Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 25 December 2011

Dear Family, 

Merry Christmas! 

Sports - Monday, Dad watched Tyler’s basketball game at Chippewa. Jim let Dad video the last half because he had to pickup Sam from swimming. Dad attended Michael’s Alumni’s basketball scrimmage game at UHS and watched, with Tyler, Michael score 18 points. Dad biked the whole Clinton River Trail on Thursday afternoon when wind died down and  the temperature was above freezing. Mom enjoyed her first ever “Zumba” session with Vanessa & Maureen, on Friday morning.

Tuesday Temple - Mom & Dad went to serve in the temple baptistry, but the scheduled group did not come. So we were let off to go home, which was a tender mercy to allow wrapping of Christmas gifts and prepare the downstairs for Dan & Lara’s tribe to reside for a week or so. Dad hooked up the stereo system and they got to listen to Christmas songs while they worked. 

Christmas Connections & Celebrations - Wednesday evening the youth from our ward came caroling.  Mom & Dad gave them cookies and took their picture.  Thursday - Dad baked 12 pumpkin pies. Saturday - visited Daniel & Holli on the way to pick up Dan & Lara and tribe, while Mom finished preparations for their arrival. n Dad played football with Nathan, Joseph, Joshua and Isaiah, while Daniel picked up Dan & Lara from the airport. Pizza for dinner, the live Nativity program, and funny family video clips rounded out the Christmas eve celebrations. Sunday - Early morning gift giving, pancake breakfast , church, dinner and more gift giving. Everyone had such a good time together playing games.   

Dan & Lara at Daniel & Holli’s 

Nativity Cast

Christmas Celebrants

Holiday Host Survivors

Love y’all,  Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 18 December 2011

Dear Family,

Holes in the wall Gang - On Monday, Dad helped Ryan drill 5 holes in his basement wall to locate the source of the leaking crack. Then they cut a two foot wide section to allow access to seal the crack. Unfortunately, it was still wet and can not be sealed until it dries.  Saturday morning, Mom & Dad visited got professional hair treatment from Maureen. Mom & Maureen discussed the wedding reception decor and Dad helped Ryan with baking cookies to hand out to their neighbors. 

Social Security Benefit-er - Mom, with Dad’s help and by submitting in person the required documents, has officially applied for the monthly benefit starting in January.  Mom claims she will be a “real person” now. Of course, we all know Mom has been a real person for a long time, but it is nice that she thinks so too.

Temple Tuesday - Tuesday the 13th., Mom & Dad served in the temple and marked 37 years since they were sealed in the Salt Lake Temple. That long ago day was dark, cold and rainy. We were joined in the temple by Grandma Nilace, Uncle Nile, Grandpa and Bette Corless, Grandma Matthews and maybe her son Tom, Vanessa (almost two) and Daniel, 4 months from being born.   The temple is a great blessing in all our lives.

Wedding Reception - Mom has met with the lady doing the flower arrangements and table center pieces to finalize the design concept. Meanwhile the music has been chosen and the DJ contract signed. The cake design and quantity has been determined and paid for.

M&M in Michigan - Riehl’s picked up Michael & Melanie at Metro Airport very early Wednesday morning. It is great have Michael home again and to hear Melanie share her enthusiasm about what she is learning and her experiences at school.

Stress Relief or Movie Mania - Mom has been diligently working on the wedding reception and preparing for Christmas to the point of exhaustion. So on Monday, Mom & Dad saw “Twilight”; on Thursday, “Hugo”; on Saturday, “Christmas Shoes” at Jim & Vanessa’s, and in the evening, “Sherlock Holmes II” with Michael & Melanie. It was good to have a little time together to relax.

Service Mission -  Mom & Dad are continuing to learn their “duties” (over dinner on Friday, at Red Lobster with Rich’s.)   Our respective ARP (men) and Support (women) meetings went well. One recovering alcoholic shared how difficult the holiday season is for him and how he is planning to attend the next meeting. It has become very clear, we all struggle with various burdens we carry around and it is difficult to keep all of them under control. However, there is hope. The Lord has prepared a way out                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              for us. It can be done. We can enjoy life as it is meant to be.  How grateful we are for the Atonement!

Clan Christmas Carolers

Christmas Caroling - Sunday evening, Mom & Dad & Michael joined a couple of missionaries, the Kulka’s and Ryan & Maureen’s tribe,  and went caroling  and delivering Christmas cookies in their neighborhood.  Afterwards there was hot chocolate and more cookies for everyone at the Kulka’s.  Though the weather was a bit cold,  everyone had a wonderful time.

