Chris is the oldest of our 8 kids. He was the first at everything. We remember his first smile, step, screw up. Mostly, 99% in fact, has been great memories. And on April 15, 2007 he brought us a NEW DAUGHTER TO LOVE!!! No, we can't count her on our taxes, though he chose to add her on that auspicious day, but we love her just as much as if we could! The soon to be Mrs. Cristi Hoppe is the girl of his dreams, and isn't she beautiful? She is just as beautiful inside as out. She was born in Mexico City, has lived in Rockford since she was a toddler, like Chris is bilingual, and like Chris is from a bigger family. She has a sister, two brothers, AWESOME parents, a canary, and easily captured Claire's heart. Claire keeps asking when Chris and Cristi will be coming "home to live forever". With the fact that Stephen will soon be moving out, we don't have the guts to tell her that *another* sibling will soon be leaving the nest, worse yet that the sibling she's gaining won't be living here!
Cristi and Chris met after Chris returned from his year plus stint as a volunteer for Common Hope. This not-for-profit-organization is a group of people dedicated to giving help and hope to desperately poor Guatemalans. They empower these poor to permanently lift themselves out of poverty, while maintaining their dignity and independence. Common Hope workers are making a difference by saving and changing lives. You should really check them out, and do what you can to support them, too. All of the journals and pics of Chris' time as a volunteer for Common Hope are archived on the "Guatemala page." Chris was at a local refreshment establishment (here's a shout out to San Jose!) and he thought she was the most beautiful girl he'd ever seen. At least he was right about that and she gave him a chance!
Chris is almost finished up at Rock Valley College, and is hoping to go to UIC in the spring. He works for La Voz Latina as a Program Director for their after school programs. His second job (being a poor college student AND engaged, of course there's a second job!) is as a waiter at Habaneros Mexican Grill and Salsa Bar. Cristi works as a medical assistant for Swedish American Medical Group in Belvidere, and HER second job (also being a poor college student AND engaged!) is at Bath & Body Works at CherryVale Mall. It's a wonder they found time to fall in love!
I am very proud of Chris, and know that he will have a happy life and a happy wife!