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. Karlee Davidson says

    I just got your book yesterday and kept “awwwwing” over all the pictures of you two! The inside flap picture totally gets me…you can see the love between you guys! So lucky!

    P.S. Happy Birthday John!!

    Reply

  3. Candice says

    Surely he’s found the post?! Is he off somewhere crying, too? :) Glad I could meet y’all on his birthday, get you to sign my tiny blue owl, and flee from my 2 kids under 2 for an evening. Great Mama break–it’s like I got a present for John’s birthday.

    Reply

  5. Sara says

    My daughter turns 7 tomorrow!

    My husband hates Valentine’s but since February is 6 months from our anniversary he’ll celebrate Half Day with me. This year for Half Day we made one another lists of things we’ve learned from one another, some sweet and sappy some funny.
    I printed it and keep it in my purse all the time, they always make me smile and make me remember why we’re a perfect match even though we have ups and downs.

    Reply

  7. Jessica says

    This just confirms that you guys have the best all-around blog out there – I love that you can get sappy about your husband on his birthday! You guys are seriously sweet. I too have a tall, skinny adorkable hubby and while he’s no DIY pro, he does pick up a ton of the slack around the house and with the kids while I’m at school. Gotta love that I came home last night to them making thanksgiving turkeys out of hand prints and feathers :)

    Reply

  8. April says

    I teared up too! So sweet! You put so many of the things that my hubby is too into words so well. I may have to steal some of this sometime…especially number 5….man I have that too and it’s so easy to take for granted!

    Reply

  10. Kara says

    You guys are so sweet and awesome!

    (And, okay, i know this is a family blog. BUT. Picture #6, I seriously could not figure out what it was. Pretend you can’t see the cockatoo sitting on his shoulder, and I swear it looks like he’s posing for a picture in front of someone having serious difficulties climbing a rock shaped like the female, um, parts. See it? Little person dressed in grey, dangling upside down?)

    Reply

  11. Renee says

    Awww, that was so incredibly sweet! You guys are lucky to have one another :) Makes me think of my hubby too – I sometimes have to pinch myself b/c I have no idea how I got so lucky!

    Reply

  13. Michelle says

    Do you realize you just mentioned sex twice in one day? You win major brownie points for fearlessness in the face of TMI. (I no longer think of you as an extra-handy June and Ward Cleaver.)

    Reply

  14. Neal says

    This was super adorable. :) Happy belated Birthday, John! Hooray for November birthdays – four of my cousins have birthdays this month and mine is tomorrow!

    Reply

  15. EmilyThompson says

    What a lovely post, so nice that you guys are growing together. Loved your words in the comments about not settling, that’s something every teenage girl needs to internalize!

    Reply

  17. Gina says

    Sherry! You are so sweet! Being thoughtful is the best and this was seriously SO thoughtful!! I love #1 the most. I love nothing more than seeing how much my fiance loves our daughter and how he takes care of her and is completely wrapped around her finger. It melts my heart just thinking about it. I love when he calls us “his girls.” Aw. Anyway, I think Clara needs a sibling now, share the love <3

    Reply

  18. Holly C says

    I think that like you I have found the one true one for me! My husband and I have been dating since we were 15 and in highschool (I know cute right ;) it’s been 10 great years) and I am so thankful for that. He is truly the sweetest most caring guy I know. He tries to hide it until he’s more comfortable with people (I wish he’d just let it shine because it’s the best part about him) but he is still the best. All 6′ of his ridiculously dorky,smart, handsome self. The thing I love most is that he will do anything for those he loves, including chasing butterflies with my 2 year old niece. Thank you for sharing the love you have for your husband because it made me think about how great a guy I have as well! Happy Birthday John!

