Yesterday was a special day for the Venables - February 11th is the day where we get to celebrate the birthday of none other than our Papa Venable! Well, okay - Papa to my little nieces, Graumpa to my nephews, and Dad to the rest of us. Those of you who know my dad are aware of what a great guy he is. As for the rest of you, you're missing out.My favorite memory of my dad thus far is when I was in the second grade. Mom had to work mornings at the time, so Dad was given the sole responsibility of getting us ready and off to school each morning. And considering there were three of us girls and only one boy, it was essential that he learn how to braid hair. Which he sure did. Every morning was the same scene: with country music videos playing in the background, each girl would get a turn to sit on the chair in the middle of the kitchen. The other girls were each instructed to hold one of the sections of hair required to make the braid. Dad would then take a section of hair from one of us, cross it over one of the other sections, and promptly hand us a new one to momentarily hold. Repeat, repeat, repeat, until - wonder of wonders - a braid appeared. His method may not have been traditional, but it produced surprisingly good braids. Along with certain bragging rights considering I was one of the few girls at school whose dad actually knew how to do it.
My life has been back and forth and up and down, but Dad has always been there to help me make sense of it all. Through four cars, eight moves, and two of my emotional "I don't understand my health benefits" discussions, he still hasn't disowned me. Which is actually quite amazing considering last year's Jetta check engine light fiasco. He's an extremely patient man who's always willing to help out wherever needed. Dad's the guy who not only clears away the two feet of snow in his own driveway, but feels the need to wander down the street with his snow blower and take care of two or three other driveways as he goes. And after that, why not pack the snow blower onto the trailer and go clear out the grandparents' driveways? Yeah, that's him. And for that example I am extremely grateful.
Happy Birthday, Dad!
Punxsutawney Phil says six more weeks of winter. Thanks, Phil.
Ah, Christmas. What a fantastic holiday. Considering all of the twinkly lights to be seen, it's certainly my favorite. Personally, I enjoy listening to Christmas music year round, although others quite obviously don't agree. But since it's now socially acceptable to listen, here's my ever changing holiday 
Sorry, Toby. Now wipe that cheesy grin off your face, uncross your legs, and stop making music.