Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 6 November 2011

Dear Family,

Halloweening - Papa, Nona and Grandma joined the Halloween festivities hosted by Jim & Vanessa including Trick & Treating in the neighborhood with Ryan & Vanessa and the grandbuddies. Unfortunately, Preston was diagnosed with strep throat and had to stay home. However, many kind neighbors and Nona had treats to take to him.  A bounty of delightment, excitement and “candiment” prevailed in the evening.

Enlightenment Week - Mom & Dad as part of their new calling attended: a Stake committee meeting Wednesday evening; an Addiction Recovery meeting on Friday evening; four hours of training in Lansing, for all the service missionaries in Michigan, on Saturday. It is becoming clearer as to what needs to be done and how to do it. Hopefully, with the help of the Lord, Mom & Dad will not only survive this refining process, but help many others and themselves become much better, in other words, more prepared to return to our Heavenly Father. Also, Mom hosted a luncheon for the sisters after a RS temple trip on Thursday, and taught the RS lesson on Sunday.  It all turned out really well. She is grateful!

Family History Photo - Skill Tradesmen

This photo was taken in 1951 at the Shelley Processing Plant in Burley, Idaho. Pictured are Dad’s Grandfather Bert Corless (70 yrs) (far left) and his father Ross Corless (26 yrs) second from the right and Bob Carrier (Ross’ nephew) on the far right with their co-workers.

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 30 October 2011

Dear Family,

Punkin’ Carving - Monday Mom & Dad were guests at Ryan & Maureen’s for FHE. Ryan taught Papa, and Papa, with knife in hand, helped Jacob carve a scary looking Jack o lantern. That’s Scary

Happy Halloween

Lone Biker - The Michigan fall weather has brought rain and sun with much cooler temperatures.  So Dad is the “cool” Lone Biker on the sunny days enjoying it while he can. Although much of leaves have fallen to carpet the path, the scenic trail still has beautiful colors with greens, reds and yellows all along the way. 

Service - Mom’s time and effort has been filled mostly with administering the ongoing affairs of the Relief Society and planning and executing wedding reception preparations. She has really accomplished a ton of things. Go Mom! On the other hand, Dad finally got off the couch and with another priesthood brother had a fun time performing a few hours of service by fixing several small electrical concerns for a very grateful single sister in the ward. They definitely left things better than they found them. 

Dinner & a Movie - Mom & Dad had a tasty dinner at California Pizza Kitchen and went to MJR to see “Johnny English”, which was a laugh out loud hilarious spoof on spy vs. spy on the order of “Get Smart” and “Pink Panther”

Football Champs - On Saturday the last flag football games of the season were played. The weather was cool, but sunny. Dad got a few good action photos of Joshua, Preston and Jacob playing their best. Both teams won. Coach Jim’s Cowboys got the best record in the league.  They are all champs in our book. Season Photos: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101336

“Michiganaries” - Saturday afternoon Mom & Dad were called and set apart by President Lantz as Stake Service Missionaries working with the Addiction Recovery Program in the Stake.  (The new RS president is out of town so Mom will keep doing it until her return) There is much to be learned; much service to be rendered. A job description of our new calling is learning/teaching to apply the Atonement of Jesus Christ to cleanse precious children of God from the consequences of sin. It is a great business to be in.

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 23 October 2011

Dear Family,

Travel Plan C - Mom & Dad’s Monday trip from Dallas to Detroit was not without a few hitches. Plan A - 7 pm Spirit Flight to Chicago cancelled due to Mechanical problems on the aircraft. After standing in line for over an hour -> Plan B - 10:45 pm Spirit flight to Las Vegas cancelled due thunderstorms, which stopped the incoming flight from landing. After waiting for another hour or so -> Plan C - Hotel for the morning (2 am to 5:30 am) to sleep. Catch an 8 am AirTrans flight to Atlanta and a connecting AirTrans flight to Detroit, which actually happened without further delay. Thusly, they arrived home sleep deprived, but safe about 4 pm Tuesday.

