Dear Family,
Maytag Repairman –“The dryer isn’t turning and I need to get the laundry done.” cried Mom. Dad to the rescue! Thanks to Heavenly Father, Dad was able to disassemble the Maytag gas dryer, diagnose the problem - a worn out and broken belt; arrive at the appliance store just before it closed; purchase a new belt that luckily they had in stock and installed it –all within a couple of hours. Mom was a happy customer.  Success!


Happy Independence Day

Happy Independence Day-Mom and Dad joined the ward for a pancake breakfast and later were joined by Grandma Sparks, the Hui’s and the Lakner’s to celebrate the 236th birthday of the USA with a grilled steak dinner. It was great to catch up on what is going with Hui’s, to get to know Lakner’s better, and to share what the Corless Clan has been up to. Mom & Dad hope everyone had a good time celebrating Independence Day, and take the opportunity to contemplate how much it means to live in a nation whose law values the freedom to choose for oneself what to believe in and how live.


Safely Returned – Mom & Dad are grateful to have the Kulka Krew and Ryan & Maureen and their crew safely return from their visit with the Clark Family in Tennessee. Like here, it was very hot and humid there, which was great for all the water sports they were “deeply” involved in. Everyone enjoyed seeing the photos and videos of the fun and frolics of being in the water with a big family full of cousins and siblings. Maureen thoroughly enjoyed visiting her brothers and sisters, parents, nephews, nieces, and in-laws . . . . It was great to go, great to be there and great to be back home.  At least, we are very happy to have them all back.

Beating the heat – Dad has been biking early in the morning to avoid the 90o+ heat and humidity of the last several days, and using the elliptical machine on the rainy days to burn off the accumulated fat from all the celebrating and associated overeating.  Mom & Dad were cool as they watched “Spiderman” in the comfortable, air conditioned AMC 30.

Summertime Backyard

In the Pink- Inspite of the exhausting hot weather, the constant watering has all the flowers around the house looking good. The flowers, which are pink, have really brightened Mom’s days.  Thankfully, the rain has turned our mud hole back to a pond for the frogs, turtles and ducks to enjoy.  They received their renewed habitat and for us it is a much improved view.

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Dear Family,
Artified – Mom & Dad found an open day and went to see the special “Five Spanish Masterpieces” exhibit from the all time top five Spanish artists: Goya, Velasquez, El Greco, Picasso, and Dali. Mom & Dad both like Goya the best. They also saw a less inspiring black & white photo exhibit from Patti Smith, a hippy with a Polaroid 250 camera.

Figure 1  Mom with an Ancient Masterpiece
Cool Movies – To beat the 90+ heat this week, Mom & Dad watched most of the World War II “Band of Brothers” series on DVD with Ryan. At AMC 30, they watched “Hunger Games” a futuristic government- run-amok movi,e and “Brave” a cute, animated, I-want-to-be-me, movie - All in air conditioned comfort, for which we are all very grateful.

Work & Work out-Early, in the cool of the morning, Dad has been getting his exercise by biking from home to and along the shady Clinton River Trail and back. Saturday morning, he and Vanessa biked on the trail together for a daddy daughter time. He also has finished the painful “Backteria and Kneemonia” front walkway portion of the paver stone leveling project.

Eagle Scout –Having successfully completed his 6/12/12 Eagle Board of Review, Nathan joins the Corless Clan Eagle Nest with Papa, Daniel, Ryan, David, Michael, and Tyler. Congratulations Nathan! We are all proud of your accomplishment. Go Nathan!

Fun Friday-Mom & Dad drove Ryan to the Bishop Airport in Flint, to catch a flight to Atlanta – first leg of a journey to get to Knoxville, and join his family that have been with the Clark’s (Maureen’s family) for the last week. Mom & Dad took Ryan’s car and went a little further North to Birch Run, to do a little shopping at the Corningware store and to have lunch at Victor & Merek’s. Dad enjoyed driving Ryan’s 2.0L Intercooler Turbo/6 speed manual Buick Regal.

Baseball Champs- Joshua Kulka was on fire Saturday with his defensive play and hitting a double, a triple and a home run in his team’s victory to win the Little League World Series. Go Joshua!!

