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. S'Mo says

    Such a great, sweet post!

    I’ve heard various versions of “how-to-find-the-one” advice, but the best one I got was actually my sister’s first reaction to my now-fiancé:

    “Well…you’re both weird, but you’re the same kind of weird. And it works.”

    So I like to tell people to look for the “same kind of weird,” whatever that looks like!

    Reply

  3. Louisa T. says

    So very glad I read your post this morning. There was a stupid disagreement this morning in our house and we both started our day off perturbed at each other. You reminded me of what is important and how unimportant all the little crap is. Reminded me also of why I fell so in love in the first place. A great many of those reasons being the same as you and John. My cousin and I say all the time, “how did we each get so lucky”? NOBODY else just “gets me” like he does. All the quirks, the obsessions, etc. He has a wicked little sense of humor and you never know when it’s gonna come out. Priceless. All you ladies out there looking for Mr. Right, keep at it. Your soul-mate is out there. There are still plenty of good men in this world and John Petersik (and my own DH) is a shining example of that.

    Reply

  4. Charlotte says

    This post is hands-down the most touching, honest and love-filled post I’ve ever read on any blog. A true testament of your love for John. It sums it up in one brilliant, heartfelt lovefest of a post! Nicely done…

    Reply

  5. TinaMar says

    Hi Sherry!
    I agree: there is nothing that is more sexy than a man who cares about his kids, pets and wife in a warm and interested way.
    Happy birthday to your husband.
    Love your blog

    Reply

  6. Dawn says

    Really like your latest post! Reminded me of my husband who walked our Jack Russell puppy around our neighbourhood for the first time 17 years ago. Some local children called after him asking if he was walking a rat! My husband ignored them and has enjoyed many walks with our slightly bigger dog over the years! The mark of a real man!!!

    Reply

  7. Nycole says

    Love #2. My DH is a big, fireman type of guy and when I met him I didn’t know how he’d feel about my 14lb Shih Tzu, but he was awesome. He’s like John, confident in his manhood. Maxx died last year and when we were ready for a new dog, he didn’t hesitate on getting another Shih Tzu (apartment living makes a big dog a little hard). DH takes the “new” dog Remi (Remington) to work with him. In DC. This dog (and previously Maxx) have been in many of the DC federal Buildings including the Pentagon, Langley & VP office. DH is known around town as “that guy with the little black & white dog” and he’s perfectly fine with it. Makes me love him more.

    Reply

  9. Bryony says

    So much of this reminds me of how I feel about my husband! (I also have a dorky half-marathoner who’s not afraid to carry my purse or buy my lady-items at the store.) It was an adorable list $herdog, thanks for sharing. :) Also, happy belated birthday to John!

    Reply

  10. Brynn says

    So sweet! Love how much you guys love each other! You are an inspiration to those of us in the DIY trenches and the marriage trenches!!

    Reply

  11. KathyG says

    Happy Birthday John! So Sweet Sherry. A great guy is really a testament to great parents, I think. They both taught him to value women, and how to show love. Thank mom and dad!

    Reply

  12. Michell says

    Now rubbing my wet eyes! Such a sweet post! This past month has been rough and this was just a reminder to be grateful for the things you have! I love my man and my family and every minute I can get with them! Thanks for sharing:-)

    Reply

  13. Kim says

    Aww. I just got all choked up. And then the president of our company poked his head into my office and said I could go home early today because it’s the day before Thanksgiving. I hope he didn’t notice my moist eyes… haha.

    Happy belated birthday to John! Those photos of him with Clara always get me. So sweet.

    Reply

  15. Diane Taylor says

    I love this post – made me cry a little. I wish you all a wonderful holiday – this is my first one without my son here so it will be hard. But I have alot to be thankful for, even when the best part of me is missing :(

    To all your readers – Happy Thanksgiving! If you are traveling, be safe!

    Happy Bday John :):)

    xo,
    ~dt~

    Reply

  16. Mandy S says

    Awww Sherry, you made me cry!! I love you and John, its so awesome to have people my age who are so insanely in love like me and my hubby. We’ve been together almost a decade (holy crap!!! I can’t believe it) and he still makes me swoon on a daily basis

    Oh, and Happy Birthday John!! So glad you guys get some down time to enjoy Thanksgiving with your families

    Reply

  18. Priscilla says

    :) aw now I remember why I love your website! The bday post was super sweet, makes me want to toss a pillow at my hubby and say why can’t you be like that! LOL..

    and omg you were in Dallas? Boo… I live in Dallas and didnt meet you!

    Happy bday to your hubba bubba hubbo!!!

    Reply

  20. erikam says

    just so you guys know, it might totally be my computer but on Pg. 4 of the comments for this post, for somereason the comments are all over the place (like on the top right of the page too)I tried to refresh but it still did it. Anyways, please don’t post my comment, just wanted to let you know, it might be here or it might be on your side. BTW I loved this post, I have an amazing man by my side too!

    Reply

  22. MizLottie says

    Happy Birthday, John!!!! I think you guys are great and Sherry is blessed to have such a talented husband who’s also funny and a great father!

    Reply

  23. Jess says

    So this is a day old now, but what a nice post. Got me teary-eyed as well. ;-)

    When I read the thing you wrote about “I-won’t-do-that-because-it’s-not-manly-enough-and people-will-see-me” I just wanted to add that I think John should be proud of himself because he seems to be such a modern man and a very good role model. Unfortunately, not all guys are like that and in many families it’s still a given rule that the mother stays home while dad works. I think it’s so great that there are people like John out there to show that there is another way.

