Update: Aaaand less than 12 hours later we’re back with an update on the bottom of the post for ya. Smooth, right?
Hey there! Long time no see.
The break has been great. Admittedly a little weird, but really reinvigorating. So we’re immensely thankful not only for your support and kind comments, but also for helping put words to some of the things that we had been feeling for some time. And while the last month hasn’t been enough time to fill in all of the blanks about our future (heck, when are life’s blanks ever clearly filled in?) it has made one thing pretty obvious to us: after seven awesome years of sharing our home and our life, it’s time for our next adventure.
This blog has been a staple in our lives for 80+ months, tagging along for all but three months of our marriage and our entire existence as parents. So we thought it would be nearly impossible to click off that urge to over-share this past month (we expected our blogging spark to come back with a vengeance). But maybe it’s us getting older, the kids getting bigger, or a general shift in life priorities – but it actually felt just right. So this break has given us the clarity (and the guts, I guess) to move on… and hopefully move the needle on that life balance we’ve been talking about for so long.
We won’t go as far as to declare this the end of Young House Love or our blogging days. Who knows, maybe somewhere down the line (when the kids are both in school?) we’ll get that burning in our bellies again – perhaps here or in a completely different capacity. We don’t know what the future holds, but we know that the most amazing things have happened to us when we’ve stretched waaay out of our comfort zone – as much as that sounds like advice you’d find on an inspirational kitten poster.
We plan to keep the blog archives available for as long as we can, and will be freezing comments soon, but we won’t be completely dropping off the planet. Some completed product designs with Liberty Hardware and Shades of Light may pop up, and our second book will come out on September 22nd, 2015. Those folks have all been amazingly supportive of our decision, for which we’re incredibly thankful.
Speaking of which – “Thank you” doesn’t come close to expressing how grateful we are for getting to share our weird little world with you guys for so long. We have nothing but love and gratitude for this whole experience – and for you. (*This is probably where we should fade up on that Dirty Dancing song*)
But let’s not say “goodbye” let’s just say “see you on another time.”
Peace, love, and ceramic animals,
John & Sherry
PS: We did randomly snap a few fresh photos for the House Tour page over the break (some of the rooms were pretty outdated). Feel free to give the dining room’s blue trim the side eye for us (yes, it’s still there!).
Update: The same few questions kept popping up in the comments (we just can’t quit you). As for the “what are your new jobs” thing, we’ve mentioned in a few previous posts that we left the door open in our past professions (advertising/copywriting/consulting), which we can do as freelancers from home a lot of the time, while switching off on the stay-at-home parent thing. We know things like the book and products we design are driven by this blog, so we can’t live off those or anything. Didn’t mean to be mysterious! As for the Facebook/Instagram questions, we’d love to pop up there from time to time to say hi. And we hope our blog archives will be up for a good long time (we use them to reference things like paint colors, so we’d never want to lose them!).
We’re also really sorry if this feels abrupt. We’ve made a few public attempts to wind down and gain balance over the years (like when we moved to this house and after Teddy’s birth) but they’ve always been at odds with our “all in” personalities, so it wasn’t until taking this break (yet another attempt to recalibrate) that we realized we felt closer to our goal. We debated lots of alternatives – drastically fewer posts / shorter posts / no comments – but nothing felt like the version of Young House Love we were excited to carry on with. And we tried to keep today’s post light and happy (the last one felt so heavy) since this truly is a moment of extreme gratitude, despite it being a difficult decision to make.
Flawless and graceful exit, eh? Right. So here we go. Ack, we suck at this! We will miss you!!
Kate says
I have a great money-making idea for you to do before you close out the archives…Publish the blog in its entirety in book form…so that I can keep reading your story over and over in denial of the end of an era! (I tried to start back at the beginning when your hiatus began…I wish there was a button to post the archive in chronological order instead of backwards!)
I will miss my favorite blog. Makes me sad. Good luck in everything you do! Have a great life!
Kate says
Yes, me too! And once you are in the middle, it’s hard to get back to your place. Love this book idea :)
Leatitia says
I thought you were back from your break, I was so happy!!! Then so incredibly sad. :( I’ll miss you guys SO much. You’ve been part of my daily routine for so far, it feels like your part of my family. At the same time, I understand the need to move-on. Life changes, priorities shift. Good luck with everything, my friends. xo
Janine says
I totally respect your choice! I learned when I was in art school that when people want to stop (then, it was by leaving the arts program) that it’s not a life ending choice or even a bad choice. Even if you’re working on something you started out feeling passionate about, there’s no need to keep going if you begin to feel the urge to change direction. For us, your readers… it’s a bit of shock to lose your voice in our daily lives but life is full of endings and this is good practice in letting go with dignity (specifically, us letting go of you with dignity!)
