Bark.

If you're headed to a New Year's party and need a last minute snack, bark is the way to go.
It's so yummy and so easy!
My current favorite is Cranberry bark, but I love the Peppermint also.



I use half semi-sweet chocolate chips and half regular almond bark.
The almond bark gives it the body it needs, and the semi-sweet gives it a yummy dark chocolate flavor.

Melt it slowly and carefully, pour it onto wax paper or parchment paper, sprinkle goodies on top.
I love the dried cranberries with it. You could also use dried cherries. And add almonds.
Let it cool, break it into pieces, and you have a perfectly presentable treat to serve at a party!

****
What's your favorite bark topping?

So merry.

I've been on a break from the computer.
No facebook. No twitter. No email. No blogs. Nothing.
Just family, baking, folding laundry, wrapping, napping, watching movies, and snacking.
And it has been sooooo nice!

We went to the Christmas Eve service at church.
Carols, candles, and communion. Beautiful.


After the service, we drove around and looked at Christmas lights.
My kids yell "Squirrel!" every time they see a decorated house. I don't know... they're weirdos. But I like 'em.
And it makes us all laugh.

A certain 10 year old was up at 3am Christmas morning snooping through presents, checking to see if Santa had been here yet.
Cookies and carrots were missing so he had.
And then she went to the computer to check the NORAD Santa tracker. You know, just to be sure.
That's the part where mommy yelled for her to go back to bed.


At 6:30, all three kids were up again, bouncing on mommy and daddy's bed.
I grumbled something about not getting up until the sun was out.
And they told me it was cloudy, so I just couldn't see the sun.
So up we were. Unwrapping, laughing, eating monkey bread.

For all these years, The Man and I have shared a little 4 cup coffee maker.
He makes his pot of coffee, and then I make mine. Unless I go first. Which might have happened once or twice.
This year for Christmas I decided to get him a 12 cup maker.
And guess what? He got me the same thing.
We need to figure out which one is better and take the other back.


The aftermath - And I know my house can't be the only one that looks like this on Christmas morning.


My break is over. Back to emails.
Back to business. Back to reality. But boy was it nice for a few days!!

****
How was your Christmas?

Fingerprint Friday

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God
So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join.

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints. Be sure to link back here so others can find the entire list of participants.
2. After you've posted your blog, sign the Linky below. Have fun exploring the other links as well! Please sign in only if you're participating. Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week.
-------------------


This weekend, rejoice in our King.
Be still, breathe it in, and know that He came for you and me.
It is such an amazing gift.
And he's coming again!

Winter pool party!

Over the weekend while I was still up to my teary eyeballs in jewelry orders, The Boy had a birthday.

The Man planned a pool party. He handed me a list and said, "Call these moms."
So we gathered up The Boy's closest friends for some swimming, hot dogs, cake, games and movies.
At dinner they had a chocolate milk toast for him. They clinked their plastic cups together. So adorable!
His friends are all girls. No idea why. They always have been.


It couldn't be because he's so gorgeous and sweet, that all the girls want to be around him.
I'm not biased or anything...



Look at the feet at the top of this photo.
The Man did a canonball right as I was taking it.



I really only snapped a few photos at the pool. Then I went and soaked in the hot tub for 2 hours.








The Boy is so kind hearted, gorgeous, gentle, creative and funny.
When he grows up he wants to be a teacher - so he can dress in a nice shirt and tie every day.
Or a roller coaster designer - so he can be as creative as he wants.
Or an entertainer - so he can sing and dance and be funny in front of an audience.

I've no idea what he'll be, but he's 9 years old now and has an blindingly bright future ahead of him.

(p.s. I always say it, but if you can plan when your children are born, don't do a December birthday. They're tough!)

What the heck just happened?

Where am I?
What was that tornado that swept through here in November and December?
Y'all, I've never seen anything like that.
Madness. It was pandelerium.
Silliness and craziness too.

Last year I remember saying, "Last year I thought it was so busy and it was nothing compared to this!"

And this year I've been saying, "Last year I thought it was so busy and it was nothing compared to this!"

Insanity. My world has been tipped upside down and backwards the last few weeks.
I am not sure I remember my name.

I do know that I've attended two birthday parties for my two sons. That The Man planned. I just showed up.

