Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 11 September 2011

Dear Family,

Family Camp Inn – The Labor Day celebrations included: games and fun;  a Sunday evening to Monday morning sleep over at Papa & Nona’s and a pancake, eggs, bacon breakfast.

Biker Brigade – This week the biker brigade included: Mom, Dad, Vanessa, Maureen, Sophia and Rex. They bike hiked from the Southeast trailhead along the Clinton River Trail to the playground and Nature Center and back again. Rex and Sophia enjoyed the visit to the playground and nature center. Saturday morning after an evening rain storm, Papa biked a long trail dodging flooded spots on his way to Ryan’s.

R & R Clan Arrival – The Ryan & Rachel Hreinson Clan arrived on Wednesday and Papa was the designated “Limo Driver” lucky enough to pick them up, while Nona drove Grandma Sparks to the doctor. Just as the plane landed Mia looked out the plane window and was disappointed that she did not see Papa there.  Soon enough, Papa found Mia and her family at the baggage claim and all was hugs and kisses and smiles. It has been one party after another between Ryan & Maureen, Jim & Vanessa and Papa & Nona hosting various meals and games.

The Henry Ford – On Friday, Papa & Nona hosted the Hreinson clan history tour, which took them to the Ford Museum and Rouge Factory in Dearborn. It was a great show and we all learned a little bit about the history of and current level of technology of the auto industry. Papa found the best red color for an F-150.

Stake Conference – this weekend was highlighted with opportunities for edification with leadership meetings on Saturday and the Sunday morning general session. David Jensen was sustained as a counselor in the Stake Presidency replacing John Mackey. Both are great men. This makes that every former bishop of the Sterling Heights Ward has served in the Stake Presidency since Papa did in the late 1980’s.

Of course, the Clan all came over for dinner and fun, photos and canoeing at Papa and Nona’s after the Sunday Conference session.

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 4 September 2011

Dear Family,

Zoojourners - Monday, Papa took the zoobuddies - Samantha, Joshua, Preston, Jacob, Olivia and Sophia to the zoo. They were entertained in the Wild Adventure Ride with Dino Island II. They enjoyed being together, seeing the exhibits. learning about the animals, playing in the playground and staying until the park closed, while Nona caught up with the laundry at home.

Nature Biker Buddies - Thursday morning, Papa & Nona with Vanessa loaded up bikes and grandbuddies and biked along the Clinton River Nature Trail to the Sterling Heights Nature Center and back. It was fun, edifying exercise for all. 

Back-packers to School - Michael packed up and drove back to school with Ryan Drake on Wednesday and they safely arrived on Thursday. The Idaho (1) and Texas (3) grandbuddy schoolers have already started backpacking to school and the Michigan bunch (10) start on Tuesday. Papa and Nona pray that these precious grandchildren will: absorb all truth; reject the untruth; be given the power to discern the difference, to be prepared for the future opportunities that will come their way. May they be so blessed.

Came to Pass - For many years Dad and sons home-taught a less active Bill Leutze, who later became active and married Gail Arndt; they had two children. We were saddened to hear that Brother Leutze lost his lengthy battle against cancer last week. Mom & Dad and Stebar’s attended the viewing on Friday and Saturday morning funeral. It was a somber occasion, but the spirit of hope for the future, that the gospel “good news” brings, prevailed, blessing and edifying all.

Alert - Hreinson’s are coming on Wednesday the 7th at 3:10 pm. Be prepared to have some fun!

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 28 August 2011

Dear Family,

GM Wins One - Ryan is resigned his position at Ford and starting September 1st., will be working for GM at the Tech Center in Warren.  It is a significant improvement in compensation and he will save and an hour+ each day commuting time. Go Ryan! Good for you, bad for Ford.

“Better than it was” - Dad and Ryan changed the rotors and brake pads on the the Mazda MPV, which, successfully, eliminated an annoying brake shudder problem. Dad removed and replaced a faulty valve in the shower, which eliminated the  annoying drip, drip, drip. . . . 

Missionary Moment - After Mom & Dad’s bike ride on the Clinton River trail and his way back home, Dad rode his bike to pick up a part to fix the shower leak and to meet the new insurance agent. He knew Whitaker’s, who years ago, had given him a Book of Mormon, which he brought in and showed Dad.  After reviewing the insurance coverages, Dad showed him the record in 3rd Nephi of Christ’s visit to the Nephites and committed him to read it.

Clan Campout - Dad took the Explorer and pop up Camper trailer to Ryan’s on Thursday evening so the Corless/Kulka Clan could go camping at Metamora-Hadley Rec Area for the weekend. Mom & Dad joined the fun on Saturday by bringing fresh pizza for lunch. They used the brand new hitch mounted bike rack to bring their bikes to get back and forth from the campsite to the beach.  It was a beautiful sunny day with a nice cooling breeze. Games, bug catching, sand castle construction, hiking, biking and paddle boating activities filled the day between the daily meals. All combinations: grandparents, parents, cousins, siblings, husbands & wives all had such a good time with each other and together. Photos:  http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101136

Kickball Champs - Friday evening, Jim (came back from the camp out) and Michael executed the right strategy and won the Championship Kickball game finishing with an undefeated season record. Dad took some photos and accumulated them on the gallery.me.com/rcorless website - http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101125

Freshman Football - Tyler played quarterback and linebacker in his first football game on Wednesday. It was 90 degree weather so Dad found the only shady spot in the whole stadium from which to take photos. He was joined by the rest of the (partially broiled) family after the first half.  After a few rough edges on their plays they started to connect for touchdown passes and won 29-0. http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101109

Love y’all,  Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 21 August 2011

Dear Family,

Pedal Pushers - The weather has been so nice. Mom and Dad have enjoyed biking the 3+ miles of the quiet and shady Clinton River Trail several times week.  They observed the happy and friendly faces attached to most of the walkers and other bikers and in contrast the determined yet tortured look on most of the sweat covered faces of the runners and joggers. Each to their own fitness methods.  They are all outdoors in the fresh air and moving. :-)

Ardent Arters - Mom & Dad went to Detroit Institute of Art on Friday for a nice lunch and to view more of the many exhibits.  Once again, they learned why they prefer the edifying & ennobling nature of the ancient and classical forms of art as compared to the more cynical attitude displayed in some of the Modern Art.  You know what you like when you see it.

