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.
Aynsley Keller says
So I’m taking this as you’re breaking up with everyone else and I’ll see your whole family at my house this weekend in OH to help me hang photos in my office … it’s beautiful here in the fall :) A girl can dream right?!
but seriously — more power and love to you and THANKS for keeping the blog up for archives. Go snuggle Teddy and Clara and I hope to see you back when you’re ready!
rae says
Just want to say you never let me down. I can’t imagine the energy it takes to do what you do, but I love reading about it. Your take is so positive and that was always meaningful and appreciated. Please don’t take negativity to heart. I hope you find that it works for you to blog again soon. Will truly miss you until then. :)
Carmen says
Feeling so selfishly sad! Please, please return when you’ll be ready. I’ll miss you guys!
pam in illinois says
I will miss you!!! Take all the time you need to get back on track with your family and your life. I’ll be here when you decide to return! I hope everything works out for you all. pam
Christina says
Hi John and Sherry,
I just want to jump on the bandwagon of LONG time readers first time commenters. You all are the best! Your blog has been such a delight and is always the highlight of my blog roll. Your honesty, humor and generosity of spirit are unmatched! I will certainly be hoping for your return, but more importantly I hope for all the best for you both and your beautiful babies!! Thank you for the joy and inspiration you have already brought all of us.
Anna says
I just got teared up reading your post. Thank you for your heartfelt and honest words–I really admire the whole way you are handling the feedback you are getting. I felt that your response was exactly on target and I completely applaud you for taking the break that you guys need! Can’t wait for you guys to get back in a month+ !!!
Sara says
All I have to say that I adore you guys and you will be missed. I started reading your blog about two years ago and your ideas have completely transformed my home and my confidence level in what I am capable of doing myself!! I totally get where you’re coming from and hope to be able to continue to learn from you both in the future. I am also a fellow Richmonder so it would be super fun to run into you out and about at some point too!! ;) Enjoy your break. It is well deserved.
angie says
Awww i am so sad! I absolutely love this blog and check daily to see if there is a new post. When there is i am so happy! I understand when there isnt that you have been busy with your little ones so i am just happy to take what i can get! I LOVE your decorating style and am continuously inspired by your house and style. You are what has given me the courage to DIY in areas i never would have tried 2 years ago and i will miss you so much! I feel like my house will be stuck in this phase never moving forward without your help!;) But i wish you the best. You have a darling family and deserve to be happy!
Liz Lemon says
Hi Petersiks!
I’m just chiming in to say that while the blog has been your main squeeze for the past handful of years, I’m thankful you can admit when the tides are changing. The entire blog-o-sphere is evolving and you are not letting anyone down. It cannot be easy to have this much external (and internal!) dialogue about your life. We readers take for granted your ability to churn out creative content and have cast you as characters rather than real, dimensional people. I commend your consistent honesty and transparency. Keep doing what works for your family and The Internet will take care of itself.
xo
Alicia M says
I’ve selfishly been mourning this news all morning :'(
However, I totally and completely understand the need to push the reset button. I’ve followed you guys for 6+ years (almost the beginning) and have looked forward to “our time” every day since I started following. You guys have inspired me in so many ways, DIY and personally, and have made a huge impact on my life. I hope with all my heart that this is only ta-ta-for-now and not a forever goodbye…but ultimately I realize you guys need to do what’s best for you and your family.
Much love my friends, much love <3 <3
Nikki says
I have loved reading your blog for a few years. I still enjoyed it. I can never understand why people get upset or defensive or judgy when the blog writers do what they want. You are allowed to do side jobs, have giveaways, sponsors. I believe blogs change just like people change. They can’t stay the exact same and they can’t change for the readers since every single reader is a different person. The blog is about you guys, what you are doing, and liking, and wanting to sharing. It’s weird when readers get upset. I just don’t get it.
Michele A. says
I’m sad (and near tears) but its clearly what you guys need to do right now.
I hope you return soon because I will miss your little family!!!
Steph says
Wow, I don’t know if I’m surprised by this or not. On the one hand, you have been at this so regularly and for so long that it is a shock to see you suddenly stop. On the other hand, I’ve been a longtime reader and you strike me as sensitive people. I suspect that some of the negative criticism you have been getting is likely responsible for some of the discontent and pressure you’ve been feeling about the blog. I know I couldn’t handle that.
There’s so much I’d like to say, but I will try to keep it short. First, I’m glad you are taking a break if you need one. I don’t know how you managed to keep the blog running through your book, your book tour, the moves, the showhouse, Sherry’s pregnancy, and having another baby. I just had my second a few days after you. I’m still on maternity leave and consider it a good day if everyone gets fed and the most basic cleanup is done (dishes, laundry). That’s it. Enjoy your break; you totally deserve it.