Kulka Klan Kamp Over-Samantha enjoyed her Girl’s camp this year and got one night in her own bed before the whole Kulka Krew camped out at Papa & Nona’s for the weekend. Saturday night was a Jet’s Pizza Party to celebrate Independence Day and Josh’s Baseball Championship.


Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Dear Family,

Beautify – Dad has been pruning and cleaning up around the yard in the mornings. Mom & Dad purchased, placed and planted the annual array of pink flowers around the house to beautify their small part of the earth. New planters that straddle the deck railing actually look quite nice, and have more room for the flowers to grow. Mom is so happy to see the flowers!

40th – Jim has successfully passed into the next decade of his earthy existence. Only Papa and Nona are older than Jim. (That’s ok, Jim you don’t look that old).  He has enjoyed teaching Seminary this year and is happy for the summer break. Saturday evening was the party with the family – all sorts of favorite eats; Jim game with 40 prepared questions; and a game of Scattergories that Jim won. Congratulations (Parabens). You are awesome, Jim. 

Jim's 40th Birthday

Kulka Kids Kamp Over – Thursday night, the Kulka kids came over to stay the night with Papa and Nona. We watched “Madagascar3” at AMC 30 with Samantha, Joshua and Olivia. Later Papa picked up Tyler from football training and prepared ice packs for his sore and swollen ankle. Papa made a campfire to roast marshmallows for s’mores. Josh and Olivia enjoyed the fire with Papa and they saw fireflies blinking on and off in the back yard.  In the morning, Papa made a waffle with strawberries breakfast to tickle their taste buds and supply energy for the day’s activities.

Father's Day Celebrators

Zoo Buddies at Arctic Ring of Life

Father’s Day – After church, a Lasagna dinner and party was held at Papa and Nona’s to honor the Fathers. Thanks for the calls and gifts

Zoo-ers- Papa’s day at the zoo was attended by Samantha, Joshua, Preston, Olivia, Jacob and Sophia. Thanks to Sam for making the lunches. They all had a great time together walking around, getting an “Edzoocation” (Heavenly Fathers creatures are indeed wondrous) and riding on the new carousel and a Happy Feet Wild Ride on a very warm day. What a joy!  Nona didn’t get to go because the TV was not working and after hours of dealing with someone from “ATT India” on the phone the day before, they decided to send a repair man, sometime between 8-12, Friday morning.  She felt OK staying home since Tyler’s ankle was not ready for the trip to the zoo and she got to spend some precious time one-on-one with him.  After the repair man left they went for a late lunch at Uno’s.  Nona sure loves Tyler!

More Zoo Photos at:  http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101625

Zoo Buddies with the bronze Tiger

Zoo Buddies

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Dear Family,
Depesticated – Michael, the son and
salesman, arranged for, Dan, the Terminex
technician, to apply anti-bug juice and
mouse traps at all the strategic locations to
assure that our home is and will be pest free.

Uncold-Everyone is glad that Mom is
feeling much better from the cold symptoms
she had been suffering through the week.
And the weather certainly warmed up from
the cool 70’s into the 90’s this week.

Home Sweet Home Repairs-Grandma
Nilace, with Dad’s help, replaced the old
leaking dishwasher with a brand new one.
Meanwhile one of her tree branches decided
to split from the trunk and lean onto the roof
of her house. Dad, armed with a pruner, was
joined by her landscaper with a chain saw
and together they made short work of
removing it from the roof and reducing it to
a pile of small branches. In addition, Dad
installed her bird feeder pole in the backyard
and hung a mirror in the second bedroom.
Dad, during the cool of the morning, pruned
some bushes in the back and fertilized the
flowers around the house in an effort to put
a small dent in the never ending to do list.
Next week we hope to plant flowers to add
color and spruce up the home a little more.

Anxiously Engaged-This week’s evenings
were packed with opportunities to serve:
Tuesday-Temple; Wednesday- two Eagle
Board of Reviews; Thursday-High Priest
Group Leadership and a Priesthood
Leadership Meeting; and Friday-ARP
meeting. Six of eight boys in our troop
working on Eagle Scout are now Eagle
Scouts with the remaining two boys
scheduled for their boards of review this
week. Congratulations!

