Kay Cawthron said...

MERRY CHRISTMAS to all of our beloved family in Mass. We pray that you will have a Blessed, Wonderful, and Merry Christmas, and a Happy, Healthy 2008. Stay safe, and keep smiling. Love, Aunt Kay and Uncle Jack

December 21, 2007 5:56 AM

Tag Vennard said...

MERRY CHRISTMAS
to everyone at the Vennard Blog. Thanks Marilyn, you did a great thing here!
Let us remember those who are gone from us by making each day count and doing the most good we can for each other, so that we may leave the same happy memories as those before us, Frank, Tom, Bette, Joan.

December 21, 2007 5:39 AM

Rick Sleeper said...

We wish everyone in the Vennard blog family a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season.

Happy Birthday to Patrick Buss(my grandson)who will be 2 years old on the 23rd of December which is also the anniversary of the passing of my Mom who would of been 73 on December 30th.
She would of loved Patrick and Zachgary so so much.

Love, Rick

A Message from Erin

Just an update as to what us Vennards are up to on this end...
I'm 29 now. I've been married for 5 years to Ed. :-) We live in Lowell and have 2 beautiful boys. Nicholas is about to turn 4 in January and Jacob is 3 weeks old. He was our Thanksgiving turkey...born 11-23. He was such a tiny peanut (still is) as he was 5 weeks early. But he's healthy and very alert...and very cute if I do say so myself.

Today is Jesse's birthday (my brother). He's 27. He is living in Nashua with his girlfriend of many years. He does flooring and is in business for himself. He's doing very well.

Dad (Tom) is living in Derry NH with his wife Cathy. He's been not feeling well lately and has visited the doctor but he's doing much better and seems to be getting back to normal. He's working in Hudson at the same place he's worked for 20+ years.

Uncle Dave and Auntie Cindy are living in Lowell also and ironically live very close to us. We are one exit away. Auntie Cindy spoils my boys...:-) They love her.

So that's what's happening here on our end. It's unbelievable how much everyone's grown. I remember Matt & Noah when they were kids and we were begging to play volleyball with all the grown ups at Aunt Joan's cookouts. Time sure does fly. Seeing pictures of them now makes me feel OLD! And Matt's a DOCTOR! That's great!

I have loved getting emails from Aunt Kay (we found each other on a geneology website!) and sharing pictures of my kids with her. It's nice that there's a place where I can say hello to the whole family!

Here are some recent pictures of us that you might enjoy. :-)
I've also come across a couple pictures of my Pepe that I've always loved. So I thought I'd share those too. One of him and one of Jesse and I in the pool in North Chelmsford.

Hope everyone is doing well and that Santa is good to you all!

Love you!
Erin (Vennard) Santamaria

Donna said...
Party Reminder!!

This is your trusty party reminder for Mike's big 5-0(which also doubles as a holiday party-no gifts please)which is this coming Saturday, Dec. 8, from 6:30 on, at our house. Scott is bringing his PA system so wear your dancin' shoes! Please spread the word & come early, stay late!!!
Love,
Donna (djschena@verizon.net)

CONGRATULATIONS to Erin and Ed
Santamaria ( Uncle Tom's granddaughter) on the birth of their 2nd son, Jacob. on Nov 23. How wonderful, love, Aunt Kay Bless you all and have a wonderful Christmas !!!!

A Poem by Lindsey Connell

GRANDMA

She's my blankets
wrapped around me tight
my every prayer
in the middle of the night.

The blowing wind
twirling in my hair
the soft whisper
my every care.

Holy water
cleansing all sins
guiding me through
as my life begins.

She's my power
refusing defeat
my every hope
that can't be beat.

A sunny day
the song of birds
allowing me to smile
when I am lost for words.

Tiny snowflakes
laughter of a child
dimples on my face
a spirit, young and wild.

She's my eyes
helping me decide
every good choice
to make in my life.

A shooting star
learning something new
a musical note
Grandma, I love you.

Loving you forever,
Lindsey

Look Who Stepped Out for Halloween

Peggy took Aunt Lucille to the Westford Town Hall Halloween Party.