    Reply

  19. Reagen says

    What a wonderful post. With everything that goes on in the world and the whirlwind that has been your family’s trip to DIY Blogger-famousness (even though I know you’ll say you’re not) it nice to see that you keep it real and right. You both acknowledge the flaws and fabulousity (okay so that’s not a word but whatever) of each other and only seem to be the better for having one another in your respective worlds. I haven’t found my “John” yet but reading posts like this keeps hope alive. And while I know you can’t order men out of catalogs like we all sometimes wish we could, I definitely think that if it were possible your description of your man would definitely be filed under “Keeper”. Best of luck to you both as you continue on to what I’m sure are many more awesome adventures!

    Reply

  20. Sheena says

    Sherry – This is probably one of my favorite posts you’ve written. After all, this house you’re fixing up would not be the amazing home that it is without the people you love in it! You are one blessed lady! :) Thanks for sharing & reminding me how blessed I am to have such a wonderful husband!

    Reply

  21. Jas says

    Gosh you guys are too sweet!
    You are giving us single girls really high expectations! Any secret tips to find my own John in New York?!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      My biggest tip is never to settle! I dated a guy for a long time before John and it was serious but I just knew he wasn’t IT so even though pulling the plug and starting over again seemed daunting, it seemed like taking that risk brought me to John. So thankful!

      xo
      s

  22. Sarah says

    Happy bday John! This post was beyond wonderful. Marriage isnt easy, but it is so worth it and fun! So many ppl are so quick to degrade their spouse…thank you for this encouragement! And as I was reading, I kept thinking of my hubby…and then had the thought that I should tell him myself! :-) Heres to many more!!

    Reply

  23. Dalenna says

    Thanks for sharing your list!! It is so nice to hear from another sappy wife out there (we get teased for how in love we are sometimes. I have a John too and he is wonderful. We are best friends as much as husband and wife. I love the comment you made about waiting for the perfect fit. We were 28 & 35 when we got married but I tell him all the time that he was worth the wait.

    Reply

  24. Amy says

    Aww, this reminds me of my hubby! The fact that he’s not concerned at all with being “manly” is one of the things I love most about him! The other guys in my family are always joking about taking away his “man card” and he just shrugs his shoulders!

    Reply

  25. Wendy M. says

    When I told you guys on Saturday that you guys remind me and my boyfriend of ourselves, I really meant it. I know you guys get sick of hearing people compare themselves to you, but I just adore the fact that you guys are always honest about your relationship–even to the rest of the world.
    That being said, this post was fantastic and it reminded me of all of the reasons (stupid or not) that I love Tim so much.
    Also, I noticed how much John talks about Clara when we were in West Elm the other day and I thought it was adorable (lol). Anyone who has a man who can have that much love for their little girl and their wife is definitely amazing, and I’d love to think that it’s not that rare, but I honestly believe that it is. I just thought it was funny that when I whipped out my snow globe he immediately started babbling out a story about Clara and how much she loves them and how she broke the first one. Haha. It made me hope that my family will be that wonderful one day (until then, we have cats).

    OKAY I’m not going to write any more narrative, I just realized how long this post got. Hahaha.
    Anyway, happy (belated) birthday, John–and Sherry, WONDERFUL post! So heartfelt! <3

    Awww.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw you’re so sweet! I love that he went into that random Clara-broke-ours tangent. So funny! I think she needs to be a few years older the next time we give her one to play with… haha!

      xo
      s

  26. Erin Ramczyk says

    You guys are just too much (but in a good way!), I love it! Happy birthday, John – and Happy Thanksgiving, Petersiks! XO

    Reply

  27. Amanda says

    Happy belated birthday John! This post almost made me cry! So sweet and thoughtful :) My husband and I are currently loosing lots of sleep and trying to learn how to handle a newborn, and sometimes forget to just stop and be thankful we have each other. And speaking of said newborn, it’s not her birthday, but she will be a whole 5 weeks old on Thanksgiving, so I think that will make this year a whole lot more special!

