The Grammy awards were on last Sunday night, and, as usual, I tuned in just to see my most favorites perform- and hopefully win a few awards.

Nothing says, “you’re out of touch, Erin” quite like watching the Grammy awards. There are so many artists I’ve never even heard of who were winning big awards and performing.

But my very favorite, Carrie Underwood, stunned as usual  and took home an award. So I was able to go to sleep early and didn’t stay up to watch the whole show. (Another sign I’m no spring chicken!)

Carrie Underwood wore a jaw-dropper of a diamond necklace. This necklace was $31 million, and was on loan to Carrie for the Grammy awards.

Carrie said to E! News, “It’s heavy on my soul. I’m afraid someone is going to tackle me and steal it … It’s worth more than me.”

And that got me thinking.

I’ll never wear a $31 million necklace. I may never even see a $31 million necklace.

But I have had things in my life that have felt priceless. Maybe they were expensive or maybe they just had significant sentimental value.

There have been times when I’ve received something new for Christmas and I don’t take it out of the box for a few weeks because I’m afraid if I use it, I will break it or lose it.

But it’s the things that hold sentimental value that we’re afraid to wear.

When I was a little girl, my dad’s babysitter from his childhood gave me a little diamond cross necklace. It was hers and it was something she wanted to pass on to me because my dad had been special to her.

I always thought that necklace was so beautiful. But I never wore it because it was just too priceless for a little girl to wear. And it wasn’t until the weekend of our wedding that I started wearing the necklace.

with my best friends, wearing the necklace for the first time in my life

Now I wear it almost every day, but I am very careful about where I put it and where I take it off. Because it’s irreplaceable. And not because of what it’s worth- I don’t even know what it’s worth, but probably not a whole lot. But the sentimental value is priceless.

Do you have anything like that? A grandmother’s engagement ring? A family heirloom?

Are you afraid to wear it or use it?

 

Happy Valentine’s Day, y’all!

We have had a really great day today. We didn’t do anything “special,” but it is one of those days that is really exciting for little kids. And seeing my boys light up over the little things makes me so happy!

If you follow me on Instagram you’ve probably seen most of these pictures already today. If you’re not following me on Instagram, go ahead and do that!

Last night, Todd and I spent a few minutes blowing up balloons for the boys. We tied balloons to each of their chairs at the breakfast table. We hoped for a really excited reaction from Hudson and Hayes, and they gave it to us! They were pumped about their balloons.

And the balloons were pretty much the extent of their “gift.” We just did a bunch of gifts at Christmas, and, really, “ain’t nobody got time for that.”

(Or we don’t right now, at least!)

Todd woke up early this morning and went to Krispy Kreme. I was one of the parents responsible for helping with Hudson’s Valentine’s Day party. I had thought it would be fun and ambitious to make a yummy baked good from scratch. And then I came to my senses and realized that kids love Krispy Kreme (and I love Krispy Kreme). And Krispy Kreme has those adorable heart-shaped donuts!

As I said on Instagram, “Pinterest has nothing on Krispy Kreme!”

So Todd ran out early this morning and got some for Hudson’s class. And then we gave one to each of the boys.

I threw together a fun pink-ish outfit for the day. And we were off to school.

Hayes and I usually go to Bible study on Thursdays, but his nose has been running so bad lately, I hated to put him in a room full of kids today.

So Hayes and I met Emily and Jack at the zoo instead. These boys are best buds, and I’m so thankful for Emily’s friendship. We all had a fun time.

We took the boys to Chick-fil-A for lunch after the zoo, and then I went to pick up Hudson.

He was so excited about his Valentine’s Day party and he kept telling me that he had shared all of his donuts with his friends. On the way home from school he was telling me which of his friends had given him which Valentine. He was a happy camper.

We also got a package of goodies from KK and Poppie today, so we called KK to Face Time with her while the boys opened their gifts. And we eventually got to see Poppie, too. I am so tickled that modern technology allows us to do this!

RC and PC came over tonight, too, to bring some goodies and cards to the boys. They are always thrilled to see RC and PC, and we love having them so close by!

Boudreaux and Hudson liked the big red lips!

Todd and I stayed in tonight. I made Spicy Sausage Pasta that Rachel told me about. The recipe can be found here on Kevin and Amanda’s blog. This pasta is absolutely delicious! I can’t wait to have leftovers tomorrow!

Todd also surprised us with this cute heart-shaped cake from Cupcake. I’m so stuffed, but it was so delicious! And we will have leftover cake for days!

We ended the day with our little gift exchange. The boys gave me some sweet cards- and their thoughtful Daddy helped them sign them.

Todd gave me this Ashley Brooke Designs mug that I’ve been wanting for a few weeks. I haven’t had my own coffee mug since we moved in with Nana, and I am so excited to have a mug now!

I gave Todd “Skyfall,” the new James Bond movie. So that’s what we’re watching tonight.

It was a fun day! Just what we’ve needed to give us a little pep in our step. I hope you all had a happy day just celebrating your family and friends. It is definitely a silly holiday to observe, but seeing people show so much love to friends and family is always encouraging.