Fitness- After being away from home so
long both Mom and Dad are trying to
recover a healthier life style of eating less
and exercising more. Dad dusted off his bike
and pedaled on the Clinton River Trail a few
times. Saturday morning, Dad picked up
Vanessa & bike and they rode the Trail
together. Good News! -Dad got a clean bill
of health from his Ear Nose and Throat
Doctor, so he is starting to taper off the acid
reduction medicine. If all goes well he will
be completely off the medication in 6 weeks.

Happy Birthday to You !

Reconnecting-Dad took Sam to her soccer
game at Delia Park. Nona took her to lunch
and then met Papa to see “Men in Black 3”.
Taking Sam home was a great opportunity
to visit Jim & Vanessa and Ryan & Maureen
and their tribes. It was good to hear from,
Michael, Lara, Rachel and Grandpa Ross as
well this week. Everyone is doing as well as
expected. Preston’s 10th birthday party
afforded an opportunity for another family
gathering on Sunday evening. Grandma
Sparks wasn’t feeling well so she didn’t go.
Preston choose cold cereal as his Birthday
dinner. Happy Birthday again to Preston!

Clan at Preston's 10th Birthday Party

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 25 March 2012

Dear family,

Chicago - Wednesday, was filled with another successful round trip to the Brazilian Consulate, which yielded all eigh visas required for the Corless/Kulka Clan pilgrimage to the other side of equator, in the Brazilian deep south.  On the other hand, Mom’s continuing saga to reacquire her Brazilian citizenship was littered with a few more frustrating complications, which left Mom disheartened.

The Henry Ford - Thursday, Mom & Dad and Ryan & Maureen hosted a 14 person tour to the Henry Ford Museum and Rouge Factory for Jon (Maureen’s brother) & Jen Clark with their four children, who are visiting from Tennessee. It has been a great joy for all of us to have them here. 

Corless and Clark clans at The Henry Ford

Corless' at Henry Ford Museum

Jacob’s 8th - Saturday afternoon, the Corless, Clark and Kulka clans and guests arrived at the church for the baptism, but the font had not been filled. However, we instituted a fast fill process i.e. we all pitched in with a water brigade from the restrooms and kitchen, and saved the day. Even though the water was cold, the program, including a beautiful song by little Sophia, was a complete success, and Jacob was baptized and confirmed by his father. Counting aunts, uncles, cousins and grandparents, there were 19 relatives in attendance at Jacob’s special day of covenants, ordinances and celebrations.  Go Jacob!

Clark, Corless and Kulka Clans at Jacob's Baptism

Spring has sprung - The weather has been so warm and sunny for so long that the trees already have budded and flowered. It is beautiful to see! Dad has taken advantage of the nice weather and went biking on the Clinton River Trail twice this week.

Love y’all,

Mom & Dad 

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 18 March 2012

Dear family,

Passports and Visas - Monday was passport day in downtown Detroit for the “Kulka Krew”. Tyler was taken back with all the high security level, including an airport style X-ray and metal detector. However, all the people were friendly and very helpful and the process went smoothly. We also drove there to take the kids back to school when they had done “their part”, while Jim and Vanessa were still finishing the application requirements. Mom received her renewed passport on Tuesday and Jim picked up their passports on Wednesday. By no small miracle all the Visa application documents were ready on Thursday evening.

Visa Applications - Friday morning, Mom & Dad got up at three in the morning, left at 4 am, drove for 5 hours and arrived at the Brazilian Consulate in Chicago in time to apply for the eight tourist visas. The lady that accepted and processed the applications was, amazingly, from Mom’s home town and knew Mom’s father. She credited Dr. Gatti, for saving her mother’s life. Mom was overcome by emotion, specially when the the lady told her she looked like her father. No one can tell us this is not an example of Vo Gatti’ and Vo Ita’s heavenly inspired desire to firmly connect their children and children’s children together. “Divine signatures” everywhere.

