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

  4. Wendy says

    Lovely, absolutely lovely sharing!

    Birthdays- well, we’re really, really hoping our little girl shows up this week. (She’s due on Monday, so in the next 2-ish weeks we’ll be celebrating a special birthday!)

    Hub’s is the end of December, so in honor of him, I’ll use his words to share what I love about him (in no particular order).

    I love his intelligence and his willingness to counter thoughts and happenings with beauty. – http://www.sonnettics.com/2012/09/18/islam/

    I love his love of running, cycling, and swimming. I love when he wears his 2009 Boston shirt with cammos because his Special Forces time inspired his fitness.-
    http://www.sonnettics.com/2012/09/21/a-runners-song-2/

    I love that he loves me. Oh, and he pulled off my dream wedding over the Potomac River. Two Navy brats on a pier at sunset.-
    http://www.sonnettics.com/2011/11/18/potomac-lovers/

    I love that he has moved beyond his life-defining accident.-
    http://www.sonnettics.com/2011/10/28/forgiveness/

    I love that he writes for all ages, including wee ones. I love that in the last two nights he’s worked on a series of lullabies for children inspired by our daughter, and this one is him and children.-
    http://www.kidseep.com/2008/10/06/a-hug/

    Hope this isn’t too long. Pregger hormones and love of my hub are a delightful mix!

    Reply

  5. Debbie says

    Glad you love your husband because you two make a great pair. Two posts with sexual innuendo on the blog in one day? I blushed enough the first time….. #awkward

    Reply

  8. Virginia says

    Happy Belated Birthday to John! And a huge thank you to Sherry for writing this post. The love and happiness in your family comes out in all your posts and, like so many other readers have said, is so very inspiring. Thank you for sharing your lives and love with us– I am grateful to have your example.

    Reply

  9. Marisa says

    This is why I love you guys. Happy Birthday John, you deserve all of this love. I’m so happy you two found each other and that you share yourselves with all of us. Tall, dork and handsome is exactly my taste as well.

    Reply

  10. Heather says

    Not settling is KEY. The guy I was with before my husband was “almost the one”. We talked marriage and babies and all that jazz over the five years we were together. Then instead of taking the plunge, we just ended.

    Two years later Graham & I reconnected (we had been friends in high school) and everything just clicked. My list includes so many of the things you love about John and I just can not figure out how on earth I got so freaking lucky!

    Yay for amazing, thoughtful, hardworking, sensitive, excellent fur-fathers, smart, kind husbands =)

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      See, I’m telling you – I have this theory that the settling thing is a test and if you decide not to you’re rewarded with some awesome dude. It’s not that the almost guy is terrible, it’s just that if you’re dating someone and it feels “eh, maybe” and not “this is totally it!” I think holding out is the answer!

      xo
      s

    • Wendy says

      Exactly. I’d say it also takes looking beyond and into the heart.

      When my hub and I met he was 18 months out of a major accident that should have killed him. He walked stiffly and was still recovering from the TBI (probably always will linger a bit..). I had to be patient with so much (memory loss, not remembering to eat, frustration with himself, etc.).

      He read my poetry the first date and was patient with my skepticism of many things. 3 days later he left for Russia to study literature for 10 days. We e-mailed and got to know each other.

      5 days after he returned he proposed. 2 weeks later we married. (It was not our plan. It just happened. We trusted!) When someone asked “well, wasn’t that fast?” he responded, “if you saw a diamond on the ground, would you walk past it or would you pick it up?”

  14. Christine says

    This post should be required reading for women in the dating world about what MATTERS in a partner. I bet every happily and gratefully partnered woman is saying AMEN when reading this. (Am I right, ladies?) I am so HAPPY to say that I recognize a bunch of this stuff in my husband, too. Lucky, lucky me, for serious. Be proud, John!

    Reply

  15. Kay says

    I went on an absolutely awful blind date on Sunday night, and it’s really tempting to feel sort of hopeless about love when that happens. But, it is heart-warming and fantastic to see when two wonderful people find one another and cherish one another. This was lovely to read.

