The Next Chapter.....

Well, 2011 has come to an end and "the end of the world" is here!

I don't know about you, but I was ready for 2011 to end. It was a pretty good year for the most part, but the last few months just kinda stunk. I had a lot going on in my life that I just wasn't balancing very well. By the time Christmas rolled around I had kinda got my feet back under me and was doing a bit better, but I am excited for the new year and the chance to start over. It's pretty crazy that a new year kinda washes your slate clean, but isn't that the way the world sees it?... if only!

2011 brought me a lot of new blessings, adventures, and trials.

My nephew Xander Scott Allen was born in April

I had many friends get married, engaged, and pregnant(which are all so very exciting!)
I had friends leave on missions and other friends come home
I got to go to California again and visit my grandma, aunts and uncles, and cousins. I also got to spend quite a bit of bonding time with my wonderful big brother and mom.
My brother Mark went through the temple and received his endowments.
My beautiful niece Kaysia got baptized.

I discovered Pandora- and with it LOTS of great new music
I went on some pretty fun adventures
I made new friends, and strengthened friendships with my old ones
I moved out to my own apartment which is great! I love the freedom and self-reliance that comes along with living on my own. I also have the most remarkable roommate ever-- Mariana has been there for me through so much and I am so very grateful for her, her love, and her support. <3

I FINALLY started college, and survived my first semester with A's in all my classes but one!
I dated a really great guy who taught me a lot of wonderful things. Things didn't work out the way I may have thought they might, and I got pretty hurt. But because of it I am stronger. and I am more prepared for next time.
I discovered a little bit more who I am and what makes me tick.
I went to Frightmares for the first time ever!!
The last Harry Potter came out(yes that is worth mentioning!!)
I took some pretty amazing pictures.
I went to my first Masquerade ball!
My brother Mark got engaged to the wonderful Camille!

Not everything in the year was good. I stressed myself out wayyy too much, doubted myself more than I should have, and forgot to look up quite a few times but I have changed because of it. Both the good and the bad were given to me to do with as I wanted. I definitely could have done things different but I wouldn't have learned the lessons that I learned.
2012 brings the opportunity for even more blessings, adventures, and trials. I know I can't avoid the trials(even if I wish I could) and through my trials will come even more blessings.
I have a lot of things to look forward to this year:
* More weddings! Especially my brother Mark and Camille(and inheriting Callie and Josh as my niece and nephew!) and my friend Paige and her Fiance Alex.

* Continuing my education
* MORE BABIES!!! :)
* Deciding if I am going on a mission or not-- at least for now
* A possible trip to Las Vegas for my cousins graduation
* turning 21(hamubrger at the white owl!)
* and even more Love, laughter, friends, and family! :)
* oh and naturally, surviving the end of the world!

I have a feeling it's going to be a good year. and I have 2011 to thank for that.