From Cindi & Scott

Dear Family,
In keeping with our environmental consciousness(skip the paper; save a
tree) and putting time and energy into fund raising for the "Adopt a
Teen" program I organize at Tyngsborough High, we will not be sending
Christmas cards this year.
We wish everyone a happy and healthy 2008 and may peace be with all of
you and your extended family. We look forward to keeping in touch with
this blog and praise Marilyn for keeping the family connected.
Love,
Cindi and Scott


P.S.
To everyone who knows my mom, Hilda, she just had her 86th birthday and
is still going strong; living alone and driving too! We have lunch
every Friday together and I take her shopping after. Her and her boyfriend
Francis have just celebrated their 20th anniversary together! Can you
imagine? He is great company for her and when Mama is happy, everyone
is happy!

Happy Fall everyone!
I thought I would share a picture of Lindsey. She is a freshman at Syracuse University and is playing lacrosse for the school. Scott and I have traveled in mom and dad's old van (the tan one) to Princeton, NJ and Cornell U in NY to see her play. What fun we have tailgating with all the girls; 30 of them and the parents!
It is as though someone sprinkled her with euphoria powder; she really loves the school, and her teammates.
Ryan is also doing well and trying to chose a route to take upon graduation in 08'. It is final that he will have his degree in finance with two minors; one in economics and one in international business.
Whoever said, "When your kids are happy, mama is happy" was a very wise person.
Thanks to the family for keeping up all the information here. It is a wonderful way to keep in touch.
Much love,
Cindi




Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. People come into our lives for a reason, a season, or a lifetime. Embrace all equally
~author unknown~

Back row: Jason, Nathan, Tony
Front row: Shannon, Jacob, Caden, Margie

Sally & John with their two children, John & Bethany last Christmas.

John and his sister, Bethany, (John and Sally's two children).

Margie and Tony's family. Daughter Shannon holding her youngest, Lucas, Jason, Nathaniel, Jacob and Caden (Shannon and Chad's other two sons)

Uncle Jack and Jacob, Shannon and Chad's son. (Margie and Tony's grandson) He likes the Yankees (:

From Aunt Kay and Uncle Jack

Steve and Donna's two daughters, Laura and Heather. Laura is a Senior at George Mason U. and Heather is a second year Law Student at Appalachia Law School.

I believe that this is Aunt Kay and Uncle Jacks grandson, John Cawthrone.

DONNA SCHENA SAID...

Hi Everyone!

Just wanted to get the word out about Mike's big 5-0 birthday party. I mentioned it at the cookout, but hadn't set the date...It's going to be Saturday, December 8th, (which happens to be his actual birthday)at our house. Still working on the details, but thinking to begin early evening & going till LATE! (Although late becomes subjective at 50,ha ha) There will be dancing (and ping-pong) in the garage (w/heat of course)if we get enough bodies here, so should be a fun time. Please, no presents, just your presence is all that will be needed. Please extend the invite to your family members who may not visit this blog. Any questions can be emailed to me djschena@verizon.net (or just posted)

Looks like we will soon be empty nesters as well. Dan signed a P&S for a house in Lowell yesterday. If all goes well, he may close on Oct. 26th. Angie is getting closer with hers too, maybe she'll be in by the holidays. My dad is working every day at her house, and I mean WORKING! He is really putting alot into it, physically and knowledge wise, with his suggestions, etc. Scott is also lending his expertise. There is so much love going into that house it brings a tear to the eye!
Sounds like you are all doing well by the previous posts...hope it continues!
Meanwhile....save the date & hope to see everyone.
much love,
Donna

October 15, 2007 5:43 AM

A Message from Aunt Kay

thank you for creating this Blog, Marilyn. It is like reading a Vennard newspaper, and is very enjoyable. I'm so happy for you and Moe having such wonderful sons, and being the parents of a young Doctor. CONGRATULATIONS !!! We're happy to hear about Rick and Laurie's daughter ( her sling- free arm ), and also Jimmy. I know Betty would be proud of him . Tag's baby granddaughter is so cute and precious, I know Lucille will spoil her:) CONGRATULATIONS, TAG !! Take Care everyone !! GO RED SOX!!

