corless Connection - 17 October 2010 - Sterling Heights, Michigan

Dear Family,

Winterized - The days have been beautiful, clear and sunny with a little cool nip in the air, so both Grandma’s Condo and Mom & Dad’s house got their sprinklers winterized. Monday, Dad got the keys to Grandma’s condo and parked her Jeep in the garage.  Grandma is scheduled to fly in the on Monday at 10:25 pm and the movers are scheduled to be here a couple of days afterwards.  Next week will be full of helping Grandma get settled in her fancy condo. 

Overseas Mail - Dad mailed Mom’s absentee ballot and a “Care package” to her. Mom is doing well and enjoying her visit and they are enjoying her.  Dad Says, “It is not good for a man to be alone.”  The post office worker asked if her vote has worth the $28 to took to expedite it. Dad wondered how many soldiers had died to make her vote worth having and did not hesitate to send it.

Pumpkin Carving - Ryan & Maureen hosted the annual pumpkin carving on Friday evening with all the Kulka’s and another family from their Ward. To add to festive atomsphere of pumpkin artistry they had a camp fire to warm and smoke the participates.  A good time was had by all. 

The Guardian’s - Papa took Joshua and Olivia to a 3D movie while Jim & Vanessa took Tyler and Sam to the Stake Youth Activity. Papa took Sophia on a date to the Cranbrook Science museum to see the special of Dinosaur skeletons. The big dinosaurs were a bit scary, but lunch was well received.  Grandbuddies are great!

Calling - Today Dad was called, sustained and set apart as the 2nd assistant in the High Priest Group Leadership. Brother Drake is the Group Leader.  This should be a lot of fun/work.

Love y’all,

Mom & Dad

Corless Connection - 10 October 2010 - Sterling Heights, Michigan

Dear Family,

Today is 10/10/10. 

Brazil - Mom arrived in Rio Grande, Brazil safe and sound and with much joy of her family. Her journey went very well, only one flight was delayed (2 hours) due to fog in Porto Alegre. Amelita told Dad how grateful she is for Mom’s visit. Mom has a way to bringing “light and joy” wherever she goes. We are all grateful for her safe arrival and hope all goes well during the visit.

Fixit - After taking Mom to the airport and seeing her get through security, Dad visited Dan & Holli and helped fix a bunk bed (Josh was so happy for the improved sleeping arrangement) and install a lighted ceiling fan over the dining table (so much for the dimly lit romantic dinners).  One might say Dad brought some “light and joy” to the Allen Park Corless tribe. 

Saturday, After the 10 mile bike ride with Vanessa, watching Preston, Jacob, Sophia and Rex for a couple of hours, and attending a Joshua, Preston, Jacob roller hockey game (coached by Jim & Tyler), Dad got cleaned up and attended the wedding reception for Pete & Rachel Cannon with Ryan & Maureen. Pete is the one that helped Ryan do all the electircal wiring for the basement project. President Lantz was there alone and sat with us. His wife was helping the with move of one of their sons to Atlanta.  Dad told him he is getting new member in the stake - Grandma Sparks.

Mover - Grandma Sparks is scheduled to arrive in Detroit on Monday the 18th and the movers with all her stuff should arrive within a few days.   Dad is scheduled to get the condo keys on the 11th so it will be ready for her arrival. Dad met the condo association president and told him about Mom coming. He and the other neighbors are excited to have her come because the it has been unocccupied for 5 years. We are all hoping for the move to go smoothly for Grandma Sparks.

We love y’all,

Mom & Dad

Corless Connection - 3 October 2010 - Sterling Heights, Michigan

Dear Family,

Happy Birthday to Mom. Tuesday Mom became one year older. Vanessa invited her for lunch to celebrate. Our temple assignment was cancelled due to a power outage, so we had a little vacation and were able to stay at Kulka’s longer ; we talked and played games... Also, it finally rained enough to fill the pond behind our home and it is beautiful again. Mom’s says it was a birthday gift from heaven; her heart was gladdened. Thanks to Heavenly Father for another tender mercy.

Sorenson USMC - Dad enjoyed reading Uncle Nile’s book about his experiences which took him to San Diego, Iwo Jima, Sasebo, Nagasaki Japan and back home to Idaho again. It was wonderful to experience this witness of this part of World War II through his eyes and heart. Thank you Uncle Nile - your sacrifice is a priceless gift.

