Young House Love

Home Decorating & DIY Tutorials

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Birfday Bidness

As you guys might know, last Thursday was John’s 31st birthday and West Elm in Houston whipped up this amaaaaaazingly DIY-riffic cake for him. #edibletapemeasure #umyeahtheressawdust

John Cake

Every year we write birthday posts about what we got each other and this year John actually got (well, is getting, since I’m letting him pick it out) a nail gun (more info on that when we get it). So because I don’t have photos of him holding up various presents like we’ve shared in former years like this post from last year) I thought I’d over-share slash cheese it up on a Tuesday afternoon with a little brain dump of seven things I love about John (surprise, honey!). #warningitssappy

After all, this is definitely a week for being grateful. And since this whole blog is basically just a diary of our lives, I thought it was about time that I shouted a few cheeseball-but-true things from the rooftops. Which is not to say that we never fight (if you believe that I have a talking ceramic animal to sell you) but although we’re far from perfect, I’m so glad he’s mine. Here’s what I’m thankful for:

1 – John’s love of Clara and his patience with her – even when I’m about to lose my mind he’s my rock. I love how imaginative he is with her and I don’t think there’s anything sexier than walking into a room and seeing your hubby whipping up a wooden sandwich with your daughter at her play kitchen that he built for her. Or lazing around wearing matching shirts and discussing the merits of a table saw versus a hand saw. Am I right?

John Clara Match

2 – His ability to love a small chihuahua just as much as I do… even though when we adopted Burger John said he “looked like an alien” and acted like the dog would be my thing. I think by that weekend Burger had him whipped. And that, my friends, is a guy who is comfortable with his dude-dom. I’m telling you, walking a tiny dog is the sign of a real man (it might be a good test of marriage material to those still dating… will he man up and take the leash…?). There’s not an ounce of I-won’t-do-that-because-it’s-not-manly-enough-and people-will-see-me in John (probably thanks to him growing up with three sisters) and I love that about him. He’s confident. He doesn’t look around sheepishly. If the dog needs to go out, he takes him out. If I need lady-items from the supermarket and he’s doing the shopping, he buys them for me. I won’t say he doesn’t blush and hide them in the bottom of the cart, but he gets things done. And I love it.

John Burger

3 – That he kissed me first. Anyone who knows us loves this tidbit since I’m the loud outgoing one and they picture me pouncing on him… which also happens – but he pounced first. Yup, he’s a man of action. And he’s shy but confident, which might be the perfect combo. Plus I gotta say that I love the way he dresses. Some girls are into giant built guys who can scarf serious quantities of beef jerky, but I couldn’t be more into tall, dork, and handsome. Basically when John threw on this shirt with this sweater a few months ago, I swooned. It’s little things like his love of old wooden boxes or his excitement to fire up a new tool (he gets a gleam in his eye like a kid opening a new toy) that get me all giddy. It’s like his excitement is contagious. All of this rambling is to say: dude’s got style.

John Dresses

4 – His brain. There are many sexy things about my husband, but his quick wit is unparalleled and he makes me laugh until my stomach hurts at least once a day with some spur-of-the-moment quip that leaves me wiping the tears out of my eyes from cry-laughing. To anyone who knows us, John’s sense of humor is one of his most defining characteristics (along with his whip smart brain full of seemingly limitless trivia knowledge). Heck, he’s so smart that even though he has the answer 99% of the time (be it DIY or life related) he somehow makes me feel like I figure out my fair share of things too. How does he do that?! It’s sheer brilliance. Also he looks pretty darn good in pumpkin sunglasses. Just sayin’.

John Glasses

5 – His devotion to me and our family. He makes us feel safe, loved, and appreciated – I honestly couldn’t be more grateful. I’ve had relationships in the past that felt like I was chasing that person more or trying harder than them, but John makes me (and Clara) feel secure and cherished and I could almost cry talking about it. Sorry, I warned you guys this would get sappy…

John Clara Drinking

6 – His calloused project-loving hands and his sweet smile (this might veer off into TMI territory, but he has the best lips ever). #backoffhesmine #putabirdonhim

John Bird Smile

7 – His willingness to help me with “one more thing” and to lay in bed at night and brainstorm our next project when I know he might rather be watching TV or out for a run or… you know, getting friendly… while I’m running my mouth about some idea instead. I couldn’t be luckier that he’s happy to be “in the trenches” with me every day. It’s amazing that he has his own interests (he can train and run a half marathon) while still staying involved with us and not checking out.

