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!

Corless Clan Connection - 3 April 2011 - Michigan

Sunday Dear Family,

R.S.V.T. Mom & Dad worked for several hours generating a grid “map” locating all the Relief Society sisters in the Ward to facilitate Visiting Teaching organization. It was well received by the the RS leaders and proved helpful in getting their “matters organized”. 

Triple Temple Trips - Mom & Dad worked their normal Tuesday evening shift, but Mom, also, had a Relief Society sponsored sealing session on Thursday night with pie and ice cream for refreshments. Nathan, who just turned 13 years old, was also there on Thursday evening for a baptism session.

Snow Bird Returns - Grandma flew back from Yuma to Michigan arriving safely Thursday evening at the airport. Dad was there waiting to pick her up and wisk her home after a grocery stop at Kroger.  On the way to the airport Dad stopped to visit and have dinner with Daniel & Holli and sons.

Beauty & The Beast - Friday morning Mom, Dad and Grandma were escorted to front row seats to enjoy the musical performance by Wyandot JHS. Tyler played the part of Gaston and Samantha played the part of Cogsworth. They were impressive;  good acting skills as well as singing.  Dad took a few photos to share with the family and school.  Afterward, Grandma treated Mom, Dad and Vanessa to lunch at CPK.

See Photos: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless

The Word - Once again, the word of God is heard through out the family homes as General Conference speakers seek to edify us all with the word of the Lord. Thanks be to Heavenly Father, whose “hand is out stretched still” to receive us unto himself. May we all be lifted up and strengthened in our quest to return to Him.

Love y’all, Mom & Dad 

Corless Clan Connection - 27 March 2011 - Michigan

Dear Family,

Sojourners - Tuesday night, thanks to Heavenly Father, Mom & Dad successfully completed the great 4500 mile “2011 Grandbuddy Tour”. The severe thunder & rain storms in Michigan  (in the way back), won the worst weather award for the whole trip - thankfully, the timely arrival just beat the freezing rain in Sterling Heights. Blessings in abundance were apparent on the long pilgrimage, specially in the form of family and friends.  Thank you all so much!

Bonus Connections - Mom & Dad spent a couple of originally unscheduled days in Utah, which allowed visits with Michael including: a flag football game; Mom’s American Sister, Susan, and her family; Bert & Barb Wanlass, including church on Sunday; the Hreinson Family, including Rachel & Ryan; the Carluccio’s, including Jacob and his wife, Misty. Thanks to Susan and Wanlass’es for the restful overnight accommodations and the “reconnection” with you. These visits were an added bonus to the already very successful time with David, Rachel and Lara’s families and Grandpa Corless.

Matter Organized - Dad honed his craftsmanship skills by helping Dan set up a work area in their garage, which included repairing, painting and installing reclaimed cabinets.  It looked pretty good and should be very functional for completing the “To Do List” for their home.  Dad & Holli were back in the shop honing their problem solving and woodcraft skills by successfully repairing a couple of drawer guides and assembling a bench with a storage bin for their dining area - it was a fruitful Thursday morning. 

Not Cool - The house was in good shape upon arrival except for the refrigerator turning itself into an incubator, which generated a horrific smell of rotting food.  The failure was blamed on a power surge or an overload in the compressor which blew out an $89 part which cost $213 to replace.  It is all cool now!

Jacob’s 7th - Ryan & Maureen hosted another great family party honoring Jacob. Everyone had a good time eating and playing games. What a pleasant time together!

Home Sweet Home - Weather is sunny and cold, but the hearts are warmed by the wonderful family and friends in Michigan.

Love y’all,

Mom & Dad 

Run Michael RUN!

RYAN & RACHEL

MICHAEL, JACOB AND MISTY

RACHEL, ANN, MYRIAM, SARAH