Brazilian Citizenship  - Mom told the lady at the consulate how she hated to have to apply for a visa because she had given up her  Brazilian citizenship in 1988 to become a US citizen. The lady indicated she could now reacquire her citizenship by submitting a few documents.  By so doing she could register all of her children as Brazilian citizens and subsequently all of her grandchildren can be registered as Brazilian citizens too. This was sweet music to Mom’s ears, so Wednesday when they return to Chicago to pickup the visas she plans to submit her application to reacquire her citizenship.  She still only half believes it, though, since as she puts it “ I’ve walked this way before...”

Fixit Frolics - Dad and Ryan were at it again Saturday morning. Ryan had plastered and painted the basement wall where the wall crack had been repaired and he and Dad replaced the paneling thus completing the job and returning the wall to mint condition. They also repaired a kitchen cabinet shelf that had fallen down and Dad cleaned out a slow drain in the basement bathroom. Dad found that Grandma’s MKZ had a dead battery, but the Jeep and a set of battery cables was able to get it running in short order.

Ward Conference - Mom & Dad  spoke for 5 minutes plus showed two videos in their respective meetings during ward conference. It was a big hassle getting the DVDs to work in the players at church, but with persistence and the Lord’s help (they took the kitchen TV), it all worked out and the presentations went well.  They are grateful!

Love y’all,

Mom & Dad 

Dear family,

Brazil or Bust - Jim & Vanessa are doing everything they can to take their family to Rio Grande to meet all the Brazilian side of the family for a couple of weeks, while Mom & Dad will be there for 7 weeks. It is amazing, and a wonderful thing for Mom to see such love between each side of the family, and the effort to span the huge geographical gap between them. VoIta and Vo Gatti surely are smiling and doing whatever they can from the other side of the veil, to make this family connection. Needless to say the excitement is at fever pitch on both sides of the equator. 

Service - Doing what the capabilities allow  this week, included Temple worker on Tuesday, Scout Board of Review on Wednesday, ARP and Support group meeting leading on Friday, and Ward building cleaning, on Saturday. It is a joy to do the Lord’s work whenever and however it can be done.

Sinus Painus Dripicus - Buy stock in Kleenex.  Dad got over a sinus congestion and runny nose and Mom suffered with it through the week and is getting over it and Dad is now, suffering through a second bout of the same thing. Of course, the blustery Michigan March weather bouncing between the 20’s and 60’s is not helping. However, it give little time for Mom & Dad to watch 

“Courageous” a powerful video about fatherhood. 

Love y’all,

Mom & Dad 

Joshua (Steve Young) with Vanessa, Rex and Jim

Preston (Steve Jobs) Jacob, Ryan, Maureen and Sophia

Isaiah Baptism with his extended family

Valentines Celebration at Papa & Nona's

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 4 March 2012

Dear family,

Passport Panic - Mom & Dad tore the place apart, but could not find Mom’s passport. So we applied for a new one with an expedited process to be ready for our visit to Brazil. Mom & Dad now have scheduled flights to leave March 28th and return May 17th. This whole effort over two days left both Mom & Dad emotionally, physically and financially exhausted. Now the hope is that the passport comes in time to apply for and receive the Tourist Visa.

Wax Museum - Vanessa invited Mom & Dad to Miami Elementary on Friday afternoon to see the 4th grade “Wax Museum”. Each student picked a famous person to imitate in dress and appearance and as the spectators stopped by and pushed a “button” they would tell about the person they were imitating. Joshua was Steve Young and Preston was Steven Jobs, both did a fine jobs depicting their famous person.

Preston and his family

Joshua with his Mom & Dad and cousin Rex

Hole in the Wall Gang - Saturday while Myriam, Vanessa and Maureen were at the Stake Relief Society Conference, Ryan called and asked Dad to help him with patching the hole in the basement wall where the water leak crack had been filled. Dad picked up the drywall on the way over and they roughed in the patch ready for plastering. Papa got hugs from all the kids. Later on Mom & Dad visited Ryan & Maureen and family and played a couple of games. Tyler stopped by for a little while.

Better Times for Sam - This weekend Sam swam in a swim meet that she had to qualify to be in, and in the process bettered her one mile time, by 34 seconds, and her 200yd butterfly time, by .5 seconds.  She has been doing very well for a 13 year old in the 13 to 18 year old division. Go Sam!