    Happy Birthday John!

    Reply

  17. Georgiana CK says

    I ran into a marriage counselor once when I was in my early 20s, when I was out on a sales call. I asked her if she didn’t mind giving me her best advice to a single lady. “Never ever settle.” Well, it took me many years but I found the love of my life just before I turned 30. Now we are happily married 3 years later…thanks for sharing that tip…as I often tell people that they deserve the best, and so does their partner! I’m sure your hubby will love love love your post. We all do!!

    Reply

  18. Alison says

    Very nice post. And he does so much more that you didnt even mention. He’s a great house husband! Happy Birthday John.

    Reply

  19. DawnSC says

    Aww, love this! For our birthdays, my husband and I celebrate one day for each year we are young – just little things, nothing that big. I’ve stared writing him a note each day saying what I love or appreciate about him. Too often we get caught up in daily life and its frequent, little annoyances. This tradition makes me stop and express my appreciation for him rather than taking him for granted like I (sadly) do too frequently. On that note… I’m 10 days behind on it, I have to get going! I suppose that’s what having a 14 mos old will do to schedules. :) On a related note – you made me read The Happiness Project. I think the anticipation and thinking about the person’s response to a surprise like this is the best self-provided gold star ever. It’s not even the expecting them to give you credit, it’s just the pleasure you get from doing something nice like this for someone you love.

    Reply

  21. Anika says

    This was so incredibly sweet and touching Sherry – and what an amazing example for Clara! I love when you guys share these behind the scenes moments of what makes it all work for your family. You’ll have to let us know when John notices the post and what his response/reaction is.

    Reply

  23. Lindsay says

    You and John are so blessed to have each other! My husband is tall, dork, and handsome and there is nothing sexier than watching your husband with your child! I love to watch my husband and son together!

    Reply

  24. Kellie says

    Cute post! I tweeted John on Thursday since we share a mutual birthday. Thanks for the reply even though you guys are on the road! Just another reason why i love following your blog!

    Reply

  25. Hollie says

    Aw, shucks! Time for a mascara check! Judging by the look I just received from one of my colleagues, the new rumor circulating around the workplace this afternoon will be that database maintenance makes me teary-eyed (since that is what it looks like I’m doing instead of reading YHL… they’ll never know that it isn’t time sheet information making me feel sentimental!)

    I, too, got up the courage to end a less-than-fulfilling long-term relationship and met The One a short time later. It was a little before Christmas when the break-up occurred and, as a joke among close friends, I wrote a letter to Santa spelling out precisely what I wanted from a significant other as well as the packaging I wanted all that goodness wrapped in. Just a couple of weeks into the new year, I was introduced to my perfect-for-me sweetheart and we’ve been together almost 11 years. Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus!

    Reply

  26. Tannie Smith says

    I love that you did this! In my (extended) family, instead of giving gifts, we tell each other three reasons why we love that person. It ends up being the best part of a birthday! Maybe it can become a tradition for you too! ;-)

    Reply

  27. Jessica says

    This is so sweet, Sherry! You and John are lucky to have each other. There is a right person out there for all of us. We just have to have patience and the one will come along. Hope John has seen this and realizes how lucky he is :)

    Reply

  28. Jenn says

    I didn’t know “sappy” meant I had to grab a box of tissues before reading! #girlproblems
    You two are just too cute!!
    What I want to know now is… has he seen the post yet!!?
    Happy Birthday, John! :-)

    Reply

  29. Becky says

    Awww…so sweet. You two seem to compliment each other so well! Looking forward to the details on the nail gun… we have one (that does finish nails and staples) and it’s my favorite tool to use!

    Reply

  31. Amelia says

    John! Read the post! The suspense is killing me (although I’m sure he’ll love it – how could he not?!).

    A very happy birthday to a great guy (and a happy un-birthday to a his great wife)!

