Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 29 May 2011

Dear Family,

Rash Review - Mom’s viral infection has continued causing pain and itching, but with medication it has been kept within tolerable levels. Friday morning, Dad took her to see the ophthalmologist (Dr. Everett) - Good news - it has not spread into the eye.  However, no one is predicting how long the symptoms will persist. She has been able to get some much needed rest and catch up on her reading. She has been diligent in her efforts to keep in-phone contact with her sisters, and this week ,was instrumental in getting Amelita some much needed medical attention. Go “Good Deed Doer” Mom!

Husbandry - Dad has been taking care of Mom by devising a method for her to get the right medications at the right time; preparing and serving wholesome home cooked meals, washing clothes and helping her to worry less and relax more. Between rain showers, Dad has been working in the yard clearing away a plethora of dead branches that had been thrown into (and were clogging) the brook, cutting branches from a dead tree, trimming bushes. Planting of flowers and vegetables are behind schedule, but hopefully that will be done soon.  On the bright side, all the rain has made Michigan once again so green and beautiful, the pond turned into a lovely, full-sized lake, and (we are very grateful) none of us has had any flood damage.  Dry basements are good basements!

Grandma’s Matters Organized - Dad took Grandma to pick up her new Lincoln MKZ and to order a new cell phone with Bluetooth so it could be programmed into her new car. Michael took her to the Verizon store to get the new phone activated. Dad took her to get the phone programmed into the car, shopping to look for patio furniture, to get file folders and planner. Also, he helped her reject a ridiculous quote for sealing her basement. Friday night he took her to Ryan & Maureen’s to attend a Memorial Weekend family party, where she got to show everyone her new MKZ. Go Grandma!

Soccer - All the local soccer games were cancelled due unplayable fields from the excessive rain. However, Michael & Dad and the Sidhu’s watched the Manchester United vs. Barcelona game for the European Championship in London’s Wembley Stadium. It was sad for the local crowd to see Manchester United lose, but it was amazing to see high caliber soccer players  play a great game in our new, crisp-clear HDTV. Go Technology!

Graduation - Mom, Dad and Grandma are planning to attend David’s graduation from Dental School next Saturday. Hopefully, Mom will be well enough to go. The final decision will be depending on the status of Mom’s viral infection.  Go David - we are all so proud of you and your accomplishments!

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 22 May 2011

Dear Family,

Mom’s Medical Mess - Friday afternoon, Mom was diagnosed with “Shingles”, which has effected the left side of her head with pain, sores and hyper sensitive skin. She is on an antiviral medication and Ibuprofen/Tylenol - has not used the codeine Tylenol they prescribed for pain. Although it is not a life threatening condition it is clearly life “miserabling” and can last for several months. (For details, refer to Mayo Clinic at http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/shingles/DS00098) Remember her in your prayers. On a relatively minor note, Dad had an up the nose and down to stomach endoscopy on Friday, which revealed a Hiatal Hernia (probable cause/contributor for the reflux issues he has been dealing with for several years).  Though no further  action is required it is just good to know.

Trekkers - On Saturday Ryan (Pa) & Maureen (Ma) had a trail run for the Youth Conference Trek activity next month. Dad took care of the older kids for the day. Vanessa came after breakfast and took little Rex, who had a re do of his circumcision on Friday. Meanwhile, Dad took the rest of the tribe to Jacob’s soccer game, -which didn’t happen- so the next hour they made the best of a great playground next to the field. Dad turned it into a photo shoot of Preston, Jacob and Sophia. (http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#100946)

Relief Society Activities - Mom and to a lesser extent Dad were involved in and supported a Sq. Ft. Gardening class at home and  a “What’s in Your Purse” activity at church on Thursday. Dad learned what to do to make his garden work better for this year.

Top Shelf - Holli and Dad finished cutting out and assembling the shelf project on Wednesday afternoon. It is ready for painting and hauling back home. 

“Bikers B Us” - To enjoy the outdoors and get some exercise, Mom and Dad bought “his and hers” brand new 21 speed bicycles from Costco. Hopefully, they can pedal their way to better fitness.

Obrigado & Gracias - Dad says, “Thanks for all the Birthday cards, calls, gifts.” “It wasn’t so bad turning 62 with the support of you all!”

Love y’all, Mom & Dad  

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 15 May 2011

Soggy Spring time - The Friday night “Father-Son Camp-Out” was a moisture saturated affair, but Dad had a “good” sleepless time together in the camper with Ryan, Preston, Jacob and Joshua.  The old pop-up camper kept them all high and dry as the thunder boomed, the lightning flashed and rain plummeted through much of the early morning hours. They came home after breakfast.  Sunday it rained all day long. Photos:  http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#100936

Stake Conference - Dad attended the leadership meeting in the afternoon and was joined by Mom  and Grandma for the all adult session in the evening.  Sunday morning session Bishop Edgely, Sister Ephilin, Elder Ballard and President Eyring spoke via broadcast.  It was great to hear their words and feel the Spirit of the Lord as they spoke to us.