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Follow along on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest (where I’m currently pinning tons of home ideas!)

 

Okay, girls and guys. (I think I know of maybe three guys that read this blog.) I have a little confession to make. And most of you probably won’t agree with me.

One of Todd’s favorite movies is Top Gun. I think he thinks it’s a good “date night” movie because it’s got stuff for the guy’s guy and stuff for the girls. But what he didn’t realize until recently is that Top Gun is one of my least favorite movies. *Gasp* I know.

Maybe it’s because I didn’t see it until I was in college, and by then it had been all hyped up as one of the great movies ever, so I was just a little let down. Maybe it’s just the general cheesiness and constant man-laughing and high fives. Maybe it’s the unrealistic love story between Tom Cruise and Kelly McGillis. Or because by the time I saw the movie, Tom Cruise had shown his true colors on Oprah’s couch, and he just wasn’t all that appealing to me.

source

But I’m just not a fan. I’m so sorry. I love 80s movies. I still love Dirty Dancing and Footloose, and know that many people don’t. (Though, I’m not sure why!) I was introduced to those movies as a child (probably too young of a child), but I’ve loved them ever since.

But in honor of the upcoming Valentine’s Day, I wanted to tell y’all my top 10 favorite romantic movies. And they really aren’t in any particular order.

1. Serendipity

It’s safe to say that I like John Cusack. I love this movie because it’s a little bit different, it’s sweet, and it’s set in New York City- and embraces New York City. I love the characters and “chase” aspect of this movie. (Although, for the poor souls who get dumped in this movie, it’s not all that romantic.)

2. Pretty Woman

I could seriously watch this movie every time it’s on TV. I can quote it, sing “King of Wishful Thinking” from the soundtrack, and I always wanted that brown and white polka dot outfit with the hat.

3. When Harry Met Sally

I love the story of the best friends who should have always been together and finally end up realizing that they both love each other. And it’s just hilarious. My college roommate and I would frequently quote the scene at the end when Billy Crystal tells her why he loves her at the New Year’s Eve party.

“I love that you get cold when it’s 71 degrees out.”

4. Definitely, Maybe

This one is a little unconventional, but I think it is such a fun movie. And Ryan Reynolds. Seriously. The love he has for his daughter is so endearing and I could seriously watch this movie over and over.

5. Sixteen Candles

Jake Ryan. And the scene at the end with them sitting on the table eating birthday cake. I can’t even tell you how many times I watched this movie in high school.

“You don’t spell it, son, you eat it!”

6. Bull Durham

Okay, maybe another one that’s a little bit unconventional, but I love a good baseball movie. This one is a good blend of comedy, romance, and drama.

7. Only You

This movie made me want to visit Venice. Robert Downey, Jr. and Marisa Tomei. Such a great story!

8. Say Anything

Lloyd Dobler standing there with his boom box playing Peter Gabriel trying to win back Diane Court.

“What I really want to do with my life – what I want to do for a living – is I want to be with your daughter. I’m good at it. ”

9. You’ve Got Mail

The adorable Meg Ryan haircut and the fantastic Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks chemistry. I also love the scene at the end when Tom Hanks walks up with Brinkley, the Golden Retriever. Who doesn’t love a Golden Retriever?

10. Notting Hill

Okay, this movie. It has the greatest characters and such a romantic story.

“I’m just a girl. Standing in front of a boy. Asking him to love her.”

Gah, love it. And I love the scene at the end with them on the park bench. I won’t say anymore in case you haven’t seen it, but please. Watch this movie.

What are you favorite romantic movies?

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Also, if you’re like me, and you’re a homebody, consider watching one of these movies with your sweetie on Valentine’s Day this year and incorporating my 20 Ideas for At-Home Date Nights!

 

I love reading other blogs, and I love sharing some of my favorite posts with you every week. (Although I took a little break for a while.)

The blogosphere has some amazing writers, and I continue to be inspired each week!

1. When Mama Ain’t Happy by Lisa-Jo Baker

This post in response to some of the Super Bowl entertainment and Super Bowl ads was so spot-on for me. I wanted to give her a standing ovation.

2.  Sparkly Green Earrings Giveaway by Big Mama

So Melanie Shankle’s book came out this week, and I am SO excited to start reading mine. I just can’t wait for it to arrive. Go visit her blog to enter to win a copy of the book and a pair of green Danielle Kendra Scott earrings.

3. Herlong and Associates by House of Turquoise

So I only follow a handful of design blogs, because my taste is kind of picky. But House of Turquoise always hits it out of the park. And this latest home feature is just absolutely my cup of tea. I’d move into this South Carolina house in a heart beat.

4. A Sweet Little Playhouse Tucked Under the Stairs by Hooked on Houses

I immediately want to build a playhouse under the stairs. These little play spaces are absolutely adorable!

5. The State of Weight {Postpartum and Beyond} by I Love You More Than Carrots

An honest and very inspiring account of postpartum weight loss. Seriously, this will make you want to get moving! AP looks fantastic!

Please feel free to leave comments and share your favorite posts from the week with me! I love finding new blogs to read.