Young House Love

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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

  1. kristin says

    i got teary eyed at this paragraph. (the whole paragraph): 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

    gosh! i don’t even know you personally, but it’s pretty much the biggest blessing to be able to convey what you love about someone in clear bits of 7 facts. yo. nice

    Reply

  2. sarah says

    thanks for sharing your sweet love for each other. my hubby actually sacrificed thanksgiving with his family this week so we could all stay home and take care of our little 3 week old. taking him on a journey was not my first choice and my sweet husband was willing to miss out on seeing family to keep us all home. what a guy. i cried alot when he told me we would stay home….i know how much it means to him.

    Reply

  3. Lauren@FilingJointly says

    So sweet! I also think my husband is the best thing ever and that I’m lucky to have him. And I also didn’t hypnotize him….that he knows of….If you’re ever over at our house please do not use the word ‘peacock’ in front of him.

    Reply

  4. Lisa says

    Aww, super cute post! Number 4 totally reminded me of my husband :) It’s so nice to read about how in love you two are!

    Reply

  7. Erika says

    What a great post, Sherry! Thanks so much for sharing. I love hearing about happy marriages.

    And happy belated birthday to John! Hope you guys have a great Thanksgiving!

    Reply

  8. Megan says

    I LOVE this!! After meeting you guys in Chicago last week I saw how “real” and down-to-earth you guys are and this further proves it. You guys are the real deal! Happy birthday John :)

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  11. Kelly D says

    I have enjoyed your blog since I first was introduced to it by a friend 3 years ago. I have always felt like I relate to your family. But, this post made me have a lightbulb moment. I think one of the things I appreciate the most about your blog is how admiring and kind you are to each other. You celebrate each other. I love my husband SOO much for many of the reasons you mentioned about John, and I feel so blessed. Unfortunately, sometimes I feel like I can’t brag or celebrate him to friends because their marriages aren’t the same. Reading your blog reminds me that I shouldn’t hold back. My hubby is amazing and I want the world to know it! Thanks for this awesome post!

    Reply

  12. Jennie says

    So sweet … Love this post!

    Happy birthday (belated) to John! I raise a glass of water in your honor. (and in honor of Aquavember)

    Reply

  13. Ali says

    So sweet! Did you know those bees are created by a local artist, Matt Lively, and he loves that a little kid saw them in a painting when he first started drawing them and said “Look, BEE-cycles!” Matt was like, “Exactly!!” I’m glad you love them too!

    Reply

  15. Anastasia says

    This post made me happy and sad. I’m happy for the two of you but sad that it makes me think I settled for my husband.

    Reply

  18. Ashleigh says

    After following your blog for some time now, I’m finally commenting for the first time! I just wanted to say I love you both as well as Clara and Burger to pieces. You seriously have no idea. If you guys respond to my comment I will literally “squeeeee!” C: I saw that Charlotte, NC was on your list for the book tour – is that a definite event? I would fan girl scream to get my copy autographed by you two! This post was so sweet of you Sherry; every day between classes I read this blog and it is absolutely wonderful (and on the weekends I read posts from before I started following!). I feel so grateful that I have something so awesome to look forward to each day. Thank you both C:

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  19. Samantha says

    So sweet! Thanks for sharing this Sherry; it may be one of my favorite posts you’ve ever written (and I’ve read them all!) :)

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  21. Ana says

    So sweet!

    When I click to see his reaction, it redirects me to the original post. Is it just my phone? Or is it a joke that totally went over my head? I’m certain it’s one of the two!!

    Hoping to catch you in ATX. You guys will fit right in! :)

    Reply

  22. Samantha says

    When I heard you speak in RVA a couple of weeks ago, all I could talk about on the ride home with my BFF was how I envied (in a good way) the relationship you seem to have and the passion that you share together. So few married folks have that even though we all desire it. You are a lucky and lovely family! xoxo

    Reply

  24. Alainna says

    Happy Birthday, John!!! Sherry, you have such a beautiful heart. What a beautiful marriage you guys have built! Marriage = one awesome DIT (do it together)

    Reply

  25. Celie says

    This is adorable. Thank you for sharing. I just got engaged to the guy of my dreams, and it’s so good to hear from a couple a few years ahead of us that the heart-in-my-mouth-every-time-he-walks-in-the-room thing will never stop. <3

    Reply

  26. Misty says

    You two are the best! Reading your blog everyday I can feel the love between you both and it’s envy inducing! You really are made for each other! Happy birthday John!!

