This post was 3,000 words long. They all felt overly complicated and heavy and weird. I clicked delete. Then I just typed what we’re really feeling, complete with things we’ve never said out loud and even a few things we’ve never fully admitted to ourselves before.
The truth is that we love you guys. Like for real. Even for the tough love. We know you say it because you care (or hopefully you did at some point), and we want you to know we care right back. We want to do a good job. We want to do this with joy and excitement. We want to inspire you. We know this is an incredible way to have made a living and we are full of gratitude for the experience to have shared the last seven years of our lives with you guys online.
We would NEVER be here without you, and not a day goes by that we don’t know that. It’s why we asked for your feedback last week and read every last comment. We appreciate the honesty and the passion you guys have on the topic of making this blog great. And we agree with a lot of what was being said. We have been feeling off for a while – like we have lost our rhythm and we’re somehow missing the mark for ourselves and for you guys. We too miss the good old days when we did this for the love and were full of such obvious joy and spontaneity. This felt like a place we all hung out and it just doesn’t have that vibe anymore.
Over the years many amazing opportunities popped up for us. Things we never dreamed of doing in a million years, and things we’re incredibly grateful to have had the chance to experience. A book deal, curating paint picks with Benjamin Moore, a line sold at Target, a showhouse, etc. But in hindsight those things also made this feel a lot more like a business than a personal blog to many of you, and to us as well. We have actually ramped those down behind the scenes in an attempt to get back to our roots (we no longer do the BM color collection, the second book is mostly written, our products at Target have completed their run, and we finished the showhouse) but we never really made a big announcement about that – so it’s completely understandable that some of you might think we’ve moved on to those greener pastures and left the blog in the dust, so to speak. The reality is that our site propels the success of any outside project like a product or book, so we could never turn our backs on the blog and expect those items to continue to sell as well.
Not only have we felt this shift from “John and Sherry” to “Young House Love: The Brand”, but the blogosphere as a whole has become increasingly sponsored/corporate lately. We can see from the outside prospective as a reader, or even a fellow blogger, that it’s hard to read a blog post without suspecting some ulterior motive or money-making system behind it. Last week a few of you mentioned that we might need to keep giveaways around because they pay us well, which surprised us since they’re never something we accept payment for (we like to pass free things along to you as a thank you for reading).
Along with the whole business/brand thing that’s going on, and the side gigs that felt like they muddied the water for some of you, there are certainly other things we wish we had handled differently in hindsight. Just to name a few, there’s: being too defensive, over-explaining, letting things get in our heads and change our lighthearted approach, and the internal struggle between being transparent and oversharing personal details like a vacant new house without an alarm system (looking back we wish we’d handled our third house announcement differently). We know many of you felt insulted that we didn’t share more freely about that house, and we truly apologize.
Anyway, back to that whole “we’re sexy stumbling and you know it” thing. It’s endlessly frustrating to do a job that you love poorly, especially when it’s a blog baby that you’ve birthed yourself and nurtured for seven years. And especially when it’s such an amazing job that we once felt so inspired and joyful to wake up and do each day. What’s wrong with us? We know this is a dream job. We acknowledge it’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. We know most people who have built something like this would be more inspired than ever. It’s not that we lost the gratitude, I think it’s that we feel like we’ve fallen out of our groove. We feel like we’re letting you guys down repeatedly. It got to the point that every time we pressed “publish” we braced ourselves.
So in an attempt to stop stumbling around and feeling like we just can’t get it back, we’re taking a break. We don’t know exactly how long we’ll be stepping away, but our guess would be at least a month. We will certainly be exploring other options for supporting our family (something we mentioned we were considering back in April). We had that fiery blog-spark back when we had day jobs and did this as a hobby, so we think it could be a good change. We’ll also be taking a break on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook, but the blog will stay public so you guys can access the archives whenever you’d like.
Our internal struggle and the state of this blog is entirely of our making, and we completely own that. Please don’t get mad at anyone for being honest with their feedback last week or accuse them of sending us packing. We have been struggling with that “something is off” feeling for a while now, and after way too much denial and “we’ll turn it around” pep talks, we finally asked for your feedback because we truly wanted to hear what you were thinking. It was cathartic and helpful for us. It has allowed us to very clearly see that if we have any respect for this blog and our love of it, and for you guys and what you’d like to see, we need to take a break if we ever want any hope of getting back to that fun/real/spontaneous place it used to be when this was something we did for the love instead of the high stakes game of supporting a family.