Second, I hope you realize how much positive influence you’ve had on so many people. It’s hard to grasp really. You were the first big DIY/home blog and continue to be the most well-known. You had a huge following of regular readers for whom you represented a daily ritual, and you likely helped out thousands of others just searching online for individual DIY tutorials. All of this wealth of information and positive energy for free! I for one loved reading about all of your ideas and soaking up the inspiration, and loved getting to know you virtually as such fun and sweet people. I also really appreciated how you ran your blog. No kickbacks, no sponsored posts, etc. You are one of the few remaining blogs I read to do that.
Third, I hope you realize that the negative commenters represented a minority opinion. People are most likely to speak up if they have something negative to say, and they took your question as an open invitation to criticize. I think there was a lot of jealousy about the fact that you could work from home and spend time with your family. Some people feel such a displaced sense of entitlement for some reason. If you don’t need to work 80 hours per week to support your family (not saying you didn’t, and I’m sure it was much more than that during some weeks), then you shouldn’t have to. Especially after you’ve just had a baby. It also seems that these criticizers never considered the possibility that they were the ones who had changed. If they no longer liked your style or the way you wrote your posts, they should have moved on.
I wish you all the very best and hope you come back reinvigorated, and I’ll be here waiting for you if you do. But if you decide to move your lives in a different direction, I will totally understand. Just don’t do it because of the naysayers.
jo says
Many of us have had to take a break here and there, some have returned others haven’t. It seems that this can sap every bit of being out of us. Have a great break!
Lauren says
I have been reading since the days of your first house but this is my first time commenting. I was finally compelled to comment to say that I am such a fan of you both, your blog, and the “YHL Brand”. I look forward to reading every post you write and have never once felt that you were selling me anything. Of course you deserve to make money for your family for all your hard work! Your blog is by far the most genuine one out there. I stopped reading so many other blogs because they have become so disingenuous with corporate links and staged photos. I hate to hear that you’ve been feeling “off” (I honestly hadn’t noticed a change) but I hope you will come back to us soon feeling like your old selves! Enjoy your time away and know that you have many friends/ fans awaiting your return. xoxo
Krystin says
I have never commented but have been following this blog for 2 years now and absolutely adore it. I have especially loved the posts about your children and re-doing their rooms because we are now expecting our first. Hope that you guys come back and that it is a decision that is good for your family. I will be here if and when you decide to do that and wish your whole family all the best! Love to you all.
Lisa says
Ugh. Same feeling I got when boyfriend before husband broke up with me. I will miss your humor. But mainly I’ll miss photos of your beefcake hubby. ;)
Kelly says
I only ready 4 blogs and this is one I just adore. I love you guys! The blog didn’t seem “off” to me at all, just a little slowed down – you just had another baby. Give yourself a break! I am dying to know what will become of the kitchen…don’t stop now! But really, best of luck with whatever you decide.
Carmen says
Do what you’ve got to do, but know you’ll be missed while on break. Your site is one of the few that I feel has consistent quality stuff.
Sasha says
Balance is such a tough goal, and I think a LOT of us join you in that search. Blessings to you all. May you find the peace and focus you seek.
Evin says
Brilliant choice! Not that you need anyone’s validation to know that. Last year, I took a few months off blogging and it was a great reminder to do it for the joy. After five years of blogging at that point, it felt like I was sometimes just posting for the sake of posting or, worse yet, just posting something informative without any ounce of personality or injection of soul. But it was just what I needed because I emerged from the doubt revitalised and found myself to be a finalist (one of six) for best craft blog in Ireland. I got back to where blogging was for me, for fun, and for interaction with readers that inspired new creative adventures. But to withdraw and focus on family and refuelling the soul is essential in a field where you are sharing so much of yourselves. All the best.
Michelle M says
I understand this completely, it is a good decision because it seems to be a heartfelt one, and I’m happy for you.
I do hope that you don’t simply feel done with it and find other fabulous jobs and projects and never come back.
I kind of wish there were a way to submit my email somewhere so I know that I will know when you do come back via email (otherwise I’ll just put it on my phone calendar to check back in a month, and then in another month after that… etc…) I don’t know if there’s a quick way to make such a list and certainly wouldn’t want you guys to spend time making one on your break… but it may be a good idea for those of us who’d love to know any update you’re ready for. :)
I wanted to let you guys know that I don’t have a house, or kids. Just a room in an apartment and a borrowed kind of ugly couch in the living room. But I found your cheerful little blog during one of the hardest times of my life (the post college have a job you hate feel alone in the world student loans are due why am I even alive blues) and you have been there for me even if I don’t know you. I could always giggle at stuff Clara said, things Burger did, be overjoyed to hear about Teddy’s arrival, or cheer along with your stories of accomplishment or temporary failure, whichever was going on for the day.