Diego Rivera Mural

Joshua - the space walker

Patriotic Aircrafters - On a beautiful Saturday morning, Papa and Joshua attended, with throngs of other enthusiasts, the Air Show at Selfridge Air National Guard Base.  They heard and paused for the playing of the National Anthem. They saw and photographed numerous current and vintage military aircraft - static displays as well as flying demonstrations of acrobatic aircraft and military aircraft.  Papa explained the history and features of many of the aircraft to the eager ears of Joshua. Upon returning home, he was excited to show and tell his parents and siblings what he saw and learned. photos: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101103

Film Fun-atic-ers - Thursday,  Mom hosted a successful Relief Society Board meeting at home.  The theme was “obedience, a treasure unto eternal life”.  About 15 ladies attended and were physically and spiritually fed.  Meanwhile, Dad and Michael saw “Cowboys and Aliens” -  you got to love the never give up attitude of the cowboys.  On Friday, Mom & Dad saw the last “Harry Potter” movie - Mom hated the creepy snake and was so glad to see it finally get killed. Saturday evening, Mom & Dad watched a romantic comedy “Arthur” at Jim & Vanessa’s.  It was great - all the movies had happy-ever-after endings and once again, good triumphed over evil!

Happy Birthday Rachel!

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 14 August 2011

Dear Family,

Matter Organized - Dad finally found a reasonably priced place to store the camper trailer and arrange to store it out of the way. Dad has been helping Michael get the various parts and tires for his Escape in preparation for his annual (1700 mile 2736 Km) journey back to school in Utah. Michael finished and submitted his application to attend BYU starting in January 2012. Also, the 16 year old air conditioner stopped functioning (gratefully the weather was cooler) and Dad arranged to get it repaired. Luckily, it was a $250 for a new fan motor and not a $2900 A/C unit replacement. 

American History Day - Wednesday was a very pleasant weather day so Papa & Nona took Samantha, Joshua, Preston, Olivia, Jacob and Sophia to Greenfield Village. They rode in a Model-T, and a vintage 90+ year old carousel, watched a theatre performance, saw Edison’s machine shop and laboratory, vintage homes, old school house, and, of course, turtles and fish in the pond.  Josh actually played old style baseball for a while. They had a picnic and Nona bought some yummy Hobo bread for dessert.

Model-T tourists

Naturalists - Papa and Joshua biked to the Sterling Heights Nature and down the Clinton River trail and back. The next day Papa and Nona took Samantha, Joshua and Olivia to the nature center and saw a movie and the animal exhibits of turtles, fish, snakes, salamanders, coyote, fox, various birds, etc. They walked down the Clinton River Trail a short way and back.

Kickballers - Friday evening, Dad watched and photographed Jim & Michael winning their game kickball. They won 10-1 and play for the league championship next Friday.  Go Team!

Michael & Jim sharing signs !

Michael gets some air time !

Sunday Dinner Party - Sunday Dinner Party - The home was full of sabbath day celebrators with 7 invited from the YSA Ward and a family of five invited by Mom and the Home Teachers came at 7:00 pm. It is wonderful to have a full house, even if it isn’t all family.

Love y’all,Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 7 August 2011

Dear Family,

Dinosauria-ers - Mom & Dad and Eduarda met Holli, Joseph, Joshua and Isaiah at the Zoo to experience the animated dinosaur exhibit, the Arctic Ring of Life and other animals.  It was a warm day, but between the shade and air conditioned buildings we survived and enjoyed the short time together.  We missed Daniel & Nathan, as they were at a LDS Encampment of boys from several states in this region.

Soccer - There a bit of good Brazilian soccer playing blood in the Michigan Corless Clan.  Monday night Vanessa and Eduarda played forwards in an indoor game together. Eduarda came very close to scoring and Vanessa actually scored the winning goal.  Wednesday evening, Michael made some great saves as Dad video recorded it. Afterward, the referee told Michael how well he did stopping breakaways and making difficult saves.  

Farewell - Tuesday was a hard day for all of us because Mom & Dad had to take Eduarda to the airport to catch her flight to start her journey back home to Brazil and family. We are missing her here, but we are glad to hear she arrived safely to hugs and kisses as well as a great churrasco with her family. Thanks, Eduarda, for coming and bringing a part of our Brazilian family with you and, hopefully, taking a part of the Michigan family back with you. Thanks to all the family who made her stay with us a great memory for all of us. For more photos of her visit:  http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101064

Marine City Fish Company - For Friday date night, Mom & Dad went with Stebar’s and enjoyed each other’s company as well as very tasty dinner by the St. Clair River. We walked along the river and sat in the shade watching the boats and people having fun on a warm summer day. It was considered, at least, a small victory that everyone was feeling good enough to get out for a while.

Plumb Good - Ryan with Dad got wet, but they completed the plumbing of the drain and faucet for the sink in Maureen’s salon, thus making it a fully operational beautification station, which is now the ultimate weapon in the galaxy against the bad hair day. Go Maureen. No pressure, but more than ever, the fate of our hair is in your hands now!  :-)

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

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