Love y’all,  Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 11 December 2011

Dear Family,

Christmas Celebration Preparations - Celebration plans are firming up and gift preparations are proceeding full steam. Hopefully,  everyone got our Christmas cards and letters. Dad helped Grandma Nilace with a some Christmas decor and a few outdoor lights - another Happy Customer! Dad distributed the Christmas gifts from Grandpa Ross.

Colon Clip -  Amelita’s 15 cm (5.9“) colon polyp removal in Porto Alegre was a difficult, but successful procedure. There was great family jubilation and celebration and an outpouring of gratitude. Thanks be to Heavenly Father!

Wedding Whirlwind - After much effort by the whole team to follow up with the non RSVPer’s, the guest list and the location of the M&M wedding reception is confirmed and Mom finally had a good night’s rest.  We are keeping the Troy building as the venue, even though the attendance total is slightly above the maximum Ryan and Mom found seating arrangements for.   We are hoping some of the “will comes” will end up “not”.  Now the execution of the plan details is the focus of Mom’s time and energy. Go Mom - you are awesome!

Handyman Corner -    Dad helped Ryan finish the installation of the console and screen valance in the projection room including all the electronics, which needed to be disconnected and reconnected in the new console. It looks very good and, most importantly, Maureen is a happy customer.

Pumpkin Pied - Dad baked a few more pumpkin pies and gave a couple to Holli for her birthday. She had come to visit Grandma Nilace for the afternoon.

Tuesday Temple - Dad and Mom helped in the baptistry with the Troy Ward youth and got to see some old friends. Dad saw Jim & Vanessa as they were leaving to pickup Sam from swim practice. The temple is a great place to meet family and friends.

Service Mission - Friday evening Mom & Dad had dinner with Bro. & Sister Rich at the “Rusty Bucket” before leading their respective Support and Addiction Recovery meetings.  Based on the attendee comments, during and after, the meetings were successful. It is always good to serve others, but servers are always the most blessed. It makes a positive difference in the lives of all those involved. This program could be very helpful to many, many others, who suffer from even relatively minor issues to major issues, if they would only give it a chance.

First Winter Snow - Gone are warm, sunny days, shorts and t-shirts as well as the green leaves from the trees. Here is pure-white snow blanketing the ground, warm coats and boots, and the warmth of the Christmas season.

First Snow Fall

Family History - Grandma Nilace’s Sorenson Grandparents. James Lewis and Johannah were married in 1875 and immigrated from Denmark to Richmond, Utah~1879 with the two oldest children. Grandma’s father, Alma Born 24 Dec 1886, is sitting on the lap of his mother Johanna. James Lewis (Jens Lauritz) was born  on 10 Jan 1849 and Johannah was born 11 Dec 1851 (160 years ago today)

Sorenson Family ~ 1888, Richmond, Utah

Love y’all,  Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 4 December 2011

Dear Family,

Seminary Substitute - Early on a cold, rainy Tuesday morning, Dad taught applications of the Ten Commandments from Exodus 21-24.  He used Mom’s well marked Bible to lead the class through examples and associated blessings. No one fell asleep as everyone was involved. What great group of young people we have in the ward.

Christmas Celebration Preparations - This week Mom & Dad spent a few more hours writing, editing, publishing, signing and mailing the Christmas card and letter to 97 friends and family around the world.  We hope it will bring joy to them. What a relief to have that big job done. Dad helped Grandma Nilace unpack a few more boxes to find her Christmas decorations and set up her new 7ft pre-lit Christmas tree.

Dashing through the Snow - Mom & Dad “dashed” through the wet snow fall to get home from serving in the Temple Tuesday evening. The next day was a good day to stay home and nurse the cold symptoms Mom and Dad have been cursed with. Grateful for a good night’s rest afforded by “Nyquil”

Brazilian Christmas - Mom dazzled the sisters of the Relief Society Thursday evening with her presentation of Brazilian Christmas celebration and her beautifully arranged fruit salad. Grandma Nilace said her presentations were the best of all. No surprise to the rest of us!

Sam Swims - All of the hard work of swimming thousands of yards paid off. Samantha entered six events at the Swim Meet with 10 other clubs this weekend and she placed in all of them. She made Junior Olympic time in one of the events. Go Sam!