October 10, 2007 5:31 PM

FROM TAG

Monday, October 8, 2007
WENDY needs a car
hey anyone knows of a decent car for $1K my daughter Wendy is looking for one.
love you guys
Tag

Posted by tag vennard at 5:11 PM

Auntie Theresa's Grandkids/Great Grand Daughter

Standing: Noah, Matt, Joseph, Jared
Middle: Auntie Theresa, Marissa
Front: Kylie, Summer, Madison
(If you click on the photo it will enlarge and you can see it better.)

From Rick and Laurie

Mandi is finally sling free!!! YEAH
She saw the doctor on Monday and he said she could take the sling off for good. He wants her to wait four more weeks before starting therapy, she can use her arm for everyday things but that is it.


Jimmy has graduated to the next level in his program and has been sober for 8 months. Rick and I went to his ceremony and he is doing excellent lets all pray for his recovery.

HAPPY FALL TO YOU ALL!!

Laurie

Where is Everybody?

I noticed that we haven't had any news from anyone for quite a while, and I'm thinking that it's because we just don't know how to post something, so this is what to do if you want to post your news.

1. If you have a Google account, you should be able to sign-in and post your message.
2. If not, do one of these two things.
-Click on the word 'comments' under any of the current posts, write your message, and I will copy and paste it to a post for you.
-Or you can e-mail to me your message and I will put it on as a post. manystrz@yahoo.com

Okay, so no excuses, now. Let's hear what's going on in your life.

Moe and I managed to get Matthew off to California without incident. He just loves his new surroundings, job, apartment, new friends, etc. And Noah is back in NY, nose to the grindstone. They miss each other- it's good to have a buddy.
So, now, we just enjoy each others company in the empty nest.
Later,
Marilyn

P.S. Send me dates of interest: i.e. birthdays, anniversaries, etc.

From Tag

tag vennard said...
Thursday, August 30, 2007
Emily Christesen-Naylor

I am trying to put up a picture of our granddaughter. hope it works.If it doesnt come up here look for my own blog at this site, because im pretty clueless about all this stuff!
Congratulations to all the family members that are getting older- Donnie and Marianne! (glad Im not getting any older!) Peg vennard is Sept 18 and Lucille Vennard is Sept 25th.
Congratulations to all the doctors in the family!
Best of health to everyone who needs healing.
and thank you Marilyn for starting this site.
love and peace
Tag

September 1, 2007 2:08 P

Rick and Laurie Sleeper Said......

Mandi is doing remarkably well. She always amazes me anyways. She has been in so much pain since last March so to have all that dislocation pain be gone is a huge relief for her. She still has some discomfort and is uncomfortable sleeping. She will be wearing her sling and pillow until October 1st.

Kristy and Gary's wedding was a blast, hottest day of the year but other than that we all has fun. Kristy was a beautiful bride and her Gary are very happy. Thank you to all who came and shared with us. Aunt Theresa you are the Best!! We always love to see you.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY MARIANNE WE LOVE YOU!!!

August 29, 2007 4:32 AM

Mandi's Surgery Went Well

I spoke with Rick on Sunday and he said that Mandi's surgery went well. She was in quite a lot of pain for the first few days, though. Laurie will most likely give us more details when she can, but I just wanted to let you know that she is resting comfortably. And looking forward(?) to physical therapy.
Later y'all,
Marilyn

News from the Tremblays

As most of you know by now, Matthew defended his thesis on July 24th and earned his PhD in Chemistry at Columbia University. It goes without saying, that we are all very proud of him. To celebrate his achievement, and to wish him well as he heads out to San Diego for 3 years, we are having a party on September 8th from 1pm to 9pm at our house, 76 West St, Pepperell. We would love to have you all join us. I know there are some people who won't be able to make it because they are going to see Jimmy Buffit that day (Rick, Laurie, Marianne and Brown). Have fun you guys-you will be missed.
Please pass this invite along to your siblings who may not read this blog. If anyone needs directions, give me a holler at 978.433.9262.
Anxious to see you all again.
Love,
Marilyn