John Race

I think some folks might question what kind of man runs a DIY blog with his wife about paint and fabric and family and my answer is: a real man. I love that he can build Clara a dollhouse and code our entire website and has even built a deck for our family – although he has no background in any of that stuff. He figures things out as he goes and he’s not afraid to jump in and learn new things. And I love that he’s not scared to weigh in on my hair-brained decorating sprees instead of saying “you handle the girly stuff and I’ll stick to the power tools.” He truly makes me feel like we’re a team and we’re in it together and as a result our house feels like us. I honestly have no idea how I got so lucky. I promise I didn’t hypnotize him or anything.

In summary: he’s the one. Mah man. And he makes me happier than bees riding bicycles (and those make me pretty happy). Happy 31st birthday, babe! Thanks for everything and then some.

John Fam Pic

And so ends my lovefest for el hubbo. What are you guys grateful for? Any birthdays going on in your house? Who’s getting what?

UPDATE: John discovered the post! Finally! After doing a project in the basement, uploading photos, and editing a video (all while I sweated profusely at the computer). Here’s his reaction.

Psst- Want more lovey-dovey posts? We have a bunch of them here. And for those wondering how we resolve decorating disputes, here’s a post about that for ya.

Comments

  2. Cathy says

    Awww. Number 5 is the best. It’s totally how my husband makes me feel. Glad that you two have that!
    So..
    The cake is amazing, but how did it taste?

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      I was so busy talking I only tried the cream in the middle (amazing!) but John scarfed a whole piece while we signed! It was chocolate and surprisingly moist/not hard (since it looked so rock solid!).

      xo
      s

  9. Sarah says

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN!!!
    ..We are celebrating my daughters 1st birthday next Saturday. (her b-day is the 30th) And having a daughter myself, I can honestly say that I can see a lot of the same “dad” qualities in my husband that you see in John. All I know is that God is good, and blessed us beyond measure!! ‘Tis the season to be thankful! :) Hope ya’ll have a GREAT Thanksgiving!
    ps. Hope to see you both in Feb., in Charlotte, NC. (if they ever release the info)
    ~Sarah

    Reply

  11. Christa says

    Awwww. Yes, that was sweet. My hubby’s bday is right around Thanksgiving, Nov 25th to be exact, so I get all thankful for him too. And I also think there is nothing sexier than a man pushing a baby stroller or playing dress up with his daughter. I was just working on a thankful post for my blog but have post dated it to publish on Nov 22nd. Thanks for sharing and making me think about my own hubby more. Love you guys!

    Reply

  12. Allyn says

    Love love LOVE this. Way to encourage one another! You definitely got a keeper.
    I’ve discovered that often the things that the world deems “unmanly” are the very things that make me fall a little more in love with my husband.

    Reply

  14. Kim says

    Looks like someone is getting lucky tonight! Haha. Too much?

    Okay I’ll get out of the gutter. :) That top picture with John and Clara dressed alike slays me. I mean seriously, it’s making me want to tell my boyfriend I want babies. Haha.

    Reply

  15. Amanda says

    I think it would impossible to read this and not smile! I happen to think my hubs is the best guy on the planet, and love hearing others saying the same thing about their man. :)

    Reply

  16. Christina P (NS) says

    Very sweet Sherry, tears in my eyes before I even got to #1 and then actually crying by #3 – I love a good sapfest!
    Happy Birthday John!

    Reply

  17. AllieBeau says

    My friend has been talking up your blog and I just thought to check you out. And now I am crying. First time here. That has to be a record.

    I, too, have a man that is not scared to walk a Chihuahua, and it is quite the testament to his manliness. This is a super sweet post. Happy Birthday, Sir!

    So glad to have found your blog-will be back often. And I know what my BFF is getting for xmas (your book! Hopefully she is not reading this!)