Freshman Football - Thursdays cold, windy and rain soaked afternoon greeted the players and fans for Tyler’s last game of the season. However, Jim asked if we could use the press box to video the game and so the “Tyler support team” of Jim (videoed), Vanessa (watched and “conversated”), Dad (photographed) and Jack (watched and prognosticated) from comfortable heated shelter of the press box as Tyler and team engineered a come from behind victory sealing a winning (5-4) season for the Chippewa Valley HS freshman team. A great time was had by all. Photos: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101259

Tyler sets for a pass.

Flag Football - A frosty, but sunny Saturday morning greeted the players and fans at the Upward flag football games. Dad watched and snapped a few action photos of Preston and Jacob and Joshua playing and Jim coaching. It looks like they, including the parents, are having fun. Photos: http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101283

Jacob goes on an end run

Stake Temple Day - Friday Mom & Dad served for 7 hours mainly in the Baptistry in support of our stake temple day. It was a long day, but it felt good to serve in the Lord’s House doing purely the Lord’s work for his children.  Mom is trying to burn the candle from three ends by administering Relief Society, planning Michael & Melanie’s wedding reception and serving in the temple. Hopefully, as the wedding plans firm up the effort will subside enough for her to catch her breath and get some rest.  Go Mom you are incredible, unbelievable and awesome!

DIY Auto Technicians - Using their acquired expertise and experience from Ryan’s recent MPV brake job, Ryan saved Dad a few bucks by helping him install new brake rotors and pads on the rear of the Explorer. Those two have fun working their way together through the challenges of DIY auto repair and home improvement. It feels great to check off another item on the never ending “To Do List”. Afterward, Mom & Dad were treated to a Marine City Fish Company dinner and walk along the St. Clair boardwalk by Stebar’s.

Toye Stebar, Cousin Bonnie, Mom and Dad

 St. Claire River

Primary Program - Mom, Dad and Grandma Nilace joined the family including Jim’s mother and Jack at the North Shores Ward Primary Program to watch Joshua, Preston, Olivia, Jacob and Sophia sing and speak their parts. It was really a family affair - Vanessa lead the singing, Jim gave the invocation, Ryan & Tyler passed the sacrament, Maureen filled in helping with Sunbeam class. It was a nice, well organized program and the grand kids performed their parts without notes or prompting. The children and congregation enthusiastically sang the closing song “Scripture Power”, which brought the program to a conclusion on a high spiritual note.  Congratulations to all on a job well done!

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 9 October 2011

Dear Family,

M & M Wedding - Mom’s major focus and 24/7 brain activity this week has been on the organizing the myriad of matters for Michael & Melanie’s wedding.  Our kind, wonderful and accommodating Temple Presidency is willing to open the temple just for their sealing ordinance on Friday the 30th of December. The Troy building has been scheduled for that evening. Potential caterers have been contacted, colors have been chosen, potential cake makers have been contacted, potential florists have been contacted, decor concepts considered and discussed, marriage license process has been forwarded, guest list has been started, two in-law meetings have been held, . . . 

Date to Create - The Relief Society ladies organized and held their creative 10am-2 pm Saturday event yesterday, which both Mom & Dad attended.  It was wonderful event with various crafts such as woodworking, decoupage, sewing, etc. and of course a lunch. Mom mostly avoided (all but the decoupage) of the crafty stuff by helping with lunch, of course, making everyone feel good and welcome.  Dad was responsible for security and assigned as the photographic journalist to record the hands of creation. 

Tis the season - It was a beautiful sunny fall afternoon for football as Dad photoed Tyler’s game vs. Stevenson HS. It was a fun time sitting on the top row of the aluminum bleachers with Jim, Vanessa, Jack and Jeannie watching Tyler throw and run for touchdowns in their third win of the season. http://gallery.me.com/rcorless#101243

Topped or Toppled - It’s the time of year to remove the soft top and install the hardtop on the Jeep, which Dad was able to do by himself due his gift of ingenuity. However, Mr. Ingenuity, was completely frustrated by a faulty toilet repair part that keep leaking. The problem was resolved by getting a quality part, which made it a 15 minute job.  Lesson learned - “the money of the poor goes to market twice” - get the good stuff first - it is less time and expense. 