    Seriously though, you guys have got to stop being so likeable. It’s just making everyone want to be real friends with you! Wishing I could jump through my computer and give you both a hug (which sounds super creepy but hey, I guess I’m kind of a creeper?!).

    Reply

  32. Anele @ Success Along the Weigh says

    1) That cake is awesome!

    2) I love that there is another wife out there who will gush over her man like I gush over mine.

    3) Without a doubt my favorite thing was watching my Mr walking our 6 lb dog to the mailbox. It was the cutest thing ever and only a REAL man can pull it off!

    Reply

  33. Allie says

    Oh my, did you reference portlandias, “put a bird on it!”? Lol I loved it! Haha The rest of it was beautiful too. My husband and i just had our anniv. Last sunday and i still remember people laughing when we said how happy we were and how much we loved being married. “That will go away” they said. Granted that was only a year ago, but in may we will have been together for 9 years, and it never fails that i love him more everyday. Thank you again for being such a wonderful example of a loving, normal beautiful relationship.

    Reply

  34. Kristen @ LoveK says

    What a sweet post! Happy Belated Birthday John!!

    It’s so wonderful to hear a person think so highly of their spouse. I’m typically all swoon-y over my hubby and it makes me feel warm and fuzzy to know other people experience those feelings everyday!

    Reply

  35. Yenny says

    happy birthday to john!! [we have the same birthday :)] this post was uber-adorable and not too sappy! hope you guys had fun on all your book tour stops! i just finished reading through your archives and i’m going through withdrawals! i wish you could’ve come to the west coast (i’m in sunny los angeles!)

    have a happy thanksgiving and can’t wait to see more pics! <3

    Reply

  36. Paige says

    Such a sweet and honest post. Love it. I was showing my 59-year-old Mom your blog and your book and she thinks John is so handsome, actually what she said was, “he’s hot!”

    Reply

  37. Shayna says

    I was at your book signing in Chicago, I wish I had known then that John and I had the same birthday! It would have been something to say rather than stare at you in dumbfounded awe and say nothing at all (like I did…#awkwardsauce)

    Happy Birthday John, I hope it was as awesome as mine!

    Reply

  38. Emma (Broke Ass Home) says

    Sherry, this is so sweet and kind. I have the same mushy feelings about my Nate Nate and I think you and I are pretty similar in the fact that our excitement on stuff sometimes gets in the way of being mushy. It’s refreshing to take a minute out of the day and look at a strong marriage. Love you guys. Happy Birthay John!

    Reply

  39. Cassidy says

    You are the sweetest wife ever! And since I’m sitting at work and can’t read all the comments (though I did read the whole first page) will you please update the top of it with his reaction?! I think we are all dying to know ;)

    Reply

  40. Sara says

    Awww–now I’m crying!

    It was so nice to finally meet y’all in Dallas this weekend! I’ve always spoken about you guys as if we were BFF’s (yanno, casually drop into conversation “well, the Petersiks are doing XYZ”) and I feel more confident in my fan-dom now.

    Love you guys!

    Reply

    • Bella says

      When we first got together my bf thought i knew you guys personally because i always show him stuff you guys did haaha
      He was pretty disappointed :D
      Too bad i live in austria and not somewhere in the us so i coule get my book signed! That would be so awesome!!

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Hahahh! The whole time I read the first book (before the movie was out and I laid eyes on R Patz) I pictured John as Edward! Tall, lean, square jaw – I thought they were describing him! If only he glittered in the sun…

      xo
      s

    • Ethne @ Wom-Mom says

      Totally. John’s eye does have a little twinkle so maybe he’s like 1/16th vampire or something. Which would make Clara 1/32nd vamp. Have you noticed her dunking the ball into her ORB basketball hoop or fondness for rare steak? heehee

  43. Jessica says

    Ohmygoodness. I have read your blog for a few years now and never felt particularly compelled to post (everyone shared enough praise and encouragement that you heard enough of that already), but this is just too moving to read without saying thank you. Thank you for reminding me that there really are relationships out there like the one I am searching for.

