Sunday, July 31, 2011

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 31 July 2011


Dear Family,
Soggy Bottoms - A big summer rain storm through the night on Wednesday brought much needed moisture to the parched parts and wilting flora of Southeast Michigan and also, some flooding in the bottom lands along the rivers. Our grass has greened up, the flowers have perked up and the pond is filled up once again. We can go canoeing with the grandbuddies again!
Pointed - Tuesday was Michael’s 23rd birthday. He celebrated by going to Cedar Point (highest and fastest roller coasters in the world) with his cousin Eduarda, and friends Ryan Drake, Melanie and Jeff Reihl in his 31 mile/gallon Hybrid Escape. They had a great time considering Michael and Eduarda are terrified of heights.  With friendly support, they “conquered their fears and lived the dream”, making some terrific memories together.
Bonita Brazilian Party Time - With the much anticipated and enjoyed visit from the “bonita” Eduarda, the family has taken turns hosting dinner parties, lunch parties, and get togethers to make the most of the precious time she is with us. Tuesday: adventures at Cedar Point. Wednesday: she with Mom & Dad watched Michael play goalie in a rain soaked soccer game; joined by Ryan & Maureen, they went to Big Boy for a late dinner. Thursday: Ryan & Maureen hosted a BBQ rib, grilled chicken and steak dinner, and Wii dance party at their home. Friday: Ryan joined Mom, Dad & Eduarda at the Henry Ford Museum for lunch at the Michigan Cafe; kickball game that Eduarda, Jim, Ryan, Vanessa and Michael played in (they won); Bocce at the Partridge Creek Mall with dinner afterward at Max & Erma’s.  Saturday: 17 family members attended a brunch at The Pantry.  On Saturday afternoon, Mom & Dad took Eduarda to see the St. Clair River and walk on the boardwalk; they were treated to a festival with power boat boat racing.  Later, Jim & Vanessa hosted a Jet’s Pizza party with games and a movie at their home.Sunday: Michael’s family birthday celebration after church was complete with dinner, ice cream cake and gifts.  It has been a great joy for us to host Eduarda.  She is a sweetheart!  We were able to video call her family later.  It was wonderful!
Shin Saga - Dad’s physician put him on an antibiotic for an infected wound on his shin that refuses to heal up. He has been able to walk for miles and bike for tens of miles with no pain or problems, but standing around causes it to throb. Hopefully, the infection will clear soon and we will not have a “peg leg” in the family. Meanwhile, Dad finished reading the book Mom gave him for his birthday  “Miracle of Freedom - 7 Tipping Points that Saved the World”. It is recommended world history reading for the whole family.
Love y’all, Mom & Dad
St. Clair River
Family at Michael's B'day Party

Sunday, July 24, 2011

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 24 July 2011


Dear Family,
Birthdays - Tuesday Grandma Nilace and Uncle Nile celebrated their 86th birthday. When Mom & Dad went to pick up Grandma to take her to lunch, she was on the telephone with her brother, so Mom & Dad took the opportunity to sing Happy Birthday to Uncle Nile, too.  They had a nice lunch at Olive Garden. Since the regime medicine finished, Grandma’s leg is still bothering her so she plans to go to the doctor again next week. Next week is David (33rd) and Michael’s (23rd) birthday. 
Brazilian Connection - The great anticipation permeated through the family as Mom and Dad picked up Eduarda (Duda) from the airport on Saturday afternoon. Of course, there was a complication - the MKX picked up a screw in the front tire, so we had to borrow Grandma’s MKZ to pick up Duda. It is a wonderful to see her again and welcome her to our home and more importantly make a precious connection with our Brazilian side of the family that we get to see only on rare occasions.
Couched - Mom & Dad finally received the new leather sectional couch and ottoman they ordered three months ago. Dad is so grateful that Mom loves it because there is no returning it. It really does look nice in the family room and very comfortable to sit on. And Dad and Michael put the old couch in the basement and Dad arranged it so now there is a nice TV room in the basement corner.
Tough Guy - Dad took a spill while mountain biking. He only suffered a few bruises and a couple of small cuts, but after catching his breath, got right back on the bike and rode 4 miles home. No pain, just a bruised ego. More bad news due to the hiatal hernia: Dad will probably need to always take medication for his reflux.   No big deal, though!
Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Sunday, July 17, 2011

