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.

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 24 April 2011

Dear Family,

He Lives! - Twelve years ago Mom & Dad, with Grandma Sparks, Deanna and the Stebar’s, visited the “Garden Tomb” just outside of the City of Jerusalem. This sacred experience left them with no doubt that Jesus lives. He, who once was dead, lives and we too will live forever. Happy Easter!

The Fixer - This week, Dad performed a couple of near miracles, at least, minor triumphs over matter: 1) removed spilled wax from the carpet in the family room by using an iron to melt the wax, paper towels to absorb the wax, and steam from the iron, to clean it. 2) solved the mystery of Grandma Sparks, leaking toilet - “It is quiet”

History Tourists - Mom & Dad made two trips to “The Henry Ford” this week:  1) On Monday, they visited the museum with Michael, Timon (Michael’s friend) and Guilherme. Afterward, they had a yummy dinner with Ryan at Pizza Papalis   2) On Thursday afternoon they went on the Ford factory tour to see some history of Ford Motor Company and the production process of the F-150 and later to the IMAX theater to see a 3D wildlife movie with Michael & Guilherme and dinner at the Michigan Cafe in between.

Movies ‘R’ Us - Dad watched “Ben Hur” in four installments while working out on the elliptical. Mom & Dad took Michael and Guilherme to see the “Conspirator” about post civil war America and Lincoln’s assassination. Saturday afternoon, Papa & Nona took Sam, Josh and Olivia to “Rio” an animated musical about a couple of rare blue Macaws threatened by the illegal exotic animal trade during the crazily famous “Carnaval” celebrations in beautiful Rio de Janeiro. They all liked the movie, but Nona, specially liked the Samba music.  Shake yo booty!

Adult Supervision - Friday evening, Jim & Vanessa celebrated their 18th wedding anniversary and needed some adult supervision for the kids, but, instead, settled for Papa & Nona to stay with the grand buddys. It was fun to be with them: Nona played card games and Papa taught Josh & Olivia to play “Mahgong” on the computer. In the morning, Papa made waffles for breakfast and took Josh to his baseball practice and Olivia to her dance class. At Olivia’s request, Papa performed an impromptu outdoor photo shoot of Olivia in her Army style camo “Tumble Team” costume.  Thankfully, the adults, Jim & Vanessa returned and as a bonus, they brought Jet’s Pizza. YES!  Life is good!

Kisses & Hugs to all Love y’all,

Mom & Dad

Henry Ford Museum - Timon, Myriam, Michael & Guilherme

Olivia - Tumble Team

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 17 April 2011

Dear Family,

Safe Journey - Wednesday night Michael and his friend Timon arrived safely after driving the Explorer for ~1700 miles from Utah to Michigan. Mom & Dad were very pleased to meet Timon, who was one of Michael missionary companions and a fine southern gentleman from Georgia.

Neo Audio/Video - Mom & Dad have a new Vizio 55” Flat screen TV with a Sony Blu-ray home theater system and a programmable remote control to operate the whole system. Thanks to Ryan and Michael for installing the system and programming the controller.  Dad had to completely dismantle the old media center to get it downstairs into the basement and then reassemble it.  Thanks to Michael & Timon for getting the old and very heavy TV in the basement.  

Neo Family Room - To compliment the new media, Mom, with the assistance of Michelle - an interior decorator, decided on and ordered the new couch, media center, ottoman, end table and sofa table for the family room - it will look real nice. The home will be even more pleasant and inviting for family and friends.

Healthly Stuff - Dad achieved his body mass i.e. weight goal and maintained it for six weeks and is now a card-carrying lifetime member of Weight Watchers. Dad says, “Watching your weight is easy, loosing it is difficult.” For exercise and fun, Dad, Michael and Timon played racquetball on Thursday morning. Dad won, of course, soundly beating those young inexperienced whipper-snappers.  

Shuttlers - Monday morning Mom & Dad took a recently widowed member of the ward to airport. Saturday they had the joy of picking up Guilherme who is visiting from Brazil via Chicago where he is attending high school for a semester.  With another Brazilian in town, it is Party Time!!!  Grandma Sparks joined in and supported the partying by picking up the tab for dinner at Red Lobster for 11 of us. Thank you, Grandma Sparks!

Knee News - Pedro Armando is back home after his prolonged hospital stay. He will be on Microbiotics for another 3 months, physical therapy and have weekly tests, but for the most part he can resume his normal life. We are all grateful for the good news.

Family Sunday dinner - 17 April 2011

Love y’all,

Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 10 April 2011

Dear Family,

Rest & Relaxation - Mom & Dad didn’t do much this week except: clean the temple on Tuesday and Friday mornings; Temple Baptistry on Tuesday evening; work in the homeless kitchen at Fort Street Presbyterian church in downtown Detroit on Thursday morning; RS Gardening Activity Thursday evening (Dad was Priesthood support and photographer); visited 4 single ladies - 3 in assisted living and 1 in a hospital; shop for furniture with Grandma.  Dad says it is “great to be retired” and often wonders how he ever had time to work at Ford. So much for the plan to lay around in a hammock savoring sweet grapes and bonbons. Oh well, maybe next week.

Interior Decorators -  Mom was the chief consultant and Dad was the official chauffeur for Grandma Sparks’ quest for a new kitchen table and chairs, which included visits to several stores and ended up with designing and ordering a new table from the Thomasville store.  Mom & Dad, caught up in the excitement, imagined what new Thomasville furniture would look like in the bedroom and family room and study - R e a l  n i c e!