    P.S
    You just gave me a great idea what to get my husband for his birthday next week! I list of what I love about him!

    Reply

  27. Maria Aimen says

    Aww this is so sweet! I was hoping there would be something about how you raised a bunch of money to donate to St. Judes from West Elm in Houston! I was the girl who left a big ol’ five. Haha. Hope there was SOMETHING to make that night extra special! Oh and if you guys are ever in Houston, you always have a place to stay at with us! Take care! :)

    Reply

  29. Sarah Picking says

    Haa haa, I loved your candor in this post and I totally feel you on #7! My hubby is so sweet, he will totally listen intently to my brain dump, or anxiety fest or tired babble at the end of the day when I’m sure he’d love to be “gettin’ friendly!” Though his sweet listening skills make me love him (and want to love on him) even more! I’m so happy for you two!!!! Seem like a perfect match!

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  34. Angel says

    So funny about the “lady products”… one of the reasons I knew my guy was for me was the first time he offered to pick those up for me. Sounds weird, but I just never knew anyone who would be remotely willing to do that. I wasn’t feeling well and he offered. I said “Are you serious? That’s not weird for you?” and he said ” Yeah, I’m sure the lady at the cash register is going to think they’re for me!” *eyeroll* LOL!

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  38. Nancy says

    Wow that was a great list! I’m sure you hear this all the time but it is so true, these are the best days of your life. Cherish every single one of them. You guys are the same age as my daughter and son-in-law and you remind me of them. I love to see young couples getting it right and you two definitely seem to be doing that. Happy Birthday John. Hope you and all your loved ones have a happy thanksgiving!

    Reply

  40. Isabel says

    Happy (belated) Birthday to John!! Sherry, you are so sweet and honest. And I have to agree, wit and brains are definitely the best qualities a guy can have! Both of you are so lucky to have each other to make life so full and happy. I hope all of us who are still looking someday find our “tall, dork and handsome” men, haha :P

    Reply

  41. Summer says

    Sherry,

    You and John are adorable! What an incredibly sweet letter. Seems like you both lucked out if you ask me. :)

    May I ask where John got that navy and red striped zip-up, by the way? My hubby (who also has that shy, confident thing going on — I agree, perfect combo) would love it!

    Looking forward to curling up with your book over the holidays. Congrats on all of the uber-successful book signings. You guys rock!

    Summer

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  42. Nina says

    This was the sweetest blog post I’ve ever read! What an awesome Thanksgiving week post, too. It’s so nice to see a family working hard and getting recognition for it and really loving each other the whole way through. Keep it up, guys!
    And Happy Belated Birthday, John!

    Reply

  44. Rebecca W. says

    My husband actually resecued 2 kittens from our backyard area (we live in a townhouse development) and I have ALWAYS wanted cats. We weren’t planning on getting pets but he let me keep them. Everyone always says well he doesn’t want them as much as you do…but they never see him cuddling with them in the evening and lovin’ on them more than me. That’s a real man!

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  46. Annelies says

    That’s so well and lovely expressed Sherry ! You are a great couple and it shows you have a good relationship. You make an awesome family and at 31 I’m still waiting for my “reward from the universe” and hope I can very soon have such a relationship too. I think it’s also great you can expercience the whole blog and book thing together. It’s fun to share and it’s great we can look into your lives every day.

    Reply

  47. Sky says

    $HERDOG!!!! What are ya DOIN’ to me over here? You’ve got me laughing AND crying??? It’s very confusing for my face.
    You two are just the most happymaking, inspiration-all, smilemonstery SUPERDOERS ever!
    I had to DIY some new words there, to describe how much I adore this post and you both.

    GET it, Petersiks.
    <3

    Reply

  49. Emily says

    What an absolutely sweet post! I feel just as lovey-dovey about my husband, and I’m always so glad that other people feel the same about theirs :-)

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  50. Cara says

    This is such a sweet post! I feel the same about how dedicated my husband is to me and our daughter. He just loves us soooo much and is so involved. The small dog thing cracked me up too. I had a Rottweiler before we were together then we got a Yorkie together. I would walk my 130 lb Rott and he would have our little Yorkie. How funny we looked. Our big birthday in the family is tomorrow (Thanksgiving). Our baby girl turns one! Hope you all have a blessed Thanksgiving!

    Reply

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