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 17 July 2011


Dear Family,
Bikin’ Buddies - Good news, Mom is feeling strong enough for a little more exercise, so Mom & Dad have started biking together. Starting with short runs to Kmart, they have worked up to biking along the cool shady nature area along the Clinton River together.  It is great for the body and soul. Go Mom !
Funeral - One of the Relief Society sisters’ 93 year old mother passed away and Mom was involved in supporting and organizing the Relief Society efforts.  Dad, who only went to the viewing, was well entertained by one the cousins who was an Air Force pilot that had logged in over 3300 hours in KC-135’s and RC-135‘s during his 24 years of service. He had some great stories. The next evening Mom and Grandma Nilace attended and sang with the choir at the wonderful and uplifting funeral service.
Stoned to Knee-moania - Along with the normal yard maintenance of planting, watering and trimming, Dad has started a long term project of leveling the paver stones that have sunk down over the years.  He removes each stone throws in the leveling sand and replaces the stone one by one in the cool of the morning until his knees start to squawk. Oh well, it is good honest work and it keeps him out of mischief.
Not entirely stable - Friday evening, Mom & Dad visited Stebar’s and found out about Sister Stebar’s fall episode which left her bumped, bruised and bleeding. Seemingly suffering from the same malady as Amelita a few weeks ago, she became dehydrated and not entirely stable. Thankfully, she is on the mend with help of some medicine, but could use the power of prayer in her behalf to end this sad saga and bring on some healthful stability. Meanwhile, Ryan’s back spasms are much improved and he has returned to almost full activity.
Serve and Socialize - Mom helped with serving and Dad got to eat & socialize at the reception for Michael Lambert and his new bride on Saturday evening at the church. It was a good opportunity to help out, renew a few acquaintances and share family updates about kids and grandkids. Congratulations to Michael and his wife Pamela! 
Foot Balling” - Dad and Michael have been following the Women’s World Cup Soccer games and rooting for the USA team. The toughest game thus far was against Brazil which took a tying goal late in overtime and winning the subsequent shoot out. They were particularly satisfied with their 3-1 win over France, but they lost 3-2 to Japan in the final. Michael played well in a tough soccer game on Wednesday evening. The family supported Kick ball team continued its undefeated record on Friday in part due to the great running, catching and kicking skills of the athletic Michael and Jim. Go guys!

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Jim gives this one the boot
pastedGraphic_1.pdfMichael - cocked and ready to fire

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Air Michael denies this Shot
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Super Michael flies after a shot.
Moabed - Dan & Holli and crew returned safely from their traditional summer adventure vacation to Moab, Utah. Thanks for the pictures. 

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Isaiah, Joshua, Holli, Joseph, Daniel & Nathan
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Grandma Nilace’s B’day Party - Sunday after church the family gathered to celebrate Grandma’s 86th birthday with desserts, singing and candles.  
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Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Sunday, July 10, 2011