I do know that I haven't taken many photos.
I do know that I never mailed Christmas cards. Again.
I do know that coffee is my BFF.
I do know that I can feed a family of 5 for under $14 at Taco Bell.
I do know that I've had unbelievable help this year.
I do know that I didn't cry a single tear until last night. I finally broke.
I do know that every single order has been mailed for Christmas delivery.
I do know that I miss you and your blogs.
I do know that I might sleep for a week straight now.

I do know that my world just got rocked.
I don't know where the picture is for this post.
Oh that's right. I haven't taken any.

Weekend top 10...

Top 10 things I'm thankful for from the past week.

1. caffeine

2. sugar

3. Taco Bell (no, really.)

4. an amazing team of fiercely determined helpers

5. coffee/tea/Diet Dr. Pepper

6. unbelievably kind customers and emails

7. laughter

8. The Man who has become an overnight housewife.

9. online shopping at Target, Old Navy, and Amazon that make my life easier

10. a peace that passes all understanding

What an insane whirlwind it's been here!


p.s. the winner of the last giveaway is cjk photography who said...
My favourite tradition is the beginning of new traditions with my own family. Taking the traditions that my husband loved as a child and the ones that I loved as a child and combining those to create our own version of a magical Christmas for our own children!
Email us at therustedchaininfo@yahoo.com please!
*****
What are a few things your thankful for this weekend?

Fingerprint Friday

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God
So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join.

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints. Be sure to link back here so others can find the entire list of participants.
2. After you've posted your blog, sign the Linky below. Have fun exploring the other links as well! Please sign in only if you're participating. Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week.
-------------------


Obviously this time of year is our busy season.
And we are so incredibly grateful for the massive support this year.
We are shipping hundreds and hundreds of necklaces a week.
Hammering thousands and thousands of letters.
Working late nights.

Would you pray for The Rusted Chain?
Pray that we continue to make wise decisions.
Pray that it grows in the new year.
Pray that the business constantly reflects God. That is the biggest goal.

Thank you so much!

My new favorite word...

Ish.

Yep, ish. Add it to nearly any sentence and it takes the definity out of it.

"I'll be there at 8... ish."


"I'm only 130...ish pounds."




"I made an amazing...ish soup for dinner!"




"Yes, you're child is so cute!...ish."
"Your new hair looks great!...ish."
"Yes, that outfit makes you look skinny...ish."
"You didn't get your birthday card yet? I mailed it yesterday...ish."

*****
Do you have a favorite word?
If you haven't entered the giveaway below, there's still time!
And you also still have time to shop for Christmas delivery! (within the US.)

Elf someone.

This time of year is crazy right?
We're all baking, shopping, decorating, partying, planning, traveling, stressing...

You know what'll take your mind off all that?
To Elf someone.



Surprise someone with a little something just because.
It's really something we should all do more often, but this time of year is perfect for it.

A few days ago I grabbed some "Mommy chocolates" while I was at the store.
Dark Ghirardelli chocolate with toffee bits. The kind moms don't want to share with the kids.
I wrapped a red ribbon around them, attached a little note that said "Merry Christmas from a Secret Elf", and left them on the doorsteps of certain friend's houses while they were gone.
I put their names on it to be clear that it wasn't a gift for the entire family.
Just the mom.



Who wouldn't love a little surprise pick-me-up when we're all so stressed at the holidays?

They didn't know who it was from. I just wanted to put a smile on their faces.
Now, I'm sure they've figured out who did it, because they read my blog.
And they're smart.
Smart people are awesome. So are nice ones.
Elves are nice.

So I dare you: Go Elf someone this week!

****
p.s. We're still shipping orders in time for Christmas! Click here to shop.

Fingerprint Friday

There is a song by Steven Curtis Chapman that says:
I can see the fingerprints of God
When I look at you
I can see the fingerprints of God
And I know its true
You're a masterpiece
That all creation quietly applauds
And you're covered with the fingerprints of God
So look around you and see where YOU can see God's fingerprints. Is it in nature? Kids? Animals? Where do you see them? Here's how to join.

1. Blog with your interpretation of God's fingerprints. Be sure to link back here so others can find the entire list of participants.
2. After you've posted your blog, sign the Linky below. Have fun exploring the other links as well! Please sign in only if you're participating. Hopefully this will make us look at things through fresh eyes throughout the week.
-------------------
Confession: I forgot today was Friday!

So happy Fingerprint Friday to you!
Sincerely,
Braindead Blonde Beki

Feeling the love. {Giveaway!}

Something about this time of year just makes people feel more generous and kind.


