September 27th - Sterling Heights, Michigan

Sunday 27th – Sterling Heights, Michigan
Dear Family,
Today Mom was sustained as the Relief Society President of the Sterling Heights Ward. Mom says she is “freaked out” by this new responsibility. However, we all know she will do the best she can to do the Lord's work. Go Mom!

We also had a family party after church with with local family members including Jim & Vanessa and Ryan & Maureen and their tribes. Thanks for the phone calls from family (she even got two from Brazil); it was awesome. Mom really appreciated the heart-felt letters from the family members of USA and Brazil that Dad received and put into a book. The book, also, had some pictures from Mom's childhood with her brothers and sisters. Everyone enjoyed it. Vanessa and Ryan and Samantha read their letters to Mom, which added a special personal touch. She feels “my cup runneth over”... “Thanks to everyone”.

Love y'all,
Mom & Dad

Sunday 20 September 2009 - Sterling Heights

Dear Family,
It has been a sick week.
Family Allergy Alert! After taking Mom to two doctors on Wednesday it was concluded she had an allergic reaction to sulfa. According to Amelita, Vo Gatti had an allergy to sulfa as well. Her symptoms were a prickly red rash from head to toe. Also, the fever and blood tests pointed to a viral infection, but she has dropped the fever for last few days and, thankfully, is feeling fine now. The rash has faded a lot, but she is still taking medicine for awhile. We hope all the sicky stuff is past.

Meanwhile, Suzana is recovering with several signs of improvement from her stroke and aneurism surgery and is staying at Christine's home with 24 hour nurse care. Actually, the lady who watches her during the day remembers Suzana from when they were children. Her mother was a maid at Vo Gatti's home and Suzana , being a little older, watched out for her, bringing her treats and giving her her favorite clothes. She is so happy to be able to help Suzana, saying “Suzana took care of me when we were kids so now it is my turn to do the same for her”. “Cast thy bread upon the waters...” Also, her children have arranged for her, when she is ready, to live in the same condominiums as Christine and Renato so she will always be close. Mom actually talked with Suzana and we are much relived to see the progress she is making.

Saturday, Dad helped Ryan with his basement finishing project by finishing plumbing, wiring the central vacuum system in the basement and helping with the electrical wiring. He enjoyed the pizza for dinner.

Celebration of Ryan's 33rd birthday was held Sunday evening. We attended since Mom's quarantine was over Sunday night. We had a good time getting together with kids and grandbuddies. Next Sunday we are getting together to celebrate Mom's 60th birthday.

We love you all,
Mom & Dad

13 September 2009 - Sterling Heights, Michigan

Dear Family,
Thankfully, we arrived home safely. We left Boise on Tuesday morning and drove to Ogalala, Nebraska that night. Wednesday, we met Stebar's, who were on their way to Utah, in Lexington, Nebraska. It was a short, but good visit. We drove on to Michigan arriving at home about 3:00 am Thursday morning. We accomplished our purpose of getting Michael settled in an apartment and started in school in Utah, and to visit Grandpa Corless in Heyburn and Dan, Lara, Abby, and Sarah in Boise, Idaho. It was great to see everyone.
We hope everyone enjoyed their Labor Day. We celebrated it in Idaho - Dan cooked up some burgers while Abby & Sarah played in playground equipment at Liberty Park in Boise.
Saturday, after a haircut, Dad helped Ryan with the basement finishing project. Both Mom and Dad attended Samantha's soccer game at Delia park.
We enjoyed Stake Conference this week end.
It is great to be back home again.

Love y'all, Mom & Dad

Boise, Idaho - 6 September 2009

Sunday 6th – Boise, Idaho
Dear Family,
We, The travelers, survived the journey from Provo to Boise on Tuesday. On the way, we visited Grandpa Corless and went to Burger King for lunch. It was great joy for us to see Abby and get to know little Sarah, who didn't take long to warm up to us. These two are very active little girls – they keep us all hopping.
Monday, we attended the orientation with Michael and his roommate, Kyle. We, the parents, went to a session with President Richards and were impressed with the facilities. people and educational/learning model, which is very much similar to the “Preach My Gospel”.
Thursday we went to the Zoo, where met up with Dan's mom and step dad. They had finished their assignment as temple workers for the day and joined the tour to the animal exhibits for a couple of hours.
Saturday, Dad, Lara, Abby and Sarah went to Bogus Basin for a hike, a picnic and a few photos. The girls were able to get completely dirty and eat some dirt and collect a few rocks. Mom decided to stay home when Lara told her she had gotten a bit motion sick when riding those switch back roads before.
Saturday is a good news day in sports - Brazil defeated Argentina 3-1 in Rosario, Argentina to officially qualify for the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. BYU upset Oklahoma 14-13 in the football season opener. The home state teams of Michigan and Michigan State won their season openers. Also, between Dan, McAfee and I we defeated a hoax antivirus that attacked the laptop while Mom was on the internet.
Sunday after church, we went to New Plymouth to visit Dan's family. They made a yummy steak dinner with fresh tomatoes and corn on the cob for us. Lara made a berry pie that was great. We had a good visit and the girls enjoyed playing with their cousins and cats.
We have enjoyed our visit with Dan & Lara and Abby and Sarah J.
We love y'all
Mom & Dad