Photo from a baking session back in December that reminded me of snow flurries.

I had a wonderful Valentine's Day, filled with colorful roses and heart-shaped desserts. Most single girls hate this romantic holiday, but I've always looked forward to it! I guess it's because V-Day gives me an excuse to eat chocolate and watch romantic movies all day long, which happen to be two of my favorite activities. However, this year I had the pleasure of throwing a party for my best girlfriends instead.

 I hope yours was just as lovely!

Ugh, tonight's episode of The Bachelor revealed that Ali made the decision to leave the show so she wouldn't lose her job in San Francisco. Such a sad episode, if you ask me. I really liked Ali. And I'm willing to bet she would have been the last one standing if it weren't for her stupid job dilemma.
Now with Ali gone, three girls are left in the running.

The question is, which girl will win Jake's heart?

Dun Dun Dun.

Okay, in reality, The Bachelor is probably the silliest television show I've ever seen. I mean, seriously. Who can truly fall in love with that many people at once? And in such a small amount of time? It's no wonder only one couple from the show is still together today. I'll never understand it, but my mom and I sure enjoy watching it. Guilty pleasure of choice!

Gammy (my dad's mom) recently sent me an old photograph of my great-grandmother, Emilia Alleman, the wonderful woman who I was named after. She passed away when I was young, but I remember sitting on her lap during Christmastime and visiting her at the nursing home whenever we could. We all referred to her as Mom-mom, because she was the mother that created our big three-generation family, beginning with my Pappy (my dad's dad).

Mom-mom absolutely adored spending time with ALL of her children, and I don't ever remember seeing her without a smile on her face. I miss her very much, and I just wish that I would have gotten to know her better before she passed away.

I've been told tons of stories about my great-grandparents, some happy and some sad, but all fascinating. From what I've heard, Emilia had a very hard life, but it is clear that she was a beautiful woman of God who loved her family with all of her heart. I have no doubt that they are with the Lord in Heaven right now, looking down at their babies, happy as can be. I only hope I will get to see both Mom-mom and Pop-pop again someday, so that they themselves might share with me their incredible life stories.