Last Thursday we celebrated John’s 31st birthday and West Elm in Houston surprised him with an astonishingly creative DIY-style cake. #edibletapemeasure #umyeahtheressawdust
Every year we share birthday posts about the gifts we give each other. This year John is getting a nail gun (he’s picking the model, so more on that later). I don’t have the usual photos of him posing with each present like in past posts, so instead I’m doing a little Tuesday brain dump: seven things I love about John. Surprise, honey — you’re getting sappy public praise.
We’ve had our share of disagreements — nobody’s perfect — but this week felt like the right time to be grateful and to shout a few heartfelt things from the rooftops. Here’s what I appreciate most about him:
1 – His love for Clara and his endless patience. Even when I’m frazzled, he steadies the ship. He’s so imaginative with her: I melt when I walk in and find him building a wooden sandwich at the play kitchen he made or lounging in matching shirts while they debate the virtues of a table saw versus a hand saw. Those small, ordinary moments mean everything.
2 – He loves our tiny chihuahua as much as I do, even though he joked that Burger “looked like an alien” when we first adopted him. That turned into instant devotion — and walking a small dog is no small thing. John never worries about appearing unmanly for doing everyday tasks. If the dog needs a walk, he takes him. If I need something from the store, he buys it. He doesn’t hesitate to take care of the small stuff, and that reliability is one of the many reasons I love him.
3 – He kissed me first. People who know us find that funny since I’m outwardly bold, but he made the first move. He’s shy and confident at the same time, and that mix is irresistible. I also love his style — from simple sweaters to a worn-in shirt, his little quirks, like hunting for old wooden boxes or getting excited about a new tool, make him uniquely himself. His enthusiasm is contagious.
4 – His brain and his sense of humor. John’s quick wit makes me laugh until I cry on a regular basis. His trivia-filled, problem-solving mind means he often has the answer when life or DIY questions pop up, yet he still helps me feel like I contribute. He’s clever, playful, and somehow manages to make everyday moments fun — and yes, he looks pretty great in pumpkin sunglasses.
5 – His devotion to our family. He makes us feel safe, loved, and appreciated. I’ve been in relationships where I did more of the chasing, but with John I never feel like I’m competing for affection. He shows up emotionally and practically, and that steadiness is something I’m deeply grateful for.
6 – His calloused hands and sweet smile. He’s a hands-on maker, and those project-worn hands and that smile are undeniably attractive. Small details — like his lips, or the way he lights up over a new tool — make me feel possessive and proud all at once.
7 – His willingness to tackle “one more thing” with me. Even when he might prefer to relax, he’ll stay up and brainstorm our next project or help me sort an idea. He balances having his own interests — he trains and can run a half marathon — with staying present and engaged at home. He’s committed without checking out, and I value that partnership more than I can say.
Some might wonder why a man would run a DIY blog with his wife about paint, fabric, and family. My answer: because he’s genuine. He can build a dollhouse, code our site, and even construct a deck — all without formal training. He figures things out, jumps in, and supports my sometimes wild decorating ideas without pretending they’re not his problem. He treats our home like a team project, and that collaboration makes the house feel like ours.
In short: he’s my person. He makes me happier than bees riding bicycles — and that’s saying something. Happy 31st birthday, babe. Thanks for everything and then some.
There ends my little lovefest for my husband. What are you grateful for? Any birthdays coming up at your place? Who’s getting what?
UPDATE: John finally found this post after finishing a basement project, uploading photos, and editing a video (all while I sat at the computer). He left his reaction in the comments.
Want more lovey-dovey posts and ideas about resolving decorating disputes? We have more posts exploring those topics on the blog.