In summary: we love you, we thank you, and we hope you understand.
Elizabeth M says
We love you and we will miss you. Have a great break and hope to see you soon!
Ana Silva says
This made me so sad I almost felt like crying. Sad I know, but you are literally the only blog I actually read all the way through and check in daily just in case. God bless you guys! Hope to see you backsoon!
Alyssa says
You are awesome and talented and hardworking. Time to take a fabulous two week (one month?) vacation to Hawaii or wherever and have the mental freedom to not have to think about a blog.
I’m proud of you for finally giving yourselves a break. I look forward to seeing what you decide to do next.
Jess says
You’re making a brave choice. But I don’t think you’ll regret it. Selfishly, I’ll miss the heck out of you guys. (I feel like I know you!) But part of caring about people (even distant interwebs strangers) is wanting them to be happy. Juggling life working at home with two kids and the whirlwind of fame and success that suddenly found you these last few years is bound to be dizzying. No wonder you’re drained.
Bottomline: I’m proud of you for making a tough call. Embrace this opportunity, because that’s exactly what it is – an opportunity to make what you want out of your lives. It’s often one of the scariest things we can do, but so worth it.
Good luck! We’ll miss you :)
Mary says
Honesty, sincerity, kindness. I started reading the blog because you have a gift for creativity and ingenuity, but it’s those first three qualities that stick. Thanks for sharing, both this post and all the others. I’m still going to check in daily and hope to see you, but I won’t be upset if there’s no update. I can’t be unhappy for good people who are doing the hard work needed to stay happy. That’s a whole lot of goodness going round.
Speaking of good….Good luck! And thank you.
Joanne B. says
#1541… Wishing you only the best, for sure. Sometimes when you sell your soul you wonder if the price you paid was not worth it at all. But it’s not about the destination, it’s about the journey along the way. You had a good run, you gave a lot to a lot of people and inspired us to love our houses too. You benefitted tremendously financially, no doubt, and are probably in a comfortable place to make future plans without the stress of finances, that some families face today. If you realize what positive things you did over the years and find some good in that then what ever you lost WAS worth it. You learned, we learned and you did it well! But In the end, If you didn’t appreciate the experience and if WE didn’t appreciate all that you shared with us (and gave up) by opening your souls for us to see- then it WAS all for naught and that, would be a shame. Go do what you gotta do- whatever you do, you will be stellar. I wish you and your family a lifetime of obscurity and privacy, if that is what you want! You’ll always be celebrities to us! It was our pleasure to have you share your lives with us as you did. Wishing you only good things!
Michelle says
Noooo! So sad. I have literally been reading the blog daily for 6 years. So many blogs I read have turned into sponsored post and unattainable decor since making it big in the blog world but you guys have always stayed true and I’ve loved that about you. I love that you tell us how much things cost! I hope you get your spark back and come back to the blog world bc I seriously talk about you to the hubby like you are my friends.
Aaron says
I understand this more than you know. As a blogger myself, I can totally relate. Enjoy your time off, I hope it refills your bucket. However, since you’re imaginary bestirs with my wife and I, we will miss you!
Angie Lee says
Pep talk:
Do what you need to do to get the spark back and enjoy this blog. If you don’t enjoy it, it’s not worth it. I’ve enjoyed reading since I found you almost 4 years ago and I’ll be back when you are!
Good luck and big hugs from us strangers across the computer!
Liz K says
Dear Sherri & John,
Take care of yourselves for as long as you need. You are loved by many people. Be happy.
Liz K says
Although, after years of reading your blog it would be awesome if I could spell your names right. Sigh.