Handyman’s Corner - Dad brought a few tools and helping hands to assemble the new 10 ft. long console to go underneath the screen in their projection room/corner of the basement. It will look really nice when it is completely installed.  They are so excited to have that finished. Future “fun” to repair a leak in their basement wall is on the schedule!!! Stayed tuned “sports fans” for future episodes of Handyman’s Corner and/or Adventures with Ryan.

Wedding Whirlwind - In spite of the busy Holiday season, the preliminary reception attendance reports are greater than anticipated, which is a great honor for Michael & Melanie and, perhaps, an indication of the fame of the “Wedding Planner Extraordinaire”.  Mom has shifted into high gear investigating possible alternatives with her “advisory council” to accommodate all the guests. 

Homeless - Thursday morning, Dad left Mom at home to “find” her lost voice and went downtown Detroit with Sister Pix and the Missionary Elders to serve the homeless at the Fort Street Presbyterian Church. Dad handed out clothes, while the others served on the food line. As you can imagine, some of these guys are real characters.  It is a joy to help out those having a hard time, especially those who are appreciative of what they receive.

Two Years Old - Rex Stuart turned 2 on Friday the 2nd of December. The family party on Sunday was a joy for the Clan. 

Happy Birthday Rex

Ginger Bread house - The annual Ginger Bread house decorating was held after Rex Stuart’s Birthday party at Ryan & Maureen’s.  Actually, they are made of Graham crackers, but who can even tell.

Decorated Graham Cracker houses.

Love y’all,  Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Christmas Connection - 2011

Corless Clan - 2011

It has been another eventful year for the Corless Clan.

In March, Rex and Myriam packed up the MKX and visited clan members in Alton, Illinois, Denver, Colorado and Caldwell, Idaho.  In April, Guilherme (Myriam’s teenage grand nephew) and in July, Eduarda (Myriam’s college student grand niece) came to spend a few days here.  It was wonderful to get to know them better and all were sad to see them go.  Myriam and Rex enjoyed biking in the Clinton River Trail this year.  Covered by trees and following the meandering river, it brought beauty and cool refreshment on the hot summer days.  Myriam served as Ward Relief Society President until November, when she was called with Rex, on a Stake Service Mission to support the Addiction Recovery Program.  They still serve as workers in the Detroit, MI Temple.  Myriam recovered from a case of shingles earlier this year, just in time to be the “wedding planner”.  Rex enjoys his photography hobby and publishes the weekly Corless Clan Connection with photographs of the various activities and gatherings.  He still is Assistant HP group leader.

Jim & Vanessa (MI) are keeping up with two teenagers, Tyler & Samantha, and two preteens, Joshua and Olivia, in their busy family. Jim works for GM and serves as the early Morning Seminary Teacher. Vanessa was Ward Young Women President and now enjoys teaching music to the children in their very large Primary.

Daniel & Holli (MI) are serving in a branch in Detroit. They attend there with all four boys, Nathan, Joseph, Joshua and Isaiah. Daniel works at AAM and teaches at Henry Ford Comm. College.  He is a Scout leader, which included taking Nathan and several scouts to the LDS Encampment this summer.  Holli wears several hats in the branch Primary. 

Ryan & Maureen (MI) are busy with two (Preston & Jacob) in school and two (Sophia & Rex) preschoolers at home. They served as Ma & Pa in the Stake Youth Trek this summer. Ryan also works for GM.  He was Scoutmaster and now is the Ward Executive Secretary. Maureen is a counselor in the Ward Relief Society Presidency.

David & Jana’s (TX) time is well filled with the three boys (Adam, Peter and David) in school and Mary at home.  In June, “Dr. David” graduated from dental school and moved their whole tribe from Illinois to McKinney, Texas. They love it there and feel it is a great place to raise their family. David works with the Young Men program and Jana serves in the Primary.

Dan & Lara (ID) are busy with one (Abby) in school and two (Sarah and Sam) preschoolers. Sam was born in March, which precipitated a visit from “Papa and Nona” to ID.  Dan is a Deputy Sheriff and has been using his skills & tools on several home improvement projects.  He is a ward missionary and Lara is in the ward Primary Presidency.

Ryan & Rachel (CO) are enjoying their two (Mia & Lydia) preschoolers. Ryan is in his last year of Pharmacy School, which is series of 6 week rotations at various locations.  He serves as Ward Sunday School President. Rachel worked in the Relief Society, but now is the building schedule coordinator and Ward Christmas Party planner.