So. I’ll be here for you when you get back too. :)
Oh! And Sherry (and John (I mean my dad loves this so it’s not only a girl thing…) … but Sherry really…) I do hope you’re watching Outlander. There’s a character named Jamie I think you’d be a big fan of. ;) Like GOT, with kilts and accents :) Maybe something to do with some spare time!
Michelle M says
OH!
And if you DO decide to pursue other stuff, and it’s something I can feasibly follow along/be a fan of/buy… well. Let’s just say I’ll be there too!
Molly says
Good for you! I think taking a break is a great idea but I truly hope you come back! I enjoy your blog (and your book) so much, but I also understand that you guys gotta do you. Sending love from Alaska!
Brenda says
I teared up a little. I really did. I’ll miss you guys this month.
I hope you find what you’re looking for. : )
Megan says
So very sad to read this!! Please come back!! Don’t let the naysayers get you down…not everyone will love everything you do – but the majority do. So keep doing it!
carrie eastman says
NOOOOOOOOO! I look forward everyday logging on to read your blog! Im so sad!
Christina says
You guys are awesome and I really hope you return! I wouldn’t even have a blog of my own if it wasn’t for you guys. You’re such an inspiration. You gotta do what you gotta do, though, and we’ll be here if/when you decide to come back. :)
Anna says
Please come back soon! X
Sara H. says
This is my oldest child’s last year at home before he starts college and I’ve been going through photographs. When I look at the pictures of when they were so little I remember how overwhelmed I felt just trying to keep up with the day to day. Now that they are older I realize how precious that time was. Your family is your priority. If running the blog is good for your family-you will never regret it. My husband took a new job (leaving a high paying, high stress,lots of travel job) right when the recession started. Almost immediately his new job cut his pay and our insurance premiums increased by 400%. It was scary and cut into our savings but when we look back we have no regrets because he was able to walk my daughter to school every morning and became our son’s Boy Scout leader. The time goes fast-do what is right for your family.
We all hope you come back refreshed and recharged but you have done a great job and kept us entertained and educated and owe us nothing.
Genelle says
I knew something was wrong the minute I started reading! Please don’t stay away forever! I will miss you all horribly, but understand that you need to figure out what is right for you and your family. All my best!
Rachel says
I don’t know if you feel like you always have to have a diy/reno on the go for the blog – it amazes me how hard you guys are continually working on your house! Maybe now is a good time to take a break from that after finishing a pretty big project! (Side note, totally inspired to practicalise my laundry now!) Enjoy what you have acheived so far and taking this time with your kids :-) I’ve just had my 2nd too, so understand how life changes!
btw – haters gon’ hate. No one is making them stay but they’re always there! Carry on being yourselves and just write about what is inspiring you. I love your writing style xx
Caitlin says
I wish you the best! I’ve been a loyal follower for over 5 years and found my anticipation for you posts waning in the last year. I work in media at a big lifestyle magazine who uses bloggers all the time and totally get how the blogging universe is becoming more of a “business”. I truly admire what you’ve done…your creativity, willingness to take chances, and being so open with your readers. That takes a lot of courage.
I do hope you come back to blogging though, I will miss you.
SandyP says
No!What a morning.First thinking of Joan Rivers and listening to “Quiet please there’s a lady on stage”…And now this?! :(
So sad, I thought y’all were doing great with your blog but I understand, time to take a break enjoy your family and home privately…I get it. I just hope that y’all do comeback…bc we love you AND you were my source of home beautifying inspiration…thank you:)
Angela says
Oh you guys! How you kept it all going is beyond me. I had my first just after Clara was born and my second just after Teddy. You’ve always amazed me with everything you do, especially now as I still sit in a post-partem haze while you complete an ENTIRE laundry room! A second baby is a game changer, you’ve changed, your blog has changed. And it looks by the comments everyone is super supportive. See you when you get that balance back!
Molly @ BubGourmand says
Sad day. I know you’re all about sharing “feeeelings”, and that’s cool, but I hope you know you don’t have to be so careful and precious with your readers. We adore you and we’ll be here when you come back, whatever version of YHL that will be. You can always say “peace out for a couple weeks or month”. As someone else mentioned, other ppl take vacations without the pressure of needing to post, tweet, or maintain a social presence. You can too! I admire that you kept it all up through the book(s), new house, new Teddy, show house etc, but no one (worth keeping) would have blamed you if you took periodic hiatuses. My point: no explanation necessary – just take a break. You deserve it!
