20 December 2009 - Sterling Heights, Michigan

Dear Family,


Christmas - Festivities are fast approaching and preparations are in high gear. We have been purchasing and returning and wrapping gifts so that our matter will be organized in time for the birthday celebration. We have enjoyed receiving the Christmas cards and letters from friends and family and we sent the last of our cards. Last night the complete tribe of David & Jana arrived safely after traversing an adversely conditioned road. It did not snow much, but it did leave some treacherous slick spots on the road. They saw many vehicles that had spun off I-94 in Michigan. We are so grateful for their safe arrival – “one less worry”.

Seminary – Since, Michael graduated, we had thought we were finished with Seminary routine, but the ward building was being re-carpeted and the Seminary class met at our home each morning this week. It was good to partake of the enthusiasm of the young people and we hope they found our home a house of learning.

Entertainment – Dad, Mom and Michael really enjoyed the new movies “2012” and “Avatar” at AMC 30. We saw Avatar in IMAX and 3D to enhance the experience. Also, we were entertained by Tyler's 7th grade basketball games on Tuesday and Thursday – they are undefeated so far. Additional “entertainment” was supplied by Ryan, who invited Dad and Michael to paint the walls in his basement. Actually, it turned out quite well considering the level of talent we have obtained. Michael, Dad and Jim were also, “entertained” by the Jeep ignition, which decided to not let the key turn to start the engine. (Another thing on the never ending “to do list”.)

We wish you a very Merry Christmas.

Love y'all, Mom & Dad

13 December 2009 - Sterling Heights, MIchigan

Sunday December 13th 2009

Dear Family,

Michael is home and he is glad to be here, and we are happy to have him here. His flights were delayed almost 8 hours, just in time for the snow to make the roads slick for our drive home.

Most of our time this week was devoted to Ryan & Maureen in support of the family and specially Rex Stuart. Another high priority was finishing the basement enough so the Preston and Jacob could sleep there to make room for Maureen's parents, who came late Thursday night.

Friday, Mom, Dad, and Michael went to see the new inspirational movie “Invictus” about the South African Rugby team and Nelson Mandela. David has got to see this one!

Sunday we attended North Shores Ward for the blessing of Rex Stuart Corless by Ryan assisted by both Grandfathers, Rex and Stuart and Uncles, Jim and Michael. Tyler held the microphone making it completely a family affair. We then rushed back to attend our Ward meetings. After all the church meetings, we went to the Frank's annual Christmas Party where we enjoyed seeing some of the people from the old neighborhood and singing Christmas carols. We went to see Jim and Vanessa and then Ryan and Maureen for few minutes before going home, to give them all the Christmas gifts from the Frank's. Later, (around 10 pm), we stopped at church to take home all the gifts from the Relief Society to the women's shelter so they can be delivered on Monday.

Never a dull moment as we approach Christmas. We hope we can “hold together”, as Grandma says.

Love y'all, Mom & Dad

Sunday 6 December 2009 - Sterling Heights, Michigan

Sunday December 6th

Dear Family,

The Best Gift - The crowning event this week is the arrival of a handsome and healthy little boy to Maureen & Ryan. He was born 4:19 am on Wednesday 2 Dec 2009 and weighed 7 pounds 4 oz and was 20.5” long. Mom & I were privileged to stay with Preston, Jacob and Sophia for a couple of days until Ryan & Maureen brought Rex Stuart Corless home, where he was received with great anticipation, love and care by his siblings. Thanks to Heavenly Father - all is well!

Technical Difficulties - Wednesday we got a new AT&T fiber optic phone, internet and TV, which took about 4 ½ hours to install, so we were not able to take the siblings to visit their brand new brother on the day of his birth. The backup visit plan was to go the next day, but the alternator and battery of the Explorer gave up after 7 years and 94,000+ miles of service; the “Little Red Wagon” had to be hauled to the dealership to be repaired. Since we could not all fit in the Jeep the backup visit plan was scrubbed. Sorry!

Matter Organized - Mom worked hard to get the house, inside and out, to look just right for Christmas. She is so relieved to get that finished and all the storage boxes etc. put away. Once again, the house is clean and in order! We are almost ready to publish the Christmas letter, which summarizes our journeys of 2009. There is still much to be done to complete the preparations, but we have gotten a start and the efforts are proceeding to realize the plan to have everything ready.

We hope all is well with everyone.

Love y'all, Mom & Dad

Welcome Our Latest Grandchild - Rex Stuart Corless

Name: Rex Stuart Corless

Born: 2 December 2009 4:19 a.m.

Executive Producers: Ryan & Maureen Corless

Perfect Design by: Heavenly Father

Weight: 7 pounds 4 oz.

Length: 20.5 inches

Condition: Perfect

Family Atitude: Thankful and happy beyond measure.

29 November 2009 - Sterling Heights, Michigan

Sunday 29th – Sterling Heights, Michigan

Dear Family,

Our journey home from Denver went smoothly. We already miss Ryan, Rachel, Mia and little Lydia, but we enjoy being home and reunited with family back in Michigan.

We baked 18 pies, roasted a 20 pound turkey complete with stuffing and gravy for the Thanksgiving Day feast for 20 people at Jim & Vanessa's home. Besides the families of Jim & Vanessa and Ryan & Maureen, the Stebar and Reihl families joined the celebrations. We called Michael, who was in Idaho, to participate in the “What are you thankful for” session before dinner. It was a great joy for all to be together for the feast, and later play games and just share time with one another.

“Let the spirit of thanksgiving guide and bless your days and nights.” Gordon B. Hinckley (2Nephi 9:52)

The day after - it was difficult to face all the preparatory work and effort ahead of us to get ready for Christmas, but we got started and things will be ready. We are so looking forward to all the children and grandchildren coming to our home to celebrate Christmas with us. We are sure it will be a grand celebration because He, whose birth we celebrate, is great beyond measure. Whatever our celebrations seem to be, he seeks above all, our sincere, thoughtful love for Him and those He came to redeem.

We love y'all,

Mom & Dad

Latest Grandchild - Lydia Hreinson

Lydia Hreinson born 5 Nov 2009

Our 19th Grandchild & 8th Granddaughter

Parents (Exec. Producers): Ryan & Rachel Hreinson

Condition: Celestial

Designed by: Heavenly Father

Family: Filled with Joy

Sunday 22nd November – Denver, Colorado

Dear Family,

More fun in “Adventure Land” this week. Mia took Papa and Nona for adventures to the Children's Museum on Thursday, and to the Aquarium on Friday. She had a great time showing Papa & Nona her favorite things and reminding us how quickly a two year old's attention can change.

Papa took Mia in the backpack for a long walk along “Cherry Creek”, where we saw ducks, crows, a rabbit and prairie dog field. Mia was chattering or singing the whole time. We have been busy with shopping trips, cooking Brazilian Black Beans, a Saturday morning apartment cleaning session and Nona reading books to Mia.

We have enjoyed our time being with Rachel and Ryan and are forward to being home Monday evening.

We love you all,

Mom & Dad