Michael (UT) is back in school after a summer internship in Michigan with an automotive supplier, Getrag.  He served in the YSA Ward as Executive Secretary and Elders Quorum Counselor. He plans to get married to Melanie Riehl in the Detroit Temple, this December. Back to Utah in January, Michael will attend BYU and Melanie will continue LDS Business College.

We are grateful that our children and grandchildren are doing well.  It is clear that we and our whole clan have been blessed by Heavenly Father with many opportunities to provide for ourselves and to serve others in meaningful ways.  We treasure your friendship and love, and pray that this has been a happy year for you.  Above all, we are thankful for the wonderful gift of God’s Holy Son and the hope and joy He brings to all.  It is true.  He was born.  He lives still.  Rejoice!  “GOD IS LOVE”!

We wish you a very Merry Christmas

 and a Happy New Year!

Rex & Myriam

Corless CLan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 27 November 2011

Dear Family,

Thanksgiving Feast - Mom set the tables in  her usual extraordinary, praiseworthy and of good report manner and Dad baked 18 pumpkin pies and prepared the turkey for roasting in his usual ordinary, but tasty  manner. Everyone brought something yummy to eat and we all enjoyed the feast together.  

Ebenezer - As part of the Thanksgiving festivities, Mom organized an Ebenezer (Stone of Help) activity, in which everyone wrote or drew on a rock something they were grateful for. The stones will be added to in the future to be part of a ‘‘rock gratitude garden” in the back yard. 

Christmasified - After two days of hard labor and much attention to detail, the home is completely decorated inside and out with Christmas trees, lights, garlands, and, of course, the 6 nativity scenes. 

Handyman's Corner - This week Dad helped Ryan fish wiring through wall and trim his basement around the projector screen. Dad, also, to Mom’s satisfaction, repaired and refinished the second of two corner shelves, which now stands in the corner next to the piano, filled with pictures of grandbuddies.

Traumatic Thanksgiving Trip - Michael and Melanie drove most of the way to Denver to spend Thanksgiving with Ryan & Rachel. Unfortunately, in the middle of a cold and windy night, Michael’s car stopped halfway between Rawlins and Laramie (definition of the middle of nowhere) and had to get towed 46 miles to Laramie for repairs. They stayed the night with Duane & Pat Rhoades (longtime friends). Rachel drove to Laramie to bring them to Denver because the repairs could only be done by Friday.

Turkey Bowl - Dad photographed the high level of expert footballers, which included Ryan, Jim and Tyler plus a bunch of alumni from Jim’s high school. They all had a good time. Dad and Jim worked together by the afternoon to get the 124 edited photos on Facebook for all to enjoy. See the Photos - http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101363

Love y’all,

Mom & Dad

Corless CLan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 20 November 2011

Dear Family,

Mom is Red Eye - Mom’s right eye is swollen and red - after a few phone calls back and forth she got an appointment with an optometrist. He didn’t real know what it was, but prescribed some steroid eye drops, which hopefully, will fix the problem. Talking about being “red eye” (Ready) - Mom has organized more of the myriad of details in preparation for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and The M&M Wedding. Dad, hampered by a fever and clogged sinus, has been working on his “Honey Do List”. He refinished one of the two corner shelves to better match the new furniture in the family room and insulated the garage door.

Veteran’s Day Observed - Monday, Dad helped Ryan finish installing a plywood floor and about thirty feet of shelving in their attic for seasonal storage.

Attic Storage Project

It may not have the best way to honor our veterans, but without their sacrifices we probably would not have homes or the freedom to improve them when we see fit. Thank you to our veterans!

Power Outage - While Mom & Dad visited Ryan & Maureen on Monday, the power was off for about 6 hours at home.   This a very rare occurrence, but it tests how ready we are for an emergency. Dad went on his scheduled home teaching visits anyway. Later, Mom & Dad made the best of it by going out for dinner. Thankfully, the power came back on and all is well.

Double Temple - Mom & Dad served in the temple baptistry on Tuesday evening and saw Jim & Vanessa. Wednesday evening Dad served in baptistry with the youth from our ward and saw Ryan & Maureen. It is a joy to serve, and it is double joy to see our children with their spouses in the temple.