Jenny says
Noooooooo!!!! Please don’t leave!! I love your blog and I love you guys! Your blog has inspired me to reno not one, but two houses! Heck, it was your blog that inspired me to buy a complete fixer and gave me the confidence to know that I could fix it. And I did! I really admire how your blog has grown and transitioned with both your lives and the changing blogosphere. Know that you’ll never make everyone happy, but the fact that you’ve stayed yourselves and have changed with the other changes in your life is what made your blog so relatable. I’ll miss you so much. Please don’t leave for long.
carrie says
Man, I must have missed last week’s post. I feel blindsided! I always look forward to your posts and have never felt that it got too corporatized. In all honesty, I never bought your book or your Target products, but looked forward to each blog post as if it was an email update from a friend. I also love that your giveaways never forced us to like/follow/sign up for anything when every other blog sponsored giveaway does. I understand the need for some privacy and really hope you come back.
Kate says
Long time reader here, I will miss you guys- good bad or otherwise. I’ve very much enjoyed checking in everyday. Good luck with wherever life takes you.
Anne says
You’re at a fork in the road–and forks in the road are hard. So hard. I hope the break provides y’all some clarity and confidence in whatever decision you make. Either way, you’ll have a happy, healthy, loving family and that’s really all that matters. I wish you all the very best and, while I hope you decide to continue the blog, I support you all 110% either way. xoxo
Trisha says
I once had a boyfriend tell me we needed a “break”
He actually meant break-up. He was lame.
You guys are awesome. Have fun with your family. Don’t you dare do any house projects without us! And come back by Halloween, how else will I know what to decorate my mantel and side table with?
Ali says
Take this into perspective… I got THREE MONTHS OFF with the birth of my child and still felt like I had lost my rhythem for a couple months after I went back to work. Having children changes your perspective and how you think/consider your life and lifestyle for good reason because your family is the most important thing in your lives. I will pray that you find what is right for your family even if that doesn’t turn out to be what your readers want or even what you guys think it will be :) Thanks for all the laughs over the past couple of years! Best of luck!
wendy says
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. It has been so much fun following along on your house and family adventures. You guys are so darn cute. Will truly miss you, but will be keeping my fingers crossed for your return. Be well. xoxo
Corné Pretorius says
I have the same feeling after reading this post, that I had during the Game of Thrones episode where Ned Stark was murdered….
Going to miss you!
Xx
ChristyS says
You guys are awesome writers and I will miss your unique voices while you are gone. You more than deserve the break – leading up to the birth of Teddy I was truly worried you would burn out; and afterwards, though you scaled back some , ya’ll never really took a real break. Also, no vacation this year to the beach, only the pretty anniversary art, you need some real time to recharge your batteries. We will be here when you are ready to start again.
Natalie says
Don’t be too hard on y’alls selves! Taking things you LOVE to do: blog, decorate, DIY and turning those things into full time jobs is tough. Sometimes it robs the JOY from us. Hope this break helps you guys clear your mind and find your joy, whatever that may be! You guys rock!
Debbie w says
Please hear these words from me…..you can not be everything for everyone. Not everyone has the same tastes or interest.
I have also become sad, too, about the blogging world with free appliances, rugs, tile etc., while the rest of us is not privileged to remodel (again) even when their old looks better than what I have.
Just my 2 cents!
Moriah Ortega says
Hey guys!
I just wanted to let you know that I really appreciate your blog. It’s my favorite blog of it’s kind. You guys are real and you do a great job relating to real people. You do real home projects that real people do. Your blog has been such a blessing to me as I’m sure it has been to others.
Enjoy your rest!
~ Moriah
Shadlyn says
I look forward to your return, but don’t begrudge you the time away. This is what RSS feeds are for: so you don’t forget to check up on the things you love!
One note though: you mention feeling bad about keeping your residence secret until the alarm system could be installed. Don’t. That is your safety, your children’s safety, etc. Most of us out here are good people, but I am deep in the video game community, and that majority of good people has a small minority driving people from their homes with threats right now. NEVER feel you need to divulge more on the internet than you are comfortable with and SHAME on anyone who suggests their feelings are hurt because you didn’t publicly increase your risk.
I support people’s right to criticize the direction of your work, or express concerns. I don’t share them, but I understand them. But don’t give anyone the right to make you feel bad for thinking about your safety.
Kelly says
Agree x 1000. I can understand why people were upset because you’ve come to feel like friends, but if they really do care about you, they should understand that this is a very public forum and you need to exercise some discretion. You already share so much of your lives with us, I at times do worry a little about whether there could be some wacko who thinks it would be awesome to knock on your door. (Hint: it would not be awesome, it would be creepy.)
