More Returns

Tonight, all of the Polloks officially returned to their small group at church for the first time. Liza has been several times, I've been a couple of times, but the four of us have not been together since before Liza's surgery. It was a big deal for us to get back to some of the best friends we have.

Yesterday we had a wonderful time as a family. I went and picked up a tree in the morning and we got all of the decorations down out of the attic. The kids loved going through the boxes and putting all of the ornaments on the tree. It was a ton of fun for them.

The best part for me was putting up the manger. We have been telling them the story of Jesus' birthday but it was fascinating to see them "take in" the manger scene. Izzy keeps going and stealing baby Jesus. Today she blew his nose because he had "boogers." We're trying to find new and creative ways to make Christmas about the Lord for our kids, about giving, about worship, about the story. It's quite the adventure being a parent.

Liza did more physical therapy today and has been in some pain ever since. She's definitely not getting an "enjoyable" massage when she goes to massage therapy, lest anyone misunderstand. Her therapist spent almost two hours today working on her neck with hot rocks and deep tissue massage. That is not a pleasant thing for a neck in Liza's condition. And she's got several more lined up for this week. We'll stay in touch.