Tough Mudder - Saturday, Dad missed going to watch and photograph Ryan run a 12 mile obstacle course “Tough Mudder” in Indiana this weekend. The good news is that Ryan not only survived the cool, windy, cloudy, 50 degree, weather, but finished the race covered in mud with only a mild case of hypothermia. For info see: http://toughmudder.com/events/indiana-2011/

Look under MEDIA for videos and photos .These events have raised over $2.3 Million dollars for the Wounded Warrior Project. http://toughmudder.com/wounded-warrior-project/

Go Ryan!  You are awesome, a little crazy, but totally AWESOME!

Ryan pulls himself through a Pipe

Tyler’s 15th Birthday - Jim & Vanessa hosted the annual Tyler birthday party. With lots of food and fun and good times. It is such a joy to see them all have so much fun together.

Tyler’s Party Crew

Love y’all,

Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 13 November 2011

Dear Family,

HUH? - Suspicions confirmed. Dad has officially been hearing tested and found with significant hearing loss in the left ear. He was told he is a candidate for a hearing aid, but he is way too cheap and impatient to fool around with one. Besides, “I can hear just fine.”  (Famous last words...)  The next morning he had an Auditory Brainstem Response test which was 30 minutes of a little jack hammer pounding in the one ear then the other just to find out if the ear and brain are connected.  I wonder if there is a test to see if the brain and mouth are connected?  :-)  

Wedding Planner and Doer Extraordinaire - With only 7 weeks to the wedding, Mom has lengthened her stride and quicken the pace and gone beyond exhaustion. She has been on the phone working out details with caterer, scheduling of the temple ordinances, purchasing stuff, preparing and mailing 109 invitations, over seeing the decorating plans and preparations, etc. If her desire and effort are any measure of success, this will be an awesome affair. Go Mom your are awesome! And thanks to Maureen, Ryan, Vanessa and Samantha for their help. 

Free at Last - Mom has officially turned over the reins of Relief Society President to the new President and was released today. She has been very loving and caring to the Relief Society sisters and they love her back.

Cool Biking - The weather has been much cooler, but not so cool as to stop biking. For instance, Saturday morning Dad picked up Vanessa and her bike and they biked a total of ~ 10 miles along the Clinton River Trail and back.  Proper attire is key to keep warm, but not too warm.  The leaves are mostly all fallen which puts a thick carpet on the forest floor.

Addiction Recovery - Nothing is as simple as first appears.  Mom & Dad are still learning to be ARP meeting leaders and grateful for the patience of Brother & Sister Rich. It is, in many ways, different than leading a leadership meeting, speaking, or teaching a lesson. The process has a language of it own, which needs not to be violated. Some situations can be very delicate depending on who is at the meeting and the individual problem(s) each individual is struggling with. However, it is, as with any church meeting, the Spirit who must be allowed to guide. It promises to be a challenging and rewarding opportunity to love and serve others in need (if we can get it right).  ;)

Mr. Fixit - Dad hung three mirrors for Grandma Nilace, repaired the electrical short in the basement stair light fixture, replaced a broken electrical receptacle, replaced the broken bracket in basement shower, replace the shower stem with brushed stainless in the master bath, cleaned the disgusting mouse mess in the basement cupboard, helped Ryan put a floor and shelves in his garage attic, and, believe it or not, all of this without using any duct tape - what is this world coming to????

Family History Photo - 

This Gatti Family & friends photo was taken during the 1950‘s at the stone wall on beach of Cassino. It shows the wind driven rail cart that still is used to propel people to end of the stone wall.  Mom’s father (Vo Gatti) is standing above Amelita, (Mom’s Sister) and Armando (her brother), with Sister Suzana seated on the far right

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 6 November 2011

Dear Family,

Halloweening - Papa, Nona and Grandma joined the Halloween festivities hosted by Jim & Vanessa including Trick & Treating in the neighborhood with Ryan & Vanessa and the grandbuddies. Unfortunately, Preston was diagnosed with strep throat and had to stay home. However, many kind neighbors and Nona had treats to take to him.  A bounty of delightment, excitement and “candiment” prevailed in the evening.

Enlightenment Week - Mom & Dad as part of their new calling attended: a Stake committee meeting Wednesday evening; an Addiction Recovery meeting on Friday evening; four hours of training in Lansing, for all the service missionaries in Michigan, on Saturday. It is becoming clearer as to what needs to be done and how to do it. Hopefully, with the help of the Lord, Mom & Dad will not only survive this refining process, but help many others and themselves become much better, in other words, more prepared to return to our Heavenly Father. Also, Mom hosted a luncheon for the sisters after a RS temple trip on Thursday, and taught the RS lesson on Sunday.  It all turned out really well. She is grateful!

