Last night, the Husband, his brother, and his sister left to buy a Christmas tree.  They returned with this monster.

That is one really, really big tree.  I think it’s about eight and a half feet. 

In fact, the tree was so large that our tree stand wouldn’t support it.  So Mr. Tree is living in a bucket for now.  Fortunately, the Husband had an impulse to buy not one but TWO trees – “One for upstairs!” – so we put the smaller one in our base and decorated the little tree last night.  He’s now in the TV room. 

Maybe we’ll get to decorate the big boy tonight. Or maybe he’ll live in his bucket for the next week (odds are high).

Speaking of holiday cheer…

Remember the wonderful organization Headbands of Hope?

Headbands of Hope was created by a college student named Jessica.  For every headband purchased from Headbands of Hope, the organization donates a headband to a girl who has lost her hair after cancer treatment. 

Headbands of Hope and Operation Beautiful have teamed up to create an official Operation Beautiful headband just in time for the holidays.

Being a young girl presents many struggles with self-esteem already and losing their hair as a result of a life-threatening illness is traumatic. Not only do they have to face the risk of losing their lives, they feel that they lose a part of their identity. Headbands are a perfect way for these girls to feel "girly" and have a constant reminder that they’re not alone. Therefore, at Headbands of Hope for every headband purchased, one is given to a girl with cancer and $1 is donated to the St. Baldrick’s Foundation to fund life-saving childhood cancer research.

Jessica and I designed the Operation Beautiful headband to incorporate strong positive messages – Vibrant, Strong, Beautiful, Hope, Courage – on a pretty purple band.  It’s stretchy and soft.  Even Henry likes to wear it.

Spread hope and holiday cheer this season by purchasing your Operation Beautiful headband for $10.85.  Your purchase includes an extra headband, which will be donated directly to a young girl going through cancer treatment.  This is a great gift for friends and coworkers or little sisters and nieces – and an awesome stocking stuffer!

If you’re giving a girl in your life the headband, may I suggest pairing it with the new Operation Beautiful: One Note at a Time book for tweens and teens?  A perfect gift combo!  Thank you for your support! <3

Happy Monday!