Last Thursday we celebrated John’s 31st birthday, and West Elm in Houston surprised him with an incredible, DIY-inspired cake that looked straight out of a workshop. It was playful, perfectly on-theme, and a fun reminder of how much our family loves hands-on projects and creative details.
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 exact model), so instead of the usual photos of him opening presents, I wanted to do something different: a short, heartfelt list of seven things I love about John. It’s a small public thank-you for the many everyday moments that make our life together feel rich and real.
We’re far from perfect—every relationship has its arguments—but I’m grateful for him, and this felt like the right week to say so. Below are some of the qualities and little moments that make him special to me.
1 – His love for Clara and his patience with her – John is steady and playful with our daughter. Even on hectic days, he’s the one who calms things down, invents games, and spends time making ordinary moments feel magical. Seeing him build a play kitchen accessory or sit on the floor to make a wooden sandwich with her is one of those little things that warms my heart every time.
2 – His willingness to love our little chihuahua – When we adopted Burger, John joked that he looked unusual, but he quickly became devoted. He’ll walk a tiny dog with the same care he’d give anything else he values, and that practical affection is one of the many things I admire. He takes responsibility without worrying about appearances, and that quiet confidence shows through in everyday tasks—like grabbing groceries or running errands for me without complaint.
3 – He kissed me first – It’s a small story we love to tell: even though I’m outgoing, John was the one to make the first move. He’s both shy and confident in that perfectly balanced way, and his personal style—simple, thoughtful, and slightly vintage—gets me every time. His excitement for tools, old wooden finds, or a new project is contagious, and his taste shows up in the little things that make him uniquely him.
4 – His mind and humor – John has a quick wit and a sharp brain. He makes me laugh often—sometimes until I can hardly breathe—and his trivia knowledge and problem-solving skills are downright impressive. Even when he seems to have all the answers, he has a way of encouraging me to figure things out too, which makes our partnership feel collaborative and empowering.
5 – His devotion to our family – Above all, John makes our home feel safe, loved, and appreciated. He shows up consistently and responsibly in ways that matter: protecting our family, sharing the work, and celebrating the good times. After past relationships that felt one-sided, his steady devotion is something I never take for granted.
6 – His hands and his smile – There’s something irresistible about his calloused hands from projects and the soft, genuine smile that comes with them. It’s the mix of maker and friend that I find so attractive: a person who works hard, cares deeply, and still has time to be affectionate.
7 – His willingness to collaborate – Whether it’s helping with “one more thing” around the house, lying in bed brainstorming our next home project, or supporting my many ideas, John is happy to be in the trenches with me. He balances having his own interests—like running and training for races—with staying involved in family life. That partnership mentality is one of the biggest reasons our home feels like ours.
I know some people wonder what kind of man helps run a DIY blog about paint, fabric, and family. My answer is: a real man. John has figured out how to build, code, and create things for our home without a formal background—he learns as he goes and jumps in with enthusiasm. He shares opinions, helps with projects, and never distances himself from the “girly stuff.” He makes this house feel like ours because he’s invested in it as much as I am.
In short: he’s my person. He makes me laugh, feel safe, and excited about the future. Happy 31st birthday, John—thank you for everything you do for our family.
So that’s my little love letter to him. What are you grateful for right now? Any birthdays or special moments happening in your home?
Update: John finally saw this post after finishing a project in the basement and editing some video footage. His reaction was priceless and worth the wait.
If you enjoy these kinds of posts, we have shared several more about family, home projects, and our relationship over time, including how we resolve decorating disagreements. Those posts give a window into how we make decisions and work together around the house.