Family History Photo - Skill Tradesmen

This photo was taken in 1951 at the Shelley Processing Plant in Burley, Idaho. Pictured are Dad’s Grandfather Bert Corless (70 yrs) (far left) and his father Ross Corless (26 yrs) second from the right and Bob Carrier (Ross’ nephew) on the far right with their co-workers.

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 30 October 2011

Dear Family,

Punkin’ Carving - Monday Mom & Dad were guests at Ryan & Maureen’s for FHE. Ryan taught Papa, and Papa, with knife in hand, helped Jacob carve a scary looking Jack o lantern. That’s Scary

Happy Halloween

Lone Biker - The Michigan fall weather has brought rain and sun with much cooler temperatures.  So Dad is the “cool” Lone Biker on the sunny days enjoying it while he can. Although much of leaves have fallen to carpet the path, the scenic trail still has beautiful colors with greens, reds and yellows all along the way. 

Service - Mom’s time and effort has been filled mostly with administering the ongoing affairs of the Relief Society and planning and executing wedding reception preparations. She has really accomplished a ton of things. Go Mom! On the other hand, Dad finally got off the couch and with another priesthood brother had a fun time performing a few hours of service by fixing several small electrical concerns for a very grateful single sister in the ward. They definitely left things better than they found them. 

Dinner & a Movie - Mom & Dad had a tasty dinner at California Pizza Kitchen and went to MJR to see “Johnny English”, which was a laugh out loud hilarious spoof on spy vs. spy on the order of “Get Smart” and “Pink Panther”

Football Champs - On Saturday the last flag football games of the season were played. The weather was cool, but sunny. Dad got a few good action photos of Joshua, Preston and Jacob playing their best. Both teams won. Coach Jim’s Cowboys got the best record in the league.  They are all champs in our book. Season Photos: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101336

“Michiganaries” - Saturday afternoon Mom & Dad were called and set apart by President Lantz as Stake Service Missionaries working with the Addiction Recovery Program in the Stake.  (The new RS president is out of town so Mom will keep doing it until her return) There is much to be learned; much service to be rendered. A job description of our new calling is learning/teaching to apply the Atonement of Jesus Christ to cleanse precious children of God from the consequences of sin. It is a great business to be in.

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 23 October 2011

Dear Family,

Travel Plan C - Mom & Dad’s Monday trip from Dallas to Detroit was not without a few hitches. Plan A - 7 pm Spirit Flight to Chicago cancelled due to Mechanical problems on the aircraft. After standing in line for over an hour -> Plan B - 10:45 pm Spirit flight to Las Vegas cancelled due thunderstorms, which stopped the incoming flight from landing. After waiting for another hour or so -> Plan C - Hotel for the morning (2 am to 5:30 am) to sleep. Catch an 8 am AirTrans flight to Atlanta and a connecting AirTrans flight to Detroit, which actually happened without further delay. Thusly, they arrived home sleep deprived, but safe about 4 pm Tuesday.

Freshman Football - Thursdays cold, windy and rain soaked afternoon greeted the players and fans for Tyler’s last game of the season. However, Jim asked if we could use the press box to video the game and so the “Tyler support team” of Jim (videoed), Vanessa (watched and “conversated”), Dad (photographed) and Jack (watched and prognosticated) from comfortable heated shelter of the press box as Tyler and team engineered a come from behind victory sealing a winning (5-4) season for the Chippewa Valley HS freshman team. A great time was had by all. Photos: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101259

Tyler sets for a pass.

Flag Football - A frosty, but sunny Saturday morning greeted the players and fans at the Upward flag football games. Dad watched and snapped a few action photos of Preston and Jacob and Joshua playing and Jim coaching. It looks like they, including the parents, are having fun. Photos: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101283

Jacob goes on an end run

Stake Temple Day - Friday Mom & Dad served for 7 hours mainly in the Baptistry in support of our stake temple day. It was a long day, but it felt good to serve in the Lord’s House doing purely the Lord’s work for his children.  Mom is trying to burn the candle from three ends by administering Relief Society, planning Michael & Melanie’s wedding reception and serving in the temple. Hopefully, as the wedding plans firm up the effort will subside enough for her to catch her breath and get some rest.  Go Mom you are incredible, unbelievable and awesome!