Celebrate - Stebar’s, Grandma Sparks, Jim, Vanessa, Tyler, Samantha, Joshua, Olivia, Ryan, Maureen, Preston, Jacob, Sophia and little Rex came over after conference for Lasagna dinner with Dad, Mom and Michael; together they celebrated Dad’s 62nd birthday.  (The actual birthday will be this Tuesday the 17th., but Mom and Dad will be working at the temple then, as usual.)   A great time was had by all. Thanks for the calls, video/calls from Rachel, Lara and David.

Power shopping - After Mom & Dad had a strategy session, Dad went to Costco and took advantage of the latest coupon book of deals.  Friday, Mom & Dad journeyed with Stebar’s to Birch Run to find some hot deals.  It was wonderful!

Matter Organized - Grandma Sparks is getting her landscape in proper order. Dad helped her clean out some of under growth out of the back yard, changed the bedspreads and skirts around on her beds and got the air conditioning working on her Jeep. 

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Papa's Birthday

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 8 May 2011

Dear Family,

Happy Mother’s Day - Thank you for all you do. Moms are one of the many ways we know God loves us. Just as families are critical to God’s plan for us mothers are critical to families. May the Lord continue to bless our moms with everything they need. We love you all.  Dad took Mom to the Detroit Institute of Art for lunch and an afternoon of browsing in the wonder world of art. Yesterday, Mom & Dad took Grandma out to Max & Erma’s for a dinner. Today there is a get together with ravioli dinner, salads and desserts after church to celebrate Moms (Grandma Sparks, Toye Steber, Vanessa & Maureen and Mom) complete with canoe rides in the pond and campfire to roast marshmellows for smores.

Photos: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#100927

Employment - Once again we recognize that the Lord has provided for the all needs of all our family members. We are grateful for the blessing of being gainfully employed and for opportunities we have been given in this time of a struggling economy. Thanks to a connection through Jim, Michael was able to obtain a summer internship with Getrag, a German based company that supplies power take off units for automotive all wheel drive systems. It is close to home, 8am-5pm  Monday through Friday.

Kulka Konnection - Jim is continuing his quest to find out more about his ancestors. Not only is it interesting, but it is clear to us that they want to be “connected”. Also, Mom’s experience of finding information about her family and the family of her “Greek Grandma” and doing their ordinance work is of no small consequence - there are so many “little miracles” that have caused these connections to be forged. Yes, we all have a testimony of the spirit of Elijah and bask in its light. 

Cyber Connections - Mom & Dad enjoyed the video calls with Lara and Rachel on Saturday. It was so good the see and hear and share the “what’s happening” and to see the grandbuddies and absorb their enthusiasm for life. Thursday afternoon, the new media center, end table and couch table arrived from Thomasville. Michael and Dad got the TV, surround sound, DVD player and cable TV reconnected and functional and old furniture moved to the basement.

A Thorized - Mom & Dad enjoyed the movie “Thor” at AMC 30. It was a very action filled legendary fantasy and in the end it was clear who the good guys and bad guys were. Mom said there was too much fighting and Dad said there was too much romance so it was a great balance!?? :-) 

Sprung - The weather finally has become much nicer. Dad worked in the yard for a while Saturday morning and Grandma is getting some landscaping done to bring her condo “up to par”. Papa took Jacob, Sophia and Rex canoeing in the pond, where they found a few ducks and a turtle.  Many of the neighborhood flowering trees are in full bloom and look absolutely spectacular. 

Love y’all,

Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 1 May 2011

Dear Family,

Saudades -  Monday Mom & Dad shuttled Guilherme to the airport to catch his flight to Chicago. We were all sad to see him go, but we made some good memories of his visit and hope he will return for some more fun.

Twice Templed - Tuesday Mom & Dad served in the temple (morning) cleaning and (evening) family file ordinances. “It is simply good to be there at any time doing whatever needs to be done”. 

Double Dose - Mom & Dad had double the fun with the Stebar’s this week. Thursday, Stebar’s shared a delicious bean and ham bone (from the Easter dinner) soup. Friday evening they celebrated Sister Stebar’s birthday by having a very tasty dinner at the Marine City Fish Company and going for a cool, but delightful walk along the St. Clair River.

“Kulka Konnection” - Mom & Dad with Jim & Vanessa attended the funeral (church service; motorcade to the cemetery and luncheon) of Joan Kulka, Jim’s Grandmother. The occasion was joyous because her suffering in the flesh is finihed and because we celebrated her wonderful life through sharing memories. It had been a considerable time since Jim had a meaningful connection with the Kulka side of the family. As the sadness and joy of the moment were shared, connections were forged, hearts were connected and a very intriguing family history of Jim’s grandparents was shared. Both Mom & Dad were touched by the occasion, glad to be invited to be a part of it, and grateful to have known “Jenny”  and to enjoy her family.

Dance Dance Dance - This week was the final preparation for and presentation of the Mary Skiba School of Dance recital featuring our own skilled and talented dancers, Olivia Kulka and Sophia Corless. Mom & Dad attended and photographed part the dress rehearsal, on Wednesday.  On Saturday afternoon, they went with Grandma Sparks, Ryan & Maureen to experience Olivia’s and Sophia’s performance in full costume, with full stage effects, and in front of a huge audience. It was quite the sight to behold!  Well done, Olivia and Sophia!

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Sam goes for it.