Christine says
I hope you guys come back. You are great. I have been following you for a couple of years now, and I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOve YOU!!! Before I found you, and never really got addicted to a blog. I am quite far from you, Rosemere, Quebec, Canada, but I do feel like I know you and that I can refer to you, as if you were a friend to whom I would ask for advise on decoration. PLease take time for yourself and your beautiful kids. We love you, and we support you.
stella g. says
I hope you find peace in this decision as you move forward with your ideas/desires/dreams. When/if you come back, it’ll be a supportive group – probably now more than ever. You can read that in these comments. You are an amazing family that I often find myself praying for, even though I’ve never met you. Your blog has always been refreshing to me because I never did feel like it was a money-making thing for you. I know that it was your livelihood, but it didn’t act like it was, you know? Your family towed the line excellently. You’ve done what few can – or have chosen to. Thank you for the millions of hours you’ve given us. (I’ve rarely commented, but always read.) I pray that the next month comes with clarity, peace and a strategic plan for your family. Enjoy the break. :)
Shirley says
I do enjoy all your posts and check a couple of times a week at work/home to catch up! I will admit that I sometimes skim through John’s technical posts because I am not really interested in learning on how to really hang a door or cut tile but I admire everything that you do and hope to read more in the future! Love you guys!
Lauren K says
SO sorry to hear this.
And in spite of what you say here, I am pretty mad at the people who were so critical.
Regardless, I hope this is a good decision for you.
You’ll be missed a lot!
Alexis R. says
I understand! But know that you will be missed!
Also, having a second child was incredibly hard. Cut yourself some slack, what you may really need is some time to adjust to the new family.
Misty says
I totally understand. However. Oh how I will miss you. Your my daily guilty pleasure. Your blog is by far my most favourite. I really hope taking a break gives you what you need. Will really really really miss you guys. Xo
Beyondworklife says
Totally normal to feel growing pains — Don’t beat yourself up. Looking forward to reading/seeing whatever you invent or re-invent next!
Sherri says
I totally feel your pain. As always, if this is the decision you have come to after careful thought as a family, I totally support it. Honestly, that is one of the things that always attracted me to this blog. You always consider things from as many angles as possible together as a family, with your family in mind first over everything else. That was why I didn’t even blink when you said you wanted to cut back on your posts for a while. It made perfect sense to me. I’ll miss your blogging, but I look forward to your triumphant return. Just know you have at least one fan who thinks you have played it right from the beginning, and you continue to do so. Take a nap, travel to another country, read too many blogs, listen to all of Eminem’s music in order (and then backwards), and gather your new inspiration wherever you want to. I’ll see ya when you get back.
Sarah says
I have never commented on a blog before, but I felt the need to share how much I’ve loved reading your blog over the years and seeing your journey from house number 1 to house number 3. I am sure it is a struggle – growing your blog, raising a family, wanting to share things but keeping your family safe – and I honestly always wondered how you managed it – and wondered why you didn’t hire an assistant! (I also wondered when you were going to get your own HGTV show!!) No matter what happens I think it is amazing that you will have this online diary of your life over this period of time when so many new and exciting things were happening. I hope whatever changes you end up making are the best for you and your family because as you said – that is always what is most important! Thanks for the daily inspiration and entertainment!
Maria says
Sarah, I’ve wondered the exact same thing! a) an assistant and b) a HGTV show =)
Pam says
<<>> Support for whatever you chose to do!!! you will be greatly missed, and I hope you come back to us!
Christy says
I have been enjoying your blog for many years and I am not sure I have ever commented before. I just wanted to say that I absolutely applaud you and I truly love your family. Do what you need to do to put your family first and everything else will take care of itself. I will miss reading your blog for a little while but I completely understand. Please take care of yourselves and those beautiful little ones and I hope to read some more of your adventures soon.
Bonnie C says
Sad, but I understand. If I look back 7 years, I am in a different place now, too. Kids grow up (& leave for college and/or get married), parents grow a little older, and so do we. Life is about change. Find your happy place. If it’s with the blog – great! If it’s not, we will survive.