    Reply

  18. Stefanie says

    Oh man, that’s the sweetest.

    I’m grateful for my man too. How can you not love someone who assembles Christmas decorations for you while you finish up another DIY holiday project?

    I love my 6-foot, 150 pound, geek-y stud-muffin, who’s also one of the best fathers and partners in the world.

    Here’s a pic of him painting miniature ornaments for our son’s Christmas tree.

    Husbandz Rulz.

    Reply

  19. Kelley says

    Aww! I think we all love some of these things about John, too. I’m always especially impressed with his willingness to figure things out as he goes and not being afraid to tackle some really complicated stuff (like the deck!). I always share those types of post with my hubby and say, “SEE?! You can DIY that!” Great post, Sherry! You guys rock.

    Reply

  20. Sherry says

    Awwww….it reminds me how much I love my hubby. Being an amazing Daddy, husband and provider is hard work and he does it well.

    Reply

  23. Steph says

    Okay, seriously, you just got me all teary eyed. I am not a mushy person at all but that was just so sweet and freakin’ adorable.

    You and Clara are very lucky girls. :)

    p.s. I wonder how many female readers just sighed and thought “I want a relationship like that.” I won’t lie, I had that moment.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw, my best advice is never settle! The guy I was dating for a very long time before John was “almost it” and it would have been so much easier to stay with him and try to make it work but for some reason I just decided to take a chance and pull the plug and hold out for the very best guy instead of settling! Like a reward from the universe, John came along next- and he was so much better for me! So glad I didn’t settle :)

      xo
      s

    • Steph says

      Thanks, Sherry. :) I’ve definitely tried to follow that mantra to never settle.

      I’m sure someday will arrive a man capable of putting up with my special brand of crazy. I’d like for him to hurry up though. I have some shelves to put up and I’m kinda too lazy to do it.

    • Amanda says

      I did the same thing Sherry… I just recently (ie: last year) broke up with the guy I thought was “the one” because it felt like I was settling. I’m only 23, so I still have some time, but when it happens, I hope he’s just as amazing for me as John is for you.

  27. Brenda says

    All together now: AWWWWWWWWWWW! I love me a good sap fest now and then. That’s the kind of marriage I hope to have someday. Not perfect, but a partnership that’s fun and interesting and sweet.

    Reply

  29. julie g. says

    Oh man…my love just turned 40 and I may just take this post but replace John’s name with his – you are both lucky to have found each other is what it really sounds like to me!!!

    Reply

  31. Jessica Ballard says

    I think I totally agree. In fact, I share John posts and how you guys negotiate and what John figures out in-the-process, with my hubs- who actually grew up doing carpentry and is a welder, but doesn’t think outside the box until I push him. You guys are inspiring and real, and thats what people love about you!
    Happy -late- Birthday John! I will be watching for the nail gun post. I want one too, but Hubs is afraid I will harm myself with one and only wants me to get a palm nailer lol. I think I could do less damage with a nail gun than with a hammer and nail- #girlshavelilhands

    Reply

  32. Courtney says

    Seriously lady, you have a way with words. (Obvs.) What a heartfelt and lovely post – I’m sure John loves and appreciates you just as much!!

    Happy 31st Birthday John!

    Reply

  33. Riva says

    Tall, dork, and handsome is my taste as well! I’ve definitely noticed #5 on your list as I look at the pictures of you guys with fans at book signings. Unless a specific pose is requested by your current visitor, he tends to always have his arm around you like it’s a picture of just you guys with some weirdo photo-bombing in the background, which I think is so sweet even though it sounds weird when I write it out. Belated happy birthday wishes John!

    Reply

  34. Alliey Roche says

    I think I just discoverd why I love y’all’s blog so much- the things you say about your husband sound much like something I could write about mine! (Well, aside from the marathons, lol. But if there was a marathon-running video game he’d beat that sucker!) How could you not adore a cute, Renaissance man, dorky dude with love for the little dogs and seriously great daddy skills?

    Reply

  35. Kate says

    i love that i get to be married to my very bet friend! seems like you & john have that same connection…isn’t it the best?!

