention. Whatever we are doing, wherever we see

ourselves on the scale of life, we need to put aside the world's notions

of what we should be and remember,

 “The Lord doesn’t grade on a curve.”

 

 

Elder Marvin J. Ashton said:

"When the Lord measures an individual, He does not take a tape measure around the person’s head to determine his mental capacity, nor his chest to determine his manliness, but He measures the heart as an indicator of the person’s capacity and potential to bless others." [“The Measure of Our Hearts,” Ensign, November 1988, p. 15]

 

To Him we are all A's.

No matter what!

We can even make mistakes and we are still A's.

 

She also said this...

"An equally dangerous practice is giving ourselves an inferior rating. In this instance we often compare our weakest points with everybody else’s strongest ones. If we believe we are at the bottom of the ladder of success, we feel defeated. I remember one afternoon sitting as a family in a sacrament meeting where a talented family performed a beautiful musical number. Each instrument was perfectly tuned and exquisitely played, creating an atmosphere of truly celestial music. At first I listened attentively, but soon a part of me became distracted as my thoughts broke through the Spirit. What kind of mother am I? I should have made our children practice more. Then, glancing at my row of children, I thought: Don’t kid yourself—our gene pool just didn’t produce great musicians. I supposed we could polish the piano keys, carry the instrument cases, or even wheel in the harp. But at that moment, in my very narrow perception, I felt we were among the lowly, and this musical family was surely several rungs up the celestial staircase.

 

 Why do we do that to ourselves? When someone else does something well or owns something we do not have, why do we immediately knock ourselves down a rung or two? Appreciating the abilities and resources of others should lift us, not diminish us in any way.

 

Each of us is loved and valued beyond any earthly means of measuring. The Lord knows our hearts and sees our individual worth."

 

We cannot have every talent and every virtue.

 

We should be happy for people and what they accomplish!

End of story.

 

We are alive!

 We have each other!

 

That's all that matters.

 

Happy Thursday!

 

 

 

 



Sister Scribble

"Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God."

-Matthew 5:9

Our words and deeds are tools of either contention

or harmony. 

Peace begins with you. 

What can you do to bring peace into your life

and the lives of others?

TRUST!

Sister #1 here

I'm coming to a crossroads in my life....

I'm soon to be an empty nester. (echo echo echo)

 and to be honest it's little bit difficult to swallow

 I've known it's been coming for some time

I don't like it.

Well I kinda like it.

But mostly I don't like it.

I know my children will always be in my life...

I get that.  The dynamics will just be different.

  

I haven't been able to have a family picture together

for almost 4 years and it will be at least another 2 years more before that will happen.  Geez!

I've had questions of ......

What will I do next with my life?

What is my purpose now that my children are grown?

What is Heavenly Father's plan for me now?

Where can I make the biggest impact?

What is it that I really want to do?

I'm too young!

I didn't populate the earth enough! 

It IS like a re-inventory of self!

 It's a good thing..right?

but at times you feel like your floundering through the process

Perhaps like the "fake it until you make" it principle.

It's happening whether you like it or not basically.

SO BUCK UP SISTER!  Deal.

As I've watched the last year unfold

and the uncertainties of life were a mystery to me.

I've watched those mysteries unfold before my very eyes

and circumstances present themselves 

like a GIFT!

....and I've been amazed. 

Felt humbled. 

Felt blessed.

There is no doubt in my mind that my Heavenly Father

has a plan for me and my future.

He knows what's best for me.

I have to TRUST that!

I do trust that.

I may not have all the answers right now

but past experience has shown me they will come

eventually and I must be patience with the process.

I have a saying in my office at work that I hang on my wall

"Everything will be okay in the end, 

if it's not okay, it's not yet the end!"

As each day goes by.....

I believe this more and more.

TRUST!

Love you Sisters!  You're true and dear to our hearts!

Sisters #1, Keri