Tyler’s Tragedy - Tyler is recoverying well after his spleen was seriously damaged. This week we learned how severly he was hurt. It was a life threatening injury, which had the potential to have caused him to internally bleed to death, specially since he went home the evening it happened and to school the next day, where he went to gym and even ran. Surgeons were ready to remove the spleen in order to save his life, if necessary. But through his living  the “Word of Wisdom” and caring for his body, and the power of the Priesthood, his body is repairing the damage and he is doing well.  All the surgeons at Henry Ford - Macomb Hospital all know the Miracle Football Player named Tyler. Once again the Lord has shown mercy, answered prayers and blessed our family. Thankfully, the only tragedy is Tyler will miss the football season this year. 

Brazil Bound - Mom has been busily engaged in preparation for her visit to her family. She has hugs and kisses to give and gifts to offer our Brazilian Family. Dad has also been involved in the preparations by producing a couple of short “movies” at her request, showing the “Northward” side of family. We all hope and pray this journey will go well and will be successful expressing our love for them by providing a connection to our family “Southward”.  

General Conference - Once again the Lord has reached out and invited all of us to come unto him. We are grateful for the inspiring, uplifting and edifying messages from the Lord through His servants. Now we just need to do it!

Love y’all,

Mom & Dad

Corless Connection - 26 September 2010 - Sterling Heights, Michigan

Dear Family,

Bust a Gut  - Tyler set the family schedule upside down after being hospitalized with a lacerated spleen and a partially collapsed lung recieved in a scrimmage football game. Thankfully, they did not remove the spleen and after some tense days in the ICU he is recovering very well at home.  However, he is suffering major disappointment because his football season as starting quarterback has abruptly ended before it even got started. There is always next year.

Sorenson USMC - We received Uncle Nile’s book aboout his 3 years in the Marine Corp during World War II. What a precious gift we can hardly wait to read it all!  (Dad has alreaady read 80 pages.) Thank you! 

Brazil - Mom is getting prepared for her trip to visit family. Dad has been helping prepare a family photo album and movie for her to entertain the Brazilian half of the family. 

Date Night - Mom & Dad went with Stebar’s for a dinner at the Marine City Fish Company and for a windy walk on the St. Clair boardwalk.  Afterwards, they all visited Tyler in the hospital to wish him well.

Drivin’ & Ridin’ - Saturday morning Dad went for a 10 mile bike ride with Vanessa and drove Samantha to her soccer game. Thankfully, Papa & Nona were able to help out by giving rides and staying with Tyler for a few hours so Jim could go home. 

Brazilian Birthday Bash - Today we had the family get together for Mom’s birthday at Ryan & Maureen’s. It was decored with Brazilian motif with the traditional Sunday dinner of chicken & pasta.  Several special desserts including: strawberry cheesecake, Sagu (grape tapioca), Strawberries dipped in chocolate, cinnamon cake with sauce, and cinnamon rolls were savored by all. We played games, including: What do you know about Mom, Catagories, the candy game and hide and go seek with the gifts. Thanks to Ryan & Maureen for hosting the party and we were grateful Tyler was well enough to attend. Photos: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#100635

Love y’all,

Mom & Dad

Couples of Birthday Bash

Myriam's Birthday Bash - Papa & Nona with Olivia

Corless Connection - 19 September 2010 - Sterling Heights, Michigan

Dear Family,

Michigan Condo Owner - It is official!  Grandma Sparks closed on her condo, which makes her an offical Michigan property owner and taxpayer.  The condo is looking great: the deck has been painted; the bushes wre trimmed; lawn was patched...  All in preparation for Grandma to move here by mid October.   Mom & Dad have met her future neighbors and they are all very nice people.

Electrified - - Ryan came over and helped Dad install an inconspicuosly located electrical outlet for the master bedroom TV.  Mom is happy!  Thank you - Ryan.

85th - Happy Birthday to Grandpa Corless! He is grateful for the letters,cards, calls and sends his love to the whole family.

Crafty Characters

RS Event - Mom & Dad both attended the Ward Relief Society Event. Mom actually made three craft projects - witihout any instructor asking her to go try somthing else  :) !!!    Go Mom!  Dad gave Priesthood support and photographed the crafty ladies. It was a great success - about 40 sisters attended and they had a wonderful time together.Panera - Mom Dad, Maureen and Vanessa went to Lunch at Panera on Thursday. It was the celebration of fall/back to school/monthy lunch of the ladies restarted with Papa included now.  He took Sophia for a walk during the post lunch gab session. Nona took Sam to a movie and to Panera for dinner on Saturday, after her RS event.  Both had a great/fun time.