I’ve been a reader since the first house (ahhhh the first house. I never thought I’d like chocolate brown marble floors but you changed my mind, and I’ll never forget that) and I didn’t have a house of my own. I wanted one though, and lived vicariously through you. This Young House 4evar *pours a bottle out on the front lawn* Never forget!
Then, your second house, which you bought around the time I got my first house. I really enjoyed how that house developed, and really enjoyed the posts about clearing our your yard. When you sold it, it was such a surprise!!! You guys bought your dream home in your dream ‘hood. Not long after, my fiancé and I did the same, and we bought our dream home.
But doing the work of fixing up a house is hard, and photographing it is hard, and writing about it in an interesting way is hard, so it’s reasonable to want to move on. In honour of your brave decision, here’s a gif.
http://i.giphy.com/5V5gCfO0xWD4I.gif
PEACE OUT, PETERSIKS
I’M NOT CRYING, MY EYES ARE SWEATY
Julie says
Hahaha! This gif is great! And you make a valid point — although we won’t be able to see new Sherry at YHL anymore, we can see her on GOT.
Penny says
Lol that gif
Ortisse says
I’ll miss your weird little word but thank you so much for everything and I wish you the best for the future!
Amanda says
Wishing you guys the best. I have 2 kids, both who are close in age to yours, and I’ve never figured out how you do it all. I will say that I think the blogging world has lost a bona fide gem. Most of my other reads are becoming more and more sponsored. Thanks for always keeping it authentic. Happy trails!
Alisa says
Thank you for all the inspiration (and laughs)! Enjoy your next adventure & we will keep an eye out for you!
Katherine says
Woah.
Christina says
Best of luck to your beautiful family! Seems like I am constantly referencing your site for something – you really help to inspire so many people. Thank you so much for all you have done. And thanks for leaving the archives up so we can continue to be inspired!
KathyL says
John, please, one more poll…..how many of us ……
A) sniffed
B) had tears in their eyes
C) actually cried
D) scheduled an extra therapy appointment (jk)
my vote is C. xoxo
Kara N says
I think every comment on here has run through my mind as I go through the grief stages of no longer having a kick in the pants to do something with my house from you guys. I found your blog when I was a newly wed (I’ve been married 6 years now) living in an apartment wishing for the day that I could make a house my home. We just bought our first house 3 months ago, and I have put a lot of what I learned on your blog into play. I am SO grateful for the years of inspiration you have given me. Whenever I want to convince my hubby to go along with an idea, I always tell him, “Well Young House Love did it, so it has to be true.” I can’t tell you how much you have really inspired me.
I think the biggest reason you have inspired me (and very obviously MANY others) is that you are true to yourself no matter what. I’ll be here waiting to glean from you if you decide that it’s right to be back here again. You guys are awesome, and I’m truly happy that you are following your hearts.
Paula says
Wait! You are not even going to share what this new adventure is?!
In my mind you guys were living the dream…
I am really bummed. I was waiting for the day you had your own show on HGTV.
Good luck! I will miss watching your babies grow.
linda says
It fells like an unfinishted novel or movie. I really thought we’d all get to see the house completed, Clara and Teddy growing up.
Annelise in Edmonds says
I’m sooooo sad to see you go. You will be truly missed. It kind of feels like a death in the family…especially a month ago when it felt so sudden. Anyway, you provided great inspiration and motivation and I hope your archives will be available for a long time so we can use them as our DIY lives continue without you. I wish you all the best.
Natalie says
Best of luck to your beautiful family! Have enjoyed your blog and will be back to read if/when you decide to blog again. Excited for your book next year – hopefully you will remind, ahem, me and my terrible memory when is available for purchase. ????
Katherine Kelly says
While I am so sad to see you go, it sounds like you are doing the absolute best thing you can do! Like others, I found you during some down time at work and think of you as “friends” even though you’re people I’ve never spoken with or met. I have used so many of your ideas as inspiration and hope to continue to do so. May this next season of your life be filled with joy, adventure, peace and the knowledge that you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be! Love from MN!
