It's a Beautiful Life: May 2012

First, I tried and tried to write a little intro but cannot get my text where I need it so I am placing it here.

Nicholas has been out one year today. I can't believe he has been gone that long. I miss him terribly but I know the people in Belize and El Salvador need him more than me.

This blog is dedicated to some precious memories I have of my beautiful son. I feel honored to be his mother and thank my Father in heaven for blessing my life by giving me stewardship over him.

My baby boy age 3 days( March 1992, Salt Lake City, UT). I am in heaven!

I have always loved this photo that my brother, Anthony snapped without me knowing at my Dad's in California: Treasures in heaven

First day of school - Kindergarten August, 1997

Yep, that's Karl Malone. After the Jazz game Nicholas played basketball on the Jazz court with Jeff Hornaceck's, John Stockton's and Karl Malone's son. It was quite amazing.

Photo out of order but I love this photo of my children. (August 2006)

Another photo our of order. Easter 2006 in front of our old house

Nicholas went through this funny face stage for the camera around ages 7 to 9. Here's one before/after karate. I think he was getting tired of my relentless photo taking.

Baptism in San Jose, CA. He got to be baptized on his birthday, 3-11-2000

I made this Scooby for Halloween when Nicholas was 7. He was a perfect Shaggy.

Maui November 2004
Nicholas- always the playful, vigilant, fun older brother.

7 Sacred Pools Maui 2004


Our Eagle Scout. Nicholas made bookshelves for several classrooms that needed extra storage in his junior high. I have to say this entire process was exhausting for me. It was a part time job for sure but I am so glad we did it. I'm so proud of him. I knew we needed to get to it accomplished before high school and all the crazy, busy activities that go with it . Nicholas was awarded his Eagle just after turning 14. This took about a year to complete.

One of my favorite vacations ever was our trip to San Diego. We rented a condo on the beach and just played on different beaches all day. Here we are in Coronado. It was quite beautiful but then again all of San Diego is.

I love this photo. This was taken after the State Championships at Rice Eccles stadium. Timpview took the title and Nicholas received his second state championship ring.
He makes me feel safe.

Another random photo out of order but again, I love seeing my sweet babies here including the big one on my left. I miss you, Baby!

After Senior Awards Night.
I was proud of Nicholas and the tremendous student he was/is.

High School Graduation at UVU May 2010.
When Nicholas was born, I thought, "He will graduate in 2010. How weird is that?" It was a blink of an eye, all those years. I'd do it all over again in a heart beat.


As a graduation gift, I gave Nicholas a trip to New York and I will never forget it. I got to spend three entire days with him, running around NYC, watching Broadway shows, eating hot dogs/pretzels, going to the Statue of Liberty, the Met, Central Park and much more. We actually took the red eye and did we sleep? No! We were on adrenaline for the first several hours but then crashed on the lawn at Central Park for a few hours under a tree. The last time we were there, I was there for work and he was 10. He was really disappointed because we didn't get to do much together as I was in meetings most of the time. I wanted to make it up to him. I think I did just that.

After a year at BYU, May 18, 2011, Nicholas entered the MTC. Call is to El Salvador/Belize. We are all ecstatic!

A highlight for Nicholas was baptizing the entire Lopez family.

Most of my recent pics are on my lap top and it is out of commission for now so I am missing quite a few photos but here he is with Elder Reed, his companion and second counselor in Belize where Nicholas serves as a Branch President.