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
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?
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.
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.
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’.
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…
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
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.
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.
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.
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!!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, you’re so sweet!
xo
s
Brady says
Aww what a sweet post! Love the sap every now and then =) Happy late birthday, John!
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.
YoungHouseLove says
Haha! He hasn’t yet! He’s in the basement working on a little project! Haha! I’m up here crying in secret and getting all jumpy when I hear a noise downstairs. Hah!
xo
s
Candice says
Love that you’re jumpy. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Ahhh, he’s walking through the sunroom towards the office right now! Eeks!
xo
s
CourtneyFrantz says
Such a sweet post. You’ve got yourself a keeper!
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.
schmei says
Three cheers for Real Men! And happy birthday to John!!
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 :)
YoungHouseLove says
Ah! So cute!
xo
s
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!
olivia says
Single tear! My husband is also not too “manly” to do anything you listed, and I love him for it!
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?)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahaha, that’s hilarious!
xo
s
Steph says
I’m reading this on my iPhone and I totally saw a female um, part in that picture too. So glad I’m not the only one haha. I’m so immature, I might have scrolled up and giggled at it :/
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!
Emily | Sparkle Meets Pop says
Happy Birthday, John! And I have to smile about how similar our guys are. Tall, dork and nerdy is the absolute best, especially with a dash of sporty and handy. :)
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.)
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahahaha, ahhh! Our family reads this! Well, mostly they skim and look for pics of Clara, so I think I’m ok…
xo
s
Meredith says
hahaha, that was my first thought!! especially since you guys really don’t go there. ;) too funny.
heather says
Oh she’s the extra handy June Cleaver all right…but with just the apron sometimes as it turns out. Oh yeah, I just went there. You know it. Oh what’s that? There’s the line. Let me wave to you from this side.
YoungHouseLove says
Bwahahahahahahhah! No comment. I can confirm that I don’t have a Home Depot apron. But Clara does have a tiny one for her Barbies…
xo
s
Amelia says
Yay! A little spice never hurt anyone!
Chelsea @ Riding Escalators says
Hahahaha! Holy hell! Heather has me laughing tears!
YoungHouseLove says
Heather is always hilarious!
xo
s
Jennie says
Too funny!
heather says
Someone PLEASE bring Sherry a home depot apron at an upcoming book signing.
YoungHouseLove says
Hahahahahhahhahhahahahaha. I would get so red I might pass out.
xo
s
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!
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!
rachael says
You guys are so Sweet! John see it yet?
YoungHouseLove says
Ahh no! He’s in the basement working on something. So nervous for him to come up and find it! Hahah!
xo
s
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
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!
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!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Reagen! May every girl out there find their John! I’m rooting for you!
xo
s
Ethne @ Wom-Mom says
Sherry – Reagan is the lady we had you sign the little bird for here in Mpls!! – Ethne
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, that’s so sweet! We love you Reagan!
xo
s
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!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Sheena! You’re so sweet!
xo
s
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?!
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
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!!
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.
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!
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.
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
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
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!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, that’s so sweet! Enjoy those days! It feels like just yesterday that Clara was a newborn and now she’s 2 and a half!!
xo
s
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!!
YoungHouseLove says
Hahah, stay picky girl! It pays off!
xo
s
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
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.
LARY@ Inspiration Nook says
LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS! You are the perfect team, an inspiration to all of us waiting to take that next step.
Virtual hugs to you both! :)
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. :)
YoungHouseLove says
Amen!!
xo
s
Lauren says
Aww sniffle! So adorable. Love you guys.
Ashley @ sunnysideshlee.com says
What an amazing post, Sherry! Happy Birthday John!! woot woot!
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!
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!
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
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!
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.
Chelsea @ Riding Escalators says
Awwww! Cue a little heart melting upinhere’!
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!
YoungHouseLove says
Aw, that’s so sweet!
xo
s
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:))
YoungHouseLove says
Haha, keep waiting for that! Just kidding, maybe someday I’ll make it happen…
xo
s
Jen @ Migonis Home says
Love it. So sweet, Sherry… what guy wouldn’t want everyone else to know that his wife thinks he’s the bomb? I mean, even confident guys could use a confidence boost, right?
YoungHouseLove says
It’s true! Sing their praises ladies!
xo
s
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
YoungHouseLove says
Aw thanks Kitty!
xo
s
Betty Kimberly Crocker says
Yay! Congrats to you both for a happy, sappy marriage. Nothing like thinking your hubs in the best dude ever. :)
Ashley says
You mean “BARFday Bidness”. Just kidding. This is why I love you all! Happy Birthday, John!
YoungHouseLove says
Hahaha, ok that just made me laugh out loud.
xo
s
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?!
YoungHouseLove says
Will do! He’s sitting right next to me uploading photos but hasn’t looked at the blog yet. Ahhhhh!
xo
s
DawnSC says
Yes, post an update! This request is ignoring that I’m scrolling through your comments to see if you’ve put one there yet. haha :) Happy belated birthday to John!
YoungHouseLove says
Still waiting…
xo
s
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 :)
Kim says
Happy Birthday, John!!
ka
Madeline says
Happy Birthday John!
We just celebrated my husbands birthday with football & puppies! http://createbakecelebrate.blogspot.com/2012/11/celebrate-birthdays-visits.html
With all these men in the world, its amazing we can find the perfect one!
Kris says
Totally crying!