    Reply

    • YoungHouseLove says

      Aw you’re so sweet Jessica! Happy hunting! I always say just never settle (the guy before John wasn’t bad, but I’m so glad I held out for The One!).

      xo
      s

    • Leah says

      Jessica, hold out for the right person. Your partner is definitely out there! I feel the same way about my husband that Sherry does about John, and I feel so blessed to have met him. There really are good people out there. Just be patient with yourself and do things that involve getting to know new folks.

      @Sherry, it’s been a rough week for me. Thank you for spurring me to think about how much I love my husband too.

    • Carrie says

      I totally agree with Jessica! I had a rare moment of weakness where I missed my ex today and wondered if I should have just stayed put. This reminded me that I would have been settling for much less than I think life has to offer.
      Although to have a guy pass the little dog test I will have to borrow someone else’s dog. Mine are almost as big as I am. And we get looks and comments when we go for walks so I am sure John has gotten his fair share too. :)

    • heather says

      Hang on! My husband was my first real boyfriend, because he was the only one I felt like was worth my time. Almost 9 years later he can still walk in the house with a fresh haircut and it makes me take a deep breath in and tell him how handsome he is and gives me little butterflies. There are absolutely times we fight and we get angry at each other, but honestly…9 years and I still have that same “oh my God he’s goodlooking” response I did the very first time I ever saw him walk by me.

  44. Veronica says

    So, so, so sweet! You’re a lucky one, Sherry.

    I don’t know why but reading “And he makes me happier than bees riding bicycles” and then looking at the picture underneath it made me LOL like a crazy person. Love it!

    Reply

  45. Kristin says

    This is the sweetest post! You two are such a fun couple to read about, and clearly you are very lucky to have each other. My husband and I also work together, and although many people ask how we do it, I love that I get to spend so much time with him. Thanks for sharing this sweet stuff with us all too!

    Reply

  46. Emma says

    This post is probably about the sweetest thing ever. If I were John, I’d print it out and frame it :) You two are so cute!

    (Also, that pic of Clara and John in the matching shirts…my heart melted. Aww!)

    Reply

  47. Laurie says

    I agree nothing is sexier than a man who adores his wife and children. I tell my husband this all the time when we are around a girl who flirts with him mercilessly right in front of me. He doesn’t get it at all, why they would flirt openly when he is clearly not available? But he is disarming, charming, and funny. I knew he was for me when I gave him the following shopping list when we were dating: tampons, mascara, foundation, eye shadow and panty hose. He looked at the list and said “can you give me the empty containers of all this stuff so I can be sure to buy exactly what you want?” I asked him if he would be embarrassed buying this and he said “nah, they will either think I have a girl or am a drag queen and either way I don’t care.” I came home one day recently and found him sitting on a tiny chair drinking imaginary tea with our little girl, while wearing bows, barrettes and headbands. She was also plucking his eyebrows. SWOON again! I swear that man makes my ovaries ache.

    Reply

    • Marlena says

      I LOVE this! If my husband needs to pick up lady items, he’ll ask, “wait, is this the purple or yellow box.” Our daughter has painted his nails, put barrettes in his hair, etc. He says his #1 job is taking care of us, and he does, also not in that macho way – but in the making-us-lunches, cleaning-the-dinner-dishes, folding-our-laundry, true partnership way. I love reading about these happy relationships!

  48. Jeanna says

    What an amazing post!! This got me all teary eyed, and the only other post that did that was the one about Clara’s birth. I hope I can find someone that makes me feel cherished someday, too :) Oh, Happy Birthday John! May your day be blessed!

    Reply

  49. Heather says

    This is the sweetest post! I cried a little too thinking about my hubby, while reading about yours. John is definitely a keeper! Happy Birthday John!

    Reply

  50. Jamie says

    I love this post! I got a little teary eyed. I can feel the love you have for your husband through your words. I also have a husband who loves our chihuahua! I enjoy reading your blog..it’s at the top of my favorites!

    Reply

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