It's Begining to look a lot like Christmas

It started snowing this morning. Chilly too. My most current excuse for not attempting to finish with the lights. (I have gotten the two boxwoods finished & 1/3 of the Magnolia tree).
Trying to finish things up around the home. I got the tree done. I let the dogs see it & Bandit got a little too excited... He won't be allowed back in the living room until after the tree is down.

Our Tree this year, is a mismatch of new and old. It has a lot of old hand-made from the girls, Precious Moments, their favorite hallmarks over the years, as well as this & that's we have collected. The girls use to have their own tree in their bonus room that was always very fun. I have done all home-made, and I have done all white or other themes.

My old glass ornaments go in a fishbowl on the coffee table.  I wish I had thought of this years ago as many have not survived children & cats. Here they are safe and I can see them well.

The mantel is coming along. I love the old Tonka truck that was Sergio's sitting on the hearth. I also love catching him smile at it.

A gathering of Santas. I do love them. In different styles and vintage as well as new.  The two old ones in the center belonged to my Grandmother Peggy & maybe Grandmother Noel prior to that. The one with a light bulb in his nose is so frail.  I never plug it in as the cord is older than I! I remember my parents sitting hit up on the bar when I was young.

Finally the good stuff.  The best Christmas decorations, the ones that I will never part with.  The precious goodies my babies made. These are my favorites.  Some have permanent spot, displayed through out the year.

My dear Blogger friend Linda over at Over the Fence inspired me to share a little of my Christmas cheer. I love how she gives us glimpses. It's like sharing a cup of coffee while enjoying her Christmas cheer.

I still have a ways to go.  But, getting there gradually.

Got some great music on too.  I am playing my friend Brooke's playlist from  Brookie's Cookie Jar . She also has a lovely Blog and always great jams. Gosh... so grateful for my Bloggy Buddies!
One more picture for you...
This is my bed last night @ 2am. Im am actually squeezed in between the cat & dogs, with the rest of me up the pillow side.  With Sergio out of town on business, four of the 6 critters that live with us, like to keep me warm at night!

Love to all♥

rejection

Today I found a quote that my daughter use to have posted on her MySpace page. I can't find where it originated, who wrote it, or the exact wording, but it goes something like this:

 "appreciate those who hurt you, because they have made you stronger...

 appreciate those who have deceived you, because they have improved your wisdom...

 appreciate those who slander you, because they improve your personality...

 appreciate those who abandon you, because they teach you to be independent."

Ironic that I found this today.
I have embraced this day, but it has been a little harsh to me.

I tackled putting the Christmas lights up.  Or should I say I attempted. I have learned that it is NOT a good ideal to climb a tree to get lights in it.  The wind and the tree, even the hateful little ladder, played with me and I nearly fell out.  Luckily, I still have quick reflexes.  I also found there is a reason you should have someone steadying a ladder when you climb up to high places to nail a wreath into the house.  Needless to say, I have not completed my task, and have a much higher respect for Sergio who has taken care of this for many years.  I get why he is always trying to find low ideas instead of outlining the house.
My pride was slightly bruised that I could not accomplish this task and surprise Sergio with a well done light spectacular display. HA! I got two boxwood bushes complete, half the Magnolia Tree, and the wreath hung. Rain for the next two days, then I will attempt to finish...

I continue to search diligently for a job.
I am sending out four to seven resumes and applications per week. It is draining. What's worst is I haven't had a single interview.  Today, I got, not one, two, or three, but four Rejection Letters. They are very nice, all say the same thing..."Thank you very much.... we value your interest and qualifications... however, we are pursuing other candidates... we encourage you to continue to seek out future opportunities within our company..."
I seem to have a few strikes against me.  The two most damaging appear to be the lack of a college degree and my age.  The fact that I refuse to take less than my last employment isn't helping.  (Although that was considerably lower than previous salaries.) It is so freaking discouraging! 
I am praying a lot.
I am networking.
I am trying to appreciate this time and get things done that I haven't been able to do (like Christmas lights). I just want to feel like I am contributing more to our household. I want to feel needed and appreciated in the workforce.
The quote somehow connects me to my feeling of rejection and or abandonment from employees.  I know that if they would set an interview, I could get the job.  I have never been turned down from an interview. It's just getting the interview that I need to do!