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 10 July 2011


Dear Family,
Happy 235th Birthday USA! - We are so blessed to be Americans. Of all the people who ever lived on the earth (estimated at 100-110 billion) less than 5% ever lived in a free society.  It is worthy of a great celebration.  In the morning, Dad went to the Ward Breakfast - they let him cook and serve “artery cloggers” (link sausages) and carbohydrate bombs (pancakes). Mom & Dad had decorated the house in & out with flags and Red, White and Blue stuff. Mom had everything in order, lovely and of good report; Dad grilled burgers and sausages (burnt offerings); Vanessa made pies and jello salad,; Stebar’s brought yummy potatoes and an awesome Oreo cookie, frozen desert; Grandma made some cole slaw and Martin Abdulahad brought Baklava to the festive feeding frenzy. Dad & Jim won a Bocce game with a close come from behind victory over Michael and Martin. Jim, Joshua and Michael matched their Wii Mario Cart skills. Michael & Martin took charge as the extraordinary pyro-techs and put on a great display of the Grandma Nilace funded fireworks as the great finale of the day’s festivities.  The fireworks were even a higher quality entertainment than the bug zapper. :-)  The celebrations spilled over the next day with a delicious brunch of the famous Stebar biscuits and gravy.  Thank you Stebars!
Photos : http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101042
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The Independent Ladies of our 4th of July Celebrations
Survivors - Ryan took his tribe and Tyler to Tennessee to visit Maureen’s parents and brothers and to enjoy all manner of water sports. Ryan returned with a bad case of “back-teria”. He was walking around all bent over and twisted in pain and Maureen managed a painful burn on her arm. Dad endured the pain of helping Ryan purchase and install a new kitchen faucet.   Grandma Nilace’s ambitious “to do list” was slowed way down due to back and leg pain, however, a visit to her doctor and a blast of prescription drugs and a little rest got her back into trying to over do it again. Jim & Vanessa were not with the pain/torture program and enjoyed the pool, backyard campfire and fun things with the family. Sam survived the intense and scary “Super 8” movie and an over night stay with Papa and Nona with no nightmares. Thankfully we all survived the holiday week and not too much worse for the wear. We are specially grateful that Mom is getting stronger and Grandma Sparks is getting around much better and Ryan after a blast of pain killers and muscle relaxers is walking much more erect.
Biker Papa - Saturday morning, Dad pedaled his way to a tree covered bike trail in the middle of Sterling Heights. It is a pleasant ride on a very nice, cool, shady, asphalt smooth, path through the woods along the Clinton River. He is trying to convince the other family member bike owners to join him for a little dose of exercise with a relaxing portion of nature.
Something to sniff at.  Jena, Deputy Dan’s canine companion, has a nose for illegal drugs and is always looking for something to sniff at. So far this furry family member is working out quite well. Unfortunately, Jena does not fit in the family’s little Mazda so they are looking for a more roomy mode of transportation to accommodate the three kids and a kennel --- like an Explorer. Good Choice!
Rojo-ed - To celebrate our survival, on Saturday evening Grandma Nilace, Mom & Dad, Jim & Vanessa, Ryan & Maureen and Michael met at Rojo’s (the new Mexican Bistro at Partridge Creek) for a dinner of tasty, guacamole, nachos, fajitas, burritos, tacos. . .  After dinner they all went shopping. It was perfect weather to be outdoors and enjoy family.
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Happy Bunch of Rojo - Mexican Bistro-ers!
Bumbling Bureaucrats - David has done all he can and is still waiting for the snail paced Texas State licensing process so he can actually start “dentalizing” Texans and be gainfully employed and provide for his family. Hopefully, this is the last hurdle in becoming a productive member of society. We love you. Remember patience is a virtue. Go David! 
Hope you all enjoyed the holiday!
Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Samantha's B'day Party Photos - 26 June 2011

Samantha with brothers, sister and cousins
The Pianists - Olivia and Rex Stuart
Sam with Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 3 July 2011


Dear Family,
On the road - David & Jana and the rest of their gypsy tribe were homeless for a day while they drove from Illinois to Texas on Thursday.  Thank you Heavenly Father! They arrived safely and stayed with the Hill’s that night, then started the moving and settling in. Mom & Dad wish they could be there to give them a house warming party, but this time of year in Texas the last thing they need is a “warmer” house.   Their new address is: 4700 Evanshire Way,   McKinney, Texas  75070
Mills have Gone to the Dog - Deputy Dan is leaving behind the jailhouse blues and is now the newest “Dog Deputy” in Canyon County. His new black & white furry partner is a Border Collie named Jena. This addition to the family marks a new opportunity for Dan’s Deputy Sheriff’s career and, of course, represents a new great adventure for the family. Kids and dogs tend to be a natural combination.
Gladden the Eye - Dad borrowed Ryan’s pick up while they are gone to Tennessee, to haul soil and mulch in an effort to beautify the home for the Independence Day celebrations. In spite of the hot and humid weather, Dad has been digging, preparing flower beds and planting at the direction of Mom, who is under strict orders to not over do it.
Conservation of Energy - Thankfully, both Mom & Dad are much better from their cold symptoms and carefully pacing their personal energy consumption to gradually get back to their normal, active routine.  
Apple-synckified - Mom & Dad now have entered the distinctive digital coolness of the “iZone”, and are enjoying the “fruit” by getting new iPhones. With the help of Michael they downloaded scriptures, music and, of course, the contacts, and even synchronized with Dad’s Mac and Mom’s iPad, respectively. 
Le Chef Michael - Michael made the traditional Chicken & Pasta Sunday dinner for a bunch of his friends from the Young Single Adult Ward whom he Home Teaches. 
Soggy Bottom Boy - Saturday afternoon, Mom & Dad were at movies watching “Transformers 3” when a severe downpour blew through the area. Meanwhile across town, Michael had the roof off the Jeep and within 10 minutes the jeep interior was soaked and he became the certified soggy bottom boy.
Love y’all,  Mom & Dad