Sunday Afternoon - After church Mom & Dad had the Fullmer family over for dinner and a game of Greed. The Dad is in Afghanistan with the Army for a short business trip. It was good to get to know them and share stories. Later, Mom & Dad visited Jim & Vanessa and started to play a game when a video call from Michael & Melanie came through. They took everyone on a guided video tour of their apartment. It was great to see and hear them. They are both doing well in school (all As). Michael claims this is the hardest semester, but says he enjoys the classes. He was invited to and is playing indoor soccer once a week as the goalkeeper. We all are glad that they are happy and doing well.

Love y’all,

Mom & Dad 

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 26 February 2012

Dear Family,

Knee-monia - David had an arthroscopic knee surgery to relieve the pain he has suffered with over the last few years. Hopefully, it will heal well and he will return to work on Monday. Meanwhile, Pedro Armando’s saga continues with waging war against the bacteria that likes to hang out in his artificial knee joint. He is in Sao Paulo for the next couple of months on an out-patient basis receiving treatment. We are very concerned about his well being.

Temple - Mom & Dad enjoyed serving in the baptistry this week. They were happy to start the work for a couple of Toye Stebar’s relatives, which made it an extra special evening. 

Opportunity - Bishop called Dad to speak at a funeral on Thursday. Being retired presents some “interesting” opportunities to serve and feel the love of Heavenly Father as he comforts those who mourn. It turned out well and the family was pleased.

Mystery Island - Mom & Dad’s date night turned into experiencing Jules Verne “Journey 2 - Mystery Island” in IMAX 3D in the afternoon and a yummy steak and shrimp dinner in the evening at Outback.

Mills Mourning - The Mills Family mourns the tragic loss of Jena. Dan’s canine companion was the victim of a hit & run accident while at work, on Friday evening. Dan witnessed the whole incident and had no way to do anything to stop it. It’s hard to loose a companion this way.  Dad still remembers when as a teenager, he saw a dog run over by a tractor that died right in front of him.  Sad.  We send our condolences.

Sam Swims - Papa was finally able to watch Sam swim as she came from 3rd in the last leg to take 1st place in her heat of the 200 yard free style on Saturday afternoon. She has qualified to compete next weekend in another meet. Go Sam!

Sam Swims

Isaiah 8 - Happy Birthday and baptism for Isaiah. The whole Michigan Corless Clan attended Isaiah’s Baptism at the Detroit River Branch building in Detroit.  We also saw-  Holli’s Parents, Pablo Carbajal, Sam Skousen Jr., and the Branch President, Carlos Junca (Silvia Gray’s brother). Afterward, Mom & Dad took Ryan, Tyler, Preston and Jacob to Dan & Holli’s for a hamburger and hot dog, cake and ice cream birthday dinner and party. Ryan and Mom played the guitar and sang with Pablo. Papa helped Preston make “Robogator” with Lego Mindstorm, while Tyler, Nathan and Ryan threw the football outside. Everyone had a good time together.

Photos - http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101532

Isaiah with his Family

Isaiah’s Extended Family

Preston with “Robogator”

Love y’all,  Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 19 February 2012

Dear Family,

Happy Valentine’s Day - We hope all had a Happy Valentine’s Day with nice thoughts, cards and/or gifts from the heart.

Minor Matter Organized - While Mom went to her medical exam, Dad cleaned out part of the garage and threw out some old useless stuff. There is still much to be done, but at least, it was a start.

Vintage Vehicles - On their “Date Day” Mom & Dad went to the Henry Ford Museum to see the new “Driving America” exhibit.  It is well done and, of course, Dad photographed a few of the vintage vehicles. They had a BLT sandwich and split pea soup for lunch in the street car sized Lamy’s Diner. 

Mom reads about the Bugatti

1932 Ford V8

Mainly Mild - Tuesday morning Dad swept an inch blanket of snow off the driveway and sidewalks, however, the weather has continued to be relatively warm. So on Wednesday, Dad biked on the Clinton River Trail to get some exercise and to enjoy the outdoors.  Talking about exercise, on Monday morning, Dad, Jim and Ryan played two games of racquetball at “Courtland”. All three survived without any damage. Dad thinks he needs to develop a new strategy because these two are fast enough to get to and return his shots.

