God's Masterpieces

This weekend I finally got to see my family! Well, some of them.  My mommy, and little sister and brother, Camilla and Caleb, along with some cousins, aunts and uncles, and grandparents.

They all came to the Opening Ceremony for the International Art Competition for Youth at the Assembly Hall in Temple square to support me in receiving the Humanitarian's Youth Juror's Choice Award for my piece, "Cutting Worldly Ties."

There were about 100 pieces on display, and about 20 awarded. Sister Elaine S. Dalton, the Young Women General President attended and I was able to get a picture with her and talk to her about my piece. She said she loved it and asked how I came up with the idea. It was such an amazing experience to meet her and especially to speak with her! AND to have her know my piece! 

After the ceremony we all made our way to the Church History Museum to see our gallery.  The gallery was set up so beautifully and categorized by different themes within the common theme, Arise and Shine Forth, and different mediums.  There are so many incredible youth artists around the world.  Japan, Taiwan, Philippians, all over the USA, Austria and many more. It was truly remarkable to see so much talent. And even more amazing to see so  many of God's Masterpieces using their talents to share the gospel of Jesus Christ.   

Here are some of my very favorites:

I love my family :) 

    

I am so thankful for talents and for the willingness of others to share what God has given them.        

David O. McKay once said that at the judgment day we will have a person interview with Christ.  In that interview, among other things, he will ask us how we developed and shared our talents with others.  The Lord loves to see how we use the talents that he has given us.  I had a wonderful time catching up with mom about the family and friends and what everyone has been up to. and venting about school stuff.  Sometimes I just really need my mommy.  Okay a lot of the time! I cant wait to see the rest of my family on Wednesday! :) 

A Little Home

As the weeks are quickly passing and Fall Semester is already half way over, I am getting more and more homesick and family sick.  I am homesick for Colorado Springs and I'm family sick, obviously for my family. I miss them a lot and I cant wait to see my mom and possibly Caleb and Camilla in Salt Lake City in 2 weeks.  This afternoon I skyped with them and my mom told me that this morning my little brother Caleb asked, "Is Emily ever coming home?"  ***tears...anyways!  To Caleb I say, "Yes! I am coming home to see you in about 6 weeks!" It was so good to talk with my parents about what is going on and about future plans with school, missions, and dating, and to say hi to Camilla, watch Caleb try to talk with his mouth full of Halloween candy, see Megan's new iPhone, and watch Bryson do sweet tricks on the trampoline.  Sometimes we just need a little home...

This song makes me cry a little every time! 

I love these guys!

The holidays are just around the corner and it is making me miss them even more! It was so weird for me to not think much of Halloween this year.  We dressed up and went to a dance, but it wasn't the traditional dressing up and seeing your family all dressed up and trick-or-treating, or going to trunk-or-treat like all of the previous years.  However, it was still a good time. (once again, thanks to Robyn for her pictures).

Also! 'Tis the season already for Christmas Decorations?? I  LOVE this time of year!

ALSO ALSO!!! I VOTED!!! And my whole life I was always jealous that my parents got to wear an "I voted" sticker after they voted, so I was hoping that they would mail me a sticker or something because I voted by mail. They didn't. And I was sad.  I wanted a sticker! 

My mommy and daddy sent me a "what you can do with beef" cook book so I made  cheeseburger macaroni and it was mmm mm good!! :) I love home cooked meals, but they just aren't the same as Mom's.

 
Love you guys! and can't wait to see you all soon <3