Colors - Mom, Dad, Vanessa, Maureen, Sophia and Rex enjoyed a cool sunny and very colorful bike ride along the Clinton River Trail. Sophia and Rex thoroughly enjoyed the swings at the playground. It was great exercise with great people. Mom & Dad and Stebar’s went to dinner at the Marine City Fish Company and enjoyed the countryside colors along the way and each others company whole time. Having good friends and family is a very precious gift indeed.

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan - 2 October 2011

Dear Family,

Brazilian Birthday Party - Sunday evening the family gathered to celebrate favorite Brazilian’s 62nd birthday with a lasagna, garlic bread and salad for dinner and a Happy Birthday Myriam Ice cream cake for dessert. Vanessa set the tables with Brazilian flag colors of blue, yellow and green and we decorated the house with flags and pictures of Brazil. To the delight of the Brazilian side of the family, Dad forwarded photos of the celebrators and decor.  On Wednesday Dad took Mom to “Gaucho - The Brazilian Steakhouse” for a very tasty Gaucho style lunch for his favorite “Gaucha”.  The day was topped off by watching “Dolphin Tale” movie.  Happy Birthday Dear!  Thursday Vanessa and Maureen had a lunch for her, featuring some delicious, imported italian pasta and sauce, delicious salad, bread and deserts.  She  truly is overwhelmed by the celebrations and specially the love so abundantly given.  Thanks!

Parties R Us - Friday evening Mom & Dad hosted the HIgh Priest Group social (seems like a contradiction in terms).  Under awning and out of the cold wind and rain, Dad grilled burgers and bratwurst for 32 satisfied customers. Based on the comments, they all enjoyed the food and the opportunity to socialize with one another. The dining room, kitchen and family room were the natural areas for three friendly groups to congregate and socialize. Everyone was happy to be together, which made it a pleasure and joy for the hosts.

Labor - This week Dad replaced the chrome faucets with  brush nickel in the master bathroom and helped Grandma Nilace with setting up her furniture in her new basement. Mom had Relief Society Presidency meeting and worked on the never ending Relief Society matters and also helped Dad set up for the HP Social. They both served in the temple on Tuesday evening. Mom has been very concerned with and working on collecting information in preparation for Michael and Melanie’s wedding. They met with Riehl’s on Saturday to offer support for the wedding and reception, share the experience of previous weddings, and help organize the effort.

Soggy Spectators - With camera, umbrella, and stadium seats Dad joined Jim & Vanessa at Tyler’s rain soaked football game on Thursday evening at Chippewa Valley. It was a frustrating 19-22 loss to Utica as time ran out just 2 yards from the goal line. 

Conference - Mom & Dad enjoy watching conference in HD and feeling of the Spirit, as the Lord’s servants speak to us the words the Lord would have us hear and obey. Thanks be to Heavenly Father!

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 25 September 2011

Dear Family,

Miracle Michael - During his mission, the Lord saw fit for him survive electrocution that he might continue his work on the earth. Now the Lord has blessed Michael with a young lady that accepted his proposal of marriage that they may continue their work on the earth together. Congratulations to Michael & Melanie!  Wedding plans are being firmed up - they intend to be married this December. The whole clan is all excited about getting together and anxious to get plans made. But wait that isn’t all - Michael has been accepted to start attending BYU this coming winter semester! Congratulations Michael!!! 

Hreinson Return - Saudades... Gratefully, Ryan & Rachel & tribe safely returned to Denver after their Michigan visit. They did indeed arrive home safely, but not necessarily healthy. We pray that they will quickly overcome the various minor maladies that besieged them. Thanks for the visit! 

Coughers Connection - Meanwhile, Mom & Dad are coughing like it is going out of style. Dad took her home early from the temple on Tuesday evening, due to an uncontrollable coughing episode. Mom’s doctor visit on Wednesday morning had no conclusive diagnoses, but she has an allergy pill to see if that clears it up.