    Reply

  28. Shari says

    Geez, Sherry….after reading that, I think I’M in love with him. Just kidding #hes1halfofthecutestcoupleever But fo’ real….if I thought I was picky BEFORE, this just laid out a whole new set of standards! #lookslikesingleforlife

    HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY JOHN!!

    Reply

  29. Briel K. says

    Aww Sherry, you totally made me get all teary here at work! I’m a sap so it’s no surprise to me! I really hope that I’m able to find a wonderful man someday who compliments me as much as John does you. *sigh* Thanks for sharing! xoxo

    Reply

  30. Sarah says

    adorable! #5 got me. i can really relate. <3
    happy birfday :) my man turns 30 in 2 weeks and I can't wait to shower him with some extra sappiness.

    Reply

  32. Ana says

    Happy belated birthday, John! What a fantastic cake. Who wouldn’t want an edible tape measure?

    And Sherry, it’s a great post, and I like your follow-up comment about not settling. No one knows what life has in store, so if something doesn’t feel right, then maybe the universe is trying to tell you something. :)

    Reply

  35. Erin says

    Sherry this post is awesome and it totally made me cry at work! I’ve only been married two months but I love everything about my husband and married life! And inspired by your first house’s half bath my hubby stayed up with me until midnight last night taping and painting stripes in our bathroom. It’s such a blessing to have an amazing partner!! HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN!

    Reply

  36. Kaitlyn says

    Ahhh this was adorable :) You guys are such a great couple and compliment each other so well! I love that you surprised him with this post!! Did he see it yet? You’ll have to let us know his reaction!

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      He’s still down in the basement working away! Ack, I’m having a panic attack up here every time I hear a sound like he’s coming (but he’s still down there, dangit!!). Haha!

      xo
      s

  37. Susan says

    You are a VERY lucky girl, but it’s pretty obvious you know that! Part of the reason I read your blog is I love reading about your very happy family. I have no doubt you will be able to keep that spark as years go by.

    Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! I hope to get to see you in either Portland or Tacoma.

    PS I have a little fluffy dog and my husband has become just as attached to her as I am!

    Reply

  38. Crystal says

    Some of my single girlfriends just don’t get it. Real men don’t play mind games, pump weights all day while admiring their guns, have to be ‘up in da club’, etc. Real men are kind, considerate, confident in who they, love you for who you are, and genuinely enjoy making you happy. John sounds like my hubby, a definite keeper.

    Reply

  40. decoratica says

    I totally understand you as I feel the same about my man, he even used to have a chihuahua and it’s true, there’s nothing manlier (does this word exist?) than a man walking and loving a tiny little doggy :)
    We always say “We’re a team and Love is our maxim” (It’s silly but true and we always laugh of being so silly with each other)
    So, congratulations to you and every fortunate reader of your blog and happy birthday to John!

    Reply

  41. liz @ btb says

    What a man, what a man, what a mighty good man. I’ll be waiting for $herdog’s youtube tribute of S&P’s hit.

    PS: It’s my birthday too! (I know John’s was a few days ago, but it’s fun to share:))

    Reply

  43. Kitty says

    Happy birthday John. :D

    Sherry, this is such a beautiful post about all the things you love about John, it brought a smile to my face. Keep on being cute and loved up you guys! <3

    Reply

  44. Betty Kimberly Crocker says

    Yay! Congrats to you both for a happy, sappy marriage. Nothing like thinking your hubs in the best dude ever. :)

    Reply

  46. Vicky UK says

    This is such a lovely post – you two really are a great team and your honesty and appreciation brought a tear to my eye on a dark, cold, windy night here in London – especially as my other half is 2 days into a 2 week working trip to Mumbai!

    I am dying to know what John’s reaction is when he sees this though! Can you post an update?!

    Reply

  47. Susan says

    Happy Birthday John! You had me tearing up there, Sherry! As hard as it is for me to believe that someone else out there has The Best Husband Ever, I have to admit that yours sounds almost as good as mine :)

    Reply

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