Ramsey says
Only you guys can know what is best for you, your family, and your business. I wish the absolute best for you and I hope this break provides you with everything you need. Thanks so much for all the amazing inspiration over the years! I’m looking forward to the new book! Thanks, too, for keeping the blog public, I refer to it regularly for inspiration and education! Lots of love and positive vibes to you!
Melanie says
Wow, you guys are super sweet to acknowledge your readers and how they’ve contributed to your current success and all of the doors that have opened for you. But I don’t think you owe me or the readers anything else. You are at such a different stage of life now that you have kids and so much going on, which I imagine makes blogging quite difficult. And also, you’ve blogged for 7 years, making it seem quite natural (at least to me) that you might be running out of steam for it or want to do something else. It’s also natural that your experiences in life, in blogging, in work, have all contributed to whatever is the next step for you in life. I don’t think you have to feel bad about how blogging gave you new opportunities, some of which you’d like to explore now. Isn’t that how life works? One experience teaches us and leads us to another experience. I truly wish for you the freedom to do what life is bringing you next and freedom from feeling guilty about whatever that is. You’ve shared so much with everyone here, more than what was ever required of you. It’s been a gift to watch you grow and in particular, a gift to watch you take care of yourselves and your family (you’ve always done this, I just mean that as you saw things were getting too busy and life was carrying on, you decided to take stock and remind yourselves of what was most important. Not many people do that so it’s a gift for you to do so publicly and offer that freedom to others). That doesn’t mean you owe your readers a blog that continues infinitely. Doesn’t that just sound tiring? I wish you the best in all you do. Your posts will be missed for sure, but I have no doubt you will find something that is best for each of you and your family as a whole. And I have no doubt that your readers will also find a way to handle your absence and perhaps find new things that are best for them as well. Blessings to you in your pursuits. (For someone who never comments, this was a long post, but I’ve been meaning to comment to you person to person vs. blogger for a while).
Kristen says
I completely agree with what Melanie said about not feeling guilty that blogging has led to other opportunities. As much as I will miss your posts, I am very happy to hear your announcement. I’m sure it was a hard decision to make, but I am glad you are making this time for yourselves. I want to let you know how proud I am of all that you have accomplished and think it’s wonderful that many other opportunities have presented themselves to you as a result of this blog. It’s completely natural that your blog has evolved from its origins and shows just how successful you’ve been. It’s been so much fun to follow along with everything you’ve done and I hope you don’t pass up great future opportunities for fear of “betraying” your blog roots.
I also want to let you know that you are a constant source of inspiration – from your home, to your marriage and your beautiful family. I love your positive, upbeat personalities and am constantly impressed by your creativity and your hard work ethic! I’ve always thought that you two would be successful in whatever career you choose!
Enjoy this break! It is well-deserved! I hope it gives you a renewed sense of purpose and helps you follow a path that is right for you and your family. I hope you make lots of time for hugs and cuddles with Clara, Teddy and each other!
Julia says
Yes yes yes
April says
Take as long as you need! New baby, house projects and blogging is a lot to balance. My husband and I bought a house back in April and have since renovated the 1980’s kitchen using your amazing tutorials. Cork flooring is next on the list, which we will be installing ourselves….using your blog of course! It is an invaluable resource to any do it yourselfer. Thank you. We will be here whenever you are able to return.
tara e says
Theresa says:
September 9, 2014 at 10:05 am
Life is short. Hug what you love and leave the rest for someone else. Enjoy the break. When and if you come back, I’ll be ready to continue enjoying the adventure you let me take with you and your family. Best wishes always !!
^^^ What Theresa said!! I’m very grateful for all you’ve shared with us on the blog. You guys have been such an inspiration for so many people! I hope you find peace and balance during your time off. I also hope this isn’t the beginning of the end and that you really do come back :( …but will understand if you don’t! Enjoy your family!!!
Marcia R says
I’ll be here reading when you come back. Love your blog, and although I’ve only been reading about a year, I’ve already implemented (stolen) several of your ideas. Have a nice break, but please do come back.
