Erin Akin Carroll

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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