From Cindi Connell

cindi connell said...
Most people have heard jokes about mother in laws. Countless comedians have used this theme for years as the basis of much sarcasm and ridicule. If they had my mother in law, Joan, they would not have material for those jokes.Joan was the epitome of goodness. She exuberated warmth and kindness to everyone around her. Whenever I stopped for visits, she would say, "There's my Cin!" "Howa do...in?" When I entered the room, I knew she cared about me. I cannot say a negative thing about my mom. She really loved me and made me feel special all the time. Whenever her and I and Donna and Sandy would go for lunch, she would say, "I'm here with my three beautiful daughters." I really could not have felt more loved or accepted by anyone than her.
Lindsey and Ryan really benefited tremendously by knowing Gramma. She lived for her grandchildren and not only taught them numerous lessons on life, but how to love music, and love each other. How fortunate my children are for having lived on a street with their grandparents, cousins and aunts and uncles! Every child should be so lucky.
No one will ever replace my mom. She is in my heart forever. Every time I hear a song, or I am going shopping, I reach for the phone to call her. I cannot call her today, but I can carry around her message of love and kindness to everyone I see, just as she did for me. I think this is the best way to honor her; is to live life as graciously as she did. So why did I dance all day at Donna’s cookout? Because she always told me, “Go out and have fun!” That is what I did. Thank you Joan, my mom. You are the wind beneath my wings....loving you always,your third daughter Cindi

August 15, 2007 7:28 AM

From Donna

Donna Schena said...
Thanks to all who came to the cookout Saturday. I had a great time. It's really hard to get to talk to everyone and enjoy the music at the same time, but it's so much fun!! I know some had concerns about how they might feel, but the feedback I got back was a "feelgood" one. Just what Mom would have ordered! I feel so fortunate to be able to hold on to her optimism, and positive outlook that she exuded, and keep her with me, and let the music play on!!!! I can feel her joy and can see it in all of us when we are enjoying our lives, which she always urged us to do. I'm so glad we had such a good turnout & hope to continue on....
Yaay for Tag. I'm sure you'll enjoy being a Grampa! Also, I'll be thinking of Mandi & hoping for success this time!
Again, it meant so much to me to continue on what Mom had started & thank you all for helping. Also, thanks to Marilyn for creating this way of keeping in touch. Till next time....
Donna

August 9, 2007 6:02 AM

From Rick and Laurie

Congratulation's Pepe!! Little Emily is very cute I saw the picture on Saturday. Being a grandparent is so much fun, Rick and I just love to have the boys over. We had a great time at Donna's we always love to see everyone.

Mandi is having shoulder surgery # 5 on the 16th she will be having her Latissimus tendon released and lengthened and a posterior capsular shift. This is the first time the doctor will perform this type of surgery so they video taped Mandi today showing her range of motion and will video tape her after she is better. They want it all documented for future patients. Its sounds a little scarey. Let's all pray for her to be pain free. Talk to you all soon. Laurie

August 7, 2007 6:22 PM

Tag is a GRAMPA

tag vennard said...

In case you vennards haven't heard, my oldest stepson became a father thursday night to a beautiful girl named Emily. so that makes MY mother (Lucille Vennard) a (step)GREAT GRANDMA! since the family is french I am officially a Pepe!
we will post pics very soon.
love to all the vennards
ALSO had a great time at Donna's cookout saturday.
Love, Tag

August 5, 2007 7:43 PM

Welcome to Our Family Blog

As I get older, and watch my aunts and uncles and parents (and some friends) pass on and watch the children grow up, I realize how important it is to keep in touch with each other. We go far too long before we catch up. Luckily, thanks to Nana, we were blessed with a close, loving family and I have created this Blog to help us stay in touch and update what's happening in each of our lives. (Sort of like the 'infamous Christmas letter', only you don't have to wait until Christmas.) Good news, bad news, no news-just to say Hi to everyone.
If you have an account with Google, you need only to sign in and you can post your message. If you do not have an account, you can sign up for one-it's free and easy. I will get the web address and post it for you.
You can leave your comments on any of the posts by clicking on the comments under each blog.
I hope that we can use this on a weekly basis, I know my mother and Aunt Kay would love to be reading about what is happening in all of your lives.
Later,
Marilyn