GM Boguses - Ryan stopped by after basketball on Thursday evening. He shared the irony of the GM employee bogus bonus process. After record profits, management decided to only give a part of the target bonus because “they did not meet the objectives”. It seems a little ironic that the management objectives were set by upper management and not met by upper management so they will discount the employee bonuses to make up for it. Oh well, at least, everyone is still employed.

Soggy Strength - Super Samantha displayed her excellent swimming form, strength and endurance, as she placed in several races and earned Jr Olympic times in four events and state time in one other event at a multi-club swim meet this weekend. GO Sam!

Ranger Rescuers - Mom and Dad were invited on Ryan & Maureen’s Saturday Date Night, which included a stop at the GM Tech center to install a new battery in the Ranger. After a chilly and expedited battery installation and a prayer, the Ranger started right up. Once again Ryan & Dad rescued the Ranger from an overnight stay in a lonely parking lot. They celebrated their successful rescue with dinner at “Pei Wei” and watching a DVD “Moneyball” .

Love y’all,  Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 12 February 2012

Dear Family,

Looking Good - Congratulations - Brother Stebar has successfully completed his cataract removal surgeries. He says can see so much better. Things are much brighter and clearer. Dad told, “You may be able to see better, but you don’t look any better.” They both had a good laugh. What are friends for anyway?

Tax Man - This week, Dad has spent the most aggravating part of his life’s annual routine - preparing Federal and Michigan state income tax returns. “This is worse than trying to work with the bean counters at Ford to make any logic out this tangled web of evil secret combinations. This is clearly the “Darkside.”

Date Day - Since Friday evenings are now taken with their Stake Service Missionary calling, Mom & Dad moved their date day to Thursday. This week they went to Cranbrook to see the “Life on Earth” exhibition (science mixed with the philosophies of men) and later to “Red Lobster” to share a shrimp and lobster dinner (praiseworthy and of good report).

Scout Committee - The Scout Committee was reorganized and Dad volunteered to help out.  He can’t resist. There a are number of good men to share the load and a large number of good boys to support.

White Knuckle Conditions - It started to snow as Dad attended Tyler’s basketball game, picked up a few things at Costco and drove directly home to pick up Mom to go to their ARP meeting. Afterward, Mom and Dad drove home in blizzard conditions with very slick roads. Being on the Lord’s errand has its advantages because they made home safe and sound without sliding off into the ditch.

Family Photo File - Mom and Dad scanned a number of photos from Mom’s Gatti and Sanchez families. It was fun to relive and share the stories about them. The photo below, taken about a century ago, is of Mom’s Grandparents - VoIta’s parents, Jose Maria Sanchez and Flora Christensen they were married in Argentina in 1895 and had six children. VoIta is their 5th child.

Hi Tech Spirit - Dad was sitting in Sacrament meeting today and felt like he needed to check his email via his iPhone. He found about the quorum instructor was sick and not able to attend. So, with the help of Mom and Heavenly Father, he was able to quickly prepare a lesson, which, thankfully, turned out to be well received. 

Happy Valentiners - Due to everybody/s hectic schedule on Tuesday, Mom & Dad hosted the annual Valentine’s celebrations with a dinner and, of course, candy, on Sunday after church meetings. They worked together all afternoon on Saturday, buying stuff, preparing the dinner (Peasant Pasta and home-made Gnocchi), and decorating the tables with red colored everything. Everything added to the festive mood, complete with candy stuffed in the short-stem glasses. Looking good! 

Clan Valentine Celebrators

Love y’all,  Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 5 February 2012

Dear Family,

Rembrandt - Mom & Dad finally found the time to take in the exhibition of  “Rembrandt: Faces of Jesus” at the DIA on Wednesday. It took them back to Amsterdam in mid 1600‘s and was very informative and well done - Mom & Dad highly recommend it, but, you better hurry, it ends on the 12th.