DIY Auto Technicians - Using their acquired expertise and experience from Ryan’s recent MPV brake job, Ryan saved Dad a few bucks by helping him install new brake rotors and pads on the rear of the Explorer. Those two have fun working their way together through the challenges of DIY auto repair and home improvement. It feels great to check off another item on the never ending “To Do List”. Afterward, Mom & Dad were treated to a Marine City Fish Company dinner and walk along the St. Clair boardwalk by Stebar’s.

Toye Stebar, Cousin Bonnie, Mom and Dad

 St. Claire River

Primary Program - Mom, Dad and Grandma Nilace joined the family including Jim’s mother and Jack at the North Shores Ward Primary Program to watch Joshua, Preston, Olivia, Jacob and Sophia sing and speak their parts. It was really a family affair - Vanessa lead the singing, Jim gave the invocation, Ryan & Tyler passed the sacrament, Maureen filled in helping with Sunbeam class. It was a nice, well organized program and the grand kids performed their parts without notes or prompting. The children and congregation enthusiastically sang the closing song “Scripture Power”, which brought the program to a conclusion on a high spiritual note.  Congratulations to all on a job well done!

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 9 October 2011

Dear Family,

M & M Wedding - Mom’s major focus and 24/7 brain activity this week has been on the organizing the myriad of matters for Michael & Melanie’s wedding.  Our kind, wonderful and accommodating Temple Presidency is willing to open the temple just for their sealing ordinance on Friday the 30th of December. The Troy building has been scheduled for that evening. Potential caterers have been contacted, colors have been chosen, potential cake makers have been contacted, potential florists have been contacted, decor concepts considered and discussed, marriage license process has been forwarded, guest list has been started, two in-law meetings have been held, . . . 

Date to Create - The Relief Society ladies organized and held their creative 10am-2 pm Saturday event yesterday, which both Mom & Dad attended.  It was wonderful event with various crafts such as woodworking, decoupage, sewing, etc. and of course a lunch. Mom mostly avoided (all but the decoupage) of the crafty stuff by helping with lunch, of course, making everyone feel good and welcome.  Dad was responsible for security and assigned as the photographic journalist to record the hands of creation. 

Tis the season - It was a beautiful sunny fall afternoon for football as Dad photoed Tyler’s game vs. Stevenson HS. It was a fun time sitting on the top row of the aluminum bleachers with Jim, Vanessa, Jack and Jeannie watching Tyler throw and run for touchdowns in their third win of the season. http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101243

Topped or Toppled - It’s the time of year to remove the soft top and install the hardtop on the Jeep, which Dad was able to do by himself due his gift of ingenuity. However, Mr. Ingenuity, was completely frustrated by a faulty toilet repair part that keep leaking. The problem was resolved by getting a quality part, which made it a 15 minute job.  Lesson learned - “the money of the poor goes to market twice” - get the good stuff first - it is less time and expense. 

Colors - Mom, Dad, Vanessa, Maureen, Sophia and Rex enjoyed a cool sunny and very colorful bike ride along the Clinton River Trail. Sophia and Rex thoroughly enjoyed the swings at the playground. It was great exercise with great people. Mom & Dad and Stebar’s went to dinner at the Marine City Fish Company and enjoyed the countryside colors along the way and each others company whole time. Having good friends and family is a very precious gift indeed.

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 2 October 2011

Dear Family,

Brazilian Birthday Party - Sunday evening the family gathered to celebrate favorite Brazilian’s 62nd birthday with a lasagna, garlic bread and salad for dinner and a Happy Birthday Myriam Ice cream cake for dessert. Vanessa set the tables with Brazilian flag colors of blue, yellow and green and we decorated the house with flags and pictures of Brazil. To the delight of the Brazilian side of the family, Dad forwarded photos of the celebrators and decor.  On Wednesday Dad took Mom to “Gaucho - The Brazilian Steakhouse” for a very tasty Gaucho style lunch for his favorite “Gaucha”.  The day was topped off by watching “Dolphin Tale” movie.  Happy Birthday Dear!  Thursday Vanessa and Maureen had a lunch for her, featuring some delicious, imported italian pasta and sauce, delicious salad, bread and deserts.  She  truly is overwhelmed by the celebrations and specially the love so abundantly given.  Thanks!

