31 things I’m grateful for in December

photo by Shandy Mikkelsen

1. Neighbors to the rescue when I ran out of baking ingredients

2. Attending the Iowa vs. Iowa State women’s basketball game with Rooney and several of her friends (go Cyclones!)

3. A much-needed haircut for Rooney

4. At-home COVID tests

5. Finch’s obsession with Star Wars

6. COVID boosters

7. A cozy new sweater (size down two sizes!)

8. Receiving Christmas cards

9. Watching Rooney play volleyball and how she smiles when she is proud of herself

10. Walgreens curbside pickup

11. Negative COVID tests

12. Volunteering with friends

13. A safe basement to retreat to during storms

14. Sudafed

15. Staying on budget for Christmas gifts

16. The kids’ excitement for Christmas

17. A Christmas nap

18. Solo Stove

19. Encanto

20. Christmas sugar cookie decorating kit

21. When the Christmas spirit finally hit

22. Breakfast with friends who live too far away

23. Rooney’s new zebra carpet

24. Tassel trees

25. New bedroom window blind

26. ColorKu

27. A very moving Christmas Eve church service

28. High School Musical: The Musical: The Series

29. Sharpie roller pens

30. Finch being officially fully vaccinated

31. Rooney getting her second COVID shot