Also, I do hope you come back with a vengeance because more than anything these days, I look to you guys as a source of inspiration on the future of blogging. I mentioned this in your Oprah Freebie post. You’re one of the only (maybe actually the only) blog I know of who’s content doesn’t feel like one giant advertisement. I am so tired of all the others, hawking snack packs, blenders, vacuums, hardware stores, paint brands, etc. I can’t/don’t really fault the other blogs for this (everybody has to make a living) but for me, it really makes the experience of reading and enjoying their blog so much less authentic. You guys are inspirational bc you’re like the last blog standing that doesn’t feel like you’ve completely sold out. I’ve been very much enjoying following your journey on this path and very much looking forward to where you take it.
Cheers!
(And a tiny lil tear for the loss of the weekly Teddy pics…sob… :)
Sarah says
*Gasp!*
**Ugly cry.. for a few hours**
#sadface.
You will be greatly missed! You are my number one favorite blog and have been apart of my morning routine for years!
Change is the only constant.
Don’t beat yourself up over growing and evolving and becoming successful. I’m extremely proud and inspired by you.
I am in 100% full support of Young House Love: The Brand; as well as John and Sherry!
Has it been a month yet?!?!? I miss you….!
Ryan says
I feel like my world is falling apart! I’m leaving my job this friday and now this!
This is one of only two home improvement/diy blogs that I continue to visit every day and I have enjoyed everything that you’ve done! I can 100% understand the need to take a step back and reassess, but I hope I don’t lose you guys forever!
I hope you find a way to do what is best for you and your family…. and me… because I’m selfish
Jess says
I hope your break brings you the clarity and peace of mind you seek. I’ll miss your posts and I look forward to your updates after your break.
Jen R. says
I think it’s always good to take a step back and re-evaluate. I’ve been reading your blog since you were featured in Blogging For Dummies (I was editing that book when I discovered your blog), and although it’s changed in scope over the years, I’ve always appreciated the authenticity behind it. It’s hard to be creative every day along with being a businessperson, a family member, a wife, a husband, etc. I wouldn’t have lasted 7 days, let alone 7 years! I hope to read your blog one day again, but if that doesn’t happen, I’ll still appreciate the hard work you put into this and the feelings that you bravely shared. Don’t beat yourself up about it (easier said than done)–just continue following your journey in whatever way that may be, and we’ll all cheer you along from the sidelines:)
Sarah says
I will miss you guys!!!! I hope this sabbatical leaves your family feeling renewed and refreshed. Of course I support whatever decision yall make BUT I REALLY hope that decision includes continuing this blog!
In the 3-4 years I’ve been dropping in I have never commented. I should have! This is the only blog I check on a daily or even weekly basis. I’ve loved having it as a morning stopover from whatever was going on in my life that did not get to include house remodeling….but it’s always excited me to know that someday when I do need that information y’all offer one of the most reliable and well explained sources for DIYers! The blog has naturally evolved but it has never turned it to a blogosphere pushover for advertIsing your freebies. I really have respected y’all for that. THANK YOU so much for all the moments and ups and downs you have shared!
We all have to make an income doing something and I think it is truly awesome that y’all have done so well from this blog. However, regardless of how awesome a job seems that doesn’t mean it is the right choice for an individual or family. I hope y’all enjoy this time of refocusing on what your dreams are and that y’all are able to realign your jobs with those goals. Whatever that may look like!
(I’ll admit, I’m having a hard time not being biased and begging that continuing the blog is what y’all choose. But you are so great at it! I really hope this break allows y’all to step back to the earlier blog days when you loved it. I like ALL of your posts…please mix it up however makes you happiest!) okay…I’m being to biased and maybe selfish.
And since this is my first post I guess I’m making up for lost time. In my head I’m like, “yeah, I could also write 3,000 words on how great you are at blogging.” It’s tempting!
Best wishes! Enjoy this time. I know I will still be checking in here out of habit and the hope of an update. If you return we will be here!
KiTX says
I know everyone is saying this, but I also feel like you guys have earned every single comment of affirmation that is flooding in so I’m going to say it anyway- completely understand your reasons, sad that my favorite blog will be on sabbatical for awhile, and hopeful that you’ll come back rejuvenated and in a place where this makes you happy. . So proud (isn’t that weird? not only do I not know you in person, but it’s not like you’re my child, but I’m still proud!) for having the courage to take this step to decompress and follow what path you think will be best for you and your family. It’s inspiring to see you do that, just as it has been inspiring to watch you transform houses into homes. Go forth and be awesome, Petersiks. (And, um, I wouldn’t be upset if you decided to sneak out a few Instagrams of your darling babies. Just sayin’.) LOTS OF LOVE!