Parties R Us - Friday evening Mom & Dad hosted the HIgh Priest Group social (seems like a contradiction in terms).  Under awning and out of the cold wind and rain, Dad grilled burgers and bratwurst for 32 satisfied customers. Based on the comments, they all enjoyed the food and the opportunity to socialize with one another. The dining room, kitchen and family room were the natural areas for three friendly groups to congregate and socialize. Everyone was happy to be together, which made it a pleasure and joy for the hosts.

Labor - This week Dad replaced the chrome faucets with  brush nickel in the master bathroom and helped Grandma Nilace with setting up her furniture in her new basement. Mom had Relief Society Presidency meeting and worked on the never ending Relief Society matters and also helped Dad set up for the HP Social. They both served in the temple on Tuesday evening. Mom has been very concerned with and working on collecting information in preparation for Michael and Melanie’s wedding. They met with Riehl’s on Saturday to offer support for the wedding and reception, share the experience of previous weddings, and help organize the effort.

Soggy Spectators - With camera, umbrella, and stadium seats Dad joined Jim & Vanessa at Tyler’s rain soaked football game on Thursday evening at Chippewa Valley. It was a frustrating 19-22 loss to Utica as time ran out just 2 yards from the goal line. 

Conference - Mom & Dad enjoy watching conference in HD and feeling of the Spirit, as the Lord’s servants speak to us the words the Lord would have us hear and obey. Thanks be to Heavenly Father!

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 25 September 2011

Dear Family,

Miracle Michael - During his mission, the Lord saw fit for him survive electrocution that he might continue his work on the earth. Now the Lord has blessed Michael with a young lady that accepted his proposal of marriage that they may continue their work on the earth together. Congratulations to Michael & Melanie!  Wedding plans are being firmed up - they intend to be married this December. The whole clan is all excited about getting together and anxious to get plans made. But wait that isn’t all - Michael has been accepted to start attending BYU this coming winter semester! Congratulations Michael!!! 

Hreinson Return - Saudades... Gratefully, Ryan & Rachel & tribe safely returned to Denver after their Michigan visit. They did indeed arrive home safely, but not necessarily healthy. We pray that they will quickly overcome the various minor maladies that besieged them. Thanks for the visit! 

Coughers Connection - Meanwhile, Mom & Dad are coughing like it is going out of style. Dad took her home early from the temple on Tuesday evening, due to an uncontrollable coughing episode. Mom’s doctor visit on Wednesday morning had no conclusive diagnoses, but she has an allergy pill to see if that clears it up.

Home Improvement - Dad helped Ryan (on Ryan’s birthday) install four recessed lights in their kitchen.  It really helped brighten up their kitchen, and most importantly, Maureen is happy. Dad helped Grandma Nilace move and arrange the plethora of furniture (couches, kingsize bed, TV, dresser, chest of drawers, etc.) in her newly completed basement bed & TV rooms.

Dirty Bird Job - Dad must think he is practicing for an audition to the “Dirty Jobs” TV show. He crawled into the attic to clean out a bird mess and to plug the holes they left. It smelled like a filthy chicken coop and was dirty and dusty in the cramped quarters of the eve edge. Then he risked life and limb (OK that is a little over dramatic, but it was scary) by climbing onto the steep pitched roof to replace the damaged vent (which is where the birds were entering) and cleaned the bird mess from the roof before it clogged the rain gutters. Dad is grateful to have that dirty & worrisome double dose of bird poop job done!

Date to Create - Much of Mom’s available time and energy has been focused on a very full Relief Society agenda including an upcoming Saturday creativity activity. Thankfully, she has very capable counselors and Board Members to carry out the plans. 

Bikers Color Tour - Mom, Dad & Vanessa specially enjoyed their cool fall air ride, along Clinton River Trail because the tree leaves are starting to show their bright beautiful yellow, orange and red fall colors.

Sports - The Detroit Tigers have clinched their division. And this clan’s fall schedule is packed with baseball, football and soccer players along with a swimmer and a couple of dancers. No couch potatoes here!

Tyler goes for a pass

Speak, Hear, See - Papa & Nona got to talk to, hear and see Lara, Abby, Sarah and Sam Friday evening. Dad even took Lara for a virtual tour of the new and rearranged family room furniture and basement TV room with his iPhone. It felt good to spend the time to connect with them.

Myriam’s Family Birthday Party was a success thanks to all the family that came and brought food, gifts and specially lots of joy!

Myriam's Birthday Party

Love y’all, Mom & Dad