Sam’s 1st - Sam and family celebrated his first birthday at Dan & Lara’s. We all wish we could have been there to sing “Happy Birthday” and “Parabens a Voce” to the youngest clan member. Thanks to Dan & Lara for sharing the celebrations by taking and sending the video clips of singing to Sam and Sam’s cake eating technique. Happy Birthday Sam!

It’s a Bug’s Birthday - Saturday, Sophia (Bug) became 5 years old. The princess themed celebration at Ryan & Maureen’s was attended by Kulka’s and Papa & Nona. The fare of pizza and salad and “Tater Tots” were gleefully devoured. Sophia enjoyed her candle and sparkler bedecked cake and the presents and, of course the candy game. Of course, Papa took a few photos to commemorate this special occasion. Happy Birthday to Sophia. Photos of Sophia and Jacob B-ball: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101473

Rex, Ryan, Sophia, Jacob and Preston.

Grand Basket Ball Buddies - Papa attended and photographed Tyler on Friday and Jacob on Saturday playing basket ball. It is fun to watch them play; of course they are at completely different levels of play, but nevertheless,                      it is always entertaining. Photos Tyler B-ball: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101468

Love y’all,  Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 29 January 2012

Dear Family,

Yumanized - Mom & Dad flew with Grandma Nilace to Yuma. They helped her get settled in her winter residence. Dad, power washed the dust off the house and cleaned windows, pruned the dead branches from the grapefruit tree, replaced a weed strangled rose bush and cleaned out a ~20 year old mess in the shed/shop. Dad met and pestered neighbors to borrow space in their garbage bins to get rid of all the accumulated trash and yard waste.  Dad thinks he and Mom need a rest after this “vacation”. However, it was good to help Grandma get settled in for her warm weather winter in Yuma, and to be comforted knowing she has good neighbors and Jim & Amy to watch out for her. Photos:  http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101437

Grandma’s Winter Residence on Senita Drive in Saguaro Estates

Grandma “triking” in Saguaro Estates

iPad-er - Grandma Nilace, after seeing what Mom’s iPad could do, had to have one of her own. Of course, the fact that her twin brother has one probably had something to do with “I got to have one.” Mom & Dad helped her get it set up and showed her how to use it. Also, Dad downloaded all of her digital pictures on to her laptop computer. There some photos from our Egypt, Jordan, Israel trip in March of 1999.

California Connection - Dad drove the Fusion 240 miles to the Sorenson home in Chino Hills. It was great to re-connect with Uncle Nile and Aunt Charlene. They are great hosts and a joy to be with. It was easy to feel at home there. On one very special occasion Uncle Nile brought out the latest draft of “The Way Things Really Were” (his life story) and both he and Grandma took turns reading the first several pages of it. The most touching part was at age eight when their father, after being ill for a couple of months, died from Typhoid (Salmonella Typhi). 

Myriam with Sorensons - Chino Hills, CA

Cousin Connection - Dad’s cousins, Michael, and his wife Nancy visited on Sunday evening and Nile Jr. and his wife Breta, visited on Monday evening. It had been 5 years since seeing them, and it was good to re-connect through sharing stories about children, triumphs, challenges and adventures. They are great relatives to have in our family tree.

Gratitudes - Thanks to Jim for shuttling the Explorer back home from the airport. Thanks to Grandma for the airline passage and room and board in Yuma. Thanks to Sorenson’s for their warm & gracious hospitality. Thanks to Br. Stebar for the pick up at the airport and the delivery home. You all helped make the trip possible and enjoyable.   

Love y’all,  Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 15 January 2012

Dear Family,

The Acid Test - Monday at Henry Ford Hospital Downtown, Dad had an esophageal pressure measurement taken by stuffing a probe up his nose and down his throat to see how his “swallower” is functioning, which seemed to be OK. Then they stuffed an acid gage up the nose and down the throat to measure pH level in the esophagus for 24 hours to quantify the acid reflux. He really looked pathetic with a wire sticking out his nose attached to the recording device.

Clan Annual Journal - Dad finished and forwarded The Corless Clan 2011 photo journal video featuring the family members and the events of last year.  Hopefully, it will  bring the family closer to one another, specially for the Brazilian family to know more of the North Americans. Also, Rachel started with Mom an album of Michael & Melanie’s wedding and Mom & Dad finalized and ordered it from Costco. We hope it turns out nice.