Home Improvement - Dad helped Ryan (on Ryan’s birthday) install four recessed lights in their kitchen.  It really helped brighten up their kitchen, and most importantly, Maureen is happy. Dad helped Grandma Nilace move and arrange the plethora of furniture (couches, kingsize bed, TV, dresser, chest of drawers, etc.) in her newly completed basement bed & TV rooms.

Dirty Bird Job - Dad must think he is practicing for an audition to the “Dirty Jobs” TV show. He crawled into the attic to clean out a bird mess and to plug the holes they left. It smelled like a filthy chicken coop and was dirty and dusty in the cramped quarters of the eve edge. Then he risked life and limb (OK that is a little over dramatic, but it was scary) by climbing onto the steep pitched roof to replace the damaged vent (which is where the birds were entering) and cleaned the bird mess from the roof before it clogged the rain gutters. Dad is grateful to have that dirty & worrisome double dose of bird poop job done!

Date to Create - Much of Mom’s available time and energy has been focused on a very full Relief Society agenda including an upcoming Saturday creativity activity. Thankfully, she has very capable counselors and Board Members to carry out the plans. 

Bikers Color Tour - Mom, Dad & Vanessa specially enjoyed their cool fall air ride, along Clinton River Trail because the tree leaves are starting to show their bright beautiful yellow, orange and red fall colors.

Sports - The Detroit Tigers have clinched their division. And this clan’s fall schedule is packed with baseball, football and soccer players along with a swimmer and a couple of dancers. No couch potatoes here!

Tyler goes for a pass

Speak, Hear, See - Papa & Nona got to talk to, hear and see Lara, Abby, Sarah and Sam Friday evening. Dad even took Lara for a virtual tour of the new and rearranged family room furniture and basement TV room with his iPhone. It felt good to spend the time to connect with them.

Myriam’s Family Birthday Party was a success thanks to all the family that came and brought food, gifts and specially lots of joy!

Myriam's Birthday Party

Love y’all, Mom & Dad

Corless Clan Connection - Sterling Heights, Michigan 18 September 2011

Dear Family,

Balls Balls - This week has been full of feet and balls. Tyler’s frustrating football game on Thursday in Port Huron was attended by Jim, Vanessa, Papa and Ryan Hreinson. Saturday morning, Joshua, Preston and Jacob played their spirited games of flag football in the Upward League in Fraser. Samantha played her overwhelming win soccer game in Sterling Heights on Saturday at noon in Sterling Heights. Ryan and Rachel Hreinson and Papa were shocked to watch BYU give the game to Utah on a virtual silver platter. 

Tyler throws the perfect pass!

Jacob grabs flag for a loss on the play!

Preston runs for a gain.

Sam boots it down field.

Bikers - Monday Papa and Nona hosted a bike ride for Ryan, Rachel, Mia and Lydia on the Clinton River Trail.  Mia & Lydia enjoyed the playground at the end of our hike.

For the Birds - Tuesday Dad crawled up into the attic to find that birds had found a way in and had setup housekeeping or more correctly mess-making just above Rachel’s bedroom. Another item on Dad’s to do list.

Zootrip - Wednesday Papa & Nona hosted a trip to the zoo for Sophia, Mia, Lydia and Rachel & Ryan.  They saw all sorts of animals including: butterflies, birds, penguins, frogs, bears, seals, giraffes, rhinoceroses, monkeys, lions, camels, etc. Not to mention that the picnic lunch was joined by five freeloading peacocks. 

Lydia, Rachel, Sophia, Mia, Ryan - Butterfly House

Ancient Art Adventure - Friday morning, Papa & Nona took the Hreinson’s to the Detroit Institute of Art to see the ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman exhibits.

Happy Reign - The family has really enjoyed the visit of Rachel & Ryan. Special thanks to Jim & Vanessa and Ryan & Maureen for their hospitality. It has been a great time together for the children and for the adults. We will missed them when they leave for Denver tomorrow. We were grateful to be altogether Sunday evening to celebrate Ryan’s 35th and Mia’s 4th birthdays which will actually be the 20th.  Happy Birthday to both!

Love y’all, Mom & Dad