    Reply

  24. Katy says

    Now I love John as well…I thought you should know. Seriously though, geeks make the best husbands. I even have one of my own. It is strange how endearing and infectious they are. Now I am into Cylons, bacon, and preparing for the zombie apocalypse.
    I too have been known to pop a design question at inappropriate times. I even asked him once if I could buy a sofa right in the middle of something. I promised the finishline would not be contingent on agreement, but we both knew it was.
    Another thought..maybe over-sharers (myself obviously) and geeks make great mates. Perhaps a research project is in order….I will alert the “Bridge” right after my “Holodeck” vacay and get right on that.
    Happy Birthday stranger, who oddly enough I feel I know. Creepy huh?

    Reply

  26. heyruthie says

    i love this post. not only because of the sweetness of it, but because of the thought that you put into it, Sherry. it’s one thing to say you love someone, it’s another thing to really analyze the qualities of the person that you cherish, and to take the time to write them all down. sometimes life gets the better of us, and we never do it. my marriage fell apart and i’ve been separated for a year now. i know that “real love” exists, but sometimes (i know it sounds funny) i forget. thanks for reminding me that “real love” doesn’t mean perfection, but it does mean taking the time to appreciate the person that you cherish. keep writing these posts.

    Reply

  29. Alexis says

    I so love this post! I too am cray cray for my hubby and appreicate a good sap-fest like this =) We live in a world where you constantly hear so many stories of people mis-treating the people they are supposed to love most and it breaks my heart. It’s so refreshing to read about people really appreciating eachother!

    Reply

  30. Kristin says

    My birthday is the 29th and I’m getting YOUR book from my hubby-to-be. He doesn’t know I know he got it. (he’s the worst at secrets.) I never buy myself anything of luxury so he knows if I say I want something he jumps on it (he’s great). So I’ve been in the dark on your book and it’s killing me. I cant wait to get it! that and maybe a staple gun. Fingers crossed :-)
    You guys really inspire me and I love reading your blog. It’s been the first thing I do before my day starts for the last 8 or so months.

    Reply

  31. Katalina says

    so sweet.

    I get the bittersweet reaction.

    so many times when I read this post– I think wouldn’t it be nice to have found someone that enjoys doing home projects, likes to organize??, and such a great partner in all aspects of your family.

    I am thankful for your blog that I read every day! Happy Thanksgiving to your cute family. give a belly scratching to Burger!

    Reply

  34. caroline says

    What a wonderfully sweet post. As a wife of a non-macho man I totally get it. My version of manly is when he sits on my side of the booth, cooks me breakfast, and takes out the trash- its the small things!!

    Now if I could just get him to blog with me ;)

    Reply

  35. Karinny says

    This is such a nice and honest post! He is the English version of my hispanic husband. I’ve been following your blog for a while, I lived in NY and now I moved to Richmond. I don’t know where in Richmond you live but I think we are close. I moved here with my 13 months daughter and my husband, I only know 6 people here, I fell in love with an old house and will finally get it the first week of January. Your blog will be a HUGE help for all the renovations we need to make. I will love to meet you, so if you are are signing your book in the area please let me know.

    Reply

  36. Kim says

    Sherry – you are just an incredible wife and while you are lucky to have John, he is just as lucky to have you! You guys really do seem perfect for each other! I feel the same way about my hubby (most of the time – haha) – he can be a real man even when playing Princess games with our daughters!

    Happy Thanksgiving!!!

    Reply

  37. Sarah F. says

    This post is so sweet! I love sappy things like this. You definitely have yourself a catch, Sherry! John’s pretty lucky too. :) You two are the cutest couple evah!

    Happy birthday John!

    Reply

  38. Jenn R. says

    LOVE hearing about another hubby loving on his family and committed to it all! Praise Jesus! Love reading your blog and your style! Love that you do it together! Just love you guys! When are coming to Philly?

    Reply

  40. Jasmine says

    Sherry, that was one of the sweetest things I’ve ever read. You two are fortunate to have found each other. Happy Birthday John!

    Reply

  42. eileen marie says

    That was so sweet. Hubs & I have each done top 10 (or whatever #) lists for each other, but never published them to a blog…we don’t have. :)

    Oh and a very happy belated birthday, John!

    I’ve noticed we’ve been getting tiny glimpses into your more…ahem…intimate business recently. Be careful -you’re gonna start that baby rumor up again!

    Reply

  43. Patricia says

    I’m What a Cake! Houston’s bakery that was given the opportunity to design and make John’s birthday cake. I’ve never before visited your website until I got this task. Given the fact that I couldn’t get to you to get ideas on what to include on the decorations, the obvious thing was browse through your website. Let me tell you I’ve never had so much fun reading posts; you are so real and sharing… in one word: AWSOME!! it’s easy to see why your fans are hooked wanting to read more, I’m one now <3

    Reply

  46. edna says

    happy birthday john! that was so sweet sherry! super random but doesnt john look like josh stewart? Josh. not john. haha have a great day!

    Reply

  47. Alexa says

    You folks are just insanely adorable. I don’t get a chance to read up and follow you as often as I’d like but I’m always so glad when I do! What a beautiful post!

    Reply

  49. Heidi says

    So sweet! I love the relationship dynamic you two share and can only hope for the same some day. Here’s to a long and happy life for all of you!!

    Reply

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