    Dying to hear about john’s reaction when he sees this…keep us posted, plleeease:)

    Reply

  36. Sara says

    Y’all are so cute and this reminds me (and I’m sure others) that we should all tell our significant other that we love them and what we love about them more often! Happy belated birthday, John!

    Reply

  37. ESBlondie says

    Awwww! This was so sweet! This is one of the reasons I love this blog. You keep it real and share the family moments as well as the DIY.

    Reply

  38. Rebecca @This Nest is Best says

    Well, I pretty much teared up at this post and I only met you at a book signing! Your love and relationship with John makes me think of my love and relationship with Mr. Lemon (my hubby). It’s just so perfect when you find your match, isn’t it?

    Reply

  39. Rachel says

    I too have a hubby that’s comfortable enough in his manhood to participate in and even embrace things that may be known as “feminine” interests. I couldn’t be happier about that! We’ve been married for 11.5 years now and I feel like I’m constantly reminded by how lucky I am to have scooped up such an awesome guy.

    I mean who doesn’t want a guy that can bake a cake and decorate it too? But still watch zombie movies and play video games in his downtime?

    Such a sweet post!

    PS today’s my birthday and my awesome hubby got me your book as a gift. i’m loving it!

    Reply

  41. Kate says

    Oh you guys are just too cute! Love it! If getting full cheese fest on your man’s birthday is wrong then I don’t want to be right :).

    Reply

  42. Beccii says

    Mega Cheese-tastic Love-fest Sherry! Very cute post, got us all falling for him a little bit right with ya there methinks ;0)

    Reply

  43. Sarah says

    Oh boy, now I’m all teary in my cubicle. What a sweet list. I love #2…my boyfriend loves our little dog so much and it melts my heart! He reluctantly agreed to adopt our puppy, claiming he wasn’t a dog person but he would do it for me. Last week, our puppy escaped and ran towards a very busy road. My bf managed to capture him after a few minutes, but it was quite scary to say the least. Afterwards he cried, and he’s not a crier at all! It makes me love him that much more. I can only imagine how I’d feel with kids!

    Reply

  44. heather says

    1. I just need to say this. You almost described why I love my husband in number 3 to a T. Except switch out style for carhartt overalls. He once told me to do a post on construction style…all three different pairs of overalls for different weather. Tall, dork and handsome really is perfect even if I have a different kind of dork (abundance of plaid shirts in our closet).

    2. I always pictured John as super outgoing, talkative and loud. Never once did I think of him as shy or even remotely introverted.

    3. HAH. You definitely talked about sex in both posts today. I don’t think John will have to worry about talking about a new idea tonight instead….

    Thank you for sharing such a sweet, kind, and funny post.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hahahah! Oh yeah, in real life John’s pretty reserved and I’m the loud bubbly one but if you get to know him he’ll slip in there with a hilarious sarcastic comment that gets the whole room laughing. He’s a man of few words and razor sharp wit if he lets you into the club. Otherwise he sits back and lets me babble. Hahah!

      xo
      s

    • heather says

      Aww that’s so sweet. Andy tends to be the same way. He doesn’t say much, but when he does it’s worth hearing. I still wish to this day he would let me put the videos up of him rapping in his carhartts, or “playing” the keyboard I had at one point. They make me almost pee myself laughing. Not a sharer though, so no dice – and I respect that.

      Props to John though, that mysterious bugger totally fooled me.

  47. Casey says

    Well… this settles it, you do a great job keepin it real on this blog… because I feel like I already knew all these things about John. Except for the kissing thing, of course. :) Love. I think he’s pretty lucky too.

    I thank God daily for giving me a husband like this. Not in all the same ways as John, but a man I adore and a relationship that is fun, passionate, balanced, and brings out the best in both of us (most days, of course). Seriously such a blessing. And you’re right… nothing sexier that watching your husband be a great dad. In fact it kinda makes me just want to keep having babies. Haha. :)

    Reply

  48. Thais Bessa says

    Own, so sweet! I guess in the business of daily life lots of couples forget to list the good things and show their appreciation for one another. Great example, Mrs Petersik!

    Happy birthday, John!

    Reply

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