Holly says
You are my very first click every day. I’ll miss you guys.
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
{Slow Clap} You guys get it. Blogging is so so soooo much different than it was a few years back. When I had my third baby back in December, I knew I couldn’t handle blogging 5 to 7 days a week anymore. My blog isn’t even a fraction of the size of yours, but I did enjoy having a little bit of extra money from sponsored posts, ads, etc. That said, I haven’t felt so “free” since…well, before I started the blog. It’s been nice to share house and craft projects when and if I have the time. I may do a sponsored post once every few months. Maybe not. But I feel more creative now without the pressure. I hope your “sabbatical” brings you the rest you need to recharge or choose a new venue. Blogs are great, but real life is what matters. You are both rock stars, and I know you’ll soar in whatever choice you make. :) In 50 years, you won’t regret missing a month of posting, or stopping the blog…but you would regret not spending special time with your kids while they are little. Good luck!!!
Jennifer says
I feel relieved for you guys. I was one of those commenters last week (and a few times before that) saying that you seemed so burnt out and it was making it difficult to read. As someone else who is “living my dream” working from home on an online business that I built myself and has grown more than I ever would’ve even hoped for, I really relate, which is probably why I recognized the burnout tone. The internet is 24/7, and everyone always wants more. Even when it is because they “love what you do,” it gets exhausting to feel like you can never turn it off and always owe people “more.” It takes it’s toll. I really, honestly, truly hope that during this break you can find what you need. I’ll be waiting when you get back.
Amy in PA says
You will be missed!!
Samantha Chapman says
First I have to drop my first born child off to pre-school this morning for the first time EVER (to which he tells me with a shivering chin that he will be brave and I, in turn start crying) but then I get to work and READ THIS!!! WAAAAAAAAAH!!!
Why can’t we drink wine at work?
Seriously – who doesn’t need a break from time to time? You two need to give yourselves some grace. As your family grows and changes, you can’t expect the blog to necessarily follow that same path. It will be the best thing for your family and your professional endeavors to be away and figure out what’s next. Time and space always give great perspective on where your passions are (which change) and what you miss the most.
Liz@bloem says
This is a truly sad day! You have inspired me to update my first home, including building those Ikea hacks from your first house’s master bedroom, FROM SCRATCH, tufting pillows, re-upholstering chairs, updating cabinets…Thank you for bringing a smile to my day [in SA your posts come online when our working day ends :)], every day, and for completely changing my mind about prettifying. I will miss you while you’re enjoying the break, and sincerely hope you’ll return!
Jules says
I am sitting at work with tears in my eyes as I read this. I have followed you guys since early 2008. I lived in a new construction for the past 5 years but just moved into a house that needs some TLC–I have already gone through your archives and bookmarked so many little things to make my house look better for now (painting the fireplace, spraypainting everything in sight;)). My best friend just bought her first house and over the weekend she was asking me for some design inspiration sites…I told her that my absolute favorite blog in the world is Young House Love. So sad she might not be able to read you in real time but so happy you will keep the site open for people to go back to again and again.
I am the same age as you guys and have an almost 4 year old and a 5 month old (born the day before LJ Bower) and I know that this is a tough stage. I hope that if there is something bigger going on in your lives right now everything is ok. I have worried for Sherry a bit because we haven’t heard from her much–I had PPD with my firstborn son and it was horrible and lasted 15 months and I pretty much dropped off the face of the earth. I hope that is not the case but it has crossed my mind a few times in the past few months.
I will still check in every week or so–hard to break a daily 7 year habit–and I will be so happy if you start posting again. If you don’t start posting again, that is obviously ok, too (although I will be so, so sad!). I wish you, Clara, Teddy and Burger all of the best. I know I am not the only one who feels as though you are friends and you will be greatly missed.
Liz H says
Old friends, I have been reading your blog for a very very long time (like 2007 old!), and although I hardly ever comment, I really do feel like old friends. I had babies when you had babies and I built my house into a home right alongside you too. And I also have not really been feeling it for a while. I think this is such an awesome opportunity to make this blog a space you guys love again. You guys have the awesome ability to support your family by creating your home into a place you love. I think the problem was that everything started getting over analyzed. This is your space and it should reflect that, not your readers. Building a room and decorating it should be fun and filled with things you love. I loved reading when it was that for you guys. I hope that you both have a nice break and can get back to that place.
Hayley says
Wonderful post. Love the honesty and the respect you’re showing us by considering things fully. Have a lovely break!