Stefani says
You guys are great. I’ve loved reading your blog through my own career changes, grad school, engagement, marriage, new house, and new baby. Things change! That’s life.
I’m happy for you, I’ve loved peering in from the outside all these years, and I wish you all the happiness that you deserve as you set off on new adventures!
You’re both very talented, passionate, kind, thoughtful, and hard working individuals so I have no doubt that you will succeed in whatever you choose to do!
Kate says
Awe man! I’m totally bummed!! And I want to see what you do to that kitchen!! haha,
Best of luck to you!
Pam says
I’ll miss you guys tons, but I’m so happy you’re doing this for yourselves! Good luck :)
mrshanley says
Aloha ?oe… Until we meet again.
I will most certainly miss my time reading your blog and hearing what John and Sherry are up to. You guys have inspired me so much and given me the courage to tackle home improvement projects I would have chickened out of.
It is a brave and courageous decision to do what is right for you and your family, I’m sure it’s quite scary as well. I’m rooting for you guys and wish you nothing but happiness, love and peace!
linda says
oops! lots of typos
feels and unfinished
Mary says
Good luck in all your future endeavors!
Phyllis says
In the process of cleaning and redesigning a basement and realized how much you guys have influenced my design decisions! Thank You both so much for that! Wishing you and the Family ( and Burger ) the best of luck for the future. Still a fan and hopefully will see something from you in the future.
Mancil says
This feels like a second goodbye – I was just getting over the first……….. Good Luck
gina says
Bummed. We will miss you!
Margy says
So sad, but also completely understand. I wish you and your family all the best. Although, I do hope you keep up with Instagram! My first son is a few months younger than Clara and my second son is a few months younger than Teddy, so I love seeing your photos in my feed. Even quick photos of projects or design ideas you work on…no need to tell me how how or write an article on it. Your photos of ideas/projects/family life alone are inspiring without all the words!
Best of luck to you.
Elaine W. says
I echo the sentiment expressed by others here: you will be very, very missed but I wish you nothing but happiness in your next adventure! And please know that if you want to come back we’ll be here! Thank you for everything you’ve given your loyal fans.
kerry says
I feel so sad!! I’ve only been reading your blog for the past 1.5 years but I love it. I don’t own a home yet, so I was hoping you’d still be writing when I finally get that privilige. I’m sad about all the stuff we’ll miss in your third house. The bunk room! The big kitchen re-do!! Can you give any insight onto what your next adventures are? Going back to work? Starting an interior design firm? You will be really missed.
Jess says
Wait…what are the changes though?! What will yall be doing now?!
Missi says
Oh, I am crying! Really!
I’m glad that you guys are doing what is best for you. Really!
I’ve missed your posts these past weeks. There just isn’t anyone in the blogosphere who has your humor and creates interesting projects! I hope that I’ll see you guys around in some media form in the future, in a format that fits better with where you are in your lives these days. xoxo
kylie says
Have you considered just posting quarterly? Or once a month? You’ve taken us all so far, we’d be bummed not to see snippets of the house and your family as time goes on!
Melisa says
Sad but happy for you guys!
Whatever you do… keep doing it with the heart and your awesome creative hands.
I will most def be feeling the void.. but everything changes and new exciting things are coming your way.
I WILL MISS YOU!!!!!!!! Oh so much!!!!
Thank you!!!
Ashley says
This breaks my heart. My mornings will never be the same. I stayed optimistic that you would return. My heart sunk once I read the news. I feel like someone killed my puppy (overly dramatic I know). Best of luck and I hope you return to the blogging world again one day.
Stefani says
P.S. That “grad school” I referenced above was where I got my masters in career counseling! I now have a private practice and teach college students about finding their perfect matches for a career among other practical career searching tools. Just thought I’d mention that the whole “what should I do with my life?” Question is what inspired me to go down this path and I love helping people figure out the answer. So just in case you’re looking for guidance in that area, I’d be happy to help! Even if it’s just recommending some good books. Shoot me an email if you feel like it :) either way, like I said before, I’m sure you’ll be successful.
Brandi says
You guys have been absolutely amazing! Thank you for the loads of inspiration for my own home. I’m happy that you guys are doing what you feel is best. Many blessing and much success in your future endeavors.