Tyler Basketball - Dad photographed a couple of Tyler’s basket ball games. They were mini reunions with Jim & Vanessa and Jim’s Mom and Jack watching them win two more games. Go Tyler!

Olivia’s Baptism - Grandma delayed her “snowbird flight” to Yuma so we could all attend and celebrate Olivia’s Baptism and her eighth birthday on Saturday afternoon. Jim’s Mom, husband, and Sister attended. We all went to their home afterwards, for the family birthday party.

Up in the Air - Sunday the 15th, Mom & Dad are flying with Grandma to Yuma. They plan to stay there for a few days and drive to California to visit the Sorenson Clan. Their plan is to soak up some sunny, warm weather before returning on the 25th. 

Love y’all,  Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 8 January 2012

Dear Family,

Undecor - With mixed feelings and many helping hands the home was returned to the pre Christmas condition inside and out in short order. Mom & Dad really appreciate the help on this big job. Thanks to Rachel and Ryan, and later to Dan for the take out Chinese dinner - it really tasted good after working all day. Dad helped Grandma put away all her indoor and outdoor Christmas decor. Dad & Mom have been cleaning and returning borrowed stuff - in other words, getting the myriad of post wedding “matters organized”- like table cloths, tuxedo, photos chosen and printed, hitch carrier,  child car seats, Jeep, etc.

Basketball & Birthday - Dad with Ryan & Mia met Jim & Vanessa at Tyler’s basketball game on Wednesday. Afterward, we had a short impromptu birthday celebration for Vanessa.

Tyler goes up for the shot

Happy Birthday Vanessa

Burn - Dad and Ryan H. played Racquetball for an hour, and Dad biked on the Clinton River Trail and ellipticalled to burn off the collection of calories from the seasonal overeating. Mom took in a couple of Zumba sessions with Rachel,Vanessa & Maureen. 

Returners - The airport shuttle service was up and running this week. We miss their sweet presence, but are grateful that Dan & Lara and Ryan & Rachel and their tribes arrived back at their homes safely. It has been a great joy having them here even if it was for such an event-filled, short time. 

California Pizza Kitchen

Lydia & Mia ready to travel.

Love y’all,  Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 1 January 2012

M & M Wedding Photos - http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101376

Dear Family,

Happy New Year

Decor Day - Wednesday, with support from our family and the parents of the bride, the church cultural hall was transformed like never before into a most beautiful palace worthy to celebrate M & M’s forever connection. Mom & Dad were so very grateful to see the family all pitch in and help and work together so smoothly to make a very special memory for Michael &  Melanie.

Covenants - Thursday evening, the family attended and participated in the Endowment session for Melanie. It was wonderful in every way to have sons and daughters and their spouses participate together in the ordinances and ceremonies only available in the House of the Lord. We all stayed in the celestial room hugging, sharing thoughts and feelings with one another, way past the normal closing time, soaking in every drop of joy we could take in.

Wedding Day - The Spirit was poured out upon us all during the sealing ordinance and ceremony.  It was a cold, dark, dreary and rainy day, but once again, no words can describe, no standard can measure, and no photograph could capture the light and warmth of the joy in our hearts for being in the temple and witnessing the sealing of Michael & Melanie - Myriam & Rex, and all of the sons and daughters sharing that supernal moment.  

Reception - It is safe to say that the reception at the church, fulfilled the dreams of Michael & Melanie, and was very well received by all of the attendees.  They said that the decor set new, higher standards for beauty and awe for all.  It was a great joy for Mom & Dad to see sons & daughters and spouses, all work together to create something that turned out in a magnificent way. “Elegant”, “beautiful”, “classy”, “fairy-tale like”, “magical” and “filled with pixie dust” were some of the words heard used in describing the felling in the room.  Beyond that there was the great joy to see 17 of the 21 grandbuddies together, thoroughly enjoying one another.  Indeed, the Lord once again greatly blessed our family. Praise be to Him the Author of all good things.

Love y’all,  Mom & Dad