Movin’ it - Mom & Dad have been walking as much as possible while the weather is good. Dad has been playing racquetball on Friday and going on a 10 mile bike with Vanessa on Saturday morning.

Love y’all,

Mom & Dad

Kitchen Krew

Sterling Heights, Michigan - 12 September 2010

Dear Family,

Happy Labor Day - We all went to the Golden Corral and feasted on the buffet for the holiday meal and then went to Ryan & Maureen’s for games.

Zoophia - Wednesday, Papa took Sophia to Cranbrook, but it was closed for the week so they went to the Zoo and enjoyed the butterflies, birds, river otters, frogs, penguins and the “tadpole” playground, while Nona visited some more sisters from the ward. Photos: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#100589

Spartan Football - Jim and Ryan got free tickets and Invited Dad to go to the MSU game at Ford Field.

Jim, Tyler Joshua and Ryan, Preston, Jacob all took Papa to the game. Too bad Michael was gone to school already. Photos: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#100603

Family MSU Fans

Seeking The Lost Sheep - Mom visited 20+ Relief Society less active sisters in the last week. Go Mom!

Stake Conference - We had Elder Packer from the Seventy preside and speak to us. He is the son of President Packer. Once again, the Spirit bore witness of the truthfulness of the gospel of Jesus Christ and hopefully we all re committed to do better - get our “Matters Organized”.  After the meeting, Ryan & Maureen & Jim & Vanessa and their respective tribes came over for the traditional Sunday dinner and to enjoy family together time on a beautiful sunny afternoon.  We ate, played games, talked, build a fire and most of all, just enjoyed the day geatly.

One Tooth Less - Papa removed an annoying loose tooth for Olivia, paving the way for a tooth fairy visit and clearing the way for her permanent tooth to come in. Olivia was one happy customer as she shared the news with everyone. Grandbuddies are precious beyond measure.

Olivia - Another One Tooth Less Happy Customer 

Charity - David called and shared his sacrament meeting talk on “Charity” with Mom & Dad; it was awesome! It would have been good for all to hear.  If we truly were converted to Jesus Christ, having mastered the principle of charity, there would be no complaining, jealousy, anger or selfishness - only love for one another. Let’s try it!  

Love y’all,

Mom & Dad

Tyler receiving awards from ScoutMaster (Uncle) Ryan

Corless Connection - 5 September 2010 - Sterling Heights, Michigan

Dear Family,

Empty Nesters Again - At 7:30 am. Sunday morning, Michael with Ryan Drake packed up the Explorer and started the 1700 mile journey to Utah leaving the home once again void of children.  It has been a great summer with Michael, Lara, Abby, Sarah, Ryan & Rachel, Mia, Lydia, Pedro & Paula visiting us in Michigan.

Paleobuddies - Papa took 5 grandbuddies (Samantha, Joshua, Olivia, Preston and Jacob) to Cranbrook Science Museum to see the special showing of dinosaur skeletons and the regular permanent displays. The “paleobuddies” all had great time and returned with glowing reports of what they saw and the fun they had together, while Nona visited the homes of 15 sisters in the ward.  http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#100580

Temple - In addition to the Tuesday night Temple service, Mom taught the Relief Society sisters about the Ancient Israelite Tabernacle and how “ The House of the Lord” relates to us today. She used the scale model of the Tabernacle and the visual aids from prior presentarions to bring temples closer to the Sisters with the emphasis on not only being grateful for a temple close by but actually using it regularly.

Michigan Bound - Grandma’s Condo has a new driveway in the front of the garage that really looks nice. Friday evening her red Jeep Wrangler arrived safe and sound on a carhauler to Michigan. Mom & Dad picked it up in the parking lot behind Walmart and Dad drove it home.

Eagle - Tyler’s eagle project was completed this week. The houses were assembled and painted on Wednesday evening with the help of the Scouts and Young Women. Tyler and Jim installed them in place on Friday afternoon to finish the project. Go Tyler! http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#100564

Love y’all,

Mom & Dad

"Geobuddies" with Brazilian Amethyst

"Paleobuddies"