I've received the kindest emails lately from many of you.
The other day I received a package of peppermint coffee from one of our buyers. So nice!


We are in the middle of mad Christmas jewelry making. And suddenly our suppliers are not able to keep up with our volume. Yikes.

So the other day, one of my employees grabbed me and said, "We're going to figure this out. Get your coat. We're going to Wichita. My uncle works in a sterling gallery."
We stopped production for the day (which alone is quite scary) and headed out.
Found great answers. Got new ideas. Found metal suppliers that can keep up with us. (YAY!!)
And then she treated me to a cupcake from the best known bakery in town.
I'm pretty sure that cupcake had 8,926 calories in it.
And I had a serious sugar buzz when I was done.

But it was worth it.



We had a local Christmas parade last week. There were carolers on the streets.
My kids were in the parade, which they thought was the coolest thing ever.

And I just love small town America. I say it all the time, I know.
But it's even better around holidays. You see people you know on the street, chat, sip hot cocoa.
It's community at it's best.



We are feeling warm and kind too, and would love to give one of you a $25 gift certificate to TheRustedChain.com.


To enter: Leave a comment telling one of your favorite Christmas traditions.
Blog, Facebook, or tweet about it for additional entries. (leave seperate comments for each of these.)

A little Christmas cheer...

I'm in love with pendant flags right now.
I'm sure you've seen them everywhere too. On cakes, cupcakes, paintings, t-shirts, etc.

I had one in mind that I wanted to make for Christmas.


It's duct tape. Yup! Duct tape!

Did you know they make it in crazy cool patterns now?
What I wanted to do was a banner with alternating black/white zebra tape and red. It would be so spunky and fun!

And wouldn't you know when I went to get the zebra duct tape it was sold out.
I could've picked a leapord or camoflauge (*shudder*) pattern, but I went a little more classic instead.

Red, white, and chrome.


I used twine already on hand, placed sections of duct tape on it in alternating colors, then cut them into triangles.

Mine is about 72" long and took about an hour to make while I was watching HGTV.

If you used ribbon rather than twine, it would be easier to keep them all pointing down in the right direction.
Mine twist and point up and out, but I'm okay with that.

It is so cute and shimmery and easy and cheap.
I like that combo.



****
Would you decoratate with an animal print for Christmas? Or am I crazy?

Four.

Four years ago I blogged in the middle of the night. After polishing my toenails.
While in hard labor.
But I knew it was only a 5 minute drive to the hospital so I waited as long as possible before leaving.


And then a few hours later, The Baby was born. It was my easiest delivery.
No drugs. Very little pain. Easy peasy.

He, however, has not been easy peasy at all. Many of you have followed this blog for a long time and know of his Bad Baby reputation.


Have you ever heard that saying that goes: "I want to be the type of person that when my feet hit the floor each morning, the devil says 'Oh dang! She's up'"?
That's what I think every morning when I hear The Baby's feet patter across our hardwood floors.

"Oh dang. Already?! I'm not sure I'm ready for it!"
Every.Single.Day.
I love him so much. But I'm old and tired and he's... well, he's kind of bad.
In a good sort of way.



Tons of energy. Tons of spunk. Tons of attitude.
He's super into John Deere tractors right now. The Man made the birthday cake, complete with the green "grass" and combine on top.



He got a new Mickey Mouse tent and has been sleeping in it every night now.
But he still ends up in my bed at some point in the middle of the night.
Because he's naughty.
In a good sort of way.



Bad Baby is growing up. Turning very shy. Still loves to make messes.
Has a vivid imagination. Stubborn as a brick wall. Is a miniature version of his daddy. Steals my coffee every day. Eats way too much candy.
Knows how to work those big brown eyes to his advantage.
Gives the best hugs ever.

And he's four.

If you give a kid a camera...

and he's 8 years old... and you finally download the pictures to the computer after a year...
You might see things like:





random pictures of the tv screen.


his sister with whipped cream on her mouth, still sound asleep.


himself, pretending to lay a silly putty egg, and figuring out the self timer.


moving day. (I'm kind of glad this was documented! I didn't take any photos that day.)




the view of himself in the backseat on a roadtrip.


the view out the car window on a rainy day.


a summer photo, in the hammock, of siblings that really love each other.


I love how quirky The Boy is. I love his funny brain.
I love his creativity! And I love seeing his world through his lens!
If you have a kid who's old enough, I definitely recommend getting them a digital camera.