RebeccaA says
A break is always healthy for anyone in ANY job! You guys have always been so open and honest and I have been a dedicated reader since your first home…I sincerely love your blog and look forward to my afternoon break from my own work at home job to see what you guys have to say that day! I miss reading Friday-Sunday! I really hope you both find your groove again and I look forward to seeing you again. (I have a secret desire that once you “finished” this house a beach/vacation house would be next on the list!!) Take care and enjoy the break!!
Dusa says
Oh, I love the vacation house idea! Kinda like what you did for your Granny…
And yes, I just read through a bazillion pages of comments – can you feel all our love?
Sara says
I am a relatively new reader and have so enjoyed both your personalities and your blog for the past year or so. You need to do what’s best for you and your family – that should and will always be your number 1 priority. So if and when you are ready to return – I will be here. Best wishes to you all and I hope you are breathing a sigh of much needed relief from the multitude of opinions out there. You guys are and always will be an inspiration!
Angela-Rose says
I’m sad to see you go but can totally appreciate that you’ve burned yourselves out and need a break. We’re doing a whole house renovation and can’t begin to imagine having to sit down and compose a blog post every time we did something! Much respect to you for everything you’ve done in the past and for this decision. Your young family won’t be young forever (my babies are 16, 14 & 11) so you need to enjoy this time, whatever it takes, and if that means setting aside the blog for a period or forever, so be it…family first!!
Katie says
For what it’s worth, I have kids about the same age as you guys do (we had babies together – fun right?) and completely, 100% get what you are going through. It’s busy with 2 kids and things seem to have to constantly get shuffled, reshuffled, and re-worked.
Good luck with your time off. I hope you are greeted with the same understanding from others too.
Michelle says
Nooooo! Happy you’re taking a break and reevaluating but please don’t leave us for good! It’s pathetic how this is the one thing I get really excited to do each day during nap time! Love you guys!!
amanda says
Thank you for your continued honesty and candor. While I appreciate it greatly, I know you don’t owe it to me, or any of your readers. I hope you know that you don’t owe anything to anyone but yourselves and whomever your faith dictates.
If one chooses to look at your blog as a business, you’ve put out a product for the market to consume or not consume based on preference. You produced it, some of us bought it and some didn’t. When you changed your product, some of us stayed with it, some of us sought other products. But you don’t owe us an explanation, reason, etc…
For your product, however, it get’s tricky because so much of it was truly personal. You shared yourselves with us and so many of us loved that…but you STILL don’t owe it to us and never did! It was just a bonus.
Do your thing. Let your journey take you to (even more) places you’d never expect. If you choose to bring us along for the ride, yeah for us! If not, I can only imagine that two well-intentioned, sincere people full of integrity and passion will land where they should.
Please take good care.
btw, I am part of the market that consumed your blog like candy on Haloween! I will miss it, but I already am more inspired for having had it at all. And thank you for leaving it public so we can access the archives! It truly is a source of valuable information.
Lori says
I hope you all find joy, whatever you do. I’ve been reading your blog for 7 years and am so so so very very thankful for every moment of respite, giggle, joy, and ingenious creativity spark you’ve given me. Little do you know, Clara and 3 year old daughter are bffs. As is my dog, Rolo who is also a chihuahua. As is my 4 month old baby boy with Teddy. At least in my head they are. If only the nursery looked half as good as Teddy’s….
All that to say – although we’ve never met – you all have become family and I hope that criticisms and negativity from others didn’t (and never) sway you all off the path that you want – whatever that is. Your book deal? Your target line? Freakin’ awesome and it was incredible to see your creativity ignite beyond a 2 dimensional blog, regardless of whether it was for business purposes or for the fun of it. I hope you all find your fun – you deserve it.
Anne B. says
Good for you! I currently know what it’s like to not fully enjoy your work or what you’re doing each and every day. It makes it hard to put your whole heart in. Enjoy your time off! Enjoy those precious kiddos! Enjoy your new laundry room! You wil be missed and will continue to follow if you do decide to come back :)
Claire says
Dang it, I teared up reading this because I’m going to miss you so much! You are both wonderful writers, and you’ve inspired me more than I could possibly describe. Good luck, Petersiks, in whatever you do next. Selfishly, I hope that includes blogging, but do whatcha gotta do.
Lauren H says
Please dont go, say it ain’t so!!!