The Shriver's Christmas Letter

December 2007

Merry Christmas to our Family & Friends!

C. S. Lewis once said, “The future is something which everyone reaches at the rate of sixty minutes an hour, whatever he does, whoever he is.” Time is such a great equalizer, isn’t it? You can’t buy more time or spend more time than anyone else. So, here we are at the end of another year, reflecting on how we spent our time this past year, and anticipating what we will do with it next year. Hmmm…this doesn’t sound much like a Christmas letter does it? But, we do pray that you have come to this time of year thankful for the past and hopeful for the future. And, that’s what our Christmas letter is about this year.

The Shriver family is thankful for:

• We’ve had some ups and downs this year, but the end result is a family who spends more time together, parents who are much more in tune with our kids, and a renewed appreciation and admiration for how we can handle adversity.
• God blessed us financially this year, and we were able to buy a rental property that had 40+ inquiries on it within the first month. Our renters seem to be good people (and they signed a two-year lease)!
• Cody received his driver’s permit this year – and since Michelle hates to drive, she now has a built-in chauffer.
• Kriss had the opportunity to be an assistant coach for Justin’s baseball team, and they went to the State Tournament in Keystone, Colorado (and played some really good games there).
  Michelle took ski lessons for the first time…and though she’s not very good at it, she did have fun. And, there were no broken bones this year from the boys’ snowboarding!
• Kriss’ sister Erika, her three boys, and his mom are all coming up right after Christmas. The boys haven’t been to our home in Colorado before, and we are looking forward to a fun (and chaotic) time.
• Michelle’s parents adopted their three great-grandchildren – Alora, Devin & Dillon. While it isn’t always (or even often) easy, we are thankful these three beautiful kids have a home together and with family.

The Shriver family is hopeful for:

• Michelle has been offered a new position at Ameristar’s corporate office in Las Vegas. While we are incredibly sad to leave Colorado, we are thankful for this new opportunity for Michelle and that we’ll be within driving distance of much of our extended family. (We’ll be moving around June 2008.)
• Kriss had to take a break from college this year, but he is looking forward to taking more Graphic Design classes in Nevada next year. He already produced his first printed piece, which was a direct mailer for a local company – and it turned out GREAT!
• 16-year-old Cody will be a Junior in High School next year...can you believe it?? We’re going to have to start looking for colleges soon (and a great baseball program in Las Vegas to continue to enhance his skills so he can get a scholarship! He did show up in a local newspaper this year for his pitching skills.)
• Justin is now a teenager (age 13) and we look forward to seeing how this kid uses the gifts God has given him – whether it be academics, sports, music, humor or even cooking – what a diverse and talented kid!

Most of all, we hope and pray for a blessed 2008 for you and those you love, and we are thankful for you in our lives. “For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11).

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!