Sarah says
As I sit in my office pumping (TMI?) and reading this I might cry, but I get it. I have some serious printing of DIY posts to do and put in a special binder so I have them forever. I can’t wait for the next book and I hope we all get a glimpse of what’s coming next. You have a beautiful family. Enjoy this time.
Kate says
Good Luck with your next steps. Its been fun. Enjoy being regular people again!
Julie says
You announced your break the day before I returned to work from maternity leave (how would I get through those mornings?!), and now you’re announcing your retirement on my birthday?!?! YHL, you cut me to the bone!
I was excited to watch our kids “grow up” together (my daughter’s 8 months younger than Clara and my son is a 7 weeks younger than Teddy). I looked to you guys for both house-based and parenting information and perspective.
AND, I want to see how your house progresses! I need to see the kitchen remodel, the dining room finished, etc., etc.
Selfish much, amiright? But you mean so much to so many people you haven’t met. I can’t help but feel like I’m losing a friend, and one who won’t miss me, at that.
That all being said, I’m not trying to lay on the guilt, I swear. I’m thankful for the inspiration you’ve provided over the past 6 years I’ve been reading, and through all the archives before then. Wishing you all the best, and I hope you pop in on occasion to keep us updated on what’s new. Because I, for one, loved your over-sharing. I’m especially interested in what your “next adventure” is and if you’re returning to your former day jobs. Best of luck; you’ll be missed!
neree says
7 has always been your magic number! Cheers and good luck!
Laura (Blogging Over Thyme) says
Have to say, I’m so sad to hear this, but wish you and your family the best! Whatever makes you happy is the right thing to do. You were one of the first blogs I started reading years ago, and I truly admire your integrity and worth ethic over the years!
Staci says
I very rarely ever commented on posts but I have read every one since 2008. It has been such a wonderful 6 years spent imagining, creating, and DIYing with the two of you. Like the homes you have bought and loved and molded into your own, I have also poured hours and hours of my time, lots and lots of my hard saved pennies, and an even larger amount of my love into my first home in which we are still currently living and loving in. And through it all you guys have been my go to “how the heck am I going to do this !” people. And I love you for it.
Thank you, thank you, thank you for being here in this crazy blogosphere to help with the teeniest and most massive home project. Heck even all of your baby posts were an amazing help to me. Especially the breastfeeding one (us breast feeding mamas gotta stick together!) You will be so missed by me and so many more of us. I very whole heartedly wish your family the most happiest of times on whatever the future holds for you. We will miss you so much but it’s been such a beautiful time…
Kara N says
…forgot to mention, thanks for sticking that song in my head. Pretty sure it will be there all day now!
Elizabeth Joy says
I have definitely missed you guys this past month. checking your blog every few days was a tradition I loved. You both did an amazing job of it! Although I am mostly a lurker, I wanted to let you know that you will be missed. And all the best.
Maye Kim says
good luck w/ your new adventures!! i am seriously going to miss all your updates. Not be selfish but I was really hoping to see all your holiday projects around the home!! I hope maybe you can post it up on Instagram or Facebook? Love all your ideas and its always nice to bookmark them since I have two young kids!! Love your family and gonna miss u guys!! and please post pics on your beautiful children. Love to see how much they have grown.
kjones8739 says
After 7 years (been following since the beginning) this post felt a little glib (‘sup? Bye forever!), but I COMPLETELY understand the need to change things up. Best to all of you in this next chapter.
Laura says
How sad! Best of luck for you in the future. I truly hope you are able to sustain the current lifestyle you have become accustom to. I will be purchasing your book when it comes available and I hope to hear about you guys in the future doing big things! It’s been quite a ride.
Rowan says
Good Luck! I read a comment the other day and it has stuck with me
“And now I will do what is right for me (and my family)” and that is how it should be.Well done!!
Jessie says
This just brought tears to my eyes. Super SUPER SAD. Good luck!
Shunta says
Because I know ya’ll so well (hahaha) I knew this exact post was coming. I’m so proud of you and happy for you! Sad for me as a reader, but so very excited that you are doing what is best for your family and your life at this time! We’ll be missing you and wishing you well!
Love always!
Ami says
Thank you so much for sharing with us these last few years. I’m going to miss you badly. But I understand even if I dont like it. Enjoy those beautiful babies and have a great life. I wouldn’t mind random updates on what you’re doing now bc I will wonder and hope for the best.
All the best,
Ami
Janel says
Thanks for being so inspirational, with more than just DIY. I wish nothing but the best for your family with whatever comes next.