Corless Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 28 November 2010

Grandma, Papa and Nona	Ryan & Maureen , Preston, Jacob, Sophia & Rex
Jim & Vanessa, Tyler, Samantha, Joshua & Olivia	David & Jana, Adam, Peter, David Jr. & Mary Amelia
Rex & Rex  (Rex Stuart at 1 yr & Papa Rex at 1 + 60 yrs)	Rex Stuart Corless 1st Birthday

Corless Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 28 November 2010

Dear Family

Old Bones - Dad took Adam, Peter and David Jr. to experience the special dinosaur skeleton exhibit and have lunch at Cranbrook Science Museum. After returning home, the adventure continued as Papa canoed them across the pond to Treasure Island.  Photos: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#100715

Ribbed - Tyler & Samantha watched the younger grandbuddies so Mom Dad, Jim, Vanessa, Ryan, Maureen, David and Jana could go for a delicious BBQ’ed chicken, pork ribs, salmon and beef brisket dinner at Famous Dave’s. After dinner we were hosted by Ryan & Maureen to play fun games. Everyone had a great time and didn’t want to leave.

Football - Thursday morning, Papa photographed the “Turkey Bowl” game featuring Jim & Tyler. Ryan was on the injured list due to a sprained ankle.  There was a lot action for these old guys, most of which played with Jim in high school. Of course, Tyler was much more mobile and, therefore, scored a couple fo touchdowns. Photos: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#100707

Thanksgiving Feast - Mom & Dad started the festivities at 6:30 in the morning by stuffing & roasting the turkey. While the stuffed turkey roasted, Mom with expert care set the tables with just the right color combination and positioning, to be most lovely to the eye for all twenty one of the attending clan members.  In days proceeding, Dad had baked a total 21 pumpkin pies as the official dessert. The feasters started to arrive by 1:00 pm, which officially kicked off the the last minute preparations and proceeded with the traditional sharing of “What are you thankful for.” and the blessing. The beautiful buffet of bounteous food was invaded with great gusto by the happy, hungry hord of thanksgiving celebrators. Everyone enjoyed the time together. Cousins enjoyed cousins without any fighting or arguement. Brothers and Sisters enjoyed playing games and socializing. Grandma enjoyed the food went home took a nap and returned for dessert and socializing.  Thanks to all for the food and the wonderful memories of being together here!  Photos: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#100690

   

Pizza Party - Before David & Jana returned to Illinois, we had a pizza party and games at Jim & Vanessa’s and once again all had a great time together. David called Saturday night to report their safe arrival - Thanks to Heavenly Father.

Settling - Grandma is getting more settled every day. This week she ordered a walk in tub with water jets to be installed in a couple of weeks.  She had her grandfather clock repaired and can, once again, listen to her chimes. Dad fixed her leaking toilet, which was keeping her awake at night - now she can get a good nights rest.

Love y’all, 

Mom & Dad

Grandma, Dad & Mom

Corless Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 21 November 2010

Dear Family,

Return & Report - Mom has safely returned home and reported a very successful and enjoyable 6 week visit to our family in the southern hemishere. She has had a joyous reunion with the Michigan family complete with hugs and kisses to and from all available children and grandbuddies and wonderful stories of her family history adventures. Stayed tuned for more stories and pictures.  Welcome Home!

Settling In - Grandma has continued one step at a time in her quest to get things organized and her efforts are starting to take shape into a real nice home.  She got a new phone with caller ID and four hand sets to keep her connected. Dad helped her get the furniture arranged, which made a big improvement in the appearance of her front room and lifted her spirits and fueled her determination to continue the overwhelming task.  Go Grandma! You are Awesome! 

Illinois Tribe - The David Jana Tribe invaded the Michigan Tribal Territory last night to celebrate Thanksgiving together. It was another great reunion so see Adam, Peter, David Jr. and Mary Amelia with an abundance hugs and kisses for everyone before they retired for a nights rest.

14th Birthday - Ready or not we celebrated the almost 6’ tall Tyler’s birthday today. We witnessed his ordination to the office of a Teacher and attended the family party after church. He is really a fine young man and a good example, especially, to his school peers. Now that the football season ended, he is playing on the 8th grade Basketball Team and playing the role of Gaston in the school production of “Beauty and the Beast”. Go Tyler!

Love y’all,

Mom & Dad

Corless Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 14 November 2010

Dear Family,

Brazil - Mom and the Brazilian family are all doing well and enjoying last few days of Mom’s visit by, you guessed it, partying with Mom’s favorite foods.  Mom is scheduled to arrive at Metro Airport on Friday the 19th at 12:25pm. She has enjoyed the phone calls from Dad, Lara, and Rachel. She sents her love, hugs and kisses to everyone. She has been frustrated in her attempts answer emails due to unreliable/slow internet connection - so don’t feel bad if have not had a reply.  We are all excited to have her home again.

Settler - Grandma has gotten more matter organized and the condo is starting look much less like a warehouse and much more like at home. She is particularly happy to have the phone and internet installed and functional. The refrigerator decided to stop refrigerating due to a coolant leak - system was recharged with coolant for a temporary fix and parts are on the way for permanent repair. She able to unload a plethora of boxes to church members, which went a long way to reduce clutter.

Temple Time - Dad, Jim, Vanessa, Ryan & Maureen were all at the temple on Tuesday evening. It is a great place to be and see family.

Packer Papa - During the week, Dad prepared for a backpack overnight scout outing with Nathan to Pinckney Recreaton Area. The old hiking boots turned out be a toe killer and the old sleeping bag was not adequate for the predicted overnight night low temperatures. Dad armed with a new pair of nice hiking boots, complete with 8 miles of break-in and with a borrowed sleeping bag hiked ~3.5 miles in the dark to Blind Lake with Nathan and four other Scouts and one other adult leader. Dad not only survived, but had fun with Nathan & friends. It was great to be with Nathan for some one on one Papa time. He is a great camping buddy to have.  After taking Nathan home Daniel armed with a wirebrush on his DeWalt drill and a spray can of paint candid a free underbody paint/anti-rust job on the Jeep.  He pulled out a rock that had been wedged between the Transfer case and skid plate for who knows how long. Thanks to Daniel - it is just what “Beep” the Jeep needed.  

Photos : http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#100674

Love y’all,

Mom & Dad

Nathan & Papa at Blind Lake

Corless Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 7 November 2010

Dear Family,

Fall - The first week of November and its cool weather is already past. The leaves have turned to beautiful colors and are falling or fallen, the dark time is longer and the daylight is shorter and we gained a hour last night as we returned to standard time. Tyler played in his last football game of the season, and dance, hockey and swimming are in full swing for the rest of the grandbuddies.

Elections - On Tuesday the voters spoke and many new public servants, hopefully, will be upholding the Constitution and representing us. May God Bless America’s leaders with their decisions and actions, that we may continue have the opportunity to be all we as individuals, families and a nation can become.

Brazil Update - Mom is doing well in the southern hemisphere as she forges connecting links with our beloved Brazilian family. She is scheduled to return in 12 days, where she will be welcomed home with open arms and grateful hearts. We all miss her and feel “saudades”.

Settler - Grandma has been in Michigan for three weeks now. Progress has been slow, but steady as she and Dad continue one step at a time getting her business matters and her physical matter organized.  The gash on her the head is healing well and the 6 staples were removed from her scalp yesterday. Go Grandma - there is no stopping you.

Temple Times - Dad fulfilled his assignments on Tuesday and picked up Olivia from her dance with Joshua, so Jim, Vanessa, Tyler and Sam could participate in a youth baptism session on Wednesday evening.

Learning & Teaching - Last night at church we had the opportunity to hear the Second Counselor from General Sunday School Presidency speak to us through the internet. We were uplifted and encouraged as he taught us to first learn and then teach key doctrine, invite to action and make promises. It is same process we learned from our missionary experience and, not surprizingly, it is the same process the Lord uses. It comes highly recommended.

More Power for Mom - Yesterday, Ryan completed his birthday gift to Mom as he & Dad finished installing two electrical outlets that Mom has wanted for a long time.  Thank you Ryan! (Together Ryan